Orange Board of Selectmen Meeting

June 11, 2008

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

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

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

II. APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES- Robert Andrews abstained from approval of minutes of May 28, 2008, as he was not present at that meeting. Richard Sheridan moved to accept the minutes of May 28, 2008 as presented. The motion was seconded by Steven Adam. Two were in favor; one abstention.

III. ANNOUNCEMENTS –The emergency exit information and several other announcements were read by Steven Adam: The Summer Food Program where kids can eat free breakfast and lunch all summer. Parents and caregivers are welcome, too, for a small fee. Meals will be served at Butterfield School from June 17 through August 8, Monday through Friday and at the Athol High School from June 23 through August 1, Monday through Friday (breakfast only); June 15, 2008 is World Elder Abuse Awareness Day; at the Town Meeting on June 16, 2008, the Bicentennial Logo will be unveiled along with items bearing the logo available for sale; there is a Town Election on June 23, 2008 containing two ballot questions regarding prop. 2 ½ overrides.

Rick Kwiatkowski stated that there will be an Open Space and Recreational Planning Committee meeting on June 17, 2008 at 6 p.m.; that Governor Patrick and Lt. Governor Murray will be addressing the domestic violence issue and the hotline number is 877-785-2020; there will be a BBQ at Butterfield School to kick off the Summer Food Program on Tuesday, June 17, 2008 from 11:30-12:30.

IV. PERMITS – none

V. ACTION –
Fire Department – Chief Dennis Annear – The Chief introduced the newest member of the Department – Tim Matthews, who will be replacing the firefighter that resigned a couple of weeks ago. Chief Annear prepared an equipment status list that indicates that 27% of the fleet is either not running, or not running properly. Last year, funds were spent on one ambulance and Engine 1. The tanker in Tully has not been running for the last three months. One ambulance is totally out of commission and there are no funds to even diagnose the problem. Robert Andrews expressed shock at the extensive list and that there is no maintenance schedule for repairs. Chief Annear stated that he had stopped spending money as of last November and that he had spoken with the Town Administrator last year regarding this issue. Pump maintenance had been taken out of the budget about two years ago. Work on the new ladder truck is under warranty. Steven Adam remarked that out of 14 vehicles, 5 are out of service. He also asked what the impact is on public safety. The Chief stated that it is worse in Tully at the moment. Mr. Adam requested that maybe a monthly update may be in order. Robert Andrews stated that he realizes we are in difficult times right now, and that the Town Administrator, the Finance Committee, the Board of Selectmen and the Capital Improvement Planning Committee should get together and see if they can come up with some new ideas. Richard Sheridan stated that maintenance needs to be a priority and no dispersions against the Chief, but we unfortunately do not have enough funds even for general maintenance. According to Chief Annear, general service on vehicles costs $400-$600 each and pumper service can cost as much as $800 per unit. Jane Peirce from the Finance Committee stated that the vehicles in all departments are in pretty much the same shape. Every department is suffering from a lack of resources. The Chief said that from the Homeland Security grant, we received $24,000 based on hardware costs for a computer for an ambulance and $20,000 for pagers. The Board thanked the Chief for all the information.

7:00 p.m. Pole Hearing – Holtshire Road – Scott Burns from Verizon was present with a request from National Grid for the location of a new pole on Holtshire Road. Henry Satrowski from 10 Holtshire Road was present and disagreed with the new location. He stated that there were 8 poles within 200 yards and why couldn’t they rearrange those. Scott Burns stated that it would be a feeder hardening and an upgrade anchoring pole for E5, which was added last year. Steven Adam moved to continue the hearing until the next meeting on June 25, 2008. It was seconded by Richard Sheridan. All were in favor. Mr. Burns stated he would go back to National Grid to get more information and a better explanation.

7:15 p.m. – Public Hearing – Discontinuance of a Town Way – Mountain Road – This hearing was tabled by the Department Heads and abutters. The individual who made the request would like to come back in the fall. The hearing was cancelled.

7:30 p.m. – Public Meeting – Sticker Fee Increase and Revenue Discussion – Steven Adam read the meeting notice. Jane Peirce from the Finance Committee stated that we need to maximize the Town’s revenue centers like the Transfer Station. They recommend increasing the sticker fee to $20 per year. Ms. Pierce mentioned that according to the report from Jan Ameen of FCSWMD, Orange has the lowest sticker fee in the area and it has been at the same price for the last 17 years. Every additional $5 increase would increase revenue by $7500. We have 4000 households in Orange and only 1500 use the Transfer Station. The other 2500 use private haulers. We need to get them to use our Transfer Station. She went on to say that the Town should reconsider allowing private haulers to use the facility. It is recognized that other equipment would be required to accommodate private haulers, but the Town could use the post-closure funds for that. Richard Sheridan made a motion to withdraw $30,000 from the post-closure fund to go into the general fund budget and to a capital equipment purchase. It was seconded by Steven Adam. Richard Sheridan amended his motion to withdraw $35,000 from the post-closure fund. Steven Adam seconded. All were in favor. Richard Sheridan moved to split the $35,000 equally between the general fund for group health and life insurance and the capital stabilization account. That motion was also seconded by Steven Adam. All were in favor.

VI. OLD BUSINESS –
1. Employment Agreement between the Town of Orange and the Town Administrator, Rick Kwiatkowski – Robert Andrews requested that there be some dates changed on the MOU from the last time, as it was not signed in April, and that Exhibits A and B are to be attached. He also stated that there have been no specific objectives set since that was to have been done in April, as well. Richard Sheridan moved to sign the MOU between the Town and Rick Kwiatkowski, Town Administrator, with the revisions. Steven Adam seconded. All were in favor. Robert Andrews stated that it would be signed before Town Meeting on June 16, 2008.

VII. NEW BUSINESS
2. Notice of Bid Award – Foundry Sewer Replacement Project– Steven Adam read letter from Stantec. Ed Billiel, the Wastewater Treatment Facility Chief Operator was present and stated that the bids were very low. It seems many companies are looking for work. Robert Andrews asked if the award was signed, when would the work start. Mr. Billiel answered that it would start sometime in July. There is a bond on this project so the Town is covered. Richard Sheridan moved to award the contract to Jack Goncalves and Sons, Inc. of 172 Manning Street, Ludlow, Ma 01056 and authorized Rick Kwiatkowski, as Chief Procurement Officer to sign the bid award. It was seconded by Steven Adam. All were in favor.

3. Memorandum of Understanding between the Town of Orange and Franklin County Solid Waste Management District for the hauling and disposal of sludge – Mr. Adam read the letter from Ed Billiel, Chief Operator of the Wastewater Treatment Facility requesting the Board sign the MOU. He stated that the fuel surcharge fee is now $75 per load, up from $40. Richard Sheridan moved to have the Board sign the MOU as requested. Steven Adam seconded. All were in favor.

4. Request for removal of Lands from Chapter 61 – Raymond Maronie – Mr. Maronie requested that approximately 1.5 acres be removed from Chapter 61 lands as he wishes to sell it to his daughter. Richard Sheridan moved to approve the request to take the 1.5 acres from Chapter 61. Steven Adam seconded. All were in favor.

5. Application for Sewer Abatement – Demil Kovacevic – 62 Dexter Street – Richard Sheridan moved to grant the sewer abatement request for Mr. Kovacevic in the amount of $30.36 for a pool filling. It was seconded by Steven Adam. All were in favor.

6. Application for Sewer Abatement – Daryl Ellis – 24 Linden Street – Richard Sheridan moved to grant the sewer abatement request for Mr. Ellis in the amount of $22.77 for a pool filling. Steven Adam seconded the motion. All were in favor.

7. Letter of Decision from the ABCC regarding Jack A. Robinson dba Goodtimes - No action required here. Steven Adam read the notice from the ABCC stating the Goodtimes license is suspended for a total of 78 days. Fifty-four have to be served; a fine in lieu of suspension would be allowed for the other 24 days. The license was turned in on June 11, 2008 as the notice demanded. The Police Department has been notified. Rick Kwiatkowski stated that Mr. Robinson must display a sign indicating that Goodtimes is closed due to violations of Mass. General Laws from June 11, 2008 until August 27, 2008. The license can be returned on August 28, 2008. He also mentioned that he and his Administrative Coordinator attended a seminar designed for Municipal Police and local Licensing Boards on Saturday, May 31, 2008 where much new information was disbursed and some questions were answered. It was found that the ABCC considers all licenses as automatic renewals, something we were not aware of.

8. Payroll and Bills Payable Authorization and Designees– Rick Kwiatkowski, Town Administrator, explained that this listing is for the occasion where the Department Head is on vacation or otherwise out, there is someone designated to sign payroll and bills payable to be taken care of that week. Richard Sheridan made a motion to authorize the list as presented for FY09. It was seconded by Robert Andrews. Steven Adam had to recuse himself as his vote would affect someone in his immediate family. Two were in favor. One recused.

9. Discussion on Policies for Handling Complaints – Steven Adam stated that complaints should be in writing and one at a time. Complaints should be documented in some way and should be handled on a case by case basis. Richard Sheridan agreed, but of course, emergencies should be handled immediately. Rick Kwiatkowski felt that all complaints do not need to be in writing as the daily phone calls are dealt with as soon as possible. Those types of complaints do not warrant a written document. Steven Adam mentioned that the severity of the complaint indicates how it would be dealt with. Mr. Kwiatkowski determines the severity of each complaint. Steven Adam remarked that the Town has relied on Mr. Kwiatkowski’s judgment all along. He knows when to escalate or not. Richard Sheridan stated that only “official” complaints need to be in writing; those that deal with an employee or a serious problem. Anne Forcier of the Telegram and Gazette asked what the complaint dealt with that the Board had gone into executive session after the last Board meeting. She was informed it concerned Town operations. Mr. Kwiatkowski stated that we will continue to deal with complaints as we have been , but to limit those in writing to one at a time so that each can be dealt with thoroughly.

VIII. TOWN ADMINISTRATORS REPORT
• Mr. Kwiatkowski mentioned again that he and his Administrative Coordinator had attended a four hour seminar in Greenfield on Saturday, May 31, 2008 that dealt with Alcohol Licensing and such matters. He also mentioned that Rif Rafts on East River Street has closed.
• Mr. Kwiatkowski stated that he had attended a MEMA Training in Agawam dealing with tropical storm preparedness and that in July there will be a meeting with the department heads.
• The Heritage Landscape Inventory Plan for Orange is going forward with much work being done by Alec MacLeod, Chair of the Conservation Commission and many others.
• At the Town Meeting to be held on June 16, 2008, each resident will receive a fan with the new Bicentennial Logo. All other Bicentennial items will be on sale in the foyer.
• Mr. Kwiatkowski asked the Board their thoughts on whether Town Meetings should be broadcast “live”. He believes that because people can see it at home, they might not come to the meeting and therefore, there might not be a quorum. Richard Sheridan felt that, if they can see that there is no quorum while watching, they might come down to the Town Hall. Steven Adam and Robert Andrews understood everyone’s frustration. Mr. Adam wanted to remind everyone that Town Meeting is where you can have your voice heard. Mr. Sheridan stated that when someone has something that is important to them in the warrant articles, they are sure to show up.

IX. MUNICIPAL CALENDAR –

X. PROCESS –
Steven Adam read a letter the Selectmen received from Franklin County Technical School regarding their choice for the recipient of the Goddard Trust Scholarship. His name is Brian Whitney and he will be attending the Universal Institute of Technology.

At 8:30 p.m. Robert Andrews stated the Board of Selectmen would be going into Executive Session for collective bargaining purposes under Chapter 39, Section 23B, Reason #3 and they will not reconvene in regular session. Role Call vote: Steven Adam – aye; Richard Sheridan – aye; Robert Andrews – aye.

NEXT MEETING – June 25, 2008
6:45 p.m. – Water Department/Commission

Respectfully submitted,

_____________________________
Nancy J. Lyman, Administrative Coordinator