Minutes
Board of Selectmen Meeting
Tuesday, July 12, 2005
Hearing Room,
PRESENT:
ABSENT: James Driscoll, Chairman, Board of Health
Chairman
PUBIC FORUM
6:45pm - Alfred Celetti,
Mr. Celetti gave the BOS a written statement and then read it verbatim.
6:50pm – Keith Lindner,
6:55pm - Arlene Miller, Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection *:
A. Miller recapped progress made thus far with implementation of the new Waste Reduction Program.
APPOINTMENTS:
7:00 P.M. Jessica O’Brien,
The BOS met with Ms. O’Brien to interview her as Alternate Dog Officer. Martylee Caramante, Dog Officer for the Town, sat in with at the invitation of the BOS. There was discussion of how Ms. O’Brien had been appointed on a temporary basis from June 22 through July 12 to cover for M. Caramante. During the weekend of 6/23-25 she handled several calls.
Motion G. DeLisle moved the BOS appoint J. O’Brien as substitute Dog Officer for the Town to handle calls during times when M. Caramante is unavailable. J. Claffey seconded out of necessity.
Motion approved.
Action: N. Breault to arrange for Ms. O’Brien to get sworn in.
At this time the BOS took an item out of order with the Dog Officer re: the Houghton dogs.
Board of Selectmen,
July 12, 2005
(Appointments, continued)
7:15 (7:20) P.M. Daniel Hellyer, Building Inspector:
1) Permit fees: D. Hellyer gave the BOS a fee schedule of the surrounding areas. He recommended increasing the permit fees for new building, not to include sheds. He suggested increasing additions from $.30 to $.35 cents per square foot. For example, a 3,000 sq. ft. house would mean an increase in permit fee of $180. He also recommends new fees for electrical inspections, especially since there are multiple inspections needed; anywhere from 5-10 visits. There was discussion that a new zone recently adopted by the Town that needs pricing. Mr. Hellyer submitted recommendations for the BOS to review.
ACTION: N. Breault to put on the agenda for 7/26 or 8/2 for further review.
2) Walgreen’s sign: Mr. Hellyer told the BOS that he visited with the manager of Walgreen’s regarding the flashing electronic sign. He sent a letter to Walgreen’s Corporate reminding them of the restrictions for the sign. He reported that an hour later the flashing stopped. He reported that there is an issue regarding the size of the sign and that he is working with the Planning Board on it. J. Claffey asked if the Town can expect compliance. Mr. Hellyer said, “Yes; penalties are $100/day.” He believes that penalties will be a final resort and that he feels he can resolve these issues once he explains the laws to the appropriate people.
Motion At this time G. DeLisle moved the BOS enter into Executive Session to discuss matters relating to personnel under the auspices of the Building Department, to return to Open Session.
J. Claffey seconded out of necessity. Motion approved.
7:45
The BOS met with representatives of the Senior Center Study Committee to discuss the effect of the override ballot Question 2 not passing; D. Anderson acted as spokesperson.
Mr. Anderson told the BOS that there is a general consensus that the Committee is looking for direction from the BOS; that since the ballot question asking for funds to initiate a study for the Pine Knoll site was defeated what should the Committee be doing now as an appointed committee of the BOS. There was general discussion between the BOS and the Committee stating that there is still a need for a new Senior Center; that the ballot defeat may not have been an overwhelming mandate; that bundling the question as decided by the Long Range Planning Committee may have affected the outcome even though the idea was to approach needs of the Town’s citizens in a comprehensive rather than a divisive manner; that some citizens are still asking why renovation of the Pleasantview Center is not being considered; that perhaps starting again with community forums and questionnaires would be the new mission of the Committee; that the Committee is not a “Study” Committee any longer, that it is really a “Building” Committee.
J. Claffey suggested the Committee poll its members to see who wishes to continue and then to start meeting again with the Long Range Planning Committee to discuss new strategies for the Town.
ACTION: N. Breault to work with the Senior Center Study and Long Range Planning Committees to establish who wishes to continue, and then to put out a call for new members as needed.
Board of Selectmen,
July 12, 2005
(Appointments, continued)
8:00 (8:15) p.m. Rosalind Clark, Director Council on Aging
Motion At this time G. DeLisle moved the BOS enter into Executive Session to discuss matters relating to personnel of the Counsel on Aging. It was further moved the BOS remain in Executive Session for its 8:15 Appointment to discuss personnel matters relating to the Fire Department, and to return to Open Session when those matters were completed. J. Claffey seconded out of necessity. Motion approved.
8:15 (8:32 p.m.) P.M. Hearing, Fire Department Personnel
Held in Executive Session.
9:04 p.m. At this time, the BOS returned to Open Session as previously voted on.
8:45 p.m. (9:04 pm.) Board of Library Trustees (4 members and the Director)
J. Claffey welcomed the trustees; he stated that Town labor Counsel had provided an opinion relative to seniority and bumping rights; that the BOS had just received it this evening; the BOS and Trustees took a few moments to review the opinion.
Town Labor Attorney Hayes clarified what it means; it indicates that Seniority would be the guiding principal should layoffs be necessary; the BOS can make the decisions with the Union around what positions might need to be cut and what the impact will be.
Susan Peterson, Library Director, brought up discussion relative library certification by the state; she said that certification has more to do with the size of the overall library budget than allocation of salary versus expense; the library is $1,371 above the level for FY 2006; she said if the library were to lose a position and that salary amount then there is a good chance that the library would not qualify.
J. Claffey stated that these are issues that need to be brought before the Appropriations Committee; that the BOS believe that the library would not lose a position, but that there is the possibility that a member of the Town Hall union with more seniority than a given library staffer (Note: Library personnel are part of the Town Hall employee union), then that staffer could be “bumped.” The appointment ended with the BOS reiterating it is working closely with the union to minimize the impact of any steps that will need to be taken.
Approval of Minutes:
This item was taken out of
order at 10:22 p.m.
Motion G. DeLisle moved the BOS accept the Minutes of May 10, 2005. J. Claffey seconded out of necessity. Motion approved.
Motion G. DeLisle moved the BOS accept the Minutes of May 17, 2005. J. Claffey seconded out of necessity.
Discussion: J. Claffey clarified that the 7:00 p.m. appointment was with Attorneys from Schatz, Schwarz and Fentin and others. He further pointed out a few typographical errors. G. DeLisle further moved that the Minutes be accepted pending the changes made by N. Breault.
Motion approved.
Motion G. DeLisle moved the BOS accept the Minutes of May 26, 2005. J. Claffey seconded out of necessity. Motion approved.
Board of Selectmen,
July 12, 2005
(Board of Selectmen)
BOARD OF SELECTMEN:
OLD BUSINESS:
NEW BUSINESS:
1. Correspondence from Brian Falk, Chairman, Local Emergency Planning:
a) EDS Emergency Dispensing System letter and request for consultation of LEPC.
ACTION: The BOS
advised
b) Request to be put on agenda for the next Regional Board of Selectmen’s Meeting
ACTION: N. Breault to contact William Fogarty of Wilbraham to have the LEPC put on the RBOS agenda for September 22; and to notify B. Falk.
2. Request: St.
Michael’s Parish,
Vacation Bible Camp, Monday, July 25 thru Thursday, July 28 from 9am-12:30pm
Motion G. DeLisle moved the BOS grant the request. J. Claffey seconded out of necessity. Motion approved.
ACTION: N. Breault to forward to Cultural Affairs along with a letter notifying them of the use of the property.
3. Request: Velocity
Sports Performance,
Director, re:
set up sign banner at various fields in
J. Claffey indicated he is OK with the request as long as they take care of their area and have it manned. G. DeLisle stated its ok if its center field or otherwise not in the way and that if they want to use any school fields they will need to go through the School Committee for approval.
Motion G. DeLisle moved the BOS grant the request. J. Claffey seconded out of necessity. Motion approved.
4. Town Hall Hours: Tabled.
5. Request: Merle Safford, Historic Commission, re: reprinting of Centennial History Book
Motion G. DeLisle moved the BOS approve of the Historic Commission’s request to print more copies of the Centennial History Book. J. Claffey seconded out of necessity.
Discussion: J. Claffey instructed N. Breault to remind M. Safford that the printing needs to be done without additional Town funding. Motion approved.
The BOS then considered an estimate for roofing work on the Norcross House.
ACTION:
D. Hellyer for recommendations at a future meeting.
6. Boards & Commissions:
a) Public Safety Advisory Committee:
ACTION: N. Breault to schedule appointments for applicants to meet with the BOS on 8/16 @
8:00 p.m.
Board of Selectmen,
July 12, 2005
(Board of Selectmen, Boards and Commissions, continued)
b) Town Meeting Rules Committee (This item was taken out of order at 9:28 p.m. to include discussion with the Town Moderator): The BOS and the Town Moderator discussed the make-up of this Committee to include: The Town Moderator; Town Clerk (ex-oficio); Former Town Moderator; and a Member of the Town Charter Committee.
ACTION: N. Breault to schedule appointments for applicants to meet with the BOS on 8/02 @
7:00 p.m.
c) Solid Waste Advisory Team:
ACTION: N. Breault to schedule appointments for applicants to meet with the BOS on 8/02 @
7:30 p.m.
d) Council on Aging:
ACTION: N. Breault to put call out again for members along with senior center study committee.
e) Zoning Board of Appeals:
ACTION: N. Breault to speak with Mr. Simpson first; then put out call for an Associate or Full member, as needed.
f)
ACTION: N. Breault to work with G. Gagnon to put call out for volunteers.
7. Request to hold a Can & Bottle Drive, East Longmeadow Girls Field Hockey Team,
Saturday, August
27, from 9am-12Noon,
Motion G. DeLisle moved the BOS grant the request. J. Claffey seconded out of necessity. Motion approved.
TOWN COUNSEL:
BOARD OF HEALTH:
OLD BUSINESS:
1. Letter from Martylee Caramante, Dog Officer, re: recommendations regarding Houghton-Smith dogs: This item was taken out of order at 7:10 p.m.
J. Claffey and G. DeLisle indicated that they had sat through two previous hearings re: the Houghton dog situation. The BOH asked the Dog Officer to recap the situation and give her recommendations.
M. Caramante said she believes that Mr. Houghton is trying but is not able to comply with orders to keep his dogs under control.
Recommendation: Since the problems have ongoing for years and have not been fixed,
M. Caramante recommended the BOS give the Houghton’s a certain amount of time to place the dogs. A time frame of 30 days was recommended.
J. Claffey said that he is inclined to accept the recommendation. He stated the BOH would review whether previous enforcement orders included provisions to have the dogs removed from the property and to discuss the matter with Town Counsel.
Board of Selectmen,
July 12, 2005
(Board of Health, Old Business continued)
2. (10:19) Correspondence from Telecommunications & Energy, re: “Charter Communication Hearing”: So noted.
ACTION: N. Breault to call in the Cable Advisory Committee for a preliminary meeting and to call Mr. Fogarty in Wilbraham re: referral for attorneys that work on Cable contracts.
NEW BUSINESS:
1. Correspondence from National Grid, re: vegetation management treatments on rights-of-way: So noted.
2. Letter from Mr. & Mrs. Richard Martin, re: special consideration trash collection:
Tabled for full board discussion on 7/26.
3. Tighe & Bond
report, re:
CORRESPONDENCE:
1. Letter from Ellen Donoghue, re: trash collection: So noted.
2. Letter from Fire Chief, re: Ben Cote firefighter: So noted.
3. Letter from James Jendrysik: So noted.
4. Letter from Jodi O’Brien, re: Conservation Commission: So noted.
5. COA list of newly elected officers: So noted.
6. Correspondence from MIIA Insurance, 2005 rewards credit etc.: So noted.
MEETINGS, INVITATIONS & REMINDERS
1. Open Space Committee Meeting, Thurs., 7 14 @ 7pm, Town Hall Hearing Room: So noted.
2. PVPC meeting,
Wed., 7-13, 10:15am-12noon, large meeting rm. 26 Central
Motion At this time, G. DeLisle moved the BOS adjourn. J. Claffey seconded out of necessity. Motion approved.
Meeting adjourned at 10:30 p.m.
APPROVED: BOARD OF SELECTMEN MEETING, TUESDAY, JULY 26,
2005.