Town of Bernardston
|
|
|
Board of Selectmen Fax: 413-648-9318 Virginia M. Budness, Chairman Stanley Garland Robert Raymond
Rebecca M. Jurek,
Administrative Assistant SELECTMEN'S OFFICE
Hours:
Monday through Thursday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. BOARD OF SELECTMEN – MEETING SCHEDULE Held at Town Hall* JULY 14, 2010 AT 6:00 PM JULY 28, 2010 AT 6:00 PM AUGUST 11, 2010 AT 10:00 AM AUGUST 11, 2010 AT 6:00 PM AUGUST 25, 2010 AT 6:00 PM *Unless Otherwise Posted ---------------------------------- Board of Selectmen Meeting Agenda - Town Hall JULY 28, 2010 Call to Order – 6:00 pm Warrants – 6:00 pm Building Project – 6:03 pm Addendum to Portico Project Legislative Candidates – 6:05 pm Meet candidates for State Representative’s seat Building Permits – 6:25 pm Greene, 35 W. Mountain Rd, replace windows Streeter’s Realty, 77 Church St, change of use: retail space to café Perkins, 431 W. Mountain Rd, garage Ellis, 12 Harwood Dr, replace windows Werner, 197 Parmenter Rd, renovations
Municipal Calendar & Announcements – 6:25 pm August 11th, 10:00 a.m. Board of Selectmen and 6:00 p.m. Board of Selectmen August 12th, 7:00 p.m. Bernardston Fire & Water District Public Concerns/Questions - 6:30 pm Personnel – 7:00 pm Requests for Leave Appointments Other Business - 7:10 pm Regional Planning in Franklin County interested in participating? Assistant Treasurer bonus inquiry Special Town Meeting reminder to set date Minutes Adjourn –7:15 pm
----------------------------- MEETING MINUTES Board of Selectmen MINUTES: July 14, 2010 BERNARDSTON TOWN HALL Call to Order Meeting called to order by Virginia at 6:00 p.m. Board of Selectmen present: Virginia Budness, Stan Garland. Absent: Bob Raymond. Others present: See sign-in sheet attached. Warrants Virginia made motion to approve FY10 vendor warrant of $86,380.70. Stan seconded. Motion carried. Virginia made motions to approve payroll warrants of $43,441.10 and $4,508.74. Stan seconded. Motions carried. Virginia made motion to approve FY11 vendor warrant of $41,444.79. Stan seconded. Motion carried. Public Safety Police Chief James Palmeri summarized public safety coverage and vacant shifts on both Bernardston and Northfield Police Departments. A proposed Memorandum of Understanding presented for review, showing proposed fees and outlining how the MOU would work. Northfield Selectboard has discussed briefly and will discuss again on July 26th. Liability questioned. Assistant to follow up on any potential liability issues. Stan made motion to approve the Memorandum of Understanding as presented upon approval from Town Counsel. Virginia seconded. Motion carried. Treasurer’s Office A concerned resident express her thoughts on noticing in the newspaper that the town Treasurer participated recently in a golf tournament and wondering why the person was out, all while continuing to be paid. Chair commented that the Treasurer is out on medical leave. Request for Transfer FY10 Council on Aging Expense account is overdrawn by $195.43. Finance Committee recommended to the Selectboard that the town pay the shortfall from the FY10 Powers Institute account. Virginia made motion to transfer $195.43 from the Powers Institute account to the Council on Aging expense account. Stan seconded. Motion carried. Selectboard and Finance requested an explanation from the Council on Aging for the shortfall. Assistant to follow up.
Building Permits Issued: Whitaker, 150 Parmenter Rd, windows and siding Kerber, 67 Burrows Turnpike, pool Mahaney, 213 Northfield Rd, windows and renovations Finnell, 21 Pine Grove Dr, renovations Kittredge/Kringle Candle, 220 South St, renovations and addition Moran, 480 Bald Mountain Rd, renovations
Municipal Calendar & Announcements Conservation Commission, July 15th at 7:00 pm Planning Board, July 15th at 6:30 pm Board of Selectmen meetings are now available to watch online at bnctv.net (1-2 days after the mtg) Update to Correspondence received from Mass DOT regarding the Railroad Line that runs from the Vermont line to Springfield, MA: Site inspections of all railroad crossings performed this morning with state, rail and local officials. Our Highway Superintendent reports that the rail system will be undergoing upgrades in the following areas: upgrades at all railroad crossings in town, including pavement and lighting controls, along with railroad track upgrades. The project is in the design phase at this point. We expect to have another update in six months. We welcome any improvements to the rail transit line that runs through Bernardston and look forward to working with all parties involved in seeing this project through to its completion. Personnel Discussed proposed amendments to the current Personnel Policy. Assistant suggested the Board consult with town counsel prior to the hearing. Board finalized the notice with the proposed amendments. Board to send any amendments to town counsel after the hearing. Finance Committee Finance Committee discussed request for transfer between accounts. Finance Chair made motion to transfer $195.43 from the Powers Institute account to the Council on Aging expense account. David seconded. Unanimous. Motion carried. Appointments Virginia made motion to appoint Stacey Mousseau to the Parks & Recreation Committee. Stan seconded. Motion carried. Stan made motions to appoint Dianne Cornwell to the Franklin Regional Transit Authority Board and Virginia Budness as the Alternate member. Virginia seconded. Motions carried. Virginia made motion to appoint Susan Malley as Assistant Treasurer retroactive to July 1, 2010. Stan seconded. Motion carried. Finance Chair requested that funds to cover the additional expenses be placed on an upcoming Special Town Meeting warrant. Other Business Board noted that FY10 stimulus funds have been received and await FY11 funds.
Public Safety Vests Board discussed whether to continue to pursue recovery of funds from 2004 for reimbursement of a portion of funds spent on vests for the Police Department. Board noted that they had already decided that the Board was not going to pursue any further. Virginia commented that Bob wanted to pursue further. Virginia, Stan, and Finance Committee not in favor of pursuing any further. No further action will be taken.
Route 5 & 10 Board member inquired to when the small portion of the Route 5 & 10 Improvement Project (near Cushman Park/Lefty’s Brewery) was to be finished. Assistant to follow up with MassDOT.
Housing & Community Development Grants Town has been notified that School Road Improvement Project will not be able to be submitted for a grant application due to being ineligible due to income thresholds. Assistant has resubmitted a grant application for small town road assistance funding for the project. Board learned that the grant application for improvements to Stratton Manor was not funded, however, the Housing Authority will be resubmitting in the next round.
Resignations Resignations received and from Animal Control Officer Leonard Streeter, and from Assistant Treasurer Jill Watrous effective June 30, 2010.
Request for leave Virginia made motion to approve request for leave. Stan seconded. Motion carried.
Cushman Park Stan commented on how nice Cushman Park looks. It was mentioned that someone was mowing it, but not Dexter. Selectboard has not seen any other name on the payroll warrant other than Dexter. Assistant to follow up with a member of the Cushman Park Committee for clarification. Adjourn Stan made motion to adjourn at 7:10 p.m. Virginia seconded. Motion carried. Respectfully submitted, Rebecca M. Jurek, Administrative Assistant _____________________________ BOARD OF SELECTMEN absent Virginia M. Budness Stanley D. Garland Robert R. Raymond Chairman ----------------------------------------------- MINUTES: June 30, 2010 BERNARDSTON TOWN HALL
Call to Order Meeting called to order by Virginia at 6:00 p.m. Board of Selectmen present: Virginia Budness, Bob Raymond. Absent: Stan Garland Others present: See sign-in sheet attached.
Moment of Silence A moment of silence was observed for Eleanor Garland. Thoughts and prayers go out to the Garland Family at this time.
Warrants Virginia made motion to approve payroll warrant of $36,038.10. Bob seconded. Motion carried. Virginia made motion to approve FY10 vendor warrant of $66,731.68. Bob seconded. Motion carried. Virginia made motion to approve FY11 vendor warrant of $116,117.50. Bob seconded. Motion carried. Bob inquired to the water pollution abatement trust as related to the Board of Health; requires follow up with Board of Health. Bob also requested that the Police Chief be contacted regarding a discrepancy with the number of hours paid to a staff person. Board requested that the Tree Warden be contacted regarding bill paying procedures.
Public Safety Chairman commended the Police Chief James Palmeri and staff in the apprehension of an alleged murderer on June 17th.
Other Business Noted that BNCTV Negotiations Committee has meetings scheduled for August 26 and September 23 at 7:00 p.m. at the Northfield Town Hall. Board has been informed that the backstop at the Bernardston Elementary School is in need of repair. Bob to follow up on site. Discussed other maintenance-type issues at the school. Finance Committee needs members. Contact Bill Pratt if interested. Old Home Days needs volunteers. Lisa Letourneau is the new Chairman of Parks & Recreation. Request for leave presented. Virginia made motion to approve. Bob seconded. Motion carried. Personnel Policy Hearing scheduled for this morning was cancelled. New date set for August 11, 2010 in the morning. Town Counsel services: Board requested that prospective counsel Donna MacNicol be scheduled on the morning of August 11th.
Building Permits Lyman, 179 Bald Mountain Rd, pool
Municipal Calendar & Announcements July 8, Thursday, Bernardston Fire & Water District, 7:00 p.m. at District Office
Reserve Fund Bob made motion to request $403.73 from the Reserve Fund for payment of Medicare expenses. Virginia seconded. Motion carried. Finance Committee Chairman Jane Dutcher made motion to approve the $403.73 request from the Reserve Fund for payment of Medicare expenses. Linda seconded. Unanimous. Motion carried. Virginia made motion to request $2,500 from the Reserve Fund for payment of Town Counsel fees for the month of June. Bob seconded. Motion carried. Finance Chair made motion to approve the $2,500 request from the Reserve Fund for payment of June 2010 Town Counsel fees. David Lorenz seconded. Unanimous. Motion carried.
Trench Permit For 78 Church Street. Signed.
Transfer Station Discussed updates to Fee Schedule. Virginia made motion to approve fee for mattress disposal to $40, and added sofa beds for $20 disposal fee. Bob seconded. Motion carried. Building Project Town Hall Portico Project received one bid. Bob made motion to award bid to Robert McCollum in the amount of $8,600. Virginia seconded. Motion carried. Work to begin as soon as possible. Town Hall Exterior Renovation Account Donations in the first few weeks have totaled $4,800, which will be doubled. Thank you to everyone that has been generous with their donations. Minutes Virginia made motion to approve June 16, 2010 minutes. Bob seconded. Motion carried.
Fleet Schedule Received notice that there is a potential problem with accelerators that go into idle on Ford F550 trucks. Assistant to follow up.
Powers Institute Franklin County House of Corrections community service staff will be painting the entire building. A lift will be rented in order to complete the higher sections of the building.
Energy Committee Members of the Energy Committee met with Selectboard and updated the Board with the progress of the Committee. David Lorenz provided a summary and explained the criteria required for being designated a green community along with a timetable of tasks completed and those to be completed. The one task that may require funding is the energy audit. The Energy Committee may perform the investment grade audit internally. Energy Committee has scheduled Informational meeting and public hearing in September with an anticipated November special town meeting regarding adopting the stretch code as part of the green community designation. Once a community is designated ‘green’, the Department of Energy Resources has funding available for various types of projects. The Energy Committee presented a draft Bernardston Green Communities Action Plan to the Selectboard several weeks ago for review. Virginia made motion to adopt the plan as presented. Bob seconded.
Adjourn Bob made motion to adjourn at 7:09 p.m. Virginia seconded. Motion carried.
Respectfully submitted, Rebecca M. Jurek, Administrative Assistant _____________________________ BOARD OF SELECTMEN absent Virginia M. Budness Stanley D. Garland Robert R. Raymond Chairman ------------------------------ MINUTES: June 16, 2010 BERNARDSTON TOWN HALL
Call to Order Meeting called to order by Virginia at 6:00 p.m. Board of Selectmen present: Virginia Budness, Bob Raymond, Stan Garland. Others present: See sign-in sheet attached.
Warrants Virginia made motion to approve payroll warrant of $31,835.44. Bob seconded. Unanimous. Motion carried. Virginia made motion to approve vendor warrant of $474,594.76. Stan seconded. Unanimous. Motion carried.
Building Permits Billings, 416 Huckle Hill Rd, new dwelling Kang, 66 River St, shed Cloutier, 19 Deane Rd, replace windows Werner, 197 Parmenter Rd, siding
Municipal Calendar & Announcements June 22, Old Home Days topic of discussion at United Church at 6:30 p.m. June 23, Board of Health at 6:00 p.m. at Town Hall June 28, Finance Committee at 6:00 p.m. at Town Hall June 30, Personnel Policy Hearing at 10:00 a.m. and Board of Selectmen at 6:00 p.m. at Town Hall
Town Clerk Effective June 23, 2010 Judy Knight will be resigning from the Town Clerk’s position. She has also retired from the Bernardston Elementary School, and due to retirement constraints, she must resign from the Town Clerk position until next year without compensation. Her resignation letter indicates that she is willing to accept appointment to the Town Clerk position until the next election without compensation. Virginia noted that the Personnel Policy reads that positions are routinely posted internally for seven days. Stan disagreed with posting the position and wants to appoint Judy Knight to the position. Bob indicated he would need to abstain from voting due to a potential conflict of interest. Discussion. Stan made motion to appoint Judy Knight to the position of Town Clerk until the next election in May 2011. Virginia seconded. Bob abstained. Motion carried.
Parks & Recreation Michael Boudreau has resigned from the Parks & Recreation Department. Letter signed thanking him for his past service to the recreation programs.
Appointments Wellhead Protection Plan Committee met last week for the first time. Several attendees wished to be appointed to the committee. Virginia made motions to appoint Kenneth Wysk, Anna Patenaude, and David Lorenz to the Wellhead Protection Plan Committee. Stan seconded. Unanimous. Motion carried.
Other Business TRIAD Program is in risk of being cut. Letters signed and will be issued to Franklin County Sheriff’s office and area legislators asking for their support of the program. Assistant Town Treasurer position. Discussed posting the position, possibly offer a $1,000 sign-on bonus, with a pay rate of $18/hour. Board noted that other towns have back up within various departments. Candidate must be bondable. Would need to fund position through a Special Town Meeting. Selectboard requested position be posted for 7 days. Board noted that the Board of Assessors have released Overlay Surplus from FY02, FY03, FY04, FY05, FY06 totaling $52,507.94. Funds will close out to Free Cash next year. Minutes: Virginia made motion to approve minutes of June 2, 2010. Stan seconded. Unanimous. Motion carried. Board of Health Chairman Sandy Giard met with Selectmen. Board of Health has requested permission to consult with town counsel regarding a potential conflict of interest issue. Virginia made motion to approve the request. Stan seconded. Unanimous. Motion carried. Stan made motion to request Board of Health pay any Board of Health-related bills from town counsel from Board of Health expense account. Bob seconded. Unanimous. Motion carried. Board of Health will be holding a meeting on June 23, 2010 and has asked a member(s) of the Selectboard to attend. The Board of Health will be holding a public meeting the beginning of July regarding different types of septic systems.
Request for leave presented. Virginia made motion to approve. Stan seconded. Unanimous. Motion carried. Board discussed paying out accumulated comp time for Police and Highway department staff. Bob made motion to pay out comp time for Police Department staff. Stan seconded. Unanimous. Motion carried. Bob made motion to pay out comp time to Highway Department staff. Virginia seconded. Unanimous. Motion carried. Discussed requesting assistance from legislators to recover May storm-related expenses. Board will not request reimbursement. School Road Project: awaiting survey results. Tabled. Brownfields Project: title search documents issued to attorney. Awaiting legal opinion. Tabled. Town Hall Exterior Fund Drive: Town has received $1,935 this week in donations in response to the mailer. Town Hall Portico Project: Bid documents for the project discussed and finalized. Bids to be requested with a due date of June 30, 2010. PV Panels at Capped Landfill: Assistant to meet with waste district staff and area administrators on June 21, 2010 regarding re-issuing proposals. Tabled. Memorandum of Understanding presented for FY11 hauling services. Virginia made motion to approve. Stan seconded. Unanimous. Motion carried. Town Counsel Services: Board interested in seeking pricing for town counsel services. Assistant to follow up. Tabled. FY10 Overdrawn Accounts: Franklin County Solid Waste District account is overdrawn due to higher than anticipated household hazardous waste expenses. Assistant to follow up with Highway Superintendent to pay the extra expense from Transfer Station account. Virginia made motions to request Finance Committee pay Medicare, Safety Complex and Town Counsel overdrawn expenses from the Reserve Fund. Stan seconded. Unanimous. Motions carried. Special Town Meeting date to be set. Tabled. Board discussed Personnel Policy in preparation for the next meeting. Discussed health insurance and retirement benefits and policies and potentially changing the language concerning these policies. Stan made motion to change 20 years to 25 years under the “Retirement” section of the current policy. Bob seconded. Unanimous. Motion carried. Public Safety Announcement: Residents are encouraged to lock their homes and their cars due to recent break-ins in the area. Wind Energy Siting: Board in favor of requesting letters be sent to legislators that they do not support new wind energy siting legislation which takes away some local permitting authority.
Adjourn Virginia made motion to adjourn at 8:00 p.m. Bob seconded. Unanimous. Motion carried.
Respectfully submitted, Rebecca M. Jurek, Administrative Assistant _____________________________ BOARD OF SELECTMEN
Virginia M. Budness Stanley D. Garland Robert R. Raymond Chairman ------------------------ MINUTES: June 2, 2010 BERNARDSTON TOWN HALL Call to Order Meeting called to order by Virginia at 6:00 p.m. Board of Selectmen present: Virginia Budness, Bob Raymond, Stan Garland. Others present: See sign-in sheet attached. Warrants Virginia made motion to approve vendor warrant of $324,991.98. Bob seconded. Unanimous. Motion carried. Noted that school assessments accounted for the largest portion of the warrant. Virginia made motion to approve payroll warrant of $25,641.41. Stan seconded. Unanimous. Motion carried. Personnel Policy Discussed potential amendments to page 15, sections 12.2, 12.3, and 12.4 as it relates to health insurance, dental insurance and life insurance. Retirement benefits discussed as well. Virginia made motion to eliminate elected and appointed officials language from sections 12.2, 12.3, and 12.4 sections of the Personnel Policy from participation in health insurance unless it was at their own expense, effective July 1, 2011. Bob seconded. Bob asked about obtaining legal opinion on the proposed changes and the Chairman indicated that it was not necessary. Public hearing will be held on June 30, 2010 at 10:00 a.m. on the proposed changes to the Personnel Policy. Unanimous. Motion carried. Virginia made motions to appoint the following Board of Engineers to the Bernardston Fire Department, terms ending March 31, 2011: Brandon Ovitt, Jared Smith, Brad Bordewieck, Roxene Shedd, Duane Nelson, Dennis Shockro, Gary Matteson, Tim Snow, Paul Grover, Spencer Bristol, Lloyd Grover, Peter Shedd. Stan seconded. Unanimous. Motions carried. Sewer Analysis Results Discussed options with department heads and members of the public. Virginia provided overview of the center village area, noting number of dwellings and families served by private septic systems. Board seeking comments on whether to spend monies on engineering and environmental reports, $12,000 to $15,000. Cost estimates for a wastewater treatment facility are in the $7 million range, with a potential of up to 45% being grant funded. Town would be facing $180,000 to $220,000 per year for forty years to finance the remaining $4 million, not including purchase price of land and yearly operational costs. Comments included that a sewer district would need to be formed, hook up fees, taxation, as well as alternative septic system designs. Selectboard asked the Board of Health Chairman to possibly hold a presentation on alternative septic system designs. Board of Health to discuss at their next meeting. Bob made motion to not move forward with seeking engineering and environmental reports. Stan seconded. Unanimous. Motion carried. Public Safety Peter Shedd, Emergency Management Director, gave an overview of the May 27-28, 2010 storm event. He stated that communication between all town departments was fantastic, including response from WMECO, as well as coordination of public safety-related measures with residents during and following the storm. Chairman commented that Bernardston has a very valuable fire department. Other Business Virginia made motion to approve request for leave. Bob seconded. Unanimous. Motion carried. Virginia made motions to approve minutes of May 18, 2001 and May 19, 2010. Bob seconded. Motions carried. Administrative Assistant provided Selectboard with an update to the progress of the Energy Committee. An action plan report presented for Selectboard to review prior to meeting with the Energy Committee on June 30th, with the intention of adopting the plan at the June 30th meeting. Discussed balance in Town Counsel account. Bob made motion to request $108.85 from the Reserve Fund to pay for April services. Stan seconded. Unanimous. Motion carried. Selectboard intends to pay all May and June legal service invoices during FY10. Discussed Transfer Station Fee Schedule. Virginia made motion to set sofa disposal fee at $15; upholstered chair fee at $10, keeping un-upholstered chairs at $5. Bob seconded. Discussion. Stan voted no. Motion carried. School Road Project: Bob is in the process of collecting the remaining surveys. Acknowledgement letter being sent to Cowls Lumber Company in North Amherst, MA for donation of paint to the town which was used to paint the exterior of the Highway Department Garage. Board sending memo to the trustees of the Cushman Library and the Library Director regarding benefit policies. Proposals for the solar panel project for the capped landfill are due June 9th. A panel made up of members of the Energy Committee will serve on the review committee of the proposals, along with the Executive Director of the Franklin County Solid Waste Management District. Ambulance service agreement with Baystate presented. Virginia made motion to approve agreement for a three year term. Bob seconded. Unanimous. Motion carried. Assistant working with FRCOG and attorneys on Brownfields properties on Martindale Road. Hoping to obtain site access agreements with landowners. Discussed grant for security measures at schools. Virginia made motion to not enter into a Secure our Schools grant application at this time. Bob seconded. Unanimous. Motion carried. Discussed potential Special Town Meeting dates. Meeting to be set prior to September 15, 2010. Tabled. Noted memo from Town Accountant regarding balances in accounts and carry forward instructions. Franklin County Selectmen’s Association quarterly meeting to be held June 17th. Bernardston will be represented. Town has submitted for $500 grant from Department of Environmental Protection for safety vests and safety cones.
Building Permits: Schady, 78 River St, window replacement and install insulation Deane, 110 Merrifield Rd, addition Kittredge, 220 South Street, new foundation Murray, 72 Bald Mountain Rd, window replacement Weiss, 12 Cross St, roof repair Bachelder/Smith, 134 Gill Rd, add dormer
Municipal Calendar & Announcements June 8th, Tuesday American Legion, 7pm at Town Hall June 9th, Wednesday Board of Health, 6 pm at Town Hall June 10th, Thursday Fire & Water District, 7 pm at District Office Wellhead Protection Plan Committee, 6 pm at Town Hall June 16th, Wednesday Board of Selectmen, 6 pm at Town Hall June 17th, Thursday Conservation Commission, 7 pm at Town Hall Franklin County Quarterly Selectmen’s mtg, 6 pm at Greenfield Grille Announcements Whitey Streeter will be turning 90 and a reception will be held on June 26th at Bella Notte from 2:00-4:00 p.m. Gas Engine Show and Flea Market sponsored by United Church of Bernardston was a tremendous success with thousands attending. Bernardston Police Department did not have staff to cover the event, but Leyden covered as a donation. Bob noted that community policing grant funds have paid for this service in the past, but community policing funds are no longer being made available from the state. Adjourn Stan made motion to adjourn at 7:45 p.m. Bob seconded. Unanimous. Motion carried. Respectfully submitted, Rebecca M. Jurek, Administrative Assistant _____________________________ BOARD OF SELECTMEN Virginia M. Budness, Chairman Stanley D. Garland Robert R. Raymond -------------------------------- MINUTES: May 19, 2010 BERNARDSTON TOWN HALL Call to Order Meeting called to order by Virginia at 6:00 p.m. Board of Selectmen present: Virginia Budness, Bob Raymond. Absent: Stan Garland. Others present: See sign-in sheet attached. Warrant Review Virginia made motions to approve vendor warrant of $51,440.37. Bob seconded. Discussed late fees and reprinting fees noted on vendor warrant. Board wants memos issued to all departments to remind them to pay bills on time to avoid extra expenses. Motion carried. Virginia made motion to approve payroll warrant of $24,151.10. Bob seconded. Motion carried. Bob requested updated comp time sheets from Police Department.
Fuel Bids Reviewed fuel bid results. Bob made motion to award #2 fuel oil bid, Option 1, to Surner at $2.59/gallon. Virginia seconded. Motion carried. Virginia made motion to award Diesel fuel bid, Option 1, to Dennis Burke at $2.85/gallon. Bob seconded. Motion carried.
Meeting Schedule Selectmen will meet on June 2, 16, and 30 at 6:00 p.m. June 2nd meeting topics will include: Personnel Policy and meeting with department heads regarding recent Sewer Analysis & Conceptual Design discussions.
Legal Opinions Board received feedback from town counsel on several issues, including Town Clerk’s position as it relates to her retirement from the school system, library personnel, and vote concerning certification of elected official. In summary, Selectmen will need to post the Town Clerk’s position and file necessary disclosures. Current Town Clerk needs to verify with retirement board whether or not fees can be collected, noting that the current Town Clerk, if appointed, would need to work for no pay for remainder of the term, until May 2011 election. Current Town Clerk has not resigned from the Town Clerk’s position. With respect to library staff, the library staff is not to be treated differently than other town staff with respect to benefits. Noted as well that the library is a governmental entity and needs to post meetings.
Highway Department Pine Grove and a portion of Sawmill Lane will be paved beginning in June.
Exterior Town Hall Renovation Project Draft flyer presented to be sent to all residents seeking donations for this project. A recognition plaque discussed for generous donors. Discussed vinyl siding versus painting, noting that the front side of the building is in need of repair.
Mail Virginia noted that there are new laws relating to the family medical leave act as received from town counsel.
Special Town Meeting On advice from town counsel, the Selectmen will bring back the $1,000 request for compensation for certified Treasurer to town meeting.
Treasurer’s Office The current Assistant Treasurer has informed the Selectmen that she is willing to assist on an occasional basis, but not on a regular basis. Bob made motion to advertise for an Assistant Treasurer, up to 10 hours per week at $18 per hour, pending discussion with state comptroller’s office. Virginia seconded. Tabled further discussion until next Selectmen’s meeting.
Finance Committee Chairman Jane Dutcher commented on town finances. Finance Committee and Selectmen will be meeting on May 24th to discuss further.
Meetings Cable hearing will be held tomorrow evening at the Northfield Town Hall in preparation for negotiations with the 10-year contract with Comcast due to expire in 2012.
Other Business Noted that Channel 17 is not broadcasting due to technical difficulties on the part of Comcast.
Announcement Gas Engine Show begins on May 28th.
Adjourn Virginia made motion to adjourn at 7:25 p.m. Bob seconded. Motion carried. Respectfully submitted, Rebecca M. Jurek, Administrative Assistant _____________________________ BOARD OF SELECTMEN absent Virginia M. Budness, Chairman Stanley D. Garland Robert R. Raymond ---------------------------------------- May 18, 2010 BERNARDSTON TOWN HALL
Call to Order Meeting called to order by Virginia at 2:00 p.m. Board of Selectmen present: Virginia Budness, Bob Raymond. Absent: Stan Garland. Others present: See sign-in sheet attached.
Tighe & Bond and U.S.D.A. Officials Board met with Rebecca Scherer of Tighe & Bond and Michael Rendulic of USDA Rural Development office and discussed the sewer analysis and conceptual design of wastewater treatment facilities. Explanation of grant and loan programs available through rural development for this potential $7 million project, with up to 45% grant eligibility. Environmental and engineering reports would need to be done at the expense of the town in the $12,000 to $15,000 range. Selectmen to meet with department heads to discuss whether to pursue the next phase of having the reports prepared and will be in contact with Tighe & Bond and USDA within the next few weeks.
Weston & Sampson and FRCOG Officials regarding Martindale Road Properties/Environmental Site Assessment Board met with Peggy Sloan of FRCOG and George Naslas of Weston & Sampson and discussed the environmental site assessment of the former sawmill area on Martindale Road. Discussed moving forward with Phase II of the site investigation and the need for landowner permission. Sign-off form to be forwarded to Selectmen’s office, along with a site access agreement. Funding in the $15,000 to $20,000 range is available for Phase II of this brownfield’s site through FRCOG. Town to move forward with seeking landowners permission to get to the next phase of the project.
Appointments Virginia made motion to appoint Louise Legouis to the Cultural Council. Bob seconded. Motion carried.
Requests for Leave Reviewed. Virginia made motion to approve request for leave for an employee. Bob seconded. Motion carried. Bob made motions to approve requests for leave for other employees. Virginia seconded. Motions carried.
Highway Department Board signed Chapter 90 papers for material for the paving of Pine Grove in early June. A portion of Shaw Road is scheduled to be paved as well.
Minutes Bob made motion to accept minutes of May 5, 2010. Virginia seconded. Motion carried.
Building Permits Issued: -Scherer, 148 Shaw Rd, stove installation and re-roof -Connelly, 102 Hillcrest Dr, re-roof -Iverson, 216 Fox Hill Rd, re-side -Buzzell, 43 Martindale Rd, re-roof
Municipal Calendar & Announcements Wednesday, May 19: Board of Selectmen 6 pm Thursday, May 20: Conservation Commission 7 pm; BNCTV Committee 7pm, Northfield Town Hall Monday, May 24: Finance Committee and Board of Selectmen 6 pm Tuesday, May 25: Energy Committee 6 pm Wednesday, May 26: Board of Health 6 pm Thursday, May 27: Wellhead Protection Plan Committee 6 pm Monday, May 31: Memorial Day Activities; begins at 10 am at the Four Leaf Clover Tuesday, June 1: Bernardston Farmer’s Market (on Tuesdays), 4-7 pm at United Church All meetings held at Bernardston Town Hall unless otherwise noted.
Other Business Remedying of beaver issues continues with town and state officials at three different locations. Board wishes to discuss potential amendments to the Personnel Policy at their June 2nd meeting. Bob noted that an anonymous citizen has offered up to $25,000 in matching funds for donations for the Exterior Town Hall Renovation Project. Any donations received after May 10, 2010 would be eligible to be matched. Mailer to be sent to residents seeking their donations. New Open Meeting Laws will be in effect beginning July 1, 2010 and a new outdoor bulletin board for meeting notices will be in place per the Town Clerk to meet these new requirements. Resident has inquired to placing signs to slow down traffic along Deane Road. Referred to Police Department. Discussed holding a Special Town Meeting, noting the Pioneer Valley School District assessment needs an additional $35,000 funding from Bernardston. Finance Chairman Jane Dutcher to follow up with Town Accountant and will advise Selectmen of her findings. Virginia noted that the town of Leverett is now a member of the Franklin County Solid Waste Management District.
Adjourn Virginia made motion to adjourn at 3:45 p.m. Bob seconded. Motion carried.
Respectfully submitted, Rebecca M. Jurek, Administrative Assistant _____________________________ BOARD OF SELECTMEN
absent Virginia M. Budness Stanley D. Garland Robert R. Raymond Chairman --------------------
MINUTES: May 5, 2010 BERNARDSTON TOWN HALL Call to Order Meeting called to order by Bob at 3:00 p.m. Board of Selectmen present: Stan Garland, Virginia Budness, Bob Raymond. Others present: See sign-in sheet attached. Reorganize Board of Selectmen Bob made motion to appoint Virginia Budness as the new Chairman. Stan seconded. Motion carried. Martindale Road Properties Peggy Sloan from FRCOG presented assessment site report on the properties on Martindale Road as prepared by Weston & Sampson. Ms. Sloan explained that this is Phase I of the process. The next phase would involve owner sign-off and/or involvement with other town boards. Meeting to be set up with Weston & Sampson, FRCOG and Selectboard to discuss next step. Sewer Analysis & Conceptual Design Report Board met with officials from Tighe & Bond and Franklin Regional Council of Governments regarding the next step regarding the Sewer Analysis & Conceptual Design Report. Discussed funding opportunities to get to the next phase and timelines involved. Discussed grant/loan packages and that engineering and environmental reports are required. Anticipated cost of reports are in the $12,000 to $15,000 range, which would be at the expense of the town. Discussed types of wastewater systems, current systems, and costs involved for a new treatment facility, range of $158,000 to $182,000 per year for 40 years, plus yearly operational costs, and land purchase costs. Meeting to be set up with Tighe & Bond and rural development officials, and Selectboard to discuss further. Franklin Regional Housing & Redevelopment Authority Board met with Bruce Hunter from the housing authority regarding grant assistance for a road improvement project. Virginia made motion to proceed with seeking assistance through the Franklin Regional Housing & Redevelopment Authority for road improvement funds. Bob seconded. Unanimous. Motion carried. Survey and letter to be issued by Administrative Assistant, noting that a 100% response rate is needed. Surveys to be returned to housing authority office. Town officials will follow up with landowners if surveys are not returned. Mr. Hunter reviewed the project list the Selectboard had submitted for the next round of block grant funding assistance. Handicap accessibility issues would be eligible for grant funding, along with social service programs. However, heating system and exterior repairs would not be eligible. Warrant Review Virginia made motion to approve payroll warrant of $27,372.20. Stan seconded. Unanimous. Motion carried. Virginia made motion to approve vendor warrant of $36,607.31. Bob seconded. Unanimous. Motion carried. Building Permits Issued: Bachelder/Smith, 134 Gill Rd, re-roof, add dormers, install vents, drip edge and water barrier Gouin, 21 West Rd, one-family dwelling Kittredge, 220 South St, demolish non-bearing walls Sandri, 227 Huckle Hill Rd, re-roof Shores, 55 Church St, replace windows, doors, insulate wall and ceiling
Municipal Calendar & Announcements Thursday May 6: Planning Board at 6:30 pm at Town Hall Saturday, May 8: To benefit the Relay for Life Team #111, beginning at 8:00 a.m., there will be a Mother’s Day Plant Sale at Dr. Zuttermeister’s parking lot (108 Northfield Rd), and a Tag Sale at the Corner of Harwood Drive & Route 10 Wednesday May 12: Board of Health at 6:00 pm at Town Hall Thursday May 13: Bernardston Fire & Water District at 7:00 pm at District Office
Administrative Assistant Request for leave presented. Bob made motion to approve. Stan seconded. Unanimous. Motion carried. Virginia made motions to appoint Christine Pineo and Michelle Dilts to the Cultural Council effective until March 2013. Stan seconded. Unanimous. Motions carried. Board has received a letter of resignation from David Lorenz from the Conservation Commission. Noted. Agricultural Commission has requested additional members. Article to be created and placed on the next Special Town Meeting warrant. Treasurer has requested certification monies for a prior year. Noted that an article on a Special Town Meeting warrant would need to be created. Energy Committee: becoming a Green Community: Public Information Meeting to be held & Special Town Meeting Article (no later than September/October). Noted. Discussed Street Light inventory. Bob made motion to turn back on street light on Hoe Shop Road. Virginia seconded. Unanimous. Motion carried. Assistant to notify WMECO and any other interested residents. Administrative Assistant noted upcoming meetings that she will be attending: May 12th Waste District 7 pm; May 25th Energy Committee 6 pm; Wellhead Protection Planning Committee 6 pm. Other Business Board reviewed disclosure forms as submitted by Board of Health member Sandra Giard regarding disclosure of appearance and conflict of interest, as well as disclosure of financial interest by a municipal employee. Chairman Budness signed as having received. Noted. Board wishes to seek legal opinion on issues involving library, town clerk, and treasurer departments. Assistant to follow up with town counsel. Selectmen discussed explaining to residents the state of Bernardston, possibly reformat town meeting, as well as provide better explanations in the town newsletter. Board to discuss amendments to current Personnel Policy at their June 2nd meeting. Discussed FY11 budget briefly. Assistant seeking guidance on pay rates for FY11 for staff. Selectmen noted that all are to receive 2.5% increases, with exceptions of votes taken at Annual Town Meeting. Board noted Highway Superintendent and Police Chief are 3%. Board noted that the Board of Health sets the rate for their Clerk. Minutes Minutes of April 21, 2010 presented. Virginia made motion to approve. Stan seconded. Motion carried. Adjourn Virginia made motion to adjourn at 5:02 p.m. Stan seconded. Unanimous. Motion carried. Respectfully submitted, Rebecca M. Jurek, Administrative Assistant _____________________________ BOARD OF SELECTMEN Virginia M. Budness Stanley D. Garland Robert R. Raymond Chairman
The Board of Selectmen has several important responsibilities under state statute: the power to prepare the town meeting warrant or agenda; the power to make appointments to town boards and offices; the power to employ professional administrative staff and town counsel; the power to sign warrants for the payment of all town bills; and the authority to grant licenses and permits. Apart from the strict legal responsibilities, the Board of Selectmen sets policy and strategic direction, coordinates the activities of other boards, and hears appeals and resolves problems that have not been settled at lower levels. The Board works through its Administrative Assistant who oversees the day-to-day operation of the Town under the Board's direction. |
|
|
