Selectmen Meeting Minutes — July 30,
2008—3:00
p.m. — Memorial
Hall
Call to Order: the meeting was called to order by Chairman, Robert Manners.
Other members present: John Payne and Joe Judd.
Acceptance of Minutes: a motion was made by Joe to accept the minutes
of July 24, 2008 as printed. John seconded the motion. Motion carried
unanimously.
Order of Business:
Senior Center Lease Agreement - the draft lease document has been reviewed
by Counsel, representatives from the four member towns and the Masons.
Areas of the lease that have been changed as a result of those discussions
include: Section 1. Description of Property: More discussion to come;
would like to move away from limited hours of use; create a gentler,
more cooperative approach to scheduling for both parties. Add stipulation
that Masons must return the leased premises to its original state after
each use. Section 2a. Term: pending Counsel's approval, term of lease
will reflect two (2) years rather than three (3) in accordance with
M.G.L. Chapter 30B. Section 3b. Rent: delete last sentence "if
terms can be agreed upon by the parties". Section 5a Use: add "and
other appropriate uses" to last sentence. Section 7. Utilities:
last sentence remove "not to exceed five years". 14c Insurance:
will seek clarification on the type and amount of coverage held by
the Masons. Add: Closing Summary: At the end of the Mason's mortgage
period (approximately 7 years), discuss the possibility of moving away
from a monetary lease agreement; in keeping with the Mason's mission
statement.
Use of Legal Counsel - protocol for utilizing the services of Town Counsel
was discussed for clarification purposes. Everyone agreed that the policy
remains the same; Board Chairmen's and/or Committee members must seek
approval from the Chairman of the Board of Selectmen before utilizing
her services. Bob will contact Donna MacNicol and remind her of the Board's
policy.
Memorial Hall RE: Use of Air-Conditioning & Heat - in an effort to
save money and minimize energy consumption in Memorial Hall, John recommended
a policy whereby the thermostat for the air-conditioning unit be set
between 73-75 degrees in the summers months and the thermostat for the
heat be set at 68 degrees during the winter months. Everyone was in agreement
with John's recommendation.
Accounting/Treasury Department - John discussed ongoing concerns relative
to the overall operation of the town's financial department and the difficulty
he has encountered trying to arrange for a joint discussion with the
Fiscal Officer and the Treasurer. Following a brief discussion with the
Board, Bob and Joe authorized John to speak with the F.R.C.O.G. and as
well as other agencies to obtain information relative to payroll services
and other cost-saving measures.
FY'07 CDBG Grant RE: Main Street Project - following a brief
discussion, the Board requested that Terry contact John Ryan of Breezeway
Consulting to obtain more information about the overall management, oversight,
budget and payment of grant-related invoices.
Proposed Slaughterhouse Plans - on a personal level, John reported that
a group of Shelburne Center livestock farmers continue to work on proposed
plans for a cooperatively run slaughterhouse. The group is considering
the former Mohawk Orchards site located on the Colrain-Shelburne Road.
John is in the process of speaking with neighboring abutters.
Cable Advisory Committee - members of the cable advisory committee are
frustrated by the limited offerings brought forth by Comcast during cable
contract negotiations. According to John, enhancements offered by Comcast
in the proposed contract are no better; and in some cases worse than
the contract already in place. Committee members believe that Comcast's
reluctance to commit to any additional build-out of service is in-part
a result of ever-changing digital technology. If a suitable compromise
cannot be reached, the Advisory Committee may recommend a 1-2 year contract
extension.
Senior Center Energy Summit - Bob reported that there were over 75 people
in attendance at the Senior Center for an open discussion relative to
the "Home Heating Crisis" in West County. Representatives from
the Franklin County Home Care Corporation, Community Action, Triad, Regional
Housing Authority, Co-op Power as well as local and state representatives
were in attendance. The purpose of the forum was to articulate needs,
coordinate efforts around emergency fuel assistance, seek alternative
energy solutions and begin to put together a coordinated action plan
that identifies and responds to individuals in need.
Adjournment - a motion to adjourn was made by John at 4:48 p.m. Motion
seconded by Joe. Motion carried unanimously.
Respectfully submitted,
Terry Mosher
Executive Secretary |
