MINUTES
BOARD OF SELECTMEN
Tuesday, April 25, 2006 at 6:30pm
Town Hall Hearing Room,
Present: James D. Driscoll, Chairman Board of Selectmen; Gary DeLisle, Chairman, Board of Health; Joe Townshend, Clerk of the Board of Selectmen.
Lorraine Banspach, Assistant Executive Secretary, recorded the Minutes.
Chairman Driscoll opened the meeting at 6:30pm with the Pledge of Allegiance.
APPOINTMENTS:
6:30pm – Discussion Warrant Articles
James Sheils, Town Moderator, opened the discussion by expressing to the Selectmen that everything is in place for the Annual Meeting to be held on Monday, May 2, 2006, including having an Assistant Moderator. Mr. Sheils also mentioned that ELCAT would present two broadcasts. The first would address the proposed changes to Town Meeting procedures the second would be a run-through of the thirty articles. Also mentioned was that most of the sponsors of the Articles would be part of the broadcast explaining precisely what the article is intended to accomplish. The Town Moderator web page is also a resource regarding Town Meeting.
There was some discussion regarding Article 12,
J. Driscoll mentioned that Article 23 had significant changes made to it. Copies will be available at Town Meeting. The gist of the article has not changed. The Moderator mentioned that he does not see any problems with the Article, the fact that some of the numbers have been changed and some of the contents have been changed it was still within the scope of the Article.
It was also mentioned that if the Appropriations Budget passes it would be anticipated that two Articles would be withdraw one being the Article 13, Celebrations and Article 17, Library Revolving Fund.
Board of Selectmen Meeting 4-25-06
Appointments, continued
The Board went over which Selectmen would be responsible for presenting Articles.
Police Chief spoke in length regarding Article 22, dealing with skateboarders. The Chief stressed the importance of this article and was hoping that it would pass at Town Meeting. The Selectmen discussed this article with the Chief and was in agreement with him; definitely a public safety and safety issue.
8:00pm – DOG HEARING – Mr. & Mrs. Bruce Snyder, 43 Pembroke Terrace
Present: Martylee Caramante, Dog Officer; Jessica O’Brien, Alternate Dog Officer; Mr. Bruce Snyder and Robert Snyder (son), dog owners. A sign in sheet was circulated; sheet is attached to and made part of these minutes.
J. Driscoll opened the Hearing by reading the letter sent to Mr. & Mr. Snyder from the Chairman of the Board regarding the reason for the Hearing.
J. Townshend read a letter sent in from Mr. Charles Kalomeris, next-door neighbor, regarding the problems with the Snyder’s dog “Abby”.
J. Driscoll mentioned the letters in the file sent to the Snyder’s from the Dog Officer. The Dog Officer and the Alternate Dog Officer spoke to the fact of the ongoing problems and numerous complaints of “Abby” running loose. It was mentioned that the Alternate Dog Officer has picked up “Abby” about five times between the periods of August 2005 through December 2005. Also presented were signed pick-ups from Porter Road Pet Care.
Mr. James Smith,
J. Driscoll asked Mr. Snyder if he had any questions or comments; his response was that he did receive phone calls from the Dog Officer, but never received any letters, and that there was only one time that Robert Snyder (son) picked up “Abby” at Porter Road Pet Care. J. Driscoll on several occasions had to remind Mr. Snyder that this is a Selectmen’s Meeting and “please keep to the problem at hand”. There was more discussion between the Dog Officer, Mr. Snyder and Mr. Driscoll.
The Dog Officer and the Alternate Dog Officer’s recommendation was to erect a 6 foot fence within
30 days, does not feel that an electric fence is good enough, tethering is out of the question.
G. DeLisle made motion to accept the recommendation of the Dog Officer to have Mr. Snyder erect an electric fence or have suitable fencing installed within 30-days and have a progress report from the Dog Officer after the 30-day period, J. Townshend seconded, all were in favor. Motion passed.
Assistant Executive Secretary to send letter with orders.
Board of Selectmen Meeting 4-25-06
Alcohol License Hearing
8:30pm – APPLICATION FOR ALL ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES COMMON
VICTUALER
LICENSE, ROMITO & SONS, INC.,
Present: Sean P. Carey, Manager, Romito & Sons; John Romito; Rose Romito
The Clerk of the Board read the Legal Notice, a sign-in sheet was circulated, sheet is attached and made part of these minutes.
J. Townshend read letters received from residents in favor of the Romito’s Liquor License.
Mr. Carey gave some history of his back-round in the restaurant business, also mentioned his training in the beer & wine industries in conjunction with the number of restaurants he has worked at before Romito’s. Mr. Carey gave a presentation of the plans, stating that changes to the store would be minimal, wine & beer will be locked up, will not be exposed. Presented a sample of the menu, the staff will be trained in the tips training, casual dining, “nice meal at a reasonable price”. Hours of operation would be 5pm-11pm, Monday through Sunday, no lunches, also would like to be open New Years Eve.
Lou Calabrese,
G. DeLisle made motion to approve the All Alcoholic Beverage Common Victualer License for Romito & Sons, Inc., hours being Monday through Sunday 5pm-11pm, J. Townshend seconded, all were in favor, there was no further discussion. Motion passed unanimously.
In regards to Article 23, which J. Driscoll sponsored and the Board supported having on the Warrant at their earlier meeting, mentioned that the Planning Board, at a meeting held this day, by vote of 5-0 supporting Article 23. With that J. Driscoll entertained a motion to support Article 23, G. DeLisle moved to vote on a recommendation from the Board of Selectmen. J. Townshend seconded.
Discussion: G. DeLisle stated that he sees the concerns on the proposed Article; that he has not heard enough from both sides on the issue; that he made the motion so a vote could be taken, but he will abstain.
J. Driscoll mentioned this Article would not affect anyone who had submitted plans before the Town. Motion passed by a 2-0 vote, with G. DeLisle abstaining.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
G. DeLisle made motion to approve minutes of April 20, 2006, J. Townshend seconded. All were in favor, there was no discussion. G. DeLisle made motion to approve the executive session minutes of April 20, 2006, J. Townshend seconded, all were in favor, there was no discussion. Motion passed.
Board of Selectmen Meeting 4-25-06
Old Business
BOARD OF SELECTMEN
OLD BUSINESS:
J. Driscoll announced that volunteers are needed on the Cultural Affairs Committee, Housing Partnership Committee, Historical Committee and Recreation Commission. Deadline for submission of letters/resumes is May 5, 2006.
NEW BUSINESS:
The Board accepted with regrets the resignation of Kenneth Peterson, Veteran Graves Officer.
G. DeLisle made motion, J. Townshend seconded, all were in favor. There was no further discussion. Motion Passed. Assistant Executive Secretary to send letter to Mr. Peterson and thank him for his years of service.
The Board voted to appoint John Dion as Veterans’ Graves Officer for the remainder of the term effective May 1, 2006 through June 30, 2006. This will be a yearly appointment going forward.
G. DeLisle made motion, J. Townshend seconded, all were in favor. There was no further discussion. Motion passed.
The Board agreed with the request from Cedric Hastings, Post
Adjutant for the American Legion, to modify the wreathes for the
The Board approved the request from Boy Scout Troop #179 to
hold a Can & Bottle drive on Saturday, June 10, 2006 from 9am-3pm,
G. DeLisle made motion to approve, J. Townshend seconded, no further discussion all were in favor. Motion passed.
J. Driscoll spoke regarding the Community Preservation Act that was approved at the last election, which is a great step to secure open lands. The next steps on the Community Preservation act are, as presented by George Kingston, member Open Space Committee. Selectmen to appoint a community preservation committee; should consist of no less than 5 no more than 9 members; include a designee from each of the following Boards: Conservation, Historical, Planning, Park & Rec, and Housing.
G. DeLisle mentioned the 9 members would give residents of the community a chance to get involved the other members of the Board agreed. This does not need a vote because it was mandated as an acceptance of the Preservation Act. A notice is to be posted in The Reminder Publications include the availability for citizens. A letter is to be sent to the above committee/commissions asking for one representative for this committee. The Assessors, Collectors Office and the State also need to be notified. Executive Secretary to contact George Kingston to follow through.
Motion made by J. Townshend, seconded by G. DeLisle to approve the issuance of the beer & wine license to the East Longmeadow Jaycees, on June 29through July 1, from the hours of 6pm-11pm;
Board of Selectmen Meeting 4-25-06
New Business, continued
July 2, from 1pm-11pm and July 3 from 6pm-midnignt, at Veterans’ Memorial Field for the Summer Carnival. In addition the Board of Health approved the issuance of the necessary food permits for the event, as done in previous years. It was noted that the fireworks display will be held on Monday,
July 3, 2006.
There was some discussion regarding the selectmen having a booth at the Carnival, to be discussed at a later date.
The Selectmen spoke regarding the Annual Jaycees’ Fishing Derby. A Citation is to be sent to the winner. J. Townsend to find out name.
G. DeLisle made motion to accept the recommendations from
the Police Department to replace the speed limit sign for southbound traffic on
The Board of Selectmen accepted the invitation from Carl Ohlin to march in the Annual 4th of July Parade.
BOARD OF HEALTH
NEW BUSINESS:
The Board accepted the recommendations from the Police Department regarding the complaint from
Mr. Caliento
In regards to the correspondence from DEP and the concerns
at
CORRESPONDENCE:
The Board approved to support the request from Michael
Szlosek, Town Administrator for the Town of
G. DeLisle made motion to send letter to Charter Communications with a copy to Ludlow Town Administrator and Senator Brian Lees, J. Driscoll seconded, all were in favor. Motion passed.
The Board noted the letter of thanks from Fire Chief Wallace, the Distinguished Citizen of the Year for the Chamber of Commerce.
The Board noted the letter from Charlie Christianson.
Board of Selectmen Meeting 4-25-06
Meetings, Invitations, Reminders
MEETINGS/INVITATIONS/REMINDERS
J. Driscoll read the meeting invitations and reminders
Board of Selectmen Meeting 4-25-06
Meetings/Invitations/Reminders continued
J. Driscoll gave update on his meeting with the Board of Public Works and the Planning Board, which took place at 5pm this night. The meeting was to discuss the taking of streets. This issue will be discussed with Town Counsel.
The other topic of discussion was the Fiber Optic project in Town. A full report will be submitted at a later date.
J. Driscoll will try
to attend the New Officials Seminar, very informative seminar, to be held at
TOWN COUNSEL
OLD BUSINESS:
Regarding the Meadowbrook Farm noise disturbance submitted by Melanie Torcia, the Board noted the first complaint was received in August of 2005, and was referred to Town Counsel. Appears that the dispute is between the two abutters, perhaps a seasonal issue. Town Counsel mentioned that he
discussed this with the Executive Secretary and the complaint should be referred to the Health Inspector to see if there is jurisdiction under the Board of Health; if the noise complaint is in violation of the local Zoning By-laws then the Building Inspector might have jurisdiction. It was recommended to have the Health Inspector inspect once again and also forward to Building Inspector
Town Counsel mentioned that the correspondence from Nuwanda Evans was on the Agenda to enlighten the Board that an extension of the Civil Service List was submitted.
Regarding the RFP for the Council on Aging, this was discussed earlier when going over the Warrant Articles. This Article probably will be withdrawn.
NEW BUSINESS:
J. Driscoll added street takings as new business. J. Driscoll was present at an earlier meeting with DPW and Planning Board to discuss the fifteen streets that were voted at previous Town Meetings and but never taken. There was discussion on who would be paying the fees to record these streets; Executive Secretary to follow-up with Planning and DPW to discuss the fees.
There was more discussion on the procedure for street takings. The Executive Secretary to follow up with the Building Inspector and Planning Board to make sure a safeguard is provided so this will not happen in the future. Town Counsel mentioned to make the process run more smoothly is to have the certification from Planning and DPW before going to Town Meeting for vote.
Board of Selectmen Meeting 4-25-06
Town Counsel, continued
J. Driscoll also added for discussion the Fiber Optic Project for the Town. This was also discussed at an earlier meeting with DPW and Planning. It was mentioned that the Town had its first request from a vendor to rent space on the Town’s Fiver Optic Network. DPW would like to set up a separate fund similar to the water fund to be established to take in revenues. Town Counsel mentioned that this would have to go to Town Meeting for authority to establish a revolving fund. Town Counsel to speak with Superintendent of Public Works to establish if this fund would be a revolving fund or an enterprise fund.
G. DeLisle moved to enter into executive session for purposes of contract negotiations to return to open session only to adjourn, J. Townshend seconded. All were in favor. Motion passed by unanimous
roll-call vote.
G. DeLisle moved the meeting adjourn. J. Townsend seconded. Motion passed.
Meeting Adjourned 10:05 p.m.
APPROVED: Board of Selectmen’s Meeting, Tuesday, May
23, 2006.
Joe Townshend, Clerk
of the Board