Select Board
Minutes of the meeting of 5/30/18
Meeting Opened at: 9am
Select Board Members Present: Carol Edelman, Chairperson, Kenneth Basler and Donald Coburn
Also in attendance: Kyle Pierce, Dennis Lynch, Steve Snyder, Shawn Tryon, Chief Backhaus, Ray Tryon, Maryellen Brown,
The Board met with Dennis Lynch to discuss the 319 grant letter of support - $99,825 would be the town’s commitment if we were to move forward with the application (some of which may be in kind funds), 60% of this would be reimbursed. Since this grant proposal involves Shawn’s department he was asked for his opinion. Shawn thinks it would be great for the lake as opposed to the weed pulling; however his budget cannot support the necessary funds. This would also require a special town meeting in the fall to commit to the funds. The Board agreed to sign the letter of support providing it does not commit any town funds unless and until they are approved by town meeting.
The Board met with Shawn Tryon, Director of Operation to discuss the following:
- Transfer Station cans and bottles – Town Counsel’s opinion was reviewed with regard to the legality of employees keeping the money from the returns; he stated that no one should be taking the cans and bottles and keeping the proceeds, as this is a conflict of interest. All $0.05 returnables should be placed in the proper hopper to be sent to the recycling center in Springfield for the town to receive credit.
- Chestnut Hill email sent to the Board – Hume requested that the Highway Department close part of Chestnut Hill Road during work hours (8am-4pm for a couple months) so truck traffic would not encounter safety issues or burden residents on Cronk Rd; Shawn approved but directed them to the Police Department for additional approval (which was received). Cronk Rd residents are expressing concerns about the decision made. The Board determined that the Highway and Police Departments made the correct, safest decision, reducing the amount of traffic on Cronk Rd and keeping it contained to Chestnut Hill.
- Shawn reported that he made an interior visit to the schoolhouse last week; it is infested with mice, has a very strong smell and several items have been eaten through. Shawn recommends that something be done as soon as possible with the contents. A letter will be sent to the school district requesting that they clean out the contents within 30 days.
- Roadside mowing: in the past this has always been subcontracted out, however the subcontractor is unavailable due to health issues. Shawn has been looking, but has not found any other businesses that do this. Shawn is going to rent the necessary mower and one of his crew will do the mowing, while continuing to look for other available contractors. The Board agreed with Shawn’s decision.
Miscellaneous Items Reviewed:
- Chief Backhaus came across a new pole mounted speed sign that will take pictures of speeding vehicles; cost is about $4,000. The Board liked the idea if the speed sign was mobile and could change locations.
- The Board had brief discussions with the Chief and Director of Operations regarding issues with Airbnb rentals. The Board would like to have a joint meeting with the Building Inspector, Fire Chief, Police Chief, Planning Board and Board of Health to begin discussions on how Monterey might handle these types of rentals.
- The Board reviewed Town Counsel’s responses with regard to benefited positions and our handbook:
a. He stated that our handbook needs to be updated to reflect that positions appointed by the proper appointing authority to work a consistent and scheduled 20 hours or more a week for 52 weeks are eligible for health insurance.
b. Continuing the conversation about the library minutes and health insurance for the Library Director position, it was noted that the law states that in order to be eligible for health benefits an employee must work and be scheduled for 20 or more hours per week consistently for 52 weeks. Counsel has confirmed that the Select Board is the appropriate public authority to determine whether an employee is 20 hours a week or more (per MGL Chapter 32B Section 2). The library trustees would need to consult with and receive permission from the appropriate public authority in order to offer benefits to a previously unbenefited position. The trustees and the library director will be asked to come to a future meeting to discuss this and review a formal proposal. Don Coburn noted that
if the increase in hours is only due to the library project which is short term then this issue may be moot.
- Maryellen Brown came in to discuss the Memorial Day parade and suggested forming a parade committee to reach out to the various groups in town so that there is a larger contingent. She offered to be on the committee. Everyone commented how impressive the Mt. Everett Marching Band was in Monday’s parade.
- The Board reviewed the Town Clerk’s weekly report and discussed the following:
a. Terry noted that several elected officials have not come to be sworn in and receive their Open Meeting Law paperwork, which means they cannot legally attend/vote in any meetings. The Select Board will send notices to those individuals.
b. Time off request was approved.
c. The Board agreed that Blue Hill Rd. is the project that should be submitted for the MassWorks grant.
d. The Board agreed to have Terry work on any Council on Aging grants that may become available once approved by the Board.
- Renewable energy presentation from last week: The Board is going to follow up with the Building Inspector about the code requirements before making any further decisions.
- SBRSD regional agreement review subcommittee – Carol attended last night’s meeting. No one from the Finance Committee was present; Carol has sent an email to the Finance Committee members.
- Warrants were signed.
- Minutes from 5/23/18 were approved.
- Administrative Assistant’s weekly report was reviewed.
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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