Approved 9/7/4
TOWN OF HAMPDEN, MASSACHUSETTS
BOARD OF
SELECTMEN/BOARD OF HEALTH
AUGUST 17, 2004
7:00 pm Town
House
Guests: Doug
Farmer, Wilbraham-Hampden Times
7:00 pm Walk-ins
7:30 pm Doug Mellis
· Notice of Resignation of Officer John DiMaio – Chief looking for academy trained individuals to fill vacancy. There are currently two reserve officers who might be interested in the position.
· Traffic Study –Spoke with PVPC regarding two free traffic counts allowed in one year. We will check with Planning Board to see if they have any existing data. Pam Courtney to contact Amir Kouzehkanani and schedule work to be done sometime in October.
· Sponsor Reserve Officer for Police Academy: Is he allowed a leave of absence? Question the need of a police cruiser for training? Question of whether we would be responsible for this individual? Jim Smith states we have always been supportive of reserve officers going through academy training. At times we have retained them, other times they have moved on to other towns. Chief to check on the use of a cruiser: Has this been done in the past, or is this a new requirement? Check with MIIA as well. Do we need a rider on the policy for coverage while he is training?
· Unregistered cars: The subject of unregistered vehicles was discussed again. The Police have noted 130 vehicles seen from the road that are not registered and are unsightly. A few towing companies would be interested in towing vehicles from the residences for free. The Chief has suggested changing the current bylaw to reflect a higher yearly fee to keep these vehicles on site, also to prohibit more than one vehicle.
· The Board has requested a monthly financial statement from the Chief.
8:00 pm Dave Lalonde and Phil Grant – Cable Committee update: Bill Austin, Esq. met with member of the Board of Selectmen in Wilbraham and Hampden to discuss how to work together to take advantage of economies of scale when renegotiating. Perhaps with Wilbraham and others. We need a one year renewal followed by another one year extension. Our contract expires end of year. Wilbraham’s expires in 2007. Do we as a community want Public Access and do we want to pay? There is a need for Internet service for Green Meadows School. The committee to bring forward their recommendations for a one year renewal. Next meeting date to be October 5th. There is a meeting scheduled in Wilbraham to discuss next phase. Duane Mosier, Phil Grant and Dave Lalonde to attend.
8:15 pm Event Committee
After reading a notice in the paper regarding our need for an event committee in town to handle various activities, Tracy and Nicole volunteered to serve on this committee. They were told of the annual events and will have further discussion with Pam Courtney to determine their first steps in planning the next town event.
ITEMS FOR DISCUSSION:
1. Execution of lease agreement for Police computer equipment: Waiting for an opinion from Dave Martel, Town Counsel in order to proceed with finalizing agreement. Motion by Duane Mosier to allow the Police Department to enter into a lease agreement for computer equipment pending final approval from Town Counsel. Second by James Smith. VOTE: Unanimous.
2. Strategy for new IBPO contract negotiation: Will discuss in Executive Session.
3. Scantic Grille – Keno application: Massachusetts State Lottery Commission notification of Keno application made by Scantic Grille. We must respond with any objections prior to 21 days from receipt of notice. There are no pending problems
4. Memorial Monument electrical proposal from Edward Poulin. Proposal from Poulin to fix service for Memorial Monument. Service has been in disrepair for some time. Contact another electrician for secondary bid.
5. Lantern Lane property acquisition – Gale Candaras. We have reached out to Representative Candaras regarding this projected acquisition. There is a rumor that the purchase would result in Wilbraham owing property currently in the Town of Hampden. Selectmen are concerned with change in direction of this process. Aquifer area, could they put a well system there without our approval? We are seeking information from Gale Candaras and Wilbraham Board of Selectmen. How is money coming through as a state grant? We need to understand the process. Residents spent a lot of time and effort in getting this property. Ensure that the ownership of the land stays with Hampden. We attempted to contact Gale Candaras three separate times, the first two requests were ignored. The third request was that we email our question or concern to Gale Candaras. The selectmen are concerned with potential loss of control.
6. FY05 Shortfall projection: Need to discuss options with Town Accountant, Cliff Bombard.
7. Letter from District Attorney’s office. We received response from DA’s office relative to a request from Mike Gerrard questioning a violation of Open Meeting Law. It was determined by the Office of the DA that the Board of Selectmen did not violate any open meeting law.
8. Letter of resignation from Frank Kotomski: Board to send letter of appreciation to Frank and wish him well in his new residence. Send copy to clerk and to ZBA. Ask ZBA to bring forward recommendation for replacement.
9. Minutes from 7/20 and 8/3 meeting. Motion by James Smith to approve minutes of 7/20 as corrected. Second by Duane Mosier. VOTE: Unanimous. Motion by James Smith to approve minutes of 08/03 as corrected. Second by Duane Mosier. VOTE: Unanimous.
10. Tuft’s letter: Treasurer to seek documentation regarding outstanding invoice. Please request a letter of correction from Tufts.
11. Dana Pixley’s letter re: line striper and generator: Received a letter of confirmation from Dana regarding his handling of this matter.
12. Regional School Annual Assessment: Received assessment letter from treasurer. Funding for school transportation will not affect our assessment this year. Get breakdown of BANs from Donna and clarify that date of 03/01/06 is a typo and should be 03/01/05.
13. Buddy Walk Invitation for Down Syndrome (also requesting proclamation): Received invitation from resident regarding our participation in a buddy walk for Down Syndrome. Send letter stating we cannot support one group’s activities over all others. Individuals will participate as their schedules allow.
14. Library building: James Smith attended a meeting with the Library Trustees regarding a possible new location for our library. They are seeking a Planning and Design grant. This would be a 50/50 matching grant. They currently serve 600 people on a weekly basis. Handicap accessibility is a concern in their present location. If this moves forward and there is a plan approved, typically 5-7 years for building to commence. Must submit an application of intention in October. Need authorization from commissioners to proceed with planning and design grant proposal which will be voted on at special town meeting. James Smith informed them that they would need zoning approval and sighting for public water supply from DEP.
Dates needed for:
Tentative town meeting – 11/1
Warrant articles accepted until 9/20.
Police – potential for bylaw change relative to unregistered cars.
Motion by Duane Mosier to allow the VFW at 190 Main Street a one day general liquor license for Sunday 8/29, Wednesday 9/1, Saturday, 9/11 and Saturday 10/9 from noon to midnight. Second by James Smith. VOTE: Duane Mosier yes, James Smith yes.
Motion by Duane Mosier to grant a general license for the purpose of conducting turkey shoot for Sundays 9/12 thru 11/21 hours of 1:00 pm to 5:00 pm. Second by James Smith. VOTE: Duane Mosier yes, James Smith yes.
Motion at 10:30 pm by James Smith to enter into Executive Session to discuss contract negotiations without return IBPO to Open Session. Second by Duane Mosier. VOTE: James Smith yes, Duane Mosier yes.
Mark Barba absent from meeting.
Respectfully submitted:
Pamela B. Courtney
Administrative Assistant
/pbc