HOLDEN BOARD OF SELECTMEN
MEETING MINUTES
MARCH 19, 2007
6:30PM Senior Center
Present: James Jumonville, Kimberly Ferguson, Joseph G. Sullivan, Kenneth O’Brien
Absent: David J. White, Jacquie Kelly, Assistant Town Manager
Others Present: Brian Bullock, Town Manager, Liz Arguin, Recording Secretary
Vice-Chairman Jumonville opened the meeting at 6:30PM. The Board participated in the Pledge of Allegiance.
Selectmen Appointments
Motion by Sel. Sullivan, seconded by Sel. Ferguson, it was VOTED 3-1 WITH 1 OPPOSED TO APPOINT BONNIE PRESCOTT TO THE REPUBLICAN TOWN COMMITTEE TO A THREE YEAR TERM EXPIRING MARCH 31, 2010. (Opposed: O’Brien)
Motion by Sel. Sullivan, seconded by Sel. Ferguson, it was VOTED 4-0 TO APPROVE AN ANNUAL COMMON VICTUALER LICENSE TO GORDON W. GRANT d/b/a GRANTS GROCERIES FOR CHANGE OF LOCATION FROM 1104 MAIN STREET TO 1142 MAIN STREET PENDING FINAL INSPECTIONS OF VARIOUS DEPARTMENTS.
Selectmen Subcommittees
Sel. Sullivan: Public Property Displays: Next meeting is scheduled for March 29th at 6:30PM.
Holden Hospital: Nothing to report
Sel. O’Brien: EDC: Next meeting is scheduled for March 20th at 8:30AM in the Starbard Building.
Sel. Ferguson: Affordable Housing: Next meeting to be held on March 22nd at 6:30PM. The Committee will be discussing upcoming projects.
Holden Tomorrow: Holdentomorrow.net web site contains all of the consultant’s reports. Next public meeting is scheduled for March 20th at 6:30PM at the Town Hall. An all Boards meeting is scheduled for April 12th at 6:30PM at the Senior Center. The public is encouraged to attend.
Sel. Jumonville: Trash/Recycle: Next meeting is scheduled for March 27th at 5:00PM in the Town Hall.
Memorial Day Parade: Met on March 15th and discussed plans to produce a tape for HCTV. Thanked Glenn Gaudette for getting information onto the website. Next meeting is scheduled for March 29th at 7:00PM in the Starbard Building.
Town Manager’s Miscellaneous
The Manager informed the Board that he attended an event on March 15th honoring the Town of Holden for posting all of the key governance records on the Town website. Selectmen Sullivan thanked the Town Manager and the Information Technology Department for all their hard work on the Town’s new website. Selectmen Sullivan recommended a “Hats Off” Award be drawn up for the staff members involved in organizing the new web site.
The Manager advised the Board to check out a new element of the Town’s website, under Holden Municipal Light Department, called Energy Efficiency World. This element is focused on providing young people with information on energy and energy conservation.
The Board reviewed a deed to finalize the transfer of ownership of Rice School from the Town to the Developer, Rice Holden, LLC.
Motion by Sel. Sullivan, seconded by Sel. Ferguson, it was VOTED 4-0 TO APPROVE A DEED TO FINALIZE THE TRANSFER OF OWNERSHIP OF RICE SCHOOL FROM THE TOWN TO THE DEVELOPER, RICE HOLDEN LLC.
The Manager reported that Detective Al Bourget and the Holden Police Department received a thank you letter from Holden Youth Soccer thanking them for sponsoring a soccer team last fall. Sel. O’Brien noted that Mike Foley was the volunteer of the year for the soccer association.
The Manager informed the Board that the Holden Police Department will be holding its 5th Annual Police Partnership 5K Run on Sunday, April 15th. He advised the Board to participate.
The Manager reported that on April 9th, ten WRHS criminal justice students will participate in Enhanced 911 training on the new State equipment at the Westborough training facility.
The Manger informed the Board that the Town received a grant that supported Officer Chris Carey’s attendance at the Child Abduction Response Team (CART) training in San Diego, CA. The Manager noted that this program was designed to build a team of law enforcement professional that can effectively respond to incidents of missing, endangered and/or abducted children.
The Board reviewed a schedule of traffic enforcement radar locations provided by Chief George Sherrill.
The Board reviewed a plan showing the extent of work to be done on the Dawson Recreation Lawn Expansion project.
The Board reviewed Revenue and Expenditure Reports for the period ending February 2007.
The Manager reported that a preliminary copy of the Post Retirement Benefits Actuarial Valuation prepared by Aon Consulting has been included in their packets. Discussion was held pertaining to this matter.
Acceptance of Minutes
Motion by Sel. Ferguson, seconded by Sel. Sullivan, it was UNANIMOUSLY VOTED TO APPROVE THE MEETING MINUTES OF MARCH 5, 2007 WITH AN AMENDMENT BY SEL. SULLIVAN TO ADD “SELECTMAN SULLIVAN STATED THAT HE VOTED TO SUPPORT A $70.5M HIGH SCHOOL CONSTRUCTION PROJECT, BUT NOT TO BORROW $70.5M.
Motion by Sel. Ferguson, seconded by Sel. Sullivan, it was UNANIMOUSLY VOTED TO APPROVE THE EXECUTIVE SESSION MEETING MINUTES WITH AN AMENDMENT BY SEL. SULLIVAN TO READ, “AS A RESULT, THE BOARD DISCUSSED DEVELOPMENT OF SECURITY PERSONNEL AND/OR DEVICES.”
Certificate of Recognition – WoodMeister Corporation
Vice Chairman Jumonville presented a proclamation to Ted and Kim Goodnow of WoodMeister Corporation. He read the proclamation for the record.
Ted Goodnow thanked the Board for the great hospitality they have been given. Mr. Goodnow mentioned that they feel like part of the community and believe that moving to Holden was a good thing.
Senator Chandler
Senator Chandler spoke to the Board about the Governor’s budget, which was released a couple of weeks ago. Discussion was held regarding the 4% increase in the budget from last year. Senator Chandler briefly talked about local aid and the increase in Ch. 70 Aid for the Wachusett region.
Citizens’ Address
Mr. Allan Paul Moreau, Main Street read about someone in Holden who was stalked by a sexual predator in 1958 and supports the proposed sex offender residency by-law.
Ms. Maureen Floryan, Sterling Road, read into record statistics about sex offenders.
WRSDC Ballot Question Discussion
Discussion was held in regards to the current Regional Agreement. Selectmen Sullivan noted that Selectmen O’Brien and he attended the Regional Selectboard meeting and were asked to put together a non-binding ballot question that might give the WRSDC a better indication of how the voters felt on this matter.
Motion by Sel. Sullivan, seconded by Sel. Ferguson, it was VOTED 3-1 TO PUT A NON-BINDING VOTE ON THE MAY 14, 2007 ELECTION BALLOT RECOMMENDING THAT THE WACHUSETT REGIONAL SCHOOL DISTRICT COMMITTEE DEVELOP AN ACTION PLAN THAT WILL LIMIT ANY FUTURE GROWTH OF THE CURRENT COMMITTEE MEMBERSHIP; MAKE EVERY EFFORT TO DOWNSIZE THE COMMITTEE; DEVELOP A COMMITTEE MAKEUP THAT IS CONSISTENT WITH THE CONSTITUTION OF THE UNITED STATES AND ALL LAWS OF THE COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS WITH RESPECT TO “ONE MAN – ONE VOTE.” (Opposed: O’Brien)
Selectmen Miscellaneous
Sel. Ferguson: 1. Asked about speeding flashing signs in school zones.
2. Complimented DPW on storm work. The Town Manager will forward the compliment to the DPW.
Sel. Sullivan: 1. Asked about installing No Parking signs on the Baptist Church side of Main Street.
2. Mentioned that the Town Accountant, Helen Graf is retiring and requested a letter be sent from the Chairman and a proclamation recognizing her years of service.
Sel. O’Brien: 1. Inquired about having a boat ramp/public access at Chaffins pond.
2. Asked if experts will be allowed to provide information at the public hearing on the proposed sex offender residency by-law. Discussion was held pertaining to this issue.
3. Inquired about investments in paving work. Discussion was held.
Sel. Jumonville: 1. Inquired about MWRA charges to the Town of Holden for maintenance of the trunk line.
Selectman Sullivan addressed the residents on the importance of taking out nomination papers for the Annual Town Election.
Adjournment
Motion by Sel. Sullivan, seconded by Sel. Ferguson, it was VOTED 4-0 TO ADJOURN THE MARCH 19, 2007 MEETING AT 8:45PM.
Approved: April 2, 2007 as amended
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