March 18, 2008
Lucy B. Wallace
Robert E. Eubank
Timothy A. Clark
The meeting was called to order at 7:00 P.M. by Chair, Lucy Wallace in the Town Hall meeting room.
***On a Wallace/Eubank motion, the Board voted unanimously by a roll call vote (Eubank – AYE, Clark – AYE, Wallace – 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 personnel issues. Following the executive session, the Board will reconvene into open session, for the sole purpose of adjourning. ***
The Board reconvened into open session at 7:40 p.m.
APPOINTMENT – 2nd SARGEANT OVIDIU JAMES BABU – Chief Ed Denmark and members of the Police Department were in attendance as the Chief presented Officer Ovidiu James Babu for this promotion. On a Eubank/Clark motion, the Board voted unanimously to appoint Ovidiu James Babu to the rank of Sargeant in the Harvard Police Department.
EVERGREEN SOLAR – Tim Bragan informed the Board that he received a letter from Evergreen Solar stating the alteration to the Phase 2 expansion had been removed from the current permitting plans thus eliminating the need to bring the matter to the Board. He also explained Devens Enterprise Commission (DEC) would be meeting Tuesday, March 25 at 6:45 pm to continue their hearing with regards to Phase 2. On a Clark/Eubank motion, the Board voted unanimously to draft a letter to DEC in support of Evergreen Solar’s Phase 2 application.
MASS DEVELOPMENT QUESTIONS – Tim Clark updated the Board on the progress with regards to the questions submitted in January. Tim Clark along with Marie Sobalvarro from the Finance Committee scheduled an update with Rich Montourri and his staff. Tim Clark stated they are about 90% complete in addressing the categories that were identified. The Board discussed ideas on which Boards should be in attendance for a final presentation of findings. Tim Clark is very pleased with the work that has been completed so far and was glad to have had an opportunity to sit down with Rich Montourri.
TOWN CENTER SEWER TASK FORCE – Tim Clark informed the Board the Task Force met on Monday, March 17th and continued to discuss Article 14 on the warrant. Tim explained the possible request to the Board for a friendly amendment to the article to include more specific details with regards to the dollar amount and scope of the project.
Board of Selectmen – Minutes
March 18, 2008 page 2
SPECIAL EDUCATION AUDIT – Robert Eubank informed the Board that he heard from the auditor today and due to scheduling conflicts he is concerned the audit may not be completed during the school year. The auditor may request we move the audit to the fall. Robert will keep the Board informed of any changes.
MINUTES - On a Clark/Eubank motion, the Board voted unanimously to approve the minutes from the February 26th meeting as amended.
On a Clark/Eubank motion, the Board voted unanimously to approve the minutes from the March 4th meeting as amended.
RESIGNATION – On a Eubank/Clark motion, the Board voted unanimously to accept resignation of Trudy Lambie from the Council on Aging and to send a letter of thanks.
DEVENS OPEN SPACE & RECREATION PLAN 2008-2013 COMMNENTS AND RECOMMENDATIONS – On a Eubank/Clark motion, the Board approved the letter of support as drafted and authorize the chair to sign.
DEPARTMENT OF ARMY – 160 FOOT TELECOMMUNICATIONS MONOPOLE ON THE SOUTH POST IN LANCASTER – Tim Bragan informed the Board of a 30 day public comment period from March 7th through April 7th. The Board asked a few questions regarding the height of tower, location and the number of antennas. The Board agreed Lucy would go to the library to view the plan and draft a letter on behalf of the Board.
RESTORATION OF SHAKER HERB DRYING SHED – Lucy Wallace stated a letter was received from Jonathan Feist, Historical Commission Chair, proposing the restoration of three side doors on the Shaker Herb Drying House. Tim Bragan explained the Commission deemed this to be a substantial change within the definitions of the town bylaw requiring a Public Hearing. The Public Hearing is scheduled for April 1st at 8:00 pm at the Hildreth House. On a Eubank/Clark motion, the Board voted to send a letter in support of the project.
FISCAL IMPACT ANALYSIS TEAM MISSION STATEMENT – Tim Bragan presented the final draft for the Fiscal Impact Analysis Team along with proposed members who have agreed to serve. Tim Bragan explained there was a change to the mission statement adding “Assess town resources, liabilities and asset management” a request from Lucy Wallace at the last Selectmen’s meeting. This was the only change.
Team members are as follows:
Bonnie Heudorfer
Bill Johnson
Elaine Lazarus
Bruce Leicher
Rick Maiore
Victor Normand
Steve Rowse (Randy Dean has not yet accepted)
On a Eubank/Clark motion, the Board voted unanimously to accept the mission statement and team members of the FIAT.
Board of Selectmen – Minutes
March 18, 2008 page 3
ASSIGNMENT OF WARRANT ARTICLES – Lucy Wallace expressed a need to assign who would move which articles at Town Meeting. Assignments are as follows:
Article 1 Bob
Article 3 Lucy
Article 5 Lucy
Article 9 Tim
Article 10 Tim
Article 12 Bob
Article 13 Lucy
Article 14 Tim
Article 15 Bob
Article 19 Tim
Article 23 Lucy
Article 32 Tim
Article 33 Bob
On a Clark/Eubank motion, the Board voted unanimously to endorse Articles 5, 6 and 7.
On a Clark/Eubank motion, the Board voted unanimously to endorse Article 11.
On a Eubank/Clark motion, the Board voted unanimously to endorse Articles 17, 18, 20, 21, and 22.
On a Eubank/Clark motion, the Board voted unanimously to endorse Article 24.
The Board agreed to not take a position on the bylaw amendments.
The Board agreed to not take a position on the Citizens positions with regards to Devens.
The Board expressed support for Articles 32 and 33.
DPW SNOW AND ICE BUDGET – On a Eubank/Clark motion, the Board voted unanimously to authorize deficit spending to maintain an adequate snow and ice budget.
MONTY TECH – Tim Bragan informed the Board he received their certified budget for Fiscal Year 2009. The Harvard portion of the budget is $75,060. In the Omnibus Budget the Monty Tech number is $70,906 showing a difference of $4,154. The Finance Committee is aware of the difference and once the other communities vote for the higher amount the funds would come from the reserve account. At this time no action needs to be taken.
DEVENS RESTORATION ADVISORY BOARD – Tim Bragan informed the Board they would be meeting Thursday, March 20th at 7:00 pm at the Shirley Town Offices.
The Army will be giving a presentation on the construction of a new Devens Arms Services Reserve Center located on Barnum Road.
JUST UNDERSTANDING MY POTENIAL - JUMP – On Eubank/Clark motion, the Board voted to approve the request for use of the Hapgood Room on Saturday, March 22nd from 1-4 pm.
LIP CRITERIA AND 40T RESPONSES - Tim Bragan informed the Board that responses from the Land Use Boards for the LIP Criteria are due by April 8th. The 40T information was sent out and all responses are due back by April 17th.
The meeting was adjourned at 8:55 P.M.
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