February 5, 2008
Lucy B. Wallace
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 OF ASSISTANT ASSESSOR - Lucy Wallace introduced Angela Marrama the Town’s Assessor to give some detail on the hiring process. Angela Marrama stated there were a total of 30 applicants and they conducted 8 interviews with 3 finalists. Celia Jornet of Ashburnham was chosen to be appointed as the new Assistant Assessor to start on February 11, 2008. On a Eubank/Clark motion, the Board voted unanimously to appoint Celia Jornet of Ashburnham as the Assistant Assessor subject to a pre-employment physical.
FOR ART’S SAKE – Pam Cochrane reported on behalf of For Art’s Sake on the great success of the Maine Harvard Exhibition. The show was held throughout November and December, Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. There were 25 to 65 visitors viewing the show each day. There were 30 artists involved ranging in age from 8 to 83. Pam Cochrane wanted to express many thanks to all who were involved and all who helped to make the exhibition possible. She also confirmed For Art’s Sake is working on several upcoming events that she is hoping the old Library would be available for.
JBOS – Tim Clark reported that Senator Pam Resor and Representative Jamie Eldridge attended the meeting that was held on Thursday, January 31, 2008. Representative Robert Hargraves did come in toward the end of the meeting. The Boards were hoping for more information regarding the Governor’s housing plan but instead fielded more questions on what Harvard’s thoughts are regarding additional housing. Tim Clark said it was made clear that at this time Harvard requires additional information from the administration before Harvard is able to engage further in this discussion.
Richard Montouri did speak and acknowledged the receipt of Harvard’s questions for Mass Development. Tim Clark said it was a good exchange for future dialogue with Mass Development. Tim Clark did state it will take a cooperative relationship with the surrounding three towns and Mass Development to move forward in a productive manner. Lucy Wallace confirmed the willingness and enthusiasm from Richard Montouri to honor Harvard’s request. Lucy Wallace also stated the number of 400 units for housing has not changed and interest in rehab/developing in the areas of Grant Road, Vicksburg Square and Buena Vista area. Tina Brooks from the Department of Housing and Community Development would be coming out for their next meeting at Devens and hopefully have feedback from the administration.
Tim Clark informed the Board of the PTO hosting a discussion with the school committee, Thursday, February 7th, about the potential to bid on the Devens education contract. This is an opportunity for the public to learn about the request and to provide school committee input and feedback.
Board of Selectmen – Minutes
February 5, 2008 page 2
ENERGY AUDIT APPLICATION – On a Clark/Eubank motion, the Board voted unanimously to endorse application for Massachusetts Division of Energy Resources Energy Audit Program for technical audit of municipal buildings as described in application.
MINUTES – On a Eubank/Clark motion, the Board voted unanimously to accept the minutes of 1/29, as amended.
OUT OF STATE TRIPS – COA - On a Eubank/Clark motion, the Board voted unanimously to approve a March 26th trip to Parkers Maple Barn in Mason, NH and an April 28th trip to Currier Museum in Manchester, NH along with an Anheuser Busch tour in Merrimack, NH.
THE FRIENDS OF THE PUBLIC LIBRARY – BOOK SALE – On a Eubank/Clark motion, the Board voted unanimously to approve the use of the old library for the annual book sale dates of March 29 through June 14 and contingent upon the building to be left in the same condition as found.
EAGLE SCOUT – THOMAS JAMES COOKE – On a Eubank/Clark motion, the Board voted unanimously to authorize a certificate of achievement including a designated day as his day to be signed by the Board at their next meeting.
RESIGNATION – BOB LERNER – On a Eubank/Clark motion, the Board voted unanimously to accept his resignation from the Housing Authority and the Municipal Affordable Housing Trust and to send a letter of thanks.
APPOINTMENT – On a Eubank/Clark motion, the Board voted to appoint Scott Hayward to the Municipal Affordable Housing Trust.
BUDGETS – Tim Bragan supplied the Board with a list of general government budgets for the Selectmen with 3 items to vote on.
On a Wallace/Clark motion, the Board voted unanimously to include $12,500 in general override for Council on Aging and also have as a separate warrant article, this is contingent on the override passing.
On a Eubank/Clark motion, the Board voted unanimously for $4,500 related to postage, public buildings operating expenses and fire department expenses to be reduced from Selectmen’s budget request as presented.
On a Wallace/Eubank motion, the Board voted unanimously for a creation of receipts reserved fund to hold payments from insurance company for ambulance services and these funds will be applied to ambulance expenses and training.
Board of Selectmen – Minutes
February 5, 2008 page 3
WARRANT FOR ANNUAL TOWN MEETING – Tim Bragan presented the Board with a rough draft of the warrant for town meeting. Description of Articles below:
Article 1: Annual Reports
Article 2: Blank
Article 3: Blank
Article 4: Omnibus budget
Article 5: Reserve Fund
Article 6: Fire hydrant cost of $20,000
Article 7: Fire chief’s vehicle for $35,000
Article 8: ballot box replacement $7,000
Article 9: GASB 45 OPEB actuarial Valuation is $12,000.
Article10: Borrowing Various - Lucy Wallace explained that thid is in regards to a request in the capital plan from DPW Director Rich Nota over the next 4 years for various upgrades to DPW facility, the highway barn, transfer station electronic upgrades and electrostatic painting for fuel depot. Lorraine Leonard, Finance Director, suggested bundling these items under state house notes for a 10 year borrowing period. Construction related items can be put into that one set borrowing period. This is better for a fixed amount each year maintaining a stable cost each year and a benefit for Rich Nota to do in a consolidated way. Bromfield boiler is also added to this and BOH has said ceiling fans should be installed on second floor of elementary school so that would be included as well.
Article 11: Change in manner of selection of finance committee members
Article 12: Protective bylaw amendment
Article 13: Lighting bylaw
Article 14: Town center overlay district
Article 15: Wind energy conservation systems
Article 16: Amend general bylaw scenic road
Article 17: Associate member of planning board
Article 18: Town center septic
Article 19: Community preservation committee report
Article 20: Transfer funds from Community Preservation Fund Historic Reserves to Council on Aging
Article 21: Shaker Herb Drying House Doors
Article 22: Restoration of Mass Ave. Stone wall
Article 23: Community Preservation Fund Historic Reserves
Article 24: Conservation Fund
Article 25: Harvard Municipal Affordable Housing Trust Fund
Article 26: Amend General Bylaws – Historic District Map
Article 27: Acceptance of Gifts of Property – Conservation Land
Article 28: Acceptance of Highway Funds
Tim Clark has suggested a panel discussion on affordable housing and one on municipal finance with regards to these articles prior to town meeting. Lucy Wallace agreed.
CDBG GRANT RECIPIENT – WILLARD E. MILLIS - On a Clark/Wallace motion, the Board voted unanimously to accept and sign the discharge of mortgage for Willard E. Millis as recorded in the Worcester County Registry of Deeds June 23, 2005.
Board of Selectmen – Minutes
February 5, 2008 page 4
STATE GIC INSURANCE PROGRAM – Tim Bragan informed the Board Lorraine Leonard, Marie Solbavarro along with himself as appointed by the Board are continuing to obtain further information on potential savings for the town with this program.
DPW – PLOW DRIVER TRAINING – Tim Bragan informed the Board the training course will be conducted within the next couple weeks and he will be meeting with the town’s insurance representative and claims adjuster in regards to the December 31st, 2007 accident.
POLICIES AND PROCEDURES – COMMON VICTUALLAR – LIQUOR – ENTERTIANMENT - Tim Bragan presented the Board with a draft of policies and procedures for their review. The policies are in compliance with state law. Tim Bragan did inform the Board they can add conditions. The Board decided to act on policies and procedures at their next meeting to allow time for the public to review and express any concerns.
The meeting was adjourned at 9:00 p.m.
| 
