Selectboard Meeting/Agenda
12/9/08
Present: Clayton Chaffee, Andrew Pyenson, Donald Hawley, Chris Morris, Jack Piacquadio, Barry Weinstein, Hank Wingate, Gail Palmer, BJ O’Brien, Joel Morris
Meeting was called to order at 7:00PM.
Approval of Minutes: WWTP Meeting 11/25/08 and 11/25/08 Selectmen’s Meeting was unanimously approved.
Cultural Council Meeting: The Cultural Council meets on Sunday mornings and the issue had been raised regarding a possible conflict of interest? The Selectmen stated that it was not a conflict of interest and it is ok with them.
Lyn Minery: Lyn Minery has sent in her resignation letter from the Historical Commission. Hank Wingate would like to thank her for all that she has done. She will really be missed.
May 31, Bicycle Race- Chris Morris received a letter from James Thompson, Race director from AMRC. They are based in Connecticut. It is a two-day event. May 31, 2009 is the start date of the race. They will go through several towns, including Otis. Mr. Thompson should obtain insurance coverage and the town should be named on the policy. He would like to hear back from the board by the end of December. There will be approximately 300 riders. They are not proposing that any roads be closed. They have some volunteers that will be following them and some emergency personnel. The board has no problem at this time. Chris will check with Police Chief, Charles Harner.
Legal Opinions- Town Counsel responded to some of the questions that Chris Morris proposed to him. One question was whether or not the town could donate to the Rescue Squad in memory of Robert Clark. Town Council stated that was not a problem. Another issue was spending funds from WWTP reserves, Town Council thought it depended upon how the Department of Revenue determines it. Chris will check with the Town Accountant.
Stebbins Road- Lyme Timber Company would like to cut timber on Stebbins Rd. They wanted to widen the road and place crushed stone over existing culvert and in three mud holes. Chairman Chaffee stated legally it is not ok. The town is the one responsible for the road. The board was informed that it is the part of Stebbins Road that is discontinued. Selectmen Pyenson suggested that Lyme contact Chris Bouchard and discuss what they are proposing to do. They may need Conservation approval. It was suggested that the board receive an opinion from Chris Bouchard in writing.
Mass. Highway Garage- Chris Morris, Joel Morris, Chris Bouchard, Derek Poirier, BJ O’Brien and Gail Palmer were present for the digging of the seven test pits at the Mass Highway garage. They found chunks of asphalt and other debris in areas beyond where fill area was marked. Chris Morris suggested waiting to hear back from engineers. Some black looking soil next to shed was found. The deepest hole was 5 feet. The Hydrologist could tell where it is natural soil and where it has been disturbed.
Special Municipal Employees- Since the Ethics meeting, it was pointed out that the Board needs to vote on the exemption of Special Municipal Employee positions. Chris Morris presented the Board with the list of all employees that are appointed and holding other paid positions. The Board only needs to vote on this one time. The Selectmen will do so at the next meeting.
Heating Oil Price Blend: Chris Morris stated that representatives from 9 or 10 other towns met in Lenox to discuss the issue of being locked into higher oil prices. There is a termination clause. However, the oil company has locked in when we locked in, so he is committed also. They have proposed that towns lock in for next year at $1.99 now and this would spread the costs out over two years. Right now we are paying approximately $3.50 per gallon. No decision will be made at this time.
All Board’s Meeting, December 22 & Selectmen Meeting, December 23; Selectmen Pyenson suggested canceling these meetings. Chairman Chaffee said to cancel the All Boards and hold off on canceling the Selectmen Meeting for now.
DCR called Chris Morris yesterday and they are interested in buying 133 acres of land at Upper Spectacle Pond. The Audubon Society may buy it and then sell it to DCR. Chris said they are asking that the Board of Health consider this action at a public meeting, which is essentially what we are doing right now. The Statutory requirement is that they need 120- day notice. They are asking that the board approve the waiver of the 120-day notice period. The state pays taxes under PILOT program. DCR values are not 100%. The Board unanimously agreed that they have no problem with the 120-day waiver.
Chris Morris received a call from AEG. AEG is working with WMECO to make energy upgrades to the town-owned buildings. They will be replacing the lights at the Fire Station on Thursday, they will do the Rec. Center on Friday and Monday they will be here at the Town Hall.
Lee Marcella requested filling in as a power user for Website. Chairman Chaffee does not want to give up the position from the selectmen’s office. The Selectmen decided to put this on hold until we hire a new secretary.
Chris Morris also discussed the secretary position. We will be hiring a part-time clerical secretary in January. This position will be 2-3 days per week approximately 8:30-3:00. Chris presented the Selectmen with a written recommendation that the Clerical Assistant’s salary be adjusted, as she has taken on many other responsibilities. No decision was made at that time.
Selectmen Hawley stated he was really impressed with the preliminary budget meeting in Sandisfield. Their Finance Chairperson ran the meeting and he believes our Finance Committee needs to be more involved. Sandisfield discussed level funding the town. Selectmen Pyenson suggested sending out notices for the budgets and a letter stating that finances are going to be tight this year.
Mr. Piacquadio asked if the secretary position was originally advertised as a full time position and if the people who applied may have thought it was for the same position as before. The advertisement was for a secretary and did not state the hours and compensation rate. However, Chris Morris stated that he did let the applicants that he spoke with know that it was a work in progress and not sure what the hours will be at this time. Selectmen Pyenson stated that with Chris Morris in the office now, we do not need another full-time person and a lot has changed and now we are on a four-day workweek. We will need a fill-in person for the office in the event that Chris and/or Heather is not available.
Open Discussion: Joel Morris stated that the Conservation Committee was curious why NY State banned the use of copper- based algaecide. He believes the reasons were that it increases the toxic power of about 30+ times. He expressed concerned about this going into our ponds.
Meeting Adjourned: 7:55
Minutes respectfully submitted by;
Heather Venne
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