Minutes
Board of Selectmen Meeting
Tuesday, April 26, 2005
PRESENT:
Chairman
APPOINTMENTS:
6:30 P.M. The BoS, Don Anderson (Planning Board) and Dan Burack (Board of Public Works) met to decide on candidates to be interviewed for the position of Building Commissioner. D. Anderson and D. Burack represented their respective Boards to make recommendations. Marilyn Richards (Planning Board) attended as an observer.
Motion G. DeLisle moved to enter into Executive Session to discuss the candidates for Building Commissioner. J. Driscoll seconded.
Discussion: J. Claffey added the BoS should to return to open session upon completion. Motion approved unanimously, with addition of J. Claffey’s recommendation.
7:20 p.m. The BoS reconvened in open session.
APPOINTMENTS,
continued.
7:00 P.M. (7:20 p.m.) Fire Chief Monthly Meeting:
1) Fire Chief Wallace briefs the BoS on the Department’s anticipated budget shortfall for fiscal year 2005 per his letter to the BoS dated 04/19/05 “Re: Budget Shortfall.” The BoS ask questions about line items in letter; asked Chief Wallace to keep them apprised.
2) Capital Plan: Chief Wallace warned of the Capital needs of the Fire Department per his letter to the BoS dated 04/19/05 “Re: Capital Plan-FYI.”
3) Town Meeting: Chief Wallace expressed his professional concerns with regards to an anticipated overflow crowd and the logistics to handle one safely.
Action: N. Breault to check with Town Clerk Tom Florence to help plan logistics ahead of time.
4) Memorial Day: Chief Wallace reports he continues to suggest participation to Fire Department staff in ceremonies marking the Memorial Day Holiday. He notes that participation is voluntary.
5) Chief Wallace thanked the BoS for encouragement he received from the BoS via his Personnel Evaluation.
(Minutes, BoS
Meeting, 04/26/05)
Appointments,
continued.
7:30 P.M. Eric Smith,
This was an informal meet & greet. E. Smith and Mrs. Smith, (his Mom) were
welcomed to the Town by the BoS. E.
Smith is set to open Simone’s Restaurant in the space formerly occupied by Wild
Apples. Simone’s was formerly located on
his first job was as a dishwasher at Wild Apples. The BoS noted that the reputation of Simone’s on Sumner was excellent. E. Smith said he wants to adapt that reputation to the new location.
He anticipates opening 5/3/05. The BoS asked if he had plans to serve
liquor. E. Smith stated that plans to
serve liquor, “…are down the road.” He
indicated that no alcohol will be available on site at the beginning, including
no “BYOB” as is allowable in other situations.
The BoS advised that he should apply for a License; that “BYOB” is not
an option. E. Smith indicated he has no
plans to operate BYOB. He said he
anticipates offering lunches, dinners, catering and banquets. He told the BoS he is already encouraged with
an agreement to serve as the meeting place for the regular Rotary Club
luncheons. The BoS thanked him for
coming in and wished him success in his endeavor. The BoS also encouraged him to contact them
individually or through
8:00 P.M. - Brian Falk, Chairman, Local Emergency Planning Committee:
1) J. Claffey said B. Falk was asked to attend due to his 2/3/05 letter to the BoS asking for funding of the LEPC be dedicated by the Town Budget. B. Falk said the LEPC has never had Town funding; that the state awarded $3,200 to the LEPC early this calendar year. He explained that as long as grants come forward LEPC, “… is ok.” He explained that although the BoS asked him to produce historical records about funding for the LEPC, he only has records that were given to him from when he was appointed Chair by BoS and they were minimal at best.
J. Claffey asked about personnel and whether the LEPC was paying its members. B. Falk that the State’s Department of Emergency Management gave guidance on spending allocated funds; that they were out-of-pocket expenses for LEPC members that would otherwise be unpaid. State Emergency Management told him to submit them.
J. Claffey asked if MEMA is suggesting an hourly rate? Has anyone on the LEPC collected the $2,300 in salary? B. Falk said, “No.” A general discussion ensued with the BoS seeking clarification on whether or not a member of the LEPC was paid an hourly wage to conduct the business of a volunteer. The conclusion to the discussion was that B. Falk told the BoS that no LEPC member had received compensation in the form of wages, but only for those allowable expenses for travel and training that were paid out of grant funding as stipulated by the grantor(s). The BoS reminded B. Falk to only spend such funds as allowed under the grants; that no member of the LEPC or any volunteer Board should be earning wages for their efforts.
2) J. Driscoll discusses the Homeland Security training and need to try not to duplicate efforts.
B. Falk said there is a Federal directive requiring National Incident Management System, “NIMS” training, by member of the LEPC and other first responders. The Fire Department has already started training. J. Driscoll asked if elected officials need to do NIMS. B. Falk indicated that NIMS training is required of any administrator, first responder or department head that would respond to an emergency is required to train at least at the basic level.
(Minutes, BoS
Meeting, 04/26/05)
Appointments,
continued.
8:30 P.M. - Hearing, The Meadows, Manny Coelho, Change of Corporate Name.
Attorney Silva and M. Coelho approach the BoS with request for a corporate name change. A sign-in sheet was distributed among the audience members, to be entered into the Minutes.
J. Claffey opened the hearing. J. Claffey asked if there was anyone present to speak for or against the proposed name change. No one came forward to speak. The BoS advised Mr. Coelho and Attorney Silva to contact the ABCC to confirm all necessary steps.
Motion J. Driscoll moved to approve the name change pending completion of all necessary paperwork. G. DeLisle seconded. Motion approved unanimously.
8:45 P.M. - Town Clerk, Tom Florence.
Motion J. Driscoll moved the BoS enter into Executive Session to discuss personnel issues with T. Florence, and to return to open session when discussion is complete. G. DeLisle seconded. Motion approved unanimously.
TOWN COUNSEL
OLD BUSINESS:
1. Council on Aging:
a.) COA Board vacancies: a) Action: N.Breault to issue press release asking for volunteers
b.) Action: Board of
Selectmen direct
2. Response from Dr. Kosiorek, Re: Flag: BoS interested in putting presentation of Flag from Dr. Kosiorek to the Town on the program for Memorial Day Ceremonies
Action: N. Breault to coordinate putting presentation on program.
3. “Deer Crossing” sign on
Action: N. Breault to ask for police reports for past 2 years to track the number of incidents in the area. Ask the Police to recommend a spot to move the sign.
NEW BUSINESS:
1. Photos, Board of Selectmen: Taking new photos of the BoS for the Town website was tabled to a future date.
2. One Day Liquor License/Entertainment request, St. Michael’s Parish, May 14, 2005,
6p.m.-11:30p.m.,
entertainment from 6pm-10p.m.,
Motion G. DeLisle moved to approve the license pending receipt of insurance. J. Driscoll seconded. Motion approved unanimously.
(Minutes, BoS
Meeting, 04/26/05)
New Business,
continued.
3. Letter from
Jennifer Cushman,
Action: N. Breault to forward to Police Department for recommendations.
4. Request for “Stop” signs; Mike & Donna Whitman,
Action: N. Breault to forward to Police Department for recommendations. BoS further instructed N. Breault to forward similar traffic requests to PD and DPW prior to bringing to BoS for action.
5. SVRHT Update. 5b) Health Insurance rates/Open Enrollment/Letter *. Noted.
Action: N. Breault to coordinate distribution of notices to employees and retirees.
6. Letter of resignation from Charter Commission, Richard Clark.
Motion G. DeLisle moved to accept his resignation and send a letter thanking him for his service.
J. Driscoll seconded. Motion approved unanimously.
7. Request from Michelle DeRose, Re: permission to use covered bridge for wedding photos.
G. DeLisle wants to make sure safety issues are addressed; take precautions. BoS is inclined to grant access pending PD review.
Action: NB to forward to Police Department for recommendations and report back to BoS.
8. Memorial Day Requests: 1) COA, Invitation for Selectmen to speak at Veterans’ Breakfast.
Action: J. Claffey to attend. N. Breault to acquire the list of Veterans in Town.
2) Invitation, Gunther-Rowley Post, Cedric Hastings: All members of the BoS will attend. The BoS again reminds N. Breault to coordinate Flag donation from Dr. Kosierek.
3) Letter, ITAMS, Ronald Davis. Noted.
9. Correspondence, United Way.
Action: N. Breault to handle employee drive.
10. Letter, Conservation Commission, Re: Land offer from WestMass Development. Noted.
11. Correspondence, Department of Revenue, Re: Update Bond proceeds. Noted.
12. a.) Request to put an
Action: N. Breault to authorize IT Department to add links as appropriate.
13. Letter, Jason Sares, Request for re-imbursement for plumbing permit.
Motion J. Driscoll moved to deny the request for reimbursement. G. DeLisle seconded. Motion approved unanimously.
14. One-Day Liquor License Request/Raffle permit, Friends of Norcross House, May 13, 2005,
from 7pm – 9pm. Motion J. Driscoll motions to approve. G.DeLisle seconded.
Discussion: G. DeLisle suggested the BoS waive local fees for licensing.
Motion approved unanimously, with G. DeLisle’s suggestion.
(Minutes, BoS
Meeting, 04/26/05)
New Business,
continued.
15. Web Site posting of meetings. The Bos had a discussion about the posting of public meetings on the Town website. J. Driscoll said the website is underutilized. G. DeLisle wanted the BoS to remind offices that they need to post them. N. Breault confirmed that an employee in the Clerk’s office currently posts the meeting on the site. J. Claffey discussed how a Department could bring the information to the clerk’s late on a Thursday and that if the employee in the Clerk’s office is out on Friday then the meeting could very well not get posted on the Web. J. Claffey suggested putting disclaimer on Web stating that the site is for informational purposes, but only authoritative meeting posting is on Town bulletin board in Town Hall.
At this time, Kathleen Moore, reporter for the Republican, asked to address the BoS. She agreed with the suggestion of putting a disclaimer on the site. She said that there have been occasions in the past where meetings were not posted on the Town bulletin board. J. Driscoll said the BoS will talk to Departments and Boards and Commissions to remind them of their responsibility to post meetings.
Action: The BoS will discuss drafting a disclaimer and provisions of the open meeting law with Town Counsel.
16. Correspondence, Charter Communications, re-scheduled hearing: Noted *
17.
Action:
18. Letter from Representative Mary Rogeness: Noted. *
19. Review annual appointments:
Action: N. Breault to send letters to people up for reappointment to see if they are interested in continuing to volunteer. *
BOARD OF HEALTH:
1. Report from Sarah McColgan, a.) Youth Access Compliance Check: Noted. 1a) “Emporium Complaint”: J. Driscoll suggested the BoH wait to hear receive Fred Kowal’s report to BoH and possibly have the owners in.
Action: N. Breault to forward complaint to TC. *
2. Correspondence, Arlene Miller, “Trash Bids/CentralMass Disposal”: Meeting accepted.
3. “Feline
Regulation”: J. Driscoll relates
specific problems the
Action: Item tabled to next meeting.
4. Correspondence,
(Minutes, BoS
Meeting, 04/26/05)
BoH, continued.
5. Letter from John
Agnoli Re: Request “No Littering” sign on
Action: N. Breault to forward to PD and DPW and also ask if there is a Town cleanup issue. N. Breault to contact Mr. Agnoli. *
6. Correspondence DEP; Re; Dumping matters/timetable for investigation, locations: Indian
Spring Road; 75 Pleasant Street;
Action: J. Driscoll to forward letter to Health Agent to correspond with request. N. Breault to tell resident that BoH is investigating.
MEETINGS, INVITATIONS & REMINDERS:
1. New Officials Finance Forum, Friday, June 3, 2005, Best Western Yankee Drummer Inn,
2. East Longmeadow/Longmeadow Chamber of Commerce Annual Business Education
Recognition Breakfast: Noted.
3. Personnel Police Committee, Wednesday, April 27, 2005 at 5:00 p.m. Noted.
4. Housing Partnership Committee, May 5, 2005, 7pm-8:30pm, Town Hall Hearing Room. Noted. G. Delisle to attend.
5. World Series Trophy Displayed at Pleasantview, Thursday, April, 28, 2005, at 10:00a.m. Noted.
6. Town Warrant & Motion final review, Friday, April 29, 2005 at 4:00 p.m. Selectmen’s Office.
J. Claffey and G. DeLisle to attend.
7. Town Meeting, Monday May 2, 2005, 7pm, @ EL High School, 180 Maple St. *
8. Meeting, Central Mass Disposal, Wednesday, May 4, 2005, at 5:00pm, Board of Selectmen’s Office. All BoS members to attend.
Meeting adjourned from Executive Session#3 at 10: 37 p.m.
APPROVED: BOARD OF SELECTMEN MEETING, THURSDAY, MAY 26, 2005.