Board of Selectmen
September 4, 2012
Community Hall Annex
6:00 pm
Present: Leroy C. Clark, Chairman; Peter Letsky, Vice Chairman; Michael Pantos, Clerk; Joseph R. Becker and Nancy M. Macaruso, Secretary. Sheila H. Dibb arrived at 8:15.
Chairman Clark read a prepared statement (attached) announcing that he made a mistake in conducting the Selectmen’s meeting on August 20, 2012 by allowing a member to participate via telephone without announcing it.
Mr. Letsky moved to sign Treasury warrant #5 and payroll. Mr. Becker seconded. Vote unanimous.
DPW:
Bids have been advertised for the above-ground fuel tanks and demolition of the primary building. Opening bids on September 20, 2012 at 10 am at the DPW facility. Three road projects have been approved by MassDOT and will start September 29th (Pleasantdale, Glenwood East and Locke).
Goals & objectives have been signed and submitted by the Superintendent.
Mr. Kellaher stated that work needs to be done at the condo unit at Countryside Estates that we hold the title to. Mrs. Hayden, who was present for another issue, explained that this can be combined with two properties on Prescott Street with one auction being held for all three properties.
The Superintendent stated that he now has the renovation plans for Community Hall stored at his office.
Meeting at the Rutland Heights property with DCR on September 10th at 10 am regarding the sewer tie in.
Discussion on the key distribution for the Town Hall and Annex. Different scenarios were suggested that other towns use in keeping track of who has access to buildings. Addison Redfield from the Planning Board stated that the members of the Planning Board took a vote and refused to relinquish their keys. After lengthy conversation, Mr. Pantos moved to adopt a key policy (drafted by himself and Mr. Kellaher) to bring back to the Board for a formal vote and to have keys available in the Dispatch center for sign out to applicable persons. Mr. Letsky seconded. Vote unanimous.
POLICE:
Chief Haapakoski was absent.
FIRE:
Acting Fire Chief Knipe informed the Board that Rutland’s ambulance was out of service recently and the Oakham ambulance was down during the same period. He was able to borrow Holden’s third ambulance for the day. Both ambulances have been repaired and are back in service. The repair cost $1,200; and only $2,000 has been budgeted for the year.
The Chief’s vehicle, a 1999 Blazer, failed its annual safety inspection last week.
Paperwork handed in the acting Chief regarding a replacement vehicle will be added to the Fall special town meeting folder. Some discussion.
Justin Bassett will be returning to work this week. Chairman Clark stated that a doctor’s note is needed before he can return.
There were 22 ambulance calls to “Sober in the Sun” at Treasure Valley this past weekend. This will be looked into for future programs as only a portion of this event actually takes place in Rutland.
Chief Knipe stated that the new ambulance billing company is working out well.
OPEN SESSION:
6:20 – Sally Hayden was invited to speak to the Board regarding the selling of tax liens. She explained that the town of Paxton has looked into it, but hasn’t pursued yet. Mr. Becker would like to invite a tax lien company in to a meeting to discuss further. Mrs. Hayden will arrange.
6:30 – Janet Barakian and other members from the Historical Commission came before the Board to discuss the renewal of the Wood House lease. Scott Davis would like to “soften” the language of the lease. Mr. Becker will work with the Historical Commission members to draft a lease to present to the Board. Mr. Pantos suggested the possibility of students from Bay Path doing some of the repair work that needs attention. Mr. Kellaher offered to have the Historical Commission members walk through the Primary Building to see if any of the contents can be used in their building. Mr. Pantos moved a one-month extension on the lease agreement at 232 Main Street subject to rewriting the agreement. Mr. Letsky seconded. Vote unanimous.
Addison Redfield, member of the RBA, came before the Board to say that the work done at the Rutland Heights Hospital property last weekend to eradicate the autumn olive plant was successful. A thank you letter will be sent to the RBA.
CORRESPONDENCE:
Ballot election warrant regarding the renovation at Bay Path High School (attached) – Mr. Becker moved to sign the warrant with polls open noon to 8 pm. Mr. Letsky seconded. Vote unanimous.
NEW BUSINESS:
Mr. Letsky move to schedule a Fall special town meeting on Monday, October 29, 2012 at 7 pm with a selectmen’s meeting prior to it at 6 pm at Glenwood Elementary School. Mr. Pantos seconded. Vote unanimous. A memo will be sent to all departments asking for articles – deadline for articles in Thursday, September 13th.
Mr. Pantos informed the Board that he has heard that the fees at the high school have risen dramatically this year and he would like to send a letter to our school committee members. Mr. Becker suggested having parents with questions contact the school committee members directly.
OLD BUSINESS:
Sr. citizen tax work off program – No program has been set up as of yet. Ms. Dibb and Mr. Pantos are to take the lead. Mr. Becker feels the program needs to be designed first in order to move forward. Mr. Pantos will speak to the Assessor and bring back some information for the next meeting.
Mr. Letsky moved to enter into executive session for Reason #2: To conduct strategy sessions in preparation for negotiations with non-union personnel or to conduct collective bargaining sessions or contract negotiations with non-union personnel: and 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 to come out for adjournment purposes only. Mr. Pantos seconded. Becker aye, Letsky aye, Pantos aye, Clark aye.
ADJOURN:
Mr. Pantos moved to adjourn. Mr. Letsky seconded. Vote unanimous. Meeting adjourned at 7:20 pm.
Respectfully submitted,
Nancy M. Macaruso, Secretary
Board of Selectmen
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