Board of Selectmen, March 20, 2017

Meeting date: 
Monday, March 20, 2017

HOLDEN BOARD OF SELECTMEN

MEETING MINUTES

March 20, 2017

 

6:34PM                                                                                               Memorial Hall

 

Present: Chairman Anthony Renzoni, Geri Herlihy, Tim Ethier, Jeremy Kurtz,

 

Not Present: Erik Scheinfeldt

 

 

Others Present:            Peter Lukes, Town Manager

                                    Liz Fotos, Town Recorder

                                     

Chairman Renzoni called the meeting to order at 6:34PM.  The Board stood to recite the Pledge of Allegiance.

 

  1. Appointments, Licenses, Permits

 

Mr. Lukes stated that there was a letter included in the packet from Dale T. Hickey, Town Clerk with regards to a reappointment for Susan Jane Arntz for a three year term to the Board of Registrars to expire March 31, 2020.

 

Motion by Sel. Ethier, seconded by Sel. Kurtz, it was UNANIMOUSLY VOTED TO APPROVE SUSAN JANE ARNTZ FOR A THREE YEAR TERM TO EXPIRE MARCH 31, 2020 TO THE BOARD OF REGISTRARS.

 

  1. Town Manager Update

 

LED Fixture Conversion: The Holden Municipal Light Department has begun testing LED street lighting along a section of Holden Street.  This is part of their pilot program to examine which types of LED streetlights will be preferable.  They also finished mapping the 1,800 HMLD streetlights throughout town.  The more advanced GIS mapping of streetlights will allow for more efficient maintenance and replacement as well as helping to determine where new street lighting may be needed.  This is all part of a much larger program to replace streetlights with more energy efficient LED versions. 

 

WRSD DY 2018 Budget/ Assessment: Enclosed are two items related to the proposed FY 2018 Budget for the School District.  One is the FY18 Town Manager’s budget which estimated the school assessment for next fiscal year.  I’m also enclosing a letter I received this week from the Superintendent with a revised budget assessment based on the School Committee’s vote (Monday, March 13, 2017).

 

In the original budget estimate for FY 2018, we projected an overall increase of almost 10% over last year’s final budget, or 7% over last year’s assessment (prior to it being lowered after it was not passed by four of the five member towns).  The current assessment that was just voted by the Wachusett Regional School Committee is 7% increase for Holden above the FY 2018 budget or a total increase of $1,728,248.

 

Statehouse Correspondence: Enclosed are two articles from the State House News Service that were forwarded to me from Representative Kim Ferguson’s office.  They are relative to the Governor’s revenue estimates and potential cuts to the FY 18 Sate Budget

 

Naming of School Courtyard: One of the proposed warrant articles will ask Town Meeting to approve naming the courtyard area of the high school art department in honor of retired teacher Ralph Caouette.  Mr. Caouette was a Wachusett teacher from 1982 until his retirement in 2016.  The letter from Supt. Darryll McCall related to this request is contained in your packets.

 

Sel. Ethier stated that he had asked Mr. Caouette to come to the meeting.  He stated that he was very deserving of this honor and that it was amazing what he did over the years.  He stated that Mr. Caouette turned this area into an art area and he was hopeful that all five towns voted in favor of this.

 

Deadline for Warrant Articles:  The deadline for submission of warrant articles for the annual Town Meeting is March 24, 2017.  The Selectmen will receive a list of articles at the next regular meeting which is April 3, 2017.

 

Sel. Ethier stated the last few years, the Board had voted to recommend or not recommend prior to before the meeting.  He asked if the articles would be ready in April to do this.

 

Chairman Renzoni stated that it would be ready for the second meeting in April.  He stated they had to have the articles set and posted 14 calendar days before Town Meeting.

 

Sel. Ethier stated he did have a few issues he wanted to talk about; the IIF, the Stabilization fund, and the Education Fund were all things he wanted to discuss.

 

Chairman Renzoni stated that they could be put on the first meeting in April for the 2017 Warrant Articles.  He stated prior to that meeting if there were any suggestions or issues, they could be sent to the Town Manager’s office and then they could be presented at the Board of Selectmen Meeting, and if the majority of the Board voted, then it could move forward.

 

Sel. Ethier replied he would submit them.

 

Sel. Kurtz asked if they had an update on the DPW Project and if that would make it for Town Meeting.

 

Chairman Renzoni replied there was no update.

 

Mr. Lukes stated there would be a place holder for it at Town Meeting.

 

Sel. Kurtz stated that quorums got more difficult the later in the summer they went.

 

Chairman Renzoni stated that the contract exists between the parties and that would dictate when they can hold Town Meetings so there would be deadlines that the Town would need to adhere to. He stated there would be placeholders for the Annual Town Meeting and if a Special Town Meeting was needed it would be called.

 

Sel. Ethier stated that supposedly the DPW Facility was moving forward and that he believed there was some pressure from the owners to get it in before Town Meeting.

 

Mr. Lukes stated that it was not in negotiations, there is an agreement and the Town was waiting on a signature.  He stated the last terms were agreed upon and it was being looked into.

 

Sel. Ethier stated that he thought it would be best to have this at the Annual Town Meeting.

 

CEDS Grant:  At the end of last week I met with a representative of the Worcester Area Chamber of Commerce, including Chamber CEP Tim Murray.  The Worcester Chamber is in the process of gathering information for a regional CEDS (Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy) report, similar in some ways to the Disaster Mitigation Plan that you were briefed on at the last Selectmen’s meeting.  This report identified potential commercial /industrial needs of opportunities of the municipality and provides a greater potential for federal grants with regard to economic development.  A description of the CEDS program is enclosed.

 

Year-to-Date- Revenue and Expenditure Reports: Enclosed are the monthly Revenue and Expenditure Reports for the period ending February 2017, prepared by Lori Rose, Town Accountant.

 

Composting and Brush Chipping: The DPW has scheduled dates for Spring Composting and Brush Chipping.  Composting takes place at the former landfill site on River Street; the brush chipping is done at the Adams Road DPW Facility, due to the Longhorn Beetle Quarantine area.  The hours are 8AM to 2:30PM, weather permitting.

 

Saturday, April 15, April 22, April 29, May 6, May 13

 

Holden Municipal Light Department, Monthly Report:  Enclosed is the HMLD’s February 2017 Monthly Report prepared by Jim Robinson, General Manager.

 

Sel. Ethier stated that Sel. Scheinfeldt was not present but that he had asked about a proposed population study.

 

Chairman Renzoni stated that he had planned on asking to set that as one of the Town Manager’s Goals and was hoping there was support for that from the Board.

 

Sel. Ethier asked if there was any follow up on it.

 

Mr. Lukes asked how deep the Board wished for it to go.  He said the question becomes how much of a study do we need.  He asked the Board for guidance on what it was that they wanted to accomplish.

 

Chairman Renzoni stated that the conversation that was had in the early fall was to have a comprehensive study done to predict growth and location of growth so that it would assist them in discussion about if new schools were necessary to support a growing population.  He stated from the study they could predict where they would need to accommodate the new population.  He stated the intent of most of the Board was to have the study be fairly comprehensive as the Town moves towards the Master Plan. He stated that they could discuss this further at the Goal Setting session scheduled for April 3, 2017.

 

Sel. Kurtz asked if Chairman Renzoni could have Ms. Kelly’s Goals resent to the Selectmen as a review.

 

  1. WRSD Assessment

 

Chairman Renzoni stated that he met as a liaison with the Superintendent and a portion of Fin Com.  He stated that various members of the Board had asked about this topic so he felt that though they should have it as an agenda item and invited the School Committee Chair, Ken Mills in to give an overview of the budget and how it impacted Holden.

 

Ken Mills, Chair School Committee was present at the meeting along with Scott Brown and Michael Dennis.

 

Mr. Mills stated that when the Superintendent did the budget there was a 5.2% increase.  At a roundtable with representatives from the entire district it was stated that many member towns did not feel as though this was an attainable increase and they asked to comb through and came back with a 4.6% increase instead.

 

Mr. Mills stated that the School Committee is in a tough place, they want to provide for the schools and their needs but the towns have limits so it is the balance of the two.

 

Mr. Mills stated there was about a 2.65% increase over last year’s budget and there is some flex with the 1,250 employee pool.  He stated that they are projecting decreasing about 15 positions increasing two others.  He stated 14 are para-professionals and the two that were added were Mental Health Crisis Professional in the High School and a District Network Manager for IT.

 

He stated there was a reduction from the previous administrative salary for the Athletic Director because athletics was making enough from fees collected in order to make that change.

 

Mr. Mills stated that insurance was the killer for the schools.  He stated they were now at was a 12% increase down from a higher percentage.  He stated two companies were now interested and that the interest was driven by a poor claims history.  He stated the employee pool was large but not large enough to wash out the sick.  He stated that they were trying to get aggressive but they were very limited to what they can do because they have a pek not an advisory board.

 

Mr. Mills stated this meant two things, one, the district can’t dictate changes, it has to be collective bargaining and two they have to do all rate of contributions to all employees and retirees.  He stated they need to bargain out of that or local rule legislation because that increase at 12% drives $1.4 million in the budget that is not sustainable.

 

Mr. Mills stated that Instruction Support was level, he stated they decreased support to cover an unexpected expense level funded and that it will look like an increase but it is not. 

 

He stated that they have a strategic plan and the tech plan, pro plan, etc. was directed by the Board.

 

Mr. Mills stated that Operations and Maintenance was up by 7%.  He stated it was a good year with fuel cost and they have to project for an increase in expenses.  He stated that there had been some warm winters but they cannot assume that is going to continue.  He stated that they did go with the net solar meter company so there would be some reductions from schools in Rutland.

 

Mr. Mills stated that they are funding all athletics from a revolving account of student fees so there is nothing to cut in athletics.  He stated it is essentially out of the general budget.

 

Mr. Mills stated that Special Education had a 40% increase over FY 17 budget not actual tuition increase.  He stated that went up more than anticipated.  He stated that the state sets a budget for students and the towns get reimbursed but only up to the percentage that they fund.  He stated that was another problem with more going out of the district.  He stated it is expensive to go out of district or hiring someone in when students have multiple needs but that it is the obligation morally and legally to service these kids.  He stated the actual is over higher than the budget.  He stated they would be more conservative next year when the state gives the circuit breaker that may allow them to buy ahead some supplies or similar things.

 

Sel. Ethier asked if Special Education costs were going up.

 

Mr. Mills stated that tuition was.

 

Sel. Ethier asked if it was less expensive to do in district if possible.

 

Mr. Mills stated it was but that was not always possible to do.

Chairman Renzoni interrupted Mr. Mills to call for Citizens Address.

 

 

  1. Citizens Address

 

Ira Hoffman, 57 Surrey Lane was present.  He stated that he had submitted earlier this month to the Town Clerk a Citizen Petition regarding an Emergency Boarding Account that he wanted to establish.  He asked if the petition had reached the Board.

 

Chairman Renzoni stated that typically the Board does not go back and forth with anyone during Citizen’s Address.  He stated that Mr. Hoffman may have heard the Board discuss the Warrant Articles that would be discussed at Town Meeting.  He stated that he had seen a few Citizen Petitions come across but the rest of the Board was not privy to those petitions yet.

 

Mr. Hoffman stated that he understood and that the petition was to set up a sum of money not to exceed $10,000 in an emergency account for a fire board-up fund.  He stated that when there is a fire severe enough that the occupants can not stay, it is the responsibility of the homeowner to board up their house.  He stated this fund would be administered by the Fire Chief to help people in those situations. 

 

Mr. Hoffman stated the house needed to be boarded up quickly because one, the investigation of the cause would not have happened and they would need to keep the house in as good of condition as possible for an effective investigation.  Two, having a house that has a severe fire is a hazardous condition and this could keep looters and vandalizers out, and three, for the benefit of the homeowner.  It is a hard time if you have a house fire and this would eliminate one thing the homeowner is responsible for.

 

Mr. Hoffman stated that insurance generally reimburses the homeowner for this so the town could recover the money and put it back into the account as well.

 

Chairman Renzoni stated that the Fire Chief could have requested an open discussion on this matter.  He stated the first the Board is hearing about this is by a Citizen Petition.  He stated that at this point, members of the Board could follow up during Follow-Up to Citizens address later tonight, or they would certainly be speaking about this in the future when the warrant articles were discussed.

 

Chairman Renzoni closed Citizen’s Address

 

WRSD Assessment Cont.

 

Mr. Mills stated that transportation needs were also going up.  He stated that there is a contract with the bus company and part of the initial deal was having the contract set to increase.  He stated that Mr. Scanlon was going to go in and renegotiate that as well.   He stated the District was going to need some larger buses as well with the large student population in some subdivisions.  He stated that the District is required to have a seat for all students that are eligible even if they are not there.

 

Mr. Mills stated that regional transportation was a variable every year.  He stated that they made an optimistic assumption but they only have the Governor’s budget in hand.  He stated that they made some guesses and that was yet to be seen.

 

Chairman Renzoni asked about the government rate. 

 

Mr. Mills stated that there was a commitment from the state that if towns regionalize the state would pay 100% of the transportation costs.   He stated they had asked Representative Ferguson about this and they replied they were working on a bare bones budget but they also increased salaries of the state legislation. 

 

Mr. Mills stated that he believes it to be 70% but they were projecting 73%.  He stated that if they were off they would have to cut somewhere but that budgets were a little fluid.

 

Mr. Mills stated that they were hoping Chapter 70 improved and that Chapter 70 was barely keeping pace with inflation.

 

Mr. Mills stated that the state would ideally be in the same place.  He stated a small increase in state aid from Chapter 70.  He stated that Medicaid had been very up and down for reimbursement and that was a concern but that they were able to get some of that reimbursed.

 

Mr. Mills stated that there was an increase in the pupil population and that drives the budget as well.  He stated Holden is the largest town that sees the most increase.  He stated that they respect the town and knows that it is a big ask. He stated that the region is 7th from the bottom in the state and that the Committee would keep pushing the legislation for changes but now they can only control what they can.

 

Chairman Renzoni stated that what they want to accomplish is passing along the Board’s feelings. He stated the Board of Selectmen has not taken a position on any budget items as of yet and one of the items they will talk about is the increase for FY 17.  He stated that it would be an 8.85% increase if this assessment passes. 

 

Chairman Renzoni asked if anyone had any questions.

 

Sel. Ethier asked if the increase was inclusive of the Mountview building addition.

 

Mr. Lukes replied that was separate.

 

Sel. Ethier asked how the vote went for the School Committee.

 

Mr. Mills stated that Holden voted unanimously and that it was a vote of 16-3 with all three no votes from Rutland.

 

Sel. Ethier stated that most of the increase was to items that they cannot cut anyway, things such as Special Education transportation and tuition and healthcare. He stated that if they do not pass the budget they would have to look at cutting other programs.

 

Mr. Mills stated that state wide, Wachusett is ranked 54th out of 57th in regional schools.

 

Sel. Ethier stated that we were close to the bottom and our teachers are doing an outstanding job with low funding.  He stated that he feels that they should support the budget. He stated that Holden has supported the budget in the past, he does not think they will get Rutland but that the other towns may support it, too.  He stated they were still with money in free cash.  He stated you cannot project down the road and these were the town’s schools and that they should be supported. He stated that he understands there were items that they found fault with but they were not items that they had a lot of control over.

 

Sel. Ethier stated that insurance costs were skyrocketing but that even with these increases it was not something that they can do anything about and not a reason to no support the passing of the budget. He stated that he did want to push for a warrant article that says that any excess money (the difference of what was approved by Holden versus what was passed in the Region) would be placed for Holden schools.  He stated that he hopes the Town supports the budget and that there is a history of doing so.

 

Chairman Renzoni stated that they were not taking a position on the budget quite yet.  He stated that the concern is the increase of over $1,000 in three years.  He stated that they need to look at the overall schools.

 

Sel. Kurtz thanked Mr. Mills. He stated his concern was with regards to the District’s OPEB. He stated that as he looked through the budget it was represented that the retirement benefits were up $800,000, he stated that the district has to start planning for OPEB and the impact that Holden was going to feel as the 51% share.  He stated that for planning purposes OPEB should be budged for as this was trouble for the Town in the future.

 

Mr. Mills stated that the Committee did approve an OPEB account and that they did put a small amount ($25K) into it this year.  He stated the Committee was aware of the issue but that as they go to member towns and discuss the budget the sentiment is that having savings is not their priority.  He stated that he agrees that it is a huge long term problem.

 

Sel. Kurtz suggested that the School Committee budget is one thing and this could be a second budget item that they are on the hook for X% and to go to each town as a way to chip up that account.  He stated that he is not sure he answer but that something needed to be done.

 

Sel. Herlihy asked about the bonds maturity and if there was a chance to refinance them.

 

Mr. Mills stated that Mr. Scanlon was always on the market and paid close attention for any potential refinances.

 

Mr. Dennis stated that Mr. Scanlon did look for opportunities to refinance bonds when it was favorable to do so.  He stated that there was an upcoming Fin Com meeting with the District as well with respect to the budget and that some greater light could be shed at that time as well.

 

Sel. Ethier stated that March 29 was the date of the Fin Com meeting with regards to the school budget.  He stated that he thought it was important that the school committee knows that Fin Com cannot bully the Superintendent. He stated that he heard Fin Com saying that they will not allow for this kind of increase but that they cannot veto it.  He stated they can make a recommendation at Town Meeting but that he thinks it is important that the School Committee knows that they have the Board of Selectmen’s support.  He stated he hopes the Board is all supportive and that it is not the intent to try to convince the Superintendent that he does not have the support of the Board of Selectmen.

 

Chairman Renzoni stated that he would be sure to pass that along but that he does not think that it is the intention of Fin Com to bully the district.  He stated that there is no changing that Fin Com sounds as though it does not support this budget but they have an understanding of it and it will be scrutinized and tried to work through the budget to get it to an acceptable number. He stated that Fin Com brings great value to the table and has a lot of continuity and that they understand the finance of the town and that 12% increase is not sustainable.  He stated that he thinks this will be a challenge even for those that support education due to the large increase that is being spoken about.

 

Sel. Ethier stated that he thinks Fin Com should approach this different and that the School Committee is an autonomous committee and is different than the town’s budget. 

 

Chairman Renzoni replied that he thinks it goes back to the bylaw that states that Fin Com shall consider all matters financial.  He stated this is a large financial consideration and that is why they consider it. He stated it is over 50% share of what is taxed and it has a significant impact on schools and school assessments.  He stated that hopefully it is a good and productive meeting.

 

Chairman Renzoni thanked Mr. Mills and members of the Committee for coming in.

 

  1. Trash Fee Discussion

 

Pam Harding was preset at the meeting. 

 

Chairman Renzoni stated two weeks ago, the Town Planner was present and proposed a jump to $19.50 for large containers and that it seemed like a large one year jump.  He stated that Ms. Harding was going to look into smaller incremental increases.  He asked if she had the opportunity to do so.

 

Pam Harding stated that Sel. Kurtz has created an incremental increase over six years.

 

Sel. Ethier left the meeting at 7:40PM.

 

Pam Harding stated the proposal discussed was one increase to cover a five year contract. 

 

Chairman Renzoni stated one of his concerns was that if they needed the $19.50 then they would have to go into the reserves.

 

Pam Harding stated if they raised the price to $19.50 for five years, they would use $14,000.  She stated that the work of trash fluctuates a lot.  She stated in 2014 there was a big reduction in trash based on the recycling market, resale, and disposal facilities.  She stated that we work with 35 towns so we are able to negotiate with them and reduce the rate.

 

Chairman Renzoni stated he was a fan of incremental increases.  He stated that they should have done something last year to start to pad this.  He stated that incremental increases over six years put the Town in good position.  He stated he hopes to adopt a solid waste rate fee for FY18.

 

Sel. Ethier returned to the meeting at 7:45PM.

 

Pam Harding stated that she also had for the Board’s consideration the Trash and Recycling Policy.  She stated it is a long standing policy but it was unwritten prior to this and she felt that it was a good idea to have it on paper for consistency.

 

Chairman Renzoni stated that he was going to ask for this to be considered next month so that the Board could take a vote and set the fees for next year.  He stated that either way presented works.

 

Sel. Herlihy asked if the pricing was set for the Wheelabrator.

 

Pam Harding replied it was not yet set.  She stated that it is a consumer pricing index that was not yet set.

 

Sel. Kurtz stated that he knows that the numbers he came up with were similar to hers but he asked if she had a recommendation one way or another.

 

Pam Harding stated that she was hesitant to propose a rate increase yearly and thought that it was more palpable to do a one time increase to cover the contract.  He stated that either way works.

 

Sel. Kurtz stated that for the benefit of those listening, he looked at the difference incremental increases versus a one time fee increase. 

 

Chairman Renzoni stated the question would be for year 6, 7, and 8.  He stated that the other problem with the incremental plan would be that it would be for future Board of Selectmen to adopt the incremental plan, however the Town Planner could come back in front of the Board with any adjustments she saw.

 

A motion was made by Sel. Kurtz and seconded by Sel. Ethier to set FY 18 Trash fee at $18.75 for large toter and $13.50 for small toter which is an increase of $1.50 for each size.

 

Sel. Ethier asked what percentage difference Sel. Kurtz thought.

 

Sel. Kurtz replied that the proposal he made would do a step increase at year 20 and 22 and put the town in line for future years if fees went up. He stated the step increase would put a positive cash flow in with minimal increase over time.

 

Sel. Ethier asked if they were waiting on the Wheelabrator.

 

Ms. Harding replied they were.  She stated the town was on a continual contract with 12 month notice to terminate with them.  She stated that rates were not flat and were based on a formula based on the consumer index and that they were still waiting on that number.  She stated it could increase or decrease and it is unknown what it will do.

 

Sel. Herlihy stated that she was nervous for the next four years after the rates were set today.

 

Chairman Renzoni replied there was an unknown factor but that with incremental increases the Town Planner could come to the next Board and tell her reasons for needing a larger increase if necessary.

 

Ms. Harding stated that to put the Board’s mind at ease, the vast majority of the fees were fixed fees; 70%.  She stated that the Wheelabrator would have an impact but not significant.  She stated that she was conservative in her numbers.

 

Chairman Renzoni stated that it was a healthy fund.

 

Ms. Harding replied that this year they would be using free cash and they also did a big push with recycling and that shifted the budget that allocated funds to free cash. She stated they were using free cash to balance the trash.

 

Sel. Ethier asked if recycling had a fee.

 

Ms. Harding replied there was a fixed fee but it was less than trash.

 

Motion by Sel. Kurtz, seconded by Sel. Ethier, it was UNANIMOUSLY VOTED TO SET THE FY 18 TRASH FEE AT $18.75 FOR LARGE TOTER AND $13.50 FOR SMALL TOTERS WHICH IS AN INCREASE OF $1.50 FOR EACH SIZE.

 

  1. Follow Up to Citizen’s Address

 

Chairman Renzoni stated that there was a Citizen Petition signed by enough citizens to have it go to Town Meeting. He stated this was an item that is going outside the normal process for budget items.  He stated that the request did not come from the Fire Chief to the Town Manager within the budget process and if deemed appropriate would go through for funding and to Town Meeting for approval.  He stated that would have been a deliberate process with the experts having a chance to do their due diligence rather than from a citizen group.  Chairman Renzoni stated that the Board would have the obligation to put it on as a Warrant Article and take a position on it.  He stated it looked at though the Fire Department largely supported it.

 

Sel. Kurtz stated that it was an interesting idea and something he would like to look at but his concern was that it did not come through the Fire Chief.  He stated he questioned who would oversee the account as well.

 

Mr. Lukes stated that the fund was not terribly uncommon and that he had spoken to the Building Commissioner as well. He stated that he thinks the concept has merit but was also concerned about how it came through the process. He stated it would be a one time cost to establish the account.

 

Mr. Hoffman stated that he was lucky in his experience that he was on the Fire Department and they boarded up his home. He stated it took a lot of stress off of him.

 

Chairman Renzoni stated that on the Board’s end they will put on the warrant.  He stated that the Board does have the authority to decline the petition but that the Board has a history of moving forward if it is a reasonable request and let Town Meeting decide.  He stated that the Board would need to take a position as well but he believes they would see it at Town Meeting.

 

Sel. Ethier stated that the way that it was written would be to have the Fire Chief having sole authority over the account. He asked if that was changed to have the Building Commissioner in control of the account could they amend it on Town Meeting Floor.

 

Mr. Lukes replied that regardless, the two would work together.

 

Chairman Renzoni stated that the Board would take positions on this and then the Board could discuss any amendments that they would support.

 

  1. Out of Town Pool Pass Fee Discussion

 

Chairman Renzoni stated that for the last several years, the pool has felt overcrowded. He stated that last year, for over 50% of the days capacity crowds walked through the doors.  He stated that Sel. Scheinfeldt had noted his thoughts about his own family going to the pool and not finding parking so they were forced to leave. He stated that the Board had been discussing controlling population at the pool and if the Board wished to act on it they needed to do so as the Recreation Department was nearing the time that they would be dealing with pool passes.

 

A motion was made by Sel. Herlihy to sell 200 pool passes at a cost of $156/pass.  The motion was seconded by Sel. Kurtz.

 

Sel. Herlihy stated that she has heard more and more about people not going to the pool because of the parking and crowds and she hopes this can alleviate the issue and make town citizens happier.

 

Sel. Kurtz stated that he agreed with reducing the amount of out of town passes.  He stated that he understands that doubling the fee and halving the passes gets the same amount of money but he offered a friendly amendment that instead of raising the cost to $156 they should raise it to $125 so they were not quire doubling it.  He stated that he felt this was much more attainable.

 

Chairman Renzoni asked to have this amendment made formally.

 

A motion was made by Sel. Kurtz to amend the original motion to having the town sell 200 pool passes at a cost of $125/ pass.  The motion failed to be seconded.

 

Sel. Ethier stated that he had made a point to go to the pool to see how it has been operating when the pool pass question began last year.  He stated that he does not think that they will have difficulty in selling the passes and believes it is reasonable and that the passes would sell out.  He stated that this would not put a lot of stress on the Recreation Department and he thinks it is an appropriate motion.

 

A motion was made by Sel. Kurtz to formally separate the two issues; amount of pool passes and cost of pool passes.

 

Sel. Kurtz stated that he felt that the Board should fail the motion.  He stated that reducing the number of passes was important but he did not agree on the fee doubling. 

 

Chairman Renzoni stated that he did not look at it as reducing pool passes.  He stated the pool was built 15 years ago and Holden was a different place. He stated that with the increased population it made sense to look at the matter. He stated that similarly, when a class size in schools don’t support school choice, it gets shut down.  Chairman Renzoni stated that he felt this needed to be reigned in and that the proposed motion was revenue mutual and that it was a deal for a summer water activity.  He stated he was going to support the motion.

 

Sel. Ethier asked if the Board did vote in favor of 200 passes could non residents still buy a day pass unless the pool was at capacity.  He stated that $78 was a terrific deal and that $156 is not a stress for a full season.

 

Sel. Kurtz stated that they should look at quantity every year but that the professionals should be made to set the fees.  He urged the Board to strike down the current motion and handle only the number of passes and let the professionals from the Recreation Department and Recreation Committee deal with the fees accordingly.

 

Chairman Renzoni stated that this issue has been on the Board’s radar for a long time.  He stated it is the job of the elected leadership to set fees and rates and that they can take recommendations from Committees or Department but it is ultimately the Board’s responsibility to set the fee.  He stated that the Town’s people have made it clear that it was an issue and that he thinks its good business for them to remain neutral on rate adjustments by declining the passes available and increasing the fees to cover the deficit.

 

Chairman Renzoni called for a vote.

 

Motion by Sel. Herlihy, seconded by Sel. Kurtz, it was VOTED TO APPROVE LOWERING THE AMOUNT OF OUT OF TOWN POOL PASSES SOLD TO 200 AT A COST OF $156/ PASS BY A VOTE OF 3-1(Kurtz: no).

 

Sel. Kurtz made a motion to set the daily pool pass fee to $5 for Holden Residents and guests of pass holders and to increase the daily rate to $15 for non resident/ non guest pass holders. The motion was seconded by Sel. Ethier.

 

Sel. Kurtz stated that this has been a topic a few times in the last year and it was a topic when the nanny passes came up. He stated that people have friends and family come in to town and there should be some relief for guests of residents who are pass holders.

 

Sel. Ethier stated that his concern with this would be that it would difficult for people that run the pool to determine who is a guest.  He stated that it could create some hard circumstances and that it is a good point but it is hard to have pool staff make that determination. 

 

Sel. Kurtz stated that he disagreed and that they were talking about families that want to bring loved ones and an occasional friend to the pool for a visit.  He stated that this would benefit Holden residents all around and the increased fee would help balance the budget as well.

 

Sel. Herlihy stated that she thinks it sounds nice but that she thinks it would come out of revenue loss.  She suggested trying it for a year and seeing what happened.

 

Chairman Renzoni read from Sel. Scheinfeldt’s email regarding the matter.  He stated that he wanted to focus on day pass/ weekend/ holiday rates and daily rate and weekday non resident passes.  He stated that he thinks they should try to keep this as simple as possible to make it easy to implement and easy to manage.  He stated that he understood what Sel. Kurtz wanted to do but that he felt that $15/ day is still a relative bargain.  Chairman Renzoni stated that he thinks if Sel. Kurtz changes his motion to residents $5 daily and non residents $15 daily he may find consensus.

 

Sel. Kurtz stated that his challenge is that residents were being punished.  He stated that he was looking to help the residents and this would be penalizing them. 

 

Chairman Renzoni stated that there was a motion on the floor and the Board could offer an amendment, fail the motion, or approve it; he stated those were their choices.

 

Sel. Ethier stated he was not going to amend it but that he could see the problem with determining who gets what.

 

Mr. Lukes stated that it could be fairly complicated from an operation standpoint.  He asked how it would be enforced and what happened when the pass holder left and was there a limit.

 

Sel. Ethier stated that people do crazy things and that is why he sees a problem.  He stated he thinks $10 / day is good for this year and that $15/ day would be a quick increase.  He stated in a perfect world Sel. Kurtz idea is a good one but he thinks it is difficult for young people to make that determination.

 

Sel. Kurtz stated that the Board could take the vote.  He stated they would simply have to check identification for his motion to work. 

 

Motion by Sel. Kurtz, seconded by Sel. Ethier, THE MOTION TO SET THE DAILY POOL PASS TO $5 FOR HOLDEN RESIDENTS AND GUEST OF PASS HOLDERS AND INCREASE THE DAILY RATE TO $15/ DAY FOR NON RESIDENTS/ NON GUEST PASS HOLDERS FAILED BY A VOTE OF 2-2. (Renzoni: no; Ethier: no).

 

  1. Selectmen Subcommittees

 

Sel. Herlihy stated that the Garden Committee was meeting on the 22nd at 6:30PM in the Senior Center.  He stated the Boy Scouts were taking about making tables and benches for the Highland Street property as well.

 

Sel. Ethier stated that the EORC had been meeting regularly and they were working on ideas to bring forward.

 

Sel. Ethier stated that Fin Com Budget discussions were underway. He asked what the next week’s hearings were about.

 

Mr. Lukes replied they were about stabilization account and OPEB and carry over.  He stated a week from Wednesday (3/29/17) was education.

Chairman Renzoni stated that he missed last Thursday but that he felt having a liaison there with Fin Com lets them having back and forth and understand each others position. He stated he felt it was fostering great relationships between the two Boards.

 

  1. Selectmen Miscellaneous

 

Sel. Kurtz congratulated Hanson on his selection to Eagle Scouts.  He stated that his work at the Senior Center Bandstand was viable and he congratulated him on it.

 

Sel. Ethier stated that he went to the High School for the Special Olympics and that it was something.  He stated it was great to see the best buddy program sponsored and that it was great to see the school packed with enthusiasm.

 

Sel. Ethier stated that it was great to have Mr. Lukes sworn in and that all the Departments were represented and that was great to see.

 

Sel. Kurtz congratulated DPW for their outstanding job with the last snowstorm; he stated the plows were doing great and you could get everywhere you needed to in town.  He stated that other communities were not as effective as Holden’s.

 

Sel. Kurtz asked for the follow up on how to fund the Starbard Scholarship.  He asked how people could put funds back into the fund if they wished to.

 

Mr. Lukes stated they could easily add to the online donations.

 

Chairman Renzoni asked Mr. Lukes to do that without objection.

 

Sel. Kurtz replied that would be good and he stated that they could also maybe work to do a proactive reach out to past selectmen to see if they wished to contribute.

 

Chairman Renzoni stated that there was a Landmark reporter that was present and that they had asked him a specific question regarding if the Board supported 4 full time personnel added to the Fire Department why and why not.  He stated that he wished to share his reply and the question. 

 

Chairman Renzoni stated that the Board had not taken position nor had they discussed the 4 new firefighters.  He stated that at the time Ms. Kelly stated that it was not in the budget and the need was not justified. 

 

Chairman Renzoni stated that based on the timing of the questions that he was asked he could only assume that the Landmark was contacted by someone who thought that it should happen and that he (Renzoni) feels as though it was out of order and that it went though the process and that the department did not justify the request. He stated that he believes the Fire Department knows that they should be going through the public information office for questions or concerns such as this.  He stated that he wanted his fellow Board members know that he would be quoted in the Landmark.

 

Chairman Renzoni stated that he continued to say that the proposed budget is up by over 24% from 2015 and they were talking about one department in town having a 24% increase. He stated that since 2014 it was going up at an alarming rate and that all decisions needed to be scrutinized by Fin Com.  He stated that 4 new fire fighters in one swoop is not good business and that the Fire Chief did not want to compromise to half that amount.  He stated that the Board had asked about Call Fire Fighters and that the Chief stated that it was not profitable and that there was no momentum to attract the Call Fire Fighters either.  He stated that he wanted the Board to be aware of his comments before they read it in the paper.

 

Sel. Ethier stated that he wanted to word it carefully but that he thinks it is inappropriate for a Town Department Head to do something like this.  He stated that there is a Chain of Command and that if this is what happened he did not think it was appropriate. 

 

Chairman Renzoni replied that he did not know if it was the Chief.

 

Sel. Ethier stated that he hoped it was not a Town Department Head.

 

Chairman Renzoni stated that he would pass along the comments from tonight discussion for the WRSD Assessment.

 

Motion by Sel. Kurtz, seconded by Sel. Herlihy, it was UNANIMOUSLY VOTED TO ADJOURN THE MARCH 20, 2017 BOARD OF SELECTMEN MEETING AT 8:42PM.

 

 

APPROVED: ___May 1, 2017_________