Selectboard Meeting - May. 6th, 2025

Agenda

1. Call to order
2. Pledge of Allegiance
3. Review and or approve sale of police cruiser or cruisers
4. Budget update
5. Public comment
6. Adjourn

Minutes 

Chair Robert Norcross opened the meeting at 5:30p,

Present were Selectboard members Dan Haskins and Colton Andrews, Town Administrator Ron Boucher, Lieutenant Mark Denault of MCLA, Peter, Diana Worth, Officer Kevin Stant of Adams Police Department.

The Pledge of Allegiance was recited. 

Animal Control Officer Diana Worth has had to respond to several reports regarding 140 Cross Rd.  The residence of Michael Maria.  He doesn’t want to resolve any issues including a kennel license.  He refused an inspection and told her not to park in his driveway. Michael Williams informed Diana, she could fine him.  Colton asked the amount of the maximum fine.  The first offense is $50.  She has videos of the dog going on the neighbor’s property and causing damage.  Ron informed the board there are dead animal carcasses on the deck and Maria will not cooperate at all.  His dogs are loaded with porcupine quills.  Robert mentioned notifying the channel 13 news to advocate against animal abuse.  The State Police, for every phone call regarding animals are referred to the Animal Control Officer.  A magistrate would have to determine if he must pay the fine.  Diana would have to take him to court.  Dan gave Diana his support and recommended bringing a state trooper if she must go to 140 Cross Rd. Dan will contact the State Police to brief them on the situation.  Diana will contact MDAR regarding the situation.  At this point it’s a nuisance.  Greylock animal verified the dogs are up to date on their vaccines. 

The Water monitoring at the landfill company is Santec.  There has been reported a small increase in the lead at the school that requires monitoring.  Santec gave the town a $6,000. Quote for a contract.  The required monitoring is state-mandated.  Hoosac Water Basin quality doesn’t provide detailed sampling at the Community Ctr and the school.

The town has been wanting to sell the police cruiser since March.  The board was waiting for Adams and possibly Cheshire.  The town needs the money for this fiscal year.  Adams requested to buy both vehicles with 2 different payments.  The approval is pending the results from the Adams Selectboard meeting tomorrow.  Adams will have a definitive answer for tomorrow.  Robert feels his word & integrity means a lot for the town.  Dan did hear from Adams that Tuesday afternoon.  Their offer is a little more complex compared to MCLA.  Dan asked them to put their offer in writing for the approval process.  Colton asked if Adams foresaw any issues regarding the meeting tomorrow.  Kevin said no their cruiser operation has been in disrepair.  Mark said MCLA has been ready for a month and thought last week they thought going to purchase the car.  MCLA can hand over a check tomorrow.  Lieutenant Denault would like to move forward with the offer.  Colton asked if there would be a difference if the 2 vehicles were split separate sales.  Officer Stant informed the board that Adams has a canine sitting at home because it doesn’t have a cruiser to ride in.  They believe the Tahoe would be a great reserve piece.  Lieutenant Denault said MCLA has an aging fleet like any other police department. Officer Stant doesn’t foresee the purchase being denied.  Robert believes his word and integrity is at stake by declaring at the last meeting that Adams had to notify the board by 3pm with a decision or the sale goes to MCLA.  Colton believes moving forward these types of transactions should be put out to bid.  Dan did hear from Adams on Tuesday.  Colton agreed but there was a contingency.  Colton believes in selling the cruiser to MCLA and going out to bid on the Tahoe.  Ron believes real money is money in your hands with no contingencies.  Adams is asking for a more complex agreement.  Dan feels that the number is too low for the cruiser ($30,000) moving forward, there should be more communication regarding prices.  Officer Stant asked if Adams was to move forward tomorrow night with approval if it could be tabled for 2 weeks.  Robert recommended voting on the proposal.  Dan feels waiting 24 hours to hear from Adams is appropriate.  Dan is just trying to get the most for the taxpayers. Cheshire offered $35,000. but it must go to the Town Meeting.  Coton motioned to approve the sale to MCLA for $30,000.  Robert second.  Colton voted yes, Robert voted yes and Dan nay.  The board thanked Officer Stant for attending the meeting.  Lieutenant Denault informed the board they could possibly have the check this week or next week.

Budget update: The board is currently waiting for the final approval of the school budget.  There will be a joint meeting next Wednesday at 5:30 with articles pending approval. School at 4.2%.  Currently there is a $77,800 deficit without free cash.  Applied money was missing that the school is giving back to the Town.  Payment received from the cruiser cannot be applied to FY26.  The State finalized the budget today.  Ron needs to make an adjustment for the Assessor.  Ron believes it should be a full-time position to create revenue.  Rons job is to make the Town more productive.  The school budget now includes charging for 3- & 4-year-olds in pre-K.  Approximately 10- 12 children will be going into Pre K 4.  Colton believes charging for Pre K should be excluded from the school budget.  Robert referenced 60% of the budget goes to the school.  The town side is lean and has no room for adjustments.  The stakeholders are the residents of the Town, with limited ability for resources.  Ron spoke of working together and providing adequate learning for the students.  The accountant included borrowing $500,000 but the loan payment wouldn’t start till 2027, so it was removed.  The Middle Rd project went over $90,000.  Dan asked Ron to follow up with Emily regarding the new growth.  A 3-million-dollar appraisal came back for the Clarksburg school. 

There were no public comments

Robert motioned to adjourn at 6:20pm, motion carried.

A TRUE RECORD ATTEST,

Rachelle Bleau

Administrative Assistant

SELECTBOARD,

Robert Norcross, Chair                             Dan Haskins                                          Colton Andrews