Selectmen’s Meeting Minutes — October
30, 2007—4:00
p.m. — Memorial
Hall
Call to Order: the meeting was called to order by Chairman
Judd at 4:00 p.m. Other members present: John Payne and Robert
Manners.
Executive Session:
A motion was made by John to enter into executive session for the purpose
of considering the discipline or dismissal of, or to hear complaints
or charges brought against an employee. The motion was seconded
by Bob. Chairman, Joe Judd announced that the Board would reconvene
in open session following the executive session. A roll call
vote was taken as follows: Joe – yes; Bob – yes and John – yes.
The Board reconvened in open session at 5:10 p.m.
Other Business:
Main Street Reconstruction RE: Award of Engineering & Design
Services Contract – Three proposals were received from
engineering firms as a result of Shelburne’s request for proposals
for the Main Street project. The firms were: Stantec Consulting
of Northampton, MA; Weston & Sampson from Peabody, MA; and Stevens & Associates
from Brattleboro, Vt. Pete Hillman, Terry Mosher, Bob Manners
and John Ryan reviewed and evaluated each proposals. Terry, Bob
and Pete interviewed each firm and Breezeway Farm Consulting conducted
the reference checks. A lengthy discussion ensued regarding the
advantages and disadvantages of each firm. The consensus of the
review committee; although not unanimous was to offer the contract
to Weston & Samson. Joe was sensitive to the issue of loyalty
noting the longstanding relationship the town has had with Stantec
Consulting along with the overall quality of their work. Setting
loyalty aside, both John and Bob agreed that the information presented
was overwhelmingly in favor of Weston & Sampson and it is the responsibility
of the town to choose the best firm. A motion was made by Bob
to award the engineering and design contract to Weston & Sampson. John
seconded the motion. The motion passed in a two to one vote: Bob
and John in favor; Joe opposed.
Apex Orchard Lease Renewal – the town’s
lease with Apex Orchard is due to expire in early November. Joe
recommended that the Board renew the lease for a five year term. This
will represent the second lease renewal since the town purchased the
property in 1997. Pete Hillman will discuss minor changes with
the lessee before the document is brought before both parties for signature. No
further action taken.
Contract for Legal Services RE: Cable Contract Negotiations – John
presented a revised legal service retainer for Attorney William August
who has been selected to assist the towns of Buckland and Shelburne with
the Comcast cable television license renewal proceedings and negotiations. John
reviewed the minor revisions relative to payment for services and found
the document to be in order. John made a motion to accept the agreement
as presented. Motion seconded by Bob. Motion carried unanimously.
Arms Library – Bob met with Town Counsel this
week with the hopes setting the wheels in motion to better clarify
the relationship between the town and the Board of Trustees as well
as determine the responsibilities of each party in terms of ownership
and maintenance of the library building. The first step will
be to evaluate the deed, and then locate the trust documents to determine
whether or not the money allocated is being spent in accordance with
the trust provisions.
Correspondence:
Shelburne Falls Fire District RE: School Street Project -
the Board of Selectmen received a letter of concern from the Water
Commissioners concerning the “apparent lack of expertise” of
the workers on the current School Street project. The letter
states that the contractors have been difficult to work with, have
not stuck to the hours of operation and have broken many water services
on the street. As a result, the problems have proven to be costly
for the District. Terry Mosher stated that a representative of
the Water Department has attended the construction meetings and there
has been no mention of water-related concerns. The letter has
been forwarded to both Breezeway Farm and Stantec Consulting with the
hopes that the matter will be addressed.
Adjournment: a motion was made by Bob to adjourn the
meeting at 5:55 p.m. The motion was seconded by John. Motion
passed unanimously.
Respectfully submitted,
Terry Mosher
Executive Secretary
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