HOLDEN BOARD OF SELECTMEN
MEETING MINUTES
MAY 5, 2008
6:30PM Memorial Hall
Present: Chairman James Jumonville, Kimberly N. Ferguson, Kenneth O’Brien (arrived 6:41PM), Joseph G. Sullivan, David J. White
Others Present: Brian Bullock, Town Manager, Jacquie Kelly, Assistant Town Manager, Robert Martin, Town Counsel, Elizabeth Helder, Recording Secretary
Chairman Jumonville opened the meeting at 6:30PM. The Board participated in the Pledge of Allegiance.
Selectmen Licenses and Permits
Motion by Sel. White, seconded by Sel. Sullivan, it was VOTED 4-0 TO APPROVE A PARADE PERMIT TO JAMES JUMONVILLE ON BEHALF OF THE MEMORIAL DAY PARADE COMMITTEE FOR MONDAY, MAY 26, 2008 FROM 11AM-1PM PENDING A RECOMMENDATION FROM THE POLICE TO SET UP POLICE DETAILS AND DETOURS BY MAY 15, 2008.
Motion by Sel. White, seconded by Sel. Sullivan, it was VOTED 4-0 TO APPROVE A PUBLIC ENTERTAINMENT LICENSE TO JAMES JUMONVILLE ON BEHALF OF THE MEMORIAL DAY PARADE COMMITTEE FOR MONDAY, MAY 26, 2008 FROM 12:30PM - 3PM.
Motion by Sel. White, seconded by Sel. Ferguson, it was VOTED 4-0 TO APPROVE A COMMON VICTUALER LICENSE TO SELL FOOD AT THE BANDSTAND TO STEVEN D’AQUILA ON BEHALF OF BOY SCOUT TROOP 182 AND PACK 46 FOR MONDAY, MAY 26, 2008 AFTER THE MEMORIAL DAY PARADE PENDING APPROVAL PER THE BOARD OF HEALTH AND THE FIRE DEPARTMENT.
Selectmen Subcommittees
Sel. Sullivan: EMS: Have not met.
Sel. White: PSBC: Met on April 16th. Committee continues with schematic design process. Next eight months will be spent refining plans. Committee expects to go out to bid on the project January 2009. Next meeting is May 7th.
Sel. Jumonville: Memorial Day: Meeting on May 5, 2008. A band will play at the Bandstand at the end of the parade and the Boy Scouts will serve refreshments. Residents are encouraged to picnic. Next meetings are May 5th and May 20th.
Sel. O’Brien: EDC: Have not met.
Sel. Ferguson: Affordable Housing: Updated the Board on the informational meeting for Fisher Terrace.
Holden Tomorrow: Final drafts are in; meeting with Planning Board.
Town Manager’s Miscellaneous
a. The Manager reported that the town employee flea market held on Saturday, April 26, 2008 made $222.00. All the proceeds were donated to the Wachusett Rood Pantry. The Manager and the employees thanked the Board for allowing the use of the Hancock Common for the sale.
b. The Manager reported that on Saturday, April 26, 2008, Brianna Burke from WXLO/WWFX Radio used the HMLD Meeting Room to collect items and cash donations for our military personnel serving overseas. She accepted over $600.00 in cash donations and collected enough supplies for about 250-300 “care” packages. Congratulations to WXLO/WWFX for this program, which benefits our troops.
c. The Manager informed the Board that the Town’s Geographic Information system (GIS) is now accessible to the public via the website www.townofholden.net. The database includes aerial photographs, topography, Assessors’ Vision data (map, parcel, etc.), and more.
d. The Manager announced that the Administration has reached an agreement with the architectural firm of Kaestle Boos Architects Inc. to serve as the architects for the Public Safety Building.
Sel. O’Brien arrived at 6:41PM.
Public Safety Project Bond Issue
The Manager updated the Board on the status of the town’s bond rating which was reviewed on April 22, 2008. The Manager said that the Town just received the results and announced that Standard and Poors has elevated the Town’s bond rating one full notch from an A+ to AA-. The Manager commented that in this economy, the credit for this success goes to the Town’s financial team including Jean Berg, Beverly Kenniston, Lori Rose, Helen Graf and all those that work in the Town’s financial departments. The Board thanked the Manager and congratulated staff for achieving this rating.
Motion by Sel. White, seconded by Sel. Ferguson, it was UNANIMOUSLY VOTED TO TAKE ACTION REGARDING A BOND ISSUE IN THE AMOUNT OF $8,000,000 FOR THE PURPOSE OF CONSTRUCTING A PUBLIC SAFETY BUILDING BY ADOPTING IN THEIR ENTIRETY THE SEVERAL VOTES DESCRIBED IN THE DOCUMENT DATED MAY 5, 2008, AND SIGNED BY THE CLERK OF THE BOARD OF SELECTMEN, BEGINNING WITH THE WORDS “VOTED: THAT THE SALE OF THE $8,000,000 GENERAL OBLIGATION PUBLIC SAFETY BONDS OF THE TOWN DATED MAY 15, 2008” ON PAGE 1 OF SAID DOCUMENT AND ENDING ON PAGE 2 WITH THE WORDS “CARRY INTO EFFECT THE PROVISIONS OF THE FOREGOING VOTES.” A COPY OF THE COMPLETE TEXT OF VOTES WILL BE ATTACHED TO THE MINUTES OF THIS MEETING.
The Board signed the paperwork for the bond.
5. Approval of Previous Minutes
Motion by Sel. Sullivan, seconded by Sel. White, it was UNANIMOUSLY VOTED TO APPROVE THE APRIL 22, 2008 MEETING MINUTES AND CHANGE THE ADJOURNMENT DATE TO APRIL 22, 2008.
Selectmen Miscellaneous
Sel. Sullivan: 1. Nothing to report.
Sel. Ferguson: 1. Inquired about town vehicles that might idle during the workday in relation to the high gasoline prices. She asked if a memo could be crafted to remind employees that town vehicles should not be allowed to remain on or idle when not in use.
2. Requested a summary of the costs and manpower hours spent on the recent incident at the High School. The Manager said that a rough estimate was $1500, but that did not include “soft-time” expended by the Chief of Police
Sel. Miscellaneous was interrupted at 7PM to proceed with Citizens’ Address.
Citizens’ Address
Mr. Al Ferron, 55 Appletree Lane, encouraged the town to recommend that residents implement water conservation during the summer months. He suggested water saving ideas that would help residents improve on water conservation.
Selectmen Miscellaneous (reopened)
Sel. O’Brien: 1. Spoke to establishing a separate fund for the maintenance of the Damon House. Funding will be from rental income from the property. He said he was working on a proposal for a maintenance plan for the municipal buildings. He said he would like to implement stipend for those groups that use these buildings to help offset maintenance costs. Sel. White said he had challenged the Administration to put together a proposal for the maintenance of these buildings. However, Sel. White concurred with the Manager that the establishment of another separate account to fund this work, instead of funding it out of the general account, would make for a cumbersome budget. There is funding available when the appropriate maintenance solution comes to the table. The proposal is still in the
fact-finding mission. The Board agreed that a maintenance solution for these buildings is necessary. Sel. O’Brien said that in the short-term, he would continue to work on his proposal.
2. Sel. O’Brien said he would like to set a “Use of Free Cash Policy” so that no more than 50% of the free cash is used in order for the town to apply to the next year’s budget. Sel. Sullivan says that Sel. O’Brien’s suggestion presumes that there is something wrong with the Manager’s current budget methods. The Manager said that the last three years of free cash have been fairly stable. However, the amounts of free cash are not enormous and can greatly fluctuate. The current plan is not to touch the money until the next budget. Many communities use their free cash within a month of receiving it for the current year’s budget. Sometimes in a tough budget year, you need to access all that money immediately. Sel. White reminded the viewers that all of the
free cash is returned to the taxpayers in one way or another. He has suggested that a small amount (20%) of the money should be used to establish a Stabilization Account. Over time that account could grow.
3. Sel. O’Brien attended the Flag Ceremony at the First Baptist Church in memorial for those service personnel killed in Iraq and Afghanistan.
4. Sel. O’Brien attended the White Oak event at Trout Brook and encouraged the town to continue to make improvements at the Trout Brook Pavilion.
Sel. White: 1. Discussed water/sewer issues. He asked what the town has done to promote conservation? And what does the town have planned in order to promote conservation? Sel. White thanked Mr. Ferron for his comments during Citizens’ Address regarding water conservation and commented that the town should be proactive on its approach towards communicating water conservation with residents. He suggested that perhaps the town could offer in-home water conservation inspections. Sel. Sullivan suggested that the Town should contact the 20 largest commercial and the 50 largest residential users of water/sewer services and inform them of their honor. These offenders should be approached to see if any conservation efforts could be implemented.
2. Where do the 4 affordable housing projects stand with regard to occupancy? The Manager will provide an electronic update to all Board members.
3. Requested recent Trash/Recycle tonnage rates. He said he was looking for educational efforts to reach out to the community. Sel. O’Brien said he would like to consider re-establishing giving out a free bulk burnable sticker.
4. Congratulated his wife on the achievement of receiving her Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing.
Sel. Jumonville: 1. Nothing to report.
Town Meeting Motion Assignments/Positions on Articles
Motion by Sel. Sullivan, seconded by Sel. White, it was UNANIMOUSLY VOTED TO SUPPORT WARRANT ARTICLES 6-1, 6-2, 6-4, 6-6, 6-7, 6-8, AND 6-9 AS PRESENTED.
A motion made by Sel. Sullivan and seconded by Sel. Ferguson to support warrant article 6-3 (Public Safety) was discussed.
Sel. O’Brien commented on several items in the Fire Department budget (6-3). He said he felt that the purchase of a 42K SUV is excessive. Sel. O’Brien mentioned that a new line item for weekend coverage was added into the FY09 budget. He said the proposed $300 weekend coverage stipend is paying for a service that is already included in his salary. Sel. O’Brien said he would speak to these issues at Town Meeting. Sel. White commented that he did not think it was necessary to purchase a 42K SUV that is not a fuel-efficient vehicle. Sel. Ferguson concurred and said she needed more information before making a decision.
Sel. Sullivan withdrew his original motion.
A motion by Sel. White, seconded by Sel. O’Brien to amend warrant article 6-3 to remove the purchase of the 42K SUV was discussed.
The Manager commented that the Fire Chief should be present to explain the purchase of this vehicle. Sel. White commented that he has made many suggestions to the administration that the purchase of the vehicle was unnecessary and never received an answer to his concerns. Sel. O’Brien said that he has not heard any discussion to make a case for supporting this purchase. The Manager commented that his office did supply Sel. White with the information he requested; Sel. White just didn’t like what he was told. Sel. White asked what year the vehicle in question was and how many miles the vehicle had.
The Board agreed to hold discussion of Warrant Article 6-3 until the Board meeting prior to Town Meeting.
A motion by Sel. White and seconded by Sel. Sullivan to support warrant article 6-5 (Water/Sewer Enterprise Fund) was discussed.
Sel. White said that he was in support of the Finance Committee’s recommendation of their version of line item 6-5.
Sel. Sullivan withdrew his support of the motion because he said he did not know what the Finance Committee’s recommendation is.
A motion by Sel. White was seconded by Sel. O’Brien to support the finance committee’s water/sewer budget recommendation to reduce warrant article 6-5 by 41K was discussed.
Sel. O’Brien said he would not approve a budget with a rate increase already built into it. Sel. Ferguson said that during recent discussion of the Water/Sewer budget, she would have difficulty supporting a budget with another rate increase. However, Sel. Ferguson commented that she could not make a justified decision because the rate increases and the budget numbers do not add up. Sel. O’Brien said he had many concerns regarding Warrant Article 6-5 and would not support the line item as presented. He requested more documentation to answer his questions.
Sel. Sullivan asked questions about the sewer transport rate, and if the current water/sewer warrant article 6-5 takes in to account recent rate increases in the city of Worcester.
Motion by Sel. White, seconded by Sel. O’Brien, it was VOTED 2-3 WITH 3 OPPOSED TO SUPPORT THE FINANCE COMMITTEE’S WATER/SEWER BUDGET RECOMMENDATION TO REDUCE WARRANT ARTICLE 6-5 BY 41K. (OPPOSED: FERGUSON, JUMONVILLE, SULLIVAN.) THE MOTION FAILED.
Sel. White asked what the Board should do now that the motion failed. Sel. O’Brien said that since Finance Committee Vice-Chair Al Berg was in attendance in the audience perhaps he could address the Board to answer their questions. The Board agreed to discuss Warrant Article 6-5 with Mr. Berg after discussing the remainder of the Warrant Articles.
A motion made by Sel. Sullivan and seconded by Sel. Jumonville to support warrant articles 7-11 was discussed.
Sel. O’Brien said he had concerns with Warrant Article 9 and asked that the article be removed from the motion and voted on separately. The motion makers refused to amend the motion.
Motion by Sel. Sullivan and seconded by Sel. Jumonville, it was VOTED 4-1 WITH 1 OPPOSED TO SUPPORT WARRANT ARTICLES 7 THROUGH 11 AS PRESENTED. (OPPOSED: O’BRIEN.)
Motion by Sel. White, seconded by Sel. Sullivan, it was UNANIMOUSLY VOTED NOT TO SUPPORT WARRANT ARTICLE 12 AS PRESENTED.
Motion by Sel. White, seconded by Sel. Sullivan, it was UNANIMOUSLY VOTED TO SUPPORT WARRANT ARTICLES 13 THROUGH 20 AS PRESENTED.
Motion by Sel. White, seconded by Sel. Sullivan, it was UNANIMOUSLY VOTED TO SUPPORT WARRANT ARTICLES 21 THROUGH 24 AS PRESENTED.
A motion made by Sel. Sullivan and seconded by Sel. O’Brien to take no action on Warrant Article 25 was discussed.
The Board discussed not taking a position on this article incase additional information becomes available before Town Meeting.
The motion makers withdrew the motion. It was agreed to take a position on the Warrant Article 25 prior to Town Meeting.
Motion by Sel. Sullivan, seconded by Sel. White, it was UNANIMOUSLY VOTED TO SUPPORT WARRANT ARTICLE 26 AS PRESENTED.
Motion by Sel. Sullivan, seconded by Sel. White, it was VOTED 4-1 WITH 1 OPPOSED NOT TO SUPPORT WARRANT ARTICLES 27 - 31. (OPPOSED: O’BRIEN.)
Motion by Sel. Sullivan, seconded by Sel. White, it was VOTED 4-1 WITH 1 OPPOSED NOT TO SUPPORT WARRANT ARTICLE 32. (OPPOSED: O’BRIEN.)
A motion made by Sel. Sullivan and seconded by Sel. White to support Warrant Article 33 was discussed.
A lengthy discussion was held about the unfortunate events involved with the oil spill at the District offices. Sel. O’Brien asked why the Growth Management Department issued a certificate of occupancy to the School District when there was the outstanding issue to remove the underground oil tank? The Manager said that there was no requirement that the tank be removed prior to the certificate being issued.
Motion by Sel. Sullivan, seconded by Sel. White, it was UNANIMOUSLY VOTED TO SUPPORT WARRANT ARTICLE 33 AS PRESENTED.
Sel. White asked Chairman Jumonville to invite FinCom Vice-Chair Alan Berg to the podium to discuss Warrant Article 6-5 (Water/Sewer Enterprise Fund).
Mr. Berg said that the FinCom voted to ask that the Board not approve any rate increases when they hold hearings as Water/Sewer Commissioners. The FinCom said that expenses are predicted to be less than revenue in the account. The FinCom voted to recommend the removal of 41,800K from the budget line item 6-5 that will be presented at Town Meeting.
Sel. Sullivan handed out a Water/Sewer Budget Analysis from years 2001 through 2008 that he prepared. He asked questions regarding the lack of capital money in the budget for improvements/repairs. Mr. Berg said that the Town has made many water/sewer improvements in the last several years. If the town is entering into a deficit in the Water/Sewer budget, the town should not seek to start any significant capital projects. Sel. Ferguson commented that the Board would conduct a rate hearing as Water/Sewer Commissioners in June. Sel. White said he would like more updates on the reporting practices and updates of the Water/Sewer budget.
Motion by Sel. White, seconded by Sel. O’Brien, it was VOTED 4-1 WITH 1 OPPOSED TO SUPPORT THE FINANCE COMMITTEE’S RECOMMENDATION OF THEIR VERSION OF LINE ITEM 6-5. (OPPOSED: SULLIVAN.)
9. Executive Session
Motion by Sel. White, seconded by Sel. Sullivan, it was UNANIMOUSLY VOTED TO ENTER INTO EXECUTIVE SESSION AT 8:54PM TO DISCUSS THE NON-UNION CONTRACT NEGOTIATIONS AND RETURN TO REGULAR SESSION FOR ADJOURNMENT PURPOSES ONLY. ROLL CALL: Ferguson: yes; Sullivan: yes; White: yes; O’Brien: yes; Jumonville: yes.
Adjournment
Motion by Sel. White, seconded by Sel. Sullivan, it was UNANIMOUSLY VOTED TO ADJOURN THE
MAY 5, 2008 MEETING AT 9:50PM.
Approved: July 14, 2008
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