Date of Meeting: Monday, March 12, 2007
Location: Town Hall, 221 Main Street
Time: 6:30PM – 9:55PM
Members Present: Chairman James Stanton, Roger Deal, Ken Sydow
Others Present: Suzanne Olsen, Town Administrator; Michael Kane, Banner Reporter; Lori Esposito, Administrative Assistant; Others as listed on attached sign in sheet
Financial warrants were signed in approval.
The meeting was called to order at 6:30pm
Affordable Housing Committee Mike Borsuk and Warren Leach from the Affordable Housing Committee were present to discuss the status of Horizon Partners’ 40B project at the Sewall Street gravel pit:
- Attorney Angelini spoke w/ Horizon Partners Atty. O’Donnell re: letter from her received requesting a return of Horizon’s deposit. He told Atty. O’Donnell that the Board of Selectmen accepts Horizon’s termination of the P&S agreement.
-Horizon would like a meeting with the Selectmen to further discuss pursuing a project at the gravel pit, notwithstanding the recent letter sent by their attorney. Mr. Borsuk said they would have been willing to accept the project based on reduced lot size/units. Jim Stanton explained there was a minimum purchase price of $560K incorporated into the P&S agreement.
- Sue Olsen said aside from Atty. O’Donnell’s letter, Alan Perrault (Horizon Partners president) would like to move forward with some type of project. She still has no clear answer from the state regarding the requirement for the town to re-bid the property. Atty. O’Donnell told Sue that we cannot go back out to bid, since they have a P&S with Horizon.
- Atty. Angelini cited a letter he wrote on 2/28 to Atty. O’Donnell re: contract indicates Horizon can terminate if < 30 units; they exercised that option and terminated.
- Roger Deal says if they want to go ahead with 20 units, we can accept it or possibly challenge the NHESP turtle boundary. Jim Stanton asked if we want to go ahead, would we have to go through 30B bidding again, or does BOS have authority to reduced price based on reduced size. Atty. Angelini feels we would need to go through the bid process again.
-Roger Deal asked what is the potential loss of tax revenue from 30 to 20 units, and would it be worth pursuing. Warren Leach suggests an appraisal be done for fair market value of the property, as it exists now, with the reduced acreage and buildable land. Jim Stanton asked Sue Olsen to arrange for an appraisal on the property. Atty. Angelini notes that the statute requires we determine appraised value of land before selling. Sue used assessor’s estimate for last RFP.
- Board wants to invite Horizon Partners in for their 3/26 meeting and ask what options they are offering.
Senior Taxes:
-Jim Stanton told Mr. Leach and Mr. Borsuk that overrides will be going on the May ballot, which could add about $2.15 per $1000 to the tax rate. He would like the AH Committee to look into allowing senior citizens to cap their tax rate at a certain dollar amount; something like to a reverse mortgage to the Town in order to allow some seniors to pay their taxes. This would be similar to a program the state proposing to do, but Jim would like the Town to do it without state assistance. Also, if houses fall with “affordable” definition, a similar arrangement could be made by restricting the deed, then when the house sells, the value is capped and counted toward
the town’s affordable housing.
- Mr. Leach believes Framingham has something similar in place. In lieu of taxes, a lien is placed on the house. When the house sells, the town collects their money.
- Roger Deal thinks it’s a good idea if the AH Committee could look into it. Taxes are too high for seniors, and will continue to rise.
- Mr. Borsuk says the AH Committee will be happy to research the idea.
Police Chief Sahagian Monthly report to the board.
-3/1/07 – Boylston Elementary attended safety meeting. Looking to put in dial-up notification system to parents (school closings, emergency, etc.). Chief Sahagian will look into possible grant money to assist.
-3/5/07 – Court date (Clinton).
- 3/10/07- Attended parent playground fundraiser at The Manor.
-Street signs stolen in the morning hours of 3/11.
-Flagg Street (3/11) 1:30 a.m. call-in regarding car break. Apprehended suspect. Shrewsbury also apprehended one suspect; recovered stolen goods after several area vehicle break-ins. Suspects from Grove Street in Worcester.
- 3/13/07 – Meeting with Library Planning Committee to review plans.
-3/29/07- Boxboro MA chiefs trade show.
- Met last moth with individual from Sun Bank Village requesting signage.
-Seniors concerned about cars speeding in area. Solution: “Pedestrian crossing”, plus advisory 15 mph post speed in development. He would support above.
-Jim Stanton asked if still monitoring E. Temple? Yes. Early morning; a few kids speed going to Tahanto and also after school. Overall, no problems.
Fire Chief Flanagan Monthly report to the board.
-Delivery of breathing apparatus packs. Grant money received.
- Engine 2 repaired. Funds received from MiiA (less deductible).
-Commercial property inspections ongoing.
- 2008 grant program on hold; reduced by president by 55% in budget.
-Walk through at jail today with new West Boylston Fire Chief.
-Congressman McGovern visited Fire Barn today to deliver/congratulate regarding Assistance to Firefighters Grant. He also discussed future plans for station, possible avenues of funding new/renovated facility.
- Boylston will be hosting Wachusett Muster League Firefighters Muster.
Building Inspector Mark Bertonassi: Monthly report to board
-Memo regarding Mutual Aid for Building Inspector’s in the state. BOS agrees he should participate. Sue will draft letter to be signed.
Highway Superintendent Don Parker: Monthly report to the board.
-Currently interviewing for Pauline Berard’s replacement. Should be offering job by next week.
-Short on budget for town garage expenses (fuel; oil, lights, etc.) estimating about $2,500. Town Accountant Dan Haynes advised him to put in request for reserve fund transfer. Still ok on sand/salt account.
-Some mailboxes knocked down during recent snow plowing. He received calls, says not responsible since on town property, and no permits were obtained for them.
-Bonnie Johnson (Pine Street) asked the outcome of widening Sewall Street. Jim Stanton said there is a traffic study on the annual town warrant; decisions would be made then. Ms. Johnson said the street is crumbling, hopes that something is done this year. Don Parker said that hopefully the water line from Compass Point subdivision would be installed this year. He said the DPW takes care of potholes on a regular basis.
Technical Advisory Committee discussion with various boards and employees: Ken Sydow is looking for a way to make the committee work to assist boards in application/hearing process; save time for boards. Several surrounding towns have similar committees in place, as an advisory to applicants. Would like input.
- Chief Flanagan asked how would people come to us? Mr. Sydow said most likely schedule meeting with Town Clerk. It will not be a legal requirement; is at applicant’s discretion.
- Howard Drobner asked would the group meet regularly, who is on committee, what is the timeline, and would meeting need to be posted? Anyone from ZBA, Planning Board? Mr. Sydow suggested a representative from board could serve as time allows. Jim Stanton it would not be an elected board, so it would be optional meeting for applicant to seek advice. The purpose is not to add meetings for voluntary boards; the idea is to anticipate needs up front.
-Mr. Sydow asked how many days should committee meet when applicant comes in. Mr. Drobner said need to speak with individual.
-Mr. Drobner’s concern with Graves Engineering is who would pay them. The Planning Board is always stuck with some bills due to 53G not funded completely, etc. Mr. Sydow said if using Graves, for example, their fee could be added into filing fee (e.g., cost per hour to review). If applicant doesn’t follow through, then the town needs to get budget to cover.
- Mark Bertonassi (Building Inspector), said perhaps we shouldn’t involve engineer at that point, just get input from Town Committee. Ken Sydow asked is there a value for engineer to look at plans prior to going to board? Mr. Bertonassi said to require a complete set of drawings before going to the Planning Board. Mr. Drobner said that unless proponent has engineered plans, not much that Graves could do anyhow.
- Chief Sahagian asked what other towns have a similar committee in place? Hudson, Northboro. He is concerned about long meetings for working chiefs and managers. How could coverage be handled in departments? Mr. Sydow sees primary responsibility on Building Inspector, Health Agent, others only as needed. If an emergency takes place, it would obviously take priority. Chief Sahagian sees some people being taken away from the town for services.
-Jim Stanton does not anticipate meetings taking place prior to review of documents by the Building Inspector.
-Teresa Prunier (Water Distric) said it would be a good idea to supply new applicant with a checklist and summary of what is expected before attending meeting/hearing. Handbook would be helpful. Mr. Sydow said it’s envisioned that a complete checklist has been done prior to committee meeting with anyone.
-Bill Filsinger said it sounds like a process similar to “comprehensive permit” prior to hearing being held. Plans sent to all departments for input. Bonnie Johnson said first comprehensive permit (e.g., Linden Street), preliminary meeting held. ZBA then had several of same questions asked in preliminary meeting, and then applicant becomes frustrated with answering again. Advises being careful about how much detail is discussed prior to meeting/hearing with board.
- Ken gave example of recent development; 140/70 going to Planning Board and now needing to complete various requirements.
- Roger Deal says as he understands, the purpose is to save time for boards and reduce hearing process/time for applicants. If they don’t feel that’s the case, then it would be a waste of time. This is not a matter of “turf protection”, but guidance for the applicant. Boards need to determine it; he doesn’t want to continue if they don’t “buy it”. If so, tell us now before going through the motion.
-Attorney Angelini asked Mr. Drobner how he feels about Planning Board member attending. He said that if meetings were held during the day, it would be difficult for members to attend. Ken Sydow noted that town employees are here during the day and could start with one meeting; if follow-ups are needed, board members could be scheduled at their convenience.
- Roger asked each audience member if they thought this would work:
o Chief Sahagian doesn’t feel it’s necessary since he sees process working now. Also concerned about interruptions. Jim said his review would be done at a different time in the process.
o Chief Flanagan agrees with Chief Sahagian. Personally, he doesn’t think it will make a difference.
o Howard Drobner personally feels that anything that could help proponent to reduce time and be prepared would be positive and be a big help.
o Bill Filsinger agreed that any process to help applicants prepare would help. ZBA has a checklist already; no hearing scheduled if all info is not prepared.
o Mark Bertonassi believes it would help streamline the process.
o Brain Gaucher thinks it’s a good idea.
o Teresa Prunier believes there should be a central location for guidelines; overall checklist to be completed. Another problem is lack of communication between boards; this communication would help that.
o Don Parker is in favor of a checklist and anything to assist the process.
- Planning Board still needs to ask pertinent questions, but the applicant would be better prepared to answer, thus reducing time. If the entire committee doesn’t meet with the proponent, then department/member could meet one on one to address the specific issues.
-Ken Sydow said it would be continually reviewed and updated as it progresses.
- Mr. Drobner questioned the risk legally when meeting with applicants prior to hearing. Attorney Angelini said since applicant is not meeting with respective board it would have to be made clear they are meeting in advisory capacity, acting as informational conduit. Ken Sydow suggests adding a disclaimer on the application/checklist.
-Roger said personally he would not recommend any Planning Board member serve on this committee. He believes it would be a conflict.
-Jim summarized the overall thoughts of the discussion:
1. A checklist(s) need to be developed
2. Idea is reasonable, but should not be tied to collective meetings.
3. Will increase communication.
-Mark Bertonassi said similar to his building permits, each member could sign off once reviewed.
-Joe Flanagan feels the board should agree to accept advisory communication comments/recommendations.
- Ken Sydow has had positive feedback to date, and we can “tweak” the process as needed.
- Bonnie Johnson wants to re-clarify that when opinions are given to developers, the board still expects (chiefs for example) their presence at the hearing. That should not be bypassed.
- Ken will summarize and put request to each board for a representative and a checklist from each board.
Route 70/140 Easement Request
- Developer of Boylston Crossing is requesting triangle area at corner to be green space. Also wants to add a sign, and would be in agreement to discuss Boylston signs placed there. Sue Olsen notes area is part of a square that the town owns.
- Attorney Angelini asked if a title search had ever been done. Will also need engineered plan.
- Ken Sydow would like to know what type of signs would be placed there. Possibly place with easement conditions.
- Checklist:
1. Ask what it would look like (include landscape plan).
2. Title search.
3. Engineered plan (include sign specs).
4. Propose operational or licensing agreement:
*Ask how maintained in perpetuity with property.
*Option for town to take back.
Attorney Angelini to draft letter indicating above.
Linden Street Extension
Philbin Parcel – Back taxes owed, neither party agrees.
Town Administrator’s Report
T-Mobile draft lease – Attorney Angelini to review.
Rt 140 Zoning - Ken Sydow motioned to send BOS letter to change zoning at Donahue property; Roger Deal seconded; all in favor.
Girl Scout fundraiser request - Ken Sydow motioned to allow Girl Scout fundraiser and waive fee for the Town House.
ABCC Closing Times – Attorney Angelini spoke with Attorney Kelly at the ABCC. They recommended we define a grace-period policy. Suggests schedule hearing with Other Place Pub, since letter sent personally by BOS regarding closing times. Jim Stanton disagrees; since no policy was set, how can they be in violation? Why can’t we just have current license holders in for hearing to establish policy; get their input, make policy, and vote on it. Attorney Angelini to draft a policy to broadcast last call 10 minutes prior to license closing time, grace period = 20 minutes after closing time. At this time, all patrons out; all open alcohol removed; only documented employees can be present. He will draft for Jim Stanton’s review. Lori Esposito will invite licensees to attend hearing at next Selectmen’s meeting.
Meeting adjourned at 9:25 p.m.
Respectfully Submitted,
Lori Esposito
Administrative Assistant
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