Minutes
Stow Board of Selectmen
December 9, 2014
Present at the meeting that was held at Stow Town Building were Brian Burke, Donald Hawkes, Charles Kern, Thomas Ryan and James Salvie.
Also present were William Wrigley, Town Administrator and Maureen Trunfio, Administrative Assistant. Mr. Kern called the meeting to order at 7:00 PM.
Public Input: Resident Mark Jones questioned whether Tri-Town Meeting would be held quarterly going forward. Mr. Burke explained it would be held once every two months moving forward. The next meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, January 7, 2015.
Chairman’s Comments
Mr. Kern announced that this would be the Selectmen’s only meeting for the month of December. He announced that today marked Lew Halprin’s 80th birthday and read a list of achievements and contributions by Mr. Halprin that have benefitted the Town.
Meeting Minutes
Mr. Salvie moved to approve the minutes of November 25, 2014 as drafted and amended. Mr Ryan seconded the motion and it was passed. Mr. Burke abstained.
VOTED: (4-0-1) In favor (Mr. Hawkes, Mr. Kern, Mr. Ryan and Mr. Salvie.) Abstain (Mr. Burke.)
Public Hearing
Minute Man Air Field Earth Removal Permit Request
At 7:10 PM Mr. Kern read the legal notice aloud and opened the public hearing for a request for an Earth Removal Permit relating to a runway project at Minute Man Air Field located at 302 Boxboro Road. David Rich, Senior Project Manager at Stantec Consulting Services, Inc. was present as well as air field owner Don McPherson. A copy of the filing is available at the Board of Selectmen’s Office for public viewing.
The original filing, submitted on November 14, 2014 stated that 9,500 cubic yards (CY) of sand would be removed and 9,500 CY of gravel would be removed. In total 314,000 SF would be excavated in order to make improvements to the runway and remove a granite outcropping at the end of the runway in order to improve runway safety.
At the present meeting, Mr. McPherson told the Board that he now considers there would be no earth removal due to Stantec’s belief that ledge should not be classified as earth material. A revision of Page Two of the original filing was submitted to the Selectmen’s Office.
Building Inspector, Craig Martin, expressed concern with the hours of work proposed in the proposal and said that for exterior construction, the Town typically permits work from 7:00 AM-5:00 PM Monday-Friday and 8:00 AM-12:00 PM on Saturday. Town Planner Karen Kelleher was present and asked if the changes presented tonight would alter stockpiling amounts and possibly effect erosion control requirements. Chair of the Conservation Commission,
Cortni Frecha, was present and questioned the effects of blasting on water features on the site and possibly the alteration of the function of wetlands on the property. Mr. Rich explained that they would not be blasting at any great depth and the effects of blasting in the ledge area would ultimately result in improvement in the recharge of water into the ground.
The Board determined that it would like to continue the hearing to its next meeting in order to consider new information presented at this meeting and to consult with Town Counsel.
Mr. Salvie made a motion to continue the public hearing for an Earth Removal Permit Request filed by Don McPherson of Minute Man Air Field to January 13, 2015 on or after 7:00 PM. Mr Ryan seconded the motion and it was passed unanimously.
VOTED: (5-0) In favor (Mr. Burke, Mr. Hawkes, Mr. Kern, Mr. Ryan and Mr. Salvie.)
Liquor License renewals for 2015
The Selectmen were informed that all on-premises licensees have had the required safety inspection, performed by the Building Commissioner and Fire Chief, and all have provided proof of the required bonds (for on-premises establishments) and Workers’ Compensation insurance. Boards and departments were consulted for any outstanding violations or issues.
Mr. Hawkes moved to renew the Town’s 2015 Liquor Licenses for the businesses listed below. Mr. Ryan seconded the motion and it was passed unanimously.
VOTED: (5-0) In favor (Mr. Burke, Mr. Hawkes, Mr. Kern, Mr. Ryan and Mr. Salvie.)
Stow Food Services, Inc. 58 Randall Road Stow, MA 01775 |
John W. Melone d/b/a Stowaway Golf Course 121 White Pond Road Stow, MA 01775 |
Nickrosz Spirits, Inc. d/b/a Colonial Spirits of Stow 117 Great Road Stow, MA 01775 |
Ken’s Liquor Shoppe, Inc. 8 Hudson Street Stow, MA 01775 |
Robert Page III LLC d/b/a Butternut Farm Golf Club 115 Wheeler Road Stow, MA 01775 |
Wedgewood Country Club of Stow, Inc. 215 Harvard Road Stow, MA 01775 |
Russell’s Convenience Store of Stow 390 Great Road Stow, MA 01775 |
The Air Field Café, Inc. d/b/a Nancy’s Air Field Café 302 Boxboro Road Stow,
MA 01775 |
Mr. Yi Jin Yang Red Ginger Restaurant 117 Great Road Stow, MA 01775 |
Establishment of/Appointments to the Economic Development and Industrial Commission (EDIC)
The Board called all applicants forward and spoke with each applicant regarding their interest in serving on the EDIC and noted the experience and skill that each might contribute.
Mr. Salvie moved, and Mr. Burke seconded, to establish the Economic Development and Industrial Commission, with the following duties and purpose and it was passed unanimously.
VOTED: (5-0) In favor (Mr. Burke, Mr. Hawkes, Mr. Kern, Mr. Ryan and Mr. Salvie.)
The Economic Development and Industrial Commission (EDIC) performs functions, consistent with M.G.L. Chapter 40, Section 8A. Initial goals of the EDIC will include working towards broadening economic development potential of the community by engaging various business owners in communicating business interests to Town Boards and Committees, evaluating policy and planning initiatives, and promoting Stow’s economic development potential. Members of the EDIC will work closely with town committees involved in business, industrial and commercial planning efforts, as well as offer input and guidance on economic development prospects throughout Stow.
Mr. Salvie also moved, and Mr. Burke again seconded, to appoint the following, all members of EDIC who are residents or business owners in the Town of Stow, as Special Municipal Employees who will serve the following terms:
Mannie Afonso, for a 1-year term, ending June 30, 2015
Andrew Bluestein, for a 2-year term, ending June 30, 2016
Robert Collings, for a 3-year term, ending June 30, 2017
Richard Eckel, for a 4-year term, ending June 30 2018
Thomas Farnsworth, for a 5-year term, ending June 30, 2019
Serena Domolky Howlett, for a 1-year term, ending June 30, 2015
Kevin Whalen for a 2-year term, ending June 30, 2016
It was passed unanimously.
VOTED: (5-0) In favor (Mr. Burke, Mr. Hawkes, Mr. Kern, Mr. Ryan and Mr. Salvie.)
Note: Terms are arranged so that the terms of approximately one fifth of the members will expire each year, and their successors shall be appointed for terms of five years each.
Appointment of Associate to Zoning Board of Appeals
It was determined by the State Ethics Commission that it was permissible for Mark Jones to serve as a member of the Town of Stow Planning Board as well as an Associate Member of the Zoning Board of Appeals.
Mr. Salvie moved to appoint Mark Jones as an Associate on the Zoning Board of
Appeals to complete an unexpired five-year term ending June 30, 2018. Mr. Hawkes seconded the motion and it was passed unanimously.
VOTED: (5-0) In favor (Mr. Burke, Mr. Hawkes, Mr. Kern, Mr. Ryan and Mr. Salvie.)
Green Communities Update by Arnie Epstein
Mr. Epstein and Building Inspector, Craig Martin were present to report on the progress of work toward Stow achieving Green Community status. Mr. Epstein reported that Stow will be in position to qualify for the designation at the next submission date of October 15, 2015. Mr. Martin explained Stretch Code basics (enhancements to base code in construction) to the Board, and Mr. Epstein requested that they present a public forum regarding the adoption of the Stretch Code before ATM and then present the item as a warrant article for ATM. If the item passes at ATM, the Energy Working Group would request that the Board of Selectmen approve an Energy Reduction Plan and a Fuel Efficient Vehicle Standard for municipal vehicles.
It was Mr. Epstein’s opinion, and the opinion of the Board, that it would be preferable to exclude Stow’s schools from Green Communities planning. Mr. Epstein briefly explained the benefit of becoming a Green Community member by saying that the Town would receive an initial grant of approximately $134K from the State and would then be eligible for annual competitive grants offered by the State. There would be no monetary outlay required from the Town for the designation. Mr. Epstein stated that there would be no surcharges to energy bills for Stow residents. It has been determined by DOER and legal counsel that Stow’s Town Zoning Bylaw meets all requirements to apply for Green Communities designation.
Mr. Salvie made a motion to instruct the Energy Working Group to work toward the timeline as reflected in the Green Communities Update dated December 9, 2014. Mr. Ryan seconded the motion and it was passed unanimously.
VOTED: (5-0) In favor (Mr. Burke, Mr. Hawkes, Mr. Kern, Mr. Ryan and Mr. Salvie.)
Mr. Burke stepped out at 9:05 PM.
Hudson Light & Power Update by Arnie Epstein
Mr. Epstein reported that electric rates increased by approximately 10% in April 2014 due to increases in wholesale energy costs. He reported that HL&P had approximately ¼ the number of outages as the national average. He reported that Yakov Levin retired as General Manager of HL&P. The full report is on file in the Selectmen’s Office.
Mr. Burke returned to the meeting at 9:13 PM.
Town Administrator’s Report
Mr. Wrigley reported that Principal Assessor, Dotty Wilbur will be retiring after 17 years of service. He praised the quality of her work both personally and professionally. He announced that Kristen Fox, a current employee of the Assessor’s Office, has been chosen as Ms. Wilbur’s replacement. There will be a presentation for Ms. Wilbur at the Board’s next meeting on January 13, 2015.
Mr. Wrigley updated the Board on the status of the odor problem that was reported at the Randall Library on October 28, 2014. The Building Inspector has hired a firm to videotape the ductwork and then assess the situation. If the ductwork was found to have been infiltrated with water, those ducts may be sealed and capped. Ductless HVAC units are being be considered for use until a full renovation of the library occurs. He added that it might be possible to place an item on the Warrant for the planned early Spring Special Town Meeting relating to this repair. An indoor air quality report may still be undertaken in the interim.
Office Report
Reminder that the Tri-Town Meeting scheduled for January 7, 2015 will be hosted by Stow and held at 7 PM in the Warren Room.
Liaison Reports
Mr. Ryan had nothing to report.
Mr. Hawkes reported that he will attend the upcoming NRHS Space Study Task Force meeting scheduled for December 18, 2014.
Mr. Burke reported that the Recreation Commission presented their Pine Bluff Improvement Project proposal to the Community Preservation Commission at their meeting the prior night. The general consensus of the CPC was that Rec. should scale back the $286K project and then revisit the CPC in 2015 with revised plans. Rec. plans to present public forums in December and January. Recreation will hold a joints board meeting at Town Building tomorrow night at 7 PM.
Mr. Kern had nothing to report.
Mr. Salvie reported that Kang Associates, Inc., the architectural firm hired by the Pompo Building Committee, delivered the 50% construction cost estimate which came in at $500K more than the February 2014 estimate. However, the full project cost estimates would allow the Town to make up some of that extra projected cost. The estimated, current full-project cost is
$9,685,000. An estimated total of $9.4 million was presented at 2014 Town Meeting. He added that a considerable portion of the added cost was due to failure of the septic system and site work associated with drainage near the wetland to the west. Project savings was attributed to the architect’s design fee coming it at 8% less than the estimated fee. It was announced that Planning Board would hold its Pompo Reuse hearing tomorrow night at 8 PM and that the Conservation Commission would hold its second hearing on the subject at its December 16, 2014 meeting.
Mr. Burke announced that the Council on Aging is pleased with its new van.
Mr. Burke announced that the CPC voted to approve $24K for the Historical Commission, pending the Board’s approval to place the item on the Special Town Meeting or Annual Town Meeting warrant and its passing. These funds would be used to purchase equipment to perform radar searches of cemeteries in Stow.
Executive Session
At 9:40 PM Mr. Hawkes moved to go into Executive Session pursuant to MGL Chapter 30A, section 21(a)(5), for the purpose of discussing strategy with respect to possible litigation, and to adjourn thereafter. Mr. Ryan seconded the motion and it was passed unanimously. Roll call vote: Mr. Ryan, aye, Mr. Hawkes, aye, Mr. Kern, aye, Mr. Salvie, aye and Mr. Burke, aye.
Respectfully submitted,
Maureen Trunfio
Administrative Assistant to the Board of Selectmen
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