HOLDEN BOARD OF SELECTMEN
MEETING MINUTES
JUNE 19, 2006
6:30 PM Memorial Hall
Present: Chairman David J. White, James M. Jumonville, Kenneth OBrien, Joseph G. Sullivan, Kimberly N. Ferguson
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.
Citizens Address Policy
The Board reviewed the guidelines for the existing Citizens Address Policy. The review of the policy was prompted by an earlier request by Sel. Sullivan to allow the highest-ranking female State Police officer to speak to the Board. Sel. White, Ferguson and Jumonville said that they felt that the policy states that Citizens Address exists for the citizens of the town. Sel. OBrien said he would not object if a high-ranking official, who was not a resident of Holden, were to speak during Citizens Address. Sel. Sullivan felt that the policy was written to provide rules of conduct when addressing the Board: not to decide who can or cannot speak. He also said that in the past, non-residents had participated in Citizens Address. Sel. Ferguson said that Citizens Address should not be used for camera time or as an infomercial. Other towns allow time
for Citizens Address prior to their Boards public session. Sel. OBrien suggested that based on how the majority of the Board feels, the Board should consider including a more exclusionary statement in the guidelines in order to enforce residency.
Motion by Sel. Jumonville, seconded by Sel. Ferguson, it was VOTED 3-2 WITH 2 OPPOSED TO RESTRICT THE GUIDELINES FOR CITIZENS ADDRESS TO RESIDENTS AND TAXPAYERS ONLY. (Opposed: Sel. OBrien, Sel. Sullivan.)
WRSD Audit Advisory Committee Candidates
The Board interviewed Mr. David Dickman and Mr. Edwin Meyer, candidates who applied to serve on the WRSD Advisory Committee. After speaking for several minutes regarding the charge of the committee, Mr. Dickman said he did not feel that he was qualified to serve on the committee and withdrew his name from consideration. Mr. Meyer spoke to his background in corporate insurance and said that he had previous experience in reviewing the financial records of the school district. Several members of the Board encouraged Mr. Meyer to work with the District in a cooperative manner. The Chairman reported that the Finance Committee was not currently interested in appointing a member of its committee to the Advisory Board.
Motion by Sel. Jumonville, seconded by Sel. Ferguson, it was VOTED 3-2 WITH 2 OPPOSED TO APPOINT MR. EDWIN MEYER TO THE WRSD AUDIT ADVISORY COMMITTEE FOR A ONE-YEAR TERM. (Opposed: Sel. Sullivan, Sel. OBrien.)
Citizens Address
Ms. Maureen Floryan, Sterling Road, spoke to the suppression of freedom of speech and the need to keep public comment open to everyone during Citizens Address.
Mr. Karl Makela, Newell Road, spoke to the culture of corruption in town.
Mr. Mark Mobilio, Paxton Road, spoke to supporting the public safety building project.
Mr. Chris Lucchesi, Bailey Road, spoke to supporting the public safety building project.
Mr. Fred Misilo, Brattle Street, spoke to supporting the public safety building project.
Ms. Elizabeth Helder, Steppingstone Drive, spoke to supporting the public safety building project.
Mr. Ron Rosenstock, Sunnyside Avenue, spoke to supporting the public safety building project.
Mr. Jake Hagopian, Woodhaven Road, said that the Holden Associated Taxpayers did file ballot paperwork with the Town Clerks office.
Ms. Melinda Lynn Walsh, Moscow Road, voiced concerns regarding potential overruns on the public safety building project.
The Chairman allowed the Manager to respond to corruption comments mentioned during Citizens Address. The Manager said that Mr. Makela owed an apology to the Police Chief and to the Town Manager. Mr. Makela said he apologized for using the word corruption in regards to Chief Sherrill and Mr. Bullock.
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 HOLDEN DAYS, SATURDAY, AUGUST 26, 2006 FROM 9AM-3PM.
Motion by Sel. Sullivan, seconded by Sel. Ferguson, it was UNANIMOUSLY VOTED TO APPROVE A COMMON VICTUALER LICENSE FOR APPLE JAX FARM STAND AND DELI SUBJECT TO APPROVAL OF THE FIRE DEPARTMENT, BUILDING DEPARTMENT AND BOARD OF HEALTH. THIS LICENSE WILL EXPIRE DECEMBER 31, 2006.
Managers Miscellaneous
a. The Board discussed the list of town-owned parcels acquired via tax title. The Manager said that after reviewing one particular parcel (72 acre Holden Youth Sports land), the Master Planning Committee (MPC) has requested that the auction process for all the parcels be put on hold until the Committee has had further time to review the list and make recommendations. The Manager said that his office would work with the MPC to review all the parcels and proceed with the auction process.
b. The Board reviewed a Summer/Fall Save the Date flyer that will be inserted in the town utility bills next month.
c. The Manager reported that the town is scheduled to receive its annual distribution of the Wachusett Area Emergency Services Fund. The thirteenth annual distribution in the amount of $52,494 will be made on July 1, 2006. This amount is $950 higher than last year.
d. The Manager reported that the Holden Area Chamber of Commerce will sponsor Holden Days on Saturday, August 26, 2006.
e. The Board reviewed the list of Selectmen business and action items from May 2006. Non-profit signs may be posted on town poles. Signs should be submitted through the Town Managers office for installation.
f. The Manager reported that the town is in the process of upgrading the towns web site to streamline its content and make it more user friendly. As part of the redesign, the town will add a banner along the top of the screen. To promote the work of local artists, the town has decided to rotate the artwork of the banner with these artists. An acrylic painting by Mary E.L. Shepherd, a member of the Holden Arts Council, has been chosen as the initial piece of art. Her original piece of work entitled Hometown Holden is expected to launch later this summer. The rotation of other artwork by local artists will follow. The address www.townofholden.net will remain the same.
g. The Manager informed the Board that the Friends of the Council on Aging received 29 entries in their Name the Newsletter contest. The winning entry was Among Friends.
h. The Manager reported that any medications used in ambulance service that are sensitive to heat or cold are removed from the ambulance and stored in a safe and secure container inside the ambulance office.
i. The Manager provided the Board with an update on recent community activities at the Police Department. On June 14, 2006, 27 Mountview Middle School students graduated from the Departments Student Police Academy. The academy provides participants with information on careers in criminal justice and law enforcement. On June 11, 2006, 11 HPD officers participated in the 29th annual State Police 5-mile Road Race in Framingham. The HPD team placed second. On June 23, 2006 at 2PM, the Jefferson Post Office will hold an unveiling of a new USPS stamp featuring the Amber Alert System. The public is invited to attend the ceremony.
j. The Manager announced that the FY07 preliminary tax bills are being prepared and will be mailed on June 30, 2006.
k. The Manager provided an update on Main Street. A crew from Mass Highway will be on site at the intersection of 122A and 31 to correct drainage issues within the next 30-45 days. Additionally, the Light Department and the Highway Division have developed a plan to correct approximately 18 manholes along Main Street. The rebuilding of each structure and the replacement of manhole covers will occur during the summer months.
l. The Manager reminded the public that summer office hours for town staff and departments become effective June 26th through September 1, 2006. The Landmark will run a reminder notice.
m. The Manager announced that the Recreation Department will sponsor Friday Night Outdoor Movies at the Senior Center this summer. Movies will be shown on the lawn on July 14, July 28, August 11 and August 18.
n. The Manager announced that the town pool will open on June 20th from 11AM-7:20PM on a daily basis.
o. The Manager reported that work on the Unionville Pond Dam will begin June 26th. The bridge will be closed 24 hours a day for one week while the bridge is reconstructed.
Reports of Selectmen Subcommittees/Committee Assignments
Sel. Ferguson: Comprehensive Plan Steering Committee: Next meeting 6/20. The Committee has been scheduled on the July 17th Selectmens agenda.
Affordable Housing Committee: Have not met.
Sel. Jumonville: Trash/Recycle: First meeting will be held in July.
Sel. OBrien: Economic Development Commission: Have not met.
WRSD Collective Bargaining: Have not met.
Sel. White: WRHS Building Committee: Have not met.
Sel. Sullivan: Holden Hospital/UMASS: Continues to participate in ongoing negotiations.
Selectmen Miscellaneous
Sel. Jumonville: 1. Memorial Day Committee continues to seek members.
Sel. White: 1. Asked Sel. Ferguson for her thoughts/comments on information from the MMA conference on Citizens Address.
2. Would like to discuss Selectmen Budget goals at the August or September meeting.
Sel. Sullivan: 1. Discussed the Regional School Caucus Report. The administration will circulate the report to the Gale Free Library, other region towns and the school district.
Acceptance of Minutes
Motion by Sel. Sullivan, seconded by Sel. Jumonville, it was UNANIMOUSLY VOTED TO APPROVE AND RELEASE THE EXECUTIVE SESSION MEETING MINUTES OF NOVEMBER 21, 2005.
Motion by Sel. Sullivan, seconded by Sel. Ferguson, it was UNANIMOUSLY VOTED TO APPROVE THE JUNE 5, 2006 MEETING MINUTES.
Executive Session
Sel. Sullivan abstained from attending Executive Session due to a conflict of interest.
Motion by Sel. Ferguson, seconded by Sel. OBrien, it was VOTED 4-0-1 WITH 1 ABSTENTION TO ENTER INTO EXECUTIVE SESSION AT 9:03 PM FOR THE PURPOSES OF AN UPDATE ON THE SCHOOL DISTRICTS COLLECTIVE BARGAINING EFFORTS AND TO RETURN TO REGULAR SESSION FOR ADJOURNMENT PURPOSES ONLY. (Abstained: Sel. Sullivan.) ROLL CALL VOTE: Sel. White: yes; Sel. Jumonville: yes; Sel. Ferguson: yes; Sel. OBrien: yes.
Adjournment
Motion by Sel. Ferguson, seconded by Sel. OBrien, it was UNANIMOUSLY VOTED TO ADJOURN THE JUNE 19, 2006 MEETING AT 9:17 PM.
Approved: July 17, 2006 as amended
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