Welcome to Lee Townhall
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BOARD OF SELECTMEN Present: Ch. Patricia D. Carlino, Frank A. Consolati, Gordon D. Bailey, Board
of Selectmen 1. Approval of Minutes: September 12, 2006 2. Public Hearings: None 3. General Business: The Board received a copy of a letter from Metcalf & Eddy asking the town to release them from any liability regarding the Reservoir Road slope problems. The letter stated that because the town had not implemented their suggestions as to how to prevent slope failure in the future, they should not be held liable. The Board also received a report from MassHighway stating that disconnecting Stormceptors has eliminated the failure mechanism. M & E does not agree with this report. Selectman Bailey stated he wanted to make sure that releasing M & E does not release them from their responsibility for work they have already done on the slope. He will check with Town Counsel for language to that effect. The Board next met with Police Chief Ronald Glidden to discuss his contract and other items. Selectman Consolati had been asked several questions regarding the police department. A question was asked as to why the chief’s contracts runs for three years. The Board stated it was a matter of tradition. The chief was next asked to define a “strong” chief and a “weak” chief. He said a strong chief makes regulations and has immediate control of his department. The Board of Selectmen develop regulations in the case of a weak chief. The chief was asked why during a recent rash of break-ins, a smashed glass door at the Red Apple restaurant was not noticed. The chief explained that there are over 145 businesses in town and only a single officer was on duty that night. Selectman Consolati asked the chief about police presence on Main Street to give out tickets for illegal turns. The chief said seasonal officers do that in the summer but there are not enough regular officers to do this type of work. The next questions was how many officers are on at night. Chief Glidden said the evening shift usually had two officers on duty. If there is not much activity, there is usually one. Selectman Bailey asked the chief about back-up at night. The chief said the town has mutual aid agreements with Lenox and Stockbridge. Selectman Bailey next asked about how the Berkshire County Drug Task Force is funded. The chief said there are grants that pay for 50% of an officers time and one that will pay 100%. There are discussion about speeding on High Street and Church Street when the mill lets out. The chief is aware of the problems. He said he encourages residents to call his office and register a complaint. An officer will be sent to access the situation. There being no further discussion, the Board voted, unanimously, to approve a contract with the police chief for three years. The Board voted, unanimously, to approve a permit with Berkshire Gas Co. to install new service at 110 Silver Street. The Board voted, unanimously, to sign an agreement with the Dept. of Education for fiscal year reporting of school expenses paid for by other town budgets. The Board voted, unanimously, to approve permits with Berkshire Gas Co. to install new service at 590 East St. and 650 Stockbridge Road. The Board voted, unanimously, to approve Temporary Sign Permits for Easy Spirit at Prime Outlets; Legacy Banks; Lee Bank and Arizona Pizza. The Board voted, unanimously, to approve a revision to the WWTP Project Regulatory Agreement to increase it by $24,000 to provide for field testing and laboratory services. The Board voted, unanimously, to approve a one day wine only license for the Lee Land Trust/Historical Society and Commission. 4. Pending Business: A household hazardous waste collection will be held on Oct. 14th from 9 AM to 1 PM at the Great Barrington Recycling Center. 5. Town Administrator: Mr. Nason next brought up the impending move of the DPW to space in the Airoldi Building. He presented the Board with a of start-up and on-going costs associated with the move. Mr. Nason stated that the Finance Committee unanimously endorsed the move but would leave the final decision to the representatives at an up-coming special town meeting. Mr. Nason explained to the Board that occasionally an EMT is needed to fill a vacancy on the town’s Ambulance Squad. In the past he has appointed Victoria Sorrentino to that position and once again, at the recommendation of Lisa Breault, Ambulance Director, he would ask the Board to approve the appointment of Victor Sorrentino as an as-needed EMT. The Board voted, unanimously, to approve the appointment. Mr. Nason and the Board next discussed an outline of proposed articles for an
up-coming special town meeting. 6. Public Comments: Selectman Bailey discussed the idea of the Selectmen conducting meetings outside of Town Hall. He cited specially the high school. He felt the students had an interest in politics and would like to share the Board’ experiences as well as get input from them. He also suggested going to Crossway Village, the new affordable senior housing complex and also meet with the Chamber of Commerce and the Lee CDC to have a discuss with businesses. After discussion, Mr. Bailey will contact the school, Ch. Carlino will look into speaking with the seniors and Selectman Consolati will contact the Chamber. Ch. Carlino reminded everyone that Founders’ Weekend starts Friday, Sept.
29th with the “Taste of Lee”, the parade on Saturday with many events going on
during the day and evening and more events on Sunday. . 7. Motion to adjourn: Respectfully submitted, Suzanne M. Alderman, Selectmen’s Secretary cc: Board of Selectmen Principal Assessor Dept. of Public Works |
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