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Meeting of 2003-06/10
OARD OF SELECTMEN
TUESDAY, JUNE 10, 2003

The regular meeting of the Board of Selectmen convened at 7:00 p.m. in the Conference Room at 110 Main Street. In attendance were Richard E. Guertin, James R. Manning and Kathleen C. Norbut. Also present were Town Counsel, the Town Administrator and the Media.

Ms. Norbut made a motion to accept the meeting minutes of May 27, 2003, Open and Executive sessions. Mr. Manning seconded and it was so VOTED.

Mr. Guertin thanked the over 250 voters who attended the June 2nd Annual Town Meeting, members of the Finance Committee and all the other people who worked on the budgets and prepared for that meeting. Mr. Guertin stated the attendance is very much appreciated when voting on issues of such importance and added a good turnout is rewarding.

Mark Thrasher, owner of Mug’n’Muffin, approached the Board of Selectmen for a discussion regarding his CORI report. Mr. Guertin stated the reason for this meeting was, at the last meeting the application for his liquor license was approved subject to a successful CORI check. When the results of the CORI check came back, there were a few items on it the Board of Selectmen were not aware of.

Mr. Albano stated he was not in attendance at the last Selectmen’s meeting when this was presented. Mr. Albano explained there are two types of liquor licenses in Massachusetts. One is an on premise license and the other is an off premise license. Mr. Albano stated Mr. Thrasher has applied for an on premise license which would apply to bars, taverns, restaurants and establishments such as the Mug’n’Muffin. An off premise license would apply to package stores and places where people would buy alcohol and take the delivery off site. One reason a CORI check is done is because the law says if you are going to have an interest in an on premise liquor license, you can not have been convicted of any Federal narcotics laws (drug related). The CORI report came back without any of these types of convictions. However, every transfer of liquor license the ABCC approves is conditioned upon a satisfactory CORI report. Anytime the application is filled out and it is not completely disclosed of all of the prior convictions, Mr. Albano said that raises a red flag to the Board of Selectmen as Liquor License Commissioners and to the ABCC, in Boston who has the final say over this proposal.

Mr. Thrasher stated he thought he just needed to list his last incident, which was in 1989. In the last 14 years he hasn’t even had a speeding ticket.  Mr. Thrasher stated there will only be one night when the Mug’n’Muffin will be open until 8:00 p.m. and this is just a means to generate a little bit of revenue. Mr. Albano explained everything must be listed on the application going way back to your teenage years. Mr. Albano also explained if this application is approved tonight by the Board of Selectmen, Mr. Thrasher would then have to travel to Boston at some point, to meet with the ABCC.

Mr. Guertin stated since the incidents occurred some time ago, and the fact that this application is for a restaurant and not a bar, he would lean toward approving this application. If this were a bar, he would feel differently.

Mr. Manning said the way it was left at the last meeting was, contingent upon the CORI report coming back okay, and it didn’t. He therefore feels Mr. Thrasher needs to redo the application and list everything. Mr. Thrasher agreed to resubmit this application as Mr. Manning had stated.

Ms. Neggers said Mr. Thrasher would only have to redo Form A, and put see attached CORI report.

Ms. Norbut said she was also thinking of the length of time, and feels 14 years is favorable as full remission. She also agreed the paperwork should be revised so it is clearer.

Mr. Albano stated, if the ABCC felt Mr. Thrasher wasn’t qualified to be the manager of the liquor license, the next step would be for Mr. Thrasher to reshuffle the deck as far as his currant staff. The person chosen as the manager would then have to go through this same process, as far as checking on their background, their history and their experience. Mr. Thrasher said he would be more than willing to meet with the ABCC in Boston.

Mr. Manning made a motion for Mr. Thrasher to resubmit the application with the revised Form A and attaching a copy of the CORI report. Ms. Norbut seconded and it was so VOTED.

Jean Bailey and Dot Jenkins of the Monson Tourism Association approached the Board of Selectmen regarding a request for a donation. Mr. Guertin said the Board of Selectmen had concerns whether or not there had been any situations where an organization came to the Board of Selectmen seeking donations more than once within a certain time frame. Ms. Neggers said according to the Town Accountants’ records, a check for $3,000.00 was processed for this organization on December 23, 2002. This is the first request from this organization for the year 2003.

The Monson Tourism Association has raised $6,850.00. They are trying to raise $25,000.00 to purchase park benches, planters and trash receptacles for the town. The park benches will be placed at the Memorial Hall, the Town Office Building, the House of Art, Dave Grieve Park, Adams/IGA Supermarket, the Senior Center, Monson Free Library, the Norcross House, Monson Savings Bank and by the Public Notice Board. The trash receptacles will also follow all of the bench placements, as will the planters. The cost of a park bench is $910.00. The cost of a planter is $810.00 and the cost of a trash receptacle is $710.00. The Grace Makepeace Trust has donated $2,400.00 toward the purchase of two park benches which will bear the name “Grace Makepeace Foundation” on the nameplate they have purchased as well for $250.00. The Monson Tourism Association is trying to purchase 32 pieces of equipment in total, to be placed throughout the downtown area. They have picked out top of the line quality items which are all powder baked and is virtually indestructible. If the items were to get graffiti on them, it could be washed off. All the items come with a 35-year guarantee. These items may be purchased in memory of a family member with a nameplate molded right into it.

Ms. Jenkins stated this is phase four of the project. They have already completed phases 1, 2, and 3. For phase one there are seven new “Welcome to Monson” signs placed at the two gateways and five entry points to town that cost $7,000.00.

Phase two consisted of Sanderson-Macleod, Inc. donating $15,000.00 for the construction portion of the Public Notice Board in front of the Town Office Building. Squire and Company donated the bricks and cobblestone used on this project.

For phase three of the project, the Monson Tourism Association asked Roland Desrosiers of Monson Savings Bank, to purchase a new town clock for downtown Monson, which is a Howard replica Seth Thomas clock. The total cost of the clock is $26,000.00.

This brings the group to phase four of the project, which is the beautification project. This is the purchase and placement of park benches, planters and trash receptacles around the downtown area. The Tourism Association needs to raise between $26,000.00 to $30,000.00. They have applied for a 501C3 grant, but will not hear back on this grant until September 15th , as there is a 120-day filing time frame. They would like to see all the needed funds available and phase four of the project completed by August. The Tourism Association will hold a meeting tomorrow night, June 11th, regarding their strategy on how to go after the remainder of the funds. They gave a presentation for the Monson Rotary Club and the Rotary Club will definitely give a donation to help them reach their goal, but it won’t be until after the Lucky Duck Race, which will be held during the Summerfest weekend. They have also placed 30 collection cans for donations throughout the town. They have contacted the Monson Arts Council and might possibly get a donation from them along with the Friends of the Monson Free Library. They have met with Patty Mitchell of Country Bank in Ware, hoping they also would be able to donate funds for this project. They have also contacted BFI, Massachusetts Electric, and Northern Tree (who also looks like they will be able to help out). They are looking for a donation of $5,000.00 from the town of Monson. Ms. Jenkins also stated there is a letter in the Board of Selectmen’s correspondence for the placement of a thermometer sign they have had made, in front of the Town Office Building.

Ms. Neggers asked if these items were going to be secured somehow so they wouldn’t be stolen. Ms. Bailey stated the benches are very, very heavy, weighing approximately 500 pounds. Once the planters are full of dirt, they will weigh approximately 800 pounds. The trash receptacles also are heavy and will have bags in them for easy emptying. There is a question still as to who will dispose of the trash. Ms. Neggers asked if they have spoken with Tim Pascale of the Parks and Recreation Department as he currently empties the containers. Ms. Bailey stated they haven’t yet. Once they have raised all of the funds, they will move onto this step of the project. Derek Campbell, owner of Ground Control Landscaping, has offered to maintain the area all the way around the Public Notice Board sat no charge to the Tourism Association or to the town. Ms. Jenkins stated tomorrow, June 11th, the Public Notice Sign will be completed and lit up at night.

Ms. Bailey said she is working with Chief McKenzie on a neighborhood crime watch program in the downtown area. One thing they are trying to implement is a youth crime watch. They hope if kids are involved, they will learn to respect the town.

John Morrell, who was in the audience, expressed his concern with the placement of the benches, planters and trash receptacles. Ms. Bailey said they would probably be placed on the grassy areas, but she will consult with him before they are placed there. Mr. Morrell stated there were trash receptacles placed around the Main Street area a number of years ago which were fine for almost a year until the loaders wiped them right out during the winter. Ms. Neggers said a lot of these items are just replacing what the town already has.

Ms. Norbut made a motion the Board of Selectmen approve a $5,000.00 matching donation from the Gifts to the Town account for this ongoing project in which the Monson Tourism Committee/Association is currently seeking funds toward the purchase of park benches, planters and trash receptacles. Mr. Manning seconded and it was so VOTED.

Mr. Manning made a motion to allow the placement of the thermometer in front of the Town Administration Building. Ms. Norbut seconded and it was so VOTED.

Mr. Guertin thanked both Ms. Jenkins and Ms. Bailey for doing this and everyone else who has been a part of it. He added it takes a lot of energy and a lot of work from which the whole town will benefit tremendously from. Stating just appearance wise, it is such an up-grade.

Ms. Bailey said for next year’s project, they would like to install carriage lights up and down Main Street. This winter they are going to work with the Electric Company, the Cable Company and the Telephone Company. Hopefully, when they get their big grant, they won’t need to come to the town for a donation. Ms. Jenkins stated there are other grants out there for a project of this magnitude.

John Morrell approached the Board of Selectmen for a discussion regarding Howlett Hill Road. Mr. Morrell stated he has always been told Monson owned about 50’ of Howlett Hill Road. No one ever knew just where the 50’ was for sure, just more or less somewhere in the middle. Mr. Morrell said he was always told Hampden owned a portion of the road, then it crossed over into Monson, and then the road went back into Hampden before the road reached the Connecticut State line. The Hampden Highway Superintendent informed Mr. Morrell that they had done a survey along with the assistance of the Mass. Highway Department and their engineers, locating and marking the boundaries. He also stated Monson owns the last 850’ of Howlett Hill Road, a portion sandwiched between the Hampden town line to the Stafford Springs, Conn. state line. Mr. Manning and Mr. Morrell went up there today to look at the boundaries and to take pictures of it. Mr. Morrell handed the Board of Selectmen maps showing the portions each town owns. Mr. Morrell stated Monson’s portion is somewhat land locked. The Town of Hampden has been taking care of this road, maintaining it on a seasonal basis. The road is closed in the winter. The only house on Howlett Hill Road is in Hampden, located within the first few feet off the Monson side. Once you get into the Stafford Springs portion, there is approximately 1.7 miles of road that is unimproved and is only passable in a 4-wheel drive vehicle, a car would never make it. Someone has bought a building lot right at the Stafford, Connecticut line. They want to build a house and generate their own power, as power isn’t provided in that area. The landowner wants Stafford to fix this road so they can get in and out. Stafford has told them to go through Monson and Hampden. The owner has called the Highway Departments for Hampden and Monson to ask if they are going to maintain this road. Mr. Morrell said he explained to the owner that Monson hasn’t done anything to this road in over 30 years. Hampden has maintained their portion of Howlett Hill Road and at the same time has been grading Monson’s portion, as they have a good spot for turning the grader around at the state line. Hampden has been doing this on their own and not at the request of Monson. Mr. Morrell hasn’t had any calls since he has been the Highway Superintendent from anyone wanting to get in on the portion owned by Monson. Monson isn’t collecting any Chapter 90 State aid on any of this land and it isn’t reported on Monson’s Chapter 90-inventory program. Therefore, Monson isn’t receiving any money from the state to maintain Howlett Hill Road. Mr. Manning and Mr. Morrell spoke with the Hampden Highway Superintendent today and because of this issue, Hampden is now thinking about what they are going to do. The Hampden Highway Superintendent thinks they should close the road. However, that doesn’t mean that is what is going to be done. Mr. Morrell said it is totally up to the Board of Selectmen as to what they decide to do with this road. Mr. Morrell said he is only here tonight to bring this issue to the attention of the Board of Selectmen. Mr. Morrell said the property owner questioned him, as well as the Hampden Highway Superintendent, about plowing the road himself. Mr. Morrell said he doesn’t have the authority to give him permission to do this, and if he did, he wouldn’t let him plow the road, as it would be a liability for the town. Once the road is plowed, anyone could go up there and get stuck or hurt. Since the town isn’t maintaining it, it would be a liability for the town to allow this. Mr. Albano asked if there are abutters. Mr. Morrell responded there are abutters but no houses. Mr. Albano stated if there were a public hearing to discontinue the road, they would have to be notified. Mr. Manning said there is only one property owner. Mr. Albano asked if that property owner has any intentions to develop the land. Mr. Morrell said nothing has been mentioned in the past. Mr. Manning stated the person who owns the land has owned it for the past 50 years and he is a forester. Mr. Manning stated he is sure this property owner wouldn’t want the town to discontinue the road, however, the town could discontinue the maintenance of the road and the road would still be considered town property. Ms. Neggers stated quite awhile ago, the town abandoned maintenance on a number of other roads.

Mr. Guertin said he is troubled with the fact that if the property owner purchased property in the State of Connecticut, why does Monson have to do anything relative to property being purchased in Connecticut. In his mind, it should be up to Connecticut to take care of this. This man has purchased property in Connecticut and therefore, it is irrelevant to Monson. It isn’t Monson’s issue or problem. Mr. Guertin stated all the services for this residence will be provided by Connecticut.  

Mr. Morrell said this man stated he will shortly be approaching the Board of Selectmen in both Hampden as well as Monson about being able to plow the road himself or what is going to be done to maintain this road. Ms. Norbut said this man would be paying taxes in Stafford Springs Connecticut.

Ms. Neggers said Stafford Springs has an article on their warrant for their current Annual Town meeting to discontinue Howlett Hill Road. Mr. Morrell stated he spoke with the Highway Department in Stafford Springs on Friday and they have had other abutters come forward as well stating they didn’t want this road discontinued, therefore he doesn’t know what they are going to do. Connecticut has told Mr. Morrell it is going to cost between $200,000.00 and $300,000.00 to repair Howlett Hill Road and they don’t want to do it. Mr. Guertin asked if there was access to this road in Monson. Mr. Manning said no; you would have to go through Hampden. Mr. Morrell said Monson’s portion is in real good shape due to Hampden grading this in order to turn the grader around. Mr. Manning said he has been going up there for over 40 years and this road is exactly the same as it was 40 years ago. Ms. Neggers stated that since this is in a way a public way, the town technically has some obligation to the landowners if they ever want to build. Therefore the town might want to abandon the maintenance and leave this as a public way in case someone ever wanted to develop this. Mr. Manning said he would speak with the man who owns the property in Monson.

The next item on the agenda was to appoint the yearly appointments as attached. Mr. Guertin read page one of the appointments into the record. Mr. Manning made a motion to appoint the people just read. Ms. Norbut seconded and it was so VOTED.

Ms. Norbut read page two into the record and made a motion to appoint the people listed. Mr. Manning seconded and it was so VOTED.

Mr. Manning read page three of the appointments into the record and made a motion to appoint the people listed. Ms. Norbut seconded and it was so VOTED.

Ms. Norbut read page four of the yearly appointments into the record and made a motion to appoint the people listed. Mr. Manning seconded and it was so VOTED. Ms. Neggers stated she would check with Judy White regarding the appointments to the Council on Aging before the next Selectmen’s meeting to make sure they are accurate.

Mr. Guertin read page five of the yearly appointments into the record. Mr. Manning made a motion to appoint this list of people. Ms. Norbut seconded and it was so VOTED.

Mr. Manning read pages six and seven into the record and made a motion to appoint the people listed. Ms. Norbut seconded and it was so VOTED.

Mr. Guertin read the list of Reserve Police Officers and Emergency Dispatchers in to the record. Mr. Manning made a motion to appoint the list just read. Ms. Norbut seconded and it was so VOTED.

Mr. Manning read the list of Fire Department appointments and made a motion to appoint them. Ms. Norbut seconded and it was so VOTED.

In other business to come before the Board of Selectmen, Ms. Norbut extended her condolences to our neighbors, the Bish family in Warren, Mass. Ms. Norbut said many families in our community and all the surrounding communities have been thinking about them. And added, our hearts and prayers are very sad at this time. She appreciates the work the Bish’s have done on the State level as well as on the national level to help move the “Amber Alert” forward. Ms. Norbut also thanked Senator Brewer for the work he has done allowing us to have better systems in place for children that are missing.

Correspondence was read and completed.

At 8:20 p.m., Mr. Manning made a motion to adjourn the meeting from Open session to go into Executive session for the purpose of discussing pending litigation and collective bargaining, not to return to Open session. Ms. Norbut seconded and it was so VOTED.





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Kathleen C. Norbut, Clerk