Others Present: Dana Kennan TA,
Behind the Camera: Bruce Weston
Selectmen Absent: Tony Léger
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Call to order: 7:05 P.M.
Paul Korpita Chairman and Keith Berman of the Veterans Memorial
Committee presented rough drawings of a proposed memorial on the southeast side
of the Town Office Building lawn that is approx. 44’ from the street and will
be approx. 7’ high. The board told the committee to proceed with its work.
Lorin Star, Chairman of the Library Building Committee informed the
board that last Tuesday the Job Superintendent did not like the look of the
soil and asked for the soil reports. The Geo Technical Engineers need to
forward in writing what needs to be done to satisfy the soil compaction
requirements and to pour foundations.
Ms. Star will keep the board updated.
Chairman Star also informed the board that the tile for the Old Library
roof had arrived last week and the roofing process should start this week.
Carol DiNinno of Mass Historic will be in town next week to review the progress
of this project.
Approved the Minutes of April 7, 2003 Motion Mr. Kelley Second Mr. Fydenkevez Vote Unanimous of those
present
Approved the Minutes of April 9, 2003
Motion Mr. Kelley Second Mr. Fydenkevez Vote Unanimous of those present
Town Administrator reported that the Wal-Mart Corporation through the
efforts of Cindy Bennett of the Selectmen’s staff had awarded a $1,000 grant to
the Sunderland Elementary School in addition to the playground equipment and
games they had previously donated. Wal-Mart has been proactive in keeping abreast
of the conditions of the school in Sunderland. A letter of appreciation is
enclosed for the board’s signature.
Senate Bill 1967, a Governors Bill allowing Sunderland to hold its town
meetings in Deerfield was passed by the Legislature and signed by Acting
Governor Kerry-Healy April 10th with time to spare to hang the
Special Town Meeting Warrant.
Voted to grant the Town Administrator a 3% Cost of Living Raise with
other non-represented town employees.
Motion Mr. Kelley Second Mr. Fydenkevez Vote 2-0
Finance Committee informed the board that the FY04 Budget will not
require a Proposition 2 ½ Override as presented by them.
Several citizens expressed concerns that the school project had all the
making of the Greenfield Middle School Project and were concerned about the
effects on the tax rate, the health of the staff, and wanted a mold free
guarantee when the school was reconstructed.
They asked what the alternatives would be if the article does not pass
at town meeting? Mr. Fydenkevez responded that we were looking at three
alternate plans, back in September of 2003, not back until September of 2004,
and a minimum of three years with a new building. Peter Gagarin asked why a Debt Exclusion vote had not been
set? Mr. Fydenkevez replied that the
timing was not there to do it at the time due to the lead time for ballots.
An informational meeting will be held at Fellowship Hall of the
Sunderland Congregational Church at 7:00 PM on April 23, 2003 to present
informatoin on the School Construction Project.
Adjournment: On a
motion by Mr. Kelley Second Mr. Fydenkevez unanimously voted to adjourn at
9:05pm
Respectfully submitted
Dana W. Kennan
Town Administrator
Approved_____________________________