APPROVED 10/1/2002

 

 

 

TOWN OF HAMPDEN, MASSACHUSETTS

BOARD OF SELECTMEN/HEALTH

MINUTES

September, 24 2002

 

Town House

7:00 P.M

 

625 Main Street

Roll Call:

The meeting was called to order at 7:04 p.m.  Board of Selectmen James D. Smith, Duane Mosier, and Mark Barba were in attendance.

 

 

Old Business:

 

1.               Minutes from September 17, 2002 for approval

Pg. 1. Section 2 add: for the last meeting

Pg. 2. Section 4 add: his neighbor’s

Pg. 2 Section 5 add: copies were provided to department; an additional copy will be forwarded

Pg. 2 Section 6 add: Ridgeline and Hillside

Pg. 2 Section 7 remove: that are abutters

Pg. 3 Section 10 add: 61A Release

Pg. 3 Section 11 add: 20% increase; will be a future increase in assessment

Pg. 4 Section 19 change: backup to computer support

Duane Mosier moved to accept the minutes as corrected.  Mark Barba seconded.   All in favor and so voted.

 

2.               Police Union

At the 9/17 Board of Selectmen’s meeting the IPOB legal counsel asked the Board to defer any vote until 9/24.  The Board has received no communication or substantiating documentation from the Union or their attorney. Duane Mosier stated that Atty. Salvon, who represents the IBPO, noted that although the contract was not violated it was the spirit of the contract that is being challenged.  Duane did not agree with the terms of shift minimums and he feels that the Police Department has been run with the appropriate service and without the need for layoffs in addition the Chief is doing an excellent job to maintaining the department and its budget.  Mark Barba stated that although he did not participate in the original contact negotiations he feels the union does not have a valid grievance.  James Smith also felt that the Town has not violated the contract.  In addition the Board has given the IBPO additional time to produce any materials from the negotiations that would support their position.  They have not done so either verbally or through documentation. Duane Mosier moved to deny the Police Union grievance regarding shift minimums that was brought forward to the Board of Selectmen.  Mark Barba seconded.  All in favor and so voted.

 

3.               Personnel Review Policy

The Board reviewed the Employee Policy Manual that was submitted by the Personnel Review Committee.  Additions and corrections were made to several sections of the manual and they will be brought forward to the committee for the necessary changes. 

 

Regarding the mileage reimbursement section.  Duane Mosier moved to adopt the mileage rate that is allowed by the IRS as determined by the Treasurer commencing FY 03.  Mark Barba seconded.  All in favor and so voted.   

 

Appointments:

 

4.               Kathy Pessolano – Special Town Meeting Warrant Articles

Kathy met with the Board to review several warrant articles that would require a transfer or appropriation of funds.  She also reviewed with the Board the status of the available funds for such transfers. 

 

5.               Verizon Pole petition Hearing

The Board met with representative of Verizon and WMECO regarding placement of a jointly owned poles on South Road.  No abutters or other parties were present.  Duane Mosier moved to accept the petition to place one jointly owned pole on the easterly side of South Road at a point approx. 1,975’ south of the centerline of South Ridge Rd.  Mark Barba seconded. All in favor and so voted.

 

6.               Melissa Reeves – EO- 418

Melissa presented to the Board an application for Executive Order 418: Housing Certification, Year 3.  The application is for an affordable housing plan and entitles the Town of apply for various grants that are offered.  The Board will review the application and vote at the next meeting 10/1. 

 

7.               John Flynn – Planning Board

John Flynn approached the Board to discuss the Planning Board’s position regarding the addition of South Ridge Road adoption to the Special Town Meeting Warrant.  He is in contact with all parties to determine if it should be added at this time.  He will keep the Board informed as to the status.

 

New Business:

 

8.               Bay State Gas Repair Permits

Two permits were received from Bay State gas requesting the open the roads to make necessary repairs or install new service. Duane Mosier made a motion to approve the request from BSG to open the road at 46 Echo Valley Dr. for the purpose of a leaking gas repair.  Mark Barba seconded. All in favor and so voted. Discussion on the application for 438 Main Street.  The Board expressed their concern that the road repairs done by BSG after service was installed at 413 Main Street was less than adequate.  In addition, the Board has received complaints regarding the recent work done by Bay State Gas on the corner of Allen and Oak Knoll Dr.  The pavement patch area has settled to create a large dip in the road.  The Board will advise Bay State Gas that the application for permission to install new gas service on 438 Main St will be deferred until the above-mentioned repairs are completed.

 

9.               Safety Consultation Service

A letter was received from Dana Pixley regarding Safety Consultation Service. The Mass Division of Occupational Safety offers a free consultation to identify potential safety problems.  Although the consultation if free, any violations found must be abated by the employer.  The Board felt that Dana runs a very efficient department and they would not pursue the consultation, they would rather use the Loss Prevention Department at MIIA, the Town’s insurance provider, to identify any potential hazards.

 

Duane Mosier moved, seconded by Mark Barba to adjourn the meeting.   The motion was adopted unanimously (3-0).  The meeting adjourned at 11:15 P.M.

 

 

Respectfully submitted:

________________________

Karen Desmarais

Administrative Assistant