MONSON BOARD OF SELECTMEN
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 25, 2007
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 Edward S. Harrison, Kathleen C. Norbut and Richard E. Guertin. Also present were the Town Administrator and the media.
The Pledge of Allegiance was recited.
Acceptance of Meeting Minutes:
Mr. Guertin made a motion to accept the meeting minutes of September 11, 2007 – open and executive sessions. Ms. Norbut seconded and it was so VOTED.
Regional Casino Impact Study Committee – Appoint Representatives:
Mr. Harrison reiterated the Board of Selectmen held a meeting on September 12th where the communities surrounding Palmer, and Palmer itself, were invited to come together to try to get a seat at the table when it comes to any proposals involving casinos in the state of Massachusetts, and more particularly if it comes to Palmer. Mr. Harrison said he felt just about all eleven communities that invitations were extended to were represented. Mr. Harrison said the meeting lasted approximately one hour. There was an unanimous agreement from all the attendees that a regional committee should be put together and that a letter should be sent to Governor Deval Patrick informing him of their intent to put the committee together and the language was, “we are entitled to a seat at the table when it comes to any
studies or negotiations regarding future casinos for our community”. At that time, Governor Deval Patrick had not made his decision regarding legalizing casino gambling in the state. The recent proposal of allowing three casinos in the state now needs to go before the State legislature. From articles Mr. Harrison said he has read in the newspapers, people think it is going to take a long period of time and not two months or even six months but probably take a year or two, before final approval is achieved, if in fact it is achieved. Mr. Harrison added the people at the legislative level could go against the Governor’s recommendation and veto the whole proposal of casino gambling in the state. Subsequent to the meeting on September 12th with the surrounding communities, letters were sent out to the Select boards of the surrounding communities and Palmer, asking them to officially appoint two representatives to the regional committee, one primary and one
alternative. Ms. Neggers said responses have been received from the Towns of Hampden, Brimfield, Belchertown and verbally from the Town Administrator of Ludlow. Ms. Neggers noted it had been indicated they would like the responses back by the end of September, so the process is on-going.
Mr. Guertin made a motion to appoint Edward Harrison as Monson’s primary representative to the Regional Casino Impact Study Committee. Ms. Norbut seconded and it was so VOTED.
Mr. Guertin made a motion to appoint Kathleen Norbut as Monson’s alternate representative on the committee. Ms. Norbut seconded. Mr. Harrison said he was going to suggest the Board might consider Ms. Neggers as an alternate. Ms. Norbut said she had no problem with this. The letter that was mailed out stated the representatives would either be a Selectman or a designated person. Ms. Neggers added responses are coming back in different ways, as Belchertown chose two Selectmen and Ludlow chose one Selectman and the Town Administrator. Mr. Guertin said he chose Ms. Norbut as he thought it was going to be someone from Select boards. Ms. Neggers said it was fine by her. Ms. Norbut said she is open either way as she felt Ms. Neggers has a lot of great relationships established with the area, yet she is very concerned about
the issues. Ms. Neggers stated the meetings will be open to anyone wishing to attend. Ms. Norbut said she would be pleased to organize and Chair the community group, which is the next item on tonight’s agenda.
The vote for Ms. Norbut as the alternate representative was no by Mr. Guertin and no by Ms. Norbut.
Mr. Guertin made a motion to appoint Gretchen Neggers as the alternate representative for the Town of Monson on the Regional Casino Impact Study Committee. Ms. Norbut seconded and it was so VOTED.
Local Casino Study Committee – Discussion:
During the August meeting it was discussed and agreed to form a Local Study Committee. Ms. Norbut feels what she is hearing from the model of the communities surrounding Middleborough, who had the casino issue thrust into their face early in the summer, is that there are a lot of concerns regarding the impact on the communities, so they started doing some work by looking at the community itself. Ms. Norbut said she feels it would be very valuable to have a committee who could maybe meet every other week or once a month, if they are gauging they have a year to gather resources and look at information, and to put together some kind of report for the citizens of our community. The committee will look at numbers being projected by the developers as far as impact, the numbers of employees, the approximate amount of residents
that would move into the region or the community, the estimates into areas of concern such as traffic to the main streets as well as the side streets, public safety, etc. Ms. Norbut added the two committees, the Local Casino Study Committee and the Regional Casino Impact Study Committee, will have dialog between them.
Tom Warden, a resident in the audience, said he felt if the Pioneer Valley Planning Commission or anyone else were to conduct a study, he felt someone from the local level should be validating the information. Ms. Norbut added this is the difference between the two committees; the local concern impact verses the regional impact, as there is so much conflicting information coming through right now regarding some of these impact studies from universities, independent groups, etc.
It was agreed to call this new committee the Local Casino Study Committee. This committee will be a legal Town committee with posted meetings and will consist of seven members; Ms. Norbut, two at large citizens, the Town Administrator, Chief of Police (who has indicated he is interested), the School Superintendent (who also said he is interested) and someone maybe from the Water/Sewer and infrastructure position.. Anyone interested in participating may contact the Selectmen’s Office at 267-4100.
Mr. Guertin made a motion the Town create a Local Casino Study Committee and to appoint Ms. Norbut as Chair. Ms. Norbut seconded and it was so VOTED.
Appointments to the Cultural Council:
Ms. Norbut made a motion to appoint Carol Strum and Tamara Cabey to the Monson Cultural Council effective immediately through April of 2009. Mr. Guertin seconded and it was so VOTED.
Request From the Monson Cadet and Senior Girl Scouts for Annual Haunted House:
Ms. Norbut read the letter received from the Monson Girl Scouts, for a request to hold their annual Haunted House in the House of Art on Friday and Saturday October 26th and 27th between the hours of 6:00 p.m. and 9:30 p.m., into the record. The cost is under $4.00 and donations for the Open Pantry will be accepted during this event. The Girl Scouts said they will notify the Police Department of this event and will work with the Monson Arts Council, Fire Department and Highway Department.
Mr. Guertin made a motion to approve the Monson Cadet and Senior Girl Scouts use of the House of Art on Friday October 26th and Saturday October 27th during the hours of 6:00 and 9:30 p.m. for their annual Haunted House. Ms. Norbut seconded and it was so VOTED.
Request From the Monson Peaked Mountain Property Committee for Annual Birthday Party and Peaked Mountain Trail Run:
Mr. Harrison read the letter received from the Peaked Mountain Property Committee into the record. They have requested permission to hold their annual birthday party and Peaked Mountain Trail run on October 21, 2007. The committee has spoken with both the Police Chief and Fire Chief, as well providing them with a copy of this letter. They have scheduled many activities for the day such as live music, a walk to the top and a birthday cake, just to name a few.
Mr. Guertin made a motion to approve the request as read. Ms. Norbut seconded and it was so VOTED.
Correspondence was read and completed.
At 7:35 p.m., Mr. Guertin made a motion to adjourn from open session to go into executive session for the purpose of discussing litigation and collective bargaining, not to return to open session. Ms. Norbut seconded and it was so VOTED.
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Richard E. Guertin, Clerk
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