September 11, 2007
Lucy B. Wallace
Randall W. Dean
Robert E. Eubank
Timothy A. Clark
The meeting was called to order at 7:30 P.M. in the Town Hall meeting room, by Chair, Lucy Wallace.
SPECIAL TOWN MEETING – OVERRIDE – Members of the Finance and School Committee were in attendance to discuss the override amount needed for the Special Town Meeting. Tim Bragan explained that he and Lorraine had been reviewing budgets and going over numbers, and were able to find some additional funds that could lower the override dollar amount. The Selectmen, Finance Committee and School Committee discussed the possibility of using one-time funds, such as the Reserve fund and Free Cash, to fund the override entirely and eliminate the need for a ballot question. The Board discussed this suggestion. Tim Bragan reminded the Board that due to State Law, the Selectmen need to notify the Town Clerk of the wording which needs to appear on the ballot, by this evening. The Board asked questions of Tim
Bragan, and other present committee members. On a Dean/Eubank motion, the Board voted 2 to 1 to 1 (Dean, Eubank – AYE; Clark – NAY; Wallace –ABSTAIN) to keep the override question on the ballot.
HIGHER ASSET LIMITS – AGE RESTRICTED HOUSING – TRAIL RIDGE – Mark O’Hagan of MCO & Associates, was in attendance to update the Board on the status of the Trail Ridge project, located on Littleton County Road. Mark reported that he has been working with the Housing Partnership to determine whether the current asset limits would unduly limit the number of Harvard resident who would be eligible for age-restricted units. Currently, under the guidelines, applicants are limited to $150,000 in assets from the sale of property, which worries the Housing Partnership, Lucy reported, as most Harvard residents would not be eligible for the age-restricted affordable housing due to the current market conditions. Lucy reported that a member of the Housing Partnership is a realtor and asked her to see how
many houses had been sold in the last 18 months under $400,000 and found that only six had sold in that range, and eight are currently on the market. At this point, the Housing Partnership is recommending that the Board request that CHAPA allow a maximum combined asset level of $400,000. The Board asked questions of both Lucy and Mark. Randy still felt that he did not have enough information to make a decision, as noted at the Board’s 9/4 meeting. On a Clark/Eubank motion, the Board voted 3 to 0 (Dean- ABSTAIN) to request that CHAPA increase the asset limits to $400,000.
BOARD OF SELECTMEN – Minutes
September 11, 2007 – Page 2
BROMFIELD SCHOOL – RECYCLING EFFORTS – Davida Bagatelle was in attendance to discuss the ongoing recycling efforts which are taking place at the Bromfield School. She explained that approximately year ago she and Wyatt Holt, of the Middle School, received a grant from the PTA to purchase recycling bins. Although, she noted it was taking time for it to catch on, she said it has increased, and through their efforts, recycled approximately five tons of paper, saved 10 cubic yards of landfills and space and earned $30, which will go towards the purchasing of additional recycling bins. Additionally, she mentioned the cooperation of Rich Nota and the DPW with arranging to have the bottles and cans picked up. The Board asked questions of Davida and thanked her for all of her efforts. On a Dean/Eubank
motion, the Board voted unanimously to give $175 towards these efforts to purchase more recycling bins.
USE OF OLD LIBRARY – FOR ART’S SAKE – Pam Cochrane was in attendance to seek the Board’s permission for an upcoming art exhibition. She explained that they are a community association supporting art in the schools and within the community. The Board asked questions of Ms. Cochrane. On a Clark/Eubank motion, the Board voted unanimously to authorize the use of the Old Library for the art exhibition, as requested.
MINUTES – On a Dean/Eubank motion, the Board voted unanimously to approve the minutes of 8/28, as amended. On a Dean/Eubank motion, the Board voted unanimously to approve the minutes of 9/4, as amended.
UPICK APPLE SIGNS – The Board was presented with a list of individuals seeking to place U-pick apple signs. On a Clark/Eubank motion, the Board voted unanimously to approve the placement of ‘U-Pick Apple’ signs to Philip Rymsha of 24 Prospect Hill Road, Carlson Orchards of 115 Oak Hill Road, Christa’s U-Pick of Still River Road, Doe Orchards of 327 Ayer Road, Westward Orchards of 90 Oak Hill Road, Old Frog Pond Farm of 38 Eldridge Road, and David Coffin of 8 Westcott Road, with the stipulation that the signs be removed by November 30th.
HARVARD FUN RIDE – Tim Bragan notified the Board that the Harvard University Cycling Association is seeking the Board’s approval to hold their 4th annual Harvard to Harvard ride on Sunday, October 7th. On a Dean/Eubank motion, the Board voted unanimously to approve the Harvard University Cycling Association request, pending final approval from the Police Chief, to hold their ride through Harvard on October 7th.
APPOINTMENT – STRATEGIC PLANNING STEERING COMMITTEE – On a Eubank/Dean motion, the Board voted unanimously to appoint Tim Clark to the Strategic Planning Steering Committee. The first meeting will be held on 9/20.
BOARD OF SELECTMEN – Minutes
September 11, 2007 – Page 3
CITIZEN’S PETITION – STM – CENSURE OF SCHOOL COMMITTEE – Tim Bragan informed the Board that the Town Clerk is in receipt of a Citizen’s petition requesting an a vote on the floor of Town Meeting to censure the School Committee with regard to some of their recent actions, such as extending the Superintendent’s contract, the Superintendent’s positive annual performance review, and the dismissal of irregularities noted in the town’s external financial audit.
APPOINTMENT – DEPUTY INSPECTOR – DEMOCRATIC TOWN COMMITTEE - On a Dean/Eubank motion, the Board voted unanimously to appoint Lucy Nesbeda, of 55 Oak Hill Road, as a Deputy Inspector for the Democratic Town Committee.
HES – PUMPING STATION – Tim Bragan reported that the review of the HES pumping station has been completed and the formal report is due shortly, but the initial comments from Weston and Sampson are that it is okay for at least a few years. Tim Bragan suggested continuing forward with securing funding to develop designs to replace the current pumping station with one that would be located at the base of Fairbank Street on property owned by the town. This will provide the town with the ability to begin to address the septic needs for the center of town, and more directly the need to provide alternative septic solution for the old Library building, which is needed in order to reutilize that building. This in turn brings up the need to determine what will be the future utilization of town buildings in the
center of town and on Mass. Ave. In order to do determine the best utilization of the buildings space requirements for activities and parking need to be assessed.
CPC GRANT – HILDRETH HOUSE – Tim Bragan informed the Board that COA Director, Ginger Quarles, is inquiring if the Board would be willing to submit an application, on behalf of the COA/Hildreth House, for CPC funds to continue the renovation of the Hildreth House, namely trim work, heating and dehimidifying. On a Dean/Eubank motion, the Board voted unanimously to authorize Ginger Quarles, COA Director to make the application, with fiduciary powers being held by the Board.
MASSACHUSETTS AVENUE – BOLLARD – Tim Bragan informed the Board that there was an incident at the field hockey field two weeks ago whereby the ambulance needed to get onto the field and was unable to do to use the Mass. Ave. entrance due to the bollard that is in place and not easily removable. The Fire Chief, Rich Nota and Mary Wilson are working to find an alternative solution to the current bollard.
HISTORICAL COMMISSION – DRAFT DESIGN GUIDELINES – Tim Bragan presented the Board with the Draft Design Guidelines from the Harvard Historical Commission for Historical Districts and other interested homeowners. The Historical Commission is seeking feedback, and has asked for the Board to review and funnel any comment back Tim Bragan, so that he can respond on behalf of the Board accordingly.
BOARD OF SELECTMEN – Minutes
September 11, 2007 – Page 4
SUBURBAN COALITION – Tim Bragan informed the Board that he has received notice that the dues for the Suburban Coalition are due, and that the Schools have again will pay the annual dues.
The meeting was adjourned at 10:47 P.M.
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