HOLDEN BOARD OF SELECTMEN
MEETING MINUTES
JULY 14, 2008
6:30PM Senior Center
Present: Chairman David White, Kimberly N. Ferguson, Kenneth O’Brien, Joseph G. Sullivan
Absent: James Jumonville
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. The Chair announced that Sel. Jumonville would not be attending the meeting.
Selectmen Licenses/Permits/Appointments
Motion by Sel. Sullivan, seconded by Sel. Ferguson, it was VOTED 4-0 TO APPROVE A ROAD RACE LICENSE TO GORDON WARREN ON BEHALF OF THE CENTRAL MASS STRIDERS FOR SUNDAY, JULY 27, 2008 FROM 6:30PM – 8:30PM PENDING HIRING OF POLICE DETAILS.
The Board agreed to hold license fees for the Chamber of Commerce licenses.
Motion by Sel. Sullivan, seconded by Sel. Ferguson, it was VOTED 4-0 TO APPROVE A PUBLIC ENTERTAINMENT LICENSE AT THE DAMON HOUSE LOT AND GREEN SPACE TO JEN STANOVICH ON BEHALF OF THE HOLDEN AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE FOR HOLDEN DAYS ON FRIDAY, AUGUST 22, 2008 FOR SET UP AND SATURDAY, AUGUST 23, 2008 FROM 8AM-3PM.
Motion by Sel. Sullivan, seconded by Sel. Ferguson, it was VOTED 4-0 TO APPROVE A PUBLIC ENTERTAINMENT LICENSE AT THE BUBAR FIELD AND BANDSTAND AREA TO JEN STANOVICH ON BEHALF OF THE HOLDEN AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE FOR HOLDEN DAYS ON FRIDAY, AUGUST 22, 2008 FOR SET UP AND SATURDAY, AUGUST 23, 2008 FROM 8AM-3PM.
Motion by Sel. Sullivan, seconded by Sel. Ferguson, it was VOTED 4-0 TO APPROVE A PUBLIC ENTERTAINMENT LICENSE AT THE BANDSTAND AND GRASSY AREA FOR A CRAFT CORNER TO JEN STANOVICH ON BEHALF OF THE HOLDEN AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE FOR HOLDEN DAYS ON SATURDAY, AUGUST 23, 2008 FROM 8AM-3PM.
Motion by Sel. Sullivan, seconded by Sel. Ferguson, it was VOTED 4-0 TO APPROVE A COMMON VICTUALER LICENSE FOR A FOOD COURT TO JEN STANOVICH ON BEHALF OF THE HOLDEN AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE FOR HOLDEN DAYS ON SATURDAY, AUGUST 23, 2008 FROM 8AM-3PM PENDING APPROVAL OF THE BOARD OF HEALTH.
The Chairman said that the Selectmen would have a booth at Holden Days.
The Board discussed whether to interview Board appointed candidates prior to their appointment. Sel. Ferguson said that she would like to continue with the practice of interviewing all Board appointed candidates.
The Manager said that the administration would like to recommend that the two alternates serving on the Zoning Board of Appeals be moved to regular member status. ZBA member Mr. Oslebo would like to move to an alternate position. This would leave one alternate vacancy available on the Commission.
Motion by Sel. Sullivan seconded by Sel. Ferguson it was VOTED 4-0 TO APPOINT MR. OSLEBO TO THE ALTERNATE POSITION ON THE ZBA AT HIS REQUEST.
Motion by Sel. Sullivan, seconded by Sel. Ferguson, it was VOTED 4-0 TO APPOINT THE TWO ALTERNATES SERVING ON THE ZBA TO REGULAR MEMBER STATUS.
The Board agreed to conduct interviews of any other applicants who wish to serve on a Board appointed Committee. The Administration will invite applicants to the Holden Historical Commission and the Cultural Council to the August meeting.
Motion by Sel. Sullivan, seconded by Sel. Ferguson, it was VOTED 4-0 TO REAPPOINT THE LIST OF PROPOSED ELECTION OFFICERS AS SUBMITTED BY THE REPUBLICAN AND DEMOCRATIC TOWN COMMITTEES ALONG WITH THE NAMES OF UNENROLLED VOTERS AS RECOMMENDED BY KATHLEEN PETERSON, TOWN CLERK TO A TERM FROM SEPTEMBER 1, 2008 TO AUGUST 31, 2009 AND AT THE REQUEST OF SEL. O’BRIEN APPOINT DEMOCRATIC ALTERNATE BONNIE BISSELL, 291 SALISBURY STREET AS AN ELECTED OFFICIAL IN PRECINCT 2.
The Administration will send out a letter to all members of the Republican and Democratic Town Committees to thank them for their service to the town.
Request from DCAM to Reduce Notification Period – Acquisition and Conveyance, 54 Harris St.
The Manager informed the Selectmen that the Massachusetts Division of Capital Asset Management (DCAM) has notified the Town of its intent to acquire a watershed protection restriction and conservation easement on vacant land of approximately 1.88 +/- acres owned by Mr. and Mrs. Foley at 54 Harris Street, Holden, MA. The acquisition is in exchange for the conveyance to the Foleys of surplus state-owned land of approximately .36 +/- acres located at the same address. DCAM requests that the town reduce the 120-day notification period to 30-days from the date of the notice.
Sel. O’Brien asked that the Town ensure that this act will in no way land lock the owner of 66 Harris Street.
Motion by Sel. Sullivan, seconded by Sel. O’Brien, it was VOTED 4-0 TO WAIVE THE 120-DAY NOTICE REQUIREMENT FOR THE ACQUISITION OF WATERSHED PRESERVATION RESTRICTION AND CONSERVATION EASEMENT ON VACANT LAND OF APPROXIMATELY 1.88 ACRES IN EXCHANGE FOR CONVEYANCE OF APPROXIMATELY 0.36+/- ACRES OF STATE-OWNED LAND LOCATED AT 54 HARRIS STREET IN HOLDEN, MA CONTINGENT UPON NO NEGATIVE EFFECT TO THE PROPERTY OWNER AT 66 HARRIS STREET, HOLDEN, MA.
Selectmen Subcommittees
Sel. Sullivan: EMS: Waiting for implementation process to begin.
CRA: The Chairman said that he has been working on the charge with members of the CRA.
Sel. White: PSBC: July 2, 2008 was cancelled due to lack of a quorum. Next meeting is July 16 at 7PM. Thanked the Administration for their work in selecting the firm of Lamoureux-Pagano as the OPM for the project.
Sel. O’Brien: EDC: Met while Sel. O’Brien was on vacation.
Water/Sewer Advisory Board: Has not met.
Sel. Ferguson: Affordable Housing: Has not met.
Holden Tomorrow: Met on June 24th with the Planning Board. Sel. Ferguson was unable to attend due to a Selectmen’s meeting conflict.
Sel. O’Brien suggested that the Board hold a joint meeting between the Holden Tomorrow Committee (HTC), the Board of Selectmen and the Planning Board to discuss the final report. He requested that the Board receive a copy of the final report. Sel. Ferguson said that the Committee would like to receive approval from the Planning Board prior to holding a joint meeting with the Board of Selectmen. The report will then be distributed to each committee/commission for them to decide what recommendations are “doable or not doable.” She suggested that the HTC could make a presentation to the Selectmen in the mean time. The HTC is recommending that an Oversight Committee be established to continue to track the progress of the report after the distribution in order to make sure that the hundreds of
recommendations do not fall through the cracks. She reminded residents that the entire report is available for review on the Town of Holden’s website.
The Chair asked that Sel. Ferguson schedule the Holden Tomorrow Committee to the Board’s agenda for August or September.
Town Manager’s Miscellaneous
The Manager announced that the extended office hours schedule commenced the week of July 4, 2008 for a 90-day trial period. A flyer has been enclosed in this month’s utility bills to outline the new schedule. Additionally, the schedule has been posted on the Town’s website.
The Manager announced that according to John Kelly, Operations Manager of the Massachusetts Interlocal Insurance Association (MIIA), the Town has qualified for a credit to its premium in the amount of $6,758. The MIIA Rewards program provides special financial rewards to those members who have taken important, prescribed steps to improve their loss experience. The Board thanked Administrative Assistant Judy Sikes, for coordinating the Town’s loss prevention efforts.
The Board reviewed two reports prepared by Lori Rose, Town Accountant: the Year-To-Date Revenue and Expenditure analyses for the period ending May 2008.
The Board reviewed a request from Lori Rose, Town Accountant to expend from the Wachusett Fund the amount of $3,319.61 for quarterly defibrillator testing and training of the Town’s public safety personnel.
Motion by Sel. Ferguson, seconded by Sel. Sullivan, it was VOTED 4-0 TO EXPEND FROM THE WACHUSETT FUND $3,319.61 TO PAY FOR QUARTERLY DEFIBRILLATOR TESTING AND TRAINING.
The Selectmen reviewed a newsletter containing Light and Water/Sewer energy and conservation tips. Additionally, the newsletter outlines the Town’s new Water/Sewer rates in detail. The newsletter will be distributed through the Town’s utility bills.
The Manager informed the Board that according to Town Accountant Lori Rose, the Town has a deficit of $5,320 in the Public Safety Budget for FY08. This deficit was the final pay out to a retiring employee. The total amount of the accrued time policy pay out was $25,000. The Manager explained that recent statute allows for the transfer by the Board between Town Meeting established categories (in this case General Government and Public Safety) with the concurrence of the Finance Committee. The Manager said that the Finance Committee was currently meeting to take the vote to approve said transfer. He added that there was a deadline of July 15, 2008 by which to make the transfer. The Board requested a review of the accrued time policy. The Administration will forward a copy of the current accrued time
policy to the Board for review.
Motion by Sel. Sullivan, seconded by Sel. Ferguson it was VOTED 4-0 TO APPROVE THE TRANSFER OF $5,320 FROM THE GENERAL GOVERNMENT BUDGET TO THE PUBLIC SAFETY BUDGET AS RECOMMENDED BY THE ADMINISTRATION.
The Manager reported that the rehabilitation of the tennis and basketball courts at the Mountview Middle School have been completed. The Board agreed to send a letter to Mountview Advisor Lorraine Neilan to ask if the 2008 graduating 8th graders would like to return to participate in a rededication ceremony. Sel. O’Brien suggested that the 2008 class could also participate by landscaping around the new courts.
The Manager announced that beginning in August, the Town Manager’s Office would produce a series of one-half hour informational and public interest CATV programs. The programs will highlight various town departments and issues. The first two programs will feature the Gale Free Library and the Recreation Department. Interested viewers should stay tuned to CATV Channel 11 for more details.
The Manager informed the Board that Mass Highway District 3 has been completing work along Main Street to improve traffic flow. Several intersections have had adjustments made to the traffic signals and the traffic lanes will be re-striped to reflect these changes. Chairman White requested increased police presence along Main Street after the work is completed.
Citizens’ Address
No one came forward to address the Board.
Holden Municipal Light Department – 2007 Audit, DPU Annual Filing and PCA Increase
The Manager reviewed the results of the HMLD 2007 Audit.
Sel. Ferguson said that the Selectmen should be presented with HMLD updates on a more frequent basis. The Manager concurred and replied that the Board would start to receive a monthly HMLD update. The Board was in agreement that it is a difficult time for electric rates due to the cost of oil and natural gas.
The Board signed the DPW Annual Filing.
Selectmen Miscellaneous
Sel. Sullivan: 1. Announced that his son Mark was married over the weekend and he welcomed his new daughter-in-law to the family.
Sel. Ferguson: 1. Attended the Holden Fire Department Explorer Post 25th Anniversary on June 19th.
2. Attended the Employee Appreciation Picnic on June 27th.
3. Referenced a recent article from the Boston Herald regarding communities facing a financial crisis due to the rising fuel costs. The article discussed green alternatives that are being implemented to save money. She said she would forward the article to the Town Manager.
Sel. O’Brien: 1. Recently traveled to Yellowstone National Park with his family and was able to visit with former Fire Chief Stark. Chief Stark is stationed at a fire tower in the park.
Sel. White: 1. Read a statement that he prepared regarding the water/sewer division. In his statement, Chairman White requested that the Administration present monthly cost center reports to the Board at the second meeting of each month. Additionally, he would like the Manager to present an executive summary listing significant points of interest to the Board. Chairman White said that he would like the Board to conduct a discussion of these ideas at the August meeting.
Sel. O’Brien requested that the Board enter into Executive Session at the August meeting to discuss reprimanding the Manager for the current situation at the water/sewer accounts. The Board agreed to this request.
Approval of Previous Minutes
Motion by Sel. Sullivan, seconded by Sel. White, it was VOTED 3-0-1 WITH 1 ABSTENTION TO APPROVE AND RELEASE THE APRIL 22, 2008 EXECUTIVE SESSION MEETING MINUTES AS PRESENTED. (ABSTAINED: FERGUSON.)
Motion by Sel. Sullivan, seconded by Sel. Ferguson, it was VOTED 4-0 TO APPROVE AND RELEASE THE MAY 5, 2008 EXECUTIVE SESSION MEETING MINUTES AS PRESENTED.
Motion by Sel. Sullivan, seconded by Sel. Ferguson, it was VOTED 4-0 TO APPROVE THE MAY 5, 2008 MEETING MINUTES AS PRESENTED.
Motion by Sel. Sullivan, seconded by Sel. Ferguson, it was VOTED 3-0-1 WITH 1 ABSTENTION TO APPROVE AND RELEASE THE MAY 13, 2008 EXECUTIVE SESSION MEETING MINUTES AS PRESENTED. (ABSTAINED: O’BRIEN.)
Motion by Sel. Sullivan, seconded by Sel. Ferguson, it was VOTED 4-0 TO APPROVE AND RELEASE THE JUNE 16, 2008 EXECUTIVE SESSION MEETING MINUTES AS PRESENTED.
Motion by Sel. Sullivan, seconded by Sel. Ferguson, it was VOTED 4-0 TO APPROVE AND RELEASE THE JUNE 16, 2008 MEETING MINUTES AS PRESENTED.
Motion by Sel. Sullivan, seconded by Sel. Ferguson, it was VOTED 4-0 TO APPROVE THE JUNE 24, 2008 SPECIAL JOINT SESSION MEETING MINUTES AS PRESENTED.
Adjournment
Motion by Sel. Sullivan, seconded by Sel. Ferguson, it was VOTED 4-0 TO ADJOURN THE JULY 14, 2008 MEETING AT 8:00PM.
Approved: August 11, 2008 as amended
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