Date of Meeting: Friday, April 15, 2011
Location: Town Hall, 221 Main Street
Time: 6:30 PM -
Members Present: James Stanton, Chairman, Kenneth Sydow and Roger Deal
Others Present: Nancy Colbert Puff, Town Administrator; Lori Esposito, Administrative Assistant to Board of Selectmen
Financial Warrants (for next week) signed in approval.
Ray Renzoni (potential inspector for Tahanto project) present for Interview by the Board:
The Town Administrator said Mr. Renzoni is highly recommended by our Interim Building Inspector, Tony Zahariadis.
- is a Registered architect.
- Assistant Building Inspector in Stowe.
- Lives in Berlin
- He is qualified and available to start the project immediately.
- Tony will coordinate with Mr. Renzoni to cover all necessary inspections for Tahanto.
- Contractor bids are due in next week; it is necessary to have someone on board and up to speed with the project for immediate overseeing and permitting.
- Mr. Renzoni stated that he grew up in Berlin and graduated from Worcester Boys Trade as an electrician. He went to Boston Architectural College and graduated with an architectural degree. He served in the Nary and then worked for several large architectural companies. He went out on his own in 1974 and has been working on his own since that time. Tony explained the Town’s limited budget to him and he is willing to work within the budget, as needed. He started working as a building inspector by filling in for friends for vacations
- Jim asked him how a large building such as Tahanto differs from home inspections. Mr. Renzoni said he does a spot check and looks for common faults in the specs and plans (e.g., weight displacement on trusses).
- Roger asked if he worked on Tahanto in the past. Mr. Renzoni said he did, 30 years ago, for the roof. Roger noted we have had recurring problems with the roof.
- Roger asked if Mr. Renzoni’s rate ($90/hour) is the usual charge to work on a consulting basis. Mr. Renzoni said it is much less than the usual charge of $150/hour and more for court cases. $90 is the lowest he goes.
- A brief discussion was held about examples of what he would inspect over the course of the project. Mr. Renzoni will review the addenda and add to drawings and specs, if necessary.
- Roger asked if he had any idea of the number of inspections that would be necessary over the course of the project. Mr. Renzoni said it depends on the contractor. At first, it would require two to three visits per week to get to know them. He would need to watch to see if they are trying to get away with anything. Later, less inspections are needed (during painting, etc.), maybe one to two hours every three weeks. The footings and foundation are most important, then the roof. Most inspections take place during those construction times.
- Ms. Puff said there is also a Clerk of the Works on the project representing the Town. Ray will also be working closely with that person.
- Roger asked if the state requires any inspections and do they do them on their own. Mr. Renzoni said they sometimes do, but not consistently. Roger said those inspections would be at state cost? Yes. Mike Kane (reporter for The Banner) said the Clerk of the Works sends reports to the state on a regular basis, as well.
Motion was made, seconded and voted all in favor to appoint Mr. Renzoni as Inspector for the Tahanto Project.
Report of the Town Administrator to the Board of Selectmen:
Complaint of Vicious Dog -- The dog officer has been unable to reach a final resolution of this matter and has requested the Board hold a hearing to determine the final instructions to the dog owner. Most recently, the Shrewsbury dog officer, Leona Pease, met with concerned neighbors and has forwarded to the TA examples of muzzles that would be appropriate for pit bulls; she recommends the dog wear one of these when outside the house. The Town Administrator recommends a hearing with the owner be set up.
Steve White, Highway Dept. Retiree -- An invitation to a retirement party on April 29 is extended to the Board.
Wiring Inspector and Assistant Wiring Inspector – A job description was presented to the Board. Nancy Puff requests approval of this job description prior to posting the job openings. Roger asked if it could be in a different format that defines the scope and responsibilities. Nancy can change the format. The Board agreed to post the job and job description.
Assistant Building Inspector -- Tom Dillon resigned his position as Assistant. Nancy Puff recommends the Board post the opening per its appointment policy.
Tahanto Project Building Inspections – (See interview of Mr. Renzoni, above.) The FY2012 proposed budget for building inspector services is $34,020. Continuing our current arrangement with an 18-hour inspector at $25/hour, this would total $23,400 for the year, leaving an excess of $10,620. Ms. Puff recommends the Board consider appointing Mr. Renzoni as an assistant inspector, focused on the Tahanto project, not to exceed 110 hours of work.
School Dept FY2012 Budget Revision – See Town Administrator’s Report.
FY2012 House Ways and Means Committee Budget -- This was released on April 13. Per the executive summary, the local aid proposal is consistent with the Governor’s budget. We are waiting on the cherry sheets.
Respectfully Submitted,
Lori Esposito, Administrative Assistant
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