​Select Board Meeting Notes Feb 16, 2021

Public Comment
Jesse Weigand thanked the folks who stayed after the meeting last week to speak with him about   second amendment rights.  His issue is that no one should be charged a fee for a right guaranteed by the constitution.
 
6:15 Budget Hearing:
Highway Supervisor, Jeff Johnston, with Select Board and Finance Committee
Small Bridge Project: Town had received a grant of $500,000 for super structure replacement  of bridge on Jacksonville Stage Road. Jeff worked with Robyn and FRCOG, it was a lengthy process.   The Town received 5 bids and VHB in Springfield MA was been chosen. There is still more administrative work to be done. The $500,000 should cover all costs.

Capital request made for $50,000 to refurbish 2011 Komatsu front loader—needs new hydraulic lines, new fittings, sand blasting, paint, and clear coat to increase life span. There are 57 miles of Heath roads, the machine is constantly exposed to the weather, always in sand and gravel. Jeff reported this is for preventative maintenance which saves money over time.

• Jeff was asked how long the loader sits with salt. There are three pieces of equipment that go out and need to be washed.   
• Winter budget will be overspent, edges on all plows had to be replaced.
• New equipment maintenance log has been a plus.
• Jeff reduced 3-line items: summer temp help, tree removal, wildlife damage control should decrease.
• Not much more was reduced, Jeff is concerned about rising oil prices. Fuel bids sre due March 5.
• Will Emmett will be the Finance Committee contact on Highway Department budget.

Building Maintenance
Salt Shed Repair Update – nothing new, engineer has what he needs, the town should be getting a design for repair soon.  The contractor is still ready to go to work when design comes.
Community and Sawyer Hall Doors  – Locksmith should be coming up next week to look at the hardware needed for both doors to provide an estimate.
 
COVID-19 Municipal Protocol, Concerns, Updates
Indoor Hotspot Update – Hilma has updated the required documents. Requests can be made using the online internet use request form on the Building Use Committee page, walk-ins will be accommodated depending on availability. Hilma will send out all-town email about how to sign-up.
 
Other Business

• Important Calendar Dates – sent out by Hilma, can take STM dates off the calendar.
• 2020 Town Report Dedication – two dedications were approved.
• Green Communities Update – Energia is the contractor chosen for the work. They are Awaiting Notice to Proceed. Select Board needs to know if the nurse can be in the building during the insulation project.  Brian will talk with Energia regarding this.
• Response to Board of Health Email Regarding Use of Buildings - Robyn wants to table this discussion again while she waits for a response from the town lawyer.
• Resident email - Jesse Weigand’s concern for constitutional rights will be addressed in a letter to him.
• Rental Opportunity – Gloria mentioned an ad in the Recorder regarding a USDA need for office space.  Investigation will be turned over to the Building Use Committee.

Mail & Email

• There was a letter of commendation for the fire chief and fire dept. for transport of a resident to Mass General Hospital.
• Margo Newton has resigned from the Broadband committee.
• Suzanne Hannay has resigned from the Cultural Council.
• There was rental request by a resident for long term use of office space at Jacobs Road. Long term use falls under the purview of the Select Board and will be reviewed. Hilma is communicating with the resident. Needs to be coordinated with Building Use Committee.

Town Coordinator’s Report

• Northeast East IT – town emails for Select Board members are getting set up.  A scheduled upgrade will be covered by a grant, Hilma to speak with engineers.
• Reports are coming in for ATM, Hilma is sending to Liz Canali for formatting.
• Accountant is certifying Free Cash.
• Phones at Jacobs Road – not resolved yet.  Hilma looked up phone company, got model number and name of company.  Hilma ordered cords to supply power for the phones not provided with older ethernet. Crocker will have to come in to program the phones.