Town of Hudson - Board of Selectmen
Minutes – March 27, 2017
78 Main Street 2nd Floor 7:00 PM
Present were Mr. Duplisea, Mr. Parent, Mr. Quinn, Mr. Lucy, Mr. Durant and Mr. Moses. Also present were Attorney Cipriano and Ms. Santos.
Public Session Minutes: March 13, 2017
On a motion by Mr. Parent, seconded by Mr. Quinn the Board voted 5-0 to approve the public session minutes of March 14, 2017.
Executive Session Minutes: March 13, 2017
On a motion by Mr. Parent, seconded by Mr. Quinn the Board voted 5-0 to approve the executive session minutes of March 13, 2017.
Executive Session Minutes: February 27, 2017
On a motion by Mr. Parent, seconded by Mr. Quinn, the Board voted 4-1 to approve the executive session minutes of February 27, 2017. Mr. Lucy opposed.
Brian O’Neill, 31 Parmenter Road had some questions regarding the Eversource Project. He asked if there is a set of project plans that are available to the public. Mr. Moses stated that all documents that the Town has have been distributed and or posted on our website. If there are more detailed plans Eversource would have them. Mr. O’Neill then asked about the public forum that was held with Eversource in which residents asked questions of them. He noted that 19 questions were asked and only 6 were answered. He stated that it was disconcerting that residents were not taken care of at that meeting.
Mr. O’Neill asked if residents of Town could be involved in the non-disclosure agreement talks with Eversource. Atty. Cipriano stated that the advice of Special Counsel that the parties working on behalf of the town be government officials. He said that his concern is that the residents will only find out the terms of the agreement once it is binding.
Christine Nelson, 31 Parmenter Road stated that the abutters would like more clarification on a lot of the issues.
Bo Sherman, 8 Parmenter Road stated that the entire town will be affected by this project with regards to the water supply and noted that there are people in Town who may not understand that.
- Meetings and Public Hearings - 7:00 PM:
Selectmen to meet with representatives from Melanson Heath to discuss Financial Reports for year end June 30, 2016.
Zack Fentross, Audit Manager with Melanson Heath presented the June 30, 2016 financial statements of the Town to the Board. The Town received a clean opinion which is the best result available. He stated that the town is in a good financial position.
Selectmen to consider approval of a Common Victualler’s License for Petros Muratoglu d/b/a Hudson Bagel at 51 Main Street, Unit A.
On a motion by Mr. Parent, seconded by Mr. Durant, the Board voted 5-0 to approve a Common Victualler’s License for Petros Muratoglu d/b/a Hudson Bagel at 51 Main Street, Unit A.
Selectmen to consider approval of a transfer of ownership of a Common Victualler’s License for North End Pizzeria, 118 Forest Avenue from Robert & Nancy Vareschi to Antoinette Macari.
On a motion by Mr. Durant, seconded by Mr. Parent, the Board voted 5-0 to approve a transfer of ownership of a Common Victualler’s License for North End Pizzeria, 118 Forest Avenue from Robert & Nancy Vareschi to Antoinette Macari.
Selectmen to consider approving the appointment of Wayne Grant as a Traffic Supervisor for the Hudson Police Department, effective March 31, 2017.
On a motion by Mr. Parent, seconded by Mr. Quinn, the Board voted 5-0 to approve the appointment of Wayne Grant as a Traffic Supervisor for the Hudson Police Department, effective March 31, 2017.
Selectmen to note the resignation of Casimiro Costa as a Part Time Dispatcher for the Hudson Police Department.
On a motion by Mr. Durant, seconded by Mr. Quinn, the Board voted 5-0 to note the resignation of Casimiro Costa as a Part Time Dispatcher for the Hudson Police Department.
Selectmen to note the resignation of Thomas Neufell as a Part Time Dispatcher for the Hudson Police Department.
On a motion by Mr. Durant, seconded by Mr. Duplisea, the Board voted 5-0 to note the resignation of Thomas Neufell as a Part Time Dispatcher for the Hudson Police Department.
Selectmen to vote to ratify and sign a Memorandum of Agreement with AFSCME Council 93, 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 5-0 to ratify and sign a Memorandum of Agreement with AFSCME Council 93, Local 3625 for the period of July 1, 2016 through June 30, 2019.
Selectmen to consider approving the continuation of the MWRTA Shuttle in Town.
Mr. Moses stated that he is not necessarily looking for an answer tonight. He just wanted to get the financial information to the Board. The shuttle that is currently running is being funded through a $50,000 state grant which was matched by the MWRTA. The $100,000 in funding runs out June 30, 2017. The ridership has been steadily increasing and there are approximately 500 riders per month. The shuttle runs on a two hour loop which Mr. Moses hopes could be reduced to a one hour loop which will again dramatically increase ridership. The questions he raised to the Board were; should the Board pursue going from a two hour loop to a one hour loop and should the Board engage in discussions with Marlborough to share the cost in order to continue the service
and possibly enhance it. He also noted that Rep. Hogan has pledged to help Hudson defray the cost of the service, if not all of it, for FY 2018.
Mr. Lucy stated that he would not be in favor of this if the funds were not secured through the state or another agency. Mr. Parent then noted that through a discussion with Mr. Moses he leaned that the one hour service is an additional $25,000. He went on to say that if half the funding for this could be secured he would definitely be in favor of it. The Board took no action.
Selectmen to consider accepting a donation in the amount of $50 from the Meadowbrook Park Association to the Fire Department.
On a motion by Mr. Durant, seconded by Mr. Quinn, the Board voted 5-0 to accept a donation in the amount of $50 from the Meadowbrook Park Association to the Fire Department.
Selectmen to consider accepting a sculpture from OARS to be displayed along the Assabet River Rail Trail near the caboose parking lot.
On a motion by Mr. Parent, seconded by Mr. Lucy, the Board voted 5-0 to accept a sculpture from OARS to be displayed along the Assabet River Rail Trail near the caboose parking lot.
Selectmen to consider nomination of Jennifer Condon as Inspector of Animals pursuant to MGL Chapter 129 § 15 & 16.
On a motion by Mr. Durant, seconded by Mr. Duplisea, the Board voted 5-0 to nominate Jennifer Condon as Inspector of Animals pursuant to MGL Chapter 129 § 15 & 16.
Selectmen to consider nomination of Donna DeWallace and Michael Albanese as Alternate Inspector of Animals pursuant to MGL Chapter 129 § 15 & 16.
On a motion by Mr. Durant, seconded by Mr. Quinn, the Board voted 5-0 to nominate Donna DeWallace and Michael Albanese as Alternate Inspector of Animals pursuant to MGL Chapter 129 § 15 & 16.
Selectmen to continue discussion regarding naming the DPW/Police Headquarters.
Mr. Parent stated that he does not feel that it is not a good idea to add someone name to any municipal building because it is an inference that the entire structure is being named after that person. This building is both a DPW and Police Headquarters. There will be a significant sized sign erected as you approach the building and Mr. Parent suggests that the sign say Hudson Police Department & Joseph H. Rego Department of Public Works. On further approach to the portion of the building that is the DPW a plaque for dedicated to Mr. Rego be put up in front of the building. The Board whole heartedly agreed that this is a fitting tribute.
On a motion by Mr. Durant, seconded by Mr. Quinn, the Board voted 5-0 to name the sign to the entrance to the Police / DPW Headquarters the “Hudson Police Department & Joseph H. Rego Department of Public Works” and the a plaque dedicated to Mr. Rego be placed in front of the DPW entrance to the building.
Selectmen to consider signing a Non-Disclosure Agreement with Eversource Energy.
Before the discussion began Mr. Duplisea read the following statement into the record.
Mr. Lucy has made some changes to the agreement and therefore the Board will need to accept the modifications. A motion was made but subsequently withdrawn.
Mr. Lucy stated that he is not prepared to vote on this item tonight as the Board has yet to determine who will enter into discussions with Eversource. He noted that he would like to enter into Executive Session (ES) at the Board’s next meeting to discuss who will be chosen to enter into said discussions. Atty. Cipriano stated that this topic does not warrant being discussed in ES as there is no need for confidentiality with regard to who is selected.
There was a discussion regarding whether the Board should first vote to enter into said discussions/negotiations first or to vote first to choose those who will represent the Town during any talks with Eversource.
Mr. Durant asked Town Counsel if this agreement were signed tonight would this make the agreement available to the public as it is labeled confidential and the other party has not yet signed it. Atty. Cipriano stated that he is always of the position as the Board’s Counsel that the other party should sign first therefore it should be sent to Eversource for signing before the Board signs.
As Special Counsel was not at the meeting and Mr. Durant stated he had some questions Atty. Cipriano suggested that Atty. McGregor be invited back as soon as possible to address any remaining issues and to put the Board at ease as they proceed. That being said the Board agreed to meet next Monday, April 3, 2017 at 6:00 PM with Special Counsel present. They will also discuss who to choose to enter into discussions at the next meeting.
On a motion by Mr. Parent, seconded by Mr. Durant, the Board voted 3-1-1 to amend the non-disclosure agreement as per Mr. Lucy’s recommendations, said amended draft will be approved to form contingent upon Eversource’s execution of the non-disclosure agreement and upon return of the document to the Board of Selectmen. Mr. Lucy opposed, Mr. Quinn abstained.
Mr. Lucy asked if there is a date by which the Town will know if we will continue the water ban from last year. Mr. Moses stated that the DPW Director is looking into the well levels and will get to him as soon as he has all the information necessary to make a determination. Mr. Moses noted his preference would be to go back from the level V ban to the normal every other day ban (if possible) that is initiated annually. Mr. Durant stated that when he is asked he always says that residents should be prepared for a lever IV or V ban.
Mr. Lucy requested an update regarding blighted properties in Town that are tax delinquent. Atty. Cipriano stated he would have a report in two weeks to present to the Selectmen.
Mr. Quinn referenced an article in the Boston Globe regarding retail marijuana shops and what other Massachusetts towns are doing about them. He asked that the members give this some thought so they can discuss the Board’s position at a later date.
Mr. Duplisea thanked all the first responders in Town who were dispatched to the recent fire on Forest Avenue. He also extended his sympathy to the family for their loss.
- Correspondence to be Noted by Clerk:
On a motion by Mr. Quinn, seconded by Mr. Lucy, the Board voted 5-0 to note the correspondence of March 27, 2017.
- Executive Session:
- Adjourn:
On a motion by Mr. Parent, seconded by Mr. Lucy, the Board voted to adjourn it’s meeting of March 27m 2017 at 9:10 PM.
Board of Selectmen
Correspondence List – March 27, 2017
Confidential Correspondence from Atty. Cipriano.
Suggestions regarding the naming of DPW/Police Headquarters.
Email regarding 2017 Bicycles Battling Cancer Ride scheduled for June 11, 2017.
Letter from Martha Goldsmith, Office of Leasing and State Office Planning regarding Request for Proposals for the Commonwealth’s search for Lease Space
Document List
Document |
Location |
Public Session Minutes 03/13/17 |
BOS Office |
Executive Session Minutes 03/13/17 |
BOS Office |
Executive Session Minutes 02/27/17 |
BOS Office |
Financial Reports from Melanson Heath |
BOS Office |
License Application for Hudson Bagel, Inc. |
BOS Office |
License Application for Transfer of Ownership – North End Pizzeria |
BOS Office |
Appointment Memo – Wayne Grant |
BOS Office |
Resignation Memo – Casimiro Costa |
BOS Office |
Resignation Meme – Thomas Neufell |
BOS Office |
MOA with AFSCME Council 93, Local 3625 |
BOS Office |
Memo from EA regarding MWRTA Shuttle |
BOS Office |
Memo from Fire Chief regarding donation |
BOS Office |
Report from Recreation Director regarding sculpture donation |
BOS Office |
Nomination papers for Jennifer Condon |
BOS Office |
Nomination papers for Donna DeWallace and Michael Albanese |
BOS Office |
Email from Kenneth Varnum |
BOS Office |
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