Approved 11/29/04

TOWN OF HAMPDEN, MASSACHUSETTS

BOARD OF SELECTMEN/BOARD OF HEALTH

MINUTES

November 27, 2004                                                                             625 Main Street

9:00 am                                                                                                Town House

Present: Mark Barba, Duane Mosier, and James Smith

The meeting was called to order at 9:00 am by Mark Barba.

Guests: Michael Gerrard, Beverly Gerrard, Sheila Thompson, and Norman Turnberg

Miscellaneous

At the beginning of the meeting Michael Gerrard informed James Smith, as chairman of the Board of Health, that there was alleged dumping taking place at the end of South Ridge Road on property owned by Russell Morton.  James Smith said he would look into the matter later in the day.

 

James Smith acknowledged receipt of Conservation Commission materials and files from Michael Gerrard on Friday November 26, 2004 and thanked Mr. Gerrard for providing the materials in an organized manner.

 

Conservation Commission

The Board interviewed three candidates for the Conservation Commission:

Candice Keddy

• Currently a Member of the Hillside and Ridgeline Committee
• Manages a commercial construction company
• Family owns land in Hampden and she wants to make sure it is protected.
• Available as needed for meetings, training and site visits.

Cynthia Connors

• Background in Nutrition and Psychology
• Graduate of the Massachusetts Police Academy
• Familiar with following state regulations and preparing reports based on her experience as a dietary manager in a private nursing home. 
• Available for full-time commitment for meeting, training and site visits.
  
   

Charlie Schmitt

• Pervious member of the Hampden Housing Authority
• Served previously on a committee to re-write some of Hampden’s Zoning By-laws and as a member of the Hampden Zoning Board of Appeals
• Professional architect and owner Carlson & Schmitt Architects, Inc.
• Has worked as an architect on about a dozen large-scale projects requiring compliance with the Wetlands Protection Act, and filing of required paperwork with various Conservation Commissions or Agencies in both Massachusetts and Connecticut.
• Available as needed for meetings, training and site visits but wants a “short-term” commitment to share his expertise until the new commission is up and running.
  
   

Note: On Tuesday November 23^rd the Board interviewed another applicant.  Her background is as follows:

Pat Cote

• Previous Associate Member of the Hampden Conservation Commission.
• Previously served for 5 years on the Coventry, CT Planning and Zoning Board and Inland Wetlands Commission.
• Available as needed for meetings, training and site visits

Following the interviews the Board discussed goals and possible appointments.  After discussion it was agreed to initially appoint two new full members bringing the Commission up to the State minimum of three members.  The two new appointees would be selected based on those having the most relevant prior experience.  The other applicants would be appointed to associate, non-voting, positions.  The Board of Selectmen would then rely on the Commission to make independent recommendations for new full members to bring the Commission up to 5 members as soon as practical.  The Board of Selectmen also agreed to explore the possible benefits of a 7-member Conservation Commission at a later date.

Duane Mosier said that even though Charlie Schmitt was looking for a short-term commitment, if we consider appointing him we should appoint him to one of the longer-term openings.  This would give Mr. Schmitt the most flexibility in choosing a date to ease away from the commission.

 

Following discussions:

James Smith motioned to appoint Pat Cote to the unexpired term of Kim Desmarais expiring on June 30, 2005.  Duane Mosier seconded.  Vote: Unanimous.

 

Duane Mosier motioned to appoint Charlie Schmitt to the unexpired term of Bonnie Geromini expiring on June 30, 2007.  James Smith seconded.  Vote: Unanimous. 

Duane Mosier motioned to appoint Candice Keddy to the unexpired position served by Mike Gerrard as the fourth member of the Conservation Commission. James Smith seconded.  VOTE: All in favor and so voted.

Duane Mosier made a motion to appoint Cynthia Connors as Associate Member until June 30, 2005.  James Smith seconded.  Vote: All in favor and so voted.

Mark Barba stated that he would contact all of the people interviewed and let them know of our decisions.  He would have Pam Courtney draw up appointment slips on Monday November 29, 2004.  He would also contact current Conservation Commission member Philip Grant and have him coordinate with the appointees to set up an organizational meeting as soon as possible – hopefully by Wednesday December 1st.

The Board discussed pending Conservation Commission business and James Smith stated that Town Counsel, David Martel, suggested that the newly appointed Commission members make as much effort as possible to thoroughly review on-going projects with the proponents, abutters and technical advisers.  Mark Barba will advise Philip Grant of that need.

 

Town House Generator

Duane Mosier updated the Board on the repair of the existing generator (waiting for parts) and the installation of a temporary generator.  Duane will follow through on this and keep the Board informed.

Mark Barba made a motion to adjourn at 10:30 am.  Duane Mosier seconded.  Vote: All in favor and so voted.

Respectfully Submitted,

James D. Smith

Selectman