MINUTES

Board of Selectmen Meeting

Tuesday, May 22, 2007 at 7:00 P.M.

Town Hall Hearing Room, 60 Center Square

East Longmeadow, Massachusetts 01028

 

Present: Jack Villamaino, Chairman, Board of Selectmen, Joe Townshend, Chairman, Board of Health, James Driscoll, Clerk of the Board

 

The Chairman of the Board of Selectmen opened the meeting with the Pledge of Allegiance.

 

APPOINTMENT

7:00 P.M. – GREGORY BOYCE, TOBACCO COMPLIANCE OFFICER CANDIDATE

Mr. Boyce gave a brief description of his background and his interest in the position of Tobacco Compliance Officer.  Mr. Boyce mentioned that he has a degree from the University of Massachusetts and will have his Masters Degree completed by the end of the year.  Mr. Boyce has ten years of experience enforcing tobacco control regulations for various towns in Western Mass. Mr. Boyce is going to school full-time, is currently a  police officer in several communities and also has extensive certifications related to law enforcement. J. Townshend said he is very well qualified.  J. Driscoll asked what his comments were on law enforcement.  Mr. Boyce said to be objective and fair.  J. Driscoll asked about education verses sending in under age persons in compliance checks.  Mr. Boyce said that it should be a combination, which has proven to be the most effective by the Tobacco Control Program.  

 

J.  Villamaino entertained a motion to appoint Gregory Boyce the East Longmeadow  Tobacco Compliance Officer.  J. Townshend seconded the motion.  There was no further discussion.  All were in favor.  Motion passed.

 

7:15 P.M. - JAMES LEFEBVRE

Mr. LeFebvre came before the Board to discuss the future of the Depot, which sits on Mr. LeFebvres' property.   Mr. LeFebvre went on to say that the property has been sold and the new owners are not enamored with the Depot.  The timeframe for a decision on the Depot would be mid August.  Mr. LeFebvre went on to say that he is willing to donate the Depot to the Town if they

 would pay to have it moved to another location.  Community Preservation money could be used but only a percentage could be utilized for the restoration of historical buildings. 

J. Villamaino said that inquiries should be made to find out whether or not the Depot is able to be placed somewhere and also whether or not funds are available to make this project feasible with the funds available without affecting the taxpayers.  The Selectmen agreed that the Depot has too much history to allow it to go to the wayside. 

 

 

 

 

Board of Selectmen Meeting, May 22, 2007

continued

 

7:30 P.M. – POLICE CHIEF MONTHLY MEETING

The Police Chief mentioned that he had spoken with the Executive Secretary and the Police Department Tow Policy will be brought up at the June 19th Selectmen’s Meeting. The Police Chief went on to say that he would like to change one of the formats regarding lot locations and would like it to be specific.   The chief also said that the towing policy needs to be changed to read that the Board of Selectmen will enter into negotiations with the towing vendors rather than the Police Chief entering into negotiations.  

 

The Chief gave an update on the new police officers and will be out on their own around

June 3rd. 

 

The Chief also mentioned that with the success of the Town Meeting held last night (May 21st.) all indications are a "go" for the new school resource position.  

 

The Chief mentioned that he has been in touch with Civil Service and still have one reserve intermittent officer on the list for the Town, Mr. Atwater.  The Chief went on to say that the problem is in accordance with the civil service representative, is that before any interview can be made or before Mr. Atwater is asked, a re-hire list has to be gone through which consists of about thirty names.   

 

J. Villamaino made a motion to approve the minutes of February 27, March 5, March 13 and March 19, 2007.   J. Townshend seconded.  There was no further discussion. Motion passed.

 

BOARD OF SELECTMEN

NEW BUSINESS

J. Villamaino entertained a motion to approve the recommendations from the Police Department regarding the safety concerns on Somers Road.  J. Townshend seconded.  There was no further discussion.  All were in favor.  Motion passed.

 

J. Villamaino entertained a motion that East Longmeadow ask the MMA to place East Longmeadow on the list of Town’s in their E-mail.  J. Townshend seconded.  There was no further discussion.  All were in favor.  Motion passed.

 

J. Villamaino entertained a motion to approve the Police and Fire recommendations for Site Plan Review for Excel Dryer, 357 Chestnut Street.  J. Townshend second.  There was no further discussion.  All were in favor.  Motion passed.

 

J. Villamaino made motion to approve the list of new officers for the Council on Aging as presented.  J. Townshend seconded.  There was no further discussion.  All were in favor.  Motion

passed.  The Selectmen noted the list of appointed members.   At the request of the Selectmen the Executive Secretary will send a letter to the officers thanking them for their time and dedication. 

 

 

Board of Selectmen Meeting, May 22, 2007

New Business continued

 

Regarding the Board of Selectmen meetings for the months of June – August, Selectman Villamaino mentioned that the Selectmen do not plan to meet on July 3rd  , which is the evening of the annual fireworks display.  An emergency meeting could be scheduled if necessary. 

J. Villamaino entertained a motion to accept the list as printed with the exception of July 3rd. 

J. Townshend seconded.  There was some discussion from the Executive Secretary.  All were in favor.  Motion passed.

 

OLD BUSINESS

The Clerk of the Board read the letter from the Fire Chief in regards to his retirement and the search for a new Fire Chief.

 

The Board noted the letter from Tim Seeley, Chairman of Community Preservation. Executive Secretary gave a brief summary regarding board members and anyone interested in becoming a member.  Other issue mentioned was that of the Agawam Town Councilor asking other Community Preservation Committee Board members to consider sending a letter to the local delegation asking to oppose the legislature as described in their letter.  J. Villamaino entertained a motion to send letter to the local delegation as proposed by the Agawam Town Councilor. 

J. Townshend seconded.  There was no further discussion.  Motion passed.  

 

BOARD OF HEALTH

NEW BUSINESS

The Board noted the Hazardous Waste Collection Day scheduled for Saturday, September 8, 2007 at Minnechaug Regional High School. 

 

J. Villamaino mentioned that Central Mass Disposal agreed that they will pay the full amount of $7,146.40 charge by allowing a deduction in the monthly charge for service in the months of May and June and pay the Town of Longmeadow for the Hazardous Household Waste Collection.  The Executive Secretary mentioned that Central Mass Disposal wanted to put a cap in the amount of $2,500 to their contribution for future waste collection days.  Selectman Townshend was opposed to the request for a cap.  The issue will be tabled for discussion with Town Counsel. 

 

The Selectmen signed the renewal of the Milk & Cream Licenses.

 

CORRESPONDENCE:

The Selectmen noted the letter from Susan Grimaldi regarding the East Longmeadow Rotary Summer Concert Rules.

 

J. Driscoll mentioned that he had spoken with Peter Daggett from Mountianview School and his ideas for consideration for a Skateboard Park in East Longmeadow.  Selectman Driscoll asked

 

Peter Daggett to forward a letter with his request and a time will be set up for him to meet with the Selectmen to discuss his ideas.  

 

 

 

Board of Selectmen Meeting, May 22, 2007

Correspondence continued

 

The Selectmen noted the letter from the Fire Chief regarding the fire on Garland Avenue.

 

The Selectmen noted the letter from Massachusetts Water Pollution Abatement Trust.

 

MEETINGS/INVITATIONS/REMINDERS

The Chairman of the Board of Selectmen read the meetings/invitations/reminders.

 

Selectman Villamaino will attend the Annual Memorial Day celebration on May 28, 2007.

 

Selectman Villamaino will attend the Local Emergency Planning Committee on Wednesday, May 30, 2007 at 6:30 P.M., at the East Longmeadow Fire Station.

 

All three Selectmen will attend the Reception and Open House at the Fields of Chestnut, a Dan Roulier & Associates project at 4 Broadleaf Circle on Thursday, May 31, 2007 from 5:30pm – 8:30pm.

 

J. Driscoll mentioned that the Selectmen as a Board has a liability to go through the NIMS training.  Executive Secretary to contact Hampden to see how they coordinated their training.

 

TOWN COUNSEL

OLD BUSINESS

The discussion continued regarding the proposal from Central Mass Disposal and the request for a cap in the amount of $2,500 for future Hazardous Household Waste Collection in Town.  The Executive Secretary mentioned that he spoke with Arlene Miller, agent for the Town, and explained to the Selectmen that investigations have been performed that there was no conclusion how the cost was miscalculated.  It was mentioned that tighter controls would be in place for the next collection day.  J. Villamaino said that there is no compelling reason to re-negotiate the contract, and that the Town will not pay the additional amount that is requested to be paid by Central Mass Disposal for the overage.  Selectman Townshend and Selectman Driscoll agreed.      

 

Executive Secretary mentioned he is asking for clarification for the proper radius when notifying abutters by certified mail in conjunction with application for Liquor Licenses.  Last license approved was for the transfer of a Used Car Dealers License where the abutters were notified using the 300 feet radius. Town Counsel said that according to the statute, Chapter 138, notification is to the physical abutters to the parcel that is to be licensed, plus another 500 feet radius for hospitals, schools and churches.  Town Counsel said that it would be a good idea to keep it uniform and suggested that the Board adopt a policy to use the 300 feet radius as determined by the records of the Assessors to be applied for all licenses.  J. Driscoll moved in accordance with Town Counsel’s recommendation for all the licensees the policy for the abutters

to be notified will be within the 300 feet radius in consistent with all licenses.  J. Townshend seconded.  There was no further discussion.  All were in favor.  Motion passed.

 

 

 

 

Board of Selectmen Meeting, May 22, 2007

Old Business Town Counsel

 

The Selectmen noted the request for postponement of Hearing regarding Police Department personnel.

 

Town Counsel explained the Annual Performance Bond with Eco/Springfield.  Notification will be sent to Eco/Springfield with the Board’s decision, in conjunction with the recommendation of Town Counsel to keep the Bond in place.

 

Regarding the correspondence from Paul Cooke and ADA compliance with the access to the crosswalk in connection with the rotary, Town Counsel mentioned that he had spoken with Senior Project Manager, Sean Kelley and the access is in the process of being completed.  The second location in question will require more investigation.  Town Counsel will be working with DPW to review the matter. 

 

Town Counsel said the request made by a resident for a copy of the Temporary Building Commissioner’s contract is a valid request and could be sent out. 

 

J. Villamaino made a motion to adopt the language of the legal notice regarding amendment to the rules and regulations of the Board of Selectmen acting as the Licensing Commission regarding training for bartenders and servers employed by on-premise alcohol beverage license holders.  J. Townshend seconded.  There was no further discussion.  All were in favor.  Motion passed. 

 

NEW BUSINESS

Regarding the request from Cingular Wireless to renew their lease on the tower at the Fire Station, Town Counsel said he did not have an opportunity to review the existing lease.  Town Counsel said that he does not believe the existing lease allows for renewals currently beyond the term, and if that is the case will need to go out to bid.  Not proper to enter into negotiations without RFP’s.

 

J. Villamaino entertained a motion to enter into executive session for matters of non- collective-bargaining contract negotiations, contract negotiations and personal review  return to open session only to adjourn.  J. Townshend second.  All were in favor.  Motion passed by roll-call vote, Selectman Townshend, yes, Selectman Driscoll yes, Selectman Villamaino, yes. 

 

J. Villamaino made motion to adjourn.  J. Townshend seconded.  All were in favor.  Motion passed.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Board of Selectmen Meeting, May 22, 2007

continued

 

Meeting adjourned at 8:30 P.M.

Minutes respectfully submitted by Lorraine Banspach, Assistant Executive Secretary.

 

APPROVED BOARD OF SELECTMEN MEETING, MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 25, 2007.

 

 

____________________________________________________________________

James Driscoll, Clerk of the Board