Board of Selectmen, September 5, 2017
HOLDEN BOARD OF SELECTMEN
MEETING MINUTES
SEPTEMBER 5, 2017
6:34PM Senior Center
Present: Chairman Robert Lavigne, Geri Herlihy, Tim Ethier, Jeremy Kurtz, Anthony Renzoni
Others Present: Peter Lukes, Town Manager
Stephen Madaus, Town Counsel (6:36PM)
Liz Fotos, Town Recorder
Chairman Lavigne called the meeting to order at 6:34PM. The Board stood to recite the Pledge of Allegiance.
- Appointments, Licenses, Permits
Chairman Lavigne stated that prior to the meeting, the Board met with Jessica Miliken and appointed her to a three year term with the Cultural Council. He thanked her for stepping up and for coming in.
Sel. Renzoni stated that there is a questionnaire on the Town website for anyone that was watching and interested in volunteering.
Chairman Lavigne invited Kim Lynch, Constable, to the microphone.
Sel. Renzoni asked if Ms. Lynch was up to date on her fees.
Ms. Lynch replied that she was and that she submitted them twice a year.
Mr. Madaus entered the meeting at 6:36PM.
Motion by Sel. Renzoni, seconded by Sel. Kurtz, it was UNANIMOUSLY VOTED TO APPROVE KIMBERY LYNCH AS A CONSTABLE FOR A THREE YEAR REAPPOINTMENT TO EXPIRE ON SEPTEMBER 15, 2020.
Motion by Sel. Kurtz, seconded by Sel. Renzoni, it was UNANIMOUSLY VOTED TO APPROVE MARTY HOLMAN ON BEHALF OF NEXT LEVEL CHURCH HOLDEN ROAD RACE FOR A PARADE PERMIT TO BENEFIT THE WACHUSETT FOOD PANTRY ON THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 23, 2017 FROM 6:30AM TO 9:30PM.
Motion by Sel. Renzoni, seconded by Sel. Kurtz, it was UNANIMOUSLY VOTED TO APPROVE KATHERINE MILLS ON BEHLAF OF HOLDEN CROP HUNGER WALK FOR A PARADE PERMIT TO RAISE MONEY FOR CHURCH WORLD SERCICE AND LOCAL FOOD PANTRIES ON SUNDAY, OCTOBER 15, 2017 FROM 1:30AM TO4:00 PM.
Motion by Sel. Renzoni, seconded by Sel. Kurtz, it was, UNANIMOUSLY VOTED TO APPROVE LAURA KAMATARIS ON BEHALF OF MAYO SCHOOL PTA FOR A COMMON VICTULER – BAKE SALE TO RAISE MONEY FOR STUDENT ENRICHMENT ON SATURDAY, OCTOBER 21, 2017 FROM 9:30AM TO 3:30PM.
Motion by Sel. Renzoni, seconded by Sel. Herlihy, it was UNANIMOUSLY VOTED TO APPROVE LAURA KAMATARIS ON BEHALF OF MAYO SCHOOL PTA, FOR A PUBLIC ENTERTAINMENT ADMISSION CHARGE TO RAISE MONEY FOR STUDENT ENRICHMENT FOR SATURDAY, OCTOBER 21, 2017 FROM 9:30AM TO 3:30PM.
- Town Manager Update
18 Industrial Drive: The Town took possession of 18 Industrial Drive on June 30 after it was gifted to us from the prior owner of the “Reed / Rico” property. Since the start on July, we have made great progress toward laying the foundation for developing the property for town use.
Wetland delineation was completed July 24, 2017.
Land Surveying began August 21, 2017, to be completed by late September.
Physical testing of hazardous materials began by Weston & Sampson July 31, 2017 has been 95% completed an unofficial results are vey positive from the Town’s perspective. Refined cost estimates for removal of hazmat materials found within the structure are far below the initial cost estimates that were based on visual inspections only .
Weston & Sampson is currently working on schematic designs for both new construction and rehab of the existing structure to provide adequate construction costs for a new DPW Facility. Utilities are in the process of being re-routed so that only minimal necessary electric and water will be supplied to the structure. The exterior of the existing building is currently being secured to prevent any further vandalism, trespassing, etc. Fire and intruder alarm systems have been re-evaluated and we are in the process of securing the building completely.
An insurance policy against any possible unknown of undiscovered ground hazmat contaminants was bound and purchased, effective as of August 24, 2017. The policy insures the Town for four years at up to $3 million in cleanup costs if any such hazmat is discovered.
Sel. Renzoni asked if $3 million was enough.
Mr. Lukes replied that they had reviewed several policies and that this seemed to be the best one. He stated that they don’t believe that there would be any need for it but it was peace of mind for the unknown and it the policy would protect the Town if that level of clean up was needed.
Sel. Ethier stated that Mr. Lukes said the cost of clean up would be less; He stated that they had estimated $1.1 Million and it ended up being $300,000-$400,000.
Mr. Lukes stated that it was on the low end at about $300,000-$350,000.
Chipping and Composting: DPW will be conducting brush chipping and composting on September 16, 2017. Hours of Operation are 8AM to 2:30PM, weather permitting. Loose leaves and grass clipping may be brought to the former landfill site at 560 River Street. Brush should be brought to the Adams Road DPW Facility due to the Asian Longhorned Beetle quarantine area.
Household Hazardous Products: The Wachusett Watershed Regional Recycling Center will be collecting household hazardous products on September 16 from 8:00am to Noon at the recycling center located at 131 Raymond Huntington Highway in West Boylston Disposal fees do apply.
HMLD Monthly Report: A monthly report is attached for the HMLD for the period ending July 31, 2017. These reports are prepared by Jim Robinson.
Sel. Kurtz stated that on the HMLD Lighting summary the past due balances were almost double a year ago. He stated that it looked like a red flag and he asked for more information on it.
Mr. Lukes replied that he was not sure what the issues with collections had been. He stated that he would speak with Mr. Robinson and look into it.
Revenue and Expenditure Reports: Enclosed were the Revenue and Expenditure Reports for June, 2017, prepared by Lori Rose. Town Accountant.
Fire Department: Members of the Holden Fire who are also members of Central District Technical Rescue Team will be taking part in a state wide drill at the end of September. The drill will test the stat’s capability to respond to an extended major incident such as a terrorist attack or major weather event. Nearly a thousand first responders from various agencies will participate, and our own Fire Chief Jack Chandler has been a member of the organization team. Participation in these types of major training events reinforces the high standards of Holden’s Fire/ Rescue teams.
Police Department: Enclosed in the packet is a letter from Dr. Clayton Chun, Chairman of the Department of Distance Education at the U.S. Army War College in Carlisle, Pennsylvania. The letter was sent to thank Holden Police Chief David Armstrong, for professional support as a speaker at the graduate seminar “Defense Support of Civil Authorities:” that took place at the US Army War College in late July. Chief Armstrong’s many outreach efforts such as this have made him a recognized expert in the field of police work and serves as a great asset to Holden’s reputation for being such a safe community.
Wachusett Regional School District: Superintendent Darryll McCall met with myself and other Town Administrators from the WRSD at the monthly meeting in July, where they discussed more budgetary issues and concerns from member towns. There is a tentative “round table” discussion set for late October at the Sterling Senior Center. Board of Selectmen members are invited to attend, or at least one representative from the Board. Mr. Lukes will inform the Board of the final date when he receives notice.
Sel. Ethier asked if the Board should all attend or send a representative.
Chairman Lavigne suggested holding off on deciding until he spoke to the other Boards.
Sel. Ethier stated that the last budget year was tough and he hoped that they would put some thought into the group.
- Recognition of Holden Little League
Chairman Lavigne called the Coaches and players up to the podium. He congratulated them on an incredible year.
The players spoke about some of their favorite experiences.
Sel. Herlihy congratulated the team and the coaches. She stated that Stu Cain also did not get enough accolades; he helped the coaches and does so much for Holden Baseball.
Chairman Lavigne presented a Certificate of Recognition to the Holden Little League 11/12 All Star, 2017 State Championship Team. The Board paused for a photo.
- Citizen’s Address
Dan Marrione, Jefferson Village was present at the meeting. He stated that for 220 years Eagle Lake has been part of Holden Recreation. He stated that he had shared the history of the lake at previous meetings so he would not do that today but he did want to give a quick update to the Board. He stated that the Friends of Eagle Lake filed an appeal of the Conservation Commissions decision to DEP. He stated that because the drawdown was being done as a permanent measure, the Friends of Eagle Lake wished to appeal the decision. He stated that their motivation was to prevent the permanent drawdown but that they were not opposed to a temporary draw down for maintenance they just did not want it to be permanent. He stated that they were meeting with DEP next Wednesday and that they did miss the deadline for the grant. He stated that he knew that White Oak was working with DCR and they were working together to an extent but that in some ways they were adversaries as well. He stated that Friends of Eagle Lake had been doing a ton of work over the last four months and he estimated about 250 hours of volunteer hours from clearing and hauling trees, to sanding and repainting the walkway and more. He stated that he is hoping that the Board and Town will continue on the stewardship for caring for the resource.
Brian Vitale, 34 Village Way was present at the meeting. He asked about setting up a visual for the Board.
Chairman Lavigne stated that this forum was Citizen’s Address and there was a limited speaking time so if there was an issue that he wanted to specifically speak on they could do that but it was a limited timeframe. He stated that there was an agenda item for Eagle Lake but it would be for the Board to discuss and take position on. He invited any interested parties to stay in the event the Board had additional questions.
Sel. Renzoni stated that he thought the conversation on Eagle Lake should be focused on Board Business but he did ask if the Friends of Eagle Lake wished to standby in case there were any questions the Board needed answered.
- Eagle Lake Discussion
Chairman Lavigne stated that they had been in contact with the Friends of Eagle Lake and had discussion about what they can and cannot do. He stated that he is confident is saying that there is not a person on the Board that wants to see Eagle Lake go away. He stated that he thinks that the Board needs to stand up a Committee as there are limited Town resources that can be used. He stated that he thinks the Committee should see how the Town can help, what the future of the Eagle Lake site is and how it will be funded both upfront and going forward without the Town pouring millions of dollars into it. He stated the proposal that he is putting forward is forming a citizen committee and he is happy to draft the charter for it, which reports to the Board so there is a plan going forward. He stated that way the Board can review, comment, and approve things before the May Town Meeting so there is a plan in writing to present to the people to vote on.
Sel. Renzoni stated he was not opposed if the citizen committee is charged with making a recommendation for Town Meeting as it relates to the financial impact. He stated that it is a tight timeline and that it would have to have something for the second week of January, then act for February in order to set a warrant article. He stated it is a tight timeline but it could be done.
Sel. Ethier stated that he thinks it is a good idea but was concerned with the timeline. He stated he was also concerned because they were told by the state that they had to take action soon.
Chairman Lavigne stated that it was stated that the drawdown could begin in the spring of next year which was why he felt this timeline would be best. He stated if DEP pushes that back it would change things but that Town Meeting is the be all and end all for decisions with financial impact.
Sel. Ethier stated that they still do not know anything about the Phase 2 Study. He stated that he thinks for everyone to expect White Oak to come up with money without having the study completed is not okay. He stated that he thinks it is the Towns responsibility and he wonders if the Town should take initiative. He stated that the Study was estimated between $25,000-$30,000 and he does not think the Town needs to go to Town Meeting for that amount of money. He stated that the Friends of Eagle Lake have done amazing work with the clean up, painting, and more and that he thinks the Town should step up and take initiative to do the study before trying to approve a million dollars. He stated they need to know what the cost is.
Chairman Lavigne stated he was speaking about all of Eagle Lake.
Sel. Ethier stated that the Town owns Eagle Lake Recreation Area. He said that he asked the Town Manager to ask Denise Morano, Director of Recreation to the meeting. He stated it was a popular recreation spot in Town and he wondered if people lost interest in Eagle Lake or was interest lost because it was not maintained, benches broke, sand was a mess. He stated that he thought for a few truck loads of sand would make a difference. He stated with the over crowding of the pool, it could be a great recreation area again. He stated that he thinks the Board should direct the Town Manager to approve a Phase 2 Study to be done first. He stated that it was not going to be done by Sundin, White Oak or anyone else and that it was the Town’s responsibility. He stated that this should be the first step before a committee.
Sel. Renzoni stated that he appreciates Sel. Ethier’s enthusiasm with the dam but to be clear, it is not the Town’s responsibility. He stated the Town owns the beach, not the dam and it was not the Town’s responsibility. He stated that he also does not want to argue tonight what he thinks a committee of people invested in Eagle Lake could come up with. He stated they should come up with a plan and present it. He stated that White Oak does not have the resources, and Friends of Eagle Lake also do not have the resources, but a group could come back in a few months and make a recommendation and then the Board could take it from there.
Sel. Kurtz stated that he agreed with Sel. Renzoni and that he thinks it is great to see so many people support the effort. He stated that he has also had calls that were concerned with the cost that the Town could bare to fix and maintain the dam. He stated that as he sees it the Friends of Eagle Lake are all people that live around the area and when you start to talk about Town resources and money, the entire Town has to buy in on it. He stated that there needs to be outreach to other people not just those around the lake. He stated that he would support the committee to see if there were options and to get a pulse on the rest of Holden about how to proceed. He stated that there needs to be buy in from the rest of the Town for this to work in his opinion.
Sel. Herlihy asked if the Phase 2 Study was the only way to figure out the cost. She stated that she also wants to know what the whole Town thinks.
Sel. Renzoni stated that he understands that the Recreation Committee took a position and it was to not invest and not have the recreation funds used. He stated he believes that the Recreation Committee did not encourage or want to use the Recreation Revolving Fund for the project and these are the things that a Citizen Committee could start to work out. He stated that he thinks the best way to do this is to have a committee set and make recommendations to the Board of Selectmen on how to move forward.
Chairman Lavigne stated that there would need to be a motion to move forward with a committee if that was what the Board wished and that he would be happy to do the charge for it.
Sel. Ethier stated that he thinks it is a good idea but he feels that the Phase 2 Study is the first step. He stated that the Town owes it to these people. He stated that they are Town’s people and are deserving of the Boards support. He stated that he is also concerned that the state was going to keep fining White Oak and that may force them to act.
Ralph Peck, White Oak stated that White Oak had a meeting next week with DCR and Office of Dam Safety and they don’t know what position they will take. He stated that the ownership is 40% White Oak, 40% Jefferson Mill, and 20% Sundin. He stated they have been the front line spending money.
Sel. Ethier stated the Town owns the lake and the beach and he thinks it is a Town responsibility. He stated that he would rather improve the area then let it drain into a mud hole and that he does not think that they need Town Meeting when the Recreation Dept has the money, he stated that the Board could allocate it as it is connected to the Recreation Area.
Sel. Renzoni replied that to recap, the Town does not own the dam and the study is outside the normal operations and outside the role of government and they cannot do it without Town Meeting. He stated that the representative said they were not opposed to the temporary drawdown and that if no one was opposed to that it was good place to move forward.
Mr. Lukes stated that regarding the Phase 2 Study, there were other ways to see how much it would cost to fix the dam. He stated they could get a bid and see what impact there would be to take it down and fix each side. He stated that as far as timelines, he believed the order was to begin taking down the dam in May at a rate of 6”/week. He stated if they were doing a temporary draw down they would not get to the 2ft unit June. He stated his point was that there was more time.
Chairman Lavigne stated that he understood Sel. Renzon’s concern regarding Fin Com because there was a financial impact for the Town. He stated that they do not have full authority but he felt that they should get Fin Com’s opinion. He stated that his vision of the Committee was taking what is being said and look at the finances, where the money was going to come from presently and in the future. He stated he was concerned with spending money on a non town asset and that if the Town did it for one they would have to do it for all. He stated that there was a lot to take into consideration and asked Brian Vitale to submit some names of people that would be willing to sit on the committee. He asked Sel. Ethier if he would do it and then add some non Friends of Eagle Lake on as well making it a full town committee. He stated that he has an idea of the cost but that the committee could look at the plan for a funding source as well.
Sel. Ethier stated he was encouraged by the Town Manager comments, he asked if the Phase 2 study was a requirement.
Brian Vitale stated that the Phase 2 Study was an absolute requirement and that they were being fined $2,000/ day so time was of the essence for the owners.
Sel. Ethier asked if the Town set up a Committee would the burden be taken off White Oak.
Ralph Peck stated that there was a meeting with DCR and Dam Safety.
Sel. Ethier asked if he could get word back to the Town about what happened.
Mr. Peck replied that he would if anything definitive happened.
Mr. Madaus stated that with regards to spending public funds for a private entity, there was and Anti-Aid Amendment in Massachusetts so that was a hurdle that would need to be overcome. He stated that they would need to find a valid public purpose for use of the funds and that he thinks the Committee is a good idea because these were hurdles that would need to be overcome. He stated that they could possibly say that the Town owned the lake so there is public purpose, but all those steps needed to be filled in and he does not think they could accomplish that at the Board meeting tonight.
Sel. Ethier stated that he appreciates what is being said but that the Town did take responsibility for Main Street when they were burying wires and they spent a lot of time beautifying that part of Town with crosswalks and bricks, and more and that it was not on Town owned property either. He stated that set the precedent already but he does agree that the Committee was a good idea.
A Motion was made by Sel. Renzoni to establish a committee with the purpose of laying out the future of Eagle Lake. The motion was seconded by Sel. Kurtz. Sel. Kurtz stated that he thinks this is a necessary step towards coming up with a strategy for Eagle Lake.
Sel. Ethier stated that he thinks it’s a good idea but was concerned with the time frame.
Chairman Lavigne stated he would work on the charter.
Motion by Sel. Renzoni, seconded by Sel. Kurtz, it was UNANIMOUSLY VOTED TO AUTHORIZE THE CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD OF SELECTMEN TO STAND UP A COMMITTEE TO LOOK INTO THE FUTURE OF EAGLE LAKE AND MAKE RECOMMENDATION FOR SUCH.
Mr. Peck stated that he did want the Board and Committee to know that White Oak’s primary concern was the safety of people and property.
Town Manager Update Cont.
Conservation Commission: There is one recent vacancy on the Holden Conservation Commission due to the resignation of long time member Matthew Kennedy, who served over twenty years on the commission. The Conservation Commission’s mission is the protect wetlands in the town by administering the Massachusetts Wetlands Protection Act (WPA) and the Conservation By law adopted at Town Meeting. Interested persons can submit a “Do Something” Questionnaire via the town website, by calling us at (508) 210 5502, or by submitting an application to the Town Manager’s office at 1204 Main Street.
Sel. Renzoni left the meeting at 7:40PM.
Holden Days: The Town received the enclosed thank you letter from Jen Stanovich, Executive Director of the Wachusett Area Chamber of Commerce, regarding Holden Days. Thanks to great weather and a lot of hard work by Chamber of Commerce staff and volunteers, we had an incredibly successful Holden Days. Nearly every Town Department gets involved and assists wherever possible-arranging for the Dumpsters that are donated by Casella, paying for porta-potties, coordinating the WRTA shuttle buses, contracting with the trolley, mowing and cleaning town property, moving and setting up tables, chairs, picnic benches, and trash receptacles, permitting of food and tents, bandstand set up, and posting traffic advisory notices. As you may have noticed, we even helped out on social media this year with the help of out own Holden Cable TV producing a great video that garnered 5,000 views on the town Facebook page and reached nearly 10,000 people. Holden PD provides outstanding security before, during and after the event with traffic control. Holden Fire and CERT has many demonstrations, and DPW had their own tent display to inform residents about plans to build a new facility. The Selectboard and town government was well represented at our table in front of Miles Funeral Home as always. Of course, none of this would have been possible without the leadership of Jen Stanovich and members of the Wachusett Area Chamber of Commerce. Congratulations to her and the Chamber!
Back to School Mr. Lukes would like to again thank Police Chief Dave Armstrong for his leadership and coordination of police along with the planning and monitoring of back to school day at all Holden Schools and the High School. Considerable police and fire manpower is devoted to preparation of plans for the opening of school every year including building inspections and traffic circulation. Most of you probably noticed that our police presence is maintained on each campus throughout the first week of school.
Several parents, along with school administrators have expressed appreciation for our visibility and police details on campus. Thanks go to our public safety personnel who have established effective working relationship with our schools.
Sel. Renzoni asked if he could follow up on the Revenue and Expense Report; he stated that this was the June report and asked if it was closing out the budget. He stated that the revenue was 2.54% above expectation and expenses were down 97%, so about 4.5% to our advantage, he asked if that was an anomaly.
Mr. Lukes stated that the next report would give a better picture.
Mr. Lukes sent his condolences to the family of Mike Rosen who was a fire fighter for over 20 years. He stated the Town owes a debt of gratitude for all he did.
- Follow Up to Citizens Address
Chairman Lavigne stated that hopefully the group would be established and move forward.
Sel. Ethier stated that he wished that the Recreation Director was present. He asked if she could attend a future meeting as they could speak about Eagle Lake and he also wanted to speak to her about why the Holden Pool closed before Labor Day.
Chairman Lavigne stated that this was on a debate on Eagle Lake and that they do know from the Recreation Committee that they voted against spending money on this.
Sel. Ethier stated that the Board does not listen to Citizen Committees.
Chairman Lavigne stated that some members of the Board do.
Mr. Lukes stated that the staff that is hired at the pool largely goes back to school and she does not feel as though high school students could provide the same safety at the pool.
Chairman Lavigne stated that the senior lifeguards were college students.
Sel. Ethier stated that there were a lot of colleges locally and that he was sure that many of the kids were certified and would like part time work. He stated that he felt that they could find competent lifeguards and that they invest so much in the pool that they could keep it open to Labor Day. He stated that he also feels that Eagle Lake has real purpose in Town.
Chairman Lavigne replied that was what the Committee would look like.
Sel. Ethier stated that without spending a lot of money the Town could attract a lot of people and the lake could offer so many things.
Chairman Lavigne stated that was what the Committee would look into. He stated he would forward a draft of the charter to the Board before it goes out.
- Selectmen Subcommittee
Sel. Herlihy stated that the DPW Building Committee along with the Holden Police Department had some good ideas regarding the site at 18 Industrial Drive.
Mr. Lukes stated that they were also securing the building for fire and intruder protection.
Sel. Renzoni returned to the meeting at 7:48PM.
Sel. Renzoni stated that he spoke with the VA Committee and they would be assembling in the next short while for Veterans Day. He stated that they were interested in Sel. Herlihy’s work in the cemeteries and they would like to see if they were able to steer some support in her direction.
Sel. Ethier asked if the dissolving of the IIF would go to Town Meeting.
Mr. Lukes replied that he thought it would.
Sel. Ethier replied that he thought it was a great final use of the funds to put it towards the DPW Building. He stated that he thought that they could perhaps separate the parts that were not being used from the project itself and explain to Town Meeting that it was money from the IIF fund and would lower the amount of funds being spent.
Chairman Lavigne stated that the IIF was taking into consideration what to do and they would report to the Board their opinions on that.
Sel. Ethier asked if that was something they had suggested.
Chairman Lavigne replied that they had not suggested anything at this point.
Sel. Ethier replied that it was positive to separate the acquisition from the overall project and that he thinks a great step for the voters was to look at the just the facility itself rather than the other playing fields and land.
Chairman Lavigne suggested that the Board allows the Building Committee to do their job.
Sel. Ethier stated that Ag Com had a few things coming up and one was a Farmer’s Market. He stated that a compliant had been that Lilac Farms, a local farm had took over a prime spot and that he thinks that if the farmers market is held in Holden it should be something they discuss.
Sel. Ethier stated that Summit Wynds was another local farm that was trying to raise pigs and there had been some neighborhood opposition to it. He stated that it is a farm and should be allowed to do agricultural things. He stated that he thinks that that Ag Com will support the raising of pigs but that they could get some feedback as well.
Sel. Kurtz stated that the EDC was looking to get back up and running and that the Town Manager had some thoughts on this Committee as well.
Chairman Lavigne asked if there would be a new charge.
Sel. Kurtz replied it would be the same charge but have more focus helping with projects and to see what can be done with some of the old facilities in town.
- Selectmen Miscellaneous
Sel. Herlihy stated that “Help at Home” had recently helped some local citizens and that a lot of people didn’t even know it existed. She stated that she had spoken with Joe Sullivan and he indicated that they take more money I then disperse and that she wanted to let the public know that it was out there.
Sel. Renzoni stated that he had missed part of the Subcommittee discussion but he suggested that if the Board was going to speak about the land at 18 Industrial Drive they should make it an agenda item.
Chairman Lavigne stated that it was his intent to ask Chairman Dan Nason, DPW Building Committee to come in to a Board meeting in October. He stated that will allow the two new Board members to get up speed.
Sel. Ethier stated he was not looking for a full discussion. He stated that the project manager was in control, and that the police asked for the gates to be unlocked so that the police can patrol.
Chairman Lavigne replied that he has been involved in a number of projects and has been on top of this.
Sel. Kurtz stated that Holden Days was one of the most well attended events yet and the Board had gotten great feedback on the LED lights during that time. He congratulated Jim Robinson and HLMD for choosing the right project and getting it moving.
Chairman Lavigne stated that there was an opening for the Wachusett Regional School Committee and if anyone was interested could fill out the Do Something Questionnaire online. He stated that this was a major seat and interesting parties should sent a long a resume and bio to get the ball rolling. He stated that this would be an appointment until May and then it would turn into an elected position.
Sel. Renzoni stated that it was the opportunity to serve on the School Committee for about 8 months to see what they do and how they do it and then run as an incumbent. He stated that if there was anyone interested in education and thinks they could do a better job this was a rare opportunity for the Board to appoint.
Chairman Lavigne stated that he had one person reach out and was looking to have more interesting parties reach out.
Chairman Lavigne congratulated Chief Armstrong and the Holden Police on the great job they were doing. He congratulated Chief Armstrong on his speaking engagement as well.
Chairman Lavigne stated that the next Board of Selectmen would be on September 25, 2017.
- Selectmen Minutes
Motion by Sel. Renzoni, seconded by Sel. Herlihy, it was UNANIMOUSLY VOTED TO APPROVE THE JUNE 19, 2017 BOARD OF SELECTMEN MEETING MINUTES AS CORRECTED.
Motion by Sel. Renzoni, seconded by Sel. Herlihy, it was UNANIMOUSLY VOTED TO APPROVE THE JULY 17, 2017 BOARD OF SELECTMEN MEETING MINUTES AS PRESENTED.
Motion by Sel. Renzoni, seconded by Sel. Ethier, it was VOTED TO APPROVE THE JULY 17, 2017 BOARD OF SELECTMEN PRE-MEETING (6:00PM) MEETING MINUTES BY A VOTE OF 4-0-1 (Kurtz: abstain)
- Executive Session
Motion by Sel. Renzoni, seconded by Sel. Kurtz, it was UNANIMOUSLY VOTED BYA ROLL CALL VOTE TO ENTER INTO EXECUTIVE SESSION CITING MGL CHAPTER 30A, §21(a), 2. TO CONDUCT STRATEGY SESSIONS IN PREPARATION FOR NEGOTIATIONS WITH NON-UNION PERSONNEL AND TO CONDUCT COLLECTIVE BARGAINING SESSIONS OR CONTRACT NEGOTIATIONS WITH NON-UNION PERSONNEL (TOWN MANAGER) AND TO RETURN TO OPEN SESSION FOR THE SOLE PURPOSE OF ADJOURNMENT (Renzoni: yes; Kurtz: yes; Herlihy: yes; Ethier: yes; Lavigne: yes).
The Board adjourned Executive Session by a unanimous roll call vote.
Motion by Sel. Renzoni, seconded by Sel. Herlihy, it was UNANIMOUSLY VOTED TO ADJOURN THE SEPTEMBER 5, 2017 BOARD OF SELECTMEN MEETING AT 8:27PM.
APPROVED: __September 25, 2017 as amended__________