MONTEREY SELECT BOARD
MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF OCTOBER 17, 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
· Richard Piepho of 84 Beartown Mountain Road met with the Board to discuss the condition of Fairview Road.
· The Board met with Building Commissioner Don Torrico to review building items.
· Muriel Lazzarini of Main Road was present to discuss the Town’s response to recent flood conditions affecting the Town. Miller stated that the Board is concerned about gaps in the Town’s emergency response and is looking to address the problems. Fire Chief Ray Tryon was present to respond to complaints regarding the Fire Department’s refusal to employ its pumps to help homeowners; Tryon stated that the department does not have a trash pump or mud pump suitable for pumping flooded basements. Police Chief Gareth Backhaus stated that numerous citizen calls had been received asking for emergency help. Storch suggested
that the Town look into the purchase of mud/trash pumps to address emergency flooding situations. Miller asked that emergency plans address the safety of all households in Town.
· The Board met with Operations Director Maynard Forbes to review Highway Department items. Forbes submitted a list of Town roads that were damaged in the storm of October 7-13, 2005, including a preliminary road repair estimate amounting to $234,000. Town Accountant Barbara Gauthier stated that the Town will have to borrow money for the repairs and then look to the state for some reimbursement; state representatives should be lobbied in this regard. The Board approved the proposed repairs as outlined in the estimate. Additionally, the Board commended the Highway Department for its timely effort in addressing road conditions during the flood emergency.
· The Board discussed the Joint Pole Order signed on October 3 but not released as the result of an onsite inspection by Storch. Operations Director Maynard Forbes recommended that the pole be moved 10 ft. east of the original site.
· Fire Chief Ray Tryon advised that the dam behind the Monterey Library was severely damaged by the recent storm.
· Dale Duryea was present at the Board’s request to explain the removal of beaver and the requirement of abutters’ permission for trapping beaver. Miller stated that abutters would be contacted regarding the trapping of beaver. Storch commended Duryea’s wildlife control efforts. Duryea advised the Board of pending state legislation on trapping that would alleviate the beaver situation. Duryea recommended that all members of the Highway Department and Police Department who might come into contact with wild animals obtain up-to-date rabies shots; the Board later noted that both departments have now been advised of this instruction.
· Janet Cathcart addressed the Board regarding the Notice of Intent for the drawdown of Lake Garfield. Cathcart will arrange for meetings with the Conservation Commission on November 14 and December 12 in this regard.
· The Board met with Donald Nutting of Massachusetts Electric Company and Tree Warden Roger Tryon regarding the Joint Pole Order signed on October 3 (see above). Miller stated that the Board will follow Operations Director Marynard Forbes’ recommendation that the pole be moved 10 ft. east and that no trees be cut. Tryon disputed the Town’s policy of setting the meter box at a 90-degree angle. The dispute was solved with the decision to leave the pole location at the site indicated in the original petition but move the electrical box to a site 90 degrees behind the pole location.
· The Board met with Town Secretary Melissa Noe to review Town Office items, as follows:
o Personal Day: Linda Thorpe will substitute for Noe on November 3
o Unsafe wooden ladder: Permission to dispose of
o Map Request
o Conservation Commission work: Separate billing for work done outside office hours
o Mileage reimbursement: The Board approved an increase in the mileage reimbursement rate from 32¢ to 40¢ per mile
o Sexual Harassment policy
· Highway and Treasury Warrants were signed.
· The clerk was given instructions regarding correspondence.
· The Minutes of October 3, 2005, were approved as written.
· It was unanimously voted that the meeting be adjourned (12:05 p.m.).
Judith Kales, Clerk
Monterey Select Board
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