TOWN OF RUTLAND
BOARD OF SELECTMEN MINUTES
Monday, January 5, 2015
Rutland Public Library
5:00 pm
Present: Michael S. Pantos, Chairman, Joseph R. Becker, Vice Chairman, Wayne A. Walker, Leroy C. Clark Absent: Sheila H. Dibb Also present: Diane M. Cook, Administrative Secretary
Call to order at 5:05 pm by Mr. Pantos.
Mr. Becker made a motion to convene to 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 – Police Department contract negotiations. Mr. Clark 2nd the motion. Michael S. Pantos – aye. Joseph R. Becker – aye. Leroy C. Clark – aye. Mr. Walker abstained. Vote passed.
Executive Session for Reason #3 being completed, Mr. Pantos called for the Board to reconvene into Open meeting at 6:15pm.
Mr. Walker made a motion to sign Warrant #14 and payroll. Mr. Becker 2nd the motion. Vote unanimous.
Mr. Clark made a motion to accept November 10, 2014 executive session minutes not to be released. Mr. Walker 2nd the motion. Vote unanimous.
OPEN SESSION: Continuation hearing Class II applications and/or Renewal
Malcolm J. Papaz – 206B Barre-Paxton Road, Rutland, MA – A discussion was held regarding the positioning of several vehicles. Mr. Papaz declared that we would like support to get the business going and there will be no more cars on his personal property. He is not operational at the time in Rutland, but is working on his own vehicles. Ms. Papas is keeping his facility in Worcester until such time as he can move operations to the Rutland location.
Mr. Novak the owner of the real property is letting his Class II license expire. Confirmation was made that the application was for the back lot only – not the front lot. Mr. Papaz stated that originally Mr. Novak was going to keep his license so he applied for the back lot.
Eight vehicles will be for sale with five cars being repaired on the lot. The vehicles are mostly registered unless there is a repair on an unregistered vehicle. He has applied for a repair plate to transport unregistered vehicles. Mr. Walker expressed a concern about the possibility of junks cars on the property. Mr. Clark suggested that the police review the property periodically.
Mr. Walker made a motion to close the hearing and grant the license for eight saleable vehicles with a limit of five repairable vehicles at one time. With monthly police inspection to ensure compliance. Mr. Becker 2nd the motion. Vote unanimous.
DPW: Mr. Kellaher informed the Board that there is an internal posting for Chief Water Operator one internal application with Grade Two license. Discussion was held regarding the requirement of a license to start or obtaining the license after hire date.
Recycling: List of items that the PC Trading Limited will take from us for recycling – computers, monitors, keyboards, etc. There is a charge for certain items. Town would take money in for monitors and TVs. Mr. Pantos stated that the hard drives would be destroyed so impacting the monetary value. Even if no hard drive, then would receive compensation for the CPU. The Board agreed to approve with summer hours 6 – 4:30.
Bucket truck has been out and about, and Mr. Kellaher has been very happy with it. Working well in sharing with neighboring towns. They drew names as to who goes first.
Mailbox and private road issues. Discussion was held regarding replacement of mailboxes damaged by plowing or snow. Plowing private roads getting complaints about snow on individual property. There are 40-50 houses and the DPW cannot individualize. Town plows to keep the roads open for fire and ambulance. Residents have the option of hiring their own plow. Discussion on condition of roads during the recent storm.
The date set for Mr. Kellaher’s performance review is February 2nd. Mr. Kellaher is to provide info by January 16th. The Board is to provide their input to the Board of Selectmen office by the January 26th.
Mr. Becker asked about the engineering on Forest Hill. Mr. Kellaher stated that it is in the works. Mr. Becker asked if the project is on track with another appropriation for a betterment at the annual meeting and Mr. Kellaher confirmed.
FIRE: Mr. Pantos apologize to Chief Weber for not submitting their part towards his performance review and d would like to move the review to the Board meeting on the 20th. The office will compile the performance information. Mr. Becker and Mr. Clark have a combined report. Mr. Pantos and Ms. Dibb to submit theirs.
Insurance costs within the 5 mile radius has remained the same at a Class 5. Outside that radius went down from a 9 to an 8 causing an increase in fire insurance.
The Chief explained that we are only 4 points from going to a Class 4 for the community, which would mean about a 4% decrease in cost. There are a few things we can do that will not cost the town and he is looking at how to make those changes. An increase training will cost the Town, but the hydrant testing can be done early in the spring which provides 7 points. The Chief will get back to Mr. Becker with a response regarding negative divergence on the report. There are no points for dispatch protocol. Mr. DaDalt reported that is very costly to implement.
POLICE: There have been 8 total motor vehicle accidents with 2 rollovers. Mixture of icy roads, drinking and driving not specifically one thing. There were 6 arrests. They were lucky to have both shifts on to respond as one of the accidents occurred during a shift change. Two officers received minor injuries. This is a good example of why more than one officer on a shift is needed. One car is in for repairs. The Sergeants are interviewing for part timers (27 applicants) and Chief will take on the full timers (11 applicants).
Mr. Becker requested that the agreements be on file for the increase to 32 ACO hours effective the next payroll.
Mr. Clark asked if calls to Devereux School were increasing because of the recent events across the country. The Chief stated that it seems so and is part of a nationwide problem? The chief observed that standard protocol is for officers to not respond alone. The Chief will initiate a conversation with them regarding private security.
The FY15 Foundation Reserve Application was rejected as expected.
Mr. Becker raised question about response to townsperson regarding the Sillo Dog matter. The Board will send out an update.
It was reported that none of the applicants for Building Commissioner have the required license. Mr. Kellaher asked if the condition of 12-18 mos to obtain the license would then apply. He also stated that the internal applicant is almost ready to be tested. Mr. Becker suggests that interviews be set up for three of the applicants for January 29th at 6:00pm. This matter will be finalized at next meeting on the 20th, then notices for interviews will be sent out.
Mr. Clark requested an update about a property on Route 68. Mr. Pantos stated that notice is being given to the lawful owners. This matter will be scheduled for Board meeting on the 20th. Fire Chief received complaints from abutters and personally investigated. He forwarded complaints to the DEP. The DEP is currently deliberating on the next steps. Police spoke to the Board of Health today and they are on it.
Mr. Becker requested that an interoffice memo be sent out requesting what the tax status is on the property. A discussion was held regarding withholding a permit for non payment of taxes. Ms. Tuttle can supply a monthly statement to the Police Department of delinquent tax payers. The Fire chief stated that he will review this matter may be able to be implement a review of tax status before any permits are issued for next year. All 4 towns would have to agree to the change.
A discussion was held regarding the request for the upcoming joint Board of Selectmen meeting with the Town of Barre. It is agreed that the meeting will be held on January 26th.
Mr. Becker made a motion to convene 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 – negotiations with Dennis Luttrell for the position of Town Administrator, to return to regular session for only for purposes of adjournment. Mr. Walker 2nd the motion. Michael S. Pantos – aye. Joseph R. Becker – aye. Wayne A. Walker – aye. Leroy C. Clark – aye. Vote unanimous.
ADJOURN:
Respectfully submitted,
Diane M. Cook, Administrative Secretary
Board of Selectmen - Town of Rutland
Approved: , 2015
Chairman, Board of Selectmen
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