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Board of Selectmen
Minutes
May 26, 2009
Town Hall Meeting Room
The meeting was called to order at 7:00 P.M. by Chair, Ron Ricci in the Town Hall Meeting Room. Ron Ricci, Lucy Wallace, Leo Blair, and Timothy Clark were all in attendance. Peter Warren was not present.
FINALIZE CONDITIONS FOR SHAKER HILLS LIQUOR LICENSE –
Town Administrator Tim Bragan reviewed diagrams and maps provided by the applicant. Bragan stated the first two diagrams indicate the service areas under the tent, the maps include:
· proposed 100’x75’ function area which includes the 30’x40’ tent location and 16’x10’grill shack(alcohol storage area)
· function area in relation to clubhouse
· outline of the entire course
Lucy Wallace and Leo Blair suggested premise be indicated on maps. Bragan confirmed diagrams and maps would be attached to Form 43 for submission to the ABCC.
On Wallace/Clark motion, the Board voted unanimously to approve license with conditions updated as of today with attachments as amended.
On a Clark/Wallace motion, the Board voted unanimously to authorize signing Form 43 with amendments.
Levine asked the Board to consider charging a pro-rated liquor license fee. Ron Ricci asked the Board to consider this and decided to discuss at a later date.
FINANCE ASSISTANT APPOINTMENT– Town Administrator Tim Bragan explained with recent reductions in the budget reorganization resulted in the creation of a new position in the Finance Department. The new position combines administrative, payroll, reception work, scheduling MART van, assisting the Treasurer/Collector with payroll, accounts receivable and deposits as well as assisting the Town Clerk. Bragan said there were 17 applications of which 6 candidates were chosen. He indicated the Treasurer/Tax Collector Vicki Smith, Town Clerk Janet Vellante and Finance Director Lorraine Leonard conducted initial interviews and the final candidates were interviewed by Lucy Wallace, Tim Bragan and Vicki Smith. Bragan stated Lisa Parker was by far the best candidate. Vicki Smith and Lisa Parker were both in attendance. Parker introduced
herself and gave a brief back ground of her experience.
On a Wallace/Blair motion, the Board voted unanimously to appoint Lisa Parker to the Finance Assistant position.
MINUTES – On a Wallace/Blair motion, the Board voted unanimously to approve the minutes of 4/28, as amended.
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May 26, 2009 page 2
TOWN MODERATOR, BOB EUBANK, PRESENTS CANDIDATES FOR THE FINANCE COMMITTEE –
Moderator Robert Eubank was in attendance to present the candidates for the Finance Committee. Marie Sobalvarro, Collyn Bradley and John Sullivan were introduced. Eubank explained Steve Colwell had also submitted a volunteer form but could not attend the meeting. Each candidate spoke briefly on their background and reason for interest.
John Sullivan, 37 Old Littleton Road, was the only new applicant. He sad he has lived in town for 8 years and has 2 children. He works in the software sales industry and looks forward to contributing toward the financial well-being of Harvard.
Marie Sobalvarro, 1 St. John’s Lane, has lived in town for 5 years and has 2 children. She explained she has already completed a 3 years term on the Finance Committee and looks forward to contributing again. She stated she is also the treasurer for her daughter’s daisy troop and is involved with the League of Women Voters.
Collyn Bradley, 188 Ayer Road, has grown up in Harvard and has completed a year on the Finance Committee. She explained it was a good experience and would like to apply her knowledge for this year. Ron Ricci thanked the candidates.
SELECTMEN/TOWN ADMINISTRATOR REPORTS –
Leo Blair said he had the opportunity to speak with Chair of the Planning Board Joe Sudol regarding the Planned Production Plan that requires updating. Blair asked the Board to consider having the Planning Board take the lead on this project. Tim Clark wondered about the existing housing committees (Housing Partnership, Housing Authority and Housing Trust Fund) and how they may fit it. Clark agrees Planning Board would be a good partner and has no objections to them doing it. Lucy Wallace suggested this be discussed at the Strategic Planning Session on June 2nd. Blair stated the update is due January 15th 2010. Lucy Wallace commented on the importance of updating the basic needs assessment prior to the plan being updated.
Tim Bragan asked the Board members to submit items for the Strategic Planning Session by May 28th.
Ron Ricci commented on the outstanding turnout at the Memorial Day Parade. He thanked everyone involved especially Veterans Agent Dennis Lyddy. Tim Clark added a note of thanks to the marching band from St. Benedicts School.
DISCUSS REFINANCING OUTSTANDING DEBT - Tim Bragan informed the Board that he and Finance Director Lorraine Leonard had the opportunity to speak with a debt advisor to discuss options. Bragan explained the debt to be refinanced is from the construction of the Public Safety building. Bragan stated the refinance would save the town $75,000 reducing cost to taxpayers. He stated the cost of the refinance would be $41,000 which would include agency and borrowing costs. Bragan confirmed this would be a net savings of $75,000. Leo Blair suggested the town shop around for the best deal.
On a Blair/Wallace motion, the Board voted unanimously to authorize refinance of debt if no cash impact on town.
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May 26, 2009 page 3
DEC REPRESENTATIVE – Bragan confirmed Mr. Stoltzfus was still interested in appointment to the DEC.
On a Ricci/Wallace motion, the Board voted unanimously to recommend Eric Stoltzfus to the Governor for appointment as Harvard’s DEC Representative.
APPROVE COA OUT OF STATE TRIP – On a Wallace/Clark motion, the Board voted unanimously to authorize out of state trip to Portsmouth, NH on Monday June 29th.
Leo Blair asked if it may be possible to have a blanket motion to cover out of state trips for the year. Bragan said he would check into it and if it is allowed the Board made the following motion:
On a Wallace/Blair motion, the Board voted unanimously to approve COA out of state travel through December 31, 2009.
DISCUSS TRANSFER STATION STICKER POLICY – Tim Bragan informed the Board the he met with Treasurer/Tax Collector Vicki Smith, Peter Warren and Tim Clark to discuss transfer station sticker policies. Clark indicated a big concern is residents utilizing the transfer station without payment for a sticker. Clark asked the Board their opinion on issuing recycle only stickers. Ron Ricci said proper recycling can be a big benefit. Lucy Wallace commented on the excess charge to residents if they have to pay for trash pick up at home and also a recycle sticker. Leo Blair said there will be abuse no matter what. On a Blair/Wallace motion, the Board voted unanimously to adopt new rules for transfer station as written. Clark clarified the two changes made this year are:
1. Replacement sticker is no charge – damaged sticker must be presented and exchanged
at Town Hall.
2. Senior citizens – if senior lives with resident they can purchase sticker at senior citizen
rate.
REVIEW AND VOTE ON PROPOSED MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING BETWEEN AYER, HARVARD AND SHIRLEY, DEVENS ADVISORY COMMITTEE AND MASSDEVELOPMENT –
On a Wallace/Blair motion, the Board voted unanimously to endorse the Memorandum
of Understanding between the Boards of Selectmen of the Towns of Ayer, Harvard and Shirley, the Devens Advisory Committee and the Massachusetts Finance and Development Agency.
On a Wallace/Blair motion, the Board voted unanimously to support the proposed amendments to the Devens Bylaws and Reuse Plan regarding Vicksburg Square.
Tim Clark thanked Lucy and Leo for their work on this document and reminded the public of the Super Town Meeting to be held on June 8th at the Cronin Auditorium. Clark expressed his disappointment regarding the turnout at the public hearings. Clark did say there is some uncertainty related to the project but is confident as project moves forward the towns will be active participants. Leo Blair commented on the unprecedented exposure given to the Vicksburg Square proposal. Blair said the new zoning proposal is beneficial to Harvard by preserving buildings and offers enormous potential of
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May 26, 2009 page 4
contribution to Harvard’s affordable housing stock. Blair encourages residents to come and vote in favor of the proposal. Ron Ricci said he enjoyed participating on the sub-committee and is encouraged by the three communities working together toward a common goal.
**** On a Wallace motion, the Board voted unanimously by a roll call vote
(Clark – AYE, Blair – AYE, Wallace – AYE, Ricci – AYE) to enter into executive session at 8:18pm, 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 non-union contract. Following the executive session, the Board will reconvene into open session, for the sole purpose of adjourning. ***
The meeting was adjourned at 8:48pm.
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