Approved 5/4/04

TOWN OF HAMPDEN, MASSACHUSETTS

 

BOARD OF SELECTMEN/BOARD OF HEALTH

 

 

 

April 20, 2004                                                                                                  625 Main Street

7:00 pm                                                                                                            Town House

 

Present: Duane Mosier, James Smith, Mark Barba

Guest: Doug Farmer, Wilbraham/Hampden Times

 

Meeting called to order at 7:12 pm

 

7:00 pm  Walk-ins - None

 

7:30 pm  Chief Mellis – review of budget: 

Ø      The Chief stated that money was used from salary budget for Verna’s retirement benefits.  Work to get those dollars shifted back into salary line item. The Chief to get the number (possibly $2,000) regarding Verna and submit to Kathy in Advisory for their advice as to how to handle.

Ø      Election coverage by Police discussed for May 3rd.

Ø      Vehicle maintenance numbers – The Chief to continue giving gas consumption, maintenance costs to the Board on a monthly basis..

Ø      Back door of station needs possible replacement.  Duane to investigate further.

Ø      Evaluations of officers:  A preliminary review is to be done by May 17th  for all employees.  Allow the officers to review themselves, then the Chief to sit with them individually and do his review and chief was directed to proceed unless he is formally notified to stop.  

Ø      Dispatcher interview of Jason Roath at previous meeting was discussed.  The Chief will ensure that all future interviews will be handled in a professional manner with the Board being well prepared in a timely manner. 

Ø      Discussion of hiring a fourth dispatcher and how to fund that position?  Do we need another full time dispatcher?

Ø      Discussion of ATV use and the Fire Department’s request for use.  Fire Dept. was unable to use ATV because the battery was dead.  

Ø      The topic of unregistered vehicles was brought up.  Has Chief Adams been asked as to how it was handled in the past?  The Chief can only issue one permit, rather than issuing more than one to one household. Can we change the fee structure?  Check the bylaw to determine how to enforce? Check with Dave Martel for his opinion as to how to handle the fine? 

Ø      What is status of generator venting?  AC needs an upgrade.  The generator has water  around it after rain, and wiring near it, which needs to be addressed. 

 

 

 

 

Roundtable:

 

1.      VFW – Vote for one-day general license: May 1, 2004 12 noon to Sunday, May 2 at the Pavilion.  Discussion was had to maintain hours until midnight rather than later to 2:00 am as requested, in deference to the neighbors.  Drinks could still be purchased inside the VFW.  Motion made by James Smith to approve a one-day liquor license on Sat. May 1st from noon until midnight.  Second by Mark Barba.  VOTE: James Smith yes, Mark Barba yes, Duane Mosier yes.

 

2.      HWRSD – Letter from Rich Scortino regarding Energy Conservation Grant program.  Need to find the match ratio?  Time frame to satisfy the grant?  Forward to capital planning and TWB request.  We are interested in pursuing and we need more information. 

 

3.      Dana Pixley: Letter regarding Assistance with other Departments – Check with MIIA if we are working out of State, are we still covered?  Send letter of acknowledgement to Dana. 

 

4.      Conservation Commission: Letter from Mike Gerrard to Russ Morton – informational only.  Place in file.

 

5.      Conservation Commission – Consultant, Patrick Garner invoice forwarded by Mike Gerrard of the Conservation Commission to the Board of Selectmen with a demand to have the invoice paid.  Since the Commission has not complied with MGL Section 30B, Procurement Procedures, the invoice cannot be paid.  It is in the hands of Conservation to rectify this situation.

 

6.      Adopt-a-Road date: Schedule for May 15th Saturday morning.  Volunteers are provided with yellow bags and vests and gloves by Highway Department. 

 

7.      Senior Center: Friends of the Seniors - Override discussion.

 

8.      Minutes of 3/23/04: Motion by James Smith to accept minutes of 3/23/04 as corrected.  Second by Mark Barba.  VOTE: James Smith yes, Duane Mosier yes, Mark Barba yes.

 

9.      Minutes of 4/6/04: Motion by Mark Barba to accept minutes of 4/6/04 as corrected.  Second by James Smith.  VOTE: James Smith yes, Mark Barba yes, Duane Mosier yes.

 

10.  Executive Session minutes 3/29/04 to be reviewed at a later date.

 

The board received $86,400-bond anticipation note dated April 15, 2004 from the Treasurer, which needs to be signed by the Board.

 

Town house maintenance: Floors to be stripped and waxed by George at Hampden Village Cleaning.  Also schedule windows to be done.  Duane Mosier to pursue getting a new door for the Melville Room outside exit. 

 

The Board reviewed Motions in preparation for Town Meeting. 

Motion by James Smith to discuss minutes for Executive Session minutes 3/23/04 and 3/29/04, contract issues with the Police Department and the Highway Department.  Also the IBPO and an item concerning the Conservation Commission, subject to possible litigation without return to open session.  Second by Mark Barba.  VOTE: James Smith yes, Duane Mosier yes, Mark Barba yes.

 

Respectfully submitted:

 

 

Pamela B. Courtney

Administrative Assistant