Board of Selectmen, March 6, 2017
HOLDEN BOARD OF SELECTMEN
MEETING MINUTES
March 6, 2017
6:32PM Memorial Hall
Present: Chairman Anthony Renzoni, Geri Herlihy, Jeremy Kurtz, Erik Scheinfeldt
Not Present: Tim Ethier
Others Present: Peter Lukes, Town Manager
Steve Madaus, Town Counsel (6:32PM)
Liz Fotos, Town Recorder
Chairman Renzoni called the meeting to order at 6:30PM. The Board stood to recite the Pledge of Allegiance.
- Appointments, Licenses, Permits
Chairman Renzoni stated that Daniel Gately, Constable, was present at the meeting. He stated he was a Constable of Holden for the past nine years and his term is expiring and he was looking to be reappointed for an additional three years.
Sel. Kurtz asked if the Board knew if all his fees had been paid.
Mr. Lukes stated that they had been.
Motion by Sel. Kurtz, seconded by Sel. Scheinfeldt, THE BOARD OF SELECTMEN HEREBY VOTE TO APPOINT DANIEL B. GATELY TO THE OFFICE OF CONSTABLE FOR A PERIOD OF 3 YEARS, SUBJECT TO THE CONDITION THAT HE/SHE ADHERE TO THE GENEARL LAWS, INCLUDING SECTIONS 95A AND 95B OF CHAPTER 41; AND FAILURE TO REMIT PAYMENTS TO THE TOWN WILL RESULT IN A RESCISSION OF THIS APPOINMENT BY THE BOARD OF SELECTMEN OF A BASIS FOR DENIAL OF REAPPOINTMENT TO SAID OFFICE.
Motion by Sel. Kurtz, seconded by Sel. Herlihy, it was UNANIMOUSLY VOTED TO APPROVE KIMBERLEE A. HUGHES ON BEHALF OF HOLDEN CHRISTIAN ACADEMY FOR A PARADE PERMIT/ 5K FUNDRAISER TO START AND FINISH AT HOLDEN CHAPEL ON SATURDAY, APRIL 29, 2017 FROM 8:00AM TO 12:00PM.
Chairman Renzoni invited Chief Chandler to the podium.
Chief Chandler told the public that the ice in town was thin and about an hour ago they had two kids fall through. He stated one was able to get himself out but the other, firefighters had to go in and extract them. He stated both seemed okay and they went to the hospital for further evaluation.
Recognition of Holden resident Mauve Lowe
Chief Chandler invited Mauve Lowe to the podium to tell her story.
Mauve told the Board that on Friday she was on the way home from school and went into her home and it was filled with smoke. She got her dog and went to a neighbors to call the fire department and then she went and got her younger siblings from the bus stop, as well, and made sure they were safe.
Chief Chandler stated that the Fire Department made Mauve a plaque recognizing her outstanding performance in an emergency situation.
The Fire Marshals were present, as well, and presented Mauve with a certificate for doing what was right and remembering what to do in a crisis.
They presented her with a plaque, the certificate and a tee shirt.
The Board stood to recognize her and paused for a picture.
Recognition of Firefighters Ryan Murphy, David Maloof, Christopher Galkowski, and Eric Fasshauer
Chief Chandler stated that Ryan Murphy had completed Firefighter I/II training. He stated that they had announced this accomplishment at a previous meeting but Ryan Murphy was unable to attend so he wanted to bring it up again.
Chief Chandler stated that Ryan Murphy and Chris Galkowski did call volunteer programs that was on nights and weekends and they learned all aspects of firefighting I/II.
Chief Chandler stated that David Maloof was a firefighter elsewhere before Holden and he challenged the test successfully.
Chief Chandler stated that Eric Fasshauer graduated from the full academy and is full time in rank.
Chief Chandler stated they were happy to have them all on board.
The four firefighters stood and the Board recognized them for their work. The Board presented them each with a Certificate of Recognition and shook their hands. They paused for a photo.
- Ratify Town Manager Contracts
Chairman Renzoni stated that the Board had negotiated with Mr. Lukes and secured a contract for one year to serve as Town Manager. He stated that the Board also negotiated a new contract with Ms. Kelly to leave on an earlier date.
Motion by Sel. Kurtz, seconded by Sel. Scheinfeldt, it was UNANIMOUSLY VOTED TO RATIFY TOWN MANAGER JACQUELYN M. KELLY’S CONTRACT.
Motion by Sel. Kurtz, seconded by Sel. Scheinfeldt, it was UNANIMOUSLY VOTED TO RATFIY PETER LUKES CONTRACT TO BECOME THE TOWN MANAGER FOR A ONE YEAR TERM.
- Town Manager Update
Designation of Acting Town Manager: In accordance with the Town’s Continuity of Operations Plan, there needs to be an employee who is nominated by the Town Manager and approve by the Board of Selectmen by vote, who can perform the duties of the Town Manager in his absence. I am hereby naming David Armstrong, Chief of Police, to perform the duties of Acting Town Manager, should I be out of state or unable to serve due to the emergency or incapacitation at any time in the next year
Motion by Sel. Kurtz, seconded by Sel. Scheinfeldt, it was UNANIMOUSLY VOTED TO DESIGNATE CHIEF ARMSTRONG AS ACTING TOWN MANAGER IN THE ABSENCE OF TOWN MANAGER PETER LUKES.
Update on Drought: Drought conditions have improved overall throughout the state and in Central Massachusetts specifically. However, the Level 3 water ban remains in effect. Our DPW staff continues to monitor the situation along with taking into consideration the recommendation from state agencies. We expect a decision by the end of March as to whether there will be any changes to our water ban and drought level. We thank everyone for their continued cooperation.
Vehicle Excise Taxes: Motor vehicle excise taxes are due Thursday, March 9. Questions can be directed to the Tax Collector’s Office at (508) 210-5510.
The Collector’s Office highly recommends payment by made online, either from a checking account or by credit card, by logging onto holdenma.gov and clicking on the “Pay Bills Online” link or in person on the second floor of the Starbard Building.
Nomination Papers: Nomination papers are available for the May Annual Town Election in the Town Clerk’s Office, located in Town Hall, 1196 Main Street. The Annual Town Election is Monday, May 8.
The following seats will be on the ballot: Moderator: One seat for a one year term; Selectmen- one seat for a three year term; Trustee of Damon Memorial: Two seats, each have a three year term; Wachusett Regional School District Committee: Four seats, each have a three year term.
The last day to obtain nomination papers is at 5PM, Thursday, March 16.
Sel. Kurtz stated that anyone interested in pulling nomination papers can contact the Town Clerk, Town Manager Office, or Board of Selectmen, and any would be willing to discuss the process and help with signatures.
Recognition of Holden Police Dept.: Enclosed is a letter from Thomas Ford, Sturbridge Chief of Police, thanking Holden Chief Dave Armstrong for the assistance that he and Officer Mike Braley provided in the re-accreditation process that the Sturbridge PD recently went through. Chief Armstrong and the officers in the Holden PD dedicate themselves to a high-level of professionalism, which his reflected in the fact that other police departments seek out assistance from Holden in these types of matters.
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, April 23, April 30, May 7, and May 14.
- Selectmen Minutes
Motion by Sel. Kurtz, seconded by Sel. Herlihy, it was UNANIMOUSLY VOTED TO APPROVE THE JANUARY 17, 2017 BOARD OF SELECTMEN MEETING MINUTES AS CORRECTED.
Motion by Sel. Kurtz, seconded by Sel. Scheinfeldt, it was UNANIMOUSLY VOTED TO APPROVE THE FEBRUARY 6, 2017 BOARD OF SELECTMEN MEETING MINUTES AS PRESENTED.
- Selectmen Subcommittee
Sel. Scheinfeldt: none
Sel. Herlihy stated that the DPW Building Committee was still at a standstill and waiting on the agreement.
Sel. Herlihy stated that the Garden Committee had no next meeting planned and were working on a mission statement.
Chairman Renzoni stated that he, the Town Manager, and Dave White, Fin Com, and Paul Challenger, Fin Com went to a Regional Roundtable last week to discuss the school budget. He stated that while they thought the discussion was going to be about the FY 18 budget it was more of the five towns getting together and discussing the increase. He stated that it was mutually felt that the budget was going to be difficult to pass with a 9.1% increase. He stated since the meeting he spoke to the School Committee Chair and the Superintendent and they anticipate going to workshops to try to drive down that increase. He stated that it was too early to speculate because the state numbers were not in yet and they would not have the numbers from the House until April. He stated it was not a very productive meeting but it was good to hear from the other four towns in the agreement.
Chairman Renzoni stated that the Fin Com hearing was about public safety and they met at HMLD to talk about water and sewer, as well. He stated these were public hearings and everyone was welcome.
- Selectmen Miscellaneous
Sel. Herlihy stated that she had received some complaints on the garbage totters being filled too high and having the wind blow garbage around neighborhoods. She asked if the Town still had the rule that they cannot be open more than 6”.
Mr. Lukes replied he would look into that but that it would be difficult to enforce regardless.
Sel. Herlihy stated that if everything did not fit, the Town had blue bags for sale.
Chairman Renzoni called a 5 minute recess at 6:56PM.
Chairman Renzoni called the meeting back to order at 7:03PM.
- Citizen’s Address
None
- Central Mass Regional Planning Commission- Hazard Mitigation Plan
Andrew Loew, Principal Planner, was present at the meeting.
He stated that they began working on this in 2014 along with Peter Lukes; Chief Chandler; Russell Hall, Deputy Fire Chief; John Woodsmall, DPW; Isabel McCauley, Senior Civil Engineer; and more.
Mr. Loew stated that hazard mitigation is the effort to reduce hazard impacts before a disaster occurs and that adoption of this plan allows the Town to receive non-emergency funds in these situations.
Mr. Loew went over the plan: Town of Holden, Natural Hazard Mitigation Plan // Public Presentation: March 6, 2017 (incl.)
After the presentation he asked if the Board had any questions.
Chairman Renzoni asked if this was an update for the Hazard Mitigation Plan.
Chief Chandler replied it was the first full plan.
Chairman Renzoni asked if this plan would entitle the Town to grant money.
Mr. Lukes stated that CMRPC was assisting the Town on this project and it had taken several people, time and effort in order to produce this plan. He stated by having this plan in place it will allow the Town to have more access to federal grants.
Chairman Renzoni stated that he felt as though the Town had been fairly aggressive on tree trimming in Town; however, it was still on the plan.
Mr. Lukes stated the Town had been aggressive, but the plan was also meant to maintain the tree trimming which was why it remained on the plan.
Sel. Kurtz stated he was dumbfounded that the Town did not have this strategy in place prior to now. He stated that the Town had done a fair amount of its own work in many of the categories but he questioned why we did not have anything in place prior to this. He asked what other things such as this is the Town lacking and should be looking for in the future to cover the Town and help it gain access to applying for funds.
Mr. Lukes asked if Sel. Kurtz meant with regards to disasters.
Sel. Kurtz replied for anything.
Mr. Lukes stated that a little longer out would be to update the Master Plan and even a Recreation Plan but that those were not necessary in order to gain access to grants.
Chairman Renzoni stated that he thinks the Town is in good position now. He stated the Fire Department had a full-time Emergency Manager in place now who was involved in the continuity of operations. He stated that DPW had been working on stormwater and that the Town could build upon this document if need be.
Mr. Lukes replied that the Board had made the continuity of operation more formal by taking the vote earlier this evening.
Sel. Herlihy asked what happened after five years of this plan. She asked if there was a review process.
Mr. Loew replied that CMRPC comes back and sees actions taken and new information. He stated that it is not necessary to do that to gain funding though.
Sel. Kurtz asked if there was an objection from other town departments regarding this plan.
Mr. Lukes replied that everyone had collaborated on the plan.
Sel. Kurtz asked outside of the plan and being able to access grants with it, was there any draw backs to consider prior to adopting this plan.
Mr. Lukes replied there were not any and that the plan had been extensively considered by all departments.
Chief Chandler stated that there was no downside to having this plan.
Mr. Loew stated that Holden was also the last town of the 40 Town Region to adopt the plan.
Motion by Sel. Kurtz, seconded by Sel. Scheinfeldt, it was UNANIMOUSLY VOTED TO FORMALLY ADOPT THE TOWN OF HOLDEN, NATURAL HAZARD MITIGATION PLAN
- Presentation of Proposed Trash & Recycling Program
Pam Harding, Director of Planning, was present at the meeting. She passed out documents for the Boards review.
Mr. Lukes stated that Ms. Harding had worked on this contract for several months and it was brought to their attention that there would be a dramatic increase in rates. He stated they were approached at the time to renegotiate the contract but the town thought that rates would be more favorable to wait so they did. He stated that since that time Pam Harding had negotiated with Cassella. He stated they arrived at a number and that he is suggesting a rate increase for the trash and recycling.
Pam Harding stated that one additional factor is that the Town’s fixed rate is coming to an end with the Wheelabrator facility. She stated this will be an added cost, as well.
Pam Harding reviewed the spreadsheet she passed out to the Board.
Chairman Renzoni stated that if you look at 2020 calendar year there would be another deficit. He asked about an increase to the large container to cover the bill for 2 years.
Pam Harding stated that the revenue will balance the deficit at one time. She stated the first few years there will be a profit and then it will offset the deficit for the last three years.
Chairman Renzoni stated he was on the Board in 2012 with the last increase and the Board anticipated being back earlier to discuss a rate increase. He stated at the time they had spoken about gradual increases. He stated they should have been looking at increasing revenue at smaller amounts earlier. He stated that would have been a smaller rate hike for the tax payers.
Ms. Harding replied that if they did look at smaller increase it would likely result in a monthly increase over what they are suggesting.
Sel. Kurtz stated that they would not be getting a lot of interest on the fee. He stated that even at 2.25 increase they are still going to have a negative balance after 5 years. He stated that he does not think 2.25 for surplus is acceptable. He stated that he thinks they should give the tax payer’s relief on this as this, on top of the school stuff, is going to be hard for people to deal with. He asked to understand the finances on this matter more clearly.
Chairman Renzoni reviewed the chart.
Sel. Kurtz replied that he understood that but that he thinks in 6 years, they would be back in front of the Board saying that they have to increase the fees and that it is not logical to set up to remain in the negative. He stated in five years, they won’t be able to pay the bill and will need to again look at a big increase.
Pam Harding replied that they don’t know what the costs would be in five years. She stated some costs are for five years so they know fixed monthly rates enough to budget out 5 years, but they do not know what that year six would bring. She stated it could be a reduction or it could be a different waste program, they just don’t know.
Chairman Renzoni agreed and stated that in the 5th year they will negotiate and analyze the numbers again. He stated that if someone needed more time to crunch the numbers and asked questions about them they can reach out to the Town Planner. He stated they were just preparing these items for the budget season
Pam Harding replied that they will have the fixed rates for the Wheelabrator in March as well so that number will also be more concrete.
Chairman Renzoni asked if the Town had reached out to other vendors as well.
Mr. Lukes replied that they were not required to do a formal bid for other companies but they did check the prices of other companies.
Ms. Harding replied that they had also spoken to other Cassella customers and that the matter was investigated thoroughly.
Chairman Renzoni stated that the Board can hold off on the matter for the time being and that any one with questions could reach out to the Town Managers or the Planning Department. He stated that if anyone had any other suggestions they could also be looked at or this plan could be fine tuned prior to going before FinCom.
Chairman Renzoni asked if the Board wished to adopt this or hold off.
Sel. Scheinfeldt and Sel. Herlihy suggested holding off.
P. Harding replied she was happy to answer any questions the Board may have for her.
- Agricultural Commission Presentation/ Discussion of Warrant Article Regarding Changes to Agricultural Commission MGL 40A
Jim Dunn, AgCom, was present at the meeting. He presented the Board with a power point presentation entitled: MGL Chapter 40A Revision; Holden Agricultural Commission
He stated this was a change that was made to MGL Chapter 40A; Section 8L. He stated that he had been before the Conservation Commission in order to present to them this change, as well, and the Conservation Commission did not appear to have any issues about it.
Mr. Dunn stated that previously land management was a duty/right only of Town Managers, Board of Selectmen, and Conservation Commissions and this change would allow the municipal Agricultural Commissions to buy, hold, manage, license, or lease land for agricultural purposes.
He stated that the AgCom was asking for the Board of Selectmen’s support of a warrant article to Town Meeting to accept the change to the MGL Chapter 40A § 8L
Chairman Renzoni thanked Mr. Dunn for coming out. He stated that it was the Board’s decision as to whether it was reasonable to have this put in front of the Town at Town Meeting. He stated that the Board did not need to take a vote and that they can set it in the future but indicate that they anticipated moving it forward. He stated that without objections he suggests that the Board puts this on for a warrant article.
Sel. Kurtz stated that he was not opposed to this but he did have some questions. He asked the difference of buying, selling, managing agricultural land versus open space. He stated that the fund established was for open space so some clear separations may need to be made. He asked if the Board needed to look at establishing a second fund for agricultural purposes or would it come out of the General Fund and if it comes from the General Fund then the land could only be purchased by Town Meeting. He stated there were some big legalities surrounding this that needed to be better understood but that he thought it was a good conversation to be had.
Mr. Dunn replied that he believed the Open Space Fund was for 61 properties so he thinks there is potential for agricultural properties to be purchased through that fund.
Sel. Kurtz replied he did not disagree but that he wanted some experts to look into it.
The Board thanked Mr. Dunn for coming out.
- 2017 Pool Pass Policy and Rate Discussion
Chairman Renzoni stated that last year, the Board discussed the nanny question surrounding the pool pass. He stated the Town had no ability to allow a nanny to buy a pass so the Board established a nanny pass and had about 20 on the market.
Chairman Renzoni asked if the capacity of the pool was 843 bodies in the water.
Mr. Lukes replied that was his understanding.
Chairman Renzoni stated that in 2013 it was 800 and the pool was built in 2000. He stated that he looked at previous meeting minutes. He stated the population in 2000 was 15,601 and by 2010 it had increased 11% and is estimated to increase another 15%. He stated if that happened it would be a 28% increase. He stated the reason that he brought this up was that the pool is very crowded and that he was asked to look into it by residents.
Chairman Renzoni stated that the pool generates about $31,000 in revenue with over 400 passes. He stated daily out of town passes at $10/ pass generate $29,000 so about $61,000 from out-of-town revenue for the pool.
Chairman Renzoni stated that he was going to propose that the Board needs to look tonight and bring it back up at the next meeting reducing the amount of out-of-town passes given out. He stated that with the population growing in town, it was important to realize that the pool was a capital asset for Holden and Holden residents. He asked if anyone was interested in further discussing the matter.
Sel. Kurtz replied that he thinks it warrants a discussion. He stated it was brought up last year and the Board was against a deadline so he thinks the conversation needs to be had quickly. He stated he did not remember many days last year that the pool maxed out on occupancy or had to close the pool for entrance.
Chairman Renzoni replied that 843 people was the number that they needed to lock the gates. He stated that for 34 days the pool was at 85% capacity. He stated there is 67 days in the season and that on more than half of those days the pool is getting close to capacity. He stated he has heard from many that the pool is overcrowded.
Sel. Kurtz agreed and asked what percentage of Holden residents get turned away from buying pool passes and do classes typically fill up or are residents turned away.
Chairman Renzoni replied that no resident it turned away ever. He stated the question is not residents, its non residents. He said he does not think that they should eliminate out of town passes altogether just think of reducing them.
Sel. Scheinfeldt stated he supported having the discussion. He stated that he thinks it is overcrowded as well and that weekend parking is an issue. He said he is not sure about cutting passes and suggested raising the prices.
Chairman Renzoni stated that it would all be part of the discussion.
Sel. Scheinfeldt stated that it was a great pool and a great place to be but that it is crowded. He stated it would be interesting to see if they decreased the amount of passes given how that would impact their operation. He stated they may be able to balance the budget in some way.
Sel. Herlihy agreed and that she has heard a number of complaints, and Holden residents not going to the pool because it is too crowded.
Chairman Renzoni stated that they could work to improve the overall quality of the pool. He suggested speaking about the matter again and maybe talk about decreasing the amount of passes by 50% and doubling the price of the pass to end up revenue equal. He stated he did not want to vote on it tonight and would like to speak with Sel. Ethier and the Recreation Director as well.
Sel. Kurtz stated that pool passes go on sale in April so time is of the essence. He stated that he thinks that Denise Morano does a great job with her staff and would be concerned about changing that.
Chairman Renzoni stated he did not think the Board wanted to change her operation, just the attendance through the revenue process. He suggested tabling the matter and waiting for the Recreational Director’s presence.
Sel. Scheinfeldt stated two other points were the demographics of the town were changing with the population increasing 28% there were more families and children. He stated the second thing to consider may be changing the amount allowed on weekends versus weekdays. He stated the Board may be able to get creative with a different prices for that as well.
Chairman Renzoni suggested looking at the numbers from the Recreation Department and then have the conversation with the Board.
Motion by Sel. Kurtz, seconded by Sel. Scheinfeldt, it was UNANIMOUSLY VOTED TO ADJOURN THE MARCH 6, 2017 BOARD OF SELECTMEN MEETING AT 7:54PM.
APPROVED: __April 3, 2017___________