MINUTES
Board of Selectmen Meeting
Tuesday, October 24, 2006 at 6:45 P.M.
Town Hall Hearing Room
PRESENT: James
Driscoll, Chairman, Board of Selectmen (BOS); Gary
DeLisle , Chairman, Board of Health (BOH); Joe Townshend , Clerk of the Board of Selectmen.
APPOINTMENTS:
6:45 p.m. - Romito
& Sons Inc., 21 North Main Street, John W. Romito, owner, request for
change of hours to sell alcoholic beverages.
John W. Romito and Sean P. Carey from Romito’s met with the BOS to request a change in hours to serve alcohol from 5:00 p.m until 11:00 p.m. to 11:00 a.m. until 12 midnight, Monday-Saturday and 12:00 p.m. until 11:00 p.m. on Sunday. J. Romito told the BOS that he had spoken with the owners of Spoleto’s and Fusion about their hours and that he was asking the BOS for this change to level the playing field.
G. DeLisle specified that any change would require that alcohol be served only to seated patrons, that food must be served, that there be no active bar, that it be for seated service; that these requirements must be strictly adhered to. J. Driscoll asked if the staff was CUPS certified and was told it was. J. Driscoll and J. Townshend indicated that they had no issues with the request as long as the requirements were followed.
Motion G. DeLisle moved the BOS approve the change in hours for serving alcohol at Romito’s to 11:00 a.m. until midnight on Monday through Saturday, and from 12:00 p.m. until 11:00 p.m. on Sunday, subject to the requirements that service be for seated patrons only, eating food, with a service bar only. J. Townshend seconded. Motion carried 3-0.
7:00 p.m. Fire Chief, Public Safety Advisory Committee.
Andy Fraser, Barbara Mulak, George Moriarty and Phil Chapman of the Public Safety Advisory Committee, (PSAC), and Chief Wallace met with the BOS to discuss its activities.
Dr. Michael Lemanski also spoke on behalf of the Committee.
A. Fraser recapped the last year of activities of the PSAC;
from its meetings with representatives from American Medical Response, (AMR),
to the survey it developed for residents regarding public safety issues in Town
to gather reaction and service levels; he reported that approximately 5,500
surveys went out and about 3,200 came back; that the most interest on the
surveys was regarding Fire Department response time and the Town offering
ambulance service. A discussion was held
about municipally operated ambulance service and it was noted that
1. That there is wide appeal, a lot of interest in it; 2. that Town operated means Town controlled;
Appointments, PSAC, continued
Page 2 of 11
Minutes, Board of Selectmen
October 24, 2006
3. That there is potential for revenue: if the Town operates the service the Town collects the revenue; 4. A. Fraser recognized Dr. Lemanski to offering expert opinion; Dr. Lemanski spoke in favor of it
in terms of the critical factors that patient outcome is determined before the patient arrives at the hospital; that a Town service with paramedic response would be faster and could have a great impact on patient outcome; he also said that this kind of service is something that evolves over years, that Towns don’t usually jump right in to provide it.
A. Fraser discussed the differences in service that can be provided by basic level EMT’s and what a paramedic can provide; that a paramedic can administer drugs; etc.; that currently the Fire Department has seven firefighters trained at the EMT level. There was discussion about billing and collection of outstanding bills; A. Fraser said that he understands that typical collections run about 84%-95%; that some bills are written off, but that unpaid bills would affect credit ratings of those that don’t pay.
G. DeLisle agreed that response time is critical; that he
questioned what staff turnover rates are for ambulance companies, that turnover
could affect response rates if the staff is unfamiliar with the streets of the
Town, that ambulances staffed with people that are full time in
J. Townshend asked about the cost of implementing and operating such a service. A. Fraser said that if the BOS agreed with the concept then the PSAC could work to find out what the costs are.
Discussion was held relative to the responses to questions 1 and 2 on the survey. Question 1 asked whether the respondent was concerned with the response time of the Fire Department, to which 63% responded “yes.” Question 2 asked whether the respondent would be willing to pay higher taxes for more coverage, to which 51% responded “yes.”
G. DeLisle commented on the hard work that has been done by the PSAC thus far and asked whether or not any members wished to step down. No member wanted to resign.
The discussion wrapped up with the PSAC agreeing to work on a cost-benefit analysis of providing Town operated ambulance service, to present to the BOS.
Fire Chief.
The BOS next met with Chief Wallace regarding Department issues.
J. Driscoll referred to a letter from Chief Wallace
requesting a citation to honor
Motion G. DeLisle moved the BOS issue the citation
to
Minutes, Board of Selectmen
October 24, 2006
Appointments, Fire Chief, continued
Page 3 of 11
Call Firefighter's
Pay Increase.
The BOS considered Chief Wallace’s request that the BOS approve an increase of $00.25 per hour for call firefighters; that they haven’t had an increase in three years; that they are highly trained and motivated; that going by an average year for responses, it represents about a $1,200.00 increase to the call firefighters portion of the budget. J. Townshend commented that if it has been three years that it seems to be on the low side, that he can’t see how anyone could complain about the request.
G. DeLisle asked if this was to be presented at the Annual Town Meeting, and the Chief responded, “Yes.” G. DeLisle also brought up a brief discussion of including funding in the budget for physicals for the call firefighters, that it had been cut two years ago; that he suggested the Chief consider submitting that, too.
J. Driscoll summarized that adding the funding to the budget was the consensus of the BOS.
A discussion of the recent open house was held; the Chief reported that the turnout was great; that about 130 kids were registered with the child identification kits; that it was great public relations for the Department; that the public was able to ask a lot of questions.
7:30 p.m. Fred Kowal, Health Agent.
F. Kowal, Health Agent, (HA), Dan Hellyer, Building
Commissioner and Paul Morrissette, Fire Safety Inspector met with the BOS to
discuss the situation with
The HA reported that all three inspectors are on the same page; that that the situation is extreme with respect to the health, fire and safety of the resident and the Town; that the workload for cleanup is large; that one firm had viewed the property and decided against handling the job as too large; that two other firms recently went to the property to prepare a bid for the work; that one was a local firm and one was from Chicopee; that cleanup may take a couple of days. Discussion was held about what the expectations of the housing court would be if that’s what it takes to address the situation; that a plan for cleanup and for housing the resident during the cleanup would need to be in place. The cost of the cleanup would be paid for by the Town initially, and then would be put on the property taxes as a lien; the HA told the BOS that the resident is aware of this; that the resident knows that she will need to vacate the premises during the cleanup. J. Townshend suggested that the Town be frugal in choosing the vendor since the resident will ultimately be paying for it. G. DeLisle suggested that the resident take photos before the cleanup in case there is any question after about any items that should not have been removed; the HA mentioned that the company that does the job will be bonded, too.
The BOH consensus was that the cleanup needs to occur as planned.
Health complaint, town owned property; response from Superintendent of Public Works.
So noted.
Letter from Lisav Lacombe, Secretary, Shaker Pines Lake, Enfield CT., request for clean-up (hard copy of pictures). So noted.
Minutes, Board of Selectmen
October 24, 2006
Appointments, Fire Chief, continued
Page 4 of 11
8:00 P.M. - Change of
Manager, Bowl
J. Driscoll asked J. Godfrey to describe his
experience. He said that he has been
with this company for five years; that he has been bowling for 20 years; that
the company moved him back from the
Motion G. DeLisle moved the BOS approve the application of Justin Godfrey as manager of record for Shaker Bowl. J. Townshend seconded. Motion carried 3-0.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Motion G. DeLisle moved the BOS approve the minutes of the August 15, 2006 meeting.
J. Townshend seconded. Motion carried 3-0.
Motion G. DeLisle moved the BOS approve the executive session minutes of the August 15, 2006 meeting.
BOARD OF SELECTMEN
OLD BUSINESS:
For approval, Site Plan Review, 96 Shaker Rd., Chapdelaine Realty Trust, Police & Fire reports.
Motion G.. DeLisle moved the BOS accept the recommendations of the Police and Fire Departments. J. Townshend seconded. Discussion: J. Driscoll reiterated that the applicant was to adhere to the recommendations of the Police and Fire Departments. Motion carried 3-0.
Letter from
Telecommunications & Energy, re: National Grid service.
J. Driscoll commented upon the terrible storm from the previous Friday; he cited the terrible tragedy where a citizen was killed by a fallen tree; he also cited the poor response time by National Grid to the person trapped in a car; that there is a file with these and other complaints; and that the BOS is in contact with the state regarding these situations.
NEW BUSINESS
For approval, $50
donation to Police Department from
Motion G. DeLisle moved the BOS accept the donation. J. Townshend seconded. Discussion:
J. Driscoll recommended the BOS send a letter thanking them for the donation. Motion carried 3-0.
Resignation letter
from Walter J. Seifret, Conservation Commission.
Motion G. DeLisle moved the BOS accept the resignation with regret. J. Townshend seconded. Motion carried 3-0. The ES to send a letter from the BOS thanking him for his service, and to send a release out asking for applications.
Minutes, Board of Selectmen
October 24, 2006
Board of Selectmen, New Business, continued
Page 5 of 11
For approval, request
from Friends of the Library group to offer a Wine Tasting Event benefit, on
Saturday, November 18, 2006 from 7:00PM to 9:00PM, at the East Longmeadow
Library.
Motion G. DeLisle moved the BOS approve the request, pending receipt of proof of insurance.
J. Driscoll seconded out of necessity. Discussion: J. Townshend recused himself from the vote, as he is a member of the Friends of the Library and did not want to have a conflict of interest. Motion carried 2-0, with J. Townshend abstaining.
For signature from
DPW,
J. Driscoll commented that he has heard nothing but great reports regarding the sidewalk program; he complimented Dave Gromaski, Superintendent of Public Works and the DPW in general.
For signature, Citations
for two Eagle Scouts Troup #275. Citations
signed.
J. Driscoll congratulated Jeremy Markham and Thomas Michael
Cardano on their achievement and noted that their Court of Honor would be on
November 16 at 7:00 p.m. at
Letter from Rotary
Club, re: Town Hall
Letter noted. J. Driscoll recapped previous conversation regarding the possibility to display the bell in a place that is more accessible to the public; that he would plan to meet with Mr. Linehan to discuss options.
Discussion dates for BOS Department Heads personnel evaluations.
The BOS set the meeting for Monday, November 13, 2006 at 5:15 in the Hearing Room.
Representation.”
J. Driscoll said that he would be interested in serving. The ES to send a letter notifying the PVPC.
Request from Cedric
Hastings: re: Veterans' Day Observance, permission to march from the Legion to
the center rotary, on Saturday, November 11, 2006, 11am-Noon.
Motion G. DeLisle moved the BOS approve the request. J. Townshend seconded. Motion carried
3-0.
BOARD OF HEALTH
NEW BUSINESS
Request from Michael
Triggs, Department of Public Works,
The ES reported to the BOS that he had been notified by Mr. Triggs that 46 and 55 Putting Green Circle were actually East Longmeadow residences that had been receiving trash services from the City of Springfield; that he had confirmed this with the Assessor’s Office. The ES was directed to notify the residents that they would begin to receive these services from the Town.
Minutes, Board of Selectmen
October 24, 2006
Correspondence
Page 6 of 11
CORRESPONDENCE
Notification of new location for Massachusetts Emergency
Management Agency Region III/IV,
Planning Board letters to Walgreens, re: truck delivery issues. So noted.
Notification from Representative Mary Rogeness, re: Amendments made to local tax exemptions
for veterans.
The ES to ask for response from George Herrick, Veterans’ Service Administrator, as to how he is communicating with veterans, and to ask him to meet with the BOS for update.
MEETINGS/INVITATIONS/REMINDERS All items noted.
Local Emergency Planning, Wed., Oct., 25, 2006 @ 7pm, Fire Department 150 Somers Rd.
Cable Television Public Ascertainment, Thursday October 26,
2006 at 7pm,
High School Auditorium
Invitation from Citizens Bank, opening of new branch, inside
Stop & Shop,
Pioneer Institute for Public Policy Research forum, topic "The Cost of Doing Business" in
Housing Partnership Committee Meeting, Wednesday November 1, 2006 at 6:45pm, East
Community Preservation Committee Meeting, Wednesday, November 1, 2006 at 7pm, Town Hall
Hearing Room.
The ES was directed to send a letter asking the committee to formulate a budget and submit it to the BOS prior to the Annual Town Meeting.
Tobacco Merchant Education, Monday, November 6, 2006 at 6pm,
State Election Day, Tuesday, November 7, 2006,
Board of Selectmen Meeting, Tuesday, November 14, 2006.
Regional Board of Selectmen Meeting, Thurs., Nov.,16, 2006 at 7pm, Fire Dept.,150 Somers Rd.
Invitation, First Congregational Church, Annual Christmas Tree Lighting, Fri. Dec.,1, at 6 pm
Personnel Policy Committee Meeting, Mon., Dec., 11, 2006, at 6:45pm, Town Hall Hearing Rm.
TOWN COUNSEL
OLD BUSINESS
Donation of sick time.
Item noted.
COA Bookkeeper position.
Item tabled.
Letter from Fire Chief, status on new firefighter.
Item noted.
Minutes, Board of Selectmen
October 24, 2006
Town Counsel, Old Business, continued.
Page 7 of 11
Contract, Executive Secretary. Item
moved to executive session.
IT Director. Item moved to executive session.
J. Driscoll began the discussion by stating that TC has advised that there is a statute that once an amount to be spent from the cable revolving fund is set that the limit can be increased in any given year by Town Meeting or by the majority vote of both the BOS and the Appropriations Committee (AC).
TC elaborated that that the only
limitation to the amount, or the amount spent from any revolving fund, would be
that it not exceed the total of one percent of the tax revenues raised in the
prior year; that he did not know what that number would be in this case; that
the entity overseeing the expenditures (the BOS) would need to approve any
expenditures over $500.00. J. Driscoll
stated that this is not a tax revenue account.
TC agreed, but reiterated that the statute limits the amount this way. J. Driscoll again commented that this is not
a tax revenue account, that it was created in the Town’s agreement with
Charter, and that the funds were to be spent to support the purchase of
equipment to support broadcasts on
Gerri Gagnon, Executive Director of the East Longmeadow Cable Access, was recognized. She referred to specific passages in the contract with Charter Communications (the Town’s cable provider) relative to the amounts that Charter has paid to the Town; that there was an initial payment of $50,000.00, and then another $50,000.00 five years into the contract, that these were not “pass through” costs to subscribers for the purpose of supporting Public, Education and Government Access (PEG Access). J. Driscoll noted that there is currently $129,000.00 in the account.
G. Gagnon stated that this is due to the annual payment of $20,000.00 by Charter. J. Driscoll asked her what equipment was needed. G. Gagnon cited that three new cameras were purchased last year.
J. Driscoll commented that there
was not enough content being developed; that he wasn’t laying blame on her;
that there is a great feeder program in place to train people, but that there
are not enough volunteers to cover other Town events, like meetings of other
boards; that even the content that is being developed is not of good quality,
probably due to technological problems.
He referred to an email that she had sent listing items she felt was
needed; she agreed that the items listed were generic, but that was what was
needed; that
Minutes, Board of Selectmen
October 24, 2006
Town Counsel, Old Business, continued.
Page 8 of 11
J. Driscoll recognized members of
the
J. Driscoll recognized Dr. Ed
Costa, Superintendent of Schools. A
letter from Dr. Costa to the BOS outlining problems with broadcasts was
referred to during the discussion. Dr.
Costa said that G. Gagnon is up against the wall, that video an audio problems
have been ongoing since last June; that he didn’t know if it was hardware or
software; that they have had a plaguing problem with School Committee
transmissions whether live or replayed; he clarified that the School Department
does pay for part of her salary as an instructor; that he was there to advocate
for her and for need for
J. Townshend had questions for Dr. Costa. He referred to his letter to the BOS and commented that these problems have been noticed in the past five months; that he found it odd that since this money has become available that all of a sudden the quality of tapings has come into question. J. Driscoll said that this money has been available for five years. The two Selectmen got into a brief verbal disagreement as to whether or not the availability of the money was known. J. Townshend confirmed with Dr. Costa that one third of G. Gagnon’s salary is paid by the School Department; that when he called him about the funding Dr. Costa had $20,000.00 put into the account. J. Driscoll curtailed the discussion at that point.
J. Townshend then asked Dr. Costa about the problems that have been going on. Dr. Costa said that they have been intermittent; not on an every meeting basis. J. Townshend said that last night the Town voted for $5,500 for the salary. He questioned whether anyone knew what was the tax revenue amount was?
J. Driscoll thanked Dr. Costa for meeting with the BOS.
J. Driscoll asked G. Gagnon about her proposed bid; whether it included permanent cameras for Town Hall, etc. She said that it did not, only because she has been researching what other Towns are doing; that she would need to speak to a video engineer to decide what would be the best way.
Minutes, Board of Selectmen
October 24, 2006
Town Counsel, Old Business, continued.
Page 9 of 11
J. Driscoll asked how would the BOS
appropriate these funds? TC said there
were two issues; that what the statute allows is to increase the amount that
could be spent; then the amount to spend would follow whatever process that is
in place; it was discussed that the
J. Townshend said that before the BOS votes is needs to know what the amount is that the BOS could vote, based on the tax revenue number; that the BOS would need to know what funds are under the BOS control. TC clarified that what J. Townshend was referring to is that part of the statute that limits to 1% of the tax revenue generated the previous year; that could be spent applies to the total expenditures from all revolving funds that are under the BOS control. J. Townshend again questioned how the BOS could vote without knowing the revenue number. J. Driscoll said that the BOS could vote on the cap number knowing that the limit is in place; that the number could be confirmed later.
G. DeLisle initiated discussion of
the current
Lloyd Oakes of the
Dr. Costa was recognized. He made comments that he would want to see the transmissions and communications improve.
Steve Morissette of the
Motion G. DeLisle moved the
BOS increase the amount that can be spent from the
J. Driscoll commented that this is non-taxpayer funding, to improve communications; that the funding has to be spent. J. Townshend said that the difference they have is that he did not believe it had to be spent. The motion carried 2-0. J. Townshend did not cast a vote.
NEW BUSINESS
Letter from Dr. Costa on behalf of
East Longmeadow School Committee; re:
transmission issues with Charter Communications. Item noted during the
Minutes, Board of Selectmen
October 24, 2006
Town Counsel, New Business, continued.
Page 10 of 11
Assistant Manager, Spoleto Restaurant. Item moved to executive session.
Letter from Nuwanda
Evans, request for additional information new Police Sergeant.
The ES to speak with Chief to develop a draft response.
Design Selection Committee. (DSC)
Mr. Robert Hildreth of the Senior Center Study Committee was recognized. He said that he was here on behalf of Mr. Walter LaBroad who could not make the meeting; that Mr. LaBroad was recommended to the BOS as a representative to the proposed DSC; that the Study Committee believed his input would be invaluable; and to also recommend that Mr. Robert Zumbruski be considered as the alternate.
The ES referred to a letter to the BOS from the Superintendent of Public Works recommending the BOS appoint a Designer Selection Committee, to be comprised of the Superintendent of Public Works, the Senior Project Manager for Public Works, the Facilities Manager, the Chief Procurement Officer (by designation, the Executive Secretary) and one ad-hoc member by project.
Motion G. DeLisle moved the BOS appoint the Design Selection Committee based on the recommendations of the Superintendent of Public Works. J. Townshend seconded. Motion carried 3-0.
Motion G. DeLisle moved the BOS appoint Walter LaBroad as the ad-hoc member to the Design Selection Committee for the senior center renovation project; and Mr. Robert Zumbruski as alternate. J. Townshend seconded. Motion carried 3-0.
Request from Tudor
House Liquors, extend hours for holiday sales.
TC to research the issue and report back to the ES.
Street Takings (hard copies).
Note: J. Townshend read each Order of Taking verbatim on an individual basis. The motion as presented in these minutes is abridge insofar as the legal wording common to each Order of Taking, including the fact that all streets were approved for the Board of Selectmen to take during the Special Town Meeting on October 23, 2006, and in the fact that the streets announced in the motion are listed in the same order as read by J. Townshend.
Motion J. Townshend moved that in a regular meeting of the Board of Selectmen of the Town of East Longmeadow, on the 24th day of October, 2006, we, the undersigned Selectmen of said Town, by virtue of the authority of Chapter 79 of the General Laws of the Commonwealth, and in the exercise of every other power and authority in us, having complied with all the preliminary requirements prescribed by law, and in accordance with a vote of the inhabitants of the Town passed at the Annual Town Meeting, and having adjudged the land necessary for a public way, have taken and by these presents do take, for and in behalf of the Town of East Longmeadow, a municipal corporation, the following described land for a public way, as printed in the Order of Takings: Abbey Lane—Great Woods Phase VI, accepted at the Special Town Meeting of October, 2006; a portion of Canterbury Circle—Great Woods Phase IV, accepted at the Special Town Meeting of October, 2006;
Minutes, Board of Selectmen
October 24, 2006
Town Counsel, New Business, continued.
Page 11 of 11
a portion of Canterbury Circle—Great Woods Phase VII, accepted at the Special Town Meeting of October, 2006; Deer Park Drive, accepted at the Special Town Meeting of October, 2006; Glynn farms Extension, accepted at the Special Town Meeting of October, 2006; a portion of Pembroke Terrace and Rockingham Circle—Great Woods Phase V, accepted at the Special Town Meeting of October, 2006; Rockingham Circle—Great Woods Phase IX, accepted at the Special Town Meeting of October, 2006; Rollins Drive, accepted at the Special Town Meeting of October, 2006; and that no damages be awarded for said takings. G. DeLisle seconded. Motion carried 3-0.
Motion G. DeLisle moved the BOS enter into executive session for the purposes of discussing personnel issues, contractual and negotiation matters, and matters with respect to an individual’s right to privacy, to return to open session for the purposes of adjournment. A roll call vote was taken, (DeLisle, “Yes,” Townshend, “Yes,” Driscoll, “Yes.”) Motion carried 3-0.
Motion G. DeLisle moved the BOS adjourn the meeting. J. Townshend seconded. Motion carried 3-0.
Meeting adjourned at 9:42 p.m.
Minutes respectfully submitted by
APPROVED: BOARD OF SELECTMEN’S MEETING, TUESDAY,
NOVEMBER 14, 2006.