Orange Board of Selectmen Meeting
October 10, 2007

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

Also Present: Town Administrator Rick Kwiatkowski (arrived @ 6:45) and
Administrative Coordinator Nancy J. Lyman

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

II. APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES – Robert Andrews motioned to approve the minutes of the September 19th meeting with corrections. Richard Sheridan second. All in favor. None opposed.

III. ANNOUNCEMENTS – Richard Sheridan read emergency exit information; notice from the Tax Collector’s office concerning the list of delinquent taxpayers to clarify what was published in the newspaper. In most cases, those names listed with an “in care of” (c/o) indicate the property has been sold. The first name listed was the assessed owner as of January 1, 2006 and the second name listed (c/o) was the new owner; and the Historical Commission is looking for three new board members.

IV. PERMITS – Run for Gary’s Life – Steve Adam had spoken with Diane Pond. He thought that there would be no problems with the run/walk occurring on October 20th. The advertisements are already out, promoters have already spoken with the Police and Fire Chiefs who have given it their blessing and will also be participating. There will be off-duty police officers monitoring the event the entire time. Robert Andrews motioned to grant a permit and to waive the fee. It was seconded by Richard Sheridan. All in favor – none opposed.

V. ACTION –
6:45 p.m. – Planning Board –Bruce Scherer represented the Planning Board. He stated there was interest from a townsperson to become an Associate Member, but did not state his/her name. They are in the final process of the Miller’s Landing project and it should be completed at their next meeting. Mr. Scherer stated that there will be some interplay between the two boards because of the complexity of the project where the negotiations would require town counsel’s advice concerning legalese. Robert Andrews thought that the BOS had not gotten involved in previous projects, but Mr. Scherer stated they had, just not to such an extent as this one. This is a phased project which means the selling of lots before the entire project is completed, and that had not been the case prior. The BOS would have to become involved because the Planning Board does not have the authority to engage in a financial agreement and a surety agreement is necessary this time. The procedure must be bonded for a certain amount which would decrease as improvements are made. Robert Andrews stated that the water/sewer portion would have to be completed before the entire project is complete. Richard Sheridan stated that the bond would cover the infrastructure. Rick Kwiatkowski stated there would be two separate documents – one for the initial project and one for the 800 foot sewer line which will be finished after the first 35 homes are built; also that the DEP must agree on their piece. Evergreen Acres and other similar projects have been learning tools for subsequent projects.

7:00 p.m. Library Agreement – Walt Owens –This is related to a design grant of $40,000 from the State for space and accessibility needs, with matching funds from the Library Trust. They are not asking for any funds from the town. The State would want this agreement signed before they disburse any funds. Robert Andrews questioned #14 on the agreement which dealt with flood evaluation. Mr. Owens stated that there would need to be an engineer to survey to check if there was a flood hazard. It was stated that there had been water in the basement after the 1938 hurricane. He also said that the geographical area has since changed because of Tully Dam and other new features which would make the area less of a flood hazard. Richard Sheridan added that he believes the structure could be built within reasonable standards for floods. Robert Andrews also commented on #17 of the agreement, wondering if we could use this to leverage more funds. Mr. Owens replied that the State wants us to show commitment to the project before they will release the bulk of their portion. Mr. Andrews motioned for the Chair to sign the agreement. It was seconded by Richard Sheridan. Passed unanimously. It was signed and returned to Mr. Owens.

7:15 p.m. – Manager Change at Tully C. C. C. – The President of the Club, Douglas Jillson brought in the new Manager, Edward C. Whittemore. Robert Andrews made a motion to approve the change, contingent on the CORI check and attendance at the TIPS seminar scheduled for November 13, 2007. (The fee has been received).

7:30 p.m. – (An addition to the agenda) – Take Back Our Lives – Also having a Rally and a Walk from 10-2 on October 20th from Memorial Park to Butterfield Park, where there will be “vendors” dealing with safety at home and in our community. If it rains, it will move to the Town Hall Auditorium. Promoters have been in contact with Police, Fire and Highway Departments, and all have given their approval. Although this event overlaps the Run for Gary’s Life, Mr. Kwiatkowski believes that both events could feed off each other. Robert Andrews moved to approve the permit and waive the fee. It was seconded by Richard Sheridan. All in favor. None opposed. Steve Adam was asked if he would speak at the event at a time to be announced. He agreed. Mr. Kwiatkowski congratulated Ms. Rebecca Bialecki of NQCC for getting Governor Patrick to come to town to give the residents and officials of the Town of Orange a chance to speak their mind.

VI. OLD BUSINESS


VII. NEW BUSINESS
1. Fire-Rescue-EMS – Comstar Write-offs for August 2007–Letter from Chief Annear read by Richard Sheridan. A motion was made by Robert Andrews to approve the write-off amount of $2347.40. It was seconded by Richard Sheridan. It was noted that the incident of 12/25/06 has not been collected from the estate after several billing attempts.

Addition to Agenda – Visitors – Geneva Lawson, President of the PJWC; Chief Spear; Officer Rushford and Matte, the new K-9. –Mrs. Lawson thanked the Board for allowing her, Officer Rushford and Matte to be the Grand Marshals for the Celebrate the Harvest Parade. She wanted to announce that the K-9 program is now complete with the purchase of the new K-9 cruiser and the addition of Matte, our new K-9. Steve Adam stated that he was surprised that many children already knew the dog’s name. Robert Andrews said the cruiser looks great with its new paint and decals. It is stocked and ready for service according to Officer Rushford. Robert Andrews made a motion to accept the 2001 Ford cruiser and the new K-9, Matte. Seconded by Richard Sheridan. All in favor. None opposed. Officer Rushford stated that he has about 8 more weeks of training with Matte, and he thanked everyone for all their help. Ms. Lawson said she couldn’t thank the public enough for all their help and support. Her next project is the Santa Fund.

2. United Nations Association of Greater Boston – United Nations Day, October 24, 2007 – Proclamation read by Richard Sheridan. Mr. Andrews wished to recuse himself because he believes that, according to the second paragraph of the proclamation, the United Nations is supposed “to promote peace and security” “around the world” and with the United States being at war for the last six years, and the United States being a part of the United Nations, they should be aiding more in that effort. Mr. Adam asked that if he felt that way, he should move to table this item. It was so moved and seconded by Richard Sheridan. All in favor. None opposed.

3. Halloween, October 31, 2007– Rick Kwiatkowski stated that last year, the Board approved the hours of 4-8 p. m. for Trick or Treat in the town. The Board also allowed the Orange Lions Club use of the Town Hall Auditorium for the Kid’s Halloween Party to be held 6-8 p. m. In addition, there would normally be a BOS meeting scheduled for the 31st, but with all going on in the town, would it be approved to cancel that meeting and continue on with the regular schedule starting with the next meeting of November 14th. Robert Andrews made a motion to approve Trick or Treat for 4-8 p. m., allow the Lion’s Club to use the Town Hall Auditorium for their children’s Halloween Party and cancel the BOS meeting on the 31st. It was seconded by Richard Sheridan. All in favor. None opposed. The BOS meetings scheduled for November are therefore, the 14th and the 28th.

4. Community Development Strategy – Steve Adam asked if the order was okay with everyone. Robert Andrews stated that the order was what had been approved at the work session last week. Rick noticed that there were still some double numbers that he will take care of. He also went over, for the benefit of the media, the three top priorities for the town overall. He also mentioned that Bruce Hunter of the Community Development office has taken ill and will be out of commission for a while. They have worked together on many things. Donna Cote is filling in during his absence. Mr. Andrews moved to accept the plan the Board had worked out last week. It was seconded by Richard Sheridan. All in favor. None opposed.

5. Request for Comment on Special Permit – 1880 House - Brendan Horrigan - He plans to expand kitchen, create handicap access and parking for the business, and construct a handicap bathroom. Richard Sheridan noted that when you renovate, you must include handicap accessibility if not already in compliance. Robert Andrews stated that maybe there should be “no parking” signs along E. Main Street because of space restrictions in that area. Steve Adam agreed and stated that the BOS could not make that a condition of his permit, but that they could ask for those signs at any time. All board members were concerned about safety for the area residents. Steve Adam was concerned if Mr. Horrigan had permission from the abutter to let patrons use his property as an access to the restaurant. If not, then vehicles would have to go out the same way they came in. This is to be the comment to the Planning Board.

VIII. TOWN ADMINISTRATORS REPORT
• The Auction did very well. We will continue to have them yearly on the Columbus Day weekend because there is a better turnout. Almost everything went, including the vehicles. Still working on getting the old ladder truck on E-bay. Congratulations to the Orange Business Association on a great Celebrate the Harvest Festival. The day turned out beautiful and the parade was a success.
• On October 16, 2007, there is a Job Fair @ the career center in the old Bedroom Factory - Orange Innovation Center – 5-7 p.m.
• On October 18, 2007, there is another Job Fair @ One Arch Place in Greenfield where there will be 7 local companies are looking for 9-12 new employees.
• We have received a grant to replace the 4 toilets in the Police Station. Franklin Tech will be doing the work. We received $6900 from the State. This is to update the cells to comply with suicide prevention codes.
• Athol Memorial Hospital and Mahar have been designated Influenza Specialty Care Units. They have been holding exercises; one was held today. With the aid of Roger Dennis and Chief Spear, the town is prepared for critical emergencies.

IX. MUNICIPAL CALENDAR – no discussion

X. PROCESS
• Robert Andrews noted a letter from Mass DOR, dated August 9, 2007, stating that the Town’s free cash is the positive as of July 1, 2006, and July 1, 2007. Congratulations to the town Accountant, Lori Blanchard for correcting the earlier deficit in free cash. A letter of congratulations should go out to her. Motion made by Robert Andrews to send the letter. Seconded by Richard Sheridan. Rick Kwiatkowski made mention that there were others involved in that happening, but that Lori is the one who signed off on it.
• Because of the Lake being lowered, there have been well problems for some of the residents on Lake Mattawa. Robert Andrews stated that the gate was removed today and the problem will be corrected. Water will start flowing back into the Lake tomorrow.
• Jim Gallagher is concerned about the road work that will be done for the new Worker’s Credit Union. The road will be dropped 7 inches and then raised 2 inches and he is concerned that it will affect the entrance to his driveway. Robert Andrews suggested that it could be sloped to make it more even. Rick Kwiatkowski stated he would pull out the plans for WCU and check how it was engineered.
• Steve Adam has concerns about the recent break- ins at local municipal offices. Security is a must and we should note where items, such as computers with sensitive information are kept and used. It was stated that at one of our buildings, there is a computer right in front of a window that could be smash and grab incident waiting to happen.

XI. VISITORS – Pat Andrews asked to be heard. She had written a letter to David Frye, Highway Superintendent, with concerns about the beach at Lake Mattawa. Because the portable toilets are still up, people still believe the beach is open and have still been swimming. Mrs. Andrews read David Frye’s reply stating that he did not want to discuss this now, but would be happy to sit down with her and the Board in the spring. Mr. Kwiatkowski said he would look at the schedule, but Mrs. Andrews said the discussion did not have to be at a BOS meeting.

MOTION TO ADJOURN – Robert Andrews motioned to adjourn at 8:30 p.m. Richard Sheridan second. All in favor. None opposed.

NEXT MEETING – October 17, 2007

Respectfully submitted,

_____________________________
Nancy J. Lyman, Administrative Coordinator