Selectmen tackle town issues

By Anna M. Cruz

WILBRAHAM Wilbraham's Board of Selectmen had a full agenda when they convened on Aug. 28, including a community forum and interviews for several town positions.

Paul Shepardson took questions from the Board of Selectmen in his bid to be hired as the town's electrical inspector. Shepardson said he has 20 years of experience in the electrical trade, having worked on residential, commercial, and industrial projects. He holds a Journeyman's Electrical License. Along with his experience, Shepardson pointed to his flexible work schedule as an asset for responding to the town's needs in a timely fashion.

Two individuals interviewed for the position of Town Facilities Manager. Selectman David W. Barry indicated the importance of this position in relation to saving the town money on long-term building maintenance.

Marshall Klaczak was the first interviewee for the facilities manager position. A registered electrician in Massachusetts, Connecticut and Rhode Island, Klaczak is currently head of Custodial Services at East Longmeadow High School. If appointed, he told the Board that he would begin his tenure by meeting with staff and reviewing the condition of the town's buildings. He also proposed doing a portion of the maintenance work in-house in order to save money and suggested that negotiating volume discounts with vendors might prove a winning strategy for limiting maintenance expenses.

Bill Dierken also interviewed for the facilities manager position. Currently the facilities director for the YMCA in Springfield, Dierken said he is an experienced facilities manager. He said he sees himself as a "hands-on" manager. He proposed reviewing town files and capital needs assessments at the onset of his term, should he be chosen. With regard to getting buildings in shape, Dierken said that the "key is to get systems in place" first.

The Board plans to make a decision for the facilities manager position on Sept. 11.

There are seven candidates vying for one of the four openings on the Finance Committee, two were not present.

John Guzzo told the Board he applied for the position because he wants to be involved in the town. As a line manager for American Saw, Guzzo said he handles payroll and staffing issues. He indicated that he is available for regular meetings and would welcome the opportunity to serve.

Roger Fontaine has been a Wilbraham resident for 20 years. His said his interest areas include tax overrides and upgrades to the town's public safety complex. Fontaine has 30 years of business experience and has been a partner in a small manufacturing company and indicated that his schedule would permit him to serve on the Committee.

Michael Stone is new to Wilbraham, having recently moved to town from Huntington. He said wanting to "make a difference" is his prime motivation for submitting his qualifications for consideration. A former small business owner, Stone said he is familiar with large expenditures and feels confident in his ability to work with the Finance Committee in a positive way.

Daniel Miles has 20 years of experience working for Merrill Lynch and has been a Wilbraham resident for 13 years. Miles said he considers himself open-minded and submitted his name for consideration in order to "offer my service to the town."

Dan Boyea was the final candidate interviewed for the Finance Committee position. He said he is interested in public policy and public administration in Hampden County. He is currently involved in a political campaign and will not be available until after the November election. Board members suggested that Boyea consider serving on the Financial Planning Committee in the future when his schedule permits.

Town Health Agent Lorri McCool briefed the Board on preparations which should be made in order to cope with a pandemic. She said a core component of any plan is a Continuity of Operation Plan (COOP). The purpose of a COOP is to coordinate efforts between police, fire and health officials. McCool asked the Board for their opinion on what the town's Advisory Board of Health would be allowed to do in the event of a pandemic. The Advisory Board of Health is comprised of residents who are health care professionals.

Selectman James E. Thompson was concerned about how full-time work schedules for the members of the Advisory Board of Health would impact their ability to help the town in the event of a pandemic. McCool indicated that she felt these professionals would be in a position to help and that a protocol would be developed for primary and secondary responders. She also said that a medical reserve corps is in the process of being formed.

Resident Susan Hurt voiced her concern over the Stony Hill Acres Sports School project. The YMCA owns the property on Stony Hill Road and currently has a special building permit to make renovations and upgrades at the site.

Several residents in attendance indicated that the plans, which were the basis for the special building permit being issued, have been substantially changed since they were initially presented in the community review process. Particular attention was focused on the pool and barn areas which some residents say appear to have been modified. Residents said the Zoning Board of Appeals were not responding to their concerns.

Building Inspector Lance Trevallion informed the audience that the only official plans for the project are the ones which are on file with the Zoning Board. He indicated that if the zoning ordinance for the project isn't being followed, the project can be stopped. He stressed that citizens need to write to him if they feel the project is off track so he can investigate the matter. He suggested bringing the matter up with the Zoning Board of Appeals and follow that group's appeal process if they were not satisfied

A representative of the Wilbraham Heights Neighborhood Association addressed the Board regarding traffic concerns at Brainard Road and Glenn Drive. Barry read short and long-term recommendations which included road signs in the short-term and various traffic studies for the long-term.

A decision regarding the traffic situation at the site will be made at the Board's next meeting.