HOLDEN BOARD OF SELECTMEN
MEETING MINUTES
AUGUST 17, 2009
6:30 PM Senior Center
Present: Chairman Kimberly Ferguson, James Jumonville, Anthony Renzoni, Kenneth O’Brien (arrived 6:32PM), David White
Others Present: Brian Bullock, Town Manager, Jacquie Kelly, Assistant Town Manager, Elizabeth Helder, Recording Secretary
Chairman Ferguson opened the meeting at 6:30 PM. The Board participated in the Pledge of Allegiance.
Selectmen Licenses, Permits and Appointments
Motion by Sel. White, seconded by Sel. Jumonville, it was VOTED 4-0 TO APPROVE AN APPLICATION FOR A COMMON VICTUALER LICENSE TO DONALD LAING ON BEHALF OF FIRST CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH FOR HOLDEN DAYS/CHICKEN BBQ FOR SATURDAY, AUGUST 22, 2009, 8AM – 3PM PENDING RECOMMENDED FINAL APPROVAL OF THE FIRE DEPARTMENT AND THE WAIVER OF ALL FEES ASSOCIATED WITH THE LICENSE.
Motion by Sel. White, seconded by Sel. Jumonville, it was VOTED 4-0 TO APPROVE AN APPLICATION FOR A COMMON VICTUALER LICENSE TO REBECCA SULLIVAN ON BEHALF OF CUB SCOUT PACK 46 FOR HOLDEN DAYS/SNACK SHACK FOR SATURDAY, AUGUST 22, 2009, 9AM – 3PM PENDING RECOMMENDED FINAL APPROVAL OF THE FIRE DEPARTMENT AND THE WAIVER OF ALL FEES ASSOCIATED WITH THE LICENSE.
Motion by Sel. White, seconded by Sel. Jumonville, it was VOTED 4-0 TO APPROVE AN APPLICATION FOR A COMMON VICTUALER LICENSE TO REBECCA SULLIVAN ON BEHALF OF CUB SCOUT PACK 46 FOR A SNACK SHACK AT MOUNTVIEW MIDDLE SCHOOL DURING SOCCER SEASON AUGUST 29, 2009 THROUGH NOVEMBER 8, 2009 SATURDAYS 8AM – 5PM AND SUNDAYS 12PM – 5PM PENDING RECOMMENDED FINAL APPROVAL OF THE FIRE DEPARTMENT.
Motion by Sel. White, seconded by Sel. Jumonville, it was VOTED 4-0 TO APPROVE AN APPLICATION FOR A COMMON VICTUALER LICENSE TO CAROL STRAIT ON BEHALF OF THE BONGO BAR FOR HOLDEN DAYS FOR SATURDAY, AUGUST 22, 2009, 9AM – 4PM WITH THE WAIVER OF ALL FEES ASSOCIATED WITH THE LICENSE.
Sel. O’Brien joined the meeting at 6:32 PM.
The Manger presented a request from Cynthia Bazinet, Chairman of the Democratic Town Committee to nominate a member of the committee to the Board of Registrars of Voters. Ms. Bazinet submitted her nomination request in order of preference: 1. Azim Rawji; 2. S. Jane Arntz; 3. Robin VanLiew.
Motion by Sel. White, seconded by Sel. Jumonville, it was VOTED 4-0-1 WITH 1 OPPOSED TO APPOINT S. JANE ARNTZ, 197 UNION STREET, HOLDEN TO THE HOLDEN BOARD OF REGISTRARS. (Opposed: O’Brien.)
HELP at H.O.M.E. Annual Report
Ms. Karen Halley, Co-Chair of HELP at H.O.M.E., presented the HELP at H.O.M.E. 2009 Annual Report.
A Public Service announcement prepared by HELP at H.O.M.E. Committee member Johnny Suire was shown. The PSA will run on Holden TV, Channel 11. A fundraising flyer will be sent home in the November utility bills in time for winter. Sel. White suggested offering residents the option of making monthly contributions on their utility bills. Food Pantry Drop Sites are available at Big Y, the Gale Free Library, and the Leominster Credit Union.
Vote to Convey Parcel of Town-Owned Land, - Homestead Road
The Manager read the notice regarding the sale of a parcel of land located on Homestead Road (Map 200, Parcel 34) into record.
Motion by Sel. White, seconded by Sel. Jumonville, it was UNANIMOUSLY VOTED TO AUTHORIZE THE SALE OF THE PARCEL OF LAND LOCATED ON HOMESTEAD ROAD TO JAMES AND JANICE NIEMI FOR THE SALES PRICE OF $1,100 AS PRESENTED.
Sel. White said he would like the proceeds of the sale to go to the IIF. The Manager said that the money was expected to go to Free Cash. A vote at Town Meeting will be necessary to transfer the money to the IIF.
Announcement of MA Department of Agriculture Purchase of APR – Parcel 166-2, 166-3, 166-5, Near Malden Street, Holden
The Manager informed the Selectmen that the Town was in receipt of a letter from the Department of Agricultural Resources informing the Town of its intent to potentially purchase an agricultural preservation restriction and related town requirements on assessor parcels 166-2, 166-3, and 166-5 on Malden Street. The notice requested that the Town announce the above purchase consideration to the public.
The Manager read the notice of intent into record.
Town Manager’s Miscellaneous
The Manager informed the Board that the Dawson Pool would remain open until Sunday, August 30, 2009 at 7:15PM. The Board thanked Recreation Director Denise Morano for securing sufficient trained staff to keep the pool open until the end of August. The Manager shared an updated account of summer recreation registration statistics from Ms. Morano. In her memo, Ms. Morano stated that to date, revenue from recreation pass sales was down, as compared to 2008 sales.
The Manager informed the Board that the State-owned land valuation was announced in July 2009. Beverly Kenniston, Principal Assessor for the Town, contested the announced value and requested a formal review, despite a very short window of opportunity to contest and substantiate the review request. As a result of Ms. Kenniston’s request, the Commissioner of the Bureau of Local Assessment reviewed the fair cash valuation of the Division of Conservation and Recreation’s Water Supply Protection Land from $26,258,500 to $28,975,700 or an increase of $2,717,200. More importantly, the number of prime lots was increased from 344 to 407. The Board thanked Ms. Kenniston and her staff for their professionalism, unwavering attention to the valuation process and for securing a significant increase in state-owned land
valuation and future in-lieu of tax payments due to the Town. Sel. O’Brien requested that the Board send Ms. Kenniston and her staff a “Hat’s Off” Award for their good work. Additionally, he asked if land owned by the City of Worcester in Holden was also considered “undervalued” as well? The Manager said he would look into the matter.
The Manager announced that the 30th Anniversary of Holden Days would be celebrated on Saturday, August 22 from 9AM-3PM along Main Street. The Board thanked in advance Jennifer Stanovich, Executive Director and other members of the Holden Area Chamber of Commerce for their hard work to put on this annual community event. Chairman Ferguson announced that the Selectmen would staff a table in front of Miles Funeral Home during the event. Sel. O’Brien said that he would call the local USDA office in Worcester to invite representatives to attend with Asian Longhorned Beetle information/literature.
The Board reviewed the Year-To-Date Revenue and Expenditure reports for the period ending June 2009. In response to a question from Sel. O’Brien, an increase in bond revenue came from SRF loan money.
The Manager informed the Board that the bids received for the restoration of the Starbard, Town Hall and Damon House buildings came in significantly higher than the original estimate of $300,000. As a result, the specification has been revised and re-advertised with a new bid-opening date of September 2, 2009. The Finance Committee will discuss the funding of the project at its August 19, 2009 meeting. The Selectmen have been posted for the meeting. Mr. Mike Pagano from Lamoureux-Pagano will be in attendance at the meeting to answer questions. Chairman Ferguson added that the Finance Committee would also discuss a financial request as it pertains to the search for new Town Manager at the meeting.
The Board interrupted Town Manager’s Miscellaneous to proceed with Citizens’ Address at 7PM.
Citizens’ Address
Mr. Joe Sullivan, Highland Street, approached the Board regarding the Town Charter. Elected officials should be held accountable every minute of their service, not to every three years. Currently, residents of Holden cannot request a recall of their elected officials. Mr. Sullivan read the election recall requirements. He requested the Board support a charter study committee specifically to review the viability of petitioning the state legislature to allow changing the town charter so as to allow recall elections
Manager’s Miscellaneous (cont.)
The Manager informed the Board that the Agricultural Commission By-law was approved by the
Attorney General on June 24, 2009. There is a 90-day posting period where the by-law is posted in each town precinct. Once the 90-day period expires on September 24, 2009, the by-law will become effective and members to the Commission can be appointed.
The Manager reported that complaints from area residents of Dawson Pond revealed that the level of the pond was unusually high. DPW employees were dispatched and determined that the dam had been obstructed by debris, not allowing the water to drain and stagnate. Once the debris was removed on August 7th, the water level of the pond began to recede down to its normal level. The water draining out of the pond carries a distinct but harmless order. The smell, however, is a nuisance to those using the pool and the playground in back of the pool, which is closest to the drain outfall. The DPW continues to monitor the situation. The Board thanked Mr. Jim Shuris, DPW Director, Mr. Jim Zingarelli, Town Engineer and the Buildings and Grounds crew, especially Dennis Griffin and Jim Ringgard, and Fire
Chief Chandler and Fire Department personnel for assisting with a boat and the tools needed for the job.
The Board reviewed a memo from Town Treasurer/Collector Jean Berg recommending that the Selectmen vote to increase the amount the Town charges for the preparation of a Certificate of Municipal Lien (CML) from the current $25 per CML to $50 per CML effective January 1, 2010.
Motion by Sel. White, seconded by Sel. Jumonville, it was UNANIMOUSLY VOTED TO SCHEDULE A PUBLIC HEARING TO REVIEW THE CHARGES ASSOCIATED WITH THE PREPARATION OF A CERTIFICATE OF MUNICIPAL LIEN FROM THE CURRENT $25 PER CML TO $50 PER CML AS PRESENTED BY THE ADMINISTRATION FOR MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 21, 2009.
The Manager reported that according to Library Director Jane Dutton, July 2009 was the highest month ever for the circulation of books and materials at the Gale Free Library. During that month, 33,694 items were borrowed from the library and over 16,000 visitors walked into the building. Thanks to Ms. Dutton and her staff for the management of record-breaking library attendance.
The Manager reported that Camp, Dresser & McKee submitted the Town’s SRF engineering paperwork to the DEP on August 3, 2009.
The Manager informed residents that the Senior Center and the Library are both air-conditioned and are available to provide relief from the heat of the summer months.
Sel. Subcommittees
Sel. Renzoni: Holden Tomorrow Implementation: Have not met.
Sel. Jumonville: Memorial Day Parade: Next meeting will be in September.
Civil Service Study Committee: Met August 4th. Next meeting is August 24th.
Sel. O’Brien: EDC: Has not met.
Water/Sewer Advisory Committee: Has not met.
Sel. White: PSBC: Under construction.
Sel. Ferguson: Affordable Housing Partnership: Has not met.
Town Manager Search: Have signed a contract with Mark Morse with MMA Consulting Group who will provide help during the search process. Individual interviews with Board members and Department heads will be scheduled within the week. A formal timeline is being created. A formal Search Committee will be created in the near future. Any suggestions for potential candidates should be submitted to Mr. Morse during the individual Selectmen interview process. Board will need to meet in an Executive Session to discuss non-union contract negotiations and real estate transaction at the end of the meeting.
Sel. Miscellaneous
Sel. O’Brien: 1. Discussed the wind turbine feasibility study project at the high school. The Manager added that the Planning Board is currently working on a draft bylaw for wind turbines in town. The Board agreed to send a letter to the high school feasibility study committee to express the town’s interest in purchasing a surplus output of the project and to express the town’s interest in cooperating with the wind turbine effort.
Sel. Renzoni: 1. MOMS Club of the Wachusett Region, a non-profit organization offering support to mothers who stay home either full or part-time with their children, will host a community membership drive during Holden Days. The will be located in the Kids Corner adjacent to the Senior Center.
2. American Legion Post 42 will conduct a fund-raiser at Holden Days. The Legionnaires will sell small US flags for $1. All profits will be donated to Boston Children’s Hospital.
Sel. Ferguson: 1. Thanked DPW for filling sinkhole on Shrewsbury Street at the Red Barn.
2. Double pole removal on Bailey Road and Newell Road: broken pole has been replaced but not removed. When will Verizon/Charter come and move their wires to the new pole. Old pole does not appear stable.
Sel. Jumonville: 1. Reported that growth is inhibiting sidewalk usage along Flagler Drive. Requested DPW cleanup before school starts.
Sel. White: 1. Requested that a review of the water/sewer 2009/2010 numbers be scheduled as an agenda item for the September 8th meeting.
2. Inquired where the town stands on the status of stimulus money. The Manager said that he requested an accounting explanation as to why or why not projects were or were not accepted and is waiting for an answer.
3. The manholes at the McLaughlin address were fixed with ring seals on August 17th.
Follow-Up to Citizens’ Address
The Board agreed that there was no information to follow-up on from Mr. Sullivan’s statement.
Approval of Previous Minutes
Chairman Ferguson said that on the advice of Town Counsel, the Board has been asked to rescind its votes to approve the executive session meeting minutes of June 25, 2009, June 30, 2009 and July 6, 2009.
Motion by Sel. White, seconded by Sel. Jumonville, it was UNANIMOUSLY VOTED TO RESCIND THE APPROVAL VOTES OF THE EXECUTIVE SESSION MEETING MINUTES OF JUNE 25, 2009, JUNE 30, 2009 AND JULY 6, 2009 AS RECOMMENDED BY TOWN COUNSEL.
Motion by Sel. White, seconded by Sel. O’Brien, it was UNANIMOUSLY VOTED TO APPROVE THE MEETING MINUTES OF JULY 13, 2009 AND CHANGE THE NAME ON PAGE 4 TO KAREN KING.
Vote to Move into Executive Session
Motion by Sel. White, seconded by Sel. Jumonville, it was UNANIMOUSLY VOTED TO ENTER INTO EXECUTIVE SESSION TO DISCUSS NON-UNION CONTRACTS AND REAL ESTATE at 7:30PM. ROLL CALL: White: yes; Renzoni: yes; O’Brien: yes; Jumonville: yes; Ferguson: yes.
Adjournment
Motion by Sel. O’Brien, seconded by Sel. Renzoni, it was VOTED 4-0 TO ADJOURN THE AUGUST 17, 2009 MEETING AT 8:53PM.
APPROVED: September 8, 2009
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