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04/07/2014
HOLDEN BOARD OF SELECTMEN
MEETING MINUTES
APRIL 7, 2014

6:30PM                                                                                  Memorial Hall

Present:                
Chairman Robert Lavigne, Kenneth Lipka, Anthony Renzoni,
Mark Ferguson, Jeremy Kurtz
                        
Others Present: 
Jacquie Kelly, Town Manager
Peter Lukes, Assistant Town Manager
D. Moschos, Town Counsel
Kim Rozak, Town Counsel                 
Elizabeth Helder, Recording Secretary

Chairman Lavigne opened the meeting at 6:30PM.  The Board participated in the Pledge of Allegiance.

  • Discussion to Enter Executive Session
Chairman Lavigne said that the Board had been scheduled to enter into executive session to discuss complaints or charges brought against a public officer, employee, staff member or individual, but that the person the complaint was against had waived his rights to executive session and asked for the meeting to be conducted in open session.

Chairman Lavigne asked Sel. Ferguson to confirm this open meeting request.  Sel. Ferguson confirmed that he wanted the meeting held in open session.  Chairman Lavigne asked Sel. Ferguson to recuse himself from the meeting due to the conflict of interest law.  Sel. Ferguson would then join his lawyer who was present in the audience.   Sel. Ferguson refused to leave the Board table based on his right to sit at the meeting as an elected official of the town.  Chairman Lavigne again said the request was a legal request based on the conflict of interest law.  Sel. Ferguson asked to confer with his lawyer.  Sel. Ferguson agreed to recuse himself based on the spirit of cooperation and to determine the who, what, why, and where of the complaint, after meeting with his lawyer.

Attorney Robert Hannigan approached the Selectmen and declared himself counsel for Mark Ferguson and asked to speak for Sel. Ferguson.  The Board agreed.

Chairman Lavigne read the Statement of Charge against Sel. Ferguson into record (attached).

Attorney Hannigan said he felt the real issues that needed to be determined were “was the Executive Session of March 17, 2014 a lawful Executive Session and was the document that Mr. Ferguson removed from the Executive Session a confidential document.”  Mr. Hannigan reviewed the language of the Executive Session motion made on March 17th.  He challenged the validity of the motion and challenged the fact that the information presented in the Executive Session was actually confidential (a March 13, 2014 document from the Town Manager).  He said if the document was disclosed to the Chairman then the document was no longer confidential.  He also said that the Board’s charge to the State Ethics Commission was false.

Mr. Hannigan said that Mr. Ferguson had submitted a complaint to the State Attorney General’s office, which was returned, and then resubmitted to the AG’s office.  He requested that the discussion and actions being considered by the Board be placed on hold/no action taken/or dismissed until a ruling from the AG’s office was given.  Mr. Ferguson will fully fight any charges made by the Board to the State Ethics Commission.  He also reported that Mr. Ferguson had disclosed the document that he took from the Executive Session to Mr. Hannigan.

Attorney Moschos addressed the Board and Attorney Hannigan, as a brother of the law.  He said his office does not believe that the March 17th Executive Session was improper.  He said the Board went into Executive Session to receive counsel from the town’s attorney.   The communication the Chairman submitted to the Board in this Executive Session was confidential document as the Town Manager submitted it as a private, confidential document.  This document was only given to the Chair, who then requested the Executive Session to present it to the Board.  The events that occurred at the beginning of the meeting involving Mr. Ferguson happened in Executive Session.  The Chairman released the document to the Board with the express condition that it was confidential and that it was to be returned to the Chairman during the Executive Session.  The document was not to leave the meeting.  Mr. Ferguson took the document knowing these conditions.

Sel. Renzoni said the March 17th Executive Session was legal and he had full faith in Town Counsel.  Sel. Renzoni said he wouldn’t have agreed to enter into the Executive Session if he thought it wasn’t legal.  

Chairman Lavigne said the actions from Ms. Kelly’s document were going to have an effect on the Board/Town and the Board needed a legal opinion from Town Counsel.  The entire Board was named in the document, not just Mr. Ferguson.

Sel. Lipka said it was made clear to everyone in the room during the March 17th Executive Session that the document was not to leave the room.  The Board entered into Executive Session legally, and the document was confidential between the Chairman and Town Manager.

Sel. Renzoni said that Mr. Ferguson violated the law with his actions.  He removed a document that was not to leave the room.  The law is the law.  Mr. Ferguson broke the trust of the Board and the Town by taking the document.

Chairman Lavigne said that after Mr. Ferguson took the document and left the meeting, he was followed to his car by two police officers.  As the Board had not voted to recess from Executive Session, Chairman Lavigne had the Recording Secretary accompany him to Mr. Ferguson’s car to document the conversation.  At that point, Chairman Lavigne reiterated to Mr. Ferguson that he needed to return the document to the Chair and that the document was not to be shared with anyone outside of the Executive Session.  The Board had not even started to have a conversation about any type of litigation because the meeting never progressed that far.

A motion by Sel. Renzoni to refer the Statement of Charge to the State Ethics Commission was seconded by Sel. Lipka for discussion.

Mr. Hannigan questioned Mr. Moschos whether the document that Mr. Ferguson took was actually a confidential document. He said Mr. Ferguson had a different definition of what a confidential document is.
Sel. Renzoni said that Sel. Ferguson waived his rights to discuss the document when he took it and left the meeting.  He could have stayed and rallied support for his position.  There was an argument, foul language was spoken, and then Sel. Ferguson left the meeting.
Mr. Hannigan said that Sel. Ferguson did not waive anything.  He left the Executive Session.

Sel. Lipka said when the Chairman gave the document to the Selectmen, it was clearly stated that it was to be returned to the Chairman prior to leaving Executive Session.

Mr. Hannigan said he rested his position.

Motion by Sel. Renzoni, seconded by Sel. Lipka, it was UNANIMOUSLY VOTED 4-0 TO REFER THE STATEMENT OF CHARGE TO THE STATE ETHICS COMMISSION.  ROLL CALL: LIPKA: YES; KURTZ: YES; RENZONI: YES; LAVIGNE: YES.

The discussion was closed at 6:56PM

Chairman Lavigne invited Sel. Ferguson to return to the meeting.

  • Adoption of the Code of Conduct, Sexual Harassment Policy and Protected Class Harassment Policy as applicable directly to the Board of Selectmen
The Board reviewed a revised Code of Conduct policy.

A motion was made by Sel. Renzoni and seconded by Sel. Lipka to move to approve the revised Code of Conduct policy as presented by the Administration for discussion.

Sel. Kurtz said that the second bullet should read ‘town’ to keep the document consistent.

Motion by Sel. Renzoni, seconded by Lipka it was VOTED 4-1 WITH 1 OPPOSED TO APPROVE THE REVISED CODE OF CONDUCT POLICY AS PRESENTED BY THE ADMINISTRATION WITH THE AMENDMENT BY SEL. KURTZ TO CHANGE THE SECOND BULLET TO READ ‘TOWN.’  (OPPOSED: FERGUSON.)

Motion by Sel. Renzoni, seconded by Sel. Lipka, it was VOTED 4-1 WITH 1 OPPOSED TO REQUIRE THE BOARD OF SELECTMEN TO READ, SIGN, AND EXECUTE THE CODE OF CONDUCT AS PRESENTED BY THE ADMINISTRATION. (OPPOSED: FERGUSON.)

Chairman Lavigne said the Code of Conduct will be reviewed and re-signed every year at the Selectmen’s Reorganization meeting.

Sel. Ferguson requested the invoice the town incurred to have Town Counsel rewrite the Code of Conduct policy.  He said he was looking for transparency from the Administration.  Sel. Ferguson asked that a motion be made to get this information from the Town Manager.

Sel. Renzoni said the Board had not scheduled a discussion of legal fees on the Agenda.  The Town Manager said she would provide the information.

Sel. Ferguson continued that there is reluctance to get this information from the Town Manager.  The Chairman said he would get the costs to Sel. Ferguson by the next Board meeting.

Sel. Ferguson made a motion to request the Administration provide the bill from Town Counsel to rewrite the Code of Conduct.  The motion did not receive a second.  The motion failed.  

Sel. Renzoni asked Ms. Kelly to provide the legal cost to review the Code of Conduct to the Board and keep the Code of Conduct documents for the record.

Chairman Lavigne asked the Board members to sign the back page and return it to the Clerk.  

Sel. Kurtz made a motion that was seconded by Sel. Renzoni that the Board of Selectmen will read, sign, and execute the Sexual Harassment Policy and Protected Class Harassment Policy was discussed.

Sel. Ferguson said that he would oppose the motion as he subscribes to the state and federal sexual harassment laws.  He said he does not understand why the town needs its own policy.  He asked if the town also has its own discrimination and affirmative action laws.  The State and local government has vetted these laws.  He inquired if the town also be bringing these laws to town.

Chairman said these are not laws; they are policies that all employees sign.  He said the Board should be setting the standard and setting the example by signing these annually.  He said the Selectmen should abide by policy like all town employees.

Sel. Renzoni said an employee brought the sexual harassment issue to the Board’s attention.  While he didn’t think the Sexual Harassment had to be said, it does.  Sel. Renzoni said he would support looking in to implementing anti-discrimination and affirmative action policies in town too.

Mr. Moschos said that Mass state law requires all employers with 6 or more employees to have these policies in place.  The US does not have a sexual harassment mandate, but has recommended that individual states have them.  Just because there are State and Federal laws does not obviate the need to do this on a local basis.

Sel. Renzoni from a leadership position it is important to sign and execute these policies to set the example.

Sel. Ferguson said that a political board was creating this policy and he felt it should come from the Town.  

Chairman Lavigne corrected Sel. Ferguson’s statement.  The policy is not coming from the Board; all town employees already sign this document and now the Board will too.

Motion by Sel. Kurtz, seconded by Sel. Renzoni, it was UNANIMOUSLY VOTED THAT THE BOARD OF SELECTMEN READ, SIGN, AND EXECUTE THE SEXUAL HARASSMENT POLICY AND THE PROTECTED CLASS POLICY AS PRESENTED BY THE ADMINISTRATION.

Chairman Lavigne asked that all Selectmen sign and return the Protected Harassment Policy and the Sexual Harassment Policy and return them to the Clerk for the record.

All Selectmen signed their policies.

  • Citizens’ Address
Mr. Ed Meyer, Fort Sumter Drive, addressed the board to correct errors Sel. Lavigne made at the March 17, 2014 Follow-Up to Citizens’ Address.   Chairman Lavigne reprimanded Mr. Meyer reminding him that he cannot call out individual members of the board during Citizens’ Address.  Mr. Meyer referred to Chairman Lavigne as the gentlemen sitting in the middle of the table with the gavel several times.  The Chairman reprimanded Mr. Meyer again.  Mr. Meyer said that this error occurred when the Chairman stated that he had offered to meet with Mr. Meyer many times.  Mr. Meyer quoted several water/sewer statistics that have occurred during this particular Selectman’s tenure on the Board.  Mr. Meyer said that the person appointed as an observer at the Water/Sewer Advisory Board meetings was absent at many of the meetings.

Mr. Paul Allen Moreau, Main Street, spoke about a 2½ % upcharge each year from the town, fees associated with late fees on excise taxes and water bill surcharges and upcharges.  

Mr. John McLaughlin, Wachusett Street, said that lawyers are not brothers, referencing comments made by the attorney’s at the beginning of the meeting.  He said he had lived in Holden for 50 years and has not seen Selectmen fight like this.  He said the Board should concern themselves with the town’s financial responsibilities instead of petty arguments and that the battles should be fought together and not involve lawyers.  He said the problems should stay within the community.  

  • Licenses – Appointments – Permits
Motion by Sel. Lipka, seconded by Sel. Ferguson, it was UNANIMOUSLY VOTED TO GRANT APPROVAL TO RHONDA HAMER, COORDINATOR OF HOLDEN DAYS FOR THE USE OF THE GROUNDS AT THE DAMON HOUSE, THE BANDSTAND AND BANDSTAND GROUNDS AND THE BUBAR FIELDS AND THE DONATION OF A PORTABLE SINK AND TOILETS FOR HOLDEN DAYS ON SATURDAY, AUGUST 23, 2014.

Sel. Ferguson questioned whether the town should waive the town permit fees for all departments for Holden Days.  He said if it was a non-profit vendor he could understand but for-profit entities should pay a fee.  Are fees waived for food vendors as well?  The Town Manager will invite Chamber of Commerce Director Jen Stanovich to speak to the Board regarding these questions.

Motion by Sel. Lipka, seconded  by Sel. Ferguson it was UNANIMOUSLY VOTED TO TABLE DISCUSSION REGARDING THE WAIVER OF ALL TOWN PERMIT FEES FOR ALL DEPARTMENTS FOR HOLDEN DAYS.

Motion by Sel. Sel. Renzoni, seconded by Sel. Ferguson, it was UNANIMOUSLY VOTED TO APPROVE A PARADE PERMIT TO AHSLEY LEBLANC ON BEHALF OF MOUNTVIEW HEALTHY HEARTS FOR A 5K ROAD RACE/WALK ON SATURDAY, JUNE 7, 2014 FROM 9AM-12PM AS PRESENTED.

Motion by Sel. Sel. Renzoni, seconded by Sel. Lipka, it was UNANIMOUSLY VOTED TO APPROVE AN ANNUAL COMMON VICTUALER LICENSE TO CHRISTA WILDE ON BEHALF OF SWEETS AND JAVA TO OPERATE A FOOD CART AT 64 BOYDEN ROAD, HOLDEN, MA AT THE RELIANT MEDICAL GROUP FROM MONDAY – FRIDAY 8AM-2PM AS PRESENTED.

  • Regional Selectmen’s Meeting, Thursday, April 10, 2014
Chairman Lavigne said he received a letter from the Rutland Board of Selectmen who recently voted to host a regional meeting of all the Wachusett District’s Boards of Selectmen to discuss the fiscal year 2015 budget for the Wachusett Regional School District.  All Finance Committee members and School Committee members are invited to attend.  The meeting will be held on Thursday, April 10, 2014 at 7PM at the Rutland Public Library.  Chairman Lavigne said that the last time this type of meeting was held, it was not productive for Holden.  However, he noted that the Town of Paxton has asked to have their assessment scaled back to last year’s budget.  The District cannot do this for only one town; it must make budget cuts to all towns.  This action would result in a 1M cut to the District budget.  If the District agrees to Paxton’s request, no teachers will be cut from Paxton; teacher cuts would come from Holden first.

Sel. Renzoni said this is the shame of the regional agreement.  Holden is the biggest and takes the hits first.

Sel. Kurtz said that Holden has called these meetings before and should show respect by attending.

Sel. Ferguson spoke to supporting a Holden K-8 program.  The Regional Agreement has been in place 20 years and it is not acceptable.  Other towns should not be able to tell Holden what they can or can’t spend on their kids.  Sooner or later parents in Holden will call for a K-8 program in Holden to chart their own destiny.

Chairman Lavigne reminded everyone that Holden cannot just walk away from the Regional Agreement; the other four towns must release Holden from the Agreement.

Sel. Renzoni said the District budget includes a very small increase.  It is important to protect the kids of Holden.

Chairman Lavigne asked the Manager to post the Selectmen for the meeting and to invite members of the Holden Finance Committee to attend.

  • Open, Set, and Close 2014 Annual Town Meeting Warrant
Motion by Sel. Renzoni, seconded by Sel. Lipka, it was UNANIMOUSLY VOTED TO OPEN THE 2014 ANNUAL TOWN MEETING WARRANT AS PRESENTED.

The Selectmen reviewed the warrant articles.  The Manager said that there was an article for authorization to dispose of the Creamer Property.  The Board also agreed it was important to keep the authorization to sell the former Police Station.  These authorizations can be rescinded later if the town changes its mind.

The Board discussed the medical marijuana dispensary warrant article.  Sel. Renzoni asked that this article be placed on a future Selectmen Agenda for public discussion/input.  Sel. Ferguson asked if anyone had discussed this issue with the business owners in the industrial park.  He said he would like their feedback.  Chairman Lavigne said they would be invited to any discussion the Board held.  Also, members of the local business community and Chamber of Commerce would also be invited.  The Manager said the Planning Board has had extensive hearings on the subject.  They will be invited as well.  Chairman Lavigne said the Board needs to gather as much information as possible before they take a vote on this warrant article.

Sel. Ferguson asked about the gas conversion at Dawson School.  Will the District reimburse the town for the $75,000 cost for the conversion?  The District will share in the reward of the conversion.  Ms. Kelly said the town owns the building and is responsible for the conversion cost.  Chairman Lavigne said the Board was only voting to open, set, and close the warrant.  It will debate support of the article at a meeting closer to the Annual Town Meeting.

Motion by Sel. Renzoni, seconded by Sel. Lipka, it was UNANIMOUSLY VOTED TO SET THE 2014 ANNUAL TOWN MEETING WARRANT AS PRESENTED.

Motion by Sel. Renzoni, seconded by Sel. Lipka, it was UNANIMOUSLY VOTED TO CLOSE THE 2014 ANNUAL TOWN MEETING WARRANT AS PRESENTED.

  • Town Manager’s Miscellaneous
  • Ms. Kelly presented a spreadsheet of the Starbard Scholarship Fund balance as of December 31, 2013.  There is $1,185 in interest available for scholarship awards this year.  In the past, the Board has formed a sub-committee comprised of two Selectmen, advertised the availability of the scholarship, and met with prospective recipients.  Sel. Renzoni and Sel. Ferguson will serve on the sub-committee.   He said he would like to cap the distribution at $1000 and reinvest the remaining $185 back into the principal.  It was agreed that the subcommittee would make the distribution decision based on the caliber of applicants.
  • The Board reviewed a Press Release from the Town Clerk’s office regarding voter registration.  The Annual Town Election is scheduled for Monday, May 12th; Annual Town Meeting will be held on Monday, May 19th.  The last day to register to vote for both events is April 22, 2014.  Voter registration information is available on the town’s web site, the Secretary of State’s web site, or by calling the Town Clerk’s office at 508-210-5530.  A voter registration drive was recently conducted at the high school.
  • The Manager updated the Board on the Quinapoxet Street Bridge Repair project by the Mass DOT.  Letters have been sent to residents in the area and warning signs are being installed by the DOT and the Town this week.  Information on the project is available on the town web site, electronic email alerts, and Facebook.  Sel. Ferguson asked if there were sidewalks on both sides of the proposed bridge replacement.  Can the project be amended?  Ms. Kelly will reach out to the DOT.
  • The Town Manager explained that the town’s annual water use restrictions will go into effect May 1, 2014 through September 30, 2014 between the hours of 9am – 5pm daily.  The use restrictions are a condition of the Town’s Water Management Act Final Permit issued by the MA Department of Environmental Protection.  The water ban in general restricts residents’ daily ‘non-essential’ outdoor water use from public water sources.  The notice has been sent to all residents and is posted on the town’s web site.  Sel. Renzoni voiced his annual complaint of this unfunded mandate from the State.  He said he was opposed to spending any money on enforcing this act.  The Town is in the business of selling water.
  • The Board reviewed a copy of the 2014 Summer Recreation Brochure.  The Brochure is also available on line.  Pool passes went on sale April 1, 2014.  To date, 41 resident family passes and 56 resident single passes have been sold.  All 400 non-resident passes have been sold.  In order to register for a summer recreation program, you must purchase a pool pass.  Online registration for summer programs for residents begins Saturday, May 10th at 9am.  Online registration for summer programs for non-residents begins Sunday, May 11th at 9am.  Sel. Kurtz spoke to past problems that customers have had when registering multiple aged children at one time.  He requested that the Recreation Department provide telephone help/support during the registration process on May 10th.  Sel. Renzoni said that he had also heard similar complaints from residents.  Sel. Renzoni asked what the price non-residents pay for their pool passes.  He had been told in the past that non-resident passes could not be sold for more than double the fee what residents pay because it would jeopardize the Department’s ability to apply for grant money.  He asked how many grants the Department has applied for.  Sel. Ferguson suggested scaling back the amount of non-resident passes to 350.  Chairman Lavigne spoke to successful efforts of Ms. Morano in preventing fraudulent non-resident pool pass scams on Craig’s List.
  • The Board reviewed the Year to Date Revenue and Expenditure Reports for the period ending February 2014 as prepared by Lori Rose, Town Accountant.
  • Ms. Kelly announced the DPW Spring Composting Program Dates.  Leaves and grass clippings will be accepted at 560 River Street (old Town Dump) from 8AM-2:30pm on Saturday, April 19, April 26, May 3, May 10, and May 17.  Due to Asian Longhorned Beetle restrictions, brush will be collected on the same dates at the Adams Road/DPW Garage facility.  A notice will be published in the newspaper as well as posted on the town web site.
  • The Manager announced that the Holden Municipal Light Department’s Return has been completed and filed with the Department of Public Utilities.  The Return will be circulated among the Board with a routing slip.
  • Ms. Kelly informed the Board that at the request of the Agricultural Commission, the Town has purchase ten street signs to announce that Holden is a Right to Farm community.  This spring, the DPW will install the signs at the major roads entering the Town.  The design was provided by the Agricultural Commission.  Sel. Kurtz asked that the sensitivity of residents be considered when the signs are installed.
  • The Kelly announced that the DPW has begun spring street sweeping operations.  A schedule of streets is available on the town web site.
  • Approval of Minutes
Motion by Sel. Lipka, seconded by Sel. Renzoni, it was UNANIMOUSLY VOTED TO APPROVE THE MARCH 3, 2014 MEETING MINUTES AND AMENDED BY SEL. LAVIGNE TO ADD THE WORDS TO THE SECOND PARAGRAPH ON PAGE TWO TO INCLUDE “VOTE ON SOMETHING THAT WOULD NEGATIVELY AFFECT HIS BROTHER.  SEL. LIPKA REPLIED THAT HE DOES NOT TAKE HIS BROTHER INTO CONSIDERATION WHEN VOTING ON TOWN BUSINESS.” AND TO CHANGE THE WORD “FEBRUARY” TO “APRIL” UNDER SEL. SUBCOMMITTEES: WINTER FESTIVAL COMMITTEE ON PAGE THREE AS PRESENTED.

Motion by Sel. Renzoni, seconded by Sel. Lipka, it was UNANIMOUSLY VOTED TO APPROVE THE MARCH 17, 2014 MEETING MINUTES AS AMENDED BY SEL. LAVIGNE TO STRIKE THE WORDS “FOLLOW THE ED MEYER PLAN” AND ADD THE WORDS “IT IS THE MARK FERGUSON PLAN” ON PAGE FOUR, SECTION SEVEN OF THE SIXTH PARAGRAPH AS PRESENTED.   

Sel. Ferguson asked when the March 17, 2014 Executive Session minutes would be released.  The Chairman said that they were not ready to be distributed to the Board for discussion.  All Executive Session minutes must be discussed, voted on, and approved for release in Executive Session.  Sel. Ferguson asked that the Board schedule an Executive Session for the next meeting to review the March 17, 2014 Executive Session minutes.

  • Follow-Up to Citizens’ Address
Sel. Renzoni responded to Mr. Moreau statement regarding Prop 2 ½ that the town budget has come in under Prop 2 ½ for the last three years.  Ms. Kelly has prepared a very lean budget.  The Board discussed excise taxes.  Ms. Kelly said that the State provides the excise tax bills; the town only prepares them for mailing.  It is a mandatory State tax that the town benefits from.  She said the town relies on the money raised by excise taxes.    Sel. Renzoni offered to speak to Mr. Moreau after the meeting.

Sel. Renzoni said that the town has not missed collecting any money from the City of Worcester from the sale of water.  The Town has a 99-year contract with the City.  Sel. Renzoni said he is the liaison for the W/SAB and is always in contact with the DPW Director or the W/S Superintendent.   He only attends W/SAB meetings when there is discussion as it pertains to the involvement of the Board.  The DPW notifies him when the W/SAB will discuss something that involves the Board of Selectmen.

Sel. Ferguson said he had a lot to say about water, discussing leaking fire hydrants and quoting from a January 2013 memorandum from the DPW Director.  Chairman Lavigne said that the Board was only discussing what was discussed by the three residents who spoke during Citizens’ Address.  Sel. Renzoni said that fire hydrants and memorandums from the DPW Director were not discussed during Citizens’ Address and said that Sel. Ferguson should stay on topic.  He said that Sel. Ferguson was once again trying to hijack the meeting.  Sel. Ferguson said he would like to create a hydrant policy.  Sel. Renzoni said the Board does not make policies.  Sel. Lipka said he would like to move the meeting along.

  • Selectmen’s Miscellaneous
Sel. Ferguson: 1. Requested a listing of the total billings from the law firm Mirick O’Connell for the last five years.
2. Requested a copy of the town’s program to reduce unaccounted for water and sewer inflow.  The Town Manager said he had been provided a copy.
3. Requested an electronic copy of the Annual Statistical Report for the year 2013.  The Manager will email it to all the Selectmen at their town email accounts.
4. Requested a plan view drawings of the proposed Rt. 31 Quinapoxet River Bridge.

Sel. Ferguson said he had not received any of the information he requested from the Administration.  Sel. Ferguson spoke to the town’s legal budget and the need for accountability.  He said the town should go out to bid for legal services.  The Town Manager said Sel. Ferguson had previously requested the total billings from the town’s legal firm before through the Public Document Information Act.  She said her staff prepared the request and that Sel. Ferguson never came to pick up the information.  Sel. Ferguson said the Town wanted to charge him $96 for this information.  Ms. Kelly confirmed that requests made through this Act must pay for the service.  Sel. Ferguson said that he should not have to pay for this information mentioning that he was “smarter than the average bear.”  Sel. Lipka asked Sel. Ferguson to stop the sarcasm at Board meetings.

  • Sel. Subcommittees
Sel. Renzoni: Veteran’s Advisory Committee:  met on 3/10 to discuss Memorial Day activities.  He handed in an application for a perspective committee member.  

Sel. Kurtz: Economic Development Commission: have not met.  
Memorial Day Parade: Monty Tech Jr. ROTSI will march in the parade.  The library will host an essay contest and the middle school will host an art contest.

Sel. Lipka: Agricultural Commission: met 3/18.
Affordable Housing: have not met.

Sel. Lavigne: Winter Festival: will meet on April 11th
EDC: has not met.

  • Motion to Adjourn
Motion by Sel. Renzoni, seconded by Sel. Lipka, it was UNANIMOUSLY VOTED TO ADJOURN THE APRIL 7, 2014 MEETING AT 8:45PM.

APPROVED:          May 5, 2014