Selectmen Meeting Minutes — March 30, 2009—7:00 p.m. — Memorial Hall.

Call to Order: the meeting was called to order by Chairman Manners. Other members present: John Payne and Joseph Judd.

Acceptance of Minutes: a motion was made by Joe to accept the minutes of March 16th, March 19th and March 24th as presented. John seconded the motion. Motion passed unanimously.

Noteworthy News: Joe will be appearing on Channel 57 along with Linda Dunlavy of the F.R.C.O.G. on April 8th at 7:30 p.m. to discuss small town issues.

Department Liaison Reports:
Police - nothing to report.

Town Office - John provided an overview of the proposed Accounting Service Contract prepared by the F.R.C.O.G. for fiscal year 2010. He provided copies for each of the Selectmen to review and will forward one to Town Counsel as well. John also reported that he will be working with the Tax Collector to begin taking action on those properties that are severely delinquent on real estate taxes (i.e. tax liens and/or foreclosures). John will keep the Board apprised of any developments.

Highway - Bob reported that the highway department has been busy chipping and burning brush.

7:15 p.m. Brian McQue, Franklin County Housing & Re-Development Authority and John Ryan, Breezeway Farm Consulting RE: Housing Rehabilitation Funds - The towns of Shelburne and Buckland were awarded $150,000 in Community Development Block Grant funds that will enable up to five low to moderate income households to bring their homes into code compliance, do needed repairs, weatherize their homes and eliminate lead-based paint hazards. Qualified applicants may be eligible for a full or partial deferred payment loan, up to a maximum of $30,000. The 0% interest, deferred payment loan is secured by a recorded mortgage lien placed on the property. The amount loaned is due and payable upon sale or transfer of the property. Residents interested in applying for housing rehabilitation funds should contact Charity Day, at (413) 863-9781 extension #132 for an application packet.

7:30 p.m. Finance Committee to Review FY'10 Budget and Proposed Warrant Articles (Lynn Benander, John Wheeler, Greg Oles and Charlie Cohn) - the Board presented an overview of the proposed budget and accompanying warrant articles. Aside from comments expressed by Finance Committee member Lynn Benander relative to the lack of action on the Selectmen's behalf relative to the Arms Library roof, members of the Committee seemed comfortable with the budget as presented.

OLD BUSINESS:
Highway Department FY'09 Budget RE: Deficit Spending Request - the Highway Department's Snow & Ice budget currently reflects a deficit balance of $24,736. With approximately $8,000 remaining in bills to be paid, the Highway Superintendent is requesting permission to spend up to $40,000 in excess of available funds for snow and ice removal activities in fiscal year 2009. Bob is hopeful that the town will receive reimbursement monies from MEMA and FEMA so that ice storm related expenditures can be recouped; eliminating the deficit altogether. Members of the Finance Committee jointly with members of the Board of Selectmen approved the request.

M.T.R.H.S.D. RE: Amendment to Regional School District Agreement - at the request of several member towns, the school district has made proposed changes to the regional school district agreement available in every town in a variety of formats therefore eliminating the need to place the entire 36 page agreement on every town's annual town meeting warrant.

NEW BUSINESS:
F.C. Solid Waste Management District RE: May Bulky Waste Collection - the F.C. Solid Waste Management has scheduled a "spring" bulky waste collection to be held on May 16th from 9:00 a.m. until noon in Buckland, Northfield and in Whatley. The District charges a disposal fee for each item. Being that Shelburne hosts a "spring" collection in May as well, the Board discussed whether or not to forgo the town's collection which is free to residents but on average costs approximately $1,500 in disposal fees and overtime costs. No decisions made, Bob would like an opportunity to discuss with Pete.

F.R.C.O.G. RE: Proposal for FY'10 Accounting Services & Software - Linda Dunlavy submitted a proposal to the town for municipal accounting services, software, and data conversion. Services would include a conversion of the town's current accounting software to the F.R.C.O.G.'s Accounting Program "Fundware" and providing 6 hours of accounting services to the Town on a weekly basis. Proposed costs for software and conversion of data $4,000; proposed cost of accounting services $13,428. Each Board member will review the proposal for discussion at their next meeting.

S.F.A.B.A. RE: Shelburne Trash & Recycling Survey - the Shelburne Falls Area Business Association in conjunction with the town sent a survey to twenty-five area businesses relative to disposal of trash and recycling efforts. Eighteen responses were received. Using the information received, the S.F.A.B.A. will continue to work with the town and area businesses to improve upon recycling efforts and address concerns relative to trash disposal (sharing of dumpsters, composting food garbage etc.).

Treasurer, Virginia Peck RE: Retirement Plans - the Board received a letter from Virginia notifying them of her intentions to retire effective April 30, 2009. Virginia indicated that she has enjoyed her eleven years as Town Treasurer and will miss everyone. The Board voted unanimously to accept Virginia's retirement with regret. Efforts to find a new Treasurer will begin immediately.

Adjournment: Joe made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 8:40 p.m. John seconded the motion. Motion carried unanimously.

Minutes recorded by Joseph J. Judd