Town of Hudson - Board of Selectmen
Minutes –December 1, 2014
78 Main Street 2nd Floor 7:00 PM
Present were Mr. Lucy, Mr. Vereault, Mr. Durant, Mr. Duplisea and Mr. Moses. Also present were Attorney Cipriano and Ms. Santos. Mr. Quinn was not present.
Public Session: November 3, 2014
On a motion by Mr. Durant, seconded by Mr. Duplisea the Board voted 4-0 to approve the minuets.
The Board is in receipt of a letter from John Parent, 27 Causeway Street requesting that they consider sponsoring a warrant article to reduce the current required quorum for the annual as well as the special town meeting. He cited three reasons for this; one was to allow the Town to conduct its business more expeditiously, to reduce the probability of the Town incurring the cost of rescheduling, and to reduce the potential of inconveniencing voters. Mr. Parent stated that the Town Moderator, Richard Harrity suggested that the quorum be reduced to 100 and once the meeting has commenced and a quorum count is requested the required number of voters be reduced to 50. Joan Wordell, Town Clerk suggests that the quorum to reduced to 75.
Mr. Lucy noted that no action would be taken regarding this request today but did start a discussion. He then explained that the Special Town Meeting in November is only for business that cannot wait until the annual May Town Meeting. He feels that the Special Town Meeting has become a habit and he would like to get away from this. Regarding the quorum, Mr. Lucy stated that he is not too eager to reduce the requirement. Mr. Harrity spoke in favor of perhaps setting a different requirement for each meeting.
Mr. Vereault stated that he would also like to get away from having an annual Special Town Meeting as well.
Mr. Durant said that he is not in favor of this however feels that the Board should add this to the agenda for discussion at it’s next meeting. He also noted there are more than enough people within the Town government to make up a quorum and many were not in attendance.
Joan Wordell said that through her research Towns that have a zero quorum have greater attendance than those with a set quorum.
- Meetings and Public Hearings - 7:00 PM:
Selectmen to conduct Tax Classification hearing to set property tax rates for fiscal year 2015.
Before the hearing began Mr. Lucy made a statement. He stated that one of the most important things the Selectmen do is set the annual tax rate, which is done at the first meeting of December every year. Historically the information for meetings is delivered to the Board on the Thursday prior to the meeting. However very important information regarding this hearing was not included in the package. The Executive Assistant did not receive the document in question until Sunday morning, at which point it was distributed to the Board. Mr. Lucy expressed his disappointment that the Board did not have sufficient time to review such an important document.
Mr. Brian Bowen, Ms. Christine Griffin and Ms. Joanne McIntyre discussed the property values, new growth, Levy Capacity, Historical Tax Rates and Single Family House values, they also discussed the various options for choosing a classification factor for the CIP and Residential tax rates.
Ms. Griffin explained that all of the values the Assessor’s put forth are certified by the Department of Revenue every year. The values that are presented are based on an assessment date of January 1, 2014. The average single family home in Hudson is valued at just under $300,000 this year. Last years average value was $278,770 this is an increase of 4.3%. The total value of the commercial and industrial class has decreased 2.2%, this excludes new growth. The commercial / industrial class did experience $30 Million in new growth. The increase for fiscal 2015 will result in new revenue for the Town of approximately $624,000.
The Assessor’s slide presentation shows minimum residential factor of .841307 which would result in tax rate of $17.27 for residential class and $35.92 for the commercial / industrial class. If this option is selected the average tax bill will increase $225.00 or 4.6%. If a single tax rate is selected that rate would be $20.52. Based on the levy going into fiscal year 2015 there would be an excess levy of $40,847.
A lengthy discussion ensued. Many business owners spoke in favor of keeping the commercial / industrial rate the same as last year. The conversation also touched on the amount of vacancies in Town.
On a motion by Mr. Durant, seconded by Mr. Lucy the Board voted 4-0 to close the hearing.
Motioned by Mr. Lucy, seconded by Mr. Durant additional discussion commenced.
Mr. Durant noted that the decrease in the CIP for the past several years shows that the Town is business friendly however he states that he is reluctant to go back to a multiplier of 1.75. He also does not believe that the Town will see a flat tax rate in the foreseeable future. Mr. Durant also stated that no matter what the Selectmen choose to do residential taxes will increase.
Mr. Vereault agrees that a single tax rate is not realistic. However he does feel that there should be a balance. He stated that the tax rate is not small business friendly and he would consider increasing the residential tax in order to alleviate the burden on the small businesses.
Board voted 3-1 for a CIP Multiplier of 1.7500 with the residential factor of .841307. Mr. Vereault opposed.
Selectmen to consider approval of amending the hours of operation for a Wine & Malt Package Store License, from Sunday 10:00AM – 2:00PM to Sunday 10:00AM – 3:00PM, for Central Street Market, located at 15 Central Street.
On a motion by Mr. Durant, seconded by Mr. Duplisea, the Board voted 4-0 to approve of amending the hours of operation for a Wine & Malt Package Store License, from Sunday 10:00AM – 2:00PM to Sunday 10:00AM – 3:00PM, for Central Street Market, located at 15 Central Street.
Selectmen to consider approval of amending the hours of operation for a Wine & Malt Package Store License, from Sunday 12:00PM – 11:00PM to Sunday 10:00AM – 11:00PM, for Lake Boon General Store located at 700 Main Street.
On a motion by Mr. Durant, seconded by Mr. Duplisea the Board voted 4-0 to approve amending the hours of operation for a Wine & Malt Package Store License, from Sunday 12:00PM – 11:00PM to Sunday 10:00AM – 11:00PM, for Lake Boon General Store located at 700 Main Street.
Selectmen to consider issuance of a Christmas Tree Sales License to the Hudson-Concord Lodge of Elks located at 91 Park Street from 10:00AM – 10:00PM.
On a motion by Mr. Durant, seconded by Mr. Vereault the Board voted 4-0 to issue a Christmas Tree Sales License to the Hudson-Concord Lodge of Elks located at 91 Park Street from 10:00AM – 10:00PM.
Selectmen to consider approval of 2015 License Renewals for all Licensee’s that have met all the requirements.
On a motion by Mr. Vereault, seconded by Mr. Duplisea the Board voted 4-0 to approve the 2015 License Renewals for all Licensee’s that have met all the requirements.
Selectmen to consider issuance of a Common Victualler License to Audie Quick d/b/a Café 641 at 45 Main Street.
License was withdrawn by applicant.
The Chairman indicated that items 6b, 6c, 6d & 6e are going to be set aside and to Passover.
Selectmen to consider approval of appointment of Trevor Currin as an Auxiliary Fire Fighter for the Hudson Fire Department.
On a motion by Mr. Durant, seconded by Mr. Vereault the Board voted 4-0 to appoint Trevor Currin as an Auxiliary Fire Fighter for the Hudson Fire Department.
Selectmen to consider approval of appointment of Matthew J. Blood as a Call Fire Fighter for the Hudson Fire Department.
Selectmen to consider approval of appointment of Jack L. Bertonassi as a Call Fire Fighter for the Hudson Fire Department.
Selectmen to consider approval of appointment of Matthew A. Olson as a Call Fire Fighter for the Hudson Fire Department.
Selectmen to consider approval of appointment of Patrick J. Kelleher as a Call Fire Fighter for the Hudson Fire Department.
Selectmen to consider appointing Todd Pietrasiak as a Full Member to the Board of Appeals to a term to expire on December 31, 2017.
On a motion by Mr. Durant, seconded by Mr. Vereault the Board voted 4-0 to appoint Todd Pietrasiak as a Full Member to the Board of Appeals to a term to expire on December 31, 2017.
Selectmen to consider approval of appointments of the Fall/Winter 2014-2015 Seasonal Part Time Employees for the Recreation Department/Park Commission.
On a motion by Mr. Vereault, seconded by Mr. Duplisea the Board voted 3-0-1 to appoint the Fall/Winter 2014-2015 Seasonal Part Time Employees for the Recreation Department/Park Commission. Mr. Durant abstained.
Selectmen to consider approval of appointment of Steven L. Santos as Director of Recreation at M8, Step 3, effective December 2, 2014.
On a motion by Mr. Vereault, seconded by Mr. Duplisea the Board voted 3-0-1 to appoint Steven L. Santos as Director of Recreation at M8, Step 3, effective December 2, 2014. Mr. Durant abstained.
Selectmen to consider appointing Denise Ann Reid to the Board of Registrars to a term to expire on March 31, 2015.
On a motion by Mr. Durant, seconded by Mr. Vereault the Board voted 4-0 to appoint Denise Ann Reid to the Board of Registrars to a term to expire on March 31, 2015.
Selectmen to consider approval of appointment of Thomas Waldsmith as W-4, Step 3 Tree Climber for the Public Works Department.
On a motion by Mr. Vereault, seconded by Mr. Durant the Board vote 4-0 to appoint Thomas Waldsmith as W-4, Step 3 Tree Climber for the Public Works Department.
Selectmen to consider award and authorization to sign a contract with Tetra Tech, Inc. in the amount not to exceed $40,000 for the final phase of environmental consulting services for 173 Washington Street.
On a motion by Mr. Durant, seconded by Mr. Duplisea the Board voted 3-0-1 to award the contract to Tetra Tech, Inc. in the amount not to exceed $40,000 for the final phase of environmental consulting services for 173 Washington Street. Mr. Vereault abstained.
Selectmen to consider signing the Final Report and Chapter 90 Reimbursement request for the reconstruction of a portion of Houghton Street.
On a motion by Mr. Durant, seconded by Mr. Duplisea the Board voted 4-0 to sign the Final Report and Chapter 90 Reimbursement request for the reconstruction of a portion of Houghton Street.
Selectmen to consider award and authorization to sign a contract with New England Home Concepts in the amount of $9,400 for Interior Painting at the Public Library.
On a motion by Mr. Vereault, seconded by Mr. Durant the Board voted 4-0 to award the contract to New England Home Concepts in the amount of $9,400 for Interior Painting at the Public Library.
Selectmen to discuss the Executive Assistant’s first year goals.
Mr. Moses submitted a five year forecast and enterprise analysis to the Board. He explained that he included what he considered to be reasonable estimates going forward in the next five years. His recommendation is to not create any enterprise funds for either water or sewer at this time. There may come a point where the Town can create one or perhaps both and not effect the general fund in a negative way however now is not the time. He also stated that the forecast needs to be continually updated as well as an annual analysis of the enterprise fund. Mr. Lucy explained why an enterprise fund for water and sewer is not a good idea at the present time. Right now water and sewer are contributing to the general fund an amount that is great than their expenses. Mr.
Moses noted that rates were raised in order to cover the anticipated increase in water rates due to the purchase of water from the MWRA and as the Town weans off the use of this water expenses will decline creating a surplus.
Mr. Durant stated the Mr. Moses has accomplished his first year goals.
Selectmen to consider award and authorization to sign a contract with Davis Architects in the amount not to exceed $9,300, for architectural services and assessment for Hudson’s Historic Town Hall.
On a motion by Mr. Durant, seconded by Mr. Duplisea the Board voted 4-0 to award contract to Davis Architects in the amount not to exceed $9,300, for architectural services and assessment for Hudson’s Historic Town Hall.
Selectmen to consider award and authorization to sign a contract with Kane Engineering, Inc. and Lawrence Gordon Designs for an amount not exceed $43,500 for Engineering Design Services and Main Street joint restoration and pavement overlay.
On a motion by Mr. Durant, seconded by Mr. Vereault the Board voted 4-0 to approve the contract to Kane Engineering, Inc. and Lawrence Gordon Designs for an amount not exceed $43,500 for Engineering Design Services and Main Street joint restoration and pavement overlay.
Selectmen to consider approval and award of bonds and execution of documents.
On a motion by Mr. Durant, seconded by Mr. Lucy the Board voted 4-0 to approve and award of bonds and execution of documents.
Selectmen to consider designating the Hudson’s Wiring Inspector as a Special Employee.
On a motion by Mr. Durant, seconded by Mr. Vereault the Board voted 4-0 to designate the Hudson’s Wiring Inspector as a Special Employee.
Selectmen to consider signing the Tax Increment Financing (TIF) Agreement for Hudson Lock, LLC and to authorize signing of a support letter for the TIF.
On a motion by Mr. Durant, seconded by Mr. Duplisea the Board voted 4-0 to sign the Tax Increment Financing (TIF) Agreement for Hudson Lock, LLC and to authorize signing of a support letter for the TIF.
Selectmen to consider signing the Authorization to Execute and Record a Notice of Activities and Use Limitation for 173 Washington Street property.
On a motion by Mr. Durant, seconded by Mr. Vereault the Board voted 4-0 to approve the signing and the Authorization to Execute and Record a Notice of Activities and Use Limitation for 173 Washington Street property.
Selectmen to acknowledge membership on the Sesquicentennial Committee.
A memo written by Mr. Lucy was discussed it outlined the specific attributes members of the Steering Committee should have, when its first meeting will be held (December 10, 2014 time and place TBD) and the names of the Committee members. Please note that this list is not yet complete as others may wish to join. A member of the Board of Selectmen will be added to the list.
On motion by Mr. Durant, seconded by Mr. Duplisea the Board voted 3-0-1 to nominate Mr. Lucy as the Board of Selectmen’s designee to the Sesquicentennial Steering Committee, Mr. Lucy abstained.
On a motion by Mr. Lucy, seconded by Mr. Durant the Board voted 4-0 to approve the following members of the Sesquicentennial Steering Committee: Sarah Cressy, Christine DiMare, Linda Ghiloni, Mary Harrity (Clerk), Richard Harrity, Lynn Johnson, Andy Massa, Vincent Picarello, Justin Provencher, Chuck Randall, Joan Wordell and Fred Lucy
No Town issues.
- Correspondence to be Noted by Clerk:
Mr. Duplisea acknowledged Mr. Moses appointment to the 495/MetroWest Suburban Edge Community Commission and the Letter of appreciation from Mayor Arthur Vigeant regarding Dr. Sam Wong.
Mr. Durant also mentioned the letter from Mayor Vigeant and acknowledged the receipt of the last report from the Blight By-Law Committee.
The Board discussed two emails, one regarding tax auction and one related to the Cranberry well and determined that both should be added to the correspondence list as items 14 & 15. Mr. Moses indicated that the Cranberry Well will be back on line within the next couple of days.
On a motion by Mr. Duplisea, seconded by Mr. Durant the Board voted 4-0 to note the correspondence.
- Executive Session:
- Adjourn:
On a motion by Mr. Duplisea, seconded by Mr. Lucy the Board voted 4-0 to adjourn.
Document List – December 1, 2014
Document |
Location |
Public Session Minutes: November 3, 2014 |
BOS Office |
Central Street Market amend hours of operation application |
BOS Office |
Lake Boon General Store amend hours of operation application |
BOS Office |
Christmas Tree Sales application from the Hudson Elks |
BOS Office |
Partial list of 2015 License Renewal licensee’s |
BOS Office |
Appointment memo for Trevor Currin as Auxiliary FF |
BOS Office |
Common Victualler License for Audi Quick d/b/a Café 641 at 45 Main Street |
BOS Office |
Appointment memo for Matthew Blood, Jack Bertonassi, Matthew Olson, Patrick Kelleher as Call FF |
BOS Office |
Appointment memo for Todd Pietrasiak as full member to the Board of Appeals |
BOS Office |
List of Fall/Winter 2014-2015 Seasonal part time employees for Recreation |
BOS Office |
Appointment memo for Steven L. Santos as Director of Recreation |
BOS Office |
Appointment memo for Denise A. Reid to the Board of Registrars |
BOS Office |
Appointment memo for Thomas Waldsmith as Tree Climber for DPW |
BOS Office |
Contract: Tetra Tech for consulting services 173 Washington Street |
BOS Office |
Chapter 90 Final Report and Reimbursement request for Houghton Street |
BOS Office |
Contract for New England Home Concepts for interior painting at the Library |
BOS Office |
Contract for Davis Architects for Town Hall architectural services |
BOS Office |
Contract for Kane Engineering, Inc. and Lawrence Gordon Designs for Engineering Services and Main Street joint restoration and pavement overlay |
BOS Office |
Bank Notes Documents |
BOS Office |
Memo for the designation of Wiring Inspector as Special Employee |
BOS Office |
Memo regarding Sesquicentennial Committee/Activities |
BOS Office |
TIF Agreement between Town and Hudson Lock, LLC |
BOS Office |
Activities and Use Limitation (AUL) for 173 Washington Street (former Bonazzoli property) |
BOS Office |
Water Testing results through October 31, 2014 |
BOS Office |
Notice of Thomas Moses appointment to the 495/MetroWest Suburban Edge Community Commission |
BOS Office |
Copy of Mr. Lucy’s information on the Sesquicentennial Steering Committee |
BOS Office |
Installation Rates update from Xfinity |
BOS Office |
Price Adjustments notice from Comcast |
BOS Office |
Letter of appreciation from Mayor Arthur Vigeant |
BOS Office |
Invitation from Assabet Valley Regional High School to the 2014 Legislators’ breakfast, to be held on Tuesday, December 9, 2014 |
BOS Office |
Invitation for the MIIA Annual Business Meeting Lunch, to be held on Saturday, January 24, 2015 at the Hynes Convention Center |
BOS Office |
Comcast correspondence regarding providing High-Speed Internet Services to the Town Departments |
BOS Office |
Correspondence from John M. Parent requesting the Board revise the current required quorum requirements for the Annual Town Meeting and the Special Town Meeting |
BOS Office |
Memo from Thomas Moses regarding the 150th Celebration |
BOS Office |
Letter of support for the Tax Increment Financing Agreement from State Representative Kate Hogan |
BOS Office |
Final Report of the Blight By-Law Committee |
BOS Office |
Email regarding Tax Auction (received by Board prior to meeting) |
BOS Office |
Email regarding Cranberry Well (received by Board prior to meeting) |
BOS Office |
| 
