HOLDEN BOARD OF SELECTMEN
MEETING MINUTES
FEBRUARY 5, 2007
6:30 PM Memorial Hall
Present: Chairman David J. White, James Jumonville, Kenneth O’Brien, Kimberly N. Ferguson
Absent: Joseph G. Sullivan
Others Present: Brian J. Bullock, Town Manager, Jacquie Kelly, Assistant Town Manager, Liz Helder, Recording Secretary
Chairman White opened the meeting at 6:30 PM. The Chairman reported that Sel. Sullivan would be absent from the meeting due to a prior commitment. The Board participated in the Pledge of Allegiance.
State Senator Harriette Chandler
Senator Chandler presented the Board with a fiscal outlook report. While revenues have increased so have costs. Lottery funding will decrease and this loss will affect Chapter 70 funding to municipalities. She inquired if the town had any specific needs that should be addressed in the upcoming budget season. Sel. Ferguson asked that the State provide financial assistance to the District and the clean up of the oil tank leak at the Jefferson School. Sel. O’Brien asked the legislature to support the GIC Bill and provide any financial aid to Checkerberry Village, the town’s low-income housing complex for senior citizens. Sel. Jumonville asked Senator Chandler to continue to pursue eliminating the gasoline tax for municipal vehicles. Senator Chandler requested that the
regional boards forward correspondence to herself and Representative Evangelidis to outline the financial advantages of eliminating the gas tax. Chairman White asked for financial aid to regional education and transportation. Senator Chandler said she would try to schedule a regional Ways and Means Committee meeting.
Selectmen Licenses, Permits & Appointments
Motion by Sel. Jumonville, seconded by Sel. Ferguson, it was VOTED 4-0 TO APPROVE A PARADE PERMIT TO SGT. DAVID ARMSTRONG ON BEHALF OF HOLDEN POLICE ASSOCIATION FOR A ROAD RACE ON APRIL 15, 2007 FROM 10AM-11AM.
Motion by Sel. Jumonville, seconded by Sel. Ferguson, it was VOTED 4-0 TO APPOINT PETER HARRINGTON TO THE HISTORIC DISTRICT COMMISSION FOR A THREE-YEAR TERM.
Selectmen Subcommittees
Sel. Ferguson: Affordable Housing: Has not met.
Holden Tomorrow: Holdentomorrow.net web site contains all of the consultant’s reports. Next meeting is scheduled for 2/15. Committee would like to have a meeting in late February/early March with all town boards and commissions to seek their input for the final report. Next public meeting will be scheduled for late March/early April.
Sel. O’Brien: EDC: Committee has not met in 6 months due to scheduling conflicts between committee members and its chair. The Manager said that town staff was willing to attend whatever date was set. Sel. Ferguson suggested that the committee set a specific date to meet and prioritize its goals and set a new meeting schedule. The Chairman asked Sel. O’Brien to contact the Chairman of the EDC to put this plan into effect.
Use of Town Property: Next meeting is scheduled for 2/22 in the Starbard Building.
Sel. Jumonville: Trash/Recycle: Next meeting is scheduled for 2/14 at 7PM in Memorial Hall. Committee has vacancies.
Open Space/Recreation:
Memorial Day Parade: Next meeting is scheduled for 2/7 at 7PM in the Starbard Building.
Sel. White: Public Safety Committee: Thanked everyone who attended and approved the funding for the Public Safety Building. Next meeting is scheduled for 2/7.
Citizens’ Address
Mrs. Kathy Diehl, thanked the town for picking up half the costs to retain Officer Himmer as the Resource Officer at Mountview School through the remainder of the school year.
Special Assessments – Sewer Connection Loans
Motion by Sel. Jumonville, seconded by Sel. Ferguson, it was VOTED 4-0 TO APPROVE THE SEWER CONNECTION LOANS AS PRESENTED.
Town Manager Miscellaneous
The Manager announced that the Friends of the Council on Aging will hold their annual Valentine’s Day Cookie Sale at the Senior Center on Friday, February 9th from 9AM until the cookies are gone!
The Board reviewed several thank-you notes received by the Senior Center for Holiday wreaths and goodies baskets that were distributed through the Outreach Program to Meals-on-Wheels clients during the past Holiday Season. The wreaths were designed, created, and donated by the Wachusett High School National Honor Art Students and the goodie-bags were assembled with the help of the Wachusett Food Pantry. Thanks to all who participated in the hugely successful program. Additionally, the Manager informed the Board that during the past several weeks, Senior Center Staff have been contacting the town’s “at-risk” clients to be certain that they are all set during the cold weather.
The Board reviewed a “Save the Date” flier that has been distributed through HMLD utility bills.
The Manager said that the town just learned that The United Way has a free social services telephone referral to people in need by simply dialing 211. Assistance is available through United Way Mass 211 Monday through Friday from 8AM-8PM. The Manager said that this information would be added to the town’s web site.
The Manager announced that on January 23, 2007, the Holden Planning Board unanimously voted to grant the Definitive Subdivision Plan and Site Plan Special Permit for Rice School as proposed by the developer Mr. Herb Ingram. Simultaneously, the town has also concluded the final negotiations for the Purchase and Sales Agreement. The Manager commended the efforts of the developer and town staff that moved through a thorough permit granting process in 82 days. Sel. O’Brien voiced concerns about a member of the Planning Board who is also a town employee. He suggested that the Board consider scheduling an agenda item to discuss ethical conflicts of interest in these situations. The Manager said that there have not been to date any conflicts with a town employee who serves on a town committee. This particular individual is an exemplary member of the Planning Board and served on the Planning Board long before he was a town employee.
The Board reviewed correspondence from William F. Galvin, Secretary of the Commonwealth, regarding preparations for the upcoming 2010 Federal Census. The town must designate a Local Census Liaison during the process. The Manager said that in the past, he had served in this capacity for the town.
Motion by Sel. Jumonville, seconded by Sel. Ferguson, it was VOTED 4-0 TO APPOINT TOWN MANAGER BRIAN J. BULLOCK AS THE LOCAL CENSUS LIAISON FOR THE TOWN OF HOLDEN.
The Manager informed the Board that Police Chief Sherrill is a member of the State’s Amber Alert Board. This Board recently received a grant to develop a multidisciplinary CART (Child Abduction Response Team) made up of local, State and Federal officers to respond to and assist local agencies in the event of an abduction. Based on the background criteria needed, Chief Sherrill has nominated Officer Chris Carey to represent the local officers’ perspective on the Team. Officer Carey has an advanced Masters Degree in forensics and has experience in computer forensics, tracing cell phone records and Internet crime. As a result of his appointment, Officer Carey received specialized training through grant funding. Congratulations to Chief Sherrill for his participation on this Board
and to Officer Carey for his appointment to this special task force.
The Board reviewed the Finance Committee’s FY08 Budget Calendar/Election Schedule.
The Manager announced that a mutual agreement had been reached between the town and the school district to jointly fund a School Resource Officer at Mountview School for the remainder of the school year. The Manager said that the town had not budgeted for this position in the FY08 budget and it is up to the District to initiate discussion and interest in continuing the position for the ‘07-’08 school year.
Public Hearing – Pool Pass Fee Increase
The Manager read the notice of Public Hearing into record at 7:30PM.
Motion by Sel. Ferguson, seconded by Sel. Jumonville, it was VOTED 4-0 TO OPEN THE PUBLIC HEARING AT 7:30PM.
Ms. Denise Morano, Recreation Director, introduced members of the Recreation Committee. Ms. Morano said that the Committee was recommending to increase fees for pool passes for both residents and non-residents, increase the amount of green space, move the fence on the hill back and add picnic tables, and cap the number of non-residents passes sold to 700. Historically, the numbers of passes for both residents and non-residents have increased annually. There will be no fee increases for programming, classes and camp.
Chairman White asked what measures were being put in place to address the cleanliness of the facilities and bathhouse. Ms. Morano said she was investigating a service to come in and monitor and clean the facilities during the day. Chairman White said that he had some resources in this area and suggested Ms. Morano contact these individuals for bidding purposes.
Ms. Randi Setterlund, 68 Crestview Drive, said she felt that the proposed reduction in non-resident passes being sold would not be enough to make a difference in the overcrowding and cleanliness of the facilities. Is it a requirement that non-resident passes cannot be charged more than twice a resident rate? She said that Holden taxpayers paid for the pool and she is considering not rejoining due to overcrowding, cleanliness, and safety issues. Ms. Setterlund commented that the town needs to make changes that will make a difference.
Mr. Mike Cole, 48 Fox Hill Drive, stated that Holden taxpayers are paying for the pool and should be able to enjoy it since they are footing the bill. Is there a stipulation that residents have to pay at all? He suggested that non-residents pay a daily rate of $10 every time they use the pool instead of charging them $60 for a seasonal pool pass.
Ms. Mary-Jude Pigsley, 215 Newell Road and her daughter Hannah Evangelidis, said that the pool is the fabric of living in Holden and was built for the use of the residents of Holden. Ms. Pigsley said she was shocked by the 80% increase in usage since 2000. She suggested using money from the recreation revolving account to offset the $10,000 loss. Ms. Pigsley reported that last season the pool’s Snack Shack made $23,000 selling popsicles, and suggested that the Rec. Committee could sell more popsicles to make up the deficit. Hannah commented that the pool is not fun when it is too crowded, the water is dirty, and it is unsafe to swim when you are getting kicked in the head.
Ms. Marci Vandale, 349 Bailey Road, a lifelong resident and former lifeguard, commended Ms. Morano and her staff for running the recreation program. However, she said that the overcrowding at the pool is “scary” and finds herself making plans for activities away from the pool for safety reasons.
Ms. Jeannette Sanchez-Appul, 236 Newell Road, agrees that the overcrowding is scary and the pool is dirty everywhere – not just in the bathrooms. Fields are overflowing with garbage. She said that the parking situation is impossible and suggested that the town charge a fee for parking for non-residents.
Ms. Elizabeth Helder, 33 Steppingstone Drive, inquired how many grants the Recreation Department had applied for? The Manager said that the town had applied for one $20,000 grant for Eagle Lake. The Manager said that based on the town’s interpretation of the policy, he would have a hard time justifying more than doubling the non-resident fee, but said he really couldn’t justify doubling the fee either. Ms. Helder said that the overcrowding, safety issues, and filth at the pool facility were worth risking future grant monies and justified charging more to non-residents and limiting the number of non-resident passes. Ms. Helder added that she would not have a problem paying more for a resident pass to help offset some of the monetary loss. Based on a 60-day pool season, it
currently costs residents 50 cents a day to use the pool and non-residents $1 a day to use the pool.
Ms. Kim Casella, 64 Blair Drive, said she felt that “capping” the number of passes to non-residents might not solve the overcrowding issue because non-residents purchase passes and then share them with friends in the parking lot. This needs to be addressed.
Motion by Sel. Jumonville, seconded by Sel. Ferguson, it was VOTED 4-0 TO CLOSE THE PUBLIC HEARING AT 7:30PM at 8:11PM.
Motion by Sel. Jumonville, seconded by Sel. O’Brien, it was VOTED 4-0 TO SET THE 2007 RECREATION PASSES: SINGLE RESIDENT PASS: $25; RESIDENT FAMILY PASS: $90; NON-RESIDENT SINGLE PASS: $75; CAP THE NUMBER OF NON-RESIDENT PASSES SOLD TO 400; DAILY RATE FOR RESIDENT $5; DAILY RATE FOR NON-RESIDENT: $10.
Selectmen said the fee schedule could be revisited and adjusted on an annual basis. The Board was in agreement that the Recreation Department is a victim of its own success. They acknowledged that the staff does the best it can when the pool is at capacity with 1300 or 1400 people running around.
Acceptance of Minutes
Motion by Sel. Ferguson, seconded by Sel. White, it was VOTED 3-0 WITH 1 ABSTENTION TO APPROVE THE MEETING MINUTES OF DECEMBER 14, 2006. (Abstained: Sel. Jumonville.)
Motion by Sel. Ferguson, seconded by Sel. Jumonville, it was VOTED 3-0 WITH 1 ABSTENTION TO APPROVE THE MEETING MINUTES OF JANUARY 16, 2007. (Abstained: Sel. O’Brien.)
Motion by Sel. Ferguson, seconded by Sel. Jumonville, it was VOTED 4-0 TO APPROVE THE SPECIAL MEETING MINUTES OF JANUARY 29, 2007.
MMA Meeting Follow-Up
The Board agreed to postpone discussion of the MMA Annual Conference until the February 20, 2007 meeting.
Selectmen Miscellaneous
Sel. O’Brien: 1. What are the minority hiring practices of the town and how many minorities work for the town? Town files EEOC paperwork and complies with hiring practices within the guidelines of the law.
2. Would like to initiate a corridor study for the RT122A roadway and connecting towns to reduce the traffic congestion during high peak traffic. The Manager said he would investigate the process and report back to the Board.
3. Thanked the Administration for restoring the Police Officer at Mountview School.
4. Requested that Duncan Leith, Chairman of the High School Building Committee attend a future meeting to update the Board on the construction progress and timelines at the high school.
5. Need to address the defective Charter manhole cover across from LCU. The Manager reported that the manhole is on the schedule to be repaired in the spring.
6. Cleaned out the YAHOO storage shed at the Rice School. Wachusett Storage on Wachusett Street has donated a new storage shed for the group.
7. Thanked Jack Namiotka for allowing Dawson School PTA to sell Christmas trees on his property on Main Street during the Holidays.
Sel. Ferguson: 1. Install flashing lights that indicate your speed on the yellow flashing light poles in school zones (similar to the Town of Princeton). The Manager will investigate.
2. FY08 Budget status $$$. Lottery revenues will decrease. Expressed concern how the oil recovery efforts at the Jefferson School will impact the District budget. The Board reviewed correspondence from the town to the District regarding removal of the tank(s) by the District in 2001. The Board directed the Manager to inquire to the District asking for clarification on the insurance situation as it pertains to the oil contamination and clean up.
3. Expressed concern regarding ambulance issues and the winter weather. The Manager reported that no space that did not require a fee had been identified to house the ambulance and its crew. He added that the town is considering adding a trailer at one of the current public safety facilities to house the staff/ambulance service.
4. Readdressing the effort to remove the gas tax for municipal vehicles. Chairman White will speak with Chairmen from other regional towns to send further information to Senator Chandler and Representative Evangelidis.
5. WRSD Gymnastics Team went 9-0 this year. Congratulations.
6. Concerned about the recent Charter rate increases. Chairman White suggested funding a study to have cable/internet run in-house at the HMLD. Charter contract is up in 2009. Look into other options before contract negotiations begin.
Sel. White: 1. Inquired about the status of the DPW Building Committee study group. The Manager reported that the project has been delayed due to the ongoing efforts to get a Public Safety Building project approved at Town Meeting. There might be the possibility to integrate the planning/engineer-
ing/architect process along with the Public Safety Building.
2. Attended the Regional Selectmen’s Meeting on January 31st in Princeton.
Sel. Jumonville: 1. Nothing to report.
Adjournment
Motion by Sel. Ferguson, seconded by Sel. Sullivan, it was VOTED 4-0 TO ADJOURN THE FEBRUARY 5, 2007 MEETING AT 9:25 PM.
Approved: March 5, 2007
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