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February 5, 2015
TOWN OF RUTLAND

BOARD OF SELECTMEN - MINUTES

Thursday, February 5, 2015

Community Hall Annex

6:00 pm

Present: Michael S. Pantos, Chairman, Wayne A. Walker, Leroy C. Clark. Also present: Diane M. Cook, Executive Secretary  

Call to order at 6:05pm by Mr. Pantos.

OPEN SESSION:

  • Paul Mattson, Cable Commission, informed the board that they have received notification from Charter to abandon their headquarters. They must:
  1. Locate a place for Channel 11 to broadcast.
  2. Close down and place equipment in storage until June.
  3. 500’ – 750’ is needed for storage.
  • Mr. Mattson has reminded Charter that there is an agreement to allow occupancy until the end of June when the new space in the library will be complete. Charter does not agree. The Cable Commission feels it was understood with Charter that occupancy of the headquarters would be allowed until the new library space was ready.

  • Mr. Walker questioned why the suddenness of the notification? It appears that Charter is reneging from the agreement. Mr. Pantos requested that a copy of the agreement be obtained for review.

  • The Cable Commission has confirmed that Charter has been notified that Channel 192 is not working and they are working on it. They feel that there is something within the building causing it not to work.

FIRE: Brad Weber, Chief

  • There was a small fire in the back-up ambulance so it is in for repairs. It is estimated that they have already missed 6 calls at $1,600 per call.
  • The ladder truck is also in for repairs.
  • The lease is up on their copy machine. The Fire Department is looking at leasing a new machine. The options for the existing copier are either a buy-out or to ship it back at our expense. The library has expressed an interest in purchasing it. The Board supports the sale to the library.
POLICE: Don Haapakoski, Chief

  • A meeting with Steve Yerdon from Devereux needs to be scheduled. It was agreed to meet on February 23rd before the board meeting at the library.
  • A cell block inspection was recently performed. There were a few items to be addressed and a plan of action was submitted and accepted by the review board. The heaters in the garage have not worked properly for over four years so both units have been replaced at a total cost of $850.
  • The Chief submitted the new bylaw re: solicitation for inclusion in next town meeting.
  • A submission for payment of requested training was made. Mr. Clark expressed concern for excess educational spending.
  • The ACO vehicle is in for repairs.
Dispatch:

  • The February 3rd meeting with the Town of Barre went well. Barre indicated that they are pleased with the quality of dispatch. A suggestion was made for an April meeting with all four towns. Rutland would host and hold an open house in Dispatch.

  • All 3 towers are operational as of today. An information newsletter is scheduled to go out next week.
  • Mr. Clark asked if the dispatch area is going to be enlarged. The Chief responded that the consultant indicated that it was not necessary. The new equipment could be accommodated in the space already available.
  • The collection of grant money is current.
DPW: Gary Kellaher, Superintendent  

  • The option for the zero point solar agreement is now in the hands of town counsel.
  • The Town of Rutland has a bylaw for no dumping snow on roads. The ticket books arrived last week and will be distributed.

  • Mr. Kellaher presented the results of his research into purchasing some town flags. He found a company that will create them at a cost of $730 for twelve flags, each 3X5 with 3 colors, embroidered, double-sided with extra grommets.
  • There was discussion held in this regard and agreed that a flag buying program should be established in the early spring.
  1. It should be turned over to another group to manage.
  2. Mr. Pantos will get a photo of the flag that is currently flying at the state house for design purposes to present at the February 23rd meeting.
  3. The Board of Selectmen will decide the design/colors.
  4. All agreed to use the current logo utilized by the DPW as a base design.

  • Mr. Kellaher is waiting for costs to connect Forest Hill/Christmas Tree sewer extension to the town.
  • The request for reimbursement for the storm costs are due February 9th.
  • Overall Mr. Kellaher reported that the DPW has done a great job even with equipment down. There continues to be complaints of mailboxes down. Mr. Kellaher interprets the bylaws to say: if a plow downs a mailbox, the town pays for reimbursement, if just snow downs the mailbox then it is not the town’s responsibility.
  • Mr. Pantos stated that the matter of the sewer rehabilitation must be placed on the agenda for February 23rd. Mr. Pantos would like the entire board to be there to vote on that matter and the matter should be posted on the agenda 48 hours before the meeting.
  • Mr. Kellaher was notified that his performance review is scheduled for February 23rd. There was a lengthy discussion regarding the public process of performance reviews. Mr. Kellaher disagrees fully with this process. He stated that in being held publicly, the performance, good or bad, of each department head is placed in front of the public allowing for ridicule and chastisement, rarely eliciting good will. The process is only applied to four department heads and not to all.  
Mr. Pantos stated that he felt it was a good tool that is utilized by many towns and private industry. Mr. Walker and Mr. Clark stated they agreed the performance reviews should not be held publically, but in executive session. Mr. Pantos agreed to review the matter with labor counsel for more insight.

CORRESPONDENCE:

  • Wachusett Greenways letter was read aloud. Mr. Walker made a motion to sign the Wachusett Greenways letter. Mr. Pantos 2nd the motion. Mr. Pantos and Mr. Walker voted aye. Mr. Clark voted nay. The motion was approved.

NEW BUSINESS:

  • Mr. Walker made a motion to open the town meeting warrant(s) on February 5, 2015 and to close the warrant(s) on March 2, 2015 at 4:00pm. The special town meeting will be on Saturday, May 9th at 6:00pm with the annual town meeting on the same date at 7:00pm. Mr. Clark 2nd that motion. The vote was unanimous.

OLD BUSINESS:

  • Mr. Pantos asked that the proposed letter to MEPA and MHC re: Brice Lemon Estates be held for a full board discussion as there is disagreement on the matter.
Before adjourning, Mr. Clark requested that the town report be made to include a dedication to deceased colleagues. A discussion was held where it was agreed that a page be dedicated to each deceased colleague with a photo and bio. Also that the ‘new’ town flag should be on the cover. Mr. Pantos will follow up with the printers.

7:40 pm Mr. Walker made a motion to adjourn the meeting. Mr. Clark 2nd the motion. Vote was unanimous.

Respectfully Submitted,


Diane Cook

Administrative Secretary

Board of Selectmen