SHERWOOD FOREST ROAD DISTRICT

Prudential Committee Meeting

January 22, 2005 Minutes

Committee Members Present: Bill Brownhill, Vice Chairman; David Bonney; Robert Ronzio; Gerard Grondin

Staff Present: Chuck Andrews, Road Superintendent; Maryellen Lake, Clerk/Treasurer

Public Present: See sign-in sheet

The meeting was called to order at 10:37 a.m. Reading of Minutes of Previous Meeting: Bob noted that the date of the decision to turn over the common lands, roads, etc. should be changed from 1996 to 1995. Bob then moved to accept the minutes as corrected; Dave seconded; motion passed.

Treasurer’s Report: Bob moved to accept the Treasurer’s Report as read; Dave seconded; motion passed.

Road Superintendent’s Report: Chuck had not yet arrived. His report will be given at a later time.

Discussion: Nancy Devane brought up the subject of maintenance of the area in front of the mail boxes. Dennis suggested that the Road District plow and sand. Dave noted that SFNA is responsible for that maintenance duty. Bob: We should bill them if we do that. The biggest concern is who owns the property that was originally part of that parcel directly behind the boxes which has a couple of trailers. What sort of easement was given for it. The question is, once it was given, who accepted responsibility? All of us in the District benefit. We don’t want to see anyone get hurt. Ron Boucher: If we do it and something happens, then we are responsible. Bill: Have Chuck find out who is responsible. Bob: The right-of-way on Wells Road is 66 feet. But it’s designated by the property pins. Have to determine the right-of-way and who is going to be responsible for it. Nancy: Call SFNA and find out - they have been doing it. Bob: Send a registered letter to SFNA telling them about the complaint. Our understanding is that they are responsible for maintaining snow removal in that area. Bob moved to conduct the necessary research; Dave seconded; motion passed.

Communications: Bob read from his email correspondence with Ron VanBuren regarding widening of the roads. Email correspondence was also received from Nancy and David regarding conditions at the mail boxes. Letter from Blanche Lennington requesting a change of meeting venue. Bob submitted a copy of a memo regarding BRPC approval of the draft Berkshire Regional Natural Hazard Mitigation Plan.

OLD BUSINESS

Contractor Status: Still no report from the attorney .

Website: Bob reported that Mike supplied Bob with all information needed as of January 5. Have to contact a provider. It will cost about $50.00 per year. Bob will look into it.

Road Superintendent’s Report: Upon arrival, Chuck reported that he had received a few complaints regarding sanding. The contractor had some mechanical problems. Bill asked about sanding at sub-zero temperatures. Chuck replied that the sand doesn’t sink through - it just blows off. Bill had three calls from three different people. David Devane complained about conditions. Nancy: Her hill needs more sand. Chuck replied that the sand is not penetrating in the extremely cold weather. In addition, everything is frozen. There are two sanders in the Forest all day. Bob noted that you can go around on Winter Drive and to Lady of the Lake. Becket Woods closes the hills where they can.

Letter to Board of Selectmen: The letter requesting funding from the Town was read and signed by the Prudential Committee members present. Maryellen will get information from the Town Clerk regarding the petition.

NEW BUSINESS

Sand Barrels: Bill noted that he has put out sand barrels in the past but they were stolen. Bob: You can provide it but that doesn’t mean the sand won’t be frozen. He thinks we should do it in the hill areas. Nancy will ask people for donations of barrels. Bob: There is a sand pile by the tennis courts. The Town does that.

Bills - Reading of Warrant #13. Bob moved to pay the bills as read; Dave seconded; motion passed.

Public Participation

Blanche Lennington asked if we should be more specific regarding the request to the Town for the $25,000.00. Bob: If they want it to be more specific, we will do that.

Letters were sent to the property owners Lagoy and Sykes regarding the Fireside Lane dumpster. Chuck reported that it has not been moved yet. If no response to our letter, he will contact BFI.

Discussion ensued regarding changing the By-Laws vs. changing the legislation to change the venue of the meetings. It was determined that this can be done by the Committee through a Special Meeting to amend the By-Laws.

Bob Guerin asked if there were any plans to do anything different this spring that we normally would not do - like drainage ditching, etc., because everything moves in here. Bill: When spring came and White Wolf graded they filled the ditches and didn’t clean them out. More general discussion followed regarding this problem. Chuck: The previous Prudential Committee didn’t grade all roads - they only graded six miles of roads.

There being no further business, Bill moved to adjourn; Dave seconded; motion passed.

The meeting was adjourned at 12 Noon.

TRUE COPY ATTEST

Maryellen Lake Clerk/Treasurer