Selectmen's Weekly Minutes

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

July 10, 2018
6:30PM
In Attendance: Carol A. Francesconi, and Ed St. John IV
Absent: Robert S. Ciskowski    
Press: iBerkshires
 
6:30PM
Carol opens the regular portion of the meeting. Carol makes a motion to accept the Board’s July 3, 2018 meeting minutes. Ed seconds the motion.
The BOS voted unanimously to appoint Jason Turner as a Cheshire Fence Viewer.
COA, Peter Traub:
- Discussed further a solution for the employee COA salary overage.  Mark will call the Town of Lanesborough to discuss the matter on July 11, 2018.
Highway Superintendent, Blair Crane: 
- Continuing to patch roads.
- Reported an accident on Outlook and West Mountain Road when a 1985 Firebird hit a roller.  An adjuster will be viewing the roller damage (three (3) years old). Once a determination is rendered a decision will go forward as to purchasing or repairing. Blair has rented a roller for a month in order to continue working.
- Patching Shadowland Cove and Windsor side of Stafford Hill.
- Checking on the costs of cleaning catch basins.
- Noted that crosswalks have to be painted.
- Carol inquired as to the lack of lines on Wells road.  Blair said once cracks are repaired it will be painted. This will most likely happen in August or Fall.
- Carol questioned the status of Shadowland Cover road drainage issues.  Blair felt the cost would be around $10-12K . Carol would like to, "Get it done".
Carol:
- Reported a sanitation issue at the elementary school and the abuse of hikers using the perimeter of the school as a bathroom.  Blair will check out the costs for renting a portable toilet and have it placed by the shed as soon as possible.
Town Administrator, Mark Webber:
- Spoke with Tim Eagles, principal of EDM architects/engineers regarding the Cheshire School and the process of addressing a conversion of the property to a municipal use.  Mark will be working with Mr. Eagles as the project progresses for the possible use of town offices occupying the space.
- Top priority is to research and write a proposal for bids for a repair/replacement of the heating system at the former school.
- Registration/insurance package sent to MIIA for the new highway pick-up truck.
- Spoke with Ryan Bailey of Borrego Solar/Ayotte solar project regarding the arrangement of a PILOT agreement.  The going rate is $11,000/mW/annually with a 2.5% annual accelerator for 20 years.  This is a 2.1 mW project.  Borrego will be meeting with the CPB in July.  It will require a town vote.
- Requested Blair to review current fleet and equipment schedule for accuracy for our insurance company.  Submitted to Blair Chapter 90 updated figures.
- Elevator inspection scheduled for July 16th at 11:00AM.
- Left a message with Eammon of BRPC.  The BOS would like to further discuss the strengths and weaknesses of the Smart Streets Grant and why Cheshire was not awarded.
Board of Health: Rick Salvi, Jeff Warner, and Mike Biagini
- Due to the discontent of residents regarding the hour reduction at the Cheshire Transfer Station, the BOS invited the BOH to explain their justification for the change.  The concept was to open Wednesday, Friday and Saturday with fewer hours as the cost to hauling continues to rise each year.
- Carol noted that it was unfortunate that the change started on a week with a Wednesday holiday which inconvenienced residents to wait with their trash in extreme hot weather.  Additionally, Carol reported that a BoH member was seen using the transfer station on a Monday.  Member, Mike Biagin admitted to disposing of some metal and would end the practice in the future.
Ed:
- Will check into utilizing court community service programs for various projects at the community center.
- Discussion ensued with Peter Traub regarding the need for a municipal agreement with the Town of Adams regarding the usage of a car for out of town driving accommodations for scheduled hospital or doctor visits. 
Town Clerk, Christine Emerson:  No issues or concerns.
Chief of Police, Timothy Garner: 
Resident, Corey Warner:
- Mr. Warner described an unsettling incident at the Transfer Station regarding his not have the Transfer Station sticker showing on his vehicle.  When resident's purchased new stickers and bags, the BoH also included a pamphlet explaining the hour changes and regulations for utilizing the station.
- Mr. Warner felt he should be able to show the sticker that he keeps in his glove compartment in his vehicle and that should suffice the requirement. He voiced displeasure in the treatment of the issue.  The BOS will address the employee on the matter.
Completed the Delegate FY 2019 Town of Cheshire BRPC form appointing Mark Webber as the Delegate.
Mail and Correspondence:
 
7:40PM With no additional business to come before the Board, Carol made a motion to adjourn the meeting.  Ed seconds the motion.  A unanimous vote was 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
 

July 3, 2018
6:30PM
In Attendance: Robert S. Ciskowski, Carol A. Francesconi, Ed St. John, IV
Absent:     
Press: iBerkshires and The Eagle
 
Board conducts the business session of the meeting by reviewing and approving weekly payroll and vendor warrants.
6:30 PM:  Carol opens the regular portion of the meeting.
          Carol makes a motion to accept the Board’s June 26, 2018 meeting minutes.
          Robert seconds the motion.
 
A one (1) day liquor license was issued to St. Mary’s for an event on August 19, 2018.
COA, Peter Traub:
- The BOS discussed the issue of overage.  Mr. Traub remembered talking with the BOS and the Advisory Board about the issue and thought he received the ok to have the employees continue to work and the funds would be found elsewhere in the town budget.  That is not the case as the money has to come from a COA account. After a lengthy discussion the BOS decided to have Mark contact a neighboring town to see if they can cover the shortage since it is a COA collaboration.
Highway Superintendent, Blair Crane:  On vacation
Resident and Former Selectmen, Paul Astorino:
- Wanted to talk about the reduction of 40% in hours for operating the Cheshire Transfer Station.  Mr. Astorino questioned if the BOS had considered hours such as 1-5 on MWF; 9-4 on Saturdays.  He has received several telephone complaint calls even though he is no longer a Selectmen.  He also reported a Citizen’s Petition circulating for change. He requested the BOS to get involved. Carol said, “This is a difficult week because of a holiday on Wednesday”.  A meeting will be scheduled with the Cheshire Board of Health on Tuesday, July 10, 2018 at 6:45PM to review their decision.
Town Administrator, Mark Webber:
- Carol read the Town’s response to Morgan Management:
“As you are aware, the Cheshire Board of Selectmen, in their capacity as Town of Cheshire Rent Control Board (RCB) granted a rent increase of $7.20 per month per unit (95 units) at their RCB hearing commencing on January 11, 2016.  A portion of that approved rent increase, amounting to $5.12 per month per unit, was expressly allowed for the re-paving of roadways within the Pine Valley Mobile Home Park (Park) which were disturbed as a result of ordered septic system upgrades.  To date, there is no evidence that that re-paving has taken place.  Specifically, the 1/11/16 RCB hearing concluded that 16, 227 square feet of damaged areas be re-paved on 1st and 2nd Streets.
Town Administrator, Mark Webber: Pine Valley Letter continued
 “The RCB is now aware that a required 120-day notice has been provided to Park residents informing them of the pending sale f the Park.  Please be advised that the Town of Cheshire will vigorously oppose this pending sale unless either of the following conditions is met prior to August 31, 2018.
1) Appropriate re-paving is done to the Park roadways as discussed above.  These repairs shall be completed prior to August 31, 2018 and shall require the approval of the Town of Cheshire Highway Superintendent for satisfactory completion and workmanship; or
2) A refund shall be made directly to the Park tenants equal to the amount approved for the Park road-repaving which was never done.  That amount is calculated as follows and shall be distributed to Park tenants on or prior to August 31, 2018.
Effective date of approved rent increase: January 11, 2016
Amount of rent increase dedicated to repair of Park
Roadways: $5.12/month
Number of Park tenants: 95
32.5 (months since approved rent increase until
August 31, 2018) x $5.12 x 95 = $15,808”
- Mike Biagini has been named Union Shop Stewart for the Cheshire Highway Department.
- Town Clerk has requested a Carry-Over for 2018 to get started on the Town’s By-Laws.  Amendments/changes go from 44 to 61.  This is a long overdue project to complete.
- Received Chapter 90 money of $122,394 for Wells Road.  (This has been outstanding for two (2) years.
- Researched abandoned housing grants.  There is a grant due July 27, 2019 that Mark will be further investigating for the town.
- Received a call from Resident, Jim Boyle.
- Mark reported that, unfortunately, Cheshire did not receive the BRPC Complete Streets Grant.
- He will be working with the MASS DOT to update all Chapter 90 monies.
Carol:
- Received an email from Marya LaRoche announcing a Boat Parade on Sunday, July 29, 2018 at noon.  The parade will take place from 1-3pm at the Cheshire Causeway. Music and prizes will be awarded in different categories. Contact Jim Bush at 743-4249 for further information.
Cheshire Planning Board, Donna Defino, Chairman:
- Updated the BOS on the need for a signature for a Hill Engineering proposal to perform engineering/technical review for a solar project.
Town Clerk, Christine Emerson:  No issues or concerns.
- Town Clerk voiced thanks to Mike Biagini from the Cheshire Highway Department for moving and disposing 30 boxes of old voting forms and old ballots.  He did a great job and she was greatly appreciated.
Chief of Police, Timothy Garner:  Submitted weekly report.
Resident’s Ron and Brian Tenczar:
- Carol had received an email from DEP, Representative Mark Stimpson, regarding brush hog cutting of weeds at 1343 Wells Road (Ron Tenczar’s property).  Carol visited the site and issued an Enforcement Order on June 29, 2018.  Carol stated that one cannot brush hog wetlands and she saw cut cattails. Brian noted that some areas are not wetlands and the property is marked.  He will brush cut the areas not in wetlands and is considering bringing horses back as they have had horses on the property for over 21 years.
Robert:
- Attended the celebration of the Appalachian Trail on Saturday, June 30, 2018. He appreciated the time and efforts of the group and acknowledged all the work it took to become designated.
- Also wanted to discuss what the plans and alternatives are for a truck this winter for the CHD. This discussion will continue next week when Blair returns from vacation.
Female anonymous phone call received at the desk in the Town Hall. Female complained about going to the transfer station on Monday, July 2nd with a truck full of stuff.  Did not understand why it was not open as she was there at 2:30PM and 3:10PM.  All residents that had purchased stickers and bags had received notification about the time changes at the transfer station.  Since no name or phone number was left, the complaint could not be addressed.
Resident, T. Jayko:
- Voiced concern over Wells Road not being marked for safe driving.  Additionally, he reported a speed sign on Wells has a brush overgrown on it. Carol will check into it.
Mail and Correspondence:
7:40PM With no additional business to come before the Board, Carol made a motion to adjourn the meeting.  Robert seconds the motion.  A unanimous vote was 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

June 26, 2018
6:30PM
 
In Attendance: Robert S. Ciskowski, Carol A. Francesconi
Absent: Ed St. John, IV and Mark Webber    
Press: iBerkshires and The Eagle
Board conducts the business session of the meeting by reviewing and approving weekly payroll and vendor warrants.
6:30PM
Carol opens the regular portion of the meeting. Carol makes a motion to accept the Board’s June 19, 2018 meeting minutes. Robert seconds the motion.
      
Highway Superintendent, Blair Crane:  On vacation
Town Administrator, Mark Webber:  On vacation
Issued four (4) one (1) day liquor licenses to the Cheshire Road and Gun Club.  $200.00.
The Cheshire Board of Health was asked to check on debris at 143 Lanesborough Road.  Carol also voice to Rick Salvi that she had received several complaints about the change of hours at the Cheshire Transfer Station.  She said that there is a Citizen’s Petition for returning back to the original hours.  The upcoming week will be particularly inconvenient as Wednesday is a holiday.
Carol read a copy of a letter received from a tenant at Pine Valley Mobile Home Park.  It was written by Robert Kraus, Esq. on behalf of Pine Valley MHC, LLC.  (Kraus and Hummel LLP dated May 17, 2018).  “This is to inform you that Pine Valley MHC, LLC (“Seller”) has received and accepted an offer to sell the Pine Valley Mobile Home Park (the “Park”) for the sum of One Million Seven Hundred Twenty-Five ($1,725,000.00).”
- The Board of Selectmen, acting as the Cheshire Rent Control Commission, reminded all that the tenants, since 2016 have been paying a monthly rent increase of $7.20 a month.  $5.12 was to go towards repairing and repaving the parks roads.  The damage was occurred during the installation of the new septic system.  From site visits made by Carol and Robert, they both agreed that the roads are in deplorable condition.
- The Selectmen were not aware of a sale and have no knowledge as to who the buyer is.
- Upon Mark’s return from vacation, the BOS will be having him write a letter to the advising lawyer.
At 7:00PM Donna Defino addressed the BOS by saying she had received an email before leaving from J. Zieminski cancelling this evenings meeting pertaining to the Host Community Agreement for Recreational Cultivation Facility at 128 Fales Road, Cheshire, MA 01225. A request was made to reschedule the meeting for Tuesday, July 17, 2018 at 7pm-Town Hall.

Cheshire Planning Board, Donna Defino, Chairman:
- Updated the BOS on the Monday, June 25, 2018 Continuation Hearing for the Ayotte Solar Project on East Harbor Road.
Carol:
- Requested a posting be made and posted for a Cheshire Conservation Commission meeting for 5pm, July 20, 2018 at the Cheshire Town Hall for the Karen Scholz CCC application.
Town Clerk, Christine Emerson:  No issues or concerns.
Chief of Police, Timothy Garner:  Submitted weekly report.
Mail and Correspondence:
- MassDOT.  Small Bridge Inspection Report/Sand Mill Road/Dry Brook - C-10-015.  Rated 7.
7:30PM With no additional business to come before the Board, Carol made a motion to adjourn the meeting.  Robert seconds the motion.  A unanimous vote was 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

June 19, 2018
6:30PM

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

Board conducts the business session of the meeting by reviewing and approving weekly payroll and vendor warrants.

6:30PM: Weekly payroll and vendor warrants. Carol makes a motion to accept the Board's June 12, 2018 meeting minutes. Robert seconds the motion.

Highway Supt. Blair Crane:
- Issued his weekly report for June 13, 2018 – June 19, 2018.
- Street sweeping, pothole repair, mowing of town properties continues.
- Preparing Stewart White Road.
- Backhoe 310 is currently being repaired.
- A new highway pickup truck was discussed and a delivery date of July 9, 2018 is anticipated.

Resident, William Simmons, of Pitt Road reported asphalt being dumped by local contractors on a Right of Way area.  The town has not agreed to the dumping and will check into the matter.

 Town Administrator Mark Webber:
- Final approval from the MassHighway District 1 regarding Chapter 90 reimbursement was approved and will be received shortly.
- Becky Herzog hosted a regional group insurance mandatory meeting this morning for administers of health/dental/life insurance in North County towns.  There will be a new group of benefits starting July 1.
- Processed next fiscal year town’s fire and police liability insurance.  No premium changes for the next year.
- DEP sent new guidelines regulating Forest Cutting Plans; Carol will review.

Town Administrator, Mark Webber:
- AFSCME has acknowledged receipt of the executed Highway Union contract agreement.  Union cards have been issued or will be shortly.
- In contact with Jim Barry, regional coordinator of Green Communities, to schedule a return visit to assist the town in signing up in the program.
- Executed USDA/RD reporting documents that are required annually from any town that received USDA project funding.
- The Town’s insurer, MIIA, is offering a two day OSHA training seminar in Great Barrington at no cost on June 26th and June 27th.  Attendance will also give us participation credits which provide the Town with premium discount credits at the end of the year.
- Documents received related to the Whitney Chapter land sale.  Copies will be distributed to the Planning Board, ConsCom and the Board of Assessors.
- The BOS signed the Employment Agreement for Michael Alibozek.

Carol:
- Read a letter from Kraus & Hummel LLP regarding the Notice of Tenants Rights under M.G.L. CH 140, Section 32R.  The notification stated that Pine Valley MHC, LLC has received and accepted an offer to sell the Pine Valley Mobile Home Park for the sum of One Million Seven Hundred Twenty-Five Dollars, pursuant to and subject to the terms of that certain executed purchase and sales agreement attached.
- Thank you letter received from Michael Deep, Deep Associates Insurance Agency, Inc. for assistance received from the BOS/ConsCom for a quick solution of a recent problem encountered at Kitchen Brook Mobile Home Park.

7:00PM
- Jacob Zieminiski (Berkshire Boys) Donna Defino, Chairman of the Cheshire Planning Board Mr. Zieminiski submitted a Host Community Agreement Request for the BOS to sign for a Marijuana Cultivation License Tier 2 for 128 Fales Road, Cheshire, MA. 01225.
- Donna inquired as to what the anticipated yearly income would be.  There was a discrepancy in possible income for the town between both parties for medical and recreational.  Carol voiced that there would be no signing of any documentation until the BOS has carefully investigated everything and when town counsel approves the documentation.  The host agreement sheet was not a Community Host Agreement but information about it.  Carol said she would be reading MLG Chapter 94g section 3 before moving forward.  
- Mr. Zieminski noted that the 110 page document has been now condensed to a three (3) page document for clarity. He noted that signing was no risk to the town.  He will emailed additional information this week to the BOS.  
- The meeting will continue on June 26th at 7pm at the Town Hall.

Carol:
- Updated the BOS on the School Building Re-Use Committee history and recommendations to the Cheshire Board of Selectmen. Initially discussed was a fitness center, satellite classroom for BCC/MCLA computer classes, caterers use of the kitchen/cafeteria for independent business, small coffee shop, day care center, satellite classes for YMCA/Dalton Youth Center, shelter for Appalachian Trail hikers. A RFEI was advertised and two responses received for a dance studio and one for a pre-school program.  After many discussions and research completed, the dance studio proposal was denied as the Adams-Cheshire Regional School District leases space in the “new” wing.  A schematic showing the “new” area where all offices and the Library would fit was submitted.  It was recommended that the town offices move to the school and the Cheshire Historical Commission utilize the first floor of the Cheshire Town Hall. Mark noted that demolition is an option; or partial demolition. The project would have to go before a town mee ing for funding. Also noted was the expenses incurred while empty. Opportunities will be further investigated.
- Peter Traub questioned if there was any interest in it becoming a residential project.
- Carol noted that another building in town, “The Inn cost the town $40k to take it down”.
- Sandra Sloane noted that selling was not an option, there was no interest.
- Many thoughts were shared in this brainstorming session.  Robert thanked the committee for their time and efforts.

Resident, Barry Emery:
- Asked if any of the BOS members would be attending the Eagle Band presentation on Sunday at 3pm.  The Conductor would like to introduce the BOS with historical information about the Town of Cheshire.  
- Will be offering a walking around town; “What Is What Was” on Thursday, August 23, 2018 at 6:30PM and Sunday afternoon, August 26, 2018 at 2pm.  It will be approximately a two (2) mile walk starting and ending at the Cheshire Post Office.

Carol:
- The BOS accepted on June 19, 2018 the Cheshire COA Policy dated 7/1/18.

Town Clerk, Christine Emerson:  No issues or concerns.

Chief of Police Timothy Garner: Submitted weekly report.
- Submitted paperwork for a letter of support for Taylor Kline for the Police Academy.

Mail and Correspondence:
- 2017 Consumer Confidence Report for Cheshire Water Department.
- Forest Cutting Plan for: Farnams Goodlife Corporation, Lanesborough Road.
- MIIA; MIIA Property and Casualty Additional Credit: $1,967.

8:10 PM: With no additional business to come before the Board, Carol made a motion to adjourn the meeting. Robert seconds the motion. A unanimous vote was 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

June 12, 2018
6:30PM

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

Board conducts the business session of the meeting by reviewing and approving weekly payroll and vendor warrants.
Carol opens the regular portion of the meeting. Carol makes a motion to accept the Board's June 5, 2018 meeting minutes. Ed seconds the motion. Vote taken, 3-0 in favor.

Highway Supt. Blair Crane:
- Issued his weekly report for June 6, 2018 – June 12, 2018
- The repairing of pot holes continues.
- Mowing town properties.
- Repaired major asphalt section on Windsor and Sand Mill Road.
- Welded and painted Sand Mill Bridge railing.
- Sweep sweeping.
- Berkshire Gas to continue min work @ Church and Depot starting, Saturday, June 13, 2018.
- Backhoe 310 is currently being repaired.
- Robert questioned Blair regarding the need for a town cell phone.  He will be tracking the usage to see if he will go on the town plan or remain on his present plan.

Paul Butler introduced Dr. John Vosburg to the BOS.  Carol politely said, “Don’t forget Cheshire exists”.  He will be starting his new role as Superintendent of the Adams Cheshire Schools on July 2, 2018.  In the meantime he is volunteering his time to become acclimated to the district’s students, schools, personnel, and communities. Dr. Putnam will be leaving his position on  June 30, 2018.
- Robert noted that the Cheshire school budget was passed last night.
- Dr. Vosburg answered basic questions by saying he wants to maintain transparency and looks forward to using his past work experiences to continue to build a strong district.

Residents of 85 Ingalls Road and 40 Devonshire Road voiced a Noise/Disturbing the Peace complaint against a neighbor’s obnoxious noise of a race car engine running sometimes for an hour or two.  Several attempts have been made to contact the Cheshire Police Department to no avail.  The BOS will discuss the issue with Chief of Police, Timothy Garner, about contacting the officer on duty for a fast turnaround system and a better telephone system.
- Additionally, they reported fast driving on Ingalls Road.  They questioned what the speed limit is and could it be clearly posted. The speed is dangerous for young children and questioned if the electronic mile equipment could be installed. It was also noted that as in other areas of town, the speeding usually is done by town residents.

Town Administrator Mark Webber:  Presented his weekly report, including the following items:
- Completed negotiating session this morning with Highway employees and their union representative, Nadine Kennedy.  One change included was language regarding non-portability of accrued sick time of less than 90 days.  The contract was signed and it was submitted this evening to the Cheshire BOS for signature.
- Carole will be completing multiple items on the BRTA COA van agreement.
- Received correspondence from the firm who is negotiating a Pilot agreement on our behalf with the developer (CVE) of a solar project on East Harbor Road owned by Karen Scholz.  The going rate is $11,000 per megawatt AC annually for twenty years. The proposed project would be 5 megawatts and contain 17,000 panels.  This would mean $55,000 annually for the town.
- Discussed pick-up truck options with Blair for the one that was approved last evening. Another discussion will take place in the near future regarding the purchase of a 6 wheeler.
- Researching rules and regulations for Marijuana Retail Stores and Cultivating sites.
- Received a letter from the Division of Ecological Resources informing us that the previously proposed Kitchen Brook Dam project is being removed from their “priority project” status.

Owners of the Cheshire Liquor Center approached the BOS with the request for a letter of non-opposition to start the State process for opening a Retail Marijuana Dispensary. Mark and the BOS explained that they should have a formal presentation of their plans and should contact the Cannabis Control Commission.

Town Clerk, Christine Emerson:  No issues or concerns.

Chief of Police Timothy Garner: Submitted weekly report.
- Discussed noise complaint on Ingalls Road and the high rates of speed they are experiencing on Ingalls Road.  The Chief explained how the police department phone system operates.  A new message will be put on the phone with clear directions for assistance.

One day Liquor License issued to Whitney’s Farm Stand for 6/14/18.  $50.00.

Mail and Correspondence:
- Berkshire Gas.  Berkshire Gas petitioned the MASS Department of Public Utilities for a 4.3 percent increase in its rates, the first filed by the Company in 17 years.  Residents could see an annual increase in their bill of $40.00.  A public meeting will take place on July 23, 2018 at 7:00PM at Berkshire Community College, Boland Theatre Building, 1350 West Street, Pittsfield, MA 01201.
- Letter from Joyce H. Fletcher regarding the removing of stacks of stones on her property.
- Proposal received from Brazeau Masonry for the restoration of the historic thoth.  The price is $2,200.00.  The BOS approved the expenditure.


8:05 PM: With no additional business to come before the Board, Carol made a motion to adjourn the meeting. Ed seconds the motion. Vote taken, 3-0 in favor.

         
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 Groundsv

June 5, 2018
6:30PM
In Attendance: Robert S. Ciskowski (RC), Carol A. Francesconi (CF), and Ed St. John IV (ESJ)
Absent:       
Press:
 
CF makes a motion to accept the Board's May 29, 2018 meeting minutes. ESJ seconds the motion. Vote taken, 3-0 in favor.
- Highway Supt. Blair Crane issues his weekly report. Activities included: grading of gravel roads; removing roadside logs and post winter clean-up; equipment maintenance; mowing of Town properties, including Cheshire Elementary and; truck inspections. Blair notes that Berkshire Gas has been working on correcting a gas leak at the corner of Church and Depot. CF asks about washouts on a section of Windsor Road. Blair responds that the repair work is not yet completed and the area will be seeded and hay mulched at the end. CF asks if wood chipping at the Transfer Station is still taking place. Blair responds that, yes, but only when time permits. CF asks about making the backhoe available to the Board of Health to move items around the Transfer Station. Blair responds that it has been moved to an accessible area and already is accessible to Board of Health. RC asks about the merits of a 6-wheel dump truck versus the proposed 10-wheel truck. Blair provides a cost and functional analysis and feels that the larger truck provides more benefits at a lower cost over the 10-yr expected usefulness of the truck.
- Resident Fred Balawender issues complaints about potholes around town and why they haven't been fixed. Blair responds that he has been working on them steadily and tries to complete one whole area before mobilizing to the next, rather than jumping around. Mr. Balawender says that he's never seen so many potholes and would like them fixed faster. RC notes that Blair is short of employees during the month of June due to vacation scheduling.

- Town Administrator Mark Webber gives his weekly report, including the following items:
- provides a 3-page review with back-up information for next week's Annual Town Meeting warrant and asks the Board to respond by email with any questions prior to  next Monday.
- Received some information from Planning Board member Peter Traub on the State's Abandoned Housing Program. Board will need to review but asks that Mark follow up  and get the process moving.
- Mark notes a few items of clarification after last night's mini town meeting. 1) "dispose to the highest responsible bidder" does not exclude a trade in. 2) the Planning Board  chose to go with the minimum number of allowed licenses in the proposed marijuana  bylaw. Per GL, Cheshire is allowed either 2 or 7 retail alcohol licenses (2 all-alcohol and 5  beer and wine only). So, either way, 20% still comes out to one license per category,  which is in the CCC's regulation.
- Mark communicated with the Highway Union negotiator and she agreed to include the language that was discussed last week. AFSCME union representative Nadine Kennedy  will be here next Tuesday at 9:00AM to meet with Mark and the Highway Department  members to, hopefully, sign an agreement.

- Donna DeFino, Planning Board Chair, discusses the upcoming Annual Town Meeting warrant article to amend the Zoning Bylaws with the addition of a comprehensive marijuana bylaw. Her fear is that the meeting will get bogged down by proponents. ESJ responds that, as Moderator, the discussion will be kept to the subject of land use and not the merits or detriments of marijuana use. Furthermore, only Town residents will be allowed to speak. ESJ adds that the Planning Board should be prepared for possible amendments from the town meeting floor.
- Chief of Police Timothy Garner drops of his weekly activity report and asks the Board to appoint Amilo Justino as a part-time police officer for the normal probationary period. CF, based on the Chief's recommendation, makes a motion to appoint Mr. Justino as a part-time Cheshire police officer. RC seconds the motion. Vote taken, 3-0 in favor.
- CF notes that Gillette Brothers will be providing amusement rides at the July 7th Cheese Festival and that they carry the required liability insurance.
- Resident Mark Biagini asks why the Cheshire Police don't run more radar in the downtown area instead of Rte 8 and Fred Mason Rd. Board will pass along the concern to the Chief of Police.
- Resident Fred Jayko states that the used clothing depository in the Cheshire School parking lot is overflowing and is a mess. Blair Crane responds he's requested that the shed be removed if it can't be emptied regularly.
- RC states that after the Annual Town Meeting, he'd like to pick up the pace on the Green Communities initiative. Opportunities are available for energy costs savings which the Town should qualify for.
8:05 PM: With no additional business to come before the Board, CF makes a motion  to adjourn the meeting. ESJ seconds the motion. Vote taken, 3-0 in favor.
      
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 Groundsv
  1. - Minutes: May 29, 2018
  2. - Minutes: May 22, 2018
  3. - Minutes: May 15, 2018
  4. - Minutes: May 1, 2018