BOARD OF SELECTMEN
TUESDAY, MARCH 11, 2014
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 Edward A. Maia, Edward S. Harrison and Dr. Richard M. Smith. Also present were Town Administrator Evan Brassard and the media.
The Pledge of Allegiance was recited.
Acceptance of Meeting Minutes:
Dr. Smith made a motion to accept the meeting minutes for February 25, 2014 – open and executive sessions. Mr. Harrison seconded and it was so VOTED.
Annual Town Meeting – Opening of Warrant and Scheduling of Special Town Meeting within the Annual Town Meeting:
Mr. Brassard noted the Annual Town Meeting is scheduled for May 12th at 7:00 p.m., in Granite Valley Middle School.
Mr. Harrison made a motion to set the Special Town Meeting on May 12, 2014 at 7:00 p.m. in Granite Valley Middle School. Dr. Smith seconded and it was unanimously VOTED.
Mr. Harrison mad a motion to open the warrants for the Annual Town Meeting, and Special Town Meeting within the Annual Town Meeting, and to close them at a later date. Dr. Smith seconded and it was unanimously VOTED.
Legal Fees – Check Received to Cover the Cost of Legal Fees for Casino:
Mr. Brassard explained the town had put in for consideration to have our fees covered for the legal work done regarding the casino, totaling roughly $12,000.00, and noted we have received a check reimbursing the expenditures 100%.
School Department – Presentation of FY2015 Budget Proposal (Power Point Presentation):
School Superintendent Cheryl Clarke approached the Board of Selectmen and presented the attached PowerPoint presentation of the School’s budget.
Following the presentation, Mr. Maia thanked Ms. Clarke for a budget presentation that is honest, and for figuring out what the problems are and for being creative in finding a solution.
Dr. Smith said he applauds Ms. Clarke for coming in and presenting this information to the Board of Selectmen and the community. Dr. Smith also noted he appreciates her goals, and the approach they are using to achieve them.
Ms. Clarke said she will be presenting this budget presentation to the Finance Committee at their meeting on Monday night.
Appointment of Part Time Officer for Monson Police Department:
Police Chief Stephen Kozloski approached the Board of Selectmen along with Officer James Daniels. Chief Kozloski explained Officer Daniels background and noted, Officer Daniels previously worked for Monson as a part-time officer from 1994 to 1998, leaving for another position elsewhere. Officer Daniels is now looking to come back to Monson for part-time employment.
Mr. Harrison made a motion to appoint James Daniels as a part-time officer for the Town of Monson effective immediately through June 30, 2014. Dr. Smith seconded and it was unanimously VOTED.
Grant of Easement – New Town Offices/Police Station:
Mr. Brassard explained National Grid needs to be granted an easement to access a section of property at the site of the new Town Office/Police Facility building to run the electrical service and to maintain it in the future.
Mr. Harrison made a motion to grant an easement to National Grid, in order to provide power to the new Town Offices and Police Station, and as needed. Dr. Smith seconded and it was unanimously VOTED.
In New Business to Come Before the Board:
- Mr. Brassard stated a request was received from the Monson Arts Council for the placement of a banner across Main Street from March 23rd to April 15, 2014 announcing their Art Show. They understand the town no longer has the bucket truck and they have arranged for the Paine Gang to put the banner up and take it down for them.
Mr. Harrison made a motion to approve the request as presented. Dr. Smith seconded and it was unanimously VOTED.
- Mr. Brassard noted a Community Development Block Grant was just received in the amount of $120,000 to update the drainage on the access road to Flynt Park. This is a Block Grant that Town Planner Dan Laroche applied for. The Board thanked Mr. Laroche.
Correspondence was read and completed.
At 7:38 p.m., Mr. Harrison made a motion to adjourn from open session to go into executive session to discuss strategy with respect to collective bargaining or litigation – pursuant to M.G.L. c. 30A § 21 (3), not to return to open session. Dr. Smith seconded and it was unanimously VOTED.
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Dr. Richard M. Smith, Clerk
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