Board of Selectmen
November 13, 2012
Community Hall Annex
6:00 pm
Present: Peter J. Letsky, Vice-Chairman; Michael Pantos, Clerk; Joseph R. Becker and Nancy M. Macaruso, Secretary. Leroy C. Clark, Chairman was absent. Sheila H. Dibb arrived at 7:30 pm.
Mr. Becker moved to sign Treasury warrant #10 and payroll. Mr. Pantos seconded. Vote unanimous.
Mr. Pantos moved to sign the executive session minutes from November 1, 2012. Mr. Becker seconded. Vote unanimous.
DPW:
Superintendent Kellaher submitted an application for a Community Innovation Challenge Grant for a bucket truck $183,000. Four other communities (Barre, Hubbardston, Paxton & Oakham) are involved. Mr. Pantos moved to authorize the Chairman to sign the application. Mr. Becker seconded for discussion. Vote unanimous. Rutland will take the lead, but all will contribute to repair costs. Shared by five communities, but insured and registered through Rutland.
The superintendent also submitted an application for a Community Innovation Challenge Grant for Central Mass. Regional Stormwater Management Coalition. He is recommending the town join and must be acted upon by November 22nd ($310,000). Some discussion. Mr. Becker moved to authorize the Chairman to sign the application. Mr. Pantos seconded. Vote unanimous.
Gary Kellaher informed the Board of a State Police vehicle auction taking place in Ayer this Thursday. He’s been invited to attend and wants to know if the Board would like him to go in search of a fire chief vehicle, if so, he will need a letter from the Board on Selectmen letterhead stating that he’s authorized to spend a certain amount of money for a vehicle. Lengthy discussion. Mr. Becker moved to authorize DPW Superintendent to spend up to $5,000 for a vehicle at Thursday’s auction with a recommendation of less than 50,000 miles should one become available, pending authorization at the special town meeting taking place at 7 pm. Mr. Pantos seconded. Vote unanimous. Letter will be drafted for Mr. Kellaher.
Mr. Kellaher publicly thanked Joe Cavan, Fire Chief, Police Chief, Nathan Kenney and the Board for the collaborative effort in managing the storm last week. The Board echoed Mr. Kellaher’s sentiments. All reports have been filed on time for the 75% reimbursement.
FIRE:
Acting Chief Knipe would like to discuss the transition period for the new chief. The new chief, Brad Weber, will be in town on December 1st and starting work on December 3rd. Mr. Weber requested to have a two-week transition period. Some discussion. Mr. Becker moved to have the Acting Chief remain in place through the first two weeks after the new chief’s start date. Mr. Pantos seconded. Vote unanimous.
POLICE:
Chief Haapakoski reported that the town received $10,450 for its auction of a Corvette seized during a drug bust. The chief’s crown Victoria will be turned back should the money be approved at tonight’s special town meeting for a new cruiser. Discussion. Mr. Pantos moved to authorize the chief to pursue, with the DPW Superintendent, up to $2,000 for a vehicle. Mr. Becker seconded. Vote unanimous.
OPEN SESSION:
Solar Negotiating Team presented the three agreements/contracts from the solar companies, Nexamp, Mercury and MassPV which are ready to be signed by the Board. Some discussion. Mr. Becker moved to sign all three contracts (Nexamp, Mercury, MassPV) as drafted and negotiated by the solar negotiating committee. Mr. Pantos seconded. Vote unanimous.
CORRESPONDENCE:
Letter from WRSDC regarding the regional agreement – a meeting will be announced soon.
“Reach the Beach” relay race May 17, 2013. Mr. Becker moved to sign the approval form/permit. Mr. Pantos seconded. Vote unanimous. Form will be forwarded to Police and Fire chiefs for approval.
A copy of a letter from Princeton Selectmen sent to the WRSC requesting monthly updates from the school committee to be sent to the five district selectboards and finance committees.
NEW BUSINESS:
Mr. Becker explained to department heads that their regular commute mileage should be deducted from mileage that’s being submitted for payment and to pass along to their employees. The mileage form used will be adapted to specify the difference.
Letter from Cable Advisory Committee recommending the appointment of Ray Becker to its committee. Joseph Becker recused himself from the discussion. Mr. Pantos moved to appoint Ray Becker to the Cable Advisory Committee. Ms. Dibb seconded. Vote unanimous.
Resignation from Julia Ducharme (Recreation Committee) effective October 31, 2012. Mr. Becker moved to accept the resignation from Julia Ducharme with regrets. Mr. Pantos seconded. Vote unanimous.
Mr. Becker moved to recess until after the Special Town Meeting. Mr. Pantos seconded. Vote unanimous.
7:40 pm – Reconvene Selectmen’s meeting.
The three solar agreements were signed by the Board.
ADJOURN:
Ms. Dibb moved to adjourn. Mr. Becker seconded. Vote unanimous. Meeting adjourned at 8:15 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Nancy M. Macaruso, Secretary
Board of Selectmen
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