HOLDEN BOARD OF SELECTMEN
MEETING MINUTES
MARCH 17, 2008
8:00 PM Memorial Hall
Present: Chairman Jim Jumonville, Kimberly N. Ferguson, David J. White
Kenneth O’Brien, (arrived at 8:05 pm) Joseph G. Sullivan
Others Present: Brian J. Bullock, Town Manager, Jacquie Kelly, Assistant Town Manager,
Liz Arguin, Recording Secretary
Chairman Jumonville opened the meeting at 8:00 PM. The Board participated in the Pledge of Allegiance.
Berkshire Wind Power Cooperative Project
The Town Manager gave a brief overview of the Berkshire Wind Power Cooperative Project. He introduced Ed Kaczenski, MMWEC and Nick Scobbo, General Counsel for MMWEC. Mr. Kaczenski stated that the Berkshire Wind Power Project consisted of a partially developed wind farm located on top of Brodie Mountain in Hancock, MA. He reported that a developer wanted to build a wind farm on Brodie Mountain but experienced difficult financial issues and MMWEC offered on behalf of its members to take over the project. He went on to further explain that the wind turbine sites are in various stages of excavation and are located at an elevation of approximately 2,500 feet. Mr. Scobbo explained that a Cooperative is a form of business entity comprised of members, which typically conducts its business for the mutual benefit of its
members as patrons of the cooperative.
The Town Manager asked the Board to take a vote on this issue.
Motion by Selectmen Sullivan, seconded by Selectmen White, it was UNANIMOUSLY VOTED THAT THE HOLDEN MUNICIPAL LIGHT DEPARTMENT AGREES TO JOIN TOGETHER WITH THE MASSACHUSETTS MUNICIPAL WHOLESALE ELECTRIC COMPANY (“MMWEC”) AND THE OTHER PARTICIPANTS IN MMWEC’S SPECIAL PROJECT 2002A, TO FORM A MUNICIPAL LIGHTING PLANT COOPERATIVE TO BE KNOWN AS THE BERKSHIRE WIND POWER COOPERATIVE COOPERATION; THAT THE BOARD APPROVE THE MANAGER TO AUTHORIZE AND DIRECT ANY ACTION DEEMED NECESSARY OR ADVISABLE TO CARRY OUT THE PURPOSES OF THIS VOTE; THAT THE BOARD APPROVE THE MANAGER TO AUTHORIZE OR EXECUTE ANY DOCUMENTS NECESSARY TO EFFECTUATE THE PURPOSES OF THE BERKSHIRE WIND POWER COOPERATIVE AGREEMENT; THAT THE BOARD HEREBY APPROVE AND AUTHORIZE THE MANAGER TO EXECUTE ANY OTHER DOCUMENTS OR TAKE ANY OTHER ACTIONS NECESSARY TO EFFECTUATE
THE FINANCING OF THE BERKSHIRE WIND POWER FACILITY BY THE COOPERATIVE; AND THAT ANY ACTIONS PREVIOUSLY TAKEN BY THE MANGER WHICH ARE CONSISTENT WITH THE PURPOSE OF THIS VOTE ARE HEREBY RATIFIED AND CONFIRMED.
Citizens’ Address
No one came forward to address the Board.
Selectmen Licenses
Motion by Selectmen Ferguson, seconded by Selectmen White, it was VOTED 5-0 TO APPROVE A ROAD RACE PERMIT TO SERGEANT TIM REGELE AND SERGEANT DAVE ARMSTRONG ON BEHALF OF THE HOLDEN POLICE ASSOCIATION FOR SUNDAY, APRIL 27 FROM 11:00 AM TO 12 NOON PENDING APPROVAL OF THE SCHEDULING OF TRAFFIC OFFICERS.
Town Manager’s Miscellaneous
The Town Manager noted that due to the Special Election, the Selectmen’s Meeting will take place at 8:00 p.m. in Memorial Hall.
The Manager informed the Board that a letter was received from the Wachusett Regional School District outlining the Committee’s discussions about coordinating teacher professional days and town elections. It was suggested to have an agenda item on the next Regional Selectmen’s meeting about having professional development days and town elections on the same day. Discussion was held regarding changes to the Regional Agreement and a debt exclusion vote.
The Manager announced the spring Brush Chipping Schedule for brush chipping and composting. Collection will take place, weather permitting, at the site of the former landfill on River Street for Holden Residents only on Saturday, April 19, April 26, May 3, May 10, and May 17 from 7AM to 1:30PM.
The Town Manager reported that the House and Senate leadership announced that they have reached agreement on local aid amounts for fiscal 2009, proposing a 4.4 percent increase in the three major categories: Chapter 70 school funding, Lottery aid, and Additional Assistance. Selectmen Sullivan thanked the Manager for his efforts.
The Manager reported that his office has received a letter from Mark Donahue, Counsel for the developer of Winterberry Hollow LIP. He stated that his office has been in contact with Mr. Donahue to coordinate a meeting with the Board of Selectmen.
There was a discussion about inviting the developer and his attorney to a special meeting of the Board of Selectmen prior to the Zoning Board of Appeals meeting of April 3rd. Selectmen White made a motion to this effect.
A motion was made by Selectmen Sullivan for a friendly amendment to seek Town Counsels opinion on Selectmen involvement during the ZBA process of the Winterberry Hollow Project after further discussion.
Motion by Selectmen White, seconded by Selectmen Ferguson, it was VOTED UNANIMOUSLY TO APPROVE THE AMENDED MOTION TO CALL OR ARRANGE A SPECIAL MEETING OF THE BOARD OF SELECTMEN WITH THE DEVELOPER OF WINTERBERRY HOLLOW BEFORE THE APRIL 3RD MEETING OF THE ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS.
On the motion by Selectmen Sullivan, seconded by Selectmen Jumonville, it was VOTED 4-1 WITH 1 OPPOSED (Sel. White) TO AMEND THE MAIN MOTION BY ASKING TOWN COUSEL FOR HIS OPINION.
Selectmen Subcommittees
Selectmen Sullivan: EMS: Committee will present to the Board of Selectmen on April 7th at 7:00 pm.
Selectmen O’Brien: EDC: Have not met.
Selectmen White: PSBC: Commended the Public Safety Building Committee for all their hard work.
Selectmen Ferguson: Affordable Housing: Has not met
Holden Tomorrow: Committee will vote on the final implementations on 3/18/08.
Selectmen Jumonville: Memorial Day: Next meeting is Thursday, 3/20. Any boy scouts or leaders who would like to participate in the parade please contact him by phone or email.
Selectmen Miscellaneous
Sel. Ferguson: 1. Raised some concerns regarding the Winterberry Hollow Project and the sewer capacity issues.
Sel. White: 1. Requested an explanation of the process of the Mountview Tennis Courts and the time line for activities.
2. Made a recommendation to have an agenda item for people who would like to abate or defer their property taxes. Recommended airing a ½ hour presentation on CATV or placing information on the website to inform residents of their options.
3. Inquired as to whether the EMS would be funded through IIF.
Sel. O’Brien: 1. Announced that on 3/27 the Holden Democratic Town Committee is recognizing recipients of it’s Annual Good Neighbor Award at the Senior Center at 7:00 pm.
2. Mentioned that YAHOO – Young Adults Helping Out Others will be starting up in 2 weeks at the Senior Center for Seniors and the Gale Free Library for kids.
Sel. Sullivan: 1. Has some concerns about the man-hole covers in the Blue Plate Area. The man-hole covers are owned by Charter. The Town Manager commented that the former contact person from Charter has left.
2. Asked that temporary signs at Mobil Gas Station and Hess be looked at in regards to the Zoning By-laws.
3. Commented on the repainting vs. residing of the Historical Buildings. Do we need to reapply to the Historic District Commission to have these buildings redone? Selectmen O’Brien asked why the buildings have to be de-leaded.
4. Reported that there is a Legislative Breakfast through MMA on April 11th in Leominster.
5. Recommended a letter be sent to the Regional Selectmen for a Regional Meeting the week of April 14th and recommended that Holden host the meeting.
Selectmen Minutes
Motion by Sel. White, seconded by Sel. Sullivan, it was UNANIMOUSLY VOTED TO APPROVE THE MARCH 3, 2008 MEETING MINUTES.
Adjournment
Motion by Sel. White, seconded by Sel. Sullivan, it was UNANIMOUSLY VOTED TO ADJOURN THE MARCH 17, 2008 MEETING AT 9:54 PM.
Approved: April, 7, 2008
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