Board of Selectmen
January 28, 2008
Community Hall Annex
6:00 p.m.
Present: Donald R. D’Auteuil, Douglas C. Briggs, Leroy Clark and Sheila Dibb arrived at 6:05 pm.
Treasury Warrant #16, Police, Fire, DPW payrolls were signed.
Minutes: Mr. Briggs moved to accept the minutes of January 22, 2008 as presented. Mr. Clark seconded. Vote unanimous.
REPORT OF TOWN DEPARTMENTS:
DPW:
Mr. Briggs moved to send the letter to sewer users who are in violation regarding the inflow and infiltration. Mr. Clark seconded. Vote unanimous. The Board reviewed the Superintendent’s submitted budget. Mr. Briggs questioned the oil use and thermostat settings. Mr. D’Auteuil will check on the price of programmable thermostats. Mr. D’Auteuil questioned pump station money. Mr. Christianson presented pictures of recent vandalism to the Community Center and explained that it will be cleaned up.
The Glenwood hayfields will be cut by Jordan Farm.
The meeting with DCR regarding contracts is set for February 22, 2008 at 9 am in West Boylston.
Ms. Dibb had a question about recycling in all town buildings. Mr. Christianson has a call into Central Mass. Disposal.
The Board discussed the snow removal bylaw violation letter. Mrs. Dibb would like the date of violation added.
Dick Williams informed the board of a town laundromat that has its own well and would like to know how it will be billed for sewer. Harry Johnson, Building Inspector, stated that no occupancy permits have been issued yet because no fire system is in place. Mr. Christianson also wants to check the water. The Fire Chief just received plans today.
POLICE:
Letter for contract open positions. The Chief submitted a thank you from the Historical Society. Chief Baril will be attending a three-day training school in West Boylston. Mrs. Dibb made a motion for the Chairman to sign three letters received regarding the union change. Mr. Briggs seconded. Vote unanimous. All paperwork will be sent to Kopelman & Paige for review along with a copy of first requests from the police department.
Mr. D’Auteuil read an email from the police department secretary regarding a parking clerk. The police chief stated that his department rarely issues tickets as fines under the current by-law are very low and should be reviewed. He will recommend some new fine numbers.
FIRE:
Chief Ruchala explained that the ambulance inspection is complete. Paramedic level of service is not entirely up to requirements unless you count on-call. The Chief further explained that after checking with the Registry, Engine 1 is not titled and a bill of sale will be written up based on the contract. Mrs. Dibb will attend the bid opening for the ambulance at 9 am tomorrow.
OPEN SESSION:
Louis Cornacchioli came before the Board to discuss a consent order from DEP on the Glenwood School. Mr. D’Auteuil suggested having Fontaine sign first. Mr. Briggs moved to sign, then send to DEP. Mr. Clark seconded. Motion defeated – Mr. Briggs aye, Mr. D’Auteuil aye, Mrs. Dibb no, Mr. Clark no. Mr. D’Auteuil will not vote to release final payment until work is done. Mr. Cornacchioli explained that the Town was obligated to have paid already. Mrs. Dibb moved to have Fontaine sign first. Mr. Clark seconded. Vote unanimous.
Robin Peters (Conservation Commission) came before the Board to discuss adopting a bylaw “non criminal disposition of certain violations” so that fines can be administered. (MGL Chapter 40, Section 21D). She explained that the Conservation Commission can add to their bylaw but it would not benefit other town departments. A hearing would have to be set up first and then be added to the Annual Town Meeting warrant. Also, regarding the Wetlands Bylaw – currently using MA sample, but would like to get the help of Alexandra Dawson, but was told that Counsel would have to be contacted. The Board approved.
Wachusett Earthday - Colleen Abrams, Bob Spindler, Joe Shannon, Michael Kacparzicki
They explained that they were looking for a permanent recycling center in West Boylston on land donated by the DCR. W.E. is now 501C3. Rutland’s percentage would be approximately $1500 per year. Some discussion. Ms. Abrams explained that various counsels have indicated that a town meeting vote must occur on the final agreement. Mr. Briggs moved to sign the letter of intent. Mrs. Dibb seconded. Vote unanimous. The Board thanked them for their information.
Tom Ashe (Reverse 911) – He explained that a grant application was awarded - no cost through 2010. The Sheriff’s Department agreed that individual towns can decide what constitutes an emergency. Public program is Verizon – land based only right now. It can alert the whole town in less than ½ hour. The Town can opt out at anytime but the cost will likely be approximately $1,000 a year. Both chiefs highly recommend it. Some discussion. MOU will be sent to Town Counsel for review.
CORRESPONDENCE:
* The Chairman read an assessment letter from the Worcester Regional Retirement System.
* Mr. D’Auteuil also read a letter from Wheelabrator regarding “Guaranteed Annual Tonnage”.
* Invitation from COA for Mr. Gershman’s 100th birthday celebration.
NEW BUSINESS:
* Road Acceptance for second phase of Arline Drive. Mr. Briggs moved to send the packet to the Planning Board and DPW. Mrs. Dibb seconded. Vote unanimous.
* Mr. Briggs moved the signing of the Common Victualler’s license at Toula’s Pizza (new owner). Mr. Clark seconded. Vote unanimous.
* Severe Weather Emergency Policy – Mr. Briggs moved to have the Chairman continue research into adopting a severe weather emergency policy. Mr. Clark seconded. Mr. D’Auteuil explained that one policy should cover all town employees. Vote unanimous.
* The Chairman read the Agreement from the Wachusett Regional School Committee on the change regarding the moving of students from one town to an under-enrolled town.
* The Elderbus will be discussed at the next meeting when Mr. Becker will be present.
OLD BUSINESS:
Mr. Briggs discussed the short video clip that will be produced to be shown on the cable channel regarding the financial crisis of the town.
ADJOURN:
Mr. Briggs moved to adjourn. Mr. Clark seconded. Vote unanimous. The meeting adjourned at 8:20 pm.
Respectfully submitted,
Sheila Dibb
Board of Selectmen
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