Members Present: Stephen C. Lobik Chairman, Vice Chairman Douglas R. North, Clerk Marshall L. Harris
Superintendent: Craig W. Jalbert
Secretary: Dale Barnes-Johnson
Open the Meeting: The meeting was called to order at 6:30 p.m.
Accept the Minutes: A motion was made by Marty and seconded by Doug to accept the meeting minutes of August 1, 2007. Motion passed unanimously.
OLD BUSINESS:
S.R.F. Project ~ Updates: The Notice of Intent for Fern Hill Rd. has been received from Tata & Howard (T&H), and copies have been signed and delivered to the appropriate parties. We should be able to receive final word from the Conservation Commission at their meeting on September 12, 2007.
The Orders of Taking were adopted by the Selectmen at their meeting on August 14th. The Award of Damages will now take place (Nancy Beauregard $37,500.00) and (Jennifer Garman $4,150.00). Rocky Mountain Wood Company was the low bidder for the tree removal at the new tank site and he began work on the 28th. A new driveway was constructed to the site for easier access during the tree removal and for later during construction. The Highway Department graciously installed the new driveway apron and culvert for us. Craig also received excellent assistance from National Grid who installed two new poles to address low hanging Comcast and Verizon cables.
T&H will be coming out next week to discuss the FM telemetering communication proposal & concept with the contractor who installed South Hadley’s system. Karen will also have preliminary plans for the Tank, Pump Station and Fern Hill.
Sewer System ~ Update: No real updates, everything is running fine. Lagrant Electric still needs to install lightning and surge protection to protect the control panel of the Channel Monster unit.
Water System ~ Update: It has been very very busy. Last Friday (August 17th) before Craig’s vacation while replacing a service line that had failed earlier in the week (66 Margaret Street) another water leak occurred at 346 Main Street requiring immediate attention, upon completion of that repair around 2 o’clock, Craig and Tom went back to Margaret Street and by working late completed that repair. When Craig came back from vacation on Monday morning they faced a water main break on Crest Road. National Grid needed to come out and secure the pole near the water main during repairs. While this was going on Lamcotec decided to proceed with their plans to relocate their Fire and Domestic Water Service.
Water Sewer Position: The interview process will begin next week, there are approximately six candidates.
Delinquent Accounts: Unfortunately today was the termination date for those accounts with outstanding past due balances. Two accounts had people living in the house not paying their bill. One was shut off; the other called the Board of Health and pleaded for a two week extension which they were granted. The BOH will send them a letter requesting they appear at their next meeting. They meet Wednesday, September 5th at 7:30, Craig and the Town Collector will also be in attendance.
Craig discussed the circumstances with Gary Allard, BOH Co-chair. The Collection process was followed in accordance to Mass General Laws, yet this particular account has not had a dime paid on it in a year was given an extension by the BOH. Craig’s concern is what happens after it is left unpaid after the two week extension. Craig expressed his apprehension in setting precedence. Craig hopes in the future that the BOH will take action earlier in the process vs. being contacted as a last ditch effort when they have had plenty of opportunities to address their debts.
Two other delinquent accounts are rental properties and are being handled accordingly; one is awaiting a foreclosure deed.
NEW BUISINESS:
Casino: The Board of Selectmen would like to have an impact statement from departments and establish a committee to study local impact/concerns. Discussion took place on the impact potential growth may cause the department, which is already struggling to handle inspections and overseeing new developments and constructions taking place now. As far as our water sources, the wells we have in place now in addition to the SRF project improvements to Bethany Road will handle our present needs and any reasonable growth. With regards to sewer, our pump station is operating at approximately 33% of capacity so we have room for growth and Craig believes if the new casino were to use Palmer’s Treatment plant the extra flow would lower our costs at the Palmer Plant which could stabilize our sewer
rate for ten or so years. The Board of Selectmen will host a regional Selectman/Town Manager/Administrator forum September 12 at the Monson Free Library open to surrounding region.
NEXT MEETING: The next meeting has been set for Wednesday, September 19, 2007 at 6:30 p.m.
ADJOURN: At 7:40 p.m., a motion was made by Doug and seconded by Marty to adjourn. Motion passed unanimously.
___________________________________
Marshall L. Harris, Clerk
cc: Selectmen
| 
