Town of Hudson - Board of Selectmen
Minutes –March 24, 2014
78 Main Street 2nd Floor 7:00 PM
Present were Mr. Lucy, Mr. Durant, Mr. Yates, Mr. Quinn, Mr. Vereault, and Mr. Moses. Attorney Cipriano and Ms. Santos were also present.
Public Session: March 10, 2014
On a motion by Mr. Lucy, seconded by Mr. Durant, the Board voted 3-1-1 to approve the minutes. Mr. Vereault opposed and Mr. Quinn abstained.
Dandrick Gelin, 94 Central Street expressed his dissatisfaction with the recent tobacco regulations set forth by the Board of Health. The Board of Health voted to raise the age at which one can legally purchase tobacco products in Hudson to twenty-one. Mr. Gelin explained that a person is legally an adult at the age of 18 and should therefore be able to make decisions regarding their health as well as purchasing tobacco products. He also cited economic reasons why this would adversely impact the Town. He explained that a person would go out of Town to purchase tobacco products and most likely make other purchases at the same time thus taking away from the Town and its merchants. Mr. Yates noted that by taking the action they did in the way in which they did it will force
people to take their business out of Town, however he did state he agrees with the intent. Mr. Durant explained that he should approach the Board of Health with his concerns. Mr. Lucy asked that Mr. Moses pass along Mr. Gelin’s concerns.
- Meetings and Public Hearings - 7:00 PM:
Selectmen to meet with Senator Eldridge and Representative Hogan.
Senator Eldridge distributed a handout to the Board regarding a meeting he recently had with the Chairman of the Senate’s Ways and Means Committee. The Senator noted that his top budget requests include protecting local aid, including Chapter 70 funds, as well as social service programs which will help the homeless, seniors, low income families and those with disabilities. He stated that he had attached a sheet of the Governors numbers for Assabet Valley High School. The House and Senate voted recently to pass a local aid resolution which was an increase over the Governors proposal of Chapter 70 and local aid funds. The Senator informed the Board of a couple of bills he has recently filed. The first one is an act promoting municipal
regionalization and collaboration throughout the Commonwealth. The second bill Senate 2021 is an act improving drinking water and water infrastructure, this bill would increase funding for water infrastructure via loans and grants as well as to encourage more green infrastructure. He also noted Senate Bill 2033 which is an act financing improvements in the Commonwealths transportation system. He and Representative Hogan have been working very closely on this bill as well as advocating for Hudson.
Representative Hogan stated that local aid in the past year increased $125 million statewide, which is a good indicator that the economy is improving. She was happy to note the Senior SAFE Program which is a senior citizen based program which helps to identify the needs and challenges of older adults and ways to keep them safe. Rep. Hogan briefly discussed her budget priorities which are Chapter 70 and 90 funds, increasing library funding as well as restoring portions of the service incentive grant. This grant comes through the MA Council on Aging and it looks at regionalizing services for seniors.
Rep. Hogan then informed the Board of a national non-profit organization called Rolling Thunder. This organization is focused on spreading awareness of POW’s and MIA’s and their families by presenting chairs to each Town in memory of POW’s and MIA’s. She noted that she would like to bring this to Hudson in the coming year.
Mr. Lucy asked Senator Eldridge if he has supported legislation that would increase the amount of money available to towns and cities to help credit income eligible senior citizens for some of their real estate taxes. The Senator said he would support this type of legislation.
Mr. Yates asked Rep. Hogan for an update of the Houghton Street Bridge as well as the Washington Street Bridge. She informed the Board that work on the Houghton Street Bridge continues and completion of the work is anticipated by the middle of this coming autumn. The Washington Street Bridge project does not yet have a start date.
Mr. Yates then asked Senator Eldridge if he foresees Hudson being eligible for any relief regarding water infrastructure as the Town is about to put a lot of money into its infrastructure and he also asked about future eligibility. The Senator explained that he would be happy to help the Town make inquiries regarding this.
Mr. Durant asked both if they had an update regarding the bad cell phone reception issue on the east end of Town. Rep. Hogan explained that during a meeting with Verizon it was noted that this is not just an economic development issue but also one of public safety. She went on to say that they are looking into some options and will keep the Board updated.
Mr. Durant also asked both for their support regarding the Town acquiring additional liquor licenses.
Selectmen to consider approval of a Carnival License to the Hudson Elks at 91 Park Street on June 11, 2014 through June 15, 2014.
On a motion by Mr. Lucy, seconded by Mr. Durant, the Board voted 5-0 to approve the Carnival License to the Hudson Elks. Mr. Durant disclosed that he is a member of the Elks, however has no financial interest.
Selectmen to consider approval of an outdoor entertainment license for the Jennifer Hunter Yates Sarcoma Foundation to be held on the afternoon of May 10, 2014 at the Morgan Bowl.
On a motion by Mr. Lucy, seconded by Mr. Durant, the Board voted 4-0-1 to approve the outdoor entertainment license. Mr. Yates abstained.
Selectmen to consider approval of re-appointment of Peter J. Feil to the Board of Registrars to a term to expire March 31, 2017.
On a motion by Mr. Lucy, seconded by Mr. Durant, the Board voted 5-0 to reappoint Mr. Peter J. Feil to the Board of Registrars.
Selectmen to consider appointment of Doris Monteiro to the Hudson Cultural Council to a term to expire December 31, 2016.
On a motion by Mr. Yates, seconded by Mr. Durant, the Board voted 5-0 to appoint Ms. Doris Monteiro to the Hudson Cultural Council.
Selectmen to note resignation of Lorraine Nelson from the Hudson School Committee effective March 5, 2014.
A discussion ensued regarding the whether the letter arrived in time to open up a seat on the Committee for the next election. The Board discussed this along with input from Ms. Santos and Ms. Wordell, Town Clerk. Mr. Durant stated there will need to be a joint meeting between the two Boards to appoint someone to fill the seat until the next election. The Board will discuss setting a date to meet with the School Committee at its next meeting.
On a motion by the Mr. Lucy, seconded by Mr. Durant, the Board voted 4-1 to note the resignation of Lorraine Nelson from the Hudson School Committee. Mr. Vereault opposed.
Selectmen to authorize the signing of all related documents for the Community Innovation Challenge Grant.
On a motion by Mr. Lucy, seconded by Mr. Durant, the Board voted 4-1 to authorize the signing of all documents for the Community Innovation Challenge Grant. Mr. Vereault opposed.
Selectmen to consider authorizing the Chairman to sign a Capital Fund Program Amendment accepting a $92,960 grant for the Hudson Housing Authority for improvements to the Norma Oliver Village.
On a motion by Mr. Lucy, seconded by Mr. Durant, the Board voted 5-0 to approve and accept the Capital Fund Program amendment for the Hudson Housing Authority.
Selectmen to consider award and authorization to sign a contract with Weston & Sampson Engineers, Inc. in the amount of $87,320 for Consulting Services associated with the Scope of Services required for compliance with the DEP Grant.
On a motion by Mr. Lucy, seconded by Mr. Durant, the Board voted 4-1 to approve the contract with Weston & Sampson Engineer, Inc. Mr. Vereault opposed.
Selectmen to consider authorizing signing of LIP letter for 3 Blueberry Lane, waiving Town’s right pursuant to M.G.L. 40B, in conjunction with the refinancing with a fixed rate and the principal loan amount not to exceed $155,000.
On a motion by Mr. Lucy, seconded by Mr. Durant, the Board voted 5-0 to authorize the signing of the LIP letter for 3 Blueberry Lane waiving the Town’s right pursuant to MGL 40B.
Selectmen to consider signing the Annual Report.
On a motion by Mr. Lucy, seconded by Mr. Durant, the Board voted 4-1 to sign the Annual Report. Mr. Vereault opposed.
Selectmen to consider approving, by two thirds vote, the placement of a Proposition 2 ½ Debt Exclusion Question for the Public Works Administration / Police Headquarters Design and Construction project on the Ballot for the Annual Town Election on May 12, 2014.
On a motion by Mr. Durant, seconded by Mr. Yates, the Board voted by roll call 4-1 to place the Debt Exclusion Question on the Ballot for the Annual Town Election on May 12, 2014. Mr. Vereault opposed.
Mr. Yates informed the Board that the Cemetery Commission recently met and approved an expense through the perpetual care fund of up to $25,000 to provide electricity to the Forestvale Cemetery. However, the perpetual care fund does not have sufficient funds for this expense. Mr. Yates went on to say that the account actually has a negative expendable balance of approximately $4,500. Mr. Yates asked Mr. Moses to explain this. Mr. Moses began by stating that the money is subject to market fluctuations. These types of funds are typically invested in income producing investments such as bonds and the prices of bonds fluctuate inversely to interest rates. Recent changes in the way in which a municipality reports these investments require that investments in these
trust funds be “marked to market”. This means that Towns are required to record the actual value of these investments despite the fact that they may be held to maturity. This is equivalent to realized vs. unrealized stock gains and losses. The Town has every intention of holding this investment to maturity and recouping all the value.
Mr. Yates asked for the accounting of this fund for the past twenty years for the Board’s next meeting.
Mr. Moses suggested that the un-expendable portion of this fund which is $404,000 be placed in a deposit account once the value has been recouped so the worth of the money remains stable. Mr. Vereault asked what the Town’s current investment policy is. Mr. Moses noted that he has not seen one and has in fact drafted one on his own.
Mr. Lucy explained that years ago the Police Department had distributed informational fliers to the business owners on Bonnazzoli Avenue which outlined different routes to get on I-290 for 18-wheel trucks leaving the area. He is suggesting that the fliers be redistributed as business owners and drivers have changed since then and some may not be aware of the best way of exiting Bonnazzoli Avenue onto the highway.
- Correspondence to be Noted by Clerk:
Mr. Quinn spoke regarding correspondence received from Mr Adalino Cabral regarding the renaming of Port Street as Portugal Street. Mr. Quinn is not sure of the history of how it was originally named, however feels it’s worth a discussion. Mr. Yates suggested we obtain input from the residents of Port Street.
Mr. Quinn noted the correspondence.
- Executive Session:
- Adjourn:
On a motion by Mr. Lucy, seconded by Mr. Durant, the Board voted 5-0 to adjourn.
Document List – March 24, 2014
Document |
Location |
Minutes Public Session of March 10, 2014 |
BOS Office |
Carnival License from the Hudson Elks |
BOS Office |
Outdoor Entertainment License for the JHYSF |
BOS Office |
Reappointment memo for Peter Feil |
BOS Office |
Appointment memo for Doris Monteiro |
BOS Office |
Resignation letter from Lorraine Nelson |
BOS Office |
Community Innovation Challenge Grant documents |
BOS Office |
Capital Fund Program documents |
BOS Office |
Contract documents for Weston & Sampson Engineers, Inc. |
BOS Office |
LIP letter for Blueberry Lane |
BOS Office |
Board of Selectmen’s Annual Town Report |
BOS Office |
Debt Exclusion Question for the Public Works Administration / Police Headquarters facility |
BOS Office |
Correspondence from DJ Collins regarding Outside Vendors for the Governor Cellucci Tribute Road Race |
BOS Office |
Copy of letter to Michelle Scott, UPWP Manager regarding UPWP Project Concept |
BOS Office |
Notice regarding channel updates from Xfinity |
BOS Office |
Letter from Adalino Cabral of West Yarmouth regarding renaming of Port Street |
BOS Office |
Invitation to the Senior Awareness of Fire Education event to be held on March 28, 2014 at the Hudson Senior Center |
BOS Office |
Handout distributed to the Board by Senator Eldridge. |
BOS Office |
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