Selectmen’s Meeting Minutes — January
21, 2008—7:00
p.m. — Memorial
Hall
The meeting was called to order by Chairman, Joseph Judd. Other members
present: Robert Manners. Fellow member John Payne was away on vacation.
Acceptance of Minutes: a motion was made by Bob to accept the minutes
of February 7, 2008 as presented. Joe seconded the motion. Motion carried
unanimously.
Noteworthy News:
- Public Hearing with Comcast to Discuss Community needs
on February 27, 2008 at 7:00 p.m. at the Shelburne-Buckland Community
Center.
- Public Officials Training has been scheduled for March 10, 2008
at 6:00 p.m. in Memorial Hall.
OLD BUSINESS:
Senior Center Lease Update - Joe met with Senior Center representatives
and member town Selectmen. No one is pleased with the Mason's proposed
increase in annual rental fees. Joe will facilitate a meeting with
both the Masons and member towns in the near future. In the meantime,
the existing lease remains in effect.
NEW BUSINESS:
Highway Superintendent's Request to Spend in Excess
of Town Meeting Appropriation for Snow & Ice Removal - In accordance with M.G.L. Chapter 44,
section 31D "Snow and Ice Removal; emergency expenditures; reporting
requirements, Pete Hillman notified the Board of Selectmen that his
department's snow and ice budget currently reflects a deficit balance
of $14,930.15. Given the winter we have experienced thus far, coupled
with the fact that he has an additional $6,000 in bills waiting to
be paid, Pete is requesting permission to spend up to $50,000 in excess
of available funds for snow and ice related activities in fiscal year
2008. After a brief discussion, a motion was made by Bob to authorize
the Highway Superintendent's request. Joe seconded the motion. Joe
noted that the request had been discussed with the Finance Committee
and four members signed the written request. Following no further discussion,
a vote was taken. Request passed unanimously.
Executive Office of Energy & Environmental Affairs RE: Smart Growth/Smart
Energy Technical Assistance Grant - Shelburne has been awarded $20,000
for planning and design of a handicapped accessible, interpretive deck
and walkway in the area of the Glacial Potholes. The application was
a collaborative effort between the Town, the S.F.A.B.A. Partnership and
the Falls Observation Task Force.
OTHER BUSINESS:
Police Department Relocation Discussion - Bob Manners reported that he
has spoken with a representative from the Ethics Commission in order
to determine whether or not he can actively participate in discussion
relative to the proposed relocation of the police department. After
disclosing his relationship with the police department as a part-time
officer, he was informed that he can participate in discussion relative
to the proposed relocation providing the discussion is strictly limited
to location, that he file necessary paperwork, that he proclaims his
relationship with the police department publicly before entering into
discussion and providing that there is no personal financial gain.
Military Band Building - in recent weeks Joe has met with representatives
from the Military Band and most recently members of the Historical Society
to discuss the possibility of relocating the small building off of Memorial
Drive in the event the roadway could be improved to provide better access
for emergency vehicles. Joe indicated that the town does not want to
get involved with matters of private property however; Joe is willing
to facilitate dialogue between the various parties (Trinity Church, the
Military band and the Historic Society).
Sirum's Towing Bill - the Highway Superintendent received an invoice
in the amount of $246.00 that was dated from the previous fiscal year.
Rather than hold the bill for a subsequent special town meeting, the
Board voted to authorize payment using FY'08 monies.
Adjournment - a motion was made by Bob to adjourn the meeting at 7:20
p.m. Motion seconded by Joe. Motion carried unanimously.
Respectfully submitted,
Terry Mosher
Executive Secretary
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