SHERWOOD FOREST ROAD DISTRICT

Prudential Committee Meeting

April 2, 2005 Minutes

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

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

Public: See sign-in sheet

The meeting was called to order at 10:35 a.m. Reading of Minutes: The minutes of the March 19, 2005 meeting were distributed and read. Bill moved to accept the minutes as presented; Bob seconded; motion passed.

Treasurer’s Report: The Treasurer’s report was distributed and read. Bill moved to accept the report as read; Gerry seconded; motion passed.

Road Superintendent’s Report: Chuck reported that a survey of the mud conditions was conducted and reported that the worst road is King Arthur. So far, District roads are in better shape than the rest of the town. All roads are passable. Bill moved to accept the report; Bob seconded; motion passed.

Reading of the Warrant: Dick read Warrant #18, which totals $11,230.95. Bob moved to pay the bills; Gerry seconded; motion passed.

OLD BUSINESS

Meeting with Attorney: Dick reported on the March 28 meeting with our attorney. He thinks we are ready to put together a bid for summer roads. One problem is that, according to the people at the Massachusetts Department of Occupational Safety, we are bound by the prevailing wage law. We will be advertising for bids. We also have to have confirmation from the contractor that the prevailing wage is being paid. Forms can be obtained from the state and must accompany every bill.

New Computer: Bob did not have preliminary information at hand, but noted that a decision had to be made on how to pay for it. There is not enough money in the 2005 budget. It was generally agreed that this item would have to be included in the 2006 budget.

Bob sent Carl Edwards’ letter addressed to the Lt. Governor to Attorney Joseph Pacella and highlighted that section which deals with the Road District. The letter is unsigned. When we hear from the attorney, we will act accordingly. Meantime, Bob suggested that a letter should be sent to the Attorney General which would emphasize the beneficial performance of the Road District since its inception.

NEW BUSINESS

Bob presented a new flyer regarding registering to vote. He thinks the Annual Town Meeting will be moved to the school to accommodate an expected increase in attendance. The Finance Committee is giving two options: the Town can vote in the school budget or vote it in at an eight percent increase. Getting out the vote for the Road District article is very important in light of the tight budget. At their upcoming meeting the Selectmen will be going over our recommendation. The $28,000 wood chipper is not being recommended by the Finance Committee. The largest item is the school budget.

Dick noted that the budget for the Road District for 2006 will have to include a contract for summer roads. But first we have to write a contract. We can’t do the budget until we know what that will cost. We need to put the contract out and get prices back. Then we can go to the budget. Dick will write up the budget proposal and then go over it with the Committee.

Chuck noted that if we go for a request for bids we have to go through the state. If we don’t go to bid, we don’t have to pay prevailing wage. There was much discussion as to whether this is true. It was determined that if we go for bids the prevailing wage must be paid; if we go with a request for proposal, we don’t. Bill will talk to Bill Elovirta and find out how the Town handles this.

Bob noted that the attorney had a lot of documentation which he will copy and send to us.

Ron Boucher asked how the roads will be maintained until then. Dick advised him that this can be accomplished on an emergency basis.

PUBLIC PARTICIPATION

Ron asked if the money for the computer could be taken out of the Money Market account and was advised that the reason that can’t be done is because that item is not in the current budget. Ron also asked about an audit and suggested that the audit go back a few years.

Bill moved to adjourn; Bob seconded; motion passed. The meeting was adjourned at 11:30 a.m.

TRUE COPY ATTEST

Maryellen Lake Clerk/Treasurer