BOARD OF SELECTMEN

MINUTES

JUNE 1, 2009

Present:          Mary Blanchard, Chairman

Scott Garieri

Ted Goodwin

Tom Creamer

Hal White

James Malloy, Town Administrator

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

Approval of Minutes

MOTION:       To approve the minutes of May 18, 2009 as amended, by T. Creamer.

2nd:     T. Goodwin

Vote:  Four in favor; S. Garieri abstained.

MOTION:       To approve the executive session minutes of May 11, 2009 as amended, by T. Creamer.

2nd:     T. Goodwin

Vote:  All in favor.

Finance Committee – FY10 Budget

The Finance Committee met with the Selectmen to review changes in the Town’s Revenue Projections and impacts on the Town’s budget.  Barbara Barry, Finance Director, and J. Malloy have reviewed both State Aid figures and revised Local Revenue Estimates for FY10.  J. Malloy submitted to the Board several spreadsheets, summarized as follows:

• The first spreadsheet entitled, “FY10 Revenue Projections” contained the local revenue projections with a comparison between the last projection (dated 2/27/09) and the current projection for FY10 (dated 5/26/09).  Several of the local revenue sources have dropped off during the second half of this fiscal year as follows:

o Motor Vehicle Excise – Now estimated at $40,000 less

o Interest on Real/Personal Property – Now estimated at $14,000 less

o Library Fines – Now estimated at $1,000 less

o Board of Health Permits – Now estimated at $8,000 more

o Police Dept Permits – Now estimated at $2,500 less

o Transient Vendors Permits – Now estimated at $1,500 less

o Court Fines – Now estimated at $10,000 less

o Parking Fines – Now estimated at $1,000 less

o Interest Earnings – Now estimated at $50,000 less

o Miscellaneous Revenues – Now estimated at $25,000 less

The total revised local revenue estimate is $137,000 less than what was previously estimated.

• The second spreadsheet entitled, “FY10 Budget Update – State Aid 5-27-09” contained a summary of the various State Aid figures from the Town’s original budget projection of 1/20/09; House 1 (Governor’s Budget); the final House Budget; and the final Senate Budget.  This spreadsheet also included information relative to the impact of 50% and 0% funding of the Quinn Bill and closing the “telecommunications loophole.”  For the purpose of developing an estimate for State Aid, since a final figure will likely not be available until the end of June, J. Malloy averaged the final House and Senate State Aid figures.  The printout from the Division of Local Services was attached to this spreadsheet.

• The third spreadsheet entitled, “Based on Updated State Aid and Local Revenues 5-27-09” is the “Budget Analysis of Revenue vs. Expenditures” that was used for several years to show both the total revenues available and total expenditures.  There are two new footnotes on this spreadsheet that J. Malloy wanted to highlight:  the first was that the revenue figure was adjusted from the previous spreadsheet to account for what he believes may occur with the Quinn Bill.  Included in the previous spreadsheet was a breakdown of the impact of the House action on the Quinn Bill (funded at 50%) and the Senate action on the Quinn Bill (funded at 0%).  The House version has a higher cost to the Town based on the wording of the contract, which provides that the Town will reduce Quinn benefits equivalent to the State Reimbursement.  J. Malloy estimated that during the conference committee process on the State budget, it is possible that the Senate may eventually agree to fund Quinn at 50%, and since this is the current “worst case scenario” (funding-wise) for the Town, he included the impact of a 50% Quinn on the State Aid estimate from the previous page ($2,933,176 + 24,001-$9,601 = $2,947,576).  The second footnote amended the budget to account for 50% Quinn Bill expenditures.

The final item to discuss was the ARRA (Economic Stimulus) funding for education.  The final figure that came out of the State budget process is $356,241.  J. Malloy expressed concerns about using these one time funds for ongoing operations expenses, in light of the fact that Sturbridge funded Burgess at the amount requested by the School Committee; the ARRA funds are a direct grant to the School.   J. Malloy notified the Superintendent that it was his intent to recommend to the Board of Selectmen and Finance Committee to reduce the Burgess School budget by this amount.  To ensure that there is no shortfall next year, this amount still needs to be appropriated; or under Proposition 2½ the Town would lose it next year, and it would create a funding gap next year by this amount.  Therefore, his recommendation was to amend the Finance Committee’s Reserve Fund Transfer line item from $50,000 to $406,241.  This will ensure that the Town is protected in FY11, and will provide any emergency funding during FY10, should there be additional mid-year reductions by the state or other revenue shortfalls.

Based on the above and the following recommendations, Sturbridge will have a balanced operating budget and be $6,004 under Proposition 2½.

Kevin Smith, Finance Committee Chairman, requested that the Finance Committee Purchase of Services account be increased to $6,000 to cover the cost of printing 1,000 copies of the Finance Committee Report next year.

MOTION:       To amend account 11312-52000 – Finance Committee Purchase of Services from $3,600 to $6,000, by H. White.

2nd:     T. Goodwin

Vote:  All in favor.

J. Malloy noted that when the Quinn Bill gets reduced, police officers will have an opportunity to make up what they lose by doing extra overtime or extra duty.  He said that the Police Chief is looking at a salary cut of $10,000, and he does not have the option to make that money up in overtime or extra detail.  He noted that the statute allows for contracts for department heads, and the Police Chief is one of them.  He asked the Board to consider negotiating with the Police Chief separately in the near term.

T. Creamer said that it would be prudent to look at cutting salaries, and also noted the fact that there are pay raises and increases for other individuals.  J. Malloy said that it is the Quinn Bill that is being cut, and suggested that the difference be funded through the reserve fund.  Kevin Smith, Chairman, Finance Committee, said that the Police Chief was aware of the potential for the Quinn Bill to go away; if the state doesn’t fund it, the town won’t fund it.

MOTION:       To amend the following line items:

12101-51120 – Police Dept Head from $102,444 to $92,200

12101-51130 - Police Salaries from $1,448,499 to $1,398,171

12101-51300 – Police Overtime from $222,154 to $208,934, by H. White.

2nd:        T. Goodwin

Vote:  Four in favor; M. Blanchard abstained.

13002-53000 - Burgess from $8,597,853 to $8,241,612

19102-57800 – Reserve Fund from $50,000 to $406,241 , by H. White.

2nd:     T. Creamer

Vote:  All in favor.

M. Blanchard said that the Board had received an email from Kevin Smith, asking the Board to have a discussion regarding the possibility of having a full-time police officer at Tantasqua High School.  K. Smith said that there is a lack of a resource officer for the school district.  M. Blanchard noted that because Tantasqua is a regional school, Sturbridge should not pay the full amount for the resource officer.  J. Malloy said that the Chief has not given the Board a report on it yet.

M. Blanchard said that the Finance Committee should meet with the Police Chief and Superintendent of Schools to get their input on it.  Larry Morrison, Finance Committee, asked about the earliest starting date for the resource officer.  He asked the Board for its position on it.  M. Blanchard said that the sooner it is approved, the better, but details must be worked out first.  L. Morrison stressed the importance and urgency of moving forward on it.

S. Garieri said that he would like to see it work, but added that Sturbridge should not pay the entire amount; the other towns in the school district should pay a percentage of it.  J. Malloy suggested funding through a Community Policing grant.  T. Creamer stated that he was not fundamentally opposed to full funding of the SRO by the Town of Sturbridge if necessary, as it was an issue of safety.  He suggested expediting the process, and setting a date and time certain to have this discussion in order to determine available options.

K. Smith said that if Sturbridge were to fund it 100%, the school district would not need to accept it.  Mary Dowling, Finance Committee, said that the sense of urgency started with the Police Chief; a resource officer is needed in the High School due to the size of the school.  She noted that as of March, the police were called to the school ten times per month.  M. Blanchard noted that some of the calls from the school were concerning issues other than what a resource officer would attend to.

K. Smith asked whether anyone had spoken to the Sturbridge representatives to the Tantasqua Regional School District.  He noted that the Tantasqua School Board has not addressed it.  Priscilla Gimas, Finance Committee, said that in the event of an incident, a police presence would make a big difference and would be in the best interest of the children of Sturbridge.  M. Blanchard said that the Board needs to find out whether there is support from the other towns.  J. Malloy said that he would ask Chief Ford for an update on funding.  T. Creamer suggested a date and time for the meeting of June 15th at 7:00 p.m.

J. Malloy said that he had received a request from Barbara Barry, Finance Director, for a higher amount for group insurance.  The original article was for $17,000; $20,218.81 is needed.

MOTION:       To submit a substitute article for group insurance in the amount of $20,220, by T. Creamer.

2nd:     T. Goodwin

Vote:  All in favor.

Interim Town Administrator Interviews

Michael Racicot appeared before the Board.  He said that he has over 30 years of experience within Massachusetts government, and will retire from the position of Town Administrator of Rockport, MA on July 10, 2009.  He said that he has some vacation days that he could take, which would enable him to start the position in Sturbridge on July 13th .  He said that he currently lives in Beverly, MA and would seek lodging in Sturbridge rather than commute that distance.  He said that he would like to work three or four days per week, but added that he would be willing to work long hours.

H. White asked whether he would be available to attend evening meetings.  M. Racicot said that he would.

T. Creamer asked about his longevity in Rockport.  M. Racicot said that he was the only Town Administrator to have his contract renewed.  He said that a few members of the Rockport Board of Selectmen didn’t think that the town needed a full-time Town Administrator.

S. Garieri noted that M. Racicot plans to move to the Southwest in December; he asked whether he would be willing to stay on in Sturbridge, in the event that it takes longer than six months to hire a permanent administrator.  M. Racicot said that as a retiree, there is a limit of 24 weeks he can work before it will impact his pension.

S. Garieri asked what his biggest accomplishment was while working for Rockport.  M. Racicot said that in 7 ½ years, the town never lost a lawsuit; prior to his employment there, the town had paid out a $3 million judgment to an individual.  He said that he has worked with Kopelman & Paige, and always made sure that the town was on solid ground.  He noted that Rockport’s bond rating was upgraded, due to good fiscal management.

T. Goodwin asked M. Racicot about his methodology in dealing with angry citizens.  M. Racicot noted that the Rockport employees are well trained in what they can and can’t do.  He said that the best thing to do when dealing with an angry citizen is to acknowledge mistakes and work with them to rectify the situation.  He said that he would not get confrontational; he would simply review the matter and deal with it.

M. Blanchard asked about the population and budget of Rockport.  M. Racicot said that the population was 7,400, with a budget of $24 million.

S. Garieri asked whether he had experience with cable franchise renewals.  M. Racicot said that he did have experience with cable franchise negotiations.  His strengths also include DPW projects, building sewer plants, road projects, etc.

Roger Hammond appeared before the Board.  His experience included working as the Director of Public Works for the Town of Plymouth, and Acting Town Administrator for the Town of Grafton.

H. White asked R. Hammond why he had left Plymouth in March.  R. Hammond said that the commute was becoming difficult.  He has been doing independent consulting, construction work and estimating projects.

H. White asked what his biggest accomplishment had been while working for the Town of Grafton.  R. Hammond said that he had put together the final touches on the budget when the Town Administrator had retired, and had taken it to Town Meeting.

H. White asked about the next step on his career path.  R. Hammond said that working for the Town of Sturbridge would be a great opportunity to gain more experience.  He noted that he has applied for public works positions in other towns.

H. White asked in the event that the search for a permanent Town Administrator takes six months, would it conflict with his plans for the future.  R. Hammond said that he would complete his commitment to Sturbridge.

T. Creamer asked where in the Plymouth organizational table does the DPW Director fall, i.e. in terms of succession when the Town Administrator is away.  T. Creamer asked whether the DPW Director fills in for the Town Manager automatically or if there is some other process that dictates fill-in.  R. Hammond said that he filled in for the Town Manager in Grafton.

T. Creamer asked how R. Hammond would compare Plymouth to Sturbridge.  R. Hammond said that both towns are tourism related; both towns have issues regarding economic development and wastewater treatment plants.

S. Garieri asked R. Hammond what were the biggest town projects that he had dealt with.  R. Hammond said that in Plymouth there was a crematory project that cost over $1 million; and the Hollywood East Golf Course.  He said that there had been road projects that cost $1 to 2 million.

S. Garieri asked what experience R. Hammond had in negotiating cable franchise renewal contracts.  R. Hammond said that he had never dealt with a cable franchise renewal contract, but he had experience in police contract negotiations.

T. Goodwin asked R. Hammond about his style in dealing with an angry resident.  R. Hammond said that he would listen to the person and lower his voice.

M. Blanchard asked R. Hammond whether he had any other management experience other than eight months in Grafton as Acting Town Administrator.  R. Hammond said that he had.

M. Blanchard asked whether he was aware of the projects currently on the table in Sturbridge.  R. Hammond said that he had read about them in the newspaper.  He said that he would meet with the department heads and establish open communication.

T. Creamer asked for the background on how the process unfolded regarding recycling in Plymouth.  R. Hammond said that in 2007 the recycling rate was only 8% in Plymouth; going to “pay as you throw” made people more conscious of it.  It enhanced the ability to get more people to recycle.

S. Garieri asked R. Hammond whether he would be able to meet with J. Malloy on June 30th .  R. Hammond said that he could.

M. Blanchard asked the Selectmen if they were ready for a discussion or a decision.  T. Creamer said that if the Board was ready to make a decision, he was prepared to do that; if not, he suggested the Board make a decision on June 8th.  T. Goodwin said that he was prepared to make a decision, but he could wait a week.  S. Garieri said that he would like to hear the opinions of the other members of the Board regarding the candidates.  H. White said that he was prepared to take action.

T. Creamer said that Roger Hammond’s youth is beneficial, but he was hesitant to look at the appointment of an Interim Town Administrator with limited experience, considering the projects coming before the Town.  He said that his preference would be to take experience over youth.  T. Goodwin agreed that the Town needs an experienced candidate.  H. White agreed that Michael Racicot has the necessary experience; he noted that he lives in Beverly, and questioned his availability from a geographical point of view.  He said that M. Racicot will have a full-time job until July 10th, and he had said he would be available three or four days per week.  He expressed concern that it would constitute less than total commitment to the Town.

M. Blanchard noted that M. Racicot would bring experience with budgets and working with all departments.  She said that she had no real concern about his working four days per week, since he works long hours.  She noted that he had said he could rent a hotel room or an efficiency apartment in Town.  She said that she did not have any outstanding reservations regarding M. Racicot.  She said that Roger Hammond is enthusiastic, but has limited experience in anything other than road issues.  She said she was in favor of M. Racicot.  S. Garieri said that experience is paramount, and there is no learning curve to speak of.

J. Malloy said that he could work with the Interim Town Administrator on June 30th, to fill him in on current projects.  M. Blanchard said that Barbara Barry, Finance Director, would be willing to step in, but M. Blanchard did not think there would be much of a gap in covering the position.

T. Creamer asked whether the other members of the Board would be uncomfortable with contingencies.  T. Goodwin said that the Board should find out when M. Racicot could start, and how many days per week he would work.  M. Blanchard said that four days per week would be better.  J. Malloy suggested that the Board authorize the Chairperson to discuss these issues with M. Racicot before finalizing the contract, which could be done at the next meeting.  He noted that Town Counsel should draft the contract.

MOTION:       That the Chair be authorized to have a direct discussion with Michael Racicot as the potential Interim Town Administrator, pending the results of the discussion, to bring back to the Board for a final vote, and address the concerns that the Board has raised, by T. Creamer.

2nd:     S. Garieri

Vote:  All in favor.

Kevin and Patti MacConnell – Sturbridge Tourist Association Appointment

Kevin MacConnell appeared before the Board.  He noted that the Selectmen had appointed Dick Vaughan, Vice Chairman of the Chamber of Commerce, to the Sturbridge Tourist Association.  He questioned the appointment, as Mr. Vaughan had been against the establishment of the STA.  Since then, D. Vaughan contacted K. MacConnell and discussed the goals and mission of the STA, and they have come to an understanding.  K. MacConnell withdrew his request for the Board’s reconsideration of the appointment.  He said that D. Vaughan is experienced, shrewd and dedicated to the community.

D. Vaughan listed his credentials for the Board.  He said that he has 57 years of experience in marketing, and was a former moderator.  He owned radio station WARE for 28 years.  He understands small businesses, and will come up with a plan to contribute money for their advertising to promote Sturbridge.  He noted that there are outstanding people on the STA, and the goal of the STA is to make Sturbridge a better community.

Sturbridge Auto body Class II License

J. Malloy submitted to the Board an application from Jeffrey Krushefsky to renew his Class II Used Car Dealer license with the same site plan that was previously submitted.  The Finance Director has certified that all of the taxes have been paid and they were seeking to reinstate their Class II license.

MOTION:       To approve the Class II Used Car Dealers License to Brianna Corp. DBA Sturbridge Auto Body at 227 Main Street, subject to there being no more than 25 used vehicles on the used car lot as indicated on the site plan dated 12/9/03; with the setback of 10 feet from the edge of the property; with the understanding that the vehicles must be parked behind the existing island, by T. Goodwin.

2nd:     T. Creamer

Vote:  All in favor.

Stallion Hill Water Tank Rehabilitation Project – Change Order #1

J. Malloy submitted to the Board the first change order on the Stallion Hill Water Tank Project, which was a reduction of the total contract from $257,752 to $248,766 (reduction of $8,986) based on a reduction of quantities required.

MOTION:       To approve Change Order #1 on the Stallion Hill Tank Rehabilitation Project for the contract between the Town of Sturbridge and Kinsmen Corporation in the amount of ($8,986.00), and further to authorize the Town Administrator to sign the change order, by T. Creamer.

2nd:     H. White

Vote:  All in favor.

Senior Municipal Service Program

J. Malloy submitted to the Board three applications for this program from Margaret Fox and Roy and Dolores Pelton.  Three departments have requested assistance.   He noted that even though Mr. & Mrs. Pelton have applied, they can only earn up to the maximum allowed for the property owner.

MOTION:       To approve the Senior Municipal Service Program of Margaret Fox for the Planning Department to work with the Town Planner on paperwork related to the FEMA Flood Map changes, by H. White.

2nd:     T. Goodwin

Vote:  All in favor.

MOTION:       To approve the Senior Municipal Service Program of Roy and Dolores Pelton to work with the Recreation Department on landscaping projects around the Town Common and Recreation Area, by H. White.

2nd:     T. Goodwin

Vote:  All in favor.

Resignation/Appointments

J. Malloy submitted to the Board a resignation from Brian Burns from the Town Hall/Center Office Building Committee.  The Historic Commission recommended Blake Duzak to serve on this Committee.

MOTION:       To accept the resignation of Brian Burns from the Town Hall/Center Office Building Committee, by H. White.

2nd:     T. Goodwin

Vote:  All in favor.

MOTION:       To appoint Blake Duzak to the Town Hall/Center Office Building Committee, by H. White.

2nd:     T. Goodwin

Vote:  All in favor.

MOTION:       To appoint the following:

Sturbridge Tourist Association – Alexandra Pyfer for a term to expire in 2010.

Personnel Committee – Donald Fairbrother for a term to expire in 2012

Community Preservation Committee – Heather Hart for a term to expire in 2012

Conservation Commission Associate – Calvin Montigny for a term to expire in 2012

Council on Aging – Sandra Fallon, Donna Campo and Elizabeth Darcy for terms to expire in 2012 , by H. White.

2nd:     T. Goodwin

Vote:  All in favor.

J. Malloy said that this fills all boards with the following exceptions: Design Review Committee, Agricultural Commission and Housing Partnership Committee.  Interested residents should contact the Town Administrator’s office if they are interested in serving.  These vacancies will be advertised at the Town Hall and on the website.

Miscellaneous

• J. Malloy was approached recently by a company that is interested in installing a wireless telecommunications tower at the Town’s DPW.  Several years ago, the Town entered into a lease for a similar installation on one of the Town’s water towers, and it has provided a steady source of income that has been dedicated to repairs on the water towers.  A similar site on the Town’s DPW property would be a General Fund revenue source and would require the Town to develop an RFP to give various companies an opportunity to bid.  It was the consensus of the Board that this would be a good idea.

S. Garieri asked whether there were any other parcels of land near the landfill close to I 84 or the Mass Pike which could be used for a similar thing.  J. Malloy said that he could identify some parcels for the Board.  T. Creamer suggested consulting the Town Planner.

• The Town Hall/Center Office Building Committee had a discussion a few weeks ago with the Tree Warden about removing the two large trees in front of the Center Office Building and replacing them with flowering trees similar to those in front of the Town Hall.  Before the Committee moved forward on making a recommendation, they asked that the Board of Selectmen weigh in on the matter. The second item which is related is that there will be several change orders that will be taken up by the Building Committee at their next meeting on 6-4-09 and if recommended, will be coming before the Selectmen on 6-8-09, which has been posted as a regular meeting for the purpose of entering into executive session to hear a grievance from the Police Union.  The change order will also be placed before the Board during the open session portion of that meeting (before the continuation of Town Meeting).

J. Malloy noted that removal of the trees would make the Center Office building more visible.  He said that the trees may appear healthy but could be rotten inside.  D. Barnicle noted that this type of tree has issues with wooly adelgid.  T. Creamer said that the Tree Warden had no objections to it, and neither did he.  The consensus of the Board was to agree to the removal of the trees.

J. Malloy noted that at the last Selectmen’s meeting, John Chojnicki had asked whether there would be a penalty if the work on the Town Hall/Center Office project is not completed in time.  He informed Mr. Chojnicki that there would be a penalty of $1,000/day.

Correspondence

J. Malloy informed the Board that Town Counsel had indicated that it was not necessary for the Board to take action on the Charter Communications bankruptcy issue.

T. Creamer said that Ginger Peabody had sent an email to the Board, and asked whether such emails should be included on the correspondence list.  J. Malloy asked where the Board wanted to draw the line on what needs to be included on the list.  He said that he typically forwards emails to the Board, and if every email were included on the correspondence list, it would be many pages long.  M. Blanchard said that she had no problem with not including emails on the list.

M. Blanchard said that she was contacted by Connie Thompson regarding the 60th annual auction for the Federated Church.

M. Blanchard received a letter from the Amvets, who will be meeting at the Host Hotel from June 12th through the 15th.  They requested that a member of the Board of Selectmen attend on June 13th at 9:30 a.m.  T. Creamer offered to attend.

M. Blanchard received correspondence from David Barnicle, Chairman of the Conservation Commission, regarding a meeting at the Library concerning the Hamant Brook dams.  D. Barnicle said that because of the fiduciary responsibility, he would like input from the Board of Selectmen.

S. Garieri said that the dams should be removed, since the Town cannot afford to maintain them to the level that the state would require.  T. Goodwin felt that the Recreation center should be maintained, and did not have any strong feelings either way about the dams.  H. White noted that the Town is evenly divided over it.  He asked whether it was better to have brook trout or bass fishing in a pond.  He said that the deciding factor is the financial responsibility of the Town; if the Town should decide to keep the dams, there will be significant costs to maintain them.  He recommended that the dams be taken down.  T. Creamer agreed, and said that he has been unable to find anything that would suggest that leaving the dams in place is in the best interests of the Town.  M. Blanchard agreed with T. Goodwin, and said that there is no guarantee that money is there to maintain the dams, and the Town can’t afford it.

D. Barnicle said that what the Conservation Commission is looking for is some approval for Fisheries and Wildlife to attempt to get these monies.  Al Basile said that there is a native population of brook trout there, and the dams are blocking these fish from the Quinebaug; removal of the dams would restore the fish to their habitat.  He said that when fish have been isolated, they become susceptible to demise.  He noted that he has a degree in biology and has worked on watershed restoration.

Carol Childress said that there are mitigation funds available from Millennium Power; it is not a grant, but there is a good chance of getting the money.  D. Barnicle said that the Conservation Commission will address the matter at their meeting on June 11th.  Al Basile said that fishing is another venue for visitors in Sturbridge, and has positive implications for businesses in Town as well.  C. Childress noted that every year the Bass Masters hold their tournament in Sturbridge.  Bob Briere said that when it was brought before Town Meeting to purchase the property, it was under jurisdiction of the Conservation Commission.  He said that the dams have been there for many years.  He noted that at the time of purchase, there were three ponds on the property, not brooks.  He felt that the area would make an ideal park for the Town of Sturbridge.

Philip Sartanowicz, a resident of Cedar Street, said that there will be ongoing costs that the Town will have to bear, and asked about funding.

M. Blanchard noted that the members of the Board of Selectmen have expressed their opinions, and it is ultimately up to a vote of the Conservation Commission.  She requested that people address their concerns to the Conservation Commission.

Old Business

H. White said that regarding the Rom’s parking lot project, Mass. Highway has approved two curb cuts, which was done without any notification to the Board of Selectmen.  He noted that the Town has written to Mass. Highway numerous times, saying that Mass. Highway should inform the Town about curb cut requests.  Mass. Highway has ignored that request.  He suggested that J. Malloy send them another letter and inform them of the history of this situation.

H. White asked about the status of broadcasting meetings.  J. Malloy said that Channel 12 is up and running, and meetings will be broadcast the following day.  Notification will be posted on the Town’s website and a press release will be issued.

T. Creamer asked whether there was any response from Senator Brewer regarding the Star Co-op issue.  J. Malloy said that he would contact Senator Brewer.

T. Creamer said that only five of the 15 Charter boards have their meeting minutes posted on the Town’s website.  He said that the Board of Health is anxious to get their minutes posted.  He suggested contacting the Community Preservation Committee to get their minutes posted to the website as well.  J. Malloy said that the Board of Health had accidentally deleted their entire web page, but it should be back on line this week.  He noted that the CPC has been forwarding their minutes to the Town Clerk.  T. Creamer requested that the necessary steps be taken to have the minutes posted for electronic access by residents.

S. Garieri brought up the parking issue at Mass Motion Dance Studio.  He said that he had received a letter from a resident regarding “no parking” signs that have gone up.  Several residents have been parking there for safety reasons, and now they are not able to do so because of the signs.  He said that businesses in the area are being impacted by this, and would like to see the Town find a remedy to this problem.  M. Blanchard said that J. Malloy will try to meet with Terri Gordon and Chris Rovezzi.  She noted that T. Gordon’s statement was on the advice of the insurance company regarding liability.  J. Malloy said that the lease that T. Gordon signed with the Town indicates that she leases the land and the building.  There is an agreement with C. Rovezzi to lease the parking area, but there have been non-payments.  S. Garieri said that in an economic time when businesses are suffering, this situation could be the catalyst for putting another business down.  He said that this parking issue is having a huge financial impact on C. Rovezzi’s business.  M. Blanchard noted that parking has always been a concern in Town, and J. Malloy will be meeting and mediating with them.  She said that the parties should uphold their agreement.

M. Blanchard asked the members of the Board to review the liaison assignments and state their preferences.

M. Blanchard asked about the date for the presentation of commendation letters to Chief Ford and Barbara Boiteau.  Judy Knowles said that they were unable to attend tonight’s meeting, but will schedule them for an upcoming meeting.

M. Blanchard said that Penny Dumas had asked whether it would be possible to use CPC funds for general cleanup costs.  J. Malloy said that he would look into it.

M. Blanchard asked about rescheduling the meeting with the Board of Health.  J. Malloy said that he would contact Linda Cocalis.

New Business

T. Creamer thanked the members of the Board, Conservation Commission, Board of Health, Building Department and Planning Department for attending the Downtown Revitalization meeting last week.

T. Creamer reported that a flag initiative, undertaken by Scott Garieri, Maryann Thorpe and himself, had raised funds for 40 American flags to be posted along Routes 20 and 131.  He said that agreements are in place with National Grid to post banners on their poles.  He suggested that flags be posted for Memorial Day, the 4th of July and Veterans’ Day.  He further stated that the American Legion, under Tom Chamberland, Veterans’ Agent, would maintain physical care and custody of the flags to ensure proper decorum at all times.

M. Blanchard announced that citizens are invited to attend the Walkable Community Workshop on Saturday at 9:00 a.m. at the Senior Center.

M. Blanchard asked the Board for their input regarding the Town Administrator Search Committee.  It was the consensus of the Board to wait until the next meeting.

Citizens Forum

Stephen Tomas, a resident of Cedar Street, asked about the vote that the Conservation Commission would take at their Thursday meeting regarding the dams.  D. Barnicle said that assuming that the Conservation Commission votes to approve it, Fisheries and Wildlife will meet with the Conservation Commission, and together will work out the parameters as to what is required.  He said that they cannot move forward until the Conservation Commission has voted.  He noted that the public weighed in on the subject at Town Meeting, and it was a tie.  T. Goodwin noted that a study was done three years ago on the best way to improve the Quinebaug River.  Carol Childress said that care, custody and control is an old legal phrase.  She noted that the dam regulations had changed in 2005.  She said that she would like to see the Finance Committee and Conservation Commission weigh in, and another vote be taken at Town Meeting.  M. Blanchard said that the Board had complied with the Conservation Commission’s request; now it is back to the Conservation Commission.

MOTION:       To adjourn, by H. White.

2nd:     T. Goodwin

Vote:  All in favor.

The meeting was adjourned at 10:10 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,

Judy Knowles

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BOS Clerk                             Date