Board of Selectmen
July 8 2013
Community Hall
6:00 pm
Present: Peter J. Letsky, Chairman; Sheila H. Dibb, Vice-Chairman; Joseph R. Becker, Leroy C. Clark, Michael S. Pantos, Clerk and Nancy M. Macaruso, Secretary.
Ms. Dibb moved to enter into Executive Session 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
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 back to open session for the regular meeting Mr. Clark seconded. Dibb aye, Clark aye, Becker aye, Pantos aye and Letsky aye.
Mr. Clark moved to sign Treasury warrants #27 and #1. Ms. Dibb seconded. Vote unanimous.
Ms. Dibb moved to accept the minutes from June 10, 2013 as presented. Mr. Clark seconded. Vote unanimous.
Ms. Dibb moved to accept the minutes from June 20, 2013 as presented. Mr. Becker seconded. Vote 3 in favor with Mr. Clark and Mr. Pantos abstaining.
OPEN SESSION:
James Kalloch came before the Board to present a binder he put together on the Wachusett Greenways Rail Trail. Mr. Kalloch gave a brief explanation regarding the pictures and descriptions contained in the book. The Board thanked him for the beautiful job and presentation. Mr. Pantos moved to donate the binder to the Library for the public to enjoy. Ms. Dibb seconded. Vote unanimous.
DPW:
Superintendent Kellaher informed the Board of a meeting tomorrow with National Grid.
Mr. Pantos questioned the testing of soil at Overlook/Wachusett. Mr. Kellaher asked for a three-minute recess which was denied. Mr. Kellaher stated that Lighthouse has refused to pay for the soil testing as it would be precedent setting for his company. However, he will pay for the superintendent’s time involved in the testing (which would cover the cost of the test itself). The Board agreed to that arrangement.
Regarding the dam and conduit on Moulton Mill Pond, the superintendent is handling with several agencies, will continue monitoring the area and will keep the board apprised.
The Town of Paxton has requested Gary Kellaher’s assistance as tree warden with an incident in their town. Mr. Pantos moved to allow the superintendent’s assistance in the Town of Paxton. Mr. Becker seconded. Vote unanimous.
The draft with Templeton for supplies is expected from Town Counsel tomorrow.
The Mann site walk is scheduled for July 11, 2013 at 10 am.
POLICE:
Chief Haapakoski was absent.
FIRE:
Resignation received from Firefighter/Paramedic Robert Connor. Chief Weber will be advertising on the website and local newspaper.
Some discussion and review on the Coastal Medical billing summary.
Ms. Dibb moved to approve the year-end encumbrance for the chief’s holiday pay $260.33. Mr. Pantos seconded. Vote unanimous.
Discussion on U.S. flat etiquette. The Fire Brigade would like to erect temporary flags in front of the fire station to raise and lower as they see fit. The Chief will inform the Brigade to bring the matter to a Selectmen’s meeting for further discussion.
Chief Weber will be requesting Dispatchers to notify department heads when major weather situations are predicted.
CORRESPONDENCE:
Short discussion on memo from Assistant Accountant regarding year end fund balances, transfers and over-expending.
Mr. Becker informed the Board that he and Mr. Pantos has occasion to have a conversation with Joyce McGuinness and inquired whether she would be interested in filling the vacancy on the Board of Assessors until the next election. She stated that she was interested. A memo will be sent to the Board of Assessors asking them to submit the names they receive to this Board and this Board will do the same.
NEW BUSINESS:
Ms. Dibb moved to appoint Jamie Tower to the Recreation Committee per the Committee’s recommendation. Mr. Pantos seconded for discussion. Beth Potvin’s seat on the committee had expired June 30th but stated she is still willing to serve and has much to offer. Rebecca Pratt of the Recreation Committee stated that in Ms. Potvin’s absence over the last several months, the newcomers have made significant progress and would welcome Beth’s input at meetings, but not as a voting member. Several other people spoke regarding the appointment and questioning the purpose of the committee’s bylaws. After much discussion, the vote was 3 to 2 against the committee’s recommendation (Mr. Clark, Mr. Becker and Mr. Pantos opposed).
Mr. Pantos moved to appoint Beth Potvin to the Recreation Committee. Mr. Clark seconded. After some discussion, vote was 3 to 2 in favor of (Mr. Clark, Mr. Becker and Mr. Pantos in favor of.)
Ms. Dibb moved to appoint Marcia Arakelian to the Council on Aging. Mr. Pantos seconded. Vote unanimous.
Mr. Becker moved the certification of the Fiscal Year 2014 payroll subject to final review. Mr. Becker seconded. Vote unanimous.
Ms. Dibb moved to ratify Lyndon Nichols and Deborah Kristoff to the Finance Committee. Mr. Pantos seconded. Vote unanimous.
Mr. Becker stated that he received a phone call from a resident about a possibly establishing a Resident Recognition Monument/Memorial on town property to acknowledge residents who have made significant contributions to the town. A committee would be formed. The Board is open to the idea and Mr. Becker will relay this information to the inquiring resident.
An interdepartmental transfer was submitted from the Town Clerk for a Town Network third quarter invoice. After some discussion, the transfer will be returned to the Town Clerk requesting more detail.
OLD BUSINESS:
IT RFP is in draft form per Mr. Pantos and will be ready for the next meeting.
Treasurer/Collector search committee – Mr. Pantos moved to form a subcommittee of five people to narrow the candidate field to three finalists (Mr. Becker, Mr. Pantos, Mrs. Hayden, Mr. Haynes and a resident to be named). Mr. Becker seconded. Vote unanimous.
ADJOURN:
Mr. Clark moved to adjourn. Ms. Dibb seconded. Vote unanimous. Meeting adjourned at 8:45 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Nancy M. Macaruso, Secretary
Board of Selectmen
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