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05/06/2013
HOLDEN BOARD OF SELECTMEN
MEETING MINUTES
MAY 6, 2013

6:30PM                                                                          Memorial Hall

Present:                Chairman Robert Lavigne, Anthony Renzoni, Kenneth Lipka,
                        Mark Ferguson, Jeremy Kurtz

Others Present: Jacquie Kelly, Town Manager
                        Elizabeth Helder, Recording Secretary

Chairman Lavigne opened the meeting at 6:30PM.  Member of Girl Scout Troop 30247 led the Board in the Pledge of Allegiance.  They were Maya Bellevieu, Emma Campanalie, Olivia Curtis, Katie Duggan, Kendall Keeney, Emma Lavigne, Olivia Pepi, and Jasina Piracci.  Chairman Lavigne welcomed Jeremy Kurtz, the new Selectman, to the Board.  The Chairman announced that at a reorganization meeting held on May 1, 2013, he had been appointed as Chairman; Sel. Lipka was appointed as Vice-Chairman; and Sel. Kurtz was appointed as Clerk.  The entire Board extended their thanks to former Selectman Jumonville for his years of dedicated service to the town.

  • Appointments, Licenses and Permits
Motion by Sel. Renzoni, seconded by Sel. Lipka, it was UNANIMOUSLY VOTED TO APPROVE A PARADE PERMIT TO JAMES JUMONVILLE ON BEHALF OF THE MEMORIAL DAY PARADE COMMITTEE FOR MONDAY, MAY 27, 2013 FROM 11AM-2PM AS PRESENTED.

Motion by Sel. Renzoni, seconded by Sel. Lipka, it was UNANIMOUSLY VOTED TO AUTHORIZE THE TOWN MANAGER TO APPROVE ANY OTHER TOWN LICENSES ASSOCIATED WITH THE MEMORIAL DAY PARADE.

  • Resignation of Wachusett Regional School District Member
Chairman Lavigne announced that WRSC member Steve Hammond had resigned from the School Committee effective May 1, 2013.  Mr. Hammond listed personal reasons for his resignation.  His term expires May 2015.

The Board discussed the appointment process for a replacement for Mr. Hammond.  The School Committee will not meet until May 22nd.  

Sel. Kurtz said there was a new clause that will be included in the Regional Agreement that when a School Representative vacates his/her position, the position will not be filled.  This is due to the new language to reduce the number of members that serve on the WRSC.

Sel. Ferguson said Holden is already unrepresented on the School Committee.  He said that it was important that the Selectmen fill the position as quickly as possible.  

Chairman Renzoni asked that the Town Manager solicit interested residents for the open School Committee vacancy through May 29th so that the Selectmen can interview and appoint a candidate at their June 3rd meeting.

  • Recognition of Eagle Scout Ben Heney
The Selectmen recognized Ben Heney who rebuilt the dugouts at the Bubar Baseball Fields at the Senior Center as his Eagle Scout project.  Mr. Heney said the project took him approximately a year and a half to complete.  He said the experience taught him that there was a lot more work involved than appeared on paper.  He thanked all those who volunteered their time and materials to the over 360 hours that it took to complete the project.  Local businesses included Maki Lumber, Jed’s Hardware, and E.J.’s painting.  Chairman Lavigne read and presented a proclamation to Ben Heney for attaining the honor of Eagle Scout.

  • Town Manager Miscellaneous
  • Ms. Kelly reviewed a letter from the SEB, LLC, the company working with the Reserve on Salisbury, Department of Housing and Community Development and the Town of Holden to provide and advertise the affordable housing units at the Reserve on Salisbury.  Forty-eight of the 192 rental units at the Reserve on Salisbury will be rented to households with incomes at or below 80% of the Area Median Income.  Completed applications for the lottery and required income documentation must be delivered, not postmarked, by 2PM on July 1, 2013.  A Public Information session will be held on June 4, 2013 at 6PM at Memorial Hall.  The lottery will be held in the same location at 5:30PM on July 16, 2013.  For more information call 617-782-6900 ext. 4 or go to www.s-e-b.com/lottery.
  • The Board reviewed the Y-T-D Revenue and Expenditure Reports for the period ending March 2013 prepared by Lori Rose, Town Accountant.
  • The Board reviewed the Holden Municipal Light Department Monthly Report for March 2013 as prepared by Jim Robinson, Light Department Manager.
  • The Board reviewed the Department of Public Works Monthly Report for March 2013 as prepared by John Woodsmall DPW Director.
  • Ms. Kelly reminded the Board the Composting and Brush Chipping services are being offered by the DPW at the Adams Road location on May 11th and May 18th.
  • Ms. Kelly informed the Board that according to Colleen Abrams, the Wachusett Regional Recycling Center, located at 131 Raymond Huntington Highway, West Boylston, will hold a regular collection day and document shredding event on Saturday, May 18, 2013 from 8AM – 11AM.  Further information may be found at www.wachusettearchday.org.
  • Ms. Kelly extended an invitation to the Selectboard from Police Chief Sherrill to attend the MA State Police Department’s 2013 Spring Awards Ceremony on Friday, MA 17, 2013 at 11AM at the State House, Boston.  During the ceremony, Police Officer Michael Joslyn will be honored for his actions in saving the life of another person.  Ms. Kelly asked that any Selectman who wishes to attend please notify her office by May 9th.  This is a special occasion for the Holden Police Department.  The Board extended congratulations to Officer Joslyn for his heroic act.
  • Ms. Kelly announced that the town is in receipt of a check for $40,000 in re-forestation grant money from the DCR Urban and Community Forestry Program.  The money will be used to plant public shade trees throughout the town to help mitigate the effects of tree removal operations associated with the Asian Longhorned Beetle Eradication Program.
  • Ms. Kelly shared an email from resident Jim Matheson who has taken on a Herculean task to pick up trash along town roads.  As of April 21, 2013, Mr. Matheson, the self-proclaimed “Trash Man,” has collected 25 bags of trash weighing 425 pounds.  And he is just getting started.  Bravo to Mr. Matheson for his community spirit and hard work.  It is the generous efforts of volunteers like Mr. Matheson that make Holden a beautiful and clean place to live.  Sel. Renzoni suggested inviting Mr. Matheson to the Selectmen’s meeting in August.
  • Ms. Kelly informed the Board that ZBA had a vacancy on its board.  Roy Fraser, who currently serves as an alternate on the Committee, will fill the vacancy.

  • Citizens’ Address
Janna Goodnell, Shrewsbury Street, expressed concern regarding increased dump truck traffic along Shrewsbury Street, Doyle Road, and West Mountain Street.  The dump trucks carry dirt to Overlook Farm in Rutland.  She said the trucks start hauling at 5AM and use their air brakes along the roads.  The noise and vibration from the truck traffic is causing some damage to resident’s homes.  She said the trucks also pass through two school zones and are ruining the quality of life for residents who live on these roads.  She said she had spoken to Mr. Woodsmall DPW Director who informed her that this activity is expected for the next two years.  

  • Motion Assignments/Position on Town Meeting Warrant Articles
The Board discussed motion assignments.  Sel. Ferguson said he would speak to Warrant Articles 22, 23, 32, and 37.  Sel. Lipka said he would speak to Warrant Articles 24, 29, 30, 31, and 33.  Sel. Renzoni said he would speak to Warrant Articles 27, 28, and 36.  Sel. Kurtz said he would speak to Warrant Articles 25, and 35.  Chairman Lavigne said he would speak to Warrant Articles 26, and 34.

The Board discussed taking positions on Warrant Articles.

Motion by Sel. Renzoni, seconded by Sel. Lipka, it was UNANIMOUSLY VOTED TO SUPPORT WARRANT ARTICLES 1-5.

Motion by Sel. Lipka, seconded by Sel. Renzoni, it was UNANIMOUSLY VOTED TO SUPPORT WARRANT ARTICLE 6-1.

Motion by Sel. Renzoni, seconded by Sel. Lipka, it was UNANIMOUSLY VOTED TO SUPPORT WARRANT ARTICLE 6-2.

Ms. Kelly informed the Board that the Finance Committee cut 20K out of Public Safety overtime account and Chief Sherrill has said that reductions will have to be made.  The Finance Committee did approve funding for a new fulltime officer.

Motion by Sel. Lipka, seconded by Sel. Renzoni, it was UNANIMOUSLY VOTED TO SUPPORT WARRANT ARTICLE 6-3.

Motion by Sel. Lipka, seconded by Sel. Renzoni, it was UNANIMOUSLY VOTED TO SUPPORT WARRANT ARTICLE 6-4.

Sel. Ferguson said while he would approve 6-5 (Water/Sewer Enterprise Fund) at Town Meeting he still has issues with funding of this budget.

Motion by Sel. Renzoni, seconded by Sel. Lipka, it was UNANIMOUSLY VOTED TO SUPPORT WARRANT ARTICLE 6-5.

Motion by Sel. Renzoni, seconded by Sel. Lipka, it was UNANIMOUSLY VOTED TO SUPPORT WARRANT ARTICLES 6-6 and 6-7.

Chairman Lavigne spoke against 6-8 (Culture) because the Finance Committee voted not to support funding an extra $7,000 to keep the library open a third night during the week.  He said he felt that $7,000 was a conservative number to increase library services and circulation.  Sel. Renzoni said this was one of the goals the Selectmen assigned the Town Manager this year.  Sel. Renzoni suggested tabling the motion until the night of Town Meeting.  Sel. Ferguson suggested making cuts to the legal budget to fund the line item.

Motion by Sel. Renzoni, seconded by Sel. Lipka, it was UNANIMOUSLY VOTED TO TABLE 6-8 UNTIL TOWN MEETING.

Motion by Sel. Renzoni, seconded by Sel. Kurtz, it was UNANIMOUSLY VOTED TO SUPPORT WARRANT ARTICLE 6-9.

Motion by Sel. Ferguson, seconded by Sel. Renzoni, it was UNANIMOUSLY VOTED TO SUPPORT WARRANT ARTICLE 7.

The Board discussed Warrant Article 8 (Education Voluntary) and what will happen if the other towns in the region do not support the school district budget.  Ms. Kelly said that at Town Meeting, Holden would approve a number not to exceed the voluntary number if other towns have still not approved.  The Board agreed to table discussion until Town Meeting.

Motion by Sel. Lipka, seconded by Sel. Kurtz, it was UNANIMOUSLY VOTED TO SUPPORT WARRANT ARTICLES 9-14.

Motion by Sel. Lipka, seconded by Sel. Renzoni, it was UNANIMOUSLY VOTED TO SUPPORT WARRANT ARTICLES 15-18.

Motion by Sel. Renzoni, seconded by Sel. Lipka, it was UNANIMOUSLY VOTED TO SUPPORT WARRANT ARTICLE 19.

The Town Manager explained that Warrant Article 20 (OPEB W/S Transfer) was an article to allocate money to a post-employment pension benefits trust fund from W/S.  She explained that the Light Department already contributes to this pension fund and this is the first time the town is contributing.  Sel. Ferguson said it was important to start contributing to the fund and support the retirement pension benefits for the employees.  The General Fund does not contribute yet.  Sel. Renzoni said it will be important to assign a goal to the Town Manager to make a contribution from the General Government fund to support this fund in the next budget cycle.  

Motion by Sel. Renzoni, seconded by Sel. Lipka, it was UNANIMOUSLY VOTED TO SUPPORT WARRANT ARTICLE 20.

Motion by Sel. Lipka, seconded by Sel. Renzoni, it was UNANIMOUSLY VOTED TO SUPPORT WARRANT ARTICLE 21.

Motion by Sel. Lipka, seconded by Sel. Renzoni, it was UNANIMOUSLY VOTED TO SUPPORT WARRANT ARTICLES 22-25.

Motion by Sel. Renzoni, seconded by Sel. Kurtz, it was UNANIMOUSLY VOTED TO SUPPORT WARRANT ARTICLE 26.

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

The Board discussed Warrant Article 28 (Monty Tech Stabilization Fund).   Sel. Renzoni said he would like to discuss the article with Mr. Cournoyer, the Monty Tech School Rep. prior to Town Meeting.

Motion by Sel. Renzoni, seconded by Sel. Lipka, it was UNANIMOUSLY VOTED TO TABLE WARRANT ARTICLE 28 UNTIL TOWN MEETING.

Ms. Kelly informed the Board that the Planning Board had approved the plan to change the zoning of the former police station to B-O-P.  Chairman Lavigne added that the EDC intended to vote to support the change too.  Sel. Ferguson said it is important to make this zoning change and sell the property.
Motion by Sel. Renzoni, seconded by Sel. Lipka, it was UNANIMOUSLY VOTED TO SUPPORT WARRANT ARTICLES 29-31.

Motion by Sel. Renzoni, seconded by Sel. Lipka, it was UNANIMOUSLY VOTED TO SUPPORT WARRANT ARTICLE 32.

Motion by Sel. Lipka, seconded by Sel. Renzoni, it was UNANIMOUSLY VOTED TO SUPPORT WARRANT ARTICLE 33.

Motion by Sel. Lipka, seconded by Sel. Renzoni, it was UNANIMOUSLY VOTED TO SUPPORT WARRANT ARTICLE 34.

Motion by Sel. Lipka, seconded by Sel. Renzoni, it was UNANIMOUSLY VOTED TO SUPPORT WARRANT ARTICLE 35.

Motion by Sel. Renzoni, seconded by Sel. Lipka, it was UNANIMOUSLY VOTED TO SUPPORT WARRANT ARTICLE 36.

The Board discussed Warrant Article 37 (Grant Groceries Citizen Petition).  Sel. Ferguson expressed concern with the language of the petition.  He said the way the petition is written, it seems that Grant Groceries expects the Town to award it the liquor license when the Town becomes eligible for the additional license (at 20,000 residents).  He said that some type of lottery/procedure should be established to be fair.  He said he has received some feedback that there is opposition from the other liquor businesses in town.  Sel. Kurtz concurred with Sel. Fergusons concerns.  Sel. Ferguson said the Board should establish some type of sub-committee to determine 1. If the Town even wants to put the license in place; and 2. If so, does the Town want to give the license to Grant Groceries the license?  Sel. Renzoni said he would like to see a sub-committee study the issue.  The Board can decide not to decide to pursue the extra license at 20K.  Additionally, he said he would like the Town Manager to work with Town Counsel on the issue.  Sel. Ferguson said the Board should vote to take a position so that the petitioner can withdraw the motion before wasting more of his money on legal fees.  Sel. Lipka said the Town should not support this article as it is unfair and unfounded.  Chairman Lavigne felt the Town should explore all its options before taking a position.

Motion by Sel. Renzoni, seconded by Sel. Lipka, it was UNANIMOUSLY VOTED TO OPPOSE WARRANT ARTICLE 37.

Sel. Ferguson asked the Town Manager to inform the petitioner’s lawyer of the Board’s opposition to the article.

The Board discussed Warrant Article 38 (Citizen Petition Zoning Change).  Sel. Renzoni said this is the third or fourth year this petition has come before Town Meeting, where it was previously failed.   Abutters are scared at the potential zoning change with no clear plans for future development.  Ms. Kelly said that the Planning Board has not yet had a hearing on the petition.   Sel. Ferguson concurred that neighbors are afraid they will be looking at a gas station.  Sel. Kurtz requested the Board be informed of any decisions made by the Planning and Zoning Boards prior to town Meeting.

Motion by Sel. Renzoni, seconded by Sel. Lipka, it was UNANIMOUSLY VOTED TO TABLE WARRANT ARTICLE 38 UNTIL TOWN MEETING.

  • Selectmen Subcommittees
Chairman Lavigne reviewed the list of current subcommittees.  The list will be emailed to all Selectmen for discussion at the June 3rd meeting.  Sel. Renzoni suggested creating an alcohol/beverages subcommittee to review all options.

Sel. Renzoni said he would like to remain on Water/Sewer.  Sel. Ferguson also expressed interest in serving on the Water/Sewer Advisory Board.  He added he would like to see one-stop permitting implemented in town.  Additionally, applicants would also be able to go before all Boards (Planning Zoning, Conservation etc.) to have their permits approved at one time.

Chairman Lavigne said the EDC would meet on May 17th to review warrant articles

  • Follow-Up to Citizens’ Address
Chairman Lavigne asked the Town Manager to investigate the dirt trucking situation in town.  Ms. Kelly said that approximately 40-60 truckloads of clean dirt are expected to come through town every day through the fall.  Unfortunately, these are public roads and there is little the Town can do.  Sel. Kurtz said the truck have multiple complaints about debris falling off the trucks.  Ms. Kelly will follow up with the resident who spoke during Citizens’ Address.

  • Selectmen Minutes
There were no minutes for approval.

  • Selectmen Miscellaneous
Sel. Renzoni: 1. Reminded residents to attend the Memorial Day Parade on May 27th at 11AM.

Sel. Lipka: 1. Submitted a letter of thanks from a resident to Fire Chief Chandler regarding a brush fire.  The resident commended the fire department employees on their quick, efficient and professional response to the fire situation.  

Sel. Ferguson: 1. Natural gas improvements to town must be a priority to open up opportunities in Town.  Ms. Kelly suggested inviting a representative from NSTAR to speak to the Board.  However, with as many letters she can write, it is ultimately a corporate, bottom-line decision for the gas company.
2. Sel. Ferguson inquired about continued police presence at meetings.  Chairman Lavigne said that he fully intended to schedule the topic for discussion on a future agenda when Town Counsel is present to answer questions.   Sel. Renzoni said that verbal and physical threats have been made outside during Selectboard meetings.  The Town Manager notified the Police Chief who made the decision to post a patrol officer at all Selectboard meetings.  Chairman Lavigne promised full discussion at the next meeting.  Sel. Ferguson objected to having the discussion postponed.  He spoke with one of the individuals involved in the altercation that predicated the posting of the office.  Sel. Ferguson said the individual denied that the event occurred.  Sel. Ferguson felt that the police were better served having the police officer out on the streets serving the taxpaying residents.  Sel. Renzoni said the Selectboard does not dispatch police officer.  He said the best person to ask about the decision was the Police Chief.  Chairman Lavigne said further discussion would take place when Town Counsel and Chief Sherrill could be involved to provide more information/facts.

Sel. Lavigne: 1. Pay it Forward Day was a success on April 27th
2. Will schedule discussion of the Summer Schedule at next meeting.
3. Reported that the access road next to Recreation Department that services Davis Hill School is very dusty.  Neighbors cannot open their house windows due to dirt.  The Town Manager said she would investigate the situation and discuss it with the DPW.

Sel. Ferguson inquired about an ongoing issue with a blue van in town.  Complaints about a gentleman in a blue van with a white dog have been made at the police department.  Sel. Ferguson inquired if the Code Red system should be used to alert residents of a potential threat to children in town.  Ms. Kelly said that the police are well aware of the situation and although the man has not broken any laws, the police are tracking the issue.  Chairman Lavigne said there is a lot of misinformation out there and any information should be forwarded to the police.

  • Adjournment
Motion by Sel. Renzoni, seconded by Sel. Lipka, it was UNANIMOUSLY VOTED TO ADJOURN THE MAY 6, 2013 MEETING AT 8:25PM.

APPROVED: July 15, 2013


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