MONTEREY SELECT BOARD
MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF FEBRUARY 7, 2005
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: Larry Klein, Laurily Epstein of the Monterey News
· The Board met with Director of Operations Maynard Forbes to review Highway Department items, as follows:
o Fairview Road accident (1/31/05): Forbes reported that the truck’s brakes were shown to be defective
o Highway Department budget: Forbes submitted budget sheets distributed by the Finance Committee
o Fairview Road signs: The Board asked that Forbes post signs banning through truck traffic on Fairview Road, with the exception of local delivery
· The Board met with Building Commissioner Don Torrico, Inspector of Wires Nick Fredsall, and Gas Inspector/Plumbing Inspector Robert Krupski to discuss their meeting regarding building department protocol. Several items were discussed, as follows:
o New building permit form
o Mileage allowance: Discussion regarding a set amount each year, vs. a separate filing for each inspection. Consensus among the inspectors is an annual amount based on an average number of inspections; the Board will consult with the Town Accountant in this regard
o Continuing education: Storch questioned whether this item is justified for part-time inspectors. Krupski responded that State law mandates continuing education
o Salary: Fredsall advised that he has requested a salary increase, citing several reasons, including a rise in gasoline prices
o Request for Town Officer IDs: Cards were issued and photographs were taken
o Town Hall keys: Torrico will provide the inspectors with keys
o Building Permit fees: There was a suggestion made that a minimum fee was recommended and will be considered by the Board.
· The Board met with Chief Gareth Backhaus to review Police Department items, as follows:
o Fairview Road accident, 1/31/05: Backhaus reviewed the details of the accident. Investigation showed that faulty brakes were the cause of the accident. The truck’s owner will be bringing in an engineer to look at the accident site. The Board advised Backhaus that NO THROUGH TRUCKING signs will be placed on Fairview Road.
· The Board noted the absence of representatives from the Planning Board for the 10 a.m. scheduled meeting to discuss Planning Board appointments []. The Select Board will continue to pursue fulfilling these vacancies.
· The Board met again with Building Commissioner Don Torrico to review building items, as follows:
o Building Commissioner Clerk: The Board gave its approval to the hiring of an applicant for the position of part-time clerk
o Gould Farm permit
· Fire Chief Ray Tryon was present to advise the Board that the Fire Department is applying to the Commonwealth of Massachusetts for a grant in the amount of $15,000 to purchase several items, including a thermal imager (camera).
· The Board met with Town Accountant Barbara Gauthier to work through Finance Committee budget request sheets. There was lengthy discussion regarding the cost of managing the Town’s computer system; the Board will consider whether the job of Network Administrator needs to be expanded and will write a job description in this regard. It was noted that Computer Software & Support is currently budgeted for $10,000 per annum.
· Fire Chief Ray Tryon reported his concern regarding the 10-ton weight-limit sign at the Beartown Mountain Road bridge, which he termed a culvert; Tryon stated that such signage would prohibit Fire Department trucks from the road. The Board questioned the posting of such sign and directed the Fire Department to respond to all calls for Beartown Mountain Road.
· Highway and Treasury Warrants were signed.
· The clerk was given instructions regarding correspondence.
· The Minutes of January 31, 2005, 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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