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March 20, 2007
ndall W. Dean
Lucy B. Wallace
William J. Marinelli
R. Scott Kimball
Robert E. Eubank
Chair, Randy Dean, called the meeting to order at 7:30 P.M. in the Town Hall Meeting Room.
BRISTOL MYERS SQUIBB – Bob reported that the final color scheme has been chosen for the new Bristol Myers Squibb facility at Devens. Bob thanked and commended the efforts of the committee, the representatives of MassDevelopment and Bristol Myers Squibb.
DEPARTMENT OF CONSERVATION RECREATION – INVENTORY OF SCENIC ROADS – Steve Rowse was in attendance to present the Board with another opportunity with regard to the Department of Conservation Recreation (DCR). Last year, he and Laura Andrews and Marge Darby worked with DCR to produce the Heritage Landscape Inventory Report. DCR has had informal discussions with Marge to pilot a similar project to develop an inventory of Harvard’s scenic roads, and to outline strategies for keeping the roads ‘scenic’ in the future. It would involve reviewing all of the roads in the town currently classified as ‘scenic’, document the key features along them, provide photo documentation of each, map them out and provide recommendations for maintenance to be shared with the Department of Public
Works. Steve sought the Board’s support, which they all unanimously endorsed. Additionally, Steve also felt that Rich Nota should be involved in the process, as well, and the Board concurred. The Board thanked Steve and the other volunteers again, for all their hard work with regard to the landscape inventory project, and is looking forward to hearing the progress of this project.
ANNUAL TOWN MEETING WARRANT – ASSIGNMENT OF ARTICLES – The Board went through the warrant for the March 31st Annual Town Meeting and assigned article numbers to the various Board members for the Board’s articles. On a Wallace/Marinelli motion, the Board voted 4 to 1 (Kimball – NAY) to support Article #4 for the Omnibus Budget. On a Eubank/Marinelli motion, the Board voted 4 to 1 (Kimball- NAY) to support Article #5 for the DPW (Transfer Station) Personnel. On a Wallace/Marinelli motion, the Board voted unanimously to support Article #6 for Police Personnel. On a Wallace/Eubank motion, the Board voted 4 to 1 (Kimball- NAY) to support Article #7 for the Bare Hill Pond Drawdown Pumping Station. On a Marinelli/Wallace motion, the Board voted 4 to 1 (Kimball
– NAY) to support Article #9 for the Override – Local Schools. On a Marinelli/Wallace motion, the Board voted 4 to 1 (Kimball – NAY) to support Article #10, as written, for the Capital Outlay Exemption – DPW Truck. On a Eubank/Wallace motion, the Board voted unanimously to support Article #11 for the purchase of an ambulance. On a Marinelli/Wallace motion, the Board
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March 20, 2007 – Page 2
Voted unanimously to support Article #12 for the Refurbishment of a Fire Truck. On a Wallace/Eubank motion, the Board voted 4 to 1 (Kimball – NAY) to support Article #15 for the Bromfield House Roof, Porch and Boiler. On a Eubank/Wallace motion, the Board voted 4 to 1 (Kimball - NAY) to support Article #16 for the Special Education Audit, with the amendment that it read ‘not to exceed $25,000’. On a Kimball/Marinelli motion, the Board voted 1 to 4 (Kimball – AYE) to support Article #17 for the Citizen’s Petition – Special Education Audit. The motion failed. On a Marinelli/Wallace motion, the Board voted 4 to 1 (Wallace – NAY) to support Article #17 for the Citizen’s Petition – Special Education Audit if Article #16 fails on the town meeting floor. On a
Marinelli/Wallace motion, the Board voted unanimously to support and replace the text with regard to Article #18 for the Change in Manner of Selection of Finance Committee members to read the following, ‘To see if the Town will voted to amend Chapter 36, Section 36-1 of the Code of the Town of Harvard by changing the manner of selection and terms of office of the members of the Town’s Finance Committee through the establishment of a study committee comprised of two members of the Finance Committee, two members of the Board of Selectmen, and two members of the School Committee, all appointed by their respective bodies, the Moderator and two members of the public selected by the Moderator. By 30 October 2007 said committee shall gather data from other towns on how Finance Committees are selected and their member’s terms of service determined, hold public hearings, issue a report on their findings, and provide a draft warrant article implementing whatever
changes they recommend for inclusion in the 2008 Annual Town Meeting Warrant.’ On a Marinelli/Eubank motion, the Board voted unanimously to oppose Article #19 for the Citizen’s Petition – Finance Committee. On a Wallace/Marinelli motion, the Board voted unanimously to support Article # 25 for the Home Rule Petition – Tax Exemption for Registered, Affordable Accessory Apartments. On a Marinelli/Kimball motion, the Board voted 3 to 2 (Wallace, Eubank - NAY) to pass over Article #26 for the Town Center Septic Testing, on the floor of town meeting. On a Wallace/Marinelli motion, the Board voted unanimously to support Article #40 for the Acceptance of M.G.L. Chapter 39, Section 23D.
275TH ANNIVERSARY – Lucy reported that she has spoken with Kathy Farrell of the 4th of July Committee, with regard to the 2007 4th of July celebration. The fireworks are scheduled for Saturday, June 30th. The parade and other events will be held on the actual 4th. Additionally, the Fourth of July Committee is seeking guidance and additional members to celebrate the town’s 275th anniversary. Interested individuals should contact a member of the Fourth of July Committee.
BOARD’S POSITION – SHAKER HILLS 40B – AYER WATER/SEWER – At the Board’s last meeting, they instructed Tim to draft a letter in response to Ayer Town Administrator’s request for the Board’s position relative to the developer of the Shaker Hills Golf Course 40B project being tied into Ayer’s water and sewer. Tim presented the Board with said letter. On a Wallace/Eubank motion, the Board voted unanimously to approve and authorize the Chair to sign the letter on behalf of the Board, which states that
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the Board is concerned with the current scope and size of the proposed development and wishes to be informed if there are any developments with any regard to the issue.
GOVERNOR’S RELIEF PACKAGE – SIGN LETTER TO LEGISLATURES – Tim informed the Board that late in February, the Governor submitted his FY’08 budget with the legislature. In the Governor’s proposed budget he added $200 million to Chapter 70, and held most other aid accounts at level funded or with slight increases. The Board instructed Tim to draft a letter to Senator Resor and Representative Eldridge, at their last meeting, supporting the Governor’s municipal relief package. Tim presented the Board with the draft of the letter. On a Wallace/Marinelli motion, the Board voted unanimously to support and authorize the Chair to sign the letter, as presented, on behalf of the Board.
FREEDOM’S WAY HERITAGE ASSOCIATION – MEMBERSHIP – Tim presented the Board with communication from Freedom’s Way Heritage Association with regard to their annual membership. The Board instructed Tim to pay the annual membership fee of $50, and to notify the association of their intent to remain as a member.
DEVENS ENTERPRISE COMMISSION - PARKER CHARTER SCHOOL – Tim informed the Board that the Devens Enterprise Commission has sent a notice of a Public Hearing & Meeting that will be held on April 24, 2007 regarding the plans of The Parker School to install modular classrooms on the existing school property. Copies of the level two site plan submission are in the board’s office and may be viewed at the town hall for anyone that is interested.
PUBLIC BUILDING USAGE – HAPGOOD ROOM – Tim informed the Board that he received a request to use the room for a small drama workshop. The Board discussed this request, and felt more information would be needed in order to make a determination. Additionally, the Board discussed the need for a policy for the usage of Public Buildings. The Board will discuss further at a future meeting.
MAINTENANCE & MANAGEMENT – NEW LIBRARY - Tim informed the Board that he and Rich Nota are continuing to work with the Library Trustees and Director regarding the management of the new facilities and procuring cleaning services for the building as well. Rich will be getting training this week on the mechanical and electrical systems in the new Library.
FARMER’S MARKET – Tim informed the Board that he has been approached by Harvard Local of their desire to have a Farmer’s Market. Tom Jefferson has given approval of the oval in front of the HES for the location of the market. Tim has suggested that the interested individuals approach the Agricultural Advisory Committee with regard to this. Further, Tim reported that he is investigating how to get this
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accomplished and that he is inquiring about insurance issues. The Board asked questions of Tim. Tim will report further at a future meeting.
INSPECTOR GENERAL – LORRAINE LEONARD – Tim reported to the Board that he has received notice from the Inspector General’s office that Lorraine Leonard, successfully completed the Designer goods and services portion of the Inspector General’s MCPPO program. On a Marinelli/Wallace motion, the Board voted unanimously to send Lorraine a congratulatory letter.
***On a Wallace/Marinelli motion, the Board voted unanimously by roll call vote (Kimball – AYE, Eubank – AYE, Dean – AYE, Wallace – AYE, Marinelli – AYE) to enter executive session, as authorized by Chapter 39, Section 23B of the Massachusetts General Laws at a meeting for which 48 hours notice for the purpose of discussing ongoing union negotiations and pending litigation. Following the executive session, the Board will reconvene into open session for the sole purpose of adjourning.***
The meeting was adjourned at 10:07 P.M.
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