MONTEREY SELECT BOARD
MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF FEBRUARY 14, 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: Laurily Epstein of the Monterey News
· The Board met with Chief Gareth Backhaus to review Police Department items.
· The Board met with Director of Operations Maynard Forbes to review Highway Department items.
· The Board met with Building Commissioner Don Torrico to review building items, as follows:
o Building Commissioner budget: Torrico requested that his expenses be made a separate line item in the budget
o Building Permit fee exemptions: The Board inquired about exemptions where a building permit fee could be waived in the case of work performed by homeowners below a specified amount of money. Miller requested that no fee be waived but suggested a lower permit fee when a project cost is under a specified amount. Torrico will provide the Board with a proposal for this option
o Building Department clerk: Torrico introduced Gina Ball to the Select Board as his choice for Building Department clerk. The Board approved of his choice and agreed to compensation of $12.50 per hour as starting pay.
· The Board met with Finance Committee chair Stanley Ross to discuss budget requests and the committee’s upcoming presentation at the All-Boards Meeting, scheduled for 7 p.m. The Board asked that the Finance Committee inform everyone at the meeting as to the responsibilities and duties of the committee and explain what it is currently doing.
· Linda Thorpe presented ID cards for plumbing and wiring inspectors for lamination.
· Monica Webb and Hillel Maximon, both residents of Beartown Mountain Road met with the Board to discuss their concerns regarding the poor condition of Beartown Mountain Road, specifically the section of road from No. 151 to the intersection with Laurel Hemlock Road. Joining them in their concerns, but not present, are the Stantons and the Hamms, all residents of Beartown Mountain Road. Maximon stated that Ray Tryon had been consulted, and he had indicated that the Town’s emergency vehicles would not be able to pass the above-specified section of road in an emergency situation. Photographs were presented showing the deep ruts and poor
condition of the road. Webb and Maximon both indicated that they were not interested in oil and stone or any paving on Beartown Mountain Road, but rather some other type of remediation. Speed limits were discussed and the heavy usage of contractors and loggers on that road. The Board proposed that speed-limit signs be installed to slow down vehicles exceeding the speed limit; the Board will also discuss with Forbes the proper maintenance of the road to help alleviate the ongoing problems. The Board also indicated that quite possibly nothing could be done before spring or the end of mud season. Cones to slow down travelers and installation of gravel in the ruts were discussed. A memorandum was written to Forbes asking his advice as to what type of temporary solution could be made.
· The Board accepted a telephone call from Ruth Swart (243-3136), owner of property at 9 Brace Road, who asked whether Brace Road could be kept open by the Town, since she has a potential buyer for her property off Tyringham Road. The Board will discuss the legal status of Brace Road with Operations Director Maynard Forbes.
· The Board discussed with Town Accountant Barbara Gauthier the process of itemizing the Building Commissioner’s expenses and keeping them separate from the rest of the office expenditures. Also discussed were budget items.
· Building Commissioner Don Torrico met again with the Board to ask whose purview it is to determine “views” in certain building permit applications. Jerry Kelly, a contractor, queried the Board about a proposed project requiring an expansion to a second floor of a cottage on Lime Rock Road. The proposed work falls within the setbacks, but there are issues concerning blocking by the structure of the neighbors’ “views.” The Board will take this matter under advisement.
· The Board will discuss with the Town Accountant how to break up the Town Office budget in order to keep track of all department office expenses.
· Chuck Mielke was present to state his interest in appointment to the position of School Committee Representative, since this position will be open in May 2005. Mielke indicated that there was debate among townspeople regarding whether the Town should remain in the school district and the possibility of opening its own school.
· Highway and Treasury Warrants were signed. The clerk was given instructions regarding correspondence.
· The Minutes of February 7, 2005, were approved as written.
· It was unanimously voted that the meeting be adjourned (12:15 p.m.).
Bonnie Tedder, Acting Clerk
Monterey Select Board
| 
