Selectmen Meeting Minutes — August 21,
2008—7:00
p.m. — Memorial
Hall
Call to order: The Meeting was called to order by Chairman, Manners.
Other members present: John Payne and Joe Judd.
Media: Diane Broncaccio, Greenfield Recorder
Noteworthy News:
- Many thanks to the residents of Main Street
as well as the businesses that have been affected by the Main Street
construction project.
- Both the Bridge of Flowers Road Race and the
Bridge Dinner were a great success. We were fortunate to have beautiful
weather for both occasions.
- Labor Day weekend is fast approaching.
7:00 p.m. John Ryan, Breezeway Farm Consulting,
Inc. RE: 2008 CDBG Application (Also present: Kevin Fox and Andrea
Llamas, Buckland) - the joint application
submitted by the Towns of Shelburne and Buckland received a total score
of 97 points; just one point shy of qualifying for funding. After examining
the comments of the review panel and their assigned scores, John suggested
areas in which the application can be strengthened for next year. Those
suggestions included: revisiting whether or not to include the housing
rehabilitation program; providing final construction plans rather than
preliminary; the addition of more complimentary projects (i.e. river
walk project) and more citizen participation by low to moderate income
residents. Buckland Selectmen will continue the discussion with John
Ryan at the next meeting on August 26, 2008 at 6:30 p.m. Shelburne Selectmen
are welcome to attend.
7:50 p.m. Terry Dun, E911 Coordinator RE: Numbering
of Smead Hill Road - Terry Dun explained that the manner in which households are currently
numbered on Smead Hill Road and is concerned that in its present state;
it may create confusion for emergency responders. There are 5 residents
that should be reassigned household numbers in order to correct the problem.
Terry has spoken with the affected post office about the potential renumbering
and suggests that the owners of the five residences be invited in for
a discussion. Terry Dun will coordinate the meeting time and place with
Terry Mosher.
In closing, Terry urged that the Planning Board address the subject of
common driveways in the zoning by-laws to avoid further problems with
the E911 numbering system.
Department Liaison Reports:
Police Department -the Chief is in the process of obtaining estimates
for the proposed office relocation; Sergeant Johnson's retirement is
just around the corner. Joe would like to invite him to attend the
September 4th meeting; concerns at the glacial pothole site are finally
being addressed as abutters post their access points with "No
Trespassing" signs.
Town Office - John is still working on addressing some earlier concerns;
progress is slow but steady.
Highway Department - Brook Road Slope Stabilization Project is complete;
the crew has been patching Mercy Anderson Road; highway garage roof is
in the process of being re-shingled; 1982 and 1984 trucks are being advertised
for sale; soliciting bids for the purchase of a used dump truck. John
would like the town to send a letter to the Town of Greenfield inquiring
about the repair of the Old Greenfield Road. He feels that the road in
its' present state is unsafe for travel.
Arms Library - John has been in contact with three descendants of the
Pratt family and no one is aware of any old documents relative to the
library. Laurie Wheeler is trying to locate a roof study performed by
Whetstone Engineering and trustees are trying to locate the Arms Library
Indenture of Trust dated 11/24/20. Wendy Sweetser of the Highland Communities
Initiative will be making a presentation to the Board of Selectmen in
late September relative to the Community Preservation Act; a fund whereby
monies can be used for historic preservation.
OLD BUSINESS:
Senior Center Lease Agreement - after final review of the document, John
indicated that it is a good lease; a reflection of compromise by all
parties. After no further discussion, a motion was made by John to
sign the lease. Joe seconded the motion giving thanks to everyone involved
in the process. Motion carried unanimously.
Bridge Street Sidewalks -still waiting for the Highway Superintendent
to obtain a cost estimate from a local contractor who specializes in
concrete work.
Planning Board, Zoning Board & Board of Health RE: Part-Time
Clerical Help - nine applications were received for the part-time clerical position(s).
John recommended that the Chairman's and/or designated representative
from each Board meet to review the resumes collectively and identify
three candidates for interview. Once three candidates have been identified,
the Board of Selectmen will schedule interviews.
NEW BUSINESS:
Franklin Land Trust RE: One Day Liquor License - the Franklin Land Trust
will be hosting their 10th Annual "Art in the Afternoon" auction
and fundraiser on September 13, 2008 at the Shelburne-Buckland Community
Center from 4:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. The Land Trust is requesting a one
day liquor license for the event and they are also requesting that
the $85.00 fee for said license be waived. A motion was made by John
to approve both requests providing that proof of insurance is provided
before releasing the license. Joe seconded the motion. Motion carried
unanimously.
Mohawk Youth Football RE: Helmet Drive - Amy Green, President of Mohawk
Youth Football is requesting permission to hold a "Helmet Drive" on
Saturday, August 30, 2008 at the corners of Bridge and Water Streets
from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. For the safety of the children, only parents
would be allowed to stand in the roadway. A motion was made by Joe to
approve the request. John seconded the motion. Bob recommended that parents
wear safety vests while in the roadway. Everyone agreed. Motion passed
unanimously.
F.R.C.O.G. RE: Pioneer Valley Clean Energy Collaborative - tabled until
next meeting. Terry Mosher will make copies for each Board member to
review.
OTHER BUSINESS:
Wellness Incentive Meeting - Blue Cross Blue Shield has scheduled a Wellness
Incentive Meeting for the towns of Shelburne, Buckland and Rowe on
Thursday, September 4, 2008 at 10:00 a.m. in Memorial Hall. So that
employees may attend the informational session, the Treasurer is seeking
permission from the Selectmen to allow employees to leave their jobs
for approximately 2 hours. John took exception to the fact that the
Treasurer had specifically requested that the informational session
be scheduled in the afternoon so not to interfere with employee's work
schedule yet, the insurance provider went ahead and scheduled the meeting
at their convenience. John will speak with Treasurer, Virginia Peck
to see if the date and/or time can be changed.
Ivy Palmer RE: Farmer's Market Sign - in a letter to the Board of Selectmen
Ms. Palmer was upset that the Tree Warden had removed and returned a "lovely" hand
painted farmer's market sign that she had screwed into the last maple
tree on Bridge Street as a means of advertising her farmer's market.
Ms. Palmer states that she was offended by the manner in which the Tree
Warden handled the situation. A letter will be sent to Ms. Palmer informing
her that she cannot place signs on town owned trees or utility poles.
The letter will suggest that she either contact the Zoning Board of Appeals
for more clarification on signage or seek permission from a private home
owner to place temporary signs on the lawn.
Adjournment - Joe made a motion to adjourn at 9:05 p.m. John seconded
the motion. Motion carried unanimously.
Respectfully submitted,
Terry Mosher
Executive Secretary |
