Board of Selectmen, January 19, 2016
HOLDEN BOARD OF SELECTMEN
MEETING MINUTES
JANUARY 19, 2016
6:30PM Memorial Hall
Present: Chairman Jeremy Kurtz, Anthony Renzoni, Tim Ethier, Kenneth O’Brien, Robert Lavigne
Others Present: Jacquelyn Kelly, Town Manager
Peter Lukes, Assistant Town Manager
Stephen Madaus, Town Counsel
Liz Fotos, Town Recorder
Chairman Kurtz called the meeting to order at 6:30PM. The Board stood to recite the Pledge of Allegiance.
- Appointments, Licenses, Permits
Motion by Sel. Renzoni, seconded by Sel. Lavigne, it was UNANIMOUSLY VOTED TO APPROVE THE PARADE PERMIT FOR 5K ROAD RACE FOR RYAN MOURADIAN ON BEHALF OF HOLDEN ASSOCIATION OF FIREFIGHTERS FOR SATURDAY, MARCH 26, 2016 FROM 8:00AM TO 12:00PM.
- Signing of Permanent Borrowing Documents for Water Project
Ms. Kelly told the Board that the documents were in the folder and that they did not need to vote on it as they had previously voted on the item.
The Board signed the document.
- Power Capacity Purchase Opportunity- Jim Robinson HMLD General Manager
J. Robinson presented Holden Municipal Light Department; Capacity Purchase Opportunity/ Board of Selectmen/ Light Commission; January 19, 2016 (attached) to the Selectmen.
J. Robinson stated that he recommended modifying the power purchase authority and asked the Board if they had any questions.
Sel. Renzoni thanked Mr. Robinson, he asked if this wasn’t done if the Board could expect a jump in the cost from $8 to $10.
J. Robinson replied that he believed it would be close to the $10 at the next increase and the question would be what would happen after that.
Sel. O’Brien stated that at the last presentation, Mr. Robinson projected that the capacity costs would continue to escalate; he stated that the price that they were looking at looked less than what Mr. Robinson anticipated. He stated that he was comfortable with this, but was a little nervous to go so far out in the future but that he needed to rely on Mr. Robinson’s expertise. Sel. O’Brien stated that Mr. Robinson had shown himself to be conservative and efficient in the past.
J. Robinson stated that he shared Sel. O’Brien’s concerns and that is why they were looking at a fairly modest amount that didn’t factor in the Town’s growth for the next five years.
Sel. Lavigne asked if the blue line was the market or where the Town was locked in.
Mr. Robinson replied that it is the market; what the Town will pay.
Sel. Lavigne asked if the total amount purchased will be spread evenly over five years.
Mr. Robinson confirmed that it would.
Sel. Lavigne stated that Mr. Robinson had never led the Board wrong. He stated that his concern was that the Advisory Board was not brought in. He stated that he doesn’t think in his memory that the Advisory Board had ever gone against Mr. Robinson but that he shared Sel. O’Brien’s concerns.
Sel. Lavigne stated that when he joined the Board that the Light Department Manager could only go out about three years. He stated that every time they increase the ability to go out further it is forever. He stated that while he is not necessarily against it, they may not have someone with Mr. Robinson’s foresight in the future and they may be setting themselves up for something bad because they voted to allow the extension of power.
Sel. Renzoni stated that he agreed and was cautious for the same reasons but that would be for future boards to decide. He stated that this opportunity is something that should not be passed up. He stated that this would not preclude them from going back to the Advisory Board but that he supported it.
Sel. O’Brien stated that Mr. Robinson and Ms. Kelly did a good job of keeping the Board informed.
Sel. Lavigne agreed. He stated that he trusted Mr. Robinson and he was not going to vote against it but that he did want to bring up the fact that in the future, Mr. Robinson’s successor would still have this authority and he wanted to bring it up to remind everyone of that fact.
Mr. Robinson stated that every year they come for a renewal and extension of authority. He stated that those were the checks and balances in place. He stated that they need to come to the Board every year to get this extended. He stated that the Board would always have the authority to back it off or slow it down at any time.
Sel. Lavigne stated that he was not going to scale it back because he trusts Mr. Robinson’s judgment and knowledge.
Chairman Kurtz asked for clarification on what the Board was authorizing.
Mr. Robinson stated that the change is that up to 85% of projected capacity need for a period of time not to exceed 10 years (through December 31, 2025). He stated it was highlighted for the Board in the document that was handed out.
Holden Municipal Light Department
Capacity Purchase Opportunity
January 2016
(4)
- up to 4 megawatts for a period of time not to exceed 5 years (through December 31, 2020)
- up to 2 megawatts for a period of time between January 1, 2021 and December 31, 2023); and
- power sufficient to meet up to 90% of projected need for a period of time period not to exceed 24 months; and
- time periods under item iii) roll forward with time; and
- up to 85% of projected capacity need for a period of time not to exceed 10 years (through December 31, 2025)
Sel. Lavigne asked Ms. Kelly when the Advisory Board would meet again and if they (Mr. Robinson and Ms. Kelly) had until the end of the month to make the purchase. Could they reach out to the Advisory Board to see if they had any reservations.
Motion by Sel. Lavigne, seconded by Sel. Renzoni, it was UNANIMOUSLY VOTED TO MODIFY THE POWER PURCHASE AUTHORITY AS PRESENTED.
Sel. Renzoni asked if Mr. Robison could reach out to the advisory board and have a special meeting to discuss the matter.
Mr. Robinson confirmed that he would do that.
4) Citizens Address
Chairman Kurtz opened the floor up to Citizen’s Address; no citizens stepped forward.
5) Town Manager’s Update
a) Political Calendar: Ms. Kelly enclosed the 2016 Political Calendar prepared by Cheryl Jenkins, Town Clerk. Note that the annual Town Election will be held of Monday, May 9, 2016, and Annual Town Meeting will be held on Monday, May 16, 2016.
The Presidential Primary election is March 1, 2016. There will be a State Primary on September 8, 2016 which is a Thursday. The general election will be November 8, 2016.
The State has passed legislation that will permit early voting. The details and coordination of early voting have yet to be finalized by the Secretary of State’s Office. The Board of Selectmen does not need to vote on this law.
Chairman Kurtz asked if they knew the costs yet.
Ms. Kelly replied that they did not and that it was almost a mandate to have staff to go through with the training.
b) Updated Meeting Schedule: Ms. Kelly enclosed an updated Selectmen meeting schedule through June 2016.
c) Starbard Scholarship: Ms. Kelly enclosed a reconciliation of the Lloyd Starbard Scholarship Fund as of December 31, 2015, prepared by Sharon Lowder, Treasurer/ Tax Collector. The Selectmen last awarded two scholarships at $600 in August 2014.
Sel. Renzoni asked if they needed to maintain a balance in the account.
Ms. Kelly stated that they use a small portion of the interest and the balance of the interest is available for scholarship(s).
Sel. O’Brien stated that he thinks that they should do it; he asked if it would be for $500.
Ms. Kelly replied that it does not get a lot of interest and that if they gave out $500 it would take a number of years to bring it back up to an amount that could be awarded.
Sel. Renzoni moved to have the scholarship advertised at the Town Manager’s discretion and have her set up a timeline for awarding the scholarship.
Sel. Lavigne stated that they had previously had applicants come in to meet with the Board.
Sel. Ethier asked if this was an option for graduating seniors.
Ms. Kelly replied that they needed to be in the program.
Sel. O’Brien suggested advertising in The Landmark and considering attaching a flyer in the light department bills in order to generate applicants.
Sel. Renzoni stated it should be done at the Town Manager’s discretion; she could put it on her blog or other social media outlets.
Ms. Kelly stated that the amount would be for 458.
Motion by Sel. Renzoni, seconded by Sel. Ethier, it was UNANIMOUSLY VOTED TO ADVERTISE THE STARBARD SCHOLORSHIP AT THE TOWN MANAGER’S DISCRETION.
Sel. Renzoni asked if the fund was open to cash donations.
Ms. Kelly stated that she would check into that.
d) City of Worcester State 1 Drought: Ms. Kelly attached for information a packet of information and notice from the City of Worcester declaring a State 1 Drought. The drought has occurred due to overall weather patterns in past years. The Town will be required to take some measures including public notification. Mr. Woodsmall will be available at your meeting on Tuesday should you have any questions regarding the issue.
e) Outdoor Burning Permits: Outdoor burning permits are available through the Holden Fire Department and the Town’s website. The outdoor burning ‘season’ usually lasts from mid-January through May first, depending on the Fire Chief’s assessment of conditions.
Sel. Lavigne asked the cost of the permit.
Ms. Kelly replied she was not sure but that you should call the Fire Department before you burn to ensure that you are able to burn on that particular day as well.
f) HMLD Monthly Report: Ms. Kelly enclosed a monthly report for December 2015 prepared by Jim Robinson, Holden Municipal Light Department General Manager. I would also like to take this opportunity to announce that former Line Foreman Barry Tupper has been promoted to General Foremen to take the place of Mike Flagg who retired effective January 4, 2016. We congratulate Barry and wish him well in his new position and responsibilities at the Holden Municipal Light Department.
Sel. O’Brien asked to invite him in to be introduced to the Board.
g) Third Quarter Tax Bill: The tax bills sent out for the third quarter reflect only a quarterly payment, due to February 1, 2016. Another bill will be sent out for the fourth quarterly payment due by May 2nd. The extra postage and processing for the fourth quarter bill was included in this year’s budget. This is an additional service for our taxpayers.
h) River Street Bridge: The Massachusetts Department of Transportation will be replacing the bridge on River Street, at Harris Street, which spans the Quinapoxet River. According to MASS DOT, the construction contract was awarded to Tully Construction on January 6, 2016. Mass DOT has not yet issued the Notice to Proceed. Typically there are a few months of shop drawing approval etc. before the physical work takes place. We would expect to see construction activities pick up in the spring
Chairman Kurtz interrupted Town Manager’s update in order to conduct the 7:15PM Public Hearing
6) Public Hearing – Transfer of Ownership of a §15 Package Store All Alcoholic License and Change of Location: from Susan Hanson Namiotka, Manager, d/b/a Holden Wine & Spirits, 140 Reservoir Street, to Table & Vine Inc. (a Wholly-owned subsidiary of Big Y Foods, Inc.), 160 Reservoir Street
Sel. Lavigne read the public hearing notice for the record.
Motion by Sel. Renzoni, seconded by Sel. Ethier, it was UNANIMOUSLY VOTED TO OPEN THE PUBLIC HEARING FOR THE TRANSFER OF OWNERSHIP OF A §15 PACKAGE STORE ALL ALCOHOLIC LICENSE AND CHANGE OF LOCATION.
Mr. Matt Demore, Senior Director of Development for Big Y Foods was present at the hearing for Big Y. He thanked the Board for having them and stated that Big Y has been in business for 80 years and while a lot of people didn’t know it, they have been in the fine wine and liquors for 60 years. He stated that historically all alcoholic licenses have been restricted.
Mr. Demore stated that in 2012 they allowed two more licenses per holder and they added Franklin and Wilbraham to the existing locations of Northampton and Greendale. He stated that since 1989 Big Y had enjoyed a relationship with Holden and in 2016 when the laws expanded again they looked at the Town and thought it was an opportunity to add value.
Mr. Demore stated that they are in the food business and feel as though their real niche is the parings of food and wine and education. He showed the Board their proposal of moving things around, adding security, and additionally putting a capital investment into the location and a general update to the store. He stated that they will enhance the POS system that will restrict sale to minor and will require every cashier to have a code so that if they are under 18 they are unable to approve the sale.
Mr. Demore stated that they have the track record in the industry and asked if there were any questions he could answer for the Board.
Sel. Renzoni asked if Ms. Namiotka, the sellers/ transferees wished to speak.
Ms. Susan Hanson Namiotka stated that she started Holden Wine and Spirits from scratch in 1997 and had enjoyed 19 years of running the business but now it is time to think about other things. She stated that the thing that she likes about Big Y is that they are professional and easy to deal with. She stated this has been a nice experience and that they have the same point of view as she does; entertaining and educating the customers. Ms. Namiotka stated that when she started the business she used to do seminars to make it fun for her customers. She stated that she thinks this is a positive change and that Big Y will be able to expand the product base as well.
Ms. Namiotka said she thinks this is where the wine industry is going and that more importantly it is good for the community and her customers, and it continues to establish Big Y in town. She stated this will be convenient for her customers as well and that they will be able to offer a selection she wouldn’t be able to offer without giving up quality and expertise at a better price. She stated she thinks this move will be a win for everyone and she is pleased and hopes the selectmen are pleased as well.
Chairman Kurtz opened the floor up to the public; no members of the public stepped forward.
Sel. Lavigne asked the location.
Mr. Demore showed him where it would be located on the map.
Sel. Renzoni asked if it would be in a separate room or if the wine and liquor would be open to the floor plan.
Mr. Demore replied that there were about 8FT walls but that it was open to the center of the store.
Motion by Sel. Renzoni, seconded by Sel. Lavigne, it was UNANIMOUSLY VOTED TO CLOSE THE PUBLIC HEARING.
Ms. Kelly stated that there was not any problems with the application and that she did meet with a representative of Big Y and Chief Armstrong sat in the meeting as well.
Sel. O’Brien stated that he is not crazy about seeing a big package store in town but given that the Big Y has been a partner in town for many years he would support the changes.
Sel. Ethier agreed with Sel. O’Brien and stated that it was nice to see businesses staying in town. He wished Ms. Namiotka well.
Mr. Madaus told the Board that they would need two votes on the matter; transfer of ownership and change of location.
Motion by Sel. Renzoni, seconded by Sel. Lavigne, it was UNANIMOUSLY VOTED TO APPROVE THE TRANSFER OF OWERSHIP OF A §15 PACKAGE STORE ALL ALCOHOLIC LICENSE FROM SUSAN HANSON NAMIOTKA, MANAGER D/B/A HOLDEN WINE & SPIRITS TO TABLE & VINE, INC (A WHOLLY OWNED SUBSIDIARY OF BIG Y FOODS.
Motion by Sel. Lavigne, seconded by Sel. Renzoni, it was UNANIMOUSLY VOTED TO APPROVE THE CHANGE OF ADDRESS AS PRESENTED.
TOWN MANAGER UPDATE CONT.
H) CONT. River Street Bridge
Sel. O’Brien stated that this was going to inconvenience all the residents on River Street and he would like to engage the state with the time line to see if it could be completed in one construction season. Sel. O’Brien also asked if regular reverse 911 calls could be done in order to update residents on the progress of the project; when it was going to start, end, etc. He stated that communication was necessary and that the shorter the time line the better.
Sel. Lavigne left the meeting at 7:34PM.
Ms. Kelly stated that they are in contact with the DOT and that she can share Sel. O’Brien’s goal of having the work completed as quickly as possible.
Sel. Ethier confirmed that the bridge in question was the one that went from Harris to River Street; he stated there was not a lot of homes that would be impacted and he is not sure how much traffic that bridge gets. He stated the sooner the work could be completed the better but that he doesn’t think that it would inconvenience too many people.
Ms. Kelly stated that the state did say two years for the other bridge project and that they did complete it in two years.
Sel. Lavigne returned to the meeting at 7:36PM.
i) Save the Date Enclosed is the Save the Date flyer that will be going out in the light bills. The information covers town activities and events from January through June 2016.
7) Department of Public Works Update/ John Woodsmall, DPW Director
Mr. Woodsmall thanked the Board for having him. He stated that he wanted to give the Board a little overview of the status of DPW / Water Sewer
Mr. Woodsmall stated that first he wanted to recognize the recent retirement of several staff members; John Sobel, Equipment Operator, retired from DPW. Mr. Woodsmall stated that he was very dependable and knowledgeable, even keeled, and his presence and experience will be missed.
Mr. Woodsmall stated that Jack Cross, Supervisor of Operations, was another retirement from Town with over 45 years of experience.
Mr. Woodsmall told the Board that several people have been promoted and they are currently hiring and filing roles within DPW. He stated that they have gone through the hiring process and that he was pleased to be able to hire from within to fill the role. Mr. Woodsmall introduced Dan Hazen to the Board. He told the Board that Mr. Hazen has been with the Town for a number of years as a Civil Engineer and worked on-call with the Fire Department. He stated his background included subdivision development, working with different engineering survey companies, and in the Big Dig. He has lots of experience both with the Town and outside.
Dan Hazen stated that he was looking forward to the role. He stated that Holden provides services beyond what most are able to by way of highways, sidewalks, fields, cemeteries and more. He stated that the Town is able to do a lot of the work themselves especially with sidewalks and that they had a great crew that was able to save money.
Sel. Renzoni stated that Shrewsbury Street was difficult and hard work, and the crews wrapped up the sidewalks wonderfully. He stated the Worcester line in snow removal was also incredible and that DPW does a great job. He said the crew needed to hear it, too.
Sel. Ethier congratulated him and welcomed him aboard. He stated DPW does a great job and asked if they could address the weeds on Main Street in the summer.
Sel. O’Brien congratulated Mr. Hazen as well. He stated that he thinks it is appropriate to have these new positions come before the Board to help with visibility. He stated that these employees are the face of the Town and that he hopes it is always positive. Sel. O’Brien told Mr. Woodsmall that his tenure with DPW has been outstanding; he said that if Mr. Woodsmall has confidence in Mr. Hazen then he (O’Brien) is confident that he will do a great job.
Ms. Kelly congratulated Mr. Hazen and stated that she was pleased that he was the new superintendent.
Mr. Woodsmall stated that there had been major things happening in DPW. He stated that a Facilities Committee has started the process of examining facilities with garages and an upgraded site. He told the Board that it was a seven-member committee; Chairman Dan Nason, Jim Kempton, Dawn Michanowicz, Eugene Stirchak, Mark Johnson, Bill Randall, and Jack Cross. He stated that the DPW has a lot of expensive equipment that is stored outside and that is one of the reasons a garage is needed. He stated that they have recently met with design services and that the Board will have an update coming up.
Mr. Woodsmall stated that snow removal had not been too bad yet; he stated there were a few small storms and ice conditions that needed to be taken care of but nothing too substantial. He stated as of right now they are well within the snow budget and he had nothing new to fill the Board in regarding snow removal.
Online Permitting: Mr. Woodsmall stated that the DPW has been expanding the online permitting process, as well. He stated that it was a system that was being used internally that now will be available the same way building permits are. He stated that doing it online will allow the Town to track it easier as well.
Water/ Sewer: Mr. Woodsmall stated that the Board has seen the recent drought declaration from Worcester. He stated that although there was a lot of snow last year, precipitation was down in 2015, 7”-8” behind schedule. He stated that led to the Worcester Reservoir being lower which led them to declare a Stage 1 Drought. Mr. Woodsmall stated this is an effort for all Worcester users to decrease by 5%. He said that they all hope the dry spell breaks and it gets back to normal and that it is a good time of year to go into it but out of caution, they made the declaration. Mr. Woodsmall stated that Holden is a major user of Worcester water and we are bound by our agreement with them. He stated that they are working on coming up with details on the restrictions; and that there will be standing order for May 1/ Sept 15 regarding outside water use restrictions in place to support this as well.
Sel. Renzoni asked if there were any ground water issues.
Mr. Woodsmall replied that levels were low; that it had been a dry fall and winter which impact it.
Sel. Renzoni left the meeting at 7:54PM.
Sel. O’Brien stated that with regards to the DPW Facility Committee he thinks that an important step in developing consensus is going a good job of public education. He stated that it is clear to him that the public project is overdue and that he is a supporter of it. He stated that he thinks Mountview was successful because they informed the public and things DPW needs to do the same.
Sel. O’Brien stated that DPW did a great job in the snow removal last storm and that driving from Holden to Worcester you could see the difference in the streets.
Sel. O’Brien stated that regarding the drought declaration that he would want to bring the information to the public and maybe the way to do it would be to post pictures of the Reservoir. He stated that again, public information goes a long way to accomplish what the Town wants to do.
Chairman Kurtz stated that the next Board of Selectmen meting would be February 8, 2016; he asked if anything needed to be done prior to that date.
Mr. Woodsmall stated that an additional week would not make a big difference as long as the Town is moving forward and doing what they can.
Mr. Woodsmall stated that they are in the budget process with regards to water rates and that he has submitted a preliminary budget to Ms. Kelly.
Sel. Renzoni returned to the meeting at 7:57PM.
Mr. Woodsmall stated that the total budget was up about 5% and total revenue will be up 4.5% depending on what the final decision made on expenditures is. He stated that they may be looking at 5.5%-6% rate increase. He stated that they had done a good job of holding the line with rates and that the last time there was an increase was the summer of 2012. He stated that this was nothing out of the ordinary and some things that attributed to it were: increase in line item for the Upper Blackstone District, cost of transplanting sewage to Worcester, cost of water from Worcester, etc. He stated that the increase would be 5.5%-6% as a worst case scenario.
Sel. Lavigne asked if the increase would be on both water and sewer.
Mr. Woodsmall replied it would be in total.
Sel. Renzoni asked about the rate stabilization fund and where it stood.
Mr. Woodsmall replied that they have one month on rate reserve and one month of operating reserve and they were going to take a look at it.
Sel. Renzoni stated that they needed to look at rates in the next half decade and do some forecasting as a huge concern was going to be the Upper Blackstone increase.
Mr. Woodsmall replied that he does a five year projection.
Unaccounted for Water: Mr. Woodsmall stated that they do not have a final number for December so he is unable to tell them the final numbers for 2015 but the rolling numbers appear to be lower then previous years. He stated that they continue to do the lead detection program and hydrant monitoring, which allows them to listen to hydrants and fix any issues. He stated that they also do source feeder, meter calibrations and fixed some known issues which all helped the numbers. He stated that they also started an audit of the system this past fall; however they will not know for sure until they have all the final numbers and submit everything to DEP.
Sel. Renzoni asked about the large capacity meters.
Mr. Woodsmall replied that they had not gotten anywhere with those as of yet. He stated that some things were prioritized ahead of it but that it is on his action list.
Sel. Renzoni stated that the newest large meter on the system will be Mountview; he asked how that will be maintained.
Mr. Woodsmall stated that there shouldn’t be an issue with the plumbing codes now but that he would double check it as he hasn’t specifically looked into this one.
Chairman Kurtz stated that they had been waiting for a plan to address the bypass flow with the high school as well as trying to figure out some type of plan going into they summer as to how to deal with it as they would need to turn the power off to address it. He stated this is one of the things he has been waiting to hear the plan for.
Ms. Kelly stated that Mr. Woodsmall will come back with a series of recommendations.
Chairman Kurtz replied that this was told to them about a year ago and they were still waiting.
Ms. Kelly replied that they are working on it and there had been a change in regulations that shifted the costs of large meters.
Sel. O’Brien asked about the subdivision on Union Street.
Sel. Ethier left the meeting at 8:06PM.
Sel. O’Brien stated that the connection fees that other towns charge are significantly higher than locally. He stated that if they (DPW) were to look at it that tie in fees for water a sewer may be something they could look at. He asked if Holden was married to Worcester in many of these matters, why the fees were not mirroring them.
Sel. O’Brien asked for an update on other developing projects in the pipeline as well.
Mr. Woodsmall replied that Union Street had been filed but he did not believe that the Planning Board had started hearings on it. He stated the development on Holden Street will most likely move forward. Stoney Brook and Reservoir Street are both in construction and working on being completed. Mr. Woodsmall suggested speaking to Pam Harding or the Planning Board for more information.
Mr. Woodsmall stated that with regards to the connection fees, in 2012 they were raised. He stated that his philosophy on connection fees is that they don’t have an exact accounting/ audit of it so they look more to see if the cost is covered. He stated that he could look into it though.
Sel. Lavigne asked about the draft of regulations and if there was a time frame that the Board would be able to see them.
Mr. Woodsmall replied that it could be the end of May.
Sel. Ethier returned to the meeting at 8:10PM.
Sel. Renzoni asked about growth in Town; he asked for last year’s numbers and 10 year projection.
Ms. Kelly replied that she did not currently have those.
Sel. Renzoni asked if they could get those numbers. He stated that they had projected a growth of 40 houses and had a water rate study that showed 20 houses and from what he could gather, this year there had been 80 houses built, which was a lot more than the 20 they counted on. He stated that they wanted growth but under control. He agreed with Sel. O’Brien about the connection fees and felt as though DPW should review those fees. Sel. Renzoni stated that inspection fees should be separate but stated that the Water Sewer Advisory Committee could maybe review this matter.
Mr. Woodsmall thanked the Board for having him and for their nice comments. He stated that the DPW staff is who deserved all the credit for all the hard work they do.
Sel. Renzoni asked if he missed the conversation about capital improvements.
Mr. Woodsmall stated that they were rolling out a five year improvement plan but he did not know if off the top of his head.
Sel. Renzoni asked if it would be covered in budget season.
Mr. Woodsmall replied that it would be.
8) Follow-Up on Citizens Address
None
9) MMA Meeting – Vote to endure or reject
-State-local fiscal partnership, and
-Local, State, and Federal partnership to protect the environment
Chairman Kurtz told the Board that there were two items up for a vote.
Sel. Lavigne stated that he did not think that the meeting needed to be posted as they would not be discussing town business.
Motion by Sel. Lavigne, seconded by Sel. Ethier, it was UNANIMOUSLY VOTED TO AUTHORIZE THE CHAIR OF DELEGATE THE AUTHORIZATION TO ACT OF BEHALF OF THE BOARD.
Chairman Kurtz told the Board that he will not be in attendance but Sel. Ethier would be there.
10) Selectmen Subcommittees
Sel. O’Brien stated that HMLD Power Advisory will be meeting and will report back.
Sel. Ethier stated that Ag Com was meeting as we speak.
Sel. Ethier stated that he and Sel. Renzoni attended the education roundtable with the superintendent’s office and that while it was informative it did not really accomplish anything. He stated that the issue is that it is a five town region and that if two towns don’t support it then they are unable to accomplish things. He stated that he met with Representative Ferguson and they discussed being the only five town regional district. She stated it would be interesting to see if there is any way to look at passing something with a 60% vote.
Sel. Lavigne stated that the Winter Festival Committee had not met and would be meeting in February.
EDC has not met.
Sel. Renzoni stated that the Veterans Advisory Committee is looking for volunteers and that they will start to meet shortly about the Memorial Day Parade. He stated anyone interested in volunteering should contact him directly.
Sel. Renzoni stated the Community Garden Committee met and are discussing the poison ivy issue; the DPW and Town Manager’s office had been very helpful and that the group would report back.
Sel. Renzoni stated that the Community Garden Committee envisioned promoting local food and that they had begun working at Davis Hill. He stated that trees had been removed and that both the tree warden and John Woodsmall had been very helpful.
Sel. Renzoni stated that both he and Chairman White from Fin Com were ex officio’s for the DPW Facility Committee. He said he didn’t have any additional information from what J. Woodsmall reported earlier but hopes to act as a sounding board for the Committee.
Sel. Renzoni stated that while he is not an ex officio for the Fin Com, they have been welcomed into the Fin Com meetings and Mr. White has reached out to help better the relationship between the boards. He stated they are working to responsibly move the budget forward. Sel. Renzoni stated that they (Fin Com) views the Town Manager, Board of Selectmen and Fin Com as three equal partner in these discussions.
Sel. Renzoni stated that with regards to the Education Roundtable he agrees there is a very real problem but that they did not really discuss it because state senators were there and others seemed to use it as a place to complain rather than discuss the issues. He stated that statewide they are obligated to reimburse towns for 100% and they are only reimbursing 70%; this was made clear to the representatives present.
Sel. Renzoni stated that it was clear that the towns will be in the same position next year with the school budget and that it looks like the Town Manager is moving forward with what can be done in town. He stated that Holden voters want to give the best education possible to our students and that they made it clear that is where they were at.
Chairman Kurtz stated that the 275th Anniversary Committee had a great event at Val’s Restaurant last week. He stated there were about 175-200 people present at the event and that it was a good time. He stated that the Committee was meeting tonight (January 19, 2016) to plan the rest of the year’s activities and that if anyone was interested they could reach out to him or the Town Manager’s Office to get involved.
Sel. Ethier stated that the event at Val’s was an outstanding event; lots of Holden’s lifelong residents were there and it was great for the Town. He congratulated the Committee on the event.
Chairman Kurtz stated that they needed to finalize the School Committee options going into budget season to look at options.
Sel. Lavigne stated that they will have something for the next meeting.
11) Selectmen Minutes
Motion by Sel. Renzoni, seconded by Sel. O’Brien, it was VOTED TO APPROVE THE DECEMBER 7, 2015 BOARD OF SELECTMEN MEETING MINUTES BY A VOTE OF 4-0-1 (Lavigne: abstain).
Motion by Sel. O’Brien, seconded by Sel. Lavigne, it was UNANIMOUSLY VOTED TO APPROVE THE JANUARY 4, 2016 BOARD OF SELECTMEN MEETING MINUTES AS AMENDED.
12) Selectmen Miscellaneous
Chairman Kurtz stated that there were none submitted; he asked if the Board had anything.
Sel. Lavigne stated that the Recycling Center was closed temporarily but was set to open at 2:30 on January 20, 2016. He suggested calling before going to ensure that they were open.
Ms. Kelly stated that there were staffing problems.
Sel. Lavigne stated that it was a volunteer organization and that he was happy that it was worked out.
Sel. Lavigne stated that last year the Selectmen had asked if the Resource Profile could be televised; he asked if the Board had reached out to Fin Com regarding that matter this year.
Chairman Kurtz stated that he did not have a chance to speak to Chairman White, Fin Com, yet regarding that matter but that he had three citizens ask for that as well and he would contact them regarding the matter.
Sel. Lavigne stated that an elected official (Gale Free Library Chairman) had requested that it be televised so he wanted to make sure that Fin Com realized that many people requested it.
Ms. Kelly stated that anyone can record a public hearing as long as they let the Chairman know. She stated that logistically it is sometimes hard to have a meeting televised because of where meetings are held.
Sel. Ethier asked the date of the Resource Profile.
Ms. Kelly replied February 17, 2016.
Sel. Renzoni stated that he believes this is Fin Com business and suggested that the Board pass along any comment to Fin Com. He stated in the interest of moving forward with their (BOS) relationship with Fin Com they should not get involved in things that are not their (Selectmen’s) business.
Sel. Renzoni stated that he spoke to the Chairman of Fin Com regarding the schedule and the date and that they had indicated that the Town Manager’s office was resistant to move the date.
Ms. Kelly replied that she wasn’t really resistant but that the Fin Com budget is due to her office by February 15, 2016. She stated that she is fine with postponing it until the week after vacation but that Fin Com was not amendable to that.
Sel. Renzoni stated that he likes to attend the Resource Profile but will not be able to because it is in school vacation. He asked if they could move anything.
Ms. Kelly replied that it will not be ready until February 15, 2016.
Sel. Lavigne stated that the Board received the election calendar showing town elections on May 9, 2016; he asked which Mountview elections would take place in.
Ms. Kelly replied that the Town Clerk would make that known but she believes the new building.
Sel. Renzoni asked if they were moving schools over April vacation.
Ms. Kelly replied that April 11, 2016 was the moving date.
Sel. Lavigne asked if it was possible to work with the Building Committee to see about moving Town Meeting from Wachusett High School to the new Mountview in order to showcase the building and so people could see where their dollars were being spent. He stated that it should be wired similarly to the High School.
Ms. Kelly replied that it may be difficult but that they could see if they were able to do so.
Sel. Ethier stated that there was a new trend where they were doing polling in supermarkets so as not to disrupt schools.
Sel. Lavigne stated that they discussed it last year and one of the reasons they cannot move polling is because the entire district gets off because they don’t have other places to house voting.
Sel. Ether stated that he attended a Grand Opening for Positive Results Hypnosis on Main Street in Holden and that it was very interesting.
Sel. Ethier welcomed and congratulated Amanda Collins, the Landmark, to the meeting.
Ms. Kelly told Sel. Lavigne and the Board that the burning permits were $20. (note from earlier in the meeting/ Town Manager Update)
Sel. O’Brien stated that he attended the 275th party and it was a lot of fun.
Sel. O’Brien asked for follow up on the abandoned building across from Mountview that had been discussed at previous meetings.
Mr. Lukes replied that there had been some turnover at the Health Agents but that be would follow up.
Sel. O’Brien stated that they had spoken briefly about the cost of operating a public safety building.
Ms. Kelly replied that they would be looking at that within the budget and she would prefer to speak about it then.
Sel. O’Brien stated that they had tentatively agreed to make some capital investments into the school budgets; he asked if any ideas had been formulated as to how to move forward on this matter.
Ms. Kelly replied that she had spoken to the Superintendent and Fin Com and that she needs a number to see where and what could be beneficial.
Sel. O’Brien stated that if they improve the number at Town Meeting, would they then need to seek approval at Town Meeting to expend the money. He asked if they needed to revisit the process.
Ms. Kelly stated that they could not. She stated that when Town Meeting approved it, it was for certain things so they really could not take it and put it into other things. She stated in theory they will have money left over this year because the Town’s payment to schools is less so that they could recommend using some of those funds to offset projects rather than raising or appropriating money to it.
Sel. Lavigne asked if they worked out the legalities of the spending. He said the Superintendent wanted to make sure it was done correctly.
Ms. Kelly replied that the legalities were not the issue. She stated it would be a new philosophy for the Town and the district and the district needs to wrap its head around it.
Sel. Ethier asked if it was for $500,000.
Ms. Kelly replied approximately.
Sel. Ethier stated that they were our (Holden’s) schools and that we didn’t need the District’s permission to do this.
Ms. Kelly replied that she thinks that we do. She stated that the Town can’t fund personnel; so no teachers or workers. She stated that something of capital nature would be best but that she has to leave it up to the school district because it would need to be for something special.
Sel. Ethier stated that the teachers could come up with something quickly; chrome books, smart books, wireless internet, etc. They have lots of ideas.
Ms. Kelly replied that the Town wants to protect its investment as well. She stated that she wants to make sure that by giving the donation that it is not then used elsewhere.
Sel. Lavigne stated that the Town wants to make an investment but not then see in three years the District do the same thing and the Town missing out because they (Holden) had already done it and covered the costs. He stated there should be some sort of reimbursement in place but that it be left up to the Town Manager and Superintendent to figure it out.
Sel. Ethier stated that the School Reps would need to be involved.
Sel. O’Brien congratulated Ms. Silverman, Holden was invited to the State of the Union Address. He stated that she ran some program at Temple on West Mountain Street and that she was invited by Congress to attend the State of the Union.
Next Meeting: February 8, 2016
Motion by Sel. Renzoni, seconded by Sel. Lavigne, it was UNANIMOUSLY VOTED TO ADJOURN THE JANUARY 19, 2016 BOARD OF SELECTMEN MEETING AT 8:53PM.
APPROVED: __February 10, 2016______________