MONTEREY SELECT BOARD
MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF MAY 9, 2005
The regular weekly meeting of the Monterey Select Board was opened at 8:30 a.m. with members Michèle Miller (Chair), Michael Storch, and Jonathan Sylbert all present.
In attendance for the meeting: Laurily Epstein of the Monterey News
· Town Clerk Barbara Swann was present to administer the oath of office to Selectman Jonathan Sylbert, who was re-elected at the Annual Town Election on May 7, 2005, to a new three-year term.
· The Board met with Building Commissioner Don Torrico to review building items.
· The Board met with Chief Gareth Backhaus to review Police Department item. There was discussion of the enforcement of the new jet-ski bylaw; Backhaus will obtain a copy of the law from the Town Clerk.
· Robert Lazzarini, a newly elected member of the Board of Assessors, was present to discuss health care benefits for retired employees. Lazzarini recommended formation of a committee to study the options in this regard.
· The Board met with Director of Operations Maynard Forbes to review Highway Department items, as follows:
o Loader bid: On the recommendation of the Operations Director, the bid of Tyler Equipment Corp. of East Longmeadow was accepted for the purchase of a new Volvo Wheel loader, model L60E, as specified in its bid of April 8, 2005, with all three options for a total price of $99,565, including trade-in of the town’s Dresser 520B.
o Fairview Road: Discussion of engineering study and draft of proposed budget for repair of road.
o Bids: Board will review and authorize proposed gravel and stone bid; the bid opening was scheduled for Monday, June 13, 2005, at 11 a.m.
o Select Board road inspection: Rescheduled for Monday, June 13, at 8:30 a.m.
· It was moved by Storch, seconded by Sylbert, and unanimously voted to appoint Michèle Miller as Select Board chair.
· The Board welcomed State Representative William (“Smitty”) Pignatelli to the meeting. There was discussion of the imposition by District Attorney David Capeless of mandatory minimum sentences for drug violations within a school zone. The Board asked Pignatelli to address the issue with the D.A.; the Board will also ask that the item be placed on the agenda for discussion at the upcoming dinner meeting of the Berkshire County Selectmen Association, scheduled for May 26. Also discussed was the Board’s recent request that Representative Pignatelli and State Senator Andrea Nuciforo pursue legislative regulations to provide DSL service state-wide.
The Board believes that lack of adequate Internet service puts the region at a disadvantage both economically and educationally. The Board also addressed the question of single-payer health insurance and asked how the Town might best promote such an option. Pignatelli stated that he supports a constitutional amendment that would guarantee universal health insurance.
SELECT BOARD MINUTES - 2 - MAY 9, 2005
· Stanley Ross, chair of the Board of Assessors, advised that a new server has been ordered for the Town’s computer system; there was discussion of where the new equipment will be sited. In another matter, Ross outlined the procedure for revaluation of the Town.
· Jim Edelman made an inquiry to the Board regarding participation in the Education Committee. Sylbert will organize the committee’s initial meeting and announce the date in the Monterey News (tentative date: Wednesday, June 20).
· Muriel Lazzarini presented the Board with a list of townspeople who are interested in becoming involved in Town affairs and who should be considered for appointment to Town boards and committees.
· Ray Tryon addressed the Board on the subject of maintenance of dirt and gravel roads, specifically the provision of adequate surface and subsurface drainage and the need for regular inspections of drainage facilities such as culverts and catch basins. Tryon also commented on various engineering recommendations for the repair of Fairview Road.
· Janet Cathcart, president of the Lake Garfield Association, met with the Board to inquire about the status of the annual drawdown of Lake Garfield. The Board will query the Conservation Commission in this regard. In another matter, there was discussion of LakeFest and the Town’s role in sponsoring the event.
· The Board met with Administrative Assistant Bonnie Tedder to discuss Town Office items, including the Open Space Plan. The Board will ask the Conservation Commission, the Planning Board, and the Zoning Board of Appeals to provide input on the plan so that approval can be sought.
· Riccardo Boehm was present to express his interest in serving on the Planning Board; he was advised to contact the Planning Board in this regard.
· The Board met with architect David Bixby and Building Commissioner Don Torrico to review the outstanding items to be completed in the Town Hall renovation.
· Highway and Treasury Warrants were signed.
· The clerk was given instructions regarding correspondence.
· The Minutes of May 2, 2005, were approved as written.
· It was unanimously voted that the meeting be adjourned (12:45 p.m.).
Judith Kales, Clerk
Monterey Select Board
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