APPROVED 1/28/03

 

 

 

TOWN OF HAMPDEN, MASSACHUSETTS

BOARD OF SELECTMEN/HEALTH

MINUTES

January 21, 2003

 

Town House

7:00 P.M

 

625 Main Street

Roll Call:

The meeting was called to order at 7:10 p.m.  Board of Selectmen James D. Smith, Duane Mosier, and Mark Barba were in attendance.

 

 

Old Business:

 

1.               Minutes from January 14, 2002 for approval

Pg 2 Section 5: change Board to Society

Pg 2 Section 6: add asked for fee to be waiver, add reserved room.

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

 

2.               Office Space

The Board reviewed the suggestion for office space submitted by Duane Mosier.  Mark Barba moved to use plan B as submitted by Duane Mosier as the agreed upon plan for office and meeting space in the Town House. Duane Mosier will draft a letter to all personnel and Boards apprising them of the proposed changes and the anticipated move on 2/13/03.

 

Appointments:

 

3.               HLP

Bart Lipkins approached the Board to ask if the Town House could be used for a benefit concert in March.  Proceeds from the concert would go towards the HLP purchase of Minnechaug Mountain.  The Board will review the Town Building Usage Policy at next week’s meeting and will apprise Mr. Lipkin at that time.

4.               Personnel Policy Committee

The members of the Personnel Policy Committee reviewed the most recent changes they had to the Employee Handbook.  The elimination of 12 sick days and replacing them with 3 personal days off and 9 sick days with no cash value was discussed.  The elimination of longevity except for those who are “grand fathered” was another topic of discussion.  A draft for review will be presented to the Board on Jan 31.

 

5.               Mr. Dorn

Mr. Dorn had sent a letter requesting the Health Agent do a site inspection of his neighbor’s property who was discharging gray water into his back yard area and determine if that was a health violation.  The Board stated that they would have the health agent do a site visit and report his findings to the Board.

 

New Business

 

6.               Capital Planning Committee

The Board reviewed some old correspondence from the Capital Planning Committee and will seek membership into the committee.

 

7.               Warrant Articles

The Board reviewed the proposed warrant articles for the upcoming Annual and Special Town Meetings.  They will be put into draft form for review at the next meeting.

 

8.               Alston

The Board reviewed the recent correspondence from Ms. Alston and a subsequent letter from David Martel advising the Board as to the status at present.  A copy of the letter from David Martel and any other information the town may have that is relative to the issue will be forwarded to Ms. Alston.  

 

9.               School Budget

James Smith reported on the meeting he attended on the Regional School Department Budget.  One outcome of the meeting was the possibility of an override to fund the school dept deficit.  The Board of Selectmen discussed their position on a possible override and ultimately developed a notice to be submitted to all departments within the town, the local publications, and a link on the website.

 

10.            ADA Coordinator

A vacancy has been created for an ADA coordinator with the resignation of Carolyn Brennan.  The Board will ask Becky Muldrew if she would be interested in assuming those duties.

 

11.            Invitation

The Board accepted an invitation from David Martel for a Chamber of Commerce Outlook Luncheon to be held on 1/31/03 with Governor Romney being the keynote speaker.

 

12.            Highway Vehicle

A letter was received from Dana Pixley Highway Superintendent regarding the highway vehicle that was involved in a roll over accident during a recent snowstorm.  Information that was sent to Dana by John Kyler of Heavy Equipment Appraisal Service, the adjuster assigned to the case by MIIA, the Town’s insurance company.  The adjuster informed him that there is more extensive damage to frame and equipment than what the vehicle is worth.  Therefore the vehicle will be totaled and the town will receive payment for the value by the insurance company.  

 

13.            RFP

A letter was received from Network Development Consulting a consultant to AT&T Wireless asking if the Town is reopening a request for proposal for leasing space at the landfill for the purpose of constructing a wireless communications facility.  The Board stated that they would revisit the issue and make a determination of opening a RFP in May.

 

14.            Grant Application

Tabled until next weeks meeting

 

15.            Charter Communications

A copy of the letter sent to Bart Gilley Computer Specialists at the HWRSD by Charter Communication stating the company is unable to connect the TWB and Green Meadows schools with fiber link to a central connection point in Hampden.  The Board would like to invite Mr. Gilley to an upcoming meeting to discuss alternatives as well as computer issues within the town house.

 

16.            Executive Session

Duane Mosier moved to enter into Executive Session for the purpose of discussing Police Chief, Highway and Dispatcher contracts without a return to open session. Mark Barba seconded.

Roll call vote:  James Smith – yes, Duane Mosier – yes, Mark Barba – yes.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Duane Mosier moved, seconded by Mark Barba to adjourn the meeting.  The motion was adopted unanimously (3-0).  The meeting adjourned at 10:45 P.M.

 

 

Respectfully submitted:

 

 

 

________________________

Karen Desmarais

Administrative Assistant