MINUTES
Board of Selectmen Meeting
Tuesday, March 27, 2007, at 6:30 P.M.
Town Hall Hearing Room, 60 Center Square
East Longmeadow, Massachusetts 01028
Present: James D. Driscoll, Chairman, Board of Selectmen;
The Chairman of the Board of Selectmen opened the meeting with the Pledge of Allegiance.
APPOINTMENT: SENIOR
CENTER DIRECTOR POSITION
Present for the interviews but not voting members were: Leon Osborne, Chairman, Council on Aging; Muriel Andwood Council on Aging member.
Questions asked are attached as part of these minutes.
6:30 P.M. – REBECCA
MORIARTY
Response for question #1: What to do with a 725 foot room at the Senior Center to make it more suitable for seniors: Replace chalk boards with white board, (dust factor); 14 foot ceilings could be a problem (sound), could use partitions to keep noise down if more that one group would be using room.
Response for question #11: Grants/Outside Funding: Has been with the Hampden Senior Center for almost five years; written grants (earmark grant; annual formula grants); has experience with going out to bid; has also worked with Title III monies which are standard grants. With the new renovation of the center would apply for more grants, state and federal funding.
Response for question #3: Solution to a mandated 2% cut for Senior Center: Has experience in cutting budgets with working in Hampden. Downsizing staff is hard. Whatever would be the least impact for seniors would be a priority. Maintaining the operation of the building would be very important.
Response for question #4. Personality conflict between two employees and/or Senior Center clients: Would be open with personnel; talk one on one and together to find out where the issue is; no problem is too big. Citizens: have dealt with seniors issues. Being open with everyone involved and finding out what the root of the problem is.
Board of Selectmen Meeting 3/27/07
Interview continued, Rebecca Moriarty
Response for question #6: Expectation of Council on Aging Board: Should be in a supportive roll to the director, should bring forth new ideas or any new policies that they see need to be changed or tweaked.
Response for question #5: Most difficult problem involving seniors/resolution: Shuffleboard courts were not surfaced properly which causes deterioration each year, have a great deal of irate seniors when they cannot be used, (tournaments etc.). Worked very quickly to have them resurfaced so seniors could utilize.
J. Villamaino asked about salary requirements and start date: Currently at the $41 thousand dollar range in Hampden, looking to a salary increase in July. Would want to give a two week notice.
Response for question #9: Feeling about outside community members using center: It was
Ms. Moriarty understanding that the East Longmeadow Senior Center was a public building. Should not be an issue, could institute the right set of guidelines for the usage.
Response for question # 8: Resolve the difference with baby boomers and the seniors: Have a lot in common and also have a lot to share with each other. Could work together to intermingle.
Is an exciting time could be a nice meshing together of the two groups.
Response for question #7: Increase participation in senior center activities: East Longmeadow newsletter is a great idea in getting the variety of programs that are run out to the public. Would come in with a few of new ideas, new programs that have not been touched upon. Implemented a new program in Hampden called “Bridges”, intergenerational program with fourth graders and seniors.
Ms. Moriarty said that she is looking for this position not to be a stepping-stone, plans to be here for a long time. Passionate for senior services. Looking to do anything to help better the lives for the seniors. Would love to work in the community in which she lives.
6:45 P.M. - SANDRA WRONA
J. Driscoll thanked Ms. Wrona for her tireless effort trying to fill the shoes of a fabulous lady, Roz Clark. Selectman Driscoll thanked Ms. Wrona’s co-workers/staff also and said what a great job that was done by all without having the services being affected, which was an impossible task.
Response for question #1: What to do with a 725 foot room in the Senior Center to make it more suitable for seniors: Would drop the ceiling. Do away with the chalkboards. Erect bulletin boards to post information for seniors. Don’t see any need to change the hardwood floors. Change the color.
Response for question #11: Grants/Outside funding: Lot of grants are needed, funding is very limited from the Town. Does not have any direct experience in obtaining grants, has worked
Board of Selectmen Meeting 3/27/07
Interview continued, Sandra Wrona
with securing clients and businesses through own business getting contracts out. Very resourceful with the computer to find out what is available.
Response for question #3: Solution to a mandated 2% cut for Senior Center: This year would be easy because of the situation. Try to reduce hours, talk with staff. There is no expense money that could be used.
Response for question #4: Personality conflict between two employees and/or Senior Center clients: Confront person outwardly, deal with the situation at that time. Handle in a timely manner before it gets out of control. Seniors: Would handle the same way, act as a mediator.
Response for question #6: Expectation of Council on Aging Board: Board oversees what the Council is responsible for. The Director carries out their wishes as far as the direction of the center. The Board sets the guidelines.
Response for question #5: Most difficult problem involving seniors/resolution: During tenure does not recall any difficult problem with any seniors.
J. Villamaino asked about salary requirements and start date: Able to stare immediately. Salary: would expect the upper part of the published range.
Response for question #9: Feeling about outside community members using center: Good thing, more groups at the center would help the revenue for the Town. Thinks it’s a win/win for everyone.
Response for question # 8: Resolve the difference with baby boomers and the seniors: Main difference is that the newer seniors are still working. Daytime is mostly retired seniors. Finding that more people would like activities after work or later in the day. Possibly could explore expanding the hours of the Center. Doesn't see a huge difference between the baby boomers and the seniors may have little bit of different needs but seem to be looking for the same programs.
Response for question #7: Increase participation in senior center activities: Would like to get additional programs going. Seniors like exercise. Would like to see more informational seminars, i.e., insurance or retirement planning. Expanding hours making it more feasible for some people that are still working.
Ms. Worna said that she does not have a strong social services background, but has good management skills. Has successfully run own business for many years. Has no doubt that she would be successful in the position.
7:00 P.M.- CAROLYN
BRENNAN
Response for question #1: What to do with a 725 foot room in the Senior Center to make it more suitable for seniors: Want to use as a multi purpose space. Always great to hear from the designers and the architects but acoustically it needs to work for the seniors. Should make the
Board of Selectmen Meeting 3/27/07
Interview continued, Carolyn Brennan
space welcoming to a senior. Huge advocate for signage to make it very clear for the elders.
Have to work with the architects.
Response for question #11: Grants/Outside funding: Grant writing is one of favorite things. One roll is sitting on the United Way community investment panel specifically for grant writing for elders. Knows what to look for when writing grants for seniors. Whole job as COA Director is writing grants.
Response for question #3: Solution to a mandated 2% cut for Senior Center: That’s the reality of the job. Need to sit with the Board members to see which programs are having the most impact and what roll each staff person plays as well as the COA Director.
Response for question #4: Personality conflict between two employees and/or Senior Center clients: Employees: Have to play roll of mediator. Often find between employees is when job descriptions are not clearly defined (big advocate of job descriptions). Personalities would be more of a challenge. Seniors: Would meet with them separately to clarify the issues, and then together.
Response for question #7:
Increase participation in senior center activities: According to the Annual Town Report it is a
very active senior center. When
renovations are done people will come out of curiosity. Residents want to see what’s happing at the
center. Amazed at everything that there
is to offer the seniors. Truly believes
that numbers aren’t everything. Firm
believer that their quality of life is better because of the
Response for question #5: Most difficult problem involving seniors/resolution: Elder transportation. Resolution was coordinating regional transportation.
J. Villamaino asked about salary requirements and start date. Would give to Selectmen for decision. Has over 12 years of experience as a Council on Aging Director, over 20 years experience working the elder network, major in Gerontology. Would not want to go down, presently working 30 hours a week, $23 dollars an hour. Would ask the Selectmen how to compensate. Would like to give 2 to 3 weeks notification.
Response for question #6: Expectation of Council on Aging Board: Council on Aging Board is vital in sharing input and giving guidance. Selectmen are the ultimate authority but the Council on Aging is absolute vital in giving direction and input and helping with tasks.
Response for question # 8: Resolve the difference with baby boomers and the seniors: Always a hot topic. Dealing with two generations and needs are different, is a challenge. Try to meet with all the groups; get together with other COA Directors and have discussions what is working in other communities; could do a survey to establish what older adults are looking for.
Board of Selectmen Meeting 3/27/07
Interview continued, Carolyn Brennan
Response for question #9: Feeling about outside community members using center: Absolute community building. Would need to have a policy in place. Problem would be having staff to clean up after and find a way to check before the group uses it, however good revenue source. Voters have supported the building, should have some access.
Shared with the Selectmen that she left the Council on Aging in 2004 to help her sister. Used the opportunity to go into the private sector. Once the Council on Aging gets into blood hard to let go. Would like to further education. Want the challenge at the Council on Aging.
7:15 P.M.- KATHLEEN
BOWEN
Response to question #1: What to do with a 725 foot room in the Senior Center to make it more
suitable for seniors: Would divide up into partitions; lower ceilings; need appropriated lighting.
Response for question #11: Grants/Outside Funding: Area has a lot of services and support. Has written a substantial amount of grants local, state and federal. The timeframe for the grants are lengthy, decided to write to the Mass. Bar Foundation to see if could obtain money from their funds to support this timeframe. Started out five years ago with five-thousand dollars support and now is twenty-thousand dollars support, has been increased every year.
Response for question #3: Solution to a mandated 2% cut for Senior Center: Look for other types of funding, i.e., local businesses, grants, United Way. The need for the Senior Center is growing, need to be aggressive.
Response for question #4. Personality conflict between two employees and/or Senior Center clients: Employee: Give respect to people and listen to them. Personality conflicts happen everywhere. Thinks there is always a positive answer to a solution and is good at finding it. Seniors: Would be a similar situation. There are always some people that do not get along. Remain calm.
Response for question #6: Expectation of Council on Aging Board: Council on Aging impacts the whole Town. COA should impact the health, wellness, physiological, transportation, every issue that an elder has, may have to do referrals. COA should be the clearing house. Most important issue that faces elders is the idea of aging in place. Want to keep them in their environment safely.
Response for question #5: Most difficult problem involving seniors/resolution: Deals often with family members. Adult children want more support in place for their elder that the elder does not want. Need to work with children and elder to come to a compromise.
J. Villamaino asked about salary requirements and start date: The range in the paper is an acceptable one and would like to be treated fairly taking background and experience into consideration. Would like to give present employer 3-4 weeks notice.
Response for question #9:
Feeling about outside community members using center: Outside community members should be welcomed. Should be mainly for
Board of Selectmen Meeting 3/27/07
Interview continued, Kathleen Bowen
Response for question # 8: Resolve the difference with baby boomers and the seniors: Presently does a lot with that, is a licensed geriatric care professional, (being able to work with families). Gave an example.
Response for question #7: Increase participation in senior center activities: Went on line and saw that there was a need assessment done. Not sure when it was done or what was completed or the response. Transportation is always an issue. Basic wellness, want to make sure those needs can be addressed.
Ms. Bowen mentioned how hard it would be to fill the shoes of Roz Clark. Would do her best to make her proud and the Town proud as well. Thinks it's a great Council. Working with elders has always been a lifelong passion. Would welcome the opportunity to work for them in that capacity.
J. Driscoll asked the members of the Council on Aging what
comments they had to share regarding the interviews: Leon Osborne: All were very good, was looking
towards the candidates who had more senior center experience. The candidate Mr. Osborne would lean towards,
Carolyn Brennan. Muriel Andwood: All excellent candidates, very privileged to
have such wonderful people apply.
Looking for a candidate who is most qualified to address the serious
needs of the
J. Driscoll thanked Mr. Osborne and Ms. Andwood for all their involvement with the Senior Center and for their involvement during the interview process.
J. Townshend: Impressed with all candidates, very tough call. Recommendation Rebecca Moriarty based upon the answer to the salary question.
J.Villamaino: Would be a lot of challengers in filling Roz Clark's shoes. Recommendation would be Carolyn Brennan, has twelve years experience as a Senior Center Executive Director, experience in grant writing.
J. Driscoll: Interviewed four very solid candidates. Recommendation would be for Carolyn Brennan, because of experience, second most important grant writing.
J. Driscoll made a motion to offer the position to Carolyn Brennan and for the Chairman to enter into negotiations with her on behalf of the Board of Selectmen. There was no second to the motion. J. Driscoll seconded the motion. There was further discussion from J. Townshend.
Motion passed 2-0, J. Townshend abstained. J. Driscoll asked why Selectman Townshend abstained, reason being is that he felt Rebecca Moriarty had the education and experience and came at a lesser salary range. J. Driscoll said that the Selectmen are accountable to the people who elected them and abstaining in a situation as this is cowardliness, should have been either for or against.
Board of Selectmen Meeting 3/27/07
continued
APPOINTMENTS:
8:00 P.M. - POLICE
CHIEF MONTHLY MEETING
The Police Chief was looking for support from the Selectmen to go forward on the Goods for Guns program to take place at the Police Station, on Saturday, April 28, 2007 from 10am-4pm. Judge Daniel Swords from the Juvenile Court, the District Attorney, local physicians in the greater Springfield area and Wal-Mart are involved in this program. Gift certificates from Wal-Mart will be given out to those who turn weapons in. The weapons will be turned over to the State Police. The Police Chief described how the drop off would be handled when a person turns in a weapon. J. Townshend made a motion to allow the Police Chief to go forward with the Goods for Guns Program on Saturday, April 28, 2007, from 10am-4pm, at the Police Station 160 Somers Road. J. Villamaino seconded the motion. There was no further discussion. All were in favor. Motion passed.
Police Chief mentioned a request from Sister Mary of St. Michaels Parish to have a procession on the eve of Easter Sunday, Holy Saturday at the Rotary. Police Chief will forward more information to the Selectmen. J. Driscoll entertained a motion to approve Sister Mary’s request, pending the Police Chief’s recommendation. J. Townshend seconded the motion. All were in favor. There was no further discussion. Motion passed.
Clerk of the Board read the letter from the Building Inspector to Bach Towing regarding the excess of vehicles at the site. Police Chief said that he had recently re-visited the site, spoke with the owner and they are in the process of moving some vehicles. The Chief does not foresee any other problems.
The Executive Secretary mentioned that under Board of Selectmen Old Business there was a letter from Attorney Manning regarding Club Meadows giving an update on the certifications of staff employees. The Clerk of the Board read the letter.
Regarding the supplemental budget and the school resource officer position, the Chief mentioned that the Appropriations Committee wanted more of an explanation on the statistics for this position. The Chief and his secretary worked on the figures and were able to “knock it down”.
If the grant money stays in tack could perhaps start the program in the other schools. Police Department and the Superintendent of Schools will work together. Information will be forwarded to Appropriations Committee.
The Chief explained the portion of the budget that the Appropriation Committee questioned regarding overtime. The Chief clarified how it should have read.
8:00 P.M.- ROBERT
STODOLISKI, GENERAL MANAGER, CENTRAL MASS
DISPOSAL
Mr. Stodoliski came before the Board regarding the letter sent to the Selectmen requesting payment in the amount of $7,146.46 for the Hazardous Household Waste Collection Day. According to the contract the Town is allowed one day for this service. Mr. Stodoliski
Board of Selectmen Meeting 3/27/07
Appointment continued
mentioned that Arlene Miller, Regional Coordinator for the DEP, gave an explanation to the excessive amount. J. Driscoll was sympathetic but mentioned that he does not see how the Town could be held liable. J. Driscoll suggested that Mr. Stodoliski go to Clean Harbors and make a case with them. Chairman Driscoll said it would be a futile effort if they had to go back to Appropriations. The discussion continued.
In regards to the parking lot bill that the Town is asking for Central Mass Disposal to pay for the damage that was done by one of their trucks, Town Counsel explained that if the entry to the dumpster had been performed in the normal way this never would have occurred. Town Counsel said that the Town is correct in seeking payment. There was further discussion. Mr. Stodoliski will present to his supervisors and will contact the Board of Selectmen.
New Business was brought up by Selectman Driscoll regarding an amendment to the liquor license held by Aldo Fazio. The Clerk of the Board read the request from Aldo Fazio, owner of Fazio's Restaurant asking that the restrictions on his liquor license be amended. This request was tabled. A public hearing is needed to amend such a request. The Executive Secretary will contact Mr. Fazio and inform him of the procedure.
BOARD OF SELECTMEN
OLD BUSINESS:
Regarding the concerns of the Senior Center Study Committee, J. Driscoll mentioned that information will be gathered regarding concerns and will set up a meeting with the architect, Board of Selectmen, the Senior Center Study Committee and the new COA Director.
The Clerk of the Board read the draft letter for approval from the Board of Health recommended by the Health Inspector to the Appropriations Committee regarding the mosquito-spraying program. J. Driscoll made motion to sign letter to Appropriations Committee regarding the mosquito-spraying program, J. Villamaino seconded. There was no further discussion. All were in favor. Motion passed.
BOARD OF SELECTMEN
NEW BUSINESS:
J. Driscoll made motion to approve the recommendations from the Police and Fire Department for Site Plan Approval for Inglewood Realty Trust, Deer Park Industrial Subdivision at parcel 5, Benton Drive. J. Villamaino seconded. There was no further discussion. All were in favor. Motion passed.
J. Driscoll made motion to approve the recommendations from the Police Department and Fire Department for the Site Plan and Definitive Plan submitted by Everett D. Suffriti, d/b/a/ EDS Development for Ramona Circle. J. Townshend seconded. There was no further discussion. All were in favor. Motion passed.
J. Driscoll made motion to approve the recommendations from the Police Department and Fire Department for the Site Plan submitted by Associated Builders, Inc., on behalf of Benton
Board of Selectmen Meeting 3-27-07
New Business continued
Professional Partners, LLC, Parcel 6C – Benton Drive. J. Townshend seconded. There was no further discussion. All were in favor. Motion passed.
J. Driscoll made motion for the Rotary Club to have a Shrub & Tree Sale, on Saturday April 28, 2007 from 7am-4pm, and also for a temporary one-day sign/banner, at Heritage Park parking lot. J. Townshend seconded motion. There was no further discussion. All were in favor. Motion passed.
FYI for the Board from the Executive Secretary was notification that a final read and a signature for the warrant will be on the 24th of April.
J. Driscoll made motion to approve the request from ACCGS Chamber After 5 Event for a One Day Liquor License (all alcohol), and temporary food service on Wednesday, April 11, 2007 from 3:30pm-7:00pm, at Healthrax, 45 Crane Avenue. J. Townshend seconded. There was no further discussion. All were in favor. Motion passed.
J. Driscoll gave a report on a fund raiser held on Sunday at Romito’s for Sgt. Ecker. Close to $23,000 was raised. J. Driscoll also gave an update on the progress of Sgt. Ecker.
BOARD OF HEALTH
NEW BUSINESS:
J. Townshend made motion to approve the nomination of Inspector of Animals for Linda Johnson, and Jessica O’Brien, from April 30, 2007 through May 1, 2008. J. Driscoll seconded all were in favor. There was no further discussion. Motion passed.
J. Townshend made motion to approve the License to Practice Massage Therapy for David Gregoire, 68 Edbert Street, Chicopee, practicing at Holistic Retreat, Inc., 280 North Main Street. J. Villamaino seconded. There was no further discussion. All were in favor. Motion passed.
J. Townshend made motion to approve the License to Practice Massage Therapy for Chiara Maione, 70 Edgewater Road, Agawam, practicing at Peoples Massage, 145 Shaker Road.
J. Villamaino seconded. All were in favor. There was no further discussion. Motion passed.
The Board noted the mosquito spraying quotes. Would be the same as last year. Rebecca Lynn Flying Services Inc. from Livingston NY will be spraying.
J. Townshend made motion to approve the request from Maria Murphy to hold their annual “Jog-A-Long” on Friday, April 27, 2007, and that no mosquito spraying will be taking place on that day. J. Driscoll seconded. There was no further discussion. All were in favor. Motion passed.
The Board noted the FY 2007 payment for “good” recycling from Waste Management Recycle America and MassDEP in the amount of $25,488.45.
The Selectmen noted the hard copy of the cover design for the Environmental Services Guide.
Board of Selectmen Meeting 3-27-07
continued
The Selectmen addressed the e-mail from the Appropriations Committee regarding budget questions: Police budget question was addressed at the Chief’s appointment earlier in the meeting; the mosquito spraying was addressed, a letter was signed by the Selectmen to submit to the Appropriations Committee; IT Department re-submitted their budget; ELCAT, the letter was signed which included the Selectmen’s recommendations and will be submitted to the Appropriations Committee; The only budget that was not at 3% was the Town Clerk’s. The Town Clerk submitted an explanation to the Appropriations Committee and received their approval. Regarding the COA supplemental budget for the activities director going from part-time to full-time was agreed upon by the Selectmen contingent upon outside funds only. If there were no longer outside funds available than the position would revert back to part-time. Leave for the new COA Director to address. J. Townshend made motion to have the part-time activities director move to a full-time position contingent upon supplemental budget with alternative funding. J. Villamaino seconded the motion. There was no further discussion. All were in favor. Motion passed. Appropriations will be notified.
TOWN COUNSEL
OLD BUSINESS
Regarding Euclid Avenue, Town Counsel said there was nothing new to report. The Executive
Secretary will follow-up with the attorney that is handling this.
J. Driscoll entertained a motion to enter into executive session for reasons of personal information and potential liturgics situation and litigation strategy to return to open.
J. Townshend seconded the motion. All were in favor by roll call vote. There was no further discussion. Motion passed.
J. Villamaino spoke regarding forwarding of e-mails to all Selectmen and the executive secretary and the possibility that the set-up could violate the open meeting law. J. Villamaino also said that the school board in Longmeadow had a similar situation with members communicating electronically. Town Council mentioned that there could be a problem if there are only two or three board members. There was a lengthily explanation regarding the violation of the open meeting law by Town Counsel. The executive secretary wanted clarification as to the direction he should be going forward with. It was determined that Selectman Driscoll and Selectman Villamaino do not want to be copied on any e-mails.
There was no discussion on the Ambulance update.
Regarding update on Corporate Cost Solutions Town Counsel said that he is waiting for the status on the response of the insurance carrier from Attorney Hayes.
NEW BUSINESS:
Town Counsel said that Cingular was asking the Town to renew the lease. The lease is for ten years in order to renew the lease the Town would have to go out for an RFP for the cell tower. J. Driscoll entertained a motion to have the executive secretary begin an RFP for cell tower providers beginning January 2008. J. Townshend seconded. All were in favor. There was no further discussion. Motion passed.
Board of Selectmen Meeting 3-27-07
Town Counsel New Business continued
The Clerk of the Board read the letter that was given to the Chairman of the Board from Kathy S. regarding an incident on Maple Street involving the Superintendent of Public Works. The letter will be forward to the Department of Public Works and the Selectmen are concerned with the Superintendent's behavior and would appreciate if they would address it.
J. Driscoll made public that the Selectmen has approved and signed the contract formerly with Ryan Quimby as the Town's permanent IT Director.
Correspondence:
The Clerk of the Board read the correspondence from Attorney Peter Smith regarding his request for copies of ELCAT video/audio tapes of the Board of Selectmen meetings of 8/15/06; 3/13/06 & 3/19/07. The ELCAT Director said that it would be a week to get the information requested by Attorney Smith. J. Townshend said that he had contacted the Attorney's office to inquire to why such a request, has not received a return call as yet.
MEETINGS/INVITATIONS/REMINDERS
The Chairman of the Board of Selectmen read the meetings/invitations/reminders.
J. Driscoll will attend the ground breaking ceremony for the
new modular classrooms at Meadow Brook Elementary School on Monday April 2,
2007 at 12 Noon. J. Villamaino mentioned
that he was invited at the last school board meeting he attended.
J. Driscoll entertained a motion to adjourn, J. Townshend seconded the motion. There was no further discussion. All were in favor. Motion passed.
Meeting adjourned at 10:55 P.M.
Minutes respectfully submitted by Lorraine Banspach, Assistant Executive Secretary
APPROVED BOARD OF
SELECTMEN MEETING, TUESDAY, JUNE 19, 2007
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