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Board of Selectmen Minutes 04/04/2011
Date of Meeting:        Monday, April 4, 2011
Location:               Town Hall, 221 Main Street
Time:           6:30 PM -8:42PM
Members Present:         James Stanton, Chairman, Kenneth Sydow and Roger Deal
Others Present: Nancy Colbert Puff, Town Administrator; Lori Esposito, Administrative Assistant to                      Board of Selectmen
Absent: 

At 6:55 PM, Selectman Roger Deal motioned to adjourn Executive Session and reconvene in open session.  Ken Sydow seconded; roll call vote recorded as follows:  Roger Deal – Yes; Jim Stanton – Yes; Ken Sydow – Yes.


        A review of the Town Meeting Warrant was conducted.    Articles 1 – 13:   routine, yearly articles.   Motion was made, seconded and voted all in favor to approve Articles 1 through 13 to be placed on warrant.

Report of the Town Administrator to the Board of Selectmen:     
Department of Public Health Grant – Worcester received the public health district incentive grant to analyze the feasibility of a Central Mass Regional Health District.  Boylston is included.
        
Vicious Dog Complaint – Steve Golas continues to follow up with the dog owner to see if she is agreeable to taking various steps to maintain control of her dog.  According to Steve she has agreed to purchase a more secure leash and have the dog on a leash at all times when outside.  She remains hesitant to contain the dog in a pen when left in the yard.  The neighbors have been informed of the status and that the Board will hold a hearing in the near future if a resolution is not reached.   The Town Administrator spoke with the Shrewsbury dog officer, who suggests the dog be muzzled when outside.     

Highway Department Retiree --  Steve White has submitted his intention to retire as of April 30.  We will immediately be advertising for his replacement.

Business Marketing Committee and
         Hillside Development and Reuse Committee --  A revised description for the Boylston Marketing  Committee, along with a task list to be completed, is attached to this report.  Also attached is a description  for a new Hillside Development and Reuse Committee.  With regard to Hillside, the Town Administrator    has posted a summer internship opportunity for planning and public policy with several graduate         programs.

Town Hall Solar Panels --   Using our loss control grant from MIIA, we hired Garland Associates to perform an evaluation of the roof on Town Hall.  The report shows that this roof is in poor condition overall.  The deck received a “good” evaluation but flashing, details and perimeter were all “poor,” while the field and penetrations were in “fair” condition.  The solar panel lease agreement would hold us responsible for movement and reinstallation of the panels if a roof repair required it and, therefore, I feel it might not be const effective at this time.

Regional Dispatch Initiative – The towns considering Worcester as a source for dispatching services have received a second draft of the inter-municipal agreement from Worcester and continue to work on amending it, focusing on a systems study for Leicester and West Boylston;  we will follow up on that.  It is not yet on the calendar.

Sheet Metal Permits – As of February 19, 2011, Massachusetts put into place a new requirement (271                                         CMR 2.0 and M.G.L.c. 112) for a new sheet metal permit to be issued by municipalities.  At this time the building inspector can issue these and the permit form is mandated by the state.  We might adopt fees in association with this new permit.  The Town Administrator will consult with the Building Inspector for his recommendation for the Board’s consideration.  It might be necessary in the future to hire a specialist as an inspector for sheet metal.

HR 101  The Town Administrator will attend a day-long “HR 101” seminar being offered through the Mass Municipal Personnel Association on Thursday, April 7, 2011 in Boston.

Representative Harold Naughton: updates
  • The Governor’s budget numbers propose a $51K.  He doesn’t yet know the direction in which the House version will go.  The budget goes to print two weeks from Friday; debate begins and following week.
  • Jim asked how much of a change he expects.  Mr. Naughton said he honestly cannot predict; he would guess about two percent less than the Governor’s budget.
  • Jim asked if GIC (state health insurance plan) will be a requirement still with reduction in revenues; it would cost us more. Mr. Naughton said he was not sure but he would look into it.
Jim said we are also below the statutory amount for our school reimbursement.
Ken asked if the MCJTC rent (for upstairs) is still in the budget. Mr. Naughton said the Police Chiefs’ union is looking for a revenue stream to support training.  They filed legislation for a small surcharge on auto insurance to fund it.  It doesn’t seem it will go through the House.   He said many police departments have not been doing in-service training.  He hopes to design a revenue stream to support the sacrifice Boylston makes to host the academy.  Jim Stanton noted the rental agreement is up for renewal this year. Mr. Naughton asked the status of the Tahanto building project. Jim said the ground-breaking is scheduled for May and the projected opening date is January 2013.   The 6th grade will move in September 2013.
Mr. Naughton spoke with Chairman of Ways and Means Committee (Brian Dempsey): Top two issues are circuit breaker and regional school transportation issues.  He has requested circuit breaker money be returned to 2009 level.  
  • Jim asked about public safety grants – they were used to fund our new cruisers, etc.  Mr. Naughton said he can’t make any promises.  The Chiefs’ Association and the Department of Public Safety have filed legislation for the past four years and it hasn’t gone through.   Every town misses these grants.
Jim said we are also still paying Quinn Bill benefits.  The elimination resulted as a cut in our local aid.  Mr. Naughton said this is the result of everyone being too stubborn and not negotiating the benefits.  He doesn’t see it being financed.  What does it cost Boylston yearly?  Nancy Puff said $30K.
  • Mr. Naughton said if he has an opportunity to return with the House budget numbers prior to negotiations, he will return to discuss them.
  • Jim said the three big issues are:
        (1)  MCJTC rent
        (2)  School Chapter 70 money
        (3)  GIC plan

Report of the Business Marketing Committee:  (Present:  Herb Cronin, Ron Wagner, Matt Mecum)
  • Ron Wagner met with most of the Route 140 property owners; all properties are listed and there has been some interest.
  • Herb Cronin said he would like to do some more general marketing.
  • The Town Administrator said she just received notice last Wednesday that the Route 140 property is in the purchase process for a commercial business.
  • Herb said he thinks Hillside is a big resource.  He would like to attract interest and look into future development of Hillside.
  • Ron said two projects are proposed:  gravel mining, which would make money to fix roads.  Jim said the Board would like to continue focus on Route 140 development and then the reuse/development of Hillside done by two separate committees.  Ron said the original job description of the Committee includes review and ideas for Hillside development.
  • Jim said the Board needs to thank them for the work they have done to date.  They have seen results.
  • Ken said he has gone through some studies and development proposals, etc., on the property.  We have so much documentation, we need to go through it and summarize everything.  We have approved hiring an intern to do this so the Committee can review and present ideas.  He feels we need to do an analysis from the driveway to Route 140 and behind the football field.    We need to confirm that the Town residents would like to see done with the property; see if it has changed from years ago.
  • Ron said we are on the right track but we need money now.  The Committee has defined 11 lots.  When are we going to let someone like Worcester Business Development help us to move forward?  
  • Ron said regarding Route 140, there is not much more we can do beyond brochures and advertising.  If land doesn’t sell, what is the plan to get tax money?  He doesn’t think we need another study.  Jim said we are trying to consolidate information, not do a new study.  We just need the information put together.  Ron said let’s just let the Town decide if the 11 lots should be sold.  The Town needs a lot of work and maintenance; we need money, not talk.  Jim said he doesn’t disagree.
  • Ken wants to look at the entire parcel of land and be ready to proceed by the end of summer. Ron asked what an intern is going to do with the information they compile?  Ken said the intern would organize it for the Board and the Business Development Committee.  Ron feels the Board needs to let the Town decide and move forward; be open-minded about getting money into the Town.  Roger agrees completely; said he shares his frustration.
  • Jim said development on Route 140 will bring in revenue.  Ron said that with no sewer and the high prices of properties, it won’t happen.  Jim asked if the Worcester Business Development Committee has any identified tenants.  Ron said not yet, but they agree the property is ready to develop.
  • Ken wants to confirm what we have for studies before developing.  Ron said the Committee can tell them what they need to know, but no one wants to listen.
  • Herb Cronin said he is troubled by the same thing Ron is.  In his experience, the most success has been with properties that were divided out, not global projects.   If and when taxes go up in place of finding short-term income, too many people in Town will not be able to afford their homes.
  • Ron said, getting back to the lot discussion, Hillside could be used for nearly anything.   Why not take the gravel we have, sell it and make money.  That portion of property won’t affect the balance of the Hillside property.  Come walk the property with him and he will show them.  Ken said he had no idea they have been walking the lots and had other people on the property to review it.
  • Herb said some areas can’t be developed but there are some that would make great areas for commercial development.
  • Ron said Dennis Costello agrees that there won’t be gravel needed in other areas; removing gravel below won’t affect future systems.  Physical tests need to be done to confirm. Ron asked when they will let it go to Town vote.  Jim said we first need to see how it would fit in with the overall plan.  Ron asked when that would be completed.  Ken said  it would be done in September.  Jim said Ms. Puff will consolidate the information compiled by the intern and make recommendations.
  • Ron said he has as much knowledge; Jim agrees, but the question is whether to wait for consolidation, or do it in pieces. Herb said he feels going it in pieces would make sense.  Also, we need to consider preserving part of it; make it a park-like setting.
  • Roger asked Matt Mecum (present) for comments.  Matt said answers to questions need to be found.  He suggests that all meet, relay questions.  Figure out which ones we have answers to and then go from there.
  • Ron asked what the best use is in the long run for the Town.  Jim said it is commercial.  Ron said the Committee has also decided that so why not pursue it?  Eleven lots, worth $500K to $800K per lot.  Where else would they get that kind of money in Boylston?
  • Jim said, if we sell the land, we lose revenue for it.  Ken Sydow is looking into alternative to lease.
  • Alan Cosimini (present, Parks and Rec.) said Parks and Rec would like to see some open spaces preserved.  They would like to see it balanced with commercial and open space.  Ken said he doesn’t feel we are that far apart, but they are finished talking for tonight.
  • Jim said we should set up a workshop to continue the discussion and walk the property. Herb said any study should have a clearly defined subject, content and time line.
Report of the Parks and Recreation Department:  (Present:  Alan Cosimini, Joe Dicele)
  • Alan said sports organizations currently pay for water, electricity, fertilization of the fields.  Parks & Rec maintains the irrigation systems.  He spoke with Don Parker about mowing, and he has issues with personnel, expenses, etc., and will have issues mowing this year.  Alan asked the Board if that is correct.  Jim said this is the first time he has heard of mowing issues.
  • Ken said Don had commented that the field could be mowed, but not on any particular schedule.  Can the new field be used yet?  Joe said he hoped it could be used by Fall.
  • Jim said we will be able to work it out with the Highway Dept. to have the fields mowed.
  • Joe commented, regarding the previous discussion concerning Hillside development, they would like to see fields preserved, if possible, and keep open space.  Roger said the Town needs to decide if it wants to preserve open land or develop it to relieve taxes.  Jim said he wanted to make it clear that the Board encourages commercial development in Town.
Anytime Auto Wholesale Hearing, Cont’d:
  • Ken said they need five spaces, as designated on plan in order to approve the Class 2 License.
        Motion was made, subject to receipt of a plan with five spaces clearly defined and a document showing a placard in front only.  Other signage, lighting to remain as is.   Motion was seconded and voted all in favor.


Census Certification:  Signed in agreement, no change to Town status.

At 8:42 PM, on motion by Ken Sydow, seconded by Roger Deal and voted all in favor , the meeting was adjourned.

Respectfully Submitted,

Lori Esposito, Administrative Assistant