Board of Selectmen, November 6, 2017
HOLDEN BOARD OF SELECTMEN
MEETING MINUTES
November 6, 2017
6:35PM Memorial Hall
Present: Chairman Robert Lavigne, Geri Herlihy, Tim Ethier, Jeremy Kurtz, Anthony Renzoni
Others Present: Peter Lukes, Town Manager
Brian Falk, Town Counsel
Liz Fotos, Town Recorder
Chairman Lavigne called the meeting to order at 6:35PM. The Board stood to recite the Pledge of Allegiance.
- Appointments, Licenses, and Permits
none
- Recognition of Page Cassidy
Chairman Lavigne called Page Cassidy up to the podium. He stated that she had finished top for female high school athletes in the MA State Championship for the triathlon. He asked her about it.
Ms. Cassidy stated that she was awarded State Champion for the Triathlon. She stated that she had been involved in the event since the 4th grade and that this year was the culmination of all her efforts.
Chairman Lavigne asked how long each event was.
Ms. Cassidy stated that it was about a 400 yard swim, a 10K Bike and a 10.5 mile run.
Sel. Renzoni asked her what grade she was in.
Ms. Cassidy replied the 10th.
Sel. Ethier congratulated her parents as well.
Ms. Cassidy replied her dad had gotten her involved in the event.
Chairman Lavigne presented Ms. Cassidy with a Certificate of Recognition from the Town of Holden. The Board stood to congratulate her and paused for a photo.
- Introduction of New Police Officers// Andrea Bates and Sean McKiernan
Chairman Lavigne invited Chief Armstrong up to the podium.
Chief Armstrong thanked the Board of Selectmen and Fin Com for the opportunity to introduce two new officers.
Chief Armstrong stated that the officers had graduated from Worcester Police Academy on October 6, 2017 after 24 weeks of intense training. He thanked Worcester Police Academy. He stated that right now the officers were assigned 8-10 weeks of field training.
Chief Armstrong stated that Sean McKiernan came in first academically in his class and Andrea Bates was 1st for physical fitness. He stated out of three awards given, Holden received two and it was a testament to the fact that they were well prepared.
Chairman Lavigne swore the officers in.
The Board stood to shake hands and paused for a photo.
Chairman Lavigne called a recess at 6:45PM.
Chairman Lavigne called the meeting back to order at 6:50.
- Discussion- S.2190, Local Ambulance Revenue
Mr. Lukes stated that himself and Chief Chandler had contracted the delegation and he was happy to report that the portion for local ambulances was intact. He stated had it moved forward it would have cut the revenue 30% to 40%.
Sel. Ethier asked if they were all set.
Mr. Lukes replied for the time being.
Sel. Renzoni stated that he spoke with the Town Manager and the Fire Department and it was alarming to think that there could be a 40% decrease in revenue.
- Vote to Layout Streets for Acceptance:
Stoney Brook Estates:
- Joel Scott Drive
- Teresa Way
- Colleens Way
- Candlewood Drive
Preservation Lane
Chairman Lavigne stated that they were looking to open and close the Warrant Articles for the Special Town Meeting and as part of that there would be consideration for Street Acceptance for five streets. He stated that they had discussion about these streets at the last Town Meeting but they were not ready yet.
Mr. Lukes stated that there were a few outstanding debts to be paid by certain individuals and if the debts were not paid then the Town would not move to accept them.
Sel. Renzoni asked if that was made clear to the individuals.
Mr. Lukes replied that Town Counsel had spoken with them.
Sel. Ethier asked if the abutters were notified as there were property concerns previously.
Mr. Lukes replied that if they had not been they would be.
Sel. Ethier asked why the Board was laying out without hearing from the public.
Mr. Lukes replied it was the process.
Chairman Lavigne replied because of the timing, it needed to be done now.
Sel. Kurtz stated that voting to lay out the streets gets them onto the Warrant, it did not mean that the Board was endorsing accepting them.
Motion by Sel. Kurtz, seconded by Sel. Renzoni, it was UNANIMOUSLY VOTED TO LAYOUT STREET ACCEPTANCE FOR STONEY BROOK ESTATES; JOEL SCOTT DRIVE, TERESA WAY, COLLEENS WAY, CANDLEWOOD DRIVE AND PRESERVATION LANE.
- Vote to File the Layout Plans for: Joel Scott Drive, Teresa Way, Colleens Way, Candlewood Drive, and Preservation Lane in the Town Clerk’s Office.
Motion by Sel. Renzoni, seconded by Sel. Ethier, it was UNANIMOUSLY VOTED TO FILE THE LAYOUT PLANS FOR JOEL SCOTT DRIVE, TERESA WAY, COLLEENS WAY, CANDLEWOOD DRIVE, AND PRESERVATION LANE IN THE TOWN CLERKS OFFICE.
- Railroad Crossing Discussion
Chairman Lavigne stated that there had been some conversation and complaints about the conditions at the railroad crossings. He stated he had wanted to have the conversation with Town Counsel to see what the options were at the railroad crossing at Quinapoxet in particular.
Mr. Lukes stated that the DPW Director had requested time and time again that the railroad company fix the crossing due to the increase dangerous nature of the crossing. He stated that the Town was not allowed to go near the tracks as it was not the Town’s property. He stated that the Town is in a difficult predicament and that we have asked them to repair the crossing but he is not sure how much further the Town can go.
Chairman Lavigne asked if there was any avenue as far as a fine that could be explored.
Mr. Falk, Town Counsel replied that he was unaware of the extent and would prefer to speak about this in Executive Session.
Sel. Renzoni stated that the railroads are federally protected, he asked if a state representative could be a louder voice to help the Town explore their options.
Mr. Lukes replied that it may be their next option.
Chairman Lavigne stated that if they were unable to get anywhere they should perhaps call an Executive Session because something needed to be done or someone was going to get hurt.
Sel. Kurtz asked if they could add a sign to alert motorists.
Mr. Lukes replied he would speak with DPW.
Sel. Kurtz encouraged scheduled an Executive Session so as they were not waiting.
Sel. Ethier stated that Quinapoxet was worse since the gravel pit. He stated that he thinks they should ban trucks on the street and he knows that there is a left turn only but he is not sure it is effective. He stated that he hopes that the Board could look at it at some point.
Chairman Lavigne stated that this was off topic; he stated that if there was extra wear and tear then it’s a good point and that they could follow up with Federal Legislation but that the other talk is off topic.
Sel. Ethier asked for a synopsis of the truck ban and how it would work.
Mr. Falk replied he would need to see a checklist and look into the process.
- Citizens Address
None
- Selectmen Minutes
Motion by Sel. Renzoni, seconded by Sel. Herlihy, it was VOTED TO APPROVE THE SEPTEMBER 19, 2017 BOARD OF SELECTMEN/ HMLD MEETING MINUTES AS PRESENTED BY A VOTE OF 4-0-1. (Ethier: abstain).
Motion by Sel. Renzoni, seconded by Sel. Kurtz, it was UNANIMOUSLY VOTED TO APPROVE THE SEPTEMBER 25, 2017 BOARD OF SELECTMEN MEETING MINUTES AS PRESENTED.
Motion by Sel. Renzoni, seconded by Sel. Herlihy, it was UNANIMOUSLY VOTED TO APPROVE THE OCTOBER 2, 2017 BOARD OF SELECTMEN MEETING MINUTES AS PRESENTED.
Motion by Sel. Kurtz, seconded by Sel. Renzoni, it was UNANIMOUSLY VOTED TO APPROVE THE OCTOBER 16, 2017 BOARD OF SELECTMEN MEETING MINUTES AS PRESENTED.
- Selectmen Subcommittee
Sel. Ethier: none
Sel. Kurtz: none
Sel. Renzoni stated that Fin Com would be meeting with the Board on Wednesday along with the IIF and everyone was posted to speak about Special Town Meeting.
Sel. Renzoni stated that the VA Committee met last week and they were assisting with the poppy drive for the American Legion Post 42 on Saturday the 11th. He stated people will be dispatched throughout Town to help raise money to ensure that no local veteran goes without during the holidays. He invited anyone down that would like to help and stated that the goal was $1,800.
Sel. Ethier asked when the joint meeting was.
Chairman Lavigne replied it was on Wednesday, November 8, 2017 in Memorial Hall.
Mr. Lukes stated that this was a reasonably frugal starting point to start the process. He stated it was a long process and essentially the process will now go back and forth with design, places they can save money, programs that are needed versus what can be done without, etc. He stated that the Building Committee has determined a starting point and when they meet on Wednesday they will ask IIF for the remaining funds in the account and then where they are at with the schematic plans.
Sel. Ethier asked if the IIF had tentatively agreed to do that.
Mr. Lukes stated that the IIF had not met yet and that when they meet on Wednesday the Board will ask and then spend the remaining funds from stabilization. He stated this would be the portion of the funds that would get them to the May Town Meeting; the hazardous materials clean up, demo, and OPM Costs and some design costs.
Sel. Ethier asked if on Wednesday they were voting about specifics regarding the building and the project.
Mr. Lukes replied they were not. Wednesday they would be discussing the IIF Funds and the budget to get to May Town Meeting when a full detailed project would be bought forward. He stated on Wednesday they would have an idea of the relative costs of the project and the cost to get the site clean and ready for building.
Chairman Lavigne stated that the Eagle Lake Committee met twice, the first to organize and then to make a plan how to move forward. He stated that they were going to come up with three projects, the dam, the lake, and the beach and how each can be worked on. He stated that they were working with the Town Manager’s office to take a tour and were working hard to have something to the Board in time for Town Meeting.
Sel. Ethier asked when they were meeting.
Chairman Lavigne replied that they met every Wednesday in the Starbard Building at 6:30PM.
- Tax Classification Public Hearing
Motion by Sel. Renzoni, seconded by Sel. Ethier, it was UNANIMOUSLY VOTED TO OPEN THE PUBLIC HEARING FOR THE TAX CLASSIFICATION.
Sel. Renzoni read the tax classification public hearing into record.
Mr. Lukes invited Rosemary Scully, Assessor to the podium.
Ms. Scully handed out information on the Town. She stated that they were here tonight for the annual tax classification hearing and were recommending a single tax rate for FY 18. She stated in the packet, there is information that breaks down classes and residential, commercial, and industrial sites. She stated there was a small change in the market that showed additional growth of 63 new single family homes and that the Town is made up of 94% residential properties.
Ms. Scully stated that they were proposing the tax rate levy to be 17.61/ thousand. Ms. Scully stated that the Board of Assessors met and voted to maintain the factor of 1 for single tax rate. She stated overall the values of homes raised on average $15,000 from last year and base don that increase the average homes bill would be raised about $270. She stated the average home value was $308,000 so the average bill would be $5,425.98.
Chairman Lavigne stated that was great news.
Sel. Renzoni stated that they always speak about the tax rate but that what was really important was the bill and it was good news that the bill was increasing about $270, a modest increase.
Chairman Lavigne stated that if your home value stayed the same, your bill would increase $6, so that the increase you would see would mostly be due to an increase in the value of your home.
Sel. Ethier stated that it was a good thing and that the Town services reflect well and help the increase in value of the homes.
Sel. Kurtz stated that it was great news. He asked if this number took into consideration the revised Wachusett Regional School Budget numbers so there was not excess.
Mr. Lukes replied it did.
Sel. Renzoni stated that the average homes is going up $50,000 in 5 years. He stated that this points out that Holden is a desirable community and that is due to town services and the community. He stated people were selling in days on the market so this is all good news.
Chairman Lavigne opened it up for public comment.
Gordon McFee, 428 Salisbury Street, Wachusett Chamber of Commerce was present. He stated that they ask that the Town keep the single tax rate. He stated that all the services that the Town provides speaks to why people want to live in this community.
Motion by Sel. Renzoni, seconded by Sel. Kurtz, it was UNANIMOUSLY VOTED TO CLOSE THE PUBLIC HEARING FOR THE ANNUAL TAX CLASSIFICATION HEARING.
Sel. Ethier stated that this was a no brainer, Holden is 94% residential and this made sense. He stated that he knows Worcester is different with its make up and that the single tax rate makes it easier for businesses to operate. He thanked Mr. McFee for advocating for businesses.
Motion by Sel. Ethier, seconded by Sel. Kurtz, it was UNANIMOUSLY VOTED TO SET A SINGLE TAX RATE FOR THE TOWN OF HOLDEN FOR FY18.
- Call Special Town Meeting- November 27, 2017, 7:00PM at WRHS
Motion by Sel. Renzoni, seconded by Sel. Kurtz, it was UNANIMOUSLY VOTED TO CALL A SPECIAL TOWN MEETING ON NOVEMBER 27, 2017 AT 7:00PM AT WRHS.
- Open, Set and Close Warrant for Special Town Meeting
The Board took a brief recess at 7:32PM.
Chairman Lavigne called the Board back to order at 7:36PM.
Motion by Sel. Renzoni, seconded by Sel. Kurtz, it was UNANIMOUSLY VOTED TO OPEN THE WARRANT FOR THE SPECIAL TOWN MEETING ON NOVEMBER 27, 2017.
A Motion was made by Sel. Renzoni and seconded by Sel. Kurtz to approve and post the warrant articles as amended.
Sel. Renzoni stated that the Board would make this information available to the press and public after the meeting.
Chairman Lavigne stated that Article 1 was to vote to have the balance of the IIF used to pay for site preparations for 18 Industrial Drive assuming that when the Boards meet (IIF, BOS, and Fin Com) on Wednesday they vote to do so.
Chairman Lavigne stated that Article 2 is to transfer funds to pay for the site preparation for 18 Industrial Drive in the remaining amount from the stabilization fund.
Chairman Lavigne stated that Article 3 was Street Acceptance.
Chairman Lavigne stated that Article 4 was a Citizen Petition regarding a zoning map change.
Chairman Lavigne stated that Article 5 was to see if the Town would raise and appropriate funds for sewer force main cleaning and lining and sewer pump station repairs and improvements.
Sel. Renzoni stated that regarding Article 1, they were looking to demo the building and make the property favorable to put a building on. He stated that they would be asking the IIF to consider releasing the entirety of the funds about $1.35 million and using the remaining funds from general stabilization so that this would have no impact on taxes. He stated that this was the first two articles and it would give DPW Building Committee clean land to build on which in theory would create a lower bid because it would be clean land with no need for contingency.
Sel. Kurtz called a point of ordering and stated that the Board did not take a vote on the motion yet.
Chairman Lavigne stated that this was all in the discussion so it was allowable.
The Board discussed the process of setting the articles.
Sel. Ethier asked about the citizen petition.
Mr. Lukes stated that the citizen followed proper procedures.
Sel. Ethier asked for the wording on the IIF Warrant Article again.
Chairman Lavigne replied it was to “Set and authorize to spend for schematic plans and site plans…”
Sel. Ethier asked about the vote and asked what would happen if they did not vote for it.
Mr. Lukes replied they needed a 2/3 vote.
Sel. Renzoni asked about Article 5 and asked about the work.
Mr. Lukes stated that it was budgeted in FY 18 however the bid they received was higher.
Chairman Lavigne asked if the Advisory Committee weighed in on the matter yet.
Mr. Lukes replied he was not sure.
Motion by Sel. Renzoni, seconded by Sel. Kurtz, it was UNANIMOUSLY VOTED TO APPROVE AND POST THE WARRANT ARTICLES AS AMENDED. FOR THE SPECIAL TOWN MEETING ON NOVEMBER 27, 2017.
Motion by Sel. Renzoni, seconded by Sel. Kurtz, it was UNANIMSOULY VOTED TO CLOSE THE WARRANT ARTICLES FOR THE SPECIAL TOWN MEETING ON NOVEMBER 27, 2017.
- Selectmen Miscellaneous
Sel. Ethier congratulated Bill Ritter from the Holden Planning Board on his nomination for an associated judgeship.
Sel. Ethier stated that the 275th Anniversary for the First Congregational Church was held and that there was a nice history of the Town and how it was developed. He stated that the First Baptist Church was also celebrating a new minister. He stated that these churches in Town do a lot for the community.
Sel. Ethier stated that the Senior Craft Day was a great event as well.
Sel. Ethier stated that there was an Education Round Table as well and he thanked the Town Manager for setting a good example and getting the ground work set for a courteous meeting. He stated there were thoughts and concerns expressed about towns troubles passing the budget and that he felt it was a fine meeting.
Sel. Ethier stated that the Boys Soccer team finished the season undefeated and that they were playing St. John’s tonight (November 6, 2017) in the quarter finals.
Sel. Ethier stated that the DPW Workers did some work at Troutbrook and that they had made improvements to two new pavilions and that everyone was very impressed with it. He stated that he hoped that down the line Eagle Lake could have some of those improvements done as well. He stated that when the Town looks at tax rates, schools are number one in importance but recreation is right up there and important to maintain all Town services.
Sel. Kurtz congratulated two light department workers that had come back from the Virgin Islands and stated that two more were there now.
Mr. Lukes suggested not sharing names for privacy reasons as they were away from home.
Sel. Kurtz agreed and congratulated the teams as well. He stated that there was a lot of positive feedback and that they had been doing a lot of great work.
Sel. Renzoni asked for everyone’s assistance on November 11, 2017 to support the Veterans.
Sel. Herlihy stated that the First Congregational Church thrift store was a great organization that gave money to those in need in the community. She stated that it was an all volunteer group and they did so much for the community.
Sel. Herlihy stated that the Wachusett Chamber of Commerce did a tribute for Danielle Friend, Veterinarian. She stated that for years she had been giving service dogs free vet services and that the Sheriff Department, Lou Evangelidis wanted to honor her for her work.
Chairman Lavigne stated that Monday the Board would meet to do Goal Setting for the Town Manager. He asked the Board to get him any information they wished for the meeting so they were able to put a packet together.
Chairman Lavigne stated he was very impressed with the Assessors Office. He went to do research for an Eagle Scout and they were very willing to help.
Chairman Lavigne stated that he was also impressed with the Town Manager and his willingness to work with and help a new business in town. He stated that willingness turned the business into a trusted business partner for the town and he looked forward to having them into a meeting in the future.
Motion by Sel. Renzoni, seconded by Sel. Kurtz, it was UNANIMOUSLY VOTED TO ADJOURN THE NOVEMBER 6, 2017 BOARD OF SELECTMEN MEETING AT 7:58PM.
APPROVED: __January 2, 2018 as amended_____________