Approved
2/17/04
TOWN OF HAMPDEN,
MASSACHUSETTS
BOARD OF
SELECTMEN/BOARD OF HEALTH
February 3, 2004 Town House
Meeting called to order at 7:00 pm 625 Main Street
Present: Duane E. Mosier, James D. Smith, Mark R. Barba
Walk-in:
Mercury Swim Institute, 73 Allen Street: Pat and Don Safford are present to seek a variance for a swimming pool line to differentiate the shallow end from the deep end as required by law. Motion made by Duane Mosier to allow Mercury Swim Institute to allow a buoyed rope to show the separation between deep and shallow ends of the pool. Second by Jim Smith. VOTE: Duane Mosier yes, Mark Barba yes and Jim Smith yes.
Thornton W. Burgess: There are plans for beautification work to be performed in front of the school. The intent is to shorten the height of the stonewall which has been addressed as a safety issue.
Motion made by Jim Smith to send a letter to Noel Pixley, principal at Thornton W. Burgess to proceed with Tier I beautification program in the spring of 04 and plant trees as described in his letter of 1/14/04. Second by Mark Barba. VOTE: Jim Smith yes, Duane Mosier yes, Mark Barba yes.
Signs on Mill Pond: Signs have been installed by Highway Department, prohibiting use of ATV’s and snowmobiles.
Motion made by Duane Mosier to correct our minutes of 12/2/03 to reflect that Conservation Commission issued a violation of wetland bylaws, rather than Mike Gerrard issued. Second by Mark Barba. VOTE: Jim Smith yes, Duane Mosier yes, Mark Barba yes.
IBPO, Local 583: The Board reviewed a memo from the IBPO regarding contract negotiations. A memo will be sent to them regarding our need to get the current contract signed before proceeding with any new negotiations.
Chief Mellis - 7:30 pm: The Chief came in to review a number of items, the first of which was the handling of firearms qualifications and how to deal with anyone who does not qualify. Chief Mellis will write a letter to the Union and Officers regarding the two days of pay given previously for not qualifying and state that this does not establish a precedent as a past practice. Chief presented an updated policy on firearms qualifications and will get us a revised policy reviewed by the Union.
Budget: $14,478 police budget in the red. Chief to project out wages and develop a plan that will last thru June.
Chief will provide information as to how shifts are filled now and whether we have used mutual aid and how often? Have we used mutual aid with one officer on and with two officers on and if so, how often?
Evaluations: Under the existing contract we will move ahead with evaluations. The Chief will now go forward with those evaluations. Chief to go forward with specifics stated in our letter to him - $250 bonus for those achieving above average ranking.
Present individual forms to each officer by 2/17.
Need goals and objectives by 3/17.
Annual review process completed by 2/05.
Bi-weekly to start March 4, 2004.
Contract is ready for signature by IBPO. We will not go forward with any new contract negotiations until we have a signed contract.
Parking issue on Main Street and Bagel Nook - $2,000 for printing of parking ticket. Need a parking clerk then a hearing date. Will have to bring language forward in town meeting. Will also need handicapped parking signs and fire lane markings.
Chief brought forward issues of concern:
Cable Committee 8:30 pm: Dave LaLonde and Phil Grant were present to give an update on the cable committee.
Some towns were looking into sharing cable costs and Bill August, may be a helpful attorney to contact in the future.
Look for contract from Bob Spane and get it to Dave LaLonde.
Next meeting date – 5/4/03 – 8:00 pm
Phil and Karla Grant – 9:00 pm:Conservation Commission issue. The Grants are here to discuss ongoing issues with the Conservation Commission. At this point in time they do not wish to do any further work on their property other than burning brush within the 100’ buffer zone as they have no other area in which to burn safely. They would also like to continue mowing their lawn within the buffer area as well. They are seeking an end to any involvement with the Conservation Commission and are requesting the Selectmen’s help in this matter. We recommended the Grants send a letter to Conservation Commission stating their wishes.
Motion made by Mark Barba to approve minutes of January 20, 2004. Second by Jim Smith. VOTE: Duane Mosier yes, Jim Smith yes, Mark Barba yes.
Send longevity information to all employees present at meeting of 1/6/04. Those present were: Pat Smith, Donna Vicalvi, Kathy Zanetti, Ellen Bump. Larry Moriarty and Helena Nossal.
Bi-weekly pay memo to go out to Donna Vicalvi. Board agreed to stay with the schedule outlined previously and agreed to implement bi-weekly payroll.
Jim gave an update on the District school meting he attended.
Respectfully submitted:
Pamela Courtney
Administrative Assistant