Board of Selectmen  Approved 9/23
Meeting Minutes
September 4, 2008 (Thursday)

6:00 p.m. – Meeting called to order.

LIAISON REPORTS
Library – Jim Huber reported that the Trustees had met on Wednesday; there was nothing of note to report. Huber did say that Librarian Adam Novitt has inquired about the possibility of securing a credit card to be used for online purchases for the library. Selectmen felt positive about the suggestion but felt that it should be a separate line/budget item.

School Committee – Huber intended to attend the Committee meeting scheduled for later the same evening. He shared discussion regarding a Gates Foundation grant that may be applied for. The grant requires that the Town put up $1200 by March and then $2100 within a year but will ultimately realize $6,000 from the Foundation.

Town Hall – Chairman Martell reported that no issues have been reported at the Town Hall.

Fire Department – Selectman Martin passed out Fire Statistics for the month that had been given to him by Chief Murphy.

Department of Public Works – Chairman Martell reported that the Capital Planning Committee will write a Warrant Article for a new Bucket Loader and that Superintendent Adamcek is getting estimates for painting the Community Center.

APPOINTMENTS
Ed Martin made a motion to appoint Elana Victor to the Council on Aging. Jim Huber seconded; motion passed unanimously. Selectmen asked Leahey to find out whose spot she is filling and for what term.

CRUISER
Selectmen reported that Chief Fleury had not yet received the lease contract for the new cruiser for their signatures. They speculated that he may have it for them at Monday’s (9/8) meeting, at which time they would sign it.

Jim Huber suggested that a response be written to a recent letter received from DV regarding the cruiser and the committee appointed to research it. Ed Martin said that he would work with Kim to write the letter with answers to the questions posed. 

DPW
Leahey reported to Selectmen that Superintendent Adamcek has asked them to consider a request from one of his men for two extra weeks vacation. Adamcek states that JK has received an offer of another position in Easthampton but may consider staying if he receives the extra vacation time.

Selectmen first discussed that it would be a Personnel Board issue and, further, felt that if an exception were to be made in this case, that it would open up the potential for more requests which would have to be honored as a precedent would have been set.

The Selectmen, each and every one, felt strongly that the request should be denied; they requested that Leahey write a letter to Adamcek denying the request and include a copy for JK.

COMPUTER SECURITY
Jacob Braun of Wakadigital further explained the letter which he had provided explaining his status as a “special municipal employee” and the “Disclosure of Financial Interest” that was signed one year ago by himself and then-chairman Richard Hall. Huber asked if Town Counsel could review the documents and Braun’s status with the town; he also felt that the proposal was ‘vague’ as it did not supply yearly figures for each option.

Jacob recommended option #1 which would mean that Wakadigital would ‘become Pelham’s IT department’.

Huber felt strongly that the town should get ‘2 or 3 more quotes’ for the work.

Huber also felt that it would be a good idea to immediately buy three flash drives for the three town office computers that can be used for back-up while quotes are solicited.

Braun reminded the Board that his quote is confidential to the Town and asked that it not be shared with other providers; Selectmen assured him that it would remain confidential.

After discussion where it was learned that Shutesbury backs up to individual flash drives and then puts those into a locked safe, and that Leverett does something similar, Selectman Huber made a motion to purchase three 4GB flash drives for approximately $100, Ed Martin seconded, motion passes unanimously.

NEW BUSINESS
A discussion was had regarding the Hampshire Council of Governments contract with the Town. Specifically; it was suggested that Chief Fleury, as a member of the Council, may have a copy of the original contract, what are the rebates and when are they disbursed, what was the start date of the contract and is there a financial penalty if we pull out early? Are we paying a reasonable rate for electricity?

Selectman Huber brought up the topic of “daily oversight” of the Town’s business and whether the Selectmen/Town/Personnel Board should be exploring the possibility of developing a position and then hiring a Town Manager or Administrator. The Selectmen would still have the “final say”. Leahey gave each Selectman copies of a guideline which had been recently sent to the Town regarding an appropriate process for hiring a Town Manager.

There was discussion regarding the “office hours” of the Pelham Police Department or, more specifically, the pervasive ‘feeling’ of the townspeople that the department is not available enough to citizens. Selectmen discussed whether there was a need for “more oversight” of the department and also that residents should continue to be urged, if they have a valid complaint, to bring it to the Board, not just make vague, general negative comments to members of the Board who, it was felt, need to be clear that they back all Town employees and, would like for the process to be followed in all fairness to the employees.

Brief discussion regarding merging services with other towns. Will it cost more? It was agreed that more facts need to be researched before the idea can be considered.

Meeting adjourned 7:25 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Kim Leahey