Board of Selectmen
January 22, 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.
State Representative Kim Ferguson updated the Board on the recent legislative happenings. Six thousand bills have been filed; the governor’s budget comes out tomorrow; and she is looking at the Chapter 70 funding formula. Some discussion on 9C cuts.
Ms. Dibb moved to enter into Executive Session for 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
Reason #6: To consider the purchase, exchange, lease or value of real estate, if the chair declares that an open meeting may have a detrimental effect on the negotiating position of the public body and to return to regular session. Mr. Letsky seconded. Becker aye, Pantos aye, Dibb aye, Letsky aye, Clark aye.
Returned to regular session at 6:50 pm. Mr. Letsky moved to sign Treasury warrant #15 and payroll. Mr. Becker seconded. Vote unanimous.
Mr. Letsky moved to approve the executive session minutes from December 26, 2012 as presented. Mr. Becker seconded. Vote 4 to 1 with Ms. Dibb abstaining.
Mr. Letsky moved to approve the minutes from December 26, 2012 as presented. Mr. Becker seconded. Vote 4 to 1 with Ms. Dibb abstaining.
DPW:
Six-month goals & objectives added to next agenda.
Discussion on installation of an elevator at town hall along with the possibility of converting the third floor into useful office space.
Superintendent Kellaher informed the Board of a deal in town with private land owners using town roads to haul extremely heavy loads of clay causing major damage to the roads. He proceeded to close the road. He is looking for an agreement/policy from the companies that use the road and cause damage to bring the road back to original state. Town counsel has been notified.
Above-ground fuel tank pad is complete. Fuel management system bids to be opened soon.
Bigelow Village project – Re: 400 feet of 8” sewer line which has a lot of problems, including asbestos. Mr. Kellaher will be attending a ZBA hearing on January 30th at town hall concerning this.
Public safety meeting with town department heads and school reps tomorrow at noon.
Some discussion on key policy with regard to monthly scout leader meetings.
Mr. Kellaher informed the Board of his meeting today with Hampshire Power and Nexamp. They would like to attend a Selectmen’s meeting in early February – will set up a meeting on Tuesday, February 12th at 6 pm in the Annex.
The Superintendent will be posting the foreman’s position internally. He will send a report to the Board on how he will staff the position.
FIRE:
Chief Weber reported that the ambulance had some minor problems but has been fixed. The flu is making its way through the fire department so overtime has been up. Bunker gear has been ordered. He has started hiring PRN paramedics to fill open shifts.
POLICE:
Chief Haapakoski recommended Meghan Kellaher as Dispatch Director, replacing Nathan Kenney. Ten applications received and four finalists were interviewed by the Committee which consisted of the police chief, fire chief and various members of the regional towns. Ms. Kellaher was unanimously recommended by all. Contract to be drawn up and finalized by February 4th – Megan is to begin work on February 11th. Mr. Letsky moved to appoint Meghan Kellaher as Dispatch Director per the recommendation of the police chief subject to contract negotiations. Mr. Pantos seconded. Vote unanimous.
Resignation of Heidi Graff as part-time dispatcher. Mr. Letsky moved to accept the resignation with regrets. Mr. Pantos seconded. Vote unanimous.
Per the recommendation of the police chief, Mr. Letsky moved to appoint Brenda Ahearn as part-time dispatcher at OAD3, Step 1. Mr. Pantos seconded. Vote unanimous.
Per the recommendation of the police chief, Mr. Letsky moved to appoint Chelsea O’Gara as part-time dispatcher at OAD3, Step 1. Mr. Pantos seconded. Vote unanimous.
Cruiser update – Chief stated that only three cruisers are in use presently, two are down. A replacement for the chief’s car will be needed soon.
The police secretary’s hours will increase from 32 to 40 (additional 8 hours will be working in the fire department). She will have some dispatch duties as well.
One-year goals & objectives will be added to next agenda.
CORRESPONDENCE:
Letter from Historical Society regarding Rutland’s 300th anniversary (Founders’ Day) and the activities that have been planned. Ms. Dibb will draw up a proclamation and act as the spokesperson for the Board that day.
Email from Adam Gaudette from Spencer look for support on the proposed legislation relative to the Agricultural Education Chapter 70 fund. Mr. Becker moved to email State Representative Ferguson in support of the proposed legislation relative to Agricultural Education Chapter 70 fund. Mr. Letsky seconded for discussion. Vote 3 to 2 in favor of sending support letter.
NEW BUSINESS:
Mr. Letsky moved to appoint Phyllis Chartier to the Health Insurance Advisory Committee. Ms. Dibb seconded. Vote unanimous.
Regarding department agendas for Selectmen’s meetings, Mr. Becker explained that topics that need to be acted upon or voted on should be listed on the agenda and asked department heads to send their items to the Selectmen’s office prior to meeting.
Some discussion on the street lights at the Heights property. ‘No Trespassing’ signs have not come in yet and lights will remain off.
Ms. Dibb read a letter she’d like to send from the Board supporting Wachusett Greenways and the grants needed to maintain the rail trail. One line will be removed with regard to the town helping to maintain the trail. Mr. Pantos moved to authorize the Chairman to sign with the revision. Mr. Letsky seconded. Vote unanimous.
OLD BUSINESS:
Short discussion on liaisons – will be added to next agenda. Ms. Dibb and Mr. Becker will be the representatives for bargaining.
Mr. Letsky moved to enter into Executive Session for 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 return to open session for adjournment purposes only. Ms. Dibb seconded. Pantos aye, Becker aye, Dibb aye, Letsky aye, Clark aye.
ADJOURN:
Mr. Becker moved to adjourn. Mr. Pantos seconded. Vote unanimous. Meeting adjourned at 9:50 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Nancy M. Macaruso, Secretary
Board of Selectmen
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