Board of Selectmen
February 9, 2009
Community Hall Annex
6:00 p.m.
Present: Joseph R. Becker – Chairman, Leroy C. Clark - Vice Chairman, Douglas C. Briggs, Sheila H. Dibb, Cherilyn A. Bulger – Clerk and Nancy M. Macaruso, Secretary.
Mr. Briggs moved to sign Treasury Warrant #17. Mr. Clark seconded. Vote unanimous.
Minutes:
Mr. Briggs moved to accept the minutes of December 28, 2009 as presented. Mr. Clark seconded. Mrs. Dibb and Ms. Bulger abstained. Vote unanimous.
Mr. Briggs moved to accept the minutes of December 26, 2009 as presented. Mrs. Dibb seconded. Vote unanimous.
Mr. Briggs moved to accept the executive session minutes of January 12, 2009 as presented. Mrs. Dibb seconded. Vote unanimous.
Mr. Briggs moved to accept the executive session minutes of December 29, 2008 as presented. Ms. Bulger seconded. Vote unanimous.
Mr. Briggs moved to accept the executive session minutes of December 15, 2008 as presented. Mr. Clark seconded. Vote unanimous.
REPORT OF TOWN DEPARTMENTS:
DPW:
Superintendent Kellaher is recommending the removal of some trees on the town common. Ajax Tree will donate their time to do the work on the weekend. Mr. Briggs made a motion to authorize the removal of the trees in question on the common. Mr. Clark seconded. Vote unanimous. Mr. Becker publicly thanked Ajax Tree.
Mr. Kellaher stated that he has been in contact with Treasure Valley regarding storm clean up. He stated that they do not qualify for FEMA aid due to the location in question being recreational, not educational. He further stated that he would like to meet with the two other towns that make up Treasure Valley. The Superintendent will offer advice and expertise to guide them.
The Superintendent stated that he has been in contact with the Capital Improvement Committee regarding the replacement of one, hopefully two, vehicles.
DCR meeting tomorrow at 10 am at DPW Garage with Paula Davidson regarding a bill discrepancy. He is meeting on Wednesday with engineers regarding proposed water and sewer lines at the Rutland Heights Hospital property.
Brush pile at Long Pond has been disappearing. Mr. Kellaher would like the Board to check with MIIA or Town Counsel to see what the Town’s liability is should someone get hurt.
Trench regulations go into effect March 1st. Some discussion. Mr. Clark moved to appoint the DPW Superintendent or his designee as the trench permitting authority. Mrs. Dibb seconded. Vote unanimous.
Chairman Becker asked Mr. Kellaher to go over some outstanding articles and bring the information back to the next meeting.
POLICE:
Chief Baril was absent.
FIRE:
Chief Ruchala informed the Board that on January 13, 2009 the Governor signed into law “An Act Further Regulating the Installation of Automatic Sprinklers”.
Lengthy discussion on required 24-hour full-time ambulance coverage. The Chief has submitted a waiver from the requirement. Chairman Becker requested different payroll scenarios from the Chief for the next meeting. Chief Ruchala will draft a letter to Senator Brewer and Rep. Evangelidis to help us get some relief or possibly know of any available funding.
The Chief explained that an ambulance damaged during the storm is being fixed. There was an accident with Engine 1 and it will be 8 – 10 weeks before fully repaired, but is still usable.
Regarding cell tower packages, two were taken out, so we should have two responses to the RFP which is due March 10th according to Chief Ruchala. The Chief is on vacation from February 14 – March 6, 2009.
The Chief will get the article close out information to the Board within the next day or two.
OPEN SESSION:
Dick Williams informed the Board of cracks and dips on Route 68. Mr. Briggs stated that our complaints can be registered and there still may be a final inspection. Mr. Williams also inquired if the DPW Superintendent took the Army Corps of Engineers on Route 68 when they toured the Town reviewing storm damage. Ms. Bulger will check with Mr. Kellaher.
Bernice Anderson educated the Board on the Delia Anderson Trust Fund which will be administered through the Selectmen’s office. Mrs. Dibb will get some information on a base application from “Hearts for Heat” for her to duplicate and revise as needed.
CORRESPONDENCE:
* Letter from Rep. Evangelidis regarding budget cuts/reduction in local aid and his expression of concern to the Governor.
* Packet from Dr. Pandisio regarding enrollment projections.
* DOR Bulletins explaining quarterly impact that local aid reductions will have on local aid distribution.
NEW BUSINESS:
Letter from Kathy Potvin seeking appointment to Recreation Committee. Response from the Director of Recreation recommending non-appointment due to a conflict of interest in that she is employed by Safe Place. A letter will be sent to Mrs. Potvin.
Mr. Briggs informed the Board that Dr. Pandiscio has been invited to the Selectmen’s budget meeting on Wednesday, February 11, 2009 at 7 pm.
Ms. Bulger stated that she had a phone call from a resident inquiring about the town possibly getting Comcast cable service. Addison Redfield responded that the town has a contract with Charter Communications.
Chairman Becker reviewed with the Board a budget worksheet he put together.
OLD BUSINESS:
Mr. Briggs moved to setting the deadline for Annual Town Meeting articles to Monday, March 23, 2009 at 4 pm. Mr. Clark seconded. Vote unanimous.
Discussion on whether or not to schedule a Special Town Meeting before the Annual Town Meeting.
An informational meeting on overrides will be posted for April 27, 2009 at 7 pm in the large conference room downstairs in the public library.
Mr. Briggs moved to set the annual town election polling hours from 7 am – 8 pm. Mrs. Dibb seconded. Vote unanimous.
Ms. Bulger moved to reimburse the Grand Slam Café for its unused liquor license for 2009 less a 10% administrative fee for a total reimbursement of $450 because it had not been used at all in this calendar year. Mr. Clark seconded. Vote 4 – 1 with Mr. Briggs opposed.
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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