BOARD OF SELECTMEN

MINUTES

JULY 20, 2009

Present:          Mary Blanchard, Chairman

Scott Garieri

Ted Goodwin

Tom Creamer

Hal White

Michael Racicot, Town Administrator

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

Approval of Minutes

MOTION:       To accept the minutes of July 6, 2009 as amended, by T. Creamer.

2nd:     H. White

Vote:  Four in favor; S. Garieri abstained.

MOTION:       To accept the minutes of July 13, 2009 as amended, by H. White.

2nd:     T. Creamer

Vote:  All in favor.

Department Head Monthly Reports

Fire Chief Leonard Senecal reviewed his report with the Board.  H. White asked about the status of training in the Fire Department during the past quarter and the current quarter.  Chief Senecal said that there had been other issues to take care of, but he will attend to training soon.

T. Creamer said that he would be interested in knowing how many of the people on the Fire Dept. list are active in responding to calls when necessary.

S. Garieri asked about the status of the fire truck that was involved in an accident.  Chief Senecal said that the Town’s insurance company had sent a representative to examine the truck, but they have not gotten back to him about it.  S. Garieri asked about plans for replacing the fire truck.  Chief Senecal said that he had brought members of the Sturbridge Fire Department Truck Committee to discuss the matter with the Board.

Russell Chamberland, Gordon Holstrom, Edward Chamberland and John Marinelli appeared before the Board.  R. Chamberland read a statement from the Sturbridge Fire Dept. Truck Committee into the record regarding the need to purchase new fire apparatus.  The facts were as follows:

1.                  Engine One is a 1981 Pumper that was slated and approved for replacement two years ago due to tank and frame rust problems.

2.                  Engine Five, a 1988 Pumper Tanker, was recently damaged beyond repair in an automobile accident and is considered “totaled.”

3.                  Engine Two, their first responding Pumper, is a 1997 vehicle which is now 12 years old.

4.                  Engine Four, a 1974 Pumper, has been in service for 35 years, which is an extensive period of time for a hardworking vehicle.

5.                  Since 1997 the number of fire calls responded to had doubled.

R. Chamberland said that $325,000 was approved at the 2008 Town Meeting to replace Engine One.  Based on the facts stated above, they felt that it is necessary to replace both Engine One and Engine Five, at the following cost:

1.                  1,500 GPM Pumper with a 1,000 gallon tank at a cost of $385,000.

2.                  2,000 gallon Tanker at a cost of $299,000.

M. Blanchard suggested that they discuss the matter with Barbara Barry, Finance Director and M. Racicot, Town Administrator, and asked whether the Committee had looked into any grants.  Chief Senecal said that there is not much grant money available now.  M. Blanchard asked whether they had gone to capital improvement.  Chief Senecal said that they had, and were given approval for a fire truck two years ago.  He noted that the fire truck that was involved in the recent accident was in good condition prior to the accident.  He said that they can’t trust Engine #1 because of the rust situation in its tank.

H. White asked why the price of the 1,500 GPM Pumper had gone up so much in 1 1/2 years.  R. Chamberland said that as of January 1st the specs have changed, and will change again in January 2010, with a new list of requirements for the truck.  He said that the new trucks have black boxes and sensors in them, and there is a yellow and red chevron on the back of the trucks, at a cost of $5,000.  He said that the MFPA has come out with these new requirements which are geared toward the safety of the people operating them.

T. Creamer said that Homeland Security is reluctant to cover the costs of traditional response equipment generally supported by municipal budgets and are more directly apt to fund non-traditional equipment or equipment purchases.  He asked how many pieces of apparatus in the Fire Dept. were MFPA compliant.  Chief Senecal replied that none of them were in compliance with the revised standards.

R. Chamberland said that the last trucks that were purchased were NFPA compliant at that time, but are compliant no longer.  He said that they purchase trucks from reputable sources.  T. Creamer asked the Committee to provide the Board with comparisons of their fire truck with other trucks purchased by other communities.  R. Chamberland said that the Lenox Fire Department recently purchased a pumper truck for $466,000, and will purchase another truck for $506,000.  He said that they would like to purchase a truck that is practical and safe.  G. Holstrom added that they transport personnel, not just water.  J. Marinelli said that the Fire Dept. only has one vehicle that has a five man cab.

S. Garieri asked what figure the Town’s insurance company had estimated for the fire truck.  Chief Senecal said that their figure was $14,000, since there was no replacement cost on the insurance policy.  He suggested that replacement cost be considered for the Fire Department, Highway Department and Police Department vehicles because of the cost involved after an accident.  S. Garieri asked about the estimated life expectancy of the truck prior to the accident.  Chief Senecal said that it should have lasted another 10 years.

T. Goodwin suggested that the Fire Chief consider purchasing trucks at auctions.  Chief Senecal did not think that auctions would be the right avenue to take, as they need to buy something that is in good shape, and which would match the equipment that they already have.  G. Holstrom said that if they bought a truck at auction, it would be costly to bring it up to the MFPA standard.  R. Chamberland said that if the Town were to buy both fire trucks at the same time, there would be a substantial savings.

Chief Senecal said that a water on wheels truck is important to the Fire Department, one that can carry more than 2,000 gallons of water on it.  R. Chamberland said that due to the recent accident, the Fire Dept. needs to replace the tanker.

T. Creamer indicated that with the significant numbers of multi-family/apartment dwellings, along with the high numbers of hotels/motels, that the town cannot afford to be operating at diminished apparatus levels.  He also indicated that non-compliant apparatus posed a safety and health hazard, not only to firefighters but civilian personnel as well and should be addressed.

M. Blanchard said that the Board understands the situation and considers it a priority.  She suggested that Barbara Barry, Finance Director, look at the debt service.  M. Racicot asked if Chief Senecal could identify any savings in his department that could go toward the purchase of the equipment.  He suggested the possibility of having a debt exclusion vote; if the voters decide to spend $600,000 to buy the trucks and are willing to put it on their taxes, that might be an option.

R. Chamberland said that replacement cost should be on the Town’s insurance policy for Engines #2 and #3.  M. Blanchard said that the insurance policy should be scrutinized as to what should be on it.  Chief Senecal said that they have not received a response from the insurance company.  M. Blanchard asked M. Racicot to follow up on it.

Erik Wight, Building Inspector, reviewed his report with the Board.  He said that most of the forms used in the Building Inspector’s office are now available on the Town’s website; however, some of the forms could not be scanned and he will need the help of an IT person.  He said that the forms cannot be filled in on line and submitted on line, but can be downloaded.

S. Garieri asked what was going on in front of Yankee Spirits.  E. Wight said that there was a grease trap issue.  S. Garieri said that it is an eyesore in the middle of Town and creates a traffic situation for cars trying to access Yankee Spirits.  E. Wight said that he would find out the status of the situation.  M. Blanchard suggested that he consult the Town Planner and Board of Health regarding requirements.  She noted that the work seems to be at a standstill.  T. Creamer said that there were a number of issues there that had been discussed at previous Planning Board meetings, including problems with wetlands issues and grease traps.

M. Blanchard said that last month the Design Review Committee had stated in their minutes that they were quite concerned about illegal signs and enforcement.  She asked whether E. Wight had heard from them directly.  E. Wight said that things come into his office slowly, and people are in contact with Leslie Wong, who lets him know about the status of issues.

Greg Morse, DPW Director, submitted to the Board his six-month report.  He noted that there has been road maintenance, storm related work and sidewalk maintenance.  He said that Barbara Barry, Finance Director, had wanted him to remind the Board about the SRF funding, and to sign the contract with Bruschi Brothers for the Main Street (Rt. 131) Water Main Improvements Project.

MOTION:       To send a letter of thanks and appreciation to G. Morse for his role as Acting Town Administrator, by H. White.

2nd:     T. Creamer

Vote:  All in favor.

MOTION:       That the Board accept the bid from Morton Salt for highway road salt at $71.81 per ton for a minimum tonnage of 900 tons, and a maximum tonnage of 1800 tons as per the cooperative bid opened on July 8, 2009, by H. White.

2nd:     T. Creamer

Vote:  All in favor.

Barbara Search, Council on Aging Director, reviewed her report with the Board.  She said that she has been advocating for funding for Elderbus services.  She said that lack of transportation for seniors leads to isolation, depression, lack of appropriate medical care, poor nutrition and many other problems as people age.  She said that she had received a letter from Senator Brewer regarding the WRTA, indicating that there is an increase for that budget; hopefully, it will trickle down to Elderbus.  T. Creamer suggested that a member of the Board could reach out to Selectmen of other communities to seek support for Elderbus.  B. Search said that she would contact other Council on Aging Directors to come up with a plan to address the issue.  T. Goodwin noted that the legislature is considering increasing restrictions on elderly drivers, so if Elderbus is not funded, it would put the seniors who need the service in a dangerous situation.

M. Blanchard asked about services and activities for non-seniors.  B. Search said that there has been a push to bring in baby boomers and people in their 50s, so there have been non-seniors attending the fitness classes at the Senior Center.  She noted that there is no age restriction for events at the Senior Center.  They do not do home visits to non-Sturbridge residents, but non-residents can get help over the telephone or office visits.

Tim Reardon – Request for a Sewer Connection

Tim Reardon appeared before the Board to request a sewer connection for 84 Old Farm Road.  He said that he had sent J. Malloy an email a year ago regarding this matter, but never pursued it.  He informed the Board that he has owned the lot for four years, and it is a little over half an acre.  M. Blanchard noted that it is a non-conforming lot.  S. Garieri asked whether he was planning to build on the lot.  T. Reardon said that he has a buyer for the property.  There is no stub for the lot.  He said that the house that will be built on the lot would be a large ranch, in the $350,000 range with two bedrooms and two bathrooms.

M. Racicot suggested that the Board discuss the matter with the Planning Board and DPW Director before making a decision.  T. Reardon did not know where the flow would be going; he will ask G. Morse to find out where it will go.  M. Blanchard suggested getting input from G. Morse and that the Board take it up again at the meeting of August 3rd.  H. White said that it is critical to find out whether there is a gravity issue, and whether the flow would go to the Sturbridge Wastewater Treatment Plant, because if it were going to Sturbridge, there may be a significant problem.  The Board of Selectmen had denied similar requests and had been involved in litigation for denying similar requests.

Tom Chamberland, Tree Warden – Recreational Trails Master Plan Proposal

T. Chamberland recommended that the Town form a Recreational Trail Master Plan Steering Committee, to consist of the following:  2 from the Sturbridge Trail Committee; 1 from the Economic Development Committee; 1 from the business community; 1 from the Public Lands Advisory Committee; 1 from the Community Preservation Committee; and 1 resident, for a total of 7 members.  The mission of the Committee would be to present to the Board of Selectmen and the Conservation Committee a comprehensive Recreational Trail Master Plan linking the Town’s major open space parcels.  This Master Plan shall identify major objectives to include:  recreational, economic, health, school connections, events and competitions, conservation; it will also address partnerships and other stake holders; modes of trail use to include hiking, running, walking, mountain biking to include double and single track and terrain park, cross country skiing, snow shoes, snowmobiles and equestrian.  This plan shall also explore connectivity in developing a Quinebaug River water trail.  The master plan shall also address a preliminary design of trails with prioritizing and phasing.  Working under the Trail Committee, this steering committee shall make such report before September 30, 2011.

Erin Jacque, Conservation Agent, had requested that a member of the Conservation Commission be allowed to serve on the Recreational Trail Master Plan Steering Committee, as it would provide continuity since the Conservation Commission is charged with managing a great deal of land in the Town.  T. Chamberland said that the Master Plan needs to go before the Conservation Commission as a final approval board.  He said that he wanted to bring in people to serve on the Steering Committee who are outside of Town government functions.  H. White said that the Board should give due consideration to the request by the Conservation Agent to include a member of the Conservation Commission on the Steering Committee.  T. Goodwin noted that the Steering Committee includes a member of the EDC, which is part of Town government.  M. Blanchard said that she agreed with E. Jacque in having a member of the Conservation Commission on the Steering Committee.

MOTION:       That the Board of Selectmen authorize the Recreational Trail Master Plan Steering Committee, by T. Creamer.

2nd:     H. White

Vote:  All in favor.

MOTION:       That the Recreational Trail Master Plan Steering Committee consist of:  2 from the Sturbridge Trail Committee; 1 from the Economic Development Committee; 1 from the business community; 1 from the PLAC; 1 from the CPC; and 1 from the Conservation Commission (eliminating the 1 resident), by H. White.

2nd:     T. Goodwin

T. Creamer said that having a resident on the Steering Committee is critical, as the resident should be an integral component of this Committee.  He said that he would not support a modification which would take a resident out of it; he felt that the composition of the Committee should remain as proposed.  H. White noted that every member of this Committee would be a resident.  T. Creamer indicated that not every business owner (one of the Committee assignees) is in fact a Sturbridge resident, and noted the value of a resident not currently associated with Town government who could bring a fresh new perspective and approach to issues, something he believes is healthy for the community.  T. Goodwin said that there would be a broader body of knowledge with the inclusion of a Conservation Commission member.

H. White amended his motion to include 2 residents and 1 member of the Conservation Commission, for a total of 9 members.

2nd:     T. Creamer

Vote:  All in favor.

T. Creamer asked how the Regional Trails Committee relates to the Public Lands Advisory Committee.  He asked whether it would be appropriate to consider a merger of the PLAC and the Regional Trails Committee and have them work together.  T. Chamberland said that he could address it as a member of the PLAC, and he is the representative to the Regional Trails Committee.  He said that the PLAC has struggled to find its niche over the last year or so, and what it needs to do.  He felt that the Hamant Brook Dam issue has taken up an inordinate amount of time, and that has been the Committee’s focus.  The Committee is trying to move forward in a number of areas, including an off road vehicle policy.  He noted that it was J. Malloy’s intent to reorganize some of the committees, including the Regional Trails Committee.  H. White said that the PLAC has a much broader scope than the Regional Trails Committee; the Trails Committee has a more intensive focus.

MOTION:       That the Regional Trails Committee be reorganized; to be authorized to develop trails on open space parcels within the Town of Sturbridge as approved by Town government; the membership of this Committee should be increased from 3 to 5, with the ability to have up to 5 Associates, by H. White.

2nd:     T. Goodwin

Vote:  All in favor.

T. Chamberland said that associate members are needed to take charge of the crews that come in to work on volunteer days, and there is a need to have associate members who know what is going on.

Wind Power Discussion

Mike Glynn and Shaun Lockett of Aeronautica Windpower appeared before the Board to discuss the benefits of a wind turbine energy system for the Town.  M. Glynn said that the process involves finding an appropriate site, which requires a large land parcel; desktop data for a first look; wind appraisal of the site; a feasibility study (MET Tower); addressing permitting and design issues; and installation.  S. Lockett noted that Aeronautica Windpower sells mid scale wind turbines of 225 KW and 750 KW.  He said that the drivers for wind power include declining wind costs, fuel price uncertainty, Federal and State policies; economic development, public support, green power, energy security and carbon risk.  Wind power mitigates negative impacts of fossil fuel use, emissions of mercury and other heavy metals, emissions from extracting and transporting fuels, watershed acidification and production of toxic solid wastes, ash or slurry.  He said that wind energy’s economic impacts include construction jobs, management, administrative support, supporting businesses such as bankers financing the construction, contractors, manufacturers and equipment suppliers of subcomponents.

M. Glynn said that the Norwin 225 turbine is capable of producing 451 MW of power annually, which would power approximately 150 houses.  At the same wind speed, the Norwin 750 is capable of producing 1,458 MW of power annually, or the equivalent of approximately 400 houses.  He said that they have some preliminary data for the top of Leadmine Road, and at Tantasqua, both of which were determined to be favorable sites.

T. Goodwin asked what type of infrastructure would be needed in terms of power lines.  M. Glynn said that most of the time the electrical connection is underground.  He said that to situate it near existing power lines would make it easier.  S. Lockett said that the average life expectancy for the turbines is 20-25 years with routine maintenance.  He noted that it would yield tremendous cost benefits to the Town.  T. Creamer commented that the cost of electricity is becoming a burden for seniors in the community, and that this could serve as a relief valve.

M. Glynn said that in the Town of Plymouth they instituted a combination of supply and demand measures to generate 100% of Plymouth’s municipal electricity from renewable energy sources.  In Plymouth, three turbines offer power to the town buildings; two turbines are at the town-owned sewer treatment plant.

M. Glynn requested that the Town put up money for a wind appraisal, which will cost $2,500-$3,000.  He said that he and S. Lockett could assist the Town with grant proposal applications, direct grant money toward data collection and analysis, direct and analyze data collection and facilitate interaction between developers and the Town.  M. Racicot said that the Town of Rockport went through this, and it is a two-year process.  He said that it is necessary to have a year’s worth of solid data in order to proceed.  S. Lockett said that a way to shorten the process would be to provide a list of private land owners who would be willing to lease land to a development organization and the organization would do a turnkey operation for the Town.  They would then charge the Town for the electricity at a reduced rate.  In that case, the Town would not have to take ownership of the turbines.  T. Creamer requested that they provide the Board with alternative approaches in writing.  M. Blanchard thanked them for their presentation.

Town Administrator’s Update

M. Racicot reviewed his update with the Board.

MOTION:       To accept the low bid of $1,258,868.00 and authorize the Town Administrator to sign the contract documents for the Main Street Water Main Improvements Project between the Town of Sturbridge and Bruschi Brothers, Inc. of Ludlow as necessary; and to authorize the Town Administrator to serve as the signatory authority for all documents related to this project, by T. Creamer.

2nd:     H. White

Vote:  All in favor.

Old Business

T. Goodwin said that Jim Malloy had provided a sample motion for the formation of the Sturbridge Energy Commission.  He read the motion:  To form the Sturbridge Energy Commission, with the mission of working in conjunction with Town leadership in energy.  The Commission will proactively seek to identify strategy and potential funding partnerships in order to lower municipal and school energy expenditures and community greenhouse gas emissions; to consist of 6 citizens and 1 selectman, to be appointed by the Town Administrator and approved by the Board of Selectmen.  T. Creamer suggested adding “to explore alternative energy sources.”  T. Goodwin agreed to amend it and will provide the Board with a written copy for the next meeting.  M. Racicot requested a copy also.

S. Garieri asked M. Racicot to check with Senator Brewer for an update on the Star Co-op Program.  He said that relative to the Senior Municipal Service Program, it would allow someone other than the senior to work on the senior’s behalf, then give the senior the credit for it.

S. Garieri asked about the status of televising meetings.  J. Knowles said that they are now being broadcast from the Public Safety Complex.

T. Creamer noted that the Community Preservation Committee’s minutes were not posted on the Town’s website.  He said that the Board of Health’s minutes were on the website.

T. Creamer suggested that the volunteers who participated in the trail cleanup be recognized for their contribution.  M. Blanchard said that she would take care of it.

T. Creamer requested that the Board meet with the Cable Advisory Committee regarding contract negotiations, and to find out whether they are looking into alternatives.

H. White asked why there was a shortfall of $2,500 in the Town’s Medicare account.  M. Racicot said that Barbara Barry, Finance Director, said that it was because of the balloon payments to the school employees.

H. White questioned the enrollment figures that Burgess Elementary School is being built for.  M. Blanchard provided the requested enrollment numbers.  H. White noted that it appears that the school is being built only to meet the Town’s requirements through 2017.

M. Blanchard said that there was a nice reception for Barbara Boiteau at the Oliver Wight Tavern for her award.

M. Blanchard asked whether the Board wanted to provide any input for the Town Administrator Search Committee.  T. Creamer said that the Search Committee has established criteria, and he would wait until they come forward with the three chosen candidates.  M. Blanchard said that in the past, input from the Board of Selectmen and Town employees was always sought by the Search Committee.

New Business

T. Creamer suggested that the Board discuss the letter from Galonek at some point, and how the sewer service area is determined.  He said that he was not convinced that everything was done scientifically.  M. Blanchard suggested it be discussed at the Sept. 10th work session.

M. Blanchard noted that the Town has an AA Bond Rating thanks to the efforts of Barbara Barry, Finance Director.  It was the consensus of the Board to send her a letter of thanks.

M. Blanchard asked the Selectmen what they wanted to do about the hotel/motel meals tax.  S. Garieri suggested getting input from the hotel/motel owners.  H. White suggested a review of the Town’s financial situation to see where the Town stands.

MOTION:       To convene in executive session under MGL Chapter 39, §23B, Paragraph #3:  To discuss strategy with respect to collective bargaining or litigation, not to reconvene in open session, by T. Goodwin.

2nd:     H. White

Roll call vote:          All in favor.

The Board convened in executive session at 10:15 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,

Judy Knowles

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BOS Clerk                                         Date