Monterey Select Board
Minutes of the meeting of 10/22/12
Meeting Opened at: 9am
Select Board Members Present: Scott Jenssen, Chairperson, Muriel Lazzarini and Wayne Burkhart
Also in attendance for parts of the meeting: Susan Gallant for the Monterey News, Chris Blair, Deb Mielke, Don Torrico and Karen Shreefter
The board met with Director of Operations, Maynard Forbes’ to review the following:
Chris Blair of the Conservation Commission came in to discuss the Beartown Mtn Rd culvert replacement which was done without permits. The project is under scrutiny by DEP and they have advised the Conservation Commission to do something about it or they would. The Conservation Commission made a site visit with Maynard last week and they feel that the project was done with the materials that DEP would’ve required and was completed as DEP would’ve required. The Conservation Commission is issuing an Enforcement Order for the work being completed without a permit. The Order will require that the town file a retroactive NOI and going forward the town prepare a generic NOI for maintenance projects (bundling) for the upcoming year. There isn’t a fee for the NOI but there will be a
fee for someone to prepare the NOI. Chris stated that after the site visit he is confident in stating that the work done was done very well.
1. The work done on RT23 near RT57 was done to accommodate the new access road for the cell tower on the Bounous property. Maynard stated that the town provided the culvert for the project but AT&T is responsible for paying for the labor, trucks, other materials, etc.
2. Reports for the weeks ending 9/29, 9/22, 9/15, 10/6, 10/16 & 10/20 were submitted and reviewed.
3. Muriel noted that she is working on a final version of the Tree Warden job description which she will give to Maynard and Roger to review before it is accepted.
4. Drawdown began last week and the lake is down about 15 inches (approximately 2 inches per day).
Karen Shreefter of Blue Hill Rd came in to complain about the handling of a deer carcass a few weeks ago on Blue Hill Rd. Muriel stated that she recently learned that the Officer that originally responded to the call was unaware of the town’s call list of people that are willing to come pick up animal carcasses. All of the officer’s have been told/reminded of this so this particular issue should not be a problem. Karen stated that she’s upset that she sent the Select Board documentation to properly compost a carcass which the highway department wouldn’t have time to do as it would take at a minimum of 6 months and she provided the Select Board with the State’s regs. She wants to know why the town didn’t burn the carcass or bury it as is allowed in the regs.
Maynard stated to bury it you need an approved landfill which we do not have and burning is only allowed from Jan – Apr. Karen did not feel it was appropriate to leave a carcass in a neighborhood and noted that she found in state statutes that they must be moved further than 500feet from any residences (this has not been confirmed). The Board suggested that any future carcasses in a residential area be moved to town property.
Maynard called at 10:30am to report that he had gone to the site and there is absolutely nothing remaining of the carcass.
The board met with Police Chief, Gareth Backhaus to review the following:
1. The Board acknowledged receipt of a complaint from Michael Kelly regarding a speeding ticket he received. Muriel noted that she commends our Police Department for the crackdown on speeding through our town. Mr. Kelly’s complaint stated that he was treated unfairly and was not given the respect he deserves as a veteran. Chief Backhaus came in at the request of the Board and he read Officer Gonska’s report regarding this traffic stop which stated that Mr. Kelly was irate from the get go.
2. The cruiser had some damage done to the rear of the car over the weekend; it should be fixed this week.
Miscellaneous Select Board Items Reviewed:
1. Deb Mielke had the Select Board sign the warrants for the elections in November.
2. The minutes from 10.15.12 were approved as written.
3. Mail was reviewed which included:
a. Quarterly report from the WMH Committee.
b. Updated future capital expenses for the town. The Board discussed moving some items out further so as not to burden the taxpayer’s all at once with several large expenditures.
c. Notification from the Massachusetts Collectors and Treasurers Association that the Certification of Anne Marie Enoch has been renewed for an additional period expiring December 31, 2017.
d. Survey from WesternMA Connect and BRPC for the first phase of their network project. The Board asked M. Noe to complete it and send it in.
4. The Board discussed the issue brought to the ECAC’s attention regarding part time people taking extended days off and/or vacation without first getting approval from the Select Board at least 6 weeks prior to the days being taken off and that the Board should also be made aware at that time how their job duties will be handled and by whom while the employee is away. A memo will be sent to all appointed employees reminding them of this policy/procedure. It was also noted that the ECAC is looking into whether or not this position (and several others) is exempt or non-exempt under the FLSA guidelines and whether they legally can be paid a salary or if they have to be paid hourly. The ECAC will report their finding once they hear back from the attorney they have retained.
5. An issue of a bill not being paid was brought to the Board’s attention. The bill was apparently not paid because the Accountant stated he did not have the proper documentation to pay it however it was noted that he never told the department submitting the bill that he was waiting on more documentation and therefore holding on paying the bill. A memo will be sent to the Town Accountant requesting that he submit a list to the Board with the warrants detailing any bills he is not paying due to inadequate documentation or any other reason so that they are aware and can address any issues if need be. It was also noted that Steve should provide written procedures to the Board to have on file.
6. Muriel and Wayne updated Scott on the many recent meeting held regarding the future of SBRSD and the outlying schools.
7. The Board made the following appointments to the WMH Committee for a one year term at the request of Joe Baker; Cara Carroll and Elizabeth Maschmeyer.
8. Warrants were signed.
9. The Board approved a suggested FY14 budget schedule which will be sent to the Finance Committee and Town Accountant today to approve and or amend.
10. The Board approved M. Noe using petty cash to pick up treats for the Monterey Kindergarten which will be parading through town hall in costume on Halloween.
11. Inter-Departmental Secretary’s weekly report reviewed.
A motion was made and unanimously approved to adjourn the meeting at: 10:50am
Submitted by:
Melissa Noe, Inter-Departmental Secretary
Approved by:
Monterey Select Board
Select Board Members
Minutes Book
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