SELECTBOARD MINUTES
Regular Meeting
May 27, 2008
6:00 p.m.
Present: Nancy Allen and Rick Marsh
Not present: Christine Durgin
Others present: Joe Mitko (ADN), Administrative Coordinator Dale Bull, AFC members Ross France, Dave Davis, Bob Bellefeuille, Jim Regan, and Fred Richards, PCS Supt. Pat Martin, Roy Nilson, Bob Clark, Moderator Bart Wendell
Chair Nancy Allen called the meeting to order at 6:10 p.m.
1. MINUTES
Rick Marsh moved to accept for purposes of discussion the minutes of May 20, 2008. Nancy Allen seconded the motion. With amendments as noted, the Board VOTED UNANIMOUSLY.
2. MEETING WITH SGT. COOLEY RE: POLICE BUILDING BID
Sgt. Cooley was not available to attend the meeting; however, Nancy Allen stated that she had talked with him and the Building Committee had discussed the locked in bid price of $245,000 with Reinhardt Associates and Diversified Construction, noting that no extra funding will be available for change orders. Sgt. Cooley also informed her that the Police Department members are ready to do what must be done to complete the Building project. After discussion, Rick Marsh moved to accept the bid of $245,000 from Diversified Construction, Amherst, MA, for the addition and renovations to the Petersham Police Station located at 15 East Street, Petersham. Nancy Allen seconded the motion and VOTED UNANIMOUSLY. Rick Marsh moved to give Dale Bull authority to send the contract to Town Counsel as soon as it arrives in the office. Nancy Allen seconded the motion and VOTED UNANIMOUSLY. Sgt. Cooley will be asked to again provide the bid documents left in the office several weeks ago for review by the Selectboard. Nancy Allen stated that Sgt. Cooley is working on a new budget and will provide that to the Selectboard when ready.
3. MEETING WITH AFC AND DEPARTMENTS RE: FY09 BUDGET
Bob Clark stated that the Historical Commission budget and the Historic District Commission budget of $90 and $270 respectively, are sufficient.
PCS Supt. Pat Martin stated that the State has declared the Town’s school of choice sending tuition as $74,975, while she estimated $35,000. She indicated that she thinks this number belongs to Mahar, not PCS. She also noted that there will be two maternity leaves this coming year that she had not budgeted for which will be approximately $8,000. Supt. Martin stated that the School will not have a $20,000 carryover as anticipated, but probably will be able to carry over $10,000. Therefore, the PCS Committee did not take the action requested by the AFC to reduce its budget by $13,200. Supt. Martin commented on the lack of no bids for oil. Dale Bull stated that with oil prices increasing daily, in her telephone conversations with oil companies, no company is giving a pre-pay or bid price at this time.
The Special Town Meeting warrant was discussed and approved by all.
The Annual Town Meeting warrant was discussed. The Selectboard request for a copier will be taken out and possibly paid for through another account.
Dale Bull will check with Town Counsel on the wording for the Roy Nilson/Nichewaug Inn easement.
The Moderator stated that he understands there is an amendment being prepared for the Davenport article.
Town Counsel’s email regarding the motion for the Historic District extension article was reviewed.
Town Counsel will be available by telephone the night of Town Meeting.
4. PERMITS
No permits were presented.
5. TOWN HALL KITCHEN SINK
This matter was tabled until the Board can meet with Christine Durgin to ascertain if she has contacted a particular bidder regarding his quote.
6. SCHEDULED TIME FOR BEGINNING OF 6/2/08 MEETING WITH AFC AND MODERATOR PRIOR TO ATM
It was agreed to meet at 6:30 p.m. in the Lower Town Hall on June 2, 2008, prior to the Annual Town Meeting.
7. CORRESPONDENCE
The Board reviewed the following:
8. DISCLOSURE LETTERS
Rick Marsh stated that he has not provided the Town Clerk with a letter of disclosure, but will do so in the near future.
9. OTHER BUSINESS
Chris Jenkins met with the Board to request permission to use the Common on June 21 for registration of bicyclists participating in the John Jenkins Memorial Fund bike ride. He stated that probably 40-50 people would be participating and registration would take place between 7-11 a.m. He stated that any road markers would be removed immediately following the ride. He stated that a certificate of insurance will be made available and he will also discuss the ride with Chief Legare. Rick Marsh moved to grant permission to Chris Jenkins for use for use of the Town Common on June 21 for a memorial bike ride. Nancy Allen seconded the motion and VOTED UNANIMOUSLY. Dale Bull will send Mr. Jenkins the appropriate paperwork to sign.
The Board reviewed a letter from Nicholas Ogden, Donovan/Hatem, attorney for the Petersham Country Club, which stated that the Country club is advising the Town that it will take action the week of May 19 to “stabilize” the area near the stream as per the DEP order. The Selectboard will notify Atty. Ogden in writing that the Town gives approval for the Petersham Country Club to clean up the area per the DEP enforcement order, using light weight equipment.
Roy Nilson offered to house horses in back of the Nichewaug Inn to keep the grass down. He stated that he has two ponies, two medium draft horses, and several goats. Nancy Allen suggested that he speak with the Nichewaug Inn Task Force.
10. ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business, Rick Marsh moved to adjourn. Nancy Allen seconded the motion and VOTED UNANIMOUSLY. The meeting adjourned at 9:15 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Fredrik A. Marsh, Clerk