SELECT BOARD MEETING HIGHLIGHTS
I was not able to three of the Select Board meeting. I have reviewed the minutes from the meetings and will highlight the main points the Select Board discussed.
January 24, 2006
- Ray LaBonte reported that the snow and ice budget is overdrawn and expects that we will be from $50,000.00 - $55,000.00 short this year.
- Mr. Marshall from Griffin Hill Road came to the Select Board with concerns about the present by-law about plowing across town roads. He would like to change the by-law. Jim Sadlow said he believes the by-law should not be changed.
- Joe Bettis bought up the possibility of starting a revolving account for the Transfer Station.
January 31, 2006
- Mr. Marshall has submitted a new by-law proposal on allowing people to plow on public roads. The Board voted unanimously not to accept this. Emile will notify him by mail of the decision.
- Ray LaBonte is to meet on February 8 with F.E.M.A. to discuss the roads again.
Select Board member Emile Mazur is working on getting a grant through the USDA to build a new Highway Department Garage. The grant would give Savoy 65%, and the Town would have to come up with the remaining 35%.
- A bid was sent out for computers for the police station and treasurer.
- Beverly Cooper would like to outsource the payroll. The Select Board agreed. The majority of her time as treasurer is spent on payroll. Jay Berry, superintendent of schools has agreed. This will be worked on. Beverly would, also, like to upgrade her software.
- Patric Reame from the Berkshire Eagle asked about the Town’s plans on ‘discontinuance of roads’ in Savoy. (Information: the article was published in the Berkshire Eagle under "Editorial" on February 3.)
February 7, 2006
- A Municipal Hearing Officer has to be appointed who can hear local appeals for citations issued by the fire department or building department. The Select Board will try to find a volunteer for this position. The individual will have to attend training on March 1 in Amherst. (Steve Dean has been selected to fill this position.
- The Select Board is looking to work on the highway department’s union contract before the end of February. The Select Board will meet with Ray LaBonte on Wednesday, February 8, to discuss his contract.
- Althea Maynard resigned as the Chair of the Council on Aging. Jane Phinney would like to take this position. The Select Board will work on this.
- Emile discussed the insurance increase required by the State for the $500,000.00 premium for the Fire Department. MIIA can increase our coverage from the current $50,000.00 to $100,000.00 premium. MIIA is checking with another insurance company to pick up the $400,000.00 and get back to the Select Board with a quote.
February 14, 2006
- Joe submitted the (DARP) - D.E.P. approved recycling program paperwork. It will be renewed through 2008. Joe is working on the D.E.P. Report for Waste Ban Compliance for the Transfer Station.
- The Mass Highway Payment Voucher for Strap Grant #459903 in the amount of $339,678.21 for the Chapel Road Culvert Project has been sent to the State Aid Section in Boson.
February 22, 2006
- The Strap Grant has been received. Emile said this will go to pay off the outstanding bills and loan for the project.
- Joe Bettis reported 142 stickers have been purchased by residents to use the Transfer Station. - Ray LaBonte is compiling the footage for roads that are being considered for termination of discontinuance of maintenance.
- Emile has applied to the Skin Cancer Program for 150 educational brochures to be placed at the Town Office, Library, and Senior Center.
- Joe is working on the Waste Ban Plan . The Plan is due April 1. The Town will place a sign at the Transfer Station that informs the public what can be accepted, along with prohibited items. by Brenda Smith