Selectboard Minutes
Town of New Salem Selectboard
Meeting Minutes
January 2, 2019
Stowell Building, New Salem, MA 01355
Convened: 7:00 pm
Present: Randy Gordon, chair, Wayne Hachey, Selectboard; Nancy Aldrich, Town Coordinator; Ken Bright; Nancy Slator; Judith Northup-Bennett, Claire McGinnis, Library Trustees; Kathy Soule-Regine, Broadband Committee
Selectboard Reviewed & Signed the Following:
Ø Payroll & Vendor Warrants
Ø Minutes from December 17th meeting
Ø Community Compact Grant Contract
Library Trustee Vacancy
The Board met with Judith Northup-Bennett and Claire McGinnis regarding the Library Trustee vacancy. They proposed that the Board appoint Eli MacCullagh, a resident of North Main Street and frequent library patron with young children, to the position. The Board agreed and signed the appointment slip. Eli will serve until the next election, at which time he will need to take out nomination papers and run to complete the term.
Claire also noted that a meeting of the Capital Planning Committee has been scheduled for January 14th at a time to be determined. Claire, Gabe Voelker, Adam Laipson, and Wayne Hachey have volunteered to be on the committee.
Request for Town Counsel Review of Contract
Kathy Soule-Regine asked the Board for permission to have Town Counsel review the proposed contract between WiredWest and the town for operation of broadband system. WiredWest and Westfield Gas and Electric currently have a contract with one another; the contract with the town will close the circle between the three entities. The Board agreed to have K-P law review the document.
Special Town Meeting Warrant
The Board reviewed and signed the Special Town Meeting Warrant. The meeting is scheduled for 7 pm on January 21st. It includes articles for bills of prior year, funding for a used Highway Department vehicle, and a request to appoint a Municipal Light Plant Board.
FRCOG Local Technical Assistance Survey
Nancy Aldrich noted that the FRCOG has asked the Selectboard to complete the annual DLTA survey, prioritizing any upcoming projects that may require technical assistance from the FRCOG. Nancy will scan and email the survey for Board members to review; further discussion will take place at the January 14th meeting.
Community Compact Grant/Request from FRCOG
Bob Dean from FRCOG has asked the towns currently using the FRCOG’s accounting services to apply for a Community Compact grant to provide funding to expand the accounting program. If successful, this grant would make it possible to change a part-time accountant’s position to a full-time one; it would also provide additional training opportunities. The Board agreed to support this request, and Nancy Aldrich will follow-up with Bob on the next steps.
Upon motion made and seconded, the meeting adjourned at 7:25 pm
Respectfully submitted,
Nancy Aldrich
Town Coordinator