Board of Selectmen
October 4, 2010
Community Hall Annex
6:00 pm
Present: Sheila H. Dibb, Chairman, Joseph R. Becker, Vice-Chairman, Cherilyn A. Bulger, Michael S. Pantos and Nancy M. Macaruso, Secretary.
Mr. Becker moved to sign Treasury Warrant #7 and payroll. Ms. Bulger seconded. Vote unanimous.
Minutes: Mr. Becker moved to accept the meeting minutes from August 16, 2010 as presented and to have Ms. Bulger sign them. Mrs. Dibb seconded. Vote 3 to 1 with Mr. Pantos abstaining.
Mr. Becker moved to accept the minutes from September 13, 2010. Mr. Pantos seconded. Vote unanimous.
Mr. Becker moved to accept the minutes from September 29, 2010. Ms. Bulger seconded. Vote unanimous.
DPW:
A letter from a resident requesting a water/sewer abatement was introduced. Mr. Kellaher stated that he met with the resident several times and no leaks have been detected and his meter has been tested and is accurate. Mr. Kellaher suggested there may be a problem with his irrigation system. After some discussion, the superintendent recommended no abatement; but has no objection to waiting another cycle (next week) and recheck. Mr. Becker moved no abatement based on the information and recommendation of the DPW Superintendent. Ms. Bulger seconded. Vote unanimous. DPW will draft a letter to the owner.
Mr. Kellaher has heard from three companies regarding wood disposal. Mr. Becker moved to award the RFP to Meserve Transport from Littleton for the removal of the wood and all debris behind the DPW barn per the DPW Superintendent’s recommendation. Ms. Bulger seconded. Vote unanimous.
Fourteen interviews have been held recently for the two seasonal positions. DPW Superintendent Kellaher recommended Sean Bogart and John Brown at $14 per hour. Mr. Becker moved to accept the superintendent’s recommendation. Ms. Bulger seconded. Vote unanimous. CORI checks will be conducted on both and drug screens will be done at their own expense; no physicals required.
Mr. Kellaher submitted a letter from 1993 from Blair Development Corp. to the Planning Board regarding off-site improvements on Memorial Drive. Mr. Kellaher will forward to the Planning Board.
Mr. Williams questioned Mr. Kellaher on the crack sealing for Route 68 to which he responded Chapter 90 money will pay for it.
POLICE:
Mrs. Dibb questioned the other members on where they stood regarding the three interviews held last week with the police chief candidates. Mr. Pantos would like to call all three back for second interviews. Mr. Becker liked all three candidates to different degrees, but Sgt. Agnew and Chief Haapakoski stood out to him. Ms. Bulger and Mrs. Dibb also leaned toward the same two as Mr. Becker. Mr. Clark participated via cell phone stating that he also would like to call all three back. After some discussion, Ms. Bulger moved to have Chief Haapakoski back for a second interview. Mr. Becker seconded. Vote unanimous. Mr. Pantos moved to have Lt. Bates back for a second interview. Ms. Bulger seconded. Vote 3 to 1 with Mr. Pantos as the only aye. Ms. Bulger
moved to call Sgt. Agnew back for a second interview. Mr. Becker seconded. Vote unanimous. Sgt. Agnew and Chief Haapakoski will be contacted for a second interview to be held Thursday, October 7, 2010 beginning at 6 pm with interviews being held at 7 pm and 8 pm. Mr. Becker suggested thank you letters be sent to the police chief search committee.
Acting Chief Friberg informed the Board that Officer McCauley’s temporary exemption paperwork has been faxed in.
Mr. Becker asked Mr. Friberg to patrol when possible the area behind Town Hall; signs are posted and it is still being used as a cut through.
Acting Chief Friberg stated that the “lock down” drills at the three schools went well.
FIRE:
Chief Ruchala submitted a training flow chart from MEMA and FEMA on NIMS.
Letter from Verizon stating they have withdrawn the RFP application for the cell tower due to budget concerns. Mr. Senecal, 216 Main Street, suggested the Board review the town master plan regarding the town center.
911 Development Grant – contract for FY ’11 approved for $941,000. A large amount will go toward communication equipment to implement a plan for radio systems. Mr. Becker congratulated Chief Ruchala. Some discussion.
Discussion on the addendum with Hubbardston re: dispatch. Will be added to agenda for October 18th.
Some discussion on the need for additional clerical wages.
Lyndon Nichols, Finance Committee, commended Chief Ruchala for public safety day held recently at the fire station.
OPEN SESSION:
Pole Hearing (Cedar Avenue) 6:50 pm – To relocate pole #6 (1 jointly owned pole to be relocated) Verizon/Mass Electric. Mr. Becker recused himself due to his employment with Verizon. Scott Burns from Verizon was present. Dick Williams questioned whether Cedar Avenue was private or public. With only two members remaining, Mrs. Dibb continued the hearing to October 18th.
Mr. Williams asked the Board to complete the survey on open space from Conservation Commission before October 17th.
Public Hearing (Laying out of Cameron Drive) 6:55 pm – Beginning from scratch per Town Counsel. Per the Planning Board and DPW, all requirements have been met. The contractor will pay for a stop sign. National Grid has taken care of their drainage problems. Ms. Bulger moved to layout Cameron Drive (description attached). Mr. Becker seconded. Vote unanimous. Mrs. Dibb closed the public hearing.
CORRESPONDENCE:
Letter from the Town of Sterling regarding WRSD lease agreement – meeting October 6th at 1 pm in the district office – Mrs. Dibb will try to attend.
Rutland Little League Agreement – Discussion on the irrigation system (power, meter boxes, etc.); has not been installed yet and will add to next agenda for breakdown of costs and fees.
OLD BUSNIESS:
Maykel/Bacon property – Mrs. Dibb explained that not everyone has responded back to the Board on their intent and continued to October 18, 2010.
Discussion on tax collection – Mrs. Hayden is unavailable to come to a BOS meeting on October 18th, so a request will be sent to have her attend a meeting on Tuesday, October 19th at 6:30 pm for tax discussion. A letter from a group of residents was read pertaining to delinquent taxes. Mr. Pantos left the meeting at 6:30 pm.
NEW BUSINESS:
Mrs. Dibb announced that Building Inspector, Harry Johnson, fell today while on an inspection. Alternate Inspector, Richard Travers, will fill in after normal work hours and on weekends as needed.
ADJOURN:
Ms. Bulger moved to adjourn. Mr. Becker seconded. Vote unanimous. Meeting adjourned at 7:50 pm.
Respectfully submitted,
Nancy M. Macaruso, Secretary
Board of Selectmen
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