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09/04/2012
HOLDEN BOARD OF SELECTMEN
MEETING MINUTES
SEPTEMBER 4, 2012

6:30PM                                                                          Senior Center

Present:        Chairman Anthony Renzoni, Robert Lavigne, James Jumonville,
Kenneth Lipka, Mark Ferguson

Others Present: Jacquie Kelly, Assistant Town Manager
                        D. Moschos, Town Counsel
Elizabeth Helder, Recording Secretary

Others Absent:  Nancy Galkowski, Town Manager

Chairman Renzoni opened the meeting at 6:30PM. He announced that prior to the regular meeting, the Board met in Executive Session to conduct strategy sessions in preparation for negotiations with non-union personnel and to conduct collective bargaining sessions or contract negotiations with non-union personnel and Subsection 7 attorney/client communications.  Additionally, the Board met to interview members of the Zoning Board of Appeals for reappointment.  The Board participated in the Pledge of Allegiance.

Selectmen Zoning Board Re-Appointments

Motion by Sel. Lavigne, seconded by Sel. Jumonville, it was UNANIMOUSLY VOTED TO REAPPOINT RONALD SPAKAUSKAS, RONALD OSLEBO, AND JAMES DEIGNAN TO THREE YEAR TERMS ON THE ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS EXPIRING ON MAY 31, 2015 AND TO REAPPOINT ROY FRASER TO A ONE YEAR TERM ON THE ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS EXIPIRING MAY 31, 2013.

Sel. Ferguson announced that the Planning Board has had a one-year vacancy on its Board.  As this is an appointment made by the Town Manager, he asked Assistant Town Manager Kelly to facilitate filling the position.

The Board encouraged anyone interested in serving on a Town Committee to complete a “Do-Something” questionnaire and submit it to the Town Manager’s office.

Town Manager Process Discussion

Sel. Lavigne said that after some consideration, he felt that it would be appropriate to start the interview process to fill the position of Town Manager with an internal search.  Town Counsel stated the Board should determine whether it wants to conduct an internal search or a competitive external search.  If the Board chooses to conduct an internal search, it must determine which type of internal search it wants to conduct: 1. an open internal search, where a job description/qualification is posted and open to all Town government employees or 2. A promotional search, where there is no job posting and one specific employee is promoted from within.  

Motion by Sel. Lavigne, seconded by Sel. Jumonville, it was UNANIMOUSLY VOTED TO CONDUCT AN INTERNAL SEARCH TO REPLACE THE TOWN MANAGER.

The Board and Attorney Moschos discussed the differences between the two types of internal search methods and which type of search the Board would like to conduct.  Sel. Jumonville said that he was interested in the internal promotion of Assistant Town Manager Jacquie Kelly.

Chairman Renzoni said that the Board should initiate a conversation with Assistant Town Manager Kelly to see if she was interested in the position.

Sel. Lipka recuesed himself from the discussion due to a conflict of interest at 6:49PM.

Motion by Sel. Lavigne, seconded by Sel. Jumonville, it was UNANIMOUSLY VOTED 4-0 TO ENTER INTO AN INTERNAL PROMOTIONAL SEARCH FOR A NEW TOWN MANAGER WITH ASSISTANT TOWN MANAGER CONTINGENT UPON THE INTEREST OF ASSISTANT TOWN MANAGER KELLY AND NEGOTIATIONS RELATIVE TO THE SEARCH.

Sel. Lipka returned to the meeting at 6:50PM.

Fire: Personnel Recognitions

Chief Jack Chandler encouraged the Board to conduct an internal promotion of Assistant Town Manager Kelly.  Chief Chandler announced that he had promoted Lt. Russ Hall to the position of Assistant Fire Chief to replace Lt. Alex Belisle, who will retire at the end of the week.  Chief Chandler presented fire personnel with recognitions for their actions taken during recent calls of duty.  Fire personnel recognized for their heroic actions in the line of duty included Lt. Russ Hall, Firefighter Tyke Lothrop, Firefighter Rick McGinn, Firefighter Mike Pimental, Lt. Dave Chapin, Firefighter Dave Russo, Firefighter Paul Pierce, and Lt. Barry Tupper.

Citizens’ Address

Mr. Ed Meyer, Fort Sumter Drive, spoke regarding the 3M in accounting mistakes recently discovered by the WRSD.  He said he would like some accountability from WRSD staff on how these mistakes could have happened.  He requested that the Board call a meeting of the five district town’s to discuss the ongoing WRSD budgetary issues.  The Chairman cautioned Mr. Meyer not to discuss individual names during Citizens’ Address.

Sel. Jumonville stepped away from the table at 7:04PM.

Licenses

Motion by Sel. Lavigne, seconded by Sel. Lipka, it was VOTED 4-0 TO APPROVE A PARADE PERMIT TO KATHERINE MILLS ON BEHALF OF HOLDEN CROP WALK FOR SUNDAY, OCTOBER 21, 2012 FROM 1:30PM-4:00PM.
Sel. Jumonville returned to the meeting at 7:06PM.

Motion by Sel. Lipka, seconded by Sel. Jumonville, it was UNANIMOUSLY VOTED TO APPROVE A PARADE PERMIT TO MARTY HOLMAN ON BEHALF OF FELLOWSHIP CHURCH/HOLDEN ROAD RACE FOR THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 22, 2012 FROM 6:30AM-9:30AM.

Town Manager Miscellaneous

  • Assistant Town Manager Kelly announced that the State Presidential Primary will be held on Thursday, September 6, 2012 from 7AM to 8PM.  
  • ATM Kelly informed the Board that the Town receives gifts and grants from various sources throughout the year in small amounts for specific purposes such as the Senior Center or the Fire Department.  The expenditure of these funds must have the approval of the Board of Selectmen.  This process can prove cumbersome when small amounts are being expended in accordance with the gift requirements.  Ms. Kelly recommended that the Board authorize the expenditure of these funds with the approval of the Town Manager.  The Board reviewed a memo from Town Counsel regarding the expenditure of the funds.  Ms. Kelly said the Board will be notified on a monthly basis of any donations received by the Town.
Motion by Sel. Lipka, seconded by Sel. Lavigne, it was UNANIMOUSLY VOTED PURSUANT TO MGL C. 44 SECTION 53A THAT THE BOARD OF SELECTMEN HEREBY AUTHORIZE THE TOWN MANAGER TO ACCEPT AND EXPEND GIFTS AND GRANTS UNDER $5000 RECEIVED BY VARIOUS DEPARTMENTS IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE STATED PURPOSE OF THE GIFT OR GRANT.

  • ATM Kelly stated that the Holden Master Plan Implementation Committee as completed its major goals and have asked that the Committee be dissolved.  Sel. Lavigne said after reviewing the Master Plan he had questions regarding efforts being made to address the reduction of traffic congestion along Main Street.  Chairman Renzoni indicated that there was not much public support as conducting a study costs money.  The Board asked Ms. Kelly to inquire if the Committee intends to do anything about Sel. Lavigne’s concerns prior to disbanding the Committee.
  • Ms. Kelly informed the Board that the term of the Town of Holden representative to the Montachusett Regional Vocational Technical School School Committee expires on October 20th.  This appointment is a joint appointment of the Selectmen and the Moderator.  The current representative has indicated that they wish to be reappointed to the position.  The Board agreed to discuss the appointment with the Moderator in October and encouraged anyone interested in the position to apply at the Town Manager’s office.
  • The Board reviewed a memo from Karla Sangrey, Engineer, Director/Treasurer, for the Upper Blackstone Water Pollution Abatement District regarding the recent ruling by the US Court of Appeals for the First Circuit on August 3, 2012.  The UPWPAD Board of Directors is meeting to determine the best course of action regarding the decision.  Because there is the potential for litigation, all discussion is being conducted in Executive Session.  Sel. Jumonville inquired about the current position of the City of Worcester.  Ms. Kelly said she would check on the status and report back to the Board.
  • The Holden Department of Public Works will conduct a composting event on September 15th from 8AM-2:30PM at the former landfill on Harris Street.
  • The Board reviewed a response from Town Counsel regarding the Selectmen’s request to investigate the availability of an independent audit of the Wachusett Regional School District by a state agency.  The Board asked that discussion on the question and response be placed on the Selectmen’s September 17th meeting agenda.
  • The Board reviewed a memo from Water/Sewer Superintendent Mark Elbag regarding the course of action that the Department of Public Works is currently pursuing to reduce unaccounted for water losses.  The memo outlines the Department’s long range plan to reduce the levels of unaccounted for water in Town.  Chairman Renzoni said he would like the Board to meet with Mr. Elbag and the W/S Advisory Board to discuss these efforts.  Sel. Ferguson remarked that the Town is moving too slowly on this project.  It must move quicker to save the taxpayers money.
  • The Board reviewed a memo detailing the current status of the conversion of municipal buildings to natural gas.  Since there is no appropriation for this project in the FY2013 budget, ATM Kelly said it would be included in the FY2014 budget process.  Sel. Ferguson indicated that he felt the Town was moving too slowly on this project as well.  He requested oil vs. natural gas cost comparisons to show savings to the Town.  He suggested the town look at the project like spending money and it will move along faster.  He also suggested using the Town’s in-house engineering staff to complete the work.
Photovoltaic Projects

Mr. Jim Robinson informed the Board that after conducting an assessment of the viability of hosting a production scale photovoltaic system in Town, he cannot recommend that the Town proceed with the opportunity at this time.  He said that the HMLD remains open to a local photovoltaic opportunity when the economics become more favorable and there is more operational experience to draw upon for making a technical assessment.  Mr. Robinson said that he had become aware of an opportunity to participate in an MMWEC Special Project that will provide photovoltaic energy at attractive prices over an extended period of time.  The 20-year contract will deliver photovoltaic power for 5 cents/KWH, escalating to 7.3 cents/KWH.  Mr. Robinson recommended that the Board not proceed with hosting a local photovoltaic project at this time, but remain open to the idea should economics and operational experience change, and that the Town participate in MMWEC Special Project 2012A.  If the power is not generated, the Town does not pay for it.

Motion by Sel. Lavigne, seconded by Sel. Lipka, it was UNANIMOUSLY VOTED TO DIRECT THE LIGHT DEPARTMENT NOT TO PROCEED WITH HOSTING A LOCAL PRODUCTION PHOTOVOLTAIC PROJECT AT THIS TIME BUT REMAIN OPEN TO THE IDEA IF AND WHEN THE ECONOMICS BECOME FAVORABLE AND THERE IS MORE OPERATIONAL EXPERIENCE TO DRAW UPON FOR MAKING TECHNICAL ASSESSMENT.

Motion by Sel. Lavigne, seconded by Sel. Lipka, it was UNANIMOUSLY VOTED TO DIRECT THE LIGHT DEPARTMENT TO PROCEED WITH SPECIAL PROJECT 2012A.

Sel. Ferguson asked if the Town was doing this “to be green.”  He said he did want to see any impacts on light bills.  Are there better choices for the Town to make?  Mr. Robinson said there are no fixed rate 20-year contracts available on the market right now.  There are no similar alternatives to look at.  There are plenty of 1-year deals.  This project will enable the Town to receive 5 cent/KWH for many years.  Seabrook currently costs 10 cents/KWH.  Berkshire Wind currently costs 15 cents KWH.  The objective is keep rates stable for several years.  

2. Town Manager Process Discussion (reopened)

The Board agreed that Chairman Renzoni and Vice-Chair Ferguson would act as a negotiating team during the internal search/promotion process.


. Selectmen Subcommittees

Sel. Renzoni: Master Plan:  
Water/Sewer Advisory:
Sel. Jumonville: Memorial Day Parade:  Nothing to report.
Sel. Lipka: Municipal Electric Advisory: Will circulate a report.
Affordable Housing: Not met.
Sel. Ferguson: Open Space: Nothing to report.
Sel. Lavigne: EDC: 9/11 at 7:15AM.

9. Selectmen Miscellaneous

Sel. Lavigne: 1. Reported that Representative Ferguson is more than willing to meet with the Board at their convenience.

Sel. Renzoni: 1. Attended the Mountview School Building Public Update and Tour on August 28th.  

Sel. Lipka: 1. Advised residents to review their Charter Communications bills for recent billing changes.

Sel. Jumonville: 1. Inquired about the completion status of the existing fire station.  Ms. Kelly said that according to Project Manager Gary Kaczmarek, electrical work and phone system installation is ongoing.  Exterior repair of the building and exterior cleaning is also occurring.  New garage doors will be installed after the exterior work is complete.  This work is anticipated to be finished in Mid-October. Interior basement work is ongoing.  The project will finish under budget.  Chairman Renzoni said that the project needs to be completed soon and asked for an additional update at the next meeting.
2. Requested that a Regional Selectmen’s Meeting be scheduled to discuss the ongoing issues at the high school.  He said that if we are “one” district then we need to go forward as “one” district.  He said the School Committee did the Town of Holden a service by saving the teacher’s jobs.  The Board discussed holding the meeting in late September/early October.  Chairman Renzoni concurred that it is not about blaming anyone and it is important to get a jump start on FY14.  The Regional Agreement is scheduled for review next spring.  Sel. Ferguson said he would like to address what we can do to make sure it doesn’t happen again.

Sel. Ferguson: 1. Concurred with Sel. Jumonville that the work at the existing fire station needs to be completed.  He said that disposition of the old police station needs to occur.  He suggested that a committee be formed to help facilitate the sale/disposal of the building.
2. Wants to see a solution to the Town’s continued 20% loss of water thru I&I.  

10. Follow Up to Citizens’ Address

Chairman Renzoni reminded citizens that under the guidelines of Citizens’ Address, people addressing the Board should refrain from mentioning specific names.

11. Board of Selectmen Budget Goals

The Selectmen discussed their individual budget goals.  Sel. Renzoni said that he would like to keep the tax levy at 2¼%.  Sel. Jumonville said that the Town should expect to budget approximately 2.5 to 4% for the school assessment.  Sel. Lipka said that addressing I&I reduction should be a top priority.  Sel. Jumonville asked the Administration to look into all Town owned parcels/strips that could be sold.  Sel. Ferguson asked that water ways in Town be maintained (Chaffins/Dawson Pond/Eagle Lake).  These bodies of water are being neglected and overtaken with weeds.  He asked the Town to work with the DCR with this effort.  Sel. Lavigne said he would like to increase funding to keep the library open a third night.  He said the approximate cost to have evening hours on Wednesday nights would be $8000.  Sel. Jumonville also suggested having library hours on Sundays as well.  The Board tasked the Administration to look into increasing hours at the library.  Sel. Ferguson cautioned the Board about spending money on an initiative the Town cannot afford.  He asked the remainder of the Board to help in efforts to save money as well.  Sel. Lavigne also asked for increased funding to the EDC to help bring new businesses to Town and support the businesses it has.  Sel. Lipka and Sel. Jumonville both agreed it was important to maintain the current level of Town services.  Sel. Renzoni said he would like to make it a goal of the Board to purchase two new police cruisers in the next budget.  He reminded the Board that these two cruisers were cut from the current budget.  Sel. Ferguson said it was important to him to resolve the distribution of the old police station.  Sel. Lavigne said he would like the Town to look into double-siding all documents it produces as a cost savings measure.  He also said he spoke with the Town Manager about establishing a committee via the Recreation Department about holding a Dickins Festival/Winter Carnival during the annual tree lighting ceremony to help bring people to town to spend money.  Sel. Ferguson said that the Town should contact the DOR to discuss water/sewer rate issues and the current balance of the Enterprise Fund.  Is there a better way to do billing?  Sel. Renzoni said the process works, but he would be willing to look at another option.

12. Acceptance of Previous Minutes

Motion by Sel. Jumonville, seconded by Sel. Lipka, it was UNANIMOUSLY VOTED TO APPROVE THE MEETING MINUTES OF AUGUST 13, 2012.

13. Adjournment

Motion by Sel. Lavigne, seconded by Sel. Lipka, it was UNANIMOUSLY VOTED TO ADJOURN THE SEPTEMBER 4, 2012 MEETING AT 9:10PM.


APPROVED: October 1, 2012