BOARD OF SELECTMEN
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 13, 2011
The regular meeting of the Board of Selectmen convened at 7:00 p.m. in the Conference Room at 29 Thompson Street. In attendance were Dr. Richard M. Smith, John F. Goodrich II and Edward A. Maia. 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 November 22, 2011 – open and executive sessions, and the December 7, 2011 emergency meeting. Mr. Maia seconded and it was so VOTED.
Holiday Light Committee – Update:
Jeremy Bedson and his wife Christine approached the Board of Selectmen.
Ms. Neggers explained she asked Mr. Bedson, who is the head of the Holiday Lighting Committee, to come in tonight to discuss an email she received from him a couple of weeks ago regarding the tree on the common in front the of the Library. In Mr. Bedson’s email he noted a few issues, such as the height of the tree making it difficult to decorate, not having enough lights for the tree, some of the brackets for the decorations on the poles along Main Street missing and the electrical wiring on the decorations getting old.
Ms. Neggers said since the time of the email, word has gotten out and the community spontaneously responded with donations and support, and they have pretty much taken care of all the issues.
Mr. Bedson explained the tree on the common is so large they had trouble getting the strings of lights around it because the bucket truck they use can only get on one side of the tree at a time. The lift truck they used this year along with the bucket truck made it a little easier, allowing them to have a truck on each side of the tree, but Mr. Bedson said he still had to throw the lights to the person on the other side of the tree because the tree is so wide he couldn’t reach him.
Mr. Bedson said he would like to see a smaller tree replace the tree that is on the common and noted Northern Tree might be willing to replant the current tree somewhere else, allowing a smaller tree to be planted in its place. Mr. Bedson said people have indicated they would be willing to donate a new tree for the current spot.
Mr. Bedson said he believes he has enough brackets for the poles along Main Street for the decorations, but the wiring is very old, very expensive and some of it was damaged when the tornado came through the downtown area. Mr. Bedson noted he has some money left over from the donations and a little left in the Holiday Lighting Account to combine to replace some of the wiring, but he felt that still might not be enough money to cover all the expenses. Mr. Bedson said John Martin who is a local electrician, has said he would help the Lighting Committee out by rewiring the decorations next year.
Ms. Neggers noted in the past, the Selectmen have supported the Holiday Lighting from the Gifts to the Town Account.
Mr. Goodrich said after the season is over and Mr. Bedson has had time to figure out what the final costs are and what the shortage is, he can bring those figures back to the Board of Selectmen.
The Board of Selectmen and Ms. Neggers thanked Mr. and Mrs. Bedson for volunteering, for all of their efforts and for taking the initiative to make sure things are getting done, and added they are doing a great job.
Ms. Neggers said residents Mr. and Mrs. John Rahkonen made the very generous donations of the bucket truck as well as paying for all of the lights, to help the town out and get the tree lit this year.
Ms. Neggers suggested the Holiday Lighting Committee get together with the Replanting Monson Tree Committee regarding the tree.
Karen King was in the audience and wondered if anyone is interested in making donations for the Holiday Lighting, where donations should be sent. Mrs. Bedson replied donations should be addressed to Town of Monson, Monson Holiday Lights, attention Selectmen’s Office, 29 Thompson Street.
Ms. Neggers noted the Holiday Lighting Committee does have a designated account for the funds; they are a town committee, and all the finances are handled through the town and are accounted for.
Mrs. Bedson asked if they could solicit the local businesses for donations. Ms. Neggers replied it is certainly appropriate and felt the Board of Selectmen would offer financial support as well.
Replanting Monson Committee – Update:
Audra Staples and Evan Brassard of the Replanting Monson Tree Committee approached the Board of Selectmen.
Mrs. Staples said the Replanting Monson Tree Committee would definitely be willing to work with the Holiday Lighting Committee and helping out with the tree.
Mrs. Staples stated the Replanting Monson Tree Committee has put together a vision, as well as a mission statement and noted they are trying to organize all of their fund raising efforts and added the Replanting Monson Tree Committee has received tremendous support from the community.
Mr. Maia asked if any of the new trees planted were lost in the October snowstorm. Mrs. Staples replied, thankfully no.
Mr. Brassard said a “Tree Information” session will be held on February 2nd; however the Replanting Monson Tree Committee hasn’t determined a place where this session will be held yet. This session will allow homeowners to select trees for planting on their properties, with assistance from Committee members on the appropriate size. The Committee will also be introducing some often overlooked tree varieties that may be appropriate for the home properties or the street landscape, focusing on trees that will be available in the spring.
On March 1st the Replanting Monson Tree Committee will be presenting “Monson Trees”. This will be a public information session to show the progress of the Replanting Committee, and where trees will be planted in the spring of 2012. Mr. Brassard noted they are encouraging the public’s input to give them some direction, and added anyone whose property was directly impacted by the tornado will specifically be invited to participate in this session.
In early April the Replanting Monson Tree Committee will hold the “Tree Care” session. This will be the final event and Mr. Brassard noted all the individuals who will be receiving trees for their private property will be required to attend this session.
On April 27th to April 29th, Arbor Day weekend, a three-day gala event will be held. The Replanting Monson Tree Committee is hoping to possibly have students assist with some of the tree plantings on Friday, and an event is planned for either Friday or Saturday evening. During the day on Saturday, there will be a tree pick-up for homeowners. And on Sunday a mass planting is scheduled, hopefully with the DCR as was done this past October.
Mrs. Staples said if anyone wants more information, the Replanting Monson Tree Committee is currently working on a page on the town’s web site; they’re in close contact with the Springfield Republican and Palmer Journal newspapers; and the Committee is also on Facebook.
Mr. Goodrich asked if they had a life expectancy for the Replanting Monson Tree Committee. Mrs. Staples replied they have been discussing this as, overall they would like to see part of the Arbor Day weekend declaring them part of Tree City U.S.A. Mrs. Staples noted there are certain requirements that must be met for this declaration, and one requires having a permanent Tree Committee. Mrs. Staples stated, in this aspect they would like to maintain some type of committee. As far as the direct tornado work, the Committee is seeing a life expectancy of three to five years.
Green Communities Designation Ceremony – Presentation of Check, et al:
Ms. Neggers explained several weeks ago, in Sutton, MA, she represented the Town of Monson at a ceremony for six communities in the region who have achieved the Green Community designation.
Ms. Neggers said Monson will be receiving a solar powered trash compacting unit for the downtown area and read a plaque/certificate that was presented to the Town of Monson from the Commonwealth of Massachusetts designating Monson as a Green Community and signed by many dignitaries. Ms. Neggers said she was also presented with four signs designating Monson as a Green Community.
Ms. Neggers presented the Board of Selectmen with a huge cardboard check in the amount of $165,975.00 and explained the town will be using this money over the next two years. Part of the funds will be combined with insurance money to replace a vehicle which was destroyed in the tornado, with a fuel efficient vehicle for the Senior Center. The remainder of the funds will be used for an energy management system that will be installed at Quarry Hill Community School.
Disaster Recovery Status
a. Debris Pickup Status and Costs – October Snowstorm Alfred
1. Discussion of FY 2012 Spending Freeze
b. Tornado – FEMA Reimbursement Status
c. Town Office Building – Status
1. Request Permission to Proceed – Rebuild Western MA Grant – Technical
Analysis and Engineering Assistance
2. Town Office Future Use – Committee Creation?
a. Ms. Neggers explained the Board of Selectmen met in emergency session last week with Highway Surveyor John Morrell and basically halted the outside contractors from any further pick-up. The Highway Department will complete any remaining pick- up of debris from the roadsides. The total cost rounded off is about $2.9 million for the debris pick-up and the monitoring from that event. Ms. Neggers said the town is still awaiting the formal FEMA declaration for the debris piece of the emergency. Once the FEMA declaration is received, the town will commence the process to file for reimbursement.
Mr. Goodrich thanked the citizens of the town for being patient while this was being worked through, and noted at times this seemed like a very slow process due to the numbers on the costs.
Mr. Goodrich encouraged residents to calmly contact the Highway Department to let them know if there is any debris on their roads they feel should be cleared that hasn’t been.
a/1. Ms. Neggers said she and Ms. Mahar have been discussing internally implementing an essential item only spending freeze. Ms. Neggers said she would review the situation with the Department Heads tomorrow at the Department Head meeting.
b. Ms. Neggers said the town did receive notification FEMA will be issuing the reimbursement for the tornado debris removal in the amount of $2.8 million.
c/1. Ms. Neggers said in regards to the Town Office Building, she has two requests for the Board tonight. The first request is after speaking with individuals while attending the Green Communities ceremony, Monson has the opportunity as part of the Rebuild Western Massachusetts Program, to apply for funding to provide technical assistance. The purpose of this program is to fund engineering studies which identify, qualify, and evaluate energy efficient opportunities for businesses and municipal facilities. This will cover up to 75% of the costs on studies for municipal buildings. They will also identify energy saving measures through the utility program and incentives that are available. This program requires a 25% match from the town with a maximum of $20,000.00. Ms. Neggers is asking the Board to consider a
$5,000.00 commitment from the Gifts to the Town Account. Once this is done, Ms. Neggers said she would bring back a proposed contractor. This is strictly for energy.
Mr. Goodrich made a motion to commit $5,000.00from Gifts to the Town Account to proceed with the grant application through Rebuild Western Mass. Mr. Maia seconded and it was so VOTED.
c/2. Ms. Neggers said the other discussion internally is a lot of people in the community have expressed concern with the future of the 110 Main Street Building. Ms. Neggers said they were wondering if the Selectmen would consider creating a Town Office Building Committee to review the options and to help figure out the facts needed and to engage the community at that level.
Mr. Goodrich said he felt the concept of having a Town Office Building Committee is appropriate, however the timing of it is a little early as the town hasn’t finalized with the insurance company yet, and Mr. Goodrich felt it would really depend on what could be finalized with the insurance company as far as what can be done with the building.
Mr. Maia said he would like to get the input from residents at a town meeting style forum before the creation of a committee.
Dr. Smith said he can see the need in some ways as it would free up some time for Ms. Neggers and hopefully, either now or in the future, get some people who are knowledgably on all of the aspects of rebuilding or repairing who could possibly help in coming up with some of the cost figures.
Mr. Goodrich said he agrees when we get close to that stage, but noted we aren’t even close to that until we hear what the final numbers are going to be from the insurance company.
Ms. Neggers said she exchanged emails with the insurance company today and he agreed to put the discussion off until the first of the year.
Mr. Goodrich suggested to set up a meeting in the beginning of the new year, as early as possible, to get back with moving on this.
Ms. Neggers noted we do have an estimate of $200,000 to demolish the building. The piece she can’t put together is the cost of putting up a new building.
Ms. Neggers said Police Chief Stephen Kozloski has been working with State 9-1-1, and if we were in fact to adopt a regional dispatch facility, the state has changed its guidelines and they will help offset construction costs for that, even if it is part of another structure. The state has $8 million available next year for construction costs for a regional facility.
2012 License Renewals:
Mr. Goodrich made a motion to approve the common victualer – all alcoholic liquor licenses for the following: Ramadon Enterprises, Inc. d/b/a CJ’s Restaurant; Orange Lantern d/b/a Magic Lantern; Tee Jay’s, Golf Two Enterprises, Inc. d/b/a Quaboag-Valhalla Restaurant; Quaboag Riders, Inc. and Beth & Deb’s Family Dining d/b/a Beth’s Family Dining. Mr. Maia seconded and it was so VOTED.
Mr. Goodrich made a motion to approve the retail package store licenses as follows: JHHM, LLC d/b/a DeMaio Discount Package Store, Inc.; Monson Markets, Inc. d/b/a Adams Discount Liquors and Peter LePoer d/b/a Main Street Liquors.
Mr. Maia noted JHHM, LLC doing business as DeMaio Discount Package Store, Inc. attended a violation hearing during the Selectmen’s meeting several weeks ago and stated they would be attending a TIP’s class, as required. It was agreed to ask the owner to submit proof of their certification from the course. It was also noted Main Street Liquor has submitted their application and paid for their license, but they have been closed for approximately six months. Ms. Neggers said they have indicated they plan on reopening but there is no time-line on the application. The Board of Selectmen agreed to formally invite the owner in for an update on the business.
Mr. Maia seconded and it was so VOTED.
Mr. Goodrich made a motion to approve the Club license for the Polish American Citizens Club. Mr. Maia seconded and it was so VOTED.
Mr. Goodrich made a motion to approve the common victualer (wines/malts) license for Maria’s Pizzeria and Seafood, Inc. Mr. Maia seconded and it was so VOTED.
Mr. Goodrich made a motion to approve the entertainment licenses for the following: Tee Jays, Inc.; Golf Two Enterprises, Inc. d/b/a Quaboag-Valhalla Restaurant; Polish American Citizens Club; Orange Lantern d/b/a Magic Lantern; Partridge Hollow Camping Area; and Sunsetview Farm Camping Area. Mr. Maia seconded and it was so VOTED.
Mr. Goodrich made a motion to approve the automatic amusement licenses for the following: Tee Jay’s, Inc.; Polish American Citizens Club; Orange Lantern d/b/a Magic Lantern; Partridge Hollow Camping Area; and Sunsetview Farm Camping Area. Mr. Maia seconded and it was so VOTED.
Mr. Maia made a motion to approve the motor vehicle class I licenses for the following: Ray’s Mobile Home Park and Trailers of New England, Inc. Mr. Goodrich seconded and it was so VOTED.
Mr. Maia made a motion to approve the motor vehicle class II licenses for the following: John Bee Auto Body; P & F Auto Parts; Liz Motor Sales; Trailers of New England, Inc.; Northeastern Commercial Development Corp. d/b/a Lou Rivers Used Cars; and Paul Racine d/b/a Paul’s Auto Sales. Mr. Goodrich seconded and it was so VOTED.
Mr. Maia made a motion to approve the motor vehicle class III licenses for the following: Scantic Auto Service; P & F Auto Parts and Raymond LaBonte d/b/a LaBonte’s. Mr. Goodrich seconded and it was so VOTED.
Authorize the Refinancing of the School Bond:
Ms. Neggers explained Town Treasurer Cristina Pedro, has been working with our financial advisor at Eastern Bank and determined the remaining bonds that we owe on our school construction can be refinanced at significantly lower interest rates.
Mr. Goodrich made a motion to authorize the Town Treasurer to apply to the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, Municipal Finance Oversight Board, for permission to issue bonds to the town as the state qualified bonds within the meaning of Chapter 44A M.G. L. Mr. Maia seconded and it was so VOTED.
Mr. Goodrich made a motion to authorize the qualified Bond Act application, wherein the Town of Monson requests the Municipal Finance Oversight Board authorization under Chapter 44A to issue bonds pursuant to the qualified bond Act. Mr. Maia seconded and it was so VOTED.
Correspondence was read and completed.
In Other Business to Come Before the Board of Selectmen:
- Karen King approached the Board of Selectmen with an update on the Long Term Recovery and explained they are collaborating with the Street Angels. A large gathering was held on Saturday with 63 families, and over 153 people in attendance, and after that they visited another 40 families. Ms. King said they are in the phase where people are having rebuilding and insurance issues and encouraged people to continue calling Lorri Stacy with any questions or concerns regarding the Long Term Recovery at 267-4143.
- Mr. Goodrich noted nomination papers can now be taken out in the Clerk’s Office by anyone wishing to serve the community on various boards and committees.
At 8:10 p.m., Mr. Goodrich made a motion to adjourn from open session to go into executive session to conduct contract negotiations with non-union personnel – MGL c. 30A, Sec. 21 (2), not to return to open session. Mr. Maia seconded and it was so VOTED.
______________________
Edward A. Maia, Clerk
| 
