Selectmen Meeting Minutes — June 8, 2009—7:00 p.m. — Memorial Hall.

Call to Order: the meeting was called to order at 7:00 p.m. by Chairman, Manners. Other members present: John Payne and Joe Judd.

Acceptance of minutes - before acting on a motion made by John to accept the minutes of May 11th, he suggested a minor change to his department liaison report regarding the Comcast contract negotiations. Members of the Board agreed with the suggested revision and the motion was seconded by Joe. Motion carried unanimously. A second motion was made by John to accept the minutes of June 2, 2009 as presented. Bob seconded the motion. Motion passed unanimously.

Noteworthy News:
Annual Town Audit – the town's annual audit for the fiscal year 2008 is now complete. Preliminary reports relative to the audit have been provided to each member of the Board for their review. The Board will schedule an afternoon meeting with auditor, Dan Haynes to discuss his findings.

Town Elections – are being held today with two contested seats on the ballot; one for Planning Board and one for Board of Assessors. Voter turnout is consistent with prior elections with approximately 332 residents participating.

Open Space Committee – participated in a Garlic-Mustard “weeding” event over the weekend with the hopes of eliminating the invasive plant in the Patten area. John explained that if the plant spreads throughout the forests, it will suffocate the hardwood trees.

Department Liaison Reports:
Town Office – John reported that both the interim Treasurer and the Town Accountant are doing a great job.

Police Department – Joe continues to work with the Chief of Police on parking-related issues.

Highway Department – Bob reported that the crew is busy working on Mercy Anderson and Zerah Fiske Road. Both roads have been reclaimed and new drainage will be installed.

7:15 p.m. Ollie's Down under Bar and Grille RE: Request for Entertainment License – Ollie's owner, Margaret Fitzpatrick appeared before the Board seeking an entertainment license so to enhance the atmosphere for customers while dining with instrumental light jazz, folk and country music. Margaret indicated that she may sponsor special events that will provide an occasional opportunity for dancing however she will be mindful of the restaurants maximum capacity; limiting attendance to 50 patrons. Margaret reported that she has spoken with the owner of Boswell's Bookstore and she is supportive of the entertainment request. John encouraged Margaret to speak with nearby tenants as well. A motion was made by John to approve the request. Joe seconded the motion. Motion carried unanimously.

7:30 p.m. Larry Flaccus RE: Open Space Committee Request to Apply for Grant Funding – the Open Space Committee has created a brochure with a topographical map depicting 3 to 4 hiking trails that are open for public enjoyment. They would like to reproduce the brochure making it available to the general public. The brochure includes directions, trail etiquette, etc. Because the trails traverse on and off private property, all affected landowners have been involved in the development of the brochure to ensure accuracy of the information provided. Larry is hopeful that if this program is a successful, more landowners would be willing to participate. In addition to the brochures, the Open Space Committee would also like to purchase signs that that can be posted along the trails advising hikers that they are entering private property. Estimated cost for both brochures and signage are approximately $1,000. Recognizing the limited financial resources of the town, the Open Space Committee is seeking permission to apply for up to $1,000 in grant funding. Members of the Board were very supportive of the efforts of the Open Space Committee. Following a brief discussion and review of the sample brochure a motion was made by Joe to authorize the Open Space Committee to apply for up to $1,000 in grant funding for the purpose of reproducing trail brochures and purchasing trail signage. John seconded the motion. Motion carried unanimously.

Open Space Committee RE: Chapter 61 Policy - The next item of discussion brought forth by Larry Flaccus was regarding Chapter 61 and the town's right of first refusal. The Open Space Committee has developed a "land evaluation" workbook to help the town evaluate parcels as they are brought forth. In addition to the workbook they have created a "Chapter 61 Right of First Refusal Policy" that outlines the process by which the Town of Shelburne will review and respond to notices of conversion of lands in Chapter 61, 61A and 61B and determine whether or not to exercise or assign its right of first refusal on these lands. Larry explained that the document is based entirely on the state statute with accompanying narrative throughout. Members of the Board will review the draft policy and invite Larry back in for discussion at a later date.

OLD BUSINESS:
Bridge Street Parking – Joe continues to work with Chief Walker with the hopes of addressing parking concerns on Bridge Street. After walking the street, both agreed that three spaces need to be eliminated as they pose a threat to pedestrian safety. The spaces are located in close proximity to cross walks so that when vehicles are exiting the space, they back over the cross walk. After a brief discussion, a motion was made by Joe to eliminate three parking spaces from the following locations: at the corner of Bridge and Baker Ave; at the corner of Deerfield Ave and Bridge Street; and just above Gypsy Apple near the former Swan Block. Motion was seconded by John. Motion passed. Joe reported that with the help of the Highway Superintendent, he and the Chief will continue to look for areas where additional parking can be created.

Siemens Building Technologies, Inc. RE: Preliminary Energy Conservation Report – John would like to invite a representative in to discuss how the program would work and at what cost to the town.

Treasurer's Position – a total of six applicants have been interviewed for the position. John spoke briefly about each of the applicants; identifying each of their strengths. Bob was able to participate in the third round of interviews and agreed that the town was fortunate to have received inquiries from so many qualified applicants. John indicated that one of the applicants stands out amongst the rest. The individual that John intends to recommend for the position possess over 30 years of financial management and planning skills, has outstanding computer skills and is currently serving as a municipal treasurer. Terry Mosher indicated that the individual's reference checks were also very favorable. John would like to have an opportunity to speak with one more individual before bringing forth a final recommendation. So not to delay the hiring process for another two weeks, Joe made a motion to empower John to move forward and offer employment to the individual providing that John is satisfied with the results of his final conversation. Bob seconded the motion. Motion carried unanimously.

NEW BUSINESS:
Nancy Katz RE: Stained Glass Gift for Memorial Hall – Nancy Katz and her fiancée Mark Liebowitz of Buckland have offered to design, fabricate and install a stained glass window to be placed above the front entrance at Memorial Hall as a gift to the community in honor of their pending June 21st marriage. Members of the Board were appreciative of such a thoughtful gift and suggested that the couple create a design that would be in keeping with the historic nature of our village; and one that captures the beauty of Shelburne. Once the design is complete, the two will be asked to present their idea to the Board for approval.

S.F.A.B.A. RE: 9th Annual Bridge Dinner, August 16, 2009 – the S.F.A.B.A. is requesting permission to close the Iron Bridge for the community dinner on Sunday, August 16, 2009 from 3:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. allowing for set-up and clean-up. Before acting upon the request, John encouraged Margaret Fitzpatrick to speak with Chief Walker and Chief Hicks regarding the event to ensure that no additional police coverage is necessary. After no further discussion, a motion was by Joe to support the annual bridge dinner and support the closing of the Iron Bridge. Motion seconded by John. Motion carried unanimously.

Ollie's Down under Bar and Grill RE: One Day Liquor License – owner, Margaret Fitzpatrick appeared before the Board seeking a one day permit to sell wine and beer on August 16th from 5:30 p.m. until 8:30 p.m. at the 9th Annual Bridge Dinner event. Margaret explained that she is fully aware of proper service regulations noting that the alcohol will be served and consumed in an area that is contained and controlled. Sales will be made to ticket holders only and a portion of the proceeds will be donated to the S.F.A.B.A. John made a motion to approve the one day permit for the sale of beer and wine. Joe seconded the motion. Motion carried unanimously.

Senior Center Update – Joe reported that he recently attended a strategic planning committee meeting at the senior center. He anticipates that within the next six months member towns will be seeing proposals for a potential name change, satellite centers; innovative ways to generate more funding, new concepts for keeping the center viable and perhaps multi-generational programs. Joe indicated that there is incredible energy on this committee and looks forward to hearing more about their ideas.

FY'09 End of Year Spending – in preparation for what may result in more than $85,000 in local aid cuts in fiscal year 2010, a motion was made by Joe to formally suspend all spending (with the exception of payroll) through June 30, 2009. All purchases will be subject to discussion and approval by each department's liaison. John seconded the motion. Motion passed unanimously. New spending directives will be forthcoming July 1st.

OTHER BUSINESS:
Arms Library Update – Bob spoke with the Library Director, Laurie Wheeler about whether or not the Trustees are still interested in becoming a town department. Laurie indicated that she would speak with the Trustees to see when they would like to meet with the Selectmen as there are many unanswered questions.

Massachusetts General Law Books – given the expense of keeping the law books current and the availability of information on the internet, the Selectmen voted back in April to discontinue their subscription. Since that time, the town has received an inquiry from a local resident whose son recently passed the bar exam and would like to have the books for his law library. In speaking with the town's auditor, in order for the town to dispose of the books, the town must solicit bids for the sale of surplus goods. Terry will check for any other surplus items and list them for sale on the town's web site and in the local newspaper.

CORRESPONDENCE:
Denis Guyer RE: Proposed Bridge Street Handicapped Accessible Project – Denis received the town's request for assistance in securing federal stimulus monies to fund the proposed Bridge Street Handicapped Accessible Project in Shelburne and although supportive of the project, in order for it to be considered by the Secretary of Transportation, it would have had to have been submitted last fall. Denis suggests that the town consider submitting the project for future consideration if in fact stimulus funding is available during next year.

PUBLIC COMMENT: none

ADJOURNMENT: a motion to adjourn was made by John at 9:28 p.m. Joe seconded the motion. Motion carried unanimously.

Respectfully submitted,

Terry Mosher
Executive Secretary