BOARD OF SELECTMEN
Minutes
March 31, 2008
Attendance: |
Present |
Chairman, Fred B. Arnold, II |
X |
Vice-Chairman, Roger B. Cataldo |
X |
Selectmen Clerk, Arthur G. Pinell |
X |
Chief Administrative Officer, Karl J. Stinehart |
X |
Administrative Assistant, Sondra S. Pendleton |
X |
Others in Attendance: |
Greg Scibelli |
Southwick Suffield Advertiser |
Chris Putz |
Westfield Evening News |
Ted LaBorde |
The Republican |
Scott Ricker |
28 Lakeshore Drive |
Fred Gore |
40 Birchwood Road |
Tom Witham |
Superintendent of STRSD |
Betsey Magni |
School Committee |
Linda Carr |
Town Accountant |
Robin Solek |
Finance Committee Secretary |
David St. Pierre |
5 Field Street |
Rich Buley |
Chairman, Finance Committee |
Paul Tsatsos |
Finance Committee |
Linda Bathel |
Finance Committee |
Robert Horacek |
Finance Committee |
Chris Garvey |
Finance Committee |
Sheila Chamberlain |
Finance Committee |
Rick Anderson |
Lt. Southwick Fire Department |
The regular scheduled meeting of the Board of Selectmen was called to order at 7:02 p.m. by Chairman Fred B. Arnold, II.
PUBLIC COMMENTS:
7:02 p.m. |
Scott Ricker – 28 Lakeshore Drive |
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RE: Amendment to Minutes |
Mr Ricker came to the meeting to request an amendment to the February 4, 2008 minutes. He would like the minutes to reflect that the Phelps Homestead is designated as historic and that the Town Hall is not considered historic. (See Attachment “A”). The Board noted his comments.
7:06 p.m. |
Fred Gore |
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RE: Ambulance Transmissions |
Mr. Gore came to the meeting to ask the Board to make the Fire Department aware that the new ambulance cannot communicate radio transmissions. Mr. Gore played a tape of the Dispatch and Ambulance trying to communicate, which he taped from his scanner, and it was evident that the communication was all static. The Board will relay the information to the Fire Department and ask them to take care of the issue.
PUBLIC HEARING:
7:10 p.m. |
Nora’s Restaurant |
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RE: Liquor License Violation |
A MOTION was made by Mr. Cataldo, seconded by Mr. Pinell (Vote-Unanimous) to table the hearing until such time as the subsequent Liquor License Violations are resolved through the court system.
BILLS, MAIL AND CORRESPONDENCES: 7:12 p.m.
• The Board signed Warrant 0823, dated 4/3/08, in the amount of $170,556.50.
• A MOTION was made by Mr. Cataldo, seconded by Mr. Pinell (Vote-Unanimous) to sign an invoice from Annino, Draper & Moore, P.C. in the amount of $2,100.00.
• A MOTION was made by Mr. Cataldo, seconded by Mr. Pinell (Vote-Unanimous) to sign an invoice from Buckley and Buckley in the amount of $1,234.50.
• A letter was received from the Mass. Department of Revenue stating the Town of Southwick will receive $38,239.00 for the Sewer Rate Relief Fund for FY08.
• The Board will forward an invitation to attend a “Best Practices Model for Streamlined Local Permitting” event on Tuesday, May 6, @ 8:30 a.m., at Holyoke Community College to the Town Planner.
• A Quarterly MEMA Meeting will be held on April 10, 2008, at The Oaks, 8:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.
• The Board received notification that the Planning Board held a public hearing on March 11, 2008 and March 18, 2008, and recommended the proposed zone changes (from Residential (R-40 and R-20) to Business Restricted (BR) use) for properties located at 772, 774, 767, 771, 797, 805A and 805 College Highway.
• The Board received notification that the Planning Board held a public hearing on March 11, 2008 and March 18, 2008, and recommended the proposed zone changes (from Residential (R-40) to Business Restricted (BR) use) for properties located at 709, 711, 717, 719 and 723 College Highway.
• The Board received notification that the Planning Board held a public hearing on March 11, 2008 and March 18, 2008, and recommended the proposed zone changes (from Industrial Restricted (IR) to Business Restricted (BR) use) for properties located at 662A, 664, 686, 688, 700, 726 College Highway and 70 Tannery Road.
• The Board received notification that the Planning Board held a public hearing on March 11, 2008 and March 18, 2008, and recommended the proposed zone changes (from Residential (R-40) to Residential (R-20-B) use) for property located at 76 Sunnyside Road.
• The Board received notification that the Planning Board held a public hearing on March 11, 2008 and March 18, 2008, and recommended the proposed zone changes (from Agriculture and Conservation (AC) to Industrial (I) use) for property located at 25 Industrial Road.
• The Board received notification that the Planning Board held a public hearing on March 11, 2008, and recommended the proposed zone changes (from Residential (R-40) and Business Restricted (BR) to Residential (R-20-B) and Business Restricted (BR) use) for property located at 787College Highway.
• The Board approved a request from the Special Assistant to the DPW Director, Mr. Grannells, to have an Annual Free Traffic Count including turning movements at the Sheep Pasture Road/Depot Street intersection and Rebecca Lobo Way/Hudson Drive/Feeing Hills Road intersections. The later to be done in the May timeframe while school is in session.
APPOINTMENTS:
7:24 p.m. |
Tom Witham – Superintendent of STRSD |
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Betsey Magni – School Committee |
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Linda Carr – Town Accountant |
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Robin Solek – Finance Committee Secretary |
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David St. Pierre – 5 Field Street |
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Rick Anderson – Lt. Southwick Fire Department |
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Rich Buley – Chairman, Finance Committee |
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Paul Tsatsos – Finance Committee |
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Linda Bathel – Finance Committee |
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Robert Horacek – Finance Committee |
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Chris Garvey – Finance Committee |
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Sheila Chamberlain – Finance Committee |
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RE: Funding Full Day Kindergarten |
The above came to discuss a one time fee of $150,000.00 to help fund a full day kindergarten. The Board is a favor of the request and commented on the cooperation with STRSD, Board of Selectmen and Finance Committee, and stated they want to continue to help the schools.
7:35 p.m. |
Rick Anderson – Lt. Southwick Fire Department |
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RE: Pumper/Tanker |
Lt. Anderson came to the meeting to request more money to be allocated for a pumper/tanker. The original estimate was $400,000.00. However after bids received it was found to be about 15% more. The older pumper/tanker will be sold to recoup some of the money. The Board recommended supporting the extra allocation at the next Special Town Meeting.
EXECUTIVE SESSION:
A MOTION was made by Mr. Pinell seconded by Mr. Cataldo (Vote-Unanimous) to go into Executive Session at 7:55 p.m. according to MGL Chap. 39, Subsection 23B, Para. 3 & 6 to reconvene to Open Session. Roll Call Vote was as follows: Mr. Arnold-Yes, Mr. Pinell-Yes, Mr. Cataldo-Yes.
A MOTION was made by Mr. Pinell seconded by Mr. Cataldo (Vote-Unanimous) to go out of Executive Session at 8:15 p.m. according to MGL Chap. 39, Subsection 23B, Para. 3 & 6 to reconvene to Open Session. Roll Call Vote was as follows: Mr. Arnold-Yes, Mr. Pinell-Yes, Mr. Cataldo-Yes.
BILLS, MAIL AND CORRESPONDENCES Continued…:
• A MOTION was made by Mr. Cataldo, seconded by Mr. Pinell (Vote-Unanimous) to sign a one day Parade Permit for the Oleksak Half Marathon sponsored by the Greater Westfield Boys and Girls Club, on April 6, 2008.
• Citizen’s Police Academy Graduation has been changed to May 5, 2008.
• A MOTION was made by Mr. Cataldo, seconded by Mr. Pinell (Vote-Unanimous) to change the current Animal Control Officer after hours Stipend from $25.00 to $30.00 to be the same as Assistant Animal Control Officer.
• The Notice of Intent for the Westfield G & E Gasline has been filed with DEP and Southwick Conservation Commission.
• An e mail was received from SSgt Michael Morris thanking the Board for the Town flag sent to him in Iraq.
• An update was received from Mr. Werman, Carfinders, stating he has procured a contract for rebuilding after a fire, and work will commence asap. He will drop off a copy to the office when it is completed and signed.
• The Board signed a Notice of Lease sent by Attorney Buckley for the Westfield G & E Notice of Lease.
• The Board reviewed the proposed changes from DPW Director, Mr. Neece, for the new Transfer Station Rules and Regulations. The Board disapproved the moving of the stickers from residents mirror to their bumpers and attendants being able to ask for proof of residency. The Board approved a change from 20 to 10 minutes before closing for bringing in refuse and for stickers being replaced free if “voided” part of sticker is returned to Town Clerk’s Office.
APPOINTMENTS Continued: 8:30 p.m.
The Finance Committee came back to the meeting to state they voted in favor of the fire pumper/tanker apparatus and they voted in favor of the one time fee of $150,000.00 to help fund a full day kindergarten. However it wants the fee reduced if Tolland gives their share
BILLS, MAIL AND CORRESPONDENCES Continued…:
• A letter was received from the Mass. State Lottery Commission stating a proposal for selling KENO tickets at all existing agents rather than the limited number who currently offer the game. These new transactions would be identical to customers buying tickets for their other on-line games, such as Megabucks and Mass Cash.
• A MOTION was made by Mr. Cataldo, seconded by Mr. Pinell (Vote-Unanimous) to nominate Brett Colson as Animal Inspector.
• Notification was given by DPW Director, Mr. Neece, that the road and associated drainage system for Ferrin Heights was done and recommended it be accepted by the Town at the next Town Meeting. DPW is to start the layout process.
• Notification was received that Historical Commission member Barbara MacEwan was selected by the Massachusetts Commission on the Status of Women as the Southwick community’s Unsung Heroine of 2008.
• An invitation was received from The Cove Banquet Facility for a Grand Opening Celebration on Saturday, April 19, 2008 from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m.
• A MOTION was made by Mr. Cataldo, seconded by Mr. Pinell (Vote-Unanimous) to approve the Chair to sign a time Extension to Phase I Mass Highway Rail to Trail Agreement.
• The Class II Dealer’s License for Joe’s Sunoco, 555 College Highway was turned in by Joe Elias on March 18, 2008.
• A MOTION was made by Mr. Cataldo, seconded by Mr. Pinell (Vote-Unanimous) to sign the Easement for 43 Depot Street.
• A MOTION was made by Mr. Cataldo, seconded by Mr. Pinell (Vote-Unanimous) to approve the minutes of March 10, 2008.
• A MOTION was made by Mr. Cataldo, seconded by Mr. Pinell (Vote-Unanimous) to approve the minutes of February 25, 2008.
• Police Department Policies and Procedures entitled: Detainee Transportation, Holding Facility Policy, Detainee Processing, Detaining Prisoners, Temporary Holding Facility, Protective Custody, Strip Searches, Internal Investigatiosn, Sexual Harassment, Public Media Relations, Victim/Witness Assistance, Death/Injury Notification and Authorized Weapons are ready for review by the Board of Selectmen.
• The next Chamber of Commerce event will be April 23, 2008, entitled Westnet, which is being held at the Carriage House Conference Center.
Respectfully submitted,
Sondra S. Pendleton
Administrative Assistant
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