Board of Selectmen, September 6, 2016
HOLDEN BOARD OF SELECTMEN
MEETING MINUTES
SEPTEMBER 6, 2016
6:36PM Senior Center
Present: Chairman Anthony Renzoni, Tim Ethier, Geri Herlihy, Jeremy Kurtz
Others Present: Jacquelyn Kelly, Town Manager
Peter Lukes, Assistant Town Manager
Liz Fotos, Town Recorder
Chairman Renzoni called the meeting to order at 6:36PM. The Board stood to recite the Pledge of Allegiance.
- Appointments, Licenses, and Permits
Chairman Renzoni stated that earlier this evening, the Board met with three more candidates for the Education Options Review Committee and made a decision to change the number of members from a five member board to a seven member from the public at large Committee. He stated that in addition to the seven members from the public there will be an ex-officio Holden member of the Wachusett Regional School District Committee who would be Tom Curran, and an ex-officio member from the Board of Selectmen which would be Sel. Ethier. He stated that the Board accepted all seven people who volunteered their time and the Town would notify them in writing this week in order to get a meeting started.
Motion by Sel. Ethier, seconded by Sel. Kurtz, it was UNANIMOUSLY VOTED TO APPROVE KATHARINE MILLS ON BEHALF OF HOLEN CROP HUNGER WALK FOR A PARADE PERMIT ON SUNDAY OF OCOTBER 16, 2016 STARTING AT IMMANUEL LUTHERAN CHURCH TO ST. FRANCIS CHURCH.
- IIF Study Committee
Chairman Renzoni stated that during the Fin Com budget review meetings last year, the question as to whether or not to abolish the IIF came up. He stated that the Selectboard established a FY 17 goal to abolish the IIF and the Fin Com did not agree with this action. Chairman Renzoni stated that rather than have a disagreement on Town Meeting floor, he agreed to create a working group and discuss the matter further. He stated that he asked Sel. Herlihy to work with Fin Com as a working group member and he would also be there to discuss the future of the IIF further.
Sel. Ethier asked what the purpose of the review Committee was -- to look at abolishing the IIF or to look at spending the money.
Chairman Renzoni stated that the purpose of the working group would be to better understand each others position on the matter. He stated that he was under the impression that it is no longer an allowed fund and he thought it should be abolished. Chairman Renzoni stated that Fin Com sees the IIF differently. The purpose of this committee was to see their views and work through them.
Ms. Kelly stated that the Town had been studying the fund for over two years. She stated that when the Town borrowed the bond anticipation notes for Mountview they were told by bond counsel that the IRS did not permit the use of sinking funds (like the IIF) to pay debt service. Ms. Kelly stated that over the last few years, she has met with the IIF Trustees, of which four members are on the Fin Com.
Sel. Ethier again asked what the purpose of the Committee would be.
Chairman Renzoni stated that he spoke to members of the Fin Com, and he agreed to hold off taking measures to abolish the IIF at Town Meeting. He and FinCom members agreed to create a working group to study the matter further and see if some agreement could be reached. He said he didn’t understand the IIF and another purpose was to have a better understanding of the IIF.
Sel. Ethier stated that he sees no purpose in the Committee because he knows what it is. He stated that the Committee sounded like it was going to be an argument again. He stated what the process would be to abolish the IIF -- go to Town Meeting, get a simple majority, and then ask for special legislation. He stated that there is $1.3 million in the IIF that has not been touched in some time and can not be used without the IIF’s vote. Sel. Ethier stated that if the Town wanted to use it for the DPW building, they could not.
Sel. Kurtz asked if they were going to bring Bond Counsel or Legal Counsel into these meetings. He stated that they have received a few reports that tell the Board how they have to spend the money and where they can spend it. Four members of Fin Com are part of the IIF. He stated that the Town Web site shows there are no meeting minutes for the IIF in about the past two years.
Ms. Kelly stated that she had met this past February with the IIF and the Town’s Financial Advisor.
Chairman Renzoni stated that one benefit of a working group is that there would not be a vote; it would just be a group that gathers information and reports it back to their various Boards. He stated he does not have the answers to his questions right now but he wants to work with Fin Com to get these answers.
- Update on Monty Tech Vocational High School- James Cournoyer, School Rep
James Cournoyer, Montachusett Vocational School Committee Representative was present at the meeting.
He stated that there was a lot going on at Monty Tech right now. He stated that Holden is the one school that still is not filling up its student quota every year. Last year there were 13 kids from Holden which was a low point and this year it reached 23 but there are potentially 42/43 more slots for Holden students.
Mr. Cournoyer stated that being someone that is involved in the trades -- plumbing and HVAC -- he sees the need for this type of learning and he can see where the job market is going. He stated that Monty Tech had so much to offer -- science for the medical field, culinary arts, robotics, engineering and more. He stated that he feels as though Holden underutilizes this hidden gem and that vocational schools are important. Mr. Cournoyer stated that if you look at the average age of a plumber it is 58 years and an electrician is 56 years. He stated there is a huge need for this type of worker and Monty Tech is a great way to start.
Mr. Cournoyer stated that Monty Tech is one of the top vocational schools in the state and students come out with an option for further schooling or going into a trade.
Mr. Cournoyer stated that on opening day of school this year, every student received a Chrome Book. Mr. Cournoyer showed the Board pictures of prints of the floor plan for the Veterinary Clinic that they will break ground on. He stated that it was going to be quite an undertaking but that the students were going to be building the clinic.
Mr. Cournoyer stated that a lot of planning went into it and the clinic will have everything from surgery to grooming and that the school partnered with Tufts and Becker.
Sel. Ethier asked if the plans were drawn by the students.
Mr. Cournoyer replied that there was an architect but they did work with students to do the prints. Mr. Cournoyer stated that Sheila Harrity, the Superintendent, has raised almost all of the money and it was going to be a wonderful program. He stated that they are hoping that it will be done a year from January.
Chairman Renzoni stated that this was a great update and he cannot wait to see it when it is complete. He stated it was very impressive and he asked Mr. Cournoyer to keep the Board informed for the ground breaking.
Mr. Cournoyer stated that there was an open house for Monty Tech on October 17th for 8th grade students to come for the day.
The Board thanked Mr. Cournoyer for his work with Monty Tech.
- Citizens Address
Henry Casten, 54 Heather Circle Jefferson was present at the meeting.
He stated that he had lived in his home for 24 years and he was at the meeting speaking tonight because he along with many citizens were concerned with the issue of Summit Wynds Farm. He stated that while they respect the ZBA they also felt that it was important to bring it to the Board of Selectmen’s attention.
Mr. Casten stated that people are opposed to this because it is so loud they cannot have any outdoor activities. Mr. Casten said that they are not looking to stop people from opening businesses, they just want it to be done in the right setting.
Chairman Renzoni asked if anyone else wished to speak. No other members of the public wished to speak. Chairman Renzoni closed Citizens Address.
- Town Manager’s Update
- Local and Primary Election: The Special Local Election for Selectman and the State Primary will be held on Thursday, September 8, 2016. Polling hours are 7:00AM to 8:00PM.
Sel. Kurtz stated that the schools were remaining open during voting. He asked if there were any concerns with Mountview and parking during the voting hours.
Ms. Kelly stated that there should be ample parking space, plus a low voter turnout was expected.
- The 275th Committee is hosting entertainment, refreshments, and a gala fireworks display at the Holden Baseball CRA Field on Saturday, September 24, starting at 7PM with a fireworks finale at 8:30PM. Come one and all and enjoy this historic event. These fireworks will be made possible by the generous support of Oriol Health Care, EJ’s Painting, and countless other volunteers. Thanks to the 275th Committee for a year of celebration and family fun.
- The Town will provide another opportunity for residential brush chipping and composting on Saturday, September 17. Other dates for the fall season will be announced on the Town’s Website. Hours of operation are 8AM- 2:30PM, weather permitting. Leaves and grass clippings 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.
- The Town has received notice from the owners of a lot of land at 8A River Street, Map 90, Parcel 33, that they intend to sell the lot and withdraw it from Chapter 61A protection. When this transaction occurs, the Town, acting though its Board of Selectmen, has 120 days to exercise its Right of First Refusal to acquire the property at the Purchase and Sales price. The submitted information has been distributed according to the Selectmen’s adopted procedures, and the matter will be retuned to the Board for a vote at a future meeting.
- Enclosed is a copy of the post card being sent to all water customers, informing them of the conditions of the Mandatory Level 3 Water Ban which was recently declared by the Town of Holden. We have also contacted the local newspapers, posted information on our Website and Facebook, as well as placing a notice on our Main Street electronic sign, and our portable electronic signs.
If residents wish to report a violation, they can go to the Town’s website and fill out a complaint form which will reach the DPW Water/ Sewer Division. So far, we have received a great deal of cooperation from our residents and we wish to thank them for their efforts to conserve our water.
- Daily Water Use Analysis: Attached is a spreadsheet showing a comparison of daily water usage from calendar years 2015-2016 prepared by the DPW, Water-Sewer Division to show the effects of water bans that have been put into effect this summer. Overall, we are successful in our community efforts to save water.
Throughout the beginning portions of this summer, water use was well above 2015 levels. About one week after the Level 2 ban was put into effect (July 18) there was a noticeable drop in the daily water use. Since then, the daily levels are running below 2015 usage, and a downward trend appears to have taken place since the implementation of the Level 3 water use restriction last week.
We will continue our education and publicity efforts in hopes of continuing to limit water usage, particularly as we get closer to the removal of the Avery Heights tank from the water system, to complete the painting project.
Town forces have been conducting leak detection over the past several weeks, and have identified four leaks, two of which were of a significant size. All of those leaks have been fixed as of last Friday.
- Enclosed is a letter from our Engineering Division to residents along Paugus Road and Lane Avenue, private roads, notifying the abutters about keeping the roadway maintained for winter plowing. Town Meeting accepted a portion of state law which allows for municipal plowing of private streets. A list of the private streets that the Town plows is attached for your information. Overall, there are 1.63 miles of private roads that we plow as long as they are kept in a condition that will not damage the Town’s plowing vehicles. Notices and maintaining the roadways are sent to abutters well in advance of snow season.
- The Town received the enclosed thank you letters from Jen Stanovich, Executive Director of the Chamber, in regards to Holden Days. As Jen mentions, during the planning stages, nearly every Town Department gets involved and assists where ever 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, posting traffic advisory notices, etc. etc. etc. There are police details and of course; the weather was perfect. That good planning and cooperation resulted in the very best Holden Days yet, due to the behind the scene planning, support and enthusiasm of all involved. Of course, it wouldn’t happen without the leadership of Jen Stanovich and members of the Wachusett Area Chamber of Commerce. Kudos to all!
- Follow Up to Citizens Address
Sel. Ethier stated that he appreciated the efforts of the Citizens coming in and speaking with the Board. He stated that it troubles him that Summit Wynds did not get a use variance. Sel. Ethier stated that he knows a few people who went to the ZBA meeting as well and that he spoke with some members of the ZBA and they hear what the citizens are saying but they do need to look at it from both sides and follow the laws. Sel. Ethier stated that he knows there is a meeting on September 29, 2016 and they realize that there are upset people.
Sel. Herlihy stated that she feels for the citizens and she will be at the meeting.
Chairman Renzoni stated that the Selectboard has no authority but that the microphone at citizen’s address is the public’s. He thanked them for coming in.
- Selectmen Subcommittees
Chairman Renzoni asked if anyone had any updates.
Sel. Kurtz stated that the 275th Committee was busy planning for the Fireworks on the 24th. He thanked the Police and the Fire Department for their efforts in advance of the event. Sel. Kurtz stated that they are expecting a lot of people and that over 51,000 people had viewed the Facebook Events page over the past few weeks. He stated that it will be a great family time and all indications are that it will be a big event.
Sel. Ethier asked which businesses funded the event.
Sel. Kurtz stated that Oriol Healthcare and EJ Painting were sponsoring in addition to other businesses. Sunnyside and others in town have volunteered as well.
Sel. Ethier asked if there was a rain date.
Sel. Kurtz replied there was not.
Sel. Ethier asked about parking.
Sel. Kurtz replied that the Committee was working with area business partners: Jeds, Industrial Drive, etc. He stated that there should be plenty of parking around and they will post information shortly.
Sel. Herlihy stated that the DPW Building Committee meets tomorrow, September 7, 2016 at the Senior Center.
Sel. Herlihy stated that the Garden Committee has been busy clearing out the Creamer Property and are working on a two-year plan of raised beds and a butterfly garden.
Sel. Ethier stated that the Board had met before the meeting with some people interested in the Education Options Review Committee and he is going to be the Board of Selectmen Committee Representative. He stated that the Board had changed the charge to have seven members rather than five and all seven members were outstanding candidates that have something to offer. He stated he is hoping to have a meeting set up in the next month or so in order to look at some options on education.
Chairman Renzoni stated that the Veterans Advisory Committee is going to meet on September 13th to begin to discuss Veterans Day. He stated that a young Eagle Scout is wrapping up his project to identify all the veterans graves and burial grounds in Town so we know where they served. Chairman Renzoni stated this is a very big and exciting project for a young Eagle Scout.
- Selectmen Minutes
Motion by Sel. Ethier, seconded by Sel. Herlihy, it was VOTED TO APPROVE THE JULY 18, 2016 BOARD OF SELECTMEN MEETING MINUTES BY A VOTE OF 3-0-1 WITH THE EMAIL FROM SEL. ETHIER REGARDING THE DPW PROJECT ATTACHED TO THE MINUTES. (Kurtz: abstain).
- Discussion of FY 18 Selectmen Goals
Chairman Renzoni stated that he thinks a meeting outside of the regular meeting should be set up to discuss FY 18 Goals. He stated that the Board can send him any goals they have.
- Selectmen Miscellaneous
Sel. Ethier stated that there was an election on Thursday, September 8, 2016, and there were a number of very qualified people running. He stated that he is looking forward to another member.
Sel. Kurtz stated that Ms. Kelly missed one item on her Town Manager Update.
Ms. Kelly continued a paragraph omitted from her previous report about Back to School: We also received a sincere thank you from Dr. Darryll McCall, Superintendent of Schools, regarding 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. And, our police presence is maintained on each campus throughout the fist week of school.
Ms. Kelly believes that the school principals and their staff appreciate our visibility and police details as well. Thanks go to our public safety personnel who have established effective working relationship with our schools.
Sel. Kurtz stated that he brought it up because he heard great things this past week about the traffic at Mountview. He stated it was a big improvement and they are wrapping up work and you can see the front of the building and it looks really nice.
Sel. Ethier asked when the fields would be useful.
Ms. Kelly replied about a year. She stated that the new turf would require watering but that they would be using wells so as not to go against the water ban.
Ms. Kelly stated that the Mountview School Committee would be having a ribbon cutting and open house on October 15 and it was open to the community.
Sel. Kurtz asked if there was any further information about hosting a self defense course. He stated that a lot of communities had one and he wanted to look to get the information out.
Chief Armstrong stated that they have an officer that is certified in RAD Training and they are working on getting a date. He stated the program would be run through Denise Morano and the Recreation Department.
Next Meeting: Monday, September 19th at the Senior Center.
Motion by Sel. Kurtz, seconded by Sel. Herlihy it was UNANIMOUSLY VOTED TO ADJORN THE SEPTMEBER 6, 2016 BOARD OF SELECTMEN MEETING AT 7:44PM.
APPROVED: _____September 19, 2016__________