PRUDENTIAL COMMITTEE MEETING MINUTES
SEPTEMBER 29, 2007
(Approved 10/27/2007)
Members Present: Ken Einhorn, Jaime Garanzuay, Joe Gaze, Jeff Kotkin, Richard Pryor
Others Present: Jeanne W. Pryor (Clerk/Treasurer); Caroline Whitbeck
The meeting was called to order at 9:05 a.m. by Chair, Ken Einhorn, noting that a quorum was present. Ken thanked Jeff for chairing the July meeting. The Chair noted that the committee’s August 25 meeting was cancelled due to a lack of a quorum. He reminded committee members to contact the district clerk if they will be unable to attend a scheduled meeting. The reading of the minutes was waived. It was moved and seconded to accept the minutes of the Prudential Committee meeting of July 28, 2007, and the motion passed unanimously.
The Treasurer’s Report as distributed (attached) was presented. As of 9/25/07 the balance of all accounts is $47,801.62. Jeanne noted that, in August, the District received $21,086.96 for the April Nor’easter/FEMA. There was a discussion of current available funds. Ken thanked Richard and Jeanne for their work in obtaining reimbursement from FEMA and the process was discussed. It was moved and seconded to accept the Treasurer’s Report and the motion passed unanimously.
Warrant 2008-2 in the amount of $3,269.42 was reviewed and signed by the Committee. Ken noted that bills can only be paid by signing the warrant at a meeting of the Prudential Committee where a quorum is present and noted the Open Meeting Law.
The Road Superintendent’s report (attached) was presented by Richard Pryor. Richard noted that Hazard Mitigation grants are available from MEMA and we have submitted a pre-application for a grant to replace culverts/spillways in the Greens (approximately $252,000). We now have a listing of all culverts under roads in the Greens. The snowplow contract for 2007-8 has been signed by Always Growing. The following estimates for work needed to be done this fall have been received and they were discussed by the committee:
1. Blow out ditches ($920)
2. Blow out culverts ($1,450)
3. Cut & remove brush/overhanging limbs on specified roads ($3,700)
4. Grade/rake/roll and/or add material:
a) Old Abbey off Johnson RD w/ material ($2,500)
b) Long Bow LN E to Shuttle Cock ($950)
c) Entranceway ($1,150)
d) Silver Leaf Sec 2 to top of hill ($1,950)
e) Deer Trail w/ material ($2,400)
f) Long Bow LN W from oil & stone to S turn ($1,850)
g) Silver Shield, 3” of gravel ($4,500)
Richard recommended that we oil & stone the entranceway next year. Jeff asked if ditches could be deepened on Long Bow LN E in the area that has been washed out twice and discussion followed. We currently have a NOI and plans on file to address this problem. Runoff from Johnson RD and FY08 appropriations were discussed. It was moved and seconded to approve funding for the estimates noted above (items 1-4) and the motion passed unanimously. Following discussion it was moved and seconded to appoint Jaime Garanzuay as Assistant Road Superintendent and the motion passed unanimously. Ken asked that a letter be sent to a property owner informing him that he is not to contact our vendor concerning road district work. The issue of the rocks moved from the intersection
of Long Bow LN W and Deer Trail was discussed. The rocks have been moved to the entranceway. Discussion followed on the fence now being erected at that intersection and whether or not it is a sight hazard and/or will be a snowplowing problem. Ken asked that a letter be sent to the Town of Becket Building Inspector with our concerns. Discussion followed on the problem of trucks turning around in the entranceway. It was agreed that Richard will contact the Mass. Highway Department about this problem. The snowplow contract was signed by the Chair. It was moved and seconded to approve the Road Superintendent’s report and the motion passed unanimously.
Lakes Report – Volunteer weed harvesting on Longbow Lake and the possible purchase of weed harvesting equipment was discussed. A concern was expressed about Silver Shield Lake which was ¾ covered by bladderwort this summer in addition to being completely surrounded by phragmites, noting that this lake has never received any treatment. It was suggested that price quotes be obtained for weed harvesting of this lake. Jeanne noted that we may be DEP fee exempt and has sent a letter to them about this. Discussion followed on phragmite removal and the need to rake and not leave fragments behind after cutting. Following discussion, it was noted that we currently have a permit for hand pulling nuisance aquatic vegetation. A discussion of weed harvesting to manage aquatic
vegetation on all lakes followed and it was noted that homeowners have to be part of the solution. Caroline suggested that information about equipment that homeowners can use to manage aquatic vegetation near their homes be put in the newsletter. Discussion followed on whether equipment should be purchased to be available on site or if a company should be hired for weed harvesting. Richard suggested that the committee designate someone to be the contact and steward for lake issues. The area, timing and treatment of phragmites was discussed. Jeff will follow up on details about the harvesting equipment for our next meeting and Jeanne will request estimates from vendors for weed harvesting on the lakes so that we can budget for next year.
Other Business -
§ The message box for the entrance was discussed at a cost of approximately $300. It was agreed that Jeff will purchase the message box.
§ The Committee agreed to send a thank you letter to John Perusse for his assistance in cleaning up food that was dumped in the Greens.
§ A complaint from a resident about unrestrained dogs in the Greens was discussed. The phone number for Becket Animal Control was provided. Dog owners not picking up after their dogs and/or littering was also discussed. It was suggested that these concerns be addressed in the district’s newsletter.
Correspondence as listed on the agenda was reviewed and discussed.
The next meeting of the Prudential Committee is scheduled for October 27, 2007. It was moved and seconded to adjourn the meeting. The motion passed unanimously and the meeting was adjourned at 11:20 a.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Jeanne W. Pryor, District Clerk
NOTE: Attachments are filed with the District’s permanent records and are available from the District Clerk.
| 
