Minutes
Board of Selectmen Meeting
Tuesday, December 19, 2006 at 7:00 P.M.
Town Hall Hearing Room,
PRESENT: James Driscoll, Chairman, Board of Selectmen
(BOS);
J. Driscoll opened the meeting at 7:06 p.m. with the Pledge of Allegiance.
APPOINTMENTS:
7:00 p.m. Fire Chief Monthly Appointment.
Simone’s, 30 day temporary license.
The Chief presented the BOS with a 30-day temporary license from the Fire Department for Simone’s for signature of the BOS; that the ceiling tiles and filters on order and should be here in a few days.
J. Townshend asked if they are out of business? Chief said they are doing catering, but not using stove. Further discussion was tabled for the 8:00 p.m. appointment.
Outdoor wood burning boilers.
Chief Wallace presented the BOS with pictures of two such
boilers and a schematic. The Chief
recommended discussing permitting and regulations for these units, perhaps with
By-laws; that he, the Building Inspector and the Health Agent could work on
that; that there are pending cases in
J. Townshend asked about certification for the indoor ones and the Chief said that they know where all the legal ones are; that they have to be certified, registered and that people have to start with the Building Inspector. The Chief to work on permitting and regulatory proposals.
7:15 p.m. Police Chief Monthly Appointment.
There was brief discussion of the negotiating schedule with the IBPO; Chief Mellis to follow up.
The Chief reported that the two candidates are doing well at the Academy.
J. Driscoll brought up discussion of the Chief’s five year plan and keeping it on the front burner.
The Chief is working on numbers regarding the ambulance contract.
The Chief said that he would meet with the Pioneer Valley Planning Commission regarding the Emergency Zone Service Plan.
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December 19, 2006
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J. Driscoll noted the resignation of Faith Gentile from the Public Safety Advisory Committee.
The Chief reported that improvements to the police facility is coming along; that there was paving done in the parking lot last week; that there is painting in the interior being done and carpets will be installed after the 1st of the year; that it is going well and is the first major rehab in about 30 years.
The Chief reported that the officers in the High School are doing well; that they are putting together cases; J. Driscoll noted that he has received positive feedback from parents.
7:30 p.m. George Herrick, Veterans' Agent.
J. Driscoll welcomed him; said he hasn’t had a chance to meet with him; that the BOS recognizes that young veterans are returning home; that the BOS wanted to know how it might help.
G. Herrick reported the veterans coming home now are receiving “Welcome Home” packages from the state and that their Commanding Officers help, and that they receive a lot of assistance with job training, family issues; that there is a lot of information on-line and he is working to put together web links for the Town.
G. Herrick explained that the main thrust of his position is to administer programs under MGL 115 which is assistance to veterans in need, to take applications and verify eligibility; that a lot of the work is personal in nature; and that one of his problems is that he has no designated place to meet with them; that sometimes he meets in Town Hall or the Library, or on occasion in their homes or in the hospital; but that he is getting better and can do interviews just about anywhere; once he does, he makes recommendations to the agency in Boston. He described some of the training he has taken including how to find records through the National Archives. He described other services that he provides including helping to get medals if they had been lost; signing up for the Veterans’ Cemetery; locating other veterans and records like discharge papers and, again, outreach via coffee hours. The discussion concluded with trying to find a space for him to conduct business; that he can conduct business any place that has wireless, but it would be nice if he had more of a permanent space.
8:00 P.M. - Eric Smith, Manager Simone's Restaurant
Eric Smith and Attorney Steve Manning met with the BOS regarding his request for license renewal. Steve Graziano, lessor, was present.
Attorney Manning recapped the situation; that there has been forbearance on the license but there are lease payment agreements in place; explained that it is currently a partial operation but expects that it will be open fully some time in February. J. Driscoll said that the Fire Chief had brought in a temporary occupancy permit for 30 days, to issue a new one pending the completion of final repairs.
J. Townshend asked E. Smith if he was in business and he replied that he was partially in business, with parties that he had booked through January.
S. Graziano was recognized; he explained that as the
landlord he has been working with E. Smith to make arrangements to keep him in
business; that he has a lease in place that is being honored by both sides. J. Townshend asked why there was a “For
Lease” sign up;
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December 19, 2006
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J. Townshend read a letter from Paul Morrissette in a letter dated December 8th regarding the disrepair of the exhausts, grease filters and extinguishers. Discussion of whether the business was open or not, with Attorney Manning stating that the business is partially open for catering jobs.
J. Townshend read a letter from P. Morrissette dated December 19th citing a couple of items that still need to be fixed including some filters missing from the hood system, and recommending that the Chief issue a 30 day temporary occupancy permit, to prohibit the use of the cooking units until the items have been corrected. J. Townshend asked if this would be a valid certificate. Attorney James Donahue, Town Counsel (TC), was recognized; he clarified the letter stating that the owner could not operate as a common victualer until the final repairs were made; that before anyone could do anything in there they would have to be issued a permanent permit. S. Graziano told the BOS that the ceiling tiles and hood parts were on order and expected to be there in two days.
J. Townshend moved that the matter be continued and to sign off on the license once the repairs were made. Discussion of when the item would be signed.
It was decided that J. Driscoll would sign the license at this meeting; and that J. Townshend would sign once the work in question was completed.
8:15 p.m. Tom Florence, Town Clerk/Treasurer/Collector.
Discussion of grievance issue.
Motion J. Townshend moved the BOS enter into executive session for purposes of discussing personnel issues, to return to open session. J. Driscoll seconded out of necessity. A roll call vote was taken, (Townshend, “Yes”; Driscoll, “Yes”.) Motion carried 2-0.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES:
October 31, 2006.
Motion J. Townshend moved to approve the minutes of October 31, 2006 as presented. J. Driscoll seconded out of necessity. Motion carried 2-0.
Motion J. Townshend moved to approve the executive session minutes of October 31, 2006.
J. Driscoll seconded out of necessity. Motion carried 2-0.
TOWN COUNSEL:
OLD BUSINESS
Bill from Prospect Builders, re: clean-up of
TC explained that the question before the BOH was whether the Town would make the initial payment. The ES to forward the bill to the resident for payment, and to notify Prospect Builders.
Personnel Policy Committee recommendations for Department Heads raises for 2008.
J. Townshend questioned whether or not the discussion should be held in executive session.
TC advised that he believed that if the BOS is looking to discuss the percentages it would be fine, but the issue of this being in open session would be the discussion with respect to the characterizations of what rating correlates to what percentage increase; that he believed that this is executive material that belongs in the individual employee’s file; that they would have a reasonable expectation of privacy in connection with that; TC further advised that if only one aspect of the discussion were held, it could be held in open session, he didn’t think the full discussion that would occur would be an open session one.
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December 19, 2006
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Motion J. Townshend moved the BOS enter into executive session for purposes of discussing personnel issues, to return to open session for purposes of adjournment. J. Driscoll seconded out of necessity. A roll call vote was taken, (Townshend, “Yes”; Driscoll, “Yes”.) Motion carried 2-0.
Adoption of Chapter 32, Section 18.
A discussion was held regarding the adoption of Chapter 32, section 18 with respect to mandating that Medicare eligible retirees from the Town be put on that healthcare plan. TC summarized the provisions of the section. The ES to continue to work on this through the Scantic Valley Regional Health Trust. TC was directed to work on creating an Article for Town Meeting.
Property Tax Deferral for Seniors.
TC reported that he spoke with the Assessors for East
Longmeadow and
Email from Mr. Heenan.
TC reported that he still believes that the Town followed the appropriate procedures.
Motion J. Townshend moved the BOS enter into executive session to discuss personnel issues, to return to open session for purposes of adjournment. J. Driscoll seconded out of necessity. A roll call vote was taken, (Townshend, “Yes”; Driscoll, “Yes”.) Motion carried 2-0.
NEW BUSINESS
BOARD OF SELECTMEN
OLD BUSINESS
For signature, 2007 Liquor Licenses: Items signed; with a signature from J. Townshend pending the issuance of the occupancy permit for Simone’s.
For approval: Site Plan by Ecotec, Raymond & Theresa
Fusaro,
Fire reports.
Motion J. Townshend moved the BOS approve the recommendations of the Police and Fire Departments. J. Driscoll seconded out of necessity. Motion carried 2-0.
NEW BUSINESS
Resignation of Faith Gentile, Public Safety Advisory Committee.
Motion J. Townshend moved the BOS accept the resignation of Faith Gentile with regret from the Public Safety Advisory Committee. J. Driscoll seconded out of necessity. Motion carried 2-0.
The ES to send a letter of gratitude to Ms. Gentile; and send a press release about the opening on the committee.
For signature, Chapter 90 Reimbursement Request from Department of Public Works. Item signed.
For approval, One Day Liquor License, (all alcoholic) and Entertainment, East Longmeadow Firefighters' Association, on Saturday, February 3, 2007, at the Greek Orthodox Church of Saint Luke, 400 Prospect Street from 7:00 P.M. until 12:00 Midnight, for their Annual 50's Dance.
Motion J. Townshend moved the BOS approve the one day liquor license and to waive all fees.
J. Driscoll seconded out of necessity. Motion carried 2-0.
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December 19, 2006
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For approval, One Day Liquor License, (all alcoholic) and Entertainment, St. Michael's
Knights of
Motion J. Townshend moved the BOS approve the one day liquor license and to waive all fees.
J. Driscoll seconded out of necessity. Motion carried 2-0.
For approval, request from Sondra Lewis, Director, Greater Springfield Music Together,
Winter Session of Music Together Program, ten week session January 16, 2007 through
March 20, 2007, at the Little
Motion J. Townshend moved to approve the request. J. Driscoll seconded out of necessity. Discussion: J. Driscoll said that he was glad to see that the Little Red School house is being utilized. Motion carried 2-0.
For discussion, Board of Selectmen 2007 Meeting Schedule.
January 2, 16, 24 (organizational), and 30. J. Driscoll noted that the Special election was set for January 23rd.
Memo from MIIA: re: MIIA Property & Casualty Group Inc. Board of Directors.
A discussion was held relative to MIIA’s request that the Town designate a person as the voting member for its Annual Meeting, and then whether to vote for the slate of Directors as presented by MIIA or to make other nominations.
Motion J. Townshend moved the BOS designate the Chairman as the voting member. J. Driscoll seconded out of necessity. Motion carried 2-0. J. Driscoll indicated that he would vote for the slate as presented.
BOARD OF HEALTH
OLD BUSINESS
Town Employee Flu Clinic Summary.
The BOS to send letters of gratitude to Dr. Lemanski and all the clinic volunteers.
NEW BUSINESS
For approval and signature: Renewals: Massage Therapy, Health Establishment, Tanning,
Swimming Pools. Items signed.
CORRESPONDENCE
Reorganization: Conservation Commission. Item read.
Ryan Quimby, IT Department, appointed to Cable Advisory Committee. Item noted.
Memo from Acting IT Director, re: Blackberry. J. Driscoll explained to J. Townshend that there is still one blackberry available if he is interested.
Memo from Board of Library Trustees, re: hiring of part-time personnel.
J. Driscoll read the memo. The BOS discussed that the Trustees were going to hire the person at 21 hours rather than the 19 hours.
Copy of notification from National Grid of work to be done
in areas of
ES summarized. Item noted.
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December 19, 2006
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Copy of letter from DPW Senior Project Manager to Hasbro, re: East Longmeadow Bicycle/Pedestrian Trail. Item noted.
E-mail from Town Accountant: request for update for Appropriations Committee. Item noted.
Letter from Carl & Christina Ciaffaglione, re:
MEETINGS/
INVITATIONS/REMINDERS
Design Selection Committee Meeting, cancelled for Wed., Dec., 20, 2006, @ 2pm, and
re-scheduled for Fri., Jan., 5, 2006 @ 2pm, Town Hall Hearing Room. Item noted.
Local Emergency Planning Committee Meeting, Dec., 20, 2006 @ 7pm, Fire Station. Item noted.
Personnel Policy Committee Meeting with Selectmen, Mon., Jan., 8, 2007 @ 7pm, Town Hall
Hearing Room.
J. Townshend asked if he was going to Chair the meeting. J. Driscoll said that he was concerned about whether or not he would representing the BOS’s position at this meeting. The members discussed the matter, with J. Townshend indicated that he would stick to the policies and procedures as laid out by the PPC, and would allow the Town Labor Counsel to represent the Town at the meeting.
8:30am - 10:00am,
Notification of Public Hearing from Department of Telecommunications & Energy with Bay
State Gas Company, on Wednesday, Jan., 3, 2007 @ 2pm, One
South Station,
Item noted.
Motion J. Townshend moved the BOS adjourn the meeting. J. Driscoll seconded out of necessity. Motion carried 2-0. Meeting adjourned at 9:55 p.m.
Minutes respectfully submitted by Nick Breault, Executive Secretary.
APPROVED: BOARD OF SELECTMEN’S MEETING, TUESDAY,
FEBRUARY 27, 2007.