MINUTES
BOARD OF SELECTMEN
Tuesday, June 13, 2006 at 6:45 p.m.
East Longmeadow Library Meeting Room
PRESENT: James D. Driscoll, Chairman, Board of
Selectmen;
Chairman Driscoll called the meeting to order at 6:45 p.m. with the Pledge of Allegiance.
PUBLIC FORUM:
6:45 p.m. Joe
Cabrera,
J. Cabrera met with the BOS to discuss concerns with his child getting to Mountain View School; that he believes that the route his child will have to walk is unsafe since it means walking on Hampden Road without sidewalks; that he is in disagreement with having to pay for busing his child to school as an option; that he wants to know what can be done.
G. DeLisle advised him that the School Committee sets the
walking routes and the bus fees; and indicated that he would rather see the
sidewalks but there is only so much money to fund the program. J. Driscoll added that there is a sidewalk
master plan and that work is being done in the
The BOS indicated to J. Cabrera that it would follow up with Town Counsel (TC), the Police Department and the Department of Public Works.
APPOINTMENTS:
7:00 p.m. Sandra Choquette, Town Accountant.
S. Choquette was offered the opportunity to meet with the BOS in executive session, but she declined.
S. Choquette met with the BOS to discuss her personnel evaluation and rating assigned. She indicated that when she had met with the BOS regarding her performance that she did not think that she would have received a rating of Meets Expectations. She explained that she deserved a higher rating given the many duties she took on in 2005 beyond her those of her position as Town Accountant including handling budgeting for the BOS Office during the transition period with a new Executive Secretary, and working with the Treasurer and IT Departments to oversee the implementation of the new MUNIS software. S. Choquette then commented on the evaluation form regarding check marks in areas marked Needs Improvement, but did not believe those were areas that needed it; that there were no written comments on the evaluation explaining why a Meets Expectations was given. S. Choquette told the BOS that she had spoken with some individual members of the Personnel Policy Committee and asked why they had voted to approve the Meets Expectations, why it was voted 8-0, but that she wasn’t given a lot of explanation; and that some members of the PPC and the Appropriations and Capital Planning Committees (AC, CPC) had told her that they would write to the BOS regarding this situation.
Minutes, Board of Selectmen
June 13, 2006
Appointments, continued
Page 2 of 7
G. DeLisle stated that he was not at the March 13 meeting of the PPC; but that the BOS had discussed various job issues regarding the Town Accountant during the course of 2005; that in speaking with some members of the AC and CPC that he would ask the BOS to consider upgrading the rating to Commendable.
J. Driscoll stated that he thought that there were some issues brought up in this discussion that hadn’t been before; that he had concerns with members of the PPC indicating that they had made a unanimous vote but didn’t know why; that he agreed with the idea of changing the rating to Commendable.
Motion G. DeLisle moved the rating for the Town Accountant be moved from Meets Expectations to Commendable. J. Driscoll seconded out of necessity. Discussion: J. Townshend asked whether moving the rating should be brought up for discussion with TC. G. DeLisle noted that he would bring it up for discussion with TC; and that for the purposes of the vote since J. Townshend was not a member of the BOS in 2005 and was therefore not part of the evaluation process that was discussed, that G. DeLisle and J. Driscoll would vote on the motion.
Motion approved 2-0.
7:30 p.m. Dr. Ed Costa, Superintendent of Schools.
Motion G. DeLisle moved the BOS enter into executive session for the purposes of personnel issues relating to contract negotiations; to reconvene in open session. J. Townshend seconded. A roll-call vote was taken, (DeLisle, “Yes;” Townshend, “Yes;” Driscoll, “Yes.) Motion carried unanimously.
8:00 p.m. PUBLIC
HEARING – Dick’s Convenience,
J. Townshend read the public notice of the hearing for the record.
R. LaRoche said that according to the restrictions on his license he can’t put a sign in his window advertising beer and wine. G. DeLisle stated that he knows such a restriction has been lifted in the past; that he believes it is put on automatically; that at Mr. LaRoche’s last public hearing nobody spoke in opposition; that he is trying to make a living at the new location; that he wouldn’t see why the BOS wouldn’t remove it.
J. Townshend asked what kind of sign? R. LaRoche said it would be a poster type, not illuminated.
J. Townshend brought up discussion of some of the
regulations regarding signage through his experience as a business owner on
Motion G. DeLisle moved the BOS lift the restriction. J. Townshend seconded. Motion carried 3-0.
Discussion: J. Driscoll told R. LaRoche to meet with the Building Inspector regarding the signage.
TC advised the BOS that the Town needs to contact the ABCC for its approval, too.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES:
April 6, 2006.
Motion G. DeLisle moved the BOS approve the minutes of April 6, 2006. J. Driscoll seconded out of necessity. Motion carried 2-0.
Minutes, Board of Selectmen
June 13, 2006
Approval of minutes, continued
Page 3 of 7
Motion G. DeLisle moved the BOS accept the executive session minutes of April 6, 2006. J. Driscoll seconded out of necessity. Motion carried 2-0.
May 6, 2006.
Motion G. DeLisle moved the BOS approve the minutes of the executive session of May 6, 2006. J. Townshend seconded. Discussion: J. Townshend requested to discuss a matter in the Minutes in executive session. The vote was tabled.
May 23, 2006.
Motion G. DeLisle moved the BOS approve the minutes of May 23, 2006. J. Townshend seconded. Discussion: G. DeLisle submitted a correction on page 7; that the motion include approving the minutes as amended. Motion carried 3-0.
Motion G. DeLisle moved the BOS approve the executive session minutes of May 23, 2006.
J. Townshend seconded. Motion carried 3-0.
June 9, 2006.
Motion J. Townshend moved the BOS approve the minutes of June 9, 2006. J. Driscoll seconded out of necessity. Motion carried 2-0.
BOARD OF SELECTMEN
OLD BUSINESS:
For approval – Name change from Hebert Candies &
Creamery to DanMark Chocolates,
Motion G. DeLisle moved to approve the requests. J. Townshend seconded. Motion carried 3-0.
Scanners and old cruisers.
J. Driscoll asked J. Townshend to read into the minutes a letter from Chief Mellis regarding scanners and cruisers. A discussion was held regarding the scanners; G. DeLisle thought they had been returned. J. Driscoll said that they are not anywhere to be found; that the BOS had purchased them in the past; that there are no funds allocated for them now.
A discussion was held relative to the Chief’s letter stating that he had an old police cruiser available and that he suggested offering it to the Building Inspector (BI) or whatever other department could use it. A discussion was held regarding whether or not the BI was paid a stipend or mileage; J. Driscoll said he would meet with the BI about the situation.
Up-date Community Preservation Act.
The BOS would discuss the make-up of the Community Preservation Committee; the ES to work on soliciting designees and applicants.
Minutes, Board of Selectmen
June 13, 2006
Board of Selectmen, continued
Page 4 of 7
For discussion Land Takings.
The ES reported that there are 14 streets to be recorded; that the Town Accountant has verified that there is funding to pay for the recordings.
NEW BUSINESS:
For review: Site Plan Review and Definitive Plan submitted
by Allan S. Phillips & Jean P. Nelson for
G. DeLisle noted that there needs to be enough room on the cul-de-sac for the turning radius of emergency vehicles and other town services; the BOS to send a letter to the Planning Board.
For Review: Site Plan Review, submitted by Associated
Builders, Inc., on behalf of Benton Professional Partners, LLC,
Item noted.
For review, Site Plan Review and Definitive Plan submitted
by Geller DeVellis, Inc.,
G. DeLisle noted that there needs to be enough room on the cul-de-sac for the turning radius of emergency vehicles and other town services; the BOS to send a letter to the Planning Board.
For approval request from Friends of the Norcross House; a) One Day Liquor License all alcoholic; b) Temporary Food Service Permit; (Raffle Permit, approved by Police Dept.), on Friday, June 16, 2006 at the Norcross House, Maple Street from 7:00 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.
Motion G. DeLisle moved the BOS approve the requests, and to waive town fees for the non-profit. J. Townshend seconded. Motion carried 3-0.
Request from Police Chief; re: East Longmeadow Police Department to take part in National Night Out Program, Tuesday, August 1, 2006.
Motion G. DeLisle moved the BOS approve the request. J. Townshend seconded.
Discussion: J. Driscoll suggested the BOS send a letter to the Chief thanking him for his efforts locally, regionally and nationally, and to send him a letter from the BOS.
Motion carried 3-0.
BOARD OF HEALTH
OLD BUSINESS:
Update from Health Inspector, re: Board of Health Orders;
Robert Santanello,
The BOH reviewed a letter from Fred Kowal, Health Agent, regarding allowing R. Santanello another week to clean up his property; that the bad weather has led to a delay.
Motion J. Townshend moved the BOH approve the extension as recommended by the Health Agent. J. Driscoll seconded. Motion carried 3-0.
Minutes, Board of Selectmen
June 13, 2006
Board of Selectmen, continued
Page 5 of 7
For review, draft letter from Health Inspector: re:
The BOH reviewed the letter; the ES to send it.
SWAT activity report.
G. DeLisle noted the trash and recycling numbers for May; that recycling was even with last May, but that is probably due to more recycling occurring last year in anticipation of the new program; that trash tonnage was down 23.6% from the same period.
NEW BUSINESS:
For approval, application for License to Practice Massage
Therapy, Alesha Pisano,
Motion J. Townshend moved the BOH approve the license, as recommended by the Health Agent.
J. Driscoll seconded. Motion carried 3-0.
Letter from Patricia Dudley, Friends of Heritage Park member.
A discussion was held relative to dogs in
CORRESPONDENCE
Letter from William Sullivan; Response from Superintendent of Schools, Dr. Costa.
Item noted.
MEETINGS/INVITATIONS/REMINDERS
All items noted.
Flag Day Observance, Wednesday, June 14, 2006 at 10:00am, at the Flagpole on the grounds of the Town Hall.
Regional Selectmen’s Meeting, Thursday, June 15, 2006 @ 7pm,
Town House Hampden,
Solid Waste Advisory Team meeting, Wednesday, June 21, 2006 at 7pm, Town Hall Hearing Rm.
Invitation from Premier Source Credit Union, Ground Breaking Ceremony, Friday, June 23, 2006 at 11:00 a.m., North Main Street. The ES and the BI to attend.
Affiliated Chambers of Commerce of Greater Springfield 2006 Gold Tournament, Tuesday, July 18, 2006 at The Ranch Gold Club, Southwick, 10:30 a.m. registration.
Minutes, Board of Selectmen
June 13, 2006
Meetings, Invitations, Reminders, continued
Page 6 of 7
East Longmeadow/Longmeadow Chamber of Commerce Annual Golf Tournament, Monday, July 31, 2006, Elmcrest Country Club, starting at 12:45 p.m.
TOWN COUNSEL
OLD BUSINESS:
Response from DPW: re: Vegetation Complaint,
A discussion was held relative to the DPW response regarding vegetation on Dearborn Street; TC and the BOS consensus was that they couldn’t see how the property was not accessible.
The BOS to send a request to the DPW and Officer Bates to view the property again and report back to the BOS.
Revised Client Fee Agreement for signature from Attorney Peter Epstein, (Cable Television).
TC recapped to the BOS that this is the contract for the Counsel to work on the renewal process for the cable television contract. The BOS signed the contract.
Personnel Policy Board recommendations: Department Head salaries FY2007.
Discussion was held relative to whether this item should be discussed in open or executive; the BOS consensus was to discuss it in executive, but if items for open came up, then table that part of the discussion for open. Item moved to executive session.
Contracts.
Discussions of the contracts for the
Street Takings.
Item tabled to the next meeting.
NEW BUSINESS:
Request for information letters from Louis Calabrese Jr.
TC reported that there is a Freedom of Information request that he is working on with the Police Chief.
Cocchi accident; response from Police Chief and Fire Chief.
TC reported that he has reviewed the materials provided to Mr. Cocchi relative to an accident in May, 2005; that based on the materials it appears that only the Police Department responded and not the Fire Department; that the accident was on a Sunday and there is no log or payroll record from the Fire Department that day. G. DeLisle agreed that any reports the Town has have been turned over.
The BOS to send a letter to Mr. Cocchi indicating that any documents the Town has have been provided.
For signature, Water Sewer Agreement – Springfield Water & Sewer Commission.
TC recapped that this agreement was discussed some months ago; that the DPW was involved in the discussions.
Minutes, Board of Selectmen
June 13, 2006
Meetings, Invitations, Reminders, continued
Page 7 of 7
Motion G. DeLisle moved the BOS enter into executive session for purposes of discussion of
personnel matters regarding contract negotiation, to return to open session for purposes of adjournment
unless any discussion in executive session would need to be continued in open session. J. Townshend seconded. A roll-call vote was taken, (DeLisle, “Yes;” Townshend, “Yes;” Driscoll, “Yes.)
Motion carried unanimously.
Motion G. DeLisle moved the BOS adjourn the meeting. J. Townshend seconded.
Motion carried 3-0.
Meeting adjourned at 9:30 p.m.
Minutes submitted by Nick Breault, Executive Secretary.
APPROVED: BOARD OF SELECTMEN’S MEETING, TUESDAY, AUGUST
15, 2006.