Board of Selectmen, May 4, 2015
HOLDEN BOARD OF SELECTMEN
MEETING MINUTES
MAY 4, 2015
6:30PM Memorial Hall
Present: Chairman Anthony Renzoni, Robert Lavigne, Mark Ferguson, Kenneth O’Brien, Jeremy Kurtz
Others Present: Jacquelyn Kelly, Town Manager
Peter Lukes, Assistant Town Manager
Liz Fotos, Recording Secretary
Chairman Anthony Renzoni opened the meeting at 6:30PM. The Board stood to recite the Pledge of Allegiance.
- Memorial Day Parade Committee
Chairman Renzoni recommended approving the parade baring police chief, fire chief, and Town Manager Approval.
Motion by Sel. O’Brien, seconded by Sel. Lavigne, it was UNANIMOUSLY VOTED TO APPROVE THE MEMORIAL DAY PARADE BARING POLICE CHIEF, FIRE CHIEF, AND TOWN MANAGER APPROVAL.
Mr. Gallagher of the Memorial Day Parade Committee addressed the Board. He stated that they are hoping to change the route next year but due to logistical issues they were unable to do it for this year’s parade.
He stated that there were three honorees; Charlie Brewer, Everett Mason, and Dane McCauley and that the Spirit of America Band will be playing in the parade and also after the ceremony. In addition, the boy scouts will be selling food throughout the day.
Chairman Renzoni asked if the boy scouts were hosting a pancake breakfast again.
Mr. Gallagher confirmed that they were and that the girl scouts would be decorating the graves at the cemeteries and doing other activities.
Sel. Lavigne asked what obstacles the committee ran into regarding having the parade only head in one direction.
Mr. Gallagher replied that the problem was how to get people back down route 122. He stated that this would have been difficult for some of the veterans and some of the scouts as well. Mr. Gallagher also stated that Holden was one of the only places that he knew of where the Town ran the Memorial Day Parade. He stated in most places, the parade was handled by the VFW or American Legions. He suggested turning the parade over to the Veterans Council in the years to come.
Chairman Renzoni replied that the legions appreciated the Towns involvement and that the committee turns the parade over to the legions for the actual ceremony. He stated that he didn’t believe there were any hard feelings.
Ms. Kelly asked Mr. Gallagher the date and time of the parade.
Mr. Gallagher replied that it begins at 11AM on Memorial Day Monday, May 25, 2015 and that they will be gathering at the Senior Center.
Chairman Renzoni stated that this was an event open to every single veteran in the area and that he wanted all to know they were welcome.
Chairman Renzoni asked what if someone was unable to walk.
Mr. Gallagher replied that they do their best to bring them in and they often have support from the car shows in doing so.
Sel. O’Brien thanked the committee.
Sel. Lavigne also thanked the committee and stated that the Board appreciated their time.
Chairman Renzoni told the committee anything they needed assistance with to please let the Board know.
- Appointments, Licenses, Permits
Motion by Sel. Ferguson, seconded by Sel. O’Brien It was UNANIMOUSLY VOTED TO APPROVE CATHLEEN BRADSHAW-WHITE ON BEHALF OF JASON BRADSHAW MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP FUND FOR A PARADE PERMIT ON SUNDAY OCTOBER 18, 2015 FROM 7AM TO 11AM.
- Town Managers Update
- Town Meeting 2015: Ms. Kelly reminded everyone that the Town’s Annual Town Meeting will take place on Monday, May 18, 2015 at 7:00PM at the Wachusett Regional High School Auditorium. All Holden voters are encouraged to attend. The Warrant for the meeting is available on the town’s website and is posted at the Post Offices and Town Hall.
- Spring Composting: Two more Saturdays Spring Composting and brush chipping events are scheduled on Saturday, May 9, 2015 and Saturday, May 16, 2015.
Leaves and grass clippings will be accepted from Holden residents only at the Composting Facility at 560 River Street (the site of the former landfill). Brush should be brought to the Adams Road garage due to Asian Longhorn Beetle regulations. Composting and chipping events are scheduled from 8am to 2:30PM on these dates, weather permitting. More information is available on the Town’s website and in the local media.
- Request for Use of Wachusett Area Emergency Services Fund: Police Chief Dave Armstrong is requesting to use $2000 from the Wachusett Area Emergency Services Fund (Wachusett Fund) to purchase a Lifepak 1000 Defibrillator for use on patrol. This ‘Defib’ will be kept in the Public Safety Facility Cell room for use in patrol vehicles and as a training device, at the advice of Dr. Tennyson of U-Mass Memorial Hospital. Dr. Tennyson has oversight of all certification training and certification standards of Public Safety personnel in the area. The ‘Wachusett Fund’ was set up in the wake of the Holden Hospital closure. This purchase qualifies for funding under the terms of the ‘Wachusett Fund’ Agreement and we recommend that the Selectmen vote to approve the purchase
Sel. Lavigne asked Ms. Kelly what the balance in the fund was. Ms. Kelly replied that it was about $163,000 and they receive about $40,000 per year.
Motion by Sel. Lavigne, seconded by Sel. Kurtz, it was UNANIMOUSLY VOTED TO APPROVE THE USE OF WACHUSETT AREA EMERGENCY SERVICE FUND TO PURCHASE A LIFEPAK 1000 DEFIBRILLATOR FOR USE ON PATROLS NOT TO EXCEED THE AMOUNT OF $2,000.
Sel. O’Brien stated that this fund was something that was set up by former Town Manager, Brian Bullock and every year the community sees a benefit of these funds.
- MA State 911 Department Newsletter: Ms. Kelly would like to share with everyone the enclosed Newsletter published by MA State 911 featuring the Wachusett Regional Emergency Communications Center. Since going live in December of 2014, the WRECC has continued to provide high quality emergency dispatching services to the Towns of Holden and Princeton. Kudos to Chief Dave Armstrong and Chief Jack Chandler and their staff and to Princeton Police Chief Michelle Powers and Fire Chief John Bennett and their staff for their success in coordinating this critical service and for the savings this venture provides to both communities.
Sel. O’Brien asked Mr. Lukes to read the last paragraph of the newsletter into record.
“I was struck by was how well the employees are treated and recognized for their efforts-constantly! This was echoed by Dispatcher Savasta when she said, “I have worked in many departments and this is the best. Morale is high, it is a great place tow work and everyone knows it”. – Massachusetts State 911 Department Newsletter
Sel. O’Brien stated that this is a statewide newsletter and that it speaks measures that the employees are saying such great things.
- Lloyd Starbard Scholarship Fund: Ms. Kelly enclosed an analysis of the Lloyd Starbard Scholarship Fund as of December 31, 2014, prepared by Sharon Lowder, Treasurer/ Collector. This is provided for information only. Last year, the Selectmen awarded two scholarships ($1,200 total). Ms. Kelly stated that there was probably not enough to award another scholarship
Chairman Renzoni stated that this balance can’t fall under $15,000 and that the interest is what is used to reward students. He stated that there is $1,256 that could be rewarded but that they would be limited to that amount.
Ms. Kelly replied that she believes the available funds are less than what Chairman Renzoni stated.
Sel. O’Brien stated that if people are interesting in contributing to the fund that would great too. He stated that it is a scholarship for individuals interested in government and that if anyone wants to contribute it would give those kids an opportunity.
Sel. Ferguson stated that if there is a balance there, he thinks something should be given even if the amount is less than it was in previous years.
Chairman Renzoni asked Ms. Kelly to repot back to the Board on the amount of funds available.
Ms. Kelly replied that she would but that she believed the amount was $197.
Chairman Renzoni replied that he would be interested in looking at it and that he agrees with Sel. Ferguson if there is something to be given; they should in order to keep the scholarships alive.
- Selectmen’s Position on Warrant Articles
Chairman Renzoni told the Board that on Friday, May 1, 2015 the Board of Selectmen offered to meet with Fin Com and Fin Com did not have a quorum.
Ms. Kelly replied that they had posted the meeting Wednesday.
Chairman Renzoni stated that they wanted to take $1.7 Million that was not extra and that the Town Manager had not asked for and apply it to savings. He said with that in mind, he wanted the Board of Selectmen to take positions on the warrant articles.
Sel. O’Brien stated that the Selectmen had a meeting on Monday, and the Chairman scheduled a meeting right away with Fin Com on Friday to which they still didn’t show up in quorum to. He stated that short order meetings were difficult for him to attend and this is something he would have liked to be a part of. Sel. O’Brien stated that if Fin Com wanted to have the conversation with the Selectmen they should come to a meeting and have that conversation and explain their motivations. He stated that there shouldn’t be any rush to endorse or not endorse something as the Selectmen set the warrant articles. Sel. O’Brien asked who set the language for the warrant articles as that could potentially change the voting.
Ms. Kelly replied that the Selectmen set the warrant article.
Sel. Lavigne agreed but stated that Fin Com would make the motion.
Ms. Kelly replied that they make recommendations so they would recommend to Town Meeting what they felt was appropriate. She stated that there is the Fin Com Report that is given out at Town Meetings but that the she and her staff are the professionals that draft the motions.
Chairman Renzoni stated that Ms. Kelly’s office works closely with Fin Com to approve the budget.
Ms. Kelly replied they did and that it was a routine process.
Sel. Lavigne stated that if the verbiage of the motion could change based on the presenter. He asked if the Selectmen tell the managers office to make the motion for a lower amount and then Fin Com makes it for more, who would have the authority.
Ms. Kelly replied that it would be their recommendation but if the Selectmen disagree, they could offer a different amount.
Sel. Lavigne replied that it didn’t sound as though they were going to put it in one fund; it looked as though Fin Com was going to disperse the amount through several funds.
Chairman Renzoni replied that he wasn’t sure how they were going to do it. He stated that Fin Com wants the Selectmen to put IIF back on as a warrant article and the Selectmen had no intention of doing this.
Sel. Lavigne asked if they were posted to attend the Fin Com meeting and if they could discuss the matter. Ms. Kelly replied that it was too late.
Chairman Renzoni replied that the Selectmen could go but they could not deliberate on the budget.
Sel. O’Brien stated that at the last meeting, April 27, 2015, the Selectmen decided not to fund the IIF in contradiction of Fin Com’s request. He stated the Selectmen voted to oppose this measure. Sel. O’Brien stated that he did not think the people would support this at Town Meeting because it was not recommended by the Town Manager.
Sel. Lavigne stated that there seems to be a lot of confusion with how the IIF works. He stated that it sounded like interest could be used to pay capital projects but not the actual fund.
Ms. Kelly replied that they could use the fund to pay debt services both interest and principal but only if the money is in the fund for less than 13 months.
Sel. O’Brien stated that one reason that he opposed the warrant article is that he would like to eliminate the IIF in the future. He stated he wanted to simplify the Town’s finances and that he thought the IIF was no longer useful.
Chairman Renzoni asked the Board to set aside the warrant articles in order to move forward with Citizens Address
- Citizens Address
Ms. Cathleen Bradshaw addressed the Board. She stated that she had missed the earlier approval and thanked the Selectmen for approving the parade permit that she had applied for.
Sel. O’Brien stated that in Citizens Address, there is usually not a give and take, but he asked Ms. Bradshaw about the Fund and how to get involved.
Ms. Bradshaw replied that the Jason Bradshaw Memorial Scholarship Fund was set up after her son passed away in 1993 and that it is for children with learning disabilities. She stated that her son had some learning disabilities as a result of cancer and that she had the opportunity to increase the fund recently. She stated that with the cost of education increasing she wanted to raise the amount of funds in order to give more scholarship money out. She stated the purpose of the parade permit was to have people raise money for the fund.
Sel. O’Brien asked how you could become involved in the fund.
Ms. Bradshaw replied that she wanted to get approved first and now she will get on social media and create a Facebook page and get the information out there.
Chairman Renzoni thanked Ms. Bradshaw and stated that the Selectmen could put her on as an agenda item down the line in order to get her information out there.
Ms. Bradshaw thanked the Board.
Ms. Karen Herbert, 169 Putnam Street addressed the Board. She stated that she has been a resident of Holden for 38 years and that when she picked up her mail; she had received an unmarked letter with no return address in her mailbox. Ms. Herbert stated that last week she had written an editorial in the Landmark in support of a particular selectman. Ms. Herbert passed out copies of the letter to the Board. She stated that she would read it out loud however it was too offensive to do so. Ms. Herbert stated that opening this letter in her mail because she put a small article in a local newspaper was appalling. She stated that the letter is offensive so she will not read the letter aloud but that it is unidentifiable so she has no rebuttal. Additionally, Ms. Herbert stated that she did not put her address in the newspaper so someone went out of their way and that is very upsetting. Ms. Herbert replied that she doesn’t know if anyone else has received letters like this but that she feels that it needs to be addressed. She stated that there were also things in the letter that were untrue about Sel. Ferguson.
Chairman Renzoni reminded Ms. Herbert that the rules of Citizens’ Address prevent mentioning any one selectman by name.
Ms. Herbert replied that was all she had to say and that she didn’t know what the Board could do but that in 38 years in Town she had never had a problem.
Ms. Maureen Florian, 191 Sterling Road addressed the Board. She stated that when she addressed the Selectboard she did so as a citizen not as a partisan attack on anyone. She stated that she was accused of attacking a member of a different political group because she dared to respond. She stated this particular individual did it again as the meeting continued. Ms. Florian stated that she could commiserate with Ms. Herbert as she has also received mail like that in the past.
Ms. Margaret Watson, 94 Doyle Road addressed the Board. She stated that she has been a member of Boards and Committees in the past and chaired them as well and she wanted to give this Board advice. She stated that a committee is a problem solving group, an in this group, an issue is brought forward, defined, examined, and solutions are brought forward and discussed from different perspectives. She stated that after examining all of them a solution is brought forward and approved by consensus or vote. She stated that the Board is subject to the laws of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. She stated that reference had also been made to a higher authority so she looked for one and found it in the Holy Scriptures. She stated that this is the highest authority so she looked to see if there was something appropriate and there was. Ms. Watson stated that the Christian Church was having problems and St. Paul took the time to write for the Corinthians Chapter 14 vs. 40; let all things done decently and in order. Ms. Watson continued and stated that decently and order is the way meetings should be conducted. She stated that everything must be done in good order and if you want to speak, you raise your hand, the chair recognizes you and then you are allowed to speak without interruptions and you are not declared out of order unless you are not speaking on topic, using appropriate langue, or interrupting someone else, like school.
Ms. Watson stated that last week at one point, there were several voices speaking at once and not one intelligent sentence could be heard. She stated raise your hand, be organized, no interruptions and follow the Chair as the Chair in there to control the meetings.
Ms. Watson continued stating that the Laws of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, Chapter 38 Section 20 Section F was also appropriate. She stated that no person shall address public body without permission of the chair, all should be silent, and no one shall interrupt. She stated that if after warning a person continued to disrupt, the chair may order that person to withdraw or they can be withdrawn. Section 20/ 38 stated that when they took the oath of the office they took the oath to uphold the laws.
Ms. Watson stated that they don’t have to go far to see why there is the need for the police and that there is always one on duty at the Selectmen meetings. She stated that in a meeting it was stated that if an issue was not settled here, they can take it to the parking lot; Ms Watson stated that was not innuendo, it was just a fact.
Ms. Watson asked the Board to consider decency; language and name calling. She stated the language used to refer to and speak about the Town Manager was dangerously close to sexism. She stated the language the Board used is also inappropriate. She asked how a parent could explain about these proceedings and how they conduct themselves to a child. She stated the Selectmen should be a model of how to engage in community service and conducting town business. She stated that the children who have attended these meetings in the past have conducted themselves better, spoken well to each other, were polite. They were role models for the Selectmen.
Chairman Renzoni interrupted Ms. Watson and let her know that she had passed her five minute mark. He asked the Board if there was a desire to give Ms. Watson a few more minutes to speak.
Sel. Lavigne stated that he thought there was a difference between a citizen and a Selectman and that he thought she could continue.
Sel. O’Brien stated that he was not opposed to letting Ms. Watson finish but that there were rules set to follow and the same rules should be enforced for all that went to the podium. He stated that they needed to be consistent.
Sel. Lavigne replied that the only consistency that he has seen is that he has never seen a citizen asked to step down from Citizens Address.
Sel. Kurtz stated that he thought that order should be kept similar to how it had been done in the past; ask if any other citizens wanted to speak and then after anyone else who wished to speak had their opportunity, to give Ms. Watson a few minutes to conclude.
Sel. Ferguson asked how much longer the rehearsal was going to go on for.
Chairman Renzoni gaveled Sel. Ferguson. Chairman Renzoni asked Ms. Watson to yield the microphone to see if any other citizens wanted to speak. He told Ms. Watson that she could finish after.
Mark Stephen Ferguson, 244 Bailey Road addressed the Board. He stated that he owned numerous properties in town and that he paid for the microphone. He stated he is tired of innuendo and negative campaigning and watching others supporters come to Citizens’ Address. He stated that he is a fiscal conservative and keeps the town affordable.
Chairman Renzoni gaveled Mr. Ferguson. He stated that the intent of Citizens Address is to address the Board with concerns not to use the podium for political means.
Mr. Ferguson replied to the chairman and told him to stop the negative campaigning and stop threatening his supporters. He repeated “Stop the negative campaigning” four more times.
Sel. Lavigne stated that this was another reason why politics should not be allowed at the microphone.
Mr. Ferguson replied that he was a citizen.
Sel. Lavigne stated that Mr. Ferguson often said if threats were being lobbied, then they should call the police and here he is accusing one person of threatening the people who supported him (Ferguson).
Mr. Ferguson replied to stop.
Sel. Kurtz called a point of order.
Ryan Ferguson, 244 Bailey Road/ 65 Reservoir Street, addressed the Board. He said that Sel. Lavigne speaks of threats, and proceeded to read from an unknown document, “the voters and the Towns people want to put a whole roll of duck tape on his mouth or offer him super glue for chap stick...”
Chairman Renzoni gaveled Mr. Ferguson and told him that it is against Citizens Address to mention a selectman by name.
Sel. Ferguson replied that it was unless it suited the chairman.
Chairman Renzoni called a one minute recess at 7:23PM.
Chairman Renzoni called the meeting back to order at 7:24PM.
Mr. Ryan Ferguson took the podium again and stated that what is happening is dirty politics and it needs to stop. He stated that things need to be fair and that everyone needs to keep it clean.
Chairman Renzoni told Ms. Watson that there were some objections to her taking more time at the podium as her five minutes had already been reached. He stated that she had about twenty seconds to wrap up her statements.
Ms. Margaret Watson took the podium again. She stated that this was a good example about what she was speaking about. She suggested the Selectmen use self control. She stated that the Chairman had enough to do controlling the meetings and the rest of the Board should control themselves.
Mr. Mark Stephen Ferguson stated he would like to speak again. He stated that the last speaker (Ms. Watson) is a supporter of another candidate that was running for selectmen.
Chairman Renzoni gaveled Mr. Ferguson.
Mr. Ferguson continued to speak.
Chairman Renzoni gaveled Mr. Ferguson and asked him to stop speaking.
Sel. O’Brien came back to the meeting at 7:26PM.
Mr. Ferguson stated that his supporters don’t come up to the meetings in this way.
Chairman Renzoni told Mr. Ferguson that he was out of order.
Sel. Ferguson replied that this needs to stop.
Chairman Renzoni gaveled Sel. Ferguson and stated that he was out of order.
Sel. Ferguson continued to speak and stated that his supporters don’t come up like this and that the Chairman’s negative campaigning needed to stop.
Chairman Renzoni called a recess at 7:26PM.
Chairman Renzoni called the meeting back to order at 7:27PM.
Chairman Renzoni closed Citizens Address.
Selectmen’s Position on Warrant Articles Cont.
Chairman Renzoni told Ms. Kelly if there were any issues with the recommendations to please jump in. He also told the Board that they could hold off on any/ all of the items if needed as they had an hour before Town Meeting to make the decisions if needed.
Sel. Lavigne asked to start with Warrant Article #26; Amendments to Sign By-Laws. He asked Sel. Kurtz to discuss this as he was at the EDC meeting earlier (May 4, 2015).
Sel. Kurtz stated that the EDC had met and no action was going to be taken on this.
Sel. Lavigne stated that they believed the rational for this was that the proposed by law amendments were created in a vacuum; he stated that EDC was not consulted, Wachusett chamber of commerce was not consulted, and local businesses were not consulted. He asked to postpone this for a little while and revisit it after conversation about it had ensued.
Sel. O’Brien asked what the Planning Boards positions on these amendments were.
Ms. Kelly replied that they recommend them. She stated that they have been working on these and that no one had shown up to any of their meetings regarding these matters or any of the public hearings that were posted on them.
Sel. Lavigne stated that the Chairman of the Board of the Chamber of Commerce did not have time to review it and neither did the Selectmen.
Sel. Kurtz stated that one major change was about how big a sign could be based on the size of the building. He stated that EDC felt it could be more inclusive and they could look historically about what is allowed from a historical perspective and does it fit within the perimeter. He stated that these by laws were done in a vacuum and not a whole lot of input was gathered. He stated from their stance they would like to not move forward with these changes.
Sel. O’Brien asked Ms. Kelly for her recommendation.
Ms. Kelly replied that she did provide an explanation and that she did speak to the Planning Board and that she is going to support what the Planning Board recommended.
Sel. O’Brien stated that this would allow EDC and the Chamber to weigh in, he wanted EDC and the Chamber to engage constructively if there was some aspects of the proposed by laws that they did not like. He stated that the administration goes through the process and no one shows up to the hearings. He stated to take no action would mean that businesses cannot add sandwich boards for another year.
Sel. Lavigne stated that the EDC and Chamber want more time to review this. He stated that he thought they should go in once and make changes, not constantly amending it.
Sel. Ferguson stated that he agreed with EDC and the Chamber of Commerce. He stated there is economic momentum in Town and he did not want to disrupt it.
Motion by Sel. Lavigne, seconded by Sel. Kurtz, it was VOTED TO RECOMMEND NO ACTION TO WARRANT ARTICLE #26, AMENDMENTS TO SIGN BY LAWS BY A VOTE OF 4-1. (O’Brien: no).
Chairman Renzoni suggested reaching out to the Planning Board to tell them why the Selectmen and EDC feel this way.
Ms. Kelly stated that this item was on the Town Meeting warrant and it would still be recommended without the Selectmen’s support.
Motion by Sel. Lavigne, seconded by Sel. Kurtz, it was UNANIMOUSLY VOTED TO APPROVE WARRANT ARTICLE 1 THROUGH WARRANT ARTICLE 5 FOR THE MAY 18, 2015 ANNUAL TOWN MEETING.
Motion by Sel. Kurtz, seconded by Sel. Lavigne, it was UNANIMOUSLY VOTED TO TABLE 2015 WARRANT ARTICLES 6-1 THROUGH 6-9, 9-13 AND 15 UNTIL THE MEETING PRIOR TO TOWN MEETING.
Motion by Sel. Lavigne, seconded by Sel. O’Brien, it was UNANIMSOULY VOTED TO SUPPORT WARRANT ARTICLES 7, EDUCATION REQUIRED AND WARRANT ARTICLE 8, EDUCATION VOLUNTARY.
Sel. Ferguson stated that he continued to hear about Wachusett Regional OPEB. He stated that he thinks this is a problem for the coming year (FY 17) and asked for a plan to have in advance of the education voluntary. He asked if a letter could go forward to see how the problem could be moved in a position direction.
Sel. O’Brien asked if the Board could back up for a moment. He stated that knowing that Sel. Ferguson had a concern and that it would be the Town’s responsibility going forward, he suggested bringing Sel. Ferguson’s concern regarding the OPEB for the Wachusett Regional Schools forward at Town Meeting. He stated that it was an important issue.
Ms. Kelly stated that the School Committee spoke at a Fin Com meeting regarding this matter. She stated that she had asked about OPEB and the school district was aware of it and that it is a known issue.
Sel. O’Brien asked if the Board could ask Ms. Kelly to craft a letter.
Sel. O’Brien asked how much was needed.
Ms. Kelly replied $99 Million Dollars.
Chairman Renzoni stated that they are aware that it is going to balloon and they are formulating a plan. He suggested that the Selectmen should communicate with the Wachusett School Committee and invite the delegation of the school committee in to speak about it. He suggested bringing this item up for a future agenda item.
Sel. O’Brien replied that he would expect that the district would make the actuaries available.
Ms. Kelly replied that it is in the audit and available.
Chairman Renzoni asked the Board where they stood on Warrant Article #14; Mayo School HVAC System.
Sel. Lavigne asked if they had received bids back for this yet. Ms. Kelly replied that they had not.
Sel. Lavigne suggested tabling this item; he stated he did not want to be cornered into paying for something without paperwork.
Ms. Kelly replied that she thought that this was discussed and that the motion would be for support at amounts above $25,000.
Sel. Lavigne asked if it would only be appropriated if the bids came in over $25,000.
Ms. Kelly stated that the Town would be using existing funds available.
Chairman Renzoni stated that they would set aside Article #14 and move along to Articles 16-18; Revolving Fund. He suggested supporting this item.
Motion by Sel. Lavigne, seconded by Sel. Kurtz, it was UNANIMOUSLY VOTED TO SUPPORT 2015 WARRANT ARTICLE 16; CONTINUE RECREATION REVOLVING FUND, WARRANT ARTICLE 17; CONTINUE CABLE TV REVOLVING FUND AND WARRANT ARTICLE 18; CONTINUE INSPECTION REVOLVING FUND.
Motion by Sel. Kurtz, seconded by Sel. O’Brien, it was UNANIMOUSLY VOTED TO SUPPORT WARRANT ARTICLE 19; USE OF TOWN HALL, WARRANT ARTICLE 20; LIGHT DEPARTMENT TAXES, WARRANT ARTICLE 21; LIGHT DEPARTMENT BUDGET, AND WARRANT ARTICLE 22; STREET ACCEPTANCES.
Motion by Sel. Kurtz, seconded by Sel. Lavigne, it was UNANIMOUSLY VOTED TO SUPPORT WARRANT ARTICLE 23; GRANTING OF UTILITY EASEMENT-FIRST CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH.
Sel. O’Brien stated that he did have a concern about the utility easement and asked if they were going to do it before the parking lot was paved.
Ms. Kelly replied that Sel. O’Brien’s concerns were operational concerns and they would all be addressed before the work is done.
Motion by Sel. O’Brien, seconded by Sel. Kurtz, it was UNANIMOUSLY VOTED TO SUPPORT WARRANT ARTICLE 24; LAYOUT OF A PORTION OF RIVER STREET OVER QUINAPOXET STREET BRIDGE.
Chairman Renzoni told the Board that Warrant Article 25 was put in to remove authorization from the Town Manager to sell the Creamer Property. A motion was made by Sel. O’Brien, it was seconded by Sel. Kurtz; the Board discussed this warrant article further.
Sel. O’Brien stated that this warrant article is to prevent the property from being sold and that he believes this is a Town asset. He stated that there are few remaining open spaces in a densely populated area of Town. He stated that he would like to rescind the authority of the Town Manager to sell the property and he believes the property will go up in value.
Sel. Kurtz stated that he also recommended supporting Warrant Article 25 as well. He stated this was going back to the public safety building and that the funds from the sale of this property would go into the IIF. He stated there were questions regarding this fund and the Town does need the funds at this point so he believes it is more prudent to hold onto this property.
Sel. Lavigne stated that he supports having it as a Warrant Article; he does not support the article. He stated that 2014 Town Meeting spoke but that the Board is so divided and he feels though they should take the position of being neutral and let the Town decide at Town Meeting.
Sel. O’Brien stated that if that was how Sel. Lavigne felt that he would withdraw the motion. He stated that it should be the Town’s people who decided. Sel. O’Brien stated that he thinks IIF should be eliminated so to sell the property and put funds into the IIF did not make sense to him however he agrees that it should be the people’s decision.
Motion was withdrawn by Sel. O’Brien. Sel. Kurtz agreed.
Motion by Sel. Kurtz, seconded by Sel. O’Brien, the Board discussed whether this motion should be tabled until Town Meeting, May 18, 2015.
Sel. Ferguson stated that he thinks the debate is worth having. He stated that the first word in the warrant article is “revocation”. He stated that it was very clear at last years meeting to sell the property to help fund the public safety building. He stated that he knows there was some shuffling and he commended the administration for reworking things but that still did not change the fact that this property was supposed to be sold.
Sel. Ferguson stated that revocation of a warrant article was a dangerous slope. He stated that the sale of this property was meant to lesson the tax burden in Town. Sel. Ferguson stated that he had not met the community garden people but they should have shown up to last years meeting. He stated Fin Com and the people at the Town Meeting last year voted to sell the property. He stated that if you don’t like something, wait and maybe it will change? Sel. Ferguson stated that the Board is not adhering to what the people said. He also stated that he doesn’t think that the Town should be in the business of holding onto property so people can’t buy it. He stated he is against this on 4 or 5 different fronts and stated that the Selectmen should not get into the business of revocation of previous years warrant articles.
Motion made by Sel. Kurtz, seconded by Sel. O’Brien, it was VOTED TO TABLE WARRANT ARTICLE 25; REVOCATION OF ARTICLE 28 OF MAY 19, 2014 ANNUAL TOWN MEETING BY A VOTE OF 4-1(Ferguson: no).
Ms. Kelly asked if they wished to make the assignments now, Chairman Renzoni stated that they should hold off for now.
- Follow Up to Citizens Address
Sel. O’Brien stated that he wanted to caution everyone that this has been a flash point topic for the last few meetings. He asked everyone to act responsibly while speaking about this agenda item.
Sel. O’Brien stated that he would be in favor of a hard fast rule for Citizens Address. He stated that when you open the door and let one person go over a time limit, it means that you are allowing exceptions to the rules. He stated especially in situations where there is not unity of thought the Board needs to be careful. Sel. O’Brien stated that rules are rules and they need to be adhered to.
Sel. Lavigne stated that Citizens Address was the opportunity to speak about Town issues, not to lobby threats. He stated that this venue was for people to do this as there is no place else to do so.
Sel. Ferguson stated that he didn’t think this was Town Business; he thought it was campaigning and that it was done by Chairman Renzoni’s supporters.
Chairman Renzoni gaveled Sel. Ferguson.
Sel. Ferguson continued to speak stating that it was Chairman Renzoni’s supporters campaigning at the Selectmen meetings.
Chairman Renzoni gaveled Sel. Ferguson.
Chairman Renzoni called a one minutes recess at 8:01PM.
Chairman Renzoni called the meeting back to order at 8:03PM.
Sel. Ferguson began to speak.
Chairman Renzoni stated that Sel. Ferguson was not recognized.
Sel. Ferguson continued to speak.
Chairman Renzoni gaveled Sel. Ferguson.
Sel. Ferguson continued to speak.
Chairman Renzoni stated again that Sel. Ferguson was not recognized.
Chairman Renzoni gaveled Sel. Ferguson again.
Chairman Renzoni took a recess at 8:04PM.
Chairman Renzoni called the meeting back to order at 8:05PM.
Chairman Renzoni thanked the citizens for coming out. He apologized to Ms. Florian as a Board. He stated that Sel. O’Brien suggested that the Board should follow rules surrounding Citizens Address. He stated that when Ms. Bradshaw was at the podium, the Board felt it necessary to have some back and forth and it was allowed.
Chairman Renzoni stated that Ms. Watson was discussing the Boards behavior. He stated that in the past the Board had allowed Citizens to speak longer than 5 minutes. He stated that he will exercise discretion and he encouraged the next chair to do the same.
Chairman Renzoni closed Follow up to Citizens Address.
- Selectmen Subcommittee
Sel. O’Brien stated that the Conservation Commission is meeting Wednesday, May 6, 2015 and he planned on attending to speak to them about improving waterways. He stated he was not on the agenda but was going to go anyway.
Sel. Kurtz stated he had already briefed the Board on both EDC and Memorial Day Parade.
Sel. Lavigne stated that EDC had met earlier today and will meeting again the first Monday in June. He stated that Winter Festival had not yet met.
Chairman Renzoni stated that the Water Sewer Advisory had not needed his services.
Sel. Kurtz asked about the water/ sewer advisory committee and stated that he thought that was disbanded.
Chairman Renzoni stated that it was not a subcommittee; he was just the point person if they needed anything.
Garden Committee: Chairman Renzoni stated this is not a committee yet, but a group of motivated individuals that want to meet after Town Meeting. He stated that he told this group that there would be a Warrant Article at Town Meeting. He stated that the group wanted to pitch their ideas to the Town Manager after Town Meeting.
- Selectmen’s Minutes
Motion by Sel. Lavigne, seconded by sel. Kurtz, it was VOTED TO APPROVE THE APRIL 6, 2015 PRE MEETING BOARD OF SELECTMEN MEETING MINUTES AS CORRECTED BY A VOTE OF 3-1-1(Ferguson: no; O’Brien: abstain).
Motion by Sel. O’Brien, seconded by Sel. Lavigne, it was VOTED TO APPROVE THE APRIL 6, 2015 BOARD OF SELECTMEN MEETING MINUTES AS CORRECTED BY A VOTE OF 4-1 (Ferguson: no).
- Future Agenda Items
Chairman Renzoni suggesting holding off on this agenda item until the new Board was established after May 11, 2015 elections were held.
- Selectmen Two-Minute Speeches
Sel. Ferguson stated that in an effort to move the Town forward, the DCR is responsibly for the Town’s waterways and a plan is needed to get put in place to stop the weeds from taking over the waterways. He stated that this is getting some energy behind it.
Sel. Ferguson stated that he was hoping that the Board would have condemned the out of bounds letter that Ms. Herbert had received. He stated that it went over the line and he apologized to the Herbert’s. Sel. Ferguson stated that he had asked the police chief if there were any complaints again him and that he does not have so much as a parking ticket on his record. Sel. Ferguson also stated that when he asked about police presence he was told that “they do what they’re told”
Sel. Lavigne stated that Town Elections were next Monday (May 11, 2015) and Town Meeting was May 18, 2015. He stated that last Saturday was “Pay it Forward Day” and Kids in the Kommunity did a great job throughout town. Sel. Lavigne also stated that Holden Baseball had their Baseball Parade. He thanked Bob Tonny, who was the long time president of Holden Baseball and they presented him with a plaque at the event. Sel. Lavigne thanked them for their hard work.
Sel. Kurtz passed on his two minutes.
Sel. O’Brien stated that he was disappointed in the behavior at the meeting tonight (May 4, 2015). He stated that there are some important things going on and the behavior undermines the credibility of Town Meeting. He stated that tonight was not the best representation of the Board.
Chairman Renzoni echoed Sel. O’Brien’s comments. He again thanked the citizens for coming out and as the Chair he apologized to her.
Motion by Sel. Lavigne, seconded by Sel. Kurtz, it was UNANIMOUSLY VOTED TO ADJOURN THE MAY 4, 2015 BOARD OF SELECTMEN MEETING AT 8:16PM.
APPROVED: ____June 15, 2015_____________