Orange Board of Selectmen Meeting
February 20, 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 February 6, 2008. Richard Sheridan seconded. All were
in favor. Mr. Andrews stated there was one correction on page 2,
paragraph 3. It was Rick Kwiatkowski who stated that there would
be two hearings needed.
III. ANNOUNCEMENTS –The emergency exit information and the
following announcements were read by Richard Sheridan; there is
a Special Town Meeting on Thursday, February 21, 2008 at 7 pm; River
Rat Race information and contact numbers were read; there is a Job
Fair at Franklin Hampshire Career Center on Tuesday, February 19
and 25 from 9 am till noon at 131 West Main Street where C &
S Wholesalers of Hatfield will discuss several job positions available;
Circuit Breaker Tax Credit informational seminar will be held at
the Orange Senior Center on Thursday, February 28, 2008 at 12:30
p.m. Mr. Sheridan also reminded those who are self-employed to check
with their insurance companies to be sure that they are appropriately
covered with Workers’ Compensation Insurance. Steve Adam mentioned
that there will be a lunar eclipse tonight – the earth’s
shadow will block out the entire moon for about one hour.
IV. PERMITS –none
V. ACTION –
6:45 p.m. –Vote to have Chair sign lease agreement and an
Air Pack Demonstration - Rick Kwiatkowski stated that at last year’s
Town Meeting, $300,000 was voted to cover the purchase of new air
packs and turn out gear for the Fire Department. Jim Young of the
Department gave a very informational demonstration of the new air
packs that are the most up to date and meet all of the newest standards.
The packs are made by Scott and replace the bulkier, older equipment
the Department used previously. They are smaller, lighter bottles
that carry 30 minutes worth of air. Some other advantages of this
new cylinder are the reflective stripe, more comfortable back plate;
harness strap on top is rated at 4000 pounds, and steel braided
lines. The anti-fog mask also has a voice amplifier for better communication
between firefighters. There is a spare bottle for each pack. The
cylinders are easier to load and unload which can be done either
at the scene or at the station. The tanks have special alerts to
aid in the detection of downed firefighters and also to gauge how
much air is left in their tank. Tanks can also be shared between
two firefighters if one becomes empty. The tanks also have a maximum
life of 15 years which was higher than the previous ones. Mr. Young
thanked the Board and also the residents of Orange for making it
possible to acquire these new updated tanks. They feel much more
confident and safer going into a situation with these new air packs.
Mr. Kwiatkowski mentioned that the lease is $50,000 for 7 years
and the first payment is not due until FY09. Mr. Andrews thanked
Jim Young for his demonstration, then, moved to have the Chair sign
the lease agreement for the air packs. It was seconded by Richard
Sheridan. All were in favor.
7:00 p.m. – Powers and Sullivan Audit Report - Mike Nelligan
from Powers and Sullivan was present and stated that the audit went
very smoothly. There were no issues, no disagreements, no drastic
policy changes and everyone he dealt with at the Town Hall was very
cooperative. There are three parts to the audit: the Management
Letter, Reports on Federal Award Programs and Report on the Examination
of Basic Financial Statements. In each case, there was a clear opinion
and the Town is in full compliance. Two recommendations were to
review housekeeping procedures with Department Heads and the implementation
of a Disaster Recovery Plan which would include a computer system
back-up.
7:30 p.m. – Evergreen Acres – Consideration of Road
being accepted as Town Road – Carolyn Manley petitioned the
Board to layout the way for Oak Drive and Drew Boulevard to become
Town roads. It must now go to the Planning Board for a non-binding
recommendation. Rick Kwiatkowski stated that a formal letter should
be given to the Planning Board to request their recommendation.
Ms. Manley agreed to do just that. Robert Andrews moved to layout
the way for the road becoming a Town road. It was seconded by Richard
Sheridan. All were in favor.
7:45 p.m. – Public Hearing - Sewer User Rate Increase -
WWTP Superintendent, Ed Billiel -It was stated that the increase
would take place in two phases. July 1, 2008, the rate would increase
to $2.98 per cubic foot, then, on July 1, 2009, it would go to $3.12
per cubic foot. Steve Adam asked if once the Foundry Project was
completed, would the rate drop. Mr. Billiel stated that it was possible.
Rick Kwiatkowski mentioned that the more users we can get onto the
system, the better off the Town would be. He also mentioned that
the system would have no problems handling more users. Robert Andrews
stated that Ed has been doing a good job, and that he realizes there
are problems, but that the rate increase is better than paying daily
fees. Mr. Sheridan stated that it was unfortunate, but a necessary
evil. Mr. Billiel mentioned that the increase would cost each user
only an additional $41 per year. There were no comments from the
audience. Mr. Adam acknowledged that the WWTP is the third highest
energy user in Town, but that was due to the fact that the plant
runs 24/7 and fuel oil prices have steadily increased. The hearing
was continued to March 5, 2008.
VI. OLD BUSINESS –
VII. NEW BUSINESS
1. Food-a-thon – Pickle Drive- Will take place on April 8,
2008 from 6 a.m. until 6 p.m. Those organizations involved are:
St. Vincent DePaul Society, 1st Call for Help, Father Steve and
Our Lady Immaculate of Athol, Carol Courville at AOTV, the Salvation
Army, Athol Foursquare Church and the Franklin County Community
Meals Program. Last year there were 127 volunteers who collected
$23,000 and two truckloads of food. Some drop-off points are Salvadore’s,
Walmart and Hannaford Supermarket. There will be plenty of prior
notice at the intersections and traffic will be impacted as little
as possible. There will also be a duty officer on patrol to help
if needed. For more information or to sign up yourself or your organization
as a volunteer, please get in touch with Frank Schiappa at St. Mary’s
Church – 978-544-2900 or at his home – 978-544-6814,
Carol at AOTV – 978-249-4470, Jay Deane at WJDF – 978-544-5335
or the Town Administrator, Rick Kwiatkowski – 978-544-1100
x 107. Robert Andrews moved to approve the Food-a-thon and to waive
any fees. Richard Sheridan seconded. All were in favor.
2. Commonwealth Capital Score - Richard Sheridan read the letter
received from the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, Executive Office
of Energy and Environmental Affairs. The review of the application
for the Town of Orange has been completed with Orange receiving
a score of 100 points. The application was completed with help from
FRCOG and Tracy Zafian and Jessica Atwood. The highest score that
can be obtained is 140, and there are not many that attain a score
of 100 or more, so Orange is in good shape.
3. Comstar write-off for the month of January 2008 –Chief
Annear requested the Board of Selectmen approve the Comstar write-off
for January 2008 of $93.48 recommended by the billing agent. Robert
Andrews moved to approve the write-off as requested. The motion
was seconded by Richard Sheridan. All were in favor.
4. Discussion of Local Expedited Permitting Program – The
Town of Orange is interested in adopting the Commonwealth’s
Plan/Chapter 43D which provides for a transparent and efficient
process for municipal permitting and guarantees decisions to developers
within 180 days for sites designated as Priority Development Sites.
To become involved, there is a permission slip to be signed by the
Chairman of the Board of Selectmen. Rick Kwiatkowski stated that
it must go to Town Meeting. No vote was taken.
5. Memorandum of Agreement between the Town of Orange and Nancy
J. Lyman – Administrative Coordinator – The permanent
appointment date is March 6, 2008 when six months of employment
will be completed. Robert Andrews moved to accept the MOU as presented,
to be effective March 6, 2008. The motion was seconded by Richard
Sheridan. All were in favor.
VIII. TOWN ADMINISTRATORS REPORT
• Rick Kwiatkowski discussed the Final Draft of the Special
Town Meeting Warrants. Article 4 of the warrants will be postponed;
Article 6 needs some wordage changed; and Article 28 will be a 2-part
motion.
• As far as the Dexter Park-Fisher Hill paving project goes,
David Frye will use five men for twelve days to complete the project.
Mr. Andrews asked if there will be seasonal help for the project.
Mr. Kwiatkowski stated that there would not be. Mr. Frye’s
regular crew will be completing the project, which means for that
12 day period, they will be not be working on any other projects.
• The Career Center is still doing well. They have helped
74 people; 17 have obtained employment at a median wage of $12.08
per hour.
IX. MUNICIPAL CALENDAR –
X. PROCESS –
Richard Sheridan is still concerned about sidewalk plowing. Hayden
Street and South Main Street sidewalks were still not clear.
Robert Andrews mentioned that there needs to be study regarding
how plowing of the sidewalks could be improved. He also believed
that David Frye should be present to give his side of the story.
He realizes that the complaints are about the contractors, not necessarily
Mr. Frye and his regular crew.
Mr. Kwiatkowski stated that the Town is becoming better acquainted
with the procedures for hiring seasonal help.
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 8:44 p. m.
NEXT MEETING – March 5, 2008
Respectfully submitted,
_____________________________
Nancy J. Lyman, Administrative Coordinator
