Monterey Select Board
Minutes of the meeting of 2/29/16
Meeting Opened at: 8:30am
Select Board Members Present: Scott Jenssen, Chairperson, Kenn Basler and Steve Weisz
Also in attendance for parts of the meeting: Stephen Moore for the Monterey News, Stefan Grotz, Robert Lazzarini, Dennis Downing, Peter Vallianos, Joann DeRose, Donald Clawson, BJ Johnson, Stanley Ross and Barbara Gauthier
At 8:30am the Board met with 3 local attorneys to discuss the current SBRSD agreement and options available to Monterey with regards to making sure a program is in place and/or getting out of the district. It was suggested to find a firm that specializes in litigation as well as regional school agreements.
At 9:30 there was a joint pole hearing requested by Verizon and National Grid for a new pole on Sylvan Rd. Shawn Tryon stopped in earlier and stated he has no issues with the joint pole petition. As no one was present to object the pole petition was approved as submitted.
Joann DeRose of National Grid spoke with the Board regarding the following:
- Process for receiving approval for laying fiber on the poles. Joann did state that the waiving of any fees could be discussed. The Board asked National Grid to begin looking at the most cost effective and time efficient way to begin this process for all the towns that will soon be looking to lay fiber.
- The Board inquired about the relocating of the pole on Sylvan Rd that is presenting issues for emergency vehicles. National Grid will look into it.
- New programs offered to the towns.
- Request made to the DPU for a rate increase for capital expenses in getting the power to homes (currently National Grid is overspending what they can collect). There will be a hearing in Gt. Barrington on April 4th for anyone interested in attending.
The Board met with the Finance Committee to go over the following regards to the proposed FY17 budget:
- Stan requested that the Fin Comm be brought up to speed as they have missed the last few meetings where several changes were made to the proposed budget by the Select Board. The Fin Comm feels that the Board only wants them involved to be an “affirming body” at town meeting and to not be a part of the process. The Board disagrees and wants all parts of the budget to be fully discussed with all parties involved and noted that changes made last week are only suggested and the Board fully intended to review these with the Fin Comm before any final decisions are made.
- Stan questioned M. Noe having a meeting with the Accountant regarding budgetary changes which was quickly squashed by the Board as she was directed by the Select Board to gather all the necessary info of which some was from the Accountant.
- The Finance Committee noted that changing the transfer station to an Enterprise Fund doesn’t take the full $100,000 from the budget as in our levy estimates we would have to adjust the local receipts received on the other side. The Board feels that the current budget is very high and is looking for creative ways to move forward and changing the transfer station to an Enterprise Fund was just one suggestion. The Finance Committee is not in favor of this option. After further discussion the Board has agreed that the savings may not be as large as they had hoped and will continue as is but look at the services we offer at the transfer station instead as right now the bulky waste charges far exceed what we are collecting in fees. Bulky waste disposal should pay for itself with fees to the person dumping or
Monterey should consider not accepting it and have bulky waste brought up to Valley.
- Line 433 Transfer Station Operations is being increased to $100,000 and employees was raised to $35,124.
- It was suggested that the changes the Board is thinking of making to the Town Clerk’s budget should be discussed with her by someone on the Board or Finance Committee. Everyone agreed. With regards to the suggestion made last week to lower the Asst. Town Clerk wages and the necessary hours to run that office; it was agreed that a healthy discussion be had with the Town Clerk. Scott and a member of the Finance Committee member will meet with Jen.
- Stan inquired about what type of loan (construction or lump sum) will be taken out on the funds to be borrowed for the transfer station and when the first payment will be due. Kenn stated that once construction begins it will be done rather quickly and a lump sum will be needed. The Treasurer will be asked if a construction type loan is an option.
- It was asked if the Highway Superintendent should have a part time secretary hired to help him. The general consensus was that Shawn’s expertise was being out in the field and that someone should be hired to help him in the office. It was acknowledged that M. Noe has currently been assisting Shawn at his and the Board’s request for no additional compensation and it was noted that other departments that have been given more duties have been compensated.
- Barbara inquired if there was going to be a loan for a new fire truck and felt that the budget right now has a lot of borrowing in it. The Finance Committee stated that there are very good reasons right now for replacing engine 1 and do not have any issues at the moment with borrowing for this piece of equipment.
Miscellaneous Select Board Items Reviewed:
1. Don stated that our Treasurer sent an email this morning requesting how the Board wants to proceed with regards to a property that became the towns through tax title a few years ago. The previous owner wants the right to purchase it for the cost of the back taxes and all legal fees. Don reported it is of no value to the town. The Board suggested if we can that it be stated that the resident should be required to pay one year in advance of real estate taxes. A motion was made to approve the request with the stipulation noted above. The motion was seconded and approved unanimously.
2. At the request of the Fire Chief thank you letters are being sent to Tyringham, Otis, Sandisfield, New Marlborough and Gt. Barrington for their help with the barn fire last week.
3. A letter will be sent to the Superintendent and School Committee formally requesting the $10,000 allocated by the School Committee for repairs of the Monterey School be released and expressed the Board’s anticipation that the kindergarten program be reinstated in its entirety in the Monterey School building for the 2016-17 academic year.
4. Administrative Assistant’s weekly report was reviewed.
5. Police Chief’s weekly report was reviewed.
6. Warrants were signed.
The board met with Director of Operations, Shawn Tryon to review the following:
1. Most of the major washouts have been taken care of with the exception of the one on Chestnut Hill which will be taken care of this morning.
2. The Lake Garfield dam has been closed since February 16.
A motion was made and unanimously approved to adjourn the meeting at: 11:45am
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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