APPROVED 4/8/03

 

 

 

TOWN OF HAMPDEN, MASSACHUSETTS

BOARD OF SELECTMEN/HEALTH

MINUTES

April 1, 2003

 

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.

Appointments:

 

1.               Richard Patullo - Moderator

Richard Patullo met with the Board to review the warrant articles for the annual town meeting.  Some minor changes were made to the language of several articles for clarification purposes.  Also discussed was possible 2 ½ over ride and language for a warrant article and motion.

 

2.               Cable Advisory

Ray Jarvis and Bill Fisher were invited to meet with the Board to discuss the formation of a Cable Advisory Committee and discuss that the committee’s initial charge will be to review all materials with deadlines and make recommendations.  Both agreed to become committee members and the Board directed them as to the necessary procedures for posting and holding public meetings. Should there be any other candidates seeking a position on the committee the Selectmen’s office will direct them to the other committee members.  Duane Mosier moved to create a cable advisory committee with the initial members being Raymond Jarvis and William Fisher.  Mark Barba seconded.  All in favor and so voted.  The Committee will meet with the Board for a follow-up meeting on 5/13 at 7:30 pm.

 

3.               Arthur Booth

Arthur Booth, Veteran’s Agent for the Town of Hampden asked the Board for permission to fly the American flags on the poles on Main street as a statement of support for the troops overseas. Jim Smith stated that he is in agreement with flying the flags but he would like to have a defining time as to when they will be taken down.  Also discussed was the issue of deterioration of the flags if flown for an extended period of time.   Art stated that he would order new flags as a back up to the ones the Town already has.  The Lions Club will assist in the hanging of the flags along Main Street.  After much discussion it was determined that the flags will be taken down either when the President announces that the hostilities have ended or there has been a regime change.  Mark Barba and James Smith were in agreement with the manner in which the flags will be flown.  Duane Mosier stated that although he is supportive of the intent he feels that flying the flags sends a different message.  Mark Barba moved to authorize Arthur Booth, on behalf of the V.F.W. to allow the flags be hung on Hampden’s Main Street in support of the military troops serving in Iraq, provided that the flags are taken down when the President announces either a regime change or that the hostilities have ended.  James Smith seconded.  Duane Mosier abstained. Vote:  James Smith – yes Mark Barba – yes Duane Mosier – abstain.

 

    

Old Business:

 

4.               Minutes from March 25, 2003 for approval

James Smith will provide more details and the minutes will be on the 4/8/03 agenda for approval.

 

5.               Warrant

The Board reviewed the annual town meeting warrant and will vote at the next meeting to accept the changes made.  The Board also reviewed the Special Town Meeting warrant articles.

 

6.               Dispatcher Contract

The Board reviewed the Dispatcher’s Contract sent by Stanley Weinberg and noted some corrections to the document.  A copy will be sent to Stanley Weinberg noting the proposed corrections.

 

7.               Personnel Policy

The Personnel Policy Committee submitted the final draft for the employee handbook.  The Board will review the draft and make its final recommendations at next weeks meeting.

 

 

New Business:

 

8.               Police Vehicle

The Board reviewed the letter from Chief Mellis reviewing the possibility of purchasing public safety vehicles from Government Acquisitions for $1.00.  The Board has asked for follow up materials before a decision is made to review the contract portion of the materials.

 

9.               Sub Committee

The Board reviewed the letter from Ellen Bump regarding the sub-committee that was formed to review the possible purchase of the property at 613 Main Street.  The Board will move forward with an article at Special Town Meeting.

 

10.            Recycling Grant

The Board reviewed a possible grant for a shed to be installed at the Transfer Station to accept mercury products.  At this time the Board decided the grant would require an additional cost and requirements for implementation and therefore the Board decided not to pursue the grant.

 

11.            Appraisal

A request for a retainer for appraisal work to be done on the property abutting Green Meadow School was brought before the Board.  Duane stated that he would bring the letter before the School Building Committee for signature and payment.

 

12.            Over-ride

The Wilbraham Board of Selectmen sent correspondence to the Board with its suggested language for their override question.  The Board will review the information.

 

13.            Regional Board of Selectmen meeting

The Board discussed the upcoming regional Selectmen’s meeting to be held in Longmeadow on 4/10.

 

Duane Mosier moved, seconded by Mark Barba to adjourn the meeting.  The motion was adopted unanimously (3-0).  The meeting adjourned at 11:00 P.M.

 

Respectfully submitted:

 

 

 

________________________

Karen Desmarais

Administrative Assistant