Town of Hudson - Board of Selectmen
Minutes –February 22, 2016
78 Main Street 2nd Floor 7:00 PM
Present were Mr. Lucy, Mr. Parent, Mr. Quinn, Mr. Durant, Mr. Moses. Also present were Attorney Cipriano and Ms. Santos. Mr. Duplisea was not present.
Public Session Minutes: February 8, 2016
On a motion by Mr. Parent, seconded by Mr. Quinn the Board voted 4-0 to approve the minutes.
Executive Session Minutes: February 8, 2016
On a motion by Mr. Parent, seconded by Mr. Durant the Board voted 4-0 to approve the minutes.
Senator Eldridge noted that the Governor has submitted his budget and it does include a modest increase in local aid and Chapter 70 funds. He highlighted some of the local priorities that are being addressed at the state house. He noted that protecting local aid especially Chapter 70 funds, the SPED circuit breaker, lottery aid and Chapter 90 funds are budget priorities. He also stated that he is looking to dramatically improve the Town’s investment in public transportation, including the RTA’s, railtrails, roads and bridges and the MBTA system. Maintaining funding for vital social services is also important. Protecting the environment is a passion of his and high on his list of concerns.
Representative Hogan stated that there will be a 4.3% increase in local aid for this coming fiscal year she noted that the increase is the exact increase in the amount of revenue received. She stressed certain areas that are important to her such as funding for libraries, senior centers and Boys & Girls Clubs. The 495 Edge Communities Commission is a group which highlights the special needs of communities along the 495 corridor, particularly infrastructure.
As the Chair of Public Health Rep. Hogan will be holding an informational meeting on Lyme disease. She will discuss new ways to diagnose, prevent and treat this disease. The Senate and House recently passed a comprehensive opioid bill which is now in conference committee. She commended Sam Wong for the work he is doing locally to help this crisis.
Mr. Moses noted that there is a new federal program that some cities and towns are adopting that offers free breakfast and free lunch to all students. He went on to say that part of the Chapter 70 monies received are proportionate to the number of low income students in the district which in turn is calculated by the number of free or reduced lunch students in the district. He asked how this will affect the Town’s Chapter 70 appropriation and what will be done to remedy this in Town’s that adopt this new federal legislation. Both the Senator and Representative stated they would look into this issue.
Mr. Lucy asked for an update regarding the reconstruction of the Cox Street Bridge noting that it has been on a list for some time. Rep. Hogan said that they could work together to make this a priority.
Mr. Durant stated his concern for the impending reconstruction of the Main Street Bridge. He fears the length of time to complete the project will not stay within the expected time frame. Again Rep. Hogan insisted that they all work closely to ensure this does not get behind schedule.
Selectmen to consider approval of appointment of Eric Ryder as Director of Public Works, at Grade M10, Step 8 effective March 15, 2016.
On a motion by Mr. Parent, seconded by Mr. Durant the Board voted 4-0 to approve the appointment of Eric Ryder as Director of Public Works, at Grade M10, Step 8 effective March 15, 2016.
Selectmen to consider approval of appointment of Christiana Craig as Acting Children’s Librarian at Grade 11, Step 1 effective February 9, 2016.
On a motion by Mr. Durant, seconded by Mr. Parent the Board voted 4-0 to approve the appointment of Christiana Craig as Acting Children’s Librarian at Grade 11, Step 1 effective February 9, 2016.
Selectmen to meet with representatives of Eversource to review project routing analysis results.
Present were Joanne O’Leary, Community Relations Specialist, Beverly Schultz, Project Manager, Denise Bartone, Environmental Affairs, Mark Kimball, Outreach Project Specialist (abutters along the route) and Kathleen Freeman. Ms. O’Leary stated that they are here to present information regarding a proposed project to install a transmission line that will start in Sudbury and end at a power station in Hudson. Ms. Schultz gave the Board a brief presentation on the project (www.townofhudson.org). She explained the need for this is to reinforce the electric transmission system in this region to help with growing demand. The best route for this project was determined to be along the MBTA Right of Way and some points will cross over the bike path. The lines will be overhead due to cost as it is more than double to install the lines underground. Both Towns strongly prefer the lines be installed underground. Ms. Schultz showed a visual simulation of what an area of the path would look like with overhead
power lines. She did add that the trees on the right of way would all need to be removed to construct this overhead. Eversource intends to coordinate with groups interested in activities along the right of way and keep them informed as this process progresses.
Construction would not start until 2018 as the review process takes an extensive period of time. Ms. Bartone outlined the various required environmental reviews with state and federal agencies.
Eversource will be hosting an open house in Hudson on March 15th from 5-7PM at the Town Hall and the next evening (03/16) the same meeting will be held in Sudbury.
Ms. Schultz explained that the Town can intervene in the process opting to be either an interested party or an intervener where the Town can make a case and have a strong position stating its concerns. Mr. Durant requested that the Board be an intervener.
All the selectmen spoke against installing the transmission lines overhead. Mr. Quinn encouraged that public to get involved.
Brian Chouquette, General Manager of Hudson Light and Power explained the benefit to Light & Power. He noted the one major benefit to be reliability. This transmission line will add a third source to the system that is geographically separated from the others. There is also a financial benefit associated with the installation of this line. The net result will be a permanent rate decrease of 5 – 7 % for all HLP customers.
Selectmen to meet with Mr. Lee Murphy 416 Main Street.
Mr. Murphy informed the Board that he believes an automotive repair business is operating out of 410 Main Street without the proper permits and licenses. He gave examples of environmental and safety violations. Mr. Murphy wrote letters to many town departments regarding the property outlining his alleged violations. He noted that the residents of the property do not own it and that they are tenants.
Mr. Lucy, while he states that he is inclined to believe Mr. Murphy, noted that there is no evidence to prove the allegations.
Atty. Cipriano stated that he has been to the property a various occasions with the Building Commissioner who is also the Town’s Zoning Enforcement Officer and on those visits there were no visible violations observed.
Mr. Wood explained that he has been involved with this property since he began his tenure with the Town approximately 17 years ago. He stated that he has spoken with the tenant in the past when issues had arisen. Currently he has no proof of violations. Recently he visited the site with Kelli Trainor, Sanitarian and Jack Hunter, Director of Community Development. During this visit they did find an unregistered vehicle on the property as well excess trash on the property. This was brought to the tenant’s attention and within a couple of hours the trash and the vehicle had been removed. Mr. Wood’s final comment was that they cannot do more than is being done with respect to the law without violating the tenant’s rights.
Selectmen to consider issuance of a Common Victualler License to Robert & Nancy Vareschi d/b/a North End Pizzeria at 118 Forest Avenue, Monday-Saturday 11:00AM-9:00PM and Sunday 12:00-8:00PM.
On a motion by Mr. Parent, seconded by Mr. Durant the Board voted 4-0 to approve the Common Victualler License to Robert & Nancy Vareschi d/b/a North End Pizzeria at 118 Forest Avenue, Monday-Saturday 11:00AM-9:00PM and Sunday 12:00-8:00PM.
Selectmen to consider award and authorization to sign a contract with P.J. Albert in the amount of $384,500 for the reconstruction and reclamations of a portion of Lincoln Street (Central Street to Apsley Street).
On a motion by Mr. Durant, seconded by Mr. Parent the Board voted 4-0 to award and authorization to sign a contract with P.J. Albert in the amount of $384,500 for the reconstruction and reclamations of a portion of Lincoln Street (Central Street to Apsley Street).
Selectmen to consider signing the May 2, 2016 Annual Town Meeting Warrant.
On a motion by Mr. Lucy, seconded by Mr. Parent the Board voted 3-1 to increase the amount of Article 9, Stablization fund to $500,000. Mr. Durant opposed.
The Board agreed to sponsor all articles except #20, 24, 25 & 26. Articles 24 and 25 will be reviewed by Attorney Cipriano and the Director of Planning.
On a motion by Mr. Parent, seconded by Mr. Quinn the Board voted 4-0 to sign the warrant after the revision of articles 24 and 25 by Attorney Cipriano and the Director of Planning.
Selectmen to consider approval of Snow & Ice Overdraft authority in the amount of $ 81,000 Expense.
On a motion by Mr. Durant, seconded by Mr. Parent the Board voted 4-0 to approve the Snow & Ice Overdraft authority in the amount of $ 81,000 Expense.
FY2017 Budget Revisions
Department |
Department Number /Tab |
Previously Voted |
Additional Amount |
New Total Amount |
Fire |
2200 /18 |
$3,238,431 |
$3,424 |
$3,241,855 |
Inspections |
2410 / 20 |
$171,446 |
$2,388 |
$173,834 |
Public Works |
4210 / 17 |
$6,245,858 |
$12,079 |
$6,257,937 |
Library |
6100 / 24 |
$749,359 |
$11,016 |
$760,375 |
Police – Patrolman & Clerical |
2100 / 18 |
$3,299,991 |
$133,629 |
$3,433,620 |
Total: |
|
|
$162,536 |
|
Note: Additional funds for FY2017 Budget to fund the Police and Clerical Collective Bargaining Agreements settled after Board’s vote. Funds for Police Department include $15,053 for Clerical Contract.
On a motion by Mr. Durant, seconded by Mr. Quinn the Board voted 4-0 to approve the FY2017 Budget Revisions as submitted.
- Town Issues:
- Correspondence to be Noted by Clerk:
Mr. Quinn read the commendation letter to Lieutenant Crippen and made a motion which was seconded by Mr. Durant to also send a letter from the Board.
On a motion by Mr. Quinn, seconded by Mr. Durant the Board voted 4-0 to note correspondence.
- Executive Session:
- Adjourn:
On a motion by Mr. Durant, seconded by Mr. Quinn the Board voted unanimously to adjourn.
Document List- February 22, 2016
Document |
Location |
Public Session Minutes: February 8, 2016 |
BOS Office |
Executive Session Minutes: February 8, 2016 |
BOS Office |
Documents related to 410 Main Street |
BOS Office |
Common Victualler License application from Mr. Vareschi |
BOS Office |
Appointment letter and Resume for Eric Ryder as Director of DPW |
BOS Office |
Appointment letter for Christiana Craig as Acting Children’s Librarian |
BOS Office |
Contract documents for P.J. Albert for the reconstruction of a portion of Lincoln Street |
BOS Office |
May 2, 2016 Annual Town Meeting Warrant |
BOS Office |
Memo for Snow & Ice Overdraft funds |
BOS Office |
Commendation letter to Lieutenant Thomas Crippen |
BOS Office |
DHCD notice of Housing Production Plan approval for the Town of Hudson |
BOS Office |
Xfinity notice announcing Ben Pearlman as new Government Relations Manager and information on transformation of the customer experience for customers |
BOS Office |
Invitation to attend screening of “If Only”, film about the dangers of prescription drug misuse and opiate abuse |
BOS Office |
Eversource documents & maps regarding the “Subury to Hudson Transmission Reliability Project” |
BOS Office |
| 
