MINUTES
BOARD OF SELECTMEN
Tuesday, September 13, 2005, 6:00 P.M.
Hearing Room,
PRESENT:
Chairman J. Claffey called the meeting to order at 6:09 p.m. with the Pledge of Allegiance.
Motion G. DeLisle moved the BOS enter into Executive Session to discuss matters relating to personnel and contract negotiations, to return to Open Session. J. Driscoll seconded.
Motion approved 3-0 by unanimous roll call vote.
PUBLIC FORUM:
6:45 p.m. (7:00 p.m.)
- Charlie Christianson,
Topic: Letter to Selectmen regarding SWAT meeting.
Individual members of the BOS responded to C. Christianson’s remarks.
6:50 p.m. (7:09 p.m.) - Claire Florian, 8 Fern Glen
Topic:
ACTION: F. Kowal to issue the enforcement order and re-inspect, then report back to the BOH for further consideration.
6:55 p.m. (7:15 p.m.) Arlene Miller
Topic: Trash update
A. Miller presented updates on the trash program. Among some of the information it was reported that trash volume for August 2005 compared to 2004 was down over 25% and recycling volume was up over 19%.
APPOINTMENTS:
6:00 p.m. John Somsen; Information Technology Director
Executive Session, as previously noted.
6:30 p.m. Hearing; Tax Classification (Assessors)
A hearing was held relative to the setting of the Tax Classification.
Speaking in Favor:
J. William Johnston, a member of the Board of Assessors; Steven Graziano (also on behalf of Joseph Dilk); Ken Spafford
Board of Selectmen,
September 13, 2005
(Appointments, continued)
(on behalf of the East Longmeadow Chamber of Commerce); Russ Denver (resident and President of the Greater Springfield Affiliated Chambers of Commerce); Mike Flynn, business owner.
Summary: Many points
were made that a single tax rate promotes business; that it is a prime reason
why
Speaking in Opposition:
Tom Franco, resident; Larry Rich, resident; Jim Leighton, resident.
Summary: General points were made that the voters should be allowed to decide the classification with a ballot; that a single rate is not equitable for citizens.
Ronald J. Cutler, resident, spoke but said he didn’t want to say he was for or against the single rate.
Motion G. DeLisle moved the BOS approve the tax classification rate presented by the Board of Assessors. J. Driscoll seconded.
Discussion; J. Claffey stated he has heard concerns from residents regarding a single rate; that much of the property tax burden to residents of East Longmeadow and Western Massachusetts is a result of excesses out of Boston for state-wide construction; that the legislature and the Governor are restoring funds to social programs and raises but not to local aid; that there is a need for cities and towns to get the message to the legislature to restore funding to local aid to ease the burden on the taxpayer.
G. DeLisle remarked that this hearing is to set the classification and not the rate; that the Assessors set the rate; that he does not want to discourage business in town.
J. Driscoll stated that all points made on both sides are valid; that homes and businesses pay fees in addition to the taxes.
Motion approved unanimously.
7:00 p.m.
A presentation relative to a proposed expansion of
Marilyn Richards, (Planning Board); and Merle Safford (Historic Commission) are on the Board of Directors of Brownstone Gardens were recognized but made no recommendations on behalf of their respective town boards.
J. Claffey stated that the BOS would withhold public comment about the proposal this evening.
8:00 p.m. (8:10 p.m.) Attorney Robert Fratar; Re: Town Meeting Rules Committee
Attorney met with the BOS to discuss his interest in being appointed to the Town Meeting Rules Committee.
Motion J. Driscoll moved that the BOS appoint Attorney Fratar to the Town Meeting Rules Committee. G. DeLisle seconded. Motion approved unanimously.
Board of Selectmen,
September 13, 2005
(Appointments, continued)
8:10 p.m. Cable Advisory Committee (CAC)
CAC: Senator Brian
Lees, Lloyd Oakes, James Barry and Steve Steitz, G. DeLisle and Gerri Gagnon, Executive
Director of
The BOS met with the CAC to discuss in general terms what it needs to do in the coming year to prepare for franchise renewal. J. Claffey provided the CAC with a summary of the BOS’s previous meeting with Attorney Epstein; that pricing and programming are not items the town (or any town or city) can negotiate; that negotiating can focus on technology, terms of the contract and other items. J. Claffey suggested that the CAC should begin to plan for at least four public meetings in 2006 as part of the process.
ACTION: N. Breault to speak with TC about Attorney Epstein, and coordinate a meeting schedule for the CAC and the public.
8:30 p.m. Colonial Insurance; Ben Graves and Bill Devany
J. Claffey stated that the reason for the meeting is to discuss how the personal information of Town employee was used during a marketing presentation, and to determine what measures have been taken to make sure this doesn’t happen again.
The representatives from Colonial expressed their apologies; that they take full responsibility; that the Corporate Office issued a company-wide email that included a new formal protocol.
9:00pm - Martylee Caramante; Dog Officer
M. Caramante and the BOS held a discussion relative to ways to address problems with cats in town. M. Caramante reported that there are problems with the town picking them up; there is no place for the town to bring them without the cat being euthanized immediately; there is a high risk of contracting rabies.
M. Caramante added that she hoped the BOS would also consider By-Law changes for animals that are chained constantly.
ACTION:
APPROVAL OF MINUTES:
August 30
Motion G. DeLisle moved the BOS accept the Minutes of the August 30, 2005 meeting, as presented.
J. Driscoll seconded. Motion approved unanimously.
Motion G. Delisle moved the BOS accept the Executive
Session Minutes of the August 30, 2005 meeting, as presented. J. Driscoll seconded. Motion approved unanimously.
September 6, 2005
Motion G. DeLisle moved the BOS accept the Minutes of the September 6, 2005 meeting, as presented.
J. Driscoll seconded. Motion approved unanimously.
Motion G. Delisle moved the BOS accept the Executive
Session Minutes of the September 6, 2005 meeting, as presented. J. Driscoll seconded. Motion approved unanimously.
TOWN COUNSEL
Board of Selectmen,
September 13, 2005
(Board of Selectmen, Old Business)
BOARD OF SELECTMEN:
OLD BUSINESS:
1. Falcone Project: No discussion.
2. Notification from Police Chief; Re; Bulletproof vest grant approval: So noted
3. Response letter from Fire Chief to Lanagan Engineering; Re: Proposed Project-Lowe’s
J. Claffey recapped that Lanagan sent a letter to Chief Wallace stating that the proposal would not have an adverse impact on fire services; and that Chief has responded that the proposal would have an
adverse impact; that among the Chief’s concerns are traffic, access and egress, and storage of flammable and hazardous materials.
J. Claffey acknowledged the Chief’s concerns and stated that there would be a large impact on the traffic and it would put a strain on public safety services.
J. Driscoll stated that he thinks that impact will be devastating; he suggested the BOS draft a letter expressing its concerns over the proposal.
J. Claffey stated that the decisions about the project are outside the authority of the BOS and under the authority of the Planning Board and Conservation Commission.
ACTION: The BOS will put together a draft response.
4. Notification from DPW; Re: Crime Watch Sign installed at Campbell Estates: So noted
NEW BUSINESS:
1. Building Inspector Issues; a) Request for Order Restraining Zoning Violation; Dick’s
Convenience Store, 137 Shaker Road; b) Accessory Building, 5 Acorn Street; c) Letter to
Carl Hines: So noted.
2.
Motion G. DeLisle moved the BOS appoint T. Florence as an alternate for the SVRHT meeting on September 29, 2005. J. Driscoll seconded. Motion approved unanimously.
3. Request for
signage,
Motion G. DeLisle moved the BOS accept the recommendations of Sergeant Bates. J. Driscoll seconded. Motion approved unanimously.
4. Request for
signage, “Slippery When Wet” sign,
Recommendations
Motion J. Driscoll moved the BOS accept the recommendations of Sergeant Bates. G. DeLisle seconded. Motion approved unanimously.
5. Request for
Signage, “Hidden Driveway” sign,
Recommendations
Board of Selectmen,
September 13, 2005
(New Business, continued)
Motion J. Driscoll moved the BOS accept the recommendations of Sergeant Bates. G. DeLisle seconded. Motion approved unanimously.
6. Request for Signage, “Stop” signs, Intersections of Pembroke Terrace/Abbey Lane &
Motion G. DeLisle moved the BOS accept the recommendations of Sergeant Bates. J. Driscoll seconded. Motion approved unanimously, pending clarification from Sgt. Bates.
ACTION: N. Breault to ask for clarification from Sgt Bates.
7.
Notification/Discussion Site Plan & Definitive Subdivision Plan,
Roosevelt Hill LLC, Antonio & Linda Pietroniro. *
ACTION: N. Breault to forward to Police and Fire for recommendations.
BOARD OF HEALTH:
OLD BUSINESS:
1. Tobacco Control, Sarah McColgan, Tobacco Control Coordinator: a) Draft letter to State
Ethics Commission, re: conflict of interest; b) E-mail from Executive Secretary to Sarah
McColgan; c) Report, youth access compliance checks.
ACTION: N. Breault to advise S. McColgan to send the letter and continue her activities.
2. Transportation re-imbursement, Health Inspector, Fred Kowal
ACTION: N. Breault to advise F. Kowal and the Town Accountant to reimburse him for his transportation expenses, pro-rated to the date he asked for them and then monthly according to the schedule voted on by the BOS previously.
5. Letter from Fred Kowal, Health Inspector; Re: 869 Somers Road Issues:
a) Board of Health Emergency Actions; b) Re-inspection letter *
So noted.
6. Report from Fred
Kowal, Health Inspector: Re-inspection at
cats (John & Christine Cassamasse). * So noted.
7. Draft letter,
ACTION: F. Kowal to issue the enforcement order and re-inspect, then report back to the BOH for further consideration.
NEW BUSINESS:
1. Scantic Valley Regional Health Trust; Re: Draft Prescription Letter So noted.
ACTION: N. Breault to send.
2. Notification from Superintendent of Public Works, David Gromaski, Re: Chloramines Public
Notification to residents. So noted.
Board of Selectmen,
September 13, 2005
(BOH, New Business, continued)
4. Application for approval, Disposal Works Installer’s Permit, Applicant: Tetreault Clean
Septics,
Motion G. DeLisle moved the BOS approve the application as presented. J. Driscoll seconded. Motion approved unanimously.
5. Application for approval of License to practice Massage; Applicant: Alyssa M. Camerota,
Motion G. DeLisle moved the BOS approve the application as presented. J. Driscoll seconded. Motion approved unanimously.
6. Annual letter to Dr. Costa, Superintendent of Schools, Re: School Sanitation Report * So noted.
CORRESPONDENCE:
1. Notification of increase of tipping fees in the Town’s Waste Service Agreement from
ECO/Springfield. So noted.
2. Letter from
XSPAND, Re:
ACTION: N. Breault to forward to the Town Collector for recommendation.
3. Newsletter from National Defense Committee. * So noted.
4.
Letter from Fire Chief, Re: Out of area Sept 15-18, 2005 * So Noted.
ACTION: N. Breault to send out memo to Department Heads under the BOS to remind them to send notice of absences or leaving early to the Executive Secretary prior to doing so.
MEETINGS/INVITATIONS/REMINDERS:
1. Mass. Dept of Revenue Seminar, “What’s New in Municipal Law”, Friday, Sept. 23, 2005,
Best Western
Sovereign Hotel,
3:00pm. So Noted.
ACTION: N. Breault to attend.
2. PVPC
3. Invitation from Association of Town Finance Committees, Annual Meeting, November 5,
2005,
9am-3:15pm,
ACTION: N. Breault to forward to Appropriations and the Town Clerk.
4. MMA joint
conference, Sept., 23-24, Worcester Crowne Plaza Hotel,
5 . MMA Forum on Economic Study & Revenue Sharing, Oct.18, 2005, Federal Reserve
Bank,
6. Regional Selectmen’s Meeting, Thursday, September 22, 2005 at 7pm, in Wilbraham. So noted.
7. Public Safety Committee Meeting, Thursday, September 15, 2005 at 6:30pm, Selectmen’s
Meeting Room. So noted.
Board of Selectmen,
September 13, 2005
(Meetings/Invitations/Reminders, continued)
8. Open Space Committee Meeting, Tuesday, September 27, 2005 at 6:30pm, Conference
Room, Library. So noted.
9. SWAT Committee Meeting, Tuesday, September 20, 2005 at 7pm, Meeting Room, Library.
So noted. J. Driscoll to attend.
10. Town Rules Meeting Committee, Wednesday, September 21, 2005 at 7pm, Selectmen’s Meeting Room. So noted.
11. Fire Department Open House Agenda, Sat., Oct.,1, 2005, 150 Somers Rd., 12noon-3pm. *
So noted.
12: J. Claffey noted a letter submitted by Chief Mellis recognizing good work recently done by officers attending to a distraught individual.
ACTION: N. Breault to draft a letter to the officers from the BOS.
Motion G. DeLisle moved the BOS adjourn. J. Driscoll seconded. Motion approved unanimously.
The meeting was adjourned at 10:30 p.m.
APPROVED: BOARD OF SELECTMEN MEETING, MONDAY, OCTOBER 3,
2005.