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APPROVED 1/14/03 |
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TOWN OF HAMPDEN, MASSACHUSETTS |
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BOARD OF SELECTMEN/HEALTH |
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MINUTES |
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January 7, 2003 |
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Town House |
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6:30 P.M |
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625 Main Street |
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Roll Call: |
The meeting was called to order at 6:30 p.m. Board of Selectmen James D. Smith, Duane
Mosier, and Mark Barba were in attendance. Also present were Zig Peret from Wilbraham water
commission, Michael Framarin, Wilbraham water superintendent, Thomas Martens,
Defresne-Henry Inc., Frank Pychewicz and Raymond Smith Wilbraham residents,
George Schnare, Len Gorman, Shelia Thompson Dennis Smith, Hampden residents. |
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Appointments:
1. Wilbraham Well
The above mentioned were in attendance to discuss the proposed Wilbraham well at the Boy Scout camp on the boarder of Hampden and Wilbraham. The Selectmen had facilitated this meeting between the Hampden residents and the Wilbraham Water Department members. The Hampden residents had submitted 13 questions to be answered by the Wilbraham officials. These questions were reviewed by the group and Mr. Peret will follow up with any further information with a representative from the group. The Selectmen’s office will follow up with a phone call to Mr. Schnare asking him if he was satisfied with the information he was given at the meeting and if there was anything further the Board could do on their behalf.
2. Tower Communications
David Vivian approached the Board to discuss the possibility of his company installing a cell phone tower at the Transfer Station. Mr. Vivian explained to the Board the background of his business. The Board advised Mr. Vivian that they would entertain a proposal provided the bid specifications remain the same as the previous offer that was provided by Sprint. Mr. Vivian explained that the market is not the same as it was when the first bid proposal was drafted. The Board will revisit the possibility of a Request for Proposal at the beginning of April.
3. Police Union
Duane Mosier moved to enter into Executive Session for the purpose of discussing a police union grievance with a return to open session. Mark Barba seconded.
Roll call vote: James Smith – yes, Duane Mosier – yes, Mark Barba – yes.
4. Reserve Officer
Chief Mellis recommended Derek Anti for the position of reserve officer. Mr. Anti has already completed training at the Agawam Police Academy. Duane Mosier moved to appoint Derek Anti as a probationary reserve officer for 1 year. Mark Barba seconded. All in favor and so voted.
Old Business:
5.
Minutes from December 3, 2002 executive session for
approval
Pg 1 add “his”
Pg 1 change recent to 12/2
Duane Mosier made a motion to accept the minutes as corrected. Mark Barba seconded, all in favor and so voted.
6. Minutes from December 17, 2002 for approval
Pg 2 Section 7 add their obligation to permanently solve the situation.
Duane Mosier made a motion to accept the minutes as corrected. Mark Barba seconded, James Smith abstained as he was out of town on the meeting night. Vote – Duane Mosier – yes, Mark Barba – yes, James Smith – abstained.
7. Minutes from December 23, 2002 for approval
Pg 1 add meeting date
Duane Mosier made a motion to accept the minutes as corrected. Mark Barba seconded, all in favor and so voted.
8. Susan Alston
The Board reviewed a letter received from Susan Alston asking what steps the Town intends to do to eliminate the ground water on her property. The Board feels that the town has no liability on this matter and has no further information to provide to Ms. Alston. Correspondence state this will be forward to Ms. Alston.
New Business:
9. Town Building Usage
The Board discussed the need for a policy for town building usage.
10. Ambulance contract
At this time the joint contract with East Longmeadow for ambulance service will expire on 6/30/03. Correspondence was forwarded to the East Longmeadow Board of Selectmen asking for their input into new contract.
11. Salary rates 2004
The Board of Selectmen reviewed the recent Tabor Salary Survey table. At this time the Board felt that the salaries for employees either matched or exceeded the current table. Therefore, the Board is recommending no COLA, only step increases for the upcoming fiscal year.
12. HLP
The Board reviewed the wording the HLP suggested for the Agricultural Preservation Restriction Program. The Board will send a letter of support to the HLP.
The HLP asked for permission to advertise an upcoming meeting on the sign in front of the Town House. The Board determined that advertising should be for any non-recurring special event and the Board of Selectmen reserve the right to limit the occurrence. A regular meeting would not be considered a special event therefore permission will be denied.
13. Regional Board of Health
A letter will be sent to Bill Fogarty in the Wilbraham Board of Selectmen’s Office regarding the 1/7/03 meeting that was not attended.
14. Historic Commission appointment
The Board discussed a letter received from the Historic Commission requesting the Board to appoint an associate member without voting rights. The Board felt that the Commission would first need to adopt a supplement to its bylaws allowing associate members to participate without voting rights.
15. Local Aid
The Board reviewed the recent correspondence from the State regarding local aid payment figures.
16. COA appointment
The Board regretfully accepts the resignation of Diane Hildreth from the COA Board. The COA is seeking a representative to fill the vacancy with a member who is under the age of 60.
17. Tax Abatement Certificate
The Board reviewed the information submitted by Cliff Bombard, Accountant. This issue was discussed at a prior meeting.
18. Regional Selectmen’s meeting
Memos will be sent requesting agenda items for the regional Board of Selectmen’s meeting.
19. No Parking signs
The Fire Department has requested assistance with a problem of overflow parking in the Fire Department lot. The Selectmen’s office suggested that the Fire Department work with the highway department to establish no parking signs to be placed in the lot. The Board will also suggest that the Fire Department draft a letter for the Scribe asking residents to refrain from parking in the lot.
20. Storm Water
Duane Mosier reported on the 1/6/03 meeting. A follow up meeting is scheduled for 1/27 at 7pm
21. School Budget meeting
Jim Smith stated that the school budget meeting would be held on 1/15. Jim will represent the Board of Selectmen at the meeting and will bring forward the Board’s position on the school budget.
22. Illegal A-frame signs
The Board will send a letter to all businesses reminding them that zoning bylaws prohibit the use of A-frame advertisement signs.
23. Dispatcher and Highway Union
Duane Mosier moved to enter into Executive Session for the purpose of discussing Dispatcher and Highway Department Union issues without a return to open session. Mark Barba seconded.
Roll call vote: James Smith – yes, Duane Mosier – yes, Mark Barba – yes.
Mark Barba moved, seconded by Duane Mosier to adjourn the meeting. The motion was adopted unanimously (3-0). The meeting adjourned at 12:01 A.M.
Respectfully submitted:
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Karen Desmarais
Administrative Assistant