SB Meeting Minutes, Thur March 31

Taken from Town Coordinator minutes for 3/31 meeting

Appointment of Election Workers: On a motion by Susan Lively and a second by Brian De
Vriese, the Select Board unanimously voted to appoint Dena Briggs, Cindie Garland, Susan
Draxler, Cathy Wilkins and Hilma Sumner as Election Workers, and Doug Wilkins and Cathy
Tallen as Alternate Election Workers.

Board of Assessors’ Recommendations: Robyn explained that the Assessors met and voted to
recommend to the Select Board a change in the Assistant Assessor job description to eliminate the
restriction that an elected assessor cannot hold the position. For the same person to hold both
positions simultaneously, the Select Board also needed to declare all three assessors as special
municipal employees. On a motion by Susan Lively and a second by Brian De Vriese, the Select
Board unanimously voted to strike the restriction in the Assistant Assessor job description that this
position could not be held by an elected assessor and that all three members of the elected Board of
Assessors are deemed as special municipal employees.
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Broadband Loan Repayment Schedule: The recommendation of the Finance Committee was
reviewed in that their recommendation was to use an 18-year repayment schedule. On a motion by
Susan Lively and a second by Brian De Vriese, the Select Board unanimously voted to select the
18-year repayment schedule for the broadband loan repayment.

Colrain Central School Capital Project: After review of the article wording to be presented to the
Annual Town Meeting, on a motion by Susan Lively and a second by Brian De Vriese, the Select
Board unanimously voted to approve the article wording to authorize the project and borrowing to
fund the project. School Committee Representative Budge Litchfield, who was present at the
meeting, will share the decision with the MTRSD building subcommittee and school committee.

FY22 MTRSD Operating Assessment Error: Budge asked if the Board would make a decision to
move forward with working out a payment plan for paying the school district the amount of the
assessment error. By doing so, MTRSD would be able to apply to the statehouse for a bond that
would allow the district to close its financial books for the fiscal year. Robyn addressed this by
stating that the subject was not listed on the agenda and the Board would not be making any decisions
at this meeting but would continue discussion at the next meeting.

FY23 Budget and Salary Review: As introductory explanation, Robyn provided the analysis that
she and Hilma had completed in their work together. Salaries for two positions were currently behind
the mid-range for the pay grade of each one. The two positions are the Highway Superintendent and
Town Coordinator. The position of Mechanic/Operator is proposed to be increased greater than the 6
percent COLA because of the current wage being significantly lower than wages listed on the
FRCOG Wage and Salary Survey. The Treasurer’s wage was in a similar position and was increased
by about 15 percent. Robyn also noted that the increase in the Town Coordinator salary was not only
to raise it to mid-range pay grade but also to increase the position to 40 hours per week.
Several positions need to be re-evaluated in the coming year such as Tax Collector, Treasurer, Town
Clerk and Police Department positions.

Special Projects: To have a number in the budget worksheet, $10,000 was added to this account line.
Hilma will pursue estimates for this year’s projects, in particular the Community Hall double doors
and either mending or replacing the cement steps.
Robyn stated that she had obtained a copy of the deed and restrictions for the Bray Road property.
She had also spoken with the seller’s attorney to make certain of understanding. According to the
documents, the Town can store salt on the property, but it must be contained within a building, not
outside in piles. There can also be communication antennae, but no building is to be higher than 30
feet. The Board discussed the possibility of beginning with building a new salt shed on the property
and making plans for other construction needed for the highway department, fire department and
emergency services. Board members discussed the possibility of appropriating funds to hire an
operation planning manager and developing plans in case there is opportunity to apply for federal
infrastructure money when it becomes available. It was also noted that the Town needs to reach out to
its state representatives in the near future and begin talking about these needs.

Boards Clerk: Hilma presented a rough draft of likely work tasks and qualifications needed for the
position. The description was written for a position that would combine clerical duties for Planning
Board, Conservation Commission, Zoning Board of Appeals and Board of Health. This will be
further reviewed and discussed. Robyn will contact the Board of Health chairman to discuss the
planning process.

Green Communities Update: Brian reported that an audit of the Jacobs Road building needs to be
updated for the air sealing and insulation work that has been approved. Franklin County Technical
School will be able to do the energy exchange of updated light fixtures on the outside of the building.
5:35 p.m.
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Executive Session:
On a motion by Susan Lively and a second by Brian De Vriese, the Select Board
unanimously voted to enter into Executive Session pursuant to G.L. c. 30A, sec. 21(a)(3), To
discuss strategy with respect to collective bargaining or litigation and the chair declared that an
open meeting may have a detrimental effect on the bargaining or litigating position of the public
body; For deliberation and strategy in New Cingular Wireless PCS, LLC d/b/a AT&T mobility v.
Town of Heath, Town of Heath Planning Board, and not to reconvene in open session.
Susan Lively Aye Brian De Vriese Aye Robyn Provost Carlson Aye