Orange Board of Selectmen Meeting
September 5, 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 August 22, 2007 meeting with one correction, Richard Sheridan recused himself from the Class II License discussion of Scott Gallagher dba Import Auto and did not second their vote. Richard Sheridan second. All in favor. None opposed.

III. ANNOUNCEMENTS – Richard Sheridan read emergency exit information; the Town of Orange is invited to a public hearing at the Board of Selectmen meeting on September 19 2007 to discuss the shape, design and location of the new Veterans Honor Roll; the Orange Riverfront Park ribbon cutting ceremony is on September 7, 2007 from 2:00-4:00 p.m.; Sharps Collection Program, managed by the Franklin County Solid Waste District, for a collection and disposal of residential needles and lancets at the Board of Health on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.; and Steven Adam announced a National Marrow Donor Program on September 9 from 12:00 to 5:00 p.m. at Turners Falls High School Cafeteria. He hoped someone might be able help a local 26-year old woman with an aggressive form of leukemia. She was invited to come to the meeting tonight, but was not feeling well.

IV. PERMITS – none

V. ACTION –
6:45 p.m. – Board of Health – Roger Mallet, Health Inspector, reported for the Board of Health Chairman on local issues such as food inspections, septic installations, housing and rubbish issues, and handling of food. Most issues have been resolved but the process is slow. He asked the Board of Selectmen to consider reintroducing the Quality of Life Bylaw as an Article at the Annual Town Meeting. The generator is set and fence installed, he continues to attend the emergency planning meetings; they have ordered a new Ford Escape Hybrid; their department has grown from a 1 ½ office facility with a part time agent to cooperative venture with the building department at the Armory. EDS Committee members are Pat Pierson, Janet Knight, Albert Hebert, Dr. Robert Knight, John Bartus, Dennis Annear and Clifford Fournier required by the Department of Public Health. He discussed the upcoming flu clinic in October or November 2007; Region 2 Coalition which represents 74 towns in Worcester County, receiving generous grants for training for emergency preparedness and including us in the Reverse 911 program; and the Worcester Medical Reserve Corp including 14 volunteers from town and an additional 199 from Worcester County. Steven Adam asked about Triple E and Mr. Mallet said he hopes the weather stays dry and they will be in good shape. There was a memo that was sent to the School Superintendent and a publication in the paper on how to be safe and keep mosquitoes away. Mr. Mallet said they have the funds to spray if necessary, but he has no plan to do so. Robert Andrews said that he felt the Town Administrator should be included in any Emergency Preparedness Training. Mr. Mallet said that Region 2 Coalition is putting together a booklet on Emergency Preparedness for all departments. He also asked that the memo that went to the schools go to ORA Pop Warner League for information.

7:00 p.m. – Police Chief Brian Spear and Pioneer Junior Women’s Club – Richard Sheridan read the letter from Chief Spear about a gift of a car solely for the use of the K-9 Officer, from the Pioneer Junior Women’s Club. Geneva Lawson from the Pioneer Junior Women’s Club explained that when Jet passed away, the car had to be taken off the road. She feels that car is as important as the canine, so with pleasure and with the help of Salvadore’s, presented a check for $6,000 to purchase a vehicle to transport the police canine. The funds were procured and the vehicle ready to be outfitted with necessary emergency police equipment. Chief Spear proposed that they accept the money from the Women’s Club with the purpose to buy this particular car. Robert Andrews moved that Chief Spear accept $6,000 from Pioneer Junior Women’s Club to purchase a cruiser equipped to carry the canine, according to MGL Chapter 44, Section 53A. Richard Sheridan second. All in favor. None opposed. Mr. Lawson explained that Jet was the only dog that died before his duty had ended, and on behalf of the Pioneer Junior Women’s Club, presented a picture of Jet to the Board of Selectmen. She gave out mini-golf coupons to the Board members and suggested they consider playing in a tournament on September 22nd to help raise funds for the canine program. Steven Adam, on behalf of the Board of Selectmen, thanked the Pioneer Junior Women’s Club for their help in raising money and contributing significantly to the Town of Orange. Geneva feels that the Canine Program speaks for itself. Robert Andrews motioned to send a letter of recognition to Clay Rushford for accepting this project of a new police dog and appreciation for proceeding with the program. Richard Sheridan second. All in favor. None opposed. The Board and Ms. Lawson thanked the generous organizations for the fundraising being done all over the area.

7:15 p.m. – Northeast Wood Design LLC – Sewer Link to Leisure Woods – Lance Korich of Northeast Wood Design LLC requested permission to hook into the gravity fed line belonging to Leisure Woods Estates and the Town of Orange. David Frye asked him to do a direct bore underneath the road as was just resurfaced. Mr. Korich said it would not be an issue and there will be minimal damage. They discussed where the house is being built and the affect it would have on the system bank. A letter from Edward Billiel, Chief Operator of the Wastewater Treatment Facility, said that this is just a determination that the sewer is available to this lot, not an approval of the actual connection until the proper sewer connection application is submitted and connection fee is paid. Robert Andrews motioned that the Board of Selectmen supports the attachment to Leisure Woods sewer line at 461 East River Street, Map 117 Lot 9, by Lance Korich of Northeast Wood Design LLC. Richard Sheridan second. All in favor. None opposed.

VI. OLD BUSINESS
Getty Lot Building Discussion – Rick Kwiatkowski explained that in July a letter went to the Chiefs, Brian Gale, and David Frye, and they spoke with business people in the area who felt that it is time for the Getty lot building to come down. A parking lot could be done before the Putnam Hall building is a reality. On October 1st, the corner building on the other side of South Main Street will be Trailhead, which will be a major change. Tech 1 Computer, WJDF, the Dance Studio and the Video Store could all use more parking. Mr. Kwiaktowski asked the Board of Selectmen for permission to go forward with the demolition of the building. He already has volunteers for these services. Steven Adam asked about paving. Rick explained that some asphalt will be needed and secured with stone or similar material, but not too much. He does not want to jeopardize the grant for Putnam Hall. Robert Andrews said that this parking lot is needed for the center of town and he would like to see it hot topped. It is a blighted site and it would be nice to have it landscaped with an entrance and exit. It should be kept on the top of the list and, if necessary, put onto the May Town Meeting. Mr. Andrews motioned that the Town of Orange go forward to demolish the building at the Getty Lot at the corner of South Main and West Main Street with whatever funding is available. Richard Sheridan second. All in favor. None opposed.

2. Point at Lake Mattawa Discussion – Richard Sheridan read a letter from the Water Commissioners and DEP which is the result of on-going discussions about the Lake Mattawa Point properties. The Water Commission is giving up land as a solution to the problems identified by DEP. Letters were sent to Departments and DCR, all abutters and property residents. The intent is that it will be handled at the Annual Town Meeting and the request of the Board is to take action to move forward with an article for Town Meeting. As part of the procedure, the land has been offered to other departments with a response date of September 22nd with how they plan to pay for it. If another department takes the land, they accept the care custody and control of the Point and the problems associated with it. Robert Andrews motioned to declare the property known as the “Point” at Lake Mattawa as surplus and then proceed to move forward with an article for Town Meeting. Richard Sheridan second. All in favor. None opposed.

VII. NEW BUSINESS
3. Application for Sewer Abatement – Joe Harris of Orange has requested a sewer abatement for $48.07. Robert Andrews motioned to approve the sewer abatement of $48.17 to Joe Harris of 28 Bangs Avenue for the filling of a pool. Richard Sheridan second. All in favor. None opposed. Rick Kwiatkowski noted the new rate on the forms.

4. Special Permit Application – 300 South Main Street - The Planning Board has requested comment of Town Boards and Departments after reviewing the special permit application of 300 South Main Street. Rick explained that this property belongs to McKenney’s Repair Shop and the amount of business causes an overflow of registered and unregistered vehicles on this property. Mr. Gallagher of Import Auto promises to clean up the property and get rid of all the extra vehicles on this property so he can sell vehicles from this location. Robert Andrews motioned to advise the Planning Board that the Board of Selectmen has “no comment” on this Special Permit Application for a Class II License at 300 South Main Street. Richard Sheridan second. All in favor. None opposed.

5. Wastewater Treatment Facility DEP Letter– The Board of Selectmen discussed the letter from DEP and the response from Ed Billiel, Chief Operator of the Wastewater Treatment Facility concerning the I/I problem the Town experiences within the sewer collection system. He commented on Mr. McBride’s development, the establishment of a “bank”, a comprehensive study, a Sump Pump Survey, a 5-to-1 removal ratio, permit increases to flow, and a “sunset provision” which would end the Consent Agreement when a certain level of flow is reached. With a Consent Agreement, the town agrees to enter into an excessive I/I occurring with a “bank”. The money received is used by the town for collection systems, sump pumps, connections fees, and other improvements. Work being done by Millers Landing will benefit the WWTF. Steven Adam noted Ed Billiel’s comment about the Sump Pump Surveys, stating that “public education could be a good tool to get people to redirect these pumps” to places other than their septic systems. Mr. Adam suggested that this educational material go in the mail with the sewer bills. Rick Kwiatkowski will make this suggestion to Mr. Billiel. Robert Andrews asked if there is a method for sump pumps to go into the storm drain as a high flow area, then the homeowner can direct the storm drain. Mr. Kwiatkowski explained that this is not an alternative. Mr. Andrews asked Mr. Kwiatkowski to have Mr. Frye or DEP come back with an alternate plan.

VIII. TOWN ADMINISTRATORS REPORT
• On August 15, all departments were asked to comment on the 2007 Community Development Strategy Plan and have it back by August 31st. Rick asked for the Board’s input as soon as possible.
• The list of delinquent taxpayers who owe 2007 tax bills was handed out for the Board of Selectmen and the newspapers’ use.
• Mike Nelligan from Power & Sullivan and his team of auditors have completed the first part of the audit for FY07 and went back to their office to complete. The CDBG Grant money is being audited along with the rest of the Town.
• There have been some problems in the playground and David Frye would like to ask the Board if they would consider putting limits on the use of the Playground, i.e. not allowing older kids in the area. The Board was concerned about the Police having to enforce these rules. Robert Andrews suggested gating the open areas after a certain hour each day and possibly speaking with Chief Spear for his ideas.

IX. MUNICIPAL CALENDAR – no discussion

X. PROCESS
• Robert Andrews thanked Carol Mayer for an excellent job as Administrative Coordinator for the Town of Orange, wishing her the best of luck, stating that she would be missed.
• Richard Sheridan said “ditto”.
• Steven Adam presented Ms. Mayer with a Certificate of Appreciation from the Board of Selectmen thanking her for outstanding dedication and support during her employment with the Town, wishing her future success and happiness in all endeavors.

XI. VISITORS – No visitors.

MOTION TO ADJOURN – Robert Andrews motioned to adjourn at 8:00 p.m. Richard Sheridan second. All in favor. None opposed.

NEXT MEETING – September 19, 2007

Respectfully submitted,

_____________________________
Carol Mayer Administrative Coordinator