MINUTES
BOARD OF SELECTMEN MEETING
Tuesday, February 27, 2007 at 7:00 P. M.
Town Hall Hearing Room, 60 Center Square
East Longmeadow, Massachusetts 01028
Present: James D. Driscoll, Chairman of the Board of Selectmen; Joe Townshend, Chairman Board of Health; Jack Villamaino, Clerk of the Board.
The Chairman of the Board opened the Meeting with the Pledge of Allegiance.
There was a moment of silence for Rosalind Clark, long time Council on Aging Director, who recently passed away.
APPOINTMENTS:
7:00 - POLICE CHIEF MELLIS, MONTHLY MEETING
The Police Chief spoke about the letter addressed to Officer Barone from the Wu family regarding his assistance with their father and their donation in the amount of $500 to the Police Department. The Clerk of the Board read the letter. J. Driscoll entertained a motion to accept the $500 donation to be deposited into the Police Department Fund, motioned moved by
J. Villamaino, J. Townshend seconded motion all were in favor. There was no further discussion. Motion passed. A letter of thanks to be sent to Dr. Pearl Wu and her family in appreciation.
The Police Chief spoke in recognition of Officers' Safford, Manning, Skala and Sgt. Sheehan regarding a car theft starting in East Longmeadow continued into Springfield than on foot; and the excellent work from the police department and surrounding communities. A K-9 unit from Ludlow was dispatched to assist in the apprehension of the suspects. The Clerk of the Board read the letter from the Police Chief regarding the incident and the Chief’s pride of his department in conjunction with the smooth handling of the case. J. Driscoll entertained a motion to send the Officers involved a letter of recognition from the Board, J. Villamaino seconded the motion. Further discussion was from J. Townshend regarding the swiftness of the department. All were in favor. Motion was passed. There was further discussion regarding K-9 units and what a tremendous job they do.
There was follow-up from the Police Chief regarding The Meadows and the recommendations from the Board of Selectmen in conjunction with an incident which occurred at the Club. The Police Chief mentioned that Officer Delessio has been working with the owner on the carding issue and the bartending staff will be sent to classes also there was discussion on securing the basement door. Officer Delessio felt comfortable that the efforts the owner is taking will be effective. J. Driscoll was not comfortable, would like to see more done regarding the training of the staff members in serving alcohol. The Executive Secretary mentioned that the renewal of their food service licenses have not been approved by the Selectmen and wanted direction whether to approve at this time or not. It was
Board of Selectmen Meeting 2/27/07
Police Chief appointment continued
suggested by J. Driscoll to table the renewal of licenses until the bartenders present their certifications in the “TIPS” course to the Selectmen. Selectman Townshend and Selectman Villamaino agreed.
7:15P.M. FIRE CHIEF
WALLACE, MONTHLY MEETING
The Fire Chief mentioned that the Department would be loosing four to six Call Firefighters in the next six months. The Chief said that the cost to train new Call Firefighters would cost about $6,000 and that amount is not in the budget or supplemental budget; however, with the Chief's retiring in January 2008 and the pay scale for the new chief there should be enough to cover.
J. Driscoll entertained a motion to have the Fire Chief start the next class of Call Firefighters recruit personnel. J. Villamaino made motion, J. Townshend seconded. There was no further discussion. All were in favor. Motion passed.
The Fire Chief spoke about Call Firefighter Brian Hill's is request for a six-month leave of absence to expand his education in the medical field with the hope of returning to the Department. J. Driscoll entertained a motion to approve the request from Call Firefighter Brian Hill for a six-month leave of absence, J. Villamaino made motion, J. Townshend seconded motion. There was no further discussion. Motion passed.
The Fire Chief was requesting to re-instate Thomas McGowan as a Call Firefighter to the East Longmeadow Fire Department. J. Driscoll made motion to re-instate Thomas McGowan as a Call Firefighter. J. Villamaino made motion, J. Townshend seconded motion. All were in favor. The Fire Chief said that Mr. McGowan is COR One certified, his physical is completed and on file at the Fire Department. Motion passed.
The Fire Chief mentioned that the Fire Station has not been maintained since the station opened ten years ago. The firefighters took it upon themselves with the Fire Chief’s approval and also worked with the Building Facilities Manager for supplies, to give the station new paint job as well as preventative maintenance in other rooms of the station. The Chief wanted to let the Selectmen know of the excellent job, and the great pride the Firefighters take in their building.
J. Driscoll asked about the Fire Chief’s pending retirement. Chief mentioned that his anniversary date is March 1, 2007, which would give him full retirement (thirty-two years).
INTERVIEWS – VACANCY
– COMMUNITY PRESERVATION COMMITTEE
Present for the interviews was Timothy Seeley, Chairman of the Community Preservation Committee.
7:30 P.M.- MERLE
SAFFORD
Ms. Safford said that her primary interest is to be part of the new preservation act that is being expedited in Town. Ms. Safford spoke of her involvement over the years with the Norcross House and its preservation. Ms. Safford also mentioned that it was her understanding that 10% of the CPA is to be allocated for historical preservation and promotion. Has been a preservationist and a conversationalist all her life. Currently working on trying to up-grade historic inventory in East Longmeadow prior to 1900, and has made active files on 250 of the houses; need to research them
Board of Selectmen Meeting 2/27/07
Interview continued
and get people interested. Interest now is in recording some of the history. Would like to offer services to the Town.
7:40P.M. – MARY ELLEN
GOODROW
Ms. Goodrow said that this would be a learning experience; enjoys being on committees, have been on many professionally and personally, likes working with people and is a good listener, and is willing to learn. Presently teaching science at Minnechaug High School in Wilbraham.
Ms. Goodrow moved back to East Longmeadow in August; had good experience growing up in Town, wanted same for her children. J. Townshend said that he was impressed with the qualifications on her resume.
J. Driscoll asked the Chairman of the Committee, Timothy Seeley if he had any recommendations regarding the two candidates that were interviewed. Mr. Seeley said the he had reviewed the application of the two candidates and both were qualified. Mr. Seeley's recommendation would be Mary Ellen Goodrow. Mr. Seeley said that Mrs. Goodrow truly fulfills the meaning of being an
at-large citizen participant comes to the Board with no frequencies of notions; has a wealth of professional experience. What stood out mostly was her involvement with writing up a disaster curriculum at Minnechaug High School.
J. Villamaino made a motion to appoint Mary Ellen Goodrow to fill the vacancy on the Community Preservation Committee, J. Townshend seconded. There was no further discussion. All were in favor. Motion passed unanimously.
8:00P.M.- PUBLIC
HEARING
TRANSFER OF CLASS II
USED CAR DEALER’S LICENSE FROM GEORGE T. CROSIER MOTOR SALES INC., OWNER
/PRESIDENT, TO JAMES MOTORS INCORPORATED, LOCATION, 607 NORTH MAIN STREET AND
THE EAST SIDE OF BARNUM STREET.
A sign in sheet was distributed for the Hearing and is attached as part of these minutes.
The Clerk of the Board read the legal notice. Representing James Motors was Attorney Lawrence Levine. Mr. Levine mentioned that the existing car lot has been there forty-eight years. Attorney Levine had discussion with Town Counsel to determine what procedure should be taken in the process. Attorney Levine also mentioned that they had met with the Planning Board and was approved for a Special Permit. The two principals Mr. DeRico and Mr.Garvey have been involved in used cars sales for many years; have an establishment in Chicopee, with an unblemished record. There were no further questions from the Board. J. Townshend made motion to approve the transfer of Class II Used Car Dealer’s License from George T. Crosier Motor Sales Inc., to James Motors Incorporated. J. Villamaino seconded. J. Driscoll said for discussion that he has know Attorney Levine and Mr. Garvey for years and knows the type of work that Mr. Garvey is involved with; recently has been a recipient of the Civic Association Award. Attorney Levine also mentioned that the Surety Bond is in place. There was no further discussion. All were in favor. Motion passed.
Board of Selectmen Meeting 2/27/07
continued
APPOINTMENT:
8:30 P.M. - TOWN CLERK, THOMAS
The Town Clerk presented the Board with a request to make the part-time employee in the Clerk's Office full-time. J. Driscoll asked if this was budgeted for and that it was the first time the Selectmen were aware of it. The Clerk mentioned that the personnel hired from the Temp Agency was getting caught up but does not go to the counter or answer phones possibly could start to cut hours. J. Driscoll said that mid May will be the time to address this request, when the Selectmen's Office knows the status of the employee who is presently out on sick leave, (presently unpaid leave).
The other request from the Clerk was regarding the transfer of a staff member from the Clerk's Office to the Selectmen's Office. Presently the wages are coming out of the Clerk's budget. It was mentioned by the Executive Secretary that starting on Monday, March 5; the wages will be transferred from the Town Clerk's Office to the Selectmen's Office budget. The Executive Secretary said that the transfer employee is a Grade 6 Step 2 and the employee out on sick leave was at a higher level. J. Townshend asked again who approved the transfer to the Selectmen's Office. J. Driscoll said that was old business and was already addressed and is not a part of this discussion.
BOARD OF SELECTMEN
NEW BUSINESS
The Clerk of the Board read the resignation letter from Judi Croci, Chairman of the East Longmeadow Cable Access Television Committee. J. Driscoll entertained a motion to accept the resignation from Judi Croci, J. Villamaino made motion, J. Townshend seconded. There was no further discussion. All were in favor. Motion passed. A letter will be sent thanking Ms. Croci for her years of service. J. Driscoll mentioned that there is now an opening on the committee to any resident that would be interested.
J. Driscoll entertained a motion to approve the Annual Plant Sale for the East Longmeadow Garden Club, on Saturday, May 19, 2007 from 9am-1pm. J. Villamaino made motion, J. Townshend seconded. All were in favor. Motion passed.
The Selectmen noted the dividend from MIIA in the amount of $2,464 to the Town of East Longmeadow. J. Driscoll thanked the Executive Secretary for his involvement as liaison to MIIA.
J. Driscoll entertained a motion to accept the dividend amount of $2,464 to be put in a check as recommended by the Town Accountant and deposited into the General Fund. J. Villamaino made motion, J. Townshend seconded. All were in favor. Motion passed.
The Board of Selectmen discussed their upcoming meeting dates.
Executive Secretary spoke about the GIS link that was posted on Mass Live and the concern from a resident regarding the rights to privacy and whether or not actual names should be used and other information. The Acting IT Director since then has administrated password protection limited strictly to internal use. There were discussions with the Board of Assessors whether or not there might be some modifications before going back out to the general public. Selectman Driscoll suggested to leave the protection in place until there was further discussion for recommendations from Acting IT Director, Assessors and Town Counsel.
Board of Selectmen Meeting 2/27/07
New Business continued
J. Driscoll mentioned that the Acting IT Director had submitted a matrix with seven candidates but will interview the top four whom he thought would qualify for the position of Network Administrator. J. Driscoll suggested interviewing at the next Board meeting, which will be on Monday, March 5th. . . Chairman Driscoll also mentioned to have the Acting IT Director and a designated member of the IT Committee to participate in the interview. There was further discussion regarding an IT Committee representative. The final decision regarding a representative was tabled.
Regarding the position for the IT Director J. Driscoll said that there were fourteen responses. It was mentioned to have a representative from the IT Committee to participate in the interview, which the Selectmen agreed. J. Driscoll said that he is the Chairman of the IT Committee and took it upon himself and notified the members to see who would be interested in being a representative.
J. Driscoll also said that typically the chairman from the committees work with the department head
that are being hired and he would appoint someone unless the Selectmen would want to have a separate meeting to decide. There was some disagreement from Selectman Townshend. J. Driscoll entertained a motion that the IT Committee Chairman could nominate the liaison for the selection committee. J. Villamaino made motion, out of necessity J. Driscoll seconded. There was no further discussion. Motion passed 2-1, J. Townshend opposed.
Item number five (a) under Town Counsel was taken out of sequence being that there were staff members and Council on Aging members present wanting to discuss with the Selectmen the posting of the Executive Director for the Council on Aging position. There was some discussion regarding where to post and the thought was to post the position the same as was done for the last department head. Selectman Townshend did not agree and wanted to post for two weeks. J. Driscoll entertained a motion to post the position the same protocol as for the last department head, MMA Website, The Reminder and The Republican, for this coming Sunday and Wednesday. J. Villamaino made motion. Out of necessity J. Driscoll seconded motion. Motion passed 2-1. J. Townshend opposed. J Driscoll mentioned that the Chairman of the Council on Aging would also play a roll in the screening process and interview. J. Driscoll entertained a motion to allow the Chairman to work with the Executive Secretary for final verbiage on the actual ad for approval, same protocol as the last. J. Villamaino made motion. J. Townshend seconded motion. There was no further discussion. Motion passed.
BOARDOF HEALTH
NEW BUSINESS
The Executive Secretary mentioned that the Food Service Renewals for the period 2007- 2008 needed approval and Selectmen signatures. It was mentioned that East Longmeadow Grill and Simone’s have not submitted their paperwork for the renewal. J. Driscoll said with no food permit they should not be serving alcohol. The renewals were tabled for discussion with Town Counsel.
J. Townshend entertained a motion to approve a Temporary Food Service Permit for Graziano Gardens on Saturday, March 17, 2007 from 11am-4pm, 280 Elm Street for their 1st Annual Garden Party Motion moved by J. Villamaino. J. Driscoll seconded. There was no further discussion. Motion passed. Police and Fire recommendations will be included with permit.
Board of Selectmen Meeting 2/27/07
Board of Health New Business continued
J. Townshend entertained a motion to approve the Disposal Works Installer’s Permit for WAS Brothers Construction Inc., 2378 Boston Road, Wilbraham. J. Villamaino read the approval letter from the Health Inspector. The motion was moved by J. Villamaino. J. Driscoll seconded. There was no further discussion. Motion passed.
The Executive Secretary gave a brief summary mentioning that the Town has received a Technical Assistance Grant from the DEP with the assistance from Arlene Miller, Recycling Coordinator for Western Massachusetts. The Executive Secretary said that he has been working on a booklet with an ADD HOC Committee, Sean Kelley (DPW), Mark Green Graphic Art Teacher at the High School, and Laurie from the Board of Health Office staff. These booklets will provide a comprehensive outlook in resource for waste reduction in Town. The Committee is proposing that Board of Health allow for an amount not to exceed $2,000 to be taken out of the trash revolving account for the printing of around 3,000 booklets which will be distributed at various locations around Town.
Mr. Green has some students working on the cover for the booklet. J. Driscoll said that it is an excellent idea. J. Villamaino also liked idea and the involvement of the students. J. Townshend entertained a motion to appropriate $2,000 for the booklets. The motion was moved by J. Driscoll.
J. Villamaino seconded motion. For discussion Selectman Driscoll would like to include an electronic version on the web site. All were in favor. Motion passed.
J. Townshend entertained a motion to allow the Town of East Longmeadow pay a portion, $53.25 from the Tobacco Grant Fund, to have Sarah McColgan Tobacco Coordinator for East Longmeadow, to hold at workshop for youth education on smoking. The motion was moved by J. Driscoll.
J. Villamaino seconded. There was no further discussion. Motion passed.
CORRESPONDENCE:
The Clerk of the Board read the letter from Rachel Rosenblum, Chairman Common Cause Massachusetts regarding East Longmeadow Website. Ms. Rosenblum was asking in her letter for additional information be posted on the website, i.e., Town budget information and the General
By-laws. Another review will be conducted at end of month. J. Driscoll said to forward to the Acting IT Director to see what needs to be done to facilitate this request and report back to Selectmen.
The Clerk of the Board read the letter addressed to the Department of Public Works from
Mrs. Glenda Ball regarding her suggestions on snow removal for the elderly/handicapped and the geese at Heritage Park. J. Driscoll appreciated her concerns and will wait for the DPW response.
J. Driscoll mentioned that the residents who have sidewalks are responsible for keeping them clear of snow and ice. This needs to be done within 24 hours after a storm.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES:
J. Driscoll entertained a motion to approve the minutes of January 24, 2007, J. Villamaino made motion, J. Townshend seconded. All were in favor, there was no further discussion. Motion passed.
J. Driscoll entertained a motion to approve the minutes of December 5, 2007 with the following changes: page 2 under school committee request for assistance with charter connection, addition to the second to the last paragraph on page 5 "Mr. Townshend said that he thought it had been an
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Approval of Minutes continued
outstanding, the tape indicated that he had pushed for an outstanding twice but that it was an error and the Town Accountant would have to take her issue to the Personal Policy Committee,
ADD: as the tape indicated Mr. Townshend was the one who motioned for the grading of commendable and J. Driscoll seconded and it was a unanimous vote. One other change was on page 6, top paragraph; J. Driscoll stated that he believes that he had hired five department heads, and all have been given three-year contracts, that is not correct all of the five department heads were given three year contracts, did not mean to state that. J. Townshend made motion to approve the minutes of December 5, 2007 with the changes, J. Driscoll out of necessity, seconded. All were in favor. Motion passed. Minutes were approved.
J. Driscoll entertained a motion to approve the executive session minutes of December 5, 2007;
J. Townshend made motion, J. Driscoll out of necessity seconded. There was no further discussion. Motion passed. Minutes were approved.
J. Driscoll entertained a motion to approve the minutes of December 19, 2007. J. Townshend made motion. J. Driscoll out of necessity seconded. There was no further discussion. Motion passed. Minutes were approved
J. Driscoll entertained a motion to approve the executive session minutes for December 19, 2007,
J. Townshend made motion. J. Driscoll out of necessity seconded. There was no further discussion. Motion passed. Minutes were approved.
TOWN COUNSEL:
OLD BUSINESS
Executive Secretary to schedule an appointment for the DPW Meter Reader to meet with the Board of Selectmen at its next regularly scheduled meeting on March 12, 2007.
Regarding the Verizon Lease, Town Counsel mentioned that he had contacted the Board of Public Works and they had no objections to seek other providers for the water tower that's being abandoned by Verizon. An RFP can go out once the transfer is made to see if there is any interest in those sites.
Town Counsel gave a brief summary regarding 57 Euclid Avenue property that the Board of Selectmen sold as part of a tax title sale and imposed a restriction on the land (three parcels),
…..would not be built on by more than one dwelling. At that time the attorney representing the owner requested from the Board to waive the restriction. The Board had some concerns being that there may be a drainage issue to one of the abutting properties. The Board counter offered and then agreed to release the restrictions for a sum. The owner did not want to go with the restrictions and the Board withdrew the offer. Presently there is a new attorney representing the same property owner. Town Counsel asked if the Board wants to revisit. J. Driscoll said that willing to open up the discussion.
Board of Selectmen Meeting
Old Business Town Counsel continued
In regards to the Ambulance Contract, the Executive Secretary asked if the issue could be tabled until the March 12th Board of Selectmen meeting. Executive Secretary mentioned that he would like to speak with the Public Safety Committee Chairman. The Executive Secretary went on to say that the Ambulance services are not subject to 30B and no RFP is required, but recommends doing one. The Selectmen agreed.
NEW BUSINESS
The Selectmen noted the letter from Premier Source Credit Union and their intension to leave the property they occupy on the end of April. Executive Secretary will forward a copy of the letter to the Council on Aging and the Recreation Department.
The Community Preservation Committee Chairman is requesting that Town Counsel clarify the correspondence regarding the Community Preservation Coalition 2007 Membership Program. Town Counsel said in order to understand the organization that he would need more information on the entity. Executive Secretary to request more information.
The Selectmen noted the letter from Attorney Sasson regarding a motor vehicle accident. Town Counsel recommended forwarding on to the Town's insurance liability carrier for investigation and determination of the claim.
Regarding the correspondence from the temporary Building Inspector indication that due to his temporary status with a prior municipality the issue is his continued eligibility for health insurance. The temporary building inspector will act on a temporary part time position until the issue is resolved. Executive Secretary said that a letter needs to be drafted to the retirement board explaining the situation. Town Counsel said that the Board should suspend the existing contract by agreement of the parties and modify; have an outline what the duties should be. The Selectmen were in agreement to formalize the contract.
In regards to the request from Mr. Francis Clark spouse of the recently deceased Council on Aging Director, the Selectmen were unable to agree to his requests. J. Driscoll mentioned that it was impossible for a variety of reasons. Executive Secretary to notify Mr. Clark with the decision.
The subject was resumed regarding the licensing for the Meadows. J. Driscoll presented his concern to Town Counsel that he was not happy with the response of the license holder regarding the training of bar staff. Town Counsel said that a disciplinary hearing could be set. J. Driscoll recommended sending a letter from the Board, copy Attorney Silva, stating that the board appreciated the work that has been done in securing the downstairs but unhappy with the response on certification of his alcohol servers and would like verification of all bartenders who are certified, timeframe of two weeks. A disciplinary hearing will be set if the response is not received by the next scheduled Board meeting.
The Selectmen signed the renewals for food service licenses.
Board of Selectmen Meeting 2/27/07
continued
MEETINGS/INVITATIONS/REMINDERS
The Chairman of the Board of Selectmen read the meetings/invitations/reminders.
Regarding the Health & Homeland Alert Network & Interwise Training, the Executive Secretary said that it is computer training on the Homeland Network for the Board of Health and was put on to see if any Selectmen would like to attend or would the Board want him to attend.
J. Townshend made motion to adjourn, J. Driscoll seconded. All were in favor. There was no further discussion, Motion passed.
Meeting adjourned at 9:30 P.M.
Respectfully submitted by Lorraine Banspach, Assistant Executive Secretary
APPROVED BOARD OF
SELECTMEN MEETING TUESDAY, MAY 8, 2007
____________________________________________________________________
Jack Villamaino, Clerk of the Board of Selectmen (Note Clerk of the Board at the time of this meeting).