BOARD OF SELECTMEN
TUESDAY, JUNE 22, 2010
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, John F. Goodrich II and Dr. Richard M. Smith. Also present were Town Administrator Gretchen E. Neggers and the media.
The Pledge of Allegiance was recited.
Acceptance of Meeting Minutes:
Mr. Goodrich made a motion to accept the meeting minutes of June 8, 2010 – open session. Dr. Smith seconded. Mr. Harrison abstained from voting as he was not present at the June 8th meeting.
St. Patrick’s Church – Request for Designation of Two (2) Handicap Parking Spots on Green Street:
Kathy Ridz approached the Board of Selectmen. Ms. Neggers noted the letter Ms. Ridz submitted had been forwarded to the Police Chief and the Highway Surveyor for their input, and the Board of Selectmen had copies of the response letters.
Ms. Ridz explained the parish raised funds to install a handicap ramp and accessible restroom in Columbia Hall, located across the street from the Rectory, on Green Street. Ms. Ridz stated currently there aren’t any spaces designated as handicapped parking.
Mr. Harrison noted the response received from Police Chief Kozloski stated if this request is approved and handicapped parking signage is posted, only vehicles registered as a handicapped vehicle or displaying a handicap placard issued by the Registry of Motor Vehicles would be permitted to utilize these spaces, all others risk the possibility of being ticketed and/or towed. Ms. Ridz said she understood this and added no one should be parking in these spaces without the proper identification.
Mr. Goodrich made a motion to approve the two handicapped parking spaces on Green Street as proposed. Dr. Smith seconded and it was so VOTED.
Presentation of Proposed Town Investment Policy:
Finance Director Deborah Mahar approached the Board of Selectmen. Ms. Mahar explained the Town Investment Policy was created as part of the audit, as recommended in the town’s audit. The Board of Selectmen had copies of the draft investment policy, as attached. Ms. Neggers said other models were looked at when drafting this policy.
Ms. Mahar noted the Town’s reasonable cash balance on a monthly basis has been between $5 million and $7 million. Ms. Mahar explained with trusts and so on, there are close to thirty accounts in six different banks.
The Board of Selectmen agreed unanimously to hold off on making any decisions until their next meeting, allowing them time to read the draft policy.
Ms. Mahar brought to the Board of Selectmen’s attention the issue regarding the Special Election proceeds. Ms. Mahar noted the Board of Selectmen had voted to use funds from the Gifts to the Town Account to pay for the Special Election for a new Senator following Senator Kennedy’s death, hoping the town was going to get reimbursed from the State. Ms. Mahar explained this is General Fund Revenue which would need to be voted upon or it could be left the way it is and close it out as Free Cash next year. Ms. Mahar explained $5,769.00 was paid to cover the expenses of the Special Election which totaled $6,333.00.
Mr. Goodrich made a motion to have the funds from the State reimburse the Gifts to the Town Account. Dr. Smith seconded and it was so VOTED.
Request to Determine if Mandatory Firefighter Retirement Age of 65 Applies to Call Firefighters:
Fire Chief George Robichaud approached the Board of Selectmen and explained full time firefighters are mandated to retire at the age of 65, but it is unclear if this also pertains to call firefighters who wish to continue working past the age of 65. Chief Robichaud explained there are two call firefighters who will soon be falling into this category who currently drive the trucks. Without these two call firefighters, the response time in getting to a fire would be much slower, as both of these men are usually in town, and noted they are extremely important to the department.
The Selectmen asked Chief Robichaud if he had other firefighters who could drive the apparatus. Chief Robichaud responded he currently doesn’t have anyone who is seasoned and ready to step into these slots, and said it could take up to a year for someone to be trained, as training is limited to just a few times a year.
Chief Robichaud said currently, physicals are not required for any of the part-time firefighters; only the full-time employees need to pass a physical, and suggested having the on call firefighters receive physicals after reaching the age of 65 years.
Mr. Goodrich felt requiring a physical would expose the Town to a liability, as requiring a physical past the age of 65 could be viewed as discriminatory, and noted he would support the medical exams if they were town wide and not by age. Mr. Harrison said he felt it’s prudent as it’s a high risk occupation.
The Board of Selectmen agreed they were not in a position to make any decisions on this issue tonight, and asked Chief Robichaud to come back before the Board after he had a plan in place as to how much time it would take to train firefighters to drive the apparatus and how much this training would cost. Ms. Neggers suggested Chief Robichaud research with other departments also.
It was agreed in the meantime to continue business as usual as Ms. Neggers explained the town’s insurance policy will cover these employees up to the age of 70.
Request for Transfer of Appropriations (Ambulance Salaries to Ambulance Expense) Pursuant to M.G.L. Chapter 44, Section 33B:
Chief Robichaud said he met with the Finance Committee last night regarding this request and explained the transfer is needed because of the large increase in the number of ambulance runs his department has had. A transfer was approved at the Special Town Meeting and the funds have been used up.
Chief Robichaud said the Fire Department has been getting on average 75 calls a month, as there has been an increase in drug overdoses, heart attacks and strokes in town.
Mr. Goodrich made a motion to approve the transfer of $3,500.00 from the Ambulance Salary Account to the Ambulance Expense Account, pursuant to M.G.L. Chapter 44 Section 33B. Dr. Smith seconded and it was so VOTED.
Complete Reappointments Effective July 1, 2010:
Dr. Smith read the names and made a motion to appoint the people listed, as attached. Mr. Goodrich seconded and it was so VOTED.
Discussion of Meeting Schedule – Scheduling of Cable Television License Public Hearing:
Mr. Harrison explained he would like to schedule a public hearing for the next Selectmen’s meeting on July 13th regarding the cable television contract with Comcast.
Mr. Harrison explained the Town is seeking to have more of the surcharge residents pay come back to the Town. The 5 percent surcharge is divided between the town and M-PACT, with the town receiving 1 percent or approximately $20,000.00 and M-PACT receiving 4 percent or $90,000.00. Mr. Harrison said he would like to see Monson receive somewhere between 1 and 2 percent of the surcharge.
It was agreed to schedule the Public Hearing for the July 13th Selectmen’s meeting.
Correspondence was read and completed.
In Other Business to Come Before the Board of Selectmen:
- Dr. Smith said the Board of Health is currently looking for someone to take his place. Anyone interested is asked to call the Board of Health Office at 267-4107. No special skills are required.
At 8:35, Mr. Goodrich made a motion to adjourn from open session to go into executive session for a non-union contractual strategy discussion (Fire Chief), not to return to open session. Dr. Smith seconded and it was so VOTED.
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Dr. Richard M. Smith, Clerk
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