Board of Selectmen
Minutes
March 17, 2009
Town Hall Meeting Room
The meeting was called to order at 7:00 P.M. by Chair, Leo Blair in the Town Hall Meeting Room. Leo Blair, Timothy Clark, Peter Warren, Ronald Ricci and Lucy Wallace were all in attendance.
COMMUNITY CABLE ACCESS COMMITTEE APPOINTMENT –
Chair of the Cable Committee, Pat Natoli was in attendance to recommend the appointment of Robert Fernandez, 43 Park Lane, as a member on the Cable Committee.
On Wallace/Warren motion, the Board voted unanimously to appoint Robert Fernandez to the Cable Committee term to be determined. (3 year term expires 2012)
APPROVE CABLE COMMITTEE PLAN FOR USE OF THE LOWER LEVEL OF THE HAPGOOD BUILDING –
On a Clark/Wallace motion, the Board voted unanimously to extend the use of the Hapgood room, Sears room, and former directors office for the Cable Committee. Leo Blair confirmed a section of the shelving near the elevator door would need to be removed but if the Cable Committee requires any other demise of this area the Committee would provide approval from the Building inspector and report back to the Board of Selectmen prior to any other changes.
EMERGENCY CONTACT SYSTEM – On Wallace/Clark motion, the Board voted unanimously to approve a small warrant article not to exceed $7,500 for an emergency contact system to be determined between now and the next meeting.
VIRTUAL TOWN HALL – Leo Blair told the Board he requested a quote from Millard Rose to include video streaming, up to 50 email addresses, archiving of documents, four days of training, and 10 authorized users. Blair said the quote was $6,000 for initial set up and an annual cost of $6,000. Town Administrator Tim Bragan said he spoke with IT department head Mark Lavertue regarding the proposal and he said it would be a good move for the town. On a Wallace/Warren motion, the Board voted unanimously to put a small warrant article on to enter into agreement with Virtual Town Hall with an amount not to exceed $12,000.
HARVARD TECHNOLOGY ADVISORY COMMITTEE – Leo Blair suggested the Board establish a technology advisory committee to guide the town on technology issues.
FRUITLANDS ENTERTAINMENT LICENSE – Town Counsel Mark Lanza, Fruitlands Counsel Donna Truex, and Fruitlands Manager Tim Firment were all present to review the conditions for the entertainment license. After a few adjustments the Board made a motion to approve the draft. On Blair/Warren motion, the Board voted to approve draft with all changes.
Board of Selectmen – Minutes
March 17, 2009 page 2
MINUTES – On a Wallace/Clark motion, the Board voted unanimously to approve the minutes of 2/24, as amended.
On a Wallace/Warren motion, the Board voted unanimously to approve the minutes of 3/3, as amended.
PUBLIC COMMUNICATION –
Marty Green, Garden Club, asked if with brush removal and materials being chipped would there be a way for residents to cart wood chips away. Blair stated there may be a central location at the transfer station and this issue would be addressed later in the meeting.
Wade Holtzman, Bolton Road, asked about a list of possible projects in Sunday’s paper related to the stimulus package. Blair confirmed there are not set projects at this time.
Keith Cheveralls, Quarry Lane, applauded the Selectmen on their efforts to move forward in technology and explained the School Committee has also discussed this idea.
Kathy Doherty, teacher representative on the Insurance Advisory Committee, offered to answer any questions the Board may have regarding the recommendation from the Committee.
Tim Clark, Bolton Road, stated the Earth Day Committee is working on a walk to school day. The date of the walk is scheduled for April 28th.
Chris Ashley, Town Sewer Action Group, reminded the public there will be another information session at Volunteers Hall on Thursday, March 19th from 7pm-9pm. Ashley distributing a copy of the report that will be given on Thursday. Ashley explained at the BOS meeting on Friday, March 20th the Group would be finalizing the three articles for the Annual Town Meeting.
1. Implementation and housekeeping
2. Debt exclusion
3. Fall back article to address DEP concerns with the wastewater treatment plant, authorize cost for engineering
Tim Clark suggested the Board of Health be invited to attend the Friday meeting for their input.
TOWN ADMINISTRATOR REPORT –
Tim Bragan stated he emailed the recommendation from the Insurance Advisory Committee to the Board and asked they provide any questions prior to the March 31st meeting. Bragan said the recommendation from the committee was to offer the saver and legacy plans.
Tim Bragan told the Board he attended a number of meetings regarding regional dispatch with Devens and Shirley. He explained MassDevelopment has studied this in the past and an updated review is being administered with a smaller scope.
Tim Bragan explained the warrant is in rough draft form and he had two questions for the Board. First, he asked if the Board wanted to mimic the Planning Boards article regarding driveway site distance in the general bylaw and two would the Board grant an easement for the waterline relating to St. Benedict’s request. Bragan asked for guidance from the Board on these two issues. It was decided that Ron Ricci would contact Brother Anthony
at St. Benedicts to discuss the possibility of an easement. The Board agreed this would be their recommendation and decided to keep a placeholder on the warrant.
Board of Selectmen – Minutes
March 17, 2009 page 3
Tim Clark expressed concern in supporting the proposed driveway bylaw change would create several hundred non-conformities related to pre-existing driveways. Tim Clark and Leo Blair agreed more communication with the public is necessary before taking a position. Blair suggested having a place holder and draft language for this article.
SELECTMEN REPORTS –
Lucy Wallace announced the Energy Advisory Committee will be holding an open meeting Thursday, March 19th from 12:30pm – 2:30pm at the high school to present the school energy audit report completed by National Grid. Wallace stated the Municipal Affordable Housing Trust had a hearing on the Russo rental project on Ayer Road and has approved with conditions to be written on the funding of $200,000. Wallace said with the uncertainty of the sewer project the Hildreth House project will be on hold until after the Annual Town Meeting. Wallace commented on how in the past the Finance Committee, School Committee and Board of Selectmen have always come together to recommend the operating budget to the town. Wallace was looking for some clarity on capital items from the Capital Committee and details on school’s 9C cuts that
were made as well as the increase in funds to the Council on Aging. Leo Blair confirmed that the
Capital Committee would be finalizing their items on Wednesday, March 18th. Blair said the budget is sustainable and should place the town in a favorable position for FY11.
Ron Ricci informed the Board that the first Vicksburg Square public hearing was held on March 16th and was well received. Ricci said two more public hearings will be held; Shirley March 23rd and Ayer March 24th at 7:00pm. Ricci thanked Ed Starzec from MassDevelopment for preparing the presentation. He also thanked Selectmen Peter Warren, Planning Board Chair Joe Sudol, Ayer Selectmen Jim Fay, and Devens residents Tom Kinch and Phil Crosby for their input in creating the presentation. Ricci said he attended a Water Commission meeting where they informed him that someone from New Hampshire Rural Water Works would be coming to take a look at the Bolton Road well. Ricci stated a meeting has been set up with Land Use Administrator/Conservation Agent Liz Allard, two members of the Pond Committee, the Maces, a
private citizen who filed an appeal and himself regarding the appeal of the building inspector’s decision on the reclamation of the Mace property. Ricci confirmed Building Inspector Gabriel Vellante has been invited. The meeting will be held on March 30th at 8:00pm. Ricci is hopeful an agreement can be reached.
Tim Clark requested to view the draft warrant. Clark questioned what the Board of Health’s stance will be regarding the potential mandatory tie ins and deferments. Clark suggested the Board of Health be invited to the meeting on Friday, March 20th for their input. Clark explained this would help property owners understand and communicate with Board of Health on what their limitations are, what will be required of them, and what may be deferred.
Peter Warren explained the Ambulance Squad met on Monday, March 16th and unanimously voted to endorse Steven Beckman, 19 Withington Lane, as Ambulance Director. On a Clark/Wallace motion, the Board voted unanimously to appoint Steve Beckman as Director of the Harvard Ambulance Service. Warren thanked and complimented the DPW for their clean up in the town center.
Board of Selectmen – Minutes
March 17, 2009 page 4
Warren commented on the generosity of the Ayer Rotary Club and the Harvard Lions Club for their donation to David Woodsum revolving around the destruction of his vehicle during the December ice storm. Warren asked about the Transfer Station reorganization. Tim Clark said he would follow up with DPW Director Rich Nota. Warren informed the Board that he along with Planning Board member Barbara Brady attended a Nikki Tsongas sponsored grant seminar in Lowell. Warren said it was extremely informative and explained a possibility of holding a grant seminar here in Harvard for all boards and committees.
FISCAL IMPACT ANAYLSIS TEAM (FIAT) – Rick Maiore, Bill Johnson, Steve Rowse, Bonnie Heudorfer and Elaine Lazarus were in attendance. Bill Johnson explained the committee has been working since last June on reviewing structural deficit issues in town. The committee has analyzed revenue and spending opportunities as well as possible land use opportunities. Johnson said the committee is close to finalizing a draft report for the Board of Selectmen. Johnson stated the reason the FIAT has come before the Board at this time is to recommend the town create a high performance task force to analyze opportunities for structural improvements and commercial development. Johnson said the committee understands this is an important and complex issue for the town and unless there is clear direction from the town the effort is not worth it. This
is why the FIAT is suggesting a warrant article at Annual Town Meeting that explicitly directs or chooses not to direct the Selectmen to assemble a task force such as this. The committee thinks Town Meeting is the appropriate forum to debate the issue to confirm if this is a significant initiative for the town. Johnson explained a proposal regarding the wording as well as wording for a draft explanation of the article and are looking for feedback. The goal is to prepare the warrant article with support from the Finance Committee, Planning Board and Board of Selectmen.
Peter Warren said he would highly endorse the idea. Tim Clark suggested including the town center and not just Ayer Road. Clark asked about including retail as well as industrial and commercial. Clark also suggested the inclusion of incentives (i.e. TIF agreements).
Rick Maiore explained the committee’s concern with including too many sub headings is that it may hurt the article. Clark did say he was in favor of the idea. Ron Ricci said he would be in favor as well but would not want to include too many restrictions this early in the process.
Lucy Wallace suggested coordination with Planning Board regarding the Master Plan. Johnson agreed it should be clear who this committee reports to and who should have regular input. Wallace asked about relation to Devens. Rick Maiore cautioned including Devens because you may never be able to firm up a complete financial picture of Harvard is without Devens.
Leo Blair said the FIAT has been an effective and well constructed group. Personally, Blair said he is against the article because this is an enormous undertaking. Blair stated the article would probably pass but once the question is asked do you want to do something the answer would be no. Blair said considering there is only a small area of dedicated to commercial it would not create much revenue.
Johnson said considering the economic climate maybe the issue would be looked at differently. Leo Blair said the Board would act on this later in the night.
Board of Selectmen – Minutes
March 17, 2009 page 5
DISCUSSION WITH SCHOOL COMMITTEE ON DEVENS – Superintendent Thomas Jefferson, Stu Sklar, Willlie Wickman, Virginia Justicz, Keith Cheveralls and Patricia Wenger were in attendance to discuss the impact of Devens on the Harvard school system. Discussion started by Leo Blair providing some details regarding the residential piece of the Vicksburg Square rezoning. Blair anticipates some impact on school age children. Blair referenced the School Committee’s negotiation in obtaining the Devens contract which provides valuable funds to the Harvard school system. Superintendent Thomas Jefferson spoke regarding the impact of the housing market on the growth of the schools along with the long range implications of the population in Devens. Jefferson explained the importance of adequate space to maintain the quality of programs. He
stated that the Devens contract and school choice has generated revenue creating the ability to hire more teachers. Jefferson stressed these funds are not included for normal operating expenses. He did indicate that long range planning is hard without a clear picture and that Devens Disposition is key. School Committee Chair Stu Sklar wondered how the 40 year term was established and expressed concern with the idea of regionalization. Leo Blair clarified that regardless of where a child lives in Devens according to the contract Harvard must educate them. Blair stated that a two year notice must be given before Harvard can opt out of the contract but that any existing students can remain through grade 12. Sklar clarified that MassDevelopment has to pay the contract rate set by the state. Blair and Sklar agreed the key to the success of Harvard’s schools is the centralized location. Jefferson said the class size of 100 students per class is a key element to the success of
Bromfield. Willie Wickman said considering housing and growth in the future a new school building will be required. She expressed concern regarding the Devens variable for future planning. The Superintendent spoke regarding the different options for shared educational services. Leo Blair said he had spoken with Bob Culver at MassDevelopment who indicated they will be in Devens for at least another 10 years. The big question is will disposition ever be established and until then how does the School Committee and the town plan for the future. Willie Wickman asks for a clear direction. The discussion continued and touched on many different subjects relating to the issue of schooling and Devens in the future.
BRUSH REMOVAL – Leo Blair stated the quote for brush removal for debris on the sides of the roads was $210,000 and removal of hangers was $40,000. On a Wallace/Warren motion, the Board voted unanimously to approve the immediate removal of hangers and will actively seek reimbursement from FEMA.
The meeting was adjourned at 11:00 pm.
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