HOLDEN BOARD OF SELECTMEN
MEETING MINUTES
NOVEMBER 16, 2009
6:30PM Memorial Hall
Present: Chairman Kimberly Ferguson, James Jumonville, Anthony Renzoni, David White, Kenneth O'Brien (arrived 7PM)
Absent: Brian Bullock, Town Manager
Others Present: Jacquie Kelly, Assistant Town Manager, Robert Martin, Town Counsel, D. Moschos, Labor Counsel, Elizabeth Helder, Recording Secretary
Chairman Ferguson opened the meeting at 6:30PM. The Board participated in the Pledge of Allegiance. The Chairman announced that the Town Manager would not be in attendance at tonight's meeting as he recently became the pround grandfather of Ava Elizabeth and was spending time at home with his family. She said that Assistant Town Manager Jacquie Kelly would run the meeting. Additionally, the Tax Classification public hearing scheduled for 7:30PM has been postponed, as the Department of Revenue has not yet certified the Town's growth number.
Motion by Sel. White, seconded by Sel. Renzoni, it was VOTED 4-0 TO POSTPONE THE TAX CLASSIFICATION PUBLIC HEARING TO DECEMBER 7, 2009.
Chairman Ferguson reminded viewers that a State Primary would be held on December 8, 2009. Polls are open 7AM-8PM.
1. Margaret Watson - WRSD Budget Issues
Ms. Watson made a statement to outline how Governor Patrick's recent cuts to the District's regional school transportation budget would affect the entire school budget. She announced that the District towns would be asked to help to make up the shortfall. The Town of Holden's increase to its assessment is $162,935. Her comments are attached to the minutes.
Sel. Ferguson expressed extreme disappointment with the Governor's most recent cuts to the District's budget.
Sel. White commented that the legislature passed an unrealistic budget last spring and now the Governor has made unrealistic cuts, which adversely affect our children's education. He suggested that the Board and the Holden School Committee Representatives meet in early December to have a friendly roundtable to discuss mutual concerns regarding next year's budget. Sel. White also commented that the State is expected to make early school building reimbursements. He asked Ms. Watson to ask the Superintendent to release the money owed to the Town's in a timely manner.
Town Counsel commented that many in the industry have been asked to help absorb expenses to improve revenue. He suggested that the District ask its transportation providers to absorb some of the loss to the District transportation budget as an act of good faith.
Sel. Jumonville suggested that the Board meet jointly with the Holden reps after they have their budget meeting in February.
Chairman Ferguson commented that it would be a good idea to meet with the Holden reps prior to the commencement of budget deliberations. That way the School Committee will be aware of Selectmen budgetary concerns.
2. USDA Massachusetts ALB Project Management
Sel. O'Brien joined the meeting at 7PM.
Mr. Clint McFarland, Federal Project Manager with the USDA and Rhonda Santos with the USDA outlined the scope of the Asian Longhorned Beetle infestation. 32 infested trees have been found in Holden in the area of Chapel St., Shrewsbury St. and Homestead Road. Some sections of Holden will be surveyed during 2010. A survey of the entire town is expected to be complete by the end of 2011. Mr. McFarland encouraged residents to buy wood local. Burning local wood will help to eliminate the transportation of the ALB to other areas. Human activity can spread the infestation. Chemical treatments being made to the trees are the trunk injection method.
A Town Hall Forum will be held on November 23, 2009 from 5:30-7PM at Quinsigamond Community College to update residents regarding the progress being made to conquer the ALB infestation.
Sel. White said that residents must be vigilant in preventing the spread of the ALB. He discouraged residents from transporting wood out of the quarantined areas.
Sel. O'Brien suggested that other signs similar to the one posted at the Town Pool be posted at Trout Brook and along the Rail Trail to help inform the general public about the ALB.
3. Citizens' Address
No one came forward to address the Board.
Chairman Ferguson acknowledged Finance Committee Chairman Alan Berg. Mr. Berg addressed the Board and said that the School Committee took a reasonable financial position to address their assessment shortfall at their November 10, 2009 meeting. The Finance Committee is seeking ways that the Town can ehlp meet the District with its transportation budget. Sel. O'Brien passed along a message from State Senator Chandler that she would update the Board as soon as she had information.
4. Update on Town Manager Selection Process
Chairman Ferguson announced that the search committee has narrowed the search down to three well-qualified candidates for the position of Town Manager: Ms. Nancy Galkowski from Arlington, MA, Assistant Town Manager Ms. Jacquie Kelly, and Ms. Blyth Robinson from Avon, CT. Candidate meet and greet tours will occur the week of November 16th. Final interviews will be held on Monday, November 23, 2009. Citizens may submit questions to the potential candidates by following a link on the Town's website: townofholden.net. Selectmen should submit their final interview questions through the Chair. Index cards will be made available during the interview process to allow for follow-up questions. Attorney Moschos recommended that Selectmen who are unable to met with the applicants during the meet and greet tour, try to meet with the candidates prior to
the final interview on Monday night. Thank you letters will be sent to Mr. Biddle and Police Chief Sherrill in appreciation of their service on the search committee.
5. Selectmen Licenses, Permits and Appointments
Motion by Sel. White, seconded by Sel. Renzoni, it was UNANIMOUSLY VOTED TO APPROVE A ROAD RACE LICENSE TO PAUL LATINO ON BEHALF OF WACHUSETT FITNESS FOR THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 26, 2009 FROM 7AM-1PM.
6. Tax Classification Hearing
Assistant Town Manager Jacquie Kelly announced that the Tax Classification Public Hearing would be postponed until December 7, 2009 because the Department of Revenue has not certified the town’s new growth number. The delay in certification is being caused by a backlog in the DOR offices.
7. Town Manager’s Miscellaneous
The Board reviewed a letter from School Superintendent Pandiscio to Secretary of Education Paul Reville outlining the inequitable results of school transportation cuts recently implemented by Governor Patrick. The cuts, made during the mid-year budget cycle, have double its effect on school transportation budgets across the District, including Holden. As the Superintendent points out in his letter, the Town of Holden hosts the District High School and is left paying for over 40% of the District’s transportation budget.
Assistant Town Manager Kelly read a letter from Michael J. Hanlon, Jr. Executive Director of the MA Collectors and Treasurers Association announcing that the Association’s Board of Certification has renewed for an additional period expiring on December 31, 2014, the Certification of Jean Berg, Holden Treasurer/Collector. Certification is granted only to those previously Certified candidates who continue to attend the annual school of the Association at the University of Massachusetts, Amherst each year and successfully complete the required courses in municipal law, finance, and administration. The Board extended its congratulations to Ms. Berg for this achievement and honor. The Board additionally recognized and applauded Ms. Berg for her dedication to the Town of Holden as an employee for over thirty years and for
her continued commitment to meeting high professional standards of her office. A letter recognizing her accomplishments will be sent to Ms. Berg on behalf of the Board.
Assistant Town Manager Kelly informed the Board that the Holden Cable Committee would hold a public hearing on Monday, November 23, 2009 at 7PM at the Senior Center. The Cable Committee will discuss a proposal from Charter Communications for a renewal of its license to provide Cable services in the Town of Holden.
The Board reviewed an update from Denise Morano, Recreation Director concerning plans for a skateboard park. An informational meeting was held on Tuesday, November 10, 2009 with forty interested parties in attendance. The group is enthusiastic about proceeding with skateboard park planning, with some of the attendees volunteering to help out by serving on a park planning task force. A follow-up meeting is scheduled for January 2010.
The Board reviewed Revenue and Expenditure Reports for the period ending September 2009, prepared by Lori Rose, Town Accountant.
Assistant Town Manager Kelly updated the Board on the Town’s currently appointed Town Constables. Constables are appointed every three years, and with the exception of Constable David Carson, their appointments are a condition required by their individual employers. Mr. Carson, whose position only serves/posts town warrants, town meetings, elections etc., does not require reappointment.
8. Selectmen Goals
Sel. White said he felt that the 2011 budget should come in level funded and that the only growth should be seen in the labor line item. The remainder of the budget should be level funded and as lean as possible. He encouraged the Administration to put in the minimum necessary to depreciation accounts.
Motion by Sel. White, seconded by Sel. Renzoni, it was UNANIMOUSLY VOTED THAT THE BOS NOTIFY THE TOWN MANAGER THAT BOARD EXPECTATIONS ARE THAT FY2011 BUDGET IS LEVEL FUNDED WITH THE EXCEPTION OF PERSONNEL/LABOR COSTS.
9. Sel. Subcommittees
Sel. Renzoni: Holden Tomorrow Implementation/Master Plan: Met November 9th. Next meeting: December 9th.
Sel. Jumonville: Memorial Day Parade: Next meeting: Town Hall 7PM November 18th.
Civil Service Study Committee: Next meeting in December.
Sel. Ferguson: Affordable Housing Partnership: Has not met.
Town Manager Search:
Sel. White: PSBC: Building continues to progress on schedule in a positive direction.
Sel. O’Brien: EDC:
Water/Sewer: Will meet in December. Wants to meet with the Selectmen in January 2010 to discuss the budget. October W/S Budget report is one-half million over expended.
10. Sel. Miscellaneous
Sel. Ferguson: 1. Announced that Employee Appreciation Week would be held December 7 – December 11, 2009. An Employee Appreciation Ceremony would be held December 7, 2009.
Sel. Renzoni: 1. Announced that Help at H.O.M.E. contribution envelopes would be sent out with the next utility bill cycle. Help at H.O.M.E. provides assistance to families who may be experiencing financial hardships during these economic times. Further information may be found at townofholden.net or by contacting the Senior Center for Help at H.O.M.E. at 508-829-0270.
Sel. White: 1. In receipt of the Water/Sewer revenue expense report for October, which is in deficit by almost half a million dollars. Sel. O’Brien commented that DPW Director Jim Shuris feels that revenues are going to perform to offset the deficit. Reserves need to be established to meet with deficit “spikes” such as the Upper Blackstone payment. Chairman Ferguson suggested that Mr. Shuris meet with the Board at their December 21st meeting to review the budget prior to meeting with the Water/Sewer Advisory Board in January 2010.
2. Wind turbine discussion. Ms. Kelly said that the District has a solar project planned for the roof of the high school. However, this project is currently on hold due to a solar rebate issue. A meeting with the District and representatives from UMASS regarding a turbine project occurred several weeks ago. Sel. White asked that the Administration stay on top of the discussions and act as a technical resource. Ms. Kelly said that it is important to benefit the Town as well as the District. Sel. O’Brien concurred that a joint venture would benefit all involved. The Board requested a follow-up at the December 7th meeting.
11. Selectmen Minutes
Motion by Sel. White, seconded by Sel. O’Brien, it was VOTED 3-0-2 WITH 2 ABSTENTIONS TO APPROVE THE AGRICULTURAL COMMISSION INTERVIEW MEETING MINUTES OF OCTOBER 27, 2009 AS PRESENTED. (Abstained: Renzoni, Jumonville.)
Motion by Sel. White, seconded by Sel. Renzoni, it was VOTED 3-0-2 WITH 2 ABSTENTIONS TO APPROVE THE AGRICULTURAL COMMISSION INTERVIEW MEETING MINUTES OF NOVEMBER 2, 2009 AS PRESENTED. (Abstained: O’Brien, Jumonville.)
Motion by Sel. White, seconded by Sel. Renzoni, it was VOTED 4-0-1 WITH 1 ABSTENTION TO APPROVE THE MEETING MINUTES OF NOVEMBER 2, 2009 AS PRESENTED. (Abstained: O’Brien.)
12. Executive Session
Motion by Sel. White, seconded by Sel. Renzoni, it was UNANIMOUSLY VOTED TO ENTER INTO EXECUTIVE SESSION AT 8:12PM TO DISCUSS NON UNION CONTRACT NEGOTIATIONS AND RETURN FOR ADJOURNMENT PURPOSES ONLY. ROLL CALL: RENZONI: YES; O’BRIEN: YES; FERGUSON: YES; WHITE: YES; JUMONVILLE: YES.
13. Adjournment
Motion by Sel. White, seconded by Sel. Renzoni, it was UNANIMOUSLY VOTED TO ADJOURN THE NOVEMBER 16, 2009 MEETING AT 9:22PM.
APPROVED: December 7, 2009
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