Monterey Select Board
Minutes of the meeting of 11/2/15
Meeting Opened at: 4:15pm
Select Board Members Present: Scott Jenssen, Chairperson, Kenn Basler and Steve Weisz
Also in attendance for parts of the meeting: Jill Pajka for the Monterey News, Maggie Leonard, Alan Salamon, Larry Klein, Stephen Enoch, Bettina Schwartz, Joe Baker, Don Clawson, Stanley Ross and Donald Torrico
Miscellaneous Select Board Items Reviewed:
1. The Board met with members of the Planning Board and the Police Chief to discuss noise ordinances/bylaws. It was noted that the couple that requested this meeting to discuss noise from a gun range were not present. Maggie noted that this would be a town bylaw and not a zoning bylaw and therefore the Planning Board would not be involved in the creation of this should it go forward. Stephen noted that there are state laws in effect that may already be effective enough to regulate noise. The Chief looked into this and reported that noise ordinances are really designed for construction equipment and motorized vehicles not firearms; there is actually an exemption for firing ranges. The Chief noted that firing ranges can operate between 10am and 8pm. Larry stated that the common
denominator of all noise ordinances is the decibel measurements and when they can be emitted so that sleep or school children’s hours aren’t affected and it doesn’t seem to be prohibited completely. Bettina noted that based on her research and personal situation there are a number of towns that regulate amplified noise but admitted that she wasn’t sure it would be something that could be enforced in Monterey. DEP regulations deal with noises that contribute to air pollution. Maggie suggested that the Board of Health should use the grant money they have to do a noise study. The Board agreed that a noise study would be extremely helpful to determine what noises are equal to how many decibels. Kenn feels that ongoing communications and a community approach between the neighbors and Hume will be the most effective in addressing the concerns with the noises at the camp and personally feels that going the route of enforcement from a
noise ordinance is not the right way to go. The Planning Board stated that helping to work on things like this would be much easier if they had professional assistance which costs money; the Board encouraged them to request more in their budget if its needed. The Board agreed to draft a letter to Hume with their expectations with regards to limiting noise.
2. The Board met with Joe Baker of the FWMH to discuss the lease renewal. Steve suggested that an addendum be included that specifies when the project is complete (it was suggested that when a certificate of occupancy has been issued be the definition of completion) and that after this happens the lease would continue for 30 months while the FWMH co-manage the property with the town and after the year the town would take over the management of. The current description of the building will also be amended prior to the lease being signed. Joe will send an updated lease to M. Noe to send to counsel for review.
3. At 5:30 the Board of Assessors held another classification hearing due to an administrative error made in the legal notice last week. The preliminary tax rate will be around 6.25 and we have a preliminary levy limit of $3,241,742 (the budget can not exceed this or an override will be necessary) the projected levy capacity is $90,033. These numbers may change with the reassessment that the school has to make. Free cash has been certified at $117,861; Don cautioned spending any FY16 monies at the planned special town meeting this winter.
4. Stan and Don of the Finance Committee recommended that the letter that WiredWest is requesting be sent to Representative Kocot should be signed. It was agreed that once FY17 budget discussions start those meetings will be held on Monday mornings. Stan noted that the town should really consider putting more into stabilization to create a savings even if it requires an override.
5. The loan options for the truck were given to the Finance Committee for review.
6. Donald Torrico came in to request the release of the cell phone purchased by Monterey 2 years ago so that he can continue to use the number and contacts in it with his new job that will be paying for the cell phone bill. The Board approved the release. Kenn raised concerns about the size and scope of his new job and how that will impact his work in Monterey; Don feels it will have no impact. Kenn also stated that he has heard contractors raise concerns with his availability and is concerned that this change may impact this. Don stated that this job requires less hours than his position in Lee did and he will now be driving through Monterey on a daily basis coming home from Westfield. Don noted that he monitors the online permitting system on a daily basis and he never holds up anyone
beyond 24hours, if Monterey wants same day service they should consider hiring a full time building inspector. Scott didn’t have any concerns with the new job interfering with this position. His office hours in Monterey will be 7 – 9am and then by appointment in the evenings.
7. The Board approved the hours submitted by Michael Banner for the senior tax work off abatement for mowing done at the community center.
8. At the recommendation of the Chief the Board unanimously appointed Shawn Tryon as the Emergency Response Coordinator until further notice.
9. Steve reported on the school meetings last week. There was another error found which will require certifying a new budget; Sheffield will have 45 days to decide whether or not they will be going to a special town meeting. Sheffield has requested that the school lower their budget further. At the meeting there was a no confidence vote made with regards to the current Business Manager.
10. Work began today on the New Marlboro Rd bridge footings. The bridge should be delivered next week.
11. Kenn spoke to Tim Lovett about doing the appraisal on the Monterey School building and Bally Gally; Tim suggested that a professional appraiser should be used that has experience with municipal buildings.
12. Kenn reported that he has not heard back from counsel on the Taconic Foundation draft letter; they will discuss this with him when he is here next week.
13. Kenn notified the other members of conversations he’s had with the Master Garbologist regarding the metals bins being removed but not showing as a credit on our bill. Our contract states that we get 50% of what the Master Garbologist sells the metals for which hasn’t been anything for the metals bins he has removed recently as it is being paid at less than a penny a pound currently. Master Garbologist will send a receipt going forward regardless if any monies are due to Monterey.
14. Steve reported that the cell tower company and Hume are still in negotiations on a lease.
15. Mail was reviewed which included:
a. Response from Superintendent Hastings to our request for written legal opinions in regard to the assessment issue from the Massachusetts Dept of Secondary and Elementary Education and the Ma Dept of Revenue.
16. Administrative Assistant’s weekly report was reviewed.
17. Police Chief’s weekly report was reviewed.
18. Warrants were signed.
A motion was made and unanimously approved to adjourn the meeting at: 6:24pm
Submitted by:
Melissa Noe, Administrative Assistant
Approved by:
Monterey Select Board
Select Board Members
Minutes Book
Town Clerk
Documents received at this meeting:
These are attached to the hard copy of the minutes located at town hall.
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