October 16, 2007
Lucy B. Wallace
William J. Marinelli
Robert E. Eubank
Timothy A. Clark
The meeting was called to order at 7:30 P. M. by Chair, Lucy Wallace, in the Town Hall meeting room.
APPOINTMENT – PARK AND RECREATION COMMISSION – Jim Lee and Donald Ashe, members from the Park and Recreation Commission, were in attendance to recommend that Mark Mandozzi be appointed to the Park and Recreation Commission until the next election to fill the vacancy left by Eric Peterson. Mr. Mandozzi was present and gave the board a brief explanation of his involvement in town and why he was interested in serving on the Park and Recreation Commission. On a Lee/Marinelli motion, the Board voted unanimously by a roll call vote (Lee – AYE, Ashe – AYE, Marinelli – AYE, Clark – AYE, Wallace – AYE, Eubank – AYE) to appoint Mark Mandozzi to the Park and Recreation Commission until the 2008 town election.
BILL HAZEL – 150 AYER ROAD – Bill Hazel of 150 Ayer Road was in attendance to seek the Board’s approval in having the Town install a pipe to contain the stream and catch basins that flow onto his property from Ayer Road. Mr. Hazel state that he had been promised a pipe sometime ago. However, according to DPW Director, Rich Nota, the reason a pipe was not installed because it was not on town property, which would require a drainage easement to be established on his property to allow the Town to maintain a pipe. Further, Rich has stated that the water flow on his property is approximately 80% from an intermittent stream that crosses under Ayer Road from properties on the westerly side of the road, with the remainder coming from road drainage. The Board asked questions of Mr. Hazel with
regard to the situation. The Board felt that they would indeed require an easement to install and maintain a pipe on Mr. Hazel’s property. Rich Nota was also in attendance and was asked about the situation and what his recommendations were. The Board discussed this issue, and that there are probably other similar situations in the town. The Board charged the Town Administrator, and DPW Director with coming up with some sort of plan to address these situations. The Board asked for a report back at their November 6th meeting.
APPOINTMENT – TRUCK DRIVER/LABORER – Rich Nota, DPW Director, was in attendance to present Jeffrey Greco of Devens to the Board, and to recommend that Mr. Greco be appointed as a Truck Driver/laborer to the Department of Public Works. On a Marinelli/Eubank motion, the Board voted unanimously to appoint Jeffrey Greco as a Truck Driver/laborer to the Department of Public Works, pending the successful completion of a pre-employment physical and DOT drug screen.
BOARD OF SELECTMEN – Minutes
October 16, 2007 – Page 2
SHAKER HILLS 40B ADHOC COMMITTEE – UPDATE – Keith Cheveralls, Mark Mikitarian, and Meg Bagdonas of the Shaker Hills 40B Adhoc Committee were in attendance to update the Board on the activities of the committee and what some of their recommendations are at this point. Notably, Keith discussed the fact that the property is currently classified under the State’s Chapter 61B classification, and that the town should get a clear understanding of the rights of first refusal, as mandated by Chapter 61B. Additionally, Keith reported that the committee felt it imperative that an appraisal be conducted to get a sense of the value of the property. Keith also discussed that previously the Board had asked the Town of Ayer to defer any decision to allow the development to be hooked up to Ayer’s public water and
sewer system, until the Selectmen had discussed the matter, and that this agreement should be put into writing. Keith explained that there are many complex issues regarding this potential 40B development, and felt that it would be beneficial for an expert land use counsel be present when the Adhoc committee meets with the developer/applicant. The Board asked the Adhoc Committee to come up with a list of specific questions.
AYER ROAD TRAFFIC STUDY – Tim Clark was inquiring about the status of the Ayer Road Traffic Study. Tim Clark asked that it appear on the Board’s November 6th agenda for an update, and to see the finalized draft.
LONG RANGE PLANNING COMMITTEE – Bob discussed the need to discuss the Long Range Planning Committee as brought about after the annual town meeting this past spring. He asked that it be placed on the Board’s November 6th.
TRANSFER STATION OPERATIONS – Tim Clark reported that he recently met with Chris Ryan, Rich Nota and a number of Transfer Station volunteers to come up with some alternative means of how recycling is handled in town. The intent is to reduce costs in the town, by increasing recycling, and decreasing waste disposal. Tim further reported that they are hoping to hold a public hearing to get some feedback, as well as, to inform the public of some changes that could be implemented.
FINANCE COMMITTEE SELECTION COMMITTEE –Lucy reported that the committee has been meeting, and are making progress. They are hoping to make a report to the Selectmen within the Board’s next several meeting. Some interesting ideas have come up with regard to associate membership, and term limits. The committee will meet again on October 24th.
HISTORIC COMMISSION – GUIDELINES – The Historical Commission has submitted their proposed guidelines to the Board, and is seeking the Board’s feedback. Jonathan Feist, Chair of the Historical Commission will be present at the Board’s next meeting.
BOARD OF SELECTMEN – Minutes
October 16, 2007 – Page 3
HOUSING – DEVENS – Lucy gave the Board a brief update of the meeting which took place at Devens on October 4th which was hosted by Senator Resor and Representative Eldridge to have a dialogue to discuss the issue of additional housing at Devens. Secretary of Housing and Economic Development, Dan O’Connell and Undersecretary of Housing and Community Development, Tina Brooks, lead the discussion. Representatives of MassDevelopment were in attendance, as well. Lucy asked Valeska to place the presentation on the town’s website. The Board will discuss further at a future meeting.
MINUTES – On a Clark/Eubank motion, the Board voted unanimously to accept the minutes of 10/2, as presented.
VETERANS’ SERVICES OFFICER – REQUESTS – Tim Bragan presented the Board with a memo from the Town’s new Veterans’ Services Officer, Dennis Lyddy. Mr. Lyddy explained in his letter to the Board that he needs sufficient office space and equipment to be able to assist veterans, their widows and/or their families with their claims or their need for assistance. Further, he stated that a place of privacy would be most beneficial so veterans can discuss their financial, medical and other issues and feel comfortable in their surroundings. The Board discussed this request and several potential locations that the Veterans’ Services Officers may be able to utilize. On a Eubank/Clark motion, the Board voted unanimously to approve Mr. Lyddy’s request, and charge Tim Bragan and Bob
Eubank to come with a solution.
USED CAR CLASS II DEALER’S LICENSE – NEWMAN’S AUTOMOTIVE SERVICES – Tim Bragan presented the Board with the an application for an Used Car Class II Dealer’s License for Gary Newman, of Newman’s Automotive Services, located at 105 Ayer Road. The issue is what to charge Mr. Newman for the license. Annually, individuals are charged $100 for the entire year, however, this license is only good until January 1, 2008. The Board decided to prorate the license fee for $25. On a Marinelli/Clark motion, the Board voted unanimously to approve and grant a Used Car Class II dealer’s license for Gary Newman, owner and operator of Newman’s Automotive Services located at 105 Ayer Road.
SCHOOL COMMITTEE – RESIGNATION – Tim Bragan informed the Board that Jeff Shaw has submitted his resignation from the School Committee. Further, Tim Bragan reported that they have to wait official notification from the School Committee to see how they would like to proceed. Tim Bragan
PLANNING BOARD – WIND CONVERSION TASK FORCE – Tim Bragan informed the Board that the Planning Board has appointed a “Wind Conversion Device Bylaw” Task Force to look into the development of a bylaw to allow wind energy conversion systems in the Town of Harvard.
BOARD OF SELECTMEN – Minutes
October 16, 2007 – Page 4
CDBG HOUSING GRANT – Montachusett Regional Planning Commission (MRPC) has contacted the town to see if there is interest in participating in another Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Housing Grant, as in year’s past. Tim Bragan informed MRPC that the town would be interested and has asked representatives of MRPC to attend the Board’s November 6th meeting to discuss the grant application.
TOWN AUDIT – Tim Bragan informed the Board that with the resignation of the Town’s Auditor, George McKenna, he has begun to work with Lorraine Leonard, the Town’s Chief Procurement Officer, in preparing the relevant documents needed to solicit bids for a new town auditor. He is anticipating that they will be soliciting bids, reviewing them and making a recommendation within the near future. It is anticipated that a reserve fund transfer will be needed to fund the services of a new auditor.
FOR ART’S SAKE – Tim Bragan reported that he has met with Pam Cochrane, a representative from For Art’s Sake regarding their need for their pending art exhibition that will be taking place at the Old Library. They have worked in unison with the Cultural Council, with the counsel of Tim have been working the logistics, heating, insurance and the security with the organization.
***On a Marinelli/Eubank motion, the Board voted unanimously by a roll call vote (Marinelli – AYE, Clark – AYE, Wallace – AYE, Eubank – AYE) to enter into executive session, as authorized by Chapter 39, Section 23B of the Massachusetts General Laws, at a meeting, for which 48 hours notice has been given for the purpose of discussing strategy with regard to the consideration of purchasing, exchanging, leasing or valuing of real property. Following the executive session, the Board will reconvene into open session for the sole purpose of adjourning.***
The meeting was adjourned at 9:28 P.M.
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