MINUTES

BOARD OF SELECTMEN

Tuesday, March 14, 2006, 6:30 P.M.

Town Hall Hearing Room

60 Center Square, East Longmeadow, MA 01028

 

PRESENT: John Claffey, Chairman, Board of Selectmen, James Driscoll, Chairman, Board of Health, Gary DeLisle, Clerk of the Board

 

John Claffey, Chairman opened the meeting at 6:30pm with the Pledge of Allegiance

 

6:30  – APPOINTMENT: Sandra Choquette, Town Accountant. 

Motion was made by J. Driscoll to enter into executive session, seconded by G. DeLisle for the purpose of the Town Accountant’s annual personnel evaluation, and to return to open session.

 

7:00 PUBLIC FORUM: It was noted that no one had signed the forum.

 

7:15  – APPOINTMENT: Lori Landers, Co-chairman Cultural Affairs.  Ms. Landers mention that she was approached by Sondra Lewis, a teacher with the Music Together Program, and her request to utilize the Little Red School House as one of her sites for the program.   A similar program is also in place in Longmeadow and Agawam and a few other Towns.   Ms. Landers asked the Selectmen if they think that this program is something that they should offer our premises for and if so is there a contract needed.   The Executive Secretary spoke with Town Counsel and the Attorney Generals Office previous.   Attorney Generals Office response was that the Town could offer a permit; it would fall under the 30B guidelines of the state.   Mr. Driscoll commented on how he thought the program was a good idea, set up a permit structure that could be kept for other for profit entities.   On the request of the Chairman of the Board Ms. Landers gave a brief summary on how the organization works. 

 

There was discussion to customize a permit for this event.  The Executive Secretary will put a news release in the Reminder for the public. 

 

Motion was made by Mr. DeLisle to approve the request Mr. Driscoll seconded.  All in favor. Motion approved 3-0.

 

7:30 – PUBLIC HEARING WINE & MALT BEVERAGES LICENSE AS A PACKAGE GOODS STORE, RICHARD A. LAROCHE, d.b.a., DICK’S CONVENIENCE, 173 SHAKER ROAD.

 

The Legal Notice, as it appeared in the local newspaper, pertaining to this Hearing was read by G.DeLisle, Clerk of the Board.  Approximately six people were in attendance at this Hearing.  Sign-up sheet circulated, all six signed sheet, sheet is attached to and made part of these minutes. 

 

Chairman of the Board opened the floor to all present.  Attorney Steve Manning, spoke on behalf of his client Mr. LaRoche, his good reputation, and his more than 9 years he has had a business

 

Board of Selectmen Minutes, 3-14-06

(public hearing continued)

 

in Town.   Attorney Manning submitted the affidavit of notice and green certificate of receipts to the Board.   It was also mention that Mrs. LaRoche is the substitute manager for the business. 

 

Motion made by G. DeLisle, seconded by J. Driscoll, to enter into executive session for purpose of discussion of 214-1B, then return to open session, motion approved by roll-call vote. 

 

Chairman of the Board opened the floor to any comments pertaining to this license request.  Kevin Moriarty spoke on how Mr. LaRoche has been a neighbor of his for almost a year, and that he runs a nice establishment, good family and doesn’t foresee any problems.   Craig LaChapelle was the second person to speak in favor of Mr. LaRoche; he is an excellent businessman and a good friend of many people in the community and that this license would enhance his business in light of the forced new location.  J. Claffey thanked Mr. Moriarty and Mr. LaChapelle for their comments, and asked if any comments or questions from the Board. 

 

G. DeLisle mentioned that he had known Mr. LaRoche for several years and that he runs a good operation and clean a business; never any problems either at the previous location or at the present one.  J. Claffey spoke to the fact that the years he has been on the Board there were no issues with either of the establishments, tobacco or otherwise.  J. Claffey said that the Board would like to do what they can to encourage local businesses, especially businesses that are well run.

 

Motion was made by G. DeLisle to approve the Malt & Wine Beverages License for Dick’s Convenience Store, seconded by J. Driscoll, there was no further discussion, all were in favor.  Motion carried.

 

APPROVAL OF MINUTES

 

G.DeLisle made motion to approve minutes of 2-28-06, J. Driscoll seconded, there was no discussion, all were in favor.   G. DeLisle made motion to approve executive session minutes of 2-28-06, J. Driscoll seconded, there was no discussion, all were in favor.

 

BOARD OF SELECTMEN

 

OLD BUSINESS: 

The Selectmen signed the voted Traffic Rules & Orders for Section 5-6 Parking Locations & Prohibitions, no parking on Denslow Road.

 

NEW BUSINESS:

J. Claffey asked for an explanation from the executive secretary, regarding “Section 18/OBRA90”, health insurance options for retirees.  The Executive Secretary mentioned that the Scantic Valley Regional Trust will be meeting on Thursday, March 23, 2006, and one of the items on the Agenda will be for the member communities to vote whether or not to adopt “Section 18/OBRA90”, which would make a change to the Medix Plan.  The Executive Secretary went on to tell about the cost that goes along with this change, and that there would be an increase.  G.DeLisle mentioned that this would still have to pass a Town Meeting vote.  G. Delisle had some concerns and did not feel comfortable in voting at this time; more information is needed. 

 

 

 

 

Board of Selectmen Meeting, 3-14-06

(Board of Selectmen new business continued)

 

All Selectmen agreed that they needed more information and abstained from voting.  N. Breault would be unable to attend the March 23rd  meeting, Rosina Goodrich, the alternate, will attend and is to ask for an extension on the vote at the Scantic Valley meeting.    

 

The Board noted the memo from Rosina Goodrich, Benefits Administrator, regarding Optional Life insurance available, effective May 1, 2006.  Memo was distributed to Department Heads and employees.

 

Board noted letter from Joanne Wilson and her request to hold a summer math camp in her home. 

J. Claffey said this falls under the Board of Health for approval.  The Executive Secretary mentioned that the request was sent to Police Chief, Recreation Director, Planning and Superintendent of Schools for their comments.   This request is tabled, waiting for the responses before any action is taken on the matter.

 

BOARD OF HEALTH

 

OLD BUSINESS: 

 

J. Driscoll noted the response from Planning/Conservation regarding a citizens complaint on beaver activity on Chestnut & Benton Drive, was duly noted, nothing more to do on the issue.

 

In regards to the Tobacco Regulations J. Driscoll asked Nick Breault the status on the regulations and if they were completed.  The Executive Secretary mentioned that he meet with Town Counsel on the Board’s votes regarding the tobacco regulations from the last meeting.  Town Counsel felt that the public notice would be ready to be sent out with one clarification regarding the tolling period.  The Executive Secretary went on to say that the Board voted to a flat one year for the tolling period, however was not clear if it was to be a tolling period with a definite start date, or if it would mean a tolling period of one-year from the time of the first offense.   It was clarified by the Board that the tolling period would be from the time of the first offense.  The words “from the first offence” will be included in the publication.  All vendors will be notified of the changes, legal notice will be published all to take effect April 1, 2006.   Town Counsel clarified that the new regulations and the new fines do not have to go to Town Meeting.  

 

Town Counsel mentioned that the By-laws needed to be amended to include regulations of the Board of Health in the municipal charges lien By-law that was adopted last year.   Town Counsel continued that the Board would have to vote to have the amendment go to Town Meeting.   J. Claffey made motion that the Town By-laws be amended with regard to attachments on property for unpaid municipal charges liens to include issues levied by the Board of Health, G.Delisle seconded, there was no further discussion, all were in favor, Passed unanimously.

 

NEW BUSINESS

 

J. Claffey made motion to appoint Martylee Caramante as Inspector of Animals for the period of

May 1, 2006 through April 30, 2007.  J. Driscoll seconded, there was no discussion, all were in favor.  Motion passed.

 

J. Driscoll noted letter from Attorney James Smith, and his request for a hearing to meet with the Selectmen to discuss the on-going problem with a dog owned by Bruce & Barbara Snyder,

 

 

Board of Selectmen Meeting 3-14-06

(Board of Health new business continued)

 

43 Pembroke Terrace.  It was also noted the dog officer recommended a hearing.  There was some discussion on the matter.  Executive Secretary to schedule a hearing for April 25, 2006 at 8:00pm, for the Snyder’s to meet with the Board of Health regarding the situation.

 

J. Driscoll noted the correspondence from the Commonwealth of Massachusetts regarding the clarification of licensing summer camps.  This item was duly noted.

 

Mr. Driscoll asked the Board members if they had any further items for discussion.  G.DeLisle mentioned the letter received from Mrs. Connors of Granby Street, (sensitive matter).  G.DeLisle mentioned that the SWAT Team has addressed the issue in the past.  J. Driscoll to contact Mrs. Connors and discuss her needs, should be able to accommodate. 

 

Mr. Driscoll mentioned the upcoming SWAT meeting to be held on March 30th at 7pm, in the Town Hall. The beginning of meeting will be open forum.  J. Driscoll reported that trash pick-up for the month of February was down just over 20%.  

 

J. Driscoll went on to say that SWAT will be launching a comprehensive recycling program partnering with Dr. Costa, the school principals and custodians.  There was discussion regarding launching Green Day in Town on Monday April 10th,.   J. Driscoll respectfully asked the Board to designate April 10, 2006 as East Longmeadow’s official Green Day    J. Driscoll made motion, G. DeLisle seconded no further discussion, all were in favor. Motion passes unanimously. 

 

J. Driscoll amended the official day from April 10th  to April 3rd.

 

CORRESPONDENCE: 

 

Letter from residents of Brookhaven Drive, Fox Hedge Road and Juniper Lane was noted.   J. Claffey mentioned that this is more civil matter rather than a Town matter.  The Executive Secretary mentioned that this letter has already been submitted back in February, and they have already been advised that this was more of a civil matter than a matter for the Board. 

 

MEETINGS/INVITATIONS/REMINDERS:

 

J. Claffey read the items listed on the Agenda. 

 

TOWN COUNSEL:

 

OLD BUSINESS: 

 

Parking Clerk Appointment G. DeLisle made motion to appoint Lorraine Banspach, Assistant Executive Secretary as Parking Clerk, for the remainder of the term, (June 30, 2006), then will be a yearly appointment.  J. Driscoll seconded, no further discussion, all were in favor by roll call vote. 

 

The Board signed the extended contract for Nick Breault, Executive Secretary, and also signed the contract for Lorraine Banspach, Assistant Executive Secretary.

 

 

Board of Selectmen Meeting, 3-14-06

(Town Counsel old business continued)

 

In regards to the vacancy in the Selectmen’s Office, G. DeLisle mentioned that this position was posted in-house for two weeks, it is a union position.   G. DeLisle mentioned that filling the position is based on meeting minimum qualifications, and seniority being the deciding factor. 

 

G. DeLisle and Executive Secretary has reviewed the applications previous and based on the criteria just mentioned the position will be awarded to Laurie Magnani.  There was discussion on how to fill the position that will be left vacant in the Clerk’s Office.  J. Donahue suggested to offer the position to

Ms. Magnani with a start date that would allow the clerks office time to do the posting for their vacancy.  Award position to coincide with the two-week posting.    J. Claffey made motion to offer position to Laurie Magnani effective Monday, April 3rd, J. Driscoll seconded, all were in favor by roll-call vote, motion passed.  

 

A discussion was held regarding the Recreation Director vacancy concerning the resume reviewing process.  It was noted that there were sixteen (16) applicants for the position.  G. DeLisle suggested that the Recreation Chairman and the Board of Public Works Chairman be included in the screening process;  The Executive Secretary will notify the two chairmen, and post a Board of Selectmen meeting to review resumes for Monday, March 20th at 6pm, in the Town Hall Hearing Room. 

 

The Board of Selectmen was given hard copies of request from Rosalind Clark, Director Council on Aging, regarding an upgrade for an employee.  There was some discussion.  The Executive Secretary will advise Rosalind Clark to set up an appointment with the Board to discuss the justification for requesting an upgrade.   J. Donahue mentioned if the personnel are part of the Union it then becomes part of the bargaining process.

 

In regards to the RFP Council on Aging Land, J. Donahue mentioned that this was notification to the Board that the proper steps were taken for the notice to be publicized.   The Executive Secretary mentioned that this notice has also been put in the Central Register, and the Republican and has advised the members of the Appropriations Committee.  Deadline for submission is April 21st at Noon.

 

NEW BUSINESS:

 

The Board noted the correspondence from Fred Kowal, Health Inspector and his request for a salary increase.  J. Donahue reminded the Selectmen that Mr. Kowal’s compensation is capped because he is retired.  The Board tabled the request until their next meeting.

 

Regarding the Warrant Draft, Executive Secretary mention that it was not ready for discussion will be available by the end of the week.

 

J. Claffey made motion to enter into executive session for the purpose of collective bargaining,

J. Driscoll seconded motion, no further discussion, motion passed by roll-call vote, not to return to open session.

 

J. Claffey made motion to adjourn, all were in favor. Meeting Adjourned at 8:30 P.M.

APPROVED: BOARD OF SELECTMEN’S MEETING, TUESDAY APRIL 4, 2006

 

_______________________________________

Gary DeLisle, Clerk of the Board of Selectmen