Town of Hudson - Board of Selectmen
Minutes –January 27, 2014
78 Main Street 2nd Floor 7:00 PM
Present were Mr. Lucy, Mr. Durant, Mr. Yates, Mr. Quinn, Mr. Vereault, Mr. Moses, Attorney Cipriano and Ms. Santos.
Public Session: January 6, 2014
Mr. Vereault indicated that the minutes do not reflect Mr. Quinn’s participation in the notice to convert the property of 481 Main Street and urged the Board not to approve the minutes. Mr. Yates recalls that Mr. Quinn spoke on this issue for at least 5 minutes and was concerned that the minutes do not accurately reflect Mr. Quinn’s statement.
The Board discussed further their views on the composition of the minutes and how they should be more consistent on what gets recorded and not recorded in the minutes.
Mr. Yates noted that item 2a in the 1/6/14 minutes does not reflect the opposition to the motion. Mr. Durant will be noted as having opposed the motion.
Mr. Lucy suggested the following sentence be added: Mr. Quinn, after getting a nod from Town Counsel, revealed that he was an abutter, he cited history on that section of town that included his desire for the several land owners in that area to hopefully keep their land undeveloped.
Mr. Vereault does not agree that the sentence accurately reflects what happened and is not inclined to vote for its approval.
On a motion by Mr. Lucy, seconded by Mr. Durant the Board voted 3-2 to amend the January 6, 2014 minutes by adding “ Mr. Quinn, after getting a nod from Town Counsel, revealed that he was an abutter, he cited history on that section of town that included his desire for the several land owners in that area to hopefully keep their land undeveloped” under item 11. Mr. Yates and Mr. Vereault opposed.
Mr. Quinn stated that after all this discussion related to what he said or didn’t say, he recalled asking Town Counsel whether he could speak, Attorney Cipriano indicated that he could speak for informational purposes only, he then gave the location of the properties and disclosed that he is an abutter and stated that he would prefer the land be kept open, and that the way the proposal was set up it probably would not have any affect on him or his property whatsoever.
Public Session: January 13, 2014
On a motion by Mr. Lucy, seconded by Mr. Durant the Board voted 4-1 to approve the minutes. Mr. Vereault opposed.
- Citizens’ Issues:
- Meetings and Public Hearings - 7:00 PM:
Selectmen to conduct a hearing on an application to Alter Premises of an All Alcohol Pouring License for Karmichael Holding LLC d/b/a Rail Trail Flatbread at 31-33 Main Street, new premises to include 29 Main Street.
On a motion by Mr. Lucy, seconded by Mr. Durant the Board voted 5-0 to close the hearing and approve the application to Alter Premises of the All Alcohol Pouring License held by Rail Trail Flatbread.
Selectmen to consider approval of change of manager for an All Alcohol Pouring License held by 99 West LLC, proposed new manager Christopher Bryant.
On a motion by Mr. Lucy, seconded by Mr. Durant the Board voted 5-0 to approve the new manager Christopher Bryant.
Selectmen to consider approval of a Fortune Teller License to Robert L. Vilches at 8 Felton Street, Unit 2.
On a motion by Mr. Lucy, seconded by Mr. Durant the Board voted 5-0, to approve the Fortune Teller License to Mr. Robert L. Vilches.
Selectmen to consider approval of reappointment of Joan Wordell as Town Clerk for a term expiring on February 2, 2017.
On a motion by Mr. Durant, seconded by Mr. Lucy the Board voted 5-0 to approve reappointment of Joan Wordell as Town Clerk to a term expiring on February 2, 2017.
Selectmen to consider approval of a Resolution in support of the Superintendent’s submittal of a Statement of Interest (SOI) to the Massachusetts School Building Authority for the Mulready School Roof replacement.
On a motion by Mr. Durant, seconded by Mr. Lucy the Board voted 5-0 to approve the SOI for the Mulready Roof replacement.
Selectmen to consider acceptance of donations for the Hometalk Heroes Hudson Initiative for a room makeover at the Fire Station 1.
On a motion by Mr. Lucy, seconded by Mr. Durant the Board voted 5-0 to accept the donations for the Hometalk Heroes Hudson Initiative.
Selectmen to consider approval and authorization to sign an extension of the MOA with MassDevelopment related to the property at 173 Washington Street with a new contract completion date of January 31, 2015.
On a motion by Mr. Durant, seconded by Mr. Lucy the Board voted 5-0 to approve and sign the extension of the MOA with MassDevelopment related to 173 Washington Street.
Selectmen to consider approval of Snow & Ice Overdraft authority in the amount of $54,200 Expense and $40,000 Salary.
On a motion by Mr. Yates, seconded by Mr. Lucy the Board voted 5-0 to approve the Snow & Ice Overdraft in the amount of $94,200.
Selectmen to consider amending the Traffic Rules & Regulations as recommended by the Internal Traffic Committee to eliminate parking on Southerly side of School Street from Washington Street easterly to the rear drive way of 48 Washington Street.
On a motion by Mr. Lucy, seconded by Mr. Durant the Board voted 5-0 to approve the ITC’s recommendation to eliminate parking on School Street.
Mr. Vereault asked for a inventory of unlighted crosswalks as he previously requested. Mr. Yates and Mr. Quinn both indicated that they are continuing to collaborate on a memorial for Paul Cellucci.
The Board discussed the timing of meeting with the School Department for their budget hearing and how it should be done prior to the warrant closing.
- Correspondence to be Noted by Clerk:
On a motion by Mr. Quinn, seconded by Mr. Lucy the Board voted 5-0 to note correspondence.
- Budget Hearings / Capital Plan:
Selectmen to conduct budget hearings and capital plan as follows:
Department |
Dept. # |
Tab # |
Amount |
Motion |
Seconded |
Vote |
Public Works: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Admin/Central |
4210 |
16 |
$779,097.00 |
Durant |
Lucy |
5-0 |
Parks/Cemetery |
4212 |
16 |
$555,321.00 |
Durant |
Lucy |
5-0 |
Streets |
4215 |
16 |
$812,002.00 |
Durant |
Lucy |
5-0 |
Vehicles |
4219 |
16 |
$331,868.00 |
Lucy |
Durant |
5-0 |
Snow & Ice |
4230 |
16 |
$326,953.00 |
Lucy |
Durant |
4-1, Vereault opposed |
Sewer/Collect/Disposal |
4400 |
16 |
$1,958,512.00 |
Durant |
Lucy |
5-0 |
Water |
4500 |
16 |
$1,792,032.00 |
Lucy |
Durant |
3-2 Vereault, Yates opposed |
DPW Total: |
|
|
$6,555,785.00 |
|
|
|
The board discussed water/sewer issues with Mr. Marques as well as the Capital Plan.
On a motion by Mr. Durant, seconded by Mr. Lucy the Board voted 4-1 to approve $638,462 as Capital Plan for the Department of Public Works. Mr. Vereault opposed.
Mr. Marques also spoke regarding the borrowing articles, $575,000 for the Main Street Joint Restoration / Overlay and the $310,000 for Wastewater Pump Station Alarms.
Mr. Marques and Chief Stephens spoke in favor of the Public Works/Police Building borrowing article in the amount of $15,134,482, indicating that it has been put off for several years and that the buildings are inadequate. Board members indicated their concerns with the debt service but were in agreement that a solution in necessary.
Mr. Yates requested that the Chairman set aside several lines items from the Hudson Police Budget. As he has disclosed at prior year’s meetings and as he has filed a written disclosure to the Hudson Town Clerk, stating that his brother is employed by the Hudson Police Department. Line items to be set aside are #0032, 0033, 0041, 0045, 0046, 0047, 0132, 0619, 0653, 0946, 0229 and 0231 totaling $2,339,716.
At this time Mr. Yates left the table.
Chief Stephens advocated for an additional Patrolman and answered questions of the Board related to FY2015 budget.
Department |
Dept. # |
Tab # |
Amount |
Motion |
Seconded |
Vote
|
Police Department |
2100 |
17 |
$2,339,716 |
Lucy |
Durant |
4-0 |
Mr. Yates returned to the table.
Department |
Dept. # |
Tab # |
Amount |
Motion |
Seconded |
Vote
|
Police Department |
2100 |
17 |
$860,550 |
Durant |
Lucy |
5-0 |
Mr. Vereault indicated that he will be voting against the Capital Plan item for the 3 Cruisers, he feels the replacement of cruisers should be included in the budgeted amount instead of a capital plan item.
On a motion by Mr. Durant, seconded by Mr. Lucy the Board voted 4-1 to approve $103,923 for the Hudson Police Department’s Capital Plan. Mr. Vereault opposed.
Ms. Linda Ghiloni and Mr. Arthur Redding were present for the Recreation & Park Commission budget.
Ms. Ghiloni requested approval of an additional full time employee, half of the salary to be paid by the Town and the other half would paid by increasing the fees for recreation programs by $5.00.
Mr. Durant indicated that his son works for the recreation department, therefore he will not participate in the Salary vote and left the room.
Department |
Dept. # |
Tab # |
Amount |
Motion |
Seconded |
Vote |
Recreation/Park Commission |
6300 |
25 |
$15,395 Expenses |
Lucy |
Vereault |
4-0 |
Mr. Yates made note of a discussion from the previous meeting regarding the Feltonville Land Trust. He noted that Mr. Durant is the Treasurer of the Trust, Mr. Quinn is the President and Ms. Ghiloni is the Clerk. Mr. Yates then asked Ms. Ghiloni whether any line item in her budget presents any conflict of interest for her from serving as a director of the Land Trust as well as serving in her capacity as Director of Recreation.
Before Ms. Ghiloni answered Mr. Lucy asked that she explain what the Land Trust is. She began by saying that it is her belief that there is no line item in her budget that has anything to do with the Land Trust. The Feltonville Land Trust (as per Ms. Ghiloni’s response) was created in order to hold conservation restrictions for land that is purchased by the Town of Hudson. When land is purchased through the Community Preservation Act a second party must hold the conservation restriction. Sudbury Valley Trustees, which is a similar entity, only holds conservation restrictions not recreation restrictions. The Fossile property in Town was purchased for dual purpose so the Feltonville Land Trust was created after the Fossile property purchase to hold dual restrictions. These entities oversee the land to make sure that the property is used for its intended purpose. The Land Trust is in the process of being dissolved.
Mr. Quinn feels that creating another land trust is important in order to protect future land purchases made by the Town.
Mr. Yates noted that people in Town are now questioning whether the Town should continue with the CPC because of the lack of transparency that was created by discussions regarding the Land Trust. Mr. Yates stated that the problem is not the “alleged” intent of the formation of the Trust it is the lack of transparency and goes on to state that he is favor of the CPC and CPA.
Department |
Dept. # |
Tab # |
Amount |
Motion |
Seconded |
Vote |
Recreation/Park Commission |
6300 |
25 |
$295,271 Salary |
Lucy |
Yates |
4-0 |
On a motion by Mr. Lucy, seconded by Mr. Yates the Board voted 4-0 to approve the amount of $31, 000 for Recreation Capital Plan.
Mr. Durant returned to the table.
Mr. Durant stated that he wanted to respond to the conversation regarding the Land Trust. He briefly explained how he came to be a member of the Trust and then stated that he does not agree with the position of Mr. Yates regarding the lack of transparency.
Mr. Durant left the room prior to the Library Budget Hearing as his daughter is a part-time Library employee.
Ms. Desmond was present and answered questions of the Board.
Dept. |
Dept. # |
Tab # |
Amount |
Motion |
Seconded |
Vote |
Library |
6100 |
24 |
$714,071 |
Vereault |
Yates |
4-0 |
On a motion by Mr. Lucy, seconded by Mr. Yates the Board voted 4-0 to approve the amount of $9,400 for the Library’s Capital Plan.
Department |
Dept. # |
Tab # |
Amount |
Motion |
Seconded |
Vote |
Town Clerk & Board of Registrars |
1610 |
8 |
$155,222 |
Yates |
Vereault |
5-0 |
The Board had a brief discussion regarding the need for electronic voting machines.
On a motion by Mr. Yates, seconded by Mr. Vereault the Board voted 4-1 to approve the amount of $56,000 for the Town Clerk’s Capital Plan. Mr. Lucy opposed.
Selectmen to meet in executive session to discuss I.A.F.F. Local 1713 Fire Union strategy, with respect to collective bargaining or litigation where if in open meeting may have a detrimental effect on the bargaining or litigating position of the public body.
The Board voted by roll call, 3-2 to enter executive session, to return to public session, to discuss I.A.F.F. Local 1713 Fire Union strategy, with respect to collective bargaining or litigation where if in open meeting may have a detrimental effect on the bargaining or litigating position of the public body. Mr. Vereault and Mr. Yates opposed.
The Board reconvened in Public Session.
The Board spoke briefly with Chief Blood regarding staffing needs and Capital Plan.
Department |
Dept. # |
Tab # |
Amount |
Motion |
Seconded |
Vote |
Fire |
2200 |
18 |
$3,033,648 |
Lucy |
Durant |
5-0 |
On a motion by Mr. Lucy, seconded by Mr. Durant the Board voted 5-0 to approve the amount of $230,567 for the Fire Department Capital Plan for FY2015.
On a motion by Mr. Lucy, seconded by Mr. Durant the Board voted 5-0 to adjourn
Document List – January 27, 2014
Document |
Location |
Public Session Minutes: January 5, 2014 |
BOS Office |
Public Session Minutes: January 13, 2014 |
BOS Office |
All Alcohol Pouring License Alter Premises application and related documents |
BOS Office |
All Alcohol Pouring License change of manager application and related documents |
BOS Office |
Fortune Teller License application and related documents |
BOS Office |
Reappointment memo for Joan Wordell as Town Clerk |
BOS Office |
Statement of Interest to the MA School Building Authority for the Mulready Roof replacement |
BOS Office |
Hometalk Heroes Initiative for a room makeover at Fire State 1 |
BOS Office |
Extension of MOA with MassDevelopment related to 173 Washington St. property |
BOS Office |
Snow & Ice Overdraft memo |
BOS Office |
ITC recommendation to eliminate parking on a portion of School Street |
BOS Office |
Federal Emergency Management Agency information regarding the National Flood Insurance Program Regulations |
BOS Office |
Invitation to the Saint Michael Holy Ghost Society Centennial Dinner Celebration to be held on February 15, 2014 at 7:00 PM |
BOS Office |
Notice from National Grid regarding natural gas pipeline safety |
BOS Office |
Notice from Blight Bylaw Committee online survey |
BOS Office |
Notice of the Kane Well returning to service on January 27, 2014 |
BOS Office |
Notice of the executive Board members for the IAFF Local 1713 effective January 1, 2014 |
BOS Office |
Liquor License Public Input Sessions Summary Report and support letters |
BOS Office |
Notification of Free Cash Approval from the Department of Revenue |
BOS Office |
Mr. Yates disclosure document related to the Police Departments FY2015 Budget – distributed at the meeting |
BOS Office |
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