Board of Selectmen, October 5, 2015
HOLDEN BOARD OF SELECTMEN
MEETING MINUTES
October 5, 2015
6:33PM Memorial Hall
Members Present: Chairman Jeremy Kurtz, Anthony Renzoni, Tim Ethier
Members Absent: Robert Lavigne and Kenneth O’Brien
Others Present: Jacquelyn Kelly, Town Manager
Elizabeth Fotos, Recording Secretary
The meeting was called to order by Chairman Kurtz at 6:33PM. The Board stood to recite the Pledge of Allegiance.
- Appointments, Licenses, Permits
Motion by Sel. Renzoni, seconded by Sel. Ethier it was, UNANIMOUSLY (3-0)VOTED TO APPROVE LAURIA KAMATARIS ON BEHALF OF MAYO ELEMENTARY PTA FOR A COMMON VICTUALER/ BAKE SALE TO RAISE MONEY FOR STUDENT ENRICHMENT ON SATURDAY, OCTOBER 24, 2015 FROM 9:30AM TO 3:30PM.
Motion by Sel. Ethier, seconded by Sel. Renzoni it was, UNANIMOUSLY (3-0) VOTED TO APPROVE LAURIA KAMATARIS ON BEHALF OF MAYO ELEMENTARY PTA FOR PUBLIC ENTERTAINMENT CRAFT FAIR TO RAISE MONEY FOR STUDENT ENRICHMENT ON SATURDAY, OCTOBER 24, 2015 FROM 9:30AM TO 3:30PM.
Motion by Sel. Renzoni, seconded by Sel. Ethier it was UNANIMOUSLY VOTED TO APPROVE SPEEDWAY #2466 ON BEHALF OF SPEEDWAY, LLC FOR AN ANNUAL COMMON VICTUALER LICENSE FOR 7 DAYS A WEEK 5:00AM TO 10:00PM.
- Woman’s Club Recognition
Sel. Renzoni introduced the Holden’s Woman Club and invited the woman up to the podium in order to recognize the club and asked them to tell the Board and the public a little bit about what they do and who they are.
Co-Presidents Bonnie Prescott and Carol Prager were present. They told the Board that the Club focus’ their attention to provide aid in areas in need both here and abroad. Mrs. Pragar told the Board that in WWI the Woman’s Club adopted 4 French orphans and in WWII they adopted a French family as well as purchased one bomber and 24 ambulances planes and other equipment.
Ms. Prager stated that since 1982 the Club has honored 39 citizens of the year in addition to raising money for High School Seniors for scholarships. She stated they also provide support for the library, the senior center, food pantry, the Aldridge Foundation and provide warm clothes for homeless children in Holden. She stated that the money that the club raises remains in the community to help people within the community.
Ms. Prager also stated that the Club had written a book entitled True Housewives of Holden which gives a history of the Holden Women’s Club.
Sel. Renzoni asked where you could buy a copy of the book.
Ms. Prescott stated her phone number is 508-829-3168 and that it has just become available. She stated that they will also have some purchase points throughout the town and it will be added to the public scroll. She stated that anyone who wants a copy will be able to find them.
Sel. Renzoni asked the cost of the book.
Ms. Prager replied it was $15.00.
Sel. Renzoni asked if the Club was looking for new members and what the criteria was to join.
Ms. Prescott stated that a commitment to service to the community in addition to enjoying socialization with other woman. She stated that the Club provides a happy outlet for women.
Sel. Renzoni asked when the club met.
Ms. Prescott replied that they meet once a month and that additionally they put on a lot of programs. She stated that November 14, 2015 they have James Plot coming to the Senior Center and that it is open to the public and free.
Chairman Kurtz asked the date and time of the meetings.
Ms. Prescott replied that it is usually on Thursdays but depends on what they are doing and they try to have their community events or programs in the evenings or on Saturdays.
Chairman Kurtz asked if the Club had a Facebook page or website.
Ms. Prescott replied that they did have a Facebook page; Holden Women’s Club.
Chairman Kurtz stated that what the Women’s Club does often goes unrecognized and that the Selectmen and the Town are very thankful to have them (The Women’s Club) and all they do.
Sel. Ethier stated that the Women’s Club has been very involved in Town for over 100 years and that the Town appreciates their efforts. He stated that the scholarship that they give out has been a big help over the years.
Ms. Prescott stated that as the cost of college has increased, they have increased the amount of the scholarship as well. She stated that all the proceeds from the book sale will go to a scholarship recipient.
Sel. Renzoni presented Ms. Prescott and Ms. Prager with a Certificate of Recognition from the Town to thank the Women’s Club for all they do. The Board stood to recognize the women.
- Town Manager Update
- Wrap-Up of Summer Pool Program: Ms. Kelly enclosed a summary of the Pool Programs and participation prepared by Denise Morano. Last summer we had 42, 601 visitors to our pool and 1,652 participants in our programs. Passes sold and revenue from 2015 are as follows:
Family Pool Membership: 567 $52,731
Single Memberships 760 $19,983
Non-resident memberships 409 $31,902
Day- Pass Revenue $44,190
Snack Bar $17,283
Program/ Class Revenue $51,016
All-Day Program $73,786
Total $290,891
Further information and analysis of the above data is included in the attached. Ms .Kelly would like to thank Denise Morano and her staff for another successful swim season. Our municipal pool facility provides outstanding programming, activities, and safety. Congratulations and kudos to the Recreation staff and the DPW staff that operates and maintains this facility. It’s an enormous amount of work to provide the quality pool and programs that we consistently offer.
Sel. Renzoni asked Ms. Kelly to pass on congratulations to Ms. Morano and her staff without objection. He stated that this was a great opportunity for our Town and that people come up to him throughout the summer to say what a great facility it is. Sel. Renzoni stated that the staff and lifeguards are over the top friendly.
Ms. Kelly replied that the staff is friendly, knowledgeable and well trained she stated that she would pass along the Boards congratulations.
- Holiday Business Hours: Each year, as a gesture of good will, the Selectmen have permitted that Town Business offices be closed on the day after Thanksgiving and one half day before Christmas. This tradition has not negatively affected our residents and our employees have come to look forward to this gift of time off. It would only apply to non essential personnel.
Ms. Kelly stated that this is very meaningful to the employees and is very much appreciated by them.
Motion by Sel. Renzoni, seconded by Sel. Ethier, it was UNANIMOUSLY VOTED TO CLOSE TOWN BUSINESS OFFICES FOR ONLY NON-ESSENTIAL PERSONNEL ON FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 27, 2015 AND AT 12 NOON ON THURSDAY, DECEMBER 24, 2015.
Sel. Renzoni stated that this gesture was a small sign to show how much the Board appreciates town employees and it is the least they can do.
Sel. Ethier agreed and stated that it is an ongoing tradition he hopes continues.
Ms. Kelly thanked the Board.
c) Revenue and Expenditure Reports: Ms. Kelly enclosed the monthly reports for the periods ending July 2015 and August 2015 prepared by Lori Rose, Town Accountant.
d) DPW Monthly Report: Ms. Kelly enclosed the monthly report for DPW operations, including the year-end financial report for the Water-Sewer Division, prepared by John Woodsmall, DPW Director. Mr. Woodsmall has provided summary comments on the Water-Sewer Division Financials.
Ms. Kelly stated that the Board had asked for some number and those were included in the reports provided. She stated that additionally the activities for the month of July and August are shown. She stated that the Town ended this year very strong in the plus column and that the estimates from the beginning of the year helped. Ms. Kelly stated that she was proud and thankful that the Board made some hard decisions about rates and that those decisions had strengthened capital programs and other programs such as leak detection and hydrant inspections.
Sel. Renzoni stated that looking at the report the Town has satisfied a few requirements such as one month reserve and one month stabilization. He asked if the overage would go to capital improvements.
Ms. Kelly replied that it could.
Sel. Renzoni clarified that that the expenses were 8% lower this year. He asked where the Town was with Water/ Sewer rates.
Ms. Kelly replied that they had not yet started the FY17 operating budget and she can not speak to rates at this point.
Sel. Renzoni stated that he would appreciate it if they had another discussion with the Director to discuss the EPA Mandates and detection programs. He stated he would like to have the discussion before budget season so they would know the rate increases or decreasing.
Chairman Kurtz agreed.
Chairman Kurtz asked Ms. Kelly if there was an update to the sidewalks on Shrewsbury Street.
Ms. Kelly stated that the Town would be doing the sidewalks themselves. She stated that Director Woodsmall talked about it a little bit in the report that was provided and that they planned to be done by the end of the season. She stated that they are raising structures, raising the man hole covers, and putting the final coat of pavement down. She stated that it should be done by the end of the season.
Sel. Ethier asked if the purpose of the work on Shrewsbury Street was to put in a new water line.
Ms. Kelly replied that it was last year and that several hundred feed of water line was completed. She stated that they had a contractor come in to do temporary patches over the winter but that now they are doing a full pavement of the street.
Sel. Ethier stated that although travel on this road was a little aggravating; for those who live there it is a good thing.
Sel. Renzoni stated that this was full reparation and that some sewer work was completed as well.
Ms. Kelly replied that the Town did some drainage as well.
Sel. Renzoni replied that they were doing it right and that it was a permanent road that will not be opened back up again.
Sel. Ethier stated that this was one of those invisible improvements for the residents.
Ms. Kelly stated that the water main was very old and that they were building the infrastructure and also repairing leaks. She stated that everything going on was good; it was just a lot of underground work that people wouldn’t necessarily see.
- DPW Facility Committee: The DPW Facility Committee had its kick off meeting on Thursday, September 17, 2015. About a week later, the Committee met to tour the existing facilities. Ms. Kelly attached is a copy of an article that appeared in this week’s Landmark.
Ms. Kelly stated that the committee had Director Woodsmall, Isabel McCauley, Town Engineer, and others and that they were talking about bringing something to Town Meeting this spring.
f) Mountview Building Progress: This is a reminder that the Mountview Building Committee will host a building tour for Boards, Committees, and the Press (not open to the pubic), on Saturday, October 17, 2015 at 9:00am.
Ms. Kelly stated that they have done a fabulous job. She stated the design is great and we are moving forward. She stated that we are still looking at moving students from the old building into the new building by next spring.
5) Citizens address
Chairman Kurtz called Citizen’s Address at 7:00PM. No Members of the public stood; Chairman Kurtz closed Citizens Address.
6) Vote to Set Halloween Hours/ 5-8pm, Saturday, October 31, 2015
Ms. Kelly told the Board that these hours were recommended by Chief Armstrong.
Motion by Sel. Renzoni, seconded by Sel. Ethier, it was UNANIMOUSLY VOTED TO SET THE HALLOWEEN HOURS FOR 5:00PM – 8:00PM ON SATURDAY, OCTOBER 31, 2015.
7) Selectmen Minutes
Motion by Sel. Ethier, seconded by Sel. Renzoni, it was UNANIMOUSLY VOTED TO APPROVE THE SEPTEMBER 8, 2015 BOARD OF SELECTMEN MEETING MINUTES AS PRESENTED.
8) Selectmen Subcommittee
Sel. Ethier stated that he had missed the Ag Com meeting but that there were members present at the meeting this evening. He stated he believed the members present were going to speak about the public hearing on 61A land. Sel. Ethier stated that additionally he knew the Ag Com was working on creating a fund for the purpose of purchasing open land in the future. He stated it was a number one priority for the Ag Com and the establishment of this fund would give them a vehicle to do this. Sel. Ethier stated that they have meetings every 3rd Tuesday and he looking forward to the meeting and obtaining more information.
Sel. Ethier stated that as the liaison for the Rec. Dept. he applauded their efforts. He stated that the fact that they are self supporting is a tribute to Denise Morano and her staff and that he is proud to be a part of the group.
Sel. Renzoni stated that the Veterans Advisory Board met last a few weeks ago and would meet on October 13, 2015. He stated that for a Veterans Day activity the Town will rededicate a tree for Holden’s First Son; John E. Harkins. Sel. Renzoni stated it will be a small event and they will look to wrap it up at 11:11:11.
Sel. Renzoni stated that the Community Garden Group has set up a conversation with the Town Managers office and the Tree Warden. He stated that nothing has been done yet but that they want to work on the Davis Hill property and work with the educational aspects of the community garden. Sel. Renzoni stated that the group wanted to move forward with no money from the Town and that they would be doing some clean up work this winter and hopefully have something to report in the next few months.
Chairman Kurtz stated that EDC had not yet met.
Chairman Kurtz stated that the 275th Celebration Group meets the third Thursday of every month. He stated that they were still looking for volunteers and suggestions and ideas as to how to celebrate. Chairman Kurtz stated anyone that was interested could reach out to the Town Manager’s office or to himself directly.
Chairman Kurtz took a ten minute recess at 7:06PM to allow for the Ag Com to set up for their presentation.
Chairman Kurtz called the meeting back to order at 7:15PM.
9) Public Hearing- Chapter 61 Right of First Refusal E. Drawbridge, Reservoir Street
Motion by Sel. Renzoni, seconded by Sel. Ethier, it was UNANIMOUSLY VOTED TO OPEN THE PUBLIC HEARING FOR CHAPTER 61 RIGHT OF FIRST REFUSAL E. DRAWBRIDGE, RESERVOIR STREET.
Sel. Renzoni read the pubic hearing notice into record.
Jim Dunn and Denise Cummings were both present on behalf of the Ag Com.
Mr. Dunn stated that for the last several of these types of properties, the Ag Com had taken the lead for Town committees and Boards. He stated that this particular property is map 183 parcel 52 lot 2 off Reservoir Street.
Mr. Dunn stated that the Town Manager received the request regarding this property on 8/11/15 and Ag Com received notice on 8/21/15. He stated that letters were drafted to Town Boards and Committees and abutters on 8/24/15 and letters went out to land conservations on 8/25/15.
The responses were as follows:
Planning Board: No interest
Con Com: No interest
ZBA: No response
Board of Assessors: No interest
Ag Com: No interest
Hist Commission: No interest
Recreation Com No response
Economic Dev. No response
Mr. Dunn stated that they did receive two responses from abutters; one was a procedural question that he believed they addressed and the second one intended to speak at the Selectmen Meeting tonight (October 5, 2015).
Land Preservation:
DCR: Not in Wachusett water shed so no interest
White Oak: No interest
Audubon: No response
Trustee of Res. No interest
Mr. Dunn summarized by stating that there was no interest from Town Boards in exercising the first right of refusal therefore Ag Com recommended that the Board not exercise or transfer the first right of refusal.
Mr. Dunn stated that while this was a new process he wanted to give the Board some feedback. He stated that he believes that there is still an issue with urgency and that the Town as a whole needs faster response times in order to move faster. Mr. Dunn stated that if a property comes up that is obviously useful and the Boards and Commissions take too long it will be difficult to do anything about it.
Mr. Dunn stated that during the time frame a few of the Boards or Commissions met and had taken a few weeks to get a letter sent to the Ag Com; he suggested an email to increase the speed of the response. Mr. Dunn stated that at this point there were still a few Boards that had never responded to anything that Ag Com had sent. Mr. Dunn asked the Selectmen and the Town Manager to assist in getting responses from these Boards.
Chairman Kurtz thanked Mr. Dunn. He stated that this was a public hearing and invited anyone wishing to speak up to the podium to do so.
Ms. Stephanie Goodwin, Counsel to E. Drawbridge stepped to the podium. She stated that she would like to see the waiver of the right of first refusal because her client is looking to close on the property as soon as possible.
Motion by Sel. Ethier, seconded by Sel. Renzoni, it was UNANIMOUSLY VOTED TO CLOSE THE PUBLIC HEARING FOR CHAPTER 61 RIGHT OF FIRST REFUSAL E. DRAWBRIDGE, RESERVOIR STREET.
Motion by Sel. Ethier, seconded by Sel. Renzoni, it was UNANIMOSULY VOTED PURSUANT TO M.G.L c. 61 SECTION 8, THE TOWN OF HOLDEN (THE “TOWN”) GIVES NOTICE THAT BY VOTE OF ITS BOARD OF SELECTMEN DULY TAKEN ON OCTOBER 5, 2015, THE TOWN DETERMINED NOT TO EXERCISE ITS OPTION UNDER THE CITED STATUTE TO PURCHASE LOT 2 (CONTAINING, IN TOTAL, APPROXIMATELY 3.225 ACRES) PROPOSED TO BE SOLD TO GREENSTONE REALTHY, LLC, NOR ANY OTHER PORTINO OF THE REMAINING LAND CURRENLTY OWNE BY ELAINE C. DRAWBRIDGE BY VIRTUE OF A DEED DATED AUGUST 10, 1983 AND RECORDED WITH WORCESTER DISTRICT REGISTRY OF DEEDS IN BOOK 7872, PAGE 176 WHICH WILL BE REMOVED FROM SAID CHAPTER UPON CONVEYANCE OF LOT 2. IF THE SALE OF THE LAND TO GREENSTONE REALTY LLC IS NOT SONSUMMATED, THE TOWN’S RIGHT UNDER THE CITED STATUE WILL AUTOMATICALLY REVIVE WITHOU THE NECESSITY OF ANY FUTHER ACTION OR WRITING.
Sel. Ethier stated that while this particular parcel did not generate much interest he is hopeful that down the line a fund will be established in case a property came up that did generate interest.
Sel. Renzoni thanked Jim Dunn and Denise Cummings for their work. He stated that while there was some criticism regarding the timing of some of the responses the turn time is better than it was before. Sel. Renzoni again expressed his appreciation for their hard work.
Chairman Kurtz thanked both Jim Dunn and Denise Cummings as well.
10) Ag Com: Open Space Preservation Fund
Purpose:
The Town of Holden Open Space Preservation Fund (OSPF) is intended to be a vehicle by which voters can choose to protect selected properties and in doing so, avoid the economical environmental costs of excessive residential development.
The OSPF will generally be used to acquire undeveloped property for use of preservation by the citizens of Holden. These uses may include: open space, with our without public access, managed forest lands, actively farmed lands, community gardens, etc. Required maintenance of any structures existing on purchased lands is also an acceptable use.
OSPF will operate under the regulations applicable to other stabilization funds (MGL Chapter 40, section 5B) the fund will be initially established by a vote 2/3 majority at Town Meeting. This vote will also define the specific purposes for which the fund can be used, how funds will be input into the OFPF, and how funds will be expended from the OSPF.
The OSPF will be established with an initial appropriation of 100K. Acceptance of this proposal will be considered to create the BOS policy that the OSPF will also be a high budget planning priory for succeeding years and that the normal, expected annual appropriation into the OSPF will be 50K. The OSPF will be considered to be fully funded when the available balance in the fund is $500,000.
The normal source of funding for the OSPF is expected to be tax based monies available to the Town Manger for assignment to budget priorities. One time fund sources (sale of Town assets) are also possible sources with the request vote of Town Meeting. Funds in the OSPF will be managed by the Town treasurer
Funds will be expended base on a 2/3 vote of Town Meeting after a recommendation from a sitting Town Board of Committee. Generally, candidates for land acquisitions are expected to be properties
Steps to be accomplished:
-BOS include OSPF in their Goals
-Tm include OSPF in 2017 Budget
-Fin Com review and Approval
-BOS include OSPF in warrant for annual Town Meeting
-Ag Com advocate for passage
-Motion at Town Meeting
-Vote at town Meeting
Summary:
Creation of an Open Space Preservation Fun will provide long term benefit, both economic and environment to the citizen Holden. We ask you to make it a priority when you goal set this year.
Sel. Ethier left the meeting at 7:32PM, he returned to the meeting at 7:33PM.
Sel. Renzoni told Mr. Dunn that he did keep this item as one of his goals that he wished to bring forward at the upcoming goal setting meeting with the Town Manager. He asked if there was currently a chunk of funds for land acquisition.
Mr. Dunn replied that he didn’t want to speak for either committee (Fin Com or IIF) but that there was money put aside that was not earmarked. He stated that discussion at Town Meeting was that it might be used for open space but that it was in fact pooled with other IIF money and was not differentiated.
Sel. Renzoni stated that his point was that there was at least a point in time that the Town wanted to do something like this. He stated that he remembered being part of the Master Plan and seeing that open space preservation was important to the Town’s people. Sel. Renzoni stated that he believed the will was there. He stated that prior to Ag Com taking over the 61A land it was pretty confusing and he thanked them for their work pulling this forward.
Sel. Ethier applauded Mr. Dunn and Denise Cummings for their efforts. He stated that it does take time and effort and that it is well worth it.
Chairman Kurtz thanked them for coming out and presenting their information as well.
11) Selectmen Miscellaneous
Sel. Renzoni stated that he was present for the ribbon cutting ceremony for Simply Beautiful at 800 Main Street (upstairs). He told the Board that the owner is a local woman who opened the business and he wished her well.
Sel. Renzoni stated that he had gone to the Public Safety Open House. He stated that it was a great day and a great event and he thanked both Chief Chandler and Chief Armstrong.
Sel. Ethier stated that he knew that everyone was aware of Rutland voting down the override. He stated that they reduced the budget by the amount it would take to hire new teachers; 50K. Sel. Ethier wanted to clarify something that he had read in the Landmark as well; he stated that Wachusett Regional School District was not in prop 2.5 it was only 2.1% higher than last year. He stated it was less than 2.5%, Rutland was a little higher but not over the 2.5%.
Sel. Ethier also stated that he had a conversation with Geraldine Zecco, a Holden resident that is perturbed by the bus company as she lives next door to a bus driver that parks the bus in their driveway. Sel. Ethier asked if there was a Town ordinance or Zoning that speaks to this matter.
Ms. Kelly responded that she had an email from Ms. Zecco and that there is an overnight parking ban but school buses were exempt from the ban. Ms. Kelly told Sel. Ethier that she had counseled the neighbor as to what they could do and at this point she can ask to have the bylaw amended.
Sel. Ethier asked if another approach would be to go to the School Committee.
Ms. Kelly replied that she had been in touch with the Superintendents office however that lacking any bylaw that prohibits it, there is not a lot that can be done at this time. She stated there are other buses in Town that also park overnight.
Sel. Ethier asked what the procedure would be to have a bylaw changed.
Ms. Kelly stated that the neighbor could contact Pam Harding and the Planning Board to start but that it would need to go to Town Meeting to ultimately be changed.
Sel. Ethier stated that there was a daycare on Quinapoxet Street that a neighbor contacted him about some safety issues.
Ms. Kelly replied that the Town did follow up and a traffic engineer went to review the location. She stated that the Town had worked with the person who complained and that the Town did not feel that there was a hazard at that location.
Sel. Ethier stated that he had received a call from a former teacher that now lives on Shrewsbury Street and that they were concerned with a house across the street from the Middle School that looked abandoned.
Ms. Kelly replied that it was in foreclosure and owned by a bank and that the Town has been in touch with them in order to have them clean it up.
Sel. Ethier asked about the variety store that was impacting traffic flow.
Ms. Kelly replied that the Town had spoken to the owner of the store and asked if the Town could trim the bush and it was taken care of.
Ms. Kelly added that both Rutland and Paxton were having Town Meetings regarding the School budget. She stated that 4/5 voted in favor of the budget was necessary so if either Rutland or Paxton voted for it, the budget will pass.
Chairman Kurtz asked how the MMA event went.
Ms. Kelly replied that she thought it went well and that there was a great turnout. She stated that Town Administration was there, Representative Kim Ferguson and a representative from Senator Chandler’s office were both also present and that there was good discussion throughout the event about Chapter 90 funds, school budgets, and more.
Next Meeting: October 19, 2015
Motion by Sel. Renzoni, seconded by Sel. Ethier, it was UNANIMOUSLY VOTED TO ADJOURN THE OCTOBER 5, 2015 BOARD OF SELECTMEN MEETING AT 7:49PM.
APPROVED: ____October 19, 2015_________