HOLDEN BOARD OF SELECTMEN
MEETING MINUTES
July 13, 2009
6:30 PM Senior Center
Present: Chairman Kimberly Ferguson, James Jumonville, Kenneth O’Brien, Anthony Renzoni, David White
Others Present: Brian Bullock, Town Manager, D. M. Moschos, Labor Counsel, Jacquie Kelly, Assistant Town Manager, Elizabeth Helder, Recording Secretary
Chairman Ferguson opened the meeting at 6:30PM. The Board participated in the Pledge of Allegiance.
Statements from the Board
Chairman Ferguson read a statement about the recent events surrounding the contract negotiations and subsequent separation/retirement of the Town Manager from his service to the Town. Chairman Ferguson thanked the Manager and his family for his years of service to the Town. She said that over the next several months, the Town would endeavor to recruit and hire qualified candidates for both the Town Manager position and a Manager for the Light Department. She said that it was important for both the Board and Town to move forward. While change and transition can be a difficult time, the Board needs to remain focused on Town business. The Chairman wished the Town Manager well.
Sel. O'Brien made a statement regarding his commitment to the Town of Holden. He said he has always supported all Town employees. Decisions that were made regarding the separation of the Town Manager from his position with the Town were based on policy only and not age. He said he has the highest respect and admiration for the Town Manager. Sel. O'Brien added that he would not make any further public comments or statements to the Town regarding recent events.
Sel. White requested that the Board approve the executive session meeting minutes of June 2, 2008 prior to making his statement. He said he would reference these minutes in his statement.
Motion by Sel. White, seconded by Sel. Renzoni, it was VOTED 4-0-1 WITH 1 ABSTENTION TO APPROVE AND RELEASE THE EXECUTIVE SESSION MEETING MINUTES OF JUNE 2, 2008 AS PRESENTED. (ABSTAINED: RENZONI).
Sel. White made a statement regarding the recent events surrounding the departure of the Town Manager.
There has been quite a storm of controversy over the past several weeks around the Town of Holden. I want to publicly apologize for the role that I may have played in the uproar. There will be some people that want to assign motives to my actions claiming to know my reasons. I need to tell all of you that only I can and will speak for myself. The statement that I am about to give is corroborated by posted meeting minutes where the intentions of the Board, and me in particular, is made very clear. Any person that attempts to assign other reasons to my actions simply has their own hidden agendas and is making statements that are not accurate. If they are I would love to see their documentation. The issue began last year during the manager's evaluation and subsequent annual salary increase discussions. At that time, the Manager and the Board
negotiated a change to his contract and an accompanying salary increase in recognition of the change in contract. The changes to the contract were:
• A comprehensive transition/management plan for "The Life After Brian Bullock" prepared by August 2008.
• The elimination of the Evergreen Clause effective 6/30/2010.
• 60-day advance written notice by the Town Manager. The Manager will endeavor to provide a longer notice if possible.
• At the request of the Manager, the Board of Selectmen will consider waiving the 60-day notice requirement if such will not be detrimental to the Town's interest.
Because of the changes being made, the manager received a 4.5% salary increase last year. Over the weekend of June 13 and 14 2009, which was after the managers review, and after his salary increase was decided, I wanted to make sure I was clear about the changes that were made last year to the managers contract. On June 15th I sent an email to town counsel asking for clarification. The full content of the email is as follows: Attorney's Martin/Madaus, I want to be made clear on the managers contract status. The way I understand it at this point, absent any action by the BOS, the manager's contract ends next June 30, 2010? We do not have to give him a 12-month notice or any of that. He will not be owed a 12-month buy out if we get to June 30, 2010 if a new contract is not written correct? I just want to be crystal clear.
The response that I received from Attorney Martin said:
1. The contract provides for a current term ending 6/30/10. It also provides that, unless the Town by 6/30/09 provides the Manager by vote of the BOS with notice of its intention not to reappoint him beyond 6/30/10, his contract will automatically be extended until 6/30/11. And that scenario goes on for succeeding years. In other words, any decision to not reappoint the Manager beyond a certain June 30 must be made by June 30 of the prior year with notice of same to the Manager being required by the same June 30 date. This is all contained in Paragraph 3 of the "First Amendment to 2006 Employment Agreement" which was executed in May 2008.
2. If the Board votes to remove the Manager, then the 12 months severance under Paragraph 10 will come into play, but if the Board votes to not reappoint as stated in paragraph 1 above, then there's no provision for severance pay. Holler if you have any questions or if you want me to send you a copy of the paragraphs from the Contract and amendment that I referred to. This is what prompted the questions that I asked at the June 18th special meeting, and the required timing of the motions that were made. I reviewed minutes from the executive session in 2008, when all this was discussed and negotiated. As I recalled, the June 2nd meeting minutes stated: Town Counsel shared a legal document of the Town Manager's Contract. Discussion was held on the interpretation of the end date of the Evergreen Clause. Town Counsel stated that the end date for
the Evergreen Clause is 6/30/10 and that there would be no one-year contract extensions beyond that date. Based on the June 2nd 2008 meeting minutes, my memory was correct:
1. The BOS negotiated the change last year and paid for it.
2. There should have been no required notice by the BOS this year and the contract should have ended in 2010.
Somehow these changes did not make the actual contract document. I take responsibility for not making sure the intended changes were there. There may be some people that want to dispute the intent of the actions of 2008, however, the minutes speak for themselves. If these people somehow represent something different, then either they "miss remember" the facts or they have their own agenda. My memory matches what is in the minutes; it is clearly what my question to Attorney Martin was based on.
To the Manager, I want to apologize for this confusion, and I am sorry that he did not remember last year's actions. My intentions were not to harm him or his family or to have him decide to leave his position as Town Manager. My intentions were to have a contract that had an actual start and end date, and a contract that I felt was fair to the manager and the town.
Public Hearing - Holden Light Department Rate Study and Design
The Manager introduced Mr. Chuck Underhill, an energy consultant with Rates by Design. Mr. Underhill presented the results of the Cost Allocation and Rate Design Study. The Manager introduced members of the Power Advisory Board and employees of the Light Department. The Manager explained that every 10-years, the Light Department evaluates and readjusts cost allocations and rates to reflect changes to the wholesale energy market and how these changes affect rate payers. Time of use rates and simplified rate design were two of the new or modified rates that were considered for the study.
Mr. John Shepherd, Chairman of the Power Advisory Board said that the PAB took a unanimous vote to raise the recommended rate to 2.7% to cover increases that will impact the average residential taxpayer.
The Manager provided the Board with an update on an ice storm reimbursement from MEMA. He said that when and how much the State will reimburse the Town is still unknown. He said that a recent email indicated that the State intended to wait an additional 90-days to begin some type of reimbursement process as some communities are filing extensions for reimbursement. The structure of the storm reimbursement charges for Holden residents would appear as half a customer charge and half as a rate increase. These charges will add approximately $3.50 to customer bills.
The Manager said that rate increases to the municipal pumping rate will affect the City of Worcester's treatment plant in Holden. The Town will continue to honor the discount applied to Worcester's rate bill. The rate increase will only adjust the cost to provide service.
Chairman Ferguson asked if changes to the Underground Utility policy had been developed? PAB Chairman Shephard said that the policy would now require customers to pay to have their underground utilities installed after the first 100 feet. The Manager added that the new rate design study would also include one of Chairman Ferguson's suggestions - a Wait Till 8PM policy. A "Wait Till 8" pilot program will be initiated for high end users, and a separate meter will be installed for those customers who qualify for this program. The Light Department will absorb the meter cost.
Sel. O'Brien said he had some questions for the PAB prior to making a motion to endorse a rate increase. The Manager said that the PAB had unanimously approved the rate increase. He hoped that the Board to endorse the rate design study and cost allocation changes too.
Sel. White inquired what would happen if the Selectmen do not approve the rate increase tonight? Is there a downside to waiting a month? He said residents are inquiring why the Town was not aware of all of the rate increases prior to the approval of the Town budget at Town Meeting.
Discussion about the proposed study was suspended until after Citizens' Address.
Citizens' Address
The Chairman reviewed the guidelines for addressing the Board during Citizens' Address.
Mr. Joseph Sullivan, 63 Highland Street, expressed dismay and regret at the events surrounding the departure of the Town Manager.
Mr. Tim Kelly, 425 Causeway Street, spoke about the Town Manager's departure. He said that the Town had suffered a great loss and cast a dark shadow over his departure. Mr. Kelly said that Sel. O'Brien's letter to the Democratic Committee should be made available to the public.
Mr. Ed Benoit, 35 Sherwood Hill Drive, said that he had worked with all Board members and the Town Manager over the years. While he recognizes the role and right as Selectmen to hire and fire, he rejects the rational, timing, and purpose of the Manager's departure from his position. He said the manner and secretiveness by which the Board made their decision to dismiss the Town Manager was disturbing. He expressed his disappointment with the Board and said that he will watch future elections.
Ms. Louise Hugo, Highland Street, expressed concern how this Board tries to control the community. She said that town politics should have much more citizen input and public hearings. She said it seemed that the Board couldn't separate policy from politics in town. The loss of the Town Manager is a poor mark on the Town's democratic process.
Mrs. Karen King, 45 Brunnell Drive, stated that she works in the non-profit sector and said that the success of the Town is the strong working relationship between the Board and the Town Manager . Clearly the relationship between the Board and Mr. Bullock has broken down. She said both parties need to move forward in a diplomatic and positive way.
Mr. Ed Meyer, Fort Sumter Drive, spoke about the well-intentioned efforts by two Selectmen who ultimately opened Pandora's box. He said a simple misunderstanding spun out of hand. He requested that the Board enter into Executive Session to renegotiate and correct their mistake in order to rehire the Town Manager to a 2-year term with the removal of the Evergreen Clause. Mr. Meyer requested that the Board censure Sel. O'Brien for his statement to the Democratic Committee. Mr. Meyer made some disparaging remarks about Sel. O'Brien before being interrupted by Chairman Ferguson.
Cost Allocation and Rate Design Study Discussion (reopened)
The Board thanked the Administration for providing the rate study results well in advance to the meeting. The Board continued discussion regarding the study recommendations. The Manager explained that the uncollected PCA (power cost adjustment factor) is under funded by almost one million dollars. The Light Department has been able to float a small portion of the Town's energy purchase costs. However, the cost of energy fluctuates - and in the summer of 2008, energy rates spiked and costs were not recaptured, and the Town did not pass on the higher costs to the ratepayers. Sel. White requested that the Board is presented with all Towns budget needs/information during the same time budget-planning period in order to consider all of the Town's budget requirements.
Motion by Sel. O'Brien, seconded by Sel. Jumonville, it was UNANIMOUSLY VOTED TO ACCEPT THE PROPOSED RATE INCREASES TO THE HOLDEN MUNICIPAL LIGHT DEPARTMENT AS PRESENTED BY THE ADMINISTRATION.
Licenses and Appointments
The Board agreed to waive all license fees associated with Holden Days.
Motion by Sel. White, seconded by Sel. Jumonville, it was UNANIMOUSLY VOTED TO APPROVE AN APPLICATION FOR A PUBLIC ENTERTAINMENT LICENSE TO JENNIFER STANOVICH ON BEHALF OF HOLDEN DAYS FOR LIVE MUSIC AT THE DAMON HOUSE AND GREEN SPACE IN THE REAR FROM FRIDAY, AUGUST 21 THROUGH SATURDAY, AUGUST 22, 2009 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 UNANIMOUSLY VOTED TO APPROVE AN APPLICATION FOR A PUBLIC ENTERTAINMENT LICENSE TO JENNIFER STANOVICH ON BEHALF OF HOLDEN DAYS AT THE BUBAR FIELDS AND BANDSTAND AREA FROM FRIDAY, AUGUST 21 THROUGH SATURDAY, AUGUST 22, 2009 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 UNANIMOUSLY VOTED TO APPROVE AN APPLICATION FOR A COMMON VICTUALER LICENSE TO JENNIFER STANOVICH ON BEHALF OF HOLDEN DAYS FOR A FOOD COURT AT THE DAMON HOUSE GROUNDS FOR SATURDAY, AUGUST 22, 2009, 8AM-3PM PENDING RECOMMENDED FINAL APPROVAL OF THE BOARD OF HEALTH AND THE WAIVER OF ALL FEES ASSOCIATED WITH THE LICENSE.
Motion by Sel. White, seconded by Sel. Jumonville, it was UNANIMOUSLY VOTED TO APPROVE A ROAD RACE LICENSE TO GORDON F. WARREN ON BEHALF OF THE CENTRAL MASS STRIDERS FOR SUNDAY, JULY 26, 2009 FROM 5:30PM - 8:30PM PENDING FINAL APPROVAL FROM THE POLICE DEPARTMENT FOR TWO OFFICERS FOR TRAFFIC CONTROL.
Motion by Sel. White, seconded by Sel. Jumonville, it was UNANIMOUSLY VOTED TO APPROVE AN ANNUAL PUBLIC ENTERTAINMENT LICENSE TO HELOUISE VONG, MANAGER, WONG DYNASTY AND YANKEE GRILL INC, FOR MUSIC RADIO, TV AND LIVE ENTERTAINMENT CONFINED TO THE INTERIOR OF THE BUILDING THROUGH DECEMBER 31, 2009 FROM MON-FRI 8AM - 1AM AND SATURDAY 8AM-12AM PENDING FINAL APPROVAL OF THE FIRE, POLICE, BUILDING/ZONING AND WIRING DEPARTMENTS.
Motion by Sel. White, seconded by Sel. Jumonville, it was UNANIMOUSLY VOTED TO APPROVE THE LIST OF ELECTION OFFICERS AS SUBMITTED BY THE REPUBLICAN AND DEMOCRATIC TOWN COMMITTEES ALONG WITH THE NAMES OF UNENROLLED VOTERS AS SUBMITTED TO THE TOWN CLERK'S OFFICE FROM SEPTEMBER 1, 2009 THROUGH AUGUST 31, 2010 AS PRESENTED.
Motion by Sel. Jumonville, seconded by Sel. White, it was UNANIMOUSLY VOTED TO APPOINT MARY E.L. SHEPHERD TO THE HOLDEN CULTURAL COUNCIL TO A TERM EXPIRING ON JUNE 30, 2010.
Discussion of Light Department Manager Position
Attorney D.M. Moschos and the Board discussed the separation of duties of the Town Manager who, also serves as the Manager of the Light Department. Mr. Moschos presented a draft motion for the Board to consider. The Board must vote to separate the two positions in order to fill the position at the Light Department after the Manager leaves his employment with the Town.
Motion by Sel. White, seconded by Sel. Jumonville, it was UNANIMOUSLY VOTED THAT THE BOARD OF SELECTMEN WISHED TO REMOVE THE FUNCTION OF LIGHT MANAGER FROM THE FUNCTIONS OF TOWN MANAGER EFFECTIVE AFTER THE DEPARTURE OF THE CURRENT TOWN MANAGER AND THAT THE FUNCTION OF THE TOWN MANAGER SHALL BE AS THE CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER OF THE TOWN OF HOLDEN AFTER THE DEPARTURE OF BRIAN BULLOCK AS PRESENTED.
Mr. Moschos said that he would have further information on the progress of the hiring process for both positions at the end of July.
Motion by Sel. White, seconded by Sel. Renzoni, it was UNANIMOUSLY VOTED TO DIRECT TOWN COUNSEL TO DEVELOP A RECRUITMENT PLAN, FORWARD IT TO BOS FOR REVIEW, AND ABSENT ANY CONCERNS, AUTHORIZE THE CHAIR TO ACT ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD AT THE RECOMMENDATION OF TOWN COUNSEL.
Attorney Moschos informed the Board that meeting minutes are subject to attorney/client privilege.
Approval of Previous Minutes
Motion by Sel. White, seconded by Sel. O'Brien, it was UNANIMOUSLY VOTED TO APPROVE THE MEETING MINUTES OF JUNE 1, 2009.
Motion by Sel. White, seconded by Sel. O'Brien, it was VOTED 4-0-1 WITH 1 ABSTENTION TO APPROVE THE ZBA INTERVIEW MEETING MINUTES OF JUNE 15, 2009. (ABSTAINED: JUMONVILLE).
Motion by Sel. White, seconded by Sel. Renzoni, it was VOTED 4-0-1 WITH 1 ABSTENTION TO APPROVE THE MEETING MINUTES OF JUNE 15, 2009. (ABSTAINED: JUMONVILLE).
Motion by Sel. White, seconded by Sel. O'Brien, it was VOTED 4-0-1 WITH 1 ABSTENTION TO APPROVE AND HOLD THE EXECUTIVE SESSION MEETING MINUTES OF JUNE 15, 2009. (ABSTAINED: JUMONVILLE).
Motion by Sel. White, seconded by Sel. Jumonville, it was UNANIMOUSLY VOTED TO APPROVE THE SPECIAL MEETING MINUTES OF JUNE 18, 2009.
Motion by Sel. White, seconded by Sel. Jumonville, it was UNANIMOUSLY VOTED TO APPROVE AND HOLD THE EXECUTIVE SESSION MEETING MINUTES OF JUNE 18, 2009.
Motion by Sel. White, seconded by Sel. Jumonville, it was VOTED 4-0-1 WITH 1 ABSTENTION TO APPROVE THE SPECIAL MEETING MINUTES OF JUNE 25, 2009. (ABSTAINED: RENZONI).
Motion by Sel. White, seconded by Sel. Jumonville, it was VOTED 4-0-1 WITH 1 ABSTENTION TO APPROVE AND HOLD AND RELEASE THE MINUTES UPON THE REDACTION OF TOWN COUNSELS STATEMENTS IN THE EXECUTIVE SESSION MEETING MINUTES OF JUNE 25, 2009. (ABSTAINED:RENZONI).
Town Counsel's statements were redacted to protect attorney/client privilege.
Motion by Sel. White, seconded by Sel. Jumonville, it was VOTED 4-0-1 WITH 1 ABSTENTION TO APPROVE THE SPECIAL MEETING MINUTES OF JUNE 30, 2009. (ABSTAINED: RENZONI).
Motion by Sel. White, seconded by Sel. O'Brien, it was VOTED 4-0-1 WITH 1 ABSTENTION TO APPROVE AND HOLD AND RELEASE THE MINUTES UPON THE REDACTION OF TOWN COUNSELS STATEMENTS IN THE EXECUTIVE SESSION MEETING MINUTES OF JUNE 30, 2009. (ABSTAINED: RENZONI).
Motion by Sel. White, seconded by Sel. O'Brien, it was VOTED 4-0-1 WITH 1 ABSTENTION TO APPROVE THE SPECIAL MEETING MINUTES OF JULY 6, 2009. (ABSTAINED: RENZONI).
Motion by Sel. White, seconded by Sel. Jumonville, it was VOTED 4-0-1 WITH 1 ABSTENTION TO APPROVE AND HOLD AND RELEASE THE MINUTES UPON THE REDACTION OF TOWN COUNSELS STATEMENT IN THE EXECUTIVE SESSION MEETING MINUTES OF JULY 6, 2009. (ABSTAINED: RENZONI).
The Chairman announced that the placeholder for Executive Session at the end of the July 13, 2009 meeting is not necessary and no meeting will be held.
Town Manager's Miscellaneous
a. The Manager informed the Board that the Fire Department was awarded a grant for $2,500 from the MA Emergency Management Agency to offset costs incurred in the enhancement of emergency management initiatives.
b. The Manager informed the Board that the Police Department was awarded a federal grant in the amount of $2,000 towards the purchase of an energy efficient departmental vehicle. The Department will use the grant towards acquiring a Ford Fusion Hybrid vehicle, which will be assigned to the Town Manager's office or the Police Department.
Sel. Renzoni left the meeting at 8:15PM.
c. The Manager announced that on Saturday, June 27th the Library hosted five-hundred children and their parents for the kick-off of our summer programs - Star Wars. On Tuesday, June 30th, the Library welcomed two-hundred and fifty small children and their parents who attended the Teddy Bear Picnic. In addition to holding its popular summer programs, Library usage continues to be high. In the month of June, 11,500 people came to the Library to use their excellent collection and resources. The Board thanked Library Director Jane Dutton and her staff for providing a high level of service and a welcoming atmosphere.
Sel. White requested that the Board present the staff at the Library with a "Hat's Off" award.
Sel. Renzoni returned to the meeting at 8:18PM.
d. The Manager shared the news that the Town received the counter-signed Renewable Energy Trust Membership Agreement from the MA Technology Collaborative. The next step is to implement the monthly membership charge and send documentation illustrating the effective date of the charge for the Trust. The monthly Trust charge and remittance will be based upon $.00050 per kilo-watt hour usage. The Trust charge is included in the overall rate study and design. For a customer using 500 kilo-watt hours per month, the Trust charge will be $0.25 per month or $3.00/year. Based on this implementation, MTC grants or loans for renewable energy projects will be available to customers by the end of the summer. Residents are asked to hold renewable energy projects until the grant money becomes available. A link will be available on the Town's web site.
Sel. O'Brien returned to the meeting at 8:20PM.
e. The Board read a notice from Secretary William F. Galvin, Chairman of the MA Historical Commission, informing the Town that the Charles Hendricks House and Barn Project has been selected for a matching allocation of $31,000 from the Commission's Round 15 MA Preservation Projects Fund. The matching grant will be used to offset the cost of restoration, roof repair, carpentry work, and exterior painting of both structures.
f. The Manager read a memo from Rich DeWitt, DPW Superintendent regarding the debris pick-up from the Ice Storm. Debris pick-up began on May 13, 2009 and continued six-days a week until it was completed on June 19, 2009. A total of 7,827 tons of debris was collected. The DPW Highway Division worked with the contractors as guides, monitors, problem solvers, and liasions to the public answering residents' questions and addressing issues as they arose. DPW staff worked many ten-hour days and Saturdays to bring the project to a successful conclusion. The tree limb and hanger removal program continued after that date and was completed by June 30, 2009. The head of the Forestry crew worked closely with the tree removal contractor and the on-site FEMA monitor. The team approach worked out successfully for both the contractor and the town as
questions and problems were addressed in the field. The Manager and the Board, on behalf of the entire town, thanked Mr. DeWitt and his staff for closely monitoring the debris removal. The dedication, skills, and talents of the DPW and Forestry employees including Mike Flagg, HMLD Superintendent brought the clean-up to a successful end.
Sel. White said that a "Hats Off" award seems an inadequate gesture of gratitude for the work completed by these employees. He said that he would leave a more tangible form of thanks to the Administration.
g. The Board reviewed the Year-To-Date Revenue and Expenditure Reports for the period ending May 31, 2009.
h. Motion by Sel. White, seconded by Sel. Jumonville, it was UNANIMOUSLY VOTED TO AUTHORIZE THE TOWN MANAGER TO ACT ON BEHALF OF THE APPLICANT AS ITS AGENT, IN FILING APPLICATIONS FOR EXECUTING AGREEMENT REGARDING, AND PERFORMING ANY AND ALL OTHER ACTIONS NECESSARY TO SECURE FOR THE APPLICANT SUCH LOAN(S) FOR CONSTRUCTION OR PLANNING OF DRINKING WATER PROTECTION PROJECTS AS MAY BE MADE AVAILABLE TO THE APPLICANT PURSUANT TO THE PROVISIONS OF THE MA CLEAN WATERS ACT AS PRESENTED BY THE ADMINISTRATION.
i. The Board reviewed a flyer that will be distributed through light department billing cylces in July regarding recycling and water and sewer rate increases.
FY2009 Inter-Fund Transfer
Chairman Ferguson announced that the Finance Committee met on July 13, 2009 to approve interdepartmental transfers of FY2009.
Motion by Sel. White, seconded by Sel. Renzoni, it was UNANIMOUSLY VOTED TO APPROVE INTERFUND TRANSFERS OF FY2009 OF $9,999 FROM EDUCATION, VOCATION EDUCATION TO GENERAL GOVERNMENT AND $5,960 FROM PUBLIC SAFETY, EMS TO GENERAL GOVERNMENT.
Sel. Subcommittees
Sel. Renzoni: Holden Tomorrow Implementation: Have not met.
Sel. Jumonville: Memorial Day Parade: Next meeting will be in September.
Sel. O'Brien: EDC:
Water/Sewer Advisory Committee: SRF design phase is on target. Committee will meet in August.
Sel. White: PSBC: Construction excavation is ongoing.
Sel. Ferguson: Civil Service Study Committee: Letters of appointment to the Committee will be made within the month. Over 10 residents volunteered to serve on the Committee.
Sel. Miscellaneous
Sel. O'Brien: 1. Requested a final revenue and expense report for the water/sewer account. The Manager said that an end-of-the-year report will take approximately 20-30 days to complete.
2. Asked several questions regarding light department revenues and expenses. The Manager handed out a written response to Sel. O'Brien's questions. He explained that some of Sel. O'Brien's questions could be cleared up because there was only one billing in cycle in December 2008 due to the Ice Storm.
3. Suggested that the Administration investigate the establishment of a committee to investigate clean energy options for the Town i.e. a wind turbine at the high school or a photovoltaic process at the site of the former landfill. The Municipal Power Advisory Board could also provide some help in this area.
4. The Manager informed the Board that VISA dropped the Town to accept payment for town bills. This type of service is no longer available to the Town. This service may return in the future.
5. Made an Eagle Scout presentation to Bruce Christiano of Boy Scout Troop #182.
Sel. Renzoni: Nothing to report.
Sel. Ferguson: 1. Town Manager's priority list discussion. The Manager will email the current list. Any futher suggestions or ranking of the list should be emailed to the Manager.
2. New Ambulance service began on July 1, 2009.
3. Residents are complaining that the water at the pool is cold. Is there a way to heat the water?
Sel. Jumonville: 1. Informed the Manager that residents in the Kenwood Road area are interested in having a "Dead End" sign placed at the intersection of Kenwood and Winthrop Lane. The Manager said that Town staff is currently evaluating the request.
2. Informed the Manager that a fire hydrant on Chapel Street near the intersection of Alden Hill is leaning and is in need of repair or replacement.
Sel. White: 1. Requested that Executive Session Minutes that have been approved and released are posted on the Town web site.
The Board thanked Ms. Kelly for her efforts as acting Town Manager over the past ten days.
Follow-Up on Citizens' Address
The request to renegotiate the Manager's contract will not be acted upon. Exhaustive efforts were already made in this area. Residents are encouraged to read Executive Session minutes that will be posted on the web site.
Adjournment
Motion by Sel. O'Brien, seconded by Sel. Renzoni, it was VOTED 4-0 TO ADJOURN THE JULY 13, 2009 MEETING AT 8:53PM.
APPROVED: August 17, 2009 as amended
| 
