Selectmen's Weekly Minutes

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

September 4, 2018
6:30PM

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

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 August 28, 2018 meeting minutes as corrected. Robert seconds the motion. A unanimous vote was taken.

Highway Superintendent, Blair Crane:
Weekly Activity Log submitted for 8/29/18 – 9/4/18.
- Continuing to mow grounds and roadsides.
- Assisted in weed removable. Completion took five (5) days.
- Culvert repairs to start this week on Curran, School, and Stafford Hill Road.
- Time and effort went into preparing for Cruise Night.  Very well attended and a great event offering.
- Line painting will start.
- Carol notified Blair that in September, the mason will be repair the trough.  Assistance would be appreciated.
- Robert reported to Blair that on August 28, 2018 the resident of 926 West Mountain Road voiced issues with water backing up onto his property.  Blair reported that a curb of asphalt was being installed to rectify the problem.
- Also reported was an issue by Gary Trudeau, owner of property on Outlook Avenue with wash outs and damage to his car.  Robert requested Blair to check out the situation.  Blair is aware of the situation and will report back to the BOS once inspected.
- Robert commented on the neatness of edge walks in town.  Blair commended Andy for the workmanship.
- New roller replacement paid by insurance claim of; $19,279.00.

Town Administrator,  Mark Webber:
- BOS signed paperwork for the BRPC Housing grant.
- Board of Assessors would tentatively like to hold the Annual Tax Classification Hearing on September 18th.
- Voted Ed St. John IV to be the Alternate Delegate to the Berkshire Regional Planning Commission.  A unanimous vote was taken.
- Mark announced his retirement which will be effective around November 1.  A Draft Timeline was submitted for review and discussion.

7:00 PM
Carol read the Legal Notice for Bid-Road Paving Mass. Top and Binder Bituminous Concrete for Wells Road and West Mountain Road.  Although Maple Drive was on the original Bid, Location Omission was stated that all work on Maple Drive is to be omitted from the bid package.  This was due to the State not having Maple Drive in their data base as an accepted road.”Town of Cheshire Road Paving – MA.  Top and Binder Bituminous Concrete and/or Full Depth Reclamation”.

Warner Bros., LLC, 325 Amherst Road, PO Box 91, Sunderland, MA 01375

Full Depth Reclamation with Calcium Chloride and fine graded price per square yard:    $ 3.75
Bituminous Concrete Price per ton:                            $85.00
Total Sum Bid Amount                                       $145,247.50    

J. H. Maxymillian, Inc.,1801 East Street, Pittsfield, MA 01201             no bid
                                         $86.16
                                         $126,819.00

The Lane Construction Corporation, 311 E. Mountain Rd., Westfield, MA 01086  no bid
                                         $86.00
                                         $131,150.00

Garnty Asphalt Reclaiming, Inc., 22 Peter Road, Bloomfield, CT 06002         $5.25 per sy
                                         n/b
                                         $5.25 sy FDR  w/calcium and fine grade

DelSignore Blacktop Paving, Inc., 42 Brick Church Rd., Troy, NY 12180         $8.00 per sy
                                         $93.00/per ton
                                         $175,153.00

HMA Contracting Corp., PO 151, Mechanicville, NY                             no bid
                                                         $86.40
                                             $131,760.00

Upon completing of the opening of the Bids, Carol motioned to close the opening and to refer the bids to Highway Superintendent, Blair Crane for review; 2nd by Robert with a unanimous vote taken.
On Tuesday, September 11, 2018 Blair will make a recommendation to the BOS as to the awarding of this project.

Christine Emerson:  At Primary Polls.

Chief of Police, Timothy Garner:  Report submitted.    
- Requested a letter be sent to E. Jusino for a 90 day appointment.  Carol motion to approve the 90 day extension; 2nd by Robert with a unanimous vote taken.

Mail and Correspondence:
- Charter Communications check for $2,744.05 received.
- Donovan O’Connor & Dodig, LLP regarding Fence Viewing.
- Thank you card received from Kayla Garabedian for the honor and appreciation of receiving the Cheshire Grange Scholarship this year.
- With regret, the Cheshire Board of Selectmen accepted the resignation letter from Laurie J. Charon, as Assessor for twelve years.  The BOS wish Laurie and her family much happiness in their relocation.  Laurie’s efforts and dedication as an Assessor are greatly appreciated.  The resignation will be in effect as of September 18, 2018.
- Town Clerk, Christine Emerson submitted the schedule for the Primary Election Polls Staff.

Carol discussed the imperative repairs needed as soon as possible to the Cheshire Fire house.  Although originally thought the costs would be $17K it appears the cost will now be in the range of $70-$90K.
A Special Town Meeting will be scheduled to address the asking for the cost to come from the Stabilization Fund.

Carol reported:
- Martino Glass has been called for the repair of the shattered basement Town Hall door.
- Carol will be calling Pat Klammer regarding a leak in the Town Hall and the status of the steam return lines leaking at the school.  Blair reported that the school has 22K gallons of oil at the school.

Resident, Peter Traub:
- Reported calling the Cheshire Animal Control Officer on July 25, 2018 and to this date has received no call back.  Carol will investigate.

Mr. Jayko:
- Questioned what the plans were for negating the over abundance of weed growth at the lake.
- Questioned if there was a proactive plan in place for West Nile mosquitoes.  From what Carol knew, the State’s management was by spraying- which is very expensive. Should the State make a determination, that notice would be sent to the Cheshire Board of Health and dispersed accordingly.

The Rent Control Hearing will take place on Thursday, September 6, 2018 at 7pm at the Cheshire Community Center.


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

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

August 28, 2018
6:30PM

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

Board conducts the business session of the meeting by reviewing and approving weekly payroll and vendor warrants.
 
6:30PM
Robert opens the regular portion of the meeting.
Robert makes a motion to accept the Board’s August 28, 2018 meeting minutes. Ed seconds the motion. A unanimous vote was taken.

Highway Superintendent, Blair Crane:
- Continue to mow grounds and or roadsides. (Lanesborough Road, Jenks Road.)
- Weed eradication detail at lake.
- Ditch cleaning/catch basin clearing/culver inspections
- Cemetery/dig Wells burial.
- Repair and maintain equipment.
- Tabled Maple Drive paving until application is confirmed by the State.
- Chapter 90 paperwork for line stripping.  
    
Planned Roads:
(Existing)    Lanesborough Road (Town Line to Route 8)    9735 feet X2 double yellow= 19,470 LF
(Existing)    Church Street (Rt.8 to Main/Wells Bridge)    3800 x2= 7600 LF
(Existing)    Wells Road (Dublin to Scenic Overlook)        4500 x2= 9,000 LF
(New)        Wells Road (East Harbor Road to Rt. 116)    6500 x 2= 13,000 LF
(New)        Windsor/Sand Mill Road (XXXXX to Fales Road)    6,000 x2=12,000LF
(Existing)    East Main Street/Windsor Road (Main Street    3,500 x2= 7,000 LF
        to Notch Road)    
68,070  Lineal feet of 4” line painting                $26,547.30

- Culvert repairs start next week on Curran, School and Stafford Hill Road.            
 
Town Administrator,  Mark Webber: Vacation

Resident Peter Traub:
- Thanked the highway and the Town for harvesting the Tape Weed from the lake.

Donna Defino, Cheshire Planning Board Chairman:
- Updated the BOS on the August 27, 2018 Continuation Hearings.  The Ayotte proposal was approved with Order of Conditions.  The vote was four (4) Yea; and one (1) Nay. The Board has fourteen days to submit the Decision to the Town Clerk and then there is a twenty day timeframe for an appeal from the posting date on the document.  Attorney Andrew Hotchberg will be in contact with Town Counsel, Ed St. John III to have the court hearing scheduled for September 18, 2018.  Regarding the Karen Scholz solar array project, information was received as late as 5:45pm on the 27th.  There was no time for the board to read the documents and with the changes and inability to match changes consistently throughout the presentation and documents, the Board will hold a Special Meeting on Monday, September 10, 2018 to receive updated concise information that is clearly stated and not as it was on the 27th .

Resident, Peter Traub:
- Questioned if the town should have a maximum of array farms?

Resident, Mr. Jennings:
- Voiced that the projects are negative on the town and how many more can the town have?

Donna:
- Noted that nothing says now that you can’t do it.  Two (2) acres versus twenty is massive.  Twenty acres is very conspicuous.  Light Industrial is the best place.  There is a need to revisit the bylaws and to try to keep Cheshire as Cheshire for the future.

Christine Emerson:  No issues or concerns.
- Requested the posting of a cultural council survey to go on the Cheshire website.

Chief of Police, Timothy Garner:  Report submitted.

Resident, Mike Golan, 926 Curran Road, Cheshire, MA.
- Reported having a six (6) inch stream of water behind his house.  He questioned if berms could be cut in the fall.  Robert will be asking Blair that question on September 4, 2018 and he will make a site visit before that date. Mr. Golan also suggested a berm outside and higher so the water does not enter his property.

Resident, Peter Traub:
- The Cheshire COA continues to wait for a response from COA Director of Adams, Erica regarding the $1,500 Cheshire allotted for the research if the use would be recommended for Cheshire.
    
Cheshire Cemetery Commission submitted a Recommendation Letter for the hiring of Wyatt Furey for the position of mower for the Main Cheshire Cemetery.  

7:15PM    With no additional business to come before the Board, Robert 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

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

August 21, 2018
6:00PM Open Meeting
In Attendance: Robert S. Ciskowski, Carol A. Francesconi
Absent: Ed St. John IV       
Press: iBerkshires and The Berkshire 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 August 14, 2018 meeting minutes.
       Robert seconds the motion. A unanimous vote was taken.
Highway Superintendent, Blair Crane:
- Reported 65% of work week for vacations/sick time/and other time off.
- Ditch cleaning/grading roads.
- Mowed school, town properties and weed wacked.
- Wells Road drainage/catch basins were inspected and are in good shape.
- Blair was able to find a replacement roller within the allotted budget.
 
Town Administrator,  Mark Webber:
- Received several certificates of insurance from MIIA, specifically one for the BRTA.
- Received a call from the Berkshire Eagle seeking a comment on a shooting in October Mountain State Forest of a Cheshire resident.  Mark referred the call to the State Police who are the lead investigators.
- Town of North Attleboro called seeking advice on how to set up a Rent Control Board.
- Gave a Tenant's Petition for a Rent Reduction to a Pine Valley tenant.  The individual planned to present to the BOS this evening.
- Followed through on processing the Green Acres transference of their liquor license.  The date of the Hearing will be 7:15pm on 9/11/18.  Town Hall.
- Mark spent considerable time with the Mass Highway District 1 office in Lenox and with several people at the DOT in an attempt to resolve Maple Drive not being listed in the State's database as an approved road eligible for Chapter 90 reimbursement. Appropriate paperwork has been filed with District 1 to get Maple Drive on the approved list.  A District 1 State Aid suggested strongly putting an addendum to all the bidders who've taken out bid packages and delete Maple Drive from this paving project.  Mark felt that there was little likelihood that Boston would process the paperwork by the time we seek Chapter 90 project reimbursement.  1.  Take a chance and go forward and hope the paperwork is processed by the time we file for reimbursement.  2.  Pay for the Maple Drive portion out of appropriated Town Highway Department funds.  The Bid opening is September 4th.  The BOS decided to wait until Monday when the
Lenox employee returns from vacation. 
Town Administrator, Mark Webber:  continued
- Mark questioned the Town's policy on taking home Town laptops to do work from home.  The BOS suggested using a flash drive and to leave Town equipment in place.
- Scheduled a call for 8/22/18 with MIIA claims adjuster to give her an update on our two (2) current claims and to better understand how to handle payroll and Workmen's Compensation benefits.
- Attempting to schedule a meeting with contractors to view the school with Blair.
Carol reported having a conversation with State Representative, John Barrett III regarding the need for trucks, drivers, and a backhoe to remove the Tape Weeds from the lake.  Representative Barrett is going to assist the project with two (2) trucks and (2) drivers.  The Town backhoe will be used and the Harvester is scheduled to start removing on Thursday morning at 9am.  Peter Traub thanked the BOS on behalf of the lake people saying that they appreciated the good efforts of the BOS.  Gratitude was extended to Representative Barrett. 
Conference Call:  Ed St. John IV
- Carol motioned to hire Wyatt Furey to the Cheshire Cemetery Department; 2nd by Robert.  Carol abstained from voting.  Robert and Ed voted for the hire.
Carol read the minutes from the Cheshire Council on Aging for June 20, 2018 and August 15, 2018.  Carol questioned why the Town Hall does not receive copies of "The Chatter?" Mr. Traub will make sure copies are left off in the future.
Roseanna St. Pierre, Beth DiCarlo, and Ronald Lancia:
- Presented the BOS with a completed Tenant Petition for a Rent Adjustment from Pine Valley Morgan Management.  Discussion took place regarding an upcoming Rent Control Hearing scheduled for Thursday, September 6, 2018 at 7pm at the Cheshire Community Center.  This Hearing is for the review of road conditions and the fact that tenants have been paying monies specifically designated for the paving. A Notice will be hand delivered to each tenant at Pine Valley by a Cheshire Police Officer. Robert stated that this was a long term case and felt Town Council should be made apprised of the Hearing and new circumstances.
Christine Emerson:  No issues or concerns.
Chief of Police, Timothy Garner:  Report submitted.
Mail and Correspondence:
- Invitation from the Eagles to attend a President's Tea on Thursday, August 23, 2018 at 9am.
In the near future, Carol wants to go through the hiring practices and noted that the Cheshire Board of Selectmen is the sole hiring authority.  The BOS will take recommendations, however only the BOS can hire.
Carol would like to schedule a meeting with the new Cheshire Schools Superintendent for the 1st or 9th of October at 6:15PM or at 7PM. A letter will be written.
Cheshire Rod and Gun Club, Christopher Smith:
- Reported that the club is cleaning trees on the thirty-five acres above the first stone wall.  He questioned if they need to file a forest cutting plan with the State.  Robert thought the club had a forester in the past and perhaps there was a plan in place already.  Carol side with no wetlands the Cheshire Conservation Commission has no concerns.
  
7:45PM 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
_______________________________________________________________
Carol A. Francesconi, Chairman
Robert S. Ciskowski, Clerk
Ed St. John IV, Superintendent of Buildings and Grounds
 

August 14, 2018
6:30PM

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

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 August 7, 2018 meeting minutes as corrected. Ed seconds the motion

Highway Superintendent, Blair Crane:
- Submitted Weekly Activity Log for 8/8/18-8/14/18.
- Mowing grounds and or roadsides.
- Wood chipping.
- Repair equipment/maintenance.
- Moved clothes bins from school to Town Shed.
- Cut brush and trees from backstop and School Street fencing.
- Revived grader- flat tires changed. Blair reported that the grader's center pin has movement up to two (2) inches.  It is not a simple fix even if the part can be found.  The cost would be approximately $14K - $15K for a 32 year old machine verses a new machine at $230K.
- Robert requested that the BOS, "Think it over".  Should the equipment be leased for three (3) years it would be equivalent to purchasing a new one.  
- Picked up truck from Delurey's in preparation for the lake tape weed project.
- Ditch cleaning/catch basin clearing (Pleasantview Drive).
- 38% of manpower on vacation/sick time/ or other time off.
- Preparations made for Cruise Night.  Cancelled rescheduled for August 30, 2018.
- Roller was picked up by Liberty Mutual Insurance.  The insurance check is forthcoming.
- Ed noted the lack of manpower and Blair reviewed the reasons why.
- Donna Defino inquired about the road conditions on Lanesborough Road and the timeframe for painting lines in town.  Blair reviewed the cost as being 82 cents a foot for a double line and 41 cents for 4 inch lines.  He also noted that there are different qualities of paint which could add additional costs.
- Resident, F. Jayko, reported that culverts are not working on Wells Road.
- Blair reported stakes disappearing on Jenks Road where National Grid plan to install poles.
- Blair has received four (4) paving bids to date.
- Robert suggested Blair look into possible safety classes the department could attend.

Carol:  
- Reported that she had spoken to State Representative John Barrett III regarding receiving assistance in removing and storing the tape weed that has returned to Cheshire Reservoir.  The SOLitude Lake Management Company, who in the past used a harvester to remove the weeds were notified and would remove the weeds once they mature.  Carol voiced that what is needed is the harvester, trucks, and backhoes.  Should equipment not be available, contracting out the project may be a necessity.
- Another fact is that the weeds clog the fire truck pumps. The highway department has pulled some weeds from the area near the boat ramp.

Town Administrator,  Mark Webber:
- Filed Workmen's Compensation claim on this date.
- Due to a problem with the submittal of Chapter 90 paperwork, Maple Drive does not show up as a town road on the State's inventory.  However, a town meeting vote of 1978 documents approval and acceptance of the 800 foot road.  On May 1979 at the Annual Town Meeting, the remaining 600 feet were approved.  The documentation was forwarded to District 1 and hopefully will sort out in time to allow the project to go forward.  Otherwise, the project will have to be modified and an addendum will have to be sent to all of the bidders who took out plans.
- Received a note from the ACRSD office that they paid this year's Alarms of Berkshire County monitoring bill for the Cheshire School.  This will be added to next year's budget.
- Spoke with BRPC, Eammon regarding the Complete Streets grant denial.  Should the town want to submit a new project, he will work for gratis.  Unfortunately, the Depot Street cannot be resubmitted but he felt the sidewalk to Dublin Road would score well.  Blair, Mark, and Eammon will be meeting.
- Working on Jenks Road shade tree controversy. Carol will call the abutter.

Carol:
- Reported that the Cheshire Historical Commission would like the BOS to appoint an alternate member to the Board as it is difficult to have a quorum.  The CHC recommended the appointment of George Reynolds.  Carol motioned to appoint George Reynolds (Alternate Member) to the Historical Commission; 2nd by Robert with a unanimous vote taken.

7:00PM  Berkshire Boys:
Discussion regarding the signing of a Host Agreement for the cultivation of marijuana with the Berkshire Boys on 128 Fales Road, Cheshire, MA 01201.  A few minor changes will be made and signing be decided upon once all State rules and requirements are met.  The group plans on developing up to a Tier 2 under 10,000 square feet operation. In the future the group may become interested in a retail business also.  The building on Fales Road will be a steel building in a proposed 7,500 square foot no window structure.  The structure will blend in with the aesthetics of the farm land surroundings.
- The operation plans to hire four (4) to ten (10) employees with a start up time in spring.
- Regarding security and transportation the group noted strict rules by the State.
- The Berkshire Boys will come back before the BOS once they receive approvals by the State.  At that time signage of the Host Agreement can take place.
- Mark asked if there was a cap on the amount of licenses available.  Jacob Zieminski reported, "No".  An updated business plan will be sent to the BOS.

A tentative meeting with residents of Pine Valley Mobile Home Park was cancelled due to a conflict with the businesses attorney.  Pine Valley is in the process of submitting to the town in a week or two documentation regarding possible differences of opinion on the finances/road conditions.  Once received a meeting will take place with residents.
- Robert visited the site and noted that roads have to be ground up and paved.  "The pot holes are incredible".
- Tentative Meeting:  Thursday, September 6, 2018 Cheshire Community Center at 6:30PM.

Emergency Water Repair Bid:
- No bids were received.

One day liquor license issued to Whitney's Farm Stand.  $50.00

Christine Emerson: No issues or concerns.

Chief of Police, Timothy Garner:  Report submitted.

Mail and Correspondence:
- Emailed received from a resident regarding the operation of the Trash Compacter. When questioned when something would be done by a member of the audience, Carol said, "Issues are being addressed".

Cheshire COA, Peter Traub:
- The BOS notified Peter that the two (2) weeks of salary owed to the coordinator will be paid from the Council on Aging account.
        
8:00PM    
With no additional business to come before the Board, Carol made a motion toadjourn the meeting.  Ed seconds the motion.  A unanimous vote was taken.

Respectfully Submitted,

Carole A. Hilderbrand, Board of Selectmen’s Secretary

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

August 7, 2018
6:00PM Open Meeting
In Attendance: Robert S. Ciskowski, Carol A. Francesconi, and Ed St. John IV
Absent:       
Press: iBerkshires
                  
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 July 31, 2018 meeting minutes.
       Robert seconds the motion.
Resident, Steven LaFogg:
- Thanked Highway Superintendent, Blair Crane, for his quick response and excellent repairs to a washout on West Mountain Road.
Several residents of Maple Drive attended tonight’s meeting to voice their needs for paving their street. Blair explained his schedule for road repairs and paving.
 
Highway Superintendent, Blair Crane:
- Submitted Weekly Activity Log for 8/1/18-8/7/18.
- Researching prices of a new roller. 
- Awaiting on salt pricing from the county bid procurement system.
- Meeting with residents at Shadowland Cover this week to continue design phase.
- Waiting on numbers from John Deere/Grader.
- Continuing to work on an action plan for snow removal.
- Continuing to mow roadsides as weather permits.  Wells and East Harbor Roads are completed. Lanesborough Road is next on the schedule.
- Working with National Grid on Jenks Road pole project.
- Pot hole/paving repairs.
- Wood chipping.
- Repair equipment/maintenance.
- Paperwork/Planning phase of three asphalt project as well as road striping and culvert work.
Paving: 
- Wells Road (from Main to just east of Dublin - 1900').
- West Mountain Road (From Curran Road to the east 1500').
- Maple Drive (entire roadway-1400').
Highway Superintendent, Blair Crane:  continued
Culverts:
- Curran Road - Catch Basin repair and 60' culvert replacement.
- School Street/Richardson Street - 40' total replacement with ADA sidewalk.
- Stafford Hill Road - culvert and curb repair at the bottom.
Road Striping:
- Wells Road (North End)
- Windsor Road (New pavement-east end)
This evenings Berkshire Boys meeting regarding a Host Agreement was cancelled and they requested to meet on Tuesday, August 14, 2018 at 7pm.  Meeting change confirmed.
  
Town Administrator,  Mark Webber:
- The BOS unanimously voted to lock in heating oil at $2.56/gallon.  Last year 21,000 gallons at the Cheshire School and 1,700 gallons at the Police Station and; 2,500 gallons at Town Hall/Annex were used.
- Letter received from Kraus and Hummel. A Hearing was scheduled for Saturday, August 25, 2018 at the Cheshire Community Center by the Cheshire Rent Control Board.
- Mark suggested scheduling a Shade Tree Hearing for two (2) weeks from tonight.  The abutter and National Grid will be notified. (Jenks Road pole project).
- Two (2) laptops have arrived for the Cemetery Department and the Animal Control Officer.  A used printer will go with the Cemetery laptop.
- Filed a Workmen’s Compensation claim for a highway worker following a missed work event taking place last Wednesday. A doctor’s note saying the individual can return to work on 8/27/18 has been requested.
- Spoke to Michelle at Complete Streets regarding the town’s failed application.  Mark inquired about why Cheshire did not score well.  She said there was a decrease pool of funds and the competition was stronger. She suggested we apply again and top focus more heavily on the three (3) key aspects of Mobility, Safety and Equity.  Mark will be in contact with Eammon at BRPC to review the outcome.
Christine Emerson:  No issues or concerns.
Chief of Police, Timothy Garner:  Report submitted.
Fire Chief, Thomas Francesconi:
- Ed reported that Douglas J. Wooliver & Sons, Inc. submitted a bid from David J. Tierney, III for repair to 1/3 section of the Cheshire Fire Station.  Their cost for framing carpentry work is $64,566.00. Included was $5,000 for plumbing rework and $5,000 for electrical rework allowances in their price for electrical and plumbing.
- Chief Francesconi discussed further the condition and safety factors in moving forward with the project.
- For deck repairs, engineering to complete the job it will probably be $24K with a total of $95K.
- Ed will be contacting Adams Hines to see if there are any grants to assist.  The need to understand the condition of the whole building is pertinent.

Mail and Correspondence:
- Completed and mailed to the DEP a WPA Emergency Certification Form for the installation of screen over culvert to prevent beavers from blocking culvert, thus causing flooding of the adjacent body of water.  All work done by hand.
Carol:
- Requested Biggs Waterman to attend the meeting.  The BOS wanted an update as to what the Water Departments plans were for working on Depot Street.  He said there were 15-20 homes serviced and Travis is developing a plan that should be done by spring.
Mark submitted to Blair a copy of the Road Paving Bid.  The opening will be on September 4, 2018 at 7PM.
Robert:
- Questioned Blair about the boom mower and its ability to work. Blair reported that it is, “Working great”.
- Questioned if there was a truck ban on Stewart White Road.  It was reported to be in the system at BRPC.
- Robert wanted the BOS to think over a concept he has worked on regarding a letter received a few months ago from the Hutchinson Water Company.  The company was interested in the Town of Cheshire taking over ownership.  Although the BOS and the Water Department had little interest at the time, Robert had been mulling over the concept of water needs south of the town and the creation of an industrial/manufacturing areas.  He also could see it as a backup for the town. Research of the company would have to been completed as to DEP non-compliance issues, pipe conditions, and tank conditions.  Robert asked that the topic be reconsidered.
Resident, Lynn Clairmont:
- Displayed photos of a full culvert with debris coming from across the road on Pleasantview Drive. Blair will make a site visit on 8/8/18.
Resident, Peter Traub:
- Questioned Blair Crane regarding a property on Lakeshore Drive that is experiencing wash out on the edge of the property and by the driveway.  Carol visited the site and agreed with Blair that it is not the Town’s responsibility.  Blair will be grading the road for emergency vehicles to have access.  Peter said, “It is the road and it has always been repaired”.  Blair responded that it is an unapproved road and it will be maintained for access of emergency vehicles”.
- Reported that he spoke to Ray Fisher regarding the need for the lake to be harvest again from Tape Weeds.  Solitude has been contacted and Mr. Fisher is awaiting a response from the company as to the best practices for removal, costs, treatment, and who will be paying the bill.  Robert felt that not many years ago a mesh was being used.  He will be checking out the situation this weekend and will be reporting back to the BOS. 

8:30PM 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
_______________________________________________________________
Carol A. Francesconi, Chairman
Robert S. Ciskowski, Clerk
Ed St. John IV, Superintendent of Buildings and Grounds
 

July 31, 2018
 
6:00PM Open Meeting
In Attendance: Robert S. Ciskowski, Carol A. Francesconi, and Ed St. John IV
Absent:       
Press: The Berkshire Eagle  and iBerkshires
                  
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 July 24, 2018 meeting minutes as corrected. Robert seconds the motion.
 

Highway Superintendent, Blair Crane: On vacation
 Weekly Activity Log submitted for 7/25/18-7/31/18.
- For the week 35% of hours were spent on vacation, sick, and other time off.
- Continuing to mow grounds and or roadsides.
- Installed Appalachian Trail sign @ Furnace Road.
- Painted guard rail on Sand Mill Bridge.
- Curran Road repair.
- Check roads and catch basins- heavy rain due.
- Brough Road graded Monday July 30, 2018.
- Truck #4 at Delurey’s.  Transmission issue was a faulty wiring causing a malfunction.
- Truck #2 (Ford) getting DEF tank replaced.  Needs inspection.  Rusted through.
- Community Center's dishwasher repair is in progress.

Resident, Kurt Haswell:
- Requested the town cut high grass on Dublin Road and Wells Road.  The BOS will discuss his concerns with Blair on 8-7-18.

The Berkshire Boys meeting regarding a Host Agreement cancelled and they requested to meet on Tuesday, August 7, 2018 at 7pm.  Meeting confirmed.

Carol:
- Read a letter from Ray Fisher, Chairman of the Hoosac Lake Recreation/Preservation District regarding the treatment for weed growth on Tuesday, July 31, 2018.


Town Administrator,  Mark Webber:
- Completed a credit application for Water Department for FW Webb plumbing supplies.  Travis needs to purchase a booster pump to replace one that hasn't been working along Route 8.
- State Representative, John Barrett III, acknowledged receipt of documents related to the 3 to 5 Selectmen' s change.  A package will be mailed to him on Friday and he will start the process along with Senator Adam Hinds as the Bill's co sponsor.
- Dropped off a copy of the current lease agreement for Cheshire School space.  The lease runs out at the end of August.
- Certificates of insurance arrived for the COA van and BRTA.
- Driveway Permit for Nick Mirke at Lot C-Windsor Road, Cheshire was approved as it already existed.
- Reviewed all town email addresses in the system.  The Police Chief will be reporting back as to changes he would like to make.  The Cheshire Cemetery Department already has an email account set up.
- Cheshire was awarded the DHCD grant for the housing rehabilitation assistance program.  We are awaiting the official contract from the State which includes a conditions document.  The effective start date of the grant is July 1, 2018 and ends 18 months later.  DHCD does grant extensions in the event that more time is needed to get projects finished.  Interested parties can contact Patricia Mullins at Berkshire Regional Planning Commission at:  413-442-1521.
- Discussed with Blair and the National Grid Company and an issue about utility poles to be installed along Jenks Road.  As Tree Warden, he was notified by NGrid that a tree across from the Hitters needs to come down.  Blair indicates that it is within the Town's right of way.  However, the abutters prefer that the tree not be removed.  He suggests scheduling a Shade Tree Hearing (GL Ch 87) to avoid problems.  Mark is compiling a file with the hearing process along with deed and property card information.
- Blair informed Mark that the highway department roller was covered for full replacement value.  Will be getting the original Bill of Sale from Becky.
- Created a spreadsheet of FY 18 Carry Forward requests for review and provided a copy to Lynn.
- Submitted a statement to the BOS regarding repairs to the Town Hall elevator.  A quote of $635 was received and discussed by the BOS as to what the actual repairs to be performed by the company.

Christine Emerson:  
- BOS signed Primary paperwork for September.

Chief of Police, Timothy Garner:  Report submitted.

Issued eight (8) one (1) day liquor licenses to the Cheshire Rod and Gun Club.  $400.

Mail and Correspondence:
- Two (2) DCR Forest Cutting Plans for Farnams Goodlife Corporation. (Start: 5-4-18 and 6-29-18)  File Number:  058-9433-18.
- Equalized Valuation (EQV) proposal.  Online:   https://dlsgateway.dor.state.ma.us/gateway/DLSPublic/LA19.
- Congratulations on FY18 CDBG Award from BRPC for housing rehabilitation. Amount is approximately $998K and is to be shared with New Marlboro. Cheshire will receive approximately $600K and New Marlboro, $200K.  The balance is for administration and project delivery by BRPC.

Robert:  
- Questioned if the Cheshire Boat Parade was well attended.  Those present commented that it was a great success with attendance and planned family activities.

7:15PM    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
Carol A. Francesconi, Chairman
Robert S. Ciskowski, Clerk
Ed St. John IV, Superintendent of Buildings and Grounds
 
  1. - Minutes: July 17, 2018
  2. - Minutes: July 10, 2018
  3. - Minutes: July 3, 2018
  4. - Minutes: June 26, 2018