BOARD OF SELECTMEN
TUESDAY, JANUARY 11, 2011
The regular meeting of the Board of Selectmen convened at 7:00 p.m. in the Conference Room at 110 Main Street. In attention were John F. Goodrich II and Dr. Richard M. Smith. Edward S. Harrison was absent. Also present were Town Administrator Gretchen E. Neggers and the media.
The Pledge of Allegiance was recited.
Acceptance of Meeting Minutes:
Dr. Smith made a motion to accept the meeting minutes for December 14 and December 28, 2010 – open sessions. Mr. Goodrich seconded and it was so VOTED.
Street Crossing Petition – New England Power Company, d/b/a National Grid, for Permission to Construct, Maintain, Repair, Operate and Use Lines for the Transmission of High and Low Electric Current, and Other Intelligence, Upon, Along, Through, Over and Across the Specified Roadways in Monson:
Brian Dunn of National Grid and Attorney Robert Longden, on behalf of National Grid, approached the Board of Selectmen.
The public hearing was opened at 7:05 p.m.
Dr. Smith read the attached Street Crossing petition into the record.
Attorney Longden explained the petition, and it was noted this is part of the project which National Grid brought before the Board of Selectmen a few months back, in the fall. It was noted the electrical lines will be crossing the same streets as they do now in basically the same places.
The public was asked if anyone had any questions or comments.
Jeffrey Michael, 77 Reimers Road, expressed concern over the petition stating National Grid could place up to nine lines on the poles. Mr. Dunn said they are planning on installing four lines on the poles and noted the poles currently contain three lines. Mr. Dunn also noted the minimum will be 25 feet from the ground to the lowest wire, which will be higher than the current wire. The wires will also carry more voltage.
Police Chief Steve Kozloski said from time to time a number of issues arise from people who access the power lines from the roadway crossing accesses, and wondered if somehow this would be regulated to discourage trespassing. Mr. Dunn responded National Grid is limited on what they can do to block access as they will need access in the future to make any necessary repairs. They can install fences or gates at the roadway crossings and provide keys. Mr. Dunn noted they have set up a website and encouraged everyone with concerns to leave comments on the website and added they are willing to work with Chief Kozloski on any areas of high concern.
Jim Wawrzyk, 55 Reimers Road, questioned the language which stated the poles could be used for “other intelligence”. Mr. Dunn replied that means the poles could be used for the transmission of communication as well, however at this point in time the poles will solely be used for power transmissions.
Mr. Dunn noted the original line was installed in 1942. The M14 line will not be changed at this time. During this project, National Grid will only be replacing the O15S lines. Mr. Dunn explained the O15S lines have deteriorated over time and are no longer of the capacity to provide reliable electrical service for the future needs in this particular part of Hampden County.
Sean Haggerty of 233 Palmer Road had concerns regarding any mess created by National Grid during the project on home owner’s properties. Mr. Goodrich suggested residents take pictures prior to the work beginning on their property just in case there are any issues. Mr. Dunn agreed with this and again noted residents should contact National Grid through the website if they encounter any problems during the construction period.
In regard to stonewalls or boulders removed during the project, Mr. Goodrich noted Monson is a rural community and we take our aesthetics to heart. Mr. Dunn said if any stone walls are removed, they will be restored, as they are obligated by the Department of Environmental Protection to do so and any boulders removed will be strategically placed.
It was noted the Highway and Water/Sewer Departments had no objection with the proposed street crossing petition.
Mr. Goodrich stated National Grid has agreed to listen to, and work with, any residents with concerns.
The open portion of the hearing was closed at 7:43 p.m.
Dr. Smith read and made a motion to accept the attached petition. Mr. Goodrich seconded and it was so VOTED.
Regional Emergency Dispatch Study – Review and Discuss – Chief Kozloski:
Police Chief Steve Kozloski approached the Board of Selectmen and explained in 2009, the Towns of Monson, Palmer and Hampden secured a grant through the State 9-1-1 Department to study the feasibility of regionalizing each town’s Emergency Communication’s Centers’. After a detailed analysis was completed in October 2010, the vendor selected to conduct this project, AECOM, provided each community with a report for review and consideration.
Chief Kozloski explained the three options to the Board of Selectmen.
- Option one is maintaining the existing situation, with no consolidation.
- Option two is to share services without consolidation.
- Option three is to form a combined Regional Emergency Communications Center.
This study will be posted on the Town’s website under the Police Department for anyone interested in looking at it.
Grant-Funded EMT/Firefighter Position – Discussion of Future Options:
Fire Chief George Robichaud approached the Board of Selectmen to bring to the Boards attention the critical need to add an EMT/Firefighter. Chief Robichaud noted back in 2009, two EMT/Firefighter positions were eliminated and the department went from having five EMT’s down to three. As a result of not having full time coverage, twenty-six times there was a need for an ambulance where the department had to seek coverage from another town. A grant was received which filled one of the two positions eliminated. This grant will be running out at the end of next month, and they will be applying for an extension, however this will still not be enough funding to make it through the end of the fiscal year.
Chief Robichaud said he was here before the Board of Selectmen to ask for permission to bring before the residents a Proposition 2 ½ Override in the amount of $103,000.00, which would be $33.00 annually for the average homeowner.
Chief Robichaud said he met with the Finance Committee and has received their full support on this, as well as the support from fellow department heads.
Ms. Neggers noted Town Clerk Nancy Morrell would need this by the end of February if the Board of Selectmen chose to place an override question on the ballot in the April elections.
Ms. Neggers explained it is critical this get out to the public and noted anyone with concerns may contact Chief Robichaud at 267-3132. If Chief Robichaud isn’t available, his Secretary, Kathy, can help. It was noted losing this position would have a negative impact.
Mr. Goodrich recommended holding a formal vote on this at the next meeting, scheduled for January 25, 3011.
Appoint Special Auxiliary Police Officer:
Police Chief Steve Kozloski approached the Board of Selectmen and requested David Burns be appointed as a Part Time Police Officer and Peter Nothe be appointed as an Auxiliary Police Officer.
Dr. Smith made a motion to appoint David Burns as a part-time police officer effective immediately through June 30, 2011. Mr. Goodrich seconded and it was so VOTED.
Dr. Smith made a motion to appoint Peter Nothe as an Auxiliary Police Officer effective immediately through June 30, 2011. Mr. Goodrich seconded and it was so VOTED.
Fiscal 2012 Budget Development – Discussion of Status:
Ms. Neggers explained the budget process began a few months ago, at the end of the calendar year. Ms. Neggers added the Finance Director, Deborah Mahar, has asked the departments to submit level service budgets. The Finance Committee has asked the departments also to submit budgets reflecting 10% reductions. Ms. Neggers and Ms. Mahar are looking at the health insurance, as claim trends are very high, and they anticipate double digit increases. Ms. Neggers said recently there has been an increase in payments from the employees to assist with this.
Ms. Neggers said the town has received the pension assessments from the Hampden County Retirement System, and this has increased by about $40,000.00. She and Ms. Mahar are still waiting on the Pathfinder figure as our enrollment has declined slightly, so hopefully the payments will go down some.
Ms. Neggers noted it is snowing and continuing to snow, therefore the Snow and Ice Account has been increased pretty significantly this year.
Gasoline prices are going up, and they are trying to budget for that as well.
Heating costs have increased and she is trying to budget for that, even though it is very speculative.
Ms. Neggers noted State Aid is another problem, as they have no idea what will happen with the serious problem at the State level where the budget will have to be cut by one and a half billion dollars.
Correspondence was read and completed.
In Other Business to Come Before the Board of Selectmen:
- Mr. Goodrich informed the listening audience if power outages occur, residents should not call 9-1-1, as the Police are busy and don’t have the resources for that. Residents should instead call 2-1-1 regarding any power outages.
- Mr. Goodrich said he hopes everyone stays safe during the snowfall and noted school has already been canceled in anticipation of the storm.
At 9:05 p.m. Dr. Smith made a motion to adjourn. Mr. Goodrich seconded and it was so VOTED.
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Dr. Richard M. Smith, Clerk
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