Board of Selectmen, March 21, 2016 (6:30 p.m.)
HOLDEN BOARD OF SELECTMEN
MEETING MINUTES
MARCH 21, 2016
6:36PM Memorial Hall
Present: Chairman Jeremy Kurtz, Anthony Renzoni, Kenneth O’Brien, Robert Lavigne, Tim Ethier
Others Present: Jacquelyn Kelly, Town Manager
Stephen Madaus, Town Counsel
Liz Fotos, Town Recorder
Chairman Kurtz called the meeting to order at 6:36PM. The Board stood to recite the Pledge of Allegiance.
- Appointments. Licenses, Permits
Ms. Kelly stated that there were no appointments, licenses, or permits to review.
- Vote to Hold Public Hearing- April 11, 2016, Increase in FY 2017 Water-Sewer Rates
Ms Kelly stated that in preparation of the 2017 budget, there is a projected increase of about 2% in water and sewer in order to balance the budget. She stated DPW and the Water and Sewer Division will be at the next meeting to discuss the probable increase and how it will impact the customer’s bill. She stated after the meeting, the Board will need to take action.
A motion was made by Sel. Ethier to vote to hold a public hearing about the increase in FY 2017 Water-Sewer Rates, it was seconded by Sel. Renzoni. The motion was opened for discussion.
Sel. Ethier asked about Unaccounted for Water (UAW).
Ms. Kelly stated that the Town files an annual report and by filing it they can calculate the estimated UAW. She stated the current UAW is 15.3% which is down from last years audited number of 21%. She stated they were very pleased with the decrease and it is due to a lot of hard work and programs that the Selectmen have taken a great interest in.
Sel. Ethier asked if the water line replacement program helped the decrease.
Ms. Kelly replied that replacing the lines, meter reading, pump recalibration, hydrant checking, and other things that have been done continually helped. She stated that by being diligent and consistent they were able to lower the UAW percentages.
Sel. O’Brien stated that he believed the average percentage for UAW was 8% statewide. He stated that it was good news and the numbers were going in the right direction they had spent money to resolve some of the issues. Sel. O’Brien stated that it was important to fund the Water/ Sewer Division appropriately and he hoped that they were able to come in to the next meeting with a presentation regarding the increase. He stated the fact that the rate had not been raised in a few years was not a good enough reason.
Sel. Renzoni stated that he felt this shows how good management can reduce UAW. He stated that they needed to stop focusing on finding the water and rather focus on running a good ship. He stated that he knew there were some large plans for large meters without the bypass and he felt that would also contribute to reducing the percentage.
Sel. Renzoni asked Ms. Kelly to congratulate the Director and the Superintendent on the numbers.
Motion by Sel. Ethier, seconded by Sel. Renzoni, it was UNANIMOUSLY VOTED TO HOLD A PUBLIC HEARING ON APRIL 11, 2016 TO DISCUSS THE INCREASE OF WATER-SEWER RATES IN FY 2017.
- Town Manager’s Update
a) Annual Statistical Report: The Water Sewer Division’s 2015 Annual Statistical Report was submitted to the Department of Environmental Protection this week. Our calculations result in Unaccounted for Water at 15.3%, down from 21% in the prior year. However, we expect that this number will be “adjusted” by Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection, as they lack, in our opinion, a clear and consistent methodology to compare UAW and exhibit inconsistency in reviewing public water suppliers’ calculations. Las year we submitted an UAW of approximately 20% and DEP adjusted it upwards to 21%.
b) Rabies Clinic: There will be a rabies clinic on Saturday, April 2, 2016 at the Public Safety Building rear parking lot. Cats should be brought in carriers to the clinic from 9 to 10 AM; dogs, on leashes, should be bought from 10 to 11 AM. The cost is $13 per shot. If there are any questions, please contact the Animal Control Office at (508) 210- 5649.
c) WRSD FY 2017 Budget/ Assessment: Enclosed are three items related to the proposed FY 2017 Budget for the School District. One is the Budget booklet dated February 22, 2016 containing the original proposed assessment for member towns. Ms. Kelly also enclosing a letter she received this week from the Superintendent with a revised budget assessment based on the School Committee’s vote (Monday, March 14, 2016) along with draft warrant article for this May’s annual Town Meeting. The Town’s Assessment letter is also enclosed.
The actual assessment is above what is proposed in the District’s February 22, 2016 Booklet. This difference primarily represents our share of a capital project which was added by the District School Committee to upgrade information technology at the Wachusett Regional High School. The upgrades would consist of WiFi, five Chromebook carts, text books, and other instrumental materials.
Ms. Kelly stated her original budget estimate for the District assessment in FY 2017 was about a 5% increase. The actual assessment is a 10.76% increase for Holden above FY 2016 or a total increase of $2,462,601,
D) IT Capital Project: The Superintendent has provided an updated estimate for IT needs at the Holden elementary schools as following:
Davis Hill Elementary School: $49,620
Dawson Elementary School: $47,680
Mayo Elementary School: $62,360
___________
$159,660
This funding will be used for installing upgraded WiFi in each of the buildings. This sum is $140,340 less than the original estimate of $300,000
e) Naming of School Rooms: You will note that two of the proposed warrant articles are asking Town Meeting to approve naming certain school rooms in honor of individuals. They are as follows:
Room/ School Honoree
Science Projects Room, Wachusett Regional High School Dr. Neil Ault
Library, Davis Hill School Janice Dymek
Media Center, New Mountview Middle School Nancy Galkowski
The Mountview School Building Committee voted unanimously to name the new Media Center in memory of Nancy Galkowski, former Town Manager.
Ms. Kelly told the Board that this was the districts process to name things; they require a School Committee vote as well as a vote at Town Meeting.
f) Deadline for Warrant Articles: The deadline for submission of warrant articles is April 1, 2016. The Selectmen will receive a list of articles at their next regular meeting which is April 11, 2016 (changed due to April School Vacation week). Sel. O’Brien asked if there was a 45 day period that the Board had prior to Town Meeting to open and close warrant articles.
Mr. Madaus replied not that he was aware of but he would look into it.
Ms. Kelly stated that it is the Boards custom to set the warrant the first meeting in April; she stated they would normally have a meeting early in April however due to school vacation; the Board changed their meeting schedule.
g) MIIA Credits: As a member of the Massachusetts Inter-local Insurance Associations, the Town shares in various savings and credits realized by the parent organization. Recently we received a total of $3, 456 as a credit which will be applied to our premiums.
h) 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 16
Saturday, April 23
Saturday, April 30
Saturday, May 7
Saturday, May 14
i) Holden Municipal Light Department, Monthly Reports: Ms. Kelly enclosed the HMLD’s February 2016 Monthly Report prepared by Jim Robinson, General Manager.
Chairman Kurtz asked Ms. Kelly to pass along congratulations to HMLD and Jim Robinson. He stated that the past due amount goes down every month and the longest the Town has seen an outage was a three hour window. He stated it was a great job and asked Ms. Kelly to congratulate the Director.
Ms. Kelly stated that last week, Holden’s Public Safety Department, including Chief Armstrong, Chief Chandler, and Jim Robinson held a seminar for all large employers in Town. She stated the title was: Responding to large Natural Disasters. She stated it was well attended and there was some good dialogue. Ms. Kelly stated that the Departments provided good tips as to what to do in certain circumstances. Ms. Kelly stated that they had encouraged these businesses to contact the Public Safety Department if they needed help with an evacuation plan and many had already contacted them to help plan in the event of an evacuation. Ms. Kelly stated it allowed businesses to get to know them and vice versa. She stated that she believes they will do another one geared towards smaller employers that have customers so they are able to be prepared and learn from the Town experts as well.
Ms. Kelly stated that having these forums if beneficial to the community. She stated she knew that public safety worked with the school districts as well and they have regular meetings with the School District.
Sel. Ethier stated that the schools were one of the biggest employers in Town and they do jump in if they are needed; he stated in 2008 with the ice storm, the High School was opened up to those in need.
Ms. Kelly stated she had one additional item and asked Sel. O’Brien to discuss the Thomas S. Green Public Service Award that was given to Brian Hickey, Holden Municipal Light Department.
Sel. O’Brien stated that he had nominated Brian Hickey for a service award. Sel. O’Brien stated that the idea came to him when he was looking for a way to recognize Ms. Kelly for the work that she does. He stated while he was unable to find something to recognize Ms. Kelly for her efforts he did come across the Thomas S. Green Public Service award and he nominated Brian Hickey for it. Sel. O’Brien stated that a number of people had written letters to support him and he will be recognized on April 14, 2016 at Assumption College.
Sel. O’Brien stated that there were a number of great employees that he could think to nominate and he is hopeful that this is something that can be done yearly going forward.
Chairman Kurtz asked Ms. Kelly if she could have citation prepared for Brian Hickey and if they could invite him to a future Selectmen meeting.
Ms. Kelly stated that she wanted to remind the Board that there was a kick off for the Community Compact on March 29, 2016 at 11AM in Memorial Hall (here). She stated that Lieutenant Governor Polito would be present in order to officially proclaim Holden as a Community Compact Town.
- Citizens Address
No members of the public stepped forward.
- Non-Resident Care Givers’ Recreation Passes
Chairman Kurtz stated that this was a continuation of the last meeting.
Ms. Kelly stated that at the last meeting the topic came up and she had asked for a few weeks to speak with Denise Moreno and the Recreation Committee. She stated that she knows that it is the Boards desire to issue a nanny/caretaker pass at a discounted rate but that it is their recommendation to issue the pass at a rate of $78/pass, which is the regular cost for out of town passes. Ms. Kelly stated that if it was the Boards desire she could suggest a different rate however she recommended the $78/ pass as that was the fairest thing to do from her perspective.
Sel. Ethier stated that he was impressed with the Recreation Committee; he stated that when they were discussing the matter they spoke about all angles of it. He stated that this pass would allow the Recreation Department to sell a few more than the 400 passes for those in town residents that don’t think to get the pass ahead of time. He said that it would essentially save them money; so he thinks $78/ pass is a good deal and they can purchase if the out of town passes were already maxed out. He stated that he thinks that the Board should take the Recreation Committees recommendation because they have done the research and he thinks that the Board should not discount their opinion.
Sel. Lavigne thanked Ms. Kelly and Ms. Moreno for getting the information together. He stated he was looking for information about how it was going to work. He stated that he thinks that $78/ pass is too much and while he understands what Sel. Ethier is stating and he does appreciate the Recreation Committee’s opinion it is a recommendation from them. Sel. Lavigne stated that he thinks that $78 is high for the average family to pay for a caregivers pass and that if they can find a way to reduce the cost he would like to hear it. He stated that he knows that they will need controls in place but that for a pass to cost $78 for a caregiver; the cost for the summer pass would almost double for a working family. Sel. Lavigne stated that he thinks this is something that needs to get fixed even if they need to delay the sale of the passes for a year.
Sel. Renzoni stated that he would defer to the Town Manager and then he will speak.
Sel. O’Brien stated that he would like to hear what the Town Manager had to say as well.
Ms. Kelly stated that her recommendation is $78/ pass however the difference between a Holden pass at $28 and an out of town pass is $78. She stated if they add $25 to the pass the cost would be $53 and that would be a compromise between the cost of a Holden pass and an out of town one.
Sel. Renzoni stated that since the initial conversation he has received so much feedback. He stated that he does think there will be some black market activity but he thinks that it is something that can be tried this year and then have measures put in place as necessary. He stated that there could be many different things that could happen if the passes were being abused: out of town passes could be cut down. He stated from the feedback that he has received Town people is that they would be willing to pay more for passes. Sel. Renzoni stated that he is not opposed to $53/ caregiver pass but he wants to make sure they are giving Holden families the opportunity to use the pool for the summer. He stated that he is encouraged that the Recreation Committee was working with them on the matter and he thanked Denise Moreno and the Committee. He stated that the pool was a Town Asset and he was happy to see that they were doing something for the town people.
Sel. O’Brien stated that the whole idea of having a nanny watch kids at the pool is only going to help the pool staff. He stated that having nannies at the pool is a good things and he is disappointed that they are recommending $78/ pass. He stated that he thinks they should give the nanny pass a break and he is happy to see that Ms. Kelly is willing to compromise. He stated he appreciates the Recreation Committees recommendation however the Board does set the rates. He stated that they are not trying to work against the Recreation Department and that they are all hard workers and dedicated.
Sel. Lavigne stated that he does not understand the $53 recommendation. He stated these passes will be added on top of the non resident passes and he is not sure why they want to charge a mark up.
Ms. Kelly stated that the cost was to be fair to Holden residents.
Sel. Lavigne stated that he agrees with Sel. Renzoni. He stated that he would have the discussion if they take the number from non resident passes but that is not the case. Sel. Lavigne stated that the pool was built for the Holden people and that non Holden residents taking care of Holden residents should be treated better than just some random people. He stated if these passes were being added to the out of town passes he is not sure why they would be using them for a revenue stream.
Sel. Lavigne stated there were ways to put controls in place. He said that he wanted to see them and asked if the sale should be delayed until the measures could be put in place.
Chairman Kurtz stated he had a few questions. He stated the majority of the passes are sold online through the website, he asked how they can make the change to the website to account for this change or do the new passes need to be purchased in person. He stated he was hoping that they would not touch the non resident passes (400) he asked if these caregiver passes would be in addition to those passes and tied to a Holden family. Chairman Kurtz asked how the Town could deal with some of the other situations out there as well; single parents with kids staying for the summer, etc. He stated that this year they were discussing the caregiver pass but in the future they could discuss others.
Ms. Moreno stated that residents can buy passes online but non residents need to come to the office in order to purchase them.
Sel. Ethier stated that people should need to come in to purchase those passes to ensure they have a connection to the pass.
Sel. Ethier asked if the passes looked the same or different.
Ms. Moreno stated there was a child, adult, and non resident pass.
Sel. Renzoni suggested getting through this year and then have a larger conversation down the line. Sel. Renzoni suggested moving this forward now and that he appreciates Ms. Kelly and her compromise to the cost as well.
Sel. O’Brien stated that these are luxury problems. He stated that the Town has enough money and the pool is paying for itself. He said that if people try to take advantage then the staff should do the best they can to tighten it up. He stated he is not too worried about it because Ms. Moreno always does a good job.
Sel. Lavigne asked when out of town passes go on sale.
Ms. Moreno replied April 1, 2016.
Sel. Ethier made a motion to approve the sale of nanny passes at $53/ pass, to allow the Recreation Department to sell in excess of the 400 resident passes for this, and to have all these passes purchased at the Recreation Department.
Sel. Renzoni seconded the motion made by Sel. Ethier and asked to strike the $53 / pass and change it to $28/ pass.
Sel. Lavigne seconded Sel. Renzoni’s motion.
Sel. Renzoni stated that these passes would be above and beyond the 400 non resident passes and would be extra revenue. He stated this would be to benefit parents that work so their kids could go to the pool in the summer. He stated if this is abused this year he intends to ask the Board to revisit the matter in the future.
Sel. Lavigne stated that he is for it with the new price of $28/ pass. He stated it is our pool for our people. He said that this is a good first step and he is in support of the amended motion.
Chairman Kurtz offered a friendly amendment to limit the nanny pass to one pass per family. Sel. Ethier, the motion maker, agreed. Sel. Renzoni did not object to the amendment
Motion by Sel. Ethier, seconded by Sel. Renzoni, it was UNANIMOUSLY VOTED TO APPROVE THE NANNY PASS AT A COST OF $28/PASS, TO BE PURCHASED AT THE RECREATION CENTER ONLY, WITH A LIMIT OF ONE PER FAMILY AND TO ALLOW THE RECREATION DEPARTMENT TO SELL IN EXCESS OF 400 OUT OF TOWN PASSES TO ACCOMONDATE. 3-1-1 (Renzoni: yes; Lavigne: yes; O’Brien: yes; Ethier: no; Kurtz: abstain).
The Board thanked Ms. Moreno for her assistance.
- Public Hearing- Change of Manager Papa Gino’s Restaurant
Sel. Renzoni read the public hearing notice into record.
Motion by Sel. Renzoni, seconded by Sel. Lavigne, it was UNANIMOUSLY VOTED TO OPEN THE PUBLIC HEARING FOR CHANGE OF MANAGER PAPA GINO’S RESTAURANT.
Chairman Kurtz stated that Papa Gino’s was not present in order to represent themselves.
Sel. O’Brien stated that if he could not show up for the Public Hearing that he felt they should continue the matter until the next meeting so they were able to be present. He stated that they serve alcohol and every other management change has had someone show up. He stated that he does not want to be difficult but what is the point in having a process if people do not show up for it.
Sel. Lavigne stated the motion should be opened up to the public and then closed before the Board deliberated.
Mr. Madaus stated that the Board should keep the matter open if they were going to continue the public hearing.
Sel. Lavigne stated that he did not want to put Papa Gino’s out of business; he asked if they waited until the next meeting would they be shutting down their ability to sell beer and wine.
Sel. Renzoni asked if the owner or applicant and reached out to the Town Manager’s office. Ms. Kelly stated that they were notified but she does not believe they had heard back.
Sel. O’Brien stated that he does not see the TIPS training to sell alcohol. He stated that it is a privilege to sell alcohol in the Town of Holden. He stated that he thinks the Board should continue the matter and if it impacts them adversely it is on them, not the Board. He stated that the individual did not even show up and that he (Sel. O’Brien) feels pretty strongly about this).
Mr. Madaus stated that in order to continue the hearing a date would need to be given.
Ms. Kelly stated that April 11, 2016 was the next Selectmen meeting.
Sel. Renzoni asked if they can call a special meeting if need be.
Mr. Madaus stated that because the hearing would not be advertised again and the public would not have notice, the Board would need to continue the hearing to a specific date. He stated that a license is not being impacted, it was a manager so if they have a current manager on staff they will still be able to operate and serve.
Sel. Renzoni stated that the only option they have is to continue the matter to the April 11, 2016 meeting because they do not have all the information.
Motion by Sel. Ethier, seconded by Sel. Renzoni, it was UNANIMOUSLY VOTED TO CONTINUE THE PUBLIC HEARING UNTIL THE APRIL 11, 2016 BOARD OF SELECTMEN MEETING.
Chairman Kurtz asked Ms. Kelly to reach out to Papa Gino’s to ensure they are present on April 11, 2016.
- Follow- Up to Citizen’s Address
None.
- Selectmen Subcommittees
Sel. Renzoni stated that he had been attending the Fin Com hearings with the Town Manager and Sel. O’Brien. He stated that the budget was moving along and they were working through the numbers. He stated the school budget is higher than they anticipated and that it has been an obstacle but they were meeting with the district Wednesday night.
Sel. Renzoni stated that the Water/Sewer Committee would meet on April 7, 2016 at the Starbard Building to discuss the capital project.
Sel. Renzoni stated that the Community Garden Group was meeting tomorrow night, March 22, 2016 at 7:15PM. He stated that they were moving along and doing great work and that the projects look good. He stated that Davis Hill should see raised beds in the near future.
Sel. Lavigne stated he had no updates.
Sel. Ethier stated that the School Committee had met and he is curious about their budget. He stated he appreciated what they are going though with their fixed costs and the additions were mostly the rise in the cost of health insurance and salary increase. He stated their rationale was to present the budget that reflects the needs of the schools and if the town can’t afford it so be it. He stated that Wachusett was bottom of barrel for what is spent per student in the state. He stated that the schools and teachers do a great job but that they need to find a way to fund the schools.
Sel. Ethier stated that he had missed the Ag Com meeting but he did speak with Chair. He stated they were hoping to fund the Open Space Fund and he does support it. He stated that he understood that there were problems with the budget numbers but that this was a cost saving measure in the long term. He stated that this fund could limit the homes and help control growth.
Sel. O’Brien stated that HMLD Advisory Committee had not met.
Chairman Kurtz stated that the 275th Committee met on Tuesday and he had missed the meeting.
- Selectmen Minutes
Motion by Sel. Renzoni, seconded by Sel. O’Brien, it was VOTED TO APPROVE THE FEBRUARY 22, 2016 BOARD OF SELECTMEN MEETING MINUTES AS CORRECTED BY A VOTE OF 4-0-1. (Lavigne: abstain).
- Selectmen Miscellaneous
Sel. O’Brien stated that he sat in on an Eagle Scout Meeting; Nicholas Risk, Troop 182 an Eagle Scout had rebuilt hiking trails behind Dawson.
Sel. O’Brien stated that Brian Hickey, HMLD had received the Thomas S. Green Municipal Service Award and it was a great thing to have happen in Town.
Sel. Ethier had no miscellaneous items.
Sel. Lavigne had no miscellaneous items.
Sel. Renzoni stated that there is an amazing opportunity on March 29, 2016 at Emmanuel Luther Church where Maple Heights Farm is doing a Food For Thought Discussion Q & A about local food systems and how it impacts you. He stated that it would be a discussion about farm to table.
Sel. O’Brien stated that on March 31, 2016 the Good Neighbor Award will be awarded at the Holden Senior Center.
Chairman Kurtz stated that the Kids in the Kommunity is kicking off their spring offering, Pay It Forward Day. He stated he asked that they come back in front of the Board to promote the event. Chairman Kurtz stated that he had spoken with a lot of the kids and they were saddened this year with the lack of snow because they were not able to really do their shovel brigade.
Sel. Lavigne stated that they had historically done it with the Little League opening day. He stated what they do is incredible and he wants to get in front of it this year.
Sel. O’Brien stated that he had spoken with Bob Tonning, Holden Baseball and they are getting ten signs that say the 9 year old Little League were the State Champions. He stated that he thought the Board should pay for these signs if possible; no Holden team had ever won the State Championship. Sel. O’Brien stated that he did not think the signs were very expensive and he would know more at the next meeting.
Sel. Lavigne stated it was a great idea if they were able to pull it off.
Chairman Kurtz told Sel. O’Brien to find out the cost of the signs and he would have it back on the agenda for discussion.
- Executive Session
Motion by Sel. Lavigne, seconded by Sel. Renzoni, it was UNANIMOSLY VOTED BY ROLL CALL TO ENTER INTO EXECUTIVE SESSION: MGL CHAPTER 30A, SECTION 21 (a): (1) TO CONDUCT STRATEGY SESSION IN PREPARATION FOR NEGOTIATIONS WITH NON-UNION PERSONNEL AND TO CONDUCT COLLECTIVE BARGAINING SESSIONS OR CONTRACT NEGOTIATIONS WITH NON-UNION PERSONNEL (i.e. THE TOWN MANAGER) AND (2) TO CONSIDER THE PURCHASE, EXCHANGE, LEASE, OR VALUE OF REAL PROPERTY, IF THE CHAIR DECLARES THAT AN OPEN SESSION MAY HAVE A DETRIMENTAL EFFECT ON THE NEGOTIATING POSITION OF THE PUBLIC BODY AND TO ENTER BACK INTO REGULAR SESSION FOR THE SOLE PURPOSE OF ADJOURNMENT. ROLL CALL: (Renzoni: yes; Lavigne: yes; Ethier: yes; Kurtz: yes; O’Brien: yes)
Motion by Sel. Lavigne, seconded by Sel. Ethier, it was UNANIMOUSLY VOTED TO ADJOURN THE MARCH 21, 2016 BOARD OF SELECTMEN MEETING AT 8:47PM.
APPROVED: ___April 25, 2016____________