Approved
10/05/04
TOWN OF HAMPDEN,
MASSACHUSETTS
BOARD OF
SELECTMEN/BOARD OF HEALTH
7:00 pm
625 Main Street
Present: Mark Barba, Duane Mosier, James Smith
Guests: Doug Farmer, Wilbraham-Hampden Times
Meeting called to order at 7:02 pm
7:00 pm Walk-Ins
Dick Jalbert, member of Water Commission: Dick came in to discuss the Laughing Brook demolition and the need to disconnect the water line. Any bulldozing could interfere with the existing water line. There is a need to contact Dig Safe for permit and there is a sense of urgency as Audubon is paying for police protection until demo is complete. James Smith will speak with Dana Pixley, Highway Superintendent if there is an opportunity to coordinate backhoe rental, each party to pay their respective portions, then James will relay information to Mary from Audubon Society. Mike Framarin will do the actual disconnection work. Audubon is seeking a new caretaker for the homestead itself.
7:15 pm Connie Witt came in to discuss Town owned property and postings for prohibited uses. The Park was supposed to have been posted prohibiting ATV, snowmobile use, etc. The Park and Rec director will be reminded of the need for the sign installation. Connie indicated she would like to come back before the board to present language in draft form for a noise ordinance to bring forward at Town Meeting. She will also contact Pioneer Valley for available language.
7:30 pm Chief Mellis: The Chief is advertising for a full time police officer and will be advertising through the SEGA process. There is a potential applicant (a current reserve officer from another town interested), but the Chief would like to proceed with the application process now. The Board is supportive of this proceeding immediately.
The Chief also discussed the need for major repairs to the Chevrolet Impala cruiser. He needs an answer as to how to proceed with the repairs. The Board debated that he either park the vehicle, sell it or get it fixed. James Smith suggested that the Fall Town meeting is not the time to seek additional funds from the Town. Mark Barba recommends that the Police go forward with the transmission repair.
The cellblock area and the old safes was the next topic discussed. The safes interfere with the use of the space. Duane Mosier spoke with a lock company who might take them away. Duane
09/07/04
Board of Selectmen/Board of Health
Minutes
will investigate, as to where would we put them and who would use them. The Board is in favor of getting rid of them as soon as possible.
The Chief mentioned the computer transition and the need for storage of the old ones.
8:00 pm Scantic Grille: A partner in the Scantic Grille restaurant, Sean Kearney was before the Board for a hearing for a pool table license. James Smith’s only concern is that it not become a draw as to be detrimental to the community. Sean wants to offer it as available entertainment. Abutters, Mitch and Mary Drozdowski are here to speak in favor of the permit being granted. James Smith made a motion to approve 2 pool tables contingent upon proper completion of paperwork. Second by Duane Mosier. VOTE: All in favor, and so voted.
Meeting reconvened in Open Session at 8:45
pm.
Chief Mellis wants to offer full time dispatcher position to Mike Lynch to fill in for current vacancy. He has completed all training required. Motion made by James Smith to appoint Mike Lynch to position of full time dispatcher until June 30, 2005 with the first 30 days being probationary, effective immediately, contingent upon his acceptance of the offer. Second by Duane Mosier. VOTE: All in favor, and so voted.
9:15 pm Hampden Theatre Guild: Members, Mark Giza, Rick Rubin and Andrea Bertheaud were in to discuss dates for use of auditorium for their production. Room reserved for week prior to production. Production September 23, 24, 25, 30 and October 1. Auditions scheduled for April 2, 3, and 4th in auditorium. The Guild to set up auditorium as needed. The Guild will come back with a schedule for rehearsals, etc. so we may notify other boards. They would like tables, food sales, and would therefore need to get all necessary permits. They would also like use of our sign out front. The Board will await their schedule.
Items for discussion:
1. Regional Selectmen’s Meeting: Meeting is scheduled for 9/23/04 in Longmeadow. The group is seeking agenda items. Cable contract status and are there some regional items that affect all of the towns that might be discussed? How could we be more effective as a group? State leaders at meetings is a valuable tool. Nothing specific to add as an agenda item at this time.
2. Mike Gerrard, Open Meeting Law Opinion Letter: A decision has been rendered (dated August 25, 2004) by the Assistant District Attorney which states that there is no indication that there was a violation of the Open Meeting Law by the Board of Selectmen as charged by Mike Gerrard.
09/07/04
Board of Selectmen/Board of Health
Minutes
3. Automatic Amusement Device License: The Board has reviewed the automatic amusement device license dated January 19, 2001 issued by the previous Chairman, Mark Casey. Duane Mosier made motion to state that the Board’s policy dated January 19, 2001 will remain as is with the deletion of the dollar amount limit. Any change to machine will require re-inspection. Second by James Smith. VOTE: All in favor and so voted.
4. Natural Gas Contract: Investigate and get further information as to how to proceed.
5. HAP – First Home Program: Board to send letter allowing an agency to come in to assist residents in seeking assistance for first home purchase. Motion by Duane Mosier to authorize HAP to provide assistance. Second by James Smith. VOTE: All in favor and so voted.
6. Personnel Handbook correction: Health Insurance benefits question to be asked of Personnel Committee. Send letter seeking interpretation of question.
7. Special Town Meeting – Warrant, Folder, Articles, Calendar: Start new folders for Special Town Meeting and Town meeting.
8. Calendar for September and October.
9. Minutes from 8/17 and 8/27: Motion made by Duane Mosier to approve minutes of 8/17 with changes. Second by James Smith. VOTE: James Smith yes, Duane Mosier. Mark Barba was not present for the meeting. Motion made by Duane Mosier to approve open session minutes of 8/27. Second by James Smith. VOTE: Duane Mosier yes, James Smith yes. Mark Barba was not present for the meeting. Executive Session minutes from 8/17 will be reviewed at next meeting.
FINALIZE DISCUSSION WITH CHIEF MELLIS:
Chief Mellis wants to offer full time dispatcher position to Mike Lynch to fill in the dispatcher vacancy. He has completed all training required. Motion made by James Smith to appoint Mike Lynch to position of full time dispatcher until June 30, 2005 with the first 30 days being probationary, effective immediately, contingent upon his acceptance of the offer. Second by Duane Mosier. VOTE: All in favor, and so voted.
9:15 pm Theatre Guild – Mark Giza, Rick Rubin and Andrea Bertheaud were before the Board to discuss dates for use of auditorium. Room reserved for week prior to production. Production September 23, 24, 25, 30 and October 1. Tryouts in April 2, 3, and 4th. in auditorium. The group to set up auditorium as needed. The Guild to come back with a schedule for rehearsals, etc. so we may notify other boards. They would like tables, food sales, and would therefore need to get permits. They would also like use of our sign out front.
09/07/04
Board of Selectmen/Board of Health
Minutes
DISCUSSION:
James Smith brought forward a motion to enable Board members to assume Chair positions when Chairman of Selectmen or Board of Health are unavailable. Motion made by James Smith that should Chairman of the Board of Selectmen be unavailable, then Chairman of the Board of Health shall assume responsibility of that position. If Chairman of the Board of Health is unavailable then the first year selectmen shall assume responsibility of that position. Second by Duane Mosier. VOTE: All in favor and so voted
Bi-weekly Pay: Board wants to go forward and notify other two unions of plan to move forward on Bi-weekly pay. We need to invite other two unions in to discuss our implementing the bi-weekly pay. The Board would like to hear their concerns and move forward as quickly as possible. Send letter to dispatchers, and highway departments saying we are moving forward in preparation of bi-weekly payroll and would like to invite you in to discuss this. Invite highway in on 28th at 3:30 pm and dispatchers in at 4:00.
Invite Town Accountant, Cliff Bombard in for next meeting on the 21st. The Board would like to discuss shortfall and special town meeting and all of the remedies that are available.
Mention made by Mark Barba that as of today, according to Dana Pixley, Highway Superintendent, all catch basins in town have been cleaned.
Transfer station permit: Tighe and Bond are working on submittal to DEP for dump closure permit.
Reserve Officer, Part Time Dispatcher Jason Sutherland has submitted letter of resignation. The Board will send a letter of thanks to him.
Duane Mosier brought forward the fact that the Highway Department has been extremely helpful with the Green Meadows building project.
Duane Mosier to attend Municipal Law Seminar on 9/24. The board has suggested that Duane be reimbursed for the cost of seminar ($45.00).
Motion made by Duane Mosier to go into Executive Session at 10:55 to discuss IBPO contract strategy without return to Open Session. Second by James Smith. VOTE: All in favor and so voted.
Respectfully submitted:
Pamela B. Courtney
Administrative Assistant
/pbc