ERVING — The selectmen and members of Finance Committee to continue discussion of some warrant articles for the special town meeting to be held March 27.
At the last board meeting, the Planning Board asked selectmen to appoint two associate members to the Planning Board since it has just four active members and a backlog of proposals regarding solar arrays that require a supermajority vote of four — and one member must be recused, leaving only three members.
Selectman Scott Bastarache expressed his frustration that an inactive elected official is not doing the job they were elected to do. He had reservations concerning appointments.
He said he understands the reason behind the request, but he fears the associate who would step in whenever a supermajority vote is needed would not be well-versed in all that transpired before the vote.
Administrative Coordinator Bryan Smith said the associates could be present for all meetings, but could not have a vote. Smith also voiced concerns and suggested the board chairman be available at the special town meeting to speak to explain the article.
ERVING — Library Director Barbara Friedman has presented the selectmen with contracts from the state for the $2.7 million building grant for a new library. The board approved the motion to designate the chairman and the administrative coordinator signatories for the contract, and to formally accept the grant for a new library to be located at 2 Care Drive.
ERVING — Highway Supervisor Glen McCrory spoke in favor of issuing bid invitations for fuel contracts regarding heating, gas and diesel.
After researching state options, he requested staying with the current contractor for another year. The selectmen passed the motion for a one-year extension of the heating fuel, gas and diesel contracts and to re-evaluate at the end of the year.
ERVING — Selectmen have received feedback concerning options available to the town regarding trash and recycling contracts. The state vendors listed for Erving are for best practices, not best prices, and the state vendors are free to submit invitations to bid if they chose to.
Selectmen agreed to continue all services with the bidding process.
ERVING — Concerning traffic safety at the intersection of North and Church streets, selectmen have asked Highway Supervisor Glen McCrory for his input. The problem was created when tractor-trailer trucks using GPS were being routed through residential streets, creating traffic hazards.
Erving had the Massachusetts Department of Transportation conduct a survey of the problem and yielded three possible plans.
Erving reached out to Northfield regarding a truck exclusion, but did not act on it. McCrory favors the second plan and suggested the town start with replacing the current yield sign with a stop sign and a sign to warn of the upcoming stop. He also suggests painting lines and signs on the road once the ground thaws.