Board of Selectmen
April 16, 2008
Minutes
Members present: William Cavanaugh, Doug Walter, John Murray
Others Present: Richard Furlong, Blanche Lennington, Beth Van Ness, Colleen O’Connor
7:00 PM Meeting opened. Reviewed minutes. John motioned to accept minutes of April 2, 2008, Doug seconded. All in favor.
John motioned to sign the warrants for the Special Town Meeting, the Annual Town Meeting and the Annual Town Election, Doug seconded. All in favor.
John motioned to sign the Chapter 90 Project Request in the amount of $172,500.00 for Quarry Road Reconstruction, Doug seconded. All in favor.
Public Input: None.
The Selectmen reviewed the changes to the Proposed Housing Rehabilitation Re-Use Program. Richard explained how the program works. Berkshire Housing administers the program. The Selectmen need to approve the qualifications for residents to obtain funding. Richard advised that septic system repairs used to be included in the program but the town has a septic system loan program so he feels this should not be included in the program. He stated that there are four areas that funding could be available for and they are as follows: roof repairs, boiler/furnace repairs, well repairs and anything that presents eminent danger. Richard recommends that the loans be no more than $8,000. John motioned to approve the changes to the Proposed Housing Rehabilitation Re-Use Program, Doug seconded. All in favor.
Selectmen reviewed the Notice of Speaker for the Berkshire County Selectmen’s Association Dinner Meeting on April 17, 2008.
The Selectmen reviewed letter of resignation from Beth Van Ness from the Water Resources Working Group effective immediately. Doug motioned to accept the resignation, John seconded. All in favor. The Selectmen signed a letter of thanks to Beth.
The Selectmen reviewed the Ambulance Department Request for Write-Off Report. John motioned to initial the Ambulance Department Request for Write-Off Report, Doug seconded. All in favor.
The Selectmen reviewed the Special Permit Application from John and Michael Conboy for the opening of a real estate office in a room at their model home. Beth Van Ness advised that they could not put up a sign until they get a broker’s license. Richard advised that it is not the Planning Board’s job to see if they have a broker’s license. The Planning Board’s job is to see that the Zoning Bylaws are followed. Briefly discussed this matter and Richard advised that the Planning Board could place a contingency on the permit that they cannot put up a sign until they have a broker’s license. Richard also advised that he spoke with Sally Bell regarding the Planning Board sending certified letters to the Town when it is an abutter to an applicant. The applicant
currently needs to cover the cost of sending certified letters to all of its abutters. Instead of the Planning Board sending certified letters to the Town of Becket, all the Selectmen need to do is sign an affidavit stating that they received the notification.
Board of Selectmen
April 16, 2008
Page 2
The Selectmen reviewed the Special Permit Application from Winston and Kathleen Saville for a retail store/antique shop located at addressStreet42 Washington Street. The Selectmen do not have any objections to this.
The Selectmen reviewed the monthly report of the Board of Assessors.
Any other business: Richard advised that there will be a meeting on April 30, 2008 at the Town Hall. The Wahconah Building Needs Study Committee will be at the meeting to discuss what needs to be done to get Wahconah Regional High School back into shape.
Reviewed correspondence.
7:40 PM Doug motioned to adjourn, John seconded. All in favor.
Reviewed payroll/expense warrants.
Respectfully submitted, _______________________________
Nina Weiler, Secretary William F. Cavanaugh, Chairman
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