Selectmen’s Meeting Minutes — July 12, 2007—7:00 p.m. — Memorial Hall

Chairman Joseph Judd called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m.  Other members present: Robert Manners and John Payne.  Joe announced that there was question as to whether or not the posting of tonight’s meeting was adequate therefore this evening’s meeting would be considered an informational session.  There would be no deliberations amongst members of the Board and no decisions would be made.  Joe recommended that the Board reschedule tonight’s meeting for the purpose of conducting business on Tuesday, July 17, 2007 at 3:00 p.m.  Members will check their schedule and let the Executive Secretary know if they can be present.

Acceptance of meeting Minutes: June 28, 2007 – passed over.

Noteworthy News: longtime resident Edgar Gould passed away recently.  Joe Judd read a statement of tribute in his memory.

Chairman’s Report – Joe read a prepared statement outlining what he envisions for the new fiscal year.  He is hoping to find constructive ways to entertain dialogue; he would like to set aside “old” issues and personal attacks; he will be requesting that individuals wishing to appear before the Board for a non-emergency appointment make their request in writing within 5 days of the Board’s scheduled meetings, he will be requesting that a time limit be adhered to during the public comment period and he will be asking the Planning Board, the Zoning Board, the Conservation Commission, the F.R.C.O.G. and any other body that is involved to begin their work again on the zoning by-law revisions.

Department Liaison Reports:
Highway – Bob reported that the crew has begun drainage work on some of the town’s roads.  Members of the department have several questions about the change to bi-weekly payroll.  Bob will ask the employees to compile their questions and he will forward them to the Treasurer.

* Selectboard member John Payne excused himself from the meeting so that he could attend a Planning Board meeting.

Old Business:
Arms Library – Bob reported that he has a tentative meeting date scheduled with the Library Trustees in mid-August.

Senior Center Lease - Joe reported that the Masons are working with their legal counsel to draft a new lease.

Outstanding FY’08 Appointments – passed over

Village of Mutianyu – Bob reported that he had a conversation with Julie Upton-Wang following the Chinese delegates visit to Shelburne Falls.  She stated that everyone had a wonderful time and was intrigued by the Shelburne Falls Area Business Association.   The S.F.A.B.A. is trying to organize a reciprocal visit to our Sister village in the fall of 2008.

Draft Tobacco Policy –passed over.

Senior Center Director Position – passed over.

New Business:
Invitation to meet with Buckland Selectmen RE; Shared Use of Equipment – passed over.

Rachel Popowich RE: Boswell’s Harry Potter Book Party – passed over.

S.F.A.B.A. Road Race RE: Request to Use Memorial Hall – passed over.

Dept of Housing & Community Development Grant Award – Shelburne’s application was funded in full ($833,000).  The grant will allow the town to refurbish a portion of Main Street; demolish the Cross Street barn and provide funding for housing rehabilitation.

Moderator’s Appointment to Finance Committee – the Moderator reappointed Jerry Dubie and Lynn Benander for a three-year term.  The Moderator also appointed John Wheeler to a vacant seat with a term expiring in 2009. 

Correspondence: noted; no action taken.
- Boston & Maine Railroad RE: Herbicide Application
- Mass Dept. of Education RE: M.T.R.H.S.  FY’08 Budget
- Kathy O’ Rourke RE: Letter of Appreciation
- Daniel Field, Falls Cable Corp RE: Televised Coverage of Selectmen’s Meetings
- Mark DeJackome RE: Inaccuracies & Omissions in Selectmen’s Minutes

7:18 p.m. Bob Manners suggested that the Board recess until their 7:45 p.m. appointment arrived.  Joe agreed.

7:45 p.m. Chris Martin RE: Pioneer Valley Energy Plan – a small group of residents have been meeting informally since last fall to discuss the development and promotion of sustainable energy and to encourage conservation.  The group recently assisted the F.R.C.O.G. by reviewing the draft Pioneer Valley Clean Energy Plan and submitting their comments.  This group of local residents would like to invite representatives from area Boards of Selectmen to attend their next meeting which will be held on August 7 with the hopes of gaining their support and broadening the level of participation.  Shelburne resident John Walsh stated that there is a great deal of expertise within the membership of the group and they would like to offer the town their services through energy audits, etc.  Joe invited members to return to the Selectmen’s afternoon meeting on Tuesday, July 17th so that the Board could actively engage in discussion.

8:00 p.m. Peggy Sloan RE: Route 112 Scenic By-Way Committee – appeared before the Board to provide an update on the Route 112 Scenic By-Way Corridor Management Plan Project (a program funded through the federal transportation legislation).  The project encompasses a 53-mile corridor along Route 112 and once complete would enable towns to become eligible for funding for streetscape improvements; development of visitor centers; protection of scenic land and development or improvements to a scenic “turnout”.   The next meeting of the Committee will take place on August 15th at 7:00p.m., Memorial Hall, Shelburne.

Meeting adjourned 8:10 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,
Terry Mosher
Executive Secretary