Board of Selectmen
November 12, 2013
Community Hall Annex
6 pm Regular Session
Present: Sheila H. Dibb, Vice-Chairman; Joseph R. Becker, Leroy C. Clark and Nancy M. Macaruso, Secretary. Michael S. Pantos, Clerk was absent. Peter J. Letsky, Chairman arrived at 8 pm.
Ms. Dibb opened the meeting at 5:30 pm. Mr. Clark 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 to come back to regular session at 6 pm. Mr. Becker seconded. Clark aye, Becker aye, Dibb aye.
6:10 pm - Senator Brewer and Representative Ferguson came before the Board to touch base, to give an update on the budget process and to ask the Board what their concerns are. Many issues were touched upon: Fire Brigade’s Converse Hall, Chapter 90, the buy in to Bay Path, school funding formula, Chapter 70, etc. Mr. Becker would like them to look into the funding issue pertaining to the 34 students at Devereux. Ms. Dibb questioned the possibility of a regional senior center.
6:45 pm - Mr. Clark moved to sign Treasury warrant # 10 and payroll. Mr. Becker seconded. Vote unanimous.
Mr. Clark moved to accept the minutes of October 15, 2013 as presented. Mr. Becker seconded. Vote unanimous.
Mr. Clark moved to accept the minutes of October 28, 2013 as presented. Mr. Becker seconded. Vote unanimous.
Mr. Clark moved to accept the minutes of November 4, 2013 as presented. Mr. Becker seconded. Vote unanimous.
OPEN SESSION:
Helen Viner, 26 Kenwood Drive, came before the Board to inform of the recent happenings re: the Route 122 Scenic By-way (Paxton to Petersham). A kiosk will be placed at the corner of 122 and 122A. Trish Settles from CMRPC is working with the state on this project.
John Bell, Glenwood Road, came before the Board to express his displeasure with the Devereux School. He feels the taxpayers are subsidizing the school, which is tax exempt. They have recently purchased two properties which have been now taken off the tax rolls. Our public safety department is dispatched there quite often and he feels they should have their own on-site security department. He also stated that the water leaks in the area of Miles Road are being paid for by the sewer users and he would like it looked into. Mr. Becker stated that the Board is aware of the leaks and is in fact looking into the matter. Ms. Dibb suggested he put the remainder of his concerns in writing.
POLICE:
Mr. Becker moved to sign the mutual aid agreements with Worcester per the chief’s recommendation. Mr. Clark seconded. Vote unanimous.
FIRE:
Mr. Becker moved to the sign a CIC grant for an ALS fly car. Mr. Clark seconded. Vote unanimous.
Mr. Becker moved to sign the CIC grant for an educational trailer. Mr. Clark seconded. Vote unanimous.
- Mr. Becker moved to return to 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 to re-enter open session at the conclusion. Mr. Clark seconded. Becker aye, Clark aye, Dibb aye.
Open session resumed at 8:08 pm.
DPW:
Mr. Kellaher explained the CICG grants for the bucket truck and stormwater management. Ms. Dibb moved to sign the grant for the bucket truck per the DPW superintendent’s recommendation. Mr. Clark seconded. Vote unanimous.
Ms. Dibb moved to sign the CICG grant for stormwater management per the DPW Superintendent’s recommendation. Mr. Clark seconded. Vote unanimous.
Because we don’t have an official stamp of approval from the state, Paul Guertin has advised that Mr. Kellaher fill out the P & F for Pommogussett Road project.
The check from Templeton for the trailer contents has been received – will go to the General Fund.
Letter from Upper Blackstone requesting Mr. Kellaher be reappointed as the representative for a three-year period – last appointment has expired. Mr. Becker moved to appoint Gary Kellaher as our representative to the Upper Blackstone for a three-year period. Mr. Clark seconded. Vote unanimous.
Geoff Rodgers from Hampshire Power will be added to BOS meeting prior to STM at 6:15 pm.
CORRESPONDENCE:
Memo from Safe Place re: the need for an additional assistant group leader (OAD1 – temporary to possible permanent position). Recreation Committee has approved the position. Katelyn Wojnarowicz came before the Board to explain. Will be posting publicly. Mr. Becker thanked her for keeping the Board informed.
NEW BUSINESS:
Letter of resignation received from Beth Potvin (Recreation Committee). Mr. Becker moved to accept the resignation. Mr. Clark seconded. Vote unanimous.
OLD BUSINESS:
Chapter 61A – Davis Farm on 310 Main Street: A letter from the Board of Assessors was received today suggesting the Town look into purchasing the property. After all notified Boards responded with no interest, and after lengthy discussion, Mr. Becker moved to sign the right of first refusal for this property. Mr. Clark seconded. Vote was three in favor, one opposed (Ms. Dibb). Motion passed.
RFP for IT Services – Mr. Becker moved to advertise the RFP for IT services as presented and previously agreed to. Ms. Dibb seconded. Vote unanimous.
Final review of special town meeting warrant – Lengthy discussion on new growth, free cash and what is needed to offset the tax rate. Mr. Becker is opposed to the two articles for the police officer and benefits.
Mr. Becker moved to take no action on police officer and benefits. Mr. Clark seconded. Vote unanimous.
Ms. Dibb moved to eliminate binding town records from the warrant. Mr. Clark seconded. Vote unanimous.
Ms. Dibb moved to reduce bunker gear number to three ($7,500) from five ($12,500). Mr. Clark seconded. Vote unanimous.
Ms. Dibb moved to take “no action” on fire proof cabinet. Mr. Clark seconded. Vote unanimous.
Mr. Clark moved to take “no action” on berm machine as it can be purchased from Chapter 90 funds. Ms. Dibb seconded. Vote 3 aye, 1 nay (Mr. Becker). Motion passes.
Ms. Dibb moved to reduce the pager amount by $4,000. Mr. Clark seconded. Vote unanimous.
Ms. Dibb moved to reduce the police computer amount to $1,600 from $4,800. Mr. Clark seconded. Vote unanimous.
ADJOURN:
Ms. Dibb moved to adjourn. Mr. Clark seconded. Vote unanimous. Meeting adjourned at 9:30 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Nancy M. Macaruso, Secretary
Board of Selectmen
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