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05/07/2012
HOLDEN BOARD OF SELECTMEN
MEETING MINUTES
MAY 7, 2012


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.

Selectmen Appointments, Licenses and Permits

Chairman Lavigne announced that the Board had approved the appointment of Mr. Christopher Shustak as an alternate to the Agricultural Commission to a term that expires 11/2/13.

Motion by Sel. Renzoni, seconded by Sel. Lipka, it was UNANIMOUSLY VOTED TO CONFIRM THE TOWN MANAGER’S APPOINTMENT OF MR. LUKE BOUCHER TO THE CONSERVATION COMMISSION TO A TERM THAT EXPIRES DECEMBER 31, 2014.  

Town Manager Miscellaneous

  • Ms. Galkowski announced that the Fire Department has received approximately $5,000 in memorial donations to the ambulance service.  The Board must vote to authorize the expenditure of these funds.  The Department would like to use the monies to purchase CPR manikins and training supplies to provide classes to the employees and residents.  
Motion by Sel. Renzoni, seconded by Sel. Lipka, it was UNANIMOUSLY VOTED THAT THE BOARD OF SELECTMEN APPROVE THE EXPENDITURE OF DONATIONS AND GIFTS RECEIVED FOR USE BY THE AMBULANCE SERVICE IN THE APPROXIMATE SUM OF $5,000 FOR THE PURCHASE OF THE NECESSARY SUPPLIES AND EQUIPMENT FOR CPR TRAINING.

  • The Town Manager announced that on May 19, 2012 the Wachusett Regional Recycling Center will hold a household hazardous waste collection and document shredding day.  Paint, chemicals, electronics, recyclables and documents to shred will be accepted at the Recycling Center located on Raymond Huntington Highway, West Boylston, MA from 8 AM till Noon.  Sel. Renzoni asked if it would be possible to track the Holden residents who chose to participate in the shredding program to determine if the participation decreases because residents have to travel to the recycle center. The Manager said she would look into the request.
  • The Manager reported that the Holden DPW will be continuing its drainage work on Quinapoxet Street beginning the week of May 14, 2012.  The work will take place between Tannery Drive and Mill Street from 7AM – 3PM.  The Street will be closed to thru traffic during the construction and travelers should seek alternate routes.  Abutters are in the process of being notified.  Information on the work will be posted on Town message boards on each end of the road.
  • The Manager provided an update on the details of the Town’s Room Use Policy.  She said after speaking with members of the Board to address their concerns with the revised policy, she will limit the amount to $150 that any one Holden non-profit group will have to pay in a calendar year to rent a room (exclusive of any necessary custodial fees).  The revised policy is due to go into effect July 1, 2012.  Sel. Renzoni and O’Brien thanked the Manager for the compromise to resolve the situation equilaterally for the Town and the users.
  • The Manager said she was pleased to announce that the Holden Police Department has been recertified as an Accredited Police Department.  The Accreditation is presented by the non-profit organization Massachusetts Police Accreditation Commission, Inc.  The HPD achieved its recertification by meeting certain standards established by the Massachusetts Police Accreditation Commission.  These standards reflect the best professional practices in each area of police management, administration, operation, and support services.  Officials from the Accreditation Board will come to a future Board meeting to make the Accreditation Certification presentation.  Chief Sherrill addressed the Board and announced that the next step will be for the Police Department to seek to become a federally accredited Police Department.
The Board interrupted Town Manager’s Miscellaneous to proceed with Police Officer Recognitions.

Police Chief George Sherrill – Officer and Dispatcher Recognitions

Police Chief Sherrill announced that Holden Police recently arrested three individuals involved in a breaking and entering on Malden Street.  The Board presented Police Officer Greg Sculthorpe and Holden Police Dispatcher Steve Zembruski with Certificates of Recognition for their work in capturing the suspects.  The Troop Commander with the Holden State Police Barracks commended State Police Dispatcher Deb Sandstrom who helped coordinate the Holden Police during the event.

Public Hearing – Laying Out of Birch Hill Road

Chairman Lavigne read the notice of public hearing into record.

Motion by Sel. Renzoni, seconded by Sel. O’Brien, it was UNANIMOUSLY VOTED TO OPEN THE PUBLIC HEARING AT 6:55PM.

No one came forward to speak at the public hearing.

Motion by Sel. Renzoni, seconded by Sel. O’Brien, it was UNANIMOUSLY VOTED TO CLOSE THE PUBLIC HEARING AT 6:56PM.

The Manager said the Town would inspect the road prior to Town Meeting to inform the Board that the road is ready for approval at Town Meeting.

Motion by Sel. O’Brien, seconded by Sel. Lipka, it was UNANIMOUSLY VOTED THAT THE HOLDEN BOARD OF SELECTMEN ACCEPT THE LAY OUT OF BIRCH HILL ROAD FROM STATION 0+31.81 TO STATION 5+91.81 FOR A DISTANCE OF APPROXIMATELY 560.00 FEET AS SHOWN ON A PLAN OF LAND ENTITLED “AMENDED DEFININTIVE SUBDIVISION PLAN, WINGSPAN ESTATES, 65 AND 71 MAIN STREET, HOLDEN MA PREPARED BY WINGSPAN PROPERTIES LLC-OWNER, 2 EXPLORERS WAY, HOLDEN, MA DATED AUGUST 19, 2010 BY B&R SURVEY INC. WHICH PLAN IS RECORDED WITH WORCESTER DISTRICT REGISTRY OF DEEDS IN PLAN BOOK 885, PLAN 42.

Recognition of Robert Martin, Town Counsel

The Board recognized Bob Martin’s 50 years with the law firm Mirick O’Connell.  Mr. Martin has served as Holden’s Town Counsel for 42 years.

  • Town Manager Miscellaneous (reopened)
  • The Manager said that the Town’s Composting Schedule has been posted at www.holdenma.gov.  Leaves and grass clippings will be accepted at the former landfill site located on River Street on Saturday May 12th and 19th from 8AM to 2:30PM.  Brush chipping will be conducted at the DPW site on Adams Road and is limited to branches with diameters greater than 1 inch and less than 6 inches.
  • The Board reviewed the Town Meeting Warrant.  The Manager informed the Board that Article 35, the article dealing with the digitized map, has been deleted from the Warrant because the map is not sufficiently completed for a vote at Town Meeting.  The Manager reminded residents that the Town Election will be held on Monday, May 14, 2012.  Polls will be open from 7AM – 8AM.  Residents are reminded that precincts changed this year and they should check with the Town Clerk’s office if they have any questions.
  • The Manager reminded the Board that their next meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, May 15, 2012 to conduct a reorganization of the Board.  The Meeting is posted for 5:30PM in the Selectmen’s Meeting Room at the Starbard Building.  The Board is also posted prior to Town Meeting on May 21, 2012 at the High School.
  • The Memorial Day Parade is scheduled for Monday, May 28, 2012 starting at 11AM at the Senior Center.
James Dunn – Ballot Question Vote

Chairman Lavigne said that the Board had previously voted to place the ballot question for the Town Election.

Motion by Sel. Renzoni, seconded by Sel. Jumonville, it was UNANIMOUSLY VOTED TO SUPPORT THE AGRICULTURAL BALLOT QUESTION AS PROPOSED.

Citizens’ Address

Ms. Maureen Floryan, Sterling Road, thanked Town Officials and School Officials for finding compromise on the school budget.  She asked the Board to vote to support the budget.

Ms. Linda Long-Bellil, 35 Brentwood Drive, spoke to supporting the school budget and asked the Board to ratify the vote.

Board of Health Inter-Municipal Agreement – Authorization for Town Manager to Sign

The Board reviewed the Draft Inter-Municipal Agreement with the City of Worcester for the provision of Board of Health Services for the Fiscal Year July 1, 2012 – June 30, 2013.  The agreement has been reviewed by Town Counsel and the Director of Growth Management.  The agreement provides services the first year of a multi-year process to regionalize Board of Health services into the Central Massachusetts Regional Health Alliance.  The Alliance provides for a governing board where each community has an equal vote in determining the services provided and costs for operating the Alliance.  The Manager recommended that the Selectmen vote to authorize the Town Manager to execute the inter-municipal agreement.

Motion by Sel. O’Brien, seconded by Sel. Lipka, it was UNANIMOUSLY VOTED TO AUTHORIZE THE TOWN MANAGER ACCORDING TO MGL C. 40, 4A, TO ENTER INTO AGREEMENT WITH THE CITY OF WORCESTER FOR THE PURPOSES OF PROVIDING BOARD OF HEALTH SERVICES AS REQUIRED UNDER MGL C. 111 FOR PERIOD FROM JULY 2, 2012 UNTIL JUNE 30, 2013.

Open Space Plan Approval

The Board reviewed the Open Space and Recreation Plan.  The Open Space Committee, Planning Board, and the White Oak Society have all endorsed the plan.  The Manager recommended that the Board vote to endorse the plan, too.  Once endorsed, the plan will be forwarded to the CMRPC who will then move the plan to the State for final endorsement.  Once completed, the plan will be valid for seven years from the date of the State endorsement.  Sel. O’Brien said the Open Space Committee was never able to meet to review the final report and vote to endorse it.  Chairman Lavigne said the Open Space Committee did meet.  However, they were never able to achieve a quorum to have an official meeting.  He asked to delay the Board’s vote to endorse the plan until June when a newly elected Selectboard will meet.  He said there are some issues regarding sewer capacity that require discussion.  Sel. Jumonville suggested inviting members of the Open Space Committee to discuss the agenda item.

Motion by Sel. O’Brien, seconded by Sel. Renzoni, it was UNANIMOUSLY VOTED TO TABLE DISCUSSION ON THE OPEN SPACE PLAN UNTIL THE NEXT REGULAR SELECTMEN’S MEETING.

FY2013 WRSD Assessment Discussion

The Board reviewed District Superintendent Dr. Pandiscio’s alternate proposed school budget that would reduce the budget approved by the School Committee by $1 million to $79,284,670.  Under Dr. Pandiscio’s proposal, the Town would be increasing its RASA by $1,024,226 or 56.12%.  With the assessment at $79 million, the reduction to the Town’s budget would bee $736,568.  The Manager presented a proposal to reduce the Town’s budget by $736,568 to meet an assessment of $22,113,763.  The proposed reductions include an increase in revenue and reductions in expenses, while protecting core services provided by the Town.   

Sel. Renzoni said that significant sacrifices were made on both sides to make this budget happen.  He said he would have liked to have seen a lower assessment figure.  He asked the Manager to discuss several of the proposed reductions to the Town budget.  The Manager said that cuts had been made to the stabilization fund, equipment for the Fire Department, a truck at the DPW, voting equipment, roadway repair, signs, carpet at the Library, chairs at the Senior Center in order to balance the Town’s budget.  The Manager said that many of the capital items being cut are only being postponed to a future fiscal year and that the items are still necessary.  Additionally, vacant or new positions that are being eliminated (Police, IT) are important to the operation of the Town and will be reevaluated next year for possible funding.

Sel. Renzoni thanked the Manager for her work on the Town Budget, calling her a “budgetary genius.”  He said that if he was re-elected to the Board, he would make it a priority to begin discussion on the school district’s FY14 budget immediately.

Sel. O’Brien commended the Manager for her work on the budget.  He said that if the Selectboard felt strongly about fully funding the Town Manager’s budget, the Town had the option of seeking an override.  Chairman Lavigne called the efforts of all “colossal.”

Motion Assignments and Votes – Town Meeting Warrant Articles

The Board discussed the endorsement of Warrant Articles 6-1 thru 6-9.

The Board discussed the Finance Committee’s decision to cut the purchase of one of the police cruisers from the budget.  The Manager said that the Town has purchased two new vehicles each year for the past twenty years and this decision will throw the replacement program off.  One of the patrol cruisers due for replacement is “rusting away.”  Chairman Lavigne said he felt strongly about continuing the plan to purchase the two vehicles.  The Manager said that Chief Sherrill said he would manage with the purchase of only one vehicle.  Sel. Renzoni concurred with the Chairman adding that he would “jump up and down” to support Chief Sherrill.  Sel. O’Brien and Sel. Jumonville both said they felt the replacement program should be fully funded.  If the money is there, the cruiser should be replaced.  The next several years are anticipated to be even more financial lean for the Town.  The cruisers are used 24/7 and never stop and it is a matter of officer safety.

Motion by Sel. Renzoni, seconded by Sel. Jumonville, it was UNANIMOUSLY VOTED TO ENDORSE WARRANT ARTICLES 6-1 THROUGH 6-9 AS PRESENTED.

Motion by Sel. Renzoni, seconded by Sel. Lipka, it was UNANIMOUSLY VOTED TO ENDORSE WARRANT ARTICLE 7 AS PRESENTED.

Motion by Sel. Lipka, seconded by Sel. Renzoni, it was UNANIMOUSLY VOTED TO ENDORSE WARRANT ARTICLE 8 AS PRESENTED.

Motion by Sel. Renzoni, seconded by Sel. Lipka, it was UNANIMOUSLY VOTED TO ENDORSE WARRANT ARTICLE 9 AS PRESENTED.

Motion by Sel. Renzoni, seconded by Sel. O’Brien, it was UNANIMOUSLY VOTED TO ENDORSE WARRANT ARTICLE 10 AS PRESENTED.

Motion by Sel. Renzoni, seconded by Sel. Lipka, it was UNANIMOUSLY VOTED TO ENDORSE WARRANT ARTICLES 11 AND 12 AS PRESENTED.

Motion by Sel. Renzoni, seconded by Sel. Lipka, it was UNANIMOUSLY VOTED TO ENDORSE WARRANT ARTICLE 13 ASPRESENTED.

The Manager recommended that the Board support Warrant Article 14 (Capital Budget Appropriation) as presented.

Motion by Sel. Renzoni, seconded by Sel. Lipka, it was UNANIMOUSLY VOTED TO ENDORSE WARRANT ARTICLE 14 AS PRESENTED.

Motion by Sel. Renzoni, seconded by Sel. Lipka, it was UNANIMOUSLY VOTED TO ENDORSE WARRANT ARTICLES 15 THROUGH 20 AS PRESENTED.

Motion by Sel. Lipka, seconded by Sel. O’Brien, it was UNANIMOUSLY VOTED TO ENDORSE WARRANT ARTICLES 21 THROUGH 23 AS PRESENTED.

Sel. Lavigne will speak to Warrant Articles 21, 22, and 23 at Town Meeting.

Warrant Article 24 (Street Acceptances) were held until Town Meeting.

Sel. O’Brien said it would give him great pleasure to receive an affirmative vote to increase the amount of the Senior Tax Exemption (Warrant Article 25).  He said this was his number one goal when he became a Selectman eight years ago.

Motion by Sel. Renzoni, seconded by Sel. Lipka, it was UNANIMOUSLY VOTED TO ENDORSE WARRANT ARTICLE 25 AS PRESENTED.

Motion by Sel. Lipka, seconded by Sel. Renzoni, it was UNANIMOUSLY VOTED TO ENDORSE WARRANT ARTICLE 26 AS PRESENTED.

The Manager explained that Warrant Article 27 (Rescind STM Vote of 3/10/08 and Sale of Former Police Station) was to delete the minimum sale price language of the article.  The Town did not receive any bids on the $700,000 asking price as mandated in the STM vote of 3/10/08.

Motion by Sel. Renzoni, seconded by Sel. Lipka, it was UNANIMOUSLY VOTED TO ENDORSE WARRANT ARTICLE 27 AS PRESENTED.

Sel. Lipka will speak to Warrant Articles 25, 26, and 27 at Town Meeting.

Motion by Sel. O’Brien, seconded by Sel. Lipka, it was UNANIMOUSLY VOTED TO ENDORSE WARRANT ARTICLE 28 AS PRESENTED.

Motion by Sel. Lipka, seconded by Sel. O’Brien, it was UNANIMOUSLY VOTED TO ENDORSE WARRANT ARTICLE 29 AS PRESENTED.

Sel. Jumonville will speak to Warrant Articles 28 and 29 at Town Meeting.

Motion by Sel. O’Brien, seconded by Sel. Lipka, it was UNANIMOUSLY VOTED TO ENDORSE WARRANT ARTICLE 30 AS PRESENTED.

The Board agreed to hold its endorsement of Articles 31, 32, 33, and 34 until endorsed by the Planning Board.

The Board agreed to hold endorsement of Article 35 until Town Meeting.

Discussion of Chairman Robert Lavigne’s Editorial

Sel. Renzoni initiated discussion on an editorial written and signed by Chairman Lavigne to the Holden Landmark.  He said he was upset that the Chairman had written some incorrect information in the editorial and had signed it as the Chairman of the Holden Board of Selectmen.  Chairman Lavigne handed out a copy of the editorial and said he did not submit a signature with it.  He said that if there factual information problems with the editorial he would like to know what they are.  Sel. Jumonville said that the Landmark will not accept a letter unless it is signed.  Chairman Lavigne said that since it was an editorial, it was technically his opinion, and that there was no factual information in the editorial.  Sel. O’Brien suggested that the Board move the conversation along.

Selectmen Subcommittees

Sel. Renzoni: Water/Sewer: Will meet later in May.
Master Plan:  
Sel. Jumonville: Skate Park:
Memorial Day Parade:  Meeting 5/9 at 7PM in the Selectmen’s Meeting Room.  Boy Scout Troop is holding a Pancake Breakfast at First Baptist Church.  All Veterans are invited to attend for free.  Sel. Renzoni said that all Veterans are invited to walk/ride in the Memorial Day parade.  The Senior Center parking lot will be closed the morning of the parade.
Sel. Lipka: Municipal Electric Advisory:
Affordable Housing: Not met.
Sel. O’Brien: Mountview School Building Committee: The Manager successfully negotiated a contract with Lamoureux-Pagano Architects to conduct a feasibility and schematic design study.
Open Space:
Sel. Lavigne: PSBC: Meeting on 5/9 at PSB.
EDC: Starting recruitment of a new Committee.

Selectmen Miscellaneous

Sel. Renzoni: 1. Encouraged all residents to vote on May 14th.
Sel. O’Brien: 1. Jed’s Hardware participated in the Pay It Forward on April 28th and gave away 900+ tomato plants!  The Board thanked all the local business and The Kids in the Community who participated in the event.  
2. Thanked the Board for his most enjoyable year of serving as a Selectman.

Acceptance of Previous Minutes

Motion by Sel. Renzoni, seconded by Sel. Lipka, it was VOTED 4-0-1 WITH 1 ABSTAINED TO APPROVE THE MEETING MINUTES OF APRIL 17, 2012 AND CHANGE THE NAME ON PAGE 4, ITEM 11 TO LAVIGNE AS PRESENTED. (Abstained: Lavigne.)

Executive Session

Motion by Sel. Renzoni, seconded by Sel. O’Brien, it was UNANIMOUSLY VOTED TO MOVE INTO EXECUTIVE SESSION AT 8:30PM IN ACCORDANCE WITH MGL C. 30A, SECTION 21, (A) (2): TO CONDUCT STRATEGY SESSION IN PREPARATION FOR NEGOTIATIONS WITH NONUNION PERSONNEL OR TO CONDUCT COLLECTIVE BARGAINING SESSIONS OR CONTRACT NEGOTIATIONS WITH NONUNION PERSONNEL – TOWN MANAGER’S CONTRACT.  ROLL CALL: JUMONVILLE: YES; RENZONI: YES; O’BRIEN: YES; LAVIGNE: YES; LIPKA: YES.

Adjournment
Motion by Sel. Renzoni, seconded by Sel. O’Brien, it was UNANIMOUSLY VOTED TO ADJOURN THE MAY 7, 2012 MEETING AT 9:19PM.    APPROVED: June 4, 2012