Monterey Select Board
Minutes of the meeting of 11/30/15
Meeting Opened at: 4:15pm
Select Board Members Present: Scott Jenssen, Chairperson, Kenn Basler (arrived at 5pm) and Steve Weisz
Also in attendance for parts of the meeting: Jill Pajka for the Monterey News, Richard and Pat Edelstein, Louise Amstead and Judy Hayes
Miscellaneous Select Board Items Reviewed:
- Richard and Pat Edelstein, Louise Amstead and Judy Hayes came in to continue the discussion about noise. Richard states that for the last 2 years the sounds of gunshots are preventing them from enjoying their porch. Richard said he understands that people have a right to have weapons and shoot them but he also has the right to peace and quiet. He suggests that the town put a restriction on firing weapons in a residential area (he suggests more than 200 yards from your closest neighbor). Everyone stated that while the shooting doesn’t happen every day when it does it goes on for hours at a time continuously. The Board is attempting to limit to amount of shooting with the help of the Chief.
- Mail was reviewed which included:
- Notification that we will receive up to $7,500 in grant monies for a compactor for the collection of cardboard and up to $325 for education materials to publicize the new drop off collection program.
- Thank you letter from New Marlborough Board of Selectmen to the school committee for their efforts to reduce the school budget to resolve the assessment issue and to Smitty Pignatelli for his leadership with regards to helping the five towns arrive at an amicable solution.
- Letter from the Town of Colrain to Senator Rosenberg seeking assistance clarifying the processfor the “final mile”.
- At the request of the Community Center a letter of support was written by the Board for a grant they are applying for.
- At the request of the Council on Aging, Norma Champigny was appointed as the newest member to the Council on Aging for a 3 year term.
- The New Marlboro Rd bridge has been reopened and MASSDot will be coming to do their final inspection and rating.
- It was suggested that the Accountant and Treasurer should be compensated for the extra hours they have been putting in to get the books in order; the Accountant and Treasurer should make a proposal to the Board for this particular scenario.
- Kenn has spoken with the Building Inspector about the current permit fees; Don Torrico will be meeting with the other towns to work on a “standard fee”, he will report to the Board once he has more definitive information.
- The Board asked M. Noe to follow up with Don Clawson regarding the Accountant’s software request made on November 16th.
- Kenn will be attending a meeting in Sheffield tomorrow regarding shared equipment and services.
- Steve reported that Hume and the cell tower company are closer to a signed agreement.
- Steve suggested the Board should plan an employee holiday gathering, low impact in town just lunch; Scott was in favor of this and suggested that Steve come in with a plan for the Board to approve.
- The Board approved the purchase of turkey gift cards for the appointed employees.
- The Board will not hold meetings on December 21st or December 28th.
- The Board will work on educational articles for the upcoming Monterey News issues with regards to why fees are being charged for bulky waste at the transfer station and additional changes that may be made.
- Administrative Assistant’s weekly report was reviewed.
- Police Chief’s weekly report was reviewed.
- Warrants were signed.
A motion was made and unanimously approved to adjourn the meeting at: 6:15pm
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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