BOARD OF SELECTMEN
TUESDAY, JULY 27, 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 Neggers and the media.
The Pledge of Allegiance was recited.
Acceptance of Meeting Minutes:
Mr. Goodrich made a motion to accept the meeting minutes for June 22, 2010 – executive session, July 13, 2010 – open session; and July 20, 2010 – open and executive sessions. Dr. Smith seconded and it was so VOTED.
Approve Cable Television License:
Mr. Harrison noted this item was carried over from the last meeting at which time the Board agreed unanimously to wait until tonight’s meeting prior to making any decisions, allowing the Selectmen additional time to review the contract.
Mr. Goodrich made a motion to approve the cable television contract for the Town of Monson as submitted. Dr. Smith seconded and it was so VOTED.
Mr. Harrison thanked Steve Kozloski and Nancy Morrell for serving on the Cable Advisory Committee.
Dave Ramsey and Keep Homestead Museum Board of Directors Chairperson EmmaLadd Shepherd – Regarding a Community Supported Farm for Residents:
Dave Ramsey and EmmaLadd Shepherd approached the Board of Selectmen. At the last meeting, Mr. Ramsey and Ms. Shepherd were asked to return to tonight’s meeting with additional details regarding the proposed community garden. Mr. Ramsey and Ms. Shepherd presented the Board of Selectmen with the additional information which consisted of a call down list, a copy of the application, and information and general rules.
Dr. Smith complimented Mr. Ramsey and Ms. Shepherd on the nice job they did with the requested documents, and noted he is good with this as this provides everything he was looking for. Mr. Goodrich agreed. It was noted the proposed contract would be forwarded to Town Counsel for review, particularly number eight pertaining to the liability clause.
Ms. Shepherd explained they had requested funds from the Town’s Gifts to the Town account at the last meeting, and stated Monson Savings Bank has agreed to donate $545 to the community garden. Ms. Shepherd asked if the town could match this amount with funds from the Gifts to the Town Account. The money will be used for the preparation work which they feel must to be done this year; therefore it will be prior to knowing if they will be awarded a CPA grant.
Mr. Harrison noted at the last meeting, Ms. Shepherd and Mr. Ramsey were only looking for $300. Ms. Shepherd replied that was correct, but in the meantime they had time to think it over, as at the last meeting they weren’t fully prepared. They feel there are things in the preparation work that really should be done before the end of this summer in order to have the garden ready for next spring.
Ms. Shepherd explained the funds received from Monson Savings Bank will cover the cost of the plumber and the installation of the inside plumbing. However, there will be additional expenses for the outside plumbing, for the plastic pipe, timer on the faucet, the plumbing permit, etc. Ms. Shepherd noted Pete Lloyd is donating thousands of dollars in work, using heavy equipment to dig rocks, plowing, etc., all at no charge. Ms. Neggers agreed this is a very generous donation by Mr. Lloyd.
Mr. Goodrich said he didn’t fully understand just what the $545 in matching funds would be used for, as he noted it started out they were requesting a larger figure, and then a much smaller figure for this year, and now they are back to a larger dollar figure. Mr. Ramsey stated the $545 donation from the town would be used basically for the completion of the plumbing project, getting water from the museum to the garden site, the plumbing permit fee of $40, the registration fee for the business which is $35 and miscellaneous items such as a faucet, post to mount it on, etc. Ms. Shepherd reiterated they will be applying for the CPA grant, but this can’t be done until August and they won’t know until after the Town Meeting in November if they will be receiving it or not, and feels some of the preparation
items need to be done prior to that.
Mr. Goodrich said he would need to know down to the penny exactly where it will be going, before feeling comfortable approving an expenditure of municipal funds. Mr. Ramsey replied they need an additional $245 to install the timer which needs to be done by the plumber at the time the main plumbing installation is done. They need a couple hundred feet of 3 ¼ inch underground plastic pipe to go the length of the parking lot to somewhere near the corner of the parking lot adjacent to the field and this is about $60, a good quality outdoor post is about $100, a faucet, miscellaneous fittings needed to connect everything together, lime for the field in the fall costing approximately $25, and seed. Mr. Ramsey said all of this comes very close to $545, and a match of the funds the Bank has pledged.
Ms. Shepherd explained the $545 from the bank will cover the cost of the inside plumbing by a licensed plumber. Mr. Ramsey noted the licensed plumber didn’t want to be involved with the outside plumbing; therefore they will install this themselves, with Mr. Lloyd digging the four foot deep trench needed for the pipe.
Mr. Goodrich felt they needed a licensed plumber to do all of the plumbing work. Mr. Ramsey replied he didn’t believe so as it is outside the building, but did said they will make this inquiry.
Dr. Smith said all the figures he has just been given total $505 which Mr. Ramsey replied he feels is close to the $545 the bank is pledging.
Ms. Neggers asked Ms. Shepherd why they are registering as a business. Ms. Shepherd responded she spoke with the bank about the best way to handle the funds for the community garden, and found they are able to apply through the bank for an EIN (Employee Identification Number) in order to have a tax free account at the bank, but needed to file for a business name from the Town Clerk first. Ms. Neggers said she spoke with the woman in charge of the Wilbraham community garden and was told they have a Revolving Fund set up which is run through the town, where the bills are submitted directly and paid from that account. Ms. Neggers told Ms. Shepherd if they went with the Revolving Fund as well, it would save $35 and be easier for the volunteers. Ms. Shepherd said it would be wonderful if a Revolving Fund could be set up for
them. Ms. Neggers said she would mention this to the Finance Director Debi Mahar.
Mr. Ramsey said the gardens will open in mid-May or Memorial Day.
Mr. Goodrich said he has been thinking since the last meeting that the Wilbraham gardens have been around for a long time. Mr. Ramsey responded over 30 years. Mr. Goodrich continued to say the Wilbraham gardens just got water installed about a year ago by having a well drilled, and wondered why they aren’t just prepping the soil, tilling it, spreading lime and seed at this point at the Keep Homestead Museum garden, and going a season or two to see what kind of response they get from the community in wanting a garden, before the town starts spending what is quickly approaching $1,000 for water, and $3,000 for a shed by the time it is complete with tools, etc. Ms. Shepherd noted the Wilbraham garden doesn’t have town water, and wondered how people would water their gardens without access to water. Mr. Goodrich
replied a lot of people don’t water their gardens. Mr. Ramsey said prior to the Wilbraham gardens having the well installed, there was a 500 gallon holding tank which was gravity fed and filled by the fire department, before that people had to bring water with them. Ms. Shepherd said she feels the response will be excellent, as she has already had several people approach her saying to sign them up because they are having trouble growing a vegetable garden in their own yards and Ms. Shepherd said she feels water needs to be provided as an incentive for people to join.
Ms. Neggers asked if anyone had spoken with the Water Superintendent Craig Jalbert about this. Ms. Shepherd said she hasn’t. Ms. Neggers said they need to have a conversation with him as they will have to pay for the water, and a meter might be needed; also the DEP has certain restrictions which monitor the water and how much water is drawn for the number of people on the system. Dr. Smith said it was mentioned at the last meeting, to have Ms. Shepherd speak with Mr. Jalbert and he thought she was going to do this.
Dr. Smith said he supports the project but feels there is a need to wait to see if there are any additional expenses with the water and if a meter is needed, etc., prior to taking a vote on the request of the $545 donation in matching funds. Dr. Smith also noted he agrees the concept of the revolving fund is a good idea.
Mr. Goodrich said he is not against the concept of this project but said he has a responsibility to dot the i’s and cross the t’s and doesn’t feel as though everything has been checked off the list yet.
Mr. Ramsey and Ms. Shepherd agreed to speak with Mr. Jalbert regarding the water. Ms. Neggers said she would speak with the Finance Director Deborah Mahar regarding setting up a revolving fund and said she would also submit the language to Town Counsel for his review. Ms. Neggers also noted she would be willing to assist with the water issue and in speaking with Mr. Jalbert.
Mr. Goodrich asked if Ms. Shepherd could meet with the plumber to get a better list of the materials that will be needed and costs associated with that for a more accurate total, along with the costs from the Water Department.
Mr. Goodrich made a motion to accept the proposal and authorize the moving forward of the project, excluding the expenditure of any funds beyond the donations, and pending the formal approval from Town Counsel of the paperwork submitted. Dr. Smith seconded and it was so VOTED
Award Bid – Construction of Park Avenue Improvements Project:
Paul Bracciotti of the Pioneer Valley Planning Commission approached the Board of Selectmen. Ms. Neggers explained this is a Block Grant that was awarded after the stimulus funds were passed in Washington.
Mr. Bracciotti explained the sealed bids for the Park Avenue Improvements Project were received at the Pioneer Valley Planning Commission, and were publicly opened and read on June 17, 2010. A total of twelve bids were received for the project. The project will consist of replacing/installing catch basins, granite curb, drainage, sidewalks, rehabilitation of the road, and tree removal. The engineer, Tata & Howard, determined the low bidder, after analysis and asking for project references, lacked sufficient experience in water pipe installation, which is a big part of this project. Therefore, they recommended the second lowest bidder.
Tata & Howard recommended awarding the bid to Jack Goncalves & Sons, Inc. in the amount of $258,968.30.00. Mr. Bracciotti noted Jack Goncalves & Sons, Inc. did the Green Street Infrastructure Project in 2003.
Mr. Goodrich made a motion to award the contract for the Park Avenue Improvements Project to Jack Goncalves & Sons, Inc. in the amount of $258,968.30. Dr. Smith seconded and it was so VOTED.
EMT Salaries – Review Chief Robichaud Proposal:
Fire Chief George Robichaud approached the Board of Selectmen seeking support in changing the payment policy for the on-call EMT’s, as it has become increasingly difficult to staff the ambulance on weekends. Chief Robichaud said many times it has been necessary to call in ambulances from out of town to provide transportation to the hospital, as they were unable to get two of their own EMT’s.
Chief Robichaud said he currently has seven EMT’s in various stages of training working in the Third Rider program, which is required prior to being allowed to be a Second staff member of a two person staff. Presently, when someone is working on their Third Rider requirements, they do it as their schedules allow and they don’t get paid for it. Chief Robichaud said he feels this needs to be addressed, as he feels those in training should be compensated for their time at the rate of pay a firefighter receives until they fulfill their Third Rider requirements, at which time they would move up to a regular on-call EMT status and rate of pay. Currently, no Third Rider gets paid for any of their time put in. The new proposal would be to pay the Third Rider $10 per hour for the actual hours they do an ambulance call.
Chief Robichaud explained he feels that although many EMT’s work on the ambulance because they desire to do so, in today’s day and age money does play a significant role in how people value their time, and felt the Fire Department needed to offer more money to compensate for the sacrifices of being on-call.
Currently the stand-by EMT shift on the weekend coverage gets paid $50 per shift, plus they get paid for the actual hours they do an ambulance call. The new proposal would pay $100 per stand-by shift, and they would still get paid for the actual hours they do an ambulance call. Chief Robichaud added he feels the budget can sustain these changes.
Ms. Neggers said she and Finance Director Deborah Mahar met recently regarding this and Ms. Mahar did say there are adequate funds to cover the proposed request.
Mr. Goodrich made a motion to approve raising the rates for EMT’s on stand-by from $50 to $100 per shift, and to pay members of the Third Rider program $10 per hour for any actual hours worked effective July 1, 2010. Dr. Smith seconded and it was so VOTED.
Firefighters’ Retirement Age – Discussion (continued from 06/22/10):
Mr. Harrison said this discussion began a month ago. Fire Chief George Robichaud and Fire Lieutenant Jeffrey Chaffee approached the Board of Selectmen. Chief Robichaud said Lieutenant Chaffee is one of the driver operator instructors, along with Captain David Martin who was unable to attend tonight’s meeting.
Chief Robichaud said they have sat down as previously request by the Board of Selectmen to come up with an accelerated program to fulfill the need of losing at least two members of the Fire Department who have reached an age of 65 or older. Chief Robichaud said the Board has before them an accelerated schedule which begins next Tuesday. If everything goes as expected, the training should conclude on September 28th. Chief Robichaud noted the forty hours of training only include driver safety and has nothing to do with driving the vehicle over the road or learning driving skills. The training does includes the pumping of water, managing water, learning the hydraulics, etc., that the firefighters are required to know. Chief Robichaud said it could take an additional two months to acquire behind the wheel time and
being able to go out with Mr. Chaffee or Mr. Martin to get them accustomed to each of the vehicles and driving them over the roads, learning what the candidates abilities are, and defining if they have any areas that need improving, etc. They have a group of seven candidates who have expressed a desire to participate in this program.
Lieutenant Chaffee explained every Monday night is a training night. Once a month they have driver operator training. Another Monday night is line fire fighting training, followed by EMS training on the third Monday, and lastly is Officer training.
Chief Robichaud said as part of this proposal, he is asking the Board to allow the two individuals who are 65 or older to remain until the end of the year to allow them time to work with both the Lieutenant and the Captain in order to share with them, knowledge from their many years of experience, by working side by side with them as mentors, as between these two individuals they have 73 years of experience and so much to offer in the way of knowledge, training and tricks of the trade. Mr. Harrison said he believes the experience of these two gentlemen is valuable, and it does need to play a part in this.
Mr. Harrison said his concern is driving experience in the winter months, and said he is more inclined to allow these two individuals to stay on until the end of the fiscal year rather than the end of the calendar year, to allow a full winter/spring season with the snow, ice, mud and potential floods. Chief Robichaud said he would welcome this with open arms. Mr. Goodrich said he was thinking the exact same thing.
Dr. Smith asked Chief Robichaud about the availability of being on-call for the seven candidates in training, as this was a huge part in the two employees who are 65 and older, who were in town and available. Chief Robichaud said he hopes this will work out, but it depends on their work schedules and so on, and added hopefully with this pool he will have someone around if needed.
Mr. Goodrich made a motion to maintain the enforcement of the policy pertaining to the mandatory retirement at the age of 65, but waive the policy for the current employees or volunteers through the end of the current fiscal year for purposes of fulfilling training, as needed, for their replacements. Dr. Smith seconded and it was so VOTED.
Town Investment Policy – Discussion (continued from 06/22/10):
This was tabled as Ms. Mahar was unable to attend the meeting.
Discussion on Green Communities Program – PVPC Offer to Assist:
Ms. Neggers reiterated Jim Barry of the Department of Energy Resources, gave a presentation to the Selectmen on the Green Communities Act a few months ago. Shortly after that, the state announced the first forty-three communities in the state who achieved the Green Communities designation and who received a pretty significant reward for their undertaking of that, in the form of grants for energy projects. Ms. Neggers said the Pioneer Valley Planning Commission sent her an email, which she shared with the Board, stating the DOER will be offering Green Communities Planning Assistance, where the Town of Monson could access funding through them and the PVPC will provide technical assistance, if it is decided the town should pursue this. Ms. Neggers said there are five criteria we must do and the one that has been the greatest
source of contention state wide is, the acceptance of the Stretch Code. Ms. Neggers said she did have a conversation with the Building Inspector Harold Leaming, and he said many components of the Stretch Code, but not all, are being implemented. Ms. Neggers added a lot of this is education. Catherine Ratte of the Pioneer Valley Planning Commission mentioned to Ms. Neggers the Stretch Code does not impact renovation, only new construction. Ms. Neggers said she believes the town will be moving forward on the other four components independent of pursuing Green Community status.
Mr. Goodrich made a motion to move forward with DOER and PVPC in an effort to prepare Monson for an appropriate vote at Town meeting with the Green Communities Act. Dr. Smith seconded and it was so VOTED.
Emergency Management Director:
Mr. Harrison said the current Emergency Management Director will be resigning as of July 31, 2010 leaving a vacancy. Ms. Neggers said if the town doesn’t have an Emergency Management Director, the Chairman for the Board of Selectmen, by default and by law, becomes the Director.
Ms. Neggers said there is a lot of work involved and this is a very important position, with a $1,500 stipend.
It was agreed to post this position on the web site and in the newspapers for the August 10th meeting.
Agricultural Commission – Discussion on Status:
Ms. Neggers explained at a Town Meeting in 2006, the residents voted to accept the creation of an Agricultural Commission. This was done and Ms. Neggers said to the best of her knowledge, the Commission never met. Ms. Neggers said recently she was approached by a resident regarding a Right to Farm Law. The resident showed Ms. Neggers a bylaw on the State Agricultural Commission website, however the town never accepted it, and noted it therefore isn’t a law. Ms. Neggers said she emailed Chuck Adams who was the Chairman of the town’s Agricultural Commission and said she is still waiting to hear back from him. Ms. Neggers feels if the town is going to have a committee, they need active people willing to participate and said it would have to be rebuilt from the foundation up; if not it should be done away with
completely. It was noted no appointments were made to the committee this past June.
Mr. Goodrich made a motion to approve the solicitation of members to serve on the Monson Agricultural Commission. Dr. Smith seconded and it was so VOTED.
Western MA Casino Task Force – Update:
Mr. Harrison said several weeks ago the Local Casino Task Force met to discuss the casino situation. Mr. Harrison explained the House and Senate have each passed their version of the casino bills, and now they just have to come to terms of agreement the two bills. The House Bill calls for 750 slot machines at each of the four racetracks, two horse tracks and two dog tracks and two casinos. The Senate Bill calls for three casinos and no slots at any of the tracks. If they can’t come to an agreement by Saturday night, it is all off until January, at which time they would have to work on it all over again. Mr. Harrison said a letter was put together and mailed out electronically to the Conference Committee, Speaker of the House, President of the Senate, Governor, and local Legislatures saying not to forget us, the
municipalities, in making their decision so we don’t get hurt financially by the imposing unfunded mandates or any other financial expenses that might occur if a casino comes to the area.
In Other Business to Come Before the Board of Selectmen:
- Ms. Neggers said a letter was received, which is in correspondence, regarding trash being thrown about and cars spinning out in the field at the former landfill site on Margaret Street. Ms. Neggers noted the Department of Environmental Protection recently conducted an inspection there and also found illegal dumping where it looked as though someone had been using the site as a personal dumping ground. Ms. Neggers said she spoke with Highway Surveyor John Morrell who said he has some guardrail he could install across the front to prevent people from driving into the field, or a fence could be installed. There would still be a footpath allowing people access to the field and a gate for the local farmer who hays the field, with about a twenty foot road frontage for cars to park. Ms. Neggers noted a lot of money has been spent on improving
the cap at the former landfill and said she would hate to see it damaged.
Mr. Goodrich asked about the condition of the guardrail. Ms. Neggers replied she has been told it isn’t shiny, but looks the same as a shiny guardrail would look in two years. Mr. Morrell is also checking with Mass Highway to see if they might have surplus guardrail as well. Mr. Goodrich said he was just curious about the cost, if for a few dollars more it would be possible to get a wooden pressure treated fence that goes more with the country feel of the town that would be scenic.
It was agreed to get prices and information on this for the next Selectmen’s meeting.
Correspondence was read and completed.
At 8:55 p.m., Dr. Smith made a motion to adjourn from open session. Mr. Goodrich seconded and it was so VOTED.
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Dr. Richard M. Smith, Clerk
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