Board of Selectmen
October 18, 2010
Community Hall Annex
6:00 pm
Present: Sheila H. Dibb, Chairman, Joseph R. Becker, Vice-Chairman, Leroy C. Clark, Cherilyn A. Bulger, Michael S. Pantos, Clerk and Nancy M. Macaruso, Secretary.
Mr. Pantos moved to sign Treasury Warrant #8 and payroll. Mr. Clark seconded. Vote unanimous.
Minutes: Mr. Becker moved to accept the meeting minutes from October 4, 2010 as presented. Ms. Bulger seconded. Vote 3 to 1 with Mr. Clark abstaining.
Mr. Becker moved to accept the executive session minutes from October 4, 2010 as presented. Ms. Bulger seconded. Vote 3 to 1 with Mr. Clark abstaining.
Mr. Clark moved to accept the minutes from September 30, 2010 as presented. Ms. Bulger seconded. Vote unanimous.
Ms. Bulger moved to accept the executive session minutes from September 20, 2010 as presented. Mr. Clark seconded. Vote unanimous.
POLICE:
Letter from a resident regarding door-to-door solicitation. Acting Chief Friberg stated that there is currently no by-law and that people usually just stop in at dispatch to inform the department that they will be in town and that there is nothing stating that they must stop in either. Mr. Pantos will research further. Trick-or-treat hours are set for 4 – 8 pm on October 31st and extra police patrols will be on duty.
FIRE:
Ms. Bulger moved to approve the changes to the addendum of the service agreement with Hubbardston Dispatch and to forward to them. Mr. Clark seconded. Vote unanimous.
Chief Ruchala gave a quick description of a digester project being proposed for the Jordan Dairy Farm.
DPW:
Superintendent Kellaher stated that meetings with Wachusett Greenways are moving forward. Some discussion regarding detours with respect to the rail trail.
One seasonal employee started today – the second hire dropped out. Mr. Kellaher is moving forward with the third candidate, Peter Deflorio and is awaiting employment test results.
Joshua Lacross (Eagle Scout candidate) came before the Board seeking approval on a project he would like to complete with help from the DPW (marking catch basins and painting fire hydrants). Mr. Kellaher would like to keep him, for safety concerns, within the developments and if he had to choose one project over the other, he would choose to have the hydrants painted. Mr. Becker would like Mr. Kellaher to check with MIIA on the liability.
Evan Starbard, assistant scoutmaster, stated that the scout is covered by the BSA insurance company – Mrs. Dibb would like a letter from the Boy Scout insurance company stating this. Mr. Kellaher is willing to support and give approval. Mr. Pantos moved to support the Eagle Scout Project pending a favorable review from MIIA and a letter from the Boy Scout insurance company. Mr. Clark seconded. Vote unanimous.
Little League agreement: Some discussion on fees, permits, waivers, etc. Mr. Kellaher will get a better cost breakdown for the meeting prior to the special town meeting which will be held an hour before the special.
Regarding Weston & Sampson’s presentation on the water tower at the special town meeting, Mr. Becker suggested that this article be taken out of order to be addressed first.
OPEN SESSION:
Thomas & Marsha Olson came before the Board asking to revisit their water abatement request. No leaks detected, meter checked out ok but he suggested that a lightning strike they suffered may have adversely affected the meter. Mr. Becker suggested checking with the meter company. After lengthy conversation, Mr. Kellaher will arrange a meeting for all involved parties (irrigation company, meter company, DPW & homeowners). Will add to either November 1st or 15th agenda.
CORRESPONDENCE:
Letter from Paul Dionne (Reach the Beach Relay Race) requesting permission to have a relay race through town on May 20, 2011. Selectmen and Acting Chief Friberg have additional questions regarding this event and would like Mr. Dionne to come in to a meeting for further explanation – will contact and invite to next meeting.
A thank you note was received from Police Chief Hurley thanking the Board for the opportunity to sit on the police chief search committee.
NEW BUSINESS:
Chapter 40B – George Lussier (Campbell Hill Estates) Mr. Lussier came before the Board to discuss why the regulatory agreement has not been signed by the Board when it has been approved by the Board of Appeals. Lengthy discussion. Mr. Becker explained that initially our town counsel had some concerns. Will be placed on the agenda prior to special town meeting on October 25, 2010 as two members have not had a chance to review the paperwork.
Mr. Pantos moved to appoint Bernice Anderson as the representative to Elder Services. Mr. Clark seconded. Vote unanimous.
Mrs. Dibb informed the Board that Attorney Jenkins will fill in for Attorney Cranston at the Special Town Meeting on Monday, October 25, 2010.
OLD BUSINESS:
Maykel / Bacon property – Chapter 61. Attorney McCabe (representing Craig Bacon) was in attendance along with the contractor, Craig Bacon. Chairman Dibb explained that there were many errors / confusion in the paperwork from the beginning. Attorney McCabe respectfully asked Mrs. Dibb to refrain from the vote due to her being an indirect abutter to this parcel. After lengthy discussion, Mr. Becker moved to sign the notification not to exercise our right to purchase Parcel A subject to receiving a clean and corrected copy from Attorney Meloche (seller’s attorney). Mr. Clark seconded. Vote 4 -1 with Mrs. Dibb abstaining.
Pole hearing on Cedar Avenue that was continued from the last meeting will take “no action” due to it being a private road. Ms. Bulger moved to close the hearing. Mrs. Pantos seconded. Vote was 3 in favor, 2 abstentions with Mr. Becker and Mr. Clark abstaining.
Regarding the police chief decision, no background checks have been completed yet. Mr. Clark is leaning toward Chief Haapakoski due to the answers he gave to Mr. Clark’s questions. Mr. Becker favors Chief Haapakoski as well after the second interview; feels he has more experience. Ms. Bulger agreed with Mr. Becker. Mr. Pantos supports Chief Haapakoski. Mrs. Dibb is in agreement with everyone. Mr. Becker moved to extend an offer to Chief Haapakoski subject to a clean state police background check and favorable contract negotiations. Ms. Bulger seconded. Vote unanimous.
Ms. Bulger moved to enter into executive session for Reason #3 and to return to open session for adjournment purposes. Mr. Clark seconded. Bulger aye, Clark aye, Becker aye, Pantos aye, Dibb aye.
ADJOURN:
Ms. Bulger moved to adjourn. Mr. Becker seconded. Vote unanimous. Meeting adjourned at 9.45 pm.
Respectfully submitted,
Nancy M. Macaruso, Secretary
Board of Selectmen
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