Selectmen Meeting Minutes — September 28,
2009—7:00
p.m. — Memorial Hall.
Call to Order: the meeting was called to order by Chairman, John Payne. Other members present: Joe Judd. Fellow member Bob Manners arrived later in the evening.
Acceptance of Minutes: Joe made a motion to accept the minutes of September 14, 2009 as presented. John seconded the motion. Motion carried unanimously.
Noteworthy News:
Salmon Falls Festival was a great success; no incidents of concern were reported.
100th Anniversary of the Stone Tower will be held on October 10, 2009.
Department Liaison Reports:
Tax Collections -- a reminder to all delinquent taxpayers: the interest rate for delinquent real estate taxes is based on an interest rate of 14%; at that rate, outstanding obligations to the town doubles after 7 years. To avoid further penalty, please see the Town Collector.
OLD BUSINESS:
Open Space Committee RE: Proposed Policy for Chapter 61 -- the Open Space Committee is scheduled to meet on Monday, October 5th, the Board anticipates a response to their comments on the proposed Chapter 61 policy soon after.
Abandoning Two Private Roads -- Bob reported that work is ongoing. Mass Highway has acknowledged ownership of the former "rest area" near Clark Corvair and may be sending a survey team out to that location. Bob will provide more information as it becomes known.
Proposed Meal Tax ∏ after having evaluated the proposed legislation at length, hearing feedback from local business owners, and speaking with state officials, Joe does not believe there would be enough revenue generated to warrant implementing the meal and lodging tax. After a brief discussion, Joe made a motion to discontinue any further analysis of the legislation and recommended that the Board not bring the matter before town meeting voters for consideration until such time they feel it would be of benefit to the town. John seconded the motion. Motion carried unanimously.
Drainage Problems on the East-side of Memorial Hall -- Bob reported that the building owner, Chris Singley has hired a private contractor to address the drainage problem. The surplus drop inlet structure that the Highway Superintendent had intended to offer Mr. Singley was determined to be too large for the project. No further action needed by the Board at this time.
Unlicensed Dogs -- John reminded residents who have yet to license their dogs to do so by Wednesday, September 30th in order to avoid a court summons.
Oath of Office -- John reminded town officials who have been recently been elected or reappointed to see the Town Clerk if they have not done so already to take the "oath of office."
Village Information Center RE: Furnace -- The Board recently authorized up to $735 in repairs to the furnace located at the Village Information Center (a town-owned building). According to a representative of the Shelburne Falls Area Civic Beautification Association (the lessee), when the heating contractor arrived to perform the work, a full replacement was recommended. Estimates for a new furnace range between $5,400 and $5,700. The Town has a "reserve" account with a balance of $2,700. The account is earmarked for emergency or unforeseen expenditures. Expenditures from the account require a vote of the Selectmen and the Finance Committee. Following a brief discussion, the Board decided to schedule a meeting next Tuesday afternoon (October 6th) with members of the Finance Committee to review cost proposals and discuss potential funding options.
Meeting Recessed: Chairman, Payne called for a recess at 7:22 p.m. so to allow for the 7:30 p.m. special town meeting. The Selectmen∏s meeting will reconvene following the special town meeting.
Meeting Reconvened -- the Selectmen's meeting reconvened at 9:05 p.m.
Larry Flaccus, Open Space Committee Chairman RE: Highland Communities Initiative Grant -- Larry reported that the Open Space Committee has received $1,500 in grant funding which will be used to reproduce a field guide maps and signage.
NEW BUSINESS:
FY'09 CDBG Projects:
Grant Administration -- one proposal was received from Breezeway Farm Consulting of New Salem, MA. After evaluating the proposal and checking references, the proposal was deemed: "highly advantageous." A motion was made by Bob to award Breezeway Farm Consulting the contract for grant administration. Joe seconded the motion. Motion carried unanimously.
Engineering and Clerk of the Works Services -- one proposal was received from Weston and Sampson of Rocky Hill, CT. After evaluating the proposal and checking references, the proposal was deemed: "highly advantageous." A motion was made by Bob to award Weston and Sampson the contract for Engineering and Clerk of the Works Services. Joe seconded the motion. Motion carried unanimously.
Neighbor to Neighbor Elder Advocacy Project (a social service component of the FY'09 CDBG grant) -- the Senior Center has advertised and interviewed for the grant funded position of Program Director and is anxious to proceed with the hire so that the program can begin implementation as soon as possible. Joe indicated that he is very much aware of the work that has been done so far and is very supportive of the project. So not to delay the hire; Joe made a motion to authorize the Senior Center Director to proceed with the hire providing that the individual's reference checks are favorable. John seconded the motion. Motion carried unanimously. The successful candidate will be invited in to meet the Board once hired.
UMASS Department of Geosciences RE: Glacial Pothole Access -- motion made by Joe to allow access to the glacial pothole area on Saturday, October 31, 2009 and Sunday, November 8th between the hours of 9:00 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. providing that the police department will have someone on hand to provide access and; providing that weather conditions and water flow are conducive to a safe visit. Joe will speak with the Chief of Police. Motion seconded by John. Motion carried unanimously.
McAuliffe Regional Charter Public School RE: Glacial Pothole Access -- motion made by Joe to allow access to the glacial pothole area on Tuesday, October 13, 2009 through Friday, October 16, 2009 for varying hours providing that the weather conditions and water flow are conducive to a safe visit. John seconded the motion. Motion carried unanimously.
State Ethics Commission RE: Designation of Municipal Liaison -- recent changes to the "conflict of interest" law requires that each municipality designate a senior level employee of the municipality who will serve as its liaison to the Ethics Commission. The Commission will disseminate information to and conduct educational seminars for the designated liaisons. In consultation with the liaisons, the Commission will develop procedures to enable municipalities to comply with the requirements of the law. Following a brief discussion, Bob made a motion to appoint Terry Mosher as the town∏s liaison. Motion was seconded by Joe. Motion carried unanimously.
Department of Energy Resources RE: $15 Million in Stimulus Funding for Energy Efficiency -- the Department of Energy Resources is inviting proposals for $15 million in American Recovery and Reinvestment Act funding projects that demonstrate dramatic increases in energy efficiency in buildings across the Commonwealth. Proposals must provide evidence that projects will yield significant economic, energy and environmental benefits. Awards under this program are expected to range from $500,000 to $5 million each for projects that are ready to begin immediately after the award and can be completed within three years. Proposals are due by October 30, 2009; awards will be announced in December. Finance Committee Chair, Lynn Benander has offered to help the town write the competitive grant application. John Payne will participate in the process.
OTHER BUSINESS:
Regionalization Discussion -- Joe attended a meeting hosted by Linda Dunlavy of the Franklin Regional Council of Governments last week to explore potential areas of regionalization. Selectman, Kevin Fox of Buckland was also in attendance and the focus of discussion was centered mainly on the possibilities of regionalizing police departments. Joe indicated that it was a good discussion and asked if the Board were supportive of further exploration. Members agreed that it was time well spent.
Resolution in Support of Updating the Massachusetts Bottle Bill -- if accepted, Shelburne will be placed on record as being in support of the Massachusetts Beverage Container Deposit Law and encourage its strengthening through expanding the list as recommended by the Governor and by encouraging residents and visitors to return and/or recycle all beverage containers and other recyclable materials so to fully utilize available recycling programs. Joe proposed a motion in support of the Massachusetts Bottle Bill. Bob seconded the motion. Motion carried unanimously.
CORRESPONDENCE: none
PUBLIC COMMENT: none
ADJOURNMENT: Motion made by Joe to adjourn the meeting at 9:35 p.m. Bob seconded the motion. Motion carried unanimously.
Respectfully submitted,
Terry Mosher
Executive Secretary |
