Selectmen Meeting Minutes
September 10, 2012 -- 7:00 p.m. -- Memorial Hall.
Call to Order: Chairman Manners called the meeting to order. Other members present: John Payne. Joe Judd was away on vacation.
Media Present: Chris Collins, Shelburne Falls Independent
Acceptance of Meeting Minutes: John presented a motion to accept the minutes of August 27, 2012 as presented. Bob seconded the motion. Motion passed unanimously.
Noteworthy News:
Department Liaison Reports:
Police Department - the Department continues to work on a couple of "local" concerns.
Highland Village Housing Complex - John spoke with Robin Sherman of the Franklin Regional Housing and Redevelopment Authority, members of Shelburne's Housing Authority, and recently met with Highland Village's property manager, Debran Brockelsby to tour the property. Constructed in 1978, the property houses 46 units. Despite steady efforts to maintain the property; reductions in State funding has made it difficult to address all of the concerns. During the tour, John saw several areas of deterioration in the exterior siding; caused by water and insect damage. Given the year of construction; insulation underneath the siding is more than likely sub-standard. In addition, most if not all of the toilets in each unit are not water-saving fixtures. Shelburne has allocated a portion of Community Development Block Grant funds in the past two years for a two-phase parking lot project. Representatives of the housing complex are hopeful that the Board will continue earmarking some of these funds for eligible modernization/weatherization projects. John intends to speak with John Ryan to see if any of the much needed work meets DHCD's funding criteria.
Shelburne Falls Area Partnership Meeting - both John and Joe attended the SFABA Partnership meeting last week. Shelburne Falls has recently received designation as a "Cultural District." Meeting participants reviewed a map depicting the "Cultural District" and suggested revisions to reflect a more inclusive picture of Buckland.
Town Office - Bob met with Town Office staff two weeks ago and discussed a variety of topics which included air quality concerns, increased use of restrooms by tour buses, finding a cleaning service that can be called on an emergency basis, creation of a small bathroom designated for staff only, technology upgrades, and equipment needs.
Appointments: None
Old Business:
Highway Superintendent Re: Superintendent Position - Bob reported the Search Committee will meet on Thursday, September 13, 2012 at the Shelburne Fire Station to conduct the first round of interviews.
Cowell Gym Mold Remediation Project - In preparation for bidding, Joe Judd and FRCOG Representative, Andrea Woods hosted a mandatory site walk-through of the Cowell Gymnasium on September 4th. Potential bidders raised several questions regarding the project. Joe indicated that he has relayed the questions to Covino Environmental.
Cowell Gym Waterproofing & Drainage Work - Waterproofing and drainage work is complete. The contractor, Charles Deane is away on vacation for two weeks and will resume work on September 24th. Because of the circumstances surrounding the delayed start; Mr. Deane requested a 30 day contract extension. John presented a motion to extend Deane Excavating, Inc.'s contract until October 31, 2012. Bob seconded the motion. Motion passed unanimously.
Cowell Gym Chimney Repair - Timothy Nye of Ashfield submitted a proposal for the repair of the Cowell Gym Chimney in the amount of $2,900. Following a brief discussion, John presented a motion to award the work to Mr. Nye. Bob seconded the motion. Motion passed unanimously.
Transfer Station RE: Private/Commercial Haulers - at a meeting of the Board of Health last month, members adopted a fee structure and an application for haulers who transport solid waste and recyclables to the town's transfer station. Board of Health member, Deborah Coutinho indicated that she would contact the individual who currently provides this service and ask him to come in and complete the application and pay the required license fee.
Memorial Drive RE: Winter Maintenance - The Board tabled discussion until Joe returns.
Louis Migliozzi RE: Brook Road Property - John indicated that the Franklin Land Trust will discuss the property at their next meeting.
Identification Badges for Town Officials - The Board tabled discussion until Joe returns.
Proposed Development of Glacial Pothole Area - The Board tabled discussion until Joe returns.
Barry Goldstein RE: Fire Escape Agreement - Mr. Goldstein has forwarded the agreement to Donna MacNicol for her review.
New Business:
Cristine Levitre RE: Bridge Street Craft Booth - Ms. Levitre is seeking permission to set up a "craft" booth on Bridge Street on weekends. Before acting on the request, members of the Board sought input from the Business Association. The consensus was that this type of "vending" was in direct competition with shop owners who sell the same types of goods. Board members agreed that the various street festivals sponsored by the Business Association would serve as a more suitable venue for craft vendors. Following the discussion, the Board decided to take no action.
Norman Beebe, Recreation Committee RE: Appointment of Julie Dubreuil - Members of the Recreation Committee requested that the Board appoint Julie Dubreuil of Reynolds Road. Ms. Dubreuil attended a Recreation Committee meeting and expressed an interest in becoming a member. Bob and John agreed that she would be a nice addition to the Committee. John presented a motion to appoint Julie to an un-expired term; she would have to seek re-election in the spring. Bob seconded the motion. Motion passed unanimously.
2012 CDBG Grant RE: Award of Grant Administration Contract - Terry reported that the Town advertised for Grant Administration Services in conjunction with the recently awarded 2012 Community Block Grant funds. Projects for 2012 include: Highland Village Parking Lot Improvement in Shelburne, Sears Street Reconstruction in Buckland, and one social service activity in each town. The request for proposals yielded one submittal from Breezeway Farm Consulting of New Salem, MA. Given the towns past working relationship with Breezeway Farm Consulting, Terry recommended that the Board award the contract to them. John presented a motion to award the 2012 contract for grant administration services to Breezeway Farm Consulting. Bob seconded the motion. Motion carried unanimously.
2012 CDBG Grant RE: Engineering & Clerk of the Works Services - the Town received proposals from the following engineering firms: Weston & Sampson Engineering from Rocky Hill, CT and Waterfield Design Group from Winchester, MA. Representatives from the towns of Buckland and Shelburne are reviewing the proposals and will bring forth a recommendation to the Board next week.
Other Business:
Office of the Attorney General RE: Review of Annual Town Meeting By-law Changes - The Office of the Attorney General has notified the Town of its approval of all amendments to the town's general and zoning by-laws (Articles 6,7,17,18,19, and 20). Additional comments made are as follows:
Article 20 - the amendments adopted under Article 20 impose a temporary moratorium until after June 30, 2013, on permits for construction of any wind turbine energy system. The stated purpose of the moratorium is to "allow sufficient time to engage in a planning process to address the effects of such structures and uses in Town and to enact bylaws in a manner consistent with sound land use planning goals and objectives." The AG's Office approves the amendments adopted under Article 20 because the Town has the authority to adopt a moratorium for a limited duration in order to study the impact of such uses on the Town. However, such a moratorium must have a reasonable time limitation and must be directly related to legitimate planning goals in order to withstand constitutional scrutiny. We urge the Town to consult with Town Counsel and the Department of Energy Resources, Green Communities Division, to assist the Town with its planning process for wind energy.
Correspondence: none
Public Comment: none
Adjournment: John presented a motion to adjourn the meeting at 7:43 p.m. Bob seconded the motion. Motion passed unanimously.
Respectfully submitted,
Terry Mosher
Town Administrator
Posted to: Selectboard.
