MINUTES
BOARD OF SELECTMEN
Tuesday, January 17, 2006 at 7:00 P.M.
Town Hall Hearing Room,
PRESENT:
Chairman Claffey opened the meeting at 7:00 p.m. with the Pledge of Allegiance.
APPOINTMENTS:
7:00 p.m.
Chief Wallace gave a status report on unforeseen repairs that needed to be made to a lift cylinder and the Scott airpack compressor. It was noted that all proper maintenance had been done, and that both repairs were necessary. The Chief reported that he spoke with the Appropriations Committee (AC) to request a reserve fund transfer and that it had approved approximately $20,000 for the repairs.
A discussion was held relative to the staffing of the department and how the possible retirement of B. Falk during the first half of FY 2007 would affect it. The Chief stated that the department could get down to four or five firefighters on duty for FY 2007. The BOS expressed to the Chief that public safety will be its priority when addressing the AC and Town Meeting.
7:30 p.m. Doug Mellis, Police Chief
A brief discussion was held relative to the current assignment of expense, approximately $2,700.00, for the DCC Communicator system to the Police Department; the Chief stated that the department doesn’t really use it, but is paying for it. The Chief will speak with the IT Director about the situation.
Motion G. DeLisle moved the BOS enter into Executive Session for the purposes of discussing matters relating to personnel in the Police Department, to return to Open Session. J. Driscoll seconded. A roll call vote was taken, (DeLisle “Yes”; Driscoll “Yes”; Claffey “Yes.) Motion approved 3-0.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES:
Motion G. DeLisle moved the BOS accept the Minutes of the January 3, 2006 meeting as presented. J. Driscoll seconded. Motion approved 3-0.
Motion G. DeLisle moved the BOS accept the Executive Session Minutes of the January 3, 2006 meeting as presented. J. Driscoll seconded. Motion approved 3-0.
Motion G. DeLisle moved the BOS accept the Minutes of the January 9, 2006 meeting as presented. J. Claffey seconded out of necessity. Motion approved 2-0.
Motion G. DeLisle moved the BOS accept the Executive Session Minutes of the January 9, 2006 meeting as presented. J. Claffey seconded out of necessity. Motion approved 2-0.
Board of Selectmen,
January 17, 2006
(Tobacco Violation Hearings.)
TOBACCO VIOLATION HEARINGS:
Note: Sarah McColgan, Tobacco Compliance
Coordinator for
8:00 p.m. Mr. Sohail
Lodhi, and Mrs. Irene Lodhi, Owners, Sunny’s Mart,
S. McColgan recapped the violations up to this point; there have been four separate checks during 2005 that resulted in cigarette sales to a minor. S. Lodhi said that he did not contest any of the violations. He provided testimony of having spoken with the clerks that sold the tobacco but asked the BOH to consider that it is very difficult as an owner to watch employees at all times. He asked the BOS to consider finding a way to fine the clerk that sells the tobacco “on the spot” because the owner is the one being punished rather than the employee. Discussion was held regarding trainings, passing on fines to employees. The BOH concluded the hearing by informing the Lodhi’s that it would notify them shortly as to what action it intended to take.
8:20 p.m. Janet Collins, President/Manager, Lighthouse Liquors, (formerly Marty’s Wine & Spirits) 199 North Main Street. Mr. William Collins also participated on behalf of the business.
S. McColgan recapped the violations up to this point; there have been three separate checks during 2005 that resulted in cigarette sales to a minor. B. Collins stated that he and Mrs. Collins are embarrassed and frustrated; that they are new business owners in town; and that they are serious about enforcing the tobacco laws. The BOH concluded the hearing by informing the Collins’ that it would notify them shortly as to what action it intended to take.
8:40 p.m. Michael
Calabrese, Manager, Countryside Store,
S. McColgan recapped the violations up to this point; there have been three separate checks during 2005 that resulted in cigarette sales to a minor. Discussion was held relative to conversations
S. McColgan had with an employee after the first violation, and subsequent conversations with
M. Calabrese. M. Calabrese noted that he has installed new equipment to assist in checking identifications, and has spoken with his employees about the violations. He also asked the BOH to look into its communications with vendors as he believes he had not received notification of the first violation and of merchant trainings. The BOH concluded the hearing by informing M. Calabrese that it would notify him shortly as to what action it intended to take.
Fred Kowal, Health Agent was recognized by Chairman Driscoll. He made statements relative to prior years tobacco compliance efforts. He noted that he ran the program for 12 years and found it to be a rare occasion to have a violation. He believes that it is the employees rather than the owners that seem to be the problem in the store. He suggested that the BOH consider offering on-sight trainings as a more effective means to achieve compliance.
TOWN COUNSEL:
OLD BUSINESS:
Executive Secretary position.
TC signed the contract for the Executive Secretary.
Letter from Roz Clark, COA Director
Item noted.
Board of Selectmen,
January 17, 2006
(Town Counsel, Old Business, continued.)
Cable Contract. Item discussed in Executive Session.
Emporium.
A discussion was held relative to the BOH’s authority to address issues of smoking in this establishment.
NEW BUSINESS:
Discussion McNamara bill.
TC advised the BOS that no bid process is necessary to purchase this coverage because insurance is exempt. The ES will begin meeting with vendors. TC advised the BOS that the legislature crafted the law to be exempt from a municipality’s ability to pay regardless of the limitations of Proposition 2 ½. He advised the BOS be mindful that future legislation may include similar provisions.
Correspondence, T-Mobile, re: Lease transfer. Item noted.
Motion G. DeLisle moved the BOS enter into Executive Session for the purpose of discussing strategy relative to contract negotiations, to return to Open Session for the purposes of adjournment. J. Driscoll seconded. A roll call vote was taken, (DeLisle “Yes”; Driscoll “Yes”; Claffey “Yes.”) Motion approved 3-0.
BOARD OF SELECTMEN
OLD BUSINESS:
Motion J. Driscoll
moved the BOS approve the plowing of
The ES will ask the DPW for a recommendation on a date to ask for similar requests.
Discussion, Personnel Policy Board Meeting.
Meeting date noted.
NEW BUSINESS:
For signature, $750 MRF Minigrant Agreement (recycling assistance program).
Item noted. J. Driscoll said the BOH should expect a recommendation from the SWAT to use the minigrant.
Letter of Resignation, Marilyn Ghedini, Co/Chairman, Cultural Affairs Council.
Motion G. DeLisle moved the BOS accept the resignation with regret. The BOS noted her service to the Town. The ES to advertise the vacancy on the Council.
For approval, St Patrick’s Parish, 1990 Allen Street, Springfield, re: One Day Liquor License (beer & wine), Sat., Feb., 18, 2006, from 5:30pm-7:30pm, St Michael’s Parish Center, 53 Somers Road, for their Pasta & Meatball Supper.
Motion G. DeLisle moved the BOS approve the request including a waiver of the fee for the non-profit. J. Driscoll seconded. Motion approved 3-0.
Board of Selectmen,
January 17, 2006
(Board of Selectmen, New Business, continued.)
For approval, St. Michael’s Council #9960, a) One Day Liquor License (all alcoholic) from 6pm – 11pm; b) Entertainment, from 6pm – 11pm; Saturday, Feb., 25, 2006, at St. Michael’s Parish Center, 53 Somers Road, for their Marti Gras Night.
Motion G. DeLisle moved the BOS approve the requests including a waiver of the fee for the non-profit. J. Driscoll seconded. Motion approved 3-0.
$100 donation from Richard P. Doleva, CPA to East Longmeadow Police.
Motion G. DeLisle moved the BOS accept the donation. J. Driscoll seconded. Motion approved 3-0.
The BOS to send a thank you note.
For approval, draft letter to Peter Gagliardi, HAP Executive Director. Item noted, ES to send out with Chairman Claffey’s information.
For approval, Request from East Longmeadow Garden Club, Lisa Zatko, Chairman, Ways & Means: re: Annual Plant Sale, Saturday, May 20, 2006 from 9:00am – 12:00 p.m. Heritage Park Pavilion.
Motion G. DeLisle moved the BOS approve the request. J. Driscoll seconded. Motion approved 3-0.
Police Department report, re: request from Mr. George Queen,
Motion G. DeLisle moved the BOS accept the recommendation of the Police Department.
J. Driscoll seconded. Motion approved 3-0.
Police Department report, re: visibility complaint filed by
Mr. Donald LeClair,
Motion G. DeLisle moved the BOS accept the recommendation of the Police Department.
J. Driscoll seconded. Motion approved 3-0.
BOARD OF HEALTH
OLD BUSINESS: None.
NEW BUSINESS:
For approval, Application Septage Handler’s Permit, Blanchard Septic Tank Systems, Inc, 14 Dollar Avenue, Wilbraham, Francis L. Claing, Jr., Owner.
Motion G.
DeLisle moved the BOS approve the application.
J. Claffey seconded. Motion
approved 3-0.
For approval, Health Establishment License, Performance Rehabilitation of Western Massachusetts, 80 Denslow Road, Terry Ditmar, 32 Birch Road, Longmeadow.
Motion G. DeLisle moved the BOS approve the application pending final inspection by health agent. J. Claffey seconded. Motion approved 3-0.
Board of Selectmen,
January 17, 2006
(Board of Health, New Business, continued.)
For approval, License to practice Massage, Tania Fowler, 8 Park Slope, Holyoke, practicing at Peoples Massage, 145 Shaker Road.
Motion G. DeLisle moved the BOS approve the application. J. Claffey seconded. Motion approved 3-0.
For approval, License to practice Massage, Patricia W. Gill, 96 Greenacre Avenue, Longmeadow, practicing at Performance Rehabilitation Physical Therapy, 80 Denslow Road.
Motion G. DeLisle moved the BOS approve the application. J. Claffey seconded. Motion approved 3-0.
For approval, License to practice Massage, Jennifer Daly Meltzer, 161 Honey Pot Road, Westfield, practicing at Performance Rehabilitation Physical Therapy, 80 Denslow Road.
Motion G. DeLisle moved the BOS approve the application. J. Claffey seconded. Motion approved 3-0.
CORRESPONDENCE:
Letter from Richard Pelland, re:
ES to forward to Don Thomspon, Chairman of the Senior Center Study Committee.
Letter from Edmund B. Bowen, re: complements to Dean Ghahramani for senior center help. Item noted.
MEETING/INVITATIONS/REMINDERS:
All items noted.
Capital Planning Committee, Thursday Jan., 19, 2006 @
6:30pm, Town Hall Hearing Room.
SWAT Meeting, Tue., Jan., 24, 2006 @ 6pm,
East Longmeadow/Longmeadow Chamber monthly business
spotlight meeting, Thurs., Jan., 26, 2006, 8-9am, Maybury Material Handling,
Regional Board of Selectmen Meeting, Thurs., Jan., 26, 2006
@ 7pm,
IT Committee Meeting, Tue., Jan., 31, 2006, @ 5pm, Town Hall Hearing Room.
Invitation from Reminder Publications, re: 4th Annual Hometown Hero Awards Ceremony, Thursday, February, 2, 2006, Elmcrest Country Club, 105 Somersville Road, 6:00pm.
Personnel Policy Committee Meeting, Mon., Feb., 6, 2006 @ 7pm, Town Hall Hearing Room.
Motion G. DeLisle moved the BOS adjourn. J. Driscoll seconded. Motion approved 3-0. Meeting adjourned at 10:15 p.m.
APPROVED: BOARD OF SELECTMEN’S MEETING, TUESDAY,
JANUARY 31, 2006.