APPROVED 8/26/02
TOWN OF HAMPDEN, MASSACHUSETTS
BOARD OF SELECTMEN/HEALTH
MINUTES
August 12, 2002			Town House
7:00 P.M			625 Main Street
Roll Call:	The meeting was called to order at 7:05 p.m. Board of Selectmen James D. Smith, Duane Mosier, and Mark Barba were in attendance.

Old Business:

1. Minutes from July 29, 2002 for approval

Pg. 1 Section 2 add “year”.

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

2. Plumbing Fees

Review of note from a resident regarding plumbing fees for replacement of an appliance. Duane Mosier had discussed this issue with Mark Feeney and according to State Law a inspection must be performed. A note with a copy of the State Law will be forwarded to the resident.

3. COA Costco Account

Duane Mosier researched the business and household account system Costco offers for membership. The Board was in favor of purchasing a “blank” card for the COA to use for their employees. Duane Mosier moved to initiate a Costco “no face” card to be shared among the employees at the COA this year July 2002 – June 2003. The Board will evaluate the process for next year. Mark Barba seconded. All in favor and so voted.

4. Transfer Station

Duane Mosier discussed with the Board a meeting he has scheduled with the four Scout leaders on August 21. This meeting will be held to address the scout involvement at the transfer station and to discuss some of the upcoming changes. Duane also reviewed with the Board several new signs that will be installed at the transfer station in the near future. Duane is also working with the Conservation Commission on the clean up of the brook at the transfer station. He will update the Board as to the progress.

Appointment:

5. David Martel

David Martel met with the Board to review several outstanding issues he has been working on recently.

a. Fees for storage of explosives and dog licenses – David will look into whether or not the Town adopted a 1991 local law that enabled the Town to set higher fees. He will research and advise.

b. Fire Dept. – All officers of the Hampden Fire Dept. approached the Board and David Martel to discuss several issues. The first was liability and what type of protection the members are covered under. In addition, as a volunteer organization the members questioned whether the town’s insurance carrier would represent them should any issue arise. The group also questioned whether or not they could form a not for profit status for monies the department has in an account that is used for such items as flowers and scholarships etc. Peter Hatch will check with the Accountant for clarification. Lastly Peter Hatch discussed the issue regarding the late delivery of the truck by the company. The Fire Dept has received additional equipment for the truck because of the fact it was approx 45 days late. Peter Hatch will contact the company to release the old truck that is now out of service.

c. A letter had been received from David Martel regarding Lantern Lane Subdivision. David updated the Board on the status.

d. David updated the Board on the status of the Sprint Tower and lease agreements. At this time it was advised to hold off on any further lease agreements.

e. The Board discussed several issues the Town has had with DEP and it was advised to meeting directly with the DEP and representatives to begin to resolve some issues.

f. The Board asked David to look into revolving accounts 53E ½ and determine if the town is using this as a proper method.

g. Open meeting laws – David will check whether the Police Search Committee can hold interviews in executive session or during an open meeting.

h. Alston property- David will research the drainage easement issues near her property and bring back any info to the Board.

i. Echo Valley – The Board asked for advise on gaining easement rights on several properties. David will research.

j. Storm Water Phase II – A copy of the directive was given to David to do research.

k. Tax Title - The Board inquired as to the process of selling of tax title property.

l. The Board had several questions regarding ownership of the town’s website. David Martel will research advise.

m. David will follow-up on verification of 10 –15 streets been recorded.

6. VFW

The Board met with members of the VFW regarding this year’s turkey shoot and ways the club can better control the noise. The VFW members stated that they would use canvas tarps hung at both ends of the bridge, across the river, and across the bridge to better control the noise. Duane Mosier moved to grant the VFW a license to hold turkey shoots on the requested dates and times provided the VFW will make a good faith effort to meet the noise abatement issue. Mark Barba seconded. All in favor and so voted.

The VFW also asked the Board to consider an application for additional outside seating on the bridge on Friday nights during the spring and summer months. Duane Mosier made a motion to support the request of the VFW for a maximum of 8 tables on the bridge as an extension to the deck area to be included in the liquor license provided that there is no direct access to the parking lot from the bridge. Service will be seasonal and on Friday nights. Mark Barba seconded. All in favor and so voted. A hearing and the application process will be scheduled at a later date to complete the license change.

New Business:

7. Police Policies and Procedures

The Board reviewed several Policies and Procedures to review for the Police Department. The Board reviewed ¾ of the list and made several comments and changes the remainder will be discussed at the next meeting.

8. PVTA local Assessment

Will research the letter that was received from the PVTA for the assessments.

9. Disposal System construction permit

James Smith moved to approve the reduction in SAS of up to 25 % for local upgrade of the disposal system on 167 Raymond Drive, homeowner David Taylor. Mark Barba seconded. All in favor and so voted.

10. Executive Order 418 certification

Duane will pursue issues regarding EO 418 with Judy Jackson and update the Board.

11. Community Development Block Grant

Will check with Jim Mazik for guidance on how to pursue a grant for a septic system at Green Meadows School.

Other Business:

Mark met with Chris Cesan on the status of the cemetery cleanup. She reported that they had a group helping with the clean up last week and all was going well.

Duane Mosier reported on sidewalk issues within a subdivision, and the status of the Greenmeadow School project.

James Smith reported that he would be speaking to the Superintendent of Schools on the school budget issues.

Mark Barba moved to appoint Radcliffe Kenison as a part-time Reserve Officer for the Town of Hampden Police Department. James Smith seconded. Duane Mosier was opposed to the policy that allowed the person to serve in this position but was not opposed to the person holding the position. Vote – Jim – yes mark – yes, Duane – opposed.

Duane Mosier moved, seconded by Mark Barba to adjourn the meeting. The motion was adopted unanimously (3-0). The meeting adjourned at 12:55 P.M.

Respectfully submitted:

________________________

Karen Desmarais

Administrative Assistant