Select Board
Minutes of the meeting of 7/28/16
Meeting Opened at: 10:30am
Select Board Members Present: Kenn Basler, Chairperson, Steve Weisz and Carol Edelman
Also in attendance: Gareth Backhaus
Miscellaneous Items Reviewed:
1. The Board voted unanimously that the maximum useful life of the departmental equipment (fire truck) to be financed with the proceeds of the $650,000 aggregate borrowing authorized by the vote of the Town passed May 7, 2016, is hereby determined pursuant to G.L. c.44, §7(9) for 10 years.
2. Carol inquired with her husband about the gazebo on the fire company property, Kenn checked with Peter Murkett and M. Noe checked with Barbara Gauthier. No one had any specific details and based on this and that fact that it’s repair would cost the town money,the Board felt comfortable with donating it to the fire company; this will be voted on on Monday.
3. Carol also inquired about where the merry go round went that was in the park behind town hall. Kenn said that our insurance would no longer insure it due to the inherent liability with its usage; it is currently in storage.
4. Discussion ensued about the Lake Garfield Tax District Act, issues each member have about the wording of portions as well as what was presented to the town, and which act was voted on, as there seems to be 2 versions; a December 2nd version and a December 9th version. It was decided to have counsel come to the August 8th meeting to discuss this further.
5. Steve reported that Officer Fredsall informed him that she hasn’t been paid for the Palmer details since May; The Board agreed that this is far too long to wait to be paid.
6. Kenn had a request from the Finance Committee to change our planned special meeting back to September 22nd instead of the 29th as the Assessors need that extra week to get their information into the state. The Board agreed to move it up and is going to set aside to meetings in August focusing only on the warrant for this meeting.
7. The Board discussed the rumor that the outgoing Clerk & Treasurer, Jen Brown has sent her resignation letter to the Monterey News for publication and that the letter contains a misrepresentation of the facts. M. Noe requested permission to speak with counsel on the matter which was granted. Kenn stated that he is going to write a letter to the Monterey News, to state that the primary reason for Ms. Brown’s resignation was due to a Court action in North Carolina.
8. Carol asked about the shared service email received from Sandisfield and the possibility of sharing a town administrator. Everyone agreed that if that candidate is the chosen one after interviews they would be on board with cost sharing.
9. Kenn has contacted almost everyone on the resume review committee about a first meeting. Concerns were raised about Kenn wanting to serve on the committee; this will be discussed later as a select board member has not yet been officially appointed to the committee.
10. Steve stated that he plans to discuss selling/scrapping the sedan cruiser with the Chief as he has witnessed several problems with the vehicle (power steering noise, rust throughs, oil smoke). Chief Backhaus came into the meeting and joined the discussion. He was informed that these queries were initiated by a Board member after hearing noises emanating from the sedan during a patrol. The Chief noted that the sedan was in line with the standards of what other towns run, but might need a new transmission. The Chief was asked to return with a report of all the items that need attention on the sedan and estimates for fixing them.
11. The Chief was also asked about the money that Officer Fredsall hasn’t been paid; Chief Backhaus said that getting paid from the contractors is a process and not always quick (sometimes as long as 6 months).
12. Steve asked if it would be prudent to have 2 officers on duty on Saturday as there are several events happening in town; library book sale, function on Tyringham Rd and the steak roast. Chief said no, but the officer on duty was aware of all the events and he was home if they need him.
A motion was made and unanimously approved to adjourn the meeting at: 11:40am
Submitted by:
Melissa Noe, Administrative Assistant
Approved by:
Monterey Select Board
Select Board Members
Minutes Book
Town Clerk
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