MINUTES
BOARD OF SELECTMEN
Tuesday, November 8, 2005, 6:45 P.M.
Town Hall Hearing Room,
PRESENT:
Chairman J. Claffey opened the meeting at 6:52 p.m. with the Pledge of Allegiance.
PUBLIC FORUM:
6:45 p.m. Martha
Langford,
This resident did not attend the meeting.
6:50 p.m.
6:55 p.m. Arlene Miller: Trash Update: A. Miller gave the BOS a handout with quarterly and October numbers. Quarterly basis shows a 27% decrease of trash, and a 13% increase in recycling: October has a 16% drop in trash and 26.4% increase in recycling. It was noted that at this pace the Town could realize a benefit of approximately $200,000.00 for FY 2006. A. Miller also reported that the SWAT is beginning work on implementing a recycling program in the schools.
APPOINTMENTS:
7:00 p.m. Foy Miller,
The BOS welcomed Foy and thanked her for her interest in the COA.
F. Miller stated that she started volunteering several months ago as a driver for Meals On Wheels never realized the number of programs and the good the COA does; that she is really proud of the Town for the things that it offers its seniors; that she became interested in doing more, getting more involved.
Motion J. Driscoll moved the BOS appoint F. Miller to the COA. G. DeLisle seconded.
Discussion: J. Driscoll state that the Town is lucky to F. Miller volunteer; that her work is appreciated.
Motion approved 3-0.
IT COMMITTEE INTERVIEWS
7:30 p.m. Mandy Andress,
J. Claffey asked her to describe her background and interest in the IT Committee.
She sated that she recently moved to EL; she looking to get more involved with the Town; that she has 20 years in the technology field, specializing in computer and network security; that she has experience in policy, implementation and compliance; that she is a published author in technology.
Board of Selectmen,
November 8, 2005
(IT interviews, continued.)
7:40 p.m. Sean
Coughlin,
J. Claffey asked him to describe his interest in the IT Committee.
He explained that his interest in technology started as a very serious hobby and became his way of making a living about five years ago; he became a consultant; he has a very wide range of skills; he can design web sites; databases; he is not specialized in any one field; he covers a broad range.
7:50 p.m. Russell
Sabadosa,
J. Claffey asked him to describe his interest in the IT Committee.
He described his background and interests are in IT; he has experience as an IT Director from procurement to budget control; that he is currently a fulltime college teacher in security and hardware; that he understands committee work and that decisions are made by consensus.
Discussion: The BOS tabled a decision to possibly later in the meeting.
8:46 p.m.: J. Driscoll was recognized by the Chair to make a motion.
Motion J. Driscoll moved the BOS appoint M. Andress to the IT committee. G. DeLisle seconded. Motion approved 3-0.
Chairman Claffey called for any additional motions. None were made.
8:30P.M. (8:20) Dog Officer, Martylee Caramante:
Dog issue, Sapelli,
A discussion was held relative to complaints against dogs owned by the Sapelli’s and the Hasties.
TC advises that a Dog Officer can request a hearing regarding complaints; but having a first-hand complaint from a resident offers support at the hearing.
Animal By-laws: Tethering—M. Caramante reported she has received a lot of interest in tethering and penning of animals since a storey was run in the Republican
G. DeLisle noted a resident’s letter to the BOS to host a public forum to talk about By-law changes or proposals.
ACTION: M. Caramante and N. Breault to coordinate setting up a public forum regarding tethering and penning of dogs, and related issues.
8:43 p.m. J. Driscoll was recognized by the Chair to discuss two issues from the SWAT.
1. The SWAT recommended the BOS allow residents to put out one extra free bag during the holiday week (12/26-12/31). J. Claffey noted that any proposal for changes needs to be accompanied by an estimated cost to the Town.
2. Hardship requests: Item moved to TC due to possible privacy issues.
9:00 p.m. (9:30 p.m.) Robert Gaboury & Lloyd Oakes; Re: Cable TV
L. Oakes introduced R. Gaboury to the BOS and explained that he was and employee of Greater Media the last time the Town was in negotiations with them for the cable contract; and that he now works as a consultant for municipalities in the renewal process.
R. Gaboury outlined his 36 years of experience in the cable
business. He stated that he is just
finishing working with
J. Claffey noted that there doesn’t seem like there are many issues open for negotiations.
Board of Selectmen,
November 8, 2005
(Appointments, continued.)
R. Gaboury affirmed that the Town has no control over rates and programming; that the FCC has taken it out of local authority. He noted that the field is changing with Verizon expanding; it is overbuilding (infrastructure) in 40 communities.
A discussion was held relative to scope of services and fees. R. Gaboury stated that he estimates he could provide service for between $9,000-12,000.
ACTION: R. Gaboury to submit a proposal for consideration by the BOS.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES:
(8:23 p.m.)
October 11
Discussion: J.
Claffey noted a few minor changes that needed to be made.
Motion G. DeLisle moved the BOS approve the minutes of October 11, 2005 as amended.
J. Driscoll seconded. Motion approved 3-0.
Motion G. DeLisle moved the BOS approve the Executive Session minutes of October 11, 2005. J. Driscoll seconded. Motion approved 3-0.
October 15
Motion G. DeLisle moved the BOS approve the minutes of October 15, 2005. J. Claffey seconded out of necessity. Motion approved 2-0.
October 17
Motion G. DeLisle moved the BOS approve the minutes of October 17, 2005. J. Driscoll seconded. Motion approved 3-0.
October 25
Discussion: J. Claffey noted that the names of the Library Board of Trustees and Planning Board be added to the minutes.
Motion G. DeLisle moved the BOS approve the minutes of October 25, 2005 as amended.
J. Claffey seconded out of necessity. Motion approved 2-0.
Motion G. DeLisle moved the BOS approve the Executive Session minutes of October 11, 2005. J. Claffey seconded out of necessity. Motion approved 2-0.
TOWN COUNSEL:
OLD BUSINESS:
Cable Contract Representation:
TC stated he was TC during the last renewal time but was not involved in the negotiations.
Seven Roads (review statute): a discussion was held relative to construction on or near a railroad; and what the requirement are before any building permit is issued; and whether or not public hearings need to be held.
Request from Michael Mansur. Item moved to Executive Session.
Board of Selectmen,
November 8, 2005
(Town Counsel, continued.)
Responses, Planning Board and Assessors; Re:
So noted. Still waiting for Conservation Commission recommendation. Item tabled.
Information request, Board of Selectmen minutes.
TC indicated he is confused by the response. TC advises that the BOS and the Executive Secretary have already done what has been called for in this letter.
ACTION: TC to speak with Mr. Cote about clarifications on the letter.
Discussion Meter Reader (DPW).
N. Breault to schedule an appointment with Mr. Joyce and Attorney Connor for 11/22 for 8:00 p.m.
Update, Local Incentive Program (sale of house, Benton Estates) *
The meeting of November 21 was noted.
“T” Mobile. Correspondence from the DEP to T Mobile was noted.
Correspondence from Jayson Falcone/East
TC has retained a copy of the notice. TC noted that the Planning Board is to hold a public hearing before the BOS looks at it.
Lowe’s project. (JD)
A discussion was held relative to the timing of the BOS sending a letter regarding the Lowe’s proposal. It was noted that no formal proposal has been submitted.
NEW BUSINESS:
Discussion Warrant (Money Articles)
A discussion was held relative to procedures to receive information for money articles and time to make recommendations. TC advised the BOS to review deadlines and make changes as necessary.
SWAT recommendation.
This item was moved from the earlier discussion brought up by J. Driscoll. It is relative to the Town making exemptions to the trash policy for medical hardships.
TC advised the BOS not consider exemptions on a case-by case basis; that it would be too open to interpretations; that the BOS/SWAT consider establishing guidelines and criteria that would determine any eligibility.
Motion G. DeLisle moved the BOS enter into Executive Session
to discuss personnel issues, to return to Open Session. J. Driscoll seconded. A roll-call vote was taken, (DeLisle, “Yes.”;
Driscoll, “Yes.”; Claffey, “Yes.”).
Motion approved 3-0.
Board of Selectmen,
November 8, 2005
(Board of Selectmen, continued.)
BOARD OF SELECTMEN:
OLD BUSINESS:
Acceptance of $50.00 donation from St. Michael’s Senior Group for Police Department.
Motion G. DeLisle moved the BOS accept the donation. J. Driscoll seconded. Motion approved 3-0.
Housing Authority Vacancies.
A discussion was held regarding the two vacancies on the
Housing Partnership. The BOS directed
J. Claffey noted the death of Martin Turpey, former member of the BOS and Planning Board. Members of the BOS commented on his service to the community.
J. Claffey noted that town native, Beth Cimini, was on
Jeopardy! the previous evening and that she would move on to the next round; and
that she represented her town and
J. Driscoll brought up discussion of the BOS writing a letter regarding the Lowe’s project.
J. Driscoll stated that he has heard strong opposition from members of the public about the proposal and that members of the public have indicated to him that the BOS is in favor of the proposal because it has not acted. Concern was expressed by J. Claffey and G. DeLisle that sending a letter prior to a proposal being submitted would indicate prejudice. It was noted that the BOS is not the decision making authority should a plan be submitted. The BOS discussed working on a general letter regarding concerns, e.g. public safety, traffic, but would do so carefully so as to not appear prejudiced about a project that has not yet been presented.
ACTION: BOS to consider previous draft.
NEW BUSINESS
Veterans Day Event Ceremonies, November 11, 2005, submitted by Dr. Raymond Racicot.
G. DeLisle and J. Driscoll to attend. J. Claffey was unable to attend.
Request from Naiya Sarnelli,
A discussion was held relative to utilizing town property for commercial purposes and whether or not signs on the rotary islands would be too distracting.
Motion G. DeLisle moved the BOS deny the request. J. Driscoll seconded. Motion approved 3-0.
Acceptance of donation, “Sparky” the fire truck, from Don Lomascolo, President Prospect Builders, to the East Longmeadow Fire Department *
Motion G. DeLisle moved the BOS accept the donation. J. Driscoll seconded. Motion approved 3-0.
Board of Selectmen,
November 8, 2005
(Board of Selectmen, continued.)
Request for “No Parking” sign
Motion G. DeLisle moved the BOS accept the recommendations. J. Driscoll seconded. Motion approved 3-0.
Request for “Hidden Driveway” sign
BOARD OF HEALTH:
OLD BUSINESS:
Flu Clinic update, Re: E-mail, from Mary Lou Donahue.
J. Driscoll read the names of the following flu clinic volunteers into the minutes:
Registered Nurses: Edith Buckley, Teze Gelinas, Anna Haskins, Barbara Matthews,
Marilyn Richards, and Kay Thompson.
Check In Staff: Sandra Burns, Jackie Chapdelaine, Judy Donatelle, Diana Murphy, and Bev Roos.
Dr. Michael Lemanski was acknowledged for being the on-call physician.
ACTION: The BOS to send letters of thanks to all.
NEW BUSINESS:
For review, Tobacco Compliance Regulations from Sarah McColgan,
Tobacco Compliance Coordinator for
a) Memo from Sara, model youth access regulations. b) Regulation template.
A discussion was held regarding changes proposed by
The BOS expressed general concern with implementing large fines and fees.
ACTION: N. Breault to schedule an appointment with S. McColgan for the next meeting; and to gather information on other permitted products.
Notification from Department of Public Works; Re: DEP Drinking Water Program Public Notification. So noted.
Application, Site Plan Review/Definitive Plan,
CORRESPONDENCE:
Memo from Dr. Costa, Superintendent of Schools, re-organization of School Committee.
J. Claffey read the notice into the record:
Chairman, Tom McGowan; Vice-Chairman, Daniel Manley; Robert Mazzariello; Angela Thorpe; William Fonseca. Dr. Edward W. Costa, Secretary.
J. Driscoll stated that W. Fonseca is a great addition. J. Claffey noted that all applicants were good.
Information on
Frank Morrisino, Emergency Management. So noted.
Letter from Bay State Gas, Re: $50,000 grant to good neighbor energy fund. So noted.
Board of Selectmen,
November 8, 2005
(Meetings/Invitations/Reminders.)
MEETINGS/INVITATIONS/REMINDERS: (Taken
out of order 7:27.)
Plan for Progress Trustees/c/o Pioneer Valley Planning Commission meeting, Wednesday,
Nov. 6, 2005,
East Longmeadow Cultural Affairs meeting, Nov. 9, 2005 @6pm, Little Red School House * So noted.
Regional Selectmen’s Meeting, Thursday, November 10, 2005 @ 7pm, Longmeadow Police Station Community Room. So noted.
Town Meeting Rules Committee Meeting, Wed., Nov., 16, 2005 @7pm, Town Hall Hearing
Room. So noted. J. Claffey asked the BOS if the committee should draft the rules in addition to making recommendations. The general consensus was yes; and J. Claffey stated that he would pass that along.
Solid Waste Committee Meeting, Nov., 17, 2005, @7pm, Fire
Station,
So noted.
Appropriations Meeting, Nov., 17, 2005 @ 6:30pm, Town Hall Hearing Room. So noted.
Motion J. Driscoll moved the BOS adjourn the meeting. G. Delisle seconded. Motion approved 3-0. Meeting adjourned at 9:45 p.m.
APPROVED: BOARD OF SELECTMEN MEETING, TUESDAY, NOVEMBER
22, 2005.