MONSON BOARD OF SELECTMEN
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 26, 2006
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, Edward S. Harrison and Kathleen C. Norbut. Also present were the Town Administrator and the media.
The Pledge of Allegiance was recited.
Acceptance of Meeting Minutes:
Mr. Harrison made a motion to accept the meeting minutes of September 12, 2006 – open session. Mr. Guertin explained he would like to include a paragraph of clarification on page three. Ms. Norbut also corrected a paragraph on page three as well. Ms. Norbut seconded the motion as amended and it was so VOTED.
Lee Williams – Seeking Permission for Monson Memorial Classic Road Race:
Lee Williams approached the Board of Selectmen. Ms. Williams said the 11th Annual Monson Memorial Classic Road Race is planned for Sunday, November 12th. As in the past, they are requesting the use of Memorial Hall also. Ms. Williams said the event is getting larger and is rated number six for the Grand Prix Series. Anyone interested in participating may apply on-line at www.monsonmemorialclassic.com or applications will be available in the library, post office and Adam’s Supermarket. Ms. Williams
also said she could have applications available in the Town Office Building. Last year there were 175 runners in the half marathon, 150 in the 5K and 40 to 50 walkers. This year, Ms. Williams said she is expecting an additional 100 runners. Ms. Williams said Monson Savings Bank will donate water to the runners at water stops and have increased their monetary donation as well. Ms. Williams said she would speak with the Police Department regarding the race.
Mr. Guertin and Ms. Williams agreed Monson Savings Bank is really terrific and extremely generous when it comes to sponsoring events and fundraisers in town. Sponsors donating $100.00 or more will be listed on the back of the tee shirts for recognition. This money will go toward additional signage and team prizes.
Ms. Williams explained the Monson Memorial Classic Road Race was started in 1996, shortly after the deaths of Kelly Waldron and Kathy Waldron Perry, sisters who passed from different forms of cancer only months apart. The race is held every year on the second Sunday in November in their memory. The benefactors have always been the American Cancer Society, the American Lung Association and Quaboag Valley Hospice. This year they will be benefiting the Shonda Schilling Group, also known as SHADE Foundation of America. Curt Schilling’s wife is a melanoma survivor and Kathy Waldron Perry passed from melanoma. Griffins Friends will also be a benefactor this year. Griffins Friends gives to children from Baystate Medical Center who are suffering with cancer by providing all sorts of activities for them.
Mr. Harrison made a motion to approve the use of Memorial Town Hall and the 11th Annual Monson Memorial Classic Road Race for Sunday November 12, 2006. Ms. Norbut seconded and it was so VOTED.
Discussion – Scheduling of Special Town Meeting:
Ms. Norbut made a motion to set the Special Town Meeting for Monday, November 27th at 7:00 p.m. at Granite Valley Middle School. Mr. Harrison seconded and it was so VOTED.
The warrants will be opened on October 10th and closed on October 24th.
Approve Purchases of Flags from “Gifts to the Town” Account:
Ms. Neggers explained United States flags and POW flags are displayed at Memorial Town Hall and the Town Office Building. Flags haven’t been purchased in approximately a year and Ms. Neggers explained she likes to keep a spare flag on the shelf in case one gets damaged in a storm so it can be replaced.
Ms. Norbut made a motion to purchase flags for the municipal buildings with funds from the Gifts to the Town Account up to $500.00. Mr. Harrison seconded and it was so VOTED.
Approve Town Participation – MIIA Rewards Program:
Ms. Neggers explained the town has participated in the MIIA Awards program for the past two or three years. This is an incentive program where the town can receive percentage points off insurance premiums as a reward for attending certain training classes and for taking certain pro-active measures on town buildings, such as inspection programs, etc. There are different categories where in some cases the town could save up to 3 or 4 percent off of the premium. Over the past couple of years, Monson’s savings have ranged anywhere from $4,000.00 to $10,000.00. The list of categories of insurance carried by the town include: Public Officials Liability, School Board Liability, Law Enforcement Liability, Workers’ Compensation, General Liability, Auto Liability and Property.
Mr. Guertin said he would be interested in knowing just how many of the towns employees, including the Board of Selectmen, would have to attend these training sessions, seminars and programs in order to receive the maximum benefit amount of the rewards. Ms. Neggers said she would like to begin and maintain a clearer organization this program.
Ms. Norbut made a motion to approve the participation in this program. Mr. Harrison seconded and it was so VOTED.
Receipt of Request to Determine Right of First Refusal on Chapter Land – Raymond Miller – Hovey Road:
Ms. Neggers said this item is only for acceptance at this point while the Board of Selectmen wait to hear back from the Planning Board and Conservation Commission with their responses.
In Other Business to Come Before the Board of Selectmen:
Ms. Norbut said an anniversary road race for local and regional runners will be held for Peaked Mountain on October 22nd. Flyers and posters will be placed around the town with more information. Ms. Norbut added this race has also been very successful and is a growing race.
Correspondence was read and completed.
At 7:35 p.m., Mr. Harrison made a motion to adjourn. Ms. Norbut seconded and it was so VOTED.
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Kathleen C. Norbut, Clerk
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