Select Board Meeting Minutes
Meeting date:
Monday, July 10, 2017
All meetings of the Select Board are recorded
ATTENDANCE: | Chairman, Doug Moglin | X |
Vice-Chairman, Joseph J. Deedy | X | |
Clerk, Russell S. Fox | X | |
Chief Administrative Officer, Karl J. Stinehart | ||
Administrative Assistant, Robin A. Solek | X |
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, Doug Moglin, at 6:00 p.m.
6:00 p.m. Public Comments:
There were no Public Comments.
Mr. Moglin, Chairman thanked all the First Responders for a job well done for the Motocross Nationals that were held on July 8, 2017 at the Wick 338.
6:01 p.m. 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:
The below warrants were acknowledged by the Chairman.
- Payables Warrant 1801B, dated July 5, 2017, in the amount of $2,008,090.10.
A MOTION was made by J. Deedy, seconded by R. Fox (Vote-Unanimous) to sign and approve:
- The Open Session minutes of June 26, 2017 were approved. The Executive Session Minutes of 6/5/2017 & 6/26/2017 were approved.
6:05 p.m. Dog Hearing 20 Eagle Street (Newton) ACO Officer:
A MOTION was made by J. Deedy, seconded by R. Fox (Vote-Unanimous) to open the Dog Hearing at 6:05 p.m.
Mr. Moglin read the Notification letter in its entirety. Mr. Moglin acknowledged the packet of information that all parties have received. All parties were sworn in that included: Mrs. Carol Newton, Ms. Crystal Newton, Mr. Nehin Rios, Tracy Root, ACO, Mr. Rutola and Mrs. Rutola. Each party was asked for any pertinent information.
Tracy Root began the discussion explaining the two dogs (Cindy and Diesel) from 3/20/2017 were being fined for unvaccinated,loose, and unlicensed. It has become a daily issue. The fines exceed over a $1,000.00. The dogs are a nuisance escaping their yard and wandering to the Rutola’s residence, growling and intimidating the family.
Mrs. Newton explained that her grandchildren are letting the dogs out and there is an opening in the gate.
Ms. Crystal Newton, 730 Westfield Street, Westfield, MA. informed the Select Board that Diesel is up to date on his vaccinations and was licensed on July 10, 2017 the day of today’s hearing. Mr. Nehin Rios provided documentation of veterinary bills and licensing for Diesel.
ACO recommendation: Have Cindy’s vaccinations updated and licensed. Inspect the fence and have the gate tall enough to secure the dogs. Make any repairs to the fencing to ensure the dogs remain fenced.
Select Board recommendation: In agreement with the ACO recommendation. Mr. Fox said the Board would consider reducing the fines if a good faith effort is put forth to corrective measures to be used towards the repairs.
The Dog Hearing will be continued until July 24, 2017 and at that time Cindy(dog) will be vaccinated, licensed and fence repaired.
A MOTION was made by J. Deedy, seconded by R. Fox (Vote-Unanimous) to close the Dog Hearing at 6:20 p.m.
6:20 p.m. STGRSD School Vacancy:
Jeff Houle, Chair STGRSD Committee and members met with the Select Board to review the process of selecting a vacancy on the School Committee.
- The interviews will be in Open Session
- Discussion of the candidates
- Roll Call Vote
- Candidates will be given a review of the process.
The interviews will be held on August 7, 2017 beginning at 6:00 p.m. Each candidate will have 10 minutes.
Questions from the Select Board and School Committee are due on July 14, 2017 for Labor Counsel to review.
6:40 p.m. Cable Advisory Committee:
The Select Board met with R. Horacek, S. Fox, and P. Connolly to discuss their recommendation with Comcast. The recommendation was to renew the contract for 5 years, with an increase in the franchise fee to 1.75%upon renewal and the option to increase the fee after a period of 3 years to 3.5% at the Town’s discretion, and a second PEG channel upon 6 month notification throughout the duration of the contract at the Town’s discretion.
A MOTION was made by J. Deedy, seconded by R. Fox (Vote-Unanimous) to make the recommendation of the Cable Advisory Committee for the Comcast Contract.
A MOTION was made by R. Fox, seconded by J. Deedy (Vote-Unanimous) to approve
A One Day Beer & Wine for Franklin Land Trust / Save North Pond to be held on July 23, 2017 at Whalley Park to be contingent upon Detective Landis approval and requirements set forth.
R. Fox suggested a get together with Franklin Land Trust and news media to clarify issues on the recent one million dollar land transfer at North Pond and not add confusion. Mr. Fox will represent the Board.
A MOTION was made by J. Deedy, seconded by R. Fox (Vote-Unanimous) to sign and approve:
- 61 A for 61 College Highway for Richard C. Waterman, Jr. and Lynne D. Waterman.
- A One Day Beer & Wine for Our Lady of the Lake Bavarian Fest on August 20, 2017. A Police Officer being present was waived.
- An invitation to Babbs Beach Open House to be held on July 12, 2017 from 3:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m.
- A request from Randy Brown, DPW Director to relieve the BackFlow Inspector of his duties and to advertise the position immediately.
- A MOTION was made by J. Deedy, seconded by D. Moglin (Vote- Yes: 2; Abstain: 1 R.F.) to hire Kelli DeiDolori as circulation staff at the Southwick Library.
- Invoice #8 for Pioneer Valley Planning Commission for the CDBG Grant.
- The Board accepted the resignation from Rebecca Perron from the Council on Aging.
- The agreement between the Town of Southwick and M. Hill, Treasurer, Collector, Clerk was approved.
- A notification from SBA cell tower was received.
- A PVPC release of lien for 32 Lakemont Street was authorized.
- Approval for Construction Services Agreement with Tighe & Bond for School Campus Sewer Project.
A MOTION was made by J. Deedy, seconded by R. Fox (Vote-Unanimous) to appoint the following as read:
- Gas & Plumbing Inspector
- Cable Advisory Committee
- Economic Development
- Fence Viewer
- Forest Fire Warden
- Graves Officer
- Historical Commission
- Parking Ticket Hearing Officer
- Ch.148A Municipal Hearing Officer
- Pioneer Valley Planning Commission
- Sewer Implementation Committee
- Local Emergency Planning Committee
The Board disbanded the Hampden County RECC District Planning Committee.
Please see the Attachment for the names of the appointments above.
Old Business Discussion:
- RFP for Old Library in progress
- Signage for the Animal Control Shelter. Mr. Stinehart met with the Town Planner, Fire Chief, and Chief of Police. Will get input from Mr. Polverari.
- An update on the meeting with the EPO at Lake Lorraine regarding jet skis on North Pond. At a later date a local by-law will have to be voted on.
- Southwick Hill numbering removed.
- Planning Board Alternate wishes no longer to serve.
- Liquor License costs will be reviewed in November.
- Select / Board Goals and Objectives no discussion
- Discussion acceptance of MGL Cc.40 Section 6N and snow and ice removal policy waiting for Town Counsel.
New Business:
- Dan Keenan inquired if there was any interest the Town would have in a property on College Highway that he will be selling. The Board declined and thanked him for his consideration in asking.
- Mr. Fox expressed his thanks to Randy Brown, DPW Director for enclosing the two letters that the water and sewer users received along with the bills explaining the new meter project and water usage.
There was no Executive Session.
A MOTION was made by J. Deedy, seconded by R. Fox (Vote-Unanimous) to adjourn at 7:45 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Robin A. Solek
Administrative Assistant (Appointed)