HOLDEN BOARD OF SELECTMEN
MEETING MINUTES
OCTOBER 20, 2008
6:30 PM Memorial Hall
Present: Chairman David White, Kimberly Ferguson, James Jumonville, Kenneth O’Brien (arrived 6:38PM), Joseph Sullivan
Others Present: Brian Bullock, Town Manager, Jacquie Kelly, Assistant Town Manager, Robert Martin, Town Counsel, George Balko, Town Moderator, Elizabeth Helder, Recording Secretary
Chairman White opened the meeting at 6:30PM. The Board participated in the Pledge of Allegiance.
Monty Tech Representative Interviews
The Board interviewed two candidates to serve as the representative on the Montachusett Regional Vocational Technical School District Committee. The position is for a four-year term to expire 2012. The Manager said that the Town Moderator, George Balko would conduct the interview process.
Mr. Jim Cournoyer, 532 Shrewsbury Street, addressed the Board. Mr. Cournoyer said that he has served for three years on the Monty Tech Advisory Committee and is an advocate of the vocational education experience. His son is currently a junior at the school. The Advisory Committee meets twice a year to discuss programs/curriculum and the budget. Mr. Cournoyer said he is currently a self-employed plumber in Holden. Sel. Sullivan asked as a school committee member, how would Mr. Cournoyer market the school? Mr. Cournoyer said that the school has been named one of the 10 schools that has improved its MCAS scores in the State. In addition to learning a trade, the children are also prepared to go to college. He is impressed with the academic achievements of the school. Mr. Cournoyer said that
his flexible schedule would allow him to attend committee and subcommittee meetings. He said he was inspired by this type of education that motivates kids to learn and wants to do anything he can to help them.
Ms. Kelley Harris, 70 Moscow Road, addressed the Board. She currently has two children at Monty Tech: a senior in the Plumbing Program and a sophomore studying early childhood development. Both kids have a sense of self and being at the school and wants to get the message out that Monty Tech is a great school. Academics at Monty Tech are serious and strict and the school offers tutoring after school and MCAS study help during the summer. Mountview Middle School offers a tour day at Monty Tech and Ms. Harris said she would like to see more advertising in the Landmark. Ms. Harris said that she was available all evenings to attend meetings. Ms. Harris said she supported her children and their sports activities through the school. She would like to be appointed as the representative to the school in
order to give back to the school.
Mr. Balko commented that Mr. Cournoyer’s experience on the Monty Tech Advisory Committee and his commitment to the trades gives him a running start as the Holden Representative.
The Board agreed that both candidates were equally qualified and involved parents who want to give back to their children’s school. Unfortunately, there is only one position to fill.
Motion by Sel. Sullivan, seconded by Sel. Ferguson, it was UNANIMOUSLY VOTED TO APPOINT MR. JAMES COURNOYER TO THE POSITION OF HOLDEN REPRESENTATIVE TO MONTACHUSETT VOCATIONAL TECHNICAL SCHOOL TO A TERM OF FOUR YEARS EXPIRING 2012.
The Chairman said that he would like to send a letter to the Monty Tech Superintendent informing him that the Town had two very strong candidates and that the school would benefit from involving Ms. Harris in some way at the school. Mr. Balko suggested that Ms. Harris should fill the vacancy on the Advisory Committee that Mr. Cournoyer was vacating. Ms. Harris said she would be interested in serving the school in that capacity.
Recognition of Donation – Holden Martial Arts
The Board of Selectmen recognized Harry and Linda Grimm, owners of Holden Martial Arts in Holden. Mr. and Mrs. Grimm have offered to hold a fundraiser for the Help at H.O.M.E (Holden Outreach – Managing Emergencies) program to offer fuel and other types of aid to residents during the winter months. 100% of the fundraiser, open enrollment in karate classes, will go to the Help at H.O.M.E. program.
The Grimms said that Holden Martial Arts has raised money in this capacity for Davis Hill and Mayo Elementary schools. They added that as a business, they enjoy giving back to the community.
Sel. Ferguson commented that in addition to offering excellent classes, Holden Martial Arts gives back to the community through fundraising and donations to the food pantry. She said the students at HMA learn to give back to their community by the example set by the Grimms.
The Board thanked the Grimms for their creative and innovative donations to the community through the structured framework of their business.
Citizens’ Address
No one addressed the Board.
Town Manager’s Miscellaneous
Motion by Sel. Sullivan, seconded by Sel. Ferguson, it was UNANIMOUSLY VOTED TO SET A TAX CLASSIFICATION PUBLIC HEARING FOR MONDAY, NOVEMBER 3, 2008 AT 7:15PM AS RECOMMENDED BY THE ADMINISTRATION.
The Board reviewed a memo from Recreation Director Denise Morano regarding public pool closings during the summer months. Ms. Morano surveyed surrounding communities regarding their summer pool schedule. Many of the respondents reported having difficulty keeping their pool open until Labor Day due to staff shortages from students returning to college and the “burn out” factor. Ms. Morano stated that she did not have enough applicants to dismiss those that would not be able to work until the end of August. The risk is too great to have to settle for sub-par staff when dealing with water-related activities. Sel. Sullivan suggested that the Recreation Committee look into other labor pools other than college students i.e. mothers or local college kids to hire from. Chairman White said that the town
needed to maximize the use of the facility.
The Board reviewed a memo from Recreation Director Denise Morano regarding the Northboro Mass Skateboard Park and the Holden Recreation Committee’s recommendation. As previously reported by Ms. Morano, the skatepark in Northboro, MA was completely funded by fundraising and outside donations separate from the Northboro Recreation Department. The project raised $70,000 in two years, which was enough to build the park and create a fund to maintain it. The skatepark is not staffed or maintained by the Recreation Department. Some issues that have arisen from the skatepark include, foul language, trash and graffiti. Ms. Morano notes in her memo that the Holden Recreation Department voted in favor of supporting a skatepark in Holden as long as the money does not come solely out of the Recreation Department.
The Recreation Committee would like to see if there is any interest in skateboarders and their parents championing the effort to seek donations and fundraising enough dollars to support the park. The idea is that if the skateboarders embrace the project they will take ownership and work diligently to see it through to completion. The location needs to be someplace visible and provides easy access to the skateboarders. Location suggestions include the CRA property and the former mini-mart on Main Street.
Sel. Ferguson said she would forward the name of an interested party to the Manager. The Chairman said that the leadership of the town needs to take the lead on this project. He also felt that the two suggested locations were poor choices. It was suggested that the previous skateboard park in Holden failed because the monitoring of the facility made it “unfriendly.” Interested residents should contact Chairman White through contact information found on the town web site: www.townofholden.net. Town Counsel
said that the parents of these children need to step up to the plate and volunteer their time and money. These are difficult financial times for the town and its residents and not everyone wants town money to pay for this project.
The Manager announced the Fall Leaf Composting and Brush Chipping Schedule. The collection will be held at two separate locations due to the Asian Longhorn Beetle threat. Brush chipping will be held at the Adams Road/DPW Garage Facility and leaf composting will be held at the River Street site. Tree limbs and brush with a diameter of .5 inches or greater cannot be removed from the ALB regulated area; however, these items can be brought into the regulated area. The Adams Road site is located within the ALB regulated area and the town will use this site for brush chipping only. Leaf composting is not an ALB regulated activity so the leaf composting site will remain at the River Street location. Days of operation include: Saturday, October 25; Saturday, November 1; Saturday, November 8; Tuesday, November 11;
Saturday, November 15; and Saturday, November 22. Hours of operation will be from 8AM-2:30PM. DPW personnel on duty reserve the option of closing the site due to inclement weather. Other guidelines include: 1. Leaves, yard waste and garden waste will be accepted at the River Street location only. No brush, wood products, or tree limbs will be accepted at this site.; 2. Tree limbs and brush with a diameter of .5 inches up to 6 inches will be accepted at the Adams Road Facility to be chipped. No leaves, garden waste or yard waste will be accepted at the Adams Road Facility; 3. No commercial loads will be accepted at either site; 4. Proof of Holden residency will be required; 5. All bags, containers, and other receptacles must be removed from the site by the resident; 6. No tree roots will be accepted; 7. Any item that is determined by DPW personnel to be unacceptable shall be removed by the resident. The Manager said that a notice of operation and
conditions will be published in the newspaper, town web site, and temporary signs specifying the changes will also be posted at the collection sites.
The Manager announced that the Friends of the Council on Aging Annual Holiday Fair will hold its annual Best of Friends Holiday Fair on Saturday, November 1st from 9AM-3PM at the Holden Senior Center. While there is no charge for admission, the Friends encourage all that attend to bring an item to donate to the Wachusett Food Pantry.
The Selectmen reviewed the Holiday Office Hours schedule. The Manager explained that the Selectmen have granted town staff time off each year during the Holiday season as a gesture of good will that is appreciated by all. Each year’s schedule is different depending on what day Christmas occurs. Last year, Christmas was on a Tuesday, and the Board not only granted the municipal employees one-half day off on Friday, but also permitted town offices to be closed on Monday. Additionally, the Selectmen closed the town offices on the Friday after Thanksgiving.
This year, Christmas and New Year’s Day fall on a Thursday. With the town’s extended hours schedule, employees would work one-half day each Friday. The Manager requested that the Board consider closing town offices on the Friday after Christmas in order to give the employees a long weekend with negatively affecting service to the public.
Motion by Sel. Jumonville, seconded by Sel. O’Brien, it was UNANIMOUSLY VOTED TO GRANT ALL TOWN EMPLOYEES ONE-HALF DAY OFF ON FRIDAY, DECEMBER 26, 2008 AND FRIDAY JANUARY 2, 2009 AND CLOSE TOWN OFFICES AT NOON ON WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 24, 2008 AND AT NOON ON WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 31, 2008 FOR THE CHRISTMAS AND NEW YEAR’S HOLIDAYS.
Minutes
Motion by Sel. Sullivan, seconded by Sel. Ferguson, it was UNANIMOUSLY VOTED TO APPROVE THE MEETING MINUTES OF OCTOBER 6, 2008 AS PRESENTED.
Governor’s FY2009 9c Reductions to State Budget
The Manager reviewed possible local aid reduction scenarios how the Town might approach a 10% reduction in State Aid for FY 09. The Manager calculated that the possible 10% reduction would be $237,821.60. Approximately 12% of the Town’s total revenue is State Aid. Based on that scenario, potential reductions include DPW Capital (120K), DPW General (30K), Fire General (25K), Police General (25K), Library General (15K), $2,500 in General Reductions, Town Manager, Personnel, Tax Collection, Accounting, Assessors, Town Clerk, Growth Management, IT (20K), $1000 in General Reductions and Board of Selectmen and Finance Committee (2K). No reductions were made to the Senior Budget. The Manager said that this was an empowering exercise for the Town departments to conduct. The Town is now prepared for
anticipated cuts to local aid from the state. The Manager said that the Administration was taking a cautious and measured approach to the financial future of the Town.
At Sel. O’Brien’s suggestion, the Board agreed to hold a discussion on Question 1: Repeal of the State Income Tax.
Sel. O’Brien made a motion that was seconded by Sel. Sullivan for the purposes of discussion to take a position in opposition of Question 1.
Sel. Sullivan made an amendment to Sel. O’Brien’s motion to include the following statement and send a letter to the Governor and State Legislature: That the Holden Board of Selectmen implores the Governor and Legislature in its effort to right the Commonwealth’s FY09 and future fiscal ship in the following manner: 1. Make every effort to avoid shifting the burden to local communities in the form of local aid cuts.; 2. Stop program expansions until the state can adequately fund current services.; 3. Freeze state hiring and review the nearly 2,000 positions added in the last 22 months.; 4. DO NOT create new programs and DO suspend those on the drawing board, such as paid volunteerism for state employees.; 5. Use reserves, already severely depleted, sparingly.
And that the Holden Board of Selectmen does not support the draconian approach of Ballot question #1 to eliminate the personal income tax, a significant revenue source to the Commonwealth and 351 cities and towns. It is a dangerous emotional reaction to a financial storm that demands a reasoned approach to achieve a permanent solution.
Sel. O’Brien agreed to Sel. Sullivan’s amendment.
Chairman White said that he felt that Question 1 was fueled by the legislature thumbing its nose to the citizenry of Massachusetts that previously voted to reduce the State Personal Income Tax to 5%. He requested that the motion makers consider adding the phrase “That the Holden Board of Selectmen request that the legislature reduce the state personal income tax to 5% as previously voted by the citizens of Massachusetts” as number six in the motion.
Both motion makers agreed to include Sel. White’s amendment to the original motion.
Sel. Jumonville said that he would support the motion if Sel. White’s amendment were part of the motion.
Motion by Sel. O’Brien, seconded by Sel. Sullivan, it was unanimously VOTED THAT THE HOLDEN BOARD OF SELECTMEN TAKE A POSITION IN OPPOSITION OF QUESTION 1 WITH AMENDMENTS MADE BY SEL. SULLIVAN AND SEL. WHITE AND AGREED TO BY SEL. O’BRIEN TO SEND A LETTER TO THE GOVERNOR AND STATE LEGISLATURE: THAT THE HOLDEN BOARD OF SELECTMEN IMPLORES THE GOVERNOR AND LEGISLATURE IN ITS EFFORT TO RIGHT THE COMMONWEALTH’S FY09 AND FUTURE FISCAL SHIP IN THE FOLLOWING MANNER: 1. MAKE EVERY EFFORT TO AVOID SHIFTING THE BURDEN TO LOCAL COMMUNITIES IN THE FORM OF LOCAL AID CUTS.; 2. STOP PROGRAM EXPANSIONS UNTIL THE STATE CAN ADEQUATELY FUND CURRENT SERVICES.; 3. FREEZE STATE HIRING AND REVIEW THE NEARLY 2,000 POSITIONS ADDED IN THE LAST 22 MONTHS.; 4. DO NOT CREATE NEW PROGRAMS AND DO SUSPEND THOSE ON THE DRAWING BOARD, SUCH AS PAID
VOLUNTEERISM FOR STATE EMPLOYEES.;5. USE RESERVES, ALREADY SEVERELY DEPLETED, SPARINGLY.; 6. THAT THE HOLDEN BOARD OF SELECTMEN REQUEST THAT THE LEGISLATURE REDUCE THE STATE PERSONAL INCOME TAX TO 5% AS PREVIOUSLY VOTED BY THE CITIZENS OF MASSACHUSETTS” AS NUMBER SIX IN THE MOTION.; AND THAT THE HOLDEN BOARD OF SELECTMEN DOES NOT SUPPORT THE DRACONIAN APPROACH OF BALLOT QUESTION #1 TO ELIMINATE THE PERSONAL INCOME TAX, A SIGNIFICANT REVENUE SOURCE TO THE COMMONWEALTH AND 351 CITIES AND TOWNS. IT IS A DANGEROUS EMOTIONAL REACTION TO A FINANCIAL STORM THAT DEMANDS A REASONED APPROACH TO ACHIEVE A PERMANENT SOLUTION.
Selectmen’s Subcommittees
Sel. Ferguson: Holden Tomorrow: Next meeting scheduled for 10/21.
AHC: Has not met
Sel. Jumonville: Memorial Day: Announced that the Committee would meet on 11/12 at the Senior Center at 7PM.
Sel. Sullivan: Help at H.O.M.E.: Group is meeting every two weeks to put together a list of sources/agencies/aid to help those in need during the winter months. Financial need/aid forms are available at the Senior Center. Next Meeting: 10/23 at 3PM.
CRA: Meeting 11/11 at the Starbard Building.
Sel. O’Brien: EDC: Has not met. Sel. O’Brien said that several messages left with the Growth Management Director have not been returned.
Water/Sewer: Sel. O’Brien reported that the Committee met and that he was not informed of the meeting. He said that he would get an update of the meeting. DPW Director was asked to provide a prioritized plan for the Water/Sewer Department. The Manager said that the DPW did leave Sel. O’Brien a message on a phone and that the meeting was held on a night that the Board was meeting. Sel. O’Brien said he would prefer to be contacted via email. Sel. Ferguson requested that Chairman White contact the Water/Sewer Chair to request that future Water/Sewer meetings do not conflict with Selectmen meetings.
Sel. White: PSBC: Design Development Phase has been approved and committee is reviewing Construction Development Phase, contractor and subcontractor pre-qualifications, and project estimates. Final bid documents and specifications are expected to be completed in mid-January 09. Committee has committed to install geothermal heating/cooling options for the building. Next meeting: November 5th at 6PM at HMLD.
Manager Evaluation Process: Chairman White and Sel. Ferguson will evaluate/review the evaluation process and report back to the Board with recommendations within the next month.
Selectmen Goals Prioritization
Motion by Sel. Sullivan, seconded by Sel. Jumonville, it was UNANIMOUSLY VOTED TO DEVELOP A BUDGET THAT STAYS UNDER PROP 2 ½ AND ANTICIPATES POTENTIAL SHORTFALLS IN STATE AID.
Motion by Sel. Sullivan, seconded by Sel. Jumonville it was UNANIMOUSLY VOTED TO DEVELOP A WATER/SEWER FUND ON OPERATIONAL AND MAINTENANCE EXPENSES/REVENUES AND FUNDING OF AN INFRASTRUCTURE PLAN.
Motion by Sel. O’Brien, seconded by Sel. Sullivan, it was UNANIMOUSLY VOTED TO DEVELOP A FREE CASH POLICY AND DEVELOP A PLAN THAT HAS A TIMELINE AND A RATIO TO FUND A STABILIZATION ACCOUNT ALONG WITH THE USE OF FREE CASH IN THE OPERATING BUDGET.
Town Counsel left the meeting at 8:56PM.
Motion by Sel. Jumonville, seconded by Sel. Sullivan, it was UNANIMOUSLY VOTED TO ESTABLISH A SUCCESSION PLAN FOR THE MANAGEMENT OF THE HMLD AND GROOM AN ASSISTANT MANAGER.
Sel. Sullivan said that given what is going to be some difficult financial times, he did not think that the Board should prioritize any further goals for the Administration to achieve. Sel. Ferguson said that there are several goals that the Board needs to pursue further information to see if they are worth pursuing in the future.
The Manager said that he would like to see the upgrade and repair of town buildings set as a goal.
Motion by Sel. O’Brien, seconded by Sel. Ferguson, it was UNANIMOUSLY VOTED TO ASK THE ADMINISTRATION TO DEVELOP A LONG-TERM MAINTENANCE PLAN FOR TOWN OWNED BUILDINGS AND DEVELOP A FUNDING SOURCE FOR THIS PLAN.
Motion by Sel. O’Brien, seconded by Sel. Ferguson it was UNANIMOUSLY VOTED TO DEVELOP A PLAN TO OVERSEE THE MAINTENANCE PLAN FOR THE MINI-PARKS, ESPECIALLY AT BOYDEN/MAIN AND SHREWSBURY/MAIN, AND THE ADOPT-A-PARK PROGRAM.
Motion by Sel. O’Brien, seconded by Sel. Ferguson, it was UNANIMOUSLY VOTED TO INVESTIGATE HIRING A PART-TIME CONSERVATION AGENT AND A FUNDING MECHANISM FOR THE POSITION.
Motion by Sel. White, seconded by Sel. Jumonville, it was UNANIMOUSLY VOTED TO INVESTIGATE THE BENEFITS OF REMOVING THE POLICE CHIEF POSITION FROM THE CIVIL SERVICE ROLE AND START THE PROCESS TO GO BEFORE TOWN MEETING TO GET APPROVAL AND PETITION THE LEGISLATURE.
The Board requested that the Administration report back on absorbing the electricity used by the Bandstand into the HMLD budget.
Sel. O’Brien said he was interested in creating a part-time position within the Recreation Department to act as a Commissioner to oversee all Town sports leagues, CORI checks and disciplinary actions. Sel. Ferguson said that she would need to investigate the problems and expectations of the position would be before making a decision. Sel. Jumonville said that all sports teams would need to be brought in-house to the Recreation Department before this type of position was created. All sports teams need to be brought under the Town umbrella.
Sel. O’Brien suggested that the Town investigate the installation of wind turbines in Town to generate electricity and other green energy generating options in Town.
Sel. Miscellaneous
Sel. Jumonville: 1. Wee-Aide Boxes collection is ongoing. Donations can be made at Town Hall or the Library. Contact Gwen Callahan at 829-0565 or www.townofholden.net for more information.
Sel. O’Brien: 1. Water/Sewer Superintendent hiring process is ongoing.
2. YAHOO raking will begin 10/25 though out November. Call the Senior Center for details.
Sel. Sullivan: 1. Attended the Food Pantry Distribution in October and recognized many Town employees volunteering at the event. A collection box has been set up in Town Hall.
Sel. Ferguson: 1. Nothing to report.
Sel. White: 1. Attended Farm Days at the Red Farm on Saturday, October 18th.
2. Attended the 75th Anniversary of the Blue Plate Lounge.
Adjournment
Motion by Sel. Sullivan, seconded by Sel. Ferguson, it was UNANIMOUSLY VOTED TO ADJOURN THE OCTOBER 20, 2008 MEETING AT 9:35PM.
Approved: November 3, 2008
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