Approved
1/20/04
TOWN OF HAMPDEN,
MASSACHUSETTS
BOARD OF
SELECTMEN/BOARD OF HEALTH
January 6, 2004 625 Main Street
7:00 pm Town House
The meeting was called to order at 7:05 pm by Duane Mosier.
Present: Mark Barba, James Smith, Duane Mosier.
Longevity issue: Pat Smith, Donna Vicalvi, Kathy Zanetti, Ellen Bump, Larry Moriarty and Helena Nossal came in to discuss the change to the longevity payout. The discussion revolved the way in which the payout would occur. Jim Smith moved to reinstate the longevity benefits for eligible employees payments on the employee’s anniversary per previous practice with the dollar amounts frozen at the current level. Second by Mark Barba. VOTE: Mark Barba yes, Duane Mosier yes, Jim Smith yes.
APPOINTMENTS:
7:30 pm - Cliff Bombard: Cliff came in to explain to the Selectmen how he thought we should respond to a letter from the Department of Revenue regarding our landfill-revolving account. He articulated our options. We could bring landfill project into the existing budget and use revenues to offset the costs or establish an enterprise fund. To establish a fund we would need a motion at a Town Meeting. To bring it in under the existing budget, Cliff could write a letter for Assessor’s to send to DOR telling them what we intend to do to manage the account. The Board asked that Cliff proceed with that approach. Jim Smith voiced a concern about the 53 weeks in 2004 and how the payroll will be handled. Cliff and Donna have been asked to figure out how it should be handled and will get back to the Board with that information.
Cliff also gave an update to the Board about the Federal requirement for us to participate in the GASBE survey. RCI has given a new proposal to Cliff for $5500 to produce a turnkey product. Cliff will try to further reduce that number and get back to the Board with his progress.
7:45 pm - Tony Tranghese: Tony came before the Board with Chief Mellis to discuss illegal ATV use and the frequency of complaints lodged in Town. He suggested that the he and the Police patrol the areas where complaints are generated. Another suggestion was to get some information to Doug Farmer and ask that he publish information as to what is prohibited in Town. Perhaps the best time to address the problem is the spring since that is when the riding is likely to resume. Tony also suggested using Minnechaug Regional High School to educate people and also mentioned that installing signage is a pretty good tool. Chief to get a list from the Registry to send letter to owners. They must have permission from landowner to go on someone’s property.
Chief Mellis: was here to discuss parking issue at Federated Church. The Board will discuss at the next meeting, which the Chief attends February 3, 2004.
8:00 pm - Chris Evans and Hampden Housing Authority and Dana Pixley – Highway Superintendent: The meeting was to discuss how the Town wishes Dana to proceed with ongoing maintenance issues at Hampden Housing since this is a private way. The HHA voiced their opinion that they were part of the Town and should be receiving these benefits without having to pay additionally for them. The Board wishes to meet with HHA again after they have had a chance to review potential costs.
8:30 pm - Northeast Towing, 214A Main Street: As a result of numerous residents’ complaints regarding the unsightliness of this location. The Board requested that Northeast Towing come in for a discussion of their existing used car license. It was reiterated to Northeast Towing that the license permitted the following and that they must adhere to the conditions in order to maintain an effective permit:
DISCUSSSION ITEMS:
Tower Venture contract: The Board has final documents for the cell tower lease which must be signed and returned to Tower Venture.
Resignation of Veteran’s Grave Officer: Mr. Robert Weincek sent a letter of resignation after nearly 30 years of service.
Resignation of Conservation Commission Clerk: Pat Smith is resigning at month end from her job as clerk after 17 years. Mike Gerrard seeking information as to how to fill her position.
Sunday Liquor sales: The Board reviewed the proposed law allowing liquor stores to remain open on Sundays year round. Jim Smith made a motion to table the item, waiting to see what surrounding communities are charging for a Sunday license fee. Be prepared to move on the item when local owners seek permit to sell. Second by Mark Barba. VOTE: Jim Smith yes, Duane Mosier yes, Mark Barba yes.
Approval of minutes from 12/16/03: Jim Smith made motion to approve minutes with changes as follows: Item #3, Add “in response to Dana Pixley’s letter requesting approval to run the Snow and Ice Account in the red”, etc. Second by Mark Barba. Item #6, add that legal counsel may be allowed a time period of “up to” four hours. VOTE: Jim Smith yes, Mark Barba yes. Duane Mosier recused himself from vote.
Executive session approved with changes. Motion made by Jim Smith, second by Mark Barba. VOTE: Jim Smith yes, Mark Barba yes. Duane Mosier recused himself as he was not present at that meeting.
Jim Smith brought up topic of getting all salaries up to 95% of Tabor Consulting’s current recommendations. Jim Smith expects numbers from Tabor at any time.
Jim Smith started discussion of police contingency fund and the need for it to be re-established. The Board shares the Police Department’s concerns and this issue needs to be addressed.
Catch basin discussion: Dana Pixley to have catch basin refuse tested to determine how it should be disposed. He must get more material to mix with what he currently has to do the testing.
Motion to enter into EXECUTIVE SESSION by Duane Mosier at 10:50 pm with return to Open Session. Second by Mark Barba. VOTE: Jim Smith yes, Mark Barba yes, Duane Mosier yes.
Respectfully submitted:
Pamela Courtney
Administrative Assistant