SELECTBOARD MINUTES

Joint Meeting with AFC

May 30, 2006, at 7:00 p.m.

Selectboard’s Office

Present: Clint Shaw, Nancy Allen, Alf Berry arrived at 7:45 p.m.

Others present: Joe Mitko (ADN), Dale Bull, Roger Almeida, Rich and Alyson Nicoletti, AFC members Ross France, Bob Bellefeuille, Jim Regan, and Dave Davis, PCS Committee chair Laura Webber, Regionalization Committee members Gary Orcutt and Michael LeBlanc

Chair Clint Shaw opened the meeting at 7:00 p.m.

1. MINUTES

Minutes were tabled to the next meeting.

2. MEETING WITH NICOLETTI’S RE: PAVING OF DUGWAY ROAD

Rich Nicoletti stated that he understood the Highway Department was re-paving Dugway Road from the intersection of Hardwick Road down to Most Holy Trinity Monastery. He and Roger Almeida, the only two homeowners on Dugway Road after the Monastery, asked that the paving continue to the end of the road, approximately less than one-half mile, which would pave the current dirt road. Clint Shaw referred to meetings held in 1999 at which residents asked that a hearing process be put established and that hearings be held prior to the paving of any dirt roads in Town. He further stated that he had been advised by the Planning Board chair that such a policy did exist and that they would need to meet with the Planning Board at its next meeting to set up a hearing. He also suggested that the Highway Superintendent attend the June 13 Selectboard meeting and the next Planning Board meeting. Dale will contact.


3. MEETING WITH AFC FOR FINAL REVIEW OF STM/ATM ARTICLES

The AFC expressed its concern with the $13,394 shortfall in the Senate FY07 budget figures, the Chapter 70 budget of $19,017 being offset by higher state reimbursement. The Town Hall roof was the only possibility discussed for obtaining resources to balance the budget. After discussion, it was the consensus of the AFC to take the money from the Stabilization Fund as opposed to borrowing the approx $14,000.



Ross France stated that the AFC will make a report at the Annual Town Meeting. Everyone was reminded that if a report is made, a hardcopy is to be provided to the Town Clerk for her records.



4. MEETING WITH PCS COMMITTEE AND REGIONALIZATION COMMITTEE

The Selectboard, PCS Committee Chair Laura Webber, and Regionalization Committee Chair Gary Orcutt reviewed the Selectboard letter sent to Town Counsel with numerous questions regarding regionalization. An opinion was requested back by June 16. After discussion, it was agreed that four questions needed to be answered by the Town Meeting date. Therefore, a letter will be sent tomorrow to Town Counsel requesting an opinion to the four questions by noon on Monday, June 5.



Clint Shaw stated that the PCS Committee and the Regionalization Committee can provide additional questions to Town Counsel through this office. Gary Orcutt asked that as the Town has voted twice to go to Quabbin, if the vote at the Annual Town Meeting is passed to create a regionalization committee to work with Mahar, is all the previous work null and void. Clint Shaw stated that Town Counsel has advised that the Town can work with several regionalization committees at the same time.



The discussion of which committee now has the power to continue the regionalization work was discussed. Both Gary Orcutt and Mike LeBlanc stated that the Regionalization Committee has not relinquished any power with regard to this matter to the Petersham Center School Committee and that presently, the two committees are meeting together.



Nancy Allen asked for a list of Regionalization Committee responsibilities from that committee.



David Davis questioned who asked that the Quabbin towns put Petersham on their ballots. Laura Webber stated that both the PCS Committee and the Regionalization Committee recommended it. It was clarified by Nancy Allen that Supt. Patricia Martin took action with the Quabbin District. Gary Orcutt stated that the Regionalization Committee advised the Town to go to Quabbin.



Nancy Allen asked that the Regionalization Committee request in writing prior to Supt. Maureen Marshall’s departure, the dollar amount of buy-in costs that Petersham will be responsible for.



Gary Orcutt stated that with regard to the Quabbin contract, the normal procedure is to add the Town’s name and accept the agreement as written. However, the current Quabbin and Mahar agreements do not meet the Ed Reform Act and will need to be updated to reflect these changes.

5. PERMITS

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

-Mark Ellis, The Inn at Clamber Hill, for an innholder, an innholder with entertainment, and the sale of common victuals at 11 North Main Street. With Alf Berry absent, the Board VOTED UNANIMOUSLY.


6. CHANGING OF JUNE 5 MEETING TIME

It was agreed to change the June 5 Selectboard meeting prior to the Annual Town Meeting to 6:60 p.m. in the PCS Library.


7. DOR “PETERSHAM AT A GLANCE REPORT”

A call has been put in to DOR to find out the source of the figures used in this report.


8. NEED FOR TOWN COUNSEL AT JUNE 5 ATM

The need and expense of having Town Counsel at the June 5 Annual Town Meeting was discussed. It was noted that there is no charge to have Town Counsel available by phone during the meeting.

9. CORRESPONDENCE

The Board reviewed the following:

Kopelman and Paige memo re: Impact of Reauthorization of the USA PATRIOT Act on Library Operations. The Board asked that a copy be forwarded to the Petersham Library.
Kopelman and Paige memo re: Development of Policies for Use of Computers and Electronic Communications
Invitation to the 49th Mahar graduation on Friday, June 9
Notification by MRPC of a meeting to discuss rural water, wastewater, and solid waste financing. Board of Health has been advised of this meeting.
Letter from Senator Brewer announcing upcoming grants
Kopelman and Paige memo re: Transfers of appropriations
DOR Informational Guideline Release re: appropriation transfer
Kopelman and Paige memo re: Water runoff from pubic ways onto private property. Highway has received a copy.
Procurement Bulletin, May 2006
Notification of a June 15 meeting for the Route 122 Scenic Byway project
DOR Bulletin re: Notification of Acceptance MGL Chapter 32B:18 which allows a community to save money on retiree health insurance costs by shifting cost to the federal Medicare program. This will be forwarded to the Health/Town Insurance Committee.
The FY07 assessment from Quabbin Regional for the five Quabbin towns. AFC will be provided copies
Kopelman and Paige notification of dates of June bill
DOR ‘Petersham at a Glance’ showing revenues of $6,045,514. It was agreed to contact DOR for background information on the source of that number.

10. OTHER BUSINESS

It was noted that with regard to demolition at the Davenport property, MRPC has contacted Tom Mann to ask if he is interested in salvaging any materials with reimbursement to the Town.


Tom Donaldson from MIIA has asked for backup figures to support the $28,286 bill sent to cover expenses during structural work done on the Town Office Building. Dale stated she will forward that information after Town Meeting.

A copy of a response to the Planning Board was received from Town Counsel regarding Zoning By-law and Land use Development Issues. The Planning Board had requested from the Selectboard the ability to contact Town Counsel several months ago. Many of the answers stated that the Building Inspector has enforcement authority.
11. ADJOURNMENT

There being no further business, Alf Berry moved to adjourn. Nancy Allen seconded the motion and VOTED UNANIMOUSLY. The meeting adjourned at 8:40 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,

Nancy S. Allen, Clerk