TOWN OF HAMPDEN,
MASSACHUSETTS
BOARD OF
SELECTMEN/BOARD OF HEALTH
MINUTES
June 1, 2004 Town
House
7:00 pm 625
Main Street
Present: James Smith, Duane Mosier. Absent: Mark Barba.
Meeting was called to order at 7:00 pm.
7:00 pm Walk-Ins - None
Motion made by Duane Mosier to appoint James Smith as Chairman while Duane Mosier and Mark Barba are both away on vacation from June 2, 2004 through June 11, 2004. Second by Duane Mosier. VOTE: Unanimous.
1. Joe Hickson's letter to Eva Wiseman, Town Clerk - The Board reviewed a draft of a letter from Eva Wiseman in response to Joe Hickson’s letter regarding the election, the process and the possibility of vacating the election. The Board will send a letter stating that the Board agrees with the letter sent by Eva Wiseman in response to his concerns.
2. Minutes of 5/18/04 for review. Motion by James Smith to accept minutes as corrected. Second by Duane Mosier. VOTE: Unanimous. Motion by James Smith to accept executive session minutes of 5/18/04. VOTE: Unanimous.
3. 7:30 pm Cliff Bombard, Account Balances: Audit starts 6/2. Spoke with the firm of Tom Scanlon regarding the audit. Cliff has reconciled all accounts. Tom Scanlon will be in on Friday. Cliff wants tax title audit, with changeover, what of tax title money paid off unpaid taxes, how much was pro forma tax (tax that had to be paid by purchaser through fiscal year in order to take property) fees on those taxes and how much was profit. Cliff noted that there would be a new fee structure for audits beginning in FY05. Current software package for municipal accounting may no longer be available and this may be a budget issue in the future. We now pay annual fee for maintenance support. Noted budget. Wait until the 15th of June before moving line items around. Fire dept. has terrorism grant money that may be utilized by the Town. At our next meeting with Cliff Bombard on the 15th we will discuss moving line items.
4. Conservation Commission response: Mike Gerrard has written personal letter to the Board seeking information through Freedom of Information Act. Mike is alleging in letter that James Smith discussed a letter of reprimand to Cliff Bombard. James Smith noted that no such letter exists and no such reprimand occurred. The Board will respond to those items that do exist and will send out to Mike Gerrard.
5. Conservation Commission payment for legal fees – Review letter with Mark Barba and then send.
6. Dana Pixley’s letter regarding drainage project on Valley View: Motion made by Duane Mosier to support Dana’s recommendations. Second by James Smith. VOTE: Unanimous.
7. Dana Pixley’s – Federal mandate regarding street sign regulations: This project will be taken up in next year’s budget process.
8. DARE program graduation – June 2, at TWB – 8:00 pm. James Smith to attend.
9. Transfer Station proposal from Tighe and Bond: Motion made by Duane Mosier having satisfied 30B to award the permit renewal for the Hamdpen solid waste transfer station in the amount of $2,000 by Tighe and Bond, provided that all requirements under 30B have been met. Second by James Smith. VOTE: James Smith yes, Duane Mosier yes.
10. Chief Doug Mellis’ budget – Reviewed by the Board
11. Bulletproof vest program- FYI.
12. Local Preparedness Grant program – Form must be completed and submitted by June 30th.
13. Open Space letter of support to Conservation Commission – Board to sign off on letter of approval for open space.
14. Dog Report by George Roberts – Forward copy to John Matthews.
Roundtable
Regional Selectmen’s meeting cancelled. Will reschedule.
Motion made by James Smith to adjourn meeting at 9:50 pm. Second by Duane Mosier. VOTE: Unanimous.
Respectfully submitted:
Pamela B. Courtney
Administrative Assistant
/pbc