HOLDEN BOARD OF SELECTMEN
MEETING MINUTES
NOVEMBER 2, 2009
6:30PM Memorial Hall
Present: Chairman Kimberly Ferguson, James Jumonville, Anthony Renzoni, David White
Absent: Kenneth O’Brien
Others Present: Brian Bullock, Town Manager, Jacquie Kelly, Assistant Town Manager, Elizabeth Helder, Recording Secretary
Chairman Ferguson re-opened the meeting at 6:30PM. The Board participated in the Pledge of Allegiance. The Chairman announced that the Selectmen met in session from 6:00PM – 6:30PM to conduct interviews to fill openings on the new Agricultural Commission. Additionally, she announced that Sel. O’Brien would be absent from tonight’s meeting.
Selectmen Licenses and Permits
The Manager announced that there were no licenses and permits for approval. Annual license renewals will be presented to the Board at the first meeting in December.
Selectmen Appointments
Sel. White announced that the Selectmen conducted interviews to fill vacancies on the newly formed Agricultural Commission on October 27th and November 2nd. Seven highly qualified candidates applied for the seven vacancies (five regular, two alternate).
Motion by Sel. White, seconded by Sel. Renzoni, it was UNANIMOUSLY VOTED TO APPOINT NONA ANTINARELLA, MARY SLOAN, MICHAEL ANTINARELLA, DENISE CUMMINGS, AND ERICH MIERZEJEWSKI AS REGULAR MEMBERS TO THE AGRICULTURAL COMMISSION.
Motion by Sel. White, seconded by Sel. Renzoni, it was UNANIMOUSLY VOTED TO APPOINT JAMES DUNN AND ALEX HILL AS ALTERNATES TO THE AGRICULTURAL COMMISSION.
Appointment letters will be sent by the Administration to the candidates.
Town Manager’s Miscellaneous
The Manager announced that a production of Holden Community Television entitled Spotlight on Literacy – Readers Workshop received first place from the Alliance for Community Media – Northeast Region 2009 Video Festival. The program produced by Kelley Gangi, Curriculum Supervisor for the Wachusett Regional School District and directed and edited by CATV Coordinator Johnny Suire, received the most votes in the School/Educational category for a professional video. Congratulations to Ms. Gangi and Mr. Suire for a job well done!
The Manager informed the Board that the Best of Friends Annual Harvest Fair would be held on Saturday, November 7, 2009 from 9AM – 3PM at the Senior Center. While there is no charge for admission, everyone is asked to bring an item to donate to the Wachusett Food Pantry. The Board extended its thanks to the Friends of the Council on Aging and the many other volunteers who help to make its success and raise funds for the Senior Center.
The Manager updated the Board on the Town’s continued participation in a New England wide research project that attempts to measure and benchmark the delivery of quality municipal services. Partners in the project include communities from across New England, the New England Government Finance Officers Association, and the Worcester Regional Research Bureau. The Manager said that the first step in the process occurred when the Town conducted a charrette/focus group to discuss with a targeted group of residents their perceptions of the Town and our delivery of services. In the year and a half since the charrette, the project has focused on Public Works targeting snow removal, and Public Safety, EMS and fire response. The next step in the process will be a public survey to see what a wider sampling of residents
think about the quality of the Town’s services. To that end, the Town is working with a group to develop a survey, which will be conducted online. Participants will be selected in a random basis from the Town’s residential data base. The online survey will be open until December 15, 2009 with tabulation to follow.
The Manager announced that the Town has been awarded a grant from the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, Executive Office of Public Safety and Security State 911 Department. The grant will be used to purchase radio consoles for the new Public Safety Building.
Hats Off Award Presentation – Sharon Lowder
The Board of Selectmen presented Sharon A. Lowder, Assistant Treasurer/Collector with a “Hats Off” Award for successfully meeting all the requirements for certification as a Massachusetts Municipal Assistant Treasurer. The Board commended Ms. Lowder for her professional and dedicated service to her career and to the Town.
Sel. Subcommittees
Sel. Renzoni: Holden Tomorrow Implementation: Next Meeting: November 9 at 7PM at the Starbard Building.
Sel. Jumonville: Memorial Day Parade: Next meeting: TBD.
Civil Service Study Committee: Will meet November 3 at 7PM in the Starbard Building.
Sel. Ferguson: Affordable Housing Partnership: Has not met.
Town Manager Search:
Sel. White: PSBC: Next meeting: November 4, 2009. Steel continues to be erected. Progress on site can be viewed via the Town’s web cam at www.townofholden.net.
Sel. Miscellaneous
Sel. Renzoni: 1. Asked the Manager about a recent pay increase for the Veteran’s Agent, and changes to the Veteran’s Agent’s office hours. The Manager said the increase in pay was to compensate the Agent for the number of cases that are currently active. Changes to the office hours were made because it was determined that the drop-in “open” office hours were not a productive use of the Agent’s time since no one came to see her during her office hours. Appointments may be made with the Agent during the day at the central office of Veteran’s Services located at 25 Meade Street, Worcester or at night at the Starbard Building.
2. The Manager informed the Board that the DPW is currently evaluating a system to color code the Town’s fire hydrants.
3. Selectmen Renzoni announced that members of the American Legion Post would be selling poppies at Walgreen’s and the Mobil Station in anticipation of Veteran’s Day, November 11, 2009.
Sel. White: 1. Inquired if the Board should have a discussion regarding a Selectmen Goal Setting meeting regarding the FY2011 budget. The Manager will schedule the item for discussion on the November 16, 2009 meeting agenda. The Manager informed the Chairman that he might not be in attendance at the November 16th meeting due to a family commitment. The Manager provided a recap of Governor Patrick’s recent cuts to the State budget and how the loss of revenue will affect the District. While local aid was not cut to the Town, the School District experienced cuts to its budget. It is unknown how these cuts to education will affect the Town at this time.
2. A portable message board has been erected at the Holden/Shrewsbury Street intersection by the HMLD for a trial run.
Sel. Ferguson: 1. Attended a meeting with Bob Moylan, with Worcester DPW and Jim Shuris, Holden DPW regarding the Worcester water meter. The Worcester DPW are investigating the “integrity of the pit” and have committed to change the meter by January 2010. The City has been informed that back billing from July 2009 – forward will occur.
2. The Manager continues the interview process to fill the position of Manager at the Light Department. He said that the process was progressing “ontrack.”
3. Recently received a draft of “proposed” Agricultural Regulations. She informed the viewing audience that any regulations would go through an evaluation/public hearing process and allow for ample public input.
4. Tree cutting on Worcester property on Bailey Road is forestry management/ice storm damage cleanup.
Citizens’ Address
No one came forward to address the Board.
Selectmen Minutes
Motion by Sel. White, seconded by Sel. Renzoni, it was UNANIMOUSLY VOTED TO APPROVE THE MEETING MINUTES OF OCTOBER 19, 2009 AS PRESENTED.
Adjournment
Motion by Sel. White, seconded by Sel. Renzoni, it was UNANIMOUSLY VOTED TO ADJOURN THE NOVEMBER 2, 2009 MEETING AT 7:25PM.
APPROVED: November 16, 2009
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