SELECTBOARD OFFICE

6:00 P.M.

Present: Clint Shaw and Nancy Allen

Not present: Alf Berry

Others present: Joe Mitko (ADN), Dale Bull, BOH Chair Fifi Scoufopoulos, Cememtery Commission Clerk Jan Bedau, ZBA Chair Ellen Anderson, Planning Board Chair Lynn Shaw, John Anderson, Dana Robinson, Maryann Walker, AFC members Dave Davis, Jim Regan, Don O’Neil, Ross France

Chair Clint Shaw called the meeting to order at 6:10 p.m.

1. MEETING WITH AFC

Budget sheet reviews continued by both departments. The three school budgets were not discussed.

Fire Chief Dana Robinson clarified his budget request for $2,000 stating that it was to replace equipment that is lost or damaged at the scene of a fire/accident, equipment other that the PPEs. He further stated that the water tank replacement request for $1,500 is to replace a 26-year old tank that is showing severe signs of wear and tear.

BOH Chair Fifi Scoufopoulos stated that the $7,500 requested in the budget could be reduced to $5,000 as some of that amount will be taken from the revolving account. Also, the Public Health Mutual Aid agent budget of $5,000 could be reduced to $4,000. She further stated that the DEP will be testing the public water source at the Town Hall on April 26. She noted that based on the results of this testing, funds might be needed to bring the water source up to code.

The AFC would like the Accountant to be asked if the unspent funds in the Treasurer’s Interest account can be encumbered, therefore avoiding having to raise the requested $3000.

2. CARE OF CEMETERIES BID OPENING

At 7:05 p.m. Nancy Allen opened the single bid received for Care of Cemeteries. It was submitted by Barnes Landscaping in the amount of $19,764 for the care and upkeep of the Petersham cemeteries from July 1, 2006, through June 30, 2007. The information provided will be checked against the specifications and discussed again at the next regularly scheduled meeting.

3. MEETING WITH FOUR (4) BOARDS REGARDING HIRING OF SECRETARIAL STAFF

Cemetery Commission Clerk Jan Bedau stated that Planning, ZBA, and Cemetery Commission were in need of clerical assistance. BOH was not included as Sue Gatautis will remain with that Department and is not interested in applying for the three-department position now available. A variety of wages to be paid and hours needed were discussed. It was agreed that Dale will meet with Lynn Shaw , Jan Bedau , and Ellen Anderson to create a job description. The position will pay $9-$10 per hour and will include participation at night meetings. It will be posted and possibly filled prior to July 1, but will not be available until then due to funding.

4. MEETING WITH MARYANN WALKER , DANA ROBINSON , AND JOHN ANDERSON RE: LOWER TOWN HALL KITCHEN

Questions continued regarding the cost of installing an electric dishwasher versus installing a three-bay sink and additional hand-washing sink. John Anderson stated that he presently owned the dishwasher discussed last week as being available at the PCS. He noted that he and his wife would be glad to donate it to the Town and that it has the required pump already installed. If a dishwasher were installed, 220 wiring would be required. The need for a dishwasher was discussed, noting that most users of the kitchen take advantage of paper products, however, water would be saved. Much of the countertop would be lost with new sinks. Maryann Walker will price out the three-bay sink and hand-washing sink.

5. MINUTES

Minutes were not available for review.

6. REQUEST FOR 4^TH OF JULY PARADE – BETH CUMMINGS

Nancy Allen moved the Town of Petersham sponsor the 4^th of July parade to be held July 4^th, running from the Common, around the Old Maid’s Mile and ending on the Common, with Beth Cummings coordinating events for the parade, that Beth Cummings will check with appropriate boards regarding food items being sold, and that she will also notify any participant with a horse that the horse is the responsibility of the owner and would fall under the homeowners’ insurance. Clint Shaw seconded the motion and VOTED UNANIMOUSLY.

7. CORRESPONDENCE

a. LIONS CLUB 30^TH ANNIVERSARY INVITATION

Nancy Allen stated that she had previous commitments and would not be able to attend. Clint Shaw stated that he was not sure about commitments at this time.

b. MANDEL/LEDGEVILLE PROPERTY

A letter from Eric and Chris Mandel dated April 17, 2006, expressed their rejection of the Board’s request that they pay one-half of Town Counsel’s fees to draw up the easement around the Ledgeville School . Clint Shaw stated that upon review of the December 15, 2005, Selectboard minutes, it was voted that the Town would pay one-half of the survey. He asked that the Mandels be contacted for that amount and to also inform them that they will not be financially responsible for any cost of the easement. He further asked if 20 feet on three (3) sides of the Ledgeville School would be satisfactory to the Mandels and upon receipt of a draft from Town Counsel, they would be contacted for review of the material.

c. OTHER CORRESPONDENCE

The Board reviewed the following:

· MMA Action Alert #5 re: House budget debate must address Chapter 70 shortfall

· Senator Brewer ’s letter announcing upcoming grants

· Letter from Glenede Albertine stating that she will be retiring as of June 30, 2006, and plans to take advantage of the Town’s acceptance of Chapter 32B

· Letter from the Massachusetts Commission on the Status of Women asking for the Town’s nomination of an unsung hero. The nomination papers will be pulled off the website.

· April 14, 2006, Worcester Telegram article stating that Oakham has been requested to and will take another vote on adding Petersham to the Quabbin Regional School District

· April 17, 2006, Worcester Telegram article stating that if Oakham votes ‘yes’, there is not sufficient time for Petersham to enter Quabbin this fall, and most towns’ budgets have been set.

· April 18, 2006, Worcester Telegram article stating that Quabbin Superintendent Maureen Marshall was given an excellent evaluation by the Quabbin Regional School District Committee, after completing a form review of the superintendent for the first time since 2003.

8. PERMITS

Nancy Allen moved to renew the following business permits and Clint Shaw seconded the motion:

- Lisa Freden , 6 North Main Street , for the operation of an office for the practice of psychotherapy located at 6 North Main Street subject to the special permit signed by the Zoning Board of Appeals February 7, 2006

- Susan Cutting , Siberian Wilderness Consulting, for a home office located at 93 Glasheen Road , working as a consultant on environmental protection projects in Russia

The Board VOTED UNANIMOUSLY.

The Lisa Freden permit was previously approved but without the ZBA special permit date.

9. OTHER BUSINESS

Nancy Allen provided the Board with information concerning the Tax Collector’s request for funding for new m/v excise tax Point software and new modules for real estate, m/v, and personal property taxes and her review of the BOA’s request for funding for an increase in staff time and new software. There was no discussion of the information.

10. ADJOURNMENT

There being no further business, Nancy Allen moved to adjourn. Clint Shaw seconded the motion and VOTED UNANIMOUSLY. The meeting adjourned at 9:00 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,

Nancy S. Allen , Clerk