Board of Selectmen
January 26, 2009
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 6:20 p.m.
Mr. Briggs moved to sign Treasury Warrant #16. Mr. Clark seconded. Vote unanimous.
Minutes: Mr. Briggs moved to accept the minutes from December 12, 2008 as presented. Mrs. Dibb seconded. Vote unanimous. Mr. Briggs recommended again holding the Executive Session minutes from December 29, 2008.
REPORT OF TOWN DEPARTMENTS:
DPW:
DPW Superintendent Gary Kellaher was absent. Mr. Briggs moved to appoint Gary Kellaher to the position of DPW Superintendent effective January 12, 2009. Mrs. Dibb seconded. Vote unanimous.
Chairman Becker gave an overview of the FEMA meeting held earlier in the day on the ice storm. The Army Corps of Engineers was in town this past weekend evaluating the damage and clean up (Rutland was the first town scouted). 80,000 cubic yards has been identified, not including hangers at an estimated $20 per cubic yard. Reimbursement scenarios were discussed and the initial reimbursement paperwork has begun. Lengthy discussion.
POLICE:
In-service training has begun this month and all is going well. Chief Baril stated that the first ticket implemented for marijuana has been paid. The Chief informed the Board that he will be attending the budget meeting Wednesday.
FIRE:
The ambulance inspection went well and has been re-licensed. Discussion on coverage and the need for a total of nine paramedics for the town to be covered 24/7. Chief Ruchala will apply for a waiver. The Chief also explained that the State is requiring affiliated hospitals to have more oversight responsibility regarding paramedics (skill level, training, etc.).
Regarding the “hiring freeze” memo that was recently sent, Chief Ruchala explained that he had posted an opening (EMT Basic) in December and is close to hiring someone and would like direction. Lengthy discussion. Mr. Briggs moved to hire an EMT Basic. Mrs. Dibb seconded. Motion passed 3 – 2. Vote: Mr. Briggs yes, Mrs. Dibb yes, Ms. Bulger yes, Mr. Becker no, Mr. Clark no.
Chief Ruchala will fax the union paperwork to Attorney Jenkins.
Grant funding for SAFE Program has been received.
Mr. Briggs moved to close out Article #2 from 04/11/06 (forestry consultant) for $6,571.55. Mrs. Dibb seconded. Vote unanimous.
Mr. Briggs moved to close out Article #29 from January, 2006 (Dispatch) for $2,000. Mr. Clark seconded. Vote unanimous.
Chief Ruchala will look into an article from October, 2007 (debt exclusion) balance of $37,000.
Chief Ruchala will also look into Article #28 from January, 2006 (generator fuel tank) for $3,300.
Mr. Briggs moved to close out Article #5 from October, 2006 (fire tanker apparatus). Ms. Bulger seconded. Vote unanimous.
Chief Ruchala will also look into possibly closing out ALS Intercept $2,400.
Will review articles again at the next meeting.
OPEN SESSION:
7 pm – Stephanie King, Chairman of the Conservation Commission, was asked to come before the Board to explain the donation of property on Pommogussett Road by CB Blair. She informed the Board that Mr. Blair was fined in Holden and in lieu of full monetary payment, he could donate a wetlands piece of property to the Town. The land in question is 5.6 acres located off Pommogussett Road and she feels it’s worthy of preserving. The Land Conservancy turned it down. Lengthy discussion. Mrs. Dibb would like to negotiate with Mr. Blair for consideration on another piece of land which would be more useful to the Town. Mr. Briggs moved to decline the parcel. Mr. Clark seconded. Motion passed 3 – 2. Mrs. Dibb and Ms. Bulger voted against. Mrs. Dibb
will contact Attorney Cranston.
Mr. Williams respectfully asked the Board to consider cleaning the storm debris from the monuments and benches on the Town Common. Ms. Bulger will contact DPW. She will also mention fencing off the debris piles at Community Center which was discussed at a previous meeting.
CORRESPONDENCE:
Letter from DOR approving over-expending $1,823,960 due to the ice storm.
Letter from Charter Communications informing of technical upgrades to digital network beginning February 11, 2009.
Letter from Senator Brewer stating his intention to continue to advocate for the town in obtaining aid due to the ice storm.
Email from Louis Cornacchioli regarding mold in a closet at Glenwood Elementary. The Board agreed to forward the email to the District.
NEW BUSINESS:
John Breault is seeking appointment to the Conservation Commission. Mr. Breault was present to meet the Board. Mr. Briggs moved to appoint Mr. Breault to the Conservation Commission. Mrs. Dibb seconded. Vote unanimous.
Letter of resignation from Kirsten Yanco from the Recreation Committee. Mr. Briggs moved the acceptance of the resignation with regret and to send a letter of thanks to Mrs. Yanco. Ms. Bulger seconded. Vote unanimous.
Letter of resignation from Bonnie Remick from the Conservation Commission. Mr. Briggs moved the acceptance of the resignation with regret and to send a letter of thanks to Ms. Remick. Ms. Bulger seconded. Vote unanimous.
Letter of resignation from Robin Peters from the Conservation Commission. Mr. Briggs moved to accept the resignation with regret and to send a letter of thanks. Ms. Bulger seconded. Vote unanimous.
Letter drafted to the DOR requesting a hearing to temporarily borrow funds – Mr. Briggs moved to sign and send the letter. Mr. Clark seconded. Vote unanimous.
Grand Slam Café – Owner contacted Selectmen requesting reimbursement for the liquor license that will not be used this year due to closing, but has been paid for. Board will confer with Town Accountant and it will be placed on the next agenda.
Mrs. Dibb informed the rest of the Board that she learned at the recent MMA meeting that minutes should be drawn up for every meeting held, conference call, etc. in dealing with the December ice storm if a quorum was present and decisions were made.
Ms. Bulger will forward information on a Mass Highway meeting to the DPW Superintendent.
OLD BUSINESS:
Discussion on local aid reductions put off until Wednesday’s budget meeting.
Ms. Bulger has come back to the Board with the name of the president of the Cool Sandy Beach Water Association. She will contact him to ascertain if he is indeed the representative in dealing with the road issues.
ADJOURN:
Mrs. Briggs moved to adjourn. Ms. Bulger seconded. Vote unanimous. The meeting adjourned at 8:03 pm.
Respectfully submitted,
Nancy M. Macaruso, Secretary
Board of Selectmen
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