HOLDEN BOARD OF SELECTMEN
TOWN MEETING MINUTES
JUNE 1, 2009
6:30PM Memorial Hall
Present: Chairman Kimberly Ferguson, James Jumonville, Kenneth O’Brien, Anthony Renzoni, David White
Others Present: Brian Bullock, Town Manager, Robert Martin, Town Counsel, Jacquie Kelly, Assistant Town Manager, Elizabeth Helder, Recording Secretary
Chairman Ferguson opened the meeting at 6:30PM. She introduced herself as the new Chair of the Holden Board of Selectmen. The Board of Selectmen welcomed new member Anthony Renzoni to the Board.
Licenses and Permits
The Board interviewed Richard Montbleau for the position of Constable in Holden. Mr. Montbleau explained that he was a 35-year resident who recently retired and was looking for a way to serve his community. The Manager said that the Police Department had no objection to Mr. Montbleau’s appointment.
Motion by Sel. White, seconded by Sel. Jumonville, it was UNANIMOUSLY VOTED TO APPOINT MR. RICHARD MONTBLEAU, 34 DOYLE ROAD AS A CONSTABLE FOR THE TOWN OF HOLDEN.
Sel. O’Brien requested that the Manager clarify the policy for the number of Constables serving in the Town.
Motion by Sel. White, seconded by Sel. Jumonville, it was UNANIMOUSLY VOTED TO APPROVE AN ANNUAL COMMON VICTUALER LICENSE TO HELOUISE VUONG – WONG DYANSTY AND YANKEE GRILL, INC, SUNDAY THROUGH SATURDAY 11AM – 1AM TO EXPIRE DECEMBER 31, 2009 PENDING RECOMMENDED FINAL APPROVAL BY THE FIRE DEPARTMENT, BOARD OF HEALTH, WIRING AND GROWTH MANAGEMENT DEPARTMENTS.
Motion by Sel. White, seconded by Sel. Jumonville, it was UNANIMOUSLY VOTED TO APPROVE A COMMON VICTUALER LICENSE TO DENISE MORANO ON BEHALF OF THE HOLDEN RECREATION DEPARTMENT FOR A SNACK SHACK FROM JUNE 26, 2009 THROUGH AUGUST 25, 2009 10AM – 6PM PENDING FINAL APPROVAL OF THE BOARD OF HEALTH.
Motion by Sel. Jumonville, seconded by Sel. O’Brien, it was UNANIMOUSLY VOTED TO APPOINT JENNIFER CASHIN TO THE CONSERVATION COMMISSION TO FILL A TERM EXPIRING ON DECEMBER 31, 2010.
The Manager informed the Selectmen that three members of the Zoning Board of Appeals were up for reappointment by the Board. The Board requested that the Administration invite the three members to meet with the Board at 6PM to discuss their appointments.
Sel. O’Brien inquired if the resident who lost the bid for the School Committee had been in to fill out a Do Something questionnaire? Ms. Kelly said that the Administration was aware that Mr. Lavigne had been in to express an interest in serving on a Town Committee.
Holden Tomorrow – Implementation Committee
Mr. Mike Wronski, Chair, Holden Tomorrow, spoke about the next step in the implementation of the Master Plan, which was developed by the Holden Tomorrow Committee. He said that the next step in the process would be to create an Implementation Committee and put the plan into action. The Committee will operate as a task force to help guide the recommendations of the plan. The Committee will be made up of residents, town staff and a member of the Board. Interested residents should complete a Do Something questionnaire in the Town Manager’s office.
Sel. Subcommittees
Sel. Ferguson: AHC: Has not met
Sel. O’Brien: EDC: Has not met.
Water/Sewer: Establishing a meeting date with the Selectmen.
Sel. Jumonville: Memorial Day Committee: Committee will meet Tuesday in the Selectmen’s Meeting Room at 7PM. Sel. Jumonville thanked the residents for their participation in this 2009 Memorial Day Parade.
Sel. Renzoni: Not currently serving on a Sub Committee
Sel. White: PSBC: Will meet June 3rd at 6PM. Work will begin on site soon. An official groundbreaking ceremony is tentatively being planned for June 20th.
Fire Chief Chandler
Fire Chief Chandler announced that the Fire Department received its AMS license last week and will assume EMS duties July 1, 2009. The Town’s contract with AMR expires on June 30, 2009. The Chief also announced that the Fire Department began 24hour shifts at 12AM on June 1, 2009.
Sel. O’Brien requested that Chief Chandler return at a future Board meeting to discuss the need to have homeowner’s number their houses with 5 inch numbers/letters for emergency response identification purposes. The Chief encouraged residents to clearly identify their homes.
Town Manager’s Miscellaneous
Motion by Sel. Jumonville, seconded by Sel. White, it was UNANIMOUSLY VOTED TO SET THE SUMMER MEETING SCHEDULE FOR JULY 13TH AND AUGUST 17TH AS PRESENTED BY THE ADMINISTRATION.
The Manager announced that Town Clerk Kathy Peterson had successfully completed the re-count necessary to determine the seating of a third Holden School Committee candidate. Ms. Dawn Torres-Gale was the winner. The Manager commended the Town Clerk and her Election workers, town staff, volunteers and all those who participated in the re-count process. This was a first for the Town of Holden and was handled professionally and expertly.
The Manager informed the Board that it had, on loan, an electronic message board for a trial period starting Friday, May 29th. After reviewing several locations along Main Street, the sign has been placed for a two-week period in front of the Senior Center. The sign is on loan from Kay-Gee Sign of Worcester. The sign is capable of displaying up to twelve messages, with each message changing every ten seconds. The sign is one-sided with a single color display on a black background, and it represents the type of sign the Town would eventually acquire.
Sel. White commented that he felt that the sign is not visible at its current location. He said that it is set back off Main Street and difficult to read. He said that he felt the sign would be more appropriately displayed in a more common area along Main Street. He suggested that the sign be moved to the Main Street/Shrewsbury Street intersection where it will reach a larger town demographic. He said that residents who live in the Chaffins/South end of Main Street may not have the occasion to drive to the center of Town to see the sign. He encouraged the Administration to reconsider the final location of the sign. He added that he hoped the Public Safety Building would also display an electronic sign at its new facility and it will not make sense to have two electronic signs with ½ mile of each
other, if the location remains at the Senior Center.
Citizen’s Address
No one came forward to address the Board during Citizen’s Address.
Town Manager’s Miscellaneous (cont.)
The Manager announced that according to Recreation Director Denise Morano, there are currently 1,171 participants registered for the upcoming recreation summer season. One hundred forty-two classes are offered during the summer excluding the All Day program, and 43 of those programs have been filled.
The Manager announced that the Holden Pool is scheduled to open on June 6-7, June 13-14, and June 20-21. Additionally, the pool will be open to the public in the afternoon, after school hours, from 3PM-7:15PM on June 22, June 23, June 24, and June 25. The pool will be open for the season on Friday, June 26th at 1PM. The Board reviewed a memo from Ms. Morano, Recreation Director, regarding a follow-up on the 5th grade splash party.
The Manager informed the Board that the new Holden Agricultural Commission by-law will become effective 90-days after it is approved by the Attorney General’s office. Additionally, the Selectmen agreed to establish a study committee with regard to the Police Chief’s position and Civil Service. The Board reviewed a draft of the Executive Action.
Motion by Sel. White, seconded by Sel. Jumonville, it was UNANIMOUSLY VOTED THAT THE HOLDEN BOARD OF SELECTMEN ESTABLISH A STUDY COMMITTEE TO STUDY THE POLICE CHIEF’S POSITION AND CIVIL SERVICE AND THAT THE COMMITTEE WILL BE APPOINTED BY THE CHAIR OF THE BOARD OF SELECTMEN.
The Board reviewed the Year-To-Date Revenue and Expenditure reports as prepared by Lori Rose, Town Accountant for the period ending March 2009 and April 2009.
The Manager said that according to Colleen Abrams, the Wachusett Earthday Site Team is in the process of bidding out the construction of the long awaited Wachusett Regional Recycling Center project. The Board thanked the Team for all their work to make the project a reality. The Board recognized Colleen Abrams who has worked tirelessly to provide residents the community with an environmentally conscientious, economical, and effective means of disposing of household hazardous waste. Sel. Jumonville requested that the Administration prepare a “Hat’s Off” award from the Board for Ms. Abrams.
The Board reviewed a CERT National Newsletter, which featured a piece on Holden. The Board thanked the Community Emergency Response Team for a job well done.
The Manager announced that the Northeast Public Power Association newsletter ran an article on HMLD’s Mike Flagg, who was recently appointed as Superintendent. Mr. Flagg has served for over 11 years and has performed admirably, especially during the ice storm emergency. The Board offered its congratulations to Mr. Flagg on his recent promotion.
Chairman Ferguson requested that the Board receive quarterly personnel updates from the Manager. The Manager reported that he is still recruiting to fill the management position at the Light Department.
The Board announced that the annual Employee Appreciation Picnic would be held on June 18, 2009. Town offices will be closed from 12 Noon to 2PM to allow all employees to attend, together.
Sel. Miscellaneous
Sel. O’Brien: 1. Requested an update on the Salisbury Street sidewalk project. The Manager said that the sidewalk would extend to the Fox Hill neighborhood; however, that portion of the project will need to go out to bid.
2. Initiated discussion on the installation of wind turbines at the high school. He said that since the Town was a member of the Mass Technology Collaborative (MTC), the Town should move forward in a partnership with the School District to determine whether the area is a potential wind turbine site. The Manager responded that the Town is not yet a member with MTC, and must wait to apply for grant money for a wind turbine or solar energy study. Sel. White said that he would like a study funded through the HMLD to determine the efficiency of the location. He would like to review solid information first.
3. Sel. O’Brien asked for a review on the repairs at the Unionville Dam intersection. The Manager said that repairs were in progress.
4. Attended the Eagle Scout Awards ceremony for Brandon Foy and Parker Callahan.
Sel. Renzoni: 1. Nothing to discuss.
Public Hearing – Wine and Malt Beverage License – The Specialty Sandwich Company
The Manager read the notice of Public Hearing into record at 7:31PM.
Motion by Sel. White, seconded by Sel. Jumonville, it was UNANIMOUSLY VOTED TO OPEN THE PUBLIC HEARING AT 7:32PM.
Attorney Vincent Pusateri, representing Vasillaq Gjini, owner of the Specialty Sandwich Company, addressed the Board. He said that the license was only for on-premises consumption and only for the interior dining space. Alcohol will be served over the counter and will not be available on a self-serve basis. No alcohol may be consumed on the patio in the front of the store. The applicant will have to reapply for another permit if alcohol is to be consumed outside on the patio. TIPS training may be conducted on line.
Sel. White stressed the importance of attending TIPS training in person. It is important to learn how to conduct interpersonal interventions, which will be difficult to learn on a computer.
Chairman Ferguson echoed Sel. White’s comments regarding in-person TIPS training.
No one from the public approached the Board to address the applicant.
Motion by Sel. White, seconded by Sel. Jumonville, it was UNANIMOUSLY VOTED TO CLOSE THE PUBLIC HEARING AT 7:40PM.
Motion by Sel. White, seconded by Sel. Jumonville, it was UNANIMOUSLY VOTED TO APPROVE A WINE AND MALT BEVERAGES LICENSE TO GJINI, INC. d/b/a THE SPECIALTY SANDWICH CO., VASILLAQ GJINI, MANAGER OF RECORD, 624 MAIN STREET #2, HOLDEN, MA 01520 AS PRESENTED BY THE ADMINISTRATION.
Sel. O’Brien inquired how many wine and malt beverage licenses exist in Holden? The Manager said his office would forward that information to the Board.
Sel. Miscellaneous (reopened)
Sel. Jumonville: 1. Reported that pieces of a telephone pole at 21 Highland Ave were left after brush- pick up. HMLD will clean up. The Selectmen commended the Manager for the professional brush clean up efforts by contractors. To date, approximately 45,000 cu yards and 42 tons of brush have been picked up.
Sel. Ferguson: 1. Discussed an update on Rep. Evangelidis’ efforts regarding the 180-day school year equity ruling and the DOE. The Board agreed to not send a letter to the Governor’s office in support of Rep. Evangelidis’ actions at this time. To date, the Superintendent has not filed special legislation regarding obtaining a waiver.
Public Hearing – Proposed Increase in Water Rates
The Manager read the notice of Public Hearing into record at 7:49PM.
Motion by Sel. White, seconded by Sel. Jumonville, it was UNANIMOUSLY VOTED TO OPEN THE PUBLIC HEARING AT 7:50PM.
DPW Director Jim Shuris outlined proposed water rate adjustments to the FY2010 Water & Sewer Enterprise Fund. Water consumption across the board is way down and so water revenue is down. He said that historically, billings in May and June are higher and should help to offset some of the deficit. Until he sees these billing numbers he cannot accurately predict end of year revenues. FY09 deficit/shortfall projection is expected to be $594K and will need to be made up from other accounts in town to balance the FY09 budget on June 30th. Rate increases enacted July 1, 2009 for FY10 will not be used to offset the FY09 deficit.
Sel. White expressed concern that the Board went into Town Meeting thinking that they had a 128K deficit to solve when it is actually 594K. Why does the administration think that raising rates will cover the deficit for next year? He said that there have been deficit problems with the account for three years. The Town still has to cover the FY09 deficit and Sel. White said he does not think that the FY10 rate increase being recommended by the Administration is enough. He said it was counterintuitive to base a budget expecting residents to buy more water. It’s good that residents are conserving water – suggests that budget should be predicated on not selling as much water. The account should not operate based on whether the weather is dry so the Town is dependent on residents using more water.
The Manager said that no one can predict the weather and therefore water revenues.
A motion made by Sel. O’Brien to continue the public hearing in July 2009 when more information is available and DPW Director can factor in fixed charges died for lack of a second.
A motion was made by Sel. White and seconded by Sel. Jumonville to discuss sending a letter to the W/S Advisory Board to submit a report on a different rate system by August 1, 2009 and a proposed rate structure for commodities.
The Board encouraged Sel. O’Brien as a member of the W/S Advisory Board to work on developing a new rate structure.
Motion by Sel. White, seconded by Sel. Jumonville, it was UNANIMOUSLY VOTED TO SEND A LETTER TO THE W/S ADVISORY BOARD TO SUBMIT A REPORT ON A DIFFERENT RATE SYSTEM BY AUGUST 1, 2009 AND A PROPOSED RATE STRUCTURE FOR COMMODITIES.
The Board engaged in a discussion of rate increases.
Mr. Al Berg, Chairman, Finance Committee was invited to address the Board. Mr. Berg said he and the FinCom were not surprised to hear of the FY09 deficit. Mr. Berg said he was encouraged by the work being performed by Mr. Shuris and that the proposed rate increase for FY10 should work. He reported that the FinCom feels comfortable with proposed FY10 rate increase. He said that the Board should be diligent that every piece of data for the FY09 budget must be made available in a public forum because this will have an impact on future budgets. He requested a joint meeting between the Board and the FinCom when that information becomes available. He informed the Board that they should expect reporting sooner than 1 month after the closing of the previous month. They are too lenient to wait so
long for information.
No one from the public came forward to address the Board
Motion by Sel. White, seconded by Sel. Jumonville, it was UNANIMOUSLY VOTED TO CLOSE THE PUBLIC HEARING AT 8:39PM.
The Board discussed unaccounted for water. The Town lost 4 million gallons last year in leak repairs.
Sel. White said the Town has been way above 10% leak benchmark for too many years – what is the plan to solve this problem? Mr. Shuris said the Town does not have the money to put into the system to fix it. The Town should have included money in the SRF loan to find these leaks. Need to value finding the unaccounted for water and need to find the money to fix it. Mr. Shuris said he is developing a leak detection program to improve on things that need improving.
The Board discussed the Doyle Road meter replacement agenda – can the town recover its losses from the City of Worcester caused by this broken meter? Mr. Shuris said the City of Worcester intends to fix the meter in FY10 and the Town intends to approach Worcester to seek backcharges.
Motion by Sel. White, seconded by Sel. Jumonville, it was UNANIMOUSLY VOTED THAT THE W/S TOTAL BILLING SUMMARY SHEET BE SENT TO THE W/S ADVISORY COMMITTEE WITHIN 1 WEEK OF BEING GENERATED.
Motion by Sel. White, seconded by Sel. O’Brien, it was UNANIMOUSLY VOTED TO SET THE NEW WATER RATES AS PRESENTED BY THE ADMINISTRATION.
A motion made by Sel. Jumonville and seconded by Sel. White that the Board and the W/S Advisory Board and the FinCom Chair should receive financial information regarding the Water Sewer Enterprise Fund every two weeks was withdrawn by the motion maker.
Conservation Restriction White Oak Land Conservation Society Greater Worcester Land Trust
Attorney George Dresser representing White Oak Land Conservation Society and the Greater Worcester Land Trust addressed the Board. He said that the parcel of land is on the Worcester City line between Reservoir Street and Salisbury Street. The land is being purchased from the Worcester Girls Club. The land is being acquired for conservation purposes.
The Manager informed the Board that Town Counsel approved the sale.
Motion by Sel. White, seconded by Sel. Jumonville, it was UNANIMOUSLY VOTED TO APPROVE THE LAND PURCHASE AS PRESENTED.
Public Hearing – Proposed Increase in Trash Rates
The Manager read the notice of public hearing into record at 9:00PM.
Motion by Sel. White, seconded by Sel. Jumonville, it was UNANIMOUSLY VOTED TO OPEN THE PUBLIC HEARING AT 9:01PM.
Dennis Lipka, Director of Growth Management presented two rate scenarios for the FY10 budget. He said that the Town is in its third year of a very successful single stream trash program - recycling rate of 34%-35%. By volume, the Town is recycling at a 50% rate – recycling just weighs less than trash and trash is monitored by weight. Additionally, the Town is in its third year of a 5-year contract with Casella.
Presented Option 1 (65-gal/$16.50/mo) (35-gal/$12.50/mo) and Option 2 (65-gal/$16./mo) (35-gal/$11.50/mo) However, if Option 2 is approved, Mr. Lipka said he would probably have to return to the Board for another rate increase for FY11. No increase in the price of overflow trash bags.
Sel. White inquired what Casella has done in terms of educational outreach to the public? He said he would like to see Casella more involved in efforts to remind citizens to recycle. He suggested putting a banner across Main Street. Need to motivate those who don’t recycle enough and continue to encourage recycling to those that do.
Mr. Lipka said that brochure costs are expensive. He said he has been trying to pursue a recycling program with the School District; however, Holden is one town in a 5-town district. Scheduling time in schools has been difficult due to educational constraints. He reminded the Board that Casella does participate in an electronics-recycling program with the town.
No one from the public came forward to address the Board.
Motion by Sel. White, seconded by Sel. Jumonville, it was UNANIMOUSLY VOTED TO CLOSE THE PUBLIC HEARING AT 9:19PM.
Sel. White said he was inclined to approve Option 2 and then review the line item again in next year’s budget, but not at the numbers presented by Mr. Lipka. What generates the income are the 65 gal toters not the 35 gal.
Motion by Sel. White, seconded by Sel. Jumonville, it was UNANIMOUSLY VOTED TO APPROVE $16.25 AND $11.00 FOR FY10 AND REVIEW THE RATES IN A YEAR.
A motion by Sel. White and seconded by Sel. O’Brien to raise the blue bag fee from $1.00/bag to $1.25/bag was discussed.
Sel. O’Brien said the overflow bags should cost more to encourage residents to recycle.
Chairman Ferguson said that she did not want to see the bags increased any further.
Motion by Sel. White, seconded by Sel. O’Brien, it was UNANIMOUSLY VOTED TO RAISE THE BLUE BAG FEE FROM $1.00/BAG TO $1.25/BAG EFFECTIVE FY10.
Selectmen Miscellaneous (reopened)
Sel. White: 1. Awarded the Starbard Scholarship to Gregg Koenig.
2. Discussed a public ordinance regarding appropriate dress in public.
3. Inquired where the Civil Service/Police Chief issue will go now. He commented that the Board began discussing the issue in the Fall 08’ and never spoke of the subject in a politicized, disparaging manner.
Recess to Executive Session
Motion by Sel. White, seconded by Sel. Jumonville, it was UNANIMOUSLY VOTED TO ENTER INTO EXECUTIVE SESSION TO DISCUSS THE TOWN MANAGER’S CONTRACT AT 9:45PM AND RETURN TO REGULAR SESSION FOR ADJOURNMENT PURPOSES ONLY.
Adjournment
Motion by Sel. O’Brien, seconded by Sel. Jumonville, it was UNANIMOUSLY VOTED TO ADJOURN THE JUNE 1, 2009 MEETING AT 10:26PM.
APPROVED: June 15, 2009
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