APPROVED 10/21/02
TOWN OF HAMPDEN, MASSACHUSETTS
BOARD OF SELECTMEN/HEALTH
MINUTES
October 15, 2002			Town House
7:00 P.M			625 Main Street
Roll Call:	The meeting was called to order at 7:00 p.m. Board of Selectmen James D. Smith, Duane Mosier, and Mark Barba were in attendance.

Old Business:

1. Minutes from October 8, 2002 for approval

Pg. 1. Section 3: add hearing was held; change to tax classification

Pg 2. Section 4: add possible

Pg 2. Section 8: change to hearing

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

2. HWRSD budget

The Board discussed the budget numbers received by the School Department. Will recheck with Rick Scortino for additional clarification.

3. Verizon Phone

The Board reviewed the letter received from Verizon stating that there will be a monthly fee assessed to the pay phone at the Town House. It was determined that installing another phone service would not have any additional savings. The office will ask Verizon to forgo any fee assessments until after spring town meeting when funds can then be requested.

4. DET Claim

The Board reviewed the DET unemployment benefits claim for an employee they felt it was unfair that the Town be forced to pay a claim for an employee that was laid off work in another state. A letter will be sent to Mary Rogeness and Brian Lees expressing the Board’s concern and disappointment.

5. Police Search Committee

Discussion regarding dissolving the Police Search Committee determined that at this time the committee has completed the goals and objectives that were set forth when the committee was formed. Mark Barba moved to disband the Police Search Committee in light of the fact hat they has fulfilled their duties. James Smith seconded. All in favor and so voted. A letter will be sent to all committee members thanking them for their service.

The Committee had supplied the Board with several interview questions for the Police Chief candidates. The Board reviewed them and will develop some of their own and will meet prior to the interview process to review them.

Appointment:

6. Police Search Committee

The Board welcomed Michael Crowley and Carol Fitzgerald members of the Police Search Committee and Tom Loper, President of Loper Associates, Inc. a company that provides objective information about the behavioral requirements for prospective employees. Mr. Loper reviewed with the Board what types of qualities they are looking for in the police chief candidates as well as the individual assessments of the candidates.

Other Business:

Mark Barba and Duane Mosier attended the Personnel Review Committee meeting and reviewed the employee handbook. The committee will submit another draft for review by the Board.

Duane Mosier discussed the possibility of a study on well testing at the transfer station and the feasibility of added hook-up and the possibility of reducing the cost of testing.

Duane Mosier will draft a letter to the editor thanking Brian Lees for his help with the Green Meadow School project and the legislation he assisted with.

Duane Mosier moved, seconded by Mark Barba to adjourn the meeting. The motion was adopted unanimously (3-0). The meeting adjourned at 11:30 P.M.

Respectfully submitted:

Karen Desmarais, Administrative Assistant

Board of Selectmen