Board of Selectmen
March 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. Clark moved to sign Treasury Warrant #19. Mrs. Dibb seconded. Vote unanimous.
Minutes:
Mr. Briggs moved to accept the minutes of February 23, 2009 as presented. Mrs. Dibb seconded. Vote unanimous.
Mrs. Dibb moved to accept the minutes of March 4, 2009 as presented. Ms. Bulger seconded. Vote passed 3 – 2 with Mr. Briggs and Mr. Clark abstaining.
REPORT OF TOWN DEPARTMENTS:
Tom Dufault re: Update on Rutland Heights remains status quo as it was in the fall. They are moving forward with the Memorandum of Agreement and it is being drawn up (finalization of roadway plan is not complete). The final dump site is being cleaned, but not capped yet and should be done by the end of March. They will be cleaning debris from roadways and property perimeter. Mr. Dufault explained that the brush pile should be cleared soon from the property in order for road/sewer work to begin. The deed has some restrictions for 30-years. Deadline for transfer is December 31, 2009. Chairman Becker will check with the Treasurer/Collector regarding the borrowing, etc.
DPW:
Superintendent Kellaher stated that he will be attending a Worcester County Highway seminar tomorrow regarding Chapter 90 updates. Some discussion on the update for trench safety permitting (application and fee). Mr. Briggs moved to sign two (2) Agreements with Weston & Sampson for Year 4 I & I work contingent upon Town Counsel’s review. Mr. Clark seconded. Vote unanimous. Advertisement for storm debris removal has been in the local paper.
POLICE:
Chief Baril informed the Board that a primary cruiser is down due to engine problems. He has gotten some repair quotes and the Board advised him to try the least expensive approach first. If that doesn’t solve the problem, the chairman suggested using back-up cruisers until an intra department transfer can be done.
Chief Baril stated that he has received three estimates for the IT support at the Public Safety Complex and is strongly recommending CMGeeks.com. since they are working with dispatch in Hubbardston and Oakham presently. Chairman Becker is reluctant due to the town not having a signed contract with Hubbardston yet. After lengthy discussion, Mrs. Dibb moved to use CMGeeks.com for IT support at the Public Safety Complex. Mr. Briggs seconded. Motion failed 3 to 2 with Mr. Clark, Mr. Becker and Ms. Bulger against. After further discussion, Mr. Becker moved to reconsider the previous vote with the understanding that no money is being spent until there is a concrete agreement in place. Ms. Bulger seconded. Vote unanimous. Mrs. Dibb moved to use CMGeeks.com for IT support at the
Public Safety Complex. Mr. Briggs seconded. Vote 4 to 1 with Mr. Clark against. Mr. Briggs spoke briefly about the managerial aspect of the dispatch center. Some discussion on the Communication Committee. After tomorrow’s dispatch meeting, Mr. Briggs will update the rest of the Board.
The police chief presented a letter from the Sterling police chief commending Detective Chauvin for his assistance in providing information regarding some recent thefts in their town.
Chairman Becker presented the Board with a letter he drafted that he would like to send to the police union regarding a wage freeze for fiscal year 2010. Some minor changes were made. Mr. Clark moved to forward the letter. Mrs. Dibb seconded. Vote unanimous. Brief discussion on the Quinn Bill per a letter Chairman Becker received from the Town Administrator in Charlton.
FIRE:
Chief Ruchala stated that there is a cell tower meeting on the RFP tomorrow at 11 am. He also informed the Board that he has been contacted by a member of the Finance Committee regarding his budget. He would like to set up a meeting for an “after action” report regarding the ice storm. The letters to legislators regarding the ambulance will be held due to the licensure being obtained. The Chief informed the Board of a $50,000 development grant that has been awarded for moving forward with regional dispatch.
OPEN SESSION:
Public forum for feedback during December ice storm. Mark Huard from Brunelle Drive stated everything went well and would like to establish a “point person” during emergency situations for people to offer professional services/expertise to the town. Mrs. Dibb directed him to the CERT organization. Sharon Berndt and Carol Boucher from the COA are drawing up a list of elderly who come into the Community Center who may be in need of services during an emergency. They will also be attending a disaster preparedness seminar April 1st. Mr. Briggs also suggested they contact CERT. Addison Redfield also stated that he felt the town did a terrific job in making roads passable very quickly and personally thanked the Fire Department for their quick response to an incident at
his home.
Addison Redfield, Cable Advisory Committee, needed clarification on expending money. Mr. Briggs explained that a committee vote only, not town meeting vote, was needed and then to inform the Selectmen.
Darren Ross, Rutland Youth soccer, is interested in modifying the supply shed at the Community Center. He was advised to seek guidance from DPW and to obtain a building permit (fee would be waived).
CORRESPONDENCE:
Several letters have come in asking how to dispose of post-storm debris and others were sent commending the town on a job well done.
DCAM is seeking lease space and Mr. Becker suggested the primary building. Mrs. Dibb will look into requirements and add to next agenda.
Shoreline Weed Control will be hydroraking in Rutland State Forest at the swim beach in Whitehall Reservoir.
Letter from Rep. Evangelidis that he is working to secure funds for reimbursement for costs associated with the December ice storm. Chairman Becker asked the public to write letters of support as well. Some discussion on residential clean up.
National Grid has informed the Town that a town-wide power outage will occur on Friday, March 13th at approximately 11:30 pm for 10 - 15 minutes and again on Saturday, March 14th at approximately 5 – 6 am for 10 – 15 minute for maintenance.
NEW BUSINESS:
Mr. Briggs moved to appoint Kevin McCarthy as a member of the Health Insurance Advisory Committee. Mr. Clark seconded. Vote unanimous.
Regional Selectmen’s meeting will take place on Thursday, March 12th in Sterling.
OLD BUSINESS:
Budget override discussion – must be in by April 6th with money amounts (35 days before meeting). Different scenarios were discussed. Mr. Becker explained a “pyramid” approach. Mr. Clark would like to see the override contain an itemized list.
Personnel study – Three responses. Mr. Briggs moved to work with the MMA. Mrs. Dibb seconded. Vote unanimous.
Mr. Clark suggested informing the elected boards about the pay freeze – Mr. Briggs would like to hold off on that.
Mr. Williams questioned the hiring of a consultant regarding the Landfill. A memo will be sent to the Board of Health.
Mr. Dufault would like to see the sign by-law adhered to and enforced since many signs have sprung up over the last few years. Mr. Clark will speak to Mr. Johnson.
ADJOURN:
Mrs. Briggs moved to adjourn. Mr. Clark seconded. Vote unanimous. The meeting adjourned at 8:45 pm.
Respectfully submitted,
Nancy M. Macaruso, Secretary
Board of Selectmen
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