TOWN OF HAMPDEN, MASSACHUSETTS
BOARD OF SELECTMEN/BOARD OF HEALTH
November 23, 2004 625 Main Street
7:00 pm Town House
Present: Mark Barba, Duane Mosier, James Smith
Meeting called to order at 7:01 pm
7:00 pm Walk-Ins
7:15 pm Michael Hawk – Interview for Police Position: M. Hawk came before the Board to interview for position on the Police Department. He has worked for a few small departments, similar to this town and also has experience with large community as a member of the UMASS police force. He has been in the Navy, gone to college and enjoys sports. He is academy trained, and will work for a week doing three shifts to see how he does, then put him on 11-7. He does need to go through 911 training. He would be available to work within a 2-week timeframe after giving notice to current employer. He would need a psychiatric examination as well as a physical exam.
Motion made by James Smith, “I move that the Town hire Michael Hawk as an entry-level patrolman. Such appointment shall be contingent upon his passing a physical and psychiatric test prior to starting. The first 12 months of service shall be a probationary period. Second by Duane Mosier. VOTE: All in favor and so voted.
If Michael Mitchell, prior interviewee, does not accept offer of employment, the Police Department will go forward with seeking more applicants.
Generator needs for Police Department: A letter was generated by the Chief stating specific needs for a generator. They are: 911, telephones, computers, emergency lighting. Antiquated fire alarm system needs to be removed as well as it being a nuisance with beeping.
The Board is looking into a back-up generator to service this area in the future.
RAD class for kids or women. The Police Department wants to sponsor training for women and kids but does not want the information taught to be disseminated to anyone other than those participating. D. Mosier said Green Meadows gym would be available at the end of this week for the Department’s use.
7:30 (1) Conservation Issues
7:45 pm The Board conducted an interview with Pat Cote: She has had experience with new development affecting existing houses, septic, wells, catch basins, environmental impact. Time commitment and availability would not be a problem for her. Site visits are not a problem either. She has an interest to be brought on as a full time member for a good length of time. Three are the minimum members required for the commission. The Board is looking to appoint a total of five members. The protection of natural resources is Pat’s main objective. It would be James’s recommendation that the commission retain all consultants already involved in the projects so as to keep current momentum going. Mark Barba has talked with DEP regarding training and they have offered to be available for whatever training needs Conservation may have.
James Smith has had follow up conversation with Dave Martel as to how to have new commission proceed regarding Speight development as well as Scantic Grille. We have to find out if the hearing for Scantic Meadows has been continued into December 6th. We will have to send notices to developers as to the status of projects.
The Board wants to ensure that the environment is a priority, that applicants have an interest in the Town, the time to commit to commission and that the Commission has a diverse background.
In response to a complaint regarding cutting of trees on South Ridge Road. Phil Grant, (the only ConComm member at the time) and James Smith did a site visit. Andrew Persaud is the property owner working on a building lot on South Road. He was asked by The Board of Selectmen to cease and desist work on his property until a Conservation Commission is established. He agreed to do so.
Items for Discussion:
2. Mike Gerrard DEP letter
3. Tree Lighting Ceremony – Selectmen to attend ceremony on December 5th
4. Sherry Himmelstein forum for forestry property – Scheduled for December 15th in the Auditorium
5. Charter Short Form Lease – Contact Dave Martel for the status of his review
6. Computer Service for Board of Assessors –Need an updated anti-virus
Phil Grant: P. Grant brought in financial disclosure forms from the Ethics Commission for the Board to sign regarding property owned by Grant. These were provided by the Ethics Commission to ensure no conflict of interest exists.
Phil Grant’s Notice of Intent: There will be a review done by DEP as an independent review of the existing conditions on South Road at Grant’s property. James prefers to have this review done rather than local review, as there will always be a level of uncertainty if the property is not reviewed by DEP.
James Smith made a motion to make an official request to the Western MA office of the DEP to perform a site visit at 123 South Road to determine if Phil and Karla Grant are in compliance with the Enforcement Order issued to them on November 15, 03. Second by Duane Mosier. VOTE: All in favor and so voted.
A request was made from the Board that Stan Weinberg, Labor Counsel hold off on his rate increase until the end of the fiscal year. To be reviewed further.
Mark Barba made a motion that the Board enter into Executive Session for the purpose of discussing IBPO, highway and dispatchers issues without return to Open Session at 9:00 pm. Second by Duane Mosier. VOTE: Mark Barba yes, Duane Mosier yes, James Smith yes.
Respectfully submitted:
Pamela B. Courtney
Administrative Assistant
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