Selectmen's Weekly Minutes

Listing of the Board of Selectmen's Weekly Meeting Minutes.  Click HERE to view list of posted Agendas

November 28, 2017
6:30PM
In Attendance: Carol A. Francesconi, and Ed St. John IV
Absent: Robert S. Ciskowski  
Press: iBerkshires
                  
Carol motioned to accept the minutes as presented for November 21, 2017; 2nd by Ed with a unanimous vote taken.
Cheshire Highway Superintendent, Blair Crane:
- Submitted Weekly Activity Log for 11/22/17-11/28/17.
- Picked up two (2) tons of cold patch asphalt.
- Gables and Lemanski culverts have been inspected and are functional.
- Competed roadside mowing – Harbor Road
- Submitted Bridge Inventory Spreadsheet.
Town Administrator, Mark Webber:
- Highway Union negotiations postponed; negotiator called and reported that she hit a deer on the way.  Next meeting is schedules for Tuesday, December 5, 2017 at 9am.
- Spoke with Dalton Town Manager regarding the resignation of our Veteran’s Agent replacement.  Mark is investigating other possible options for utilizing mutual town services.
- National Grid covered wires and installed a new pole in town today.
- Received a telephone call from MEMA regarding unclaimed funds in the amount of $1,000 owed from a 2008 ice storm.  Paperwork has been submitted.
- Generated a facilities use form and policies for use of Cheshire School and the Community Center.  This packet will be merged with the application form Ed St. John IV had submitted.
- Working on a RFEI draft for Cheshire School.
- Received a statement from BayState Elevator for the previously discussed de-commissioning of the Cheshire School chair life for $2,087.  Mark will be discussing this issue with the ACRSD business manager and the Superintendent.
- Called and left a telephone message for Ed Clairmont regarding last week’s fence discussion.
- Working on boiler and heat issues at the school with Erika.
- Will be meeting with Blair to review Chapter 90 monies
BRPC Representative submitted initial paperwork to go forward with a grant for Community Development Strategy. Ed moved to sign the document and go forward with the grant process; 2nd by Carol with a unanimous vote taken.
Resident, Fred Jayko:
- Voiced concern over trash not being picked up at the high school.  Carol said they would discuss the concern and have the Cheshire Police Department check it out to see if there were any names or addresses to follow up on.
Town Clerk, Christine Emerson:  No issues or concerns.
Police Chief, Timothy Garner:  Submitted weekly report.
ABCC Liquor Licenses and Common Victualler’s Licenses were signed on 11/21/17.
Mail and Correspondence:

With all business finalized at 7:50PM, Carol motioned to close the meeting; 2nd by Ed with a unanimous vote taken.

Respectfully Submitted,
Carole A. Hilderbrand, Board of Selectmen’s Secretary
_______________________________________________________________
Robert S. Ciskowski, Chairman
Carol A. Francesconi, Clerk
Ed St. John IV, Superintendent of Buildings and Grounds
 

November 14, 2017
6:30PM
In Attendance: Robert S. Ciskowski, Carol A. Francesconi, and Ed St. John IV
Absent:       
Press: iBerkshires
                  
Carol motioned to accept the minutes as presented for November 7, 2017; 2nd by Ed with a unanimous vote taken.
- Robert reported on his and E. R. Scholz's (Advisory Board Member) attendance at the first "Community Paradigm Working Group" with Adams representatives under guidance mediator, Bernie Lynch of Community Paradigm Inc.
- Robert felt it was a productive meeting and a forum for both towns to voice their opinions on the past years events that include the process for closing of the Cheshire Elementary School and the general lack of communication.  Robert recommended that all Cheshire Selectmen attend the next meeting on December 5, 2017 at 5pm at the Conference Room at Hoosac High School.  Coming away from the meeting Robert was enthusiastic about working together to eliminate any animosity and to work towards common goals for the betterment of both towns.  He also said the sharing of services between the towns might be an option in the future. 
Cheshire Highway Superintendent, Blair Crane:
- Submitted Weekly Activity Log for 11/8/17 - 11/14/17.
- Updated the BOS on the status of repairs to the Windsor Road wash out.  He discussed the steps taken to place boulders, the pumping of floatable fill in between the rocks to create a massive slab which should change the pitch of the road to prevent similar washouts in the future.  Blair said it was 18 to 19 days from start to finish. 
- Working with NationalGrid regarding LED street lights.
- The BOS recommended one of the highway employees be partially responsible for the school at least through the first winter.  A rhythmic schedule will be designed.  Blair will delegate the assignment.
- Roadside mowing, pot hole patching, removed town docks, tree down on Greylock Road.
- Extended and cleaned out Windsor Road culvert above landslide area.
- Attended StreetScan tutorial session last week.
- Attended Mass Highway Association meeting today, November 14, 2017.
- Pothole repairs on Lanesborough Road, Shadowland Cove, Outlook, and Railroad Street.
Town Administrator, Mark Webber:
- Complete Streets committee will meet at 1pm on November 21, 2017.
- Mark visited Windsor Road and reported the damage to MEMA.
- Cheshire School oil tank was topped off at 5600 gallons.  The 10 thousand gallon tank will be topped of by the end of the week.  Normal classroom temperatures had used in the past, 28 thousand gallons.
- Blair will schedule a meeting with school personnel to review the general maintenance of the building.
Town Administrator, Mark Webber:
- Mark called West Oil and was notified that there was no lock in price.  Normally, it is the daily price plus delivery.  As of today, it was $2.14 plus delivery. This amount is subject to weekly change.
- Checking with school personnel regarding Cheshire having an individual perform light duty work at the school.
- IT person cleaned up email accounts in an effort to stop receiving account overage messages and billings.
- Prepared a Town Budget spreadsheet for Fiscal Year 2018.  The BOS have scheduled a Budget Workshop for December 5, 2017. 
- Continuing to work on a basic RFP for the Re-use of Cheshire School Committee.  The draft should be completed by Tuesday, November 21, 2017.
Town Clerk, Christine Emerson:  No issues or concerns.
Police Chief, Timothy Garner:  Submitted weekly report.
- Introduced a possibly new candidate for the Cheshire Police Department. 
Berkshire Regional Planning Commission, Will Sikula:
- Reviewed the process Cheshire followed in last year's grant for a DHCD grant and the changes for the Community Development Strategy (CDS) for FY18.  Will has edited the past grant and Mark will review and submit it to the BOS for approval and re-submittal of the application.  A Public Hearing will take place on February 1st with the deadline for submission being March 2nd. Will asked the BOS to reactivate the original CDS committee for input.  A Memorandum of Understanding will be discussed in December. 
7:15PM
School Re-Use Committee:
Carol reported that the committee is waiting for an RFP from Mark to seek possible options for use that have not been considered to date.  At some point, if a change of use may happen, it is possible that a variance may be needed for a sprinkler system or handicapped accessibility.  She reported that the lift may be repaired as there is a company still operating and they still make them.  This could save several  thousands of dollars for the town.  This project is on hold until a plan is in place.
Mail and Correspondence:
- Email sent to Ed from Eileen Quinn requesting a letter be sent to The Appalachian Trail Conservancy indicating Cheshire wants to partner with the Appalachian Trail Community Advisory Committee for designation as an Appalachian Trail Community.  A letter was created and mailed.
- Letter from Joyce Fletcher seeking assistance in a land dispute.
- Berkshire Regional Planning Commission; "What's Happening in Berkshire Communities" dinner at Mazzeo's, 1015 South Street, Pittsfield on Thursday, November 30, 2017.  Cost is $30.00 and and they will have a Social Hour from 5:30pm-6:30pm with dinner and the presentation from 6:30pm - 8:30pm.Registration required at:  https://www.eventbrite.com/e/fifth-thursday-dinner-tickets-39525261120.
Nelson Aubin of 240 Wells Road and Cindy DiCenzo of 220 Wells Road voiced concerns with a neighbor's  digging of a trench/pit and the placement of a pipe which has caused diversion of land which causes silt to be on the Aubin property.  Carol and Blair will visit the site.  The BOS suggested hiring a lawyer to resolve the issue or to notify the Department of Environmental Protection.
 
With all business finalized at 8:00PM, Carol motioned to close the meeting; 2nd by Ed with a unanimous vote taken.

Respectfully Submitted,
Carole A. Hilderbrand, Board of Selectmen’s Secretary
_______________________________________________________________
Robert S. Ciskowski, Chairman
Carol A. Francesconi, Clerk
Ed St. John IV, Superintendent of Buildings and Grounds
 

November 7, 2017
6:30PM

In Attendance: Robert S. Ciskowski, Carol A. Francesconi and Ed St. John IV  
Press:

Carol motioned to accept the minutes as presented for October 31, 2017; 2nd by Ed with a unanimous vote taken.

Cheshire Highway Superintendent, Blair Crane:
- Discussion continued regarding the repairs of Windsor Road and the timeframe for completion.  Fallen trees will be cleaned out of the water and the catch basin above the site will be cleaned.  Blair will be researching the permit for a nearby driveway.
- F550 in service.
- The storage container has arrived and is in use.
- Patching.  The asphalt company will be open until December 1, 2017.
- Discussed overtime policy.
- Miscellaneous equipment maintenance.

Town Administrator, Mark Webber:
- Submitted a Average Single Family Home tax bill spreadsheet for the thirty two towns in Berkshire County.  He noted that Cheshire was the eight (8) lowest on the list and had an average home value of $205,610.
- Next meeting with the Highway Union and representative has been scheduled for Tuesday, November 28th.
- Pat Mullin from BRPC asked to be placed on the November 17, 2017 BOS Agenda to discuss the next round of CDBG funding and to re-submit our Housing Assistance grant that we did not receive last year.
- Submitted ABCC license renewals to Carole H.
- J & J Lock will be here next Wednesday to inspect locks at town facilities.
- Attended a FEMA/MEMA workshop for a new format for MEMA/FEMA declared emergency reporting and reimbursement program.
- Mark will be completing a preliminary damage assessment for MEMA.  Funding will be dependent on State wide damage cost totals but the Berkshire County threshold is relatively low.
- Completed minor edits to the Highway Employee Job Description. Carol motioned to accept the Cheshire Highway Department Employee Job Description; 2nd by Ed with a unanimous vote taken.
- Researched RFP's from three different communities seeking proposals on town owned school building  re-use. Carol felt this was a good direction to go in an effort to seek more opportunities.

Robert:
- Requested Blair to sit in on this evening’s Executive Session.


Carol:
- After reviewing the estimate received for roof repairs to the Cheshire Fire House, she motioned to approve the sum of $7,500; 2nd by Ed with a unanimous vote taken.
- A Memorandum will be written to the Cheshire Advisory Board requesting the sum for unanticipated need; 2nd by Ed with a unanimous vote taken. Ed will contact DJ Wooliver & Sons, Inc.

Town Resident, Scott Clish:
- While observing the meeting, Mr. Clish voiced his opinion on the need for a safe place for the fire house.  He noted that, "Cheshire is a great place to live and he appreciates all of the volunteers and how they give selflessly of their time for us."

Ed:
- Suggested the tightening up of the Agenda in upcoming weeks.

Town Clerk, Christine Emerson:  No issues or concerns.

Police Chief, Timothy Garner:  Submitted weekly report.

Mail and Correspondence:
- COA meeting minutes for October 18, 2017 by Mal Gwozdz.

Cheshire Advisory Board:  John Tremblay, E. R. Scholz, and Jeremy McClain
- Met with the BOS to review the Memorandum for $7,500 to repair a section of the fire house roof.
- After careful consideration, the area being repaired and the area needed to be repaired for $14,800, the Advisory Board recommended the BOS complete the repairs for the $14,800 amount. 
- Carol rescinded her original motion for the $7,500 and changed it to a motion for unanticipated repairs of the roof of the fire house for $14,800.
- Jeremy said, “Typically there is a five (5) year guarantee on the work and fifteen years on the materials.” Thus the reason for being prudent in their decision.

With all business finalized, Carol motioned to go into Executive Session to:  "To discuss the reputation, character, physical condition or mental health, rather than professional competence, of an individual, or discuss the discipline or dismissal of, or complaints or charges against, a public officer, employee, staff member or individual"; 2nd by Robert with a unanimous vote taken. 7:30pm. The BOS will not return to the 6:30PM Open Meeting. Roll Call:  Robert S. Ciskowski, Yes; Carol A. Francesconi, Yes; Ed St. John, IV, Yes.


 
Respectfully Submitted,

Carole A. Hilderbrand, Board of Selectmen’s Secretary

_______________________________________________________________
Robert S. Ciskowski, Chairman
Carol A. Francesconi, Clerk
Ed St. John IV, Superintendent of Buildings and Grounds

October 31, 2017
7:00PM

In Attendance: Robert S. Ciskowski, Carol A. Francesconi and Ed St. John IV  
Press: iBerkshires

Carol motioned to accept the minutes as presented for October 24, 2017.  Robert requested the insertion of Part-time Police Officer openings. Carol restated her motion to as corrected; 2nd by Robert with a unanimous vote taken.

Cheshire Highway Superintendent, Blair Crane:
- Lighting installation completed.
- Working on potholes, cleaning ditches, and grading of dirt roads when the weather permits.
- Roadside mowing continues.
- Snow equipment maintained and prepared for winter storms.
- The storage container arrives on 11/3/17.
- F550 should be back by the end of this week.
- Updated the BOS on the status of a wash out on Monday, October 30, 2017 on a section of Windsor Road embankment below Notch Road.  It appears to have been caused by debris clogging a catch basin. A great deal of material was washed away for approximately 3 feet and over 100 feet long.  Blair is watching the area closely and hopes the rain lets up so the water does not continue to bleed from the hill. One lane of the road is open and Blair's plan, weather permitting, is to repair the road in the next Monday as he realizes the inconvenience of taking a detour for those living in the area. This repair is a top priority and will be addressed with efficiency and a planned out system. Work should begin on Monday, November 6th. Blair also noted that the repairs can come from Chapter 90 and he has received the beginning approvals from the State to utilize Chapter 90.  Mark is working on securing possible funding from the State and will be getting in touch with our State Senator to assist with Mass Highway for financial assistance.   Robert thanked Blair for his excellent responce and for taking the responsibility of the project with exemplary workmanship.  It was noted that Cheshire was the only town in the county to suffer damage of this magnitude.

Town Administrator, Mark Webber:
- Met with Cheshire Highway negotiating team this morning.  MEMO submitted to the BOS.
- Working with Blair on the Windsor Road repairs and funding sources.
- Corrected law section of Town Employee health/dental insurance policy.  (Section 23 Section 2).
Mark will be drafting a letter to those affected by health and dental insurance. Carol motioned to adopt a new health/dental policy for eligible employees/elected officials and those appointed.  The individual must work for twenty hours per week or 1040 hours annually and be documented; 2nd by Robert with a unanimous vote taken.
- Drafted Highway Department employee job description. Robert was highly impressed with the document and offered the suggestion to include Hoisting 1C license as a requirement. After reviewing for a week, the BOS will discuss this item on November 7, 2017.

Town Administrator, Mark Webber:  continued
- Attending FEMA/MEMA training session on Monday, November 6, 2017 in Lanesborough with Blair.
- Contacted the ABCC regarding our annual license renewals. 
- Working on National Grid/Verizon pole licensing agreement.  They are requiring that all municipalities sign license agreements for items attached to their poles.  There are 84 poles in the central town area having items on them.  Checked out some of the poles and there are old fire alarms or other equipment on some of the poles as Chief Francesconi explained. No agreements will be signed until more information is received.

Ed:
- The BOS reviewed estimates Ed received  for the Town Hall's roof repairs and also for the roof of the fire house.  Further discussion is needed.

Carol:
- Will be contacting Big Daddy regarding the procedure for obtaining a liquor license.
- Made a motion to have an Executive Session at 7:30PM at the Town Hall on 11/7/17 to:
"Discuss the reputation, character, physical condition or mental health, rather than professional competence, of an individual, or discuss the discipline or dismissal of, or complaints or charges against, a public officer, employee, staff member or individual" 2nd by Robert with a unanimous vote taken.

Resident, Barry Emery:
- Discussed the upcoming events offered from the Ad Hoc Citizens Anniversary Committee.
- He voiced that the group would be going for a Northern Berkshire Grant, they are seeking sponsors, they desire to have student volunteers from McCann Vocational Technical High School to design a web page, and questioned the possibilities of facilities for the events and permits required.
Anniversary schedules are the following:
March 10, 2018 Cheshire Birthday Celebration; April Earth Day; May Memorial Day Parade; June 24 Eagles Concert; July 14 Cheese Festival; July 11 Block Party; Historical Slide show; August 8 Block Party; August Cruz night; September Historical walking tour and Cobbles hike. They would also like to create postcards, have a student essay contest, and a side walk chalk drawing event.
- The groups next meeting will take place on Tuesday, November 14, 2017 at the fire station at 7pm. All are welcome. Please contact Barry with ideas or offers of help. Barry said, "It is a nice energetic group of people volunteering for town." Fred Balawender said, "It would be great to get everyone involved."
- Carol asked Mark to research RFP's.

Resident, Gary Trudeau:
- Questioned the tax rate.  Carol noted that all tax payers are paying the same rate of $13.06. The budget is up 2.5%.  Confusion between budgets and tax rates ended the conversation.

Owners, Cheshire Liquor Center:
- Questioned if the town could have their property surveyed regarding a DEP concern from the State DEP.  The BOS suggested speaking with the assessors to secure maps which might help them. No surveying services are available through the town.

WPA Emergency Certificate Form completed for stabilization of bank to support road, construction equipment will be operated from Windsor Road minimizing the exposure of the brook to contamination.

 

Town Clerk, Christine Emerson:  No issues or concerns.

Police Chief, Timothy Garner:  Submitted weekly report.

Mail and Correspondence:
- MASS DOT National Bridge Inspection Standards and Bridge Inspection Reports. Wells Road/South Brook; East Main Street/South Brook; Notch Road/South Brook; Windsor Road/Dry Brook.
- Forest Cutting Plan; Joseph Wren, 224 Fisher Hill Road.

With all business finalized, Carol motioned to adjourn; 2nd by Robert with a unanimous vote taken.
8:45pm

 

Respectfully Submitted,

Carole A. Hilderbrand, Board of Selectmen’s Secretary

_______________________________________________________________
Robert S. Ciskowski, Chairman
Carol A. Francesconi, Clerk
Ed St. John IV, Superintendent of Buildings and Grounds

October 24, 2017
6:30PM

In Attendance: Robert S. Ciskowski, Carol A. Francesconi and Ed St. John IV  
Press: iBerkshires

Ed motioned to accept the minutes of October 17, 2017 as presented; 2nd by Carol with a unanimous vote taken.

Cheshire Highway Superintendent, Blair Crane:
- Submitted Weekly Activity Log for 10/18/17-10/24/17.
- Submitted a signed Application for Driveway Permit for Curran Road (Map 205; Parcel 7) with Conditions. Carol made a motion to approve the Driveway Permit; 2nd by Ed with a unanimous vote taken.  (Kruzel Builders  10/17/17)
- Continuing to patch potholes on Stafford Hill, Jenks Road, and East Harbor Road.
- Catch basin/culvert cleaning.
- Double yellow line painting was cancelled and will now happen on Wednesday night on Church Street, Main Street, Wells Road, and Windsor Road.
- Attending a training on the Streetscan software system in Burlington, MA on Tuesday,  October 31, 2017.
- Scheduled septic system cleaning for the Cheshire Community Center and the highway shed.
- Cleared a downed tree on West Mountain Road on 10/24/17.
- Ordered a forty foot storage tank to be placed next to the building for the storage of seasonal equipment.
- Met with Superintendent Putnam to discuss a process for winter school closings.
- Robert asked about the F550 truck and the status of repairs.  Blair reported many minor issues but the salt had deteriorated the computer; the dip stick had holes, and a different transmission was installed.  The truck is six (6) years old and has 89K miles.  Robert asked Blair to sit in on the 7:30PM Executive Session this evening. 

Cheshire Planning Board Chairman, Donna DeFino:
- Reported that the Cheshire Planning Board denied the Application for a Special Permit for Thomas and Barbara Ayotte.  The majority of the audience were pleased with the outcome but some cankerous remarks have come back to the board.

Town Administrator, Mark Webber:
- Memorandum to the BOS regarding all town employees currently enrolled in the Town's group health and dental insurance plan.
- Met with AFSCME representative, Nadine Kennedy, Mike and Brent regarding different singular health benefits to different groups.
- Contacted an area town regarding different insurance splits and learned it was not allowed.  Researching further.
- Sent a message to Attorney Kevin Feeley, representative for Berkshire Insurance Group and asked the same question.  Awaiting a response. The next meeting with the AFSCME will be Tuesday at 8:30am on 10/31/17.
- Met with the Complete Streets Committee last Wednesday. Blair, Christine, Peter Traub and Mark with two representatives from the BRPC. Worked on objectives and decided to do a sidewalk assessment since sidewalks-both upgrading and expanding was a focus.  The group came up with fifteen different projects which will eventually be ranked.  There is up to $400K available for construction. Engineering costs are not allowed.  Next meeting with be Tuesday, November 14, 2017 at 11am.
- Meeting with MIIA agent on property/casualty policies on 10/26/17.
- Spoke with Becky regarding health insurance matters.  The following was concluded:
1. Board should make a decision soon to allow her to send out letters to those affected to allow them enough time to get in touch with SSI and Medicare.
2. Decide on a contribution split for all eligible employees; suggest somewhere between 70/30 and 75/25.  The split rate could always be negotiated in future years.  Recent survey showed an average of 74/26 among 25 responding towns.  Members of the Berkshire Health Group average 79/31.
3) Make new eligibility rules effective January 1, 2018.
4) Eliminating insurance availability is considered a qualifying event for Medicare.
5. There is no requirement that HMO plan splits be tied to 50% of the PPO.
6. The Town must still offer a PPO be we can make it a different split than the in-place Network Blue Deductable plan.  Recommend that the PPO be offered at a 50/50 split; 50% is the minimum the Town is obligated to offer under Chapter 32B.  Mark asked the board to review the policy.

Cheshire Fire Chief:
- Updated the BOS that an agreement with the Adams Ambulance to cover the town during week days has been finalized.  The ambulance will be stationed at the Cheshire Fire House Monday through Fridays from 8am to 5pm with a paramedic and an emergency medical technician at no cost to the town.  Cheshire volunteers will also be notified of all calls. Ed motioned to approve having the Adams Ambulance to be housed at the Cheshire Fire Station for medical responses as presented by the Fire Chief Monday through Fridays for regular Cheshire coverage;   2nd by Robert with a unanimous vote taken.

Carol:  Reported to the BOS that the School Building Reuse Committee should, by the end of November, have some good options for usage.  The group will be talking with Zoning Enforcement Officer, Gerry Garner, regarding any ramifications from the options to be offered.

Ed:  November 6th will be the District Agreement Amendment Committee meeting at 6pm at Hoosac High School.

Robert:  Voiced concern about the traffic in the breakdown lane on Route 8.  He noted thirteen cars parked there for activities at the local farm.  Members of the BOS reported that the State Police are ticketing the cars every fifteen minutes.  Blair suggested contacting the owner to have traffic cones placed in the breakdown to deter parking. Robert's main concern is traffic safety and now understands some effort is being made.  However, he would like the breakdown lane cleared and all cars off the pavement.  He felt the discussion could lead to streamlining the concerns for next year


Resident, Sandra Sloane:
- Questioned if anything had changed regarding hikers staying in local churches.  It was noted that it was a diocese ruling that all individuals must have insurance.
 
Town Clerk, Christine Emerson: 
- Submitted a Warrant for the Cheshire Board of Selectmen to sign for the Special State Election on Tuesday, November 7, 2017 from 7am to 8pm for Representative in General Court...First Berkshire District.
- "Residents are reminded that the Board of Selectmen has issued a no parking ban, which bans overnight parking of vehicles on town roads/streets between the hours of 10PM and 7AM.  This parking ban is effective November 1, 2017 to April 30, 2018.  Residents are also reminded not to plow or push snow across public ways per Cheshire Town By-law.  Town Administrator, Mark Webber".

Police Chief, Timothy Garner:  Submitted weekly report.
- Halloween Parade will be on Sunday, October 29, 2017 at 1pm.
- The new cruiser is in and the Chief would like Mark to transfer the plates.
- Would like to hire one (1) or two (2) part-time fully trained police officers.

Carol:
- Motioned to have an Executive Session on Tuesday, November 7, 2017 at 7:30pm: "To discuss the reputation, character, physical condition or mental health, rather than the professional competence, or an individual, or discuss the discipline or dismissal or, or complaints or charges against, a public officer, employee staff member or individual."

Mail and Correspondence:

With all business finalized, Ed motioned to adjourn; 2nd by Carol with a unanimous vote taken.
7:40pm

Respectfully Submitted,

Carole A. Hilderbrand, Board of Selectmen’s Secretary

_______________________________________________________________
Robert S. Ciskowski, Chairman
Carol A. Francesconi, Clerk
Ed St. John IV, Superintendent of Buildings and Grounds

October 17, 2017
6:30PM

In Attendance: Robert S. Ciskowski, Carol A. Francesconi and Ed St. John IV  
Press: iBerkshires

Ed motioned to accept the minutes of October 10, 2017 as presented; 2nd by Carol with a unanimous vote taken.

Cheshire Highway Superintendent, Blair Crane:
- Submitted Weekly activity Log for 10/11/17-10/17/17. Blair arrived after Robert read his report.
- Attended an overview workshop by the Berkshire Transportation Advisory Committee today at 4PM. It will discuss state regulations and stream crossing standards as they pertain to culvert replacement projects. 
- Ditch cleaning on Lanesborough Road.
- Tree removal on Sand Mill Road.
- Continuing patching potholes and roadside mowing.
- Completing double yellow line painting Sunday night on Church/Main/Wells/ and Windsor.
- Completed short term pavement repairs on Stewart White Road.
- Truck #10 is back from Delurey’s.
- Truck #2 is getting a transmission overhaul.

Resident, Gary Trudeau:
- On behalf of several townspeople and himself, Mr. Trudeau wanted to compliment the Superintendent and the Cheshire Highway Department for widening roads and cleaning ditches.  Many people are very appreciative of Blair’s and the highway teams efforts in taking care of immediate needs.  He wanted to make something positive noticed publicly.  The BOS assured Mr. Trudeau that they are as pleased with
the changes being made as are the townspeople.

Resident, Peter Traub:
- Questioned when the School Reuse Committee was meeting. Carol responded that the next meeting was at the Town Hall on October 18, 2017 at 6:30PM.

Town Administrator, Mark Webber:
- Held first negotiating session with AFSCME representative and Cheshire Highway Department employees.
- Met with new BRPC planner, Chris Gruber, and signed an agreement for BRPC to use grant funds to assist the Cheshire Planning Board in drafting zoning bylaws and or amendments to current zoning which focus on housing.  The Selectmen agreed to this item a few weeks back.  Signing was a grant formality.  Housing is a specific item laid out in the Master Plan.
- Complete Streets Committee meeting, October 18, 2017 at 5PM in the Town Hall.
- Working on connecting with Bay State Elevator regarding the chair life at the Cheshire Elementary building.  They had a recent inspection on 10/10/17 and Mark felt there should be no more inspections but a decommissioning of the lift and removal from the State list. An inspection certificate was missing which is now posted.  The 10-14-17 proposal from Bay State estimated $67,760 to replace the lift, which apparently no longer meets ADA requirements.  Mark is waiting for a response from Bay State and the Superintendent for clarification.  The same estimate showed a cost of $33,875 to remove and replace the lift.
- Working on a Workmen’s Compensation claim.
- Requested Town Clerk to post electric rates on the Cheshire website.

Resident, Gary Trudeau:
- Requested the makeup of the District Agreement Amendment Committee.  Ed answered: 1 Selectmen; 1 School Committee Member; 1 Advisory Board Member, 1 At Large person from each town.  Justin, Mary Ann Baker, Robert Ciskowski and Ed St. John, IV as the Liaison will be attending. The forum will be similar to the Master Plan meetings.

Ed:
- Had reached out to Superintendent, John Lev, regarding the joining of the Northern Berkshire School Union when he first joined the Cheshire Board of Selectmen. Only approval votes from both towns at a town meeting could approve the final results.  One town cannot withdraw and Adams cannot remove Cheshire.

Resident, Eileen Quinn:
- Requested use of the Cheshire Community Center for the Appalachian Trail group on Thursday, October 19, 2017.  The BOS approved.

Town Clerk, Christine Emerson: 

Police Chief, Timothy Garner:  Submitted weekly report.

Carole H. submitted cash for $100.00 from Wandering Star Brewing Company 10/21/17 and 10/22/17 two (1) day liquor licenses at Whitney’s Farm Stand.

Mail and Correspondence:
- Handwritten letter addressed to Ed complaining about changes that Spectrum has made.  The individual was especially upset with the canceling of the Nickelodeon Show.  Ed has a youngster so he clearly understands the frustration.  Final comments: “No Cool-No Cool”.
- Letter from Jennifer M. Breen, Esq. regarding Building and Zoning Violations at 846 South State Road.

With all business finalized, Carol motioned to go into Executive Session; taken at 7:30PM and not return to the 6:30PM Tuesday Open Meeting; 2nd by Ed with a unanimous vote taken.

Executive Session:
Roll Call:  Robert S. Ciskowski, Yes; Carol A. Francesconi, Yes; and Ed St. John IV, Yes.


Respectfully Submitted,

Carole A. Hilderbrand, Board of Selectmen’s Secretary

_______________________________________________________________
Robert S. Ciskowski, Chairman
Carol A. Francesconi, Clerk
Ed St. John IV, Superintendent of Buildings and Grounds

  1. - Minutes: October 10, 2017
  2. - Minutes: October 3, 2017
  3. - Minutes: September 26, 2017
  4. - Minutes: September 19, 2017