Board of Selectmen January 7, 2019
HOLDEN BOARD OF SELECTMEN
MEETING MINUTES
January 7, 2019
6:30PM Memorial Hall
Present: Chairman Geri Herlihy, Anthony Renzoni, Tyler Gibbs, Robert Lavigne, Jeremy Kurtz
Others Present: Peter Lukes, Town Manager
Stephen Madaus, Town Counsel
Liz Fotos, Town Recorder
Chairman Herlihy called the meeting to order at 6:30PM. The Board stood to recite the Pledge of Allegiance.
- Appointments, Licenses, and Permits
Chairman Herlihy stated that it looked at though everything looked like it was in order for a Common Victualer license for Bia Khayung on behalf of Siam 9.
Mr. Lukes replied that it was but that the former owner has some outstanding taxes that need to be addressed. He stated that he recommends approving the common victualer license but to put the new and former owners on notice that there is outstanding taxes.
Sel. Lavigne asked if there was a liquor license application coming up in the future.
The applicant replied that there was.
Sel. Renzoni stated that there was $556 due in taxes and that unless the applicant settled them he felt that they would be hard pressed to get a liquor license. He asked the applicant to tell the Board a little about the business.
The applicant stated that it was located at 456 Main Street at the location that used to be Thai Island and that they were authentic Thai food.
Chairman Herlihy asked if they had done this business previously.
The applicant stated that she and her partner were both a part owner of Brown Rice.
Sel. Renzoni welcomed them and wished them luck.
Motion by Sel. Renzoni, seconded by Sel. Lavigne, it was UNANIMOUSLY VOTED TO APPROVE THE COMMON VICTUALER LICENSE FOR BIA KHAYUNG ON BEHALF OF SIAM 9.
- Resubmission regarding Liquor License Application: The Viapiano Companies, Inc.
Mr. Lukes stated that the applicants had previously submitted their application but there had been a technicality that needed to be addressed which has now been completed.
The attorney for the applicant stated that he was happy to answer any questions but that the ABCC did not generally send them back to the local licensing board.
Sel. Kurtz asked if there had been any major changes made to the application.
The attorney for the applicant stated that there were not; it was small clerical things that needed to be corrected.
Mr. Lukes stated that the changes were minor technicalities.
Motion by Sel. Renzoni, seconded by Sel. Lavigne, it was UNANIMOUSLY VOTED TO APPROVE THE RESUBMISSION OF THE LIQUOR LICENSE FOR THE VIAPIANO COMPANIES, INC TO THE ABCC.
- MMWEC Voting Designation
Mr. Lukes stated that this is the voter designation that needed to be altered now that they have the new Light Department Director in place.
Motion by Sel. Renzoni, seconded by Sel. Kurtz, it was UNANIMOUSLY VOTED TO APPROVE JANE PARENTEAU AS THE PRIMARY NYPA AND BARRY TUPPER AS THE ALTERATE AS PRESENTED.
- Town Manager Update
Year-to- Date Revenue and Expenditure Reports: Lori Rose, Town Accountant, has prepared the enclosed monthly Year-to-Date Revenue and Expenditure Reports for the month ending November 2018.
HMLD Monthly Reports: Encloses is the monthly activity report for November 2018, prepared by Jane Parenteau, General Manager.
Traffic and Pedestrian Improvements to Shrewsbury Street/Doyle Road: A public meeting will be held on January 9, 2019 at 7:00PM at the Holden Municipal Light Department Community Meeting Room, 1 Holden St. The preliminary design plans will be presented at this meeting for a major road construction project and TIPS grant that the town is working on. The Town is seeking public input. This project design is in its early states, and is subject to change based on upon input from members of the Public, Town Staff, and Town Board and committee members, as well as Mass DOT staff. Preliminary design plans are available online through the Town’s website.
SAFER Grant: Offer letters have been sent to the six highest ranking candidates to fill the new positions in the Holden Fire Department as a result of the SAFER grant that HFD received last year. We expect to have the positions filled by February, in keeping with the timeline requirements of the grant. As you are aware, FEMA will pay 75% of the costs of these new positions for FY 2020 and most of FY 2021, after which they will pay 35% of the cost into FY2022. We expect to see a significant decrease in the cost of overtime and for call firefighter salary as a result of these new hires and we intend to apply the offset to increase salary expenses as the grant expires in FY2022.
DPW Christmas Tree Chipping Program: The Holden Department of Public Works will be holding its annual Christmas Tree Chipping Program on Saturday, January 12, 2019. This program is open to Holden Residents ONLY and is free of charge. Proof of residency may be required. The service is available from 8:00AM to 2:30PM at 87 Adams Road garage parking lot ONLY. ONLY CHRISTMAS TREES WILL BE ACCEPTED. All tress must be free from all decorations, free of any wire or any objects that will damage the chipper. NO wreaths as they may contain wire. The DPW will only accept Christmas trees, NO STORM DEBRIS will be accepted. Anyone brining brush or storm debris will be turned away no exceptions. The DPW urges residents to take advantage of this program because Christmas Trees will not be picked up by the trash hauler.
18 Industrial Drive: The former structure at 18 Industrial Drive has been demolished, and the foundation has been crushed on site as planned. The crushed concrete and stone is currently being re-used by filling most of the gulley that existed between what had been the access road/driveway leading to the planned facility. This recycling of material and early site work will lower overall project costs by anywhere from $100,000-200,000. We have also been requested quotes from contractors to file amendments to change the flood plain delineation for the back lot of the property. This will be the first step toward creating playing fields that will ultimately connect to Dawson Rec area, should the tentative plans and permits be approved by State and Federal authorities. We expect to begin the process to change the flood plain map shortly.
Morning Glory Café: The Morning Glory Café would like to extend an invitation to all Veterans that their coffee and pastry is complimentary. This has been an ongoing service as a thanks to our many veterans who live in town. The Morning Glory Café is open on January 11th and January 18th from 8:30AM to 10:30AM at the Senior Center Dining Room. The Café volunteers continue to offer very affordable coffee and pastries to the public on those Friday Mornings and we encourage anyone who enjoys a collegial and happy atmosphere to stop in and support this service at the Senior Center. The Friends of the Holden Council on Aging sponsor the Morning Glory Café to raise funds to support programs at the Senior Center.
- Holden Women’s Club Presentation to Holden Fire
Chairman Herlihy stated that herself along with Robin Van Liew, President were present at the meeting for the Holden Women’s Club. She stated that she was in charge of community grants and that they like to keep the money in Holden as much as possible. She stated that she had told the club that she would speak with Chief Hall and see if there were any ideas and the Women’s Club ended up purchasing a ‘Go Bag’ for the Department.
Chief Hall stated that it was a piece of equipment for a large scale EMS incident. He stated that the bag would give them the ability to assist up to 25 traumatic injuries in one setting and that they would be able to have these bags in the ambulance and at the station as well. He stated that this was very much needed in today’s world and that the Department appreciates the gift from the Women’s Club.
Ms. Van Liew thanked Chairman Herlihy for her work as the Chair of Community Grants. She stated that it was their pleasure to give the Department the last one.
Chairman Herlihy stated that the Women’s Club was also able to purchase a service dog for a veteran recently and they were able to meet the dog and the Veteran at their meeting.
Sel. Renzoni suggested that at a future meeting, the Board take a vote to recognize the Holden Women’s Club for their work. He stated that last year they had donated to the Poppy Drive as well. He stated it would be good to have them come in and be recognized and let everyone know what they do.
- Selectmen Miscellaneous
Sel. Renzoni: none
Sel. Lavigne: none
Sel. Gibbs: none
Sel. Kurtz stated that the only thing he has is the road work on Shrewsbury Street. He stated that if anyone wanted more information they should attend the meeting.
Chairman Herlihy: none
- Selectmen Minutes
Motion by Sel. Renzoni, seconded by Sel. Lavigne, it was UNANIMOSLY VOTED TO APPROVE THE OCTOBER 1, 2018 BOARD OF SELECTMEN MEETING MINUTES AS PRESENTED.
Motion by Sel. Kurtz, seconded by Sel. Gibbs, it was VOTED 4-0-1 TO APPROVE THE NOVEMBER 19, 2018 BOARD OF SELECTMEN MEETING MINUTES AS CORRECTED. (Lavigne: abstain)
Motion by Sel. Gibbs, seconded by Sel. Renzoni, it was UNANIMOUSLY VOTED TO APPROVE THE DECEMBER 3, 2018 BOARD OF SELECTMEN MEETING MINUTES AS PRESENTED.
Motion by Sel. Gibbs, seconded by Sel. Lavigne, it was UNANIMOUSLY VOTED TO APPROVE THE BOARD OF SELECTMEN MEETING MINUTES AS PRESENTED BY A VOTE OF 4-0-1. (Kurtz: abstain).
- Chairman’s Report on Meeting with WRSD Administration
Chairman Herlihy stated that they had met with Dr. McCall and some members of Fin Com regarding the population in Holden and the potential need to build a new school. She stated that they know that the elementary schools are at capacity and that Mountview is over capacity. She stated at this point Mayo does not have the room for a full day of kindergarten. She stated that the School Board was talking about this matter tonight and that even if they start it right now with a statement of intent it would still be 4-6 years away.
Sel. Lavigne stated that he thinks that this should be broken into two conversations; full day kindergarten as one, and the need for a new school as another. He stated that he feels these are two different conversations.
Sel. Renzoni stated that he was under the impression from the School District that Full day K was not in the budget for this year.
Sel. Lavigne stated that he was under the same impression.
Sel. Renzoni stated that while he thinks this is something that is long overdue, he thinks that it should be approached carefully. He stated that it is a mutual impact at years 2 and 3 but over $1 million up front. He stated that the schools were also going to ask for over $1 million for a failed field as well. He stated that this is a large number and he would be interested to see where they come with this. He stated that when full day kindergarten there may be a need for a new building and they would need to see some potential suggestions as to how to do this temporarily.
Chairman Herlihy stated that at Mayo the conversation would be to take away the music or art room or half of the library.
Sel. Lavigne stated that he agreed with Sel. Renzoni that full day kindergarten is over due but that this feels rushed. He stated that they were putting the cart before the horse and they need to make sure that this can be funded and house the students as well. He stated that this feels like a good idea to move forward but that he does not think the District should be coming to the town saying this is going to happen until they know how they intent to implement it.
Chairman Herlihy stated that there does not seem to be an actual plan but that they seem to want to move forward tonight.
Sel. Gibbs asked about the population study being discussed to redraw districts or doing something similar to how Rutland does Naquag/Glenwood.
Chairman Herlihy stated that all the elementary schools were at capacity.
Sel. Renzoni stated that they have no information to act on currently. He stated that he remembered sitting with management in particular, the school district, before they called for a Special Town Meeting asking if there was a large project on the table. He stated that with every project that is done they stand up a committee and make suggestions and he is angry at the breakdown in this. He stated that maybe with the Manager they can come up with a committee to look at the population study and look at the big picture.
Mr. Lukes stated that he thinks that they are being premature with the urgency of this. He stated that looking at the 10 years of population at each school and they are virtually the same. He stated with that in mind there are algorithms that are in play that maybe we don’t understand each class size and population. He stated other things such as school choice and the fact that we have not been accepting outside students, so that will weed out some students. Additionally St. John’s is planning to enter the Middle School game soon and that could also impact numbers. He stated that he is not sure that they should be speaking about a new school at $50 million at this point. He stated that we have an $18 million project with the DPW building along with the fact that the standing schools will need potentially millions in repairs coming up. He stated that he is not sure that this is something that is an urgent matter currently.
Chairman Herlihy paused the discussion to call for Citizen’s Address.
- Citizen’s Address
Tiffany Clark, 3 Forrest Drive was present at the meeting. She stated that she and her husband were relatively new to the Town and she had two issues that she would like to bring up. She stated that she would be surprised if they had not already been discussed but she wanted to see if someone would point them to the appropriate person.
Ms. Clark stated first was an addition of a dog park in Town. She stated that she knew it was brought up but would like to know if it had gone anywhere.
Ms. Clark stated that her second concern was regarding the passing of legislation to end the use of the single use plastic grocery bag. She stated that she was very interested to learn what Holden had done on this matter.
Chairman Herlihy reminded everyone that there was no back and forth during Citizens Address and thanked Ms. Clark for her concerns.
Chairman Herlihy returned to the WRSD conversation.
Meeting with WRSD Cont.
Sel. Renzoni stated that he agreed with the Manager. He stated that they do need a plan though because if full day k passes during budget and July 1 rolls around they are going to be left needing to implement it. He stated that he thinks it should be studied and have a plan so there is an easy transition. He stated he does not know the cost but that school committee members should have some solution on hand in case the problem arises.
Sel. Lavigne asked the budget impact.
Mr. Lukes replied $1.2 Million to implement the first year.
Sel. Lavigne asked if Holden owned 60% of that.
Mr. Lukes replied roughly.
Sel. Lavigne stated that this is the business of the School Committee. He stated that he thinks that if we are speaking about $1.2 million the funds could be better used elsewhere to minimize class size or something similar. He stated that it seemed like a lot of money that should be planned about well in advance.
Sel. Herlihy stated that Mountview is over capacity and the teachers are now teaching more units than the other middle school teachers in the District.
Sel. Renzoni stated that the School Committee makes the suggestion but once it occurs it will be the Town’s responsibility to find the physical space. It is School Committee business that impacts the Town. He stated he is not sure what they can do at this point but to let the Manager think of options as to how to absorb some of this.
Sel. Lavigne asked who would own the updates to the buildings.
Mr. Lukes replied we would.
Sel. Renzoni stated that even minor construction for schools to transition a room would be the Town’s cost. He stated anything over $35,000 is out cost so that is why a plan should be in place. He stated just the full day kindergarten and the field is over a 3.5% increase so those two items along impact the tax bill and is a big chunk of the levy capacity. He stated that they are staring to push the tax rate and then the community becomes unaffordable. He stated that he is interested to hear ideas and would like to discuss this once again when we have more information.
Sel. Lavigne stated that he is not against this but that it seems to have poor execution and feels rush. He stated that this is not something that should be rushed as it impacts the children.
Sel. Gibbs stated he would like to discuss this further when more information is available.
Chairman Herlihy asked if they knew when the population study would be completed.
Mr. Lukes replied that they were trying to coordinate it with the Master Plan but he was unsure of when as of yet.
Sel. Renzoni stated he would like to hear the Manager’s thoughts on this in the future as he thinks its concerning that we are going to be stuck supporting this without sufficient space.
Mr. Lukes replied that it would be up to the Superintendent what would fit and where it would go.
Sel. Renzoni argued that it would be at our cost. He asked if we could reach out to the Superintendent’s office to see where they stand. He stated that the Board keeps hearing and reading a lot of things but not getting a lot of information straight from the Superintendent.
Sel. Lavigne stated that the first step before even a feasibility study is to determine if this is a need. He stated that he is not saying that it is not but we don’t know quite yet. He stated that it seems like a huge leap from we have an issue to spending $50 million on a new school. He stated that he agrees with standing up a committee to look at the Master Plan and Population Study and see what would work best.
- Public Hearing –Liquor License Papa Gino’s Change in Manager
Motion by Sel. Renzoni, seconded by Sel. Lavigne, it was UNANIMOUSLY VOTED TO OPEN THE PUBLIC HEARING FOR LIQUOR LICENSE / PAPA GINO’S CHANGE IN MANAGER.
The applicant, Ann Marie Carpenter, was brought up to talk to the Board
Chairman Herlihy stated that she was already an employee at the Holden Location. She asked if everything was in order.
Mr. Lukes replied it was.
Chairman Herlihy asked how long she had been at this location.
Ms. Carpenter replied about 11 years.
Chairman Herlihy opened it up for public comment; no members of the public stepped forward.
Motion by Sel. Renzoni, seconded by Sel. Gibbs, it was UNANIMOUSLY VOTED TO CLOSE THE PUBLIC HEARING FOR THE LIQUOR LICENSE/ PAPA GINO’S CHANGE OF MANAGER.
Motion by Sel. Renzoni, seconded by Sel. Lavigne, it was UNANIMOUSLY VOTED TO APPROVE THE CHANGE OF MANAGER FOR THE LIQUORE LICENSE FOR PAPA GINO’S AS PRESENTED.
Sel. Renzoni thanked Papa Gino’s for all they do in the community.
- Response to Citizens Address
Sel. Lavigne stated that in terms of the dog park, it has been spoken about over the years. He stated that as it was looked at they often ran into the issue of wetlands and conservation land which prohibited the town from building on the land due to environmental issues. He stated that there were big open fields that the WTAG properties that had been used as a de facto dog park but that it was something to revisit down the line.
Sel. Renzoni stated that regarding the plastic bags, there had been some conversation on this as well. He stated that the Town did consider the environmental impact and it would end up being a de facto tax on consumers and that due to the efficiency of the machines the output is above EPA standards so there was not a huge willingness to move forward.
Mr. Lukes stated that there was a parks and recreation study in the budget and they can look for a dog park as well.
Chairman Herlihy asked if a dog park was mentioned in the Master Plan.
Sel. Renzoni replied that he did not think so but that there may be some space at 18 Industrial Drive.
Mr. Lukes replied that it does border wetlands so it could be an issue.
Sel. Renzoni stated that they should see if there is still money for this matter and then speak to the community to see where the interest lays.
- Selectmen Subcommittee
Sel. Renzoni stated that the Master Plan is in the writing phase and that they were working with CMRPC. He stated that they were going through and making comments on their drafts and submitting it back for revisions. He stated that there would be a full committee meeting soon and that right now they were on budget and ahead of schedule. He stated that they were building off the old Master Plan and that they were building a solid document that guides the Town for the next 10 years.
Sel. Lavigne stated that the Eagle Lake Committee was standing down and waiting for results from the tests.
Chairman Herlihy stated that the DPW Committee would be meeting a week from today.
Sel. Kurtz: none.
Sel. Gibbs: none.
Motion by Sel. Lavigne, seconded by Sel. Renzoni, it was UNANIMOUSLY VOTED TO ADJORN THE JANUARY 7, 2019 BOARD OF SELECTMEN AT 7:27PM.
APPROVED: ___3/4/19_________