Select Board Meeting Minutes

Meeting date: 
Monday, October 17, 2016
 
All meetings of the Select Board are recorded
 
ATTENDANCE:
Chairman, Russell S. Fox
X
 
Vice-Chairman, Doug Moglin
X
 
Clerk, Joseph J. Deedy
X
 
Chief Administrative Officer, Karl J. Stinehart
X
 
Administrative Assistant, Sondra S. Pendleton   
 
 
Select Board Secretary, Robin A. Solek
X
 
 
6:00 pm Police Recognition Ceremony:
 
Chief Ricardi, Southwick Police Department held a ceremony in the Town Hall Auditorium to recognize the Southwick Police Department staff including custodial, Animal Control, retired Police Officers, Retired Lieutenant, Reserve Officers, Police Sergeants, Lieutenant, Detective, Police Officers, Dispatch, Record Keeper, Administrative Staff and K-9. Many words of gratitude and commendation were spoken of all. The Select Board participated to commend the staff and recognize their hard work and dedication. Refreshments were served and provided by the Select Board.
 
The Public Body convened in Open Session according to M.G.L. c.30A, S21 (b) (1).  
The scheduled meeting of the Select Board was called to order by Chairman, Russell S. Fox, at 7:10 pm
 
7:15 pm Public Comments:
 
There were no Public Comments.
 
7:15 pm DPW & S.I.C.
Re: Congamond / Gillette Road Sewer Project:
 
Randy Brown, DPW Director and the S.I.C. met with the Select Board to discuss the Congamond Road / Gillette Corners sewer expansion project. There were several scenarios presented. The ideal scenario would be a Mass Works Grant be awarded along with USDA / RDA funding. S.I.C. would like to get local businesses involved. A MOTION was made by D. Moglin, seconded by J. Deedy (Vote- Unanimous) to authorize the Chief Administrative Officer to authorize Bond Counsel to draft borrowing authorization for the full estimated sewer project at $3.78 million dollars.
 
The DPW Director gave an update on:
  • South Loomis Street Culvert. The road will be opened October 18, 2016.
  • Snow Plow Vendors approved and meet all requirements
  • Select Board would like to look into center lane line striping with grooved pavement.
7:30 pm Continuation Hearing: Country Auto Sales 520 College Highway:
 
Chairman, R. Fox opened the Hearing. Mr. Fox asked if there were any questions.
Mr. Deedy stated he would like to see the grass seeded where there once was gravel. The Select Board stated that Country Auto’s exterior appearance sets an example for other dealer ships along the corridor.
There were no other comments.
A MOTION was made by D. Moglin, seconded by J. Deedy (Vote- Unanimous) to close the Hearing.
A MOTION was made by D. Moglin, seconded by J. Deedy (Vote- Unanimous) to approve Country Auto Sales for 35 cars.


 
7:40 pm Payroll/Payables Warrant and Acceptance of Minutes
Bills, Mail, Correspondence, Vendor and/or Personnel Contracts, Personnel Decisions, Policy Adoptions, Payroll Actions, Old Business, New Business, Etc., Possible Motions/Votes:
 
A MOTION was made by D. Moglin, seconded by J. Deedy (Vote- Unanimous) to sign and approve:
  • Re-affirm Payables Warrant #1710B in the amount of $349,340.00.
  • Payroll  Warrant #1708  in the amount of $206,203.85.
  • The regular open session minutes October 3, 2016 were approved.
A MOTION was made by D. Moglin, seconded by J. Deedy (Vote- Unanimous) to sign and approve:
  • Approval for work extensions for the Town Accountant and Accounting Clerk for the Accounting Department transition with HCRB concurrence.
  • Original Warrants for signature for the State Elections on November 8, 2016.
  • An invitation for the Veteran’s Parade to be held on November 12, 2016.
  • Mr. Deedy gave an update on the War Memoriam. It will be complete in approximately in 1 ½ weeks.
  • Approval of an application for submission for the Mass small bridge program application on North Loomis Street to Mass DOT.
  • A request from the clerical union to combine the half day before Christmas and New Year to be a whole day off on December 23, 2016.
  • Approval of the Snow Plow Vendor list.
  • Acceptance of a donation in the amount of $140.00 from East Mountain Country Club and $2,600.00 from Genereux family golf tournament for the Animal Control Department. The Select Board will send a thank you.
  • Approval of a Reserve Fund Transfer in the amount of $10,000.00 for Repairs and Maintenance for Public Safety Building budget. Mr. Deedy would like sometime in the near future for R. Johnson, Supervisor of Buildings & Grounds to look at all the town structures, buildings and equipment with a fresh set of eyes for any improvements or repairs necessary.
  • The Finance Committee approved the FY 18 Budget sheets for level fund and 5% increase. The Select Board would like to see -5%, level fund and +5%.
7:50 pm Old Business:
 
  • Medical Marijuana to be put on hold until after the election.
  • There was not a lot of response for the Open Space parcel request. The Select Board Office will send out a reminder.
  • Old Library RFP to lease out the building. A MOTION was made by J. Deedy, seconded by D. Moglin (Vote- Unanimous) to go to STM for approval to lease out.
  • The Arnold APR parcel is on hold.
  • Whalley Park bid opening on Wednesday October 19, 2016 for Phase II of the Lighting Project
  • Community Compact on hold.
8:00 pm New Business:
 
  • A MOTION was made by D. Moglin, seconded by J. Deedy (Vote- Unanimous) to approve December 6, 2016 as the date for Special Town Meeting.
Discussion of potential STM Warrant Articles:
1.      Sewer Bond
2.      Southwick Fire Department Memorandum of Agreement
3.      Planning Board Zoning Articles (2)
4.      Old Library Lease
5.      Transition Costs for Departments
6.      Southwick Fire Department apparatus study
 
Discussion of signage for Animal Control Shelter to include Police Chief, Town Planner, and Chief Administrative Officer.
 
A MOTION was made by Mr. Moglin, seconded by Mr. Deedy (Vote – Unanimous) to go into Executive Session at 8:05 pm regarding M.G.L. Chap. 30A, S20 (b), S21 (2) (3) & (7), Ch. 214, Section 1B, not to reconvene to open session.  ROLL CALL VOTE:  Mr. Deedy-Yes, Mr. Moglin – Yes, Mr. Fox-Yes.
  • Collective Bargaining w/union personnel and strategy for Collective Bargaining w/union personnel – DPW
  • IBPO & IAFF
  • Litigation


     
Respectfully submitted,


 
Robin A. Solek
Board of Selectmen’s Secretary