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.
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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.