Board of Selectmen
Meeting Minutes
November 19, 2007
6:30 PM: Open Meeting; Quorum present: Curt Wilton (CW), Tina Skorput Cooper (TSC), Michael Kirchner (MK). Also present: Administrative Assistant (AA). No press present.
Board reviews and approves corrected meeting minutes.
Board reviews and approves weekly payroll warrant.
6:45 PM: Lisa Robbins, representing Community Health Program (CHP) requests the use of the Village School gym for a playgroup from 9:30-11:30 AM on Tuesdays beginning sometime after the first of the year. Following a review of activities, Lisa is given a use request form to fill out and submit. Board will get back to Lisa in two weeks.
7:00 PM: Library Director AJ Coles asks the Board if they would amend the Village School Use Policy to allow ‘therapy dogs’ along with the allowed for ‘service dogs’. AJ furnishes the Board with therapy dog literature. She conducts a ‘Read with Owen the Dog Program’. AJ states that library traffic has increased 10-16% since she began as Director. AJ would like her dog to be welcome at all times for protection.
MK points out that AJ is making two requests and addresses the therapy dog request first. He has researched therapy dog literature on his own. MK understands that there may be some benefits from therapy animals but that there are many people who, either because of allergies or other reasons, are very uncomfortable with dogs and may choose to not enter the library because of a dog being there. CW notes that there is a fine line to consider between a benefit and a negative.
MK thinks that there needs to be limits on the building use policy. This is a brand new building and the Board is trying to get a handle on its public use correctly from the beginning. MK points out that the Board isn’t adversaries in this discussion. Everyone at the table is an animal lover.
Carol Kuller states that she understands setting precedents but that the dog adds something special.
Library Trustee Nancy Kearns states that she has a real problem with the dog being there every day. She does support the limited reading program.
CW points out that the building isn’t exclusively a Library. Multiple needs and uses come into play when making a use decision.
MK would like a week or two to mull over the situation.
TSC approves having the dog in the Library.
AJ asks if she can use the dog this Saturday for the already scheduled reading program. Board says yes.
A general discussion follows about adding security lighting around the building. Board thanks all for attending the discussion.
7:40 PM: Joan and Norwin Rehm discuss next week’s Special Town Meeting to consider the purchase of a COA van. Joan notes that the FinCom met and approved the warrant article. Norwin notes that fundraising has been a success and that $10,000 is available to be put towards the van purchase. Norwin notes that the Berkshire Record put in the wrong date for the meeting. Joan congratulates everyone for their generosity and caring.
7:55 PM: Curtis Thierling, Parks and Recreation Committee, tells the Board that he has received requests to use the Village School building and grounds and wanted to know who would be doing the scheduling. Board informs him that the Board will be in charge of scheduling and use. It is noted that a ‘responsible adult’ language needs to be added to the Use Policy when young people are scheduled to use the facilities.
Other Items: Board discusses used furniture giveaway scheduled for this weekend. Notices have been given to non-profits, media and town officers.
Board discusses adding security buttons for office staff and a chime for the front door to let people know when someone enters the building.
MK asks if the Board can consider changing the posting site requirements that have been in effect for a number of years. The town no longer has multiple centers.
Board will do minor gravel repairs to the Card Lake Inn parking lot in appreciation to being allowed to use it for so many years.
Board discusses adding Card Pond to the annual aquatic weed removal program started at Mill Pond.
8:20 PM There being no further business to discuss, MK makes a motion to adjourn. TSC seconds the motion. Vote taken, 3-0 in favor.
Meeting minutes approved by:
_____________________ ____________________ _____________________
Curt Wilton, Chair Tina Skorput Cooper Michael Kirchner
Date: __________
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