These Minutes were re-typed and provided by Blanche Lennington, due to the lack of an electronic copy-
Thank You Blanche
SHERWOOD FOREST ROAD DISTRICT
Minutes from: Prudential Committee Meeting-July 10, 2004
Attendance: Prudential Committee Members: Richard Tallberg, Bill Brownhill, David Bonney, George Sherman. Absent: Amy Somerville. Others Present: Clerk/Treasurer Maryellen Lake, Former Clerk/Treasurer Cheryl Powers. Public: See sign-in pages.
Dick Tallberg called the meeting to order at 10:38 a.m.
Prior to the reading of the minutes of the Regular and Annual Meetings of June 5, Dick suggested everyone introduce themselves. All members present did so, as did Maryellen Lake, newly elected Clerk/Treasurer.
Dick noted that copies of the minutes of the previous meetings are available to members of audience. Several copies were distributed to the public. Dick called for a motion to dispense with the reading of the June 5 minutes of the Regular meeting and accept them as written. George made the motion; Bill seconded. Motion passed.
Bill moved that the reading of the minutes of the Annual Meeting be dispensed with and accepted as written; Dick seconded the motion. Motion passed.
Treasurer's report: Dick called for a motion to accept the Treasurer's Report as presented. Bill made the motion. George seconded. Motion passed. (Copies provided to Prudential Committee members. A copy is included in and is a part of these minutes.)
Communications and Reading of Bills Received: Cheryl submitted Warrant #14 for FY 2004 for the Committee's approval:
Warrant #14 FY 2004 - Payments to be made in the amount of $10,714.26
Reserve Fund Transfers -
- Tax Collector/Assessor $ 158.70
- Attorney 655.86
- General Maintenance 2,158.35
Cheryl introduced three letters and asked that they be included as part of the record. They consist of a letter from the Post Office advising us of the change of address from Chester to Becket; a letter from the Sherwood Forest Neighbors' Association; a copy of a letter by the Road Superintendent to Blakely Construction regarding a bill for culverts, stating that the bill had been paid and citing Item 2, Section G of the contract. All correspondence is included in and becomes a part of these minutes.
Road Superintendent's Report: Marty reported on the progress of the road grading on Mystic Isle and Olde Carriage Road.* Bill expressed concern that the dense grade put on the road by Morrow's will wash away. He also asked if something could be done to remove a large boulder. Marty said that would be done this month.
George moved to accept the Superintendent's Report; Bill seconded. Motion passed.
Cheryl noted that she was holding about 40 refund checks for people who overpaid taxes, because the checks haven't been cashed. She advised the Committee that Maryellen had given her the bill for bonding insurance. Payment will be approved on Warrant 1, 2005, but she asked for immediate approval of payment. The committee approved it for payment. Dick presented Warrant 14 for approval. Cheryl also noted that she would like to put the letter from SFNA under New Business. This was generally agreed to by the Committee.
By-Laws Committee report: Jim Griffin, Chairman of the By-Laws Committee expressed concern that rumors are rampant. The By-Laws Committee agreed to call a Committee meeting and invite Prudential Committee to attend to explain reasons behind changes in order to clear up the confusion. By-Laws committee called a meeting and invited the Prudential Committee, Cheryl, and Marty as guests. The Prudential Committee has to adopt the By-Laws, a town public meeting has to approve. The matter may then go back to Committee. If there are no further changes, the town will then submit the matter to legislature. A time line needs to be established, which may require at least one mailing - maybe two - in order to get feedback. It may be possible to get it through in the next 3-4 months. A majority has to agree.
Dick called for a motion to pay Warrant 14 in amount of $10,714.26. Bill made the motion as stated; David seconded. Motion passed.
Bill informed the Committee of his resignation as Resident Alternate, in order to accept his Resident position on the Committee. He will submit a formal letter of resignation.
New Business:
Legal Counsel - The contract with the attorney is up. Dick asked if he has shown interest in staying on. Cheryl indicated that he has. Dick expressed a need to sit down and have a discussion with him. This item was tabled to the next meeting.
Marty submitted a letter of resignation. After a brief discussion, the Committee asked Marty to stay on until August 7 meeting. Marty agreed and amended his letter, which is included with and becomes a part of these minutes. An ad will be placed to fill position.
Election of Chairman - Bill nominated Dick; David second. So voted.
Election of Vice Chair - Dick nominated Bill; George seconded. So voted.
Dick announced that there are two vacant seats on the Committee - one for Alternate Resident and one for Alternate Non-Resident. Dick announced the necessity for a Special Meeting to elect candidates to fill these positions and moved that the Special Meeting be called for August 7, immediately following the Regular Meeting on that date. Bill seconded, and the motion passed.
Dick read aloud the letter from SFNA and asked that it be part of the record and entered into minutes.
Dick asked for motion to meet every two weeks. Bill made a motion that meetings be held on the first and third Saturdays of each month; David seconded. Motion passed.
Public participation: Discussion - Speed bumps: Marty noted that according to Mass. law speed limits do not apply to dirt roads. Street signs. Bill suggested we get someone from local police or state police to come and speak about the rules governing dirt roads. Hiring someone to trim weed growth that obstructs vision at intersections. Poor conditions of several roads - King Arthur, Sir Galahad, Alan-a-Dale, Maid Marion. Cooperation and liaison with SFNA. New by-laws. Timely response to complaints.
Dick thanked Cheryl for a job well done, and extended condolences to her on the death of her father.
Marty asked permission to start the King Richard project. Dick would like to see a financial plan to see how much it will cost. Marty estimated the cost at between $10,000 and $15,000.
Dick moved to adjourn. Bill seconded. Motion passed. The meeting was adjourned at 11:47.
MARYELLEN LAKE, CLERK/TREASURER
*Amended at the 7/24 meeting by Marty Powers to read, “Marty reported on the progress of the road grading on Mystic Isle and the back side of Sherwood Drive to Old Carriage Road.
