HOLDEN BOARD OF SELECTMEN
MEETING MINUTES
MAY 4, 2009
6:30PM Memorial Hall
Present: Chairman David White, Kimberly Ferguson, James Jumonville, Joseph Sullivan, Kenneth O’Brien
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.
Certificate of Recognition – Eagle Scout Award
The Board recognized Daniel Robert Hessel with Boy Scout Troop 175 on his recent achievement of the Boy Scout’s highest honor, the Eagle Scout Award.
Selectmen Licenses
Sel. Sullivan excused himself from the vote.
Motion by Sel. Ferguson, seconded by Sel. Jumonville, it was VOTED 4-0-1 WITH 1 ABSTENTION TO APPROVE A COMMON VICTUALER LICENSE TO GLENN SULLIVAN ON BEHALF OF CUB SCOUT PACK 46 FOR SNACK SALES AT THE MEMORIAL DAY PARADE ON MONDAY, MAY 25, 2009 FROM 10AM – 3PM PENDING FINAL APPROVAL FROM THE BOARD OF HEALTH AND THE FIRE DEPARTMENT. (Abstained: Sullivan.)
Sel. Jumonville excused himself from the vote.
Motion by Sel. Ferguson, seconded by Sel. Sullivan, it was VOTED 4-0-1 WITH 1 ABSTENTION TO APPROVE A PARADE PERMIT TO JAMES JUMONVILLE ON BEHALF OF THE MEMORIAL DAY PARADE COMMITTEE FOR THE MEMORIAL DAY PARADE ON MONDAY, MAY 25, 2009 FROM 11AM – 1PM PENDING FINAL APPROVAL FROM THE POLICE DEPARTMENT REGARDING TRAFFIC CONTROL. (Abstained: Jumonville.)
Motion by Sel. Ferguson, seconded by Sel. O’Brien, it was UNANIMOUSLY VOTED TO APPROVE A COMMON VICTUALER LICENSE TO CARL SCHAVONE ON BEHALF OF COLONY RETIREMENT HOMES RESIDENT COUNCIL FOR A BAKE SALE ON MAY 30, 2009 FROM 9AM-12PM.
Motion by Sel. Ferguson, seconded by Sel. O’Brien, it was UNANIMOUSLY VOTED TO AUTHORIZE THE TOWN MANAGER TO APPROVE ANY LICENSES AND PERMITS FOR THE MEMORIAL DAY PARADE IN THEIR ABSENCE.
Sel. Jumonville requested that any groups licensed to provide a service during the parade, inform the Parade Committee of their intended location.
Board Committees and Vacancies
The Manager announced the following vacancies on Town Boards and Committees: 250th Bandstand (2), Affordable Housing Partnership Committee (1), Board of Assessors (1), Cable Advisory Committee (2), Conservation Commission (1), Council on Aging (4), Cultural Council (2), Economic Development Commission (1), Historic District Commission (1 + 2 alternates), Infrastructure Investment Fund (1), Municipal Electric Power Advisory Board (1), Water Sewer Advisory Board (1), Master Plan Monitoring Committee (3).
Selectmen Subcommittees
Sel. Ferguson: AHC: Has not met
Starbard Scholarship: Sel. Jumonville and one other Selectmen will serve on this Committee. The Town is currently advertising the availability of the scholarship, which will be awarded in May. The Board requested that the Administration send a letter of appreciation to the Eagle Scout who coordinated clean-up efforts in the local cemeteries.
Sel. O’Brien: EDC: Committee will meet quarterly.
Water/Sewer: Will meet 4/7.
Sel. Jumonville: Memorial Day Committee: Committee will meet every Tuesday (May 5th, 12th and 19th) in the Selectmen’s Meeting Room. He encouraged all residents to attend the Memorial Day Parade on May 25th from 11AM-1PM. Due to the complexity of the Parade Route, there will be no emergency vehicles in the parade.
Sel. Sullivan: Eagerly anticipating the arrival of his next grandson.
Sel. White: PSBC: The Manager said he expects to sign the building contract with the General Contractor on May 6, 2009. The Chairman said that the project is anticipated to take 16-months to complete.
Town Manager’s Miscellaneous
The Manager made several announcements regarding events that will occur during the months of May and June at the Gale Free Library. According to Library Director Jane Dutton, the new Local History Room will open on May 19th from 6PM-8PM. On May, 21st, residents are invited to meet Steve Kluger, author of My Most Excellent Year, this year’s selection for One Book, One Holden at 6:30PM at the Senior Center. Lastly, on June 27th , the library will present Star Wars Returns! from 10AM-12PM.
The Manager informed the Board that Colin Towers of the Quinapoxet Model Flying Club would like permission to use the former Landfill site on River Street for the 2nd Annual Air Show and Picnic on Saturday, July 19, 2009. The event is open to all residents and is free of charge.
Motion by Sel. Sullivan, seconded by Sel. Ferguson, it was UNANIMOUSLY VOTED TO APPROVE THE USE OF THE FORMER LANDFILL SITE ON RIVER STREET FOR THE 2ND ANNUAL AIR SHOW AND PICNIC ON SATURDAY, JULY 19, 2009 AS PRESENTED BY THE ADMINISTRATION.
The Manager announced that the Holden Town Pool would open on weekends in June. Additionally, the pool will be open to the public from 3PM-7:15PM on June 22, 23, 24, & 25. The pool will open for the season on Friday, June 26th at 1PM. The Manager added that the Recreation Department was looking to extend pool hours into the fall. The Manager said he would keep the Board informed on the progress of the plan. Sel. O’Brien asked the administration to look into a resolution between the Recreation Department and the graduating 5th grade classes at the Holden elementary schools regarding their cancelled pool parties.
The Manager announced that spring composting will be held at the Composting Facility located at the site of the former landfill on River Street for Holden residents only on Saturday, May 9th and 16th. Proof of residence is required. No brush, tree limbs, tree roots or wood products of any kind will be accepted. Hours of operation on both days are 8AM-2:30PM.
The Manager updated the Board on information concerning the recent outbreak of Swine Flu, H1N1 Influenza. Information is available on the Town Web site www.townofholden.net.
The Manager announced recent FEMA and DCR decisions regarding Ice Storm clean-up efforts. FEMA approved 98% of the Town’s clean-up submittal. As of May 1st, the DCR was expected to begin clean-up efforts on May 6th. However, FEMA recently expressed concern regarding higher costs for pick-up and chipping and the clean-up date has been temporarily placed on hold. The Manager said he and his staff continue to try to reach a conclusion to the matter and will keep the Board informed.
Citizens’ Address
Mr. Robert Carter, a member of the Wachusett Regional School Committee, addressed the Board. Mr. Carter presented statistical information regarding the graduating class of 2008.
Mr. Marshall Horwitz, Lexington Circle, thanked Sel. Sullivan for his years of service to the Town. Mr. Horwitz spoke to the economic footprints local businesses have in Holden. These businesses are under pressure to close due to these difficult economic times.
Public Hearing – All Alcoholic Beverages License – Wong Dynasty – Yankee Grill, Inc.
The Manager read the notice of public hearing into record.
Motion by Sel. Ferguson, seconded by Sel. Sullivan, it was UNANIMOUSLY VOTED TO OPEN THE PUBLIC HEARING AT 7:13PM.
Mr. Thomas Vuong and Ms. Helouise Vuong, owner and Manager of the restaurant addressed the Board. Mr. Vuong said that the business is scheduled to open the end of June or the middle of July. The restaurant will offer both Chinese and American cuisine. The Chinese portion of the restaurant will open first.
Mr. Renee Boudreau, 24 Towle Road, inquired about the hours of operations. The business will operate from 11AM – 1PM.
Sel. Sullivan said he was glad to see the business re-establish itself after an almost 2-year absence in town. Sel. Sullivan and the Vuong’s discussed the new layout of the restaurant. Sel. Sullivan impressed upon the Vuong’s the importance of TIPS training and alcohol enforcement within their establishment.
Sel. Ferguson inquired about fire detection and suppression upgrades that were requested by the Fire Department. Mr. Voung said that these upgrades have been completed. The Manager said that he would confirm this with the Fire Department.
Chairman White impressed upon the Vuong’s the importance of alcohol supervision at the new business.
Sel. Jumonville asked the Vuong’s to be mindful of the noise level on the patio portion of the restaurant and to be respectful of the abutter’s to that portion of the property.
Motion by Sel. Ferguson, seconded by Sel. O’Brien, it was UNANIMOUSLY VOTED TO CLOSE THE PUBLIC HEARING AT 7:43PM.
Motion by Sel. Jumonville, seconded by Sel. Ferguson, it was UNANIMOUSLY VOTED TO APPROVE THE APPLICATION OF WONG DYNASTY AND YANKEE GRILL, INC., FOR A NEW RESTAURANT ALL ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGE LICENSE TO HELOUISE J. VUONG, MANAGER AT 176 RESERVOIR STREET HOLDEN AS RECOMMENDED BY THE ADMINISTRATION AND PENDING APPROVAL OF ALL TOWN DEPARTMENTS.
Public Hearing – Street Layouts – Alden Woods
The Town 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 7:46PM.
The Chairman inquired if anyone from the public wished to speak to the proposed street layouts. No residents came forward to address the Board.
Motion by Sel. Sullivan, seconded by Sel. Ferguson it was UNANIMOUSLY VOTED TO CLOSE THE PUBLIC HEARING AT 7:47PM.
Motion by Sel. Sullivan, seconded by Sel. Jumonville, it was UNANIMOUSLY VOTED TO APPROVE TO LAY OUT BRICE CIRCLE FROM STATION 0+16.50 TO STATION 6+14.58 FOR A DISTANCE OF APPROXIMATELY 598.08 FEET; ALDEN HILL ROAD FROM STATION 0+13.50 TO STATION 5+83.50 FOR A DISTANCE OF APPROXIMATELY 570.00 FEET; AND A PORTION OF BLAIR DRIVE FROM STATION 0+25.00 TO STATION 19+93.76 FOR A DISTANCE OF APPROXIMATELY 1,968.76 FEET SUBJECT TO THE FINAL APPROVAL OF THE ADMINISTRATION.
Annual Town Meeting – Warrant Article/Motion Assignments
The Chairman announced that prior to the Board meeting, the Selectmen met with members of the Holden Police Department to discuss Warrant Article 31. As the Board requested some information based on the discussion at that meeting, the Board agreed to pass over discussion of Warrant Article 31.
A motion was made by Sel. Sullivan and seconded by Sel. Jumonville to discuss the recommendation to support articles 6-1 – 11.
Sel. O’Brien asked that Finance Committee Chairman Al Berg, who was sitting in the audience, be allowed to address the Board for discussion purposes.
FinCom Chairman Al Berg said that the FinCom voted to take no action on the Water/Sewer budget (WA 6-5) due to lack of information and because it was out of balance. Chairman Berg said that the FinCom did not have enough time to review this budget. Additionally he said that a water/sewer rate increase was inevitable for this line item. He said that there would not be sufficient time before town meeting to formulate a plan for this budget and vote on it. In addition to the current water/sewer budget deficit, the City of Worcester significantly raised its water/sewer rates and these increases will need to be passed on to the residents of Holden.
A motion was made by Sel. O’Brien and seconded for discussion by Sel. Ferguson to amend Sel. Sullivan’s motion and remove 6-5 (Water/Sewer Enterprise Fund) from the original motion.
The Board discussed forwarding an estimate of the projected billing revenues of the water/sewer fund to the FinCom for review. The Manager said that it was difficult to estimate these numbers and that he would check with accounting if an estimated schedule could be produced. Revenues have under performed; the Town has significant debt service in addition to the recent rate increases from the City of Worcester.
Chairman White commented that the Board has a fiduciary responsibility to not approve a budget before knowing how it will affect ratepayers.
Motion by Sel. O’Brien, seconded by Sel. Ferguson IT WAS VOTED 3-2 WITH 2 OPPOSED TO AMEND SEL. SULLIVAN’S MOTION AND REMOVE WARRANT ARTICLE 6-5 (WATER/SEWER ENTERPRISE FUND) FROM THE ORIGINAL MOTION. (Opposed: Sullivan, Jumonville.)
Motion by Sel. Sullivan, seconded by Sel. Jumonville, it was UNANIMOUSLY VOTED TO SUPPORT WARRANT ARTICLE 6-1 THROUGH 6-4 AND 6-6 TO 11 AS PRESENTED IN THE RESOURCE PROFILE SPREADSHEET DATED MAY 4, 2009.
A motion made by Sel. O’Brien to take no action on 6-5 until the night of town meeting and request that the Town Manager forward the billing information to the FinCom died for lack of a second.
Motion by Sel. Ferguson, seconded by Sel. Sullivan it was UNANIMOUSLY VOTED TO TAKE NO ACTION ON 6-5 UNTIL THE NIGHT OF TOWN MEETING.
Motion by Sel. Sullivan, seconded by Sel. Jumonville, it was UNANIMOUSLY VOTED TO SUPPORT WARRANT ARTICLES 12-20.
A discussion was held regarding the NSTAR sidewalk project on Salisbury Street. NSTAR will only cold patch the sidewalk. The Manager said the Town appropriated half the money from Ch. 90 to repair this section of sidewalk being torn up and patched by NSTAR. The Manager said that Warrant Article 20 was only a placeholder should the Board want to take action and fund the remainder of the project. Sel. O’Brien said that was important to the safety of those using Dawson School and the Dawson Recreation facility to repair this sidewalk appropriately.
Motion by Sel. Sullivan, seconded by Sel. Jumonville, it was UNANIMOUSLY VOTED TO AMEND THE MOTION TO SUPPORT WARRANT ARTICLES 12-19.
The Manager added that with the NSTAR contribution, the project is approximately 75% funded.
Motion by Sel. Sullivan, seconded by Sel. Jumonville, it was UNANIMOUSLY VOTED TO SUPPORT WA 20 IN PRINCIPAL SUBJECT TO FUNDING AS RECOMMENDED BY THE ADMINISTRATION.
Motion by Sel. Ferguson, seconded by Sel. Sullivan, it was UNANIMOUSLY VOTED TO SUPPORT WARRANT ARTICLES 21-24 AS RECOMMENDED BY THE ADMINISTRATION.
Motion by Sel. Sullivan, seconded by Sel. Jumonville, it was UNANIMOUSLY VOTED TO SUPPORT WARRANT ARTICLES 25-28 AS RECOMMENDED BY THE ADMINISTRATION.
Motion by Sel. Sullivan, seconded by Sel. Ferguson, it was UNANIMOUSLY VOTED TO SUPPORT WARRANT ARTICLES 29-30 AS RECOMMENDED BY THE ADMINISTRATION.
The Board agreed to hold discussion on Warrant Article 31 until Town Meeting.
Motion by Sel. O’Brien, seconded by Sel. Ferguson, it was VOTED 4-1 WITH 1 ABSTENTION TO SUPPORT WARRANT ARTICLE 32 AND 33. (Abstained: White.)
Motion by Sel. Sullivan, seconded by Sel. Jumonville, it was UNANIMOUSLY VOTED TO SUPPORT WARRANT ARTICLE 34 SUBJECT TO THE RECOMMENDATION OF THE ADMINISTRATION.
After some discussion regarding the need for further information, both motion makers agreed to retract their motion for Warrant Article 34. This article will be held for further discussion.
The Board made motion assignments. Sel. O’Brien agreed to speak to Warrant Articles 6-1 through 6-4, 25 through 28, and 32 and 33. Sel. Jumonville agreed to speak to Warrant Articles 6-6 through 6-9, and 21, 22, and 23. Sel. White agreed to speak to Warrant Articles 7 through 11, and 24. Board of Selectman #1 will speak to Warrant Articles 12 through 16, 29 and 30. Board of Selectman #2 will speak to Warrant Articles 17 through 20 and 34.
Sel. Miscellaneous
Sel. Jumonville: 1. Requested that the Town erect the Memorial Day Banner as soon as time allows.
Sel. Ferguson: 1. Reported a sinking road patch by The Red Barn on Shrewsbury Street.
Sel. Sullivan: 1. Delay of Town Meeting due to the State’s 3 billion revenue deficit? The Manager said that the Town is in good financial shape and felt no need to delay Town Meeting.
CMRPC meeting will be held on May 13th regarding Worcester Regional Mobility Study.
Asked the Town to be aggressive regarding the removal of political signs on public property around town.
Expressed his thanks to his family, town staff and the Town Manager for his 12-years of service to the Town.
Sel. White: 1. Annual Town Election will be held on May 11, 2009. Encouraged residents to exercise their right and privilege to vote.
2. Will be out of Town May 12th and 13th. Asked the Manager to post the Board Reorganization Meeting for May 14th at 6PM.
Sel. O’Brien: 1. Worcester Tree initiative meeting will be held on May 9, 2009 at the Dawson Recreation area.
2. Thanked Sel. Sullivan for his 12-years of service with the Town.
Approval of Previous Minutes
Motion by Sel. Sullivan, seconded by. Sel. Ferguson, it was UNANIMOUSLY VOTED TO APPROVE AND RELEASE THE EXECUTIVE SESSION MEETING MINUTES OF APRIL 6, 2009 WITH AN AMENDMENT TO CHANGE THE VOTE TO RECESS TO READ “UNANIMOUSLY”.
Motion by Sel. Sullivan, seconded by Sel. Jumonville, it was UNANIMOUSLY VOTED TO APPROVE THE MEETING MINUTES OF APRIL 6, 2009 AS PRESENTED.
Motion by Sel. Sullivan, seconded by Sel. Jumonville, it was VOTED 3-0-2 WITH 2 ABSTENTIONS TO APPROVE THE MEETING MINUTES OF APRIL 21, 2009 AS PRESENTED. (Abstained: Ferguson, O’Brien.)
Adjournment
Motion by Sel. Sullivan, seconded by Sel. Jumonville, it was UNANIMOUSLY VOTED TO ADJOURN THE MAY 4, 2009 MEETING AT 9:07PM.
Approved: June 1, 2009
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