HOLDEN BOARD OF SELECTMEN
MEETING MINUTES
DECEMBER 1, 2008
6:30PM Memorial Hall
Present: Chairman David White, Kimberly Ferguson, James Jumonville, Kenneth O’Brien (arrived 6:41PM), Joseph Sullivan
Others Present: Brian Bullock, Town Manager, Jacquie Kelly, Assistant Town Manager, Robert Martin, Town Counsel, Elizabeth Helder, Recording Secretary
Chairman White opened the meeting at 6:30PM. The Board participated in the Pledge of Allegiance.
Licenses
Motion by Sel. Ferguson, seconded by Sel. Sullivan, it was VOTED 4-0 TO APPROVE A PUBLIC ENTERTAINMENT LICENSE TO JENNIFER LISH ON BEHALF OF THE HOLDEN MENORAH COMMITTEE FOR SUNDAY, DECEMBER 21, 2008 AT 4PM AND TO WAIVE THE APPLICATION FEE.
Motion by Sel. Sullivan, seconded by Sel. Jumonville, it was VOTED 4-0 TO APPROVE THE ANNUAL LICENSE RENEWALS ON THE WHITE SHEETS AS RECOMMENDED BY THE ADMINISTRATION.
The Chairman requested that the Administration include a copy of the sign bylaw when the annual renewals are mailed to their recipients.
Motion by Sel. Sullivan, seconded by Sel. Jumonville, it was VOTED 4-0 TO APPROVE THE ANNUAL LICENSE RENEWALS ON THE BLUE SHEETS PENDING RESOLUTION OF THEIR OUTSTANDING BALANCES AS RECOMMENDED BY THE ADMINISTRATION.
The Chairman commented on the delinquency of some of the businesses in paying their bills.
Holden Police Department – West Boylston Assist
Holden Police Chief George Sherrill introduced West Boylston Police Chief Dennis Minnich to the Board. Police Chief Minnich expressed his appreciation for the mutual aid provided by Holden Police Officer Jonathan Santimore to the West Boylston Police Department on October 19, 2008. Officer Santimore helped to capture an assailant in an attempted abduction that occurred in West Boylston on that evening. The Board congratulated Officer Santimore on the diligence and professionalism he contributed in the apprehension of the suspect.
Employee Appreciation Week
The Manager read a proclamation announcing that Employee Appreciation Week would be held December 15, 2008 through December 19, 2008. Employee Appreciation Night will be held on Monday, December 15, 2008.
Motion by Sel. Sullivan, seconded by Sel. Ferguson, it was UNANIMOUSLY VOTED TO PROCLAIM HOLDEN EMPLOYEE APPRECIATION WEEK FROM DECEMBER 15, 2008 TO DECEMBER 19, 2008 AND TO HOLD EMPLOYEE APPRECIATION NIGHT ON MONDAY, DECEMBER 15, 2008.
The Chairman inquired for the convenience of the employees, if the Board should start the Employee Appreciation Night ceremony at an earlier time. The Manager said he would investigate and report back.
Town Manager’s Miscellaneous
The Manager informed the Board that the Paxton Municipal Light Department had filed an application for a petition for the placement of a new electric utility pole on Holden property. This pole will serve residents on Howard Street.
Motion by Sel. Sullivan, seconded by Sel. Jumonville, it was UNANIMOUSLY VOTED TO SET A PUBLIC HEARING ON AN APPLICATION FOR THE PLACEMENT OF A UTILITY POLE ON HOWARD STREET FOR MONDAY, DECEMBER 15, 2008 AT 8PM IN MEMORIAL HALL.
The Manager announced that he has been invited to serve on the Advisory Commission to the MA Department of Energy Resources (DOER). This Commission examines the impacts of municipalities establishing and operating electric utilities in the Commonwealth. Additionally, the Commission is actively engaged in implementing the MA Green Communities Act statewide. The Board congratulated the Manager on his appointment.
The Board reviewed the Y-T-D Revenue and Expenditure Reports for the period ending October 2008 as prepared by Lori Rose, Town Accountant.
The Chairman said that he would like to discuss the Water/Sewer Budget that was published 12/1/08. He said he would like to receive some answers to questions from this budget. Sel. Sullivan suggested that the discussion take place during the joint BOS/Water-Sewer Advisory Committee meeting that has not been scheduled. Sel. O’Brien said that W/S Advisory Committee was waiting for a cost/benefit analysis on a water treatment process prior to meeting with the Board. Sel. O’Brien suggested that the Board send a letter to the Water/Sewer Advisory Committee to request a date for a meeting. The Manager said that some of the items in the W/S budget do not become clear until the third quarter report. The Chairman said he did not want to wait until the third quarter to review this budget because any
corrections to the budget must be done within the final quarter of the calendar year. This does not allow the Board enough time to react.
The Manager reviewed a proposal to reorganize the Administrative structure at the DPW. The Manager said that primary responsibility for water and sewer related activities have been assigned to the new DPW Director Jim Shuris. Mr. Shuris’ previous experience as the Water and Sewer Commissioner for the City of Fitchburg make him highly qualified to take on these duties. The Manager said that he would then convert the former Water Superintendents position to that of a Town Engineer in order to add more resources to town roads, bridges, inspections, and public building efforts. Additionally, a part-time Administrative Clerk position will assume a full-time role in order to best serve customer requests. The Manager noted that the reorganization would produce a budget savings. He commented that the review
would produce a structure that would more closely match the skills and experience of the new DPW leadership and do so in a way that saves the Town money and improve customer service.
The Manager read a memo from Holden Police Detective Chris Carey regarding recent house break-ins occurring in Town. Mr. Carey advises residents to ensure that that their house is secure when leaving it or going to bed. Residents are encouraged to report suspicious vehicles directly to the Holden Police Department.
The Manager informed the Board that an envelope would be sent with the December light bills asking for donations to the Help at H.O.M.E. Fund or Welcome Aldrich Relief Fund.
The Manager announced that Santa would arrive in Holden at 5PM on December 6th at Memorial Hall.
Citizens’ Address
No one addressed the Board.
Town Manager’s Evaluation Draft Review
The Board and Town Manager reviewed the draft proposal of the Town Manager’s Evaluation.
The Board agreed to remove page 9 of the document and change the number six to number seven in the sentence “This document consists of …” on page 1.
Motion by Sel. Sullivan, seconded by Sel. Jumonville, it was UNANIMOUSLY VOTED TO APPROVE AS IS THE DRAFT PROPOSAL OF THE TOWN MANAGER’S EVALUATION.
Selectmen’s Subcommittees
Sel. Ferguson: AHC: Has not met. Announced that a lottery will be held for several AH units at Wachusett Woods. Units are $166,600. December 9th informational meeting. January 5, 2009 application deadline. The lottery will be held on January 20, 2009.
Sel. Jumonville: Memorial Day: The Committee will meet December 2, 2008 at 7PM.
Sel. Sullivan: Help at H.O.M.E.: Financial need/aid forms are available at the Senior Center.
CRA:
Sel. O’Brien: EDC: Next meeting in January 2009.
Water/Sewer: Undetermined.
Holiday Lighting Contest: Announced that he had arranged for 4th and 5th graders from all three elementary schools to participate in an essay contest to become judges at the Holiday Lighting Contest. 9 kid judges will be selected. Sel. O’Brien asked that the Town provide cash incentives for prizes (1st Place: $350; 2nd Place: $100; 3rd Place $50). The Manager said that in this economy, and in trying to promote energy conservation, he could not condone having electric customers run up their electric bills in order to win a cash prize. Money is not the right incentive. Sel. Sullivan suggested that it would be more appropriate if the winners received recognition/proclamation by the Board on camera, a basket of energy efficient prizes, or their picture in
the Landmark. Sel. Ferguson, White, and Jumonville lauded the community efforts of Sel. O’Brien, but agreed that it was not financially or energy prudent to reward the contest.
Sel. White: PSBC: Committee anticipates the project going out to bid on January 15, 2009. Next meeting is December 3rd at 6PM at HMLD. Sel. O’Brien commented that several residents that offered their volunteer assistance/service never received feedback from the Committee. Chairman White said that it is difficult to accept engineering services for free that do not carry over into the permitting process. Additionally, the Architectural firm that the Town hired is responsible for providing these services.
Citizens’ Address (reopened)
Ms. Carmen Scaffaldi, owner, Playa Del Carmen, announced that the restaurant would hold it’s grand opening on December 2, 2008.
Sel. Miscellaneous
Sel. Jumonville: 1. Inquired about environmental protection and cleaning of the Town’s lakes and ponds by the DEP. The Manager will schedule John Scannell with the DEP on the Board’s agenda for early 2009.
Sel. O’Brien: 1. Has received calls from residents regarding how some projects in Town (Walgreens, the Bergeron Deer Run subdivision) are being supervised by the Growth Management Department. He referenced a letter from Planning Board Chair Craig Stanovich supporting the work conducted by this Department, specifically that of Town Planner, Pam Harding.
Sel. Sullivan: 1. Does the Town have a Zoning bylaw that covers wind energy? If not, should the Board schedule discussion on the subject for Town Meeting?
Sel. White: 1. Attended a rededication ceremony at the tennis/basketball courts at the Mountview School today.
2. Attended his 30th High School Reunion at Wachusett High School.
3. Wachusett Football will play Holy Name on December 2nd at 7:45PM in the Division playoffs.
Sel. Ferguson: 1. Requested that the Manager establish an Oversight Committee for Holden Tomorrow. Town Manager will update.
Approval of Previous Minutes
Motion by Sel. Sullivan, seconded by Sel. Ferguson, it was UNANIMOUSLY VOTED TO APPROVE THE NOVEMBER 17, 2008 MINUTES AS PRESENTED.
Executive Session
Motion by Sel. Sullivan, seconded by Sel. Ferguson, it was UNANIMOUSLY VOTED TO ENTER INTO EXECUTIVE SESSION TO DISCUSS ONGOING UNION NEGOTIATIONS AT 7:40PM AND RETURN TO THE REGULAR MEETING FOR ADJOURNMENT PURPOSES ONLY. ROLL CALL: Sullivan: yes; Jumonville: yes; O’Brien: yes; White: yes; Ferguson: yes.
Adjournment
Motion by Sel. Sullivan, seconded by Sel. Jumonville, it was UNANIMOUSLY VOTED TO ADJOURN THE DECEMBER 1, 2008 MEETING AT 8:22PM.
Approve: December 22, 2008
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