APPROVED 6/17/03
TOWN OF HAMPDEN, MASSACHUSETTS
BOARD OF SELECTMEN/HEALTH
MINUTES
June 3, 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 20, 2003 for approval

Pg 1 Section 1 change submitted to corrected.

Pg 2 Section 4 add agreed to the concept; change clarification to direction; change recycling to revolving.

Pg 3 Section 8 add in lieu of

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

2. COA letter

The Board will review the building use policy and have a town building use policy to be published in August. A letter will be sent to the COA apprising them of that along with the Board’s position that any non- town sponsored group not be allowed the use of the Senior Center due to budget cuts.

Appointments:

3. HLP

The Board met with Sherry Himmelstein to discuss the Minnechaug Mountain Project. The owner has agreed to reduce the selling price. At this time the HLP has the funds raised to purchase the mountain. It is the intent of the HLP to have the property sold to the Town of Hampden. Several items needs to be in place prior to 6/30/03 such as deed, certificate of title, copy of town vote, self help agreement (to be filed with the deed). Further discussion regarding the legal bills that have been or will be generated. The HLP feels the Town is liable for any legal expense. Jim Smith stated that this project was initially brought to the town with the promise that the town would not be liable for any expenses. Duane Mosier will speak with town council regarding the legal fees and the Board will apprise the HLP of its findings.

4. Matt Doyle Eagle Scout

The Board presented Matt Doyle with a proclamation for his achievement on becoming an Eagle Scout.

5. Cable Advisory

The Board met with the Cable Advisory Committee and Brian Merrick from the Dept of Telecommunications and Energy Cable Television Division to discuss the renewal process. By law negotiations for renewing the cable license cannot include rates or programming. The Committee will research what other towns have added to their contract and put together a proposal for a license renewal. The Board will follow up with the committee and meet 9/03.

6. Police Union

Jim Smith moved to enter into executive session for the purpose of contract discussions with the IBPO with a return to open session. Mark Barba seconded. Jim – yes Duane – yes Mark – yes.

New Business:

7. Dog Officer

Information regarding what other towns are doing for animal control was discussed. It was determined that at this time the regional animal control services that are provided by Thomas J. O’Connor are the best alternative for the cost.

8. Highway

Dana Pixley submitted a letter reviewing the impact of the budget reductions within his department. The Board will ask Dana to attend the 6/17 meeting to discuss the areas of reductions.

Other Business:

9. HCC

A letter was received from the Hampden Cultural Council advising the Board of 3 vacancies due to a bylaw regulating the terms on the Council and for the appointment of a new member. Jim Smith moved to appoint Tricia Regan as a member of the Hampden Cultural Council as recommended by the Hampden Cultural Council. Mark Barba seconded. All in favor and so voted.

10. Personnel Policy Handbook

A meeting was posted for 6/10 for employees to meet with the Personnel Policy Committee to discuss the new policy booklet that will be distributed. Copies will be printed and distributed to employees in addition to a cover letter prior to the 6/10 meeting.

Mark Barba moved, seconded by James Smith to adjourn the meeting. The motion was adopted unanimously (3-0). The meeting adjourned at 11:15 P.M.

Respectfully submitted:

________________________

Karen Desmarais

Administrative Assistant