Town of Hudson - Board of Selectmen
Minutes – July 31, 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: July 10, 2017
On a motion by Mr. Durant, seconded by Mr. Lucy, the Board voted 5-0 to approve the Public Session Minutes of July 10, 2017.
- Meetings and Public Hearings - 7:00 PM:
Selectmen to conduct hearing to consider approval of change of license type for Main Street Restaurants Inc. d/b/a Fresh Wing from Wine & Malt Pouring License to an All Alcohol Pouring License and a change of operating hours from Monday through Sunday from 11:00 AM to 11:00 PM to Monday through Sunday from 11:00 AM to 12:00 AM at 246 B Main Street.
Mr. Parent asked Mr. Stone why a business that is primarily take-out based would want an all alcohol pouring license. Mr. Stone explained that half of his space is not being utilized and would like to have more people come in and sit to eat. He believes this will help improve his business.
Peg Bouvier, 250 Main Street noted that this business is located below three levels of senior living condominiums.
Neville Holter, 248 Main Street asked if Mr. Stone would be serving food until midnight as well. Mr. Stone said not as a rule however sometimes he would.
Mr. Stone stated that he has operated there for 7 years and no one has ever complained about noise.
On a motion by Mr. Lucy, seconded by Mr. Parent, the Board voted 5-0 to close the public hearing.
On a motion by Mr. Parent, seconded by Mr. Durant, the Board voted 5-0 to approve the change of license type for Main Street Restaurants Inc. d/b/a Fresh Wing from Wine & Malt Pouring License to an All Alcohol Pouring License and a change of operating hours from Monday through Sunday from 11:00 AM to 11:00 PM to Monday through Sunday from 11:00 AM to 12:00 AM at 246 B Main Street.
Selectmen to conduct a hearing on an application for the Alteration of Premises for the All Alcohol Pouring License held by the Hudson – Concord Elks located at 91 Park Street.
Mr. Durant & Mr. Duplisea recused themselves and left the room.
Barbara Durant, Trustee, Bill Hopkins, Secretary and Kim Guthiel, Manager addressed the Board. Since their last hearing to request the alteration of premises Ginny Allaby, 100 Park Street, reached out to the Elks to discuss their request.
During the meeting Ms. Allaby asked that the trailer be moved and that another large tree be planted to help screen the deck better. The trailer has since been moved and the Elks is looking to plant a tree as she requested.
Ms. Allaby was under the impression that the deck would be used by those who rent the hall for private functions. Ms. Durand assured her that this deck is for member use only. They also discussed a method of better communication with the surrounding neighbors. There are three large events this month and Ms. Gutheil will be informing all the neighbors.
Ms. Durand stated that they are now requiring parties with greater than 200 attendees have a police detail.
With regard to the deck there will be no music, no smoking, no lottery and no bar. Lattice work will be installed at the end of the deck and cameras installed for the bartender to monitor the deck.
Ms. Allaby asked that the deck only stay open until 10:00 PM. Ms. Gutheil and Ms. Durand agreed to the request. Mr. Parent noted that these conditions will go on the record as part of the approval.
Mr. Lucy asked if the deck would be used before all the self-imposed conditions have been met. Ms. Durand said they would comply with all before using the deck except the planting of the tree. She stated that would be per the advice of the landscaper regarding when the best time to plant a tree is. Mr. Lucy asked Ms. Allaby if this was acceptable, she said yes.
Mr. Lucy asked if they knew when the built the deck that they would need a license to allow alcohol on it. Ms. Durand said yes.
On a motion by Mr. Parent, seconded by Mr. Lucy, the Board voted 3-0 to close the public hearing.
On a motion by Mr. Parent, seconded by Mr. Lucy, the Board voted 3-0 to approve the Alteration of Premises for the All Alcohol Pouring License held by the Hudson – Concord Elks located at 91 Park Street with the following conditions:
1. The deck will not be rented out for private parties.
2. There will not be any music played on the deck.
3. Smoking will not be allowed on the deck.
4. There will be no bar on the deck.
5. The deck will be for the use of Elks members ONLY.
6. The deck will close at 10:00 PM every night.
And the following alteration conditions:
- All tractor trailers and equipment parked along the tree line shall be moved to the other side of the building.
- Lattice work shall be installed along the front side of the deck nearest the street and the back of the deck.
- A large tree shall be planted as discussed between two existing trees along the front of the property.
All alteration conditions are to be met, with the exception of the tree planting, before the deck can be utilized by the members.
Mr. Durant & Mr. Duplisea returned.
Selectmen to consider issuance of a One–Day All Alcohol Pouring License to Lauren Surowiec for a wedding party to be held on October 7, 2017 between the hours of 3:00 PM and 9:00 PM at Pompositticut Farm located at 25 Lewis Street.
On a motion by Mr. Durant, seconded by Mr. Lucy, the Board voted 54-0 to approve a One–Day All Alcohol Pouring License to Lauren Surowiec for a wedding party to be held on October 7, 2017 between the hours of 3:00 PM and 9:00 PM at Pompositticut Farm located at 25 Lewis Street.
Selectmen to consider approving the promotion of Michael Constantine to W-4 Tree Climber for the Department of Public Works at a rate of $23.26/hour, effective August 1, 2017.
On a motion by Mr. Quinn, seconded by Mr. Lucy, the Board voted 5-0 to approve the promotion of Michael Constantine to W-4 Tree Climber for the Department of Public Works at a rate of $23.26/hour, effective August 1, 2017.
Selectmen to consider approval of appointments of additional Seasonal Employees for the Recreation Department for 2017.
On a motion by Mr. Lucy, seconded by Mr. Durant, the Board voted 5-0 to approve the appointments of additional Seasonal Employees for the Recreation Department for 2017.
Selectmen to note the resignation of Douglas Ober as a Full Time Dispatcher for the Police Department.
On a motion by Mr. Duplisea, seconded by Mr. Durant, the Board voted 5-0 to note the resignation of Douglas Ober as a Full Time Dispatcher for the Police Department.
Selectmen to note the resignation of Dr. Sam Wong, Director of Public & Community Health Services, effective August 18, 2017.
On a motion by Mr. Lucy, seconded by Mr. Durant, the Board voted 5-0 to note the resignation of Dr. Sam Wong, Director of Public & Community Health Services, effective August 18, 2017.
Selectmen to approve the temporary appointment of Alexandra DePalo as Acting Public Health Director at a M8 step 6.
On a motion by Mr. Quinn, seconded by Mr. Durant, the Board voted 5-0 to approve the temporary appointment of Alexandra DePalo as Acting Public Health Director at a M8 step 6.
Selectmen to consider approval and authorization to sign a contract with VHB in the amount of $28,900 for the Pavement Management Plan.
On a motion by Mr. Durant, seconded by Mr. Lucy, the Board voted 5-0 to approve and authorize the signing of a contract with VHB in the amount of $28,900 for the Pavement Management Plan.
Selectmen to consider approval and authorization to sign a Cleaning Services Contract with New England Cleaning Systems for three years in the amounts of $75,000/$76,000/$77,000 for cleaning Town Hall, Library, Senior Center and the Police/DPW Headquarters.
On a motion by Mr. Lucy, seconded by Mr. Durant, the Board voted 5-0 to approve and authorize the Executive Assistant to sign a Cleaning Services Contract with New England Cleaning Systems for three years in the amounts of $75,000/$76,000/$77,000 for cleaning Town Hall, Library, Senior Center and the Police/DPW Headquarters.
Introduction of Superintendent of Schools, Marco Rodrigues.
Michele Tousignant Dufour and Superintendent Rodrigues addressed the Board. Ms. Dufour publically thanked the members of the search committee. The Board welcomed him and stated that they look forward to working together.
Selectmen to discuss changing the color of certain crosswalks in Town.
Mr. Ryder explained that the preferred colors for crosswalks are earth tones and muted tones. Mr. Lucy asked if Mr. Ryder has the money for this. He explained that it would depend on how many crosswalks they are proposing to change. For just redoing the downtown crosswalks he said he could cover the cost within his operating budget.
Mr. Moses suggested red. Mr. Ryder said that brick red is becoming a common crosswalk color. Mr. Quinn said he had no preference but did suggest that the change the crosswalks in the Historic District first.
On a motion by Mr. Parent, seconded by Mr. Lucy, the Board voted 5-0 that Mr. Ryder and Mr. Moses move forward with the painting of the crosswalks with consultation of Mr. Quinn.
Selectmen to consider accepting a donation from Intel Corporation in the amount of $3,000 on behalf of the Board of Health to conduct its household hazardous waste collection events.
On a motion by Mr. Lucy, seconded by Mr. Durant, the Board voted 5-0 to accept a donation from Intel Corporation in the amount of $3,000 on behalf of the Board of Health to conduct its household hazardous waste collection events.
Selectmen to consider accepting a donation from the Unitarian Church of Marlborough & Hudson on behalf of the Police Department for the Jail Diversion Program.
On a motion by Mr. Durant, seconded by Mr. Lucy, the Board voted 5-0 to accept a donation from the Unitarian Church of Marlborough & Hudson on behalf of the Police Department for the Jail Diversion Program and a letter of thanks be sent.
Selectmen to consider designating Chief Michael Burks as Acting Executive Assistant during the absence of Mr. Moses.
On a motion by Mr. Durant, seconded by Mr. Quinn, the Board voted 5-0 to designate Chief Michael Burks as Acting Executive Assistant during the absence of Mr. Moses.
Selectmen to vote to authorize the Executive Assistant to sign a Certification of Entity for the MassWorks Infrastructure Grant application.
Mr. Hunter explained that Town Meeting recently approved funds to upgrade and design for South Street in order to help connect it better with the downtown. This put the Town in a good position for the MassWorks Grant as you must be shovel ready with regard to design. Towns must also have private infrastructure investment that is connected to the target area. The Town currently has two $5.5 million projects in the works in the area.
Mr. Hunter feels that Hudson is in a very good position to be awarded this grant. The application will be submitted on August 11th. The Town is requesting $2.5 million in order to complete the rotary and redesign South Street.
On a motion by Mr. Lucy, seconded by Mr. Quinn, the Board voted 5-0 to authorize the Executive Assistant to sign a Certification of Entity for the MassWorks Infrastructure Grant application.
Joyce Gatta, 10 Westridge Road spoke regarding the recent increase in taxes. She noted that in the past five years her tax bill has doubled. Another resident Robert Schlacter of Stevens Road asked to be explained the assessment process as many residents feel they are being “picked on” and “spot assessed”. He asked what tax relief programs are available for seniors.
Marco Demartino, 46 Stevens Road stated that he has lived in Hudson for the past 37 years. He noted that his taxes have actually gone down since moving there and he thinks something is wrong and needs to be looked into.
Mr. Moses explained that the Board of Selectmen has no role in assessing any properties in Town. The assessors have sole responsibility. He directed residents to begin with the Assessors. He then briefly explained the factors that the Assessors consider when assessing dwellings. If residents feel their homes are assessed incorrectly they can file for an abatement.
Mr. Lucy suggested that the Assessors put together a presentation in order to explain the assessing process.
Carol Trio, 31 Hastings Road stated that they will be asking someone from the Assessor’s Office to come speak to the residents of Westridge.
Kathy Randall also spoke regarding the tax issue.
Mr. Parent stated that the Senior Center publishes a newsletter and once a year they publish all programs that are available to Senior’s in Massachusetts.
Mr. Quinn stated that he has had complaints from drivers who want to turn right off of School Street to get into Robinson’s Hardware. The construction signs are sometimes too far out and impede the way.
Mr. Parent noted that there will be a ceremony for the new DPW/Police Headquarters on September 11, 2017.
Mr. Parent stated ridership of the MWRTA Shuttle continues to increase. He asked Mr. Moses to put together a report with regards to the Master Plan and its sections on transportation to determine what citizens want and what we need. The funding for the service is not secure yet. The Town is hoping to get $75,000 from the State however it is no longer certain. He would like to look into some type of permanent funding for this program.
- Correspondence to be Noted by Clerk:
Mr. Quinn noted a letter from Chief Burks regarding the completion of the 12th annual youth academy.
Mr. Quinn noted a memo regarding Main Street / Cox Street / Glendale Road intersection. He along with Chief Blood and Chief Burks are requesting a stop sign be erected at the left hand turn location at the intersection of Cox and Main for those traveling westbound. The set of lights that are just before that left hand turn will be eliminated. This would help ease the traffic in the area.
Mr. Lucy noted that this issue should have been addressed earlier as an agenda item.
On a motion by Mr. Quinn, seconded by Mr. Duplisea, the Board voted 5-0 to accept correspondence.
Adjourn:
On a motion by Mr. Duplisea, seconded by Mr. Lucy the Board voted 5-0 to adjourn its meeting of July 31, 2017 at 9:15 PM.
Document List – July 31, 2017
Document |
Location |
Minutes – July 10, 2017 |
BOS Office |
License Application – Fresh Wing |
BOS Office |
License Application – Hudson Elks |
BOS Office |
License Application – One Day Pouring – Lauren Surowiec |
BOS Office |
Promotion Meme – Michael Constantine |
BOS Office |
Appointment Memo – Seasonal Recreation Employees |
BOS Office |
Resignation Memo – Douglas Ober |
BOS Office |
Resignation Memo – Sam Wong |
BOS Office |
Temporary Appointment Memo – Alexandra DePalo |
BOS Office |
Contract – VHB Pavement Management Plan |
BOS Office |
Contract – New England Cleaning Systems |
BOS Office |
Memo regarding crosswalk colors |
BOS Office |
Donation – Intel Corp |
BOS Office |
Donation – Unitarian Church |
BOS Office |
Memo designating Chief Burks as acting EA |
BOS Office |
MassWorks Grant Application |
BOS Office |
Notification of Completion of Youth Academy from Chief Burks |
BOS Office |
Demand letter from residents at 111 Fort Meadow Drive |
BOS Office |
Letter from Catherin Keuthen regarding Eversource filing |
BOS Office |
Email regarding Fresh Wing license application |
BOS Office |
Memo regarding Main Street / Cox Street / Glendale Road Intersection |
BOS Office |
Letter from MassDOT notifying the Town of the Complete Streets Grant approval |
BOS Office |
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