MINUTES
Board of Selectmen Meeting
Tuesday, May 9, 2006 at 5:30PM
Town Hall Hearing
Room,
INTERVIEWS POLICE DEPARTMENT ONE FULL-TIME POLICE OFFICER
Present: James Driscoll, Chairman Board of Selectmen;
Chairman of the Board opened the meeting at 5:35pm with the Pledge of Allegiance.
INTERVIEWS: CANDIDATES POLICE DEPARTMENT ONE FULL-TIME PATROLMAN
Questions for candidates are attached to and part of the minutes.
Questions were asked in this order: Question #1 & 5, J. Driscoll; Question # 2 & 6, G. DeLisle; Question #3 & 7, J. Townshend; Question #4 Police Chief Mellis.
5:30PM –
INTERVIEW - DONALD CAVANAUGH
Response #1: Mr. Cavanaugh mentioned that he and his entire family have always lived in Town, and it has always been his dream to become a police officer. In 1999 while in the Academy
Mr. Cavanaugh was approached by the Longmeadow Police
Department and was offered a position there.
Mr. Cavanaugh mentioned that working in
Response #2: Mr. Cavanaugh spoke to the fact that stressful situations happen quite often.
Mr. Cavanaugh mentioned that domestic disturbances are very stressful, being that one needs to deal with both parties. Having the ability to be open minded and knowing the “ins and outs” of your job increases your ability to deal with stress effectively.
Response #3: Mr. Cavanaugh said that the first order of business would be to identify the suspect and baring any type of injury or public safety hazard dealing with the victim would be first priority. Secondly would be to apprehend the suspect based on information at hand.
Response #4: Mr. Cavanaugh mentioned that he would absolutely make every effort to make sure there was a charge. Ethically speaking there is no reason not to pay for a meal. Mr. Cavanaugh said that he is paid a salary to protect the neighborhood.
Board of Selectmen Meeting May 9, 2006 continued
Donald Cavanaugh interview continued
Response #5: Mr. Cavanaugh mentioned that law enforcement is a very challenging profession. The main job of a police officer is to protect and to serve, a cliché in which Mr. Cavanaugh adheres to.
Response #6: Mr. Cavanaugh’s theory is to have an open mind, have a good repore with people, be a good listener, and try to solve problems is important in conjunction with promoting the Police Department as well as yourself.
Response #7: Mr. Cavanaugh spoke to the fact that deadly force would only be justified when the officers or someone else’s safety is threatened.
Mr. Cavanaugh gave some background information in conjunction with the resumes he handed out to the Selectmen. Also mentioned that working as a police officer is a very challenging job, and that he likes interaction with people.
5:50PM –
INTERVIEW - DANIEL
RESPONSE #1: Mr. Atwater mentioned that he started in
RESPONSE #2: Working in a prison everyday is stressful. Recently was in a verbal situation with an inmate. Mr. Atwater mentioned that working in that type of environment and being around these people constantly enabled him to de-escalate the situation just by using calm demeanor. Being in control is part of being a police officer.
RESPONSE #3: Calling for back up would be the first thing Mr. Atwater would do. Also, depending on the time of day, where the crime was, if the general public was involved, or if a weapon was involved would determine how the suspect would be pursued.
RESPONSE #4: Mr. Atwater mentioned that he was taught never to accept gratitude from the general public, and the owner would be told that he is willing and able to pay.
RESPONSE #5: Having integrity, being firm but fair, being honest, and judge everyone the same would be Mr. Atwater’s philosophy.
RESPONSE #6: Working in a smaller department would give a better opportunity to know everyone in the community. Mr. Atwater believes it is all about relationships, build a good repore and being a roll model.
RESPONSE#7: Deadly force is justified when there is no means of regress – last option, if anyone’s life is in eminent danger then it is justified.
Mr. Atwater told the Selectmen and the Police Chief that he has been waiting patiently for the last five years to get into the Department. Wants to be a part of the East Longmeadow Police Department.
Board of Selectmen Meeting, May 9, 2006
6:10PM – INTERVIEW -
DANIEL MANLEY
RESPONSE # 1: Mr. Manley mentioned that he always lived in Town, and that he has family
background of police officers,(uncles and father). Always something that had interested him.
RESPONSE #2: Being on the school committee is stressful. Try to keep the meetings as calm as possible, could get out of hand very easily.
RESPONSE #3: Radio in and pursue the criminal to the best of knowledge, and keep everyone updated with communication to what is going on.
RESPONSE #4: Mr. Manley said that he would not accept, he is not special will pay like everyone else.
RESPONSE #5: Mr. Manley’s philosophy - break the law you pay the penalty.
RESPONSE #6: To be open and honest. Let the community know that the Police Department is not only there for the bad situations but good as well.
RESPONSE #7: Only justified when applied to an innocent person or myself or anyone around. Would not go up to a deadly force unless it was already acted on.
G. DeLisle made motion to enter into executive session to discuss personal matters then return to open session. J. Townshend seconded. Motion passed by roll call vote.
Selectmen returned to open session and the Chairman of the Board made the announcement that
Mr. Donald Cavanaugh was offered the position of Patrolman
in
The Selectmen signed the contract with
G. DeLisle made motion to approve the executive session minutes of March 7, 2006, J. Driscoll, out of necessity, seconded, there was no further discussion. Motion passed 2-0.
PUBLIC FORUM:
6:45PM – ARLENE MILLER
Arlene Miller works for the DEP and presently is assisting with the new grant that the Town has received for recycling efforts. Ms. Miller mentioned that the schools have launched an upgraded program, and that small desk bins and larger recycling bins have been purchased with the grant money. Also that a recycling dumpster for cardboard has been placed at two schools.
Ms. Miller also mentioned that several communities have been
looking into the new program, and that
Ms. Miller presented the Board with a ten-month summary, and pointed out the 21.9% to date reduction in waste. Also there has been less 942 tons this year, compared to a year ago in trash disposal, recycling increased over 12% in the ten-month period. Ms. Miller mentioned that according
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Public Forum continued
to her figures the Town saved $66, 900 in disposal fees. There was some discussion regarding the sale of special bags.
Cash flow from the program to date, according to Ms. Miller’s calculations was $175,000, profit or benefit that the Town has been able to use. G. DeLisle mentioned that there was $200,000 that did not have to be funded for by implementing this program. G. DeLisle mentioned that they were able to level fund the trash disposal line item at the last Town meeting, which was never able to do before.
Ms. Miller also mentioned that SWAT was working on upgrading the section that has to do with trash and recycling on the web site and also the re-design of the calendar with the schedule to be completed by mid June. Executive Secretary gave an update on the last SWAT meeting, regarding the material
Ms. Miller had mentioned, and that there would be more discussion later under the Board of Health.
7:00PM – PUBLIC HEARING -
FUN DINING INC., d.b.a., SPOLETO RESTAURANT,
LICENSE HEARING,
MANAGER
Clerk of the Board read the Legal Notice; the sign in sheet was distributed and is attached to the minutes as part of this Hearing.
Jason Falcone was spokesman for the applicant. Mr. Falcone mentioned that they had originally filed an application with the Board for a full liquor common victualer license, subsequent to the hearing was informed that there was another applicant for the one remaining full alcohol license. Mr. Falcone mentioned that as a result they have amended their application to a Beer & Wine with Cordials License
as well as a Seasonal full liquor license.
Mr. Falcone mentioned that he is representing William
Collins and Claudio Guerra as “Fun Dining Inc.”
they will be tenant at
Mr. Collins oriented the Board in the lay out of the restaurant then turned it over to Mr. Claudio Guerra.
Mr. Claudio Guerra spoke to the fact that he grew up in the
restaurant business and that he has been in the restaurant business for 19
years. Owns four restaurants in
There was some discussion regarding the request from Mr. Falcone for approval of a Beer & Wine License with Cordials License and also a Seasonal all alcoholic License. Town Counsel mentioned to check with Town Clerk regarding the Cordial License if it was ever passed at Town Meeting.
It was mentioned by J. Driscoll and G. DeLisle to act on the Beer & Wine License until further information is collected regarding the Cordials and the Seasonal License (Seasonal -April 1- Jan.15).
Board of Selectmen Meeting, May 9, 2006
Public Hearing continued
There were some questions asked by Marilyn Richards, Planning Board member regarding outside seating. Fred Kowal, Health Inspector spoke very highly
G. DeLisle made motion to approve a Beer & Wine License for Fun Dining Inc., d.b.a., Spoleto Restaurant, for the hours, Sunday 11:30am to 9:00pm; Monday through Thursday 11:30am through 10:00pm; and Friday and Saturday 11:30am through 11:00pm. J. Townshend seconded. There was discussion from Mr. Claudio regarding the hours especially when the restaurant is very busy. Mr. Claudio would like to amend the hours on the closing time to Sunday until 10:00pm; Monday through Thursday until 11:00pm; Friday and Saturday until 12:00pm. G. DeLisle amended his motion to reflect the hours. J. Townshend seconded. There was no further discussion. Motion passed.
7:30PM – PUBLIC HEARING – HEALTH COMPLAINT ROBERT
SANTANELLO,
A sign in sheet was distributed and is attached to these minutes as part of this Hearing.
Fred Kowal, Health Inspector gave a summary of the multiple
complaints regarding the property located at
Mr. Santanello mentioned that he has a dumpster in place and is making every effort to clean up the property. Executive Secretary to send letter to Mr. Santanello with the written orders.
J. Driscoll made motion to accept the recommendation of the Health Inspector, there was some discussion, J. Townshend seconded, all were in favor. Motion passed.
8:00PM – APPOINTMENT – SARAH McCOLGAN TOBACCO COORDINATOR
G. DeLisle, Chairman Board of Health asked for an update on the precautions that are being taken to educate the licensees on the sale of tobacco products to minors. Ms. McColgan mentioned that an informal visit was conducted at all the stores that sell tobacco products, which consisted of checking if the proper signs, licenses etc., were present.
Ms. McColgan also left informational flyers on “Blunts” a device used to conceal dangerous substances and how dangerous this is and caution them on their need for diligence in carding on those products.
Appointment Sarah McColgan continued
Ms. McColgan spoke regarding the educational night at the East Longmeadow Library, which was well attended.
J. Driscoll asked how the models are selected to participate in the sting operations. McColgan’s response was that she would never use a young person that lived in Town. The models usually are friends of her children or their siblings.
There was discussion on the complaint that was received in the Selectmen’s Office regarding Dick’s Convenience Store. There was also discussion, in conjunction with a complaint, from Mr. Shaw and
Board of Selectmen Meeting, May 9, 2006
Sarah McColgan appointment continued
what the regulations were regarding smoking in private clubs, specifically Elmcrest Country Club. Ms. McColgan mentioned that the State stand is that the Supreme Judicial court has ruled that the Boards of Health have the authority to ban smoking in private clubs.
J. Driscoll mentioned that he is more inclined to let private be private. G. DeLisle mentioned that he would rather let the State handle; this way there is uniformity across the State. This is the first time this issue has been discussed no action has been taken. J. Driscoll will contact Mr. Shaw.
Upon the request of the Board of Health flyers on “Blunts” are to be distributed to the school to educate the students as well as the parents.
8:30PM – APPOINTMENT – THOMAS
Mr. Florence presented an idea from Peoples Bank in
conjunction with a new way for the Townspeople to pay water/sewer bills to
start, and perhaps in the fall real estate bills, at the Bank versus coming
into the Town Hall. Mr. Florence mentioned
that he thought this would help in cutting down traffic in the Town Hall during
billing periods. It was mentioned that
Mr. Florence handed out a comparison sheet with surrounding Town’s regarding fees and offered his recommendations to the Selectmen. Burial permits will stay as no charge; tag sales currently have no fees attached, (could bring good revenue there are several a year). G. DeLisle mentioned that would need to be worked out with the Police Chief; Raffle & Bazaar permits will remain the same ($10.00); copy fees will remain the same ($1.00); Notary fees are currently $1.25. With the new laws in place it takes about fifteen minutes to notarize a document. Currently in the Town Hall there are four people who are notaries, one of which will not renew. Mr. Florence recommended a $5.00 charge to have a document notarized.
G. DeLisle made motion to increase the Notary Fees to $5.00 and also having a few more people authorized. J. Townshend seconded, there was some discussion, all were in favor. Motion passed.
Mr. Florence mentioned that he met with John Maybury, Chairman Board of Public works regarding the way the sale of stickers for the Transfer Station is handled. John Maybury will talk to the DPW personnel to see if the fees could be collected there and then turn the money in at the end of the day to the Town Clerk’s Office. This is to be worked out between the Town Clerk and John Maybury.
BOARD OF SELECTMEN
OLD BUSINESS:
The Selectmen signed the Traffic Rules & Orders, Stop
Signs,
NEW BUSINESS:
Regarding the letter from Dr. Costa, Superintendent of Schools on behalf of the School Committee relative to the Memorial Day Celebrations and the request for information, G. DeLisle mentioned that the Selectmen are invited to the event, they are not the organizing body, any questions should be directed to the ITAMS or the Legion the event organizers. G. DeLisle mentioned that this is a yearly
Board of Selectmen Meeting, May 9, 2006
Board of Selectmen New Business continued
event are only in the building for only one hour; does not know why the school committee is requesting this information.
Assistant Executive Secretary to send a letter to Dr. Costa stating that the Selectmen are invited guests and that J. Driscoll and J. Townshend will attend as invited guests.
J. Driscoll, Chairman Board of Selectmen signed the Council on Aging Grant.
The Board approved the request from the Springfield Garden
Club to hold a plant sale on Saturday, June 3, 2006 from 9AM – Noon at
The Board approved the request to replace the “Slow
Children” sign with a “Hidden Driveway” sign from Mr. Plourde,
G. DeLisle made motion to approve the request from Mr.
Maccarine, Career Center Adviser and Ariana Tarpinian, student, to hold a
Community Service Recreation Day fundraiser on Saturday June 10, 2006, from
8:30am- 12:30pm, at the East Longmeadow Library and
The Board approved the quoted rate, which included that MacNamara Bill, for Police & Fire Accident Coverage. G. DeLisle made motion to accept the quoted rate for the Police & Fire Accident Coverage, J. Townhsend seconded. There was no further discussion. All were in favor. Motion passed.
ESGR 5-Star Employer Program was tabled.
Executive Secretary mentioned that there was a flag donated during Town Meeting by Mrs. Corliss Wright, in the memory of her husband Corliss H. Wright. J. Driscoll mentioned to invite Mrs. Wright, any Board members that would be available and Chiefs of Public Safety to a ceremony to fly the donated flag in the front of the Town Hall, on Flag Day Wednesday, June 14, 2006, at 8:00am. Executive Secretary to make the necessary arrangements.
The Board of Selectmen’s meeting scheduled for June 6, 2006 will be re-scheduled for Tuesday,
June 13, 2006 at 6:45pm, a location to be determined.
The Board of Selectmen set a date for the Debt Exclusion, ballot for classroom modules, on Tuesday, June 13, 2006. G. DeLisle moved to set the Debt Exclusion vote for classroom modules on June 13, 2006, J. Townshend seconded. Motion passed. Executive Secretary to notify Town Clerk.
Board of Selectmen Meeting, May 9, 2006
continued
There was some discussion regarding the Selectmen’s meetings in July.
The Board noted the application for Site Plan Review, Amended Special Permit for East Longmeadow Center Village LLP.
BOARD OF HEALTH
OLD BUSINESS:
There was discussion regarding the correspondence from DEP
and concerns with the clean up of the three parcels two on
Other issues discussed were to bring the Dog Officer’s compensation up to the levels of the other Towns. G. DeLisle mentioned until revenue is generated they are limited to what’s in the budget. Once the new By-laws regarding licensing dogs is approved by the Attorney General, then the fees and fines would support an increase.
There was further discussion regarding issuing tickets for dogs not being licensed. The Town will need to wait until the Attorney General approves the new By-laws before fines can be collected. Executive Secretary mentioned that a warning letter will be sent out along with the annual letter to residents to license dogs.
NEW BUSINESS
Health Inspector mentioned in a memo that during his absence Mr. Charles Kaniecki, District Health Officer, would be available in any emergencies.
J. Driscoll moved to approve the application for a license
to practice Massage Therapy for Elisa Gadecki, practicing at Ochoa Day Spa,
J. Driscoll moved to approve the application for license to
practice Massage Therapy for James Lee, practicing at
J. Driscoll elaborated on the results of the Solid Waste Advisory Team and their project to promote and educate recycling in the schools. It was mentioned that Dr. Costa, Superintendent of Schools and his staff were very supportive of the program. J. Driscoll also thanked Dr. Costa for participating in the Green Day Program this year. Gift Certificates from Staples in the amount of $150.00 per school will be distributed to the principals to spend as they see fit. The total amount will be $750.00, (which will come from grant money received in conjunction with the recycling program). J. Driscoll made motion to distribute gift certificates from Staples, to the five schools in the amount of $150.00 each.
J. Townshend seconded, all were in favor. Motion passed.
Board of Selectmen Meeting, May 9, 2006
continued
MEETINGS/INVITATIONS/REMINDERS
Chairman of the Board read the meeting/invitations/reminders.
Board of Selectmen Meeting, May 9, 2006
Meetings/Invitations/Reminders continued
It was noted by the Executive Secretary that the Public Safety Committee would like to meet with the Board in June. Executive Secretary to set up appointment.
TOWN COUNSEL:
OLD BUSINESS
Regarding the “Walgreen’s Sign” Town Counsel had discussions with the Building Inspector. Town Counsel mentioned that the Town planner is to confer with the Planning Board and respond to the Building Inspector on their issues and concerns.
Regarding the letter from Attorney Freyman is just an indication notifying the Board of Health that the developers have filed prior to Town Meeting an application for a preliminary subdivision approval plan, (land south of the Stop & Shop project). No action needed to be taken by Board at this time.
NEW BUSINESS
J. Driscoll presented the correspondence on property tax deferral for seniors. J. Driscoll mentioned that there is not a lot of alternative for seniors that own there own homes. Town Counsel mentioned that this would have to be approved at Town Meeting. One problem would be that the program is limited to seniors with gross receipts of $20,000. Town Counsel clarified the correspondence.
Forward program to Assessors for any comments or recommendations.
G. DeLisle made motion to enter into executive session for purposes of personnel issues and possible contract negotiations, return to open session only to adjourn, J. Townshend seconded motion passed by roll call vote.
Meeting adjourned 10:15PM
APPROVED BOARD OF SELECTMEN MEETING, JUNE 20, 2006
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