Orange Board of Selectmen Meeting

April 16, 2008

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

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

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

II. APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES- Richard Sheridan moved to accept the minutes of April 2, 2008 as presented. Steven Adam seconded. All were in favor.

III. ANNOUNCEMENTS –The emergency exit information and the following announcements were read by Steven Adam: Real estate property taxes are due by May 1st; the Recycling Center/Transfer Station will be closed on April 22, 2008 in observance of Patriot’s Day. It will be open on Wednesday, April 23, Thursday, April 24 and Saturday, April 26. Hours are 8 a.m. to 2:45 p.m.

PERMITS –none

V. ACTION –
6:45 p.m. –Police Chief – Brian Spear – Chief Spear noted that he was last in front of the Board in July 2007. The Police Department was busy last summer and fall with occurrences of bank robberies, stabbings, breaking and entering and weapons violations. He predicts a similar year. There have already been BB guns shot and stones knocked over at cemeteries. The Department’s K-9, Jet, died last year. Officer Rushford has since received another dog named Matte. Although, training with Matte has been going well, there was an interruption because of a knee injury incurred by Officer Rushford. They are both back on track now. Officer Buccaroni was injured last fall and the Department hopes to have him back soon. The budget will end up in the red due to insurance claims that have not been repaid by the insurance company as yet. There is one new full-time officer and one new part-time officer that are working out very well. The Department has been involved in pandemic training at the Athol Memorial Hospital and at Mahar. Some equipment was needed to help outfit the cruisers and there was a grant received to take care of that. FRCOG’s grant made it possible to purchase 3 laptops plus 1 year of air time for the cruisers. He hopes the grant will be able to help again next year. Cells are being renovated, however, the toilets have been received but not yet installed. The plumbing unions are holding things up because Franklin Tech students could do the job with much less expense. If the plumbing cannot be finished until next fall, the video cameras and monitors could be updated instead. Steven Adam stated that when Officer Rushford was out due to injury, there is no other Officer who can fill in. The Chief replied that the K-9 is a one man dog and only has one handler. Robert Andrews asked if the movable speed limit sign helped keep speeding down. The Chief replied that it does. It makes motorists more aware. Unfortunately, the sign was vandalized last spring and cost $1500 to repair. Mr. Andrews asked if there was enforcement of the sidewalk clearing by-law. The Chief stated that they first check with the owner to make them aware of the by-law which is usually enough to get them to shovel or sand. The only time there is a problem is when there is an absentee landlord. They do track locations where problems occur. There have been no citations issued.

7:00 p. m. – Parker Elmore – GASB 45 Report – This deals with the benefits received by retirees of the Town of Orange. These benefits include health care, dental care and life insurance that retirees were promised when they were hired. He recommended making sure that we look at the whole picture – active employees and retirees, when finding a plan to fit the needs of the Town. The report indicated that the Town of Orange is in order and fits in the median range of other entities in similar situations.

Memorandum of Understanding – Edward Billiel, Jr. –Superintendent of the Wastewater Treatment Plant– the MOU had been previously reviewed with Mr. Billiel and he found it agreeable. Richard Sheridan moved to sign the MOU which would run from July 1, 2008 until June 30, 2011. Steven Adam seconded the motion. All were in favor. He stated that the Foundry Project is going out to bid soon. Weston and Sampson will measure the flow at the plant now and then again when the project is completed. This will show if there has been a difference. If a reduction is indicated, a report must be filed with DEP.

Proclamation – May as “On the Same Page Month” – Steven Adam read the proclamation. Richard Sheridan moved to sign the proclamation. It was seconded by Steven Adam. All were in favor.

VI. OLD BUSINESS –
1. Sidewalk Plowing – David Frye, Highway Superintendent – Steven Adam read the memo from Highway Superintendent David Frye. Mr. Frye supplied the Board with a map showing a one mile radius around the elementary schools. Richard Sheridan asked if sub-contractors could be hired to do the sidewalks in the same way as plowing. Mr. Frye stated that he doubted that they would want that work. He also mentioned that the Department sweeps Town-owned sidewalks and when he has the opportunity to acquire workers having to do Community Service, he will use them for sweeping unless there is a large project being undertaken. Robert Andrews mentioned that the cost just to get started with sidewalk plowing was not feasible at this time when other departments are being asked to cut expenses, but thanked Mr. Frye for the information. Steven Adam motioned to table the sidewalk plowing discussion. It was seconded by Richard Sheridan. All were in favor.

2. Beautification Proposal – from Dial/Self Teen Services – The proposal was read by Steven Adam. Rick Kwiatkowski stated that the work at the empty lot next to 15 East Main Street would be done by the Dial/Self crew and possibly some of the local businesses. Mr. Andrews wondered if the light pole included in the plan would become more electricity that needed to be paid for by the Town. Mr. Frye stated that the property was owned by the Town. He also mentioned that having a park there would probably reduce the time his crew spends there picking up trash. Mr. Sheridan thought that Brian Spear should be aware of the proposal and be asked what his thoughts were. Rick Kwiatkowski stated that people performing Community Service would also be able to help with the clean-up and the upkeep. Robert Andrews wanted to be sure there was an understanding that if this park is built, there is still the distinct possibility that when the off-street parking project for that area occurs, what they have accomplished could wholly or partially be undone. Richard Sheridan wanted to know who would be maintaining the area. Mr. Frye replied that it would be Dial/Self. Richard Sheridan moved that Dial/Self be approved to move their project forward with the understanding that the concerns of the Board be considered. It was seconded by Steven Adam. All were in favor.
VII. NEW BUSINESS
3. Letter from the Commonwealth of Massachusetts regarding Chapter 90 Local Aid– David Frye, Highway Superintendent, stated that he sweeps the main streets and hills to prevent the sand from accumulating in the catch basins, which causes more work in the long run. It was mentioned that the Transfer Station has a sweeper which is not in use on the days they are closed. Mr. Frye thought it could be tested on small streets to see if it would work sufficiently. Richard Sheridan moved to approve $8700 for painting crosswalks and sweeping. Steven Adam seconded the motion. All were in favor. Mr. Frye is working on a proposal on how to use the $321,766 Chapter 90 apportionment. Rick Kwiatkowski stated that bridges and dams are the priority and that the Williams Pond Dam needs to be repaired this year.

4. Letter of Interest for Armory Commission – D. F. “Erik” Hansen was not present. The Board decided to hold this over until the April 30th meeting.

5. Letter from EDIC regarding the South Main Street Town-owned property – Steven Adam read the letter which stated that the EDIC is still interested in the property on South Main Street and wants the property off the table at the Annual Town meeting. Rick Kwiatkowski stated that EDIC may be able to purchase this lot within the year, which would halt Cemetery expansion there. Richard Sheridan, who is on the EDIC board mentioned that EDIC, has always been interested in this lot and it would be in the Town’s interest to sell rather than to gift it to the Cemetery Department. Robert Andrews mentioned the safety complex idea, but Chief Dennis Annear thought it would not be beneficial there because of the distance from Town. There was no action taken regarding this piece of property.

6. Update on the Food-a-Thon – Rick Kwiatkowski thanked everyone involved in making the event such a success – 170 or so volunteers. The Pickle Drive at intersections in Orange and Athol netted $4000. The Grand total was over $28,000 collected and over 500 boxes of food were distributed to the seven agencies involved. It is reassuring to know that residents will still give this generously even when times are difficult. He specifically thanked WJDF and AOTV for telecasting the entire day – 6 a.m. until 6 p.m. Robert Andrews thought a great job was done by all involved.

VIII. TOWN ADMINISTRATORS REPORT
• Have received approval from the property owners at 57 and 58 South Main Street to hang banners between their buildings for town events. There were wires previously on Gary Moise’s building and he asked if Rick would look into what they were for - lighting on the bridge? He is checking with an electrician.
• The High Street project and Gomes Construction begin on May 5th.
• Bid opening for Putnam Hall is May 1st.
• Posting the Board of Selectmen on off-nights to approve internal transfers for Town Meeting – May 7 and 21, June 4, 18 and 30 (with the Finance Committee attending on the 30th)
• The final meeting of the SEIU 888 local is hopefully April 30th.
• There will be a Remax balloon at Dexter Park School this weekend.
• Little League Parade is Saturday, April 19 at 9 a.m.

IX. MUNICIPAL CALENDAR –

X. PROCESS –
Richard Sheridan was informed of wrought iron sticking out of a wall on East Main Street. The resident is aware of this and has tied yellow banners on each so they will be more noticeable.

Robert Andrews stated there is a Grand Opening at Eagle Peak Fitness center at the OIC building on May 3rd. Would be nice if someone from the Board was present.

Robert Andrews requested that Maureen Riendeau be appointed to the Veteran’s Honor Roll Committee. Richard Sheridan move to appoint Maureen Riendeau as requested. Steven Adam seconded the motion. All were in favor.

Robert Andrews asked if the Board would like to see the consolidation of appropriate departments into a Department of Public Works. Richard Sheridan thought it was a good idea. Steven Adam noted that this move was recommended by the financial auditors. A committee should be formed to look into the matter. Mr. Kwiatkowski mentioned that it would have to be on a Town ballot and the Mass. General Laws would come into play.

Richard Sheridan moved to adjourn at 8:45 p.m. It was seconded by Steven Adam. All were in favor.

NEXT MEETING – April 30, 2008

Respectfully submitted,

_____________________________
Nancy J. Lyman, Administrative Coordinator