Minutes
Board of Selectmen Meeting
Tuesday, February 15, 2005
PRESENT:
Mr. DeLisle, Chairman of the Board, called the meeting to order at 6:30 P.M.
APPOINTMENTS
1. 6:30 SWAT:
Present: Jodi O’Brien, James F. Jendrysik, Arlene Miller
Mrs. Miller gave the power point
presentation of the pay-as-you-thrown proposal, and supplied the Board with a
hard copy for the file. There was
discussion of the current sticker system for yard waste. The power point proposal does not reflect the
pay-as-you-throw proposal. The proposal
calls for weekly trash – with one week bottles and cans - and one week
paper. Mr. Claffey, Chairman of the
Board of Health, said Option 1 for
Mrs. Miller reported that the way the bid is being made will give the Town a lot of good information and said that we are probably looking at a 20% increase across the Board because of insurance, 9/11, etc., according to the haulers. She added the importance of being sure that our regional bid is the same length of contract, whether three or five years. Mr. DeLisle concurred so that we can keep leverage.
The Board of Selectmen reached the general consensus that this pay as you throw option may be the best one. Town Counsel will discuss the length of the contract later in the meeting, three plus two, a five year contract. The Program is paid for out of the tax base and the bags bring in revenue.
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The Board accepted with regret the resignation letter of Richard Clark from the Committee. A letter will be sent to Mr. Clark.
2. 7:00 p.m. FIRE CHIEF P. ROBERT WALLACE:
The Board met with the Fire Chief relative to matters pertaining the Fire Department. The Board noted the following appointments for one year, per union contract: Steve Rybacki, Training Officer; Shawn Minahan, Mechanic; Paul Morrissette, Inspector.
The Board of Selectmen recognized Sean Minaham for his twenty years in Firefighter Service.
There was discussion relative to the two State grants received: 1: Firefighter Safety Equipment grant for $21,000 to purchase vehicle repeaters, protective gear, new exercise treadmill, rescue saw, hand lights for all firefighters, foam machine for haz-mat mitigation and two cold water immersion suits. 2. Student Awareness of Fire Education (SAFE) in the amount of $4,739.26 to be used to purchase class material for the students, senior citizens awareness pamphlets and child mannequins for the instruction of C.P.R.
3. 7:30 p.m. FRANK MORRISINO: Pre-Disaster Mitigation; Homeland Security Grant, Quarterly Program Report
Mr. Morrisino reported that the Town cannot get a pre-disaster mitigation grant unless it is part of a regional basis -$500 first year, $500 the second; Town to provide a personnel committee for the local annex to the Regional one. He reported that 15 out of 43 towns have signed up. Mr. Morrisino said that he is not sure which way to go but would hate to exclude us from future grants and feels it probably would be a good idea to join and if we find it is not of benefit, to back out of it. He feels the Town should join.
There was discussion that GIS is already underway in Town. Mr. Morrisino reported that flooding hazard are not a major town problem, and questioned how we could prepare for wind-related hazards such as hurricanes, earthquakes and other natural disasters.
The Board of Selectmen will discuss this with Town Counsel. Mr. Morrisino recommended that the Department of Public Works be part of the staff. After review with Town Counsel, a letter will be prepared.
4. 8:00 p.m. GEORGE SANTERA and PETE PERKINS, HEBERT CANDIES:
These gentlemen discussed their plans to
open a chocolate store at
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OLD BUSINESS:
1. The Board approved the minutes of the meetings of February 1 and February 2, 2005, as submitted.
2. There was
discussion relative to one polling location.
Pros and cons were discussed.
School Committee is in support; savings this year $1,500. Mr. DeLisle summarized the pros for doing
this, not only for the cost savings.
Motion made by Mr. Claffey to have all four precincts report to
3.
NEW BUSINESS
1. The Board noted the request for budget information from Brian Falk, Chairman, Local Emergency Planning Committee. The Board requested that he be reminded that we have central purchasing for office supplies. As for personnel costs, the Board would appreciate receiving information as to why he is being compensated for his time.
2. The Board of Selectmen accepted the invitation of Matthew Richard, Group Sales Representative, Basketball Hall of Fame for an “East Longmeadow Day at the Hall of Fame” on Friday, July 8, 2005, 10 AM to 5 P.M. with Admission $5.00 for East Longmeadow residents. Mr. Breault will check into the date and take care of publicizing the event.
3. Motion made, seconded, and vote taken, all Selectmen voting in favor, to approve the one-day liquor license, St. Michael’s Parish, St. Patrick’s Party on Saturday, March 3, 2005, 6:30 P.M. to midnight.
4. The Board approved for mailing the notice pertaining to the Annual Candidates Forum scheduled for March 22, 2005 from 12:30 P.M. to 1:45 P.M.
5. The Board requested that the Executive Secretary pursue the request of the Veterans’ Services Agent George Herrick to occupy space and meet with his clients at the Little Red School House.
6. The BoS noted a letter stating that Dr. Lemanski has been chosen a Governor’s Point of Light honoree; BoS to send invitation to Dr. Lemanski to receive recognition from the Town.
7. The BoS noted the article about Jennifer Stetkiewicz being named the Springfield St. Patrick’s Day Colleen; BoS to send invitation to Ms. Stetkiewicz to receive recognition from the Town.
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8. The BoS noted the EL nominees for the “Hometown Heroes”Award; BoS to send invitations to nominees to receive recognition from the Town
HEALTH:
1. The Board
discussed the report from Mike Talbot, O’Reilly, Talbot & Okun Associates,
relative to environmental issues,
2. There was discussion relative to the flu shot clinic next year; that the Town employee clinic be held separate from the seniors. Mr. Breault will set up discussion for sometime in March to determine what employees are interested, and have the Regional Coordinator for the Department of Health involved as requested.
TOWN COUNSEL:
The Board met with Attorney Donahue, Town Counsel, relative to legal matters pertaining to the Town.
1. J. Claffey discussed the upcoming RFP to be crafted by the Regional Trash Committee and should be sent out sometime in early March. TC advised the BoS that the RFP does not have to go to bid as trash contracts fall under different legislation.
A motion was made and seconded, Roll Call vote taken, Selectmen voting in favor to enter into Executive Session to discuss personnel issues, contract issues and potential litigation. The BoS will not reconvene the meeting upon completion of the Executive Session.
Meeting adjourned in Executive Session at 9:18 p.m.
APPROVED: BOARD OF SELECTMEN MEETING, TUESDAY, MARCH 29, 2005.
James D. Driscoll, Clerk of the Board