Skip Navigation
Click to return to website
This table is used for column layout.
 
December 29, 2008
Board of Selectmen
December 29, 2008
Community Hall Annex
6:00 p.m.

Present:  Joseph R. Becker – Chairman, Leroy C. Clark - Vice Chairman, Douglas C. Briggs, Sheila Dibb and Nancy M. Macaruso, Secretary.  Cherilyn A. Bulger - Clerk arrived at 6:05 p.m.

Mr. Briggs moved to sign Treasury Warrant #14.  Mr. Clark seconded.  Vote unanimous.

Minutes: Mr. Briggs moved to accept the minutes from December 1, 2008 as presented.  Mrs. Dibb seconded.  Vote unanimous.  Mr. Briggs moved to accept the Executive Session minutes from December 1, 2008 as presented.  Mr. Clark seconded.  Vote unanimous.   

REPORT OF TOWN DEPARTMENTS:
DPW:
Discussion on whether or not to winterize the primary building.  Mr. Briggs moved to keep the building heated.  Mrs. Dibb seconded for discussion.  Mr. Briggs yes, rest of the Board, nay.  Motion defeated.  Mr. Briggs moved expending $1100 to CK Smith (heating system) and $350 to Cogswell Sprinkler (sprinkler system) to winterize the building.  Mrs. Dibb seconded.  Vote unanimous.
Discussion on the trees in Brunelle West.  Interim superintendent MacCallum presented three price quotes.  Mrs. Dibb moved to hire Clearview.  Mr. Clark seconded.  Mr. Briggs nay, rest of the Board, yes.
Discussion on trenching permits.  State form may be used with Town of Rutland letterhead.  There is no fee, no fine and no inspection needed, but a permit is needed.  Some confusion as to start date for permitting.  Mr. MacCallum will seek clarification.
Christmas trees may be disposed of at the DPW yard on January 3 and 10 from 9 am – 3 pm.
Mr. Becker read a letter from Cool Sandy Beach residents stating that Helen Avenue and Kosta Avenue are impassable due to deep ruts.  Mr. Becker stated that these are private roads.  Chief Ruchala stated that the roads are in rough shape as they have always been.  Mr. Briggs stated that in the past the DPW would gravel them at the residents’ cost.  Mr. Becker would like to send a letter to the association and invite them in to discuss.  A letter will be sent once a contact has been identified.
Mr. MacCallum submitted a package regarding the state revolving fund loan program (water tank and drinking water project).  A hearing is being held January 7, 2009 in Boston.  Discussion on whether Rutland needs representation present.  Mr. MacCallum will contact Hillary at Weston & Sampson for direction.
Some discussion on the generators at the sewer pumping stations.
Remaining storm clean-up will be put out to bid.  Some discussion on the logs that have been removed from the storm dump sites.  



POLICE:
Chief Baril recommended the appointment of Robert M. Lemire as a part-time police officer.  Mr. Briggs moved the Chief’s recommendation of Robert M. Lemire as part-time police officer.  Mr. Clark seconded.  Vote unanimous.  Chief Baril submitted a report on cruiser damage due to the ice storm.  A check from the Gershman family was presented to the police department as a gift.  Chief Baril stated that the cruisers are getting old and will be in need of repair soon.  Mrs. Dibb questioned the Chief on any break-ins during the ice storm to which the Chief replied there were no incidents.

FIRE:
Chief Ruchala submitted paperwork that was sent to MEMA regarding the ice storm.  He stated he would like to begin open burn season tomorrow and waive the $25 seasonal fee until March 1st.  Mr. Briggs moved the Chief’s recommendation.  Ms. Bulger seconded.  Vote unanimous.
Meeting tomorrow (8:30 am) at Fire Station regarding Hubbardston dispatch.  Chief Ruchala stated that they are at the point where they need direction from the Selectmen and Mr. Briggs and Mrs. Dibb will attend.  Fire chief submitted his capital improvement paperwork to the committee.

OPEN SESSION:
6:30 pm – Certificate presentation to Eagle Scout Cody Kennedy for his project on the Rutland train wreck.  The Board congratulated Mr. Kennedy.
6:45 pm – Continuation of public hearing on liquor license transfer for KBH Town Line Variety, Inc. Mr. Clark moved the transfer of the wine and malt license for KBH Town Line Variety, Inc. to BPB Town Line Variety, Inc.   Mrs. Dibb seconded.  Vote unanimous.  Hearing closed at 6:50 pm.

Mr. Grace, Wiring Inspector, introduced David Burroughs (Alternate Wiring Inspector) to the Board and informed the Board that 35 permits were taken out regarding the recent ice storm.
Michele Van Reet asked for direction concerning the Council on Aging budget.  Glen Kaupilla attended asking questions regarding the after-storm cleanup specifically trees and brush hanging out into the roads.  Chairman Becker explained that the more dangerous ones will be taken care of as manpower permits, but the bulk may have to wait until spring.

CORRESPONDENCE:
  • Letter from Attorney Jenkins re:  Unionization of DPW.
  • Memo from Rep. Evangelidis re:  State aid cuts and the FY’10 budget
  • Memo from Rep. Evangelidis re:  Advocating for 25% reimbursement for ice storm
  • Letter from Doyle Conservation Center re:  Donation of Holbrook House to the town – lengthy discussion.  Letters will be sent to all involved to come to a meeting to discuss further.
  • Thank you letter from Peter & Linda Letsky for efforts during ice storm
  • Eagle Scout Court of Honor for Christopher Zeller on January 17, 2009.  Either Mr. Becker or Mr. Clark will attend.
OLD BUSINESS:
Donation of property by CB Blair.  The Board would like to speak to Stephanie King, Conservation Commission Chairman before deciding whether to accept donation.  Will invite Ms. King to one of the next BOS meetings for clarification.

Chairman Becker would like to appoint C. Richard Williams as ‘Wetlands Expert’ in dealing with the DEP and the Glenwood Elementary School project per the Consent Order.  As he is not a current Conservation Commission member, Mr. Becker will check with the Phil Nadeau from DEP to make sure the appointment is valid.  Mr. Williams is willing as long as DEP approves.

ADJOURN:
Mrs. Dibb moved to adjourn.  Mr. Clark seconded.  Vote unanimous.  The meeting adjourned at 9:30 pm.

Respectfully submitted,



Nancy M. Macaruso, Secretary
Board of Selectmen