Board of Selectmen
September 19, 2011
Community Hall Annex
6:00 pm
Present: Joseph R. Becker, Chairman, Michael S. Pantos, Vice-Chairman, Leroy C. Clark, Sheila H. Dibb, Peter Letsky, Clerk and Nancy M. Macaruso, secretary.
Mr. Clark moved to sign Treasury warrant #6 and payroll. Mr. Letsky seconded. Vote unanimous.
Mr. Clark moved to accept the September 6, 2011 minutes as presented. Mr. Pantos seconded with an amendment to add the word “enrolled” before employees on page 2, last section. Vote 4 -1 with Mr. Letsky abstaining.
DPW:
Maple Avenue milling is scheduled for Thursday. Miles Road has been fully reclaimed, base coat Wednesday and top coat next week. Sidewalk repair at Brunelle has been done within the budgeted number. Library roof repairs are complete. The salt shed door is being moved from the front to the back. Discussion on the sand storage and the availability of it to the residents. Recreation meeting is scheduled for the September 29th at 7 pm regarding the retaining wall. A grant for a trailer has been secured. The floor for the water storage tank is being poured Thursday and things are moving along.
POLICE:
Chief Haapakoski informed the Board that accident reports can now be obtained on line with a credit card. Website is very secure. He also stated that the Oakham police chief has provided a list of officers to be appointed as special police officers in Rutland (see attached list). Mrs. Dibb moved to appoint the Oakham officers (see list) as special police officers in Rutland. Mr. Clark seconded. Vote unanimous.
FIRE:
Chief Ruchala informed the Board that he has hired Nancy Congdon as the Fire Department secretary who has been training with Eileen McCarthy and will be starting soon. He has advertised for the paramedic position vacated by the individual who has since gone on retirement. He also has a candidate (Michael Gleason) for the EMT/paramedic position who is scheduled for fire testing in the next 2 – 3 weeks and should be on board within 90 days. Michael Moriarty has been hired as a part-time dispatcher to replace Eileen McCarthy. The new truck purchase is moving forward with an estimated delivery date by the end of December.
Meeting in Hubbardston on the tower is Wednesday at 2:30 with the Hubbardston Town Administrator and others. Rutland’s communication tower hearing has been continued to October 5th. Mr. Becker, Mr. Pantos, the Fire Chief, the Police Chief and Dispatch Manager are meeting this week to discuss the structure of the dispatch department.
OPEN SESSION:
6:30 – Public hearing for Class 2 and Class 3 Licenses for Greg’s Restorations on Naquag Street. Greg Ward was unable to attend. Mr. Pantos moved to continue the hearing to October 3, 2011 at 6:30 pm. Mr. Letsky seconded. Vote unanimous.
Rick Travers asked permission of the Selectmen to hold an informational meeting to introduce the building permitting software to other town departments. The Board gave its approval.
7:00 – WRSDC was invited to the Selectmen’s meeting to update each other on the happenings within each Board. The maintenance at all three Rutland schools as well as the maintenance agreement was discussed. The board explained the need for quarterly or at least semi-annual reports regarding all three schools. A walk-through will take place between DPW Superintendent and the facilities manager. The school committee will also make sure Mr. Kellaher and dispatch are placed on the call list for weather related cancellations. It is hoped to have communication between both boards improve. Some discussion on the access road from the Heights to the school (which will be classified as a driveway built to roadway specs).
Members of the Board of Health came before the Board to inform the Selectmen of the need for their article to be placed on the special town meeting warrant (landfill monitoring). Mrs. Prucnal reviewed the timeline of events that has gotten them to this point. Lengthy discussion. Mr. Becker spoke on the possibility of working the amount into the budget. Mrs. Dibb moved to place the Board of Health article on the special town meeting warrant in the amount of $5975 for landfill monitoring using Available Funds (Free Cash). Mr. Letsky seconded. Vote unanimous.
Dave from Southern Exposure Nursery came before the board to explain that he works for the local state-run assisted living facility on Maple Avenue (there is one in Hubbardston as well) and is looking for community service projects for the residents. Tim Kizis, a resident of the group home, was also in attendance. Mr. Kizis is specifically interested in beautifying the town common monuments (landscaping, etc). Mr. Clark questioned the town’s liability to which it was explained a waiver could be signed. Dave will coordinate with the DPW Superintendent. The Board welcomed the offer. Mrs. Dibb moved to accept the officer of Tim Kizis and his organization to do some landscaping around the town common monuments. Peter Letsky seconded. Vote unanimous.
CORRESPONDENCE:
Resignation from Susan Sturgis from the Board of Assessors effective October 1, 2011. Mrs. Dibb moved to accept the resignation with regrets. Mr. Pantos seconded. Vote unanimous. The Board of Selectmen and remaining members of the Board of Assessors will work to fill the vacancy. Will post vacancy on website and cable access channel with candidates meeting with both Boards on October 3, 2011.
Memo from Recreation Director regarding ADA changes for pools, spas, etc. Indications are that we do not have the linear footage for which this is being required.
Invitation to the Christmas tree dedication. Mr. Becker will attend to informally accept and then formally accept at a town meeting.
Memo from Department of Public Safety regarding compliance courses for the Building Commissioner which was copied to the Building Department.
NEW BUSINESS:
Mrs. Dibb received an email requesting the Selectmen proclaim October 16th as Rutland Crop Hunger Walk Day. Will add to next agenda.
Mr. Letsky stated that the Assessors are interviewing an intern tomorrow.
The Board reviewed the draft of the special town meeting warrant. Mr. Clark moved the article for the sprinkler system be placed on the warrant in the amount of $2,000. Mrs. Dibb seconded. Vote unanimous. Mr. Pantos moved to sign the special town meeting warrant. Mrs. Dibb seconded. Vote unanimous.
OLD BUSINESS:
Mrs. Dibb brought forward the soccer field issue at Hope Ridge which was discussed at a previous meeting. Conservation Commission will be holding a meeting concerning this tomorrow evening. Will add to next agenda for an update.
Mrs. Dibb revisited the article on the special town meeting regarding fire department turnout gear which was voted to not place on the warrant. No new motions.
Mr. Letsky moved to enter into executive session for Reason #3 – To discuss strategy with respect to collective bargaining or litigation if an open meeting may have a detrimental effect on the bargaining or litigating position of the public body and the chair so declares and return to open session for adjournment purposes only. Mrs. Dibb seconded. Clark aye, Dibb aye, Pantos aye, Letsky aye, Becker aye.
ADJOURN:
Mr. Letsky moved to adjourn. Mrs. Clark seconded. Vote unanimous. Meeting adjourned at 8:55 pm.
Respectfully submitted,
Nancy M. Macaruso, Secretary
Board of Selectmen
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