Board of Selectmen
March 18, 2013
Community Hall Annex
6:00 pm
Present: Leroy C. Clark, Chairman; Peter J. Letsky, Vice-Chairman; Michael Pantos, Clerk; Joseph R. Becker, Sheila H. Dibb and Nancy M. Macaruso, Secretary.
Ms. Dibb moved to sign Treasury warrant #19 and payroll. Mr. Letsky seconded. Vote unanimous.
Mr. Letsky moved to approve the minutes from March 11, 2013 as presented. Mr. Becker seconded. Vote was 4 in favor with Mr. Pantos abstaining.
Mr. Becker moved to approve the minutes from March 7, 2013 as presented. Mr. Pantos seconded. Vote was 3 in favor with Ms. Dibb and Mr. Letsky abstaining.
Mr. Letsky moved to approve the minutes from February 28, 2013 as presented. Ms. Dibb seconded. Vote was 4 in favor with Mr. Pantos abstaining.
Mr. Becker moved to approve the minutes from February 4, 2013 as presented. Mr. Pantos seconded. Vote was 3 in favor with Ms. Dibb and Mr. Letsky abstaining.
DPW:
The superintendent stated that Mr. Gasbarro, WRSD, is interested in getting involved in the Nexamp deal for the three Rutland schools. Mr. Kellaher contacted town counsel and is awaiting the final paperwork from him. A letter was submitted to the Board from CMRPC re: a meeting for the regionalization of DPW with Hubbardston.
Fuel bid with Bill’s Garage – The bid paperwork was faxed to town counsel for review who stated that because there was no definite amount of gallonage stated, we are not obligated to purchase “x” amount of fuel from Bill’s Garage. Mr. Kellaher stated that he purchased fuel for testing purposes on the town’s newly installed tanks. He reminded the Board that at a recent meeting he was given permission to use that fuel for DPW vehicles only. He further stated that he had to fuel up two police cruisers during a recent storm due to the fact that Bill’s Garage shut the town out. Mr. Moisio stated that he ordered “heavy” due to an impending storm, but was incorrectly told by Dispatch that the town had their own tanks and his wouldn’t be needed,
so he shut his tanks down. He stated that he was not officially informed of the change by the town. He also stated that he would continue to supply the remaining town vehicles (police & fire) however, there would be no discount. Mr. Pantos firmly stated that the town has a moral, ethical and legal obligation to honor this “contract”. Mr. Cornacchioli agreed with Mr. Pantos. Ms. Dibb disagreed – she feels the town has to do all it can to save money which using the DPW tanks would do. Mr. Becker moved to continue out the fiscal year with Bill’s Garage at the discounted bid price and that the superintendent cancel the gas shipment expected on Wednesday, March 19, 2013. Mr. Pantos amended the motion to include a formal letter to Bill’s Garage that as of June 30th, we will no longer be purchasing fuel from him. Mr. Letsky seconded. Vote was 4 in favor and Ms. Dibb against.
Mr. Becker accepted responsibility as a member of the Board in the lack of notification to Bill’s Garage.
FIRE:
Discussion on billing company (Coastal) projections. Chief Weber will look into the drop in collections from this year to last. DCR has awarded the grant for repairs to the forestry truck. Mr. Becker asked him to verify that grant money can be used for matching a grant.
POLICE:
Mr. Becker moved to authorize the Chairman to sign the goals and objectives for the police chief. Mr. Pantos seconded. Vote unanimous.
The Chief announced that we did not receive the FY 13 grant regarding underage alcohol.
Kelly Cappucci, secretary for the police department, will now be doing the clerical work for the fire department as well. Chief Haapakoski would like to move her to an OAD 3, Step 2 from OAD3, Step 1 at $17.18 per hour. Mr. Becker moved the chief’s recommendation. Mr. Pantos seconded. Vote unanimous.
The police chief would like to trade the ACO van and the police blazer and use the money toward additional equipment in the new van. The fire chief’s old vehicle may be disposed of as well. Some discussion on donating to “Cars for Cancer” as well as scrapping for cash. Mr. Becker would like procurement laws checked first. Mr. Pantos moved to donate the vehicle to “Cars for Cancer”. Ms. Dibb seconded. Vote unanimous. Mr. Clark informed the Board members of a meeting with Barre & Oakham on the kennel location. All parties are checking their respective towns for a location.
Mr. Letsky questioned Chief Haapakoski on two breaks ins at a town school which the chief was aware of and is concerned that his department is not being notified – he feels the alarm should come to the public safety building. Rutland police will monitor by patrol and the chief will contact Mr. McCall to discuss a policy change.
OPEN SESSION:
Hank Black from Akuity Technologies located in Auburn came before the Board to discuss his company’s IT services. They are on the state contract list, have 25 field engineers, 50 employees and 8 people on a help desk for remote support. Some question as to the security where police and fire are involved. After some discussion, Ms. Dibb moved to have Akuity come in and do a full town network assessment at no charge. Mr. Becker seconded for discussion. Mr. Black stated that he could arrange to have it done within two weeks. Vote unanimous.
Joe Dell’Aquila from ConCom read a report of a site walk at Overlook and Jordan Farm properties. Ms. Dibb stated that Rep. Ferguson would like a letter to DEP to come from the Board of Health, Conservation and Selectmen inviting them to come in and report their findings. Mr. Dell’Aquila contacted the DEP as there was no Notice of Intent filed and DCR and Worcester Water personnel had concerns. Philip Nadeau from the DEP attended the site walk and noted no violations, but would not provide that in writing. Lou Cornacchioli stated that he was concerned as a town water user and asked the Selectmen to guarantee the town’s protection. Ms. Dibb moved to jointly send a letter with the Board of Health and the Conservation Commission requesting a meeting with Philip Nadeau of the
DEP and copied to Rep. Ferguson & Sen. Brewer. Mr. Letsky seconded. Vote unanimous. Mr. Cornacchioli would like the meeting publicized.
Randy Jordan is applying for building permits (office trailer, scale house and fuel tanks) on a Right of Way for the town of Rutland. The project will be complete 18 mos. - 2 years. Building Inspector, Rick Travers, came before the Board to say that the Selectmen have the authority to grant a waiver/variance for a permit on town property. The scale is on poured concrete and is 6 feet onto APR land. The building permit was applied for at 29 Overlook Road which is on the opposite side of the street. The fuel tank has been permitted through the Fire Department and will be moved once the tanks are empty. Rick Travers needs a permit for the scale house and the temporary trailer. To protect the town, Mr. Becker moved to refer the matter to town counsel regarding the liability as its on
town property. Mr. Pantos seconded. Vote unanimous. The property owners will look into liability on their end as well. If we get an answer prior to the next meeting, it will be added to one of the upcoming budget meeting agendas and a decision will be made then. Scott Gilroy, Chairman of the Board of Health, reported that the cease and desist order has been lifted regarding this issue. A third party will be conducting testing on the soil which Worcester will be paying for.
CORRESPONDENCE:
Letter from CMRPC re: traffic count. Ms. Dibb would like to add three additional requests: 56 N of 122A, Pleasantdale S of 122A and Glenwood N of 122A.
Letter from DCR re: PILOT for our watershed. Our property valuation went down.
NEW BUSINESS:
Nomination for (MDAR) Inspector of Animals for Laura Pease and Skip Clark. Mr. Letsky moved to nominate Laura Pease and Leroy Clark as animal inspectors to run May 1, 2013 to April 30, 2014. Ms. Dibb seconded. Vote - 4 in favor, Mr. Clark abstained.
Tax title discussion – Mrs. Hayden was not present. Mr. Becker questioned the Town Accountant on receivables, specifically tax title. As of February 28th, it was $736,000. FY 11 & 12 was $90,000 which hasn’t been put into tax title yet. Mr. Becker would like to speak to a legal firm that deals with tax titles and work with the Treasurer to pursue this firm (funds are appropriated for tax title purposes). Mr. Becker would also like to make public the tax title list in order of size as well as to define what is considered to be an acceptable payment plan. The Board is in agreement to have Mr. Becker work with Mrs. Hayden.
Annual Town Meeting articles open/close dates. Ms. Dibb moved the opening date of March 18th and a deadline of April 25, 2013 at 4 pm. Mr. Pantos seconded. Vote unanimous. Memos will be sent to all departments.
OLD BUSINESS:
Rick Travers, Building Inspector, would like to bring the alternate building inspector in twice a month to keep him “in the loop” and informed and pay him the inspection rate of $30 per meeting. Mr. Pantos moved to authorize the request of the Building Inspector to allow the alternate building inspector to come in twice per month and pay him at the rate of $30 per meeting. Mr. Becker seconded. Vote unanimous. No mileage is to be paid.
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. (Police Sergeants’ Contract)
And for Reason #1: To discuss the reputation, character, physical condition or mental health, rather than professional competence, of an individual, or discuss the discipline or dismissal of, or complaints or charges against, a public officer, employee, staff member or individual and to return to open session for adjournment purposes only. Ms. Dibb seconded. Pantos aye, Becker aye, Dibb aye, Letsky aye, Clark aye.
ADJOURN:
Ms. Dibb moved to adjourn. Mr. Becker seconded. Vote unanimous. Meeting adjourned at 9:25 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Nancy M. Macaruso, Secretary
Board of Selectmen
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