MINUTES
Board of Selectmen Meeting
Wednesday, April 11, 2007 at 9:00 A.M.
Town Hall Hearing Room, 60 Center Square
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
PRESENT: James Driscoll, Chairman Board of Selectmen;
Chairman of the Board of Selectmen opened the Meeting with the Pledge of Allegiance.
J. Driscoll made motion to enter into executive session for reasons of contract negotiations for Council on Aging Executive Director, J. Townshend seconded motion. Motion passed by roll call vote.
J. Townshend, yes; J. Villamaino, yes; James Driscoll, yes.
BOARD OF SELECTMEN
OLD BUSINESS
It was brought to the attention of the Board of Selectmen that Simone's Restaurant, Eric Smith, owner, has not returned their food service applications. The executive secretary said that the office has tried repeatedly to contact Mr. Smith. J. Driscoll made motion to send Mr. Smith and his landlord a letter asking them to appear at the next Board of Selectmen's meeting to discuss the status. If not in compliance all their licenses will be suspended. J. Villamaino seconded motion. There was no further discussion. All were in favor. Motion passed.
NEW BUSINESS:
Regarding the request from Maura Mara for "speed limit" signs and "go slow" signs to be installed in the Great Woods neighborhood, the Selectmen went with the recommendations of the Police Department that the "caution children" sign on Yorkshire Place be re-located another 50 feet into the development. A letter will be sent to Ms. Mara with the recommendation and also asking her to contact the Selectmen if the problem continues. DPW will be notified to re-locate the sign.
J. Driscoll made motion to approve the application for a One Day Liquor License (all alcohol), and entertainment for St. Michael's Knights of Columbus, Saturday, April 21, 2007 from 5pm - 7pm, at St. Michael's Community Center, 53 Somers Road, in conjunction with their Pasta Diner, and waiver of all fees; J. Townshend seconded motion. There was no further discussion. All were in favor. Motion passed.
J. Driscoll made motion to approve the Jaycees Annual Fishing Derby to be held at Heritage Park and approval for a Temporary Food Service Permit (approved by Health Inspector) with waiver of all fees, on Saturday, April 21, 2007 from 7am - 10:30am, in conjunction with the Police and Fire
Board of Selectmen Meeting 4-11-07
New Business continued
recommendations and approval from DPW; J. Townshend seconded motion. There was no further discussion. All were in favor. Motion passed.
There was discussion regarding the request from Kevin Brenker, to hold a road race to benefit Sgt. Ecker and his family on Sunday, May 6, 2007 at 2pm. The Police Chef spoke with the Executive Secretary and mentioned that the Safety Officer said that the route planned by Mr. Brenkar was not the one that was suggested by the police department. Chief doesn't see a problem with Mr. Brenker's route, just a little different from Police Department recommendations. It was also mentioned to the Police Chief that the date was moved from May 6th to May 20th. The Executive Secretary contacted the Town's insurance carrier and it was their suggestion that the Town not sign a hold harmless agreement as was requested in the letter; rather have a hold harmless agreement from the organizers to release the Town from liabilities. A certificate of liability insurance coverage should also be in place by the event organizers. J. Driscoll said that he did not want this to be a cost for them, suggested that some of the funds form the last event could be used. The Executive Secretary will contact
Mr. Brenker.
J. Driscoll made motion to approve the request based on them following the recommendations and restrictions from Police, Fire and Recreation Departments and also providing a certificate of liability insurance and signing a hold harmless agreement, any fees will be waived. J. Townshend seconded motion. There was no further discussion. All were in favor. Motion passed.
The Selectmen noted the copy of the letter from Tina Cafro on the condition of Tracy Lane that was sent to the DPW. The Board appreciated Ms. Cafro's concern and that will forward the letter the Superintendent of Public Works with a note to keep the Board informed of their course of action.
Regarding the Imager Device that the Police Department received through a grant that was submitted by Sgt. Sheehan, the Police Chief said that the device is values at about $10,500, and that this devise would afford the ability to look for missing children, criminals etc., in the dark following a heat source.
Sgt. Dalessio will be training to use the device. A letter will be sent to Sgt. Sheehan thanking him for his pro active had work in securing the grant. Executive Secretary to notify the media.
The Selectmen tabled the request from the Town Employees' Union to set a meeting date with the Board to discuss contract negotiations until the re-organization of the Board with regards to the changing of the Chairmanship.
Executive Secretary summarized the letter from the Planning Board regarding the Valley Vision 2 - Memorandum of Law proposal from the Pioneer Valley Planning Commission. The Selectmen tabled until the next meeting. More information is needed.
CORRESPONDENCE:
J. Driscoll entertained a motion to accept the resignation of Linda Walachowicz, Council on Aging,
J. Townshend seconded. There was no further discussion. Motion was passed. A letter will be sent thanking Ms. Walachowicz for her years of service.
Board of Selectmen Meeting 4-11-07
Correspondence continued
The Selectmen noted letters from Mr. & Mrs. Jeffrey Elkas, Jim & Barbara Cappello and Linda Walachowicz regarding the hiring of the new IT Director. J. Villamaino mentioned that he had contacted all three and that they wanted the facts. Selectman Villamaino gave them all the information on hand. J. Driscoll said that he will also respond to them as well as J. Townshend.
MEETINGS/INVITATIONS/REMINDERS
The Chairman of the Board read the meetings/invitations and reminders
J. Driscoll asked what the topic was for the MMPA May Program meeting to be held on Friday, May 4, 2007 from 10am-1:30pm, at the State House Boston.
RE-ORGANIZATION OF
THE BOARD/SELECTMEN ASSIGNMENTS
J. Driscoll asked if anyone wanted to entertain a motion. J. Townshend did not have any motions.
Out of necessity J. Driscoll nominated
J. Villamaino seconded. There was further discussion from J. Townshend regarding the qualification of someone with only three months experience being made Chairman. J. Villamaino said that he does feel that he is qualified The decision was unanimous.
J. Villamaino said that out of deference to his courtesy asked if Selectman Townshend had preference would he prefer to be nominated for Clerk or continue as Chairman Board of Health. J. Villamaino nominated J. Townshend to continue as Chairman Board of Health, J. Driscoll seconded. There was further comment from J. Driscoll suggesting that Selectman Townshend take closer look at Parliamentary and Procedures and Robert's Rules of Order so that there could be a smoother process on the votes. All were in favor. There was no further discussion. Motion passed unanimously.
J. Villamaino made motion that J. Driscoll be made Clerk of the Board, J. Townshend seconded. There was no further comments. All were in favor. There was no further discussion. Motion passed unanimously.
SELECTMEN ASSIGNMENTS
FOR THE PERIOD APRIL 11, 2007 - APRIL 8, 2008
Chairman Board of Selectmen,
Board of Selectmen Meeting 4-11-07
continued
The Selectmen referred back to Board of Selectmen New Business which was tabled until the
re-organization of the Board to determine which Selectman
would be the liaison for the East Longmeadow Town Employees'
The Board of Selectmen made the announcement that the Board approved a contract that will be offered to Ms. Carolyn Brennan, if accepted will be the new Executive Director for the Council on Aging. J. Driscoll said that Ms. Brennan has already verbally accepted to him and that the contract will be signed soon.
J. Townshend wanted to make some discussion saying that still in open session, J Villamaino said that the contract is public record and believes that the details are still an executive session matter until there is a signature on the page. J. Driscoll telephoned Ms. Brennan to announce to her that the Board voted to approve the contract as negotiated with her and needed signature. Selectman Villamiano and Selectman Driscoll signed the contract, Selectman Townshend did not sign.
J. Driscoll made motion to adjourn the meeting, J. Townshend seconded. All were in favor. There was no further discussion. Motion passed unanimously.
Meeting was adjourned at 10:25 A.M.
Minutes respectfully submitted by Lorraine Banspach, Assistant Executive Secretary
APPROVED BOARD OF
SELECTMEN MEETING, TUESDAY, JUNE 19, 2007
__________________________________________________________________________
J. Villamaino, Clerk of the Board (note: Clerk of the Board at the time of this meeting).