Board of Selectmen, August 15, 2016
BOARD OF SELECTMEN
MEETING MINUTES
AUGUST 15, 2016
6:30PM Senior Center
Present: Tim Ethier, Jeremy Kurtz, Geri Herlihy
Not Present: Chairman Anthony Renzoni
Others Present: Jacquelyn Kelly, Town Manager
Peter Lukes, Assistant Town Manager
Stephen Madaus, Town Counsel
Liz Fotos, Town Recorder
Sel. Ethier called the meeting to order at 6:36 PM. The Board stood to recite the Pledge of Allegiance.
- Appointments, Licenses, and Permits
Mr. Roy Fraser was up for reappointment to the Zoning Board of Appeals for a three-year-term. Sel. Ethier asked Mr. Fraser for a little background on himself and his work in Town.
Mr. Fraser stated that he had been on the Board of Selectmen for 17 years; he also worked for the Police Department and Fire Department and had served on the 250th Bandstand Committee for 25 years. He stated that he was also involved in the 275th Committee and had been a member of the ZBA for about 20 years.
Motion by Sel. Kurtz, seconded by Sel. Herlihy, it was UNANIMOUSLY VOTED TO REAPPOINT ROY FRASER TO THE ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS FOR A THREE-YEAR-TERM.
Sel. Ethier asked how often the ZBA meets.
Mr. Fraser replied they meet once a month or more often if needed such as in the case of Ch. 40B projects. Mr. Fraser replied that the Town has three 40B’s -- one on Fisher Road, one off Main Street, and the Reserves on Salisbury.
Sel. Herlihy asked if Dominos was in the Historic District on Main Street. Ms. Kelly replied that she did not believe it was. Mr. Fraser stated that the Historic District is administered by the Historic District Committee.
Motion by Sel. Kurtz, seconded by Sel. Herlihy, it was UNANIMOUSLY VOTED TO APPROVE THE LIST OF ELECTION OFFICERS AS PRESENTED BY THE TOWN CLERK.
- CATV Technology and Programs, Jay Brunetta, Holden CATV Director
Jay Brunetta, Holden Community TV Director, was present at the meeting. He stated that they have completed some of the technology at the Senior Center. J. Brunetta stated that there were new microphones installed in addition to new cameras on a tripod and an LED projector. He stated that they also added four new room speakers. He stated that they had decided to use tripod mounted cameras because it would allow them to film two events if the dining room was split by the room divider.
Mr. Brunetta stated that if anyone was interested in getting involved with community TV to come down to the Studio at 800 Main Street or to contact the Town Manager’s Office.
Sel. Ethier stated that they had come a long way over the years. He stated that Mr. Brunetta had brought in a lot of improved technology, access programs and the new system as well.
Mr. Brunetta said that they are able to stream the Selectboard meetings, the School Committee Meetings and others. He stated that they work with the Chamber of Commerce to produce a show which is also streamed online. He stated that Holden Community TV is Channel 191.
Sel. Ethier asked about the funding for the local access. Ms. Kelly replied that it was entirely funded by an annual grant from Charter. Mr. Brunetta added that they do not rely on taxes to fund the operation. If you are a resident of Holden and had any type of idea for a show, he would help to teach and provide knowledge on how to do it.
Sel. Ethier thanked Mr. Brunetta.
- Citizen’s Address
None
- LED Streetlight Upgrade Grant Program/ Jim Robinson, HMLD General Manager
Mr. Robinson, Light Department General Manager, presented Holden Municipal Light Department: LED Street Light Upgrade Grant Program (see attached).
Mr. Robinson stated that the Massachusetts Department of Energy Resources (DOER) is offering a LED Street Light Accelerator Program to bring the advantages of LED street lights to municipal light departments. LED street lights offer a number of advantages including improved visibility, decreased energy consumption, lower maintenance requirements, reduced light pollution and the ability to implement enhanced controls.
The grant program requires a professional lighting audit of the existing street lighting.
HMLD would be required to provide the labor to install the LED street lights as well as provide police details as needed. Grant funds would be used to offset 50% of the cost of a limited number of the existing streetlights with an LED fixture. Building-mounted and parking lot lighting are not eligible for grant funds. All lights must be procured and installed by June 30, 2018.
Mr. Robinson stated that the Town has a total of about 1,650 street lights and about 1,300 are eligible to be covered in the grant. He stated that the total projected cost would be about $750,000 for all eligible street lights. About $260,000 would be reimbursed by the grant resulting in a net cost of about $490,000 if all lights were converted. He stated that the energy savings that were expected to convert to LED lighting through the grant, would be about $25,000 per year.
Mr. Robinson stated that additionally the Town will be changing its contracted Residential Conservation program from Energy New England to MMWEC’s HELPS. He stated that MMWEC’s HELPS program (Home Energy Loss Prevention Service) has been growing and is very robust. It will provide greater opportunities to Holden’s residential customers to conserve and save energy costs and will be in effect as of October 1.
Sel. Kurtz asked how the Town was paying for this the street light conversion program.
Mr. Robinson replied that they expect to fund this project internally. If needed, MMWEC has low cost funding that the Town could also look into.
Sel. Kurtz asked about the life expectancy of the new lights. Mr. Robinson replied that the program is assuming an average life of about 15 years.
Sel. Kurtz asked about including Main Street in this project. Mr. Robinson replied that they had looked at it and decided that it would be expensive at about $2,000 per fixture. He stated that the existing decorative lights still have a lot of life left in them and he was waiting for the cost to come down and the efficiency to pick up before doing before converting them to LED. He stated that he thinks that there will be options in the near future.
Sel. Kurtz stated that he supports this.
Sel. Herlihy questioned spending $500,000 to save $25,000 per year.
Mr. Robinson stated that the estimates on cost savings he provided were conservative and that he has seen LED lights that resulted in 80% to 87% more efficiency. He stated that they hoped that overall, the payback would be greater and the cost would be less.
Sel. Ethier asked about the Home Energy Audits. Mr. Robinson said that the Department, through the Residential Conservation Service program does about 120-150/ year.
Ms. Kelly stated that the Light Department also offers appliance rebates and you can get more information on the website.
Sel. Kurtz asked about looking at the solar powered fixtures to use less electricity. Mr. Robinson stated that technology was not part of this but it may be something in the future.
Motion by Sel. Kurtz, seconded by Sel. Herlihy, it was UNANIMOUSLY VOTED TO AUTHORIZE THE HOLDEN MUNICIPAL LIGHT DEPARTMENT TO PARTICIPATE IN THE LED STREET LIGHTING ACCELERATOR PROGRAM SPONSORED BY THE MASACHUSETTS DEPARMENT OF ENERGY RESOURCES.
The Board thanked Mr. Robinson and his team for their hard work.
- Follow Up to Citizens Address
None
- Town Manager’s Update
- Attached is an updated political calendar for the Primary and Local Election to be held on Thursday, September 8, 2016. The Town Clerk’s Office will be open until 5PM on Friday, August 19, 2016 which is the last day for voter registration for the Special Town Election
- The Town will hold two more chipping and composting dates through the end of September-Saturday, August 20 and Saturday, September 17.
Hours of Operation are 8AM to 2:30PM, weather permitting. Leaves and grass clippings may be brought to the former landfill site at 560 River Street. Brush should be brought to the Adams Road DPW Facility due to the Asian Longhorned Beetle quarantine area.
- Town Hall/ Starbard Parking Lot: The grinding and base coat paving of the Town Hall/ Starbard Building, Library, and Recreation Department were completed on Saturday, August 6, 2016. The final paving and line painting will be completed in September. At the suggestion of Selectman Renzoni, we will include in our striping design a parking space designated for Wounded Warriors.
The last time the lot was paved (in our recollection) was probably in the early 1980’s, when the Town acquired the Starbard Building and renovations were completed to both the Starbard Building and Town Hall. That was over thirty years ago and it was in need of repairs and repaving, especially the Library lot. The church owns portions of the parking lot and will be paying its share of the expense.
- In addition to the parking lot project, the DPW has several other public works projects underway or that will soon be starting. We have received approval from the DEP and other state agencies including MA DOT, to install/ replace water main on south Main Street, from about the railroad bridge near Adams Road, to the town line at Worcester. This is an extensive and much needed project that will span construction seasons.
The DPW is also planning to replace drainage on Wyoming Drive, another needed project. We are in the process of negotiating with abutters for drainage easements and once secured, that work will begin.
The Water-Sewer Division will be doing an extensive re-haul of the Avery Heights Water Storage Tank. This will require taking the tank off line. It will be stripped of old paint by sand-blasting and then repainted both inside and outside. The antennas atop that tank will have to be removed and re-installed to accommodate the work and this has been a complicated issue to coordinate with several different lessees.
Our road grinding and resurfacing program continues. Princeton Street has been milled. There is more drainage work to be done near the intersection of Elmwood Road and along Peter Carr Pond. This phase of the work is being coordinated with the City of Worcester as their water facilities are located on Princeton Street. The final paving will take place after the drainage and other work is completed. Also in need of final paving are the streets in the Lexington Drive and Canterbury Circle area.
- Attached is the monthly HMLD operations report for the month ending July 2016, prepared by Jim Robinson, General Manager.
(f) An Act to Modernize Municipal Finance and Government was signed into law by the Governor on August 9, 2016. This is a sweeping bill that contains dozens of provisions to eliminate or streamline outdated and obsolete statues and state requirements, provide some new local options and generally help cities and towns operate more efficiently. A summary by section is included in your packet.
The Municipal Modernization Bill was originally filed by Gov. Charlie Baker and Lt. Gov. Karyn Polito late last year. The MMA and local officials across the state showed strong support for the package, which they said, would benefit nearly every aspect of local government.
g) At the last meeting, the Selectmen agreed to send support letters to our legislators, urging the override of the Governor’s veto of Direct Local Technical Assistance (DLTA) funding for FY17. Ms. Kelly reported that the legislature voted to override the Governor’s veto thus restoring DLTA funding in the FY 2017 Budget. CMRPC received $244,859 this calendar year in DLTA funding.
Sel. Ethier interrupted Town Manager’s Update in order to get an update on the Mountview School Project.
7) Update on Mountview School Project- Open House, October 15, 2016
Paul Challenger, Chair MSB Committee and Erik Githmark, Mountview Middle School Principal were present at the meeting.
Mr. Challenger stated that the status of the project was good and that the school was opening and running. He stated that there was still a punch list that needed to be complete. He stated that Principal Githmark was present and could better answer any questions on how the building was working. Mr. Challenger stated that the site work is continuing and they are building athletic fields. He stated that the parking lots were underway and would be done on time. He stated that the project is scheduled to be fully completed on November 30, 2016 and there is no indication that it will not be done.
P. Challenger stated that there will be a dedication ceremony and Open House on October 15, 2016. He stated that he knows there are a lot of anxious people that want to see the building and they will be able to on October 15th.
Sel. Kurtz asked if there was anything being done to make the start of school easier for the students.
Mr. Githmark stated that there were school tours for the incoming 6th graders because the school would be brand new to them and they want them to feel comfortable. He stated that facility-wise for the other students, it should be a predictable routine so they can replicate what they were doing before.
Mr. Githmark stated that information will be sent out to parents as well to make sure there is a smooth transition.
Sel. Kurtz asked when the final pavement was going down. Mr. Githmark stated it was going to go down on Thursday or Friday (August 22 or August 23).
Sel. Kurtz stated that it looked fantastic. Sel. Herlihy stated that the school had a great spring.
Sel. Ethier credited the residents of Mountview Drive for their patience. He also stated that the Kids in the Kommunity visited them to thank them and he was sure that was well received.
Sel. Kurtz asked about preparations for the opening of school. Ms. Kelly stated that every year before the start of school the Police Chief and his staff meet with the schools to see what is needed.
Mr. Challenger stated that for the first few days there will be officers there to help with traffic.
Sel. Ethier thanked Mr. Challenger and Mr. Githmark for the updates.
Town Manager Update Cont.
h) The estimated FY 2017 state ‘Cherry Sheet’ revenue and expenditure estimates have been issued by the Department of Revenue, Division of Local Services. However, these are only estimates and can change over the year depending on the state’s economic situation.
i) Level 2 Mandatory Water Ban: Enclosed is an information sheet from the Office of John Woodsmall, DPW Director, outlining Level 2 Water Use Restriction. These restrictions were addressed at the July Selectmen’s Meeting and went into effect a few days later when the City of Worcester declared a Level 2 drought declaration.
The extended weather outlook does not forecast appreciable rainfall over the next few months that would alleviate the drought and water use restrictions. Should this drought continue, the City would likely issue a Level 3 Drought Declaration with further mandatory water use restrictions for Holden residents. The major restriction under that scenario is a ban on all outdoor watering.
Sel. Ethier stated that there was an article about the City of Worcester and it mentioned potential settlements budgeted by the City Attorney. The pending law suit brought against Worcester by Holden was listed as one of the five possible settlements in the amount of $5 million to recover unfair sewer charges. He asked if there was any time frame on that.
Ms. Kelly replied that it was her understanding that the discovery portion was completed and it is scheduled for summary judgment in the fall.
j) Holden Days will be held by the Wachusett Area Chamber of Commerce on Saturday, August 27th from 9AM to 3PM. The event sponsor is Fairway Mortgage. This is a community event that draws people from throughout the area and provides family friendly activities, entertainment, and refreshments. Chamber organizers work throughout the year to prepare for Holden Days. Holden Police, Fire, and other personnel work cooperatively with the Chamber to prepare the town center area for these activities and to participate in this event. We will once again have a trolley, sponsored by Holden Community TV which will shuttle people from designated parking areas to the center of town. Traffic advisories will be in place that will alleviate through traffic on this section of Main Street.
Please be reminded that the Selectmen’s table will be in front of Miles Funeral Home, in the shade of the big oak tree. The 275th Committee will have a presence as well.
Ms. Kelly asked for the Board to grant her permission to issue any permits that come up unexpected.
Motion by Sel. Kurtz, seconded by Sel. Herlihy, it was UNANIMOSLY VOTED TO GRANT THE TOWN MANAGER AUTHORITY TO APPROVE ANY PERMITS FOR HOLDEN DAYS.
k) In response to a question from the last meeting, the Town currently has three constables: Matthew Atanian, Daniel Gately, and Kimberly Lynch.
l) According to Police Chief Dave Armstrong, the Town has received a grant from the MA Highway Safety Division of the Executive Office of Public Safety and Security (EOPSS) to increase impaired driving patrols in an effort to save lives. The additional enforcement is part of the state’s participation in the national Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over campaign which runs from August 12 throughout Labor Day. The effort includes the MA State Police and over 145 local police departments. In 2014, we lost 133 people in crashes involving a driver who was over the legal limit of intoxication.
8) Selectmen Subcommittees
Sel. Kurtz stated there was no update on the 275th Committee; they will be meeting tomorrow August 16, 2016 in Memorial Hall at 7:00PM.
Sel. Herlihy stated that the DPW Subcommittee met Thursday and they are finalizing an environmental study for 18 Industrial Drive.
Sel. Herlihy stated that the Garden Committee has been busy; they cleared the Creamer Property.
Sel. Ethier stated that there were some interviews conducted for possible members before the beginning of tonight’s meeting today with regards to the Educational Options Subcommittee and more would be conducted next meeting.
9) Selectmen Minutes
Board postponed action on the July 18, 2016 minutes to the next meeting.
10) Selectmen Miscellaneous
Sel. Kurtz congratulated Mr. Robinson and HMLD; he stated with the storm and severe weather this past weekend there were very little outages.
Sel. Kurtz thanked Ms. Kelly for responding back about the RAD Training. He stated that he thinks it is important and with recent events he knows people are not feeling safe. He stated that the TV is saying to be vigilant but he would like to see if there was the ability to have a training session sooner because he things that would be well received by the community. Sel. Kurtz stated that Sterling Martial Arts was offering self defense classes as well for anyone interested.
Sel. Herlihy stated that on July 23 and July 24 the Town hosted the Little League State Championship. She stated that it was a great weekend and she thanked Mr. Lukes for his help organizing the police detail.
Sel. Herlihy stated that she was able to attend the ribbon cutting for the Lilac Hedge Farm on Bond Road. There was also a farmers’ market and farm-to-table dinner.
Sel. Ethier stated that a week from tonight, August 22, 2016 the Selectmen debate would be held and it would also be on Channel 191. He stated the election would be on September 8, and Holden Days would be on August 27th.
Motion by Sel. Herlihy, seconded by Sel. Kurtz, it was UNANIMOUSLY VOTED TO ADJOURN THE AUGUST 15, 2016 BOARD OF SELECTMEN MEETING AT 8:17 PM.
APPROVED: ___September 19, 2016___________