Town of Hudson - Board of Selectmen
Minutes –December 5, 2016
78 Main Street 2nd Floor 7:00 PM
Present were Mr. Duplisea, Mr. Parent, Mr. Lucy, Mr. Quinn, Mr. Durant, and Mr. Moses. Also present was Ms. Santos.
Public Session Minutes: November 14, 2016
On a motion by Mr. Parent, seconded by Mr. Durant, the Board voted 5-0 to approve public session minutes of November 14, 2016.
Public Session Minutes: November 21, 2016
On a motion by Mr. Parent, seconded by Mr. Durant, the Board voted 4-0-1 to approve public session minutes of November 21, 2016. Mr. Duplisea abstained.
Brian O’Neill, 31 Parmenter Road stated that during the meeting of November 14th with Eversource residents asked 19 questions of which only 6 were answered. He asked if the Board had reached out to Eversource to have them follow up on the questions. The Board answered no.
Mr. O’Neill asked Mr. Quinn clarify what he had said at the meeting. Mr. Quinn stated that he opposes the use of the MBTA right-of way.
There was a discussion regarding the role of the Conservation Commission in this process as well as where they get their directives.
Mr. Lucy shared an analogy about pre-judgement and/or prejudicial behavior. If a judge comments on a publicized matter that could be placed on the docket of the judge a comment such as the person is innocent of guilty then the judge can be disqualified. If a matter is placed on a judge’s docket the judge must remain impartial and the judge cannot comment at all before two parties have made presentations to the judge. If the judge does take a public stand before hearing both sides and passing down a ruling than the party not favored by the ruling can easily appeal on the grounds that there was pre-judgement. The appeal could result in reversal of the ruling to the favor of the party that was discriminated against by the judge who could not keep his mouth
shut. Or in the alternative a similar ruling could be applied from another judge who did remain impartial and who did remain silent before making a ruling.
Mr. Parent noted a Facebook post in which Mr. O’Neill stated that the Board is being deceptive in their position regarding this project and are helping Eversource. He reminded Mr. O’Neill about the advice that they received from Special Counsel as to why they have not taken a formal position regarding this.
Chris Catato, 12 Orchard Drive asked Mr. Lucy to clarify a statement he made to Eversource at the end of the meeting. Mr. Lucy stated that he was talking about the concrete transition line. The overhead wires would be put underground at Wilkins Street via this concrete tower. He was simply asking Eversource that if they insist on presenting the overhead route as their preferred route to consider modifying that route by moving the transition tower 1,800 feet to the east of Wilkins Street.
Bo Sherman, 8 Parmenter Road asked that Board whether they or Special Counsel have been in touch with Eversource since the November meeting. The Board said no.
- Meetings and Public Hearings - 7:00 PM:
Selectmen to conduct Tax Classification hearing to set property tax rates for fiscal year 2017.
Christine Griffin, Joanne McIntyre, Brian Bowen presented the tax rates for fiscal year 2017. Mr. Bowen explained that the information being presented is based upon approved Department of Revenue values. This approval allows the Town to initiate and send out its tax bills. As of January 1, 2016 the average single family home in Hudson is valued at $332,700, an increase of 6% over the previous year’s values. There was in increase in total new growth of approximately $51 million, this will result in $1 million dollars in additional tax revenue.
Mr. Bowen explained that the Selectman can opt for a single tax rate of $20.20, a split tax rate or a shift of certain percentages of levy between the classes. The Selectman can shift that percentage through a minimum residential factor of .866376. This would equate to a residential tax rate of $17.50 and a commercial rate of $35.35. The excess levy capacity will be approximately $586,365 (based on the option selected).
Mr. Lucy explained that tax increases are driven up by spending and he briefly broke down where the increases in spending have occurred over the past few years.
On a motion by Mr. Parent, seconded by Mr. Durant, the Board voted 4-1 for a residential factor of .866377 with an excess tax levy of $588,025. Mr. Quinn opposed.
Selectmen to meet with Jason Blackburn regarding a request for a letter of non-opposition for the placement of a permitted medical marijuana dispensary at 252 Coolidge Street.
Present was James Smith representing Good Chemistry Massachusetts, Inc.
Mr. Lucy stated that he is not inclined to issue a letter of non-opposition tonight and went on to say that he is not inclined to continue on with the letter issued last year to another party. He suggests that the Board rescind the first letter and allow Mr. Moses to continue to negotiate with both parties.
Mr. Parent disagrees. He stated that he is in favor of only one dispensary as he does not see the need for more than one. He clarified a part of Mr. Moses’ memo stating that the fact a letter has already been issued does not mean that the Town cannot negotiate further with the applicant. The Board can also revoke a letter if the parties cannot reach acceptable terms. Mr. Parent feels that the Board should continue to negotiate with Manna Wellness and not issue a letter to Good Chemistry.
Anthony Parinello, Manna Wellness stated that he has been negotiating with the Town and will continue to do so in good faith.
Mr. Quinn is not in favor of revoking the letter. He went on to say that he is not inclined to say to Good Chemistry but is not ready to say yes.
Mr. Smith stated that Good Chemistry’s intention is not to have the Board revoke Manna’s letter.
Mr. Duplisea stated that he is struggling to find a need for two facilities in such close proximity.
Mr. Durant stated that he is not willing at this time to issue a second letter but also not willing to revoke the Manna letter.
On a motion by Mr. Parent, seconded by Mr. Durant, the Board voted 4-1 not to issue a letter of non-opposition to Good Chemistry at this time and continue to negotiate with Manna Wellness. Mr. Lucy opposed.
Selectmen to consider approving a change of location and annual license for Hudson Psychic from 196 Washington Street to 213 Main Street #C.
On a motion by Mr. Parent, seconded by Mr. Quinn, the Board voted 5-0 to approve the change of location and annual license for Hudson Psychic from 196 Washington Street to 213 Main Street #C.
Selectmen to consider approval of 2017 License renewals for all licensee’s that have met their requirements.
On a motion by Mr. Durant, seconded by Mr. Quinn, the Board vote 5-0 to approve the 2017 License renewals for all licensee’s that have met their requirements.
Selectmen to consider approval of appointments of the Seasonal Employees for the Fall/Winter 2016-2017 to the Recreation Department.
On a motion by Mr. Durant, seconded by Mr. Duplisea, the Board voted 5-0 to approve the appointments of the Seasonal Employees for the Fall/Winter 2016-2017 to the Recreation Department.
Selectmen to consider reappointments of presently serving Board & Committee members that wish to be reappointed.
On a motion by Mr. Lucy, seconded by Mr. Parent, the Board voted 4-0-1 to reappoint the presently serving Board & Committee members that wish to be reappointed with the exception of Mr. Durant. Mr. Quinn abstained.
On a motion by Mr. Lucy, seconded by Mr. Parent, the Board voted 4-0-1 to reappoint the reappointed Mr. Quinn to the Historic District Commission for a term to expire December 31, 2019. Mr. Quinn abstained.
Mr. Lucy asked for a legal opinion from Town Counsel to address the procedure of how to reprimand, suspend or dismiss an appointed Town official.
Selectmen to consider approval of and authorization to sign contract with The Addiction Referral Center in the amount of $10,000 (exempt) for addiction referral services for Hudson Residents.
On a motion by Mr. Durant, seconded by Mr. Lucy, the Board voted 5-0 to approve and authorize the singing of a contract with The Addiction Referral Center in the amount of $10,000 (exempt) for addiction referral services for Hudson Residents.
Selectmen to ratify Collective Bargaining Agreement with AFSCME Local 3625 for the period of July 1, 2016 through June 30, 2019.
On a motion by Mr. Durant, seconded by Mr. Parent, the Board voted 4-0-1 to ratify the Collective Bargaining Agreement with AFSCME Local 3625 for the period of July 1, 2016 through June 30, 2019. Mr. Lucy abstained.
Selectmen to consider approval and authorization to sign a contract with Reale Associates for Playground Inspections in the amount of $6,600.
On a motion by Mr. Lucy, seconded by Mr. Durant, the Board voted approve and authorized signing a contract with Reale Associates for Playground Inspections in the amount of $6,600.
Selectmen to consider approval and authorization to sign a contract with Applique Technologies, LLC for an Asphalt Crack Filler-Sealer Machine in the amount of $28,493.00.
On a motion by Mr. Lucy, seconded by Mr. Quinn, the Board voted 5-0 to approve and authorize signing a contract with Applique Technologies, LLC for an Asphalt Crack Filler-Sealer Machine in the amount of $28,493.00.
Selectmen to consider approval and authorization to sign a contract with STG Consultant Services LLC in the amount of $8,000 for a Grant Writer for the FY18 Community Development Block Grant application.
Mr. Lucy noted that the former Community Development Director used to write these grants and then asked why outsource this at a cost of $8,000. Mr. Moses explained that Mr. Hunter feels that because the deadline is approaching and the federal government has changed their criteria recently that we hire someone with expertise in writing these CDBG grants to maximize the opportunity for success. Mr. Lucy stated that his preference is that the Board veto this request and have Mr. Hunter get three quotes from closer by entities.
On a motion by Mr. Parent seconded by Mr. Duplisea, the Board voted 2-3 to approve and authorize signing of a contract with STG Consultant Services LLC in the amount of $8,000 for a Grant Writer for the FY18 Community Development Block Grant application. Mr. Durant, Mr. Lucy and Mr. Quinn opposed.
Selectmen to approve and authorize the Chairman to sign the Downtown Technical Assistance Grant Application with the DHCD.
On a motion by Mr. Parent, seconded by Mr. Durant, the Board voted 5-0 to approve and authorize the Chairman to sign the Downtown Technical Assistance Grant Application with the DHCD.
Selectmen to consider amending the Traffic Rules & Regulations as recommended by the Internal Traffic Committee to designate the last two (2) diagonal spaces on the west side of Church Street as “Restricted Parking – Town Employees Only: between the hours of 8:00 AM and 4:30 PM, Monday through Friday, excluding legal holidays”.
Mr. Lucy does not like the idea of taking parking spaces away from Town residents and Main Street businesses. Mr. Quinn agreed.
On a motion by Mr. Durant, seconded by Mr. Parent, the Board voted 2-3 to amend the Traffic Rules & Regulations as recommended by the Internal Traffic Committee to designate the last two (2) diagonal spaces on the west side of Church Street as “Restricted Parking – Town Employees Only: between the hours of 8:00 AM and 4:30 PM, Monday through Friday, excluding legal holidays”. Mr. Quinn, Mr. Lucy and Mr. Duplisea opposed.
Selectmen to consider accepting donations from various donors of the Substance Abuse Prevention Fundraising 5K on behalf of the Board of Health.
On a motion by Mr. Durant, seconded by Mr. Quinn, the Board voted 5-0 to accept donations from various donors of the Substance Abuse Prevention Fundraising 5K on behalf of the Board of Health.
Mr. Lucy asked that some of the department budget hearings get moved around in order to help balance the meetings.
Mr. Lucy stated that at the Board’s meeting with Eversource on November 14, 2016 he asked Eversource to do two things. The reply to both of the questions was that they would be taken back to Eversource management for consideration. He the read the following into the record:
1. Eversource is not required to present the MBTA Rail Road Bed Overhead Option.
I asked Eversource to present the Under the MBTA Option as the low cost preferred route.
2. The now removed MBTA Option Three included three million dollars to move the Concrete
Transition Tower 1,800 feet east from Wilkins Street.
I asked Eversource to commit to consider again making this three million dollar 1,800
Modification to the Overhead Option.
Mr. Quinn made note of proclamations given to Hudson for the Sesquicentennial. Loreen Jean of Hudson Art and Framing graciously offered to and did frame these for the Town. He then thanked Mr. Lucy and the Sesquicentennial Committee for all their hard work.
- Correspondence to be Noted by Clerk:
On a motion by Mr. Quinn, seconded by Mr. Durant, the Board voted 5-0 to note the correspondence for December 5, 2016.
- Executive Session:
- Adjourn:
On a motion by Mr. Parent, seconded by Quinn, the Board voted 5-0 to adjourn the meeting of December 5, 2016 at 9:02 PM.
Document List- December 5, 2016
Document |
Location |
Public session Minutes November 14, 2016 |
BOS Office |
Public session Minutes November 21, 2016 |
BOS Office |
License application for Hudson Psychic for a change of location |
BOS Office |
Memo and report regarding annual license renewals |
BOS Office |
Appointment memo for seasonal employees – Recreation Department |
BOS Office |
Reappointment memo for Board & Committee Members |
BOS Office |
Contract with Addiction Referral Centers |
BOS Office |
Collective Bargaining Agreement with AFSCME Local 3625 |
BOS Office |
ITC memo regarding employee parking |
BOS Office |
Selectmen’s Budget Hearing Schedule for FY2018 Budget |
BOS Office |
Decision letter from ABCC regarding Chubby’s Liquors |
BOS Office |
Letter from Xfinity regarding information on pricing changes |
BOS Office |
Email from MIIA regarding award of Grant |
BOS Office |
Letter from Stow Selectmen regarding Eversource Project |
BOS Office |
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