Stow Board of Selectmen
Town Building – Warren Room
January 10, 2017
Present were Selectmen James Salvie, Brian Burke, Don Hawkes, Ingeborg Hegemann and Tom Ryan. Also present were Town Administrator Bill Wrigley and Administrative Assistant Maureen Trunfio.
At 7:00 p.m. Mr. Salvie called the meeting to order.
Public input: None
Chair comments: Mr. Salvie reported results that ranked Stow 7th overall as one of the safest small towns in the Commonwealth, and 19th overall in Massachusetts. He acknowledged the Stow Police Department for their role in the ability to reach a high ranking. He added that on Tuesday, January 17th Coffee with a Cop would take place at Emma’s Cafe as a public outreach effort. A warning was given regarding the possibility of black ice tonight. Finally Mr. Salvie expressed appreciation for efforts on the part of the Town’s Information Technology Director, Ron Eld, for his efforts in spearheading the set up of phones and IT systems at the Pompositticut Fire Station and Community Center.
Minutes:
Mr. Hawkes moved to accept the meeting minutes of December 13, 2016 with amendments. Mr. Ryan seconded the motion and it was passed. Ms. Hegemann abstained.
Mr. Hawkes moved to accept the meeting minutes of March 10, 2016 as drafted. Mr. Ryan seconded the motion and it was passed. Ms. Hegemann abstained.
Correspondence: None
Discussion/vote to open warrant for May 1 Annual Town Meeting, set a closing date for the warrant, and set a date for the Annual Town Election with offices to be elected
Mr. Burke moved that the Board open the May 1, 2017 Annual Town Meeting warrant on January 10, 2017 and close the warrant on March 31, 2017. Mr. Hawkes seconded the motion and it was passed unanimously.
2017 Annual Town Election Date and Offices
Mr. Hawkes moved that the Annual Town Election be held on Tuesday, May 9, 2017 at Center School, 403 Great Road, from 7 a.m. – 8 p.m., for the following offices, and Mr. Burke seconded the motion. It was passed unanimously.
Board of Assessors |
One 3-year term |
Board of Health |
One 3-year term |
Nashoba Regional School Committee |
One 3-year term |
Stow Housing Authority |
One 5-year term |
Planning Board |
One 5-year term |
Trustee, Randall Library |
Two 3-year terms |
Board of Selectmen |
One 3-year term |
Discussion/vote on one-day Special Liquor License for Selectmen’s Annual Party
Mr. Ryan stated that the Selectmen would hold their annual party on January 27, 2017. The Selectmen approved a one-day liquor license so that spirits could be served at the event.
Mr. Hawkes moved to approve and sign a Special One-Day Liquor License for the Board of Selectmen’s holiday party to be held at the Pompo Community Center Function Room on Friday, January 27, 2017, between 5 and 9 p.m. and to waive the fee of $25. Mr. Ryan seconded the motion and it was passed unanimously.
Town Administrator’s report
Mr. Wrigley reported that he had attended a ceremony attended by Commissioner Chester from the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education recognizing Center School as a Commendation School. He told the Board that he is working on the FY-2018 budget and that there were many capital requests. He stated that the Traffic Planning Working Group will meet on Friday, 1/13 and will report to the Board at an upcoming meeting.
Liaison Reports
Mr. Burke reported that the Community Preservation Commission (CPC) met on January 9, 2017 and have many requests for funding and will be working diligently to prepare for Annual Town Meeting. He mentioned that as of late last week, Eversource had not filed with ESFB, an action that was expected to occur by December 31, 2016 for their proposed Transmission Line Project through Sudbury, Hudson and Stow. Mr. Burke reminded everyone that Tri-Town meeting would take place tomorrow in Stow at 7 pm. He briefly mentioned that the results from a forensic audit of NRSD had been completed and Mr. Salvie suggested that Stow’s School Committee representatives offer a report and one of the Selectmen’s February meetings.
Mr. Hawkes mentioned that tomorrow at 8:30 am he would be attending a NRSD Finance Subcommittee meeting. He told the Board that he had recently attended a MAGIC meeting and that Stow’s new Fire Station/Community Center was a topic of discussion.
Mr. Salvie mentioned that the Selectmen’s Office should coordinate with Craig Martin of the Building Department regarding organizing an Open House at Pompo in the near future for all the community to attend.
Ms. Hegemann stated that she had attended a SMAHT (Stow Municipal Affordable Housing Trust) meeting and that Habit for Humanity will serve as the developer for affordable housing on the Pine Point parcel. She said that she will soon be attending Recreation Commission meetings now that they have a full Board.
Mr. Ryan reported that he had accompanied the Stow Police Department during a recent ride-along and commended them on their efficiency and professionalism. As a result, he recommended that all residents add “renew driver’s license/registration” on their calendar to prevent any accidentally expired papers. He commended Police and Fire Departments on working well together when responding to a medical emergency.
Mr. Salvie told the Board that he attended the recent CPC meeting where Library Building Project needs were heard by the CPC . He stated that the first Capital Planning meeting will take place next week and he intends to attend. He said that the Economic Development and Industrial Commission is now chaired by Kevin Whalen of Aubuchon Hardware and will be meeting soon. They are interested in discussing signage. He stated that he would like to invite Planning to visit the Selectmen’s meeting in February to refresh memories regarding the Lower Village project. He said that one of his goals for this season is to ride along with a Snow Plow driver during a storm this winter.
At 7:54 p.m. Mr. Burke moved to convene in Executive Session, pursuant to MGL Chapter 30A, section 21(a)(3), for the purpose of discussing strategy with respect to litigation, and to review Executive Session minutes, and to adjourn thereafter. Mr. Hawkes seconded the motion and it was passed unanimously. Mr. Ryan, aye, Mr. Salvie, aye, Ms. Hegemann, aye, Mr. Hawkes, aye and Mr. Burke, aye.
Respectfully submitted,
Maureen Trunfio
Administrative Assistant
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