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Board of Selectmen Minutes 09/07/2010
September 7, 2010                                                                       7:10 p.m.
____________________________________________________________________________
Present:        Board of Selectmen:  Chairman E. Bernard Plante, Francis B. King, Kenneth I. Schold, Brian W. Stowell, Bob Spain, Brian M. Ashmankas; Richard Valentino, Donna Boynton, Tom Riley, Edd Cote, Charlene Arsenault and concerned citizens.

New Drainlayer- Russell DeDoming-going to finish up Cronin Brook Estate.
Motion to approve the license by Selectman Schold, seconded by Selectman King.
Motion carried unanimously.

One-Day Liquor License - Bicentennial Committee - Asa Waters - October 2, 2010
Motion made by Selectman Schold, seconded by Selectman King to approve the license.
Motion carried unanimously.

Bicentennial Committee Update- Chairman Plante asked the Chairmen to come in to explain what the fund raising is for.  *see attached sheet.  Bill Kane, co-chair, said that the celebration will run from June 16, 2012 - July 4, 2013.  The kickoff event is a classical concert at Windle Field with fireworks, there will be a revolutionary war reenactment, a ball, a parade, a birthday party-they are trying to make things free to the public so that all can attend and enjoy the commemoration.  Rob Morton, chairperson of fundraising committee said they need to raise $300,000 for the celebrations.  His compliments to Mr. Spain for having the foresight to get this group together early, they have $160,000 pledged so far.  Roger Desrosiers, co-chair of committee, feels that they are on the right track to bring the community together to celebrate the 200th birthday.  They would also like to leave a legacy for future generations to acknowledge the birthday.  There is an events meeting Thursday night 7:00 pm at Asa Waters.  Upcoming events are a Wine Tasting on October 2 as Asa Waters and October 13th and 14th Pizzeria Uno will donate a portion of the proceeds to the committee.
Millbury comes together when you need them.

2nd Reading of Regionalization Policy
Motion to approve the regionalization policy made by Selectman King, seconded by Selectman Schold.
Motion carried unanimously.

2nd Reading Fuel Efficient Vehicle Policy-Selectman King wanted to know what the immediate impact would be and notices that the Police and Fire vehicles are exempt.  Selectman Stowell said that cruisers, fire and heavy equipment are exempt because they are not commercially available yet, he does not see an immediate impact as there is no need for new vehicles right now, but it will be here when needed.  Selectman King wanted to know if this will this tie the manager’s hands with hand-me-down vehicles.  Selectman Stowell answered no, they only have to be part of this policy if they are replaced, and you can recycle or reuse vehicles.  
Motion made by Selectman Schold to approve the policy, seconded by Selectman King.
Motion carried unanimously.

One-Day Liquor License - VFW Ladies Auxiliary - Asa Waters - September 12, 2010
Motion made by Selectman Schold, seconded by Selectman King to approve the license.
Motion carried unanimously

Public Hearing DPW Reorganization Continued-Chairman Plante wanted to mention that they are not forcing Brad Lange out.  They kept him on until he reached 80% which is the maximum you can get out of the pension system.  This Board does not want to hurt anyone-this is for progress.   The Charter did away with his position.  Selectman King does not want to vote on this tonight.  They have 30 days to vote on it.  Chairman Plante wants to understand this position better.  Manager gave them the draft job description, salary range will be $60-$70’s, he has spoke to the union and it is left open that if this person does more work than briefed they will readdress it.  They are combining two chiefs to one.  Mr. Kosiba will go back to a lead position; new person will absorb the non-working aspect of the job but will also be required to have the licenses to operate equipment.  Selectman Schold was concerned about hiring another boss and not having enough workers.  We have to do more with less in our DPW.  Mr. Spain has to make the hard choices to make the best decisions for the town.  There are no steps at the DPW; they all start out at the same rate.  Selectman King mentioned that they have to learn that the DPW is not separate departments anymore.  Selectman Stowell wanted to know if there was going to be a mileage restriction.  Yes, we would prefer someone closer; we always try to choose the person from Millbury if qualified.
Motion to close public hearing made by Selectman King at 7:50 pm and put on the Sept. 28th meeting seconded by Selectman Stowell.
Motion carried unanimously.

Previous Minutes
August 24, 2010- Motion made by Selectman Schold to approve the minutes with corrections on first page to read “approve warrant” not “road closure”, seconded by Selectman King.
Motion carried unanimously.

Town Manager Report
Mr. Spain has reappointed Harold Proodian to the Fair Housing Committee/Local Partnership.
Motion made by Selectman Schold to concur with that appointment, seconded by Selectman King.
Motion carried unanimously.

Verizon stopped by last week and brought their PEG Fee check and Mr. Spain reminded them that the whole town had to be hooked up by September 2012.  They said they have no problem with that date.  

We received a 626 letter from Charter regarding the renewal of their cable license. Mr. Spain is meeting with the Cable Advisory Committee on the 16th.  They will begin negotiations as the contract expires in 2013.

The recycling sign that Selectman Ashmankas requested is up at the transfer station.

Laurie already got approval for the Green Community grant.  

Mr. Spain is reviewing the cell tower RFP-hopefully it will be able to go out soon.  

Old Business
Selectman King asked for an update on the bridge.  They have selected the contractor and work should begin within 30-60 days.  Their intent is to work through the winter.  

Last November they asked for a proposal for the transfer station.  Mr. Spain does not believe at this time it would be cost efficient to privatize at this time.  He has asked Mr. Murgo to look into it.

New Business
Selectman King requested how much it cost from Jan 1 to now for hauling the trash to Wheelabrator.  Mr. Spain should have that answer by next week.  

Chairman Plante wanted to know how many people we have out on FMLA.  There is four or five, but Mr. Spain will check that.  Selectman King wanted to know how someone can pick to use FMLA or use sick time.  If they qualify you have to let them do it.  We require them to use their sick time concurrent with the FMLA.

On a Good Note
Kudos to the Millbury Fire Department, Ladies Auxiliary and Explorers-great event-huge success this year.  Tim Cluett worked really hard on this and did a fantastic job.  

Chairman Plante wanted to recognize Linda Swenson for her retirement from the Millbury Public Schools.  He read a plaque that will be mailed to her from the Selectmen.  Thank you for all of her efforts-she will be sorely missed.

Adjournment
Motion made by Selectman Stowell, seconded by Selectman Schold to adjourn at 8:15 p.m.  Motion carried unanimously.

Respectfully submitted,


Tish Hayes, Secretary

        E. Bernard Plante                       __________________________
Francis B. King                         __________________________
Kenneth I. Schold                       __________________________
Brian W. Stowell                        __________________________
       Brian M. Ashmankas                      __________________________
                                                Its Board of Selectmen