Board of Selectmen
May 31, 2011
Community Hall Annex
6:00 pm
Present: Joseph R. Becker, Chairman, Michael S. Pantos, Vice-Chairman, Leroy C. Clark and Nancy M. Macaruso, secretary. Sheila H. Dibb and Peter Letsky were absent.
Chairman Becker opened the meeting at 6:08 pm.
Mr. Clark moved to sign Warrant #24 and payroll. Mr. Pantos seconded. Vote unanimous.
Mr. Clark moved to accept the minutes from May 10, 2011 as presented. Mr. Pantos seconded. Vote unanimous.
Mr. Clark moved to accept the minutes from May 14, 2011 as presented. Mr. Pantos seconded. Vote unanimous.
Mr. Clark moved to accept the minutes from May 16, 2011 as presented. Mr. Pantos seconded. Vote unanimous.
Mr. Clark moved to accept the minutes from May 19, 2011 as presented. Mr. Pantos seconded. Vote unanimous.
POLICE:
Rutland is taking part in the “Click It or Ticket” program May 23 – June 5, 2011. Chief Haapakoski turned in his training breakdown paperwork. Annual in-service is done. The Chief stated they are 51% through the first part of accreditation process.
Mr. Becker stated that the time has come for the Chief’s six month review (goals and objectives). Each Board member should prepare written goals and provide them to the Chief. A meeting will be set for June 28th at 6:30 (incorporating the DPW Superintendent and Fire Chief’s goals and objectives as well).
FIRE:
Chief Ruchala stated that he did not get the grant for a replacement forestry truck. Some discussion on the Blue Cross/Blue Shield billing practices for ambulance calls. Chief Ruchala presented charts showing radio coverage/service for our area. It has been suggested to place three towers (Rutland, Oakham and Hubbardston). Lengthy discussion. 911 Grants for FY 12 have been filed. The Chief asked the Board to get in contact with the town of Princeton since his department has tried and had no response. Mr. Becker will attempt to contact Princeton on the Chief’s behalf. Mr. Pantos questioned the Chief on quotes for insurance coverage to which the Chief replied he has until August. The Chief submitted some transfers (one interdepartmental and one reserve fund transfer) to cover
ambulance wages. Mr. Pantos moved to approve the transfer from 231-5700 to 231-5120 for $1000. Mr. Clark seconded. Vote unanimous.
State Representative Kim Ferguson dropped off a proclamation signed by the Governor acknowledging Memorial Day.
DPW:
Weston & Sampson Agreements with Natgun for water tank: Mr. Pantos moved to authorize the Chairman to sign the Notice of Intent to award to Natgun Corp. for water storage tanks. Mr. Clark seconded. Vote unanimous.
Mr. Pantos moved to authorize the Chairman to sign the Engineering Services Agreement for Weston & Sampson (water tank & rehab). Mr. Clark seconded. Vote unanimous.
Scrap dumpster was placed in the DPW yard to remove excess material. Electronics collection dumpster was full and considered successful. Vehicle lift has been ordered. The Christmas tree on the Common is being removed tomorrow at 10 am and the DPW will dig out the stump.
Information session on June 2, 2011 at 7 pm at the Library regarding the detours for the closing of Pommogussett Road due to the installation of the rail trail culvert. Colleen Abrams and her team will be in attendance along with the three department heads.
Mr. Pantos moved to issue an abatement per the Superintendent’s recommendation ($1508.69 sewer portion of the Wood House bill due to water heater bursting). Mr. Clark seconded. Vote unanimous. Mr. Pantos moved to issue an abatement per the Superintendent’s recommendation ($77.98 at 29 Birchwood Road – sewer portion due to pipes bursting). Mr. Clark seconded. Vote unanimous.
Mr. Pantos questioned the Superintendent on blue markings on curbings in his neighborhood – Mr. Kellaher will look into.
OPEN SESSION:
6:30 pm – Tree Hearing for trees that are flagged on Pommogussett related to the rail trail tunnel project. 18 public shade trees are to be removed. Addison Redfield is concerned with the large trees being removed as they may be considered “old growth”. He further questioned whether it was right for a non-town group to be removing the trees. Ken Strom stated that they are all within the public right of way and they are removing only what is absolutely necessary – many are marked for non-removal. Fran Steiner questioned the road closing procedures related to the tunnel project to which Mr. Becker stated he could gain complete information at the public information session on Thursday, June 2nd at the Library. Mr. Clark moved that upon the written
receipt from Mass DOT stating that they don’t have to sign off and the approval from Cullinan Engineering that they approve of the stamped engineering plan, that’s when work can progress. Mr. Pantos seconded. Vote unanimous.
Norm Anderson (Sign By-Law Sub-Committee) – Mr. Anderson presented the revised sign-by law to the selectmen. A meeting will be set for Wednesday, June 29, 2011 at 6:30 to review – Rick Travers, Building Commissioner, will be invited.
Historical Commission - They have arranged with the Worcester County Sheriff’s Department to have the Wood Studio painted and stained by inmates and had the project approved by Gary Kellaher. Mr. Pantos moved to approve of the Wood Studio work by the sheriff’s department. Mr. Clark seconded. The Historical Commission requested monetary help with the project. Mr. Pantos will take care of getting it donated or will donate it himself. Vote unanimous.
CORRESPONDENCE:
Three Rutland teachers are retiring and are requesting sick leave buyback (approximately $45,000).
Memo from Recreation requesting to utilize the sheriff’s department for some work to be done in the pool area. Some discussion with DPW Superintendent. Mr. Pantos will coordinate with the sheriff’s department.
Memos from Recreation regarding the retaining wall at the pool and additional hours for Katelyn Wojnarowicz (Safe Place Director) – due to no one from Recreation being present for further discussion/explanation, both items will be added to next agenda. The additional hours needs to be discussed with the Finance Committee. Gary Kellaher stated that he has gotten quotes for the wall.
Mr. Becker stated that the special legislation has been signed by governor (use of funds from Glenwood to pay down non-debt excluded portion in the budget).
OLD BUSINESS:
Mr. Becker announced that the MSBA Green Project meeting for May 25, 2011 was postponed to June 8, 2011.
Mr. Pantos stated that James Smith has accepted the position of Plumbing Inspector beginning July 1, 2011 for one year (to be reviewed during reappointments of June, 2012). Richard Travers has accepted the Building Commissioner’s position for one year (to be reviewed after one year).
NEW BUSINESS:
Chapter 61A (Maykel property) – Per memo from Town Counsel, the Board may proceed under the statute. Parcels B & F are being sold to C. Bacon and Parcels C & D are being converted to residential. All roll back taxes have been paid. Mr. Pantos made a motion to approve the conversion of parcels C & D. Mr. Clark seconded. Vote unanimous.
Mr. Pantos was contacted by a resident about an abatement that he was denied by the Assessor; he has contacted the State because he got no satisfaction from the Town. Mr. Pantos will follow up.
Next Agenda: Departmental liaisons will be added to next agenda. Recommendations for DPW materials will be added as well as an executive session for Reason #3.
ADJOURN:
Mr. Clark moved to adjourn. Mr. Pantos seconded. Vote unanimous. Meeting adjourned at 7:35 pm.
Respectfully submitted,
Nancy M. Macaruso, Secretary
Board of Selectmen
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