HOLDEN BOARD OF SELECTMEN
MEETING MINUTES
NOVEMBER 21, 2011
6:30PM Memorial Hall
Present:
Chairman Robert Lavigne, Kenneth O’Brien, Anthony Renzoni,
James Jumonville, Kenneth Lipka
Others Present:
Nancy Galkowski, Town Manager
Robert Martin, Town Counsel
Elizabeth Helder, Recording Secretary
Chairman Lavigne opened the meeting at 6:30PM. The Board participated in the Pledge of Allegiance.
Set Public Hearing for Conversion of Chapter 61 Classified Land
The Town Manager explained the Board of Assessors received Notice of Intent to sell and convert to residential use land on Chapin Road identified as Lot 3, consisting of 4 acres owned by George F. Howatt, Trustee, of the Chapin Road Trust. It is a bona-fide offer to purchase land under M.G.L. Chapter 61-Forest Land of $125,000. The Town has the option to purchase classified land whenever the owner plans to sell or convert it to a residential, commercial, or industrial use, or assign the option to a non-profit, conservation organization. The Selectmen need to take action on this matter and hold a public hearing.
Motion by Sel. Renzoni, seconded by Sel. Lipka, it was UNANIMOUSLY VOTED TO HOLD A PUBLIC HEARING ON DECEMBER 5, 2011 TO CONSIDER THE OPTION TO PURCHASE CHAPTER 61 CLASSIFIED FOREST LAND IDENTIFIED AS LOT 3, MAP 220, PARCEL 4 ON CHAPIN ROAD.
Town Manager’s Miscellaneous
The Manager announced the DPW has added a composting and chipping event on Saturday, December 3, 2011 weather permitting. Loose grass clippings and leaves will be accepted at the Composting Facility located at 560 River Street (the site of the former landfill) and Brush Chipping will take place at the Adams Road garage. Hours of operation are from 8AM – 2:30PM and proof of residency is required.
The Manager said the Holden Fire Department would present four outreach programs for the public, aimed at safety and emergency preparedness. The first program, Weather Related Survival Skills will be held on Thursday, December 1, 2011 from 10:00-11:30AM in the Public Safety Building Meeting Room. The same program will be repeated from 7-8PM that evening. Topics to be discussed include CodeRed, communications during an emergency, life hazards, emergency generators, shelters, and emergency kits. Other future programs will be CPR for the Lay Person, Fire Extinguisher Training, and Public Assembly Fire Safety (aimed at businesses where large numbers of people may be present).
The Manager reported that Santa would arrive in Holden on Saturday, December 3, 2011 at 5PM at Memorial Hall. The Recreation Department invites children of all ages to be on hand for refreshments, to meet Santa, and help light the tree on the Town Common.
The Manager informed the Board that Town staff is appreciative of the Selectmen’s vote to permit Town business offices and non-essential personnel to take the day after Thanksgiving off to spend time with family or other holiday plans. Therefore, Town offices will be closed on Thursday, November 24, 2011 and Friday, November 25, 2011, and will reopen on Monday, November 28, 2011.
The Manager informed the Board that the Town’s FY13 Tax Rate of $16.53 had been approved by the DOR.
Sel. O’Brien: MSBC: Will meet November 29, 2011.
Open Space: Have not met.
Sel. Lavigne: PSBC: Met November 16, 2011 to review punchlist of the new facility and ongoing renovations at the existing fire stations.
EDC: Working on a meeting date.
Sel. Jumonville: Skate Park: Sel. Renzoni attended the latest meeting. Interest and attendance has picked up and a fundraising effort will commence shortly to raise 250K.
Memorial Day Parade: Next meeting December 14, 2011.
Sel. Renzoni: W/S Advisory: Met to discuss connection fees and sewer capacity. He also reported a projected surplus in the enterprise fund of over $500K at the FY’s end in July. The new W/S Superintendent has cautioned Board members not to focus on this number too soon. There are several factors that could result in some major adjustments. Chairman Scott Carlson will step down from the Board this winter. A portion of the surplus is being applied to offset the residential 1” fixed meter fee. The Manager commented that the rate increases scheduled over the next five years would occur as scheduled. It is important to put any surplus in the W/S Enterprise Fund to pay for capital projects. Sel. Renzoni concurred adding that the slow and steady rate increases are necessary.
Master Plan: Will meet December 13th to discuss land use.
Sel. Lipka: Power Advisory Committee: Next meeting will be November 29, 2011. Sel. O’Brien asked how many of the directives created by the Committee after the December 2008 Ice Storm have been implemented? He asked the Manager if a central communications system existed between Town Employees, the Police, the Administration and residents during emergency situations. He referenced a situation between a resident and a downed tree during the October 30th snowstorm. The Manager said she would speak to Mr. O’Brien about the situation.
Affordable Housing: Has not met.
Selectmen’s Miscellaneous
Sel. Lipka: 1. Inquired about adding some police coverage at the intersection by the Light Department.
2. Progress being made on electronic sign is pending on the fiber optic connection.
Sel. Renzoni: 1. Thanked all residents and everyone who assisted the John E. Harkins American Legion Post 42 with their assistance drive. The Veteran’s Day Poppy Drive collected over $600 to assist local veterans and their families during the holiday season. Additionally, a resident collected $500 and the Mom’s Club of the Wachusett Region donated $250 to help with the efforts. The Legion will conduct one more Poppy drive on Saturday, December 3, from 7AM – Noon at Walgreen’s. Any veteran who needs help during the holidays should contact the Veteran’s Agent Karen Greenwood or Sel. Renzoni via the Town’s website or anthonyrenzoni@hotmail.com. Any help is offered on an anonymous basis.
Sel. O’Brien: 1. Announced that Gwen Callahan is collecting for Wee Aid Boxes. Donations can be made at the First Baptist Church in the center of Town.
2. Troop 182 pancake breakfast will be held at First Baptist Church on Saturday, November 26th.
Sel. Lavigne: 1. The Board has been invited to present Certificates of Recognition during Court of Honor ceremonies to Donald P. Williams and David Wood to honor their recent accomplishment of Eagle Scout. Mr. Williams is a member of Boy Scout Troop 182 and Mr. Wood is a member of Boy Scout Troop 175.
2. Power outage occurred in a section of Town last weekend. The Manager said that the CodeRed system was not used because of the short duration of the outage.
Citizens’ Address
Ms. Stacy Jackson, a Holden School Committee member, spoke about the proposed WRSD Technology Initiative. She handed out policy P4331, the Policy Relating to Budget and Finance. She said that some residents had expressed concern about the costs associated with the Town Meeting. Policy 4331 states that the District will fund the reasonable costs for the meeting under certain circumstances. Additionally, Ms. Jackson referenced Section 15 of the Wachusett Regional School District Agreement, specifically Section 15.3. She requested the Board vote to approve the Special Town Meeting request.
Mr. Mike Savino, Highland Ave. SkateBoard Park Chairman announced that a portion of the profits of the TurkeyTrot being held on November 24th would be donated to the skate park.
Mr. Larry Greene, Thomas Road, Princeton, a skate park volunteer, said that he was looking forward to conducting several fundraising efforts to help fund the skate park in the near future.
Mr. Ed Meyer, Fort Sumter Drive, spoke about the upcoming Special Town Meeting. He said opposed the cost of the proposed technology purchase of 7,500 iPads. He said that the estimated cost of the Special Town Meeting was $5000. Even if the District pays the cost, the taxpayers are still ultimately paying for it.
Oriol Health Care, Campus Development Update
Mr. Bob Oriol provided an update on campus improvements being made through a renovation and expansion of Oriol Extended Health Care. Construction will begin in mid-December. He said he had approached by a local organization to provide a medical service center on the campus. He said he was unable to disclose the name of the organization at this time. The medical services would include Primary Care doctors and some specialists. No walk-in medical services are being planned at this time. He said he would return to update the Board within the next 90-days. Local contractors will be used as the project permits.
The Board thanked the Oriol family for their continued commitment to the residents of the Town.
Chairman Lavigne said that the Board could not discuss the District’s request for a Special Town Meeting until Dr. Pandiscio arrived to the meeting. The agenda item is posted for 8PM.
Motion by Sel. Renzoni, seconded by Sel. Jumonville, it was UNANIMOUSLY VOTED TO RECESS AT 7:27PM AND RECONVENE AT 7:45PM TO SEE IF DR. PANDISCIO ARRIVES TO THE MEETING.
At 7:45PM Chairman Lavigne called for a motion to recess until 8PM.
Motion by Sel. Renzoni, seconded by Sel. Lipka, it was UNANIMOUSLY VOTED TO RECESS AT 7:45PM AND RECONVENE AT 8:00PM TO SEE IF DR. PANDISCIO ARRIVES TO THE MEETING.
WRSD Request for Special Town Meeting
Dr. Pandiscio, School District Superintendent, addressed the Board to discuss how the Wachusett Regional School District intends to prepare its student to become career and college ready. He said the District has joined a reform movement developed through a partnership that includes federal and state governments, professional associations, and a number of corporations. Together, this movement has formed the Partnership for 21st Century Skills, and has developed a comprehensive framework for school improvement. The framework and additional information regarding the comprehensive initiative can be found at www.p21.org. Dr. Pandiscio said that the heart of the initiative requires an extensive use of technology by students. In a world of digital media, one’s success in both higher education and the world of work is dependent upon the ability to access, produce, and analyze information in digital form. Unfortunately, the District is still locked in the dying world of print media and the
unable to retool the curriculum to address student requirements. He said to address this issue to District needs to 1. Increase the access to Internet ready digital devices; 2. Create a modern wireless infrastructure; 3. Develop innovative, technology-driven curriculum and 4. Provide a more personalized, engaging experience for all students. By adopting this initiative, the District will enhance basic learning skills through technology. With these goals in mind, the School District voted at its October 25, 2011 meeting to ask all member Towns to schedule a special town meeting prior to mid-January in order to raise and appropriate one million dollars to support the 21st Century Skills Initiative. He said the money would be used to create a wireless infrastructure in all of the District’s schools and provide 1500 Internet ready devices to students. Dr. Pandiscio said that the one million dollars represents the amount of debt
authorization for oil remediation that has not been spent by the District. While member towns have no obligation to use the funds for the technology purpose, he said the District thought it was appropriate to ask for consideration based upon the needs of the schools. He presented a 5-year debt schedule, which indicated that Holden’s .4307% share in the first year would be $101,215.
Sel. Renzoni said that while he agreed with all of the arguments made, he asked why rush to have a Special Town Meeting in January 2012? Dr. Pandiscio said it would allow the District to go out to bid, contract for the technology, and train teachers to start the program when school begins in September 2012. A May Town Meeting would delay the start of the program. Sel. Renzoni inquired if the District had an excess of 1M in its budget? Peter Brennan, District Business Manager said that excess cash had been applied to the 2012 budget to reduce the Town’s assessment. Sel. Renzoni asked for evidence that District students are lacking in 21st Century technology schools. He also asked what impact this initiative would have on the District’s budget in future years and how would it be
sustained? He said that this type of decision should be made during the budget season. Dr. Pandiscio commented that the Wachusett School District receives the smallest per pupil expenditure in the Commonwealth. Sel. Lipka asked how certain that the oil/environmental issue had been remediated? Mr. Brennan commented that the oil remediation machine had been disconnected and the District would not have to go out to bond for further remediation.
Town Counsel said he thought that the remediation bond vote could not be amended to use the money for another purpose; the money had been borrowed for a specific purpose. Sel. Lipka said he could not vote on the technology debt initiative until a determination had been made regarding the use of the bond money. Sel. O’Brien asked if it was likely that the District was going to be able to afford the initiative without the borrowing? Dr. Pandiscio said the initiative would only happen with a debt consideration. Sel. O’Brien said he was in support of scheduling the Special Town Meeting because he felt it would not pass at the May Town Meeting. Sel. Renzoni said he disagreed with several of Sel. O’Brien’s statements adding it was not the job of the Board to strategize to insure that the
initiative passes at the Special Town Meeting. He said while he was for the initiative, he did not think it was workable within the budget. It is commendable that both the District and the Town operate transparent budgets. Chairman Lavigne inquired how the District would pay for the Special Town Meeting? Dr. Pandiscio said it would be taken out of his administrative budget. The District would find targeted ways to work the iPads into the curriculum appropriately.
The Town Manager said that the Town was working very hard to create a five-year plan and this type of spending upsets the apple cart. She said the 1M technically doesn’t exist – it is an authorization to borrow and it was meant to clean up an oil spill. Residents are cautious in this financial market.
Mr. Duncan Leith, Chairman of the Wachusett School Committee spoke how little the District spends per pupil. He said the District does not spend money frivolously. He said the technology initiative would be money well spent.
Ms. Margaret Watson, 94 Doyle Road, Holden Representative to the Wachusett School Committee, spoke to the way the 21st century has changed the way technology is delivered. The classroom needs to move into the 21st century and the curriculum is vigorous. The District is not asking for toys but methodology to aid students in research, critical thinking and practical applications. The District needs the time to develop the curriculum. She asked for the support of the Towns to help enter the classroom into the 21st century.
Town Counsel Martin said the adoptive remediation vote is too narrow to be amended. The District’s request is to vote an amendment to the borrowing. The question is can the vote be amended? He said he did not think so, but would review the language with Bond Counsel.
The Board considered delaying a vote to hold the Special Town Meeting for two weeks.
Sel. Renzoni said he thought the District’s intent was to spend the money on this initiative. He opposed taking a vote to support the request outside the regular budget season.
Sel. Lipka said he wasn’t sure if the legality of the bond will support the borrowing request. He said he was inclined to hold off until Town Counsel can clarify the language.
Sel. Jumonville said the District’s request was open ended. The request should be voted up or voted down tonight.
Chairman Lavigne clarified that if the bond could not be amended, it was still the District’s intent to ask for 1M for the technology initiative. Dr. Pandiscio agreed with the statement.
Sel. Renzoni said that Dr. Pandiscio could stand up and declare that it is the intent of the District to request the money at Town Meeting. However, he said the Town should not make such a decision so quickly.
A motion was made by Sel. O’Brien, and seconded by Sel. Lavigne to discuss if the voters of the Member Towns of the Wachusett Regional School District will approve the amendment of the 2008 vote approving the borrowing by the Wachusett Regional School District of $2,000,000 for the purpose of paying environmental remediation and cleanup costs of the oil spill at the Jefferson School Building, the actual costs of which amounted to $1,000,000, by adding thereto, the purpose “of implementing the 21st Century Skills Initiative Technology Program in the District” in all other respects the 2008 approval vote hereby ratified and confirmed, and to act or do anything relative thereto.
Sel. Renzoni said he agreed with everything the motion maker said except the need to hold a special town meeting. He said the decision should happen at the May Annual Town Meeting to allow the Town Manager the time to evaluate the long-term impact of the borrowing on the town’s budget.
Motion made by Sel. O’Brien, seconded by Sel. Lavigne, IT WAS VOTED 1-4 WITH 4 OPPOSED TO SEE IF THE VOTERS OF THE MEMBER TOWNS OF THE WACHUSETT REGIONAL SCHOOL DISTRICT WILL APPROVE THE AMENDMENT OF THE 2008 VOTE APPROVING THE BORROWING BY THE WACHUSETT REGIONAL SCHOOL DISTRICT OF $2,000,000 FOR THE PURPOSE OF PAYING ENVIRONMENTAL REMEDIATION AND CLEANUP COSTS OF THE OIL SPILL AT THE JEFFERSON SCHOOL BUILDING, THE ACTUAL COSTS OF WHICH AMOUNTED TO $1,000,000, BY ADDING THERETO, THE PURPOSE “OF IMPLEMENTING THE 21ST CENTURY SKILLS INITIATIVE TECHNOLOGY PROGRAM IN THE DISTRICT” IN ALL OTHER RESPECTS THE 2008 APPROVAL VOTE HEREBY RATIFIED AND CONFIRMED, AND TO ACT OR DO ANYTHING RELATIVE THERETO WAS DISCUSSED. (OPPOSED: LAVIGNE, RENZONI, LIPKA, JUMONVILLE.)
The motion failed.
A motion made by Sel. Lipka was seconded by Sel. O’Brien for purposes of discussion whether to postpone voting on the request for a special town meeting based on using oil remediation funds until the Board as a legitimate and legal determination of the borrowing vote.
Sel. O’Brien said he did not want to spend money on legal counsel to research the legality of the borrowing vote if the Board is not going to allow the Town meeting. The Board is delaying the inevitable.
Sel. Renzoni concurred with Sel. O’Brien adding that it is not going to change the minds of most of the Board to hold the Special Town Meeting. He said he does not support holding the Special Town Meeting in January.
Motion by Sel. Lipka, seconded by Sel. O’Brien, it was VOTED 1-4 WITH 4 OPPOSED TO POSTPONE VOTING ON THE REQUEST FOR A SPECIAL TOWN MEETING BASED ON USING OIL REMEDIATION FUNDS UNTIL THE BOARD AS A LEGITIMATE AND LEGAL DETERMINATION OF THE BORROWING VOTE. (OPPOSED: O’BRIEN, LAVIGNE, JUMONVILLE, RENZONI.)
Town Counsel said the Board should wait until it has a formal, legal warrant article before it takes a motion to consider holding the Special Town Meeting in January.
Motion by Sel. Renzoni, seconded by Sel. Lipka, it was UNANIMOUSLY VOTED TO TABLE DISCUSSION UNTIL DECEMBER 5, 2011.
Town Manager Galkowski said the Town of Rutland requested having a Regional Selectboard meeting to discuss the debt borrowing on December 1, 8 or 15. Chairman Lavigne said that the Town of Holden would eventually do what is right for Holden. It was agreed that December 1st was the preferable meeting.
Executive Session
Motion by Sel. Renzoni, seconded by Sel. O’Brien, it was UNANIMOUSLY VOTED TO ENTER INTO EXECUTIVE SESSION AT 9:29PM TO DISCUSS MGL C30A, SECTION 21 FOR THE PURPOSE OF A STRATEGY SESSION PREPARATION FOR NEGOTIATIONS WITH NON-UNION PERSONNEL AND APPROVE MINUTES AND RETURN TO REGULAR SESSION FOR ADJOURNMENT PURPOSES ONLY. ROLL CALL: LIPKA: YES; O’BRIEN: YES; RENZONI: YES; LAVIGNE: YES; JUMONVILLE: YES.
10. Adjournment
Motion by Sel. Lipka, seconded by Sel. Renzoni, it was UNANIMOUSLY VOTED TO ADJOURN NOVEMBER 21, 2011 MEETING AT 10PM.
APPROVED: December 5, 2011
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