March 1, 2004 Town House

6:30 P.M.

Present: Duane Mosier, Mark Barba, James Smith

Guests: Douglas Farmer-Wilbraham-Hampden Times

Suzanne McLaughlin-Union Republican

Dick Puzzo, Judy Duncan, Tom Sohre

Discussion was held by the board on the various budgets they were to be discussing with the Advisory Committee later this evening. Two changes from previous year’s budget presentations were the moving of the Board of Health secretary (line 12.3 in the Selectmen budget) to 56.1 under the Board of Health. With this is also going to be an increase in salary to reflect the duties currently that position is responsible for. The second change is the $90,000.00 line item of 23.1 Transfer station operations. This item will be funded by the current system of bag fees and yearly vehicle stickers.

At 6:50 motion was made by James Smith to enter into executive session for the purpose of updating current contract negotiations with the teacher’s union, with a return to open session. Mark Barba seconded. Roll call vote: James Smith-yes Mark Barba-yes, Duane Mosier –yes.

Motion was made by Duane Mosier at 7:20 to return to open session. Mark Barba seconded, Mark Barba-yes, Duane Mosier-yes, James Smith-yes.

A guest (Judy Duncan) asked the board what they were doing to “control growth” in town. Her concern was the two subdivisions that are currently in the process of being approved. If approved they would be adding in the neighborhood of 35 or more houses in town. She is worried that the taxes that would be collected wouldn’t cover the increase in services that would be required, (i.e. schools, police, fire). The board replied that they cannot control what a private party does with their land. If a parcel meets the requirements of Planning and Zoning and the other various boards there is not much one can do to stop this.

At 7:30 James Smith made a motion to continue the meeting to after the Advisory meeting. Seconded by Mark Barba, all in favor and so voted.

Upon return from the Advisory meeting at 8:30 pm, seeing no further business, motion by Jim Smith to adjourn, seconded by Mark Barba, all in favor and so voted.

Respectfully submitted:

Mark Barba