HOLDEN BOARD OF SELECTMEN
MEETING MINUTES
JULY 17, 2006
6:30 PM Senior Center
Present: Chairman David J. White, James M. Jumonville, Kenneth OBrien, Kimberly N. Ferguson, Joseph G. Sullivan
Others Present: Brian J. Bullock, Town Manager, Jacquie Kelly, Assistant Town Manager, Elizabeth Helder, Recording Secretary
Chairman White opened the meeting at 6:30 PM. The Board participated in the Pledge of Allegiance.
Comprehensive Plan Steering Committee Update
Committee Co-Chairs Michael Wronski and Barbara Kohlstrom presented the Board with an overview of the work-to-date of the Comprehensive Plan Steering Committee. The process will take approximately a year and one half to complete and will ultimately produce a Master Plan document that will serve as a guideline to represent the communitys goals and objectives for the future. The Steering Committee is comprised of Co-Chairs Mike Wronski and Barbara Kohlstrom and members Kim Ferguson, Celeste Duffy, Cheryl Owoc, Dave Lindberg, Pam Harding and Joe Giotta. Element Team leaders will help gather the towns inventories, contact key participants that coincide with their elements, and bring information back to the Steering Committee. Team Element Leaders include Paul McManus, Natural, Cultural and Historic Resources, Judy Haran, Open Space, Wendy
OLeary, Community Vision, Rick Sheils, Land Use and Zoning, Steve Mentzer, Circulation and Transportation, Ed Benoit, Public Services and Facilities, Scott Carlson, Economic Development, Rosemary Johnson, Housing, and Ed Starkus, Implementation. The Committees website (www.holdentomorrow.net) is in the process of being developed. Community Preservation Associates will provide a series of consultants who will interact with the Steering Committee and the Element Teams. Ms. Kohlstrom advised that the Committee has renamed the Comprehensive Plan Steering Committee to Holden Tomorrow which they felt reflected the goals of the Committee. Sel. Sullivan encouraged the Committee and its Element Leaders to hold Charrettes in order to keep residents updated on the progress of the committee.
Acceptance of Minutes
Motion by Sel. Sullivan, seconded by Sel. Ferguson, it was UNANIMOUSLY VOTED TO APPROVE THE MEETING MINUTES OF JUNE 19, 2006 WITH THE FOLLOWING AMENDMENT TO CHANGE THE SECOND SENTENCE OF THE CITIZENS ADDRESS POLICY DISCUSSION ON PAGE ONE TO READ: &TO ALLOW THE HIGHEST-RANKING FEMALE STATE POLICE OFFICER TO SPEAK TO THE BOARD.
Motion by Sel. Ferguson, seconded by Sel. Jumonville, it was VOTED 4-1 WITH 1 ABSTENTION TO APPROVE AND HOLD THE EXECUTIVE SESSION MINUTES OF JUNE 19, 2006. (Abstained: Sel. Sullivan.)
Reports of Selectmen Subcommittees
Sel. Ferguson: Holden Tomorrow: The Committee made a presentation during the July 17th meeting and then left to enter into a regularly scheduled meeting.
Affordable Housing Committee: Have not met.
Sel. OBrien: EDC: Have not met.
WRSD Collective Bargaining: Have not met.
Sel. Jumonville: Open Space/Recreation: Nothing to report.
Phased Growth Bylaw: Nothing to report.
Trash/Recycle: First meeting will be held in July. Chairman White said that he will forward to Sel. Jumonville, a brochure regarding trash and recycling in Worcester. Sel. Sullivan discussed the availability of State grant money to towns participating in recycling efforts.
Sel. White: WRHS Building Committee: Have not met.
Sel. Sullivan: Public Safety Building: Committee voted to disband and no longer meets.
Holden Hospital/UMASS: Continues to participate in ongoing negotiations.
Citizens Address
Mr. Al Ferron, Appletree Lane, reported that he serves on the Holden Water Sewer Advisory Board and that the Board is in need of volunteers to fill three vacancies. Mr. Ferron advised residents to conserve water this summer. Mr. Ferron said that he would like to see a public apology from the Holden resident who made slanderous comments about several town officials during citizens address at the June 19th meeting. Mr. Ferron added that he was disappointed that the Board had voted to limit citizens address to residents only.
Ms. Cynthia Bazinet, Deane Ave., spoke to electioneering during elections and campaigning efforts of candidates.
Ms. Maureen Floryan, Sterling Road, spoke to the recent dissention during Citizens Address and spoke to the right to speak and free speech laws. She asked that before the process of Citizens Address is removed from being shown on-camera, she would like to see specific evidence of past discourse that would merit such a removal.
Ms. Louise Hugo, Highland Street, spoke to the principles of democracy, censorship and sup- pression, and democracy a la Carte as referenced to restrictions recently placed by the Board regarding Citizens Address. In the past, citizens have used the process of Citizens Address responsibly and it is the responsibility of the Chairman to ensure that it remains that way.
Mr. Otto Lies, Salisbury Street, spoke to the failure of the proposed public safety building and suggested the need to evaluate/change the form of public government in town.
Mr. Chris Lucchesi, Bailey Road, thanked the DPW for the excellent paving job on Bailey Road. Mr. Lucchesi quoted from the Citizens Address guidelines regarding the phrase important to us and others from the guidelines statement.
High School Building Committee Update
Committee Chairman Duncan Leith provided the Board with an update on the progress of the High School Building project. He reported that the Committee has requested that the contractor attend the July 26th Committee meeting to discuss the work schedule and budget update. Cafeteria completion date has passed and the cafeteria is not complete. Gym progress is ongoing, but will not be completed by the start of school. Science rooms are progressing slowly. Mr. Leith said that he anticipated a December date of completion for the auditorium.
Athletic fields are in the process of being sodded and seeded, but the fields will not be available for sports activities in the fall. Sel. Sullivan requested that any high school field usage requests from the District be presented in a timely manner to the individual towns through the District or the School Committee. The Manager requested that an equal distribution of field usage be made among the District Towns. Mr. Leith said that the Committee does not want to rush the work but anticipates a smooth opening of school. Meetings are second and last Wednesday of the month at the Jefferson School and are open to the public. The Selectmen requested a walk through of the building in the third week of August.
Town Managers Miscellaneous
a. The Board reviewed a list of Selectmen FY2007 Budget Goals. The Manager suggested that the Board discuss these items at the August meeting.
b. The Board reviewed the monthly Revenue and Expenditure Reports for May 2006.
c. The Board reviewed a list of Selectmen business and action items from the month of June 2006. Sel. OBrien commented that there were berms on Lovell Road that require attention. The Manager said that the DPW has reviewed the street and that it was determined that additional berms would not be installed.
d. The Board reviewed the States Conference Committees Report and recommended increases for local aid. The Manager commented that the local aid increases were directly in line with the projected figures that the town had based its budget on and that there would be no additional money for the Town of Holden.
e. The Manager reported that according to Library Director Jane Dutton, the Gale Free Library had an increase in circulated items from FY05 to FY06 (315,940 to 325,789). The Board congratulated Ms. Dutton and her staff for their hard work and the high quality of library services they provide to the citizens of Holden.
f. The Manager reviewed a memo from Ms. Mary MacInnes, Administrator of the Worcester Regional Transit Authority, explaining route changes recently approved by the WRTA Advisory Board. Effective August 26, 2006, the Rt. 31 Summit/Holden route will no longer serve Holden.
g. The Manager reported that Police Chief Sherrill received a letter from Det. Lieutenant Michael F. Pavone, Sr. of the Massachusetts State Police, Internal Affairs Section. The letter commended Lt. Donald Ball, Sergeant David Armstrong, and Officers Gregg Sculthorpe, Thomas Monahan, Megan Wrinkle, Anthony Gribbons and Timothy Sherblom for their leadership and professionalism during a recent internal investigation at the Holden Barracks. The Board requested that these officers be nominated for Hats Off! awards.
h. The Manager reported that the town purchases the major parts of its insurance program through the Massachusetts Inter-local Insurance Agency (MIIA). The MIIA Rewards Program provides special financial rewards for those members who have taken important prescribed steps to improve their loss experience. This year the town earned a 2006 MIIA Rewards Credit in the amount of $9,013. This amount will be deducted from this years premium.
i. The Manager reported that the town has worked with LaPrade Advertising, the Holden Chamber of Commerce and various Holden merchants to develop seasonal banners that will carry a merchants name/logo on the bottom third of the banner. The banners have been ordered and will be mounted on the light poles shortly.
Holden Board of Selectmen July 17, 2006
j. The Board reviewed pool and recreation program attendance statistics for the season. Sel. OBrien asked that the Town consider other parking options.
k. The Manager encouraged Senior Citizens to attend activities at the air-conditioned Senior Center in order to combat the heat during the summer months. Transportation can be arranged at 829-0273.
l. The Manager encouraged Light Department customers to avoid using electrical appliances during peak usage hours 2PM-6PM.
Public Hearing, Transfer of Restaurant Liquor License Shamrock Pub and Eatery
The Manager read the notice of public hearing into record.
Motion by Sel. Sullivan, seconded by Sel. Ferguson, it was UNANIMOUSLY VOTED TO OPEN THE PUBLIC HEARING AT 8:07PM.
The Board interviewed Mr. Robert J. Hannah, who has purchased P.J.s Restaurant d/b/a Shamrock Pub and Eatery. The Board discussed the transfer of the restaurant all alcoholic beverages license. The current Manager of the restaurant, who is TIPS trained, will remain at the restaurant.
Motion by Sel. Sullivan, seconded by Sel. Ferguson, it was UNANIMOUSLY VOTED TO CLOSE THE PUBLIC HEARING AT 8:17PM.
Motion by Sel. Sullivan, seconded by Sel. Ferguson, it was UNANIMOUSLY VOTED TO APPROVE THE APPLICATION OF RJH ENTERPRISE, INC., ROBERT J. HANNAH, MANAGER, FOR A TRANSFER OF THE RESTAURANT ALL ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES LICENSE PRESENTLY HELD BY P.J.S RESTAURANT GROUP INC., d/b/a SHAMROCK PUB AND EATERY. THE PREMISES ARE LOCATED AT 700 MAIN STREET, HOLDEN.
Selectmen Licenses and Permits
Motion by Sel. Ferguson, seconded by Sel. Sullivan, it was UNANIMOUSLY VOTED TO WAIVE THE ENTERTAINMENT LICENSE FEE AND APPROVE A PUBLIC ENTERTAINMENT LICENSE TO JEN STANOVICH ON BEHALF OF HOLDEN AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE FOR THE DAMON HOUSE LOT AND GREEN SPACE FOR HOLDEN DAYS, FRIDAY, AUGUST 25 AT 12PM AND SATURDAY, AUGUST 26, 2006 FROM 8AM-3PM.
Motion by Sel. Ferguson, seconded by Sel. Sullivan, it was UNANIMOUSLY VOTED TO WAIVE THE ENTERTAINMENT LICENSE FEE AND APPROVE A PUBLIC ENTERTAINMENT LICENSE TO JEN STANOVICH ON BEHALF OF HOLDEN AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE FOR THE BUBAR FIELD FOR HOLDEN DAYS, FRIDAY, AUGUST 25 AT 12PM AND SATURDAY, AUGUST 26, 2006 FROM 8AM-3PM.
Motion by Sel. Ferguson, seconded by Sel. Sullivan, it was UNANIMOUSLY VOTED TO WAIVE THE LICENSE FEE AND APPROVE A COMMON VICTUALER LICENSE TO JEN STANOVICH ON BEHALF OF HOLDEN AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE FOR THE FOOD COURT FOR HOLDEN DAYS, FRIDAY, AUGUST 25 AT 12PM AND SATURDAY, AUGUST 26, 2006 FROM 8AM-3PM.
Motion by Sel. Sullivan, seconded by Sel. Ferguson, it was UNANIMOUSLY VOTED TO APPROVE A ROAD RACE LICENSE FOR GORDON WARREN ON BEHALF OF THE CENTRAL MASS STRIDERS FOR A ROAD RACE ON SUNDAY JULY 23, 2006 FROM 6:30PM 8:15PM SUBJECT TO THE HIRING OF TWO POLICE OFFICERS FOR TRAFFIC DETAIL.
Motion by Sel. Sullivan, seconded by Sel. Ferguson, it was UNANIMOUSLY VOTED TO WAIVE THE FEE AND APPROVE A COMMON VICUALER LICENSE TO CAROL STRAIT ON BEHALF OF THE BONGO BAR AT THE BUBAR FIELD FOR HOLDEN DAYS ON SATURDAY, AUGUST 26, 2006 FROM 9AM-3PM.
Motion by Sel. Sullivan, seconded by Sel. Ferguson, it was UNANIMOUSLY VOTED TO WAIVE THE FEE AND APPROVE A PUBLIC ENTERTAINMENT LICENSE TO PETER BENOIT ON BEHALF OF THE HOLDEN ASSOCIATION OF FIREFIGHTERS FOR A KIDS COURT AT HOLDEN DAYS ON SATURDAY, AUGUST 26, 2006 FROM 9AM-3PM PENDING FINAL APPROVAL OF THE POLICE, FIRE, AND GROWTH MANAGEMENT DEPARTMENTS.
Motion by Sel. Sullivan, seconded by Sel. Ferguson, it was UNANIMOUSLY VOTED TO WAIVE THE FEE AND APPROVE A COMMON VICTUALER LICENSE TO JON M. CHRISTIANO ON BEHALF OF CUB SCOUT PACK 46 FOR A SNACK TRUCK FOR HOLDEN DAYS ON SATURDAY, AUGUST 26, 2006 FROM 8AM-6PM.
Motion by Sel. Sullivan, seconded by Sel. Ferguson, it was UNANIMOUSLY VOTED TO APPROVE A COMMON VICTUALER LICENSE TO JON M. CHRISTIANO ON BEHALF OF CUB SCOUT PACK 46 FOR A SNACK TRUCK AT MOUNTVIEW SCHOOL ON SATURDAYS FROM SEPTEMBER NOVEMBER FROM 9AM-6PM AND SUNDAYS FROM SEPTEMBER NOVEMBER FROM 11AM-6PM.
Motion by Sel. Sullivan, seconded by Sel. Ferguson, it was UNANIMOUSLY VOTED TO APPROVE THE LIST OF ELECTION OFFICERS AS PRESENTED AND SUBMITTED BY THE REPUBLICAN AND DEMOCRATIC TOWN COMMITTEES ALONG WITH THE NAMES OF UNENROLLED VOTERS SUBMITTED TO THE TOWN CLERKS OFFICE FOR A TERM FROM SEPTEMBER 1, 2006 THROUGH AUGUST 31, 2007. ALTERNATES WILL BE USED TO FILL VACANCIES AS NECESSARY.
Discussion of Citizens Address Guidelines
Sel. Ferguson presented information she received at a recent MMA workshop regarding guidelines used during Citizens Address. The Board discussed the option of holding office hours prior to Selectmens meetings in order to allow the Board to engage in dialogue with citizens off-camera.
Selectmen Miscellaneous
Sel. Ferguson: 1. Requested an update on the relocation of the ambulance service. The Manager said that he was still investigating a new site for the ambulance and its operators.
2. Discussed the retirement of town veterinarian Dr. Rice. The Board agreed to issue a proclamation and present it to him at the August meeting.
3. The Manager said that tax bill changes (decreases) would occur after the tax rate is set in November. Residents should expect to see a decrease in their tax rate on the third and fourth quarter tax bills. The Manager will present a breakdown of a tax bill at a future meeting.
4. Attended the Lt. Governors press conference to announce the increase in local aid from the State. The Board reviewed a thank you letter from the Board to the Lt. Governor Healy.
5. The Manager clarified for residents that issues brought to a Selectman regarding a particular town department/town issue are channeled directly through the Town Managers office for follow-up.
Sel. Jumonville: 1. The Manager clarified that there are no non-district schools currently using the athletic fields in town.
Sel. OBrien: 1. Paving/maintenance improvements at the overflow Davis Hill parking lot and road have been completed.
2. Requested that discussion regarding increasing the Senior Tax abatement to $1000 be scheduled as a future agenda item. Sel. OBrien said he thought that increasing the abatement might encourage more residents to apply for tax relief. The Manager commented that the asset level that the State sets is too low and that not that many senior citizens qualify for the current $500 abatement increasing the abatement will only benefit the few that qualify in the first place. Sel. OBrien commented that he would still like to see the town offer a greater abatement. Sel. Ferguson commented that it is important to keep Holden affordable for all residents and questioned where the money would come from to support this proposal. The Chairman said that he would send correspondence to the Finance Committee Chair to ask that the FinCom review this issue
in the upcoming budget process.
3. Temporary business signs along Main Street detract from the beauty of Main Street. Sel. OBrien said that he would like all businesses to adhere to the sign policy. The Manager said that he was in agreement that the town should and would enforce the policy.
Sel. White: 1. The Manager said that he was in the process of beginning the interview process for the new Fire Chief. The Manager said that he anticipated finishing the process in late August. A review of long term fire staffing will occur after the new Fire Chief is on board.
2. The Manager said that he was in the process of forming a new Public Safety Building Committee.
3. Requested an update on the status of collective bargaining efforts. The Manager will email the Board an update on these negotiations.
4. Attended the Employee Appreciation lunch, which was held on June 22nd.
Sel. Sullivan: 1. The Manager said that he is still waiting for a response from Mass Highway regarding when drainage work in the center of town will begin.
2. The Board discussed a letter from resident Marilyn Franklin who has suggested that residents donate benches to be placed along Main Street. The Manager said that his office would follow-up with Ms. Franklins suggestion.
3. Discussed the possibility of a large chain store development at the Caswell King/Love Realty/Verizon properties. Sel. Sullivan said that several concerned residents have contacted him because they do not want the character of Main Street and the historic downtown district to be destroyed. These residents fear that a project of this scale will subject the center of town to noise and light pollution. Sel. Sullivan suggested discussing these concerns at a future Selectmens meeting. He also suggested sending a letter to town boards and committees and the Development Company, to stress concerns that this type of potential development will have on the aesthetics of New England character of the community. The Board agreed to have the Manager send a letter to the Development Company through the Chairman.
Adjournment
Motion by Sel. Sullivan, seconded by Sel. Ferguson, it was UNANIMOUSLY VOTED TO ADJOURN THE JULY 17, 2006 MEETING AT 9:47 PM.
Approved: August 14, 2006
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