HEATH SELECTMEN'S PAGE
Board of
Selectmen Members:
Thomas Lively
– Chair
Brian De
Vriese
Town
Coordinator
Gloria Fisher
Selectboard meetings are held Tuesdays at 7p.m. Check postings at Town Hall or call the Town Coordinator to confirm.
TO CONTACT US
Send Mail To:
Board Of Selectmen
Town Of
CALL 413-337-4934 OR FAX
If you have comments or suggestions, e-mail us at: heath@townofheath.org
MAY 10, 2008
MEETING AGENDA
Town of
BOARD OF SELECTMEN
Sawyer Hall
April 29, 2008
Call to Order – 7:00 p.m.
Review Agenda
7:30 Finance Committee
Review Article 3
Town
Coordinator Report
Review
Mail and E-Mails
Weekly
Report & Other Items
Old
Business
Ø
Follow up to Open
Space Plan Actions
Ø
3 Town Landfill
Ø
Committee and Board Appointments
Ø
Whittemore Spring
Ø
Highway Bathroom
Ø
School Related Items
Ø
Safety Complex
Planning Committee
Ø
Web Site Update
Ø
Salary Survey
Ø
Status of Emergency Declaration and FEMA Reimbursement
Ø
Tree Removals in Town
Ø
Fence at Transfer Station and Fairgrounds
Ø
Town-owned
Cell/Radio Tower
Ø
Generators (Sawyer Hall and
Ø
Snowplowing Policy/Hwy SOP
Ø
Salt Shed Repair
Ø
BOH Issues
Ø
Assessors Software
New
Business
·
Standard Items
Warrants
Documents to sign
Review Minutes of April 15 and 22, 2008
Adjourn
Next
Meeting: May 6, 2008, 7:00 p.m.
|
Please note this Agenda is tentative and
may be subject to change |
Current Minutes
MEETING
MINUTES
Town of
BOARD OF SELECTMEN
Sawyer Hall
April 8, 2008
Called to order at 7:06 p.m.
by Tom Lively with Brian De Vriese and Sheila Litchfield present. Also present
Town Coordinator Gloria Fisher.
Agenda was reviewed with update on Assessors’
software added to new business.
7:08 Mike
Smith entered the meeting.
Annual
Discussed
the management aspects of the Highway Supt.’s position, the revisions
made to the Highway Dept.’s job descriptions, meeting with the Board
monthly, the Snow Plowing Policy, and the FY08 Highway Dept. budget. Mike noted that he had done positive annual
performance reviews for the Highway crew members. Discussed
the potential purchase of a new truck to replace the 550. It will cost
approximately $85,000. Objectives for the coming year were set, and Mike was
thanked for the good job the Highway Dept. did this winter keeping the roads
clear.
7:56 Finance
Committee members Dave Howland, Jan Carr, Ned Wolf, and Dave Gott entered the
meeting.
8:07 Mike
left the meeting.
Town Nurse Budget Hearing
The Town Coordinator
presented the FY09 budget request for Town Nurse, Donna Weber. Donna will be
asked to clarify her request for a budget increase.
Finance Committee
Discussed when the tax rate
might be set and the hope that it will be soon. Discussed
annual town meeting and special town meeting warrants. ATM warrants must
be posted by May 2, and STM warrants must be posted by April 25. Reviewed the
Town Accountant’s summary of accounts overdrawn, those needing transfers,
and those with excess funds. It was noted that an estimate for repair of the
salt shed has not yet been received. It was suggested that spending for the
rest of the current fiscal year be curtailed. A memo will be sent to all town
departments asking that everyone exercise restraint in spending for the rest of
the fiscal year. Brian moved to send the memo asking for restraint in spending.
Sheila seconded. The vote was unanimous.
8:28 Town
Clerk Hilma Sumner entered the meeting.
Hilma presented her FY09 budget
request and noted the need for another election worker. Discussed
the need to purchase software for the electronic voting machine for town
elections. Also requested was a stipend increase for the Constables. The
Board noted that it will be looking at Town stipends in the coming weeks.
The Town has been asked by
the FRCOG to withdraw from the County Dog Program. There is a warrant article
for the ATM that addresses this. Discussed an account for the dog license fees
and associated expenses. The Town Clerk recommended changing the dog licensing
fees from $3 for spayed females and all males to $5 for spayed females and
neutered males, and from $6 for unspayed
females to $10 for unspayed females and non-neutered
males. Discussed the “kennel” fee – that
the name is misleading and that the fees will also increase if the other
license fees increase. It was noted that the Town’s Dog Bylaw
would need to be changed to accommodate a change in the fees. The Town
Coordinator and the Town Clerk will work together on a recommendation to the
Board.
8:54 Hilma
left the meeting.
ATM Warrant Articles
The Board and the FinCom reviewed each proposed warrant article and made
suggestions. It was decided to rearrange the order of some of the articles. Brian
moved to approve the warrant as amended. Sheila seconded. The vote was
unanimous. The warrant will be submitted to Town Counsel for his review.
Assessors Software
Discussed
the Assessors’ request for new assessing software and the concurrent need
for new software for the Tax Collector.
There appear to be four options: 1. make no change now; 2. wait until the state
fixes the current software; 3. buy licenses and software for both the Assessors
and the Tax Collector; and 4. have a bridge built for the Tax Collector. Discussed the options noting that it will cost at least $13,000 to
do this now. The Board would like to see the changes made and the
software purchased, but are concerned with the cost
this fiscal year and would like to wait until next year. Sheila will speak with
the Assessors and the Tax Collector to gather their ideas before the Board and
the FinCom make any decisions.
Letter to Legislators
Discussed
the letter regarding SPED funding.
Brian moved to sign the letter and send it to the legislators listed. Sheila
seconded. The vote was unanimous. Both the Board and the FinCom
signed the letter.
9:52 Dave
Howland, Dave Gott, Jan Carr, and Ned Wolf left the meeting.
Highway Dept. Job Descriptions
The Board reviewed the
revised Highway Dept. job descriptions and using the methods and formulas
previously used rated each job description. The Highway Truck Drivers positions
will be increased from Grade 5 to Grade 6. Referring to the salary survey of
positions in certain
Warrants were signed.
Brian moved to adjourn.
Sheila seconded. The vote was unanimous
Next meeting is scheduled for
7 p.m., Tuesday, April 15, 2008, in Sawyer Hall.
Adjourned at 11:15 p.m.
Respectfully Submitted,
Gloria Fisher, Town
Coordinator
MEETING
MINUTES
Town of
BOARD OF SELECTMEN
Sawyer Hall
April 1, 2008
Called to order at 7:01 p.m.
by Tom Lively with Brian De Vriese and Sheila Litchfield present. Also present
Town Coordinator Gloria Fisher; Heath Library Director Don Purington; WCN
reporter Liz Fitzpatrick; and Finance Committee members Dave Howland, Ned Wolf,
and Jan Carr.
Agenda was reviewed with Verizon
petition and Historic District added to new business.
Budget Hearing Library
Library Director Don
Purington presented his proposed FY09 budget. He noted that there was a
significant decrease in the CWMars line due to a
grant that the library will receive. He also asked for an increase in Library Operating
Expenses to purchase a computer for library patrons. Discussed
the redesign of the library space and old donated books that could perhaps be
sold to a bookseller. This will be investigated. The library budget
hearing ended.
7:15 Don
Purington left the meeting.
Budget Hearing Board of Selectmen
The Town Coordinator
presented the proposed FY09 budget. Accounts with requested increases include
BOS Operating Expenses (to cover conference registration) and Sawyer and
Community halls Maintenance and Utilities (to cover costs of heating and
electricity). Line items decreased include Rabies Vaccinations and Property,
Casualty, Workmen’s Comp. Insurance. Stipends will be discussed at a
future meeting. Discussed recycling rates.
7:45 Kris
Burnes entered the meeting.
Budget Hearing Board of Health
Kris presented a level funded
FY09 budget for the Board of Health. Discussed the appropriation for the FRCOG
Health Agent and what that entails. Kris noted that camper/trailer inspections
were going well and the BOH expected to have 80% compliance.
7:56
8:00
Budget Hearing Post Office
Budget Hearing Police Department
8:28
Finance Committee
Discussed what the increase
in the cost of living was in 2007 and cost of living adjustments. The FRCOG
will be asked what cost of living adjustment will be given to their employees
to use as a reference.
Discussed
Tracey’s request for a transfer of funds from the Reserve fund. The Finance Committee approved a transfer of
$2,710.27 from the Reserve Account to the Vehicle Gas and Oil account. Discussed how to pay the overdrawn winter accounts.
School Issues –
disappointment was expressed that the
Assessors’/Tax
Collector’s Software – Sheila has met with the Assessors’
Clerk and the Tax Collector. A software recommendation will be made at next
week’s meeting.
9:25 Dave,
Ned, Jan, and Liz left the meeting.
New Business
· Historic District – the Heath Historical Commission
would like to have a ceremony presenting certificates to members of the Heath
Center Historic District. It was suggested that this could happen at town
meeting.
· Verizon
Petition – after reading the petition presented by Verizon,
Brian moved that permission be granted to Verizon to
place a concrete pad and a cabinet with a power pedestal on
Mail Review
· Received
a form for the Board to fill out with regard to the Continuity of Operations
Plan (COOP). The form should be filled out by April 25 and returned to
Emergency Management Director Tim Lively.
· Notice from Rep. Guyer’s office of a public hearing of the Joint
Committee on Education for the legislation (re: SBAB reimbursement) filed on
behalf of the Buckland Selectmen to be held on Tuesday, April 8, at 2:30 p.m.
· Notice that the DEP has
requested BOH minutes and site notes for 2006 up until the present.
· Notice from MEMA of an
EMD quarterly meeting to be held on April 10 in
· The
FRTA notice of the need for a disabled commuter representative to serve as a
nonvoting member of the FRTA Advisory Board.
· E-mail from the Highway
Supt. regarding the a proposed cost of $85,000 for a
new Highway Dept. truck. Also, his request for a larger truck
than the one being replaced.
· Received the
· Notice from insurance
company MIIA of an enhancement to the their EAP
program.
· Memo
from the FRCOG of an EPA grant to assess potential brownfields.
· E-mail from Highway
Supt. asking that a young Heath resident be allowed to fulfill his Community
Service requirement at the Highway Dept. Brian moved to approve the Community
Service request. Sheila seconded. The vote was unanimous.
· Received
a citizen’s petition for the annual town meeting warrant. The
petition is in regard to the Vermont Yankee’s application for relicensure for an additional 20 years and calls for the
decommissioning of the
Vermont Nuclear Power Plant.
· Estimate of $7,500-$8,000 received from the Highway
Supt. for fixing the collapsed roof and building damage at the Highway Dept.
Town Coordinator Report
· Discussed
the annual town report and who it would be dedicated to. Sheila will
compile information for the dedication.
· Discussed
the FY09 budget worksheet and the annual town meeting warrant.
Old Business
· Salary Survey –
cost of living adjustments will be figured out and salaries will be discussed
next week.
· School Issues –
Sheila will speak with Principal Mislak about an open house. The Board
discussed studying a
Documents and Warrants were signed.
Minutes
Brian moved to approve the
minutes of March 18, 2008, as submitted. Sheila seconded. The vote was
unanimous.
Brian moved to approve the
minutes of March 28, 2008, as submitted. Sheila seconded. The vote was
unanimous
Brian moved to adjourn.
Sheila seconded. The vote was unanimous
Next meeting is scheduled for
7 p.m., Tuesday, April 8, 2008, in Sawyer Hall.
Adjourned at 10:35 p.m.
Respectfully Submitted,
Gloria Fisher, Town
Coordinator
MEETING
MINUTES
Town of
BOARD OF SELECTMEN
Sawyer Hall
March 28, 2008
Called to order at 8:15 a.m. by
Tom Lively with Brian De Vriese present. Also present Town Coordinator Gloria
Fisher, Assessors Chair Val Kaempfer, and Town Clerk Hilma Sumner.
Agenda was reviewed with no changes.
Public Hearing – Tax Classification
Tom opened the tax
classification hearing at 8:15 a.m.. Brian moved to set
a single tax rate in Heath for FY09.Tom seconded. The vote was unanimous. Brian
moved to adjourn the hearing. Tom seconded. The vote was unanimous. The hearing
was closed at 8:16 a.m..
The Board and the Town Clerk
signed the classification tax allocation documents.
Brian moved to adjourn. Tom
seconded. The vote was unanimous
Next meeting is scheduled for
7 p.m., April 1, 2008, in Sawyer Hall.
Adjourned at 8:17 a.m.
Respectfully Submitted,
Gloria Fisher, Town
Coordinator
MEETING
MINUTES
Town of
BOARD OF SELECTMEN
Sawyer Hall
March 11, 2008
Called to order at 7:07 p.m.
by Tom Lively with Brian De Vriese and Sheila Litchfield present. Also present
Town Coordinator Gloria Fisher and WCN reporter Liz Fitzpatrick.
Agenda was reviewed with historical properties survey
plan added to new business.
7:09 Assessors
Val Kaempfer and Richard Gallup, Tax Collector Elizabeth Nichols, and Finance
Committee members Dave Howland, Dave Gott, Ned Wolf, Jeff Simmons, and Jan Carr
entered the meeting.
Assessors Budget Hearing
Discussed the
Assessors FY09 budget requests.
The Assessors would like to purchase new assessing software, Patriot ($5800). Discussed the Assessors need for flexibility which the current
software, which is provided by the State, doesn’t provide. It was
noted that the Patriot software isn’t compatible with the Tax
Collector’s software, and that it could cost up to $10,000 for new tax
collecting software. The Assessors would like to purchase their software as
soon as possible. Discussed the disparity between the Assessors desire to move
quickly and the Tax Collector’s desire to research and test new software.
Sheila will meet with the Assessors and the Tax Collector to chart a course of
action. The Assessors and the Tax Collector will come back to the Board with a
proposal by April 15.
7:48 Betty
left the meeting.
Discussed the recent tax
revaluation and when a FY08 property tax rate will be set. Also
discussed the idea of a different property tax rate for second homes in Heath.
The Assessors will investigate.
7:55 Val and
Richard left the meeting. Highway Supt. Mike Smith entered the meeting.
Highway Department Budget Hearing
Mike presented his FY09
budget requests. Mike noted that he added 8% to this year’s costs to come
up with figures. Discussed what constitutes hired equipment and machine
maintenance. Discussed roadside mowing and that it could start in mid-July
2008. Mike noted that he used FY05 as a basis for his computations for a FY09
request for vehicle gas and oil.
Winter Temporary Help –
discussed the possible need to increase this line as four Highway Dept. crew
members can’t do it all in a winter such as the one we’ve had. Discussed the need to draw up a plan for temporary help.
Discussed that the Highway
Dept. is now at $81,000 deficit and that winter isn’t over. Discussed how to cover the deficit.
Mike informed the Board of
his discussion with
Highway Dept. Employee Annual
Performance Reviews were given to the Board.
8:55 Mike
left the meeting.
Discussed
the
Decided
that budget items running a deficit will be discussed on April 1.
Jeff Simmons, BOH liaison to
the BOS, discussed the interviews the Selectboard is conducting with the BOH
members.
9:10 Dave H.,
Ned, Jeff, Jan, and Dave G. left the meeting.
Mail Review
· Notice
of Franklin County Selectmen’s Assoc. dinner on March 17. Tom and
Brian will attend.
· Notice from Bob Dean,
FRCOG, of grant availability for occupational health and safety workshops. Sheila
will follow up with him.
· Invitation
to Senator Rosenberg’s annual conference on April 5 in
· Invitation
to the Mass Municipal Association’s spring Legislative Breakfast Series.
Gloria will attend the April 4 meeting in
· MIIA
statement of a $380 Workman’s Compensation Insurance credit. The
Board decided to apply the credit to future invoices.
· Received
Mohawk’s Three-District Shared Expense Agreement.
· Memo from Heath’s
Accountant re: accounts that are overdrawn.
· Notification
of Preliminary Certification (preliminary review of the town’s
revaluation program and proposed assessments) from the Dept. of Revenue.
· E-mail from Leslee Colucci,
· Two
memos from Kopelman and Paige – Processing/Disposition of Claims and
Lawsuits and Snow and Ice Budgets.
· Notice from Mass
Emergency Management Agency commending Heath’s Emergency Management
Director for the work he did during the April 2007 flood.
Town Coordinator Report
· Reported
that Verizon is in the process of bringing DSL to
most of Heath.
· Presented update on
Firefighters Incentive Awards and Fire Chief’s stipend.
· Noted
that Sen. Ben Downing will be in Hawley on March 28 at 3:30 to meet with residents
from Hawley and the surrounding area. There is still no word from Sen.
Downing or Rep. Bosley on when they would be able to meet with the Heath Board.
· Provided
costs of diesel and gasoline from FY04 through FY08.
· Discussed
the FY09 budget and the
New Business
· Historical Properties Survey – the Historical
Commission provided three copies of the Town of
Old Business
· It was noted that there
may be a candidate for vacancy on the Conservation Commission.
· Highway Bathroom –
discussed renovations and adding a shower.
· March 18 meeting at the
school was discussed and the agenda was set.
Documents and Warrants were signed.
Minutes
Brian moved to approve the minutes
of February 19, 2008, as submitted. Sheila seconded. The vote was unanimous.
Brian moved to approve the
minutes of March 4, 2008, as amended. Sheila seconded. The vote was unanimous.
Brian moved to adjourn.
Sheila seconded. The vote was unanimous
Next meeting is scheduled for
7 p.m., Tuesday, March 18, 2008, at the
Adjourned at 10:58 p.m.
Respectfully Submitted,
Gloria Fisher, Town
Coordinator
MEETING
MINUTES
Town of
BOARD OF SELECTMEN
Sawyer Hall
March 4, 2008
Called to order at 7:03 p.m.
by Tom Lively with Brian De Vriese and Sheila Litchfield present. Also present Town Coordinator Gloria Fisher, Treasurer Kris
Nartowicz, and Finance Committee members Dave Howland and Jan Carr.
Agenda was reviewed with library requests added to new
business.
Annual Performance Review of Treasurer
Annual Performance Review
held with Town Accountant. The job description was reviewed with no changes
made. Objectives and goals for the coming year were discussed. Kris was
commended for doing a very good job under adverse circumstances this past year.
Condemned Property
The Treasurer discussed two
properties that have been condemned and on which the owners are delinquent with
property taxes. Discussed possible foreclosure with the decision
being made to hold off on foreclosing.
7:18 – 7:20 Ned
Wolf and Dave Gott entered the meeting.
Budget Hearing Treasurer
The Treasurer presented her
proposed FY 09 budget. Discussed the requested increase in the FICA/Medicare account. The increase
was requested due to a shortage this year caused by hiring summer temporary
workers to help with last year’s flood damage. Kris also noted that the
highway truck and the fire engine will be paid off in 2009. The budget hearing
ended.
7:30 Kris
left the meeting.
Library Requests
A memo from the Library
Director asked the Board to review information from the Mass Attorney General
concerning a $300 settlement to the Heath Library as part of a suit brought
against certain music companies and retailers. Brian moved to accept the $300,
which must be used exclusively by the pubic library for music related programs
or projects. Sheila seconded. The vote was unanimous, and the agreement was
signed.
The Shelburne Falls Fraternal
Order of the Eagles Ladies Auxiliary donated $500 to the Heath Free Public
Library. The Board was asked to accept this donation to be used for library
renovations. Brian moved to accept the donation of $500 to be deposited into
the Library Construction Gift account to be used for library renovations.
Sheila seconded. The vote was unanimous.
Town Coordinator Report
· STAM Meeting –
reported on STAM meeting with the primary topic broadband service. Verizon will be installing new lines and Heath will be getting
DSL service in most parts of town within a year.
· Budget – work
continues on the FY09 budget.
· Website Update –
continues to be updated. Town Coordinator is also working on a new design.
· Ambulance Grant –
the Assistance to Firefighters grant is now on the Homeland Security website.
· Salary Survey –
updated to replace Leverett with New Salem.
· Salt and Sand –
recalculated using FY05 figures at FY08 costs and put it into a spreadsheet.
Winter Sand and Salt
Discussed the amount of money
spent this winter on sand and salt and the reasons for this. It was noted that
the costs are difficult to compare to previous years because the prices have
risen each year and that each year has different weather related needs. Looked at the comparison of FY05 expenditures in FY08 prices.
Noted that while the accounts have been overspent, there are
potential savings realized in reduced sand use, less maintenance on vehicles,
and not needing to hire a sweeper. An analysis will be done on miles
driven and gallons of fuel used this year compared to last year. The Board
decided to keep the status quo as there is nothing that can be done or changed
this year to keep prices down.
7:55 Fire
Chief and Highway Supt. Mike Smith
entered the meeting.
Budget Hearing Fire Department
Mike presented a level-funded
FY09 budget. He noted that the Town Accountant and one of the firefighters is working on an Assistance to Firefighters grant. Discussed
the firefighter’s incentive awards and if it needed to be raised. The
Fire Chief’s stipend will also be explored for possible adjustment. It
was suggested that the Fire Chief put into writing his policy for distributing
the firefighter’s incentive awards. The budget hearing ended.
Highway Department
Discussed how the
superintendent crafted his budget and how to project budget figures especially
sand and salt and vehicle gas and oil.
Sand and Salt
Looked at FY05 sand and salt
usage at FY08 prices. Discussed how to pay for overages in the sand and salt
accounts. Noted that we are looking at 7% inflation rather
than the usual 3%. Discussed running out of salt and sand and how to
prevent that in the future. Mike will look into the possibility of setting up
an emergency delivery system.
Highway Dept. Truck
Discussed
the need to replace the 2001 highway truck. It was on a five-year replacement plan due in 2006,
but it hasn’t been replaced.
9:00 Dave
Gott, Jan, Dave Howland, and Ned left the meeting.
Salt Shed
Discussed
the need to come up with an estimate to repair the salt shed. The possibility of building a second shed for sand or
salt and paving near the shed were discussed. Mike will investigate the cost.
Job Descriptions
The updated Highway Dept. job
descriptions and the process by which to rate them
were discussed.
Landing Zone
The Board would like to know
how the landing zone fits into the town’s emergency plan. The plan should
note that the landing zone is maintained by the town, that no parking is
allowed there, and that it will be plowed based on availability. The Emergency
Management Director will be asked to incorporate the landing zone into the
town’s emergency plan.
The Highway Budget Hearing
will be next Tuesday.
9:35 Mike
left the meeting.
New Business
· March 18 School Information Meeting - Discussed the topics to be discussed
at the meeting. Noted that it was important for residents to hear the bottom
line on an independent
· Proposed Warrant Article
for the Annual Town Meeting – received a request from a Heath citizen to
put an article on the warrant resolving to call for the decommissioning of the
Vermont Yankee nuclear power plant. The Board noted that it was not within
their purview and requested that it be submitted by citizen petition.
Old Business
· Discussed how to rate
recently revised job descriptions.
· Discussed
Board of Health matters and individual Board members meeting one on one with
members of the BOH.
Mail Review
· Reviewed e-mail from
Planning Board chair regarding last night’s public hearing on the zoning
bylaw amendment to include mobile homes in Mohawk Estates.
· Received
a letter from a Charlemont resident requesting that the Selectboards
of Heath, Hawley, and Charlemont look into having the state take over care of
the bridges on Route 8A.
· Letter
from a former Heath Firefighter thanking the Board for sending him a
certificate of appreciation for his service.
· Letter from the Mass
Association of School Committees, Inc. (MASC) noting that School Committee
member Emily Cross has been accredited by the MASC by way of successfully
attending the MASC Academy of School Leadership.
· Invitation
to Sen. Stan Rosenburg’s Annual Municipal
Conference to be held April 5 in
Documents and Warrants were signed.
Next meeting is scheduled for
7 p.m., Tuesday, March 11, 2008.
Adjourned at 9:53 p.m.
Respectfully Submitted,
Gloria Fisher, Town
Coordinator
There was no Select Board meeting held on February 26, 2008, due to
bad weather.
MEETING
MINUTES
Town of
BOARD OF SELECTMEN
Sawyer Hall
February 19, 2008
Called to order at 7:08 p.m.
by Tom Lively with Brian De Vriese and Sheila Litchfield present. Also present
Town Coordinator Gloria Fisher, Accountant Tracey Baronas, and Liz Fitzpatrick,
West County News.
Agenda was reviewed with no changes.
Annual Performance Review of Town Accountant
Annual Performance Review
held with Town Accountant. The job description was reviewed and some changes
were made. Objectives and goals for the coming year were discussed. Tracey was
commended for her good work.
7:18 – 7:26 Jeff
Simmons, Ned Wolf, and Dave Gott entered the meeting.
Budget Hearing Accountant
The Accountant presented her
proposed FY 09 budget. There was discussion held regarding purchasing new accounting
software. The accounting software
presently used will be supported until June 30, 2009. New accounting software
will need to be purchased prior to that date when a new computer will also need
to be purchased. Also discussed was the Accountant’s proposal to add
$12,500 to her budget for an audit. General accounting practices suggest an
audit every three years. It was suggested to create an audit account into which
money would be placed for a number of fiscal years until there was enough money
budgeted for an audit. The budget hearing ended.
7:28 Tracey
left the meeting and Tax Collector Elizabeth Nichols entered the meeting.
Budget Hearing – Tax Collector
The Tax Collector presented
her proposed FY09 budget. Discussed the proposed purchase by
the Assessors of a new assessing software program. The Tax Collector
mentioned her concern of compatibility issues between her software and the
proposed assessing software. The Board will meet with the Assessors next week
and invited the Tax Collector to that meeting.
7:45 Jeff
Simmons, Dave Gott, and Ned Wolf left the meeting.
Annual Performance Review – Tax Collector
The Tax Collector’s job
description was reviewed with no changes. Discussed the procedure for setting
the property tax rate and suggested holding a meeting with the Accountant,
Assessors, Town Clerk, and Tax Collector to formulate timelines. The Tax
Collector’s performance was reviewed and Betty was commended for the
manner in which she interacts with the taxpayers. Objectives were set for the
coming year.
8:10 Betty
left the meeting.
Mail Review
· Invitation
to attend a Broadband Forum for Western Massachusetts on Saturday, March 1, in
· Memo
from the Franklin County Solid Waste Management District with 2007 recycling
results. FCSWMD Executive Director Jan Ameen
offered to meet with the Board to discuss Heath’s low recycling rate. The
Town Coordinator will contact her to set up a meeting.
· Copy
of the proposed Zoning Bylaw changes regarding Mobile Homes in Mohawk Estates.
The Planning Board will hold a public hearing on March 3, 7:00 p.m., in the
Town Hall meeting room.
· Copy
of an e-mail from FRCOG Health Agent Glen Ayers to the Board of Health with
regard to the proposed bylaw change to allow mobile homes in Mohawk Estates.
· Memo from Kopelman and
Paige re: Solid Waste Flow Control Laws.
· Notice
of a
· Minutes
from the Franklin County Cooperative Inspection Program’s annual budget
meeting.
· Notice from the Mass DOR
of the
· Notice from Covanta that the FY09 Tip Fee will increase by the
percentage increase of the average consumer price index, which they cannot
predict at this time, but was .8 in 2007.
· Memo from Kopelman and
Paige re: Recent Developments in Land Use Law.