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Board of Selectmen, April 16, 2013

Meeting date: 
Tuesday, April 16, 2013

HOLDEN BOARD OF SELECTMEN

MEETING MINUTES

APRIL 16, 2013

 

6:30PM                                                                                                         Memorial Hall

Present:                Chairman Anthony Renzoni, Robert Lavigne, Kenneth Lipka,

      Mark Ferguson, James Jumonville

                            

Others Present:     Jacquie Kelly, Town Manager

                                Stephen Madaus, Town Counsel

                                Elizabeth Helder, Recording Secretary

Chairman Renzoni called the meeting to order at 6:30PM.  The Board participated in the Pledge of Allegiance.  The Board participated in a moment of silence for the Boston Marathon bombing victims.   Chairman Renzoni announced that former Sel. Fred Goodrich of Paxton had passed away.

  1. New Business

Jay Brunetta, Public Access Director informed the Board that Assisted Listening Devices would now be available at Selectmen Meetings, Town Meetings, and the Senior Center for the hearing impaired.

Chairman Renzoni announced that Sunnyside Ford and the Harrington Family were celebrating 90 years of business in Holden.

Chairman Renzoni thanked the Board and the residents for allowing him to serve as Chairman for the past year.

Chairman Renzoni reminded residents that the Special Town Election and State Primary will be held on April 30th.  Polls open at 7AM.

Sel. Ferguson said that the Special Town Election and State Primary are a unique situation.  He requested the Town Manager use the Code Red system to alert residents to the date change for the Primary and municipal election.  Chairman Renzoni said that the Board can only request the Town Manager use the Code Red system for this purpose; it cannot direct the Town Manager.  He said Ms. Kelly has already informed the Board with the reasons why she will not use the Code Red System for the Mountview School vote or this upcoming election.  She has determined that the system should be used for emergency purposes only and Chairman Renzoni said he would not second guess her decision.  Chairman Renzoni added that this item was not on the Agenda for discussion.  He said Sel. Ferguson could discuss it under Sel. Miscellaneous.  Sel. Ferguson said it was a simple request and added that the system had been used to alert residents for changes to trash pickup and hydrant flushing. 

2.  New Home for Wachusett Food Pantry

Chairman Renzoni announced that the Wachusett Food Pantry has found a new home at the Cream Crock Distributor facility in Sterling, MA.  The new space is an expansive 4,000 square feet with refrigeration, a loading dock and is handicapped accessible.

3.  Regional Dispatch Inter-Municipal Agreement

The Board reviewed the Inter-Municipal Agreement for Emergency Communications and Dispatch Services between the Town of Holden and the Town of Princeton.  Town Manager Kelly reported that the Holden Finance Committee had raised concerns regarding the Agreement, specifically about funding the plan.  Police Chief Sherrill and Fire Chief Chandler and Mr. Kennedy said that Holden has been served by 4 dispatchers since 1975.  The population of the Town has doubled since then and this inter-municipal agreement will be a relief mechanism to support the town by adding 3 additional dispatchers.   The Holden dispatch center currently manages all calls for the DPW, Light Department, Fire, Ambulance and Police after 4PM and all weekend.  While they acknowledged that the cost split with Princeton will be equal, the dispatch service is a very important job and this agreement is a big step to help.  Chief Chandler said that West Boylston has also expressed interest in joining the agreement.  The earliest this would happen would be July 1, 2015.

Chairman Renzoni agreed that the need for increased dispatch services exists.  However, why is Holden receiving such a small dollar payback?

Discussion was interrupted for Citizens’ Address at 7PM.

4.  Citizens’ Address

Mr. Paul Challenger, Chairman of the Mountview School Building Committee, thanked voters for their support of the project which passed at both the April 8th Town Meeting and April 11th Ballot Election.  71% voted in favor of the project.  Mr. Challenger thanked the Committee, residents, Selectmen, Finance Committee, School Administration and Committee, Mountview Principal Erik Githmark and Superintendent Anthony Gasbarro, PTO’s, and the voters.  He said the building will be a long term value for the Town.  The Committee will meet on April 23rd and continue to meet the 2nd and 4th Tuesday of each month and residents are encouraged to attend and stay informed.

5.  Regional Dispatch Discussion cont.

Sel. Ferguson expressed concerns over liability issues with the shared agreement.  Town Counsel responded that the agreement contains a standard liability clause where each town will be responsible for their own employees and liability.

Chief Sherrill said that adding two additional dispatchers per shift will make a large difference to decreasing mistakes that might occur; each town will receive a higher level of service and reduce risk.

Chairman Renzoni said he was inclined to approve the agreement based on the need expressed by both Chiefs.

Sel. Ferguson said he liked “out of the box” thinking and “getting more for less.”

Sel. Lavigne said the town spent money to build a Public Safety facility to increase its services.  He said a termination clause existed in the contract if the town decided to terminate the agreement.

Sel. Jumonville added that when the town of West Boylston joins the group it will be a win-win for everyone.

Ms. Kelly acknowledged the concerns of the Finance Committee but added that this dispatch center is the way of the future.

Motion by Sel. Ferguson, seconded by Sel. Lavigne, it was UNANIMOUSLY VOTED TO AUTHORIZE THE TOWN MANAGER TO SIGN THE REGIONAL DISPATCH INTER-MUNICIPAL AGREEMENT AS PRESENTED. 

6.  Town Manager Miscellaneous

  1. The Board reviewed replacement page 107-108 to the FY 2014 Operating and Capital Budget.
  2. Ms. Kelly presented a letter and request from Rhonda Hamer, Coordinator for Holden Days 2013.  Ms. Hamer requests the use of town grounds at the Damon House, Bandstand, and Bubar Fields to host the event.  The town has budgeted for providing four porta-potties for the event.

Motion by Sel. Lavigne, seconded by Sel. Ferguson, it was UNANIMOUSLY VOTED TO ALLOW THE USE OF TOWN GROUNDS AT THE DAMON HOUSE, BANDSTAND AND BUBAR FIELDS FOR HOLDEN DAYS 2013 AS PRESENTED.

  1. Ms. Kelly announced that a Court of Honor will be held for Eagle Scout Candidate Ben Heney on April 26, 2013.  The Selectmen asked Ms. Kelly to invite Mr. Heney to a future Selectmen’s meeting to present his Eagle Scout project.
  2. Ms. Kelly explained that in the current year, FY 2013, there are insufficient funds budgeted in the amount of $4,375 to pay the entire amount of the annual Municipal Pool Debt.  This is due to a simple budget oversight.  At their April 10, 2013 meeting, the Finance Committee voted to increase the Recreation Revolving Fund appropriation by this amount to pay this portion of the debt.  The Board of Selectmen is required to vote on the transfer as well because the source of the funds is a separate town revolving fund.

Motion by Sel. Lavigne, seconded by Sel. Jumonville, it was UNANIMOUSLY VOTED THAT THE HOLDEN BOARD OF SELECTMEN INCREASE THE RECREATION REVOLVING FUND APPROPRIATION BY $4,375 TO PAY MUNICIPAL POOL DEBT IN FY 2013 AS PRESENTED.

Town Manager Miscellaneous was interrupted at 7:15PM to proceed with a Public Hearing.

7.  Public Hearing – Layout – Vista Circle

The Town Manager read the notice into record.

Motion by Sel. Ferguson, seconded by Sel. Lavigne, it was UNANIMOUSLY VOTED TO OPEN THE PUBLIC HEARING AT 7:15PM.

Motion by Sel. Ferguson, seconded by Sel. Lavigne, it was UNANIMOUSLY VOTED TO LAYOUT VISTA CIRCLE FROM STATION 0+30.00 TO STATION 19+34.75 FOR A DISTANCE OF APPROXIMATELY 1,904.75 FEET AS SHOWN ON A PLAN OF LAND ENTITLED “ACCEPTANCE PLAN, VISTA CIRCLE, HOLDEN, MASSACHUSETTS, OWNED AND DEVELOPED BY GENGEL-C&S BUILDERS, PO BOX 355, RUTLAND, MASSACHUSETTS” DATED DECEMBER 20, 2012 PREPARED BY FINLAY ENGINEERING SERVICES AS PRESENTED.

Ms. Kelly said that the street layout had been filed with the Town Clerk

Motion by Sel. Ferguson, seconded by Sel. Lavigne, it was UNANIMOUSLY VOTED TO CLOSE THE PUBLIC HEARING AT 7:20PM.

6.  Town Manager Miscellaneous (reopened)

  1. Ms. Kelly informed the Board that included on a list of Warrant Articles for May 2013 Town Meeting was a request that voters approve changing the zoning of the former Police Station to Business-Office-Professional.  Ms. Kelly reported that town staff met with neighbors and it was determined that this zoning change will satisfy abutters and be approved at town meeting.  However, it is unknown how the rezoning to B-O-P will affect the value of the property for re-sale.  Town staff will meet again with abutters in early May to continue discussions.  Additionally, the Planning Board will hold their required public hearing on April 23, 2013.  Selectmen are invited to attend both meetings.  Sel. Ferguson commented that it is critical to satisfy abutters in order to support the change in zoning and sell the property.
  2. Ms. Kelly announced the Spring Composting and Brush Chipping Schedule.  The DPW will offer this service to Holden residents only on Saturday: April 20, 27, May 4, 11, and 18.  All composting and chipping guidelines are posted at www.holdenma.gov.
  3. Ms. Kelly informed the Board that as a courtesy to residents, the DPW has published the 2013 Street Sweeping Schedule in the local media.  Sweeping commences April 16th and the schedule is greatly influenced by changing weather and mechanical breakdowns.
  4. The Board reviewed the 2013 Road Maintenance Program memo from DPW Director John Woodsmall.  The majority of the planned work involves mill (cold place) and overlay projects; however, drainage, guardrail improvements, crack sealing, and a new treatment process – micro surfacing – are all included in the program.  Ms. Kelly reported that the use of micro surface treatment is new for the Town.  It is a thin layer of asphalt emulsion, stone dust, fibers, and cement powder applied to roads that still retain a smooth surface.  The micro surface helps to extend the life of the pavement surface between 5 to 7 years at half the cost of a mill and overlay treatment.  Ms. Kelly said that NSTAR and abutters had been informed of the Program.  A schedule will be posted online once the contractors have been confirmed.  Sel. Ferguson said he hoped that all water mains are A-O-K before the roads are repaired.  He added that he would like to have NSTAR service extended to Doyle Road or the entire distance of Shrewsbury Street.  Ms. Kelly said she had heard that a new subdivision was being planning on Union Street and that NSTAR may run lines up Rt. 31 to Union Street.  Additionally, NSTAR was planning to extend its services to Quail Run off 122A.
  5. Ms. Kelly reported that a ceremony was held today to recognize Sunnyside for 90 Years in Business in Holden.  Sel. Ferguson said that he would like to see the Town do more business with Sunnyside.
  6. Ms. Kelly reported that the Reliant Medical Facility will hold an opening and ribbon-cutting ceremony on Thursday, April 18th at 5:30PM.
  7. The Town Manager reminded all residents that the Town Election and Senate Primary would take place on Tuesday, April 30th.  Polls will open at 7AM and close at 8PM.  There will be two separate ballots: one for the town election and one for the State Senate Primary.  Further information may be found at www.holdenma.gov or by calling the Town Clerk’s office at 508-210-5530.
  8. Ms. Kelly announced that National Prescription Drug Take Back Day will be held on April 27, 2013 from 10AM-2PM.  A dispenser is located in the entryway at the Holden Police Department, where unused prescription drugs can be dropped off for safe disposal, no questions asked.  The Holden dispenser is open 24/7 year round.

7.  Open, Set, Close Warrant Articles for Town Meeting

Motion by Sel. Lavigne, seconded by Sel. Lipka, it was UNANIMOUSLY VOTED TO OPEN THE TOWN MEETING WARRANT AT 7:30PM.

Motion by Sel. Lavigne, seconded by Sel. Lipka, it was UNANIMOUSLY VOTED TO SET ARTICLES 1-5 AS PRESENTED.

Motion by Sel. Lavigne, seconded by Sel. Lipka, it was UNANIMOUSLY VOTED TO SET ARTICLES 6-1 – 14 AS PRESENTED.

Motion by Sel. Lavigne, seconded by Sel. Lipka, it was UNANIMOUSLY VOTED TO SET ARTICLES 15-22 AS PRESENTED.

Motion by Sel. Lavigne, seconded by Sel. Lipka, it was UNANIMOUSLY VOTED TO SET ARTICLES 23-26 AS PRESENTED.

The Board discussed Warrant Article 27: Authorization to sell portion of town owned land located on Bullard Street to Holden Youth Soccer.  Sel. Ferguson said that abutters to the property should have the ability to address their questions to the Planning Board.  Additionally, he requested that a “reverter clause” be placed in the P&S that the deed would revert back to the Town if HYS were to default on the property.  Town Counsel said he met with the representatives from HYS.  He said that it was a policy decision for the Town Manager to place a “reverter clause” in the P&S.  However, taking such action will lower the sales price of the property.

Motion by Sel. Lavigne, seconded by Sel. Jumonville, it was UNANIMOUSLY VOTED TO SET ARTICLE 27 AS PRESENTED.

Motion by Sel. Lavigne, seconded by Sel. Lipka, it was UNANIMOUSLY VOTED TO SET ARTICLE 28 AS PRESENTED.

Motion by Sel. Lavigne, seconded by Sel. Jumonville, it was UNANIMOUSLY VOTED TO SET ARTICLE 29 AS PRESENTED.

Motion by Sel. Lavigne, seconded by Sel. Ferguson, it was UNANIMOUSLY VOTED TO SET ARTICLE 30 AS PRESENTED.

Motion by Sel. Lavigne, seconded by Sel. Lipka, it was UNANIMOUSLY VOTED TO SET ARTICLE 31 AS PRESENTED.

Motion by Sel. Lavigne, seconded by Sel. Lipka, it was UNANIMOUSLY VOTED TO SET ARTICLE 32 AS PRESENTED.

Motion by Sel. Lavigne, seconded by Sel. Jumonville, it was UNANIMOUSLY VOTED TO SET ARTICLES 33-37 AS PRESENTED.

Motion by Sel. Lavigne, seconded by Sel. Jumonville, it was UNANIMOUSLY VOTED TO SET ARTICLE 38 AS PRESENTED.

Motion by Sel. Jumonville, seconded by Sel. Lavigne, it was UNANIMOUSLY VOTED TO SET ARTICLE 39 AS PRESENTED.

Motion by Sel. Lipka, seconded by Sel. Lavigne, it was UNANIMOUSLY VOTED TO CLOSE THE TOWN MEETING WARRANT AT 7:55PM.

8.  Selectmen Subcommittees

Sel. Lavigne: EDC: Will meet 4/26.

Sel. Jumonville: Memorial Day Parade: Will meet 4/24.  Announced that the Fire Department will march in the Parade.

Sel. Lipka: Power Advisory Board: Having trouble achieving a quorum.

Sel. Renzoni: W/SAB: Have not met.

9. Follow-Up to Citizens’ Address

Chairman Renzoni thanked the School Building Committee for running a successful campaign.

10. Approval of Meeting Minutes

Motion by Sel. Lavigne, seconded by Sel. Lipka, it was VOTED 4-0-1 WITH 1 ABSTAINED TO APPROVE THE APRIL 1, 2013 INTERVIEW MEETING MINUTES AS PRESENTED.  (Abstained: Jumonville.)

Motion by Sel. Lavigne, seconded by Sel. Lipka, the Board discussed approval of the April 1, 2013 Meeting Minutes with an amendment by Sel. Renzoni to change the word “directed” to “requested” on page 4 under Sel. Miscellaneous: Sel. Ferguson.

Sel. Ferguson challenged the correction and stated that he wanted the word “directed” to remain unchanged.

 Motion by Sel. Renzoni seconded by Sel. Lavigne, it was VOTED 3-2 WITH 2 OPPOSED TO AMEND THE MEETING MINUTES OF APRIL 1, 2013 AND CHANGE THE WORD “DIRECTED” TO “REQUESTED” ON PAGE 4 UNDER SEL. MISCELLANEOUS: SEL. FERGUSON.  (Opposed: Ferguson, Jumonville.)

The amendment passes.

Motion by Sel. Lavigne, seconded by Sel. Lipka, it was UNANIMOUSLY VOTED TO APPROVE THE CORRECTED MEETING MINUTES OF APRIL 1, 2013.

Sel. Ferguson inquired why there was a Police Officer posted at the Board meetings.  He asked if someone had been threatened.  Chairman Renzoni said that approximately one month ago, a resident was allegedly assaulted in the parking lot during a Selectmen’s Meeting.  Additionally, both Sel. Lavigne and the Chair have received threats in the past.  The Town Manager reported the assault and threats to Police Chief Sherrill who assigned an officer at all future Board meetings for the safety of the residents.  Chairman Renzoni added that this is a pro-active not reactive approach to public safety.  The police detail will remain until the Police Chief determines it is no longer necessary.  Sel. Jumonville commented that he did not think the police detail at the meetings was necessary.  Sel. Ferguson said he did not want taxpayer money used in this manner.  He further protested the accusations calling them “hearsay.”  He said charges need to be made and a restraining order needs to be issued.  Chairman Renzoni noted the two objections to police presence for the record.  Sel. Ferguson requested a five-minute meeting with the Chairman and the Town Manager at the end of the meeting.

11. Adjournment

Motion by Sel. Jumonville, seconded by Sel. Lipka, it was UNANIMOUSLY VOTED TO ADJOURN THE MEETING AT 8:08PM.

APPROVED:    June 3, 2013