Minutes
Stow Board of Selectmen
April 12, 2016
Town Building
Present at the meeting that was held at Town Building were James Salvie, Brian Burke, Donald Hawkes, Charles Kern and Thomas Ryan.
Also present were William Wrigley, Town Administrator and Maureen Trunfio, Administrative Assistant.
Mr. Hawkes called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m.
Public Input:
Gleasondale Road resident, Jeri Depietro mentioned that a large beaver dam in the area had been breached. She also requested that mosquito control measures be taken for the area.
Chairman’s Comments:
SpringFest will be held at Center School on May 14th. Please contact the Selectmen’s Office if you would like to volunteer.
Special Liquor License for Decibels Foundation Golf Tournament
Mr. Burke moved to approve and sign a Special One-Day Liquor License for the Decibels Foundation for a Golf Tournament to be held at the Wedgewood Pines Country Club on Monday, June 20, 2016, between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. Mr. Salvie seconded the motion and it was passed unanimously.
Colonial Spirits Liquor License Changes
At 7:10 p.m. Mr. Hawkes opened the public hearing for a license change for Colonial Spirits. These transactions have been requested due to the death of one Colonial Spirits partner, who was also the manager of record of the store. He had signed an agreement that another partner would have the option to purchase his stock in the event of his death.
Mr. Burke moved to close the public hearing regarding the transfer of stock and change of manager for Colonial Spirits of Stow, 117 Great Road, Stow. Mr. Salvie seconded the motion and it was passed unanimously.
Mr. Burke moved to approve the transfer of stock and change of manager for Colonial Spirits of Stow, 117 Great Road, Stow, as described in the application received March 9, 2016 and subject to final approval by the Massachusetts Alcoholic Beverages Control Commission. Mr. Salvie seconded the motion and it was passed unanimously.
Invasive Removal Project at Magazu’s Landing
Recreation Dir. Laura Greenough was present to speak about land under the Selectmen’s control on the Assabet River at the Sudbury Road Bridge. Japanese Knotweed, a highly invasive species, has begun to overtake the banks of the river in the area and Recreation has received a $700 grant from CISMA (Cooperative Invasive Species Management Area) to pay for herbicide spraying by a licensed applicator. This project is anticipated to be a three-year process.
Mr. Salvie moved to allow the Recreation Department to implement a program to remove the invasive plant known as Japanese knotweed at Magazu’s Landing on the Assabet River in Stow. Mr. Burke seconded the motion and it was passed unanimously.
Formation of Gleasondale Village Association
Catherine West of 8 High Street was present to establish a group of residents in the Gleasondale Village area as a subcommittee under Planning Board. They would work to address issues such as historical appreciation, long-term accessibility goals, establishing walking trails, etc.
Mission Statement:
The Gleasondale Village Association will work to identify and support efforts to preserve the character of Gleasondale Village and improve neighborhood liveability for current and future residents.~ The Gleasondale Village Association will utilize the historic assets of the village, mill and river to increase public knowledge of the Village throughout Stow, and to plan and advocate for continued improvement in the social, economic and physical health of the neighborhood.
Authorization of Survey of Gleasondale (Kane) Town-owned Property
In order to establish trails on this parcel, it was recommended by the Planning Board that the Town survey the land. At its meeting of April 5, 2016, the Planning Board voted to accept the quote from Howard Stein Hudson in the amount of $3,000. The survey will be funded by the Planning Board’s Consultant/Master Plan account.
Mr. Salvie moved that the Board of Selectmen authorize the Planning Department to enter into a contract with Howard Stein Hudson for the survey of the Gleasondale Town-owned property. Mr. Burke seconded the motion and it was passed unanimously.
Presentation/discussion of Eversource Transmission Line Project
Arnie Epstein from the Energy Working Group and the Eversource Transmission Line Working Group was present. Mr. Hawkes noted a memo dated April 7, 2016 from the Town’s Eversource Transmission Line Working Group that stated they believe it would be premature to offer a position on the proposed project at this time. They did, however, suggest that the Board arrange a way for residents to voice their concerns or support for this project. Brian O’Neill, a Hudson resident from Parmenter Road, spoke in opposition to the project.
Accept May 2, 2016 Annual Town Meeting Warrant
Mr. Salvie moved to accept the warrant for the May 2, 2016 Annual Town Meeting, dated April 12, 2016. Mr. Burke seconded the motion and it was passed unanimously.
Suburban Coalition
The Board briefly discussed a Resolution put forward by the Suburban Coalition, namely the Resolution Calling for Full Funding of the Foundation Budget Review Commission’s Recommendations. The Board did not feel they were well informed by the Coalition on the matter and chose not to vote on this issue.
Update on Nashoba Regional School Committee Topics
Stow School Committee Rep. Mark Jones was present to update the Board on various topics such as the current search for a new Superintendent and the results of the recent Massachusetts Association of School Business Officials (MASBO) two-day site visit, March 1st and 2nd conducting a financial operations review.
Town Administrator’s Report
Mr. Wrigley reported that the Town has achieved a Standard and Poors AAA rating. He also told the Board that he had spoken with the Stow Police regarding interest in Ch. 90B as it applies to controlling authority on Lake Boon and also spoke with Town Counsel on this matter. He has asked the LBC (Lake Boon Commission) to look at the current LBC rules and how they might better conform with State statute. He suggested holding a public forum.
Liaison Reports
Mr. Burke reported that the LACAC (Local Access Channel Advisory Committee) has learned that new budget regulations won’t go into effect until next year. The CPC (Community Preservation Committee) will be formalizing its procedure for submitting requests for funds.
Mr. Salvie reported that SMAHT (Stow Municipal Affordable Housing Trust) is working on a new housing production plan. Capital Planning reported that they are in favor of all warrant articles except the LBC trailer. He said that the Pompo Building Committee met and approved several Change Orders and the project is on track for an August finish date. The Library Building Committee has picked the top three vendors for the work on the historic portion of the Randall Library. This restoration will be funded by the CPC.
Mr. Hawkes reported that he attended a Historical Commission meeting regarding burials at Brookside and Hillside Cemetery. Their mapping project will be completed later this month. He noted that there has been no progress made on Perambulation of the Town’s boundaries.
Mr. Burke made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 9:36 p.m. Mr. Ryan seconded the motion and it was passed unanimously.
Respectfully submitted,
Maureen Trunfio
Administrative Assistant to the Board of Selectmen
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