HOLDEN BOARD OF SELECTMEN
MEETING MINUTES
JANUARY 22, 2008
6:30 PM Senior Center
Present: Chairman Jim Jumonville (arrived 7:20 PM), Kimberly N. Ferguson,
Kenneth O’Brien, Joseph G. Sullivan, David J. White
Others Present: Brian Bullock, Town Manager, Jacquie Kelly, Assistant Town Manager,
Robert Martin, Town Counsel, Liz Helder, Recording Secretary
Vice-Chairman Ferguson opened the meeting at 6:37 PM. The Board participated in the Pledge of Allegiance. Vice-Chairman Ferguson announced that Chairman Jumonville would join the meeting in progress.
Selectmen Appointments
Motion by Sel. White, seconded by Sel. Sullivan, it was VOTED 4-0 TO APPOINT LANCE LAZAR TO THE HISTORIC DISTRICT COMMISSION FOR A THREE-YEAR TERM.
The Board postponed taking action on an application submitted by Daniel Gately to serve as a Constable in Town. The Manager stated that some of the information on the application did not satisfy the requirements for consideration. Sel. O’Brien asked the Manager to make a recommendation on the appropriate number of Constables serving in Holden.
Set Ballot Question – 3/17/08 Special Election
The Manager read the Ballot Question into record.
Motion by Sel. Sullivan, seconded by Sel. O’Brien, it was VOTED 4-0 TO SET A BALLOT ELECTION ON MONDAY, MARCH 17, 2008 FROM 7AM-8PM FOR A PROPOSITION 2 ½ DEBT EXCLUSION FOR THE PROPOSED PUBLIC SAFETY BUILDING PROJECT AS RECOMMENDED BY THE ADMINISTRATION.
Sel. White asked if any of the Selectmen were sensitive to holding the election on St. Patrick’s Day. It was suggested that if any resident had a concern regarding voting on St. Patrick’s Day, that resident should vote via absentee ballot.
Sel. Ferguson reminded the Selectmen and the audience that the regularly scheduled Selectmen’s meeting on March 17th would not begin until 8 PM when the polls have closed.
Selectmen Subcommittees
Sel. Ferguson: Affordable Housing: Has not met.
Holden Tomorrow: Met on 1/15. Next meeting is 1/29.
Sel. Sullivan: Holden Hospital:
EMS: Meet every Wednesday at 4PM in the Training Room at the Fire Station. Currently discussing financial impacts of the proposal. Sel. Sullivan requested that the Committee receive agenda time on March 3rd or March 17th to make a presentation to the Board. The Manager said that the Public Safety Building Committee would make a presentation to the Board at the March 3rd meeting.
Sel. Sullivan requested that the Board receive an update on the High School Building Project.
Sel. Jumonville: Memorial Day Parade: Met on 1/10/08.
Sel. O’Brien: EDC: Committee to meet in February.
Sel. White: Public Safety Building Committee: Will hold a Special Town Meeting on March 10th and a Ballot Election for the project on March 17th. He encouraged residents to attend the Town Meeting and the Election.
Approval of Previous Minutes
Motion by Sel. Sullivan, seconded by Sel. White, it was VOTED 4-0 TO APPROVE THE MEETING MINUTES OF JANUARY 7, 2008 AS PRESENTED.
Town Manager’s Miscellaneous
The Board reviewed a copy of the 2008 Winter/Spring Save the Date flier. The flier will be distributed in the January ’08 utility bill cycle.
The Board reviewed the Revenue and Expenditure Reports for the period ending December 2007.
The Board reviewed the Finance Committee FY09 Budget Calendar and Election Schedule, the political calendar for the Special Town Meeting on March 10, 2008, the Special Election on March 17, 2008, the Annual Town Election on May 12, 2008 and the Annual Town Meeting on May 19, 2008.
The Board reviewed a memo from Denise Morano, announcing her intention to sell non-resident pool passes on a first come, first served basis this year. In her memo, Ms. Morano informed the Board that the lottery system on which the non-resident pool passes were sold last year was an ineffective and time-consuming process.
Sel. O’Brien inquired why the cost of the Before/After School Program increased. The Manager said that the increase was probably due to personnel costs.
The Board reviewed the reconciliation of the Lloyd Starbard Scholarship Fund as of December 31, 2007.
The Manager announced that according to Fire Chief Jack Chandler, the Holden Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) in conjunction with the regional CERT Program has received a grant from the Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency (MEMA). The grant will fund protective clothing including jackets, rain pants, safety vests, and flashlights at a total value of $3,000 for each member town. The Board congratulated the Chief and the CERT team for this accomplishment.
The Manager announced that the Holden Police Department would participate in a voluntary program designed by the MA State Police to improve statewide crime reporting statistics and assure consistency and accuracy. The Board acknowledged the commitment of Chief Sherrill and his staff for their efforts to improve and provide public safety to the residents of Holden.
The Manager read a Statement of Support for Employers to Support the Guard and the Reserve. The Manager said that the statement contained items that the Administration believes in and supports.
Motion by Sel. Sullivan, seconded by Sel. Ferguson, it was VOTED 4-0 TO SUPPORT THE STATEMENT OF SUPPORT FOR EMPLOYERS TO SUPPORT THE GUARD AND THE RESERVE AS RECOMMENDED BY THE ADMINISTRATION.
The Board reviewed an update on the Chapter 90 Program. The Board reviewed a project status report prepared by DPW Director Larry Galkowski to outline how the Town is using the Chapter 90 reimbursement program that is administered by Mass Highway. Once the Town has completed a project, upon application, Mass Highway releases the encumbered funds to the Town. Sel. O’Brien inquired on the status of the sidewalk repairs on Salisbury Street from Twinbrook Drive to Dawson School.
The Board reviewed the 07’-08’ snow removal spending by the DPW. According to DPW Director Larry Galkowski, DPW plowing and sanding crews have responded to a total of 29 winter weather events to date. The Manager requested the ability to deficit spend as of 1/22/08. He said he anticipates ending the snow removal budget approximately $50,000 in debt.
Citizens’ Address
Students from Mountview School addressed the Board. Student Advisor Lorraine Neilan introduced members of the Student Council who spoke to the poor current conditions of the basketball and tennis courts at the School. They requested help from the Town to repair/improve the courts. Members of the Mountview Student Council who spoke were Kelly Letourneau, Isabella Chiaravallotti, Rebecca Bylaska-Davies, Angela Georger, Eryn Horton, Katie Dion, Alexa Markarian, Meghan Fullen, Kurt Bugbee, Meghan Bates, Julia Dacri, Clare Robbins, Elizabeth Diloreto, and Sean Mullane.
Ms. Neilan requested that the town access $80,000 from the Recreation Revolving Account in order to renovate the courts prior to graduation in June.
Chairman Jumonville arrived at 7:20PM.
Wachusett Earth Day Collection Site Agreement – Colleen Abrams
The Board was issued a revised copy of the site agreement. Ms. Abrams noted that changes to the new agreement were made for legal purposes and did change the content or purpose of the agreement. Ms. Abrams introduced Eric Johannson, a member of the Wachusett Earth Day Collection Site Committee. Sel. Sullivan asked if it was true that the Town of West Boylston were balking at the project. Ms. Abrams said that because the site is located in West Boylston, the Town has many questions and concerns regarding the public safety of the site. The Manager and Sel. White said that the Town of Holden had hosted the bi-annual Earth Day Collections for the Wachusett Region for many years. Both hoped that the Town of West Boylston would extend the same level of professionalism and courtesy as the project progresses.
She said that the Town of Princeton had signed the notice of intent. The Town of Holden will be responsible for 32% of the balance or $48-50K. Anticipated construction completion date is June 2009. The Town of Holden’s share of annual operating costs would be 32% of $10K. The Manager commented that Holden’s Solid Waste Revolving Account would fund the project and the funding would stay in that account until necessary. Discussion was held regarding the budgeting process for the project. Town Counsel said that he would review the latest version of the site agreement and provide feedback for the Board.
A motion by Sel. O’Brien to support the Wachusett Earth Day Regional Collection Program was seconded by Sel. Sullivan for discussion.
Sel. Sullivan offered a friendly amendment to support in principle the goal of having a Wachusett Earth Day Regional Collection Program subject to complete legal review by town counsel and recommendations by the administration. Sel. O’Brien accepted the amendment as presented.
Ms. Abrams requested that the Board complete their review and sign the agreement by their first meeting in February. Counsel Martin requested that he receive all documents signed and approved by counsel for DEP/DCR for his review.
Motion by Sel. O’Brien, seconded by Sel. Sullivan, it was UNANIMOUSLY VOTED TO SUPPORT IN PRINCIPLE THE GOAL OF HAVING A WACHUSETT EARTH DAY REGIONAL COLLECTION PROGRAM SUBJECT TO COMPLETE LEGAL REVIEW BY TOWN COUNSEL AND RECOMMENDATIONS BY THE ADMINISTRATION.
Update on Solid Waste/Recycling Program
Mr. Dennis Lipka, Director, Growth Management introduced Ms. Andrea Crete, the Town’s new Health Agent.
Mr. Lipka reported that the first six months of single stream recycling program have been a tremendous success. The Town reduced solid waste amounts by 975 tons and increased recycle amounts by double. A notable 2007 highlight was that the recycle rate for December was 41%. He added that the Town uses one trash truck for every two recycling trucks. He said that a brochure for residents including the new 2008 trash stickers would be distributed in the near future. Mr. Lipka reported that residents who left the Town program are seeking to rejoin. The Town is not charging residents to return to the system as long as they are committed to participating in the recycling aspect of the program. Chairman Jumonville said that the Town was recently recognized by the MMA for Innovation and also by the National
League of Cities. Mr. Lipka thanked the Administration, Town Employees and residents for making the program a success.
Broadband Study
Mr. Tom Josie, Manager of the Shrewsbury Electric and Cable Company, addressed the Board. Mr. Josie explained that he compiled the information for the Executive Order for the Broadband Study. He discussed the current technologies and trends among the cable industry. He said that the Town of Holden has a small customer base (6200 homes) and that Charter Communications is currently very highly penetrated in Town with over 80% of the cable business. If the Town were to try and compete, how would they take the customers away from Charter? Provide better service at a lower price to beat the competition? Mr. Josie said that the competition would not sit back and lose its customers. In conclusion, Mr. Josie said that there were significant business risks with the venture.
Sel White inquired what would happen if the Town chose not to license Charter Communications in town? Mr. Larry Popple Chairman of the Cable Committee informed the Board that the Town would have to have a substantial reason to deny Charter a license renewal. He added that nobody likes the rates that they have to pay to receive cable service. Mr. Popple said that the Town only licenses the cable and has no contract with the phone or internet services provided by Charter. Sel. White expressed the need to protect the ratepayers. Mr. Popple said that the Town has very little control over the situation. Sel. O’Brien asked Mr. Josie and Mr. Popple if they thought the town should make an investment/commitment in cable service? Mr. Josie responded by asking how much risk the town was willing to
assume – because it’s a very risky venture. The Manager commented that he did not have deep enough pockets to create this type of competition. However, by encouraging Verizon or another competitor to come to town, it would give Charter some competition.
Mr. Popple said that even at 80% saturation, Charter still loses money. The cable industry is a tough business and he did not recommend that the Town consider this type of venture. Sel. Ferguson thanked Mr. Josie for putting the information in perspective. Sel. Sullivan said that he believes that those with deep pockets should create the competition and that the investment cost does not warrant this venture. He encouraged the administration to invite competition into town. The Manager said that he would report back with his findings. The Board thanked Mr. Josie for his work.
Sel. White left the meeting at 8:44 PM. Chairman Jumonville commented that due to an emergency, Sel. White would not return to the meeting.
Selectmen Miscellaneous
Sel. Ferguson: 1. Sel. Ferguson asked if the town was due any money from the sale of the modular units at the High School? The Manager said that the Town was due five payments: three were made and the Superintendent said that the final two payments were used to offset charges from the District that were not sent to the Town. The Manager said he was currently investigating what happened to the final two payments.
2. Sel. Ferguson discussed a possible change to the Regional Agreement regarding the reassignment of children to other District Schools. Sel. Ferguson encouraged concerned parents to attend a meeting on 1/28 at 7 PM at Davis Hill School regarding the proposed change. Any changes to the Regional Agreement would need to be voted at the Annual Town Meeting.
Sel. Sullivan: 1. Nothing to report.
Sel. O’Brien: 1. Reported that the Democratic Town Committee is currently accepting nominations for the Good Neighbor Award.
Sel. Jumonville: 1. Announced that the Town Manager’s Performance Evaluation would be sent out via email. Evaluations should be returned to the Chairman by February 1, 2008.
Regional Selectmen’s Group Re-Organization Proposal:
Sel. Ferguson commented that she felt that the Town does not seem to be benefiting from participating in the Regional Selectmen meetings. Many of the regional town group discussions do not pertain to the needs of Holden. Sel. Sullivan said he would like to continue to participate in the meetings. They directed the Manager to communicate to the Regional Selectmen that the Town would like to continue to meet as a larger regional group less frequently and meet as a smaller group (5 regional towns) and more often.
The Board agreed to hold discussion regarding the MMA Conference Follow-Up until the February 4, 2008 meeting.
Follow-Up to Citizens’ Address
The Board discussed Ms. Neilan’s request to expend $80,000 from the Recreation Revolving Account to repair the courts at Mountview School. The Manager commented that the Town has no authorization from Town Meeting to draw down from this account during this budget season. The Manager said that the money in the account was being used to pay for the Town Pool. The Board was in agreement to send a letter to the student council to outline the expenses associated with the Recreation Revolving Fund.
Adjournment
Motion by Sel. Sullivan, seconded by Sel. Ferguson, it was VOTED 4-0 TO ADJOURN THE MEETING OF JANUARY 22, 2008 AT 9:05 PM.
Approved: February 4, 2008
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