Orange Board of Selectmen Meeting
August 22, 2007

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

Also Present: Town Administrator Rick Kwiatkowski and
Administrative Coordinator Carol Mayer

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 July 25, 2007 meeting as presented. Richard Sheridan second. All in favor. None opposed. Robert Andrews motioned to accept the minutes of the CDBG Public Hearing on July 25, 2007.

ANNOUNCEMENTS – Richard Sheridan read emergency exit information; Orange Riverfront Park will be having a ribbon cutting ceremony on Friday, September 7, 2007 from 2:00 – 4:00 p.m.; Hazardous Waste Collection Day will be Saturday, September 8, 2007; Reliable Temps will be recruiting in Orange, MA in August at Franklin Hampshire Career Center, 131 West Main Street; and Orange Veteran’s Honor Roll Committee is requesting input from the public for final design and location, written suggestions can be left at the Town Administrator’s Office or written on a board located in the Libraries or Town Hall.

IV. PERMITS – none

V. ACTION –
6:45 p.m. – Library Department/Trustees –Walt Owens, Library Director presented the Board with a form from the MA Library Association re: Return on Investment 2006, showing the total value of services for Orange Libraries is $1,153,400, with expenditures at $249,838 leaving a return on investment of $4.62 per dollar spent. Mr. Owens feels it justifies the library’s existence and shows money spent on services. The Board was impressed by the number of books, video and audio borrowed and also the hours of computer use, feeling the library does an excellent job. An action plan was discussed for Wheeler Memorial Library for July 2007 to June 2008 with goals as a community center, the physical accessibility of the library; lifelong and formal learning; and a promotion of reading and good will toward the library in the community. Three new grants are coming for the library: $20,000 from the State in cooperation with Even Start, Head Start and the Literacy Project to get kids reading at an early age; $7,500 grant from the state Board of Library Commission for a program called “On the Same Page” which promotes books and reading; and $40,000 planning and design grant to begin the process of addressing accessibility and space needs. He feels they all go hand in hand to arouse awareness of the library and the building will help service the people. The planning and design is a one-year action plan, tied into a 5-year plan with the intention to get grants. Mr. Owens thanked the past and present Trustees and the Town Administrator for their work and comments from a meeting they held to help raise awareness about what happened in previous years with the building. The #1 issue necessary to succeed is a capital campaign to raise some money. Because it is a busy time of year, they will start in December or January to get committees going. There is a 2-3 year wait before it will be Orange’s turn, which may be to their advantage, to get building support and raise funds.

7:00 p.m. – Airport Department/Commission - Julie Cole of the Airport Commission updated the Board of Selectmen on tenants at the Airport. Franklin County Squad of Civil Air Patrol is presently using the building left vacant by Jumptown as office space for search and rescue operations. CAP is looking for local youths between the ages of 13 and 18 for cadets and individuals over the age of 18 to serve as Officer Members. Local youth are invited to come and look at what they have to offer, which is youth development, tech skills, and training. Offices are also held by Pork Chop Productions who is sponsoring the Quabbin’s Edge Festival and Strong Man Competition, Fly-In, and Car Show. They are hoping to do a Haunted Hayride in October. The Central MA Steam, Gas Machinery Association will be having their annual flea market on October 6th. Thanks to the Board signing the assurances, the airport just started an Obstruction and Easement Project and will have appraisals completed this fall in time for Town Meeting in May. The Airport filed a PWED application for a multi-bay hangar, which will serve as rental income for the Airport. They are still working with Great Northeast Production Company for a music and arts festival in the future at the Airport. Ms. Cole commented on the great job that Len and Lisa are doing at remodeling the Airport Administration building.

7:15 p.m. – New Class II License – The Car Shop – 77 Daniel Shays Highway – Richard Sheridan read the legal notice. Jeremy Mercauto of 61 Fairman Road in Orange requested to place a Class II Dealership at 77 Daniel Shays Highway. Jeffrey Cronin ceased doing business at that location as CC Motors. Mr. Mercauto said he wanted to sell pre-owned vehicles and do light mechanical work on premises, which would only involve routine maintenance. Richard Sheridan asked to be recused from the discussion because of a conflict of interest. The Board noted that this property must be zoned correctly to do repair work. They reviewed the Special Permit Notice of Decision for that location which limits the number of vehicles at 16. Mr. Mercauto said his request of 40 vehicles was based on measuring out how many cars would fit in the parking area. This dealership will be his principal business with hours of operation from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. He can do business with 16 vehicles and can ask for an amendment of the Special Permit if he wants more than that. Mr. Andrews suggested he speak with the Building Inspector about any signage, as there is a limit on the size of signs. No objections from Town Departments or anyone present. Robert Andrews motioned to grant a new Class II License to Jeremy Mercauto dba The Car Shop with conditions of Monday through Saturday, 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., and a limit of 16 vehicles on site according to the Special Permit Conditions. Steve Adam second. Two in favor. None opposed. One recused.

7:30 p.m. – Gerald Wetherby – Orange-Turners Falls Firefighter Local 2452 Union Fundraiser – Gerald Wetherby of 123 Winter Street was there not to speak against the Firefighters or the Firefighter Union, only against what is being said on the telephone in an attempt to collect money. He received a call asking for a donation, but feels that these calls and what they are saying is not a good reflection on the town. The callers are not specific as to the purpose of the fundraising and he wanted the Board to be aware of the situation. Mr. Wetherby is also on the state’s “Do Not Call” list and feels the calls are improper. Steven Adam said he received a number of calls but felt it is a Union issue. The Board of Selectmen has no authorization over Union decisions. Mark Vitale, Union Secretary/Treasurer, corrected the Union information stating that the 6 Orange fFirefighters broke away from the Turners Falls Firefighter Local 2452. They are now their own union, International Firefighters of Massachusetts, who are trying to earn some money for their new union. Their union always donates to causes such as the Fallen Firefighters and K-9. They called a company known as TCI to represent them and sell ads in a fire safety handbook. The Union has been very aggressive to the complaints filed at the Fire Station and they have not been satisfied with what went down. The company offered to come back but the union members declined. He feels it was a rough lesson, but they learned a lot. From now on, the firefighters will be out there to solicit for their union. On behalf of Firefighters Union #4569, Mr. Vitale apologized to Mr. Wetherby and the Board of Selectmen if they were offended or insulted in any way by the tactics used by this company. The Union President could not be at the meeting, but shared the same feelings. Gerry Wethersby accepted Mr. Vitale’s apology and Mr. Vitale assured him that in the future, the Town of Orange residents will see 6 firefighters and the president laboring for the money by doing BBQ’s, car washes, or breakfasts. Each Board member accepted Mark Vitale’s apology and asked him to let them know if there is a fundraiser, so everyone will know ahead of time.

VI. OLD BUSINESS –
1. Michael Goguen dba Heavenly Hotdogs - Steven Adam reported that he met Mr. Goguen at the
corner of East Main Street and New Athol Road, to take pictures of Mr. Goguen’s trailer on location. There was a resident curious about the location present with comments. Mr. Adam feels that it is a dangerous location as there were cars speeding by, parking would only be on the grass or the side of street, and parked cars would obstruct the view of drivers pulling out. Robert Andrews said the pictures are good, but he was looking for a plan of where he was going to put the trailer, signage and dimensions of the lot. It appears that he would be violating state law, as people cannot park into oncoming traffic. Richard Sheridan said there was more room than he thought. Customers may be able to pull in from one side and pull out on East Main Street by driving across the grass. Rick Kwiatkowski asked the Board to make a decision from a conceptual standpoint. The Police Chief felt there might be a parking safety issue but respects the Boards wishes. If this location is not favorable, they need to let Mr. Goguen know. Robert Andrews motioned that the Board of Selectmen go on record as not favoring this site for a Common Victualer License. Richard Sheridan second. All in favor. None opposed.

2. Millers Landing Final Subdivision Plans – East River Street - Jim McBride from Indian Ridge
Development talked with the Board of Selectmen about the status of his subdivision plans. He is hoping to receive a letter of approval from Division of Fisheries and Wildlife by September 7th. There are some stipulations from MEPA. Three flow meters were put in on August 21st. Two will be able to give an accurate report, one will not. There is a low flow at this time, but next February, when the river is at its highest point, DEP will want them put in again for high flow reading. Indian Ridge agreed to put in 800 feet of sewer line for the first 35 houses built, after another 800 feet will be installed anywhere in town to offset the impact. Natural Heritage is all set. As for the MEPA report, the town will have an opportunity to comment. The flow meters are being done for DEP with the intent to maximize the flow. DEP will allow the project to go forward with stipulations, so the Planning Board and Conservation Commission will be able to move forward. The letter from Division of Fisheries & Wildlife indicated that the Orange Conservation Commission will take ownership of Lot 14 as shown on plans. The Wetlands act gives them the ability to accept water frontage. It could be restricted for access to the river. The letter goes on to say, “Prior to the initiation of work on this project, the final Deed Restriction language and recordable plan shall be sent to the NHESP for review and approval prior to recording…..” Apparently, this must be done before a shovel goes in the ground. Jim McBride did not know this and will speak with Division of Fisheries and Wildlife.

VII. NEW BUSINESS
3. FY08 CDBG Social Service Committee Appointments – There needs to be three citizens on the review committee for Social Service applications for the next CDBG grant round. Letters of interest for this committee were received from Dot Ruby, Rebecca Bialecki, and Walt Owens. The RFP has been issued and bids will be opened on October 1st. Robert Andrews motioned to appoint Rebecca Bialecki, Dot Ruby and Walt Owen to the Social Service Review Committee for the FY08 CDBG Grant Submission Cycle. Richard Sheridan second. All in favor. None opposed.

4. North Quabbin Chamber of Commerce Nine-Town Event - Richard Sheridan read the letter from the North Quabbin Chamber of Commerce who is planning a nine-town event next fall. They would like to hold a fishing derby and festival over a two-day weekend in early October. The Chamber asked that each town send a representative to a planning meeting on September 13, 2007 at 7:00 p.m. Rick Kwiatkowski said he planned on attending to be sure the event does not conflict with Orange’s Harvest Festival and Garlic Festival.

5. Fire-Rescue-EMS – Comstar Write-Off – Memo from Chief Dennis Annear asking the Board of
Selectmen to approve a $449.00 write-off for the month of July 2007 as recommended by Comstar. Robert Andrews motioned to approve a write-off for the month of July 2007 as recommended by Chief Annear and Comstar. He also questioned the circumstances for collection when a patient is deceased and there is no insurance. Richard Sheridan second. All in favor. None opposed. There will be a meeting on September 10th from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. about the upcoming mandates for reporting calls to the state.

6. CDBG North Quabbin Loan Fund Inter-Local Agreement – Phil Delorey of the Office of Planning
and Development in Athol spoke to the Board of Selectmen about the North Quabbin Loan Fund as part of the CDBG application. This is a nine-town application, which needs signatures from each town to submit. Included on the CDBG application for DHCD are specific goals for the Town’s Community Development Strategy. The Loan Fund Application must be part of the CDBG application acknowledging that it will be completed in two months. Robert Andrews motioned that the Board of Selectmen Chair sign for the Town of Orange Interlocal Agreement between nine towns of Athol, Erving, New Salem, Orange, Petersham, Phillipston, Royalston, Warwick and Wendell. Richard Sheridan second. All in favor. None opposed. Robert Andrews also motioned to amend the Town of Orange Community Development Strategy to include the North Quabbin Loan Fund as a goal of the Town and part of their Community Development Strategy. Richard Sheridan second. All in favor. None opposed.

VII. TOWN ADMINISTRATORS REPORT
? On August 23, 2007 the Foster Care Parenting Program will be discussing a program for kids in town, working with the kids in Orange first, before going outside to other towns.
? The first of three insurance meetings with town employees took place to discuss moving from a two-tier to a three-tier insurance program. The next meeting is on August 27th with the teachers and then on September 6th for the rest of the employees. The attempt of this change is to save the town money with lower costs on the heath insurance.
? Next Tuesday, August 28th at 4:30 p.m. DHCD will meet with the residents at Leisure Woods with the Attorney General. Rick Kwiatkowski, Brian Gale and Roger Mallet will be in attendance
? The Tully Fire Station RFQ has been sent out. There is a meeting with all interested parties on September 5th and a walk-thru will occur that day. Bids are due on October 3rd and a meeting will be held that day.
? Pandemic training with the Athol Memorial Hospital will take place at Mahar on October 1st and 10th with the Medical Reserve Corp participating. If you want to be part of the Medical Reserve Corp as a volunteer, contact the Board of Health of the Town Administrator’s Office.
? A memo went out to various town departments, rescheduling their meetings with the Board of Selectmen with only one department per meeting. The hope is to relieve the time restraint during the Board of Selectmen meeting.
? Last Monday, the Water Commission met with 15 people from Lake Mattawa. Rick felt it was a positive meeting, the residents were heard, and all are willing to work together. The Water Commission is looking into the problem of the water flowing from the lake, the gate, and other issues at Lake Mattawa.

VIII. MUNICIPAL CALENDAR –
Rick Kwiatkowski held a Finance Team Meeting yesterday. They are almost ready to close out FY07. Auditors will be here on September 4-7. GASB34 is done. Lori Blanchard, Accountant, has processed the filing of Schedule A and Recap for FY07.

There will be a Finance Committee meeting with the Board of Selectmen, Human Resource Board, Capital Improvement Planning on September 5th at 6:15 p.m. to discuss a variety of issues including free cash, the past and future of the Town, and whether or not to have a Special Town Meeting.

X. PROCESS
• Robert Andrews motioned to have the Board of Selectmen send a letter to the Town Departments advising them that they signed agreement to support 100% paper recycling in the Town of Orange. Richard Sheridan second. All in favor. None opposed.
• Robert Andrews asked if Steven Adam received a response to his letter regarding the Open Meeting Law from Senator Brewer’s Office the Attorney General’s Office. Senator Brewer forwarded his concerns to the Attorney General’s Office, but he has received nothing in return and nothing from Representative Donelan’s Office.
• Robert Andrews asked about the Getty lot building. Rick said this item will be on the agenda for September 5th with a proposal for it.
• Robert Andrews asked about the Administrative Coordinator position. Rick stated that they completed the first round of interviews and narrowed it down to two individuals. They will be making an offer to one of the applicants with the hope to have someone start as soon as possible.
• Richard Sheridan mentioned a citizen’s concern about the condition of the bridge over Daniel Shays Highway. It has been classified as deficient but the weight limit had not been reduced. Rick Kwiatkowski said he has the bridge reports if needed. David Frye is laying out the plans to fix the Bridge on Fryeville Road. Bartlett Construction will be working on Tully Road and Pinedale Avenue on the Orange/Athol line. The intent is to put some of the Chapter 90 money toward the bridges in town.
• Steven Adam read a letter from HRA in response to the Board’s letter about Wendy Johnson, stating they have enjoyed and value the working relationship with Wendy, saying it is their pleasure to work with her. Steven Adam stated that again Wendy is one of the Town’s “Unsung Heroes” and it is clear that HRA feels the same way. Thank you’s were again extended to Wendy Johnson.

XI. VISITORS - none

8:40 p.m. Motion made by Robert Andrews to go into Executive Session for Chapter 39, Section 23B, Reason #3 (To discuss strategy with respect to collective bargaining or litigation if an open meeting may have a detrimental effect on the governments bargaining or litigating position) not to reconvene in open session. – Roll call vote. Richard Sheridan yes. Robert Andrews yes. Steven Adam yes.. All in favor. None opposed.

NEXT MEETING – September 5, 2007

Respectfully submitted,

_________________________________
Carol Mayer Administrative Coordinator