This page contains minutes of Select Board Meetings starting with January 2007. The most current meetings are listed at the top.

MEETING MINUTES

Town of Heath

BOARD OF SELECTMEN

Sawyer Hall

December 18, 2007

Called to order at 7:03 p.m. by Tom Lively with Brian De Vriese present. Also present Town Coordinator Gloria Fisher.

Agenda was reviewed with no changes.

7:05 Brian Drummey entered the meeting.

Custodian Annual Performance Review

The job description was reviewed and Brian Drummey noted that he may need backup help for snow removal if he happens to be out of town when it snows. He will discuss with Mike. The performance review was conducted, and objectives were set for the coming year. A schedule of maintenance activities will be drawn up, Brian will meet every six months with the Board, and a the Senior Center Coordinator will be asked if the Senior Center funds are available to purchase a new vacuum cleaner. Brian was thanked for his hard work.

7:42 Brian Drummey left the meeting.

7:43 Assessors Val Kaempfer and Richard Gallup entered the meeting.

Tax Rate

Val noted that the Assessors had received approval from the state to send out third quarter estimated tax bills. The FY08 tax rate has not yet been set because this is a triennial revaluation year, and the evaluation process didn’t begin until July because of the budget approval process. Val suggested that money budgeted for revals not be passed over at ATM. Also contributing to the problem were problems with Chapter 61 properties and land in APR, and that the DOR has been bogged down. Val noted that the tax rate should be set in mid-January. Discussed when to send out estimated tax bills. It was suggested that the Assessors write an article for the Heath Herald explaining and describing the process.

7:55 Val and Richard left the meeting.

7:57 Mike Smith entered the meeting.

Discussed road conditions and sand and salt usage.

Snow Plow

Mike requested permission to buy a used plow for use as a mud plow. Mike was advised to negotiate the price if possible and to buy the plow because the town needs it and it appears to be a good deal.

Operations Manual

Mike presented a draft for a Town of Heath Snowplowing Policy. The draft will be reviewed and suggestions will be sent to Mike.

Plowing Plan

The major connectors, those roads that are high volume routes which connect major sections of the town and provide access for emergency vehicles, will be plowed first. The second priority are the gravel roads with the third priority being those streets that are low volume or dead ends. The fourth priority are town parking lots.

Tree Cutting

Discussed trees on Rte. 8A and Hosmer that need cutting. Some will require tree crews to be hired and will be done in the spring. Mike will compile a list of other trees he notices while working in town. Discussed the use of work crews from the jail for tree cutting, but decided that would not be appropriate due to the nature of the work.

Helicopter Landing Zone

Discussed the current site at the fairgrounds, if there were any other sites in town, and the pros and cons of a medicvac landing zone in Heath. EMD Tim Lively and Mike will evaluate the situation and make a recommendation by the end of January. Mike will also provide the costs involved in keeping the landing zone plowed and open.

Road Closures

Roads that have been closed for the winter include Hosmer Rd. beyond the fairgrounds, beyond the Rodes’ house on Sadoga Rd., and State Farm Rd. These are the roads that are closed every winter.

Inspection Fees

Mike requested that the fees paid to the Fire Chief for inspecting smoke detectors, LP tanks, and oil tanks be raised from the $10 current fee to a $25 fee. Discussed what other towns charge. The Board will discuss at their January 8 meeting.

Salt Shed

Discussed the condition of the salt shed. It was noted that the shed needs repairs and that it is too small for the delivery trucks and for storage. Mike will contact Mass Highway to see if they have any design plans for salt sheds although there is no plan to build a new one at this time.

8:56 Mike left the meeting.

Mail Review

· Received the proposed Franklin County Solid Waste Management FY09 budget. Jan Ameen will be invited to a future meeting to discuss Heath’s assessment.

· Copy of a letter from Peggy Sloan sent to the Massachusetts Dept. of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) regarding the FRCOG’s comments on the proposed new state regulations for the creation of affordable housing.

· Notice from DHCD of their Community Assistance Unit.

· Notice of the Mass Municipal Association’s Annual business meeting.

· Notice of Round 14 of the Massachusetts Preservation Projects Fund grant program.

· Copy of a letter from FEMA to the FRCOG regarding review and approval of Franklin County’s Regional Natural Hazards Mitigation Plan.

· Check for $248.27 received from the Hampshire Council of Governments as Heath’s share of the 2007 profit from Hampshire Power electricity.

· Monthly report from the Franklin County Cooperative Inspection Program.

· Copy of a letter from the building inspector to a noncompliant Heath resident.

· Copy of a letter sent from the Mohawk Trail Regional District School Committee to area legislators in support of the Buckland Selectboard’s letter urging them to pass special legislation that would provide continued MSBA reimbursement for consolidated school buildings.

· Notice from the Mass Dept. of Public Safety of new regulations regarding trench safety.

· Dog complaint.

Town Coordinator Report

· Noted that the T1 line has been working much better after a visit from a tech consultant – Horace Moody. The Town needs a new hub and a new router. He will be submitting a proposal to the Town for tech services.

· Reported on copier breakdowns.

· Noted that the Town received $13,361.17 from MEMA to pay the town’s 12.5% share of road damage expenses from the October 2005 flood.

· Presented a draft of the expenses sheet regarding the request to the USPS to increase the amount the town receives for having a post office. The draft will be fine tuned and the cost of the security system will be added.

New Business

· Discussed the fire in Shelburne Falls and if there was anything the Heath BOS could due to help.

· A new date for the cancelled December 3 school information meeting will be decided at the next BOS meeting.

Documents Signed – letters and vacation requests.

Warrants were signed.

Tom moved to adjourn. Brian seconded. The vote was unanimous.

Next meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, January 8, 2008.

Adjourned at 10:08 p.m.

Respectfully Submitted,

Gloria Fisher, Town Coordinator

MEETING MINUTES

Town of Heath

BOARD OF SELECTMEN

Sawyer Hall

November 27, 2007

Called to order at 7:04 p.m. by Tom Lively with Brian De Vriese and Sheila Litchfield present. Also present Town Coordinator Gloria Fisher.

Agenda was reviewed with generator and landing zone added to old business.

The Board’s 7:05 appointment had to cancel; it will be rescheduled for January.

7:18 Don Dekker, Eileen Tougas, and Val Kaempfer entered the meeting.

Mobile Homes

Val, Eileen, and Don explained that they had gone before the Planning Board to request a change to the Zoning Bylaws to allow mobile home in Mohawk Estates. It was explained that the Planning Board is actively working on researching the issues involved. The Mohawk Estates Property Owners Association’s official opinion on allowing mobile homes in the Estates will be solicited. Val, Eileen, and Don were urged to keep in touch with the Planning Board.

Discussed a mobile home that was delivered to Mohawk Estates. The ZBA would like to know if storage of the mobile home is allowed. The Board determined that if it is not addressed in the Zoning Bylaws, it is not allowed.

7:45 Don, Eileen, and Val left the meeting.

7:19-7:35 Finance Committee members Jan Carr, Dave Howland, and Dave Gott, Lorena Loubsky, Jonathan Diamond, and Bob Viarengo entered the meeting.

Finance Committee

Dave presented an overview of the Finance Committee’s report on an Independent Heath School, explaining the process. It was noted that budget cuts, the District’s lowering of the number of choice students, multi-grade classes, fixed costs, and the fact that the foundation budget doesn’t fit rural schools are all problems. There is a need to look at the past, present, and future of the school and the possibility of the option of a pilot school.

After looking at the proposed budget figures, the Finance Committee feels an independent Heath School is not feasible at this time and recommends the status quo. The Finance Committee was thanked for putting together a comprehensive report, and Lorena was complimented on her hard work on the proposed budget.

School Issues and the December 3 Meeting

Discussed the purpose of the meeting as a way to update the community on the findings of the task forces working on options for the Heath School. The proposed survey and a letter to the community were discussed. It was suggested that the task force on an independent Heath School needs to be reconstituted with a new focus or that maybe it has fulfilled its duties. Some of the issues that need more attention are what would bring the home-schooled children back to the school; what would entice more choice students, and what do the teachers want. It was noted that the principal and the LEC have the authority to make changes; not the task force. Discussed the need to hear from the LEC and how they can best accomplish their goals.

The December 3 tentative meeting agenda includes: a report on the conclusions reached by each task force; reports from the Heath School principal on the state of education in the Heath School; the LEC on the school improvement plan; the School Committee on the status of school closings; and a summary of the Independent Heath School Task Force report, as well as the Finance Committee’s report on the feasibility of a Heath School. Tom will introduce the meeting. All the data that has been collected will be laid out and a community-wide survey will be discussed.

Notification of the meeting to community members will be done by e-mail, posting notices at town hall and around town, and notices sent to the local newspapers.

Dave Howland discussed a Finance Committee report, which focuses on SPED funding. The Board will review and decide if the report will be sent to legislators, the press, etc.

9:50 Bob, Jonathan, Lorena, Dave Gott, Dave Howland, and Jan left the meeting.

Mail Review

· Reminder from the FRCOG of Select Board workshops starting November 29.

· Building Constructions Reports from the Franklin Cooperative Inspections Services.

· Highway Dept. report for week ending October 27.

· Notice of Franklin Regional Retirement Board’s meeting on December 18.

· Notices from Kopelman and Paige re: Community Preservation Act Funds and State Ethics Commission’s interpretation of “Business Organization.”

· Notice from the Massachusetts Historical Commission informing the town that the Heath Center Historic District has been accepted by the National Park Service for listing in the National Register of Historic Places.

· Copies of letters from the Building Inspector to noncompliant Heath residents.

· Notice from the Dept. of Revenue of certification of Heath’s Free Cash as of July 1, 2007, in the amount of $92,986.

· Letter of resignation from the Heath Education Focus Group from Leighton McCutchen. Brian moved to accept Leighton’s resignation with regret. Sheila seconded. The vote was unanimous.

· Letter of resignation from the Heath Education Focus Group from Eric Grinnell. Brian moved to accept Eric’s resignation with regret. Sheila seconded. The vote was unanimous.

· Notice from the FRCOG announcing the partnership between Stantec Consulting Services and the FRCOG for engineering purposes.

· Notification from the Mohawk Trail School System of a case of chicken pox at the Heath School.

· Franklin County Tech School District Committee’s minutes of October 10, 2007.

· Copy of the Local Natural Hazards Mitigation Plan for the Town of Heath from the FRCOG.

Town Coordinator Report

· Discussed problems with the T1 service and that a consultant who has been hired to look over the system and get it fixed.

· Town Coordinator noted that the forms and documents for the Energy Savings Performance Contracting had been filled out and submitted.

Old Business

· Discussed conversation with Catherine Skiba, DEP, regarding a visit to inspect the work done at Whittemore Spring.

Documents Signed – letter and building permit.

Warrants were signed.

Minutes

Brian moved to approve the October 30 Three-Town Landfill meeting minutes as amended. Sheila seconded. The vote was unanimous.

Brian moved to approve the October 30 Board meeting minutes as submitted. Sheila seconded. The vote was unanimous.

Brian moved to approve the November 6 All Boards meeting minutes as amended. Sheila seconded. The vote was unanimous.

Brian moved to adjourn. Sheila seconded. The vote was unanimous.

Next meeting is scheduled for Monday, December 3, at the Health Elementary School.

Adjourned at 10:27 p.m.

Respectfully Submitted,

Gloria Fisher, Town Coordinator

MEETING MINUTES

Town of Heath

BOARD OF SELECTMEN

All Boards and Committees Meeting

Charlemont Inn

November 6, 2007

Called to order at 6:17 p.m. by Tom Lively with Brian De Vriese and Sheila Litchfield present. Also present Town Coordinator Gloria Fisher and 15 Town of Heath board and committee members.(See attached list.)

Agenda was reviewed with no changes.

Welcome

Tom Lively welcomed everyone to the 3^rd annual All Boards and Committees meeting and thanked them for their volunteer efforts. He explained the purpose of the meeting and summarized the evaluations received from last year’s meeting.

Communications

Sheila Litchfield explained that the Board would like to meet with every board and committee annually. She discussed the materials handed out to participants including important dates, elected officials whose terms are expiring in 2008, and upcoming workshops sponsored by MIIA and the Franklin Regional Council of Governments. She also mentioned that the Select Board would like to know how they could help the committees and boards. Every person giving a report was asked to mention where their meeting minutes are kept.

Everyone introduced themselves.

Board and Committee Reports

· Agriculture Commission – Tim Lively reported that they are working on a historical farms study and coming out with a brochure. The Agricultural Commission’s minutes reside with Leighton McCutchen.

· Board of Assessors - Val Kaempfer reported that the Assessors are working on the triennial property evaluations and that the consultants have viewed over 108 houses. Due to DOR delays assessments may not be done in time to send out the January tax bills so the Board of Assessors voted to send out estimated tax bills if necessary. Meeting minutes are kept in a binder in the Assessors office.

· Board of Health – Jenna Day reported that the BOH is working with Glen Ayers from the FRCOG on the camper/trailer permitting program and that Glen has been doing a great job creating a database that will be useful in many applications. She also reported that there is a statewide push to look at regionalization of health services. The meeting minutes are in a binder in the BOH office space.

· Community Hall Committee – Jane deLeeuw reported that the committee is still trying to raise money to refurbish Community Hall – flooring, lighting, and painting. Sunday afternoon games will be starting again soon. Dianne Cerone has the meeting minutes.

· Computer Committee – Gloria Fisher reported that the Pioneer Valley and Berkshire Connects will be sending out a survey soon regarding the broadband needs of the town. She also mentioned the Governor’s broadband initiative. She has the meeting minutes.

· Conservation Commission – no members present.

· Council on Aging - Val Kaempfer reported that a rapid steamer was purchased for the Senior Center with a Council on Aging grant and that plans are being made to purchase a counter top freezer and an ice machine. The restrictions for use of the Senior Center/Community Hall will end on November 4, 2009.

· Cultural Council – no members present.

· Emergency Management Director – Tim Lively reported that NIMS requirements are still active, that he has sent out emergency special needs surveys, and that the Red Cross is to certify the Senior Center as an emergency shelter. He also noted the completion of the Natural Hazards Mitigation Plan and that the police are heading up researching a reverse 911 system.

· Finance Committee – Dave Howland reviewed insurance comparisons between the state-offered insurance plans and the town’s present insurance plan. The Finance Committee voted to keep the town’s present insurance plan. He noted that the Mohawk Trail Regional School District budget had been decreased again and that the FinCom was reviewing a proposed draft budget for an independent Heath school. Ned Wolf has the minutes and is putting them on the Town’s website.

· Historical Commission – no members present.

· Historical Society – Dave Howland and Tom Lively reported on the progress being made restoring Whittemore Spring.

· Library Trustees – Jan Carr reported that the trustees had turned down the state’s library construction grant, that bar coding for CWMars is almost complete, and that future projects include weeding out old books and reconfiguring and reusing the existing space. She noted that the Town is lucky to have both Library Director Don Purrington and Assistant Library Director Lyra Johnson. Kate Bailey has the minutes in a binder in the Library.

· Parks and Recreation Committee – Ken Gilbert reported that the Bike event held in September raised several hundred dollars for the Friends of the Heath Library. Work that needs to be done on the gardens on the common was discussed and the need for more volunteers.

· Planning Board – Deborah Phillips reported that during the past year the bylaws have been cleaned up and that bylaws were passed regulating personal windmills. She discussed whether the Planning Board should regulated commercial wind farms. Other items being worked on include definitions of a dog kennel, the possible emergency radio tower on the fairgrounds, and a request to amend the bylaws to allow mobile homes in Mohawk Estates. The meeting minutes are kept in a filing cabinet in the town offices.

· School Committee – Emily Cross reported that the District is still waiting to have its budget passed, that the teachers’ union agreed to change their health insurance plans to save the District money, and that an expanded superintendency is being explored. An expanded superintendency would not need a change to the regional agreement; the School Committee would vote on it.

· Senior Center Coordinator - Eileen Tougas reported on activities taking place, including Senior Lunch twice a month and low impact aerobics. The Senior Center has new protective walls around the door, an outdoor bulletin board, a rapid steamer, and two shelving units. She noted that there are 238 hours available for the public to use the upstairs room. She presented the Senior Center’s wish list: repair and sealing of the tile floor, a microwave, ice maker, counter freezer, lights, and a microphone and power point equipment.

· The Zoning Board of Appeals – Val Kaempfer reported that the ZBA had two hearings this year, one of which was approved and the other denied.

· Heath Education Focus Group – it was reported that a meeting will be held December 3 at the Heath School to discuss options for the Heath School.

· Rowe/Heath Education Exploratory Committee – Jan Carr reported that the Heath contingent has met once, but that the whole group has yet to meet.

· Local Education Council – Ned Wolf reported that meetings are underway and that the group is working on the school improvement plan.

Guidelines and Requirements

Brian De Vriese explained the “Guidelines for Committee and Board Appointments” form that the Board of Selectmen has recently adopted and that everyone being reappointed will be asked to sign. The Guidelines detail the expectations required of all appointees regarding the Open Meeting Law, keeping of minutes, Executive Session, litigation, and use of Town Counsel. He also noted the legal requirements involved with being a member of a Town Committee or Board and discussed the materials handed out to participants – copies of the open meeting law, use of e-mail policy, and requirements for keeping of meeting minutes.

Town Coordinator Gloria Fisher discussed the methods for disposal, retention, and archiving of records. Records Disposal Schedules are kept in a notebook in the town offices for use by any board or committee. Each board and committee was also encouraged to begin the process by cleaning out their respective file cabinets.

Items to Be Followed Up

It was noted that when the power goes off, the generator does not supply power to the upstairs offices at the Town Hall. The Town Coordinator will look into whether the upstairs power supply can be hooked to the generator.

Announcements

Tom announced

· that the town still needs an animal inspector and a town nurse.

· that town land could be used for a cell or wireless tower of some type if people are interested. The Board will try to get a sense of the will of the people. The people present at the meeting were supportive.

Everyone was asked to fill out the meeting evaluations and thanked for coming.

8:00 All Board and Committee members left the meeting.

8:15 The Selectmen reconvened the meeting.

Discussed:

· how the meeting went.

· taking out stump from Town Common. This will be paid for from the tree cutting account.

· energy performance saving contracting and how the forms will be filled out.

· meeting with the custodian

Items for follow up include:

· Connect CTY, reverse 911 system

· formal adoption of a kennel definition for zoning bylaws

· meet with custodian

· explore land in Heath for a cell/wireless tower

· November 4, 2009, restrictions on Senior Center expire

· property tax issue – when are bills going to be sent out

· December 3 meeting – who is speaking to school topics and who is organizing them

Warrants were reviewed and signed.

Brian moved to adjourn. Sheila seconded. Vote was unanimous.

Next meeting is scheduled for November 27 at 7:00 p.m. in Sawyer Hall.

Adjourned at 8:48 p.m.

Respectfully Submitted,

Gloria Fisher, Town Coordinator

MEETING MINUTES

Town of Heath

BOARD OF SELECTMEN

Sawyer Hall

October 30, 2007

Called to order at 7:17 p.m. after returning from the Three-Town Landfill meeting by Tom Lively with Brian De Vriese and Sheila Litchfield present. Also present Town Coordinator Gloria Fisher.

Agenda was reviewed with no changes.

All Boards Meeting

The agenda for the All Boards meeting on November 6 was discussed.

BOS Winter Meeting Schedule

The Board will meet on Tuesdays at 7:00 p.m. in Sawyer Hall on the following dates: October 30, November 6 (All Boards Meeting), November 27, December 4 (at the Heath School), and December 18. Beginning with the January 8, 2008, meeting, the Board will meet every Tuesday.

Mail Review

· E-mail from the FRCOG re: a Citizen Planner Training Collaborative session on October 22 in Greenfield.

· Received report from EMD Tim Lively on recent REPC, MEMA, and Red Cross meetings.

· The Franklin Regional Council of Governments sent out information about an RFP they will be sending out for regional tech support. The Town of Heath will be included in the RFP.

· In response to a letter from the Secretary of State’s office, the Board designated Town Clerk Hilma Sumner as the local census liaison.

· Received the upcoming calendar year budget from the Franklin Regional Retirement System.

· Notice from the DEP of increase in the Safe Drinking Water Act Assessment for FY 09.

· Received a copy of Supt. Michael Buoniconti’s annual evaluation.

· Notice from MTRSD of revised Heath assessment for FY08 of $689,749.00 Operating Assessment and $26,559 Net Capital Assessment for a total of $716,308.00.

· Letter from the Heath Historical Society requesting the Board to waive the building permit fee for repair work on the Center Schoolhouse. Brian moved to waive the fee. Sheila seconded. The vote was unanimous.

· Minutes from the Tech School’s School Committee meeting.

· Notice of Selectmen’s Association dinner at Bill’s Restaurant on November 15.

· Letter from Buckland Board of Selectmen informing the Heath BOS of their intention to ask Rep. Denis Guyer to file special legislation that would facilitate continued MSBA reimbursement for consolidated school buildings and asking the Heath BOS to do the same. The Board decided against sending a letter or support.

· Notice of Energy Saving Performance Contracting meeting to be held November 1, 5:30-6:30 p.m. in Greenfield. Brian will try to attend.

· Notice of FRCOG sponsored BOS Training Workshops.

· Mass DEP requests that the Board pass a resolution in support of the Mass Recycles Paper Campaign. Brian moved that the Town of Heath supports the resolution and to join the Mass Recycles campaign. Sheila seconded. The vote was unanimous.

Town Coordinator Report

· The emergency radio tower balloon test was successfully held today.

· Discussed custodial duties and that the custodian has not received a job review yet. A review will be scheduled.

· Comparisons between the Group Insurance Commission plans and the Hampshire County Group Insurance Trust were handed out. Costs and benefits were discussed.

Old Business

· Three Town Landfill – discussed October 30 meeting and agenda items

· Committee and Board Appointments – the town still needs an Animal Inspector. The Town Nurse position is also open. Any interested parties should contact the Town Coordinator.

· Whittemore Spring – discussed how the project is proceeding and who has been in contact with whom.

· School Issues – discussed the Rowe/Heath Education Exploratory Committee

· Salary Survey – the Highway Dept. job descriptions are undergoing a review

· All Boards Meeting – discussed who will be attending and agenda items, including open meeting law, proper use of e-mail, and school information.

New Business

· There was no new business.

Documents Signed – letters and building permit.

Warrants were signed.

Minutes

Brian moved to approve the October 2 meeting minutes as amended. Sheila seconded. The vote was unanimous.

Brian moved to approve the October 9 meeting minutes as amended. Sheila seconded. The vote was unanimous.

Brian moved to adjourn. Sheila seconded. The vote was unanimous.

Next meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, October 30, 2007 – Three-Town Landfill meeting at 6:30 p.m. at the Charlemont Town Hall followed by the regularly scheduled Board meeting at Sawyer Hall at 7:15 p.m.

Adjourned at 10:02 p.m.

Respectfully Submitted,

Gloria Fisher, Town Coordinator

MEETING MINUTES

Town of Heath

BOARD OF SELECTMEN

Sawyer Hall

October 16, 2007