HOLDEN BOARD OF SELECTMEN
MEETING MINUTES
JUNE 4, 2007
6:30 PM Memorial Hall
Present: Chairman James Jumonville, Kimberly N. Ferguson, Kenneth O’Brien,
Joseph G. Sullivan, David J. White
Others Present: Brian J. Bullock, Town Manager, Jacquie Kelly, Assistant Town Manager, Robert J. Martin, Town Counsel, Liz Helder, Recording Secretary
Chairman Jumonville opened the meeting at 6:30 PM. The Board participated in the Pledge of Allegiance.
Starbard Scholarship Recipients
The Board announced the recipients of the 2007 Starbard Scholarship. The Board presented Ms. Stefanie Costa with a $1,000 scholarship. Ms. Costa, a sophomore at UMASS majoring in Political Science, has interned with Representative Evangelidis. Mr. Jeffrey Wong, a student at Wesleyan, was awarded a $500 scholarship. Mr. Wong, currently out-of-state, sent the Board a thank you note, which was read into the record. The Starbard Scholarship Committee, consisting of Ken Starbard, Roger Starbard, Sel. Ferguson and Sel. O’Brien commented that they reviewed a number of impressive, highly competent applicants this year. The Chairman will send a letter to the Starbard family to thank them for the ability to offer this scholarship opportunity. The Board congratulated the recipients.
Selectmen Licenses and Permits
Motion by Sel. Sullivan, seconded by Sel. White, it was UNANIMOUSLY VOTED TO APPROVE A COMMON VICTUALER LICENSE ON BEHALF OF DENISE MORANO FOR THE SNACK SHACK AT THE HOLDEN POOL FROM JUNE 21, 2007 – AUGUST 24, 2007 WEEKDAYS FROM 10AM-6PM AND WEEKENDS FROM 12PM TO 6PM.
Motion by Sel. Sullivan, seconded by Sel. White, it was UNANIMOUSLY VOTED TO REAPPOINT ROY FRASER, III, TO THE ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS.
The Board agreed to hold the reappointment vote for the Holden Cultural Council until June 18th.
Acceptance of Minutes
Motion by Sel. Sullivan, seconded by Sel. White, it was VOTED 3-0-2 WITH 1 ABSTENTION TO APPROVE THE MAY 2, 2007 REGIONAL SELECTBOARD MEETING MINUTES. (ABSTENTION: SEL. O’BRIEN.)
Motion by Sel. Sullivan, seconded by Sel. White, it was UNANIMOUSLY VOTED TO APPROVE THE MAY 7, 2007 MEETING MINUTES.
Motion by Sel. Sullivan, seconded by Sel. White, it was UNANIMOUSLY VOTED TO APPROVE THE MAY 15, 2007 REORGANIZATION MEETING MINUTES.
Motion by Sel. Sullivan, seconded by Sel. White, it was UNANIMOUSLY VOTED TO APPROVE THE MAY 21, 2007 TOWN MEETING MINUTES.
Motion by Sel. Sullivan, seconded by Sel. White, it was UNANIMOUSLY VOTED TO APPROVE THE MAY 22, 2007 SPECIAL MEETING MINUTES.
Selectmen Subcommittees
Sel. Ferguson: Affordable Housing: Has not met.
Holden Tomorrow: Meeting on 6/5 at 6:30PM at the Senior Center for a feedback session for all boards, committees, and commissions.
Sel. O’Brien: EDC: Has not met.
Public Use of Town Spaces: Has not met
Sel. Sullivan: Holden Hospital:
Public Use of Town Spaces: Committee has not met.
Sel. Jumonville: Trash/Recycle: Will meet on 6/13.
Open Space/Recreation:
Memorial Day Parade: Will meet on 6/21 6PM at the Starbard Building. Board members expressed their congratulations on the success of the parade.
Sel. White: Public Safety Committee: Will meet 6/6 at 6:30 at the HMLD.
Recognition of HPD Volunteers/HPD 2007 Community Survey Results
Police Chief Sherrill presented three community volunteers with Certificates of Recognition for their outstanding work and dedication to the Holden Police Department. Chief Sherrill presented Ms. Amie Rapa with a Departmental Award for Excellence in Policing. Ms. Rapa interned at the HPD and then served as a part-time dispatcher. The Portland Maine Police Department recently hired her as a Police Officer. Chief Sherrill also presented an Excellence in Policing Award to Mr. Egidio Diodati. Mr. Diodati, an Associate Professor of Management at Assumption College, compiled survey information to create the HPD 2007 Community Survey. A third award will be given to Joseph Andrasik, a graduate of Anna Maria College, for his work to update the department’s emergency response plans for the
local schools.
Citizens’ Address
Ms. Paula Abati, 23 Holt Road, commented on the recent public information meeting held by Walgreen’s for local abutters and residents. She said that she was very unhappy with the results of the meeting. She said that Walgreen’s management was unwilling to make changes in the size of the building, the position of the building on the site, and the size of the one-acre asphalt parking lot.
Ms. Margaret Virzi, 23 Holt Road, said that she was unhappy with the Walgreen’s project. Holt Road is a dead-end street. Excessive amounts of traffic entering and exiting from the Walgreen’s parking lot onto Holt Road will change the quality of life of the residents.
Mr. Frank Virzi, 23 Holt Road, said that serious questions and concerns expressed at the public meeting went unanswered. The destruction of 3 intact buildings to construct a 15,000-sq. ft. building will affect downtown Holden and Main Street for many years to come. The impact of this project has not been calculated for its effect on property values. Can the building be made smaller? Can it be made more pedestrian friendly?
Representative Lew Evangelidis Update
Congratulated Sel. Jumonville and Sel. O’Brien on their recent reelections. Announced that he would hold office hours later in the evening in Town Hall. Local aid and school budget moneys are fixed. No major news to report. Rep. Evangelidis said that he had placed a line item of $150,000 in the State budget to help with the oil spill clean up at Jefferson School/School District offices. Use of Challenge Course/Rock Climbing Walls at local schools has been pending because of Carnival Ride Safety Legislation. This legislation will be discussed at the State level this week. Sel. Sullivan announced that the Academic Regional School Caucus would meet 6/20 at 1PM. He invited Rep. Evangelidis to attend this meeting. Sel. O’Brien inquired about the
Telecommunications/Verizon Cable TV Service legislation. Rep. Evangelidis asked Sel. O’Brien to forward information on this legislation to him. He asked that if the Board takes a position, to please forward the vote to him. Sel. O’Brien asked Representative Evangelidis about his support of Senate Bill 321. Rep. Evangelidis said that he would be happy to discuss this bill with Sel. O’Brien after meeting hours, but did not see how this was part of Sel. O’Brien’s job as a Selectman. Sel. O’Brien said that if this bill is passed, it could have cost ramifications for the District and therefore it is his business. Sel. Sullivan suggested that in the future, items for specific discussion with Rep. Evangelidis should be forwarded to Rep. Evangelidis and the Town Manager’s office.
Town Manager Miscellaneous
The Manager announced that the Town of Holden has been selected to receive bicycle helmets as part of the Statewide Helmet Distribution Program, an initiative of the Executive Office of Public Safety. Congratulations to the HPD, especially Officer Gregg Sculthorpe, School Resource Officer who coordinated receipt of this program.
The Manager reported that the Recreation Department has conducted it summer program registration for both residents and non-residents. With the exception of four openings in the second session of the 9-week All Day Program, every other week is filled to capacity with 65 children per week in attendance. Revenue from program registration and pool pass sales is up about $657 compared to last year despite the limit on non-resident passes. The Board requested the total number of resident passes sold this year compared with last year to determine whether the reduction of non-resident passes sold has made a difference.
The Manager reported that non-resident pool passes that the Police Department has requested to be held, are not needed. The Recreation Department has since held another lottery and those lottery winners had until May 31st to purchase these passes. Any left over remaining passes will go back into another lottery, if needed. The lottery system will be evaluated after the summer season is over.
The Manager recommended that the Board vote to set a public hearing on June 18th to lay out Brice Circle, Alden Hill Road, a portion of Blair Drive, and Otter Brook Drive.
Motion by Sel. White, seconded by Sel. Ferguson, it was UNANIMOUSLY VOTED TO HOLD A PUBLIC HEARING ON JUNE 18, 2007 TO LAY OUT BRICE CIRCLE, ALDEN HILL ROAD, A PORTION OF BLAIR DRIVE, AND OTTER BROOK DRIVE AS PRESENTED.
The Manager requested that the Board hold a public hearing on proposed trash collection and recycling fees on June 18, 2007.
Motion by Sel. White, seconded by Sel. Sullivan, it was UNANIMOUSLY VOTED TO HOLD A PUBLIC HEARING ON JUNE 18, 2007 ON PROPOSED TRASH COLLECTION AND RECYCLING FEES.
The Manager will email the Casella Contract to all Board members for their review.
The Board reviewed the Gale Free Library’s Catch the Beat Summer Reading Program brochure.
The Manager announced that thanks to the efforts of Selectman O’Brien, the Millbury COA would be donating one of their used vans to the Senior Center. The Manager commented that Sel. O’Brien had been instrumental in seeking out the donation and would be meeting with the Holden Council on Aging to discuss the expansion of the town’s transportation program using donations. A letter to Ms. Judy O’Connell with the Millbury Council on Aging will be forwarded from the Board thanking the Millbury COA for their generous donation.
Additionally, the Manager announced that the WRTA Board would be replacing the town’s WRTA van with a new chair-lift van and will allow the town to keep the existing WRTA van. Town staff will be preparing a budget to accommodate the expansion of the van service and will work with the Holden COA and its Friends to develop funding sources. More information will follow as progress develops.
The Board reviewed the Year-to-Date Revenue and Expenditure Reports prepared by Helen Graf, Town Accountant for the period ending April 2007. The Manager commented that these would be some of the last reports that Ms. Graf would prepare for the town as she will retire on July 11, 2007. Ms. Graf will attend the June 18th Board meeting. A proclamation from the Board will be presented to Ms. Graf.
The Manager announced the Summer Leaf Composting and Brush Chipping schedule. The site of the former town landfill on River Street will be accepting collections on Saturday, June 23, Saturday, July 21, Saturday, August 18, and September, 22.
The Manager requested that the Board vote to support the summer hours of the town offices.
Motion by Sel. Sullivan, seconded by Sel. Ferguson, it was UNANIMOUSLY VOTED TO SET SUMMER OFFICE HOURS FOR TOWN OFFICES AS PRESENTED.
The Board will set the summer meeting schedule at the June 18th meeting. Selectmen vacation schedules and meeting date preferences should be forwarded to the Town Manager’s office.
New Trash Collection and Recycling Program – July 1, 2007
Mr. Dennis Lipka, Director, Growth Management, addressed the town’s new trash collection and recycling program that will be serviced by Casella on July 1, 2007. Plastics 1-7 will now be accepted for recycling and can be co-mingled with glass, paper and cardboard. Mr. Lipka said that it is the town’s goal to reduce the amount of waste at Wheelabrator and become more environmentally conscious. This new program is in response to residents who have stepped up and increased their recycling efforts. The town currently pays $44/ton at Wheelabrator. In January 2008, that rate will increase to $68.25/ton. Mr. Lipka outlined how the negotiation process for a new trash/recycle program occurred. He said that the town began negotiations in good faith with its current provider,
Central Mass Disposal, in October ‘06. These negotiations concluded in February ‘07 when CMD made a final offer (with one more offer submitted at the end of May). The town then chose to negotiate with 3 other vendors. Casella offered a single-stream recycling option, an aggressive rate, better customer service, educational support for the schools, and the ability to take the town to the next trash collection and recycling level. The new monthly rate will be $15.00/month. New blue toters will be delivered to residences the week of June 25th. Green toters must be out during that week in order to receive a new blue toter. The current green trash toter will then be re-stickered to read “recyclable items only.” The Reverse 911 system will be used to remind residents of this plan. Residents will receive a letter and promotional materials on the new program the week of June 11th. Bulk item pick-up
will be every Thursday. The Manager said that Central Mass Disposal was currently sending out a recruitment letter and that this solicitation was not connected to the town in any way.
Sel. White commented that resident notification should have occurred more expediently. He said that this new program would increase the incentive to recycle more and dispose of trash less. Will the town offer a 95-gallon trash toter for people who want to pay more in order to dispose of more trash? The Manager commented that larger trash toters were not part of the program and the blue overflow bags were for overflow trash. The Manager acknowledged that information to the public regarding the new plan had been delayed due to the late contract negotiations. The Manager clarified that when the Board sets the new trash fee at the June 18th public hearing, it will include the new rate increases from Wheelabrator that will begin January 2008. If residents choose to opt out of the
town’s trash program, they will not be able to rejoin for one year. Sel. White and Ferguson expressed dismay over the recent confusing recruitment letter that was sent to residents from Central Mass Disposal.
The Board took a 2-minute recess at 8:28 PM.
Public Hearing – Water/Sewer Rate and Fee Increase
Mr. Randy Swigor, DPW Water Superintendent, discussed unaccounted for water and Ms. Diane Mero from the Light Department, discussed billing and accounting cycles and their effect on consumption months billed in 2005. DPW Director, Larry Galkowski discussed factors that have attributed to a deficit in the FY07 budget. These factors include under-performance of revenues, expenditures in excess of budget, and use of one-time revenues (free cash).
Chairman Jumonville read the notice of public hearing into record.
Motion by Sel. White, seconded by Sel. Ferguson, it was UNANIMOUSLY VOTED TO OPEN THE PUBLIC HEARING TO SET WATER/SEWER RATES AND FEE INCREASES AT 9:25PM. ROLL CALL VOTE: Sullivan: yes; O’Brien: yes; White: yes; Ferguson: yes; Jumonville: yes.
Chairman Jumonville opened the discussion to the public. No one came forward to address the board.
Motion by Sel. White, seconded by Sel. Ferguson, it was UNANIMOUSLY VOTED TO CLOSE THE PUBLIC HEARING AT 9:27PM.
The calculation used to determine the amount of unaccounted for water was clarified for the Board. The last Water/Sewer rate increase (9%) became effective in 2005. The current rate increase request is 38%. Sel. Ferguson expressed concerns over a 47% increase in a two-year time period. The Manager commented that the town had been aiding residents with rate increases in previous years by buying them down with MDC reimbursements, assessments, one-time monies, and free cash, instead of introducing 4% increases every year. Sel. Sullivan handed out an analysis of the water/sewer revenues over an 8-year period. The town has only increased rates in 1992, 1998, and 2005. Expenditures have grown at 6.75% while revenues have only grown at 4.3%. The town previously filled this
gap with assessments, free cash and one-time monies. Sel. Ferguson suggested that the town increase rates for a six-month time period. Sel. O’Brien said that instead of basing the budget on consumption, the budget should be based on conservation. Mr. Galkowski commented that it is very hard to predict the weather and what it will bring.
Motion by Sel. O’Brien, seconded by Sel. Sullivan, it was UNANIMOUSLY VOTED THAT THE BOARD OF SELECTMEN ADOPT PROPOSED INCREASES TO THE TOWN OF HOLDEN WATER AND SEWER RATES AS PRESENTED, FOR BILLS RENDERED EFFECTIVE JULY 1, 2007 SUBJECT TO REVIEW BY THE BOARD OF SELECTMEN ON OR BEFORE DECEMBER 31, 2007.
Sel. Ferguson said that while she appreciated the time and work by the staff at the DPW, she was uncomfortable voting to increase rates. Sel. O’Brien concurred, but said that the town was looking at a three-quarter of a million-dollar deficit and was boxed in. Sel. White said he would like to see aggressive steps to see expenses under control. Sel. Sullivan commented that the proposed fee increases are cost driven. Some of the fees have not been changed/increased since 1979 and some of the services currently generate no fee at all.
Motion by Sel. Sullivan, seconded by Sel. O’Brien, it was UNANIMOUSLY VOTED THAT THE BOARD OF SELECTMEN ADOPT THE INCREASES AND ADDITIONS TO CERTAIN WATER AND SEWER CONNECTIONS, PRIVATE FIRE PROTECTION AND MISCELLANEOUS FEES AS PROPOSED EFFECTIVE JUNE 5, 2007.
Selectmen Miscellaneous
Sel. O’Brien: 1. Proposed sending correspondence to Senator Chandler and Rep. Evangelidis in support of the oil cleanup bill and transportation for schools.
2. Attended the Walgreen’s informational meeting.
3. Inquired about the status of the Winterberry Hollow LIP extension.
4. Trench on Newell Road has sunk and needs to be backfilled.
5. Requested that the Board be informed when the town chooses to use the HMLD mailing in connection with a merchandiser (Percy’s). The Manager commented that the Board had been notified of the program. The notice was placed in the Selectmen mailboxes in the Town Manager’s Office. The Manager said that the program was a huge success.
Sel. Ferguson: 1. Upper Blackstone/EPA: expressed concern on the proposed increases. Thanked the Manager for sending correspondence.
2. Praised the success of the Memorial Day Parade and the work of its Committee.
3. Winterberry Hollow LIP expiration date.
Sel. White: 1. Asked the Manager to schedule the Annual Employee Appreciation BBQ.
Sel. Sullivan: 1. Discussed the Verizon legislation that could have a negative effect on Holden Cable Access TV in Holden. Cable Advisory Committee has advised that the Board not support this legislation. The administration will write a letter expressing the Board’s opinion.
2. Sunken manhole covers on Main Street are becoming a road hazard. What is the status of their repair with Verizon? The Manager said that work was scheduled to begin the week of 6/4.
3. Requested speed enforcement on Highland Street from Harrington Drive to the center of town.
4. Announced that he will attend the Education Caucus on 6/20 with Governor Patrick’s Special Advisor for Education.
Sel. Jumonville: 1. Reported that there is a large chunk of missing curb at 350 Reservoir Street.
2. Thanked everyone involved with the success of the Memorial Day Parade. Approximately $7,500 was raised within the community to support the parade. A full accounting will be forwarded to the Board.
Adjournment
Motion by Sel. White, seconded by Sel. Ferguson, it was VOTED TO ADJOURN THE JUNE 4, 2007 MEETING AT 10:55 PM.
Approved: June 18, 2007
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