Approved 02/01/05

 

TOWN OF HAMPDEN, MASSACHUSETTS

 

BOARD OF SELECTMEN/BOARD OF HEALTH

 

 

 

January 18, 2005                                                                                 625 Main Street

7:00 pm                                                                                               Town House

 

Present: Mark Barba, Duane Mosier, James Smith

Guests: Doug Farmer, Wilbraham-Hampden Times, Sheila Thompson, Rick Green

 

Mark Barba called the meeting to order at 7:00 pm.

 

7:00 pm                       Walk-Ins

 

                                    Rick Green, a member of RAH came in to discuss the gym floor at Thornton Burgess School.  He thought there might be excess funds from Green Meadows project that might be used for the gym floor.  There have been significant problems ongoing there with tiles coming up, etc.  Same discussion came up at department heads meeting.  Advisory is looking into the possibility of the transfer of funds, perhaps use line transfer as a remedy.  The subject would need to brought before the voters.  Need to determine where the money needs to be spent.  Rick may attend Capital Planning Meeting on 1/19.  There are many other issues that need to be reviewed – one of many to be discussed.  electrical issues, infrastructure, etc. 

 

7:30 pm                       Theater Guild: Rick Rubin came in to discuss a theater workshop proposal for children from 1st to 8th graders.  The Guild proposes this is a fundraiser, charging $5.00 per child, and consisting of two hours with Mark Giza doing acting exercises, the dance instructor demonstrating dance steps, Minnechaug students helping, and the music director doing some songs from the show.  At the end of the day, they would do a drawing.  All of the proceeds would benefit the Theater Guild, no commercial gain to be had.  None of the instructors would be paid for their participation.   The Board discussed the proposal and is excited about the prospect of a theater guild becoming active in Town. 

 

8:00 pm                       MA Electric Hearing for Transfer Station: Lisa Jasinski from Mass Electric came in to explain proposed pole installation.  Also present were abutters Laurie Schoolcraft , Sarah Schoolcraft and Michael Meaney.

Abutters have been notified, one pole will be owned solely by Electric Company and connect to the transformer pad.  Existing pole is too congested. Lines will be underground to the tower itself.  It is approximately 40 feet from existing pole.  The Board reviewed the application with the abutters so they would understand the process.  Motion made by James Smith to accept the pole petition 8034 as proposed on the petition dated 8/2/504.  Second by Duane Mosier.  VOTE: All in favor and so voted. 

A motion was made by Duane Mosier Smith to authorize Ma Electric to install a duct bank and equipment on the transformer pad for petition 8035 in conjunction with the motion referencing pole petition 8034, and noting that the document states Wilbraham, rather than Hampden and will be corrected.  Second by James Smith.  VOTE: All in favor and so voted. 

 

Mark Barba asked about the number of recent pole fires and was told that that there are faulty cutouts on poles which have resulted in some fires.  There are also insulators out there that need replacement.  Lisa J. was to look into the matter and get back to the Board.

 

Items for Discussion:

1.      Historic Commission appointment – The Board received additional information from the Historical Commission regarding the appointment of Sally Bryce to fulfill the obligations left by Noreen Couture with a term ending 2005.  Motion made by Duane Mosier to appoint Sally Bryce to the Historical Commission with a term expiring June 30, 2005.  Second by James Smith.  VOTE: All in favor and so voted.  Send note to Historical Commission and prepare appointment slip. 

 

2.      Green Meadows garbage disposal installation: The Board received a letter from Ecotec Environmental Associates regarding the need for a garbage disposal at Green Meadows.  James Smith is concerned that this system may overtax the septic system and would therefore cost money down the road.  He would like the costs associated with this studied first. Duane Mosier stated that all the schools have a disposal system and suggests that what would go in would probably be minimal and that annually all of the tanks are pumped every year.  School might add an additional tank for grease purposes and Duane is awaiting an update on the status.  It would be low usage but used once a day throughout the school year.   James would like Lori McCool’s comments on the proposal before proceeding.  This office to solicit her comments before next meeting. 

 

3.      Draft Warrant: The Board discussed warrant articles submitted to this office.  James Smith would like to discuss with the Personnel Committee that they take on the step and grade numbers, rather than them being in the hands of the Board of Selectmen.  Talk with Advisory, Personnel and Board of Selectmen. 

 

4.      Smoke-free law and the VFW issue: BOH to check first with the VFW and ask how they currently handle the smoking issue.  Ask that Beth contact VFW and find out the particulars of the matter and get back to the Board with that information. 

 

5.      Minutes of January 4, 2004.  Motion by Duane Mosier to approve with corrections.  Second by James Smith.  VOTE: All in favor and so voted. 

 

6.      Executive Session Minutes of November 16, 2004: Minutes were reviewed and a motion was made by Duane Mosier to approve as presented.  Second by Mark Barba.  VOTE: All in favor and so voted.

 

Roundtable discussion: James Smith was contacted by Whitney Collins, from Mountain Road.  She discussed acting as a liaison between the Board and the seniors that she is friendly with that wish to give input to the town government in a non-public format.   The Board would like to invite her to our next meeting to discuss the idea. 

 

A motion was made by James Smith requesting authorization him to forward the enclosed letter to the Editor, Wilbraham-Hampden Times in regards to the removal of the Christmas tree in front of Town Hall.  Second by Mark Barba.  VOTE: All in favor and so voted. 

 

A motion was made by Mark Barba to enter into Executive Session at 9:10 to discuss executive session minutes of November 16, 2004 and negotiations with IBPO with a return to open session.  Second by Duane Mosier.  VOTE: Duane Mosier yes, Mark Barba yes, James Smith yes.

 

 

The Board met in Executive Session and returned to Open Session at 9:40.

 

OPEN SESSION

 

There was discussion regarding receipt of certified mail in the office and other housekeeping issues.  Mark Barba departed the meeting at 9:50 pm.

 

 

A motion was made at 9:50 pm by Duane Mosier to enter into Executive Session to discuss pending legal action regarding a suit being brought against the town involving a kennel at 334 Somers Road without return to open session.  Second by James Smith.  VOTE: Duane Mosier yes, James Smith, yes.

 

Respectfully submitted:

 

 

 

Pamela B. Courtney

Administrative Assistant

 

/pbc