Monterey Select Board
Minutes of the meeting of 12/2/13
Meeting Opened at: 9am
Select Board Members Present: Muriel Lazzarini, Chairperson, Wayne Burkhart and Scott Jenssen
Also in attendance for parts of the meeting: Maynard Forbes and Brendan Fletcher
The board met with Director of Operations, Maynard Forbes’ to review the following:
1. Maynard was asked about the salt usage for the last storm as some people have expressed concerns that they felt more salt was used than was necessary. Maynard agreed that more was put down than should’ve been but the amount was based on the forecast which changed later that evening. He noted that there is also a new operator still learning how to use the machines.
2. Maynard was informed of the request sent to the Tree Warden regarding the ash trees in town.
3. Maynard was asked his opinion as a fireman about the 2004 annual town meeting minutes regarding creating a local brush burning policy. Maynard stated that it isn’t necessary as we follow state law. He will email the state laws to the Board for review.
4. Maynard met with the Genovesi’s regarding the necessary easement for the RT 23 project. They are fine with donating this easement but would like something in the plan to continue the swale down to the river to prevent their driveway from washing out.
5. RT 23 project – Maynard has received another email from someone with the State stating that our project isn’t approved yet (contradicting the email he received previously from Mass Highway stating it was approved) as the funding for the “Way Forward Transporation” bill hasn’t been passed by the legislature yet. Maynard suggested that the Board send a letter to Smitty and Senator Downing regarding this bill which is set to come up again in January and that we would appreciate their support as we have a project that is shovel ready.
The board met with Town Accountant, Brendan Fletcher to review the following items:
1. Brendan came in to give the Board a head’s up that there will be a correction warrant to fix items that were billed to incorrect accounts in the past. Brendan brought copies of the warrant and reviewed it with the Board.
Miscellaneous Select Board Items Reviewed:
1. The minutes from 11.25.13 were approved as written.
2. The Board discussed breaking out the salaries from Library General Fund on the warrant (line 610) which is currently lumped in with books, utilities, etc. It was felt that we should tell the Library Trustees that we are considering this change as it would be more transparent and in line with how the other departments are represented on the town meeting warrant. There comments would be welcome.
3. Special Town Meeting:
a. Maynard will be present to answer any questions regarding the easement article weather permitting.
b. Muriel spoke to Mickey Jervas on the Library Trustees and she will be at the meeting to answer any questions on their article. Kenn Basler may also be in attendance. Mickey stated that they Trustees are discussing who should be the new Chair.
4. The Board will send a thank you letter to Lois Storch for her time as a Library Trustee.
5. FY15 budget: Muriel discussed how the Board should proceed with starting the FY15 budget process. They will begin reviewing last year’s budget as well as the capital expenditures and will begin official discussions next Monday.
6. Mail was reviewed which included:
a. Expense reports from the Town Accountant.
b. Resignation from Richard Andrus from the Conservation Commission. The Board will send a thank you letter to Rick for his time served.
7. The Board discussed hiring Eric Kinsherf to assist the Accountant and Treasurer with closing the books for FY13 and asked M. Noe to follow up with some additional questions.
8. The Board reviewed the Monterey School Survey responses received so far.
9. Warrants were signed.
10. Executive Secretary’s weekly report reviewed.
A motion was made and unanimously approved to adjourn the meeting at: 10:23am
Submitted by:
Melissa Noe, Executive Secretary
Approved by:
Monterey Select Board
Select Board Members
Minutes Book
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