HOLDEN BOARD OF SELECTMEN
MEETING MINUTES
JULY 18, 2011
6:30PM Senior Center
Present: Chairman Robert Lavigne, Kenneth O’Brien, Kenneth Lipka
Absent: Anthony Renzoni, James Jumonville
Others Present: Jacquie Kelly, Assistant Town Manager
Elizabeth Helder, Recording Secretary
Others Absent: Nancy Galkowski, Town Manager
Chairman Lavigne opened the meeting at 6:30PM. The Board participated in the Pledge of Allegiance. Chairman Lavigne announced that Assistant Town Manager Jacquie Kelly was serving as Acting Town Manager while Town Manager Galkowski was on vacation. The Chairman announced that Sel. Jumonville would not attend the meeting due to a personal issue and Sel. Renzoni would not attend the meeting because he had been asked to speak at the Wounded Warriors Project conference in Florida. Further information on the Wounded Warriors Project can be found at www.woundedwarriorsproject.com.
Selectmen Appointments, Licenses and Permits
Chairman Lavigne reported that prior to the regular meeting the Board met and unanimously voted to reappoint Mr. Fred Leonardo to a three-year term with the Zoning Board of Appeals.
Residents interested in volunteering on a town committee or board are encouraged to visit www.townofholden.net and fill out a “Do Something” questionnaire.
Motion by Sel. O’Brien, seconded by Sel. Lipka, it was UNANIMOUSLY VOTED TO APPROVE A COMMON VICTUALER LICENSE TO DONALD LAING ON BEHALF OF THE FIRST CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH OF HOLDEN FOR A BBQ ON SATURDAY, AUGUST 27, 2011 FROM 11AM – 3PM.
2. Scratch Ticket Bill
Assistant Town Manager Kelly shared information from Ms. Jennie L. Caissie, Chairwoman of the Oxford Board of Selectmen. to request the Holden Board of Selectmen’s support in writing and sponsoring legislation for a Scratch Ticket Bill. Ms. Caissie’s letter outlined her plan to create this legislation as an economic incentive for consumers to return used scratch tickets similar to the current Bottle Bill used in Massachusetts. Additionally, Ms Caissie states that the implementation of such a bill would help to encourage conservation of materials and energy through recycling, decrease littering expenses for municipalities, and reduce litter throughout the Commonwealth.
Sel. Lipka said he felt he needed more information and evidence to how this bill might monetarily affect local businesses. The Board agreed to postpone discussion of the request until the fall with a full Board. They requested the Town Manager provide further information on how this effort, as well as a proposed bottle bill for water bottles, might impact the town.
3. Town Manager’s Miscellaneous
Acting Town Manager Kelly provided the Board with information regarding a provision of the Open Meeting Law provided for the Attorney General’s office to develop regulations for remote participation at meetings of public bodies. The Board reviewed the draft regulation. The proposed regulations would allow remote participation at meetings under certain circumstances and with strict requirements. Once the regulations are finalized, the Selectmen would determine whether they were appropriate for Holden committee meetings and vote to allow this participation in accordance with the established regulations for any town board, committee or commission. Ms. Kelly advised the Board that if they wished to comment on the draft proposal, it would need to do so at its August 15th
meeting. The Board asked Ms. Kelly to schedule discussion of the proposed provision on its August 15, 2011 agenda.
Ms. Kelly informed the Board that the consultant hired to work on the Central Massachusetts Regional Health District initiative had been scheduled to conduct working/informational meetings for administrators and elected officials on Monday, August 1, 2011 at 1PM and Thursday, August 4, 2011 at 6PM. Members of the Selectmen and Board of Health are invited to attend to ask questions, offer suggestions, or express any concerns on regionalizing these services. Meeting locations TBD.
Ms. Kelly announced that infield renovation work on the Bubar Field located behind the Senior Center had begun. Work is anticipated to take 2-3 weeks.
Ms. Kelly informed the Selectmen that she had begun working with Holden Community TV to create a series of programs to highlight some of the many wonderful programs and services offered to residents of Holden. The first show in the series, which will air in August, showcased the Holden Recreation Areas in Town. The next program will focus on the Gale Free Library and its new Director, Susan Scott.
The Board reviewed a summary report of the 2010-2011 Citizen Satisfaction Survey conducted by the Worcester Regional Research Bureau. In 2009, the town joined with five cities and towns in the New England States Performance Measurement Project (NESPMP) to conduct the first Citizen Satisfaction Survey. Approximately 600 residents were randomly selected to participate and 195 completed the survey. The results show a high level of satisfaction with the overall quality of life and services that the Town provides to its residents. Ninety-eight percent of the respondents were satisfied or very satisfied with the quality of life in Holden. Ms. Kelly reported that the Administration in Holden would continue to review the findings for improvements to services that the Town delivers.
Ms. Kelly announced that on Wednesday, July 20th, the Gale Free Library would sponsor Trucks, Diggers, and Cruisers Day. The event will showcase the trucks and vehicles of the Public Works Department, the Fire Department and the Police Department. The event will be held at the Damon House parking lot across the street from the Library from 10AM-11AM.
Ms. Kelly announced that the Masonic Lodge in Holden had been recognized as an official lodge by the Grand Masonic Lodge. A ceremony will take place on July 26th at 7PM at the Senior Center followed by dinner.
Ms. Kelly announced that the Senior Center would celebrate its 10th anniversary on July 27th. All are invited for birthday cake at 1PM at the Senior Center.
Ms. Kelly reported the tragic death of a 12-year old resident of Holden earlier today of cardiac arrest at soccer camp held at Wachusett Regional High School. The Administration and the Board extended their deepest condolences to the family.
4. Town Manager’s Miscellaneous
Chairman Lavigne informed the Board that Committee assignments would be made in August.
Sel. Miscellaneous
Sel. Lipka: 1. Reported he attended the Light Department Advisory Board meeting.
2. Announced he had discussed the current vacancies at the DPW with the Town Manager prior to her vacation. The DPW Director and Water Superintendent positions are posted through the end of the summer.
3. Announced that the Quinapoxet Flying Club would hold an airshow on July 31 at the site of the former landfill on River Street. The public is invited to attend.
Sel. O’Brien: 1. Announced that the District 4 Holden Little League Champions are playing in Pittsfield tonight and Agawam tomorrow night. If they progress, they will play at the CRA fields on Saturday.
2. Asked to review the year-end revenue and expenditure reports for the Water Sewer budget.
3. Sel. O’Brien referenced an incident that occurred at Goodhile’s Convenience Store on July 7th. He asked for an independent review of the officers’ actions during the incident in order to reinforce the publics’ opinion of the HPD adding that he had every confidence in the HPD. Chairman Lavigne said he would like to let the process work itself out and let Chief Sherrill do his job. He said that public officials should not comment on the incident until all the facts are gathered. At that point the Town can move forward with the process.
Sel. Lavigne: 1. Announced the Selectmen would have a table at Holden Days. He encouraged citizens to drop by the table at the event on August 27th.
2. Announced the heat index in the region would be in the 100’s during the week. He encouraged residents to keep cool at the Holden Pool, Gale Free Library or the Senior Center.
Acceptance of Previous Minutes
Motion by Sel. O’Brien, seconded by Sel. Lipka, it was UNANIMOUSLY VOTED TO APPROVE THE INTERVIEW MEETING MINUTES OF JUNE 20, 2011 AS PRESENTED.
Motion by Sel. O’Brien, seconded by Sel. Lipka, it was UNANIMOUSLY VOTED TO APPROVE THE MEETING MINUTES OF JUNE 20, 2011 AS PRESENTED.
Citizens’ Address
No one came forward to address the Board.
8. Recess to Executive Session
Motion by Sel. O’Brien, seconded by Sel. Lipka, it was UNANIMOUSLY VOTED TO ENTER INTO EXECUTIVE SESSION AT 7:02PM TO APPROVE MINUTES AND RETURN TO REGULAR SESSION FOR ADJOURNMENT PURPOSES ONLY. ROLL CALL: Lipka: yes; O’Brien: yes; Lavigne: yes.
Adjournment
Motion by Sel. O’Brien, seconded by Sel. Lipka, it was UNANIMOUSLY VOTED TO ADJOURN THE JULY 18, 2011 MEETING AT 7:04PM.
APPROVED: August 15, 2011
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