Minutes
Board of Selectmen
Tuesday, August 16, 2005 6:30 p.m.
Hearing Room,
PRESENT:
ABSENT: James Driscoll, Chairman, Board of Health
APPOINTMENTS/INTERVIEWS
6:30 p.m. Rich Gale, Facilities Manager: Updates on various projects.
Dave Gromaski, Director of the Department of Public Works and Rich Gale, Facilities Manager, met with the Board of Selectmen to provide updates on various capital improvement projects.
Updates included
a.) Town Hall: improving storage with basement improvements and building space on the second floor; installing blinds and painting hallways; and upgrading the security system.
(b) Pleasantview Senior Center: repairing problems with the plumbing and boiler systems; it was also noted that they are only spending what is needed to keep the place operating.
(c) Schools: gym dividers at the high school; ceiling over the high school pool; various painting projects in different schools; it was noted that a numbers are being compiled to determine if subbing out work would be more expensive than hiring full-time workers to do electrical, carpentry, etc.
6:45 p.m. John Somsen, Information Technology Director:
(a) Email retention: J. Somsen reported that there is no clear state policy on how long municipal emails need to be retained; he recently polled members of the Western Massachusetts Information Technology Directors (for best practices) and found no true consensus; for now emails will be saved in bulk at the end of each month. He recommended that a records retention seminar be held for Department Heads since the last one was held about six years ago. The BOS agreed and said they would discuss this with Town Counsel later in the meeting.
ACTION: N. Breault to work with Town Clerk Tom Florence to contact other local communities and see if there is an interest in holding a joint seminar on records retention.
(b.) J. Somsen reported that the municipal software contract is to be signed in about a week.
(c) Fiber Project: J. Somsen reported that we are entering Phase 2; the RFP has gone out with a due date of 9/13/05.
(d) J. Somsen reported that the municipal network had an anti-virus problem last week; that the last package was purchased in 2000; that he had to purchase an upgrade that cost about $17,000; that he could not anticipate the problem or get around purchasing the package.
Board of Selectmen,
August 16, 2005
(Appointments/Interviews, continued)
7:15 p.m. Fred Kowal, Health Agent: Vehicle compensation request.
A discussion was held relative to F. Kowal’s request for compensation for using his vehicle for Town business. The BOS stated they thought that granting a stipend of $80.00 per month as is given to the electrical and plumbing inspectors would be fair.
ACTION:
Public Safety Advisory Committee (PSAC)
The BOS interviewed candidates for the Public Safety Advisory Committee. All were asked to give a statement about their interest in the Committee.
8:00 p.m. Faith Gentile: The BOS thanked her for her contributions last night at the Special Town Meeting. F. Gentile stated that one of the reasons she is interested in the PSAC is because of her background in law enforcement; she has a son who is on-call firefighter; in town since 1973; she knows a little bit about how things are run in a PD; has insights on some problems PD’s and FD’s face; about time she does something civic minded.
8:05 p.m. John Bobianski: 12 yr resident; 3 kids in the schools; 23 yrs in public safety; his father was a firefighter for 35 years; his brother is in fire dept; his experience includes an MA in Criminal Science; CAD; supervisory experience; cited many training he has taken while on the Springfield PD.
J. Claffey asked if he had any concerns about potential conflicts of interest in serving on the PSAC since he works on the SPD to which he replied in the negative; he further stated that he is on days now and should be available for the evening meetings.
8:10 p.m. Barbara Mulak: She has lived in East Longmeadow for 33 yrs; 3 kids in school system; she experienced a fire last year; has experienced from the service aspect; has also had five ambulance calls this year for her mom who lives with her; she noted that paramedics are able to administer services that EMT’s cannot; e.g. last time the ambulance had to pull into the Big Y parking lot because they needed and paramedic.
8:15 p.m. Andrew Fraser: He has lived in town 12 years; had an interest in a town committee for awhile; the PSAC struck a chord of interest with him; he thinks he would be a good asset; he is a Captain in the Longmeadow FD; he stated he may need to miss a meeting now and then because of his rotating schedule, but he is not too concerned that it would happen often.
8:20 p.m. Philip Chapman: J. Claffey noted that he had heard a lot of good things about his dad as a well respected officer in SPD. P. Chapman said he has lived here for 25 years; he was surprised to find out that the town has a part-time FD when he was taking a CPR class with Dick Brady; he became a call firefighter; had to step down due to health reasons; he still does some photography for the Fire Chief just to be involved; he wants to find a good combination to work with the call dept;
G. DeLisle noted that the Chief speaks highly of him.
8:25 p.m. George Moriarty: G. Moriarty noted that he has many years of service to the Town in many capacities, and is still very interested in helping out. The BOS noted his dedication to the Town.
Board of Selectmen,
August 16, 2005
(Public Safety Advisory Committee, continued)
Motion G. DeLisle moved the BOS appoint Faith Gentile, John Bobianski, Barbara Mulak, Andrew Fraser, Philip Chapman and George Moriarty to the Public Safety Advisory Committee for a term of one year. J. Claffey seconded out of necessity.
Discussion: J. Claffey noted that each candidate brings great credentials to the Committee, and he believes it will be a very successful one for the Town.
Motion approved, 2-0.
ACTION: N. Breault to notify the Committee members and arrange for them to be sworn in.
8:30 p.m. LICENSE HEARING: East Longmeadow Grille, 520 North Main Street, Application for Wine and Malt Beverage License, Laura LaCrosse, Manager, 153 North Main Street
The BOS met with L. LaCrosse and Rob LaCrosse.
G. DeLisle opened the hearing with a reading of the public notice. J. Claffey called for any member of the public to come forward and speak in favor or against the granting of a license. There were no speakers. Discussion was held relative to the hours and days of operation; the Grille is currently closed on Mondays because they are just beginning think about adding staff; that they may want to open on Mondays in the near future; that the days they currently close at 3:00 may also be extended to 8:00 p.m.; that the common victual license already allows for these expansions; it was suggested by the BOS that any approval be for Monday-Sunday, subject to restrictions on hours, to avoid needing to come back again for another hearing just to approve Monday alcohol service. There was discussion about hours of service, with 11:00 a.m. being the earliest the BOS would consider. Sunday service was discussed and the BOS decided that 11:00 a.m. would be allowable as long as it was no sooner than allowed by state law. The BOS reminded L. LaCrosse that service was for patrons at tables indoors, no bar service, and that the menu had to be available during hours that alcohol was available.
Motion G. DeLisle moved the BOS approve the issuing of a wine and malt beverage license, subject to the following provisions: Days and Hours of service were Monday-Saturday, 11:00 a.m.-8:00 p.m., and Sunday 11:00 a.m.-8:00 p.m., subject to the state law. Service is for seated patrons, no bar area, indoors only, and the menu is to be available during times when alcohol is available. J. Claffey seconded out of necessity. Motion approved, 2-0.
ACTION: N. Breault to confirm with the ABCC the Sunday hours, and see that all necessary paperwork is sent in a timely manner.
Conservation Commission
The BOS met with candidates for an opening on the Conservation Commission. All were asked to give a statement about their interest, and their availability for the site reviews, which are usually done on Saturday mornings.
8:45 p.m. Rochelle Stellato (This interview was taken out of order at 7:50 p.m.) .
She stated that she is a graduate student working on her MPA; she is currently volunteering on the EL Tree Committee; she wants to get more involved in the local government; no concerns about site review or availability for Saturday site visits; it wouldn’t be a problem.
Board of Selectmen,
August 16, 2005
(Conservation Commission, continued)
8:50 p.m. Susan French (This interview was taken out of order at 7:45 p.m.)
She lives in town; interested in conservation; she has been spending time looking on the Massachusetts Association for Conservation Commissioners to learn more.
8:55 p.m. Jody O’Brien
George Kingston, Chairman of the Conservation Commission observed this interview.
J. O’Brien stated that she has a great interest in conservation; she believes it is important to preserve areas and to balance growth; she believes her professional experience as a manager will serve the Commission well; she is well organized; she has served the Town on other committees and wants to keep contributing to the community.
Motion G. DeLisle moved the BOS appoint Jody O’Brien to the Conservation Commission. J. Claffey seconded out of necessity.
Discussion: J. Claffey noted that J. O’Brien has served on previous committees and was very helpful and dedicated. G. DeLisle stated the Town is fortunate to have people like her to volunteer. J. Claffey stated that the other candidates were very good, too, and should be encouraged to apply for other appointments in the future. Motion approved, 2-0.
ACTION: N. Breault to arrange for J. O’Brien to be sworn in.
9:00 p.m. Tom Florence, Town Clerk/Treasurer/Collector
A discussion was held relative to getting out demand notices for overdue property taxes in a timely manner. T. Florence reported that phone calls are being made and notices are being sent.
Motion G. DeLisle moved the BOS enter into Executive Session to discuss matters relating to personnel in the Town Clerk’s Office, to return to Open Session upon completion. J. Claffey seconded out necessity. Motion approved by unanimous roll-call vote.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES: August 2, 2005
Motion G. DeLisle moved the BOS approve the Minutes of the August 2, 2005 meeting of the BOS. No action.
J. Claffey noted that the charges of the SWAT were missing from the Minutes and needed to be added, as they had been clearly stated prior to the interviews.
Motion G. DeLisle moved the BOS approve the Minutes of the August 2, 2005 meeting of the BOS, upon addition of the charges of the SWAT. J. Claffey seconded out of necessity.
Motion approved, 2-0.
BOARD OF SELECTMEN
OLD BUSINESS
1. High School Visitor’s Bleachers: So noted.
G. DeLisle agreed with the closing of the visitors’ bleachers for safety reasons, but would like to see it addressed soon since it could affect the revenues.
2. Building Permit Fees:
Tabled.
ACTION: N. Breault to ask D. Hellyer to provide the information in a spreadsheet format for the next meeting.
Board of Selectmen,
August 16, 2005
(Board of Selectmen, Old Business, continued)
3. DPW support of Crime Watch sign on Campbell Estates.
Motion G. DeLisle moved the BOS approve the installation of the Crime Watch sign at Campbell Estates. J. Claffey seconded out of necessity. Motion approved, 2-0.
ACTION: N. Breault to notify the PD and the DPW.
4. MMA Photography Contest: Draft press release was noted.
ACTION: N. Breault to go forward with announcing and organizing the contest.
NEW BUSINESS
1.
Block Party Request: Westernview Circle
Motion G. DeLisle moved the BOS approve the request. J. Claffey seconded out of necessity.
Discussion: G. DeLisle noted that the Fire and Police Departments have already reviewed the request and given a positive recommendation, subject to specific conditions. Motion approved, 2-0.
2. Request, Greek Orthodox Church, application for a three-day beer, wine and aperitif/digestif license for the Annual Taste of Greece, Fri, Oct. 14 & Sat Oct. 15, from 11am-10pm; Sun., Oct. 16, 11am- 5pm.
Motion G. DeLisle moved the BOS approve the request. J. Claffey seconded out of necessity. Motion approved, 2-0.
(54) 3. Request; Boy Scout Troop 179; to use Heritage Park Parking Lot for a Bottle and Can Drive on Saturday, October 1, 2005 9:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m.
Motion G. DeLisle moved the BOS approve the request. J. Claffey seconded out of necessity. Motion approved, 2-0.
4. Pioneer Valley
TOWN COUNSEL
BOARD OF HEALTH
OLD BUSINESS
1. Letter; MartyLee Caramante; re: Houghton-Smith dog: So noted.
NEW BUSINESS
1. DEP check to the Town for recycling ($27,080.95): So noted.
2. Letters; Ann Sapelli re: Complaints to Dog Officer: So noted
3. Application: Christina Camerota,
Motion G. DeLisle moved the BOS approve the application. J. Claffey seconded out of necessity. Motion approved, 2-0.
Board of Selectmen,
August 16, 2005
(Board of Health, New Business, continued)
4. Application: Thera Marissa Allard, 100 Embassy Road , Springfield 217 Shaker Road, East Longmeadow
Motion G. DeLisle moved the BOS approve the application. J. Claffey seconded out of necessity. Motion approved, 2-0.
5. Application: Laura Webb, 217 Shaker Road 217 Shaker Road, East Longmeadow
Motion G. DeLisle moved the BOS approve the application. J. Claffey seconded out of necessity. Motion approved, 2-0.
CORRESPONDENCE
1. Email: Ned Obie; re:
Fields at
ACTION: N. Breault to forward to DPW.
2. Lowe’s Development: Email, Jeff Trzcinski; Letter, Barbara Sibley: So noted.
ACTION: N. Breault to forward to Planning Board.
3. Letter from Senator Lees, re: possible state aid for Sewer Rate Relief Fund *: So noted.
ACTION: N. Breault to forward to DPW.
4.
Shaker Bowl, 168 Shaker
Road
Motion G.
DeLisle moved the BOS approve the changes, pending the inspection made by the
Police Department. J. Claffey
seconded. Motion approved, 2-0.
MEETINGS, INVITATIONS & REMINDERS
1. Candlelight Vigil for 9/11 victims; Fire Station front lawn; September 11, 2005 at 7:45 p.m.
J. Claffey to attend, tentatively.
2.
3. Attorney Peter Epstein, BOS Meeting, August 30, 2005 7:30-8:15; re: Cable Television Contract: So noted.
4. Invitation from
Yankee Peddler, Noon – 2pm.: So noted.
The meeting was adjourned at 11:00 p.m. from Executive Session.
APPROVED: BOARD OF SELECTMEN MEETING, TUESDAY, AUGUST
30, 2005.