BOARD OF SELECTMEN

MINUTES

JULY 30, 2007

Present:          Hal White, Chairman

Steven Halterman

Ted Goodwin

Arnold Wilson

William Emrich

James Malloy, Town Administrator

The Chairman called the meeting to order at 6:30 p.m. following the Pledge of Allegiance.

Appointments

Captains John Marinelli and Vernon Jackson appeared before the Board, with Eric Roppolo and Thomas Edwards.

J. Malloy informed the Board that their resumes and applications were available on his conference table for review.  He said that all of the candidates went through formal interviews as well as a physical agility test and an EMS-Paramedic test, and the Fire Chief had conducted reference checks.

MOTION:       To confirm the Town Administrator’s appointment of Eric Roppolo as a full-time Firefighter/EMT-P in the Sturbridge Fire Department, with an effective date of August 13, 2007, by A.Wilson.

2nd:     W. Emrich

Vote:  All in favor.

MOTION:       To confirm the Town Administrator’s appointment of Thomas Edwards as a full-time Firefighter/EMT-P in the Sturbridge Fire Department, with an effective date of August 13, 2007, by W. Emrich.

2nd:     T. Goodwin

Vote:  All in favor.

H. White recommended that the Board take the position on the bill that is currently being considered by the State Legislature that it is management’s right (the Town’s right) to determine staffing levels, instead of the members of the Fire Department.

MOTION:       To authorize the Board of Selectmen to send a letter to Rep. Smola and Senator Brewer indicating that position, by A. Wilson.

2nd:     T. Goodwin

Vote:  All in favor.

Miscellaneous

MOTION:       To send a letter to Senators Kennedy and Kerry in support of Reed Hillman as U.S. Marshall, by T. Goodwin.

2nd:     S. Halterman

Vote:  All in favor.

T. Goodwin noted that Reed Hillman has done a great deal for this community, and is a quality person.

A.Wilson noted that the CMRPC will be meeting on August 1st at 4:30 p.m. regarding final review of the TIF program.  J. Malloy said that he would try to attend, and suggested that Greg Morse, DPW Director, look into seeking a seat on the CMMPO.  He said that G. Morse has good knowledge of road management and maintenance, and would be a good candidate.

H. White said that Derek Frechette, father of Christian Frechette, had contacted him regarding the establishment of a memorial dedicated to Christian.  H. White offered to serve as liaison between the Frechette family and the Town.  It was the consensus of the Board to approve having H. White serve as the liaison.  A.Wilson noted that on the back road from Burgess to Rt. 20, on Town property there is a small cross with a football in front of it to mark the place where a 10-year-old child was killed a number of years ago.  He suggested that something along that line would be appropriate.  J. Malloy said that he had discussed it with Lynne Girouard, and noted that there are trees on the Town Common that were dedicated to certain individuals.  He also suggested that a park bench with a memorial plaque would be appropriate for this situation.  He will take recommendations from the Recreation Committee.  H. White will discuss it with the Frechette family.

H. White said that the Board will be meeting on property taxes to set the tax rate, and noted that there is a debate regarding the split rate.  He suggested that J. Malloy look at the valuations of the businesses in Town going back five years, and review the tax rates and the actual tax bills for those businesses.  He read a list of the businesses (copy on file), which included Wal-Mart, Mobil Station, Yankee Spirits, McDonald’s, Pizzeria Uno, Rom’s Restaurant, Whistling Swan, G & F Industries, Sturbridge Host Hotel and Holiday Express.  S. Halterman suggested looking at small businesses as well.  J. Malloy said that he could pick out some extra ones to put on the list, and said that he would provide a breakdown of what the different shifts in the tax rate would do to residential home owners as well as businesses.

MOTION:       To adjourn, by S. Halterman.

2nd:     A.Wilson

Vote:  All in favor.

The meeting was adjourned at 6:45 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,

Judy Knowles

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BOS Clerk                             Date