HOLDEN BOARD OF SELECTMEN
MEETING MINUTES
AUGUST 11, 2008
6:00PM Senior Center
Present: Chairman David White, Kimberly N. Ferguson, James Jumonville, Kenneth O’Brien, Joseph G. Sullivan
Others Present: Jacquie Kelly, Assistant Town Manager, Elizabeth Helder, Recording Secretary
Others Absent: Brian Bullock, Town Manager
Chairman White opened the meeting at 6:15PM.
Selectmen Appointments Prior to Regular Meeting
The Board interviewed Ms. Karen Halley and Ms. Elizabeth Helder for reappointment to the Holden Cultural Council. Assistant Town Manager Jacquie Kelly recommended the reappointment of Judy Sikes to the Holden Cultural Council. Ms. Sikes may only serve on the Council until November 2009 when her 6-year term will end.
Motion by Sel. Sullivan, seconded by Sel. Ferguson, it was UNANIMOUSLY VOTED TO REAPPOINT KAREN HALLEY AND ELIZABETH HELDER TO THE HOLDEN CULTURAL COUNCIL FOR A THREE-YEAR TERM AND APPOINT JUDY SIKES TO THE HOLDEN CULTURAL COUNCIL UNTIL NOVEMBER 2009.
The Board interviewed Ms. Nancy Rocheleau, whom the Town Manager recently appointed to the Holden Historical Commission. It was determined that Ms. Rocheleau was interested in also serving on the Holden Cable Committee. Ms. Kelly said she would review appointing Ms. Rocheleau to the Cable Committee with the Town Manager.
Motion by Sel. Sullivan, seconded by Sel. Ferguson, it was UNANIMOUSLY VOTED TO CONFIRM THE TOWN MANAGER’S APPOINTMENT OF NANCY ROCHELEAU TO THE HOLDEN HISTORICAL COMMISSION.
The Board interviewed Mr. James Deignan, who currently serves on the Zoning Board of Appeals. Mr. Deignan noted that he actively participated as a voting member of the ZBA and was recently appointed as a full-time member by the Holden Selectmen.
The Board thanked all the residents for their volunteer participation on town committees.
The Board agreed to move into regular session at 6:35PM.
Chairman White opened the meeting at 6:35PM. The Board participated in the Pledge of Allegiance. The Chair announced the re-appointments of Karen Halley, Judith Sikes and Elizabeth Helder to the Holden Cultural Council, the confirmation of the appointment of Nancy Rocheleau to the Holden Historical Commission and the re-appointment of James Deignan to the Zoning Board. Chairman White explained that these residents were interviewed and appointed by the Board in a meeting prior to the start of the regular meeting. Anyone interested in serving on a commission or committee should contact the Town Manager’s Office.
Selectmen Licenses
Motion by Sel. Sullivan, seconded by Sel. Ferguson, it was UNANIMOUSLY VOTED TO APPROVE WITH NO FEE A COMMON VICTUALER LICENSE FOR HOLDEN DAYS TO CAROL L. STRAIT ON BEHALF OF THE BONGO BAR FOR SATURDAY AUGUST 23, 2008 FROM 9:00AM – 3:00PM PENDING THE APPROVAL OF THE BOARD OF HEALTH.
Motion by Sel. Sullivan, seconded by Sel. Ferguson, it was UNANIMOUSLY VOTED TO APPROVE WITH NO FEE A COMMON VICTUALER LICENSE FOR HOLDEN DAYS TO C. SKEELS THOMPSON ON BEHALF OF THE FIRST CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH FOR SATURDAY AUGUST 23, 2008 FROM 7:00AM – 4:00PM PENDING THE APPROVAL OF THE BOARD OF HEALTH.
Selectmen Subcommittees
Sel. Sullivan: EMS: Waiting for implementation process to begin.
Holden Community Outreach: In response to rising oil and food costs, a Committee is being formed to provide assistance to those residents in need for this coming winter season. Fire Chief Chandler has communicated concerns about Holden residents who will choose to heat their homes with auxiliary heating sources this winter. These alternative sources increase the potential for fire hazards. Committee will meet on August 21st at 6PM in the Senior Center.
Sel. Jumonville: CRA: Next meeting will occur in early September.
Sel. White: PSBC: Design Development drawings are nearing completion and have been sent to a cost estimator. Next meeting is August 20th at 6PM at the Light Department.
Sel. O’Brien: EDC: Will meet in beginning of September.
Water/Sewer Advisory Board: Sel. Sullivan requested that in addition to having a capital expense discussion at the joint meeting on August 20th, the meeting should also include discussion on alternative water source choices.
Sel. Ferguson: Affordable Housing: Will meet August 26th at 6:30PM to discuss Holden Hill’s inability to sell its affordable units. Holden Hills’ owners have requested that the Planning Board lift the designation at its September 9th meeting. Sel. Ferguson reported that the Fisher Terrace AH units are also unsold (no applications were taken for the available units). However, Fisher Terrace cannot seek relief from the requirement because they are permitted under the State’s 40B bylaw. Chairman White asked if the AH Committee has communicated these difficulties to Senator Chandler who Chairs the Senate Affordable Housing Committee. These are concerns as to how they effect the towns inability to meet its required 10% 40B level and how that effects future hostile 40B
projects. Sel. Ferguson said that she would report back to the Selectmen with new information. Sel. Sullivan commented that in the current housing market, people might be able to purchase a home for not much more than a 150K AH condo that ultimately cannot be sold for a profit under the 40B statute. Winterberry Hollow 40B statistics cannot be included in the total 40B percentage because they have not been built. Sel. O’Brien suggested that the Board should send a letter to Senator Chandler/DHCD to document these details. Builders are seeking release from the current bylaw because they cannot sell these units. The Chairman commented that Holden Hills cannot claim a hardship in seeking this release because they haven’t sold any of the units at the complex, not just the 40B designated units. He said that the town should seek advice from Counsel and the DHCD about how the potential release of these units might effect the future
ramifications of these 40B’s in town.
Holden Tomorrow: Committee will present to Selectmen at the September 2nd meeting. Planning Board voted to accept the Master Plan.
Citizens’ Address
No one came forward to address the Board.
Town Manager’s Miscellaneous
Assistant Town Manager Kelly reminded the Board that a special meeting of the Selectmen, the Finance Committee and the Water/Sewer Advisory Board would be held on Wednesday, August 20, 2008 at 6:30PM at the Senior Center. Representatives from Camp, Dresser and McKee will be present to report on capital needs at the Water/Sewer Division.
Assistant Town Manager Kelly reported that the Police Department has been awarded a $10,000 grant from the MA Executive Office of Public Safety’s Highway Safety Division. According to Police Chief Sherrill, the grant will be used to improve the safety of children by increasing their use of safety belts, booster seats, and child safety seats in motor vehicles. The Board commended Officer Gregg Sculthorpe who successfully wrote the grant. Earlier this spring, the Holden Police Department participated in the US Marshals Service FALCON 2008 Operation. FALCON is an operation with local public safety officials to follow-up on outstanding arrest warrants. The regional effort resulted in over 200 arrests. Detective Al Bourget and Officer Jon Santimore were the two officers who participated on behalf of the
HPD.
Ms. Kelly informed the Board that the tennis and basketball courts adjacent to the Mountview Middle School are complete at a total cost of 67K. The Holden DPW re-paved the adjacent driveway including new berms and they loamed and hydro-seeded next to the courts. In addition, the Light Department installed a row of poles along the edge of the playing fields for netting to block errant balls from rolling onto private property. Ms. Kelly added that there is an opportunity for landscaping donations to complete the project. The Chairman said that he would communicate with Mountview Student Council Advisor Lorraine Neilan regarding a rededication ceremony for the new courts.
The Assistant Town Manager said that the premiere of “Hometown Holden”, a series of one-half hour informational and public interest local CATV programs centered around various town departments and issues aired on July 31st featuring the Gale Free Library. A second program featuring the Recreation Department will broadcast in the next few weeks.
Sel. Ferguson inquired about cable equipment for live broadcasts at the high school that was not installed during the construction project. She inquired if the contractor failed to install the equipment and if the Town or the HS Building Committee should send a letter to Charter Communications. Chairman White responded that the equipment installation was not part of the building documents. Ms. Kelly said that the administration would report back on Sel. Ferguson’s concerns.
Ms. Kelly reported that the Planning Board unanimously voted to approve at its July 15, 2008 meeting the Master Plan prepared and presented by the Holden Tomorrow Committee. Congratulations to the many participants in this process. The Holden Tomorrow Steering Committee will attend a future Selectmen’s Meeting for further discussion. The next step in the process will be to take the document to Town Meeting for full approval.
Assistant Town Manager Kelly informed the Board that according to Library Director Jane Dutton, the Gale Free Library circulated 315,499 items last year. Book borrowing continues to be the highest growth each year – a total of 204,335 adult and children’s books were borrowed.
Assistant Town Manager Kelly provided the Board with statistics from the Recreation Department. According to Denise Morano, Recreation Director, session one at the pool had 564 children enrolled in 48 classes. All day programs were at capacity throughout the 9-week summer period. The Holden Harpoons Swim Team had 93 registered participants and finished the season with 6 wins, 1 loss and 1 tie to place them second in the championships.
Ms. Kelly told the Board that a lightning strike occurred at Adams Road on August 10th. The strike took out the Shrewsbury Street and Main Street light boards.
Ms. Kelly informed the Board that the Asian Longhorned Beetle has been discovered in the Greendale area of Worcester. She said that there was a link to more information on the Town’s web site.
Wachusett Earthday Year Round Site
The Board discussed recent comments made by the Town of West Boylston regarding their opposition to the Wachusett Earthday Year Round Site. The Board reviewed a draft letter prepared by Sel. Sullivan in response to The Town of West Boylston’s opposition to the facility.
Motion by Sel. Sullivan, seconded by Sel. O’Brien, it was UNANIMOUSLY VOTED TO APPROVE AND SEND SEL. SULLIVAN’S DRAFT LETTER RESPONSE TO THE TOWN OF WEST BOYLSTON SELECTBOARD REGARDING THE RECYCLING AND HOUSEHOLD HAZARDOUS WASTE COLLECTION CENTER AS PRESENTED.
Selectmen Miscellaneous
Sel. Sullivan: 1. Requested an announcement of Town Manager’s Contract at the September 2nd meeting.
2. Requested continued sign enforcement along Main Street.
3. Suggested that the Board invite Roy Fraser to the joint Board/Water/Sewer/CDM/Finance Committee meeting on August 20th. Mr. Fraser, a former Selectmen has served on various town committees and might offer additional insight into the Town’s current water/sewer problems. The Chair cautioned against inviting residents to the meeting who do not currently serve on one of the invited committees.
4. The towns of Ayer/Lunenburg/Shirley are interested in creating a regional school district. Suggested sending a letter to them offering the town’s help in answering questions.
Sel. Ferguson: 1. Announced that the Board will have a booth at Holden Day’s.
2. Suggested separating the Water/Sewer Account out of the DPW budget for clarification purposes. The Board recognized that Al Berg has been appointed as the Chairman of the Finance Committee.
Sel. O’Brien: 1. Visited with the homeowner on South Road who’s home caught on fire recently. Requested a HAT’S OFF Award for the Fire Department employees who responded to call.
2. Back fill wash on Bailey Road needs to be addressed by the DPW.
3. YAHOO volunteers will have a booth at Holden Day’s.
Sel. White: 1. Asked the Administration what role will the Board play in the replacement process of the Water Superintendent?
Sel. Jumonville: 1. Requested that High School Building Chairman Duncan Leith attend a Board meeting in September to provide an update on efforts to finish the project. The Chairman said that Mr. Leith would be unable to comment on any pending litigation regarding the project and the contractor during an open session. The School District has retained the best legal representation in construction law. Chairman White said that the arbitration process was scheduled to begin in September. If the TLC, the construction company is found liable, its bonding company would be responsible for paying the loss. Mr. Leith will be invited to the September 2nd Board meeting to provide a project status update and to report on the upcoming rededication ceremony on September 21st. Questions for
Mr. Leith should be submitted through the Chair.
Approval of Previous Minutes
A motion by Sel. Sullivan and seconded by Sel. O’Brien to unanimously vote to approve and release the May 5, 2008 meeting minutes as presented was withdrawn pending confirmation by the administration.
Motion by Sel. Sullivan, seconded by Sel. Ferguson, it was VOTED 4-0-1 WITH 1 ABSTENTION TO APPROVE AND RELEASE THE JULY 14, 2008 MEETING MINUTES AS PRESENTED WITH AN AMENDMENT BY SEL. O’BRIEN TO CHANGE THE LAST WORDS UNDER SEL. SULLIVAN’S ELECTION OF DEMOCRATIC OFFICERS ON PAGE TWO TO READ: “PRECINCT 2 ELECTION OFFICIALS.”(ABSTAINED: JUMONVILLE.)
A motion by Sel. Sullivan and seconded by Sel. Ferguson to vote 3-0-2 with 2 abstentions to approve and hold the July 29, 2008 executive session meeting minutes as presented was withdrawn pending clarification on a date by the administration. (Abstained: Jumonville, O’Brien)
Adjournment
Motion by Sel. Sullivan, seconded by Sel. Ferguson, it was UNANIMOUSLY VOTED TO ADJOURN THE
AUGUST 11, 2008 MEETING AT 8:00PM.
Approved: September 2, 2008
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