BOARD OF
SELECTMEN/BOARD OF HEALTH
February 17, 2004 Town House
625 Main Street
Meeting called to order at 7:12 pm
Present: Duane E. Mosier, Chairman, James D. Smith, Mark R. Barba
Guest: Doug Farmer, Wilbraham/Hampden Times
8:30 – Todd Pelletier from Hampden Auto Body: Todd Pelletier came in to discuss his tenant (Joe Mascaro) and property conditions previously raised by the Board. Todd states that 18 cars have been removed from the property. An oil business runs at this location and MA inspections are also performed here. Todd assured the Board that the cars would be cleaned up to comply with the conditions mandated by the Board. Todd also discussed some property, which he wishes to donate to the Town. He needs to get the property surveyed and appraised first and then come before the Board again with this issue.
Ø Water District Issue: The Water Commission made the Board aware that a new State mandated test would cost approximately $600.00 a year. The Board is in receipt of a letter explaining a pipe break at Laughing Brook causing excessive amount of water usage over a weekend.
Ø Town Hall Public Forum: John M. Flynn sent a request via email to the Board to give presentation at Town Hall on March 4th to make townspeople aware how they can get involved in their Town Government. This would be a non-partisan meeting to the general public. Motion made by Jim Smith, to allow a group of individuals represented by John M. Flynn to use the town house auditorium March 4, 2004 for the purpose of offering a presentation to town residents on how they may participate in town Government. Such forum to include representatives from a cross section of Hampden’s political spectrum and such forum not to be advertised as being sponsored by a political party. Second by Mark Barba. VOTE: Duane Mosier yes, Jim Smith yes, Mark Barba yes.
Ø Thornton Burgess Beautification Program: Stonewall reductions are safety driven by those who manage the building. Motion made by Mark Barba to allow TWB to proceed with Tier II of the front façade work providing that before any structural changes are made, the building inspector will approve all plans to downsize the stone structures. Also need to ensure that any memoriam are preserved. Second by Jim Smith. VOTE: Duane Mosier yes, Mark Barba yes, Jim Smith yes.
Ø IBPO Contract – Two changes were made and final approval given by Todd Ely and Scott Trombly. We are waiting for Mike Cooney’s signature.
Ø MIIA credit: The town received a credit in the amount of $982.69 from our insurance carrier for work performance and participating in workshops, etc.
Ø Custodial letter: Pam Courtney is working to get Larry Moriarty on board to take care of the building.
Ø Payroll letter: The Board sent a letter to Donna Vicalvi, Treasurer regarding bi-weekly payroll date of implementation.
Ø Tax title: Treasurer, (our Tax Title Custodian) will hold auction on 3/17/04 to get properties into taxpayer’s hands and off our books.
Ø Leap Year expenses: Send letter to Cliff asking for money needed for additional day in the year expenses.
Ø Junk Cars: Check with the Police to see how the issue of junk cars was handled in the in the past.
Ø Dick Patullo sent a letter regarding Doug Boyd and his desire to serve on the Capital Planning committee. A motion was made by Jim Smith to appoint Doug Boyd to serve the remainder of the appointment currently held by Rick Fadus on this committee. Second by Mark Barba. VOTE: Mark Barba yes, Duane Mosier yes, Jim Smith yes.
Ø Letter from Council on Aging to appoint Ruth Haley as an under sixty member of the COA. Motion made by Mark Barba to appoint Ruth Haley to fill vacancy at the COA board for the under 60 member. Second by Jim Smith. VOTE: Duane Mosier yes, Jim Smith yes, Mark Barba yes.
Ø Motion made by Mark Barba to appoint Arthur Booth as Veterans’ grave officer, effectively immediately. Second by Jim Smith. VOTE: Mark Barba yes, Duane Mosier yes, Jim Smith yes.
Ø Letter from Red Cross, Pioneer Chapter requesting our support for the month of March, declaring it Red Cross Month. Discussion that the Board appreciates that the Red Cross performs a valuable community service, but we cannot endorse one group over another.
Ø Board of Health agent. Glenn Riddle is resigning due to his business workload. He is willing to stay on and provide transitional training. Mark to get ad out, with job description. Move forward ASAP.
Ø Mark meeting with Emergency Preparedness Group (30 towns) participating. First meeting 2/18.
Ø Jim had meeting with school district. There must be significant cutbacks in services or override may be required. Regional meeting. with school departments. Next meeting with them 3/2.
Ø Conservation Commission: Mark to contact Mike Gerrard directly.
Ø Duane attended Storm water Committee meeting last week and the group is in good shape for May end date.
Motion to adjourn by Jim Smith at 9:45. Second by Mark Barba. VOTE: Duane Mosier yes, Jim Smith yes, Mark Barba yes.
Respectfully submitted:
Pamela B. Courtney
Administrative Assistant
/pbc