Approved 5/22/08
Herkimer BOCES Board of Education
Regular Meeting
Thursday, April 24, 2008
Members Present
William Miller, President
Gregory Bertolini
W. Lee Bynon
Vincent Casale
Daniel LaLonde
Edward Mower
Donna Wilcox
Absent
Shirley Ashley, Vice President
James Brockway
Others Present
Sandra A. Simpson
Mark Vivacqua
Laurie Hedges
Mark Deierlein
Susan Butler
Kim Conley
Lisa Garofalo
Mary Kline
President Miller called the meeting to order at 5:38 p.m.
Shawn Maxson, Board Clerk, proceeded with the roll call.
EXECUTIVE SESSION
Mr. LaLonde moved and Mrs. Wilcox seconded a motion to move into executive session to discuss the
medical, financial, credit, or employment history of a particular person or corporation, or matters
leading to the appointment, employment, promotion, demotion, discipline, suspension, dismissal or
removal of a particular person or corporation, and collective negotiations pursuant to Article 14 of the
Civil Service Law (Taylor Law). All voted in favor; motion carried 7:0. The Board went into executive
session at 5:39 p.m. President Miller declared the meeting reconvened at 6:37 p.m.
President Miller requested everyone rise to recite the Pledge of Allegiance.
President Miller welcomed those in the audience to this evening’s meeting.
APPROVAL OF AGENDA
Mrs. Wilcox moved and Mr. Bynon seconded a motion to approve the revised meeting agenda as
presented. All voted in favor; motion carried 7:0.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Mr. Bynon moved and Mr. Bertolini seconded a motion to approve the March 13, 2008, regular meeting
minutes as presented. All voted in favor; motion carried 7:0.
GUEST REPORTS
Ambassador Award Recognition
Mrs. Kary Buddle, physical therapist assistant, was recognized for receiving the March 2008 Herkimer
BOCES Ambassador Award. Mrs. Carol Bandych, Mrs. Shelly Schwasnick, and Rebecca Schwasnick
were in attendance to witness the presentation.
Mrs. Barbara Bono, teaching assistant, was recognized for receiving the April 2008 Herkimer BOCES
Ambassador Award. Mr. Joseph Bono attended to witness the presentation.
Herkimer BOCES’ Regular Meeting
April 24, 2008
On behalf of the Board of Education, President Miller thanked Mrs. Buddle and Mrs. Bono for their
contributions to the Herkimer BOCES as well as serving as BOCES ambassadors.
Homeless Program Presentation
Mary Kline, Director of the Homeless program; Tammy Senft, Tutor; Deb Foster, Tutor; and Maureen
Scialdo, Program Director of the Mohawk Valley Community Action Agency [MVCAA] were present to
provide information relating to the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act. McKinney-Vento
legislation addresses the educational needs of children who are identified as being homeless. A
collaborative effort among MVCAA, Inc., the Herkimer BOCES, and the Tutorial Intervention program
supports identified families and students.
A PowerPoint presentation outlining the components of the program was provided and school district
data relating to the Homeless Education program was shared.
The presentation concluded by representatives noting that the poor economy is contributing to this
vicious cycle. According to presenters, 100 schools and the Herkimer BOCES received this grant
funding.
BOARD FORUM
During Board Forum, birthday wishes were extended to Mr. Casale; the BOCES Annual Meeting was
complimented, including the entertainment provided by the Richfield Springs students and the dinner
prepared by students in the Culinary/Hospitality program.
Mr. Bertolini’s report contained information relating to the Poland CSD Board of Education meeting that
he recently attended: Board of Education vacancies, Internal Claims Audit and EXCEL Project.
Mr. LaLonde reported that Ilion’s proposed EXCEL project will be presented to the public on May 20
along with its budget vote.
Mrs. Wilcox shared that she and President Miller attended the last Herkimer CSD Board of Education
meeting and provided BOCES related information. In general, the Herkimer Board of Education seems
supportive of BOCES.
Mr. Mower reported on his attendance at a forum recently held at HCCC on wind energy.
President Miller informed Board members of the public forums sponsored by the New York State
Education Department relating to the New York State Learning Standards.
President Miller reminded members of the Board of the Oneida-Madison-Herkimer School Boards
Institute General Membership meeting slated for Thursday, May 15, 2008, at the Radisson Hotel. This
event is the highlight of the organizational year – honoring recipients of its Distinguished Service
Awards and Student Achievement Awards.
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Herkimer BOCES’ Regular Meeting
April 24, 2008
Due to lack of participation, President Miller informed the Board that it is likely the last year for the
Joint BOCES Workshop, which is sponsored by the New York School Boards Association, the New York
State Council of School Superintendents and the Association of School Business Officials. Mr. Vivacqua
shared feedback on the cost of the workshop, dates and time of workshop, and program offerings.
President Miller reported that he recently attended the National School Boards Association.
A directory of the state legislature will be made available on CD to all Board members.
OLD BUSINESS
Mrs. Simpson suggested the Board hold a special work session to review the renovation project
information.
An informational report was provided by Mrs. Simpson relating to the renovation project:
 Traffic Study – bus/car traffic problem; three options for reconfiguring the entrance to the
building were discussed; other suggestions were given;
 Future committee meetings – May 12 and May 19 to finalize the scope of project;
 Committee expected to report to the Board of Education on June 19;
 Proposition to public expected late fall.
Mr. Vivacqua summarized the process of attempting to increase participation in the CBO CoSer for the
2008/2009 school year. He noted that initial interest included up to 5 districts. As plans developed,
districts began expressing disinterest for different reasons, including uncommon management software
programs and staffing issues. Mr. Vivacqua disclosed that the State is no longer allowing the BOCES to
run the CBO CoSer with the one district currently in this arrangement; he believes this CoSer will be
active in 2009, but will not exist for the next school year.
NEW BUSINESS
President Miller shared the following positive thoughts with the Board of Education:
 The Herkimer BOCES Administrative Budget passed and Mr. William Miller and Mr. Lawrence
Thibault were elected to serve on the BOCES Board of Education;
 Letter to Mrs. Connolly, staff and students from Folts Homes thanking them for their generous
gift of time and the services provided; their thoughtful attitudes and genuine kindness were
recognized;
 Letter to Mrs. Cathy Quackenbush, SETRC Coordinator, from Mrs. Harrington, Principal at
Richfield Springs CSD, officially thanking her for the professional development trainings she has
provided;
 News release regarding the BOCES School Safety Excellence Award; Herkimer BOCES received a
certificate from the Utica National Insurance Group to commemorate the district’s safety efforts
and a $500 award for use to further safety efforts;
 Letter to Mrs. Simpson from James Moragne, a member of the Stakeholders Committee for the
Ilion Superintendent Search, expressing his appreciation for conducting a completely professional
process;
 News article relating to wind energy including Ed Mower’s photo;
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Herkimer BOCES’ Regular Meeting
April 24, 2008
 Letter to Brenda Bouchard from the New York State Education Department thanking her for her
efforts and dedication to make the 2008 Health Occupations Students of America [HOSA] Spring
Competitive Events Conference so successful.
Registrations for the NYSSBA Annual Convention taken; on-line registrations will be made early June in
an effort to secure accommodations at the conference hotel.
SPECIAL ELECTION CALLED
Following a brief discussion, President Miller established a Special Election to fill the vacancy on the
BOCES Board of Education:
Pursuant to Section 1950 of the Education Law, and given the vacant board seat, I hereby set
forth a Special Election for said term among the component districts of the BOCES on
Wednesday, June 11, 2008 and direct the Clerk of the Board to file appropriate notice with the
districts; to solicit nominations from eligible districts; to subsequently prepare and distribute the
ballots; and receive the results immediately following the election.
A brief discussion was held relating to the 2008/2009 Board of Education meeting calendar.
BUSINESS OPERATIONS
Mr. LaLonde moved and Mr. Casale seconded a motion to approve Billing No. 8 Contract and Budget
Adjustment in the amount of $208,280.95, the Treasurer’s Report and Extracurricular Treasurer’s report
for February 2008. All voted in favor; motion carried 7:0.
Bid Award
Mrs. Wilcox moved and Mr. LaLonde seconded a motion to accept the bid award for Nursing Supplies
for the 2008-2009 school year; awarded to William V. MacGill & Co.:
Bid Category
Participating Districts Herkimer BOCES
Total Bid
Nursing Supplies
$2,640.39
$2,979.49
$5,619.88
All voted in favor; motion carried 7:0.
Donation
Mrs. Wilcox moved and Mr. Bertolini seconded a motion to accept the donation of five Kohler
engines, approximate value $1,500; these items were donated by Pitt Auto Electric Company and
will be used for instructional purposes in the Outdoor Power Equipment program. All voted in
favor; motion carried 7:0.
IRS Mileage Rate
Mr. LaLonde moved and Mrs. Wilcox seconded a motion to increase the mileage rate of 48.5¢ to the
current IRS rate of 50.5¢, effective 4/25/08. All voted in favor; motion carried 7:0.
Mr. Vivacqua suggests the resolution establishing the mileage rate at the reorganization meeting
state “IRS rate” as opposed to the actual figure.
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Herkimer BOCES’ Regular Meeting
April 24, 2008
Mr. Bynon moved and Mr. Bertolini seconded a motion to adopt the 2008-2009 BOCES Budgets as
presented:
Administrative Budget
Capital Budget
Program Budget
Total
$2,850,262
$521,894
$10,479,536
$13,851,692
All voted in favor; motion carried 7:0.
Resolution Authorizing Execution of Proposal for Financial Consulting Services – Motion Withdrawn
Mr. Casale moved and Mr. LaLonde seconded a motion authorizing the Board President to execute the
proposal for financial consulting services as outlined below:
Be it resolved by this board of education as follows:
1. The firm of Bernard P. Donegan, Inc. is hereby designated financial consultant to HerkimerFulton-Hamilton-Otsego Board of Cooperative Education Services.
2. Said firm shall be compensated for its services to be rendered in connection with the estimated
$18,000,000 Capital Project in accordance with its proposal letter dated February 28, 2008.
3. The President of the Board of Education of the Board of Cooperative Educational Services is
hereby authorized to execute and deliver said proposal letter.
4. This resolution shall take effect immediately.
Following discussion regarding some details of the contract, the motion on the floor was withdrawn; the
Board consented to have the document reviewed by the district’s legal counsel before action is taken.
PERSONNEL
Upon the recommendation of Mrs. Sandra A. Simpson, District Superintendent, Mrs.
Wilcox moved and Mr. Bertolini seconded a motion to approve the appointments and
amendments as listed in the Clerk’s Personnel Report, noting the salary, certification,
and tenure status of all appointees, as appropriate. Further, upon receipt of notice
confirming submittal of all background check items, including fingerprinting and the
affidavit of prior or pending criminal activity, appropriate vacancies are herewith
declared emergency conditional and appointments thereto are made on that basis
pending receipt of notice of clearance. Said appointments are renewed on the 21st day
following initial Board action, should the appropriate SED clearance remain pending.
CERTIFIED APPOINTMENTS
Nicolette, Sara – LPN Coordinator, LPN Program, effective 7/1/08 – 6/30/09, up to 10 days @ $201.47/day
= $2,014.70.
Riesel, Norma – Site Facilitator for SUNY, Office of Development, effective 7/1/08 – 6/30/09, up to 150
hours @ $20/hr = $3,000.
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Herkimer BOCES’ Regular Meeting
April 24, 2008
Regional Summer School: All appointments are contingent upon enrollment.
Arcuri, Michael – Science Teacher 7-12, effective July 7, 2008 - August 15, 2008, up to 2 sessions @
$1,396/session= $2,792. In addition, $20/hour up to 20 hours for proctoring exams = $400.
Baylor, Lauren – Special Education Teacher, effective July 7, 2008 - August 15, 2008, up to 2 sessions @
$1,396/session= $2,792. In addition, $20/hour up to 20 hours for proctoring exams = $400.
Crim, Janet – English Teacher 7-12, effective July 7, 2008 - August 15, 2008, up to 2 sessions @
$1,396/session= $2,792. In addition, $20/hour up to 20 hours for proctoring exams = $400.
Donahue, Kathleen – Math Teacher 7-12, effective July 7, 2008 - August 15, 2008, up to 2 sessions @
$1,396/session= $2,792. In addition, $20/hour up to 20 hours for proctoring exams = $400.
Harwick, Krista - Science Teacher 7-12, effective July 7, 2008 - August 15, 2008, up to 2 sessions @
$1,396/session= $2,792. In addition, $20/hour up to 20 hours for proctoring exams = $400.
Hobart, Loreen – Biology Teacher 7-12, effective July 7, 2008 - August 15, 2008, up to 2 sessions @
$1,396/session= $2,792. In addition, $20/hour up to 20 hours for proctoring exams = $400.
Hollister, Jeffrey – Social Studies Teacher 7-12, effective July 7, 2008 - August 15, 2008, up to 2 sessions
@ $1,396/session= $2,792. In addition, $20/hour up to 20 hours for proctoring exams = $400.
Hudziak, Kyle – Social Studies Teacher 7-12, effective July 7, 2008 - August 15, 2008, up to 2 sessions @
$1,396/session= $2,792. In addition, $20/hour up to 20 hours for proctoring exams = $400.
Judd, Lucas – Social Studies Teacher 7-12, effective July 7, 2008 - August 15, 2008, up to 2 sessions @
$1,396/session= $2,792. In addition, $20/hour up to 20 hours for proctoring exams = $400.
Keeler, Richard – Math Teacher 7-12, effective July 7, 2008 - August 15, 2008, up to 2 sessions @
$1,396/session= $2,792. In addition, $20/hour up to 20 hours for proctoring exams = $400.
Macrina, Joseph – Social Studies Teacher 7-12, effective July 7, 2008 - August 15, 2008, up to 2 sessions @
$1,396/session= $2,792. In addition, $20/hour up to 20 hours for proctoring exams = $400.
Pedersen, Melanie – English Teacher 7-12, effective July 7, 2008 - August 15, 2008, up to 2 sessions @
$1,396/session= $2,792. In addition, $20/hour up to 20 hours for proctoring exams = $400.
Pikul, Angela – Speech/Language Teacher, effective July 7, 2008 - August 15, 2008, up to 2 sessions @
$1,396/session= $2,792. In addition, $20/hour up to 20 hours for proctoring exams = $400.
Rigo, Mindy – English Teacher 7-12, effective July 7, 2008 - August 15, 2008, up to 2 sessions @
$1,396/session= $2,792. In addition, $20/hour up to 20 hours for proctoring exams = $400.
Sanchez, Jason – Social Studies Teacher 7-12, effective July 7, 2008 - August 15, 2008, up to 2 sessions @
$1,396/session= $2,792. In addition, $20/hour up to 20 hours for proctoring exams = $400.
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Herkimer BOCES’ Regular Meeting
April 24, 2008
Sidelko, Pamela – English Teacher 7-12, effective July 7, 2008 - August 15, 2008, up to 2 sessions @
$1,396/session= $2,792. In addition, $20/hour up to 20 hours for proctoring exams = $400.
Smith, Barry – Science Teacher 7-12, effective July 7, 2008 - August 15, 2008, up to 2 sessions @
$1,396/session= $2,792. In addition, $20/hour up to 20 hours for proctoring exams = $400.
Stock, Patricia – Social Studies Teacher 7-12, effective July 7, 2008 - August 15, 2008, up to 2 sessions @
$1,396/session= $2,792. In addition, $20/hour up to 20 hours for proctoring exams = $400.
VanDerwiel, Mary Kathryn – Math Teacher 7-12, effective July 7, 2008 - August 15, 2008, up to 2
sessions @ $1,396/session= $2,792. In addition, $20/hour up to 20 hours for proctoring exams = $400.
Wallace, John – Math Teacher 7-12, effective July 7, 2008 - August 15, 2008, up to 2 sessions @
$1,396/session= $2,792. In addition, $20/hour up to 20 hours for proctoring exams = $400.
Young, Michelle – Science Teacher 7-12, effective July 7, 2008 - August 15, 2008, up to 2 sessions @
$1,396/session= $2,792. In addition, $20/hour up to 20 hours for proctoring exams = $400.
Zaleski, Timothy – Math Teacher 7-12, effective July 7, 2008 - August 15, 2008, up to 2 sessions @
$1,396/session= $2,792. In addition, $20/hour up to 20 hours for proctoring exams = $400.
Licensed Supervision for Medicaid Services As Per Teachers’ Contract
Authorized Employee
Stipend
Carol Bandych
$500
Deb Lusiak
$500
Peggy Romano
$500
CLASSIFIED APPOINTMENTS
English, Deborah – Teacher Aide, Regional Summer School, Part-time, effective 2/15/08 – 6/30/08, up to
100 hours @ $8.74/hr = $874.
English, Deborah – Teacher Aide, Regional Summer School, Part-time, effective 7/7/08 – 8/22/08, up to
500 hours @ $8.74/hr = $4,370.
Mabbett, Denise – Teacher Aide, Regional Summer School, Part-time, effective 7/7/08 – 8/15/08, up to
200 hours @ $7.40/hr = $1,480.
Netti, Linda – Teacher Aide, Regional Summer School, Part-time, effective 7/7/08 – 8/15/08, up to 200
hours @ $10.99/hr = $2,198.
Name:
Position:
Type:
Effective Date:
Salary:
Kucerak, Tami
Secretary I
Provisional [Pending Exam]
3/24/08
$16,490.58; Pro-rated
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Herkimer BOCES’ Regular Meeting
April 24, 2008
EMERGENCY CONDITIONAL SUBSTITUTE APPOINTMENTS
Briggs, Katheryn
Mosher, Tammy
Brosemer, Rebecca
Sciortino, Donna
Johnson, Erika
SUBSTITUTE APPOINTMENTS
Carney, Kristen
Teachout, Jaime
Scanlon, Cory
Watkins, John
AMENDMENTS
Battista, Johanna – Director, Mohawk Regional Teacher Center, additional 10 days @ $263.64/day =
$2,636.40.
(BOE Minutes 11/8/07)
Devan, Terri – Long-Term Substitute [Special Education Teacher] amend effective date 9/4/07 – 6/30/08.
(BOE Minutes 9/13/07)
Fohs, Rose – Long-Term Substitute [Teaching Assistant] amend effective date 12/13/07 – 6/30/08.
(BOE Minutes 12/20/07)
Sinnott, Jennifer – Attendee at conferences and professional development programs, Pre-Kindergarten,
Part-time, effective 9/1/07 – 6/30/08, additional 5 days @ $153.96/day = $769.80.
(BOE Minutes 10/11/07)
All voted in favor; motion carried 7:0.
2008-2009 BOCES CALENDAR
Mr. LaLonde moved and Mr. Bynon seconded a motion to adopt the 2008-2009 BOCES Calendar. All
voted in favor; motion carried 7:0.
SUPERINTENDENT’S REPORTS & RECOMMENDATIONS
Mrs. Simpson’s report contained the following information:
 Former merger study documentation as requested at the March Board meeting; a merger study
will be conducted by the Commissioner for the ONC BOCES in accordance with Section 2201 of
the Education Law;
 Annual “Building Walk Through” and Special Education Prom is scheduled for June 6;
 Update on state aid for component school districts;
 No adjustments were made to the district superintendent salary cap; this continues to result in
high turnover and difficulty in attracting qualified candidates to serve in this position; nearly
66% of the state’s district superintendents have met the cap and there are currently nine DS
vacancies in the state;
 Staff Recognition event was commended and Mrs. Ashley was thanked for representing the
Board;
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Herkimer BOCES’ Regular Meeting
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April 24, 2008
Concern for special education program location voiced to component superintendents at a
special meeting held on April 23; the need for long term commitments for space requested; a
committee has been formed to review this issue;
Leatherstocking Conference room being renovated.
EXCEL Resolution
The resolution on the EXCEL aid proposal for BOCES is being presented for Board consideration, once
again. Mrs. Simpson would like to resubmit this resolution at NYSSBA’s Annual Business meeting.
Proposed NYSSBA Resolution
Mr. Bertolini moved and Mr. LaLonde seconded the following proposed NYSSBA Resolution:
RESOLVED that the New York State School Boards Association support the eligibility of BOCES to
qualify for EXCEL aid funding following current guidelines for component school districts.
Rationale
BOCES is comprised of the members of local component school districts. The local component districts
share in the administrative and capital expenses of a BOCES based on RWADA figures. Each building
that a BOCES operates and maintains is owned by the members of the supervisory district, which solely
funds this need. The BOCES facilities are an extension of the capital property maintained by each
independent school district and therefore should be eligible for EXCEL aid funding.
All voted in favor; motion carried.
DEPUTY SUPERINTENDENT’S REPORTS AND RECOMMENDATIONS
Due to all responses not being received, Mr. Vivacqua postponed his report on the status of final request
for services [2008-2009 school year]. He indicated he would provide the report at the May Board
meeting.
ASSISTANT SUPERINTENDENT’S REPORTS AND RECOMMENDATIONS
Ms. Hedges reported on the collaborative efforts between the Mohawk Regional Teacher Center and the
Office of Development. She stated that the both have common goals and are working together to
maximize the funding.
BOARD OF EDUCATION COMMENTS
President Miller commented on his recent NYSSBA On Board article relating to the change in Wicks
Law, which is included in this year’s state budget.
Board members were reminded of the SBI General Membership Meeting scheduled for Thursday, May
15, 2008, and reservations were taken.
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Herkimer BOCES’ Regular Meeting
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April 24, 2008
FUTURE BUSINESS AND MEETINGS
Oneida-Madison-Herkimer School Boards Institute Board Development Workshop, April
26 [Oneida BOCES]
CTE Honor Society Induction, May 6
Oneida-Madison-Herkimer School Boards Institute [SBI] General Membership Meeting,
[Distinguished Service Awards/Student Achievement Awards], May 15 @ 6 p.m. (Radisson
Hotel)
Board of Education Meeting, May 22, 5:30 p.m.
Special Programs All Schools Arts Program, May 23, 12:30 p.m.
Special Programs Prom, June 6, 6 – 9 p.m.
BOE Building Walk-Thru, June 6, 7 p.m.
CTE Junior Awards, June 10
CTE Completion Ceremony at Little Falls High School, June 16, 7 p.m.
GED Graduation at Herkimer BOCES, June 17, 6:30 p.m.
Special Programs Graduation, June 18, 12 p.m.
Board of Education Meeting, June 19, 5:30 p.m.
LPN Graduation at Herkimer High School, June 26, 7 p.m.
FOR YOUR INFORMATION
A 2008 New Holland Loader Backhoe [Model B95] has been purchased for use in the Natural Resource
Management program. The equipment cost is $55,028; delivery is expected in 90-120 days.
TCI Refresher Training
The following employees have completed Therapeutic Crisis Intervention Refresher Training for up to 6
hours each, and are entitled to compensation.
Kimberly Creater
Shelley Smith
Mark Markey
Edith Wastowicz
TENURE/PERMANENT APPOINTMENT INFORMATION
The certified appointments or classified appointments will be up for tenure or become permanent on the
dates indicated:
NAME
Picolla, James
Fox, Kathleen
Spatto, Adam
Sandy, Janine
AREA
CTE Director
Principal
Trade Subjects
Speech Therapist
DATE
6/30/08
8/3/08
8/31/08
9/12/08
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Herkimer BOCES’ Regular Meeting
April 24, 2008
EXECUTIVE SESSION
Mrs. Wilcox moved and Mr. Bertolini seconded a motion to move into executive session to discuss the
medical, financial, credit, or employment history of a particular person or corporation, or matters
leading to the appointment, employment, promotion, demotion, discipline, suspension, dismissal or
removal of a particular person or corporation, and collective negotiations pursuant to Article 14 of the
Civil Service Law (Taylor Law). All voted in favor; motion carried 7:0. The Board went into executive
session at 8:50 p.m. President Miller declared the meeting reconvened at 9:29 p.m.
ADJOURNMENT
Mr. LaLonde moved and Mr. Bertolini seconded a motion to adjourn the meeting at 9:30 p.m. All voted
in favor; motion carried 7:0.
Shawn Maxson
Board Clerk
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