APPROVED 6/3/03
TOWN OF HAMPDEN, MASSACHUSETTS
BOARD OF SELECTMEN/HEALTH
MINUTES
May 20, 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, Duane Mosier, James D. Smith, and Mark Barba were in attendance.

Old Business:

1. Minutes from May 13, 2003 for approval

Pg 1 Section 2: add names of residents, change are to area, change sent to send

Pg 2 Section 7: add additional

Pg 2 section 8: of, delete go

Jim Smith made a motion to accept the minutes as corrected. Mark Barba seconded, Duane abstained as he was out of town for the May 13^th meeting. Vote Jim – yes Mark - yes.

Appointments:

2. Budget

The Board welcomed Beth deSousa, Cliff Bombard, Dana Pixley, Chief Mellis, Austin McKeon, and Dorothy Kibbe.

Discussion regarding the FY 04 budget and the anticipated 5% reduction in line items over $1000 and the impact it would have on each department. The Board stated that they have reservations about using money from Stabilization Fund to help balance the budget this upcoming year. The Board will prepare a list of recommendations that represents 5% reductions and will attend the next Advisory Committee Meeting to discuss these cuts.

Cliff stated that he spoke with Dick Patullo regarding an article from Community Preservation recommendations for the 6/2/03 continuation of the Annual Town Meeting. He submitted a draft article to be reviewed by town council for submission.

Dana Pixley submitted a letter to the Board with some recommendations on how the town could purchase the dump truck within the budget. The Board and Beth discussed several options which included: rental versus purchase, purchase of a truck within the budget limits and make payments towards paying off a bond in subsequent years (the first year’s payment would be made with the $15,000 that was paid to the town from the insurance settlement for the truck accident), another option that was discussed was using Chapter 90 State-Aid money from this year to purchase the truck (also using the insurance proceeds from the settlement towards to total purchase price). The Board recommended using the Chapter 90 money to fund the purchase of the truck. They will make their recommendations to the Advisory Committee.

Dana also noted that an article would have to be written making a special appropriation of the $15,000 to be expended for a specific purpose at the 6/2 Annual Town Meeting.

3. Chief Mellis

The Board will follow up with the Chief regarding emergency management at the 6/17 meeting along with follow up on the various police policies.

4. Park and Recreation

The Board met with Chris MacDonald, Jay Fenlason, Glennis Flynn, and Rick Green. Chris stated that the P&R are entertaining the possibility of re opening the pool are in the process exploring methods that will comply with DEP regulations not allowing and pollutants into the brook from the pool. They will apprise the Selectmen with any new developments.

Chris inquired about the facility rental and whether or not the monies collected from rental of the fields, Memorial Park could be deposited back into the Park and Recreation revolving account and not into the general fund. The fees that are generated help to defer the cost of maintaining the fields. The Board agreed with the concept and will ask the Treasurer and Account for direction.

The last item covered was the Revolving Accounts. The Park and Recreation Department is asking for clarification on what type of revolving account they would fall under. The Board will research and possibly add it to the Fall Town Meeting.

New Business:

5. Regional Selectmen’s Meeting

The Board received a memo from East Longmeadow Selectmen’s office stating that the next regional selectmen’s meeting will be held on 6/12 at 7:00 pm, site to be determined.

6. Memorial Day

The Board was advised as to the planning of the Memorial Day parade, ceremonies and hot dog social.

7. COA Letter

The Board received a letter from the COA Chairman requesting a policy on building usage. A group wanting to rent the facility for its weekly meetings has approached the COA. The Board will re address the building policy issue at the 6/3/03 meeting.

8. Employee Time Loss

The Board received a letter regarding an employee time loss. This employee had experienced back pain and was advised by his chiropractor to take time off from work. This employee will be returning to work on May 27 and the question was asked as to whether or not the chiropractor in lieu of a physician’s note was acceptable to return to work. The Board stated that considering the town’s insurance company would accept the chiropractors note allowing an employee to return to work the town would therefore allow it. A note will be forwarded stating that fact.

9. Highway Bid reissue

A letter was received from John’s Trucking withdrawing their bid (that was recently awarded to them) for recycled base materials. James Smith moved to award Berkshire Asphalt Co. the contract for recycled base materials a $4.25/ton FOB. Mark Barba seconded. All in favor and so voted.

10. Lease Agreement – Thomas J. O’Connor

The Board received a lease from the Thomas J. O’Connor Regional Dog Control Center and a letter that includes the annual assessment fee. The Board will research what surrounding towns pay for their dog control.

Other Business:

11. Conservation resignation

The Board received a letter of resignation from Peter Choquette of the Conservation Commission. James Smith moved to accept the letter of resignation by Peter Choquette effective 5/1/03. Mark Barba seconded. All in favor and so voted.

12. VFW

James Smith moved to approve the one-day outdoor liquor licenses at the V.F.W. on 6/7 from 3pm – 12am; 6/17 from 3pm – 12am; 6/21 from 3pm – 12am; 6/28 from 3pm – 12am; 7/5 from 3pm – 12am. Mark Barba seconded. All in favor and so voted.

13. Executive Session

James Smith moved to enter into Executive Session for the purpose of discussing Highway Contracts and Police Contracts without a return to open session. Mark Barba seconded. Roll call vote Jim – yes, Duane – yes Mark – yes

James Smith moved, seconded by Mark Barba to adjourn the meeting. The motion was adopted unanimously (3-0). The meeting adjourned at 11:10 P.M.

Respectfully submitted:

________________________

Karen Desmarais

Administrative Assistant