HOLDEN BOARD OF SELECTMEN
MEETING MINUTES
JANUARY 17, 2012
6:30PM Memorial Hall
Present:
Vice Chairman Kenneth O’Brien, Anthony Renzoni, Kenneth Lipka, James Jumonville (arrived 6:41PM)
Absent:
Chairman Robert Lavigne
Others Present:
Nancy Galkowski, Town Manager
Stephen Madaus, Town Counsel
Elizabeth Helder, Recording Secretary
Vice Chairman O’Brien opened the meeting at 6:30PM. The Board participated in the Pledge of Allegiance. Vice Chairman O’Brien read a letter from a resident expressing her thanks to the Town’s EMS, Fire and Police staff for their assistance on December 5, 2011.
- Selectmen Appointments, Licenses and Permits
Vice Chairman O’Brien announced the Board’s appointment of James Dunn from alternate status to commission member on the Agricultural Commission to a term expiring 11/2/14 prior to the regular meeting.
Motion by Sel. Renzoni, seconded by Sel. Lipka, it was VOTED 3-0 TO CONFIRM THE MANAGER’S APPOINTMENT OF KENNETH STROM TO A THREE YEAR APPOINTMENT TO THE CONSERVATION COMMISSION TO A TERM EXPIRING 12/31/14.
- Town Manager’s Miscellaneous
- The Manager announced the Town recently conducted a post card mailing to those residents whose voting precinct changed due to the results of the 2010 federal census. Additionally the Town Clerk’s office is in the process of conducting the Town’s Annual Census. Residents are encouraged to complete the census forms and return them to the Town Clerk’s office as soon as possible. The information collected helps the Town with state and federal funding.
- The Manager announced that members of her staff met with users groups of the various town buildings on January 10, 2012 to discuss the revised room use policy. Twenty-one groups were invited to attend the meeting; six groups attended and expressed their concerns. The Manager outlined changes to the policy that were made as a result of the meeting, specifically, the fee for serving food and the use of crafts at the Senior Center. Some issues will be addressed on a case by case basis as provided in the policy. The Board reviewed a copy of the revised policy and thanked the Manager for the Town’s flexibility in accommodating the many users of the municipal buildings in town.
- The Selectmen reviewed the Massachusetts General Laws relating to the valuation and in lieu of tax payments for property owned by the City of Worcester in the town of Holden.
Sel. Jumonville arrived at 6:41PM.
- The Manager informed the Board that seasonal brush burning permits are open from January 15, 2012 through May 1, 2012. Residents may obtain a permit online at wwwholdenma.gov. Online permits are $23 for the season. Burning permits may also be purchased in person at the Fire Station, 1370 Main Street between the hours of 8:30AM-4PM. Permits are $20. Brush burn/open burning permits are not permitted for lot/and clearing, burning of grass, hay, or leaves or stumps and branches in excess of 4 inches in diameter. The open burning regulations may be found at the Holden Fire Department Web Site or by contacting Fire Administration at 508-210-5650.
- The Manager provided an update on the Snow and Ice Account.
- The Manager informed the Board that she attended the meeting held by WRSD Superintendent Thomas Pandiscio on January 9, 2012 regarding the State of the Schools. Several members of the Board also attended. The Board reviewed a summary of the meeting prepared by the Manager. Vice Chairman O’Brien initiated discussion on the Town’s funding mechanisms and what is involved in funding and using the money in the Stabilization and Infrastructure Investment Funds. The Manager said she would summarize the long term debt commitments of the money allocated to these accounts to help the Selectmen understand how the money is used. Sel. Renzoni said that the discussion had gone off point and that the original discussion was regarding the State of the Schools address by the Superintendent. He said he
felt that the Superintendent’s slide indicating that the Town’s have money set aside in funds that is just “sitting there” mispresents what the Town’s actually have planned for the money. He said he was encouraged by the District’s emerging long-range plans for their technology initiative. The Manager said she would like to act on a previous suggestion by Chairman Lavigne to have all five towns sit down with the District to discuss the budget season.
No one came forward to address the Board.
- Community Innovation Challenge Grant Application
The Manager explained that the Town recently became aware of a Community Innovation Challenge Grant to collaborate on education, data management, and the development of policy surrounding the new storm water permitting process. She said the town would be one of twelve communities to participate in the group grant. The grant request if $300,000 and there is no cost to participate. DPW Director John Wood small spoke to the Town’s participation in the grant.
Motion by Sel. Renzoni, seconded by Sel. Lipka, it was VOTED 4-0 THAT THE BOARD OF SELECTMEN APPROVES OF THE TOWN OF HOLDEN PARTICIPATING AND COMMITTING TO THE COMMUNITY INNOVATION CHALLENGE GRANT FOR REGIONALIZING MUNICIPAL SOTRMWATER MANAGEMENT IN CENTRAL MASSACHUSETTS THROUGH COLLABORATIVE EDUCATION, DATA MANAGEMENT, AND POLICY DEVELOPMENT AS RECOMMENDED BY THE ADMINISTRATION.
- Vacancy – Wachusett Regional School District School Committee
Representative Vacancy – Kristine Goodwin
The Manager reported that the Town Clerk had received an email from Kristine Goodwin, Wachusett Regional School District Committee member, indicating that she is resigning from her position on the School Committee immediately. The Town Clerk’s office is waiting for a signed letter of resignation for recording keeping purposes. The Manager explained that vacancies on the WRSD Committee are filled by the Selectmen in accordance with the WRSD Agreement and State Law. The Selectmen vote to appoint an individual to fill any expired term. Ms. Goodwin’s term expires June 30, 2012. The Manager recommended that the Board solicit individuals to submit their interest in the vacancy by February 1, 2012. The Board would then interview applicants at their February 6, 2012 meeting and either appoint a
representative at that meeting or take it under consideration until the next meeting on February 20, 2012. The Board asked the Manager to advertise the vacancy in the local paper, town web site and Facebook page and notify the Superintendent of the Town’s intentions. Sel. Jumonville said he would like to make a decision at the February 6th meeting. Sel. Renzoni concurred with the urgency to fill the position as soon as possible.
Sel. O’Brien: MSBC: Met on January 9th. Committee continues to communicate with the MSBA on the status of the project. The Committee is finalizing the Feasibility Study Agreement.
Open Space: Meeting with Master Plan Committee on January 17th.
Sel. Jumonville: Skate Park:
Memorial Day Parade: Met on January 11, 2012. Discussion centered on the Spirit of America Band. Next meeting will be January 25th at 7PM.
Sel. Renzoni: Water/Sewer: Will meet January 26th.
Master Plan: Meeting tonight with the Open Space Committee.
Sel. Lipka: Municipal Electric Advisory: Have not met.
Affordable Housing: Have not met.
- Selectmen’s Miscellaneous
Sel. Renzoni: 1. Inquired on progress being made to dispose of the old police station. The Manager is currently working with several department heads and will present their findings to the Board in the near future. Sel. O’Brien said he would like to put out a ballot to gauge the intentions of the voters regarding the disposition of the property.
2. Asked for an update on the construction progress at the Public Safety Building. The Board reviewed a memo from PSBC Project Manager Gary Kaczmarek. The Manager said interior work is currently being conducted at the old fire station. Exterior work will begin when the weather improves. The entire project is expected to be finished in late April/early May. An additional $200,000 will be required to finish the project. The project will finish 2M below the authorized borrowing.
3. Inquired if Fire Chief Chandler had made any recommendations regarding EMS rates? The Manager said she was waiting for additional information from Chief Chandler and Representative Ferguson. Town Counsel said that new fire statues require further research before a decision is made.
4. Met a future Eagle Scout tonight who will work on the war memorial at the Town Hall.
Sel. O’Brien: 1. Inquired if the Town will honor Police Officer Al Bourget in his recent retirement from the Holden Police Department after 39 years of service. The Board will work with the Manager to publically recognize Officer Bourget’s dedication to the Town.
2. Acknowledged that the Light Department had been working in the maze.
- Acceptance of Previous Minutes
Motion by Sel. Renzoni, seconded by Sel. Lipka, it was VOTED 4-0 TO APPROVE THE DECEMBER 19, 2011 MEETING MINUTES AS PRESENTED.
Motion by Sel. Renzoni, seconded by Sel. Jumonville, it was VOTED 3-0-1 WITH 1 ABSTAINED TO APPROVE THE JANUARY 3, 2012 MEETING MINUTES AS PRESENTED. (Abstained: Lipka.)
- Motion to Enter into Executive Session
Motion y Sel. Renzoni, seconded by Sel. Lipka, it was VOTED 4-0 TO ENTER INTO EXECUTIVE SESSION AT 7:27PM TO DISCUSS COLLECTIVE BARGAINING AND STRATEGIZE FOR NON UNION CONTRACT NEGOTIATIONS AND RETURN TO REGULAR SESSION FOR ADJOURNMENT PURPOSES ONLY. Roll Call: Jumonville: yes; Lipka: yes; Renzoni: yes; O’Brien: yes.
Motion by Sel. Lipka, seconded by Sel. Renzoni, it was UNANIMOUSLY VOTED TO ADJOURN THE JANUARY 17, 2012 MEETING AT 8:09PM.
APPROVED: February 6, 2012
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