Approved
11/02/04
TOWN OF HAMPDEN,
MASSACHUSETTS
BOARD OF
SELECTMEN/BOARD OF HEALTH
October 19, 2004 625 Main Street
6:30 pm Town House
The meeting was called to order at 6:30 pm.
Present: Mark Barba, James Smith
Out of Town: Duane Mosier
1. 6:30 pm Goals and Objectives – Board of Health Coordinator
Beth Perkins to coordinate tasks appropriate to the equipment granted to the Town – computer, camera, laptop, etc.
James Smith overview: Beth is to handle the process, bring him up to date on important town issues, wants to be minimally involved in paperwork, etc. whenever possible. Beth wants to be more involved with budgetary process and transfer station accounts.
2. 7:00 pm Tax Hearing – Board of Assessors – The assessors came in to discuss setting the tax rate and recommended keeping the tax rate at a factor of 1. Motion by James Smith to retain the residential factor of 1 for tax rate for FY05. Second by Mark Barba. VOTE: All in favor and so voted.
3.
7:15 pm Police Interviews – Dispatcher, Cheri
Tanguay Reserve Officer, Dominick Corsetti
Sgt. Henry came in to introduce potential new hires for staff in the Police Department.
Dominick Corsetti comes from Wilbraham with some experience and is willing to work 4-12 shift. Army National Ground background, Logan Airport, Western New England College, Wilbraham Police as a cell monitor. Wants to have full time police position in the future.
Cheri Tanguay has experience as well. Days 8-4, for Dispatcher Kenison’s days off. Disptacher positions will be filled out with the addition of Cheri.
Motion made by James Smith to appoint Cheri Tanguay as a dispatcher contingent upon successful completion of training and completion of probationary period to be valid until June 30, 2004. Second by Mark Barba. VOTE: All in favor and so voted
Motion to appoint Dominick Corsetti as a reserve officer contingent upon successful completion of training and completion of probationary period to be valid until June 30, 2005. Second by Mark Barba. VOTE: All in favor and so voted.
4. 8:00 pm Goals and Objectives – Administrative Assistant
Reviewed many of the same items previously gone over with Board of Health Coordinator.
5. Snow Plow Contract Award for Senior Center – Motion by James Smith to award contract for senior center plowing for winter of 04/05 to Earthscope Landscaping. Second by Mark Barba. VOTE: All in favor and so voted.
6. Conservation Commission Letter re: Phil Grant – Certified letter received from Conservation Commission Chairman requesting that a member be removed from his position. James Smith suggests that this is a misrepresentation of the facts. James will send letter to M Gerrard acknowledging receipt of the letter, and that James does not share his interpretation of what went on and would like to invite him in to discuss the situation at our next meeting on 11/2. We will also contract Phil Grant and invite him in as well. The Ethics Commission would answer the question about a need to recuse oneself, rather than the open meeting law. No further action at this time. Need to let Mike Gerrard know that we wish to talk about Scantic Grille as well.
7. Conservation Commission re: Hillside and Ridgeline violation – Letter received from Conservation Commission alerting the Board of Selectmen to a possible violation by a resident. The Board of Selectmen has no authority to take any further action.
8. Lower Pioneer Valley Educational Collaborative gas purchase – Our current contract expires on November 1, need to renew our contract. Motion by James Smith to contract with LPVEC for the purchase of natural gas thru Select Energy from 11/1/04 thru 10/31/05. Second by Mark Barba. VOTE: All in favor and so voted.
9. Minutes of 9/27, 10/05, 10/14 – Motion was made by James Smith to approve, second by Mark Barba for all sessions. VOTE: All in favor and so voted. Executive Session minutes for 10/14 were reviewed. A motion was made by James Smith to approve, second by Mark Barba. VOTE: All in favor and so voted.
10. Dan Burack – Owner of Plaza on Main Street: Letter to tenant – Move letter discussion to Executive Session.
Scantic Grille permitting process: James Smith spoke about his profound concern about the permit process and Conservation Commission’s involvement. He is extremely concerned that the commission has superseded its authority in requiring a Notice of Intent for the septic system. There was an approved DEP plan already, as Lorri McCool, (Board of Health agent) had presented the project to them prior to this. James is very concerned that the Commission has
taken the initiative to unilaterally go forward with declaring an emergency situation without seeking input from the Board of Health.
Update on Charter Cable Commission: We received the short-term lease from Bob Spain so we may continue with ascertainment process, which is necessary before proceeding with re-negotiation.
Motion by Mark Barba to enter into Executive Session without return to open session at 8:35 pm to discuss potential litigation for the Town. Second by James Smith. Roll call vote: Mark Barba yes, James Smith yes.
Respectfully submitted:
Pamela B. Courtney
Administrative Assistant
/pbc