APPROVED 2/11/2002

 

 

 

TOWN OF HAMPDEN, MASSACHUSETTS

BOARD OF SELECTMEN/HEALTH

MINUTES

February 4, 2002

 

Town House

6:30 P.M

 

625 Main Street

Roll Call:

The meeting was called to order at 6:30 p.m.  Board of Selectmen Austin G. McKeon, James D. Smith, and Duane Mosier were in attendance.

 

 

OLD BUSINESS:

 

1.               Minutes for January 28, 2002 for approval

Pg 1, Section 1: change to James Smith arrived at 7:30 p.m.

Pg 2, Section 5: change dispatchers to reserve officers.

 

Duane Mosier made a motion to accept the minutes as corrected.  James Smith seconded, all in favor and so voted.

 

NEW BUSINESS:

 

2.               Staples Purchase Agreement

Austin Mckeon opened the discussion in regards to opening a purchase agreement with Staples.  A cost comparison of Staples and other vendors found that Staples          prices for office equipment was substantially lower.  A motion was made by Duane Mosier to open the line of credit for the Selectmen’s office to use for the purchase of office supplies.  Austin McKeon seconded, all in favor and so voted.

 

3.               Police Dispatchers Negotiations

Austin will speak to Chief Adams to obtain his ideas on the negotiations.  The contract will be discussed at next weeks meeting.

 

4.               State Income Tax

Discussion regarding the Town of Framingham’s letter asking cities and towns to endorse their proposal to urge the state legislature to freeze the rollback of the state income tax rate and utilize the excess income as direct revenue to the cities and towns.  After much discussion the Board was not in favor of the endorsement.

 

5.               Overtime for Dual Positions

A motion was made by Duane Mosier not to appoint a position of reserve police officer to any employee if such appointment would result in the payment of a premium rate while serving as a reserve police officer.  The Board of Selectmen will still continue to sponsor those employees who wish to attend the police academy with the interest of enhancing their qualifications of employment outside of the town.  A letter will be drafted to Chief Adams stating the same.

 

6.               Guest – Mr. Ballou

Mr. Charles Ballou approached the Board of Selectmen to discuss the new trash      bag system that will be put into place next month.  The Board of Selectmen explained the reason for the increase was to make up for losses incurred with the tipping fees.

 

7.               Warrant Article

Duane Mosier made a motion to approve the placement of the warrant article for discussion at the Annual Town Meeting.  James Smith seconded.  All in favor and so voted.  The warrant article is as follows:

 

To see if the Town will appropriate a sum of money for the installation of a new fire alarm system and intercom system at the Thornton W. Burgess School.   

 

APPOINTMENTS:

 

8.               Dana Gahres and Kenneth Albano

Dana Gahres of the Hampden House and his attorney Kenneth Albano provided additional information on the Keno application for the Hampden House.  After discussion James Smith made a motion to withdraw the Board of Selectmen’s objection to a Keno license at the Hampden House Café.  Duane Mosier seconded, all in favor and so voted.  A letter will be drafted to the State Lottery Commission stating their position.

 

The Board recessed at 8:00 p.m. to meet with the Advisory Commission for the purpose of discussing the budget.

 

The Board resumed its meeting at 9:45 p.m.

 

9.               Board of Health Position

Lorri McCool submitted her resignation effective February 28, 2002.  James Smith will send ads to the Reminder and Union News advertising the position.

 

10.            Police Contract Negotiations

The Board will discuss these negotiations after it is voted upon by the Police Department.

 

OTHER BUSINESS:

 

11.            Petty Cash

James Smith inquired if the Selectmen’s Office still has a petty cash account for office supplies and postage.

 

12.            Gutter and Downspouts

Duane Mosier will speak to Dana Pixley regarding the re roofing portion of the proposals.

 

13.            Storm Water Drainage

Duane will work with Dana Pixley on this issue.

 

14.            Transfer Station

James Smith will write a short information sheet to give to the vendors along with the new bags that can be passed out to patrons explaining the need for such a system.

 

Duane Mosier moved, seconded by James Smith to adjourned the meeting.  The motion was adopted as unanimous (3-0).  The meeting adjourned at 10:30 p.m.

 

 

 

Austin McKeon moved, seconded by James Smith to adjourn the meeting.  The motion was adopted unanimously (2-0).  The meeting adjourned at 8:45 P.M.

 

 

Respectfully submitted:

 

 

 

________________________

Karen Desmarais

Administrative Assistant