Meeting Minutes
April 23, 2007
6:30 PM: Open Meeting; St. Patrick’s Parish Center.
Board reviews and approves previous meeting minutes.
Board reviews and approves weekly warrants.
6:45 PM: Old Town Hall Committee members Joel Hotchkiss and Bob Salerno update the Board on Committee activities and issue a report.
An application has been submitted to the State Historical Commission to place the Town Hall on the State Historic properties listing.
Joel states that the Commission’s intent is to preserve the building with an eye towards using the 2nd floor for display of historic items other community events and displays. The first floor could be leased out as commercial space. He notes that the Planning Board has been studying changing the downtown zoning to include the Town Hall in the commercial district – presently it is zoned residential. Joel speaks about fund raising to defray the cost of conversion/renovation.
Bob Salerno says that the Committee’s intent is to restore the building to its original town use. Bob acknowledges that there are hurdles to be crossed, not the least of which are financial.
MK points out that there are several legal, handicap and building code issues that need to be addressed. Once town offices vacate the building, any subsequent use would fall under a “change of use” and would trigger a full upgrade of the structure.
Bob mentions the Lenox Academy as an example of a town owned building which is leased out to commercial tenants. It is suggested that one of the first calls the Committee should make is to the State Building Inspector to find out exactly what degree of renovation needs to take place to suit the Committee’s vision.
Bob and Joel agree that more investigation has to be done. Board thanks the Committee for their presentation.
Other Items: Joel Hotchkiss presents the Board with his plan to open a small café at his place of business – Hotchkiss Mobiles. He has reviewed his plans with the Board of Health Inspector and the Zoning Enforcement Officer. He asks if there are any additional or missing steps that he must take. CW notes that he will have to obtain a sign permit if he plans to add a sign.
7:20 PM: Board reviews and signs the Annual Town Meeting warrant. Board reviews an opinion from Town Counsel that rules the Voter Petition Articles seeking to retain the Chief of Police and to honor his current contract as out of order. A copy of the opinion has been furnished to the Town Moderator.
Board reviews work progress at the Village School. Board discusses a number of items including: 4-24-07 job-site meeting; mix-up with Whiteway payment; sewer/water lines placement; bathrooms wall; additional work.
Board reviews a report on the Shaker Mill Dam Inspection done by Haley and Aldrich engineers as required by the Dept. of Conservation and Recreation.
Board reviews a letter from Peter Niles of MassHighway suggesting a meeting on 4-30-07 to discuss the downtown reconstruction project. Board decides to postpone the meeting until soon after the Annual Town Meeting to allow for more notice to concerned parties. Board discusses tabling Article 33 of the Annual Town Meeting warrant which asks for $14,000 for the next engineering phase of this project. This appropriation may be premature until more is found out from MassHighway.
Board reviews a Public Hearing Notice announcing a request for a water rate hike from Housatonic Water Company. Several West Stockbridge residents are served by this private company. Individual customers have been notified.
Board approves a request from Chief of Police Karl Cooper to appoint part-time Officer Robert Carter. Mr. Carter has all of the required training and qualifications. TSC makes a motion to appoint. CW seconds the motion. Vote taken, 3-0 in favor.
Board reads a letter from Librarian Leslie Meltzer who is resigning to take a new position in Gt. Barrington. Board wishes Leslie the best in her new job.
Board decides to instruct Town Counsel to speak with Chief Cooper’s attorney and have the two of them work out a date for a joint meeting between the Board and the Chief.
Following a conversation, Board agrees to solicit a quote from MEGA for FY 2008 property and casualty and professional liability insurance. MEGA has just entered the P&C field. The Town’s current carrier is MIIA.
MK reiterates his support for a new fire truck to replace the 1974 Pumper but he would like to speak with the Town’s financial advisor first on how best to structure the purchase. The option of leasing the vehicle may be a good idea but needs to be fleshed out first. The same practical approach needs to be taken with this purchase as with all other major purchases or projects.
8:10 PM: There being no additional business before the Board, CW makes a motion to adjourn. TSC seconds the motion. Vote taken, 3-0 in favor.
Meeting minutes approved by:
_____________________ _____________________ _______________________
Michael Kirchner, Chair Curt Wilton Tina Skorput Cooper
Date: ___________
Board of Selectmen
Meeting Minutes
April 9, 2006
6:30 PM: Open Meeting; St. Patrick’s Parish Center.
Quorum present: Michael Kirchner (MK), Curt Wilton (CW), Tina Skorput Cooper (TSC). Also present: Administrative Assistant (AA). Berkshire Record present.
Board reviews and approves previous meeting minutes.
Board reviews and approves weekly warrants.
6:45 PM: Conservation Commission Co-Chair John Masiero presents new ConsCom By-law proposal which the Commission requests be placed on the Annual Town Meeting warrant for consideration.
John explains that the proposed By-law will strengthen the Massachusetts Wetlands Protection Act. The By-law is modeled after language from the Massachusetts Association of Conservation Commissions and has been adopted by several Massachusetts communities and has received approval by the Attorney General in those communities.
John explains that the By-law will improve the ConsCom’s ability to do their job. John sites the recent Silver Mine development where this new By-law could have been helpful. There are some gaps in the current rules that would be closed by adoption. John notes that 2 Public Hearings will be held before the Annual Town Meeting to answer questions and concerns.
Following additional general discussion, CW makes a motion to place the By-law article on the Annual Town Meeting warrant as presented. TSC seconds the motion. Vote taken, 3-0 in favor.
7:15 PM: Norwin Rehm, representing the Council on Aging, presents a grant opportunity to the Board for the purchase of a new COA van. Norwin explains that the van is getting old and needs to be considered for replacement. The van is shared with Richmond and Richmond is considering joining the BRTA and, if so, would be getting a new van from that organization.
Norwin pledges $5,000 from COA gift account funds towards the local share obligation (20% of total cost of approximately $50,000). There is a total of $9,900 in the gift account.
MK notes that the Board has been discussing replacing the van in prior meetings and that this grant might well be a good opportunity. Following a discussion, the Board agrees to submit an application for the new van. The pre-application is due May 4. Norwin and the AA will work together on the application.
7:40 PM: Alan Thiel and Fire Chief Peter Skorput address the Board about the need for a new Fire Truck. Chief Skorput had raised the need at previous meetings. Alan presents a leasing scheme for the estimated purchase cost of $350,000. He doesn’t have all the details but states that leasing is an acceptable option to borrowing or bonding for the purchase. Alan and the Chief hope to place an article on the Annual Town Meeting warrant to purchase the truck.
CW notes that the Finance Committee is in the process of drafting a Town Capital Plan and a new fire truck needs to be a consideration in that plan.
MK noting the several hurdles that need to be crossed before a warrant article can be drafted, including: FinCom review and approval, bond counsel review, Financial Advisor review, and review or any lease proposal by Town Counsel. MK states that the Board would investigate the process as quickly as possible but that it was getting awfully close to Town Meeting. MK reiterates the Board’s support for the purchase of a new truck to replace the old one but he would like a little more time to review the information. Tonight is the first time this type of financing scheme has been seen by the Board.
Other
Items:
Board reviews a letter sent by Mr. Collatsos of Richmond. He claims that he hit a pothole on Swamp Road and caused damage to his car. A repair bill was included with the letter and he asked that the Town reimburse him for damages. MK advises that the letter be forwarded to Town Counsel for an opinion on liability. MK notes that the Town may be heading down a slippery slope by agreeing to pay for damages.
TSC informs the Board about a Birch Hill Rd. resident who can’t get any satisfaction from the company hired by Verizon to conduct tree trimming around Town. The company left a mess on his property. It is suggested that Norm Taft of MassElectric be contacted. Tree Warden Bill Kie has been informed of the situation.
Board receives and accepts a letter from Kristany Skorput stating her immediate resignation as Manager of the West Stockbridge Sportsmen’s Club. The Club officers had previously been supplied with a Change of Manager application. To date, it has not been returned to the Town for processing. Board instructs AA to contact the ABCC to determine the status of the Club liquor license when a Manager resigns.
Board approves a Special Permit for four wedding event dates at the Williamsville Inn.
Board receives a notice of receipt of Sewer Rate Relief Funds from the State in the amount of $5,004 as applied for under a grant program. This amount will be applied to the FY ’08 sewer debt.
Board has a general discussion about a bill turned in for repairs to an overhead door at the Fire Station. TSC asks why the bill was submitted under the “fire department” line item instead of “town buildings”. CW responds that a fire truck caused the damage and the bill was discussed with Chief Peter Skorput. CW notes that several items purchased for the Highway Garage are submitted under Highway Dept. expenses line items and not Town Buildings. TSC registers her objection to the bill be submitted under the fire dept. expenses line item.
8:10 PM: There being no additional business to discuss, TSC makes a motion to adjourn. Vote taken, 2-0 in favor (CW left the meeting at 7:45 PM to attend a Planning Board meeting at the Library).
Meeting minutes approved by:
_______________________ ______________________ _______________________
Michael Kirchner, Chair Curt Wilton Tina Skorput Cooper
Date: _____________
Board
of Selectmen
Meeting
Minutes
March
5, 2007
6:30 PM: Open Meeting; St. Patrick’s Parish Center.
Quorum present: Curt Wilton (CW), Tina Skorput Cooper (TSC). Michael Kirchner (MK) unable to attend. Also present: Administrative Assistant (AA). No press present.
Board reviews and accepts previous meeting minutes.
Board reviews and approves weekly warrants.
Other Items: TSC and CW discuss whether the Town has an old by-lay regulating snow removal on Town sidewalks. It is noted that the majority of merchants do a great job of keeping their storefront sidewalks clear. But a few don’t make much of an effort and wait for the Highway Dept. to take care of shoveling. Because making the roads safe is the Department’s priority, sidewalks sometime have to wait a few days before being cleaned after a storm. CW thought that there might be a by-law, like other towns, that requires sidewalks to be cleaned by the abutters. TSC will research.
Board reviews suggested dates for a joint meeting as submitted by the FinCom. Board tentatively sets Friday, 3-16 at 4:30.
ConsCom has scheduled a hearing continuation on 3-15-07 at 7:00 PM for aquatic weed removal at Mill Pond.
Board reviews a request for an appropriation of $2,500 from Berkshire South Community Center. Board denies the request. Towns are not allowed to appropriate public funds to non-government organizations.
7:10 PM There being no additional business to discuss, CW makes a motion to adjourn the meeting. TSC seconds the motion. Vote taken, 2-0 in favor.
Meeting minutes approved by:
_____________________________ ___________________________
Curt Wilton Tina Skorput Cooper
Date: ___________
Board
of Selectmen
Meeting
Minutes
February 26, 2007
6:30 PM:
Open
Meeting; St. Patrick’s
Quorum present: Michael Kirchner (MK), Curt Wilton (CW), Tina Skorput Cooper (TSC).
Board reviews and approves previous meeting minutes.
Board reviews and signs weekly warrants.
Other Items: Board reviews and approves a contract to purchase the Fire Rescue/Pumper Vehicle with Toyne, Inc. Toyne was the lowest responsive and responsible bidder through a formal bid process. Fire Chief Peter Skorput recommended signing the contract with Toyne, Inc.
Board gives approval for
the SEA Engineers authored Project Need Form to be sent in to
MassHighway for
the purpose of soliciting grant funding for the reconstruction of the
It is noted that Town Accnt. Maryellen Brown is attempting to schedule a date with Jim Podolak of D.O.R. to come to Town so that they can work together on the Schedule A as they have done in previous years.
Joshua Morse has contacted the Board to be put on a future meeting agenda to discuss a Scout project.
7:45 PM: TSC makes a motion to go into Executive Session for the purpose of discussing strategy related to a collective bargaining issue and to return to open session upon its completion. CW seconds the motion. Voice vote taken: MK, aye; CW, aye; TSC aye.
EXECUTIVE SESSION
8:20 PM: Board returns to open meeting session.
TSC makes a motion to reverse the Board’s vote of last June to not reappoint Chief of Police Karl Cooper as Chief.
There being no second, the motion dies.
MK instructs AA to contact Town Counsel for advice on how the Board should proceed.
Other
Items: AA informs the
Board that full-time Police
Officer Rosario Messina wanted to ask the Board if it would be possible
to
roll-forward his now earned 1-week vacation time to after he attends
the
Academy. Otherwise, he would have to use it during a 6-week window as
opposed
to a normal 6-month window. Because of the uniqueness of his situation,
the
Chief suggested that
8:29 PM: There being no additional business to come before the Board, CW makes a motion to adjourn. TSC seconds the motion. Vote taken, 3-0 in favor.
Meeting
minutes approved by:
______________________ _______________________ ________________________
Michael
Kirchner, Chair
Curt
Date: _____________
Board
of Selectmen
Meeting
Minutes
February 21, 2007
6:30 PM: Open Meeting; St. Patrick’s Parish Center
Quorum present: Michael Kirchner (MK), Curt Wilton (CW), Tina Skorput Cooper (TSC). Also present: Administrative Assistant (AA). No press present.
Board reviews and approves previous meeting minutes.
Board reviews and signs weekly payroll and vendor warrants.
Board reviews SEA proposal for submission of Project Needs Form request to MassHighway. Board will review the document this week prior to submittal.
Board receives and reviews a letter received from resident Cory Smith who claims that he and his employees are being given too much attention by the WSPD. He says that his truck drivers are being followed around by the WSPD. Board thanks Cory for his letter and for coming before the Board. The letter will be passed along to Chief Cooper.
Board reviews a letter from Rouge owners on Center St. about the bad condition of the Center St. sidewalks. CW admits that these and nearly all other sidewalks in Town are in need of repair. That’s why the Town is moving forward with downtown infrastructure reconstruction plans. The Highway Dept. made repairs to the Center St. sidewalk last year and will continue to make reasonable repairs - short of rebuilding, which is what it needs.
7:00 PM: Chief Peter Skorput addresses the Board regarding last week’s bid opening for the new fire rescue/pumper vehicle. The Chief has reviewed the two bids received and recommends that the bid be awarded to Toyne, Inc. Toyne is the low bidder at $191,900. Furthermore, the second bidder – American LaFrance – was unresponsive to all components of the bid request. TSC makes a motion to award the bid to Toyne, Inc. CW seconds the motion. Vote taken, 3-0 in favor.
Chief Skorput discusses the condition of the Department’s 1974 Pumper. It is old and in need of various repairs. The Chief is not confident that the vehicle will last much longer without major repairs and recommends that the Board replace the vehicle in the upcoming year. MK responds that the vehicle should be replaced as soon as possible but that the timing might not be optimal this coming year. The taxpayers will already be experiencing a big hit with the Village School project. Following further discussion, Board will take the Chief’s request under advisement. Peter will investigate the cost of repairs to keep the Pumper going.
7:15 PM: Card Lake Inn owners Mike and Ellen Greer discuss parking issues in the lot owned by the Inn next to the Town Hall. Ellen notes that the Inn takes care of maintaining and plowing the lot and it is used by Town Hall workers and others in Town. She doesn’t necessarily want to prohibit the Town from using the lot but she’d like a little consideration or cost sharing in exchange. MK notes that two MEMO’s have gone out to Town Hall employees and Board members. They are effective for a short period, but are soon ignored. Another MEMO will be distributed. CW notes that part of the problem will solve itself in about 6 months when the Town Hall is vacated and moved to the Village School.
It is suggested that a split rail or some other type of fence be erected at the limits of the parking lot ownership next to the Town Hall. The Town only owns about 12 feet out from the building into the parking lot.
CW offers to plow the parking lot in the future. The Greer’s thank CW and the Board.
Other Items: Board reads a letter from Cemetery Commissioner Stuart Kuller asking the Board to appoint Archibald Fadding, Jr. to the vacancy on the Cemetery Commission. TSC makes a motion to appoint Mr. Fadding. CW seconds the motion. Vote taken, 3-0 in favor.
CW notes that there will be approximately $5,200 left over from the new Highway Truck borrowing. The auditors have said that the money can either be used to purchase some of the omitted options on the truck or seek Town Meeting approval to transfer the money for a similar purpose. The money cannot be closed out to free cash. Following a discussion, the Board recommends that CW use the surplus for some of the omitted options.
Board reviews a letter from the Natural Heritage Endangered Species Division of Mass Wildlife. The Department has given the green light to Lycott Environmental to conduct the chemical weed removal of Mill Pond in the spring. ConsCom has to be contacted to see what their pleasure is as far as finishing up the Public Hearing opened almost 2 years ago for this project.
MK wants the Board to convene an executive session at next week’s meeting to discuss strategy as it relates to certain contract negotiations. Board agrees.
7:57 PM: CW makes a motion to adjourn the meeting. TSC seconds the motion. Vote taken, 3-0 in favor.
Meeting minutes approved by:
_____________________ _____________________ ______________________
Michael Kirchner, Chair Curt Wilton Tina Skorput Cooper
Date: _____________
Board
of Selectmen
Meeting
Minutes
February 12, 2007
6:30 PM: Open Meeting; St. Patrick’s Parish Center
Quorum present: Michael Kirchner (MK), Curt Wilton (CW), Tina Skorput Cooper (TSC). Also present: Administrative Assistant (AA). No press present.
Board reviews and approves weekly warrants.
Board reviews and approves previous meeting minutes.
AA notes that Polson Electric has completed a test run and tutorial for staff on the new emergency generator at the Highway Garage/Fire Station. The generator was paid for from a $10,000 grant and an $8,000 town meeting appropriation.
MK wishes to set up a meeting on 2-27-07 @ 12:00 PM. at the Village School to discuss technology, the gymnasium and other outstanding items. Attendees should include: architect, project manager, technology consultant and Town.
Board reviews a printout of a schedule of house alarm calls received by the Police Dept. A discussion follows about billing policy for false alarms. AA to check with the Chief for a review.
7:00 PM: TSC makes a motion to close acceptance of bids for the Midi-Fire/Rescue vehicle as previously bid. CW seconds the motion. Vote taken, 3-0 in favor.
MK opens the two bids received.
Toyne Firefighting Equipment: $191,900
American LaFrance: $199,974
Bids are turned over the Fire Chief Peter Skorput who will review them and make his recommendation to the Board at their next meeting.
7:15 PM: Jill Pixley and Joe Roy, Board members of Richmond West Stockbridge Community Health, address the Board about concerns of the financial health of the 80-year-old community health organization. Joe provides a letter (attached), which details the current state of affairs at Community Health.
Joe discusses the pressing competition facing the organization from Berkshire Health Systems and Lee Visiting Nurse Association. Revenue from referrals and Medicare reimbursements has fallen dramatically over the past several months. The organization has needed to dip into its reserves to sustain operations. Jill notes that a minimum of 10 cases a month is needed to keep the organization solvent. The past few months have seen an average of less than 6 per month. The organization may have to seek additional funding via annual appropriation from both Richmond and West Stockbridge.
Joe acknowledges that a main problem is that the community at large is not aware of the services offered by Richmond West Stockbridge Community Health. Patients in the hospital who need follow up home services must request Richmond/West Stockbridge specifically. Otherwise, one of the other two larger organizations will be assigned.
Joe says that his group will conduct a media campaign to raise public awareness of the organization and its plight.
MK and the Board agree to support the organization and will participate in future meetings with the Richmond/West Stockbridge Board and Richmond officials.
7:35 PM: There being no additional business to come before the Board, CW makes a motion to adjourn the meeting. TSC seconds the motion. Vote taken, 3-0 in favor.
Meeting minutes approved by:
______________________ _______________________ ________________________
Michael Kirchner, Chair Curt Wilton Tina Skorput Cooper
Date: _______________
Board
of Selectmen
Meeting
Minutes
February 7, 2007
6:30 PM: Open Meeting; St. Patrick’s Parish Center
Quorum present: Michael Kirchner (MK), Curt Wilton (CW). Tina Skorput Cooper (TSC) attending a conference. Also present: Administrative Assistant (AA). No press present.
Board reviews and approves previous meeting minutes.
Board reviews and approves weekly warrants.
6:50 PM: Board of Assessors members Amy Butterworth and Jennifer Wilton address the Board about filling the current vacancy on the Board of Assessors. A joint vote of Boards of Assessors and Selectmen is required to fill a vacancy until the next scheduled election.
Amy Butterworth nominates Irene Skorput to fill the vacancy. Jennifer Wilton seconds nomination. Joint vote taken, 4-0 in favor.
Other Items: Board discusses joint budget meeting with the Finance Committee to review the FY 2008 budget. Two dates were discussed: February 28 and March 20. Following a discussion, it is decided to hold the meeting on March 20 because the budget process will not likely be far enough along to have a meaningful meeting at the end of February.
New Town Treasurer Karen Williams has voiced concerns about getting caught up the monthly bank reconciliations. Former Treasurer Bruce Turner has not reconciled accounts since June 30, 2006. Karen will do her best to get caught up in the next several weeks. However, a back-up plan to have the Town’s auditing firm on stand by to fix the problem is put in place.
The Senior Center grant will be submitted on February 16. AA has been working with program administrator Tom Webb to complete the application. Everything is in order.
Board reviews the criteria for a heavy truck exclusion on Swamp Road. One of the criteria - an available and acceptable alternative route - seems to be in place (State Highway Rte. 41). However, it seems unlikely that Swamp Road will meet the heavy commercial truck threshold of 5%-8% (total vehicle volume) required for a truck ban. A truck count has been formally requested for traffic count in the spring. Berkshire Regional Planning Commission conducts the traffic counts. A second count will be done on Main St. and will be utilized as the Town moves forward in securing funding for a Main St. reconstruction project.
Board asks AA to schedule a joint meeting for the end of February with the Technology Consultant, project architects and the project owner’s agent to discuss needs and layouts for the Village School project.
7:20 PM: There being no additional business to come before the Board, CW makes a motion to adjourn the meeting. MK seconds. Vote taken, 2-0 in favor.
Meeting
minutes approved by:
_______________________________ ______________________________
Michael Kirchner, Chair Curt Wilton
Date: _______________
Board
of Selectmen
Meeting
Minutes
January 29, 2007
6:30 PM: Open meeting; St. Patrick’s Parish
Board reviews and approves previous meeting minutes.
Board reviews and signs weekly warrants.
6:45 PM: Board has a general discussion following up on last week’s informational meeting on the SAFETEA grant for downtown/Main Street improvements. Present are Bernie Fallon, owner of the Public Market and Ed Sotille, owner of Queensboro Package Store. As a clarification to comments made at last week’s meeting, it is noted that a primary reason why diagonal parking allowed in Stockbridge and partial diagonal parking allowed in Lee is because neither Town used federal grant money for their projects. The proposed funding for the West Stockbridge project is 70%/30% federal/state. Accordingly, the federal share may have strings attached regarding traffic safety and parking.
MK states that his focus is on getting outside funding for a Main St. project, not parking patterns. TSC asks that the Board review the PNF application before SEA submits the documents. Board agrees and will inform SEA.
CW makes a motion to instruct SEA to submit a PNF to the State for the West Stockbridge project in time to be considered at next month’s MHD quarterly review meeting. The project will be submitted as ‘a full-depth reclamation of Main Street along with new sidewalks, curbing, drainage improvements and amenities. Parking layouts are not discussed at this initial stage. Main St. parking will be discussed and negotiated as the design phase moves along. TSC seconds the motion. Vote taken, 3-0 in favor.
7:15 PM: Lenox Rd. resident John Pons addresses the Board about Town assessing methodology and practices used by the elected Board of Assessors. Mr. Pons reads a letter that details his objections to how his and other properties are assessed. Mr. Pons points out that two of the Assessors are related to two of the Selectmen. Mr. Pons states that he has written numerous letters to editors about assessing policy. Mr. Pons states that he has written several letters to the Board of Assessors that have gone unanswered. Mr. Pons states that he has never had more than a cursory inspection of the interior of his property since he purchased the house in the 1960’s. Mr. Pons questions why his assessment could have risen so much in the last few years when no one has come inside to grade the condition. Mr. Pons describes the structural deficiencies of his house and the messy property that abuts him to the rear. Mr. Pons shows the Board several photos of his property and the neighbor’s property.
MK states that, while the Board is sympathetic to Mr. Pon’s concerns, the Selectmen have no authority over the elected Board of Assessors or their assessing policies. However, MK suggests to Mr. Pons that, from what has been described, that Mr. Pons might consider filing for an abatement. CW notes that the filing period ends in a few days. MK tells Mr. Pons that he will get an application in his hands before the filing deadline.
Mr. Pons then discusses the Swamp Road/Main St./Lenox Rd. intersection and how it the design was poorly planned and executed. He also states that the wall in front of his house sits on Town property and should be removed by the Town. Finally, he states that the sidewalks on Lenox Rd. are steep and in disrepair.
7:50 PM: Other business:
TSC notes that Bob Powell, representing the Parks and Recreation Committee would like to meet with the Board to discuss an overall plan for recreation and grounds uses at the Village School. TSC also notes that the following people wish to be appointed to the Parks and Recreation Commission: Curtis Thierling, Michaela Thierling, Tina Bardwell, Ed Robbins and David Eddy. MK suggests that Mr. Powell supply a comprehensive list of Commission members to act on when they meet.
CW presents a driveway permit application for Chris Williams, Gt. Barrington Road. Following a review, the Board approves.
It is noted that the annual audit has begun. Four staffers from Scanlon Assoc. are in the Town Hall today and should be done in 3 or 4 days.
8:10 PM: There being no additional business to come before the Board, TSC makes a motion to adjourn. CW seconds the motion. Vote taken, 3-0 in favor.
Meeting minutes approved by:
_______________________ _______________________ _______________________
Michael Kirchner, Chair Curt Wilton Tina Skorput Cooper
Date: __________________
Board
of Selectmen
Meeting
Minutes
January 22, 2007
6:00 PM: Open Meeting; St. Patrick’s Parish
Quorum present: Michael Kirchner (MK), Curt Wilton (CW), Tina Skorput Cooper (TSC).
6:00 PM: MK opens Public Hearing to act on an application to transfer the Public Market all-alcoholic beverage liquor license from Michael Skorput to Bernard Fallon. TSC reads the legal notice as appeared in the Berkshire Eagle.
MK asks if there is any public comment. There being none and no discussion by the Board, MK closes the public hearing. TSC makes a motion to approve the transfer. CW seconds the motion. Vote taken, 3-0 in favor. The application will be sent to the ABCC for action.
6:10 PM: Board reviews and approves previous meeting minutes.
Board reviews and approves weekly warrants.
Board has a general discussion about adjusting the work schedule at the Village School in order to keep the asbestos abatement contractor on site in order to be able to move right into the gymnasium instead of waiting until later in the project. AA to contact the general contractor and discuss alternate scheduling.
MK reads a letter received from the Massachusetts Inspector General recognizing Administrative Assistant Mark Webber’s recent successful completion of a 3-day Public Contracting Law seminar.
TSC is appointed federal census liaison.
6:30 PM: MK opens the Public Hearing for the purpose of discussing the upcoming Senior Center grant. MK turns the meeting over to grant coordinator Tom Webb who reads the public notice as appeared in the Berkshire Eagle. The three topics to be discussed are the Senior Center project application to DHCD, the Community Development Strategy and a Senior Home Repair grant.
Mr. Webb would like to include a Home Repair grant component with the Senior Center grant. There appears to be enough funding available to add this component (approximately $30,000), which would provide for handyman services for small home repair projects for the elderly. Board thinks that this would be a great idea and would like to see it included if funding allows.
Mr. Webb has a general discussion about the application timeline and application components, including the Community Development Strategy.
The Board had reviewed the Community Development strategy at previous meetings and no additional changes or corrections are made. The Board reiterates its position that a new Senior Center will be an integral component of the new town center currently being developed at the former Village School. In addition to the Senior Center, this site will house a new Police Station, Library, Town Offices, gymnasium and recreational fields and facilities.
Clark and Green architect Steve McAllister, the designer of the Senior Center, speaks about the changes from previous designs and grant submissions. The project has been made more affordable because the Town has assumed many of the infrastructure costs of a Senior Center. The current conversion of the Village School into a town hall and library will provide for many of the costs that formerly had to be picked up by a Senior Center project, including: water and sewer upgrades, site work, plumbing and heating upgrades and fire protection. A cost analysis performed by Clark and Green indicates that the project will now come in under the maximum grant allowance. A year ago, the same Senior Center design was estimated to be well over the allowable grant amount and was not submitted.
Mr. Webb states that the grant is due to be submitted on Feb. 16th and awards are expected to be announced in May ’07.
Mr. Webb added that letters of support from the Building Inspector, other Town Boards and the C.O.A. would be a helpful supplement to the application.
MK thanks Tom Webb and Steve McAllister for their presentation.
7:00 PM: MK opens the Public Informational Meeting regarding securing state/federal funding for the reconstruction of Main St. MK provides a background and history of events and the purpose of tonight’s meeting which is to provide a public forum to discuss applying for state funding to reconstruct the Main St. and sidewalks.
MK introduces Paul Guertin and Bob Carter of SEA Associates. SEA has been contracted to submit a Project Needs Form (PNF) to the Massachusetts Highway Department for a full-depth reclamation and re-paving of Main St. The project would include new sidewalks, curbing and other amenities.
Mr. Carter discusses the process and states that he has been informed by the State that the Town must adopt parallel parking and abandon diagonal parking in order to receive grant funds. The available funding comes from the federal SAFETEA program. Studies have shown that parallel parking is safer than diagonal parking.
Mr. Carter sites 17 accident reports supplied by the West Stockbridge Police Dept. covering the past 3 years. Of these 17 accidents in the downtown area, 13 were attributed to diagonal parking. All accidents involved $1,000 or more in vehicle damage. A schematic sketch of the redesigned parking layout shows a net gain of 4-6 parking spots with parallel parking as opposed to the current diagonal. He states that the roadway is wide enough to accommodate parallel on each side of Main St. The estimated project cost is approximately $1.5 million.
A number of questions from the audience all concern the parallel versus diagonal parking. Several were in favor of keeping the parking the same. The following asked questions or made statements regarding the parking situation: Sandra Hotchkiss, Joel Hotchkiss, Joe Roy, Ann Roy, Gordon Soule, Bernie Fallon, Mike Skorput, Michael Greer, Randy and Sheila Thunfors.
In particular, Bernie Fallon, owner of Public Market, states that he has done some research and spoken with people at MassHighway on parallel versus diagonal parking. He has been told that switching to parallel parking is not absolute. Bernie suggests that the Town needs to be more persistent and work harder if it wants to keep diagonal parking. Both he and Ed Sotille, owner of Queensboro Package Store, state that they will lose business if customers are forced to parallel park. Not only will parking spaces be lost, people will drive on by because they don’t like to parallel park.
In response to a question, Mr. Guertin states that burying utilities is not an allowable cost under the SAFETEA funding program. In fact, his experience has shown that the cost of burying utilities can be almost as expensive as the roadway reconstruction itself.
The review board charged with acting on Project Need Forms meets next in March of 2007. Mr. Guertin suggests that the Town might consider submitting a request to meet the March deadline. Parking layouts don’t need to be formalized at this initial phase. Once MassHighway starts to review the request then a full discussion can take place about parking. If the Town waits until it reaches a consensus on parking then they might never submit a project request.
It is agreed that the Town and SEA will further investigate the funding rules on parking. No decisions on parking layout are made.
8:10 PM: MK thanks everyone for attending the informational meeting.
8:20 PM: Board has a discussion with Building Inspector Jim Vosburgh and Assistant Building Inspector Walt Potash regarding activity at the Shaker Mill Tavern. Jim Vosburgh assures the Board that all building permits are in place. Randy Thunfors, one of the owners of the property, adds that a recent Berkshire Record article was incorrect when it discussed future plans for the property. Mr. Thunfors understands that any changes to the current use of the property (restaurant downstairs and meeting rooms upstairs) would require an amendment to the current Special Permit on the property.
8:25 PM: Chris and Art Gennari ask the Board if any permitting is required in order to demolish the old Truck Stop on State Line Road. The property owners have asked the Gennari’s to take down the buildings because they are an eyesore and safety hazard. Soil remediation, due to past oil and gasoline spills related to the former use of the property, are ongoing and will not be disrupted. The Board recommends that the Gennari’s speak with the Building Inspector and obtain a Demolition Permit and to call Dig Safe before any work is done.
Other Items: AA informs the Board that Plumbing Inspector Peter Negrini wishes to donate his Plumbing Inspector fee of $230 for the Village School project to the Town. Board gladly accepts and thanks Peter for his generosity.
Board discusses the Village School building project. AA provides updates on: asbestos removal, temporary phone service, temp. electric service for Police trailer, and items for the Project Manager’s office.
AA informs the Board that FY 2008 Department Budget Request forms have been distributed and are due back on Feb. 16.
8:45 PM: There being no further business to come before the Board, TSC makes a motion to adjourn the meeting. CW seconds the motion. Vote taken, 3-0 in favor.
Meeting minutes approved by:
_____________________ ______________________ ________________________
Michael Kirchner Curt Wilton Tina Skorput Cooper
Date: _____________
Board
of Selectmen
Meeting
Minutes
January 8, 2007
6:30 PM: Open Meeting; St. Patrick’s Parish Center
Quorum present: Michael Kirchner (MK), Curt Wilton (CW), Tina Skorput Cooper (TSC).
Board reviews and approves previous meeting minutes.
Board reviews and approves weekly warrants.
6:35 PM: Chief of Police Cooper attends meeting and is asked by MK for an update on Rosario Messina’s Academy training. Chief says that Rosario has been enrolled and the class may start in March pending sufficient enrollment. If not in March, then the class would start as soon as enough people have enrolled. Rosario has taken his pre-physical. MK thanks the Chief for his update.
6:45 PM: Gordon Soule speaks to the Board about his concerns over an apparent increase in heavy truck traffic – including tractor trailers – on Swamp Rd. CW notes that the Swamp Road Bridge, now that it has been rebuilt, no longer has a posted weight limit. Any truck weight can pass over the bridge. The bridge used to be a deterrent but not anymore. The process for getting a commercial heavy truck exclusion was discussed. MassHighway grants exclusions only if several criteria can be met which include agreement among adjoining communities. AA will pass the criteria along to Mr. Soules and the matter will be re-addressed at a future Board meeting. The Board expresses their interest in seeking an exclusion.
Other items: MK discusses the corridor ceiling at Village School. EDM needs to be contacted to review whether the lumber used to support piping should be removed. If left, sprinklers may have to be installed both above and below the new suspended ceiling. AA has already contacted EDM on the matter.
Board has a general discussion on goings on at the recently sold Shaker Mill Tavern. Renovation and demolition works appears to have started and the Board is curious about the owner’s plans. Building Inspector Jim Vosburgh will be called in to a future meeting for an update.
Assessor Amy Butterworth speaks addresses the Board on the procedure to fill the vacancy on the Board of Assessors created by the conditional retirement of Irene Skorput. Following a discussion, it is decided to hold a joint meeting between the Selectmen and the Board of Assessors on Feb. 5 to vote on the Assessor’s recommendation.
TSC received a request from the Community Health Program to use the Town Library for programs. Board suggested that the request be referred to the Library Trustees.
TSC discusses the fine work done by Holly Hamilton, Cemetery Commissioner, and her family in cleaning up left over storm damage/debris at Town Cemeteries. The clean up was completed at a very reasonable fee. Board will send a thank you letter to Holly.
TSC discusses the need for a disclaimer to be put on local access cable TV channel 2. AA will write up a notice stating that programming does not reflect the opinion of the Selectmen and Town Boards. The content of programming is virtually unlimited and Town Officials may or may not agree with certain programs.
CW discusses a curb cut application from Joe Wilkinson on Rte. 41.
There will be a Village School job site meeting for the general contractor and sub-contractors on 1-15-07 at 10:00 AM.
Board sets a public hearing for 1-22-07 at 6:00 PM to consider an application for a liquor license transfer for the Public Market.
8:00 PM: There being to further business to come before the Board, CW makes a motion to adjourn the meeting. TSC seconds the motion. Vote taken, 3-0 in favor.
Meeting Minutes approved by:
_____________________ ______________________ ________________________
Michael Kirchner, Chair Curt Wilton Tina Skorput Cooper
Date: ___________
Board
of Selectmen
Meeting
Minutes
December 18, 2006
6:30 PM: Open Meeting; St. Patrick’s Parish Center
Quorum present: Michael Kirchner (MK), Tina Skorput Cooper (TSC). Curt Wilton (CW) absent – working on a water main leak emergency.
Board reviews and approves previous meeting minutes.
Board reviews and approves weekly warrants.
Board has a discussion regarding a proposal for work in the Village School gymnasium. Work would include removal of the ceiling (with asbestos present), protection of the floor and removal of the stage ceiling (asbestos present). Board gives preliminary approval for the work as quoted by Whiteway construction but a Change Order for this work cannot be signed until the general construction contract is signed. That contract is currently being reviewed by Town Counsel.
Board calls for a Public Hearing to be held on January 22, 2007 at 6:30 PM at the St. Patrick’s Parish Center for the purpose of discussing the Senior Center project and grant application.
Board sets a tentative date of January 22, 2007 to hold an informational meeting to discuss the downtown improvement process. SEA Consultants will make a presentation for stakeholders. This meeting, following confirmation by SEA, would be held at 7:00 PM at the Parish Center.
Board discusses having Chief Cooper come to the next Selectmen’s meeting to discuss Department activities and the status of the full-time officer’s academy training.
MK discusses investigating asbestos in the adjoining bathrooms in the future library space. If, following investigation, asbestos is not found in the first bathroom then demolition should not take place in the adjoining bathroom since they were constructed at the same time and in the same way. EcoGenesis will be so informed.
The FY 2007 tax rate has been approved by DOR at $8.80/$1,000.
Board discusses beaver removal at Card Pond. It appears that beaver activity is taking place on both Town and adjoining private property. A trapper has been asked to take a look at the area.
7:30 PM: There being no additional business to discuss, TSC makes a motion to adjourn the meeting. MK seconds the motion. Vote taken, 2-0 in favor.
Meeting minutes approved by:
________________________ ________________________
Michael Kirchner, Chair Tina Skorput Cooper
Date: _____________
Board
of Selectmen
Meeting
Minutes
December 11, 2006
6:30 PM: Open Meeting; St. Patrick’s Parish Center.
Quorum present: Michael Kirchner (MK), Curt Wilton (CW), Tina Skorput Cooper (TSC). Also present: Administrative Assistant (AA). No press present.
Board reviews and approves previous meeting minutes.
Board reviews and approves weekly warrants.
Other Items: Bob Carter of SEA requests that an informational meeting be set up to present the downtown infrastructure improvement plans to the public. Following a discussion, the Board sets a date of January 8 at 7:00 PM. Board advises to send letters to downtown merchants and put an announcement in the Local Yokel.
Board has a general discussion about the current asbestos abatement project at the Village School. Also, the Board will consider updating kitchen facility and equipment further into the project if the budget allows.
Myron Ritrosky of EcoGenesis will hold and supervise asbestos abatement job project meetings at the Village School weekly beginning 12-20-06 at 10:00 AM.
CW discusses severe storm damage (12-1-06) resulting in many fallen trees, particularly in the Town cemeteries. CW commends Tree Warden Bill Kie for his quick and thorough response to the situation. CW notes that there are still a lot of fallen trees and branches in the cemeteries. CW advises the Board that The Cemetery Commissioners requested that the Highway Dept. clean up the trees when they could get to it. CW states that his Department really doesn’t have the time because he has switched over to winter activities. CW suggests writing a note to the Commissioners recommending that the Commissioners investigate ways to clean up the storm damage. It is noted that the Cemeteries and sensitive and important Town facilities and best efforts need to be made to keep them in good shape. Board agrees that Cemetery trees cannot always be the responsibility of the Highway Dept.
TSC asks if there is any update on the beaver problems at the Card Pond. One of the neighbors has expressed concern that beavers are cutting a lot of trees in the area. AA responds that a trapper has been contacted but no date has been confirmed for beaver removal.
MK speaks about an e-mail circulated to fellow Selectmen re: withholding pay due to Officer Carm Guarda for police details worked for the Town. MK states that MGL prohibits holding pay for any issue. TSC responds that she was acting in the best interest of the Town by holding back his pay because Carmen had Department equipment in his possession that belonged to the Town. MK states that the Board voted to grant Carmen a leave of absence; they did not release him. So, he was under no obligation to return his uniform and other items. CW agrees that TSC should not hold the check and confirms that there was a vote taken on the leave of absence issue. TSC took offense to the tone of the e-mail and reiterates that she was acting in the best interest of the Town. TSC notes that all items have since been returned and that Carmen’s pay has been released. MK states that unilateral Board decisions cannot be made. The Board needs to act as group not individually in order to avoid any perception of single Board members taking actions on behalf of the Board. TSC asks if she is allowed to conduct any Board business while in the Town Hall as Town Clerk. MK and CW agree that if Board inquiries come to Tina, then she should bring that information to the Board on behalf of the caller or suggest that the caller attend a meeting. Former Selectman Larry Tonini notes that in his corporate experience, it is not uncommon to withhold paychecks if the employee owes the company property. MK reiterates that MGL is clear on the subject.
8:15 PM: There being no further business to discuss, CW makes a motion to adjourn the meeting. TSC seconds the motion. Vote taken, 3-0 in favor.
Minutes
approved by:
_____________________ ______________________ _______________________
Michael Kirchner, Chair Curt Wilton Tina Skorput Cooper
Date: __________________
Board
of Selectmen
Meeting
Minutes
December 4, 2006
6:30 PM: Open Meeting
Quorum present: Michael Kirchner (MK), Curt Wilton (CW), Tina Skorput Cooper (TSC). Also present: Administrative Assistant (AA). No press present.
Board reviews and approves previous meeting minutes.
Board reviews and approves weekly warrants.
Based on interviews conducted at the previous Board meeting, TSC makes a motion to appoint Karen Williams as Town Treasurer to fill the vacancy created by Bruce Turner’s resignation. CW seconds the motion. Vote taken, 2-0. MK abstains because he was unable to attend the interview sessions. Karen and Bruce will be contacted so that they can arrange for transition.
7:00 PM: MK opens the Annual Tax Classification Public Hearing and reads the legal notice as published in the Berkshire Eagle. Representing the Board of Assessors are Assessor Jennifer Wilton and Assessor ex-officio Irene Skorput. CW discloses that he is the spouse of Jennifer and, as such, will not participate in the Hearing.
Jennifer recommends a single tax rate be adopted as opposed to a split rate. TSC asks for a distinction between single and split tax rates. Jennifer explains that a single rate covers all property – personal, residential and commercial whereas a split rate has a different rate for commercial than for residential and personal. Typically, a commercial rate is higher. West Stockbridge does not have enough commercial property to justify a split rate. Furthermore, many commercial properties already pay a higher tax burden because they are assessed a personal property tax also.
TSC makes a motion for a joint Board vote to adopt a single tax rate. MK seconds the motion. Vote taken, 3-0 in favor. MK closes the Public Hearing.
Jennifer and Irene inform the Board that building permit information is still not being passed along properly and timely to the Board of Assessors. Irene notes that the Assessors have asked Building Inspector Jim Vosburgh several times to see Certificates of Occupancy before final sign off and for more complete, timely and accurate building permit data. The Assessors are getting increasingly frustrated with the Building Inspector.
MK notes that Jim Vosburgh was put on notice a year ago to step up and improve the operation of his office. Apparently things haven’t improved measurably. Following a discussion, the Board agrees to call Jim into an upcoming meeting.
Irene notes that the Assessors plan to get the tax rate approved and bills sent prior to the end of December. MK thanks the Assessors.
7:25 PM: John Piasecki, resident of West Stockbridge and nominee to fill a vacancy on the Conservation Commission, introduces himself to the Board. Following on a 11-30-06 letter from the Conservation Commission in which the Commission notes a 5-0 vote to appoint Mr. Piasecki, TSC makes a motion to appoint Mr. Piasecki to fill the vacancy through June 30, 2007. CW seconds the motion. Vote taken, 3-0 in favor; 8-0 in favor including the Commission’s previous vote.
7:30 PM: TSC reviews the timeline and legal steps required for Irene Skorput to be appointed to the vacancy on the Board of Assessors created by her own retirement. The vacancy will need to be advertised per Town Counsel. It is recommended that the Assessors be asked back to the December 18 weekly Board meeting for a general discussion.
TSC discusses an overdue bill owed to Berkshire Visitors Bureau. The bill is for a Town of West Stockbridge advertisement in the Bureau’s annual brochure. This ad was started a few years ago at the request of downtown merchants. Previously, it had been paid out of the Selectmen’s Expenses line item. It is agreed to pay the bill this year out of the same line item but to revisit how the bill should be paid prior to next year’s brochure.
TSC asks about progress on the Senior Center. AA responds that Clark and Green have been issued notice to proceed on altering their original documents to reflect the current construction project at the Village School. Tom Webb has also been in touch with Clark and Green and a Public Hearing to discuss the project is expected to be called in the next 2 weeks. The meeting would be hosted by Tom Webb.
TSC discusses a recent news article discussing grants available for Brownfields remediation and wondered if it might be an avenue to investigate for the Town’s old landfill. Board agrees that would be a great idea and instructs AA to follow up with CET who is the local administrator of the grant.
Other Items: CW discusses a curb-cut application from R. Klein on Cross Road. Following a review and a discussion on applicable street numbers, CW will refer the application back to Mr. Klein for clarification.
CW leads a general discussion about Merritt Way, a private way that was sometimes known as Harris Street extension. The owners of the Orient Express have concerns that customers and delivery drivers can’t find the restaurant and that the business is suffering because of the recent change in name. CW notes that Merritt Way is private property and that the whole matter has been reviewed with Town Counsel. Town Counsel has indicated that business owners would have a far stronger legal position in affecting a change to Merritt Way than the Town would if they can demonstrate a negative impact to their businesses.
Board reviews a letter from Amanda Busch requesting documents related to speed zone postings on Gt. Barrington Road. The Board instructs AA to respond to Ms. Busch and inform her that the Town does not, nor has ever, had such documents and suggest that she contact the State Highway Dept.
AA will be attending a 3-day classroom seminar in Boston next week on procurement law. Following successfully passing an exam, AA will become a Certified Procurement Officer.
AA provides an update on the Village School construction project including: efforts to get power and phone to the temporary Police office trailer; asbestos abatement project which has just begun; and removal/storage of furniture and other items from the school.
8:05 PM: There being no additional business to come before the Board, CW makes a motion to adjourn the meeting. TSC seconds the motion. Vote taken, 3-0 in favor.
Meeting Minutes approved by:
______________________ ______________________ ________________________
Michael Kirchner, Chair Curt Wilton Tina Skorput Cooper
Date: ___________