HOLDEN BOARD OF SELECTMEN
TOWN MEETING
MEETING MINUTES
MAY 21, 2007
6:00PM Mountview School
Present: Chairman James Jumonville, Kimberly N. Ferguson, Kenneth O’Brien,
Joseph G. Sullivan, David J. White
Others Present: Brian Bullock, Town Manager, Jacquie Kelly, Assistant Town Manager
Robert J. Martin, Town Counsel, Liz Helder, Recording Secretary
Chairman Jumonville opened the meeting at 6:10PM.
Warrant Article Discussion
The Board discussed the FY08 Water/Sewer Budget. The Manager reminded the Board that they did not take a position on this Warrant Article at their last meeting. They said that the expenditures have not been approved and a rate increase on the revenue side would probably be necessary. It is difficult to predict the cost of consumer water usage as it fluctuates every year depending upon the weather. He said that cost increases were from debt service, the cost of purchasing water from Worcester and disposal costs. He commented that the Finance Committee had voted to recommend the budget. He inquired if there was an ‘08 expense in this line item that was too much? Sel. White commented that the purchase price of water and the amount of unaccounted for water were too high.
He said that endorsing the current W/S budget meant rate increases to consumers.
A motion was made by Sel. Sullivan to endorse the Water/Sewer Expense FY08 Budget and was seconded by Sel. Ferguson for purposes of discussion.
Sel. Ferguson questioned how she could vote to endorse an expenditure without first knowing how the town would pay for it? She said she was uncomfortable with a rate increase on the revenue side. She suggested that the Board not endorse the entire amount of the W/S expenditure budget. The Board reviewed an analysis of the Water/Sewer Budget that Sel. Sullivan created. Sel. O’Brien expressed concerns regarding the unaccounted for water, and unresolved sewer transport charges. He said that he felt as Water/Sewer Commissioners, the Board was losing control in directing the management of the budget. He suggested that the town put back restrictions on residential water usage. Sel. White and Sel. Ferguson said they would be willing to support the budget but not necessarily rate
increases. There may have to be cuts in other parts of the town budget to balance this budget.
Motion by Sel. Sullivan, seconded by Sel. Ferguson, it was VOTED 3-2 WITH 2 OPPOSED TO SUPPORT THE WATER/SEWER EXPENSE FY08 BUDGET. (OPPOSED: FERGUSON, O’BRIEN.)
Sex Offender Bylaw Discussion
The Board voted at their May 7, 2007 meeting to take no position on the Sex Offender Bylaw.
Motion by Sel. Sullivan, seconded by Sel. O’Brien it was VOTED 2-3 WITH 3 OPPOSED TO NOT SUPPORT THE SEX OFFENDER BYLAW. (OPPOSED: WHITE, FERGUSON, JUMONVILLE.) The motion failed.
Motion by Sel. Sullivan, seconded by Sel. O’Brien, it was VOTED 1-4 WITH 4 OPPOSED TO SUPPORT THE SEX OFFENDER BYLAW. (OPPOSED: WHITE, SULLIVAN, O’BRIEN, FERGUSON.) The motion failed.
Motion by Sel. White, seconded by Sel. Ferguson, it was VOTED 3-2 WITH 2 OPPOSED TO TAKE NO POSITION ON THE SEX OFFENDER BYLAW. (OPPOSED: SULLIVAN, O’BRIEN.)
Miscellaneous
The Manager informed the Board that the Finance Committee had voted to take no action on Warrant Article 9 (Paxton Windows). Since both the Board and the Finance Committee voted to take no action on this article, the article had been defeated and would not be placed on the town meeting floor for discussion.
Sel. O’Brien commented that he would like to participate in the Council on Aging Program on June 7th.
The Manager informed the Board that they had been posted to meet on May 22, 2007 to discuss the Winterberry Hollow LIP. Sel. O’Brien said that a lawyer for the Poor Farm Brook Neighborhood Association would like to read a statement at the meeting. Chairman Jumonville said that he had already spoken with this lawyer.
Chairman Jumonville reminded Board members that items for Sel. Miscellaneous must be turned into the Town Manager’s office by June 1, 2007.
Ecotarium Land Swap Discussion
The Manager clarified a portion of the Ecotarium Land Swap Warrant Article. He said that while the Ecotarium does own 20 acres of land in town, only 3 acres of this land would be placed in a conservation agreement in trade for an easement with the DCR.
Recess To Town Meeting
Motion by Sel. Sullivan, seconded by Sel. Ferguson, it was VOTED TO RECESS TO TOWN MEETING AT 6:58PM AND RECONVENE AT THE END OF TOWN MEETING TO ADJOURN THE MAY 21, 2007 MEETING.
Adjournment
Motion by Sel. Sullivan, seconded by Sel. Ferguson, it was VOTED TO ADJOURN THE MAY 21, 2007 MEETING AT 9:10PM.
Approved: June 4, 2007
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