Select Board Meeting Minutes 6/24/2020

Minutes of the meeting of 6/24/20

Meeting Opened at: 9am

Select Board Members Present: Kenneth Basler, Chair, Donald Coburn, Steven Weisz

Also in attendance remotely: Peter Chait

The following items were discussed:

1. COVID updates:
   1. A statement will be put out on the private community gmail listserv in response to a request sent on there to organize a recurring baseball game on Sundays.  The governor’s advisory states that organized games such as baseball and basketball are not currently allowed.  Signs will also be placed on the fence of the baseball field and basketball court.
2. Special articles:  A motion was made to approve the carryforward of 8 special articles from FY20 into FY21 totaling $252,765.77.  The motion was seconded and unanimously approved.
3. Select Board budget process:  A draft copy of a budget process prepared by Steve for the Select Board to consider for adoption so that future boards understand the procedure was discussed.  Don felt that we should wait until the new selectperson comes on to weigh in on the draft.  Don also asked that the Board consider simplifying the process considerably and acknowledge the actual role that Melissa Noe plays for the town which is actually closer to a Town Administrator than what some would like to believe.  He suggested adding the duties such as creating a budget to her job description and summarized how he sees the process working.  This conversation will be postponed until the new board is seated.
4. Political signs:  Town counsel has clarified that political signs and solicitation of votes can be done anywhere lawfully present.  Towns cannot prohibit signage at any public property and there is case law that supports this.  He suggested that the Board designate an area on public land for political signs and limit it to that area.  Don also suggested that the size of the signs should be limited as well.  The planning board will be asked to address this.
5. Time off policy:  The library minutes of May 11, 2020 noted that the trustees voted to give the Library Director 2 weeks paid vacation beginning July 1.  The Select Board was not consulted on this matter prior and it contradicts the town’s employee handbook policies.  The Select Board expressed its deep appreciation for the director’s work on behalf of the town, but it was noted that other part-time employees have been consistently denied paid vacation in accord with the employee manual.  It was also noted that paid vacation must be requested and approved by the Select Board in writing. The Library Trustees Chair will be asked to have someone attend the next meeting.
6. A motion was made to reappoint the following people/positions:

1. The Board approved payment of the invoice submitted by Dennis Lynch for writing the 604b grant for Lake Garfield.
2. The Board discussed the open meeting law complaint filed by Rebecca Wolin and found that no violation occurred and will respond accordingly.
3. Fiber Connect shelter request: Adam Chait sent an extensive document to the board and town counsel, which we are still waiting on his guidance.  This will be continued to a future meeting.
4. Temp steak roast sign request:  The Fire Company has requested permission to place their oversize sign out.  Permission was granted.
5. Annual Town Meeting setup:  The Board commended Melissa Noe and Shawn Tryon on their hard work laying out the details for town meeting.
6. Minutes of 6/17/20 were approved.  For the record it was noted that all members of the Board review the minutes and amend them for accuracy when necessary.
7. Administrative Assistant Items:
   1. We have received $19,678 for the CARES grant M. Noe submitted for FY20.
   2. M. Noe has submitted one requested for payment to date for the FEMA grant monies available for COVID and is working on a second.
   3. Compact connector grant opportunities – M. Noe and Shawn Tryon are working on this to see if there are any applicable categories Monterey can apply for.
8. Kenn closed the meeting noting that is has been an incredible 6 years and the one thing he learned is that before you come to a conclusion you learn the facts, you seek out all the information beforehand and avoid rumors, look at both sides.  Monterey has accomplished so much over the last 6 years (roads, bridges, library, cell towers, fiber, etc and still has one of the lowest tax rates in MA, ).  The key is working together and when that happens Monterey is strong.  Kenn commended all the employees and the job they do keeping the town running.

A motion was made and unanimously approved to adjourn the meeting at: 9:56am

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. DRAFT Monterey Select Board Town Budget Process Paper
2. Reappointment lists