MONTEREY SELECT BOARD
MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF JUNE 21, 2004
The regular weekly meeting of the Monterey Select Board was opened at 8:30 a.m. with members Jonathan Sylbert (Chair), Michèle Miller, and Michael Storch all present.
In attendance for the meeting: George Emmons of the Monterey News
· The Board met with Chief Gareth Backhaus to review Police Department items. Backhaus advised of the purchase of a new laptop computer for the police cruiser.
· The Board met with Operations Director Maynard Forbes to review Highway Department items. In his capacity as Transfer Station Manager, Forbes submitted a proposal for Transfer Station fees, which the Board adopted, as follows:
$ 35 Residential (includes two stickers)
$100 Small business
$100 Commercial hauler, with a list of customers
$700 Gould Farm (= 20 stickers)
Forbes also recommended that the Solid Waste Committee be asked to develop a plan for trash disposal and an educational plan to increase recycling.
· There was discussion with Town Accountant Barbara Gauthier regarding salary payments to several Town Officers.
· The Board met with Town Clerk Barbara Swann to discuss several items, as follows:
o Purchase of a voting machine for the November 2004 election
o Survey of regional Town Counsel salaries and recommendations for the appointment of a new Town Counsel
o Need for permanent secure storage for Town records: Swann advised that the Town is not currently in compliance with State-mandated requirements
On Swann’s recommendation, it was moved by Storch, seconded by Miller, and unanimously voted that all members of the Monterey Fire Department be designated Special Municipal Employees.
· Ray Tryon met with the Board to discuss several items, as follows:
o Parking at Town Hall on Saturday mornings
o Removal of telephone at Town Beach: the Board will contact the Park Commission and ask that the phone be restored
o Appointment of an Alternate Fire Inspector: Tryon stated there was no need for such appointment and no licensing requirements for either the Fire Inspector or Alternate
· At 11 a.m. the Board met with Wilson/McLaughlin Committee members Shirley Olds, Gige O’Connell, and Lew Scheffey. The Committee submitted a report of its findings and actions regarding the Wilson/McLaughlin property (copy attached to Minutes). The Board urged the committee to establish a specific plan for the house, both short- and long-term, and look for funding for its rehabilitation; possible sources include a Heritage Fund grant and other private funding. The committee asked that a volunteer work party be designated to provide needed repairs and maintenance. There was discussion of appointment of additional committee members,
particularly younger members. The Board suggested that the committee be in touch with the Monterey Cultural Council, perhaps even applying for a grant, and with the Bidwell House.
· At 11:30 a.m. the Board met with Janet Cathcart, president of the Lake Garfield Association, to discuss plans for LakeFest, scheduled for Saturday, August 28 (rain date: Aug. 29). There was discussion of measures to ensure safety during the fireworks display. Cathcart submitted a Fireworks Display Agreement with Berkshire Fireworks Company for the Board’s signature as co-sponsor of the event; the Agreement was not signed pending the recommendation of Town Counsel.
· The Board met with Building Commissioner Don Torrico to discuss building permit items. There was discussion of Town bylaws and the lack of regulations regarding noise pollution and environmental standards. Torrico will submit a draft of proposed new bylaw provisions to address these items. Torrico stated that he will require a larger work space than has been allocated to him by sharing the Assessors’ office; the Board will consider a new location for Torrico’s office.
· The Board scheduled an All-Boards Meeting for Wednesday, July 7, at 7 p.m. at the Town Offices in order to introduce the new Building Commissioner and to review zoning bylaw issues.
· Highway and Treasury Warrants were signed.
· The clerk was given instructions regarding correspondence.
· The Minutes of June 14, 2004, were approved as written.
· It was unanimously voted that the meeting be adjourned (12:15 p.m.).
Judith Kales, Clerk
Monterey Select Board
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