Board of Selectmen
March 7, 2011
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.
Chairman Dibb opened the meeting at 6 p.m.
Mr. Clark moved to sign Treasury Warrant #18 and payroll. Mr. Pantos seconded. Vote unanimous.
Mr. Clark moved to accept the meeting minutes from February 22, 2011 as presented. Mr. Becker seconded. Vote 3–2 with Ms. Bulger and Mr. Pantos abstaining.
Mr. Clark moved to accept the executive session minutes from February 22, 2011 as presented. Mr. Becker seconded. Vote 3-2 with Ms. Bulger and Mr. Pantos abstaining.
POLICE:
Per Chief Haapakoski, in-service training has begun and the two sergeants will be attending classes. Mr. Pantos questioned the Chief as to the position of parked police cruisers when they are on duty and parked at the station.
FIRE:
Per Chief Ruchala, the ambulance inspection went well and the license should be issued. Regarding the QAQI in-service training, the Chief will try to have them come here. The contract for the new truck came back as well as the other documents – he will contact the Town Clerk. A full-time paramedic is leaving for Gloucester – his last day will be March 23, 2011. A part-timer is filling in. Chief Ruchala will advertise for a part-time paramedic and will announce the name for the deputy position at the next meeting. The Chief stated that he attended a Capital Planning meeting regarding a new chief’s vehicle. Chief Ruchala attended an Oakham Selectmen’s meeting regarding the contract which they are fine with. Chief will make the necessary changes. Mr.
Pantos questioned the Chief on coverage in the department while is away on vacation to which he replied that he would follow the chain of command and make arrangements with surrounding towns if necessary. Lengthy discussion. Department staffing conversation as well.
DPW:
Letter from the Lions Club regarding the construction of a storage shed at the Community Center. Chairman Dibb questioned Superintendent Kellaher on the liability, etc. Mr. Clark moved to allow the Lions Club to construct a shed at the Community Center and to waive the building permit fee. Mr. Pantos seconded. Vote unanimous.
Mrs. Dibb read the letter that Mr. Clark drafted regarding 21 Miles Road (proposed Welcome Center for Wachusett Greenways) inviting Wachusett Greenways to a Selectmen’s meeting. Mr. Kellaher has an agreement made for Wachusett Greenways as it was brought forth previously that the Town was not responsible for any costs relative to the tunnel project. Cullinan Engineering explained to him that as long as he got a verbal from Colleen Abrams or Ken Strom that they would pay the bill ($2800), it was okay to sign. Mr. Pantos suggested billing directly. Mr. Pantos moved to sign pending written Memorandum of Understanding from Wachusett Greenways for the cost of peer review. Mr. Clark seconded. Vote unanimous. Colleen Abrams arrived and it was explained to her that Cullinan
needs the revised plans from Ken Strom. Discussion on a meeting at the location to which the neighbors were invited but was not open to the public. Mr. Becker explained that variances as well as zoning and parking issues would have to be cared for prior to any work beginning. The Board will meet at the DPW facility on March 22nd at 5 pm and continue to 21 Miles Road for a walk through of the premises. There is a blocked culvert due to a boulder which is on Fish & Game’s property. Mr. Pantos moved to have Mr. Kellaher send a letter to Fish and Game regarding the boulder issue. Mr. Becker seconded. Vote unanimous.
The superintendent informed the Board about a complaint he received regarding damage to his basketball hoop by town snowplow. Mr. Kellaher stated that there is a 50 foot right of way there so it is on town property. He will look into further.
Mr. Kellaher posted a seasonal position today. Electronics collection day will be the week of May 2 – 6 at the DPW yard. It will be after the town-wide yard sale for everything except appliances and televisions. Resident requested an abatement for sewer. They had a leak in their bathroom, but the water was put into sewer system and needs to be paid for. Mr. Kellaher recommended not granting the abatement. Mr. Clark moved to support the superintendent’s recommendation. Ms. Bulger seconded. Vote unanimous.
OPEN SESSION:
Wachusett School Committee: Colleen Cipro, Julianne Kelly, Robert Remillard. Discussion on the budget which is going up. Lengthy discussion. Mrs. Cipro stated that Dr. Pandiscio is going to bring the budget forth and feels it will be passed in 4 out of 5 towns. Mr. Becker stated that if this budget passes, the town services will suffer.
Firefighter Newcomb asked if his issue will be discussed to which Chairman Dibb replied that only the items on the agenda for tonight will be brought forward.
Karin Prucnal, Chairman for the Board of Health, came before the Board for discussion on the 2012 budget which is level funded. Also discussed was the Animal Inspector position and the Landfill.
CORRESPONDENCE:
Amendment to School Lease Agreement – Ms. Kelley feels it’s in Rutland’s best interest to sign. Will be added to next agenda.
Regarding a packet from MEMA on mutual aid, Mrs. Dibb asked the three department heads (Police, Fire & DPW) to meet to discuss and bring back information for the next meeting. Will add to next agenda.
A letter from the Historical Society was read regarding the replacement of and possible relocation of the Christmas Tree on the Common. Will invite the Historical Society to the April 4th meeting for further discussion.
Letter from Mass PIRG was read regarding an update on the bottle bill which would expand the types of containers that could be recycled. Ms. Bulger moved to sign the resolution in support of the updated bottle bill. Mrs. Dibb seconded. Vote 3-2 (Mrs. Dibb and Ms. Bulger yea and Mr. Clark, Mr. Becker and Mr. Pantos nay).
OLD BUSINESS:
The Selectmen received a letter at their homes from the Sheriff’s Department regarding the use of the Inmate Service Program. Ms. Bulger would like to send a letter to the Sheriff’s Department stating that we are interested in the program. Will send notices to Department Heads (COA, DPW, Library, Recreation, Police, Fire, July 4th Committee) and inquire whether they would be interested in using this program. Deadline is April 4th.
Personnel policy - Review of the policy with agreement to send to all departments requesting any comments from them by March 23rd. Some discussion on health benefits. Mr. Becker motioned to adopt the policy as drafted containing the exclusion of the permanent part-time personnel from holiday pay when it falls on a scheduled day off and send to all departments for feedback. Mr. Pantos seconded. Vote 4 -1 with Mrs. Dibb abstaining.
NEW BUSINESS:
Dick Williams presented a document pertaining to a possible “Right of Way” into Cool Sandy Beach (Kosta Avenue) from the Parquette property on Maple Avenue – James Soucy is the developer and is willing to put in the ROW as he would gain two additional lots. No cost to the town. Lengthy discussion. Mr. Williams will gain more information tomorrow night at the Planning Board meeting.
ADJOURN:
Mr. Clark moved to adjourn. Mr. Becker seconded. Vote unanimous. Meeting adjourned at 8:35 pm.
Respectfully submitted,
Nancy M. Macaruso, Secretary
Board of Selectmen
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