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Date: 4/4/2023
MONSON — The Select Board met on March 28 for discussion of several topics.
Conduct and behavior
The meeting started with an explanation of public comment rules as defined by laws surrounding free speech, to clarify citizen concerns about their rights within the meeting to speak. Board Chair Pat Oney said that the law allows for time limits on how long a person can speak, has been determined by the board as two minutes, the speaker must conduct themselves appropriately — no threats, gestures, profanity or promotion of private business ventures — and the speaker may only speak once during public comment. Audience members are not allowed to interrupt, the speaker is not to approach the Select Board table, and behavior that disturbs or impedes the meeting may result in removal of the speaker.
Appointments
Christian Sanchez-Ramos was appointed as a firefighter and EMT. Sharon Hart was appointed alternate animal inspector. Town Administrator Jennifer Wolowicz said the town is seeking a full time animal inspector.
Community business
The new town mural to be created as part of the Regional Economic Development Organization grant the town was awarded was brought up for artist and theme recommendations. The committee had to choose from 11 submissions of artists, and the recommendation for the theme of the mural was “Monson: Past, Present, and Future,” and is expected to be completed by the end of the summer. The listening session for the public will be at the library on Saturday, April 15 from 11 a.m. to noon, and will provide information regarding the mural project.
Celebrate Monson/Lights of Hope, a resource fair, remembrance, and respite based around mental health and addiction, requested the use of Veteran’s Field for the event on Sunday, Sept. 10.
The Monson Substance Use Community Partnership, working with the Quaboag Hills Substance Use Alliance, provided an update on their activities and plans. The group is planning to apply for a grant designed to focus on prevention and also address mental health issues.
Fire Chief Brian Harris spoke about the ambulance option offered to residents, and asked to use some of the funds in the Ambulance and Fire Gifts account to do a mass mailing to all households in town to boost the program.
Palmer rail stop, school budget
Ted Kozak and Ben Hood of the Palmer Rail Steering Committee appeared before the board to speak about the Palmer rail stop.
They requested support of the board as pertaining to a budget item in the state Legislature that provides a $4 million grant for a rail stop study in Palmer.
Two representatives from International Waste Petroleum appeared to introduce their company, which manages waste and develops waste technology. They said the company was interested in the land at 175 State St. for their operations. The board asked for a more detailed presentation to be prepared for the future that could be assessed by residents as well as the board.
The school district budget for fiscal year 2024 was announced at $10.5 million, and the School Committee reports they are working with the Finance Committee and other town committees to close the deficit in the budget.
Superintendent Cheryl Clarke appeared before the board as well, and discussed with the board some concerns they had.
The budget was discussed thoroughly, and can be found in full by contacting the school district.