The State Primary will take place on Tuesday, September 19th. Anyone wishing to register to vote or voters who want to change their party must do so before August 30th. Absentee ballots are available from the Town Clerk's office now. If you need to request an absentee ballot, call and request an application to do so. The Town Clerk is available on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 1 to 5PM. You can call the office and leave a message at any other time. The number is 743-3759. from the Town Clerk

Donald McCauley of MinutemanWind address Select Board by Brenda Smith
The following is from the taped discussion by Mr. Donald McCauley and the Select Board on Tuesday, July 25. I have put in quotations the exact statements made during the meeting. I have tried to be as clear and concise as Mr. McCauley was during his presentation.

Mr. Donald McCauley from MinutemanWind attended the Select Board Meeting Tuesday, July 25. He stated he was there to bring the Select Board up to date on what their activities have been. "Obviously, we attended the opposition meeting that was held at the fire house. We are preparing our information in the form of the questions that were raised there. We are just about to file a Notice of Construction with the Federal Aviation Administration to make sure there are no issues and that will address the lighting issues that people are concerned about. We are, also, finalizing an environmental notification form which we will be filing with the Environmental Protection. We have prepared a draft of a Zoning Amendment that we have gone over with counsel. I expect to have a draft of a zoning amendment to bring to you at the next Select Board meeting and then work with you on the process of getting it introduced . This amendment will also be presented to the planning board for a proper hearing process. We expect to send an informational update to the residents mid to late August by mail. We want to have a community informational meeting in early September (September 7 or September 14, both are Thursdays) . I need to check with you to see if that is available. Then after that information session, we would go to planning meeting. Plan to hold hearing on zoning by-law and at the same time try and keep separate the notion that the first step is the adoption of the zoning by-law, which would set forth the general framework for addressing projects. Once that is adopted, we would bring specific plans for the project before the Zoning Board of Appeals to get a Special permit consistent with the by-law. So, that is the path we are anticipating." Mr. McCauley proposed a Special Town Meeting in late October for the town to consider the zoning by-law. He stated that the steps he had listed is what they are looking to do, and to give the Select Board a sense of where they were now and what they are expecting to do.

Joe Bettis asked if he is looking to bring the by-law up before MinutemanWind applies for the permits?

Mr. McCauley responded the project is a two-step process. "As a major project, it’s the type of project we typically do through the Special Permit process. The Zoning Board has Special Permit Authority." Mr. McCauley said that the Zoning Board would be able to propose any mitigation to the project they feel appropriate. There will be a general structure in place that deals with establishing what the parameters for review, and address some of the restriction in the by-law. Mr. McCauley spoke about the June 28 opposition meeting and, the issue of height limitations. Mr. McCauley explained how the by-law would need to be modified to make the project feasible, "perhaps some other restrictions in the bylaw as well". "We are trying to come up with a simple but comprehensive by-law that would then give direction to the Zoning Board and how they would do it."

Mr. Bettis asked if Mr. McCauley has seen the draft from the Planning Board. Mr. McCauley responded "we have seen the draft of that, we are trying to respect that as much as we can." Mr. McCauley called the Planning Board to give a copy of ours, ours will be significantly different from that." MinutemanWind wants "a fair chance for review from the town. Obviously, It will be the town’s decision to do it." They would, also, consider any amendments that would be proposed.
Chad Wagenknecht inquired what would happen if the by-law is shot down. Mr. McCauley stated "if the by-law gets shot down, we can’t proceed with the project". Mr. Bettis inquired what if we don’t have a by-law. Mr. McCauley responded there is a height limitation, it’s probably not legal to do it in town without a by-law amendment."
Mr. Bettis stated that’s why the ZBA is here. Mr. Wagenknecht looked up the by-law and read from the Zoning By-laws Section 5.1.4: "The height of any building or structure shall not exceed 35 feet. Height restrictions do not apply to agricultural buildings or structures, spies, chimneys, antenna or other appurtenances usually placed about roof level and not intended for human occupancy."
Mr. Bettis said he didn’t think the by-law would pertain. Mr. Wagenknecht stated this would not pertain because it states any structure "not intended for human occupancy". Mr. McCauley responded, "unfortunately, it’s ambiguous enough that even if it were right, might be subject to litigation and litigation is, also, a risk." Mr. Tynan restated that if they proceed without a by-law, litigation could stop the project in it’s track. Mr. McCauley agreed "it’s never simple".
Mr. Wagenknecht addressed the height limitation. He asked if the turbines can be lowered to make up for the height loss." It just seems to be that everybody objected to the height". Originally, the turbines proposed for the project were lower . He questioned if they could shorten the turbines and add one more.

Mr. McCauley said one difference, in a sense, is they are newer turbines they are looking at or the same hub height, which is where the rotors are attached, is not higher as what had been discussed. The proposed turbines have longer blades. He further explained it might be possible to be a little shorter on the tower and on the blades to create a little reduction in height. "But, of all that, will have an effect on performance of the machines. But, unfortunately wind energy increases by a cube to the factor of the power of three as you go up. "So, given the advantage as you go up higher to capture more wind, and I think achieves a level of calm at this height, which has been a growth over the past five years. These machines have increased around a 50 or 60 feet hub height to a 80 meter hub height, we don’t see going bigger than that. Transportation restraints and the like would prevent that as well."

The next Select Board meeting is scheduled for August 8.

I attended the Planning Board meeting, Wednesday, July 26. Jamie Reinhardt said the proposed wind turbine by-law is almost ready. There are still a few issues that must be resolved. He presented the current draft with changes as of July 26, 2006 to the members. There will be no Planning Board meetings during the month of August. The next meeting is scheduled for September 6.

Due to work related meetings, I was not able to attend past Select Board meetings, except for July 11. I have the minutes from the meetings and will publish them for your perusal. The minutes are old, old news; but for continuity, I will bring the blog up-to-date. The following is from Brenda Smith.

July 11: The issue of Don Curley’s property was discussed. The law firm representing Mr. Curley’s estate is waiting for the probate court to appoint an executor. Once this has taken place, the Select Board has requested the clean-up of the property be completed by November 15.
Fred Sawyer requested the Select Board do something to keep the water from running off Route 8A onto his property. Since the road was blacktopped three years ago, water has continually run onto his business, (S & S Machine). The Select Board agreed to have the highway department lower the manholes.
Daniel LaBonte from the Conservation Commission came before the Select Board with concerns regarding Burnett Road. He stated there was nothing in the conservation files for the work done on Burnett Road. Chad Wagenknecht explained to Mr. LaBonte that Ray LaBonte, Highway Superintendent, spoke with Mr. Dave Demariais (property owner on Burnett Road). Mr. Ray LaBonte instructed Mr. Demariais to replace the old culverts with 15" culverts, and to have construction grade aggregate put on the road to bring it up for use. Ray said he had not had any problems with Mr. Demariais. Mr. Demariais was willing to do what Ray requested. Mr. Daniel LaBonte was still concerned that this might set a precedent if Mr. Demariais did not go before the Conservation Commission with a plan for what he intended. Mr. Wagenknecht suggested Mr. Daniel LaBonte send a friendly letter to Mr. Demariais requesting he attend a Conservation Commission meeting. (Note: When Emile Mazur was on the Select Board, Mr. Demariais approached the Select Board to discuss his plans for building a home. At that time the Select Board was considering discontinuance of maintenance of part of the road. The Select Board agreed not to discontinuance maintenance if Mr. Demariais repaired the section of Burnett Road leading to his property. Mr. Mazur conveyed this decision before he left the Select Board to Mr. Bettis and Mr. Wagenknecht.)
Mr. Ray LaBonte last day as Highway Superintendent was July 13. He will return to County Concrete.
June 17: Alice Liebenow requested the catch basin near her property be repaired by the Highway Department. She stated the catch basin is in bad shape. Joe Bettis will investigate and talk to Mr. LaBonte.
There was to be a bid opening for the Highway Department as run in the newspaper. There were only two bids. These bids were returned. The town is looking for more bids.
Mr. Wagenknecht discussed improvement to Tilton Road, extending to the end.
June 13: Robert Lucido discussed raises for Highway Department, cost of living every year set at Town Budget. Joe Bettis explained the process vote by town.
Bob Maynard, Town B cemetery. Mr. Maynard stated the cemetery is town owned and provided papers of ownership. Question, does the town want to care for the property currently cared for by him. Joe Bettis suggested a meeting with the Cemetery Commission to investigate further.
Don McCauley, from Minuteman, gave an update where they are going. He indicated he may want to attend Select Board meetings in the future. Mr. McCauley expressed his thanks for the use of the Town Fire Department for his group’s meeting. Mr. McCauley discussed the permitting process with the Town and concerns with the proposal bylaw, ‘cumbersome’. Mr. McCauley had model by-laws from Fair Haven. He also inquired who is the Town’s Counsel.
Mr. Wagenknecht stated the state will allow the Select Board to adjust account and transfer funds to balance the budget, up to 3% per account or $5,000.00, which ever is greater.
May 30: The Town Clerk noted it is time for the Select Board to make appointments for Town Boards. There was also a request for a raise for town election workers. The Select Board approved the request. They reviewed current appointees on town boards and addressed open positions in need of filling. They will continue working on filling these positions.
May 23: Preston McClanahan (Blackbrook Road) and Noel McClanahan (Hawley) came to discuss wind power. They were concerned about the effects of noise from the towers. This group wants to use the Savoy Fire House for an informational meeting for "Green Berkshires" to do a presentation, and showing films representative of impact results. Group stated inaccuracies in Minuteman presentation (visual projections). Select Board stated they will remain neutral. The Select Board suggested they contact the Savoy Fire Chief for using the firehouse.
Joe Bettis stated the Senior Center has damage that may require repair and will need to be evaluated.
Assessor Sam Davis has received a letter from theBureau of Local Assessment for the State of Massachusetts. The letter states that the Town of Savoy has forfeited to appeal the Commissioner’s determination of the 2006 Equalized Valuation.
May 16: Joe Bettis stated he will be the Northern Berkshire Solid Waste representative, appointed by the Select Board.
Jamie Reinhardt came to speak about the wind turbine meeting. Mr. Reinhardt explained the wind tower by-law is still in draft form and would like feed back from Select Board. The committee has been working with the Berkshire Regional Planning Commission. Mr. Reinhardt told the Select Board that the proponent has a draft copy of the by-law.













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Appointees for town boards who have not been sworn in should contact the Town Clerk as soon as possible. Summer hours are 1 to 5 PM on Tuesdays and Thursdays and by appointment. Please call 743-3759 Appointees who have not taken an oath of office are not eligible to vote on issues their committees are addressing.

There seems to be a great deal of confusion on who will have the final word on whether the five wind towers slated for West Hill in the Brier section of town will be built. Many residents have been counting on casting their vote in the ballot box to decide the outcome of this proposal. This is not the case. The decision is the sole responsibility of the Zoning Board, not the voters.

MinuteManWind, LLC, the company involved in the wind tower project, must submit an application for a special permit to erect the turbines in town. The application is reviewed by the Zoning Board, who will grant or reject the request. The Zoning Board must publish a notice of a public hearing within 65 days from the time the application is received, recorded and certified by the Town Clerk. After the date of the public hearing, the Zoning Board has 90 days to approve or turn down the permit. The Zoning Board will decide the outcome. Not the voters.

If the Board rejects the application and will not issue the permit, the applicant can appeal. They can also bring the issue before a Superior Court judge if it is felt the ZBA failed to execute their duties within the 90 day time limit. The law favors the applicant.

The only vote the town will have is on the by-law, which could restrict the size of the towers and address other issues the town deems important enough to put into law to protect itself from present and future problems. The by-law must be brought before the voters at a special town meeting. If passed by the voters (and a two-thirds vote is necessary), it must then be approved by the Attorney General before it is a town law. At the present time the by-law is being worked on by the Planning Board. It is very possible that the by-law will not be ready and in place before the application for a special permit is submitted by MinuteManWind.

The topic of choice whenever someone visits or calls the [Town Clerk's] office is, without question, the wind towers. Still, the legal procedure continues to be misunderstood. Residents need to understand that they will not decide the outcome by a vote. Let the Select Board and the Zoning Board know how you feel about the project. The 'pulse of the community' is what will aid the ZBA in its decision. from the Town Clerk

It was difficult to tell just how many people attended the wind turbine informational meeting at the Fire House on Wednesday evening, May 10th, but it was standing room only. Residents of Savoy and individuals from neighboring communities listened intently to representatives from the Minuteman Wind,LLC who were there to lay out the plans for the construction of five wind turbines on West Hill in the Brier section of Savoy. A slide presentation of area photos depicting the site, its potential as a wind project, and its impact on the town held the audience in total awe while representatives of engineering and environmental studies talked about what had been done to assess the site and what possible impact it would have on the community, economically and environmentally. Questions from the audience proved to be the most interesting part of the evening as residents and others who would be affected by the view or perceived noise of the turbines put a true picture of the project flat out on the table. The questions raised were intelligent, probing, and direct. They hit right to the heart of the matter and were seemingly asked without prejudice. Savoy residents should feel proud of the way they maintained a constant give and take of information throughout the meeting. There were no angry outbursts or lengthy personal pros or cons to waste the vital time to gather as much information offered.

The five turbines were downgraded from seven originally proposed. Each turbine is 420 feet tall. They would have a total rated production capacity of 12.5 MW. The proposed route the trucks containing the materials to construct the turbines will take is up 8A from Windsor to 116, north on Center Road to Adams Road and then east on Adams, crossing Blackbrook and onto Brier Road. The route continues on Harwood Rd to the site on West Hill. Minuteman Wind Co. will undertake road improvements to the town roads in order to facilitate access to the windmill site. The actual construction at the site is estimated to take about three months. Construction is anticipated to begin in the spring of 2007. The subject of how much electrical power would be realized, the benefit to the town in revenue, the cost in loss of property value (or increase), were not specifically answered. Estimated results were not something most were comfortable with and a request for more studies and available information was definitely the order of the day. Although not mentioned in the information presented, it is rumored the Minuteman Wind, LLC, a company located in Waltham, MA, is preparing to submit applications to the town to begin the project within a matter of a month or two. The Savoy Planning Board has been working on a draft of a by-law that would put important restrictions on the project. The by-law has to go before the voters at a town meeting and be approved by them by a two-thirds' majority. The by-law, if passed by the voters, is then sent to the Attorney General for state approval before actually becoming law. from Town Clerk

The Annual Town Election of Tuesday, May 9th netted enough candidates through the write-in process to fill most of the open seats. Candidates who were listed on the ballot ran unopposed and had no problem receiving enough votes to put them in office. Individuals who received the most write-in votes for a specific position were asked if they would accept the job and all agreed to do so. Two positions, Planning Board, 3 year term, and Treasurer, were considered "vacant" or "failure to elect" because there was no clear winner in the tally of write-in votes. In both situations, five (5) individuals were listed as receiving one (1) vote each. The Select Board will have to appoint someone to fill each of these positions. At this time, the Treasurer's job is still an elected office. At the Annual Town Meeting, the town agreed by vote to change it to an appointed position. This does not become official until the current term (3 years) is over.

The following is a list of the winners of this year's annual election:
Sam Davis will continue as ASSESSOR for a 3 year term.
Karen Freitag accepted the job on the CEMETERY COMMISSION.
Eric Krutiak will continue to serve as MODERATOR
Tom Sadin was easily elected to the PLANNING BOARD for a 1 year term
Don Phinney will remain on the PLANNING BOARD for 2 more years.
Rona Brandt Tynan agreed to serve on the PARK COMMISSION (a 3 year term)
Chris Andersen was again elected to the SCHOOL COMMITTEE for 3 years.
John Tynan ran unopposed for the open SELECTMAN's seat and was elected for a 3 year term.
Susan McGrath will continue as the TAX COLLECTOR for 3 more years.
Jane Phinney will remain the TOWN CLERK (a 3 year term)
from the Town Clerk

Free Passes Available

MassMoCA in North Adams
The Clarke Art Museum in Williamstown
Historic Deerfie.d Village in Deerfield (pass currently being renewed)
The Norman Rockwell Museum in Stockbridge (new this year - available shortly)

Must See DVD

New addition to the library DVD collection. A jaw-dropping exposee. "Life Behind Bars - the sad truth about factory farming". Narrated by Mary Tyler Moore. Learn where your supermarket food REALLY comes from. An eye opener for individuals and groups. Thirteen and a half minutes long.

Remember - library hours are Tuesday and Thursday 1-5pm. Saturday 10am to noon or call 743-4290 and leave msg. Or 743-4542 (my home phone - please call after 1pm any day). from Jim Groves, librarian

I received a call to inform me that I was mistaken in the deficit. I have looked at the ATM articles and this may be correct. If the articles were passed without amendments, the budget is over $14,000.00 that we would be assessed in taxes. The tax rate for supporting this budget would have been approximately $0.53 per thousand if the Cherry Sheet funding had remained at the Governor’s proposal. The Cherry Sheet (to get to the Cherry Sheet: www.mass.gov, under Online Services, select MORE. Under the heading "State Government, select Local Government, scroll down to "DLS Municipal Data Bank" and click on this heading. This will bring you to the Cherry Sheet, select a year and then select Savoy) shows the town has been reduced from $810,928.00 to $761,151.00 for Fiscal Year 2007. The budget was based on receiving $810,928.00 from the State. The other question I was asked, "do we have to approve the budget, can it be sent back to the Finance Committee?" I suggested this be brought up at the meeting Tuesday. This is to important an issue for the townspeople for me to inquire of the Select Board or Finance Committee members. Sue McGrath said a tax rate could not be set at this time until all the figures are in. The residents of Savoy have made the right decisions in the past. I have gathered this information hoping to inform the voters. With correct information, the voters will make the right decision for the town. by Brenda Smith

Select Board Meeting, April 25. The Select Board discussed the budget process. The State notified the Town,Thursday, April 20, there would be a reduction in state funding, which has created a deficit of $81,404.65 for the town. The warrant for the Annual Town Meeting was posted, therefore, the decision was to present the following at the ATM:

Amend Article 3: bottom line would be $269,918.00, a reduction of $21,404.00.

Amend Article 24 and Article 25: to be tabled until a later date and time.


This will allow the town to have a working budget. The issue of funding the deficit will placed before the Town at a later date. If the State does not provide more funding the townspeople will be faced with a tough 2 ½ override vote at a later date. The tax rate for FY’2007 cannot be set due to the deficit. by Brenda Smith

Notes from the Select Board meetings of April 11 and April 18. A FEMA Grant was received by the Fire Department on October 15, 2002 for $152,571.00. The Fire Department used $143,583.07; therefore, $1,676.93 must be returned. The money will come out of the General Fund because it was put in the General Fund. Emile Mazur requested a list of roads from Dan Bosley’s office that were federally funded. The roads are Route 8A, Route 116 (Main Road), River Road, Chapel Road, Loop Road and Black Brook Road. Joe Bettis will file board of health papers to take care of the beaver problems on Main Road by the Town Park.
Police Chief Dean reported there is a dog problem in Savoy. There is no lease by-law. The Select Board will look into writing a by-law.
The Finance Committee completed the budget for Fiscal Year 2007 Tuesday night, April 18. The Warrant will be prepared for signatures April 19. The budget for the Annual Town Meeting follows:
The Commonwealth of Massachusetts
BERKSHIRE, SS
To either of the Constables of the Town of Savoy in the County of Berkshire Greeting.
IN THE NAME OF The Commonwealth of Massachusetts, you are hereby directed to notify and warn the inhabitants of said Town, qualified to vote in elections and in Town affairs, to meet at the FIRE STATION in said TOWN OF SAVOY on TUESDAY the SECOND (2nd) day of MAY, 2006 next, at 7:00 o’clock in the evening, then and there to act on the following articles:
ARTICLE #1: To see if the town will vote to raise and appropriate or otherwise provide the sum of $22,576.00 to pay the Salaries for all Elected Officials as detailed below or take any other action in relation thereto:
.................................................... FY’06.................... FY’2007
.............................................Appropriated.................Proposed
Elected Salaries:.........................................................................
Selectmen Salaries .................. 6,000.00............... 6,000.00
Moderator......................................76.00..................... 76.00
Assessor’s Salaries...................3,000.00.................3,000.00
Tax Collector............................4,170.00.................4,500.00........+330.00
Treasurer...................................6,000.00.................6,000.00
Town Clerk...............................2,800.00.................3,000.00........+200.00
.....TOTALS.....................22,046.00...........22,576.00......+530.00

ARTICLE #2: To see if the town will vote to raise and appropriate or otherwise provide the sum of $79,424.00 to pay for General Government Expenses as detailed below or take any other action in relation thereto:
......................................................FY’06...................FY’2007
General Government:.........................................................................................
Selectmen’s Expenses....... 850.00......... 900.00.....+50.00
Town Counsel........................1,500.00.................1,500.00
Treasurer Expenses .............1,000.00.................1,000.00
Bank Charges...............................50.00......................50.00
Collector’s Expenses.................600.00....................650.00..............+50.00
Tax Taking/Tax Title............1,500.00.................1,500.00
Town Clerk Exp.........................850.00.................1,000.00............+150.00
Election & Registration..........1,500.00.................2,500.00..........+1,000.00
Planning Board Exp. .................500.00....................500.00
Hist. Comm. Exp........................200.00....................200.00
Moderator Expense.....................-0-............................-0-
Electric.....................................7,000.00..................9,000.00..........+2,000.00
Town Building.........................3,500.00.................3,500.00
Telephone................................4,100.00.................5,600.00...........+1,500.00
Gas-Heating.............................7,000.00.................9,000.00...........+2,000.00
Office Supplies.........................1,100.00.................1,100.00
Postage.....................................1,000.00..................1,234.00............+234.00
Assessor’s Exp.........................8,000.00................15,000.00..........+7,000.00
Printing........................................600.00.....................750.00.............+150.00
Legal Notice.............................1,800.00..................1,800.00
Office Manager........................8,606.00.................11,440.00...........+2,834.00
Accountant...............................3,500.00..................3,500.00
Asst. Town Clerk........................500.00.....................500.00
Tree Warden .................................-0-.............................-0-
Accountant Expenses..................200.00......................200.00
Town Computer Exp............–0-.............2,000.00..........+2,000.00
Council on Aging.......................1,000.00...................1,000.00
Council on Aging Van...............4,000.00 ................. 4,000.00..........
........TOTALS...................60,456.00.............79,424.00......+18,968.00
ARTICLE #3: To see if the town will vote to raise and appropriate or otherwise provide the sum of $291,322.00 for Town Highway Department Expenses as detailed below or take any other action in relation thereto:
...........................................................FY’06...................FY’2007
Highway Dept. Expenses....203,839.60............291,322.00.........+87,482.40
ARTICLE #4: To see if the town will vote to raise and appropriate or otherwise provide the sum of $774,969.00 for Savoy Elementary School and Adams/Cheshire School detailed below or take any other action in relation thereto:
...................................................FY’06............................FY’2007
Savoy/Adams/Cheshire.......759,963.00................774,969.00.........+15,006.00

ARTICLE #5: To see if the town will vote to transfer the sum of $10,000.00 from the FY 2006 Savoy Elementary School Account to the FY 2007 Savoy Elementary School Account or take any other action in relation thereto:
ARTICLE#6: To see if the town will vote to authorize the School Committee to enter into a five-year contract with the school bus service for the Town, or to take any other action in relation thereto:
ARTICLE #7: To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate or otherwise provide the sum of $93,000.00 for FY 2007 School Transportation or take any other action in relation thereto: $68,310.00 in FY’06 (up $24,690.00)
ARTICLE#8: To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate or otherwise provide the sum of $75,316.00 for FY 2007 C. H. McCann Technical High School or take any other action in relation thereto: $72,129.00 in FY’06 (up $3,187.00)
ARTICLE #9: To see if the Town will vote to disapprove the $750,000.00 of indebtedness authorized by vote of the Northern Berkshire Vocational Regional School Committee for the purpose of reconstructing, remodeling and equipping the gymnasium, ventilation system, locker rooms and other areas within the District’s school building:
ARTICLE #10: To see if the town will vote to raise and appropriate or otherwise provide the sum of $21,764.50 for Health and Sanitation Expenses as detailed below or take any other action in relation thereto:
..............................................FY’06........................FY’2007
Health & Sanitation:.........................................................
Animal Inspector ...............165.00.......................165.00
Transfer Station.............14,000.00..................14,000.00
Transfer Attn. Sal............4,160.00....................4,160.00
N.Berk.Solid Waste.........1,057.50....................1,339.50..........+282.00
Transfer Station Repairs.....200.00.......................200.00
Transfer Bags ..................1,750.00....................1,900.00.........+150.00
......TOTALS..............21,332.50.............21,764.50.......+432.00
ARTICLE #11: To see if the town will vote to raise and appropriate or otherwise provide the sum of $31,868.00 for the Protection of Personal Property as detailed below or take any other action in relation thereto:
...........................................................FY’06....................FY’2007
Protection/Persons & Prop.:.....................................................
Police Chief Sal............................1,100.00..................1,100.00
Police Expense..............................1,000.00..................1,000.00
Police Safety Salary .....................3,000.00..................3,000.00
Fire Chief Sal................................1,100.00..................1,100.00
Fire Equip. & Maint. ............10,260.00................15,260.00......+5,000.00
Fire Fighter Personal Safety..........7,503.00..................7,503.00
Fire Station Maint..........................1,000.00.................1,000.00
Building Insp. Exp............................400.00....................400.00
Plumbing Inspector Expenses...........250.00....................250.00
Bd. Of Health Agent Exp...............1,000.00.................1,000.00
Civil Defense.........................................5.00........................5.00
Dog Officer Exp.................................250.00....................250.00
......TOTALS.................26,868.00.......... 31,868.00......+5,000.00

ARTICLE #12: To see if the town will vote to raise and appropriate or otherwise provide the sum of $200.00 for FY 2007 Librarian’s Salary at Savoy Hollow Library or take any other action in relation thereto:
ARTICLE #13: To see if the town will vote to raise and appropriate or otherwise provide the sum of $200.00 for FY 2007 Librarian’s Expense Account at Savoy Hollow Library or take any other action in relation thereto: (+100.00 FY 04)
ARTICLE #14: To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate or otherwise provide the sum of $100.00 for FY 2007 Health Care Agent or take any other action in relation thereto:
ARTICLE #15: To see if the town will vote to raise and appropriate or otherwise provide the sum of $154,433.51 for the Unclassified Expenses as detailed below or take any other action in relation thereto:
.......................................................FY’06..........................FY’2007
Unclassified Expenses:...................................................................................
Insurance General..................37,525.00.....................42,000.00.......+4,475.00
Health 32-B...................25,000.00.....................30,100.00 ......+5,100.00
County Retirement.......39,012.00..........33,060.00........ -5,952.00
Berk. Cty. Communications....3,688.24................6,454.42........+2,766.18
Workman’s Comp....................5,800.00......................5,900.00...........+100.00
Unemployment.........................2,500.00.......................2,500.00
B.R.P.C................................416.27...........................426.68............+10.41
Short Term Int. Exp.................500.00...........................500.00
New School Addition............17,817.41..........................17,817.41
F.I.C.A. Medicare....................6,000.00.........................6,000.00
Memorial Day Parade.................500.00............................600.00..........+100.00
Cemeteries Expense......................50.00.............................50.00
Veteran’s Graves.........................300.00...........................300.00
B & H Comp.Ser......................1,325.00........................1,325.00
Reserve Fund............................5,000.00........................5,000.00
Medicaid Secretary .....................150.00...........................150.00
Conservation Comm....................750.00............................750.00
Agricultural Comm..............-0-....................500.00........+500.00
Town Park Comm. ................. 1,000.00 .....................1,000.00
......TOTALS .........147,333.92...............154,433.51...+7,099.59
ARTICLE # 16: To see if the town will vote to create a revolving account to be pursuant to M.G.L. Chapter 44, Section 53E ½ such revolving to be used for payment of compensation for the Plumbing Inspector and Wire Inspector from fees collected. Total fees revolved for fiscal year 2007 not to exceed $1,500.00 each or take any other action in relation thereto:
ARTICLE # 17: To see if the town will vote to create a revolving account to be pursuant to M.G.L. Chapter 44, Section 53E ½ such revolving to be used for payment of compensation for the Building Inspector and Board of Health Agent from fees collected. Total fees revolved for fiscal year 2007 not to exceed $2,000.00 each or take any other action in relation thereto:
ARTICLE # 18: To see if the town will vote to create a Town Park Revolving Account to be pursuant to M.G.L. Chapter 44, Section 53E ½ the total fees revolved for fiscal year 2007 not to exceed $5,800.00 or take any other action in relation thereto:
ARTICLE#19: To see if the Town will vote to transfer the sum of $5,000.00 from the Free Cash Account to the Highway Department Garage Doors Replacement Account or take any other action in relation thereto: (Capital Improvement)

ARTICLE#20: To see if the Town shall vote to have its Elected Treasurer position become an Appointed Treasurer position of the town or take any other action in relation thereto:
ARTICLE #21: To see if the town will vote, pursuant to the provisions of Section 4A of Chapter 40 of the M. G. L., to authorize the Selectmen to enter into an inter-municipal agreement with other cities, towns and political subdivision for the group purchasing of supplies, commodities and services that the town is authorized by law to purchase and to appropriate the sum of $400.00 as the town’s share of the expenses for the administration of the program for Fiscal Year 2007 or take any other action in relation thereto:
ARTICLE#22: To see if the Town will vote, pursuant to the provisions of Section 4A of Chapter 40 and Section 59A of Chapter 48 of the M.G.L., and to accept the provisions of Section 8G of Chapter 40 of the M.G.L., to authorize the selectmen to enter into mutual aid agreements with other governmental units for the provision of public health, public works, police, fire, animal control, inspectional services, emergency management and emergency medical services, in accordance with an inter-municipal mutual aid agreement to be entered into between the Town and the governmental units:
ARTICLE#23: To see if the town will vote to amend a Town By-law: Town Meetings: Section 1, Amendment 3.
FROM: "The Annual Town Meeting shall be held on the first Tuesday in May and the Annual Town Election on the second Tuesday in May."
TO: The Annual Town Meeting shall be held on the second Wednesday in May and the Annual Town Election on the third Wednesday in May:
FISCAL YEAR 2006
ARTICLE # 24: To see if the town will vote to transfer the sum of $60,000.00 from the Emergency Road Maintenance Account to the Stabilization Fund Account or take any other action in relation thereto:
ARTICLE # 25: To see if the town will vote to transfer the sum of $60,000.00 from the Stabilization Fund Account to the Emergency Road Maintenance Account or take any other action in relation thereto:
ARTICLE #26: To see if the town will vote to transfer the sum of $30,000.00 from the Highway STRAP Account to the Stabilization Fund Account or take any other action in relation thereto:
-END OF ARTICLES FOR ANNUAL TOWN MEETING--
This year the Select Board has opted to put in Article #3 as a lump sum for the Town to vote up or down. I requested the breakdown for Article 3 as information for the voters. The Select Board will explain the necessity of the one line item rather than the breakdown at the ATM. It is important for us, townspeople to know where the money is targeted prior to the Annual Town Meeting. Below is a breakdown of the appropriations for Article 3.
....................................................FY’06.........................FY’2007
Highway Dept. Expenses:.............................................................................
Hourly Pay .............................65,050.40...............115,464.00.....+50,413.60
Repairs & Supplies.................51,250.00..................61,250.00....+10,000.00
Snow & Ice.............................60,000.00..................70,000.00....+10,000.00
Road Maintenance..................12,720.00..................27,720.00....+15,000.00
Part Time Help.........................2,500.00....................2,587.50.............+87.50
Misc. Supplies (Office,Etc.).......520.00........................538.20..............+18.20
Vac.,Pers. & Sick Days...........9,699.20...................11,588.80...........+1,889.60
Highway Building Maint.........2,100.00.....................2,173.50................+73.50
.......TOTALS.................203,839.60...........291,322.00.....+87,482.40

SAVE THE DATE

June 24, 2006, 2:00 PM. The Ladies Benevolent Society of Plainfield, Massachusetts will host a Victorian Tea with the Victorian Lady, Kandie Carle, in the 1890 Gilded Age, at the Plainfield Town Hall. Some people would simply call Kandie Carle a delightful entertainer, while others might see her as a comedic social historian. Whatever the label, Carle offers audiences a peek under the garments worn by Victorian Americans and insight into the manners of a time when people got more than just a four word e-mail for an invitation to dinner. This informal tea is age appropriate for audiences of 12 and older. Tickets are $12.00 for this limited seating performance and may be reserved by calling 743-8224 or 634-8030. from Janice Veronesi

Select Board Meetings: The Select Board Meetings from March 21, March 28 and April 4 are combined.
Dan Wilk and Mrs. Nowicki met with the Select Board to discuss health insurance issues. Mr. Wilk said he had learned since the Town provides HMO insurance under Chapter 32b Section 16 of The General Laws of Massachusetts, a change to provide retired teacher’s with insurance would not have to go before the Town for approval. The lawyer for the Teacher’s Association and the Town agreed. Mr. Wilk said the Teacher’s Association does not have an insurance plan for retired teachers. Mrs. Nowicki said it would be easier to find replacements for retirees if the Town has an incentive such as an insurance plan.
Steve Wiseman from the Minuteman Company met with Emile Mazur to discuss holding an informational meeting for Savoy residents about the proposed windmill project in Savoy. The Select Board supported an informational meeting for the residents. A public informational meeting will be held at the Fire Station on Wednesday, May 10, at 7 PM.
Emile Mazur discussed budget proposals for the Annual Town Meeting. The Select Board agreed to take the $30,000 overrun from the Chapel Road Project (monies were received from the STRAP Grant) and put it back into the Stabilization Fund. The Stabilization Fund has approximately $60,000. Free Cash has $19,217 in the account. The Capital Improvement Account will receive $10,000. The excess of $9,217 is proposed to go into the Snow and Ice Account, which will increase the Account to $59,217. There will be a shortage of $3,000, which the Select Board is actively looking to fund.
Sue McGrath requested the Select Board change the day of the Annual Town Meeting and Town Elections to Wednesday. The State requires property taxes be paid May 1 and November 1. This state requirement requires Mrs. McGrath be at the Town Office to receive monies from the residents and interferes with the ATM and election when the May 1 is on a Tuesday. The Select Board agreed to have the Town Clerk research to see if the Town By-Law would need to be changed to have the ATM the second Wednesday of May, and the Town Election the third Wednesday of May.
The Select Board discussed proposing an article for the ATM to change the treasurer position from elected to appointed. Mr. Wagenknecht said there are qualified people in Town but no one wants to take on the job. "We need an individual who is willing to do the job." Beverly Cooper, appointed by the Select Board for one year, is currently filling the position. For the position to change from elected to appointed, the Select Board will put the issue before the townspeople on the warrant for the Annual Town Meeting. If approved, the Select Board will have to wait one full year before making an appointment.
After an active winter of plowing and keeping the roads safe for the community, the Highway Department is going to summer hours. They will be working 10 hour days, four days a week.
Not only is the Select Board working with the Fiance Committee to structure a budget, they are looking at issues that will have to be brought before the townspeople at the Special Town Meeting in June. by Brenda Smith

The Savoy Memorial Day Committee is having its annual Bake, Book and Plant Sale on Saturday, April 22, from 9 AM to 3 PM at the Senior Center/Town Hall. Donations of plants and books can be dropped off Monday thru Friday from 9 Am to 1 PM. Baked goods can be dropped off Friday, April 21, between 9 AM and 1 PM, or Saturday morning. from the Memorial Day Committee

Forest Viability Grant Program Applications Now Available

The Savoy Agricultural Commission wishes to advise Savoy residents that the Forest Viability Grant Program Applications are now available. The Massachusetts Executive Office of Environmental Affairs is now accepting applications from forest landowners interested in participating in the Forest Viability Grant Program. This program provides business planning assistance and implementation grants to landowners wishing to establish or improve forest-based businesses. Businesses can be based upon wood products, edible, medicinal, or decorative plants, or recreational, educational, or wildlife-related uses of the land.

Eligible landowners may receive up to $5,000 in technical assistance for the preparation of a Forest Viability Business Plan in return for a 5 year covenant protecting the land from development. Landowners with a Forest Viability Plan are then eligible to receive grants worth $250 per acre (up to $20,000) for implementation of the plan in return for a 20 year covenant. Any private landowner with at least 20 acres of forest land that is not currently protected by a deed restriction is eligible to apply. Applications are available at www.comm-pass.com. Under "Search for Solicitations" search for keyword "Forest Viability." The application deadline is May 1, 2006. For more information please contact:
Joseph Smith Bill Toomey, The Forest and Wood Products Institute, The Nature Conservancy, Mount Wachusett Community College, Westfield River Highlands Project, 978-630-9360 or 413-354-7780. jsmith@mwcc.mass.edu, btoomey@tnc.org. From Bob Veronesi

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

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.