HOLDEN BOARD OF SELECTMEN
MEETING MINUTES
DECEMBER 22, 2008
6:30PM Senior Center
Present: Chairman David White, Kimberly Ferguson, James Jumonville, Kenneth O’Brien, Joseph Sullivan
Others Present: Brian Bullock, Town Manager, Jacquie Kelly, Assistant Town Manager, Elizabeth Helder, Recording Secretary
Chairman White opened the meeting at 6:30PM. The Board participated in the Pledge of Allegiance.
Ice Storm Re-Cap
The Manager provided a review of the activities associated with the ice storm of December 11-12, 2008. At the height of the recovery efforts, there were 60 crews of linemen and licensed electricians working together to restore power to the entire town. He expressed his gratitude to all Town employees for their exhaustive efforts to aid residents and to the residents for their continued patience.
Chairman White echoed the thoughts of the Town Manager. He requested that the administration schedule a public hearing to allow residents to provide feedback. He thanked the Town Manager, staff, line crews, employees, residents, mutual aid and out-of-town contractors, State Representative Evangelidis, and Congressman Jim McGovern for all their help during the crises.
Sel. Sullivan thanked Mike Flagg with HLMD, the Fire and Police Chiefs, the staff at the Senior Center, the CERT Team, volunteers, the School District and staff and local businesses for their support of those in need during the storm aftermath.
Johnny Suire with Holden Cable TV presented a video entitled “The Day After” to the viewing audience. The video included footage of the disastrous damage the ice storm had on Holden.
Citizens’ Address
Mr. Larry Popple, 139 Twinbrook Drive, thanked the town and WTAG for their efforts during the storm.
Representative Lew Evangelidis
Representative Evangelidis provided the Board with an update on storm related activities. He announced that: Fire Chief Chandler had begun issuing burning permits effective 12/22/08; The Town of Princeton expended more than half it’s annual budget on storm clean-up; The Federal reimbursement threshold (75/25) had been met through FEMA; Governor Patrick had written to President Bush regarding the initial assessment process; and that the State has offered it’s help with floating loans to Town’s whose bills will need to be paid.
The Manager discussed the need to establish a post clean up date for the spring of ’09. He said that the recent accumulation of over two feet of snow was making the clean-up process difficult and lengthy. He said he did not anticipate a clean-up completion date until after winter is over. The Manager also said that the HMLD would not be able to handle the cash flow of incoming bills, would need access to money, and would find some type of loan from the State helpful.
The Board directed the Manager to craft a letter to Rep. Evangelidis regarding the importance of individual, municipal, and business relief efforts from the State.
The Board directed the Manager to craft a letter to Superintendent Pandiscio and the School District to express its gratitude for their aid to its residents and workers during the storm event.
The Manager said residents could turn in pictures recording the events of the storm to his office.
Employee Appreciation Week
The Manager announced that Employee Appreciation Night had been postponed and would be held in January 2009.
Public Hearing – New Restaurant Wine & Malt Beverage License – Thai Island Restaurant
The Manager read the notice of public hearing into record.
Motion by Sel. Sullivan, seconded by Sel. Ferguson, it was UNANIMOUSLY VOTED TO OPEN THE PUBLIC HEARING AT 7:40PM.
The Board interviewed Ms. Olga Kwasniewski, owner of the Thai Island Restaurant. The Manager said that all departments have approved the application for the wine and malt beverage license. Ms. Kwasniewski informed the Board that all employees would be TIPS trained.
Motion by Sel. Sullivan, seconded by Sel. Ferguson, it was UNANIMOUSLY VOTED TO CLOSE THE PUBLIC HEARING AT 7:45PM.
Motion by Sel. Sullivan, seconded by Sel. Jumonville, it was UNANIMOUSLY VOTED TO APPROVE THE APPLICATION OF THAI ISLAND, LLC, FOR A NEW RESTAURANT WINE AND MALT BEVERAGES LICENSE TO OLGA KWASNIEWSKI, MANAGER OF RECORD AT 456 MAIN STREET, HOLDEN.
Town Building Study Update
The Board reviewed an Exterior Condition Study of the Starbard Building, Town Hall, Damon House, and Hendrick’s House as prepared by Lamoureux Pagano Associates. Mr. Mike Pagano and Mr. Bill Sennical with Lamoureux Pagano addressed the Board to discuss their recommendations.
Mr. Pagano stated that the survey had been conducted from a preservationist perspective when studying the historic buildings. Mr. Pagano said that with the exception of some minor repair work, all the buildings were in fairly good shape. All the buildings need to have their clapboards stripped down to bare wood, which would be labor intensive. If the buildings are prepared properly before being repainted, the town will not experience maintenance issues with the buildings as it has in the past. He said that if the span of work were performed properly, it would be 4-5 years before painting maintenance was required.
Chairman White inquired if the buildings require improvements to their insulation. Mr. Pagano said that lack of a vapor barrier was not in evidence during the inspection/survey. He said that the paint had failed because the buildings had not been scraped/painted and maintained correctly.
The Manager said that the Board must decide on a scope of work and narrow down focus areas in the study in order to provide the Administration with some direction. He said that it was his intention to go out to bid on the necessary work before warm weather arrives.
Public Hearing – Petition for Pole Placement – Howard Street, Holden
The Manager read the notice of Public Hearing into record.
Motion by Sel. Sullivan, seconded by Sel. Ferguson, it was UNANIMOUSLY VOTED TO OPEN THE PUBLIC HEARING AT 8:50PM.
The Manager said that the Town of Paxton Municipal Light Department has requested permission to set and maintain utility poles with wires and cables to be placed on Howard Street in Holden.
Motion by Sel. Sullivan, seconded by Sel. Ferguson, it was UNANIMOUSLY VOTED TO CLOSE THE PUBLIC HEARING AT 8:52PM.
Motion by Sel. Sullivan, seconded by Sel. O’Brien, it was UNANIMOUSLY VOTED TO APPROVE THE APPLICATION BY THE TOWN OF PAXTON MUNICIPAL LIGHT DEPARTMENT FOR POLE PLACEMENT ON HOWARD STREET IN HOLDEN AS PRESENTED.
Town Manager’s Miscellaneous
The Board agreed to hold Manager’s Miscellaneous.
Citizens’ Address (reopened)
Mr. and Mrs. Owens, 1933 Main Street informed the Manager that although their street has had power returned to residents, they currently do not have power. The Manager said that he would have a crew out to their home as soon as possible.
Approval of Previous Minutes
Motion by Sel. Sullivan, seconded by Sel. Ferguson, it was UNANIMOUSLY VOTED TO APPROVE THE DECEMBER 1, 2008 MINUTES AS PRESENTED.
Motion by Sel. Sullivan, seconded by Sel. Ferguson, it was UNANIMOUSLY VOTED TO APPROVE AND HOLD THE EXECUTIVE SESSION MINUTES OF DECEMBER 1, 2008 AS PRESENTED.
Adjournment
Motion by Sel. Sullivan, seconded by Sel. Jumonville, it was UNANIMOUSLY VOTED TO ADJOURN THE DECEMBER 22, 2008 MEETING AT 9:00PM.
Approved: January 20, 2009
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