Monterey Select Board
Minutes of the meeting of 7/13/09
Meeting Opened at: 4:00pm
Select Board Members Present: Scott Jenssen, Chairperson and Jon Sylbert (arrived at 4:40pm)
Also in attendance for parts of the meeting: Sue Protheroe for the Monterey News, Julio Rodriguez (Friends of Lake Garfield), Fred Vorck (Lake Buel Prudential Committee), Donald Torrico, Building Commissioner and Paula Hatch (Lake Buel Prudential Committee)
The board met with Inter-Departmental Secretary, Melissa Noe to review the following items:
1. Weekly report was reviewed.
2. M. Noe reviewed the conversation had with Jack Sheppard of the Public Access Board, Department of Fish and Game regarding closing the boat ramps due to the potential zebra mussel problem. Jack stated that:
a. There was no science behind closing a ramp.
b. The mussels that were found in Laurel Lake were larvae which means that they’ve been in there for at least 3 years.
c. Boats are not the only means for transporting the mussels, birds such as geese and ducks can also transport them and if lakes with public beaches pose a threat as well.
d. State boat ramps can not be closed without his authorization and those that have closed unauthorized may be required to reopen.
e. A team of engineers and scientists are working on a management plan and he will send this out as soon as it is ready.
f. He stated that in order for the zebra mussels to thrive the body of water they are in must meet certain conditions (calcium content, temperature, and other variables). He noted that the preliminary testing done on Lake Garfield has shown that they would not survive there. He will get back to me once results have been received regarding Lake Buel. On Tuesday, July 14th Jack Sheppard called to let me know there had been a miscommunication and that the testing of Lake Garfield has not been completed and that based on recent information provided to him it is likely that Lake Garfield may be susceptible to zebra mussels. He did note that the state is not closing any boat ramps in the Berkshires besides the Laurel Lake one which is only temporary
while the state drafts an action plan.
Miscellaneous Select Board Items Reviewed:
1. Warrants were signed.
2. The minutes from 7.6.09 were approved as written.
3. The Board approved a one day alcohol sales permit for the Monterey Fire Department’s annual steak roast on the 25th.
4. The Board discussed a request to have an emergency phone at Greene Park/Town Hall for emergencies that occur in the park or during sporting events when the Town Hall is not accessible; currently without cell phone service there isn’t a way to contact emergency medical services. The Board agreed and will speak to the Police Chief.
5. The Board also reviewed a request to have grills installed at the town beach and Greene Park; this was tabled to discuss at a later date.
6. The Board discussed switching trash removal companies for pickup of the Town Hall trash. Currently C&C is used and costs $33.50/month and a quote was given by Roger Trucking for $28.50/month. The Board approved the switch.
7. Julio Rodriguez came in to ask about closing the Lake Garfield boat ramp; the board reiterated what the Public Access Board has stated (noted above in number 2 under M. Noe).
8. Donald Torrico was asked to come in to talk with the Board about options for the proposed basketball court and the land that will be given to the Town which was part of Mr. Greene’s original intentions. A variance will be required. D. Torrico was asked for his opinion as the Zoning Enforcement Officer on the likelihood of a variance being granted due to a hardship of the current situation with the proximity of the current basketball court and softball field. Don noted that under 521 CMR a blacktopped walkway will need to be installed to allow handicap accessibility to the basketball court. The Board suggested asking Ms. Torrico (abutting landowner) for an additional 15 feet to be donated so that the Town would not need to apply for a variance.
9. Donald Torrico informed the Board of a violation he investigated which was reported by the Conservation Commission for a structure (retaining wall) being installed without any permits in the setback on Buckingham Lane.
The Board voted to disband the Public Boat Ramp Committee and Jon Sylbert informed M. Noe that the Wilson McLaughlin House Scholarship Committee Select Board Representative member isn’t an appointed position, one Select Board member is automatically on it.
11. Paula Hatch and Fred Vorck of the Lake Buel Prudential Committee came in to discuss the following:
a. zebra mussels and closing the Lake Buel boat ramp; the board reiterated what the Public Access Board has stated (noted above in number 2 under M. Noe). Paula asked if a preventative plan could be put in place should Jack Sheppard decide that he is not going to reverse the unauthorized closures of boat ramps in the area and if it’s determined that Lake Buel is a nurturing environment. Fred stated that if the Lake Buel Boat ramp were to be closed access would be needed for the truck that loads the harvester, for emergency access and to remove any boats that had a problem and might be in danger of sinking. Fred noted that David Logan wrote a letter to Jack Sheppard yesterday that the Lake Buel Prudential Committee has no objections to the ramp being closed should the mussels
pose a threat to Lake Buel. The Board noted that they would also like to speak with Gareth Backhaus, the Police Chief and Harbormaster about his concerns with keeping it open or closing it. The Board is going to contact Jack Sheppard again to make him aware that the Board is extremely concerned and is considering closing the Lake Buel boat ramp by Friday. Paula also asked the Board to follow up with the State on the responsibility to clean out the installed catch basins at Lake Buel that have been neglected.
b. Paula also asked for an update on the Shaun Tucker 40B development proposal at the top of West Rd. The Board reviewed what they went over with the West Rd residents at a meeting a few weeks ago.
c. Fred asked what the plans were for the old Leeside Lodge property; the board has not been made aware of anything official and could not comment.
A motion was made and unanimously approved to adjourn the meeting at: 6:00pm
Submitted by:
Melissa Noe, Inter-Departmental Secretary
Approved by:
Monterey Select Board
Select Board Members
Minutes Book
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