HOLDEN BOARD OF SELECTMEN
MEETING MINUTES
OCTOBER 2, 2006
6:30PM Memorial Hall
Present: Chairman David J. White, James M. Jumonville, Kenneth OBrien, Kimberly N. Ferguson, Joseph G. Sullivan
Absent: Robert Martin, Town Counsel
Others Present: Brian J. Bullock, Town Manager, Jacquie Kelly, Assistant Town Manager, Liz Arguin, Recording Secretary
Chairman White opened the meeting at 6:36PM. The Board participated in the Pledge of Allegiance.
Selectmen Licenses and Permits
Motion by Sel. Jumonville, seconded by Sel. Sullivan, it was UNANIMOUSLY VOTED TO APPROVE A COMMON VICTUALER LICENSE TO ANTHONY E. ROY ON BEHALF OF COLONY RETIREMENT HOMES FOR A BAKE TABLE ON SATURDAY, OCTOBER 14, 2006 FROM 9:00AM 2:00 PM.
Motion by Sel. Jumonville, seconded by Sel. Sullivan, it was UNANIMOUSLY VOTED TO APPROVE A PUBLIC ENTERTAINMENT LICENSE TO CAROLYN FOSTER FOR A WEDDING CEREMONY AT THE BANDSTAND ON SATURDAY, AUGUST 18, 2007 FROM 11:00 AM 6:00 PM SUBJECT TO THE POLICE DEPARTMENT CONDITION THAT NO ALCOHOL/WINE IS ALLOWED ON PUBLIC PROPERTY PER BY-LAW.
Selectmen Appointment - Constable
Motion by Sel. Sullivan, seconded by Sel. Jumonville, it was UNANIMOUSLY VOTED TO APPOINT RICHARD DENEAULT AS CONSTABLE FOR THE TOWN OF HOLDEN.
Reports of Selectmen Subcommittees
Sel. Sullivan: Nothing to report.
Sel. Ferguson: Holden Tomorrow: Announced the first community visioning meeting will be held on October 3rd at 7:00 pm at the Senior Center.
Affordable Housing Committee: Have not met.
Sel. OBrien: Nothing to report.
Sel. Jumonville: Trash/Recycle: Did not meet due to lack of quorom.
Memorial Day Committee: Met on October 5th and the committee is planning to send out a newsletter to different businesses to gather recommendations for the parade.
Sel. White: Nothing to report.
Town Managers Miscellaneous
a. The Manager reported that the Police Department cancelled certain events of Public Safety Day due to weather.
b. The Manager announced that the Light Department will be sponsoring the annual senior luncheon on Wednesday, October 4th at 12:00 Noon at the Senior Center to celebrate National Public Power Week. He advised the Board they are welcome to attend and to please let the Town Managers Office know if you plan on attending due to the popularity of the luncheon.
c. The Manager announced the next meeting of the Recreation Committee is scheduled for Thursday, October 5th in the Selectmens Room. He advised the Board that an appointment to the Committee had been made based on a letter of interest that was received. The Manager also reported that he has amended the Executive Action to revert back to a five member committee.
d. The Manager reported that this past summer was a huge success at the Gale Free Library. He congratulated Jane Dutton, Library Director and her staff for their hard work.
e. The Manager announced that a recommendation has been made by Chief George Sherrill that trick-or-treat hours be set for 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Tuesday, October 31, 2006.
Motion by Sel. Jumonville, seconded by Sel. Sullivan, it was UNANIMOUSLY VOTED TO SET TRICK-OR-TREAT HOURS FROM 4:00 PM TO 8:00 PM ON TUESDAY, OCTOBER 31, 2006 WITH EXTRA BICYCLE PATROLS ON DUTY.
f. The Board reviewed an updated Executive Action for the new Public Safety Building Committee. The Manager asked the Board and Finance Committee to offer a representative to serve on the Public Safety Building Committee.
g. The Manager announced that Chief George Sherrill has been appointed to the States Amber Alert Board of Directors, and congratulated him for his work in this area.
h. The Manager advised the Board that a Grant has been received in the amount of $3,000 for radar and traffic enforcement equipment through the Commonwealths Executive Office of Public Safety.
i. The Manager introduced the new Fire Chief, Jack Chandler. A swearing-in ceremony was held at the Senior Center at 6:00 PM.
j. The Manager reported that a letter of thanks was sent to Oriol Health Care thanking them for their generous donation of 100 carbon monoxide detectors for Senior residents. The Holden Fire Department installs smoke detectors free of charge.
k. The Manager advised the Board that new advisory signs have been installed along Pleasant Street , as well as temporary speed monitoring signs.
l. The Manager reported that in response to a request from a Board Member, Larry Galkowski, DPW Director, compiled information relative to road paving and Chapter 90 funds. Discussion was held pertaining to this matter.
m. The Manager announced the Fall Composting and Brush Chipping Program.
n. The Manager advised the Board that the Sewer Loan Connection Bond with MWPAT is coming to a closing. He advised the Selectmen to sign the bonds so that they may be returned to MWPAT for the October 26th closing.
o. The Board reviewed the monthly revenue and expenditure reports for August 2006 as prepared by Helen Graf, Town Accountant.
p. The Manager reported that the School District will be formulating a strategic plan that will guide the educational direction of the District for the next five years. He asked the Board if anyone would be willing to volunteer to serve on the Town Government Focus Group. Selectmen Jumonville will represent the Holden Board of Selectmen.
q. The Manager announced that the Fall Earth Day Collection has been cancelled due to the fact of difficulty in finding a permanent site. Collection will resume in the Spring of 2007.
r. The Manager advised the Board that in the upcoming Light Department newsletter, there will be a brief explanation of the Welcome Aldrich Fund and how the donations are used to offset heating and electric bills. If anyone needs further information, please contact the Senior Center.
s. The Manager advised the Board that Richard Bates has resigned from the Holden Planning Board after nine years of service. Chairman White asked if a letter could be sent to Mr. Bates thanking him for his service to the Town. The Manager informed the Board a letter will be sent.
Citizens Address
Mr. Forrest Thorpe, 15 Park Ave, addressed the Board regarding lights out on flag poles and a letter that was sent to Chairman White complaining about harassment by a Police Officer.
Mike Wronski, Barbara Kohlstrom Holden Tomorrow
Chairman White welcomed Mike Wronski and Barbara Kohlstrom of Holden Tomorrow to the podium. Mr. Wronski encouraged everyone to participate in the first community visioning meeting on October 3rd at 7:00 pm at the Holden Senior Center. He also noted that if you are unable to attend the October 3rd meeting, there are two meetings scheduled for December and February. Ms. Kohlstrom advised the Board to please visit their website, www.holdentomorrow.net for additional information on the master planning process.
Chairman White announced that there was a swearing-in ceremony of Holdens new Fire Chief. He asked Chief Chandler to come forward and introduce himself to the public.
Water-Sewer Advisory Board
Larry Galkowski, DPW Director, introduced Water/Sewer Advisory Board members, Judy Earls, Al Ferron and Scott Carlson. Brian Forts was unable to attend. Also present was David Elmer of Weston and Sampson. Discussion was held on sewer system capacity and Infiltration and Inflow. During the past 5 years, the Town has identified and removed I & I from the sewer system creating new capacity.
It is DPW Director Larry Galkowskis recommendation (endorsed by the WSAB) that the Town continue to identify sources of I & I, review Holdens contractual limitations, and begin discussions with Worcester to determine if flow limits can be increased. We should continue to pressure the Department of Conservation and Recreation to use permit fees received from the Anna Maria connection to identify, design and construct or rehabilitate the trunk sewer where physical restrictions have been identified.
Discussion of Citizens Address Issues
Chairman White would like to add Discussion of Citizens Address Issues to the agenda as a standing item on future agendas.
Selectmen Miscellaneous
Sel. Sullivan: 1. Policy/discussion about political signs and sign bylaws. Requested the Manager to ask the Department of Growth Management to contact the candidates about the sign bylaw.
2. Spoke to an issue regarding open meeting law.
3. Volunteers are still needed at the Wachusett Food Pantry.
Sel. Ferguson: 1. Thanked the Manager for the street lights on Bailey Road.
2. Spoke to an issue in regards to the limit of truck tonnage allowed on Holden Street.
Sel. OBrien: 1. Spoke to an issue regarding a Police Officer at the High School.
Sel. Jumonville: 1. Reported that he was contacted by the WRSDC Ad Hoc Committee on the position of downsizing. Asked for a motion on this issue but was advised by the Town Manager that you can not have a motion on a non-agenda item.
Acceptance of Minutes
Motion by Sel. Sullivan, seconded by Sel. Ferguson, it was VOTED 4-0-1 WITH 1 ABSTENTION TO APPROVE THE MEETING MINUTES OF SEPTEMBER 18, 2006. (Abstained: Sel. White)
Adjournment
Motion by Sel. Sullivan, seconded by Sel. Ferguson, it was UNANIMOUSLY VOTED TO ADJOURN THE OCTOBER 2, 2006 MEETING AT 9:15 PM.
Approved: October 16, 2006
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