SAVOY AGRICULTURAL COMMISSION THANKS TOWN RESIDENTS
The Savoy Agricultural Commission would like to thank the residents of Savoy for their enthusiastic and informative response to its January 2006 Agricultural Survey/questionnaire. Of the 95 resident responses received, thirty indicated that they are involved in some type of farming activity in Savoy. A summary of the results are currently being evaluated and studied by the commission. The results are an important first step for the recently created commission in developing a 2006 work plan to promote, protect and serve the farming needs of the residents of Savoy. Residents are cordially invited to provide additional input during Agricultural Commission meetings, held on the first Thursday of every month at 7:00 P.M. in the town hall.
Results of Savoy Agricultural Commission: Questionnaire (Jan 2006)
1. Do you farm? Yes_30_ No_65_
2. Products Farmed. Please check all that apply.
Hay_12_ Sheep_2_ Rabbits_1_ Wood_12_
Goats_4_ Chicken_7_ Dairy_1_ Horses_11_ Maple Syrup_5_ Beef_2_ Pigs_ Corn_ Vegetables_15_ Tree Farm_4_ Logging _8_ Donkey_1_ Mules_1_ Turkeys_1_ Llamas_1_ Blueberries_1_
3. Number of acres farmed: 290,100, 80, 60, 37, 25, 25, 24, 23, 20, 19, 16, 11, 10, 10, 10,8, 7, 6, 2.5, 1, 1, ¾, 1/4
Leased_16_ No Response _6_
4. Is your land in: Chapter 61_0_ 61A_5_ 61B_0_ APR _0_
5. Do you sell $500.00 or more of product? Yes_13_ No_15_ No Response_2_
6. Are you a farm bureau member? Yes_12_ No_18_
7. What are your farming related concerns/needs?
· 16 no response
· Lack of neighbor understanding/need town approved animal cages
· neighbor plows into fences and made a ditch that cuts off access to water well
· weather
· who else farm the same products in Savoy – networking
· how to help improve the natural habitat
· organic
· too many laws
· continuation of agricultural commission
· applicable regulations
· want less regulations
· loss of fields and encroachment of houses
8. What can the Savoy Agricultural Commission do to assist you?
16 no response
Inform/teach
Keep me informed of any new laws and/or concerns regarding farming in Savoy
Give advise on setting up petting zoo for children
Keep it simple
Stop trying to add new regulations
Continue the agriculture commission
Provide information concerning small farm operations
Lower taxes
Assist in follow-up on APR application
Just be there
Look into establishing a farm market
Source of info related to farming
9. If the commission publishes a farming newsletter would you be interested in receiving it?
Yes _28_ No _1_ No Response _1_
10. What type of information will help you?
· No response _20_
· A section about items for sale and wanted
· New opportunities
· Any information you feel that should be brought to our attention
· Information on small farms
· Grant information
· Price quote on livestock and market reports
· Planting tips, etc.
· All farm related material
· Produce market places
· Ag events
11. How can the agricultural commission best notify you?
E-mail _8_ Savoy Mountain News_12_ Direct Mail _4_ Transcript _3_
Berkshire Eagle _6_
The following comments were received from responders who checked off that they do not farm:
What are your farming related concerns/needs?
· Keep the land for farming and the forest intact
· Protect animals and land from their owners
8. What can the Savoy Agricultural Commission do to assist you?
· Help keep development down
· Resist any attempt to industrialize Savoy
9. If the commission publishes a farming newsletter would you be interested in receiving it?
· Yes _12_
10. What information would help you?
· All regular updates on anything pertinent to farming.
· How to get started
· Laws – federal and local
· Manage forest
General Comments:
· Not farming now, but considering it.
· Just a garden now. In the future we desire to farm. from Bob Veronesi
Thursday, March 30, 2006
Wednesday, March 29, 2006
The Annual Town Election will have only five (5) names on the ballot although there are twelve (12) open seats. Nomination papers were handed in and certified for the following candidates: For Selectman, 3 year term - John Tynan. For Planning Board - 1 year term - Thomas Sadin. For Tax Collector, 3 year term - Susan McGrath. For Town Clerk, 3 year term - Jane Phinney. For School Committee, 3 year term - Chris Andersen.
All candidates are incumbents except Mr. Tynan who is running for the first time.
The offices of : Assessor, Moderator, Park Commission, Two (2) Planning Board seats, and Treasurer remain without candidates.
A second mailing of the census was recently sent out to almost sixty households that did not respond to the first mailing. The census is a required survey of Massachusetts residents and is sent out annually. The information towns are able to collect from this yearly project give the Commonwealth the necessary facts to help assess the state aid each community is entitled to, what grants are available because of the population of the town, aid to schools for programs and grant applications, and many other funding projects. For those residents who consider the annual census not worth the bother to respond to, consider this; without state aid the only revenue the town would have would be our taxes. The importance of the annual census (also called the street list) cannot be stressed enough.
Dog licenses will be past due in April. All dogs are required to be licensed in the town of Savoy annually. A valid rabies certificate of vaccination must exist before a license can be issued. Licenses can be requested by mail. During the month of April the office of the Town Clerk will stay open Tuesday evenings from 7 to 9, Saturday mornings from 10 to noon and regular hours on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 1 to 5PM. The Town Clerk can be reached at 743-3759 during the above mentioned hours or leave a message and your call will be returned. Late fees will be imposed on all dog owners who have not requested licenses for their pets by the end of the month. The late fees are $1 for each dog for each week after April 30th. from the Town Clerk.
All candidates are incumbents except Mr. Tynan who is running for the first time.
The offices of : Assessor, Moderator, Park Commission, Two (2) Planning Board seats, and Treasurer remain without candidates.
A second mailing of the census was recently sent out to almost sixty households that did not respond to the first mailing. The census is a required survey of Massachusetts residents and is sent out annually. The information towns are able to collect from this yearly project give the Commonwealth the necessary facts to help assess the state aid each community is entitled to, what grants are available because of the population of the town, aid to schools for programs and grant applications, and many other funding projects. For those residents who consider the annual census not worth the bother to respond to, consider this; without state aid the only revenue the town would have would be our taxes. The importance of the annual census (also called the street list) cannot be stressed enough.
Dog licenses will be past due in April. All dogs are required to be licensed in the town of Savoy annually. A valid rabies certificate of vaccination must exist before a license can be issued. Licenses can be requested by mail. During the month of April the office of the Town Clerk will stay open Tuesday evenings from 7 to 9, Saturday mornings from 10 to noon and regular hours on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 1 to 5PM. The Town Clerk can be reached at 743-3759 during the above mentioned hours or leave a message and your call will be returned. Late fees will be imposed on all dog owners who have not requested licenses for their pets by the end of the month. The late fees are $1 for each dog for each week after April 30th. from the Town Clerk.
Monday, March 27, 2006
Cummington Lions Club is going to be selling Easter Lilies, April 8th, 9th, and 15th in Savoy at the Savoy Hollow General Store, Plainfield at the Town Hall, Cummington at the old Apple Storage on Route 9, and Goshen on Route 9 across from the church. There will be many colors to choose. Lion Alice Liebenow
Thursday, March 16, 2006
Select Board Meeting March 14, 2006:
Chad was not present.
Joe has sent out the Transfer Station’s "Waste Ban Compliance Plan" to the DEP. The sign at the Transfer Station has to be updated. Joe is working with Sandy Totter of N.B.S.W.D. to get a new sign before July 1, when the new Waste Ban Regulations go into effect. This basically states we (the Town of Savoy) will not accept wood, concrete and brick at the Transfer Station.
The Teacher’s Union came to the meeting to discuss the possibility of health insurance for teachers when they retire. Chapter 32B M.G.L. would allow a portion of the insurance to be paid by the Town. The teachers asked for a 50% payment from the Town. The retiree would receive insurance until the age for collecting Social Security benefits. Savoy is one of only four towns in the Commonwealth that does not provide health insurance for retired teachers. Daniel Wilk spoke for the teachers. Beth Cote was also in attendance for the School Board. Beth Cote said it will be difficult to hire replacement teachers because other towns provide health insurance retirement packages for their teachers. There are 2-3 teachers that will be retiring in the next few years. Mr. Wilk will get information for the Select Board as to the cost; and the minimum years a teacher would have to work to retire and receive this benefit. This would have to be approved by the Town and be part of the School Budget.
Emile read a letter from the Berkshire County Sheriff’s Communications Center (470 Channel, Police and Fire Department). The Town is a part of this Communications Center and has been paying their part in to participate. The bill for FY2007 is $6,454.42. This is about a 150% increase to help pay for their new operations.
The Finance Committee Meeting, Saturday, March 18, will meet with the Highway Department.
***
The Select Board has received a letter from Sayers’ Auto Wrecking that they would like to help the town in efforts of cleaning up "junk cars". They will pay $25.00 and up for vehicles that are complete in town. They will need a title from the owner. If the owner does not have a title, they can make out a bill of sale and have it notarized.
Owner’s, who are interested, need to contact Sayer’s Auto Wrecking at 413-443-1635 to make arrangements for pickup.
Chad was not present.
Joe has sent out the Transfer Station’s "Waste Ban Compliance Plan" to the DEP. The sign at the Transfer Station has to be updated. Joe is working with Sandy Totter of N.B.S.W.D. to get a new sign before July 1, when the new Waste Ban Regulations go into effect. This basically states we (the Town of Savoy) will not accept wood, concrete and brick at the Transfer Station.
The Teacher’s Union came to the meeting to discuss the possibility of health insurance for teachers when they retire. Chapter 32B M.G.L. would allow a portion of the insurance to be paid by the Town. The teachers asked for a 50% payment from the Town. The retiree would receive insurance until the age for collecting Social Security benefits. Savoy is one of only four towns in the Commonwealth that does not provide health insurance for retired teachers. Daniel Wilk spoke for the teachers. Beth Cote was also in attendance for the School Board. Beth Cote said it will be difficult to hire replacement teachers because other towns provide health insurance retirement packages for their teachers. There are 2-3 teachers that will be retiring in the next few years. Mr. Wilk will get information for the Select Board as to the cost; and the minimum years a teacher would have to work to retire and receive this benefit. This would have to be approved by the Town and be part of the School Budget.
Emile read a letter from the Berkshire County Sheriff’s Communications Center (470 Channel, Police and Fire Department). The Town is a part of this Communications Center and has been paying their part in to participate. The bill for FY2007 is $6,454.42. This is about a 150% increase to help pay for their new operations.
The Finance Committee Meeting, Saturday, March 18, will meet with the Highway Department.
***
The Select Board has received a letter from Sayers’ Auto Wrecking that they would like to help the town in efforts of cleaning up "junk cars". They will pay $25.00 and up for vehicles that are complete in town. They will need a title from the owner. If the owner does not have a title, they can make out a bill of sale and have it notarized.
Owner’s, who are interested, need to contact Sayer’s Auto Wrecking at 413-443-1635 to make arrangements for pickup.
From Select Board minutes of February 7, 2006:
Steve Dean attend the class for the hearing officer and was sworn in tonight.
Joe is still working on the DEP’s Waste Ban Compliance Plans and noted that the sign that is posted at the Transfer Station will have to be updated before July 1, 2006.
Chad reported on the sand costs and the possibility of hauling some sand ourselves next year, which may be cheaper. The possibility of buying the equipment to treat our own salt will cut our salt costs in half.
The Mass Emergency Management meeting was held on March 2. Emile read the minutes of the meeting. Dave Maisonneaue has set up some training for March 27.
Emile reported that FEMA has informed Savoy that we will receive $75,761.81 for storm damage payments.
The Select Board and Ms. Isabell Harwood received a letter from Mass Department of Revenue stating that she needs to attend a course title, "Department of Revenue Class 101", or she will not be allowed to continue on the Assessor’s Board. This course is a minimum requirement established by 830 Code of Mass Regs (CMR) 58.3.1.
The Select Board reviewed the Savoy Community Development Strategy and made appropriate changes. Sue will retype and send to Tom Webb at the Berkshire Housing.
Steve Dean attend the class for the hearing officer and was sworn in tonight.
Joe is still working on the DEP’s Waste Ban Compliance Plans and noted that the sign that is posted at the Transfer Station will have to be updated before July 1, 2006.
Chad reported on the sand costs and the possibility of hauling some sand ourselves next year, which may be cheaper. The possibility of buying the equipment to treat our own salt will cut our salt costs in half.
The Mass Emergency Management meeting was held on March 2. Emile read the minutes of the meeting. Dave Maisonneaue has set up some training for March 27.
Emile reported that FEMA has informed Savoy that we will receive $75,761.81 for storm damage payments.
The Select Board and Ms. Isabell Harwood received a letter from Mass Department of Revenue stating that she needs to attend a course title, "Department of Revenue Class 101", or she will not be allowed to continue on the Assessor’s Board. This course is a minimum requirement established by 830 Code of Mass Regs (CMR) 58.3.1.
The Select Board reviewed the Savoy Community Development Strategy and made appropriate changes. Sue will retype and send to Tom Webb at the Berkshire Housing.
Sunday, March 12, 2006
Alice Liebenow has provided the following for your consideration.
Dear Lions, Lioness, Leos and Friends
Mass Eye & Ear Infirmary (MEEI) has become a sponsor of our International Convention in Boston. We regularly give money to MEEI through Mass Lions Eye Research Fund, Inc. (MLERFI).
There is a press release I have received regarding this sponsorship. You can use the link below to get the document. While this press release covers how MEEI became a sponsor because of a donation by someone else (MEEI cannot use their money for this kind of expenditure), it also talks about the needs of the convention.
It gives a good overview of the move of the Convention to Boston and will provide you with more information about the move in clear and concise words. Please take the time to read it! You really, really should read this: Mass. Eye and Ear Infirmary Supports Lions Convention Effort.
The press release is also available by way of a link from our announcements page: International Convention in Boston which I have just updated. You can also download the volunteer form, an FAQ, and click to an online volunteer form from the announcement.
Thank You, Dennis Waller, District 33Y Webmaster, Mar. 8, 2006
Dear Lions, Lioness, Leos and Friends
Mass Eye & Ear Infirmary (MEEI) has become a sponsor of our International Convention in Boston. We regularly give money to MEEI through Mass Lions Eye Research Fund, Inc. (MLERFI).
There is a press release I have received regarding this sponsorship. You can use the link below to get the document. While this press release covers how MEEI became a sponsor because of a donation by someone else (MEEI cannot use their money for this kind of expenditure), it also talks about the needs of the convention.
It gives a good overview of the move of the Convention to Boston and will provide you with more information about the move in clear and concise words. Please take the time to read it! You really, really should read this: Mass. Eye and Ear Infirmary Supports Lions Convention Effort.
The press release is also available by way of a link from our announcements page: International Convention in Boston which I have just updated. You can also download the volunteer form, an FAQ, and click to an online volunteer form from the announcement.
Thank You, Dennis Waller, District 33Y Webmaster, Mar. 8, 2006
FINANCE COMMITTEE MEETING
The Finance Committee met Saturday, March 4 at the Town Hall. The Committee members John D’Alessandro, Allen Carlow, Sue McGrath, Thomas Marshall and John Tynan were in attendance. John Tynan was elected as the Chair. Thomas Marshall was elected as the secretary. The Select Board was represented by Emile Mazur. Don Phinney attended as an observer.
Fire Chief Kevin Krutiak and fireman Corey McGrath presented their proposal for the Fire Department Budget. Chief Krutiak stated increases were the result of the actual economy increases. The Fire Department applies for grants to take the burden off the town; but there are purchases that grants don’t cover. The fire department has ladders that are over 25 years old and need to be replaced.
Points that Chief Krutiak brought before the Finance Committee:
The engines are required to be tested every three years to receive certification. Oil is changed once a year. If used more during the year, maybe twice. General maintenance is determined by hours used. Trucks deteriorate with less usage. Every four years, brakes need replacement. Brakes are not replaced all at once but per axle. Goal is to replace 2 tires per year. Since Savoy has a Volunteer Fire Department, tire prices are decent. Supplies are needed for general body repair on trucks. Air pack bottle testing is due.
Mr. D’Alessandro asked what was the status of the tires; number of tires needed to be replaced? Mr. Krutiak responded one truck needs eight tires costing approximately $3200.
Mr. Marshall requested Mr. Krutiak come up with a priority list for the department. He, also, requested the department come up with a 5-year plan. Where does the department want to be in five years?
Chief Krutiak said the department received $12,000 from Homeland Security. The grant is specific as to what items can be purchased.
There was a discussion about the use of foam versus water. Chief Krutiak said 500 gallons of foam reacts on fires as 900 gallons of water; water cools fires, foam smothers fires.
There is a need for one suit of turnout gear at a cost of $2100. Each suit is fitted for the individual. An ‘extraction coat’ is needed for use by EMT responding to auto accidents.
The department has a ‘Fire Prevention Grant’. The grant will be used to purchase kits to educate the children in the Savoy School about fire prevention.
Chief Krutiak has more paperwork to complete. Grants require every purchase be tracked, as well as the status of current equipment. The Fire Department is applying for grants for a majority of their equipment. Chief Krutiak stated getting a grant to update trucks was limited. Grants are based on the number of runs and population. Savoy like most small towns do not meet the minimum requirements.
There was an overwhelming agreement the safety of the fire department personnel was their first priority in setting the list of items needed to update outdated equipment.
Mr. Marshall said he has no problem going over 2 ½ to get the town where it needs to go.
Mr. Carlow said the town takes in just so much money. Priorities have to be set for the town; direct how money is dispersed.
Mrs. McGrath pointed out the town is living on what is being taken in. She said money comes in the form of taxes, from the State (Cherry Sheet), and fees. The next Finance Committee Meeting is scheduled for March 18 at 10 AM. by Brenda Smith
The Finance Committee met Saturday, March 4 at the Town Hall. The Committee members John D’Alessandro, Allen Carlow, Sue McGrath, Thomas Marshall and John Tynan were in attendance. John Tynan was elected as the Chair. Thomas Marshall was elected as the secretary. The Select Board was represented by Emile Mazur. Don Phinney attended as an observer.
Fire Chief Kevin Krutiak and fireman Corey McGrath presented their proposal for the Fire Department Budget. Chief Krutiak stated increases were the result of the actual economy increases. The Fire Department applies for grants to take the burden off the town; but there are purchases that grants don’t cover. The fire department has ladders that are over 25 years old and need to be replaced.
Points that Chief Krutiak brought before the Finance Committee:
The engines are required to be tested every three years to receive certification. Oil is changed once a year. If used more during the year, maybe twice. General maintenance is determined by hours used. Trucks deteriorate with less usage. Every four years, brakes need replacement. Brakes are not replaced all at once but per axle. Goal is to replace 2 tires per year. Since Savoy has a Volunteer Fire Department, tire prices are decent. Supplies are needed for general body repair on trucks. Air pack bottle testing is due.
Mr. D’Alessandro asked what was the status of the tires; number of tires needed to be replaced? Mr. Krutiak responded one truck needs eight tires costing approximately $3200.
Mr. Marshall requested Mr. Krutiak come up with a priority list for the department. He, also, requested the department come up with a 5-year plan. Where does the department want to be in five years?
Chief Krutiak said the department received $12,000 from Homeland Security. The grant is specific as to what items can be purchased.
There was a discussion about the use of foam versus water. Chief Krutiak said 500 gallons of foam reacts on fires as 900 gallons of water; water cools fires, foam smothers fires.
There is a need for one suit of turnout gear at a cost of $2100. Each suit is fitted for the individual. An ‘extraction coat’ is needed for use by EMT responding to auto accidents.
The department has a ‘Fire Prevention Grant’. The grant will be used to purchase kits to educate the children in the Savoy School about fire prevention.
Chief Krutiak has more paperwork to complete. Grants require every purchase be tracked, as well as the status of current equipment. The Fire Department is applying for grants for a majority of their equipment. Chief Krutiak stated getting a grant to update trucks was limited. Grants are based on the number of runs and population. Savoy like most small towns do not meet the minimum requirements.
There was an overwhelming agreement the safety of the fire department personnel was their first priority in setting the list of items needed to update outdated equipment.
Mr. Marshall said he has no problem going over 2 ½ to get the town where it needs to go.
Mr. Carlow said the town takes in just so much money. Priorities have to be set for the town; direct how money is dispersed.
Mrs. McGrath pointed out the town is living on what is being taken in. She said money comes in the form of taxes, from the State (Cherry Sheet), and fees. The next Finance Committee Meeting is scheduled for March 18 at 10 AM. by Brenda Smith
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