TOWN OF HAMPDEN, MASSACHUSETTS
BOARD OF SELECTMEN/HEALTH
November 18, 2003 625 Main Street
6:00 pm Town House
Present: Duane E. Mosier, James D. Smith, Mark R. Barba
Doug Farmer, Wilbraham/Hampden Times, Mike Gerrard, Conservation Commission
Meeting is called to order at 6:05 pm.
Old Business:
Minutes of 11/4/03 – Motion made by Jim Smith to accept minutes as corrected, second by Mark Barba. Corrections are as follows: Item 3; add location of sub-division (Somers Road). Item 5, Change bi-monthly to bi-weekly. Item 6; clarify Mr. and Mrs. Smith to Tom and Carol of Main Street. Item 7, Add, “Dana Pixley, Highway Superintendent has as part of his goals for the year, an ongoing program to check and maintain boundary markers for town property. Should problems exist, he is to repair such markers or replace as need be. Dana submitted a list of boundary markers and Duane Mosier requested that copies be sent to abutting towns as required by law.” VOTE: Duane Mosier yes, Jim Smith yes, Mark Barba yes. Executive Session minutes of 11/4/03. Motion made by Mark Barba to accept as corrected. Corrections were to note roll call vote. VOTE: Duane Mosier yes, Jim Smith yes, Mark Barba yes.
Appointments:
6:30 pm Advisory Board: The Board met with Kathy Pessolano to give a heads up for Kathy regarding scheduling deadlines. It was discussed that we go with level funded budget for now. Increases for non-bargained employees have not happened since 7/02.
The Board wants to make commitment to attempt increases for FY05. Advisory Board will generate worksheets for departments to start process by 12/8.
Kathy Pessolano, Advisory Board has new clerk, Ellen Moriarty.
7:00 pm Board of Selectmen continued the meeting in the Melville Room with elected and appointed officials to discuss the budget preparation schedule.
Capital Planning Expenses: Kathy Pessolano brought forth the need for capital planning discussion with interest rates at current low.
8:15 pm Board meeting continued in Selectmen’s Office.
Conservation Commission and Building Inspector - Mike Gerrard and Mark Feeney were present to discuss the issuance of a building permit without Conservation Commission approval and the need to improve the permitting process. Mark Feeney suggested revising the building application by adding a check off for Conservation Committee. A signature line will be added which states that the property owner (applicant) have been advised of their obligation to seek all necessary approvals (which might include Conservation Commission).
New Business:
1. Reserve officer/dispatcher resignation: Averi Church – The board notes the loss to the Police Department with her resignation. A letter will be sent thanking her for her service. Jim made motion to accept the resignation of Averi Church effective 11/17. Second by Mark Barba. VOTE: Jim Smith yes, Duane Mosier yes, Mark Barba yes.
2. Historical Society - Academy Hall (2) – The Board received a letter from the Historical Society regarding the need to complete some work in Academy Hall with volunteer aid. The letter states that if they need some money toward the project they will approach the Board requesting it. The Board will respond positively and wait to hear back from Historical Society.
3. The Society is also looking for spotlight to light the building (at their cost to install). They must ensure that there will be no impact on neighbors’ houses. It was also suggested that it be installed off of the ground for permanency purposes. The Board supports the installation and will forward letter stating same to Historical Society.
4. Regional Emergency Preparedness- The Board received a letter from Longmeadow regarding a collaborative effort in seeking grant funding for emergency preparedness. The Board is interested in working together with other communities as a participant in the process and will respond to Sue Wright (Longmeadow Town Administrator) to keep us informed and let us know what the next steps are in the process.
5. Duane Mosier attended the Lieutenant Governor’s round table discussion as well as MMA meeting and Regional Selectmen’s Meeting. Chapter 70 funding, transportation, health insurance, and benefits were the key budgetary issues discussed.
6. Jim Smith had discussion with Paul Gagliarducci, School Superintendent, regarding Town representation at Union negotiations of Regional School District with voting rights. The Board will be notified of meeting wherein a representative will be chosen for the Towns of Hampden and Wilbraham.
7. Employee handbook: The Board wants to review the entry level salary and the ability to raise that salary dependent upon skills of person being hired. Duane will review the Personnel policy with the Personnel Commission to determine the current process of staff evaluation.
8. Cannon Issue: The Board has been called by the Town of Lakeville relative to a cannon they wish to purchase; that they have been told came from Hampden. It was suggested that the Town Administrator in Lakeville be given the Historical Society’s number to pursue its history through them. Police Chief Mellis checked with the former Chief Stone, whose only recollection was of a cannon being used as a car stop at someone’s home, not of one being found in the middle of a field as reported by the cannon owner. The Board of Selectmen has no additional information.
9. Northeast Automotive: The Board received a complaint about the number of cars being stored at this facility. The permit issued must be checked for number of cars that are allowed at this location.
Motion made by Jim Smith to go into Executive Session at 9:25 to discuss Highway department negotiations and not to return to open session. Second by Mark Barba. VOTE: Jim Smith yes, Duane Mosier yes, Mark Barba yes.
Respectfully submitted:
Pamela Courtney
Administrative Assistant