Board of Selectmen, February 27, 2017
HOLDEN BOARD OF SELECTMEN
MEETING MINUTES
FEBRUARY 27, 2017
6:33PM Memorial Hall
Present: Chairman Anthony Renzoni, Geri Herlihy, Tim Ethier, Jeremy Kurtz
Not Present: Erik Scheinfeldt
Others Present: Jacquie Kelly, Town Manager
Peter Lukes, Assistant Town Manager
Liz Fotos, Town Recorder
Chairman Renzoni called the meeting to order at 6:33PM. The Board stood to recite the Pledge of Allegiance.
Chairman Renzoni welcomed Ms. Kelly to her final Board of Selectmen meeting. He stated that prior to the regular session, the Board held an Executive Session and came to terms to amend Ms. Kelly’s contract to make her last day March 4, 2017. He told the public that the contract will be ratified next week. He stated that the Board would be executing a contract with Mr. Lukes and it would be released to the public next Monday night (March 6, 2016).
- Appointment, Licenses, Permits
Chairman Renzoni stated that the Board had met with Ms. Sheila Sykes prior to the regularly scheduled meeting and she was appointed to a three year term to the Cultural Council.
The Board thanked her and all the citizen volunteers for the work they do in the Town.
Motion by Sel. Ethier, seconded by Sel. Kurtz, it was, UNANIMOUSLY VOTED TO APPROVE RYAN MOURADIAN ON BEHALF OF HOLDEN ASSOCIATION OF FIREFIGHTERS FOR A PARADE PERMIT FOR A 5K ROAD RACE ON SATURDAY, MARCH 25, 2017 FROM 8:00AM TO 12:00PM.
Motion by Sel. Kurtz, seconded by Sel. Herlihy, it was, UNANIMOUSLY VOTED TO APPROVE MICHELLE ARMSTRONG ON BEHALF OF DAWSON ELEMENTARY PTA FOR A PARADE PERMIT FOR A 5K FUNDRAISER ROAD RACE ON SATUDAY, APRIL 8, 2017 FROM 8:00AM TO 2:00PM.
- Town Manager Update
Forward Capacity Auction, Special Project 2015A According to Jim Robinson, HMLD General Manager, ISO New England conducted a Forward Capacity Auction on February 6, 2017, and the clearing price was set at $5.03/ KW/month. Special Project 2015A, previously presented for participation by HMLD, did not clear at this price; it was bid into the auction at a higher price. Because it was not included, the project will not go forward this year.
This is disappointing for Project 2015A. However, the lower bid price will reduce the amount the Town pays to obtain capacity and will reduce our cost by approximately $300,000-$400,000 during the 2020-2021 period. This outcome further supports our efforts to keep our electric rates stable in the coming years. A memorandum from Mr. Robinson and a press release regarding the auction are enclosed for your information.
Sel. Ethier stated it was disappointing that the project didn’t go through but it did end up saving the Town money.
Ms. Kelly agreed.
Year to Date Revenue Expenditure Reports: Attached are the Year-to-Date Revenue and Expenditure reports for the period ending January 2017, prepared by Lori Rose, Town Accountant.
Sel. Kurtz asked if the Town was able to get rid of all the excess equipment.
Ms. Kelly replied that the Town had received bids on all the equipment and made about $35,000.
- Selectmen Subcommittee’s
Sel. Kurtz: none
Sel. Herlihy stated that she had missed the Holden Community Garden Committee meeting but they will be meeting on March 1, 2017 and were recruiting new members.
Sel. Herlihy stated that the DPW Building Committee was at a standstill for the moment.
Chairman Renzoni stated that they waiting on the Phase 2 Study.
Sel. Ethier stated that the Agricultural Committee met two weeks ago. He stated their conversation was about asking the Town to fund the Open Space Fund for $100,000 this year and how the Board could help them do that.
Ms. Kelly stated that she thinks it may be something that could be discussed later in the budget process. She stated that it is one of the funds that they recommend funds to and that as the review process unfolds it may be something they could accomplish.
Sel. Ethier stated that they also discussed the Community Preservation Act as a way to assess a surcharge to the Town in order to build up the fund for open space preservation. He stated this was the other way the Committee was discussing further funding the account.
Sel. Ethier stated that the Education Options Review Committee met and that he anticipates a proposal before the Board shortly. He stated that they are making a lot of progress and credits Sue Sullivan, the Chair, with it. He stated that they had spoken with the superintendent and they examined the Regional School Agreement, as well. Sel. Ethier stated that Brian Davis, a member of the Committee who was also a Financial Director in Worcester, suggested looking at changing the Regional Agreement and working within it rather than trying to get out of it.
Sel. Ethier stated that the EORC all liked the idea of establishing a fund. He stated the feeling was that the voters in Town allocated a certain amount of money for education and even if it is less, why not take the entire excess amount and put it in a fund that provides for the schools. He stated the entire committee agreed on that and asked for a future agenda item.
Chairman Renzoni stated that Fin Com held hearings last Wednesday, February 22, 2017. He stated there was a small discussion on the IIF and holding off until 2019. He stated the IIF Study Working Group met once and that he thinks that needs to get back up and running to better understand each others position on the matter.
Sel. Ethier stated that he had bought up the IIF at the last meeting and he thinks that they could make a valid argument that the IIF has outlived its usefulness to complete the renovation for infrastructure in town. He stated the last building in town to renovate is the DPW building and he believes this fund is not useable for that project. Sel. Ethier suggested taking the funds in the IIF and applying it to offset the cost of the proposed DPW Building.
Chairman Renzoni stated that the Board can discuss it but they made an agreement that they would spend some time studying it with a working group and that group had only met once. He stated that there was an agreement in place so he is not in favor of abolishing it this year and would want to work to better understand the IIF’s position.
Sel. Ethier asked if they can expedite the meetings for that group and see what everyone’s thought were on the matter. He stated that it would be a great way to show the worth of the fund by applying it to the DPW Project and that he thinks that it would give people the incentive to vote for the project.
- Sheila Harrity, Superintendent/ Montachusett Regional Vocational High School/Jim Cournoyer.
Chairman Renzoni called at recess at 6:52PM.
Chairman Renzoni called the meeting back to order at 6:56PM.
Chairman Renzoni stated that the Holden enrollment at Montachusett Regional Vocational High School was back down and he wanted to invite them (Harrity/ Cournoyer) in to speak about the programs offered at Monty Tech.
Mr. Cournoyer thanked the Board for having them. He stated that so far they have received 17 applicants and there are 44 slots available for Holden. He stated that last year they received 25 students but he thinks this is a hidden gem and he wanted to share it with the Board. He stated that he was reading that in the U.S., there are jobs available, there are just not people with the right skills available for those jobs. He stated that we need more vocational education and more qualified people with technical skills because there is such a shortage.
Ms. Harrity thanked the Board. She presented a Power Point presentation to the Board.
Ms. Harrity stated that Monty Tech. has strong academic success with MCAS score of ELA 97% and Math 82%. She stated that they had also worked to create as many authentic learning experiences as possible. She stated they support innovation and keep the teachers up to date with development and that they have also added to infrastructure in the school with federal dollars going towards wireless connections. She stated that all the students received chrome books and there was a lot of exciting things going on.
Ms. Harrity stated that one of the programs they had done with Business Technology is an RPO and Workers Credit Union. She stated there is a branch located in the lobby of the school and students in the program are learning to be bank tellers. She stated that some are hired for full-time employment upon graduation.
Ms. Harrity stated that the school works with many businesses and they have reached out to over 400 business leaders to keep their fingers on the pulse of the business world. She stated that half the students are in curriculum courses and then on opposite weeks they are in the technical program, so each program is all day for five days before switching back to the academic program. She stated during Junior and Senior year, students are able to work full time and get paid and get employment opportunities and college credits, as well.
Ms. Harrity stated they have 20 different tech programs; business programs, EMT certification programs, nursing programs, IT programs and more.
Ms. Harrity stated that that another IT program that they have is with regards to cyber security. She stated that Monty Tech has a team and they have made it to states this year and will go to nationals again and has ranked in 1st place in the country.
Ms. Harrity stated there are also a number of AP courses being offered and more to be offered in the future.
Ms. Harrity stated that the school has Smart Boards and the Chrome books to go along with them. She stated that the books are all online and now the students are able to take the Chrome books home and submit assignments online with Google applications.
Ms. Harrity stated they also have a Vet Tech Science Training Center added to the health program. She stated that the demand for Vet Assistants and Vet Techs is high and she asked the School Board if Monty Tech could do a Vet Tech program. She stated they would need to build the facility and the cost was over $3 million, and the School Board agreed if they could raise the funds for the project. Ms. Harrity stated they had raised $2.5 million and the students are working with the construction workers to build the facility for future generations of students. Ms. Harrity stated they had partnered with Becker College and the students will lead and earn collect credits in this program.
Ms. Harrity stated that there was ground breaking the first week of school. She stated the program will help address a workforce need and also will help to provide necessary animal care for members of the community who cannot afford it. She stated they received a state grant for the equipment, as well.
Ms. Harrity stated they also work to have motivational speakers in to speak with the students about reaching their full potential. She stated this year Chris Gardner, from the Pursuit of Happiness, would be speaking. She stated the students feel special and are motivated by these speakers.
Chairman Renzoni thanked Ms. Harrity for all the information. He asked how parents could reach out.
Ms. Harrity stated that there were applications online and that they could be filled out electronically. She stated Holden still has spots open and there are other districts fighting for spots. She stated it was a wonderful opportunity that students could explore different paths they want to take. She stated the school has over 97% graduation rate and less than 1% drop out rate.
Sel. Ethier asked how many spots Holden had to fill.
Ms. Harrity replied 45.
Sel. Ethier asked how many spots Holden currently filled.
Ms. Harrity replied 25.
Mr. Cournoyer stated that the top student last year went on to a nursing school and lots of students go on to college or into their vocation. He stated that there were not enough plumbers or electricians and that this was a great opportunity. He stated that the MCAS scores were high and that there were so many choices at Monty Tech and the Holden students were not taking advantage of it. He stated that towns all around are trying to get the Holden spots and that they need to recruit and get the numbers up. He state it was a golden opportunity for Holden students.
Ms. Harrity replied that most towns were on waiting lists to get into the school.
Sel. Ethier asked how many towns were in the district.
Ms Harrity replied 18.
Chairman Renzoni thanked Ms. Harrity and Mr. Cournoyer for coming to the meeting and welcomed them back at any time.
- Paul Challenger, Chair Mountview School Building Committee
Chairman Renzoni called a recess at 7:21PM.
Chairman Renzoni called the meeting back to order at 7:24PM
Chairman Renzoni stated they would be holding off on Citizen Address briefly.
Mr. Challenger stated that the contractor is essentially done. He stated that there are only two things left on the checklist, an HVAC tune-up and provide the Committee with the as-built drawings and reports. He stated there is a few additional things the Committee is working on such as additional lockers being put in and a few site work things that needed to be completed when the weather got better. He stated that they were working with DPW and there was a lot of paperwork that needed to be completed: reports, documentation, financial data, etc. He stated they will submit those reports and there will be an audit through the Town Manager’s Office. He stated that the SBA was at the school three weeks ago and they were very pleased and that there was no indication that there were any issues. Mr. Challenger stated that the Town had been borrowing long-term money and short-term money and once we know the exact amount that was spent the Town would do a long-term bond with a low interest rate. He stated the Town Manager’s team will do that and the Committee would meet periodically to close out the process, but their role was essentially done.
Mr. Challenger stated they will be about $8.6 million under budget so that will be money they won’t have to borrow. He stated everything was coming together and that it was a great building that was functional and they were right about on schedule. He asked if the Board had any questions.
Chairman Renzoni stated he was in the building recently and was impressed. He asked about the fields.
Mr. Challenger stated they should be ready to go and they rolled out sod.
Sel. Ethier asked about the increased enrollment in the school.
Mr. Challenger stated that this year was geared to be the largest student population and then student population was set to decline.
Chairman Renzoni asked if 805 was the peak.
Mr. Challenger said that the school was built for 800 students and this year should be the peak. He stated that if the dynamic of the Town changes there could be an effect but he could not say.
Chairman Renzoni asked about the $8.6 million difference.
Mr. Challenger stated that they were fortunate in the timing of the project. He stated the estimate was pre-recession and the steel, materials, and labor costs all ended up being cheaper. He stated the same thing happened with the police station, the market was not strong and they got better bids.
Sel. Ethier asked if the Town’s credit rating changed because of Mountview.
Ms. Kelly replied the Towns ratings got better.
Sel. Ethier asked if they solved the flood issue.
Mr. Challenger replied that during the cold spell a pipe over the girls locker room burst and rained to the locker room. He stated that they fixed the problem and put antifreeze into the heating system so it could get down to zero and not be an ongoing issue. He stated that there was some insulation that was not done and that was fixed as well. He stated that in all major weather events you likely learn something new about your building.
Sel. Ethier thanked Mr. Challenger for his work on Mountview and other building committees in town.
Mr. Challenger stated he enjoyed it and was hopeful that he could keep doing it.
Sel. Kurtz congratulated Mr. Challenger and the entire committee. He stated he had heard nothing but great things about the school from parents, teachers, and students. He stated that they were talking about $8.6 million in savings but that was not the case. He stated that a portion of that goes to the state as well.
Mr. Challenger agreed and stated 43% of the savings would be the Towns.
Sel. Kurtz thanked Mr. Challenger and the committee for a great job.
Mr. Challenger stated that one key thing that happened was the state forced the Committee to do a lot of pre-work on the project coming up with estimates etc. He stated that by doing this they had a solid plan when they came forward to the Town. He suggested doing the same thing for the DPW building. He stated that this process worked out well and he hoped the Town adopted it as a method of working on projects.
Chairman Renzoni stated that the Board often speaks about the “Mountview Model” he stated it was very transparent upfront and that it is remarkable to see the early pictures that resulted in virtually the same building. He thanked Mr. Challenger for his work.
- Citizen’s Address
Steve D’Aquila, 744 Reservoir Street, was present at the meeting. He stated that he was the Chair of the Agricultural Commission and last year they were able to establish and Open Space Fund and fund it to $50,000. He stated that he wanted to come to the Board meeting as a reminder about the fund and that he thought it would be a great opportunity to put some additional funds into the account. He stated he wanted to ask the Board to increase from $50,000 to $100,000 or more to get the fund going so that if something came up there would be the opportunity for the Town to act on it.
Chairman Renzoni stated that the Board does not really do the back and forth at Citizens Address and it was not posted as an agenda item but that the Board had made it a priority to fund the account to a minimum level. He stated that as budget season approached, AgCom should have a joint meting with the Board. He stated that he knew that they were waiting on AgCom to come up with a master list and prioritize the open space in town. He stated after that happens, they should all sit down in a room to see where everything goes.
Mr. D’Aquila stated they do have inventory and AgCom was available to sit down and talk with the Board and the Town Manager. He stated that any support that they could get from the Board would be great.
Chairman Renzoni stated that the Town had passed on open space in the past, but that if land comes up today, they could go to Town Meeting and present it to the Town as an option to acquire. He stated that he thought they currently were projected to fund the Open Space Fund to $50,000.
Ms. Kelly confirmed that they were.
Chairman Renzoni stated that this may be a tough budget year with the school assessment driving up the tax rate. He stated that they could work with the FinCom and look at capital and see where they can recommend the available cash.
Mr. D’Aquila stated that the fund is important because there is only a window of time to acquire these properties and if they don’t fall inside a Town Meeting it may be difficult. He stated it was all about timing and that is why the fund is important.
Chairman Renzoni thanked Mr. D’Aquila for coming in and suggested scheduling a joint meeting.
Sel. Kurtz stated that any disbursement of funds for the AgCom or general funds has to go to Town Meeting. He stated that he also did not like the idea of buying open space in order to keep people out of town. He stated that he thinks that people want to live in Holden as it is a great community and to buy land to prevent building is not a reason to buy open space in his opinion.
Sel. Ethier stated that he thinks that is secondary to why they are pushing for the increase in open space lots. He stated that he thinks it is for the preservation of old farms and green space and that while housing maybe secondary one he does not think the Town can afford not to do this at some point. He stated the school budget is up 10% and that is impacted by the number of students so it saves money as well. He stated he understands Sel. Kurtz’s concerns but he feels there are a lot of reasons to preserve the space.
Chairman Renzoni stated the Board can have the Open Space conversation in the future and that he will work with Mr. D’Aquila and his committee on the budget
- Follow Up
None
- Starbard Scholarship Discussion
Chairman Renzoni stated that there was a few hundred dollars available for students looking for a career in government. He stated that in the past there had been more money in the account to award and that he thinks that they should let the money sit there and accumulate. He stated that he was asked to post it for conversation and so he did.
Sel. Kurtz stated he asked the Chairman to put it on the agenda. He stated that he knows there is not thousands of dollars in the account but that even with $400 he thinks it is important to continue to offer the scholarship. He stated that the inconsistencies of taking it on and off makes it hard for the high school to talk about it and that he thinks offering some money is better than not offering anything. He stated the interest was not going to grow dramatically over the year and that the funds could help with books.
Ms. Kelly stated there was $200 in the account not $400.
Chairman Renzoni stated that typically if they post it, they receive applicants for it. He stated they have even split it up before. He stated that he does not believe that there was ever a year that it was posted and the Board did not receive applicants for it. He stated that he is not in favor of awarding it this year and that he thinks they should work to build the fund up and then offer a significant scholarship.
A motion was made by Sel. Kurtz to advertise for the scholarship and offer the $200; Sel. Ethier seconded the motion.
Sel. Kurtz stated that he was unaware that the Board could solicit donations to raise the fund level. He stated he would like to hear more about this.
Sel. Ethier stated that he thinks if you don’t award the scholarship every few years, people forget about it and that he thinks a great way to advertise is by giving the scholarship out. He stated that it is not easy to continue to generate money and that he thinks the key is to keep publishing the name. He stated that he would be happy to do some research and come up with a biography about the scholarship. He stated that he would be in favor of giving a few hundred dollars out and publicize the fund in the process.
Chairman Renzoni stated that they could not go below the $15,000 threshold. He stated again that he thinks they should work to build the scholarship.
Motion by Sel. Kurtz, seconded by Sel. Ethier, THE MOTION TO ADVERTISE TO AWARD THE STARBARD SCHOLARSHIP FAILS BY A VOTE OF 2-2 (Kurtz: yes; Ethier: yes; Herlihy: no; Renzoni: no).
Chairman Renzoni suggested they look at how to fund the scholarship and see how they can work to get an infusion into the account. He stated that if that happens the Board could reopen the discussion as they have until September to award the scholarship.
Sel. Kurtz stated that he respects the vote but that it is Selectmen’s Fund and now it is up to the Board to get the word out regarding this scholarship.
- Selectmen Miscellaneous
Sel. Ethier stated that he would be presenting the Good Neighbor Award on March 30 to three recipients. He stated that he enjoys this event and hopes that people can come out to it. He stated this is a non-partisan award given to a number of people.
Chairman Renzoni asked if they could have certificates made on behalf of the town. Mr. Lukes agreed they could.
Sel. Kurtz reminded everyone that nomination papers were available and that there were seats open for the Board of Selectmen, School Committee, Damon House, and Library Trustees. He stated if anyone was interested, the Board would be happy to speak with them about the process or the Town Manger’s Office was available, as well. He encouraged people to reach out.
Ms. Kelly thanked the Board for working with her. She stated it has been an honor and privilege to work for the Town and she has enjoyed working with this Board and past Boards. She thanked everyone.
Chairman Renzoni stated that the Board would be ratifying her contract next Monday and that Mr. Lukes contract has been negotiated and they will be ratifying that as well. He stated that the Board was looking forward to working with Mr. Lukes through the budget season and beyond.
Chairman Renzoni stated that the Board did not need an Executive Session.
Motion by Sel. Kurtz, seconded by Sel. Herlihy, it was UNANIMOUSLY VOTED TO ADJOURN THE FEBRUARY 27, 2017 BOARD OF SELECTMEN MEETING AT 8:01PM.
APPROVED: ____April 3, 2017_____________