BOARD OF SELECTMEN
TUESDAY, JANUARY 22, 2008
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 January 8, 2008 – open session. Ms. Norbut seconded and it was so VOTED.
Community Development Block Grant – Public Hearing:
Mr. Harrison opened the public hearing at 7:05 p.m.
Jim Mazik of the Pioneer Valley Planning Commission approached the Board of Selectmen.
Mr. Harrison read the legal notice into the record.
Mr. Mazik reiterated the grant application proposal for FY 2008, which is a joint effort with the Town of Belchertown. Mr. Mazik explained there is a slight variation in the application from last year’s with a little more restructuring. There are two activities proposed. One activity is the Park Avenue infrastructure project with water lines, two new fire hydrants, drainage, curbs and sidewalks for a total of $466,500.00.
The second project proposed on the application is the Housing Rehabilitation Program in which Monson is teaming up with the Town of Belchertown. Twelve units are proposed in the application, six for each town for a total of $430,500.00. The housing rehab will serve low to moderate income residents in the Monson center and Belchertown center target areas, by creating safe, clean, affordable housing with the correction of building code violations, and updating heating, plumbing and electrical systems. Also, weatherization improvements such as windows, doors and insulation; accessibility modifications such as ramps, bathrooms, etc., along with hazardous material abatements for lead, asbestos, etc.; roofing repairs, structural repairs, masonry repairs, and so on. There are a couple of differences from last year. Some of the
issues raised by the Department of Housing and Community Development were with the target areas, where in most cities and towns happen to be in the downtown center. The issue raised is, the structuring of the deferred payment loan wasn’t conducive for investor participation. Basically they would require a 50% match for all properties. Something that would be more competitive would be a 20%/80%, with the program paying 80% and the investor paying 20%. Another recommendation is a concentration in one area. For the first three months of the Rehab Program, they would solicit and market a priority preference to residents on Park Avenue for the Rehabilitation Program. After the three months, if not enough applications have been submitted, it would then be opened up to the entire area. Mr. Mazik stated a housing rehab survey in terms of conditions on Park Street along with an income survey have been done, however they haven’t check into how many residents would actually
be interested in applying.
It was explained the housing rehab program helps residents by not creating an additional monthly financial burden on them when their houses are in need of repairs. The funds could be used on housing counseling which would be helpful in preventing foreclosures and debt management, but Mr. Mazik explained these programs have less than moderate success as there isn’t a big interest in them. Ms. Neggers added the pay back was huge for anyone who has gone through these training programs, which were great with so many opportunities for first time home buyers. Ms. Norbut added she is a strong supporter of the Community Development programs and noted there have been many improvements made to the community through them as well as all the benefits to the homeowners who have been able to take advantage of them.
There wasn’t anyone in the audience to speak for or against this application.
Ms. Norbut made a motion to accept the proposed FY 2008 Community Development Fund II application for Monson, partnering with Belchertown. Mr. Guertin seconded and it was so VOTED.
The public hearing was closed at 7:23 p.m.
Authorize Deficit Spending – Snow and Ice Account:
Mr. Guertin made a motion to authorize an additional $75,000.00 in the Snow and Ice deficit spending. Ms. Norbut seconded and it was so VOTED.
Ms. Neggers said this will make $125,000.00 in deficit, and $125,000.00 had been appropriated.
In Other Business to Come Before the Board of Selectmen:
Mr. Guertin made a plea to the public stating the School Committee is still operating with a Committee of four and they really need one more person to break any tied votes that may arise. Anyone interested in serving on the School Committee should contact the Selectmen’s Office. The appointment would be effective until the April election, at which time they would need to take out nomination papers.
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 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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