Board of Selectmen
July 28, 2008
Community Hall Annex
6:00 p.m.
Present: Joseph R. Becker – Chairman, Leroy C. Clark - Vice Chairman,
Sheila H. Dibb, and Nancy M. Macaruso, Secretary.
Treasury Warrant #29 & Warrant #3, Police, Fire, DPW payrolls were signed.
Minutes: Mr. Becker suggested holding the acceptance of all minutes until the full Board was present.
REPORT OF TOWN DEPARTMENTS:
DPW:
Mr. Becker questioned Mr. McCallum about a memo from the DCR pertaining to manhole access and line ownership. Mr. McCallum assured the Board that this letter is a follow-up to a previous issue which has been resolved and in the future will not enter any line that is owned by the DCR and maintained by the MWRA without prior notification and approval. Mrs. Dibb asked Mr. McCallum to contact Hillary Lacirignola of Weston & Sampson to review this matter.
Mr. Becker followed up with Mr. McCallum on the use of electronic thermostats for town buildings. Mr. McCallum stated that town personnel could perform the work. Mr. Becker would like to add this to a special town meeting folder for consideration. Mrs. Dibb would like Mr. McCallum to look into the possibility of having an energy audit completed on town buildings. Mr. D’Auteuil informed the Board of an energy audit that was done some years ago. Mr. McCallum will look for that report.
Mr. Becker stated that he received a phone call from a resident on Pommogussett Road regarding Edson Pond which is diagonally behind his home and is rising and approaching back yards and leach fields. Lengthy discussion on the beaver problems and ownership of the pond and dam. Mr. Becker informed the Board that he spoke with the Assessor who stated that the pond is owned by Mr. Blair. Mr. Williams stated that the dam is owned by Mr. Blair as well. Mr. Williams recommended going to the Board of Health for permission to work on the problem. Mr. Becker would like a letter sent to Mr. Blair asking him to remedy the problem. Mr. Becker will speak to the Assessor again regarding the dam and boundaries.
POLICE:
Chief Baril informed the Board that the Senior cookout planned for August has been canceled due to vacations, etc. and would possibly plan something for the fall/winter. Some discussion on whether or not the police cruisers should be added to the Capital Improvement Planning Committee’s inventory form. Chairman Becker advised Chief Baril to include them on the inventory form with an asterisk. Chief Baril also informed the Board that the Quinn Bill line item has been under funded. Detective Giglio’s father passed away – he will be out on bereavement leave until August 3, 2008. Mr. Becker asked the Chief to pass along the Board’s condolences. Chief Baril submitted a thank you email from a resident on Cool Sandy to Sergeant Pearson for helping out with a parking
situation.
Chief Baril is questioning the way in which he, as a salaried employee, is being paid for fiscal year 2009. The Chief believes that after the 3% raise this year he is making less money per hour than last year. Mr. Becker explained that his pay is exactly what was budgeted but due to the extra warrant this year his pay would be slightly less per week than last year but that he would be receiving an additional check at the end of the year. Chief Ruchala agreed with Chief Baril. After very lengthy discussion, it was decided to set up a meeting with the Town Accountant to clarify any questions.
FIRE:
Chief Ruchala presented several pictures from Verizon pertaining to the proposed cell tower. Mrs. Dibb feels they should be able to provide something more aesthetically pleasing. Verizon would like to stay in the center of town. After much discussion, the Chief will contact Verizon. Mr. Williams questioned whether the location would interfere with Life Flight to which Chief Ruchala said he was reassured that it would not.
OPEN SESSION:
6:30 – John Scannell, DCR and Donald D’Auteuil re: Wachusett Earthday
Mr. D’Auteuil who is Rutland’s rep. stated that West Boylston’s concerns listed in a recent letter are not factual.
1) The zoning has been changed from residential to light industrial/commercial
2) Everything would be at least 400 feet away from any water source
3) PILOT money ($570,000) from DCR would be received yearly
Mr. D’Auteuil is very comfortable recommending forwarding the $21,000 and $1,500 checks (Rutland’s portion) to Earthday.
Mr. Scannell informed the Board that West Boylston abruptly stated that they would not place the agreement on their town meeting warrant after working closely with the other towns toward this common goal. He feels the Commonwealth will move forward. Public safety issues were discussed. Mr. Clark moved forwarding the checks to West Boylston. Mrs. Dibb seconded. Vote unanimous. Mrs. Dibb would like to respond to West Boylston’s letter to which Mr. Becker asked her to jot down some thoughts to be discussed.
Mr. D’Auteuil questioned the status of the Primary Building to which Mr. Becker stated that we have no further official correspondence from the USDA. Mrs. Dibb stated that they are still trying to figure out how long they can stay in Holden. An architect has been chosen and discussion will begin soon on designing office space. Mr. D’Auteuil would like to know if the whole building will be designed as office space to which Mr. Becker answered yes and a decision needs to be made on whether or not to phase the project or complete it all at one time. Mr. Clark informed Mr. D’Auteuil that former DPW Superintendent never got back to him with a report on the cost for certain projects.
CORRESPONDENCE:
Letter from Kopelman & Paige (Special Labor Counsel to Rutland) is informing the Town that they have been sought by West Boylston for representation with regards to Wachusett Earthday. They feel they can represent both towns without adversely affecting either and would like the Rutland Selectmen to consent by signing a determination (two originals) and will ask West Boylston to do the same. Chairman Becker would like Town Counsel to review before signing. Mr. Clark moved to forward to Town Counsel. Mrs. Dibb seconded. Vote unanimous. Mr. Becker would like a response as soon as possible.
Memo from Assessors regarding new growth for FY 09 and a vendor change. The Assessors will be forwarding a procurement sheet in the next few weeks for a new vendor. The new growth for FY09 is complete but not certified by the DOR yet. The growth valuation is $23,896,036 for a tax levy growth of $267,875. Mr. Becker will contact Mrs. McGuinness, Assessor with regards to the taxing of poles and wires from telephone companies.
Memo from the Planning Board inviting the Board to view the draft of the comprehensive zoning map tomorrow at 5:15 in the Town Hall.
NEW BUSINESS:
Three new members seeking appointment to the Recreation Committee. Mrs. Dibb would like to meet them before being appointed. They will be invited to the next Selectmen’s meeting.
Mr. Williams would like to discuss the logging behind Glenwood School. Mr. Clark informed the Board of a site walk he recently attended and feels the contractor did not complete the work appropriately. Fontaine had an order of conditions from DEP which Mr. Williams would like to see – he would also like to see the Memorandum of Agreement between the DCR and DEP. Mr. D’Auteuil feels that New England Forest Products is responsible for the logging issue. An enforcement hearing is scheduled for August 14th at DEP. Rep. Evangelidis and Sen. Brewer have been contacted to hopefully help with the problem.
ADJOURN:
Mrs. Dibb moved to adjourn. Mrs. Clark seconded. Vote unanimous. The meeting adjourned at 8:35 pm.
Respectfully submitted,
Nancy M. Macaruso, Secretary
Board of Selectmen
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