Approved 4/20/04

TOWN OF HAMPDEN, MASSACHUSETTS

BOARD OF SELECTMEN/BOARD OF HEALTH

March 23, 2004 625 Main Street

6:30 pm Town House

Present: Mark Barba, Duane Mosier, James Smith

Guests: Doug Farmer, Wilbraham/Hampden Times, Bill Olmstead, Beth DeSousa

Ballot Questions

WARRANT DISCUSSION: James wants to use stabilization funds for warrant articles and use override for operating costs. Discussion with Advisory last night was predicated on an override passing. If not, budget will have to be looked at again. Further discussion of whether money should come from stabilization fund or paid by debt exclusion.

Ø Look at urgency of each item

Ø History in the town that the infrastructure is maintained through override

Ø See if $4,000 server can be used as a yearly budget item

Ø Advisory is looking for $140,000 out of stabilization fund.

The Board is looking at full $350,000 amount.

James Smith made a motion to approve the warrant for the annual town meeting as presented subject to any minor technical changes by our town counsel. Second by Mark Barba. VOTE: Mark Barba yes, James Smith yes, Duane Mosier yes.

Beth DeSousa states that money should come from stabilization funds towards that override number. Advisory thinks it must be handled this way. Town is in serious trouble if override does not pass. What hours do we need to cut? Essential services only in town?

We need to get it across that this is what is best for the town.

James is concerned about our credibility if we request a $204,000 override this year, support this strongly, and ask for it next year even if it passes this year.

Duane would like to see $350,000 as a total amount this year.

General override question and debt exclusion question for TWB school.

Motion made by James Smith to place the following question on the ballot for May 3, 2004, “Shall the Town of Hamdpen be allowed to assess an additional $350,000 in real estate property taxes for the purpose of operating the Municipal Government and Hampden’s share of the Hampden Wilbraham Regional School District Budget for the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2004 through June 2005. Second by Mark Barba. VOTE: Duane Mosier yes, James Smith yes, Mark Barba yes.

Appointment:

COA - motion needed for two new members.

Motion to appoint Linda Gaudette as an under 60 member of the Council on Aging by James Smith, second by Mark Barba. VOTE: Duane Mosier yes, Mark Barba yes, James Smith yes.

Motion by James Smith to direct the Chairman to send letters to Conservation Commission regarding Procurement Procedures and Liability Issue dated March 22, 2004. Second by Mark Barba. VOTE: James Smith yes, Mark Barba yes, Duane Mosier yes.

Water Commission: There are some existing statutory duties that the Board is exploring the Water Commission might handle rather than an outside consultant. Water commission currently oversees COA, town hall. Schools have their own testing capabilities. Duane Mosier to review the duties with the Commission.

Girl Scouts working on finalizing funding nature walk from Thornton Burgess to Senior Center.

Special Town Meeting April 26: Ask for any additional warrant articles from other departments.

Minutes of March 22, 2004 moved to accept by James Smith as presented. Second by Mark Barba. VOTE: James Smith yes, Mark Barba yes, Duane Mosier yes.

Grant proposal for COA for Food Service Administrator for five years and the Board approved the grant application.

Motion by James Smith to go into Executive Session for purpose of discussing IBPO and Highway Superintendent and Highway Department without return to Open Session. Second Mark Barba. VOTE: Duane Mosier yes, James Smith yes, Mark Barba yes.

Respectfully submitted:

Pamela B. Courtney

Administrative Assistant