Orange Board of Selectmen Meeting
January 23, 2008

Present: Chairman Steven Adam, Vice Chairman Robert Andrews and Clerk, Richard Sheridan

Also Present: Town Administrator Rick Kwiatkowski and
Administrative Coordinator Nancy J. Lyman

I. CALL TO ORDER:
Chairman Steven E. Adam called the meeting to order at 6:30 PM, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance.

II. APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES- Robert Andrews moved to accept the minutes of January 9, 2008. Richard Sheridan seconded. All were in favor.

III. ANNOUNCEMENTS – The announcements were read by Richard Sheridan, Clerk: Emergency exits; the winter parking ban began on December 1, 2007. No on street parking allowed between the hours of 2 a.m. and 6 a.m. Those found parked will be ticketed and/or towed for impeding snow removal; Section 175-8 of the Town of Orange General Code was read, regarding removal of snow and ice by property owners; The Town of Orange issued one tax bill for the 3rd quarter instead of the usual two tax bills for the 3rd and 4th quarters; the announcement for the Photo Contest for the Annual Town Report Cover was repeated. Entries must be in by January 28, 2008 and the winner will be chosen by the Board of Selectmen; Notice from Town Clerk, Nancy Blackmer, regarding voting informational presentations airing several times in the next few weeks on AOTV.

IV. PERMITS –Renewal of Automatic Amusement license for Peter Niall, Orange Roller Skating and Entertainment. Robert Andrews moved to approve the license renewal. It was seconded by Richard Sheridan. All were in favor.

V. ACTION –
6:45 p.m. – Franklin County Regional Vocational Technical School was represented by Richard Lane, Superintendent –Mr. Lane wanted to emphasize that Franklin Tech is not a single purpose school. They still are required to do MCAS, but there is a full range of extracurricular activities and athletics. The school has connected with Greenfield Community College for basic EMT courses and English, as well as other courses. With this addition, there are some kids who had not planned on furthering their education, but have since changed their minds. The school also partners with Western Mass. Electric and 4 children moved on to summer jobs there. Partnering with GCC on renewable energy has also helped students learn real world jobs by actually working on the 32 year old equipment at the school through performance contracting. This process is available to schools and municipalities. The goal is to get kids off campus and into some real world experiences.

7:00 p.m. – Tully Pond Association– Before any discussion dealing with the Association took place, Richard Kwiatkowski stated that he had been in touch with the Ethics Board and they had recommended he make a disclosure stating that, although he will have some dealings with the Association as Town Administrator, he would not allow any conflict of interest to occur. He is a resident on the pond, but he does not belong to the Association, however, his wife is the Secretary. Robert Andrews commended Mr. Kwiatkowski for taking the initiative in contacting the Ethics Board and taking their recommendation. He also feels that Mr. Kwiatkowski would recuse himself if he felt it necessary to do so. Richard Sheridan stated that he believes Mr. Kwiatkowski could conduct himself ethically. Steven Adam wanted to make the point that it was the Association that asked Mr. Kwiatkowski for assistance. Robert Andrews moved that the Chair sign the Ethics form. It was seconded by Richard Sheridan. All were in favor.

Representing the Tully Pond Association, Kenneth White stated that they are trying to control the vegetation in the pond. They would like to operate this watershed properly. It is used by the town and other entities: there is a public access beach, the YMCA and some churches use the area as camps during the summer. He feels it is definitely an asset to the town and neighborhood. It could also be used for public safety purposes as well; the town could put a hydrant in and fill the pumper truck, for example. The gate valve/crank on the side of the causeway is broken and needs repair according to David Frye, Highway Superintendent. According to the study done in 2007 by Lycott Environmental, one species of plant - Water-milfoil – is running rampant and needs control. Lake-level drawdown, and various other methodology would have to be taken into consideration before any work on vegetation control or repair can be undertaken. Robert Andrews stated that it seems we do not have enough information at this time to make an informed decision on anything. Steven Adam commented that whatever takes place, the town would have to be protected. Richard Kwiatkowski suggested that David Frye acquire more information on what might be done and the consequences and then come up with a plan of action. Richard Sheridan believes that a Mr. Thompson has possession of a part that belongs to the gate and that the town should attempt to retrieve it. The directive for Mr. Frye is to obtain that part and check out the dam further. It was also mentioned that FRCOG has a listing of all the dams in order of disrepair.

7:30 p.m. – Public Hearing – Community Development Block Grant application to the Department of Housing and Community Development, Commonwealth of Massachusetts –Public Hearing minutes taken by Wendy Johnson, Community Development Office, Administrative Assistant. Please see attached.

VI. OLD BUSINESS – none

VII. NEW BUSINESS
1. Appointment of new part-time Police Officer- Chief Brian Spear introduced Tara Axelson who is already working on the force in Fitchburg. There is no additional cost for her employment, and since it is part-time, there are no benefit costs either. She will be working at least one shift per month and filling in when other officers have time off. Her family was also in attendance to offer support. Robert Andrews moved to approve the appointment of Tara as the new part-time Police Officer. It was seconded by Richard Sheridan. All were in favor.

2. Sewer Abatement – Fran Hadsel of 461 East River Street – The abatement application was read by Richard Sheridan. Robert Andrews moved to approve the abatement of $86.02 caused by a frozen pipe. Richard Sheridan seconded. All were in favor.

3. Fire-Rescue-EMS – Comstar write-offs for November and December 2007 –In separate motions, Robert Andrews moved to approve the Comstar write-off for November of $217.32 and $162.26 for the month of December. Both motions were seconded by Richard Sheridan. All were in favor on both accounts.

4. Engineering Services Agreement with Stantec Consulting Services, Inc.- Agreement was reviewed by Town Counsel, Donna MacNicol and was approved by her for the Town. Ed Billiel of the Wastewater Treatment Facility requested that four copies of the agreement be signed by the Chairman of the Board of Selectmen so that it can be returned to Stantec then forwarded to USDA Rural Development for their approval. Robert Andrews moved to have the Chair sign all four copies as requested. The motion was seconded by Richard Sheridan. All were in favor.

5. Annual Beano Report from Orange-Athol Lodge of Elks #1837 – This report is for informational purposes only, so no action is required.

6. FRTA Route change to service the Armory and the Orange Health Center – There are two added stops to the new route which now includes the Armory and the Orange Health Center on West River Street. Steven Adam read the stops aloud and commented that there is an appropriate amount. Rick Kwiatkowski reiterated that although the Orange Health Center is taking dental appointments as usual, there is no physician available at this time. There is an ongoing process to fill that position and will be announced as soon as that happens. Anyone wishing to see a physician should go to the Turners Falls office in the meantime.

7. Employment Contract with the Town Administrator – The current contract is in effect for this fiscal year of 2008. Mr. Kwiatkowski stated that the Board must state their intent at this time. Steven Adam saw no issues with renewing the contract. Robert Andrews agreed and mentioned that negotiations would have to occur in executive session. Robert Andrews moved to renew the employment contract for the Town Administrator for another three years. It was seconded by Richard Sheridan. All were in favor. It was decided that the Board would go into executive session on Wednesday, January 30, 2008 at 6:30 p.m. It is to be posted as such.

VIII. TOWN ADMINISTRATORS REPORT
• Mr. Kwiatkowski stated that the Administrative Coordinator, Nancy Lyman, will be attending a seminar in Keene on Thursday, January 24, 2008 in order to further her professional development.
• A word of thanks to Phil Delorey, John Waite and Alan Singer on the nine town program they have been working on with the North Quabbin Loan Fund which pulls in $500,000 for small businesses.
• The Special Town Meeting will be held on February 21, 2008. Mr. Kwiatkowski explained each of the warrant articles. If anyone has any questions, additions or omissions, please contact him at 978-544-1100 x 107.

IX. MUNICIPAL CALENDAR –

X. PROCESS –
Richard Sheridan mentioned that the issue with the plow operator on Battle Street has been addressed. He was informed by David Frye that all new plow operators have now been informed on the appropriate methods.

Robert Andrews attempted to turn in a resignation letter from his position on the Mahar Regional School Negotiations Committee as he finds it difficult to attend all the meetings. Mr. Kwiatkowski stated that instead of resigning, he might try to find someone to appoint in his stead to those meetings that he cannot attend.

Robert Andrews stated that Chief Brian Spear has received a grant for personal protective equipment.

Mr. Andrews also would like to further discuss, at the Board’s convenience, the issue of increasing Class II Licenses to $200 from the $100 we currently charge. It was discovered by Mr. Sheridan and mentioned at the last meeting that the Town is able to raise that fee.

XI. VISITORS – none

XII. MOVE TO ADJOURN – There was a motion to adjourn by Robert Andrews; seconded by Richard Sheridan. All in favor – none opposed. Meeting adjourned at 9:00 p. m.

NEXT MEETING – February 6, 2008

Respectfully submitted,

_____________________________
Nancy J. Lyman, Administrative Coordinator