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Date of Meeting: Monday, October 18, 2010
Location: Town Hall, 221 Main Street
Time: 6:00 -8:57 PM
Members Present: Chairman James Stanton; Roger Deal; Ken Sydow
Others Present: Nancy Colbert, Town Administrator; Lori Esposito, Administrative Assistant; others as listed on attached sign-in sheet
Financial warrants signed in approval.
Habitat for Humanity
Howard Drobner appeared before the Board to request a waiver of the fee ($300) for the road opening application as well as the security bond.
Motion to waive the $300 fee for road opening permit was seconded and voted all in favor.
The Board does not agree to waive the security bond (the amount is to be determined by the DPW Superintendent, the Town Administrator and the engineer on the project). Howard spoke with Don Parker, DPW Superintendent; it is not likely the final pavement can be done in November. The Highway Department will temporarily patch the road and do a final paving in the spring.
Ballot Vote Upcoming State election ballot submitted by Town Clerk for Board’s signature.
Motion to approve made and seconded, voted all in favor.
All signed; returned to Sandy Bourassa.
Chapter 61A – 145 School Street
Board received notice of purchase and sale pending for Ch. 61A land currently owned by Bigelow Nurseries; Town has first right of refusal for purchase.
Motion made by Ken Sydow to notify Bigelow Nurseries that the Town does not have any interest in purchasing the land. Motion seconded and voted all in favor.
Meeting Minutes
Motion made and seconded to approve 9/7/10 and 9/24/10 minutes as presented; voted all in favor.
Report of the Town Administrator to the Board of Selectmen
Tax Title Auction: All eight properties were sold for a total of $137K. This exceeded expectations.
Flagg House Lease: Only one response was received, from YOU, Inc. Annual lease bid $40K (as is currently being paid by YOU, Inc.).
Motion was made to approve the Town Administrator’s recommendation to have Town Counsel prepare a lease.
- Jim Stanton asked if the school busing issue has been resolved. Town Administrator said it has; any transportation costs incurred for residents will be paid by YOU, Inc.
- KenSydow agrees and wants to be sure it is detailed in the lease that they are responsible for any student busing costs.
Motion seconded and voted all in favor.
Parks & Recreation (P&R) Operating Budget: The Town Administrator put together a snapshot of P&R’s revolving budget. She has not yet had a chance to meet with P&R to review it with them, but they have since met (after the last Selectmen’s meeting with them) and decided to increase the fee structure for selected programs.
Tri-Town Housing: A reminder that CMRPC will be meeting here in the Selectmen’s room on October 19 to discuss affordable housing in Town.
Wachusett Regional Recycling: Dedication ceremony will be held this Friday at 1:00 PM. The Board of Selectmen is invited to attend; the Town Administrator will attend.
USDA – Asian Long-Horned Beetle Update Appearing before the Board were:
Ken Good (Forest H/R Director, DCR)
Peter Grima (DCR – Main Forester)
Clint McFarland (Federal Program Manager for Asian Long-Horned Beetle Operations in The Commonwealth)
Mr. McFarland gave a brief history of how the ALB was first noted in Worcester. Infestation (two years later) has radiated outward. The USDA feels they could achieve full eradication as the infestation is nowhere near as bad as when they started two years ago.
- The development time is one to two years from the egg stage to a reproducing adult. It tends not to move very much on its own and won’t likely go very far. USDA’s biggest concern is residents moving wood. This issue is responsible for many smaller pockets of infestation being found.
- To date 625 infested trees have been identified in Boylston: Cook Street area; farthest north: Scar Hill Road; School Street (near the Shrewsbury line) – ten trees have been found. Also found on Sewall Street near Bigelow’s.
- Currently, ground surveyors are looking to identify trees; climbers are doing closer inspections on private and public properties. They are putting a lot of resources in Boylston right now. The Federal Government does not want the northern forest in New England infested.
- Identification/notification procedure: If an infested tree is found, the tree is painted with a band around the trunk. Once the tree is marked, no one can take the tree down. The USDA will remove the tree and grind the stump to below grade and replant at their expense. The USDA will not just go in and remove the tree; they would like signed authorization from the landowner. Jim Stanton asked how the residents are to be notified. Mr. McFarland said they leave a hanger on the door with the information stating what was done. They will then follow up in person to have a conversation with landowner.
- Jim asked if the northern boundary is Scar Hill. Mr. McFarland said it is, as of now. The farthest south right now is School/Sewall Street (400 Sewall near the Shrewsbury line). He said the entire Town is now in the zone. They are working with all of the businesses in Town. Some people have not yet heard of the latest infestation.
- Ken Sydow asked if pesticide injections are being done. Mr. McFarland said the spring application is when the injections are done, when the trees are budding. It is best to start at the outside of the zone and work the chemicals inward to the infested area. The chemicals area only effective on non-infested trees. (This is prophylactic and not curative.) Jim asked if infested properties will also have chemicals applied; Mr. McFarland said they would not, that it is best to start coverage outward from the infestation with a comprehensive plan.
- Jim asked if the property owner has a choice in the replanted trees. Mr. McFarland said they do have a choice but they will not plant any host varieties. There are approximately 40 varieties available and they will talk it through with the property owners. The entire Town is eligible for replanting, even if infested trees are not found and removed.
- Ken Sydow asked how long the eradication is expected to take. Mr. McFarland said it would be 15 to 20 years. Inspections are needed for each host tree five to six times to be sure the tree is not infested.
Hillside Trees Plan
Mr. McFarland explained the Hillside area is heavily infested going up the driveway (75 to 100 trees). Some are on Frito-Lay property and some on private property on Route 70; there are 73 acres, total.
- A plan has been submitted to the DEP (required, due to wetland areas involved). The plan has been preliminarily approved; DEP has 14 days to approve it.
- There are a total of 406 trees to date; most are maples on Route 70. North of this area is mostly pine, which could be a natural buffer. Powerlines going through West Boylston -- a line of infestation.
- The proposal is for removal of all host trees on Town property. The exceptions being sugar maples and historic trees near buildings will be spared, if at all possible.
- The work will take three to four weeks to be completed, dependent upon the weather and the Board needs to approve that.
- In forested areas, following tree removal, the stumps will not be ground and the area will not be replanted, due to the natural reseeding of the forest. The stumps will have herbicide treatments to prevent reinfestation. The stumps will be cut as close to the ground as possible.
- Resident Penney Rickel asked how caustic will this pesticide/herbicide be to the ground water. They are regulated as to what and how much they can use. They use low toxicity material that has been in use for many years. They can only apply a certain amount of active ingredients per acre. Ken Good said they keep track of how much is applied, is approved and regulated. Mr. McFarland said the soil/water, etc. are monitored for years. Imidacloprid is used at less than the label rate (on live trees); this is optimal.
- Jim asked if the percentage of trees in the marked area is a high concentration host trees. Ken Good said about 75 percent. Jim asked if all host trees are on the entire outlined property. Mr. McFarland said Yes.
- Resident Judy McAuliffe (Scar Hill Road) asked if the infestation is generally slow moving and the area at Hillside is a heavy concentration, how they speculate that the area was infested. Mr. McFarland said there is a lot of dumping down there; lots of cars, dishwashers, washing machines, etc. That it is an illegal dumping ground for individuals is a possibility. Also, pruning along power lines could have spread the beetle, speculating that it is human-assisted. Ms. McAuliffe asked if the USDA would make this presentation to a broader audience. Mr. McFarland said they would be happy to do so; they encourage transparency and dispelling rumors.
- Don Parker (Tree Warden) said he has had many calls. He recently learned that private landowners are cutting trees down on their own. They are also asking if they can retain the wood chips. Mr. McFarland said they do not want anyone removing trees themselves. Regarding chips, they need to be taken off site to approved contractors that chip to less than one inch.
- Ms. Rickel said four trees were marked in her yard and downed limbs were discarded in her yard. How is all of Boylston going to be checked? If a tree is removed, will the sapling that replaces it be fertilized and mulched, etc? McFarland apologized and said he will speak with the climbers as this is not appropriate behavior. He expects his staff to grow by 50 to 60 percent in the next six months. He will have an additional 110 ground surveyors and 120 climbers. They will get to all trees. Regarding finding infested trees, they have lots of support and anticipate increased finding. Regarding replanting of trees, one to two inch trees will be planted and as many as the property can sustain, long-term, will be planted.
- Resident Bob Haynes asked if, when an infested tree is found, are numerous emergent holes are found. Mr. McFarland said it depends on the length of time the tree has been infested. They have seen trees in Worcester with over 350 holes. A new infestation has only egg sites.
- Garrett Hollands of 9 Scar Hill Road said many limbs are still hanging, left from the last ice storm. How long can the beetle live in limbs on the forest floor? Mr. McFarland said they need sufficient moisture content in the wood to thrive. For example, firewood this season is still a viable transport mechanism. If the limbs are completely dead and dried, they are not effective to host the beetle. Inspectors also look at firewood and limbs on the ground for infestation.
- Jim Stanton asked what they need from the Board for the Hillside project. Mr. McFarland said they need approval to remove all host trees from Hillside. He feels it is the most prudent way to protect the area and halt the spread to other parts of Town.
- Patrick Healy of Sewall Street said there are potential vernal pools on his property. Are they submitting this information to the Conservation Commission? Ken Good said there are no vernal pools on this map. If there are certified vernal pools, they are required to follow regulations.
- Mr. Healy asked if this action will affect the water supply. Mr. Good said the work is approved by NWRA regarding the watershed.
- Jim Stanton asked what happens if the Town of a private property owner says no to the removal of trees. Mr. McFarland said they would go to the Attorney General to receive a warrant. They have ultimate jurisdiction.
- Jim asked about the possibility of removing only infected trees and not all potential host trees from Hillside. Mr. McFarland said they would prefer not to prolong the process and exacerbate the issue. The Town can make a decision based on the information given.
- Resident Steve Langley asked what percentage of the Town has been inspected. Mr. McFarland said very little of it – approximately 34,000 of 600,000 trees. He said the numbers will escalate very quickly once he has more manpower. Mr. Langley asked if he could estimate how long it will take to assess the entire Town. Mr. McFarland said it would take until the end of 2011 to early 2012.
- Jim asked Mr. McFarland if he would be available Friday afternoon, the 22nd, to walk Hillside and review where the host trees are; he is available and will be happy to walk the property with Board members.
- Joanne Cox of Kendall Road asked if there would be a Town-wide mailing of basic information.
The plan for Hillside discussion will be continued to Friday at 2:30 PM.
Committee Appointments
Zoning Board of Appeals: The Board interviewed Stephen Langton of 439 School Street for his interest in an Associate member position on the Zoning Board of Appeals. Mr. Langton has lived in Boylston for six years; he is an attorney specializing in corporate real estate. Ken Sydow asked what type of corporate real estate he specialized in. Mr. Langton said it is title work, telecommunications work, zoning and permitting.
Jim Stanton said the Board would take his application under advisement; they would like to talk to Bill Filsinger.
Council on Aging: The Board interviewed Mary Whitney of 20 Heritage Lane for the Council on Aging. She has worked for New Horizons, SunBanke Village and currently helps Jane Meegan with mailings.
Motion was made and seconded to approve appointing Ms. Whitney to the Council on Aging. Voted all in favor.
Parks & Recreation
Per the Town Administrator, based on Town Accountant’s records and Karen Barber’s records, their budget uses both revolving and general funds to cover expenses. They can’t break it down by program; the same costs run against many programs.
FY’09 = $40K
FY’10 = $30K (income and expenses).
Allen Cosimini (Chair, P&R) said they invited the sports organizations to be present, since they bear some of the burden to care for the fields in Town.
- Jim Stanton reminded that Parks & Recreation’s specific request was for funds to water the new field. They were to first meet with the Water Department to request abatement.
- Penney Rickel said they were denied abatement by the Water Dept. Scott McCubrey of the Water Department (present) said P&R never met with the Water Board for an abatement hearing.
- Joe Diciele (President of Boylston Youth Soccer) said the revolving fund needs additional $2K to cover water costs. Mr. Diciele said they will do what is necessary to the best of their ability to help the Town. They just put in the new Hillside fields and it’s in their best interest to care for them. Money could be used for other things (nets, equipment, etc.) but, if necessary they will first spend to water the fields.
- Jim Stanton said it is our understanding the new field was to be no expense to the Town. The Board was surprised to be asked for additional funds to support the field. Our expectation was “no expense.” It might be helpful for P&R to sit with the Town Administrator to evaluate expenses and revenue for each program and the expense to support the fields.
- Joe Diciele noted that over the past five years, they have supplemented the P&R budget by $2K to $3K per year. Mr. Cosimini asked what the extra cost to families will be. Joe said the field fee will be per player and it is likely to be $20 per player.
- Jim asked if watering for the first year is more expensive, and the expense would likely be less next year. Joe said yes, for the first few months it is more expensive, and next year’s cost will go down significantly. Maybe about $1200 to $1500 total for both fields (new and old).
John Solomonides (President of Baseball and Softball Leagues): His program supports 175 to 200 kids a year. Their current fund balance is $3100; cannot currently do any more. They do an annual spring field cleanup – fertilize – mow. They don’t want to charge more than what they are presently charging.
- Football (Scott McCubrey): They pay all utilities, mow their own field. The Town fertilizes the football field.
- Alan asked the Board if user fees are charged now, where does it stop? Do you charge for library use? Other resources? He feels P&R should support all fields.
- Rudy Lambrecht (resident) asked what percentage of the budget other towns contribute to P&R. Jim Stanton said West Boylston does not contribute anything. Rudy said they, likely, are an exception. What do other towns contribute, and why shouldn’t Boylston do the same? The Town Administrator said she doesn’t have information from other towns. Rudy said we have to decide, as a town, what we want to support and maintain. The fields right now are in great shape. Raising fees are not the answer.
- Joe Diciele said he agrees, in principle with Alan that P&R should support everything in a perfect world. If that can’t happen, so be it.
- Rudy said their originally $15K budget is now down to $5K. This is not sustainable. It has nothing to do with new fields. No other department took the hit like P&R did. Jim said there have been significant cuts in many departments. Cuts have been based on the history of spending in previous years. Rudy said all of the budgeted money was spent every year with none left over. P&R is challenged more than other groups.
- John Solomonides said he will reiterate that baseball/softball doesn’t want to raise fees since fields are multi-use. Jim said he understands.
- Roger Deal said the tennis courts are in disrepair. Rudy said we need volunteers; if tennis players want the courts maintained, they need to volunteer do maintain them.
- Matt Mecum, of the Business Marketing Committee, said one of the pros for attractiveness of the Town is the new soccer field. We need to be careful about raising fees or we will lose some of our marketing presentations.
- Ken said Joe and the others did a great presentation for the new field and received approval by the Board the same night. P&R needs to work with the Town Administrator to outline budget needs so we can understand them.
- Alan said the Tahanto Boosters Club does fundraising. There are always the same 25 to 30 families that contribute; he doesn’t want the same group to have the task of fixing fields. Roger said that will, unfortunately, never change. Penney said most people who want something done do not want to volunteer.
P&R is to meet with the Town Administrator to review budget needs before FY’12.
Motion was made, seconded and voted all in favor to adjourn.
Meeting adjourned at 8:57 PM.
Respectfully Submitted,
Lori Esposito
Administrative Assistant
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