Board of Selectmen
Meeting Minutes
February 12, 2007
6:30 PM: Open Meeting; St. Patrick's Parish Center
Quorum present: Michael Kirchner (MK), Curt Wilton (CW), Tina Skorput Cooper (TSC). Also present: Administrative Assistant (AA). No press present.
Board reviews and approves weekly warrants.
Board reviews and approves previous meeting minutes.
AA notes that Polson Electric has completed a test run and tutorial for staff on the new emergency generator at the Highway Garage/Fire Station. The generator was paid for from a $10,000 grant and an $8,000 town meeting appropriation.
MK wishes to set up a meeting on 2-27-07 @ 12:00 PM. at the Village School to discuss technology, the gymnasium and other outstanding items. Attendees should include: architect, project manager, technology consultant and Town.
Board reviews a printout of a schedule of house alarm calls received by the Police Dept. A discussion follows about billing policy for false alarms. AA to check with the Chief for a review.
7:00 PM: TSC makes a motion to close acceptance of bids for the Midi-Fire/Rescue vehicle as previously bid. CW seconds the motion. Vote taken, 3-0 in favor.
MK opens the two bids received.
Toyne Firefighting Equipment: $191,900
American LaFrance: $199,974
Bids are turned over the Fire Chief Peter Skorput who will review them and make his recommendation to the Board at their next meeting.
7:15 PM: Jill Pixley and Joe Roy, Board members of Richmond West Stockbridge Community Health, address the Board about concerns of the financial health of the 80-year-old community health organization. Joe provides a letter (attached), which details the current state of affairs at Community Health.
Joe discusses the pressing competition facing the organization from Berkshire Health Systems and Lee Visiting Nurse Association. Revenue from referrals and Medicare reimbursements has fallen dramatically over the past several months. The organization has needed to dip into its reserves to sustain operations. Jill notes that a minimum of 10 cases a month is needed to keep the organization solvent. The past few months have seen an average of less than 6 per month. The organization may have to seek additional funding via annual appropriation from both Richmond and West Stockbridge.
Joe acknowledges that a main problem is that the community at large is not aware of the services offered by Richmond West Stockbridge Community Health. Patients in the hospital who need follow up home services must request Richmond/West Stockbridge specifically. Otherwise, one of the other two larger organizations will be assigned.
Joe says that his group will conduct a media campaign to raise public awareness of the organization and its plight.
MK and the Board agree to support the organization and will participate in future meetings with the Richmond/West Stockbridge Board and Richmond officials.
7:35 PM: There being no additional business to come before the Board, CW makes a motion to adjourn the meeting. TSC seconds the motion. Vote taken, 3-0 in favor.
Meeting minutes approved by:
______________________ _______________________ ________________________
Michael Kirchner, Chair Curt Wilton Tina Skorput Cooper
Date: _______________
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