Select Board Meeting Minutes 1/27/21

Minutes of the meeting of 1/27/21

Meeting Opened at: 5pm

Select Board Members Present: Donald Coburn, Chair, Steve Weisz

John Weingold absent

Also present remotely: Rebecca Wolin, Shawn Tryon, Michele Miller, Jon Sylbert, Nancy Tomasovich, Mickey Jervas, Esther Heffernan, John Higgins, Mark Makuc, Steve Snyder

Roll call was taken for the Select Board.  Steven Weisz and Don Coburn present at town hall.  John Weingold absent.

Roll call was taken for the Finance Committee.  Rebecca Wolin present remotely.  Jon Sylbert present remotely and Michele Miller present remotely.

5pm: Joint budget meeting with the Finance Committee; General budget discussion for the Fire Department

1. 5190 Fire Inspector: Discussion ensued about how much the fees are for inspections (set by the Commonwealth), how much we collect (to date $1,898) and whether this should be a line item as it is now or changed to a revolving account. It was noted that we take in less than we spend. Shawn advised the Board that there are classes that need to be completed to be the Fire Inspector and there is a huge liability associated with the position.
2. 5242 Fire Dept Equipment & Maintenance: no questions
3. 5580 Other Expenses: no questions
4. New sub line item uniforms: It was pointed out that our bylaws state that uniforms are to be provided to the police & fireman.  Previously uniforms were never explicitly in the budget as everything was put under fire dept expenses and uniforms were only purchased if there was enough money left at the end of the year which often led to only a few sets acquired.
5. Facilities rental: Other sources of revenue was briefly discussed.
6. Capital items: SCBA (airpacks) The town is applying for an AFG grant but won’t know if we are successful until after town meeting.  The warrant article will be written to reflect that not all of the funds may be necessary if we are successful in writing the grant.
7. Fire Dept Compensation: Discussion ensued about the proposed 27% increase to compensation.  Shawn explained that the current compensation plan and fireman training and call schedule actually will cost the town less money than the way the compensation plan used to be as the number of members responding between the hours of 5:30pm – 5:30am has dropped from an average of 10 to a total of 3 when a applicable. Shawn was asked to provide a comparison for the last two years of what each year would’ve cost under the old compensation plan and with the new compensation plan.  Michele commended Shawn for putting together such a well thought out plan.  Don concurred adding that it’s a sound program creating good morale unlike some surrounding towns that have difficulty retaining and attracting new members. Rebecca expressed concerns about Monterey responding to mutual aid calls in other towns and thought that those towns should be reimbursing Monterey for the costs incurred. It was explained to her that this is not how mutual aid works. Regionalization was briefly discussed.

6pm: Joint budget meeting with the Finance Committee; General budget discussion for the library

1. The increase to the overall budget is primarily due to the additional 5 hours the library would like to be open.  Steve asked if they could do with less than 5 additional hours, maybe 4.  No one responded.

Prior to starting the next budget hearing Don Coburn inquired if anyone knew why Mr. Weingold is not present. No one responded.  It was confirmed that he did not let the Administrative Assistant or the other members of the Board know that he would not be in attendance tonight.

6:30pm: Joint budget meeting with the Finance Committee; General budget discussion for the Parks Commission

1. Final numbers have not been received from Berkshire South so an estimated 5% has been added as a place holder.  Rebecca Wolin said she would get that number for the Parks Commission.
2. Playground: The parks commission would like to replace the playground equipment.  They are investigating whether there are any grants available.  Prices range from $10k – 60k depending on the type of equipment chosen.  Jon wanted to know if the playground has been assessed by a professional for safety and if there are any insurance issues we should be aware of.  A motion was made to have the equipment professionally assessed for safety with a member of the Parks and Select Board present.  The motion passed 2 – 0.
3. Rebecca inquired as to why the Parks Commission isn’t purchasing more kayak racks when people were turned down for permits last year.  M. Noe let the group know that 2 more have been purchased and will be installed by the Highway Department in the spring. Steve Snyder stated that there are currently 48 berths and there will be 60 after the 2 additional racks are assembled.  Last year the 48 berths were not all used so it does not appear that additional racks would be necessary but the Parks Commission is not adverse to the idea but noted that additional racks would require some additional prep work to the ground area.

Administrative Items:

1. Comments & questions from the public: Steve Snyder asked about the process for submitting the budget request for the Lake Garfield Working Group.  M .Noe stated she received his email and will forward it to the Board and Finance Committee tomorrow.
2. Elevator repair quote:  M. Noe notified the Board that the Highway Department did an excellent job finding and fixing the water issue, saving the town $12k.  The only item that remains to be fixed to pass our state inspection is replacement of the emergency phone and 2 men for the state reinspection which we have received a quote for $2,253.12.  A motion was made to accept and proceed with the quote/repair. The motion passed 2 - 0
3. Draft transportation IMA: The Board reviewed the draft IMA (inter-municipal agreement) for senior transportation.  It was unanimously approved to send back to Gt. Barrington with edits to the start dates and assessment to reflect the edited start dates.
4. Review of Town Administrator resumes and interview process: Don said that he reviewed all the resumes received carefully and is willing to interview the candidate currently working in North Adams.  Steve identified 3 individuals that he was interested in. Discussion ensued about all three’s work history and ultimately it was agreed to set up interviews for next Wednesday with Angie Lopes Ellison and David DeManche.

Concern was expressed over the fact that John Weingold has chosen to not attend the last two meeting which both had budget discussions with some of the largest budgets in town as well as the review of town administrator resumes received.

A motion was made and unanimously approved to adjourn the meeting at: 7:02pm

Submitted by:

Melissa Noe, Administrative Assistant

Approved by:

Monterey Select Board

cc: Website (www.montereyma.gov)

Select Board Members

Minutes Book

Town Clerk

Any documents used in the meeting are listed below and are available by request at town hall.

1. Fire Dept budget summary
2. Fire Dept 2019-2020 comparison
3. Elevator repair quote
4. Draft senior transportation IMA
5. Town Administrator resumes received