Town of Warwick Selectboard August 20, 2012 Minutes Members present: Dawn Magi, Nick Arguimbau, Patricia Lemon Others present: Town Coordinator David Young, Town Secretary Rosa Fratangelo Calcari, Police Chief David Shoemaker, Buildings and Energy Committee member Janice Kurkoski, Jon Calcari, Conservation Commission member Gregory Brodski (arrived about 6:45 p.m.), Jared Robinson (Athol Daily News) I. Call to Order Chair Magi called the meeting to order at 6:00 pm in Town Hall. Public Comment None. Minutes Lemon MOVED to accept the minutes of the July 23, 2012 meeting as printed. Arguimbau SECONDED. Motion CARRIED 3-0-0. IV. Presentations and Discussions 1. Advisory Signage--Arguimbau explained that Ken Hubbard had expressed concern about the blind spot near the top of cemetery hill on Route 78 by the Hubbard farm. Hubbard has horses and worries about the safety of his animals in a 45 mph speed zone. Young said that Highway Superintendent Tim Kilhart has ordered yellow caution signs with the symbol of a farm tractor. These signs are advisory, not regulatory. 2. Alternate Energy, Incentives and Home Rule--Arguimbau discussed energy incentives which involve receiving solar credits. He suggested the potential for substantial profit might make it a good idea to create a system with the Town. Both Lemon and Magi liked the idea; Lemon suggested the formation of a committee with Arguimbau, Young, and Janice Kurkoski. Young suggested pursuing the matter administratively; he and Arguimbau will look into the matter further and report back to the Board in the near future. Buildings and Energy Committee member Janice Kurkoski recommended looking into community solar, which involves one system in a large open space whose credits can be shared by several nearby homes. Arguimbau said that he may have a report ready as early as the next Board meeting on September 4.th 3. Chapter 268 Section 20D Exemption for Beth Gilgun-- Lemon MOVED the Selectboard grant Beth Gilgun a MGL Chapter 268 Section 20D exemption to be Treasurer, Assessor, and Assessor's Clerk, such positions already designated as "special municipal employee". Arguimbau SECONDED. Motion CARRIED 3-0-0. Bales Engineering & the WCS Performance Contract--Kurkoski said that the Buildings and Energy Committee met with Bart Bales of Bales Engineering for assistance in framing the WCS energy proposal. She said that the BEC would like to hire a consultant to argue in favor of our energy performing contracting at WCS. Young said that the funds could come from either the improvement account or the consulting special article previously voted at an Annual town Meeting. The proposed cost is $920.00, based on 8 hours of work at $115.00 an hour. Lemon MOVED that the Selectboard authorize the Buildings and Energy Committee to contract with Bales Engineering for its services to frame the Town's Warwick Community School Performance Contracting Energy Proposal on the Selectboard's behalf. Magi SECONDED. Motion CARRIED 3-0-0. 5. ThermoLuminescent Dosimeter--Young said that a State agency wanted to put a radiation detection device on the Town Common. This is due to our proximity to Vermont Yankee. Young said that his preferred placement is in a maple tree. Lemon MOVED that David Young be authorized to permit the placement of a dosimeter on the Common. Arguimbau SECONDED. Motion CARRIED 3-0-0. Young noted that the vote was unnecessary, because he had already given the permission. 6. Police Chief Report--Chief Shoemaker said that traffic and visibility patrols have increased. He also noted that employee evaluations are being conducted this month. The Chief also mentioned an issue in the Moore's Pond area involving the illegal discharge of firearms. Chief Shoemaker stressed that it is important that residents report all such issues to the Police Department. He said that any matter that causes concern merits a call to the police, and that it is unhelpful to refrain from doing so to avoid "upsetting people." Chief Shoemaker encouraged people with a problem to call the police so the situation can be dealt with. 7. Proposed CDBG Contract with Town of Greenfield--Young said that advocated signing a contract with the Town of Greenfield to administer Warwick's CDBG grants. This will result in a 14% savings for the Town over staying with the Housing Authority, because Greenfield will charge 10% of each loan, as opposed to the Housing Authority, which would charge 24% of each loan. Lemon MOVED the Town contract with the Town of Greenfield for administration of its CDBG program for a term of three years, renewable, at an administrative cost of 10%, such contract subject to approval of DHCD if so required and authorize Warwick's Selectboard Chair to execute the contract. Arguimbau SECONDED. Lemon ADDED a Friendly Amendment: Unrestricted or non-program income shall be returned to the Town. Arguimbau ACCEPTED the Friendly Amendment. Motion CARRIED 3-0-0. WCS Sprinkler System--Young said that the dry portion of the WCS sprinkler system had never been connected. S&S Fire Service has begun work to bring us into compliance before school starts on August 29th. Selectboard Reports--Arguimbau pointed out problematic wording and suggested better language for draft contracts included in the Board members' meeting packets. Magi spoke about the 250th Anniversary Planning Committee. Magi said that, while not much progress has been made to this point, she has made some inquiries for a band to play at the Grand Ball currently slated for February 16, 2013. She expressed some concern over the potential for inclement weather, but there was a consensus that the date should not be changed, although setting a snow date might be prudent. Young said that the Women's Guild will hold a high tea in June of 2013. He also said that there will be a contest for commemorative t-shirt ideas during Old Home days this coming weekend and that the year-long celebration will kick off with a New Year's Eve party. He and Magi felt that it would be best to focus on the first six months of events now, and deal with the last six months a bit later on. 10. Coordinator Report--There were no questions on Young's written report. New and Other Business-- Lemon MOVED to close Athol Road from Route 78 to the intersection of Hotel Road for the duration of Old Home Days. Arguimbau SECONDED. Motion CARRIED 3-0-0. IV. Adjournment At 7:10 pm, Lemon MOVED to adjourn the meeting. Arguimbau SECONDED. Motion CARRIED 3-0-0.