Board of Selectmen Minutes
Meeting date:
Saturday, September 8, 2012
Board of Selectmen Present: Curtis Plante
September 8, 2011 David Lindsay
Stanley Wysocki
Don Lowe, Town Administrator
Linda L. Day, Town Secretary
PERSONS PARK SITE VISIT – 149 HUDSON ROAD
The Board of Selectmen conducted a site visit of Persons Park at 149 Main Street at 6:15 p.m. to assess the condition of the building and property which was donated to the town in 1996 by Duncan Persons.
The Board of Selectmen returned to the Town Hall at 7:00 p.m. for a follow up discussion regarding the property.
The present condition of the structure requires several repairs which would cost a significant amount of money. The structure does not have power, and the septic system is not fully functioning.
The Parks and Recreation Commission would like to see the existing structure torn down and replaced with a pavilion type structure on the property to be used by the community as intended by the Persons. This Historical Commission would like to see necessary repairs made to the structure so that it can be utilized as meeting space and other activities.
The Board of Selectmen was not in favor of spending town money on the structure. They thanked both the Parks and Recreation and Historical Commissions for their interest in the property and encouraged them to work together to formalize a proposal for discussion at a future public meeting.
LIBRARY TRUSTEES APPOINTMENT
On a motion made by Lindsay and seconded by Wysocki, the Board of Selectmen and Library Trustees voted 3 to 1 by roll call to appoint Leigh Shanny to the Library Trustees until the next annual election in May 2012. (Board of Selectmen: Plante – no, Lindsay – yes, Wysocki – yes, Library Trustee: Pamela Czekanski – yes)
DPW – RECYCLING
Present: DPW Director Harold Brown and Administrative Assistant Shelly O’Toole
Ms. O’Toole provided the Board of Selectmen with detailed costs and revenue information related to the operation of the transfer station. The information showed a difference of $2,877 between funds brought in and the total expenses and services. There was a difference of $65,552 between funds brought in and the total cost to run the facility including all labor. The labor is funded by the tax base.
Based on the information provided, on a motion made by Lindsay and seconded by Wysocki, the Board of Selectmen voted not to increase the sticker fees for the transfer station. (Plante – yes, Lindsay – yes, Wysocki –yes)
Mr. Plante stated that when visiting the transfer station he has noticed there are trash bags being thrown into the trash compactor that do not have stickers on them. Mr. Lindsay said that he has also noticed on occasion that the trash compactor is not monitored. The Board of Selectmen recommended that more time be taken to monitor the compactor area, if it can be done without increasing labor costs. Ms. Remington did inform the Board of Selectmen that road side trash is allowed to be brought to the transfer station without a sticker.
SALT BOX, 626 MAIN STREET REVIEW
Present: Tom Geaghan, Consultant and Nabil Roufail, Alfred Hanna and Mahed Antoun, owners of the Salt Box
Mr. Geaghan and the owners of the Salt Box property presented conceptual drawings for the Salt Box property located at 626 Main Street. The plan showed four single story buildings. Options for these buildings included a non-chain family restaurant, a farm stand type market, a day care and other small business. The proposed parking is more than what is required for the square footage of the buildings. The owners agree that tenant commitment was important prior to the start of the project. It is their plan to build the development in phases.
Mr. Storey, Chairman of the Planning Board stated that the proposed project is not allowed under the current bylaws and would require town meeting approval to revise the bylaws to rezone the property to allow this project.
The Board of Selectmen encouraged the owners to meet with the Town Planner and Planning Board for guidance on the project. The Planning Board suggested that the owners meet with the newly appointed Design Advisory Team to get their input on the development.
BATCO
Present: Ken Troup, BatCo President, Stephen Egnatz, Architect, and Jonathan Mechlin, Project Manager
BatCo submitted the contract for the Houghton Building renovations project to the Board of Selectmen for approval. The Board of Selectmen expressed their disappointment with the cost of the project escalating to $130,963 without any prior communication with the Board of Selectmen, David Lindsay, Liaison to BatCo, or Don Lowe, Town Administrator.
Mr. Lindsay reported that he will be attending the BatCo meeting scheduled for Thursday, September 15 at which time they will review the project in detail. Mr. Lindsay will report back to the Board of Selectmen at their meeting on Thursday, September 22, 2011.
Mr. Troup stated that the $50,000 released to BatCo from the Comcast fund account by the Board of Selectmen in December of 2010 was not intended to cover all the renovation costs.
On a motion made by Lindsay and seconded by Wysocki, the Board of Selectmen voted to release $20,000 to BatCo from the Comcast fund account for the purpose of covering operating expenses. (Plante – yes, Lindsay – yes, Wysocki – yes)
BRUCE SLATER – SLATER’S, 356 MAIN STREET
Present: Bruce Slater, owner of Slater’s
Mr. Slater met with the Board of Selectmen to obtain approval for 3 one-day beer and wine licenses for events to be held on September 17 from 6 to 12 p.m., October 2, 2 to 11 p.m., and October 21st from 6 to 12 p.m.
On a motion made by Wysocki and seconded by Lindsay, the Board of Selectmen voted to approve the 3 one-day beer and wine licenses. (Plante – yes, Lindsay – yes, Wysocki – yes)
EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE
Present: Andrew Bagdonas and Thomas Moses, Emergency Management Co-Directors
Mr. Bagdonas provided the Board of Selectmen with a brief summary of actions taken in preparation for hurricane Irene.
As Hurricane Irene came closer to New England, the Bolton Emergency Management Team entered the planning phase and conducted their first department head meeting on Friday, August 26, 2011 to prepare for the storm.
On Sunday, August 28 the Emergency Operation Center (EOC) was set up for operation. The Emergency Management Department participated in FEMA conference calls and kept the line of communications open with Berlin, Lancaster and Clinton. The webpage was updated as information became available. Extra dispatch and police personnel were on duty during the storm. Direct contact with Lancaster and Clinton Emergency Management Department (EMD) was maintained to insure an open route for transports to Clinton hospital.
Approximately 49 calls were received for fallen trees. Approximately 90% of Bolton customers lost power and by Tuesday afternoon power had been restored to all but an estimated 144 customers in Bolton.
After the storm, the EOC turned over the responsibility to the Public Safety Departments to continue as normal. A post meeting was held on Monday, August 29 and will be followed up with another meeting to discuss what can be learned from the event.
The Board of Selectmen and Mr. Lowe congratulated everyone for the job well done and time spent to coordinate the plan leading up to Hurricane Irene’s arrival.
AFFORDABLE HOUSING PARTNERSHIP TRUST FUND
Doug Storey, Mark Duggan and Kevin O’Brien, Members of the Affordable Housing Partnership Trust Fund Committee
Mr. Storey reported that the Habitat for Humanity backed out of the plan to construct an affordable housing duplex on a lot donated by Houghton Farms subdivision at the junction of Sugar Road and Golden Run Roads because of neighbor opposition. The opposition came as a result of the duplex being on a lot facing Golden Run Road. Mr. Storey’s recommendation is that the lot be sold and the money deposited in the affordable housing trust fund if the developer is not willing to swap lots.
Mr. Storey stated that the Planning Board is considering a revision to the inclusionary zoning bylaw to give the Planning Board more discretion in terms of accepting a unit, land or money.
Mr. Plante disagreed with the Town being able to take a premium lot from the developer.
Mr. Plante suggested that the language in the bylaw be revised to allow a duplex to be built as an affordable unit.
A total of 78 units have been approved by the Planning Board for the Century Mill Road development with 3 lots being designated for affordable housing.
More advertising will be done in an attempt fill the 5 vacant affordable units located at Regency on Main Street.
The Affordable Housing Plan will be resubmitted with minor revisions.
The Affordable Housing Trust Fund account has a balance of $156,000.
PARTNERS FOR PLANNING
Mr. Plante recused himself from this discussion and left the meeting room.
Present: Doug Storey and Mark Duggan, members of both the Planning Board and Affordable Housing Partnership Trust Fund; Roland Ochsenbein, Robert Roemer, and Dick Heaton, Partners for Planning members
Mr. Ochsenbein informed the Board of Selectmen that they had received word from the owners of the Smith property as of 5 p.m. this evening of their agreement to sell the property for $230,000. Once the property is purchased, there is an obligation to clean up the contamination on the site.
Mr. Storey stated that the Partners for Planning met with the Planning Board and that the Planning Board is very impressed with their proposal. They recommended that the Selectmen go forward with a Special Town Meeting. Mr. Storey stated that he was in favor of the proposal and the release of funds from the Affordable Housing Partnership Trust Fund.
Mr. Dinjian suggested selling the affordable units given to the town by the developers and using these funds to purchase the Smith property.
Mr. Czekanski would much rather see the purchase of the Smith property brought forward at the Annual Town meeting when the town’s total operating budget would be known.
The Partners for Planning confirmed that as part of the pro forma they have included the expenses for hiring a consultant to pursue and write the grants for this project.
Mr. Lindsay and Mr. Wysocki both felt that this was an opportunity that the Town should act on now. Therefore, on a motion made by Wysocki and seconded by Lindsay, the Board of Selectmen voted to call a Special Town Meeting on Monday, November 14th, 2011. (Lindsay – yes, Wysocki – yes)
Mr. Plante returned to the meeting and reminded the Board of his request to be included in the vote to hold a Special Town Meeting.
On a motion made by Wysocki and seconded by Lindsay, the Board of Selectmen voted to reconsider the vote to call a Special Town Meeting. (Plante – yes, Lindsay – yes, Wysocki – yes)
Mr. Plante proceeded to express his concern that it did not make fiscal sense right now to hold a Special Town Meeting.
On a motion made by Lindsay and seconded by Wysocki, the Board of Selectmen voted to call a Special Town Meeting on November 14, 2011. (Plante – no, Lindsay – yes, Wysocki – yes)
Mr. Dinjian stated that it was his opinion that it is the Board of Selectmen’s responsibility to keep the town informed and to act in the town’s best interest when opportunities such as this come to be.
Mr. Lindsay stated that the Selectmen’s vote to call a Special Town Meeting does not mean that they have approved the proposal to purchase the Smith property, but are just formally calling a Special Town Meeting.
TOWN ADMINISTRATOR REPORT
Interview process to fill Fire Chief Vacancy: Mr. Plante recused himself from the discussion and left the meeting room.
The Board of Selectmen discussed the process for interviewing the candidates that have applied for the Fire Chief position.
The interviews are scheduled for Thursday, September 22, 2011. The Selectmen agreed that Town Administrator Don Lowe and Police Chief Alfano will participate in the interview process along with an active or retired fire chief from an area community who does not know the candidates.
The candidates will be scheduled for 15 minute interviews. Questions will be prepared to be asked of each candidate. A motion made by Wysocki to eliminate the applicants that had not achieved rank was not seconded.
Update on Oak Trail: Mr. Lowe reported that the Oak Trail repairs have been done to the satisfaction of Hamwey Engineering and DPW Director Harold Brown.
9/11 Commemoration: Mr. Lowe reported that the plans for the 9/11 Commemoration to be held on September 11 at 8:15 a.m. outside the Public Safety Building has been finalized. Refreshments will be provided following the event.
Minuteman Meeting: Mr. Lowe reported that he will be attending a meeting at Minuteman on Monday, September 26th to discuss the proposed formula for how the member town gets assessed for the capital projects.
BOARD OF SELECTMEN BUSINESS
67 Bolton Woods Way: On a motion made by Lindsay and seconded by Wysocki, the Board of Selectmen voted to approve and execute the consent for Ms. Cassandra Boell to refinance her mortgage at 67 Bolton Woods Way. (Plante – yes, Lindsay – yes, Wysocki – yes)
Jack’s Motorcycle Ride 2011: Mr. Lowe informed the Board of Selectmen of a motorcycle ride to be held on Saturday, September 10, 2011.
The ride will leave Maynard at approximately 11:30 a.m. and travel through Stow into Bolton on Route 117 at approximately 11:45 a.m. As requested by the organizers, the Police Department will block the intersections of Route 117 and Route 495, and Route 117 and Route 110 if they are available to assist.
Mr. Lowe reported that this is informational and a vote is not required because they have the right to drive through town on the public way.
The Board of Selectmen did recommend that a letter be sent to the organizers informing them that the Police Department will make every effort to safely block the intersections during the motorcycle ride if they are available to assist. They will also be reminded to take care and caution, and obey all traffic laws for safe driving.
Minutes: On a motion made by Wysocki and seconded by Lindsay, the Board of Selectmen voted to approve the regular session and executive session minutes of August 18, 2011. (Plante – yes, Lindsay – yes, Wyoscki – yes)
APPOINTMENTS
Board of Appeals: On a motion made by Lindsay and seconded by Wysocki, the Board of Selectmen voted to appoint Matthew Hurd to the Board of Appeals, term expiration June 30, 2015; Bryan Holmes, Associate member of the Board of Appeals, term expiration June 30, 2013 and Jack Sargent, Associate member of the Board of Appeals, term expiration June 30, 2012. (Plante – yes, Lindsay – yes, Wysocki – yes)
Agricultural Commission: On a motion made by Wysocki and seconded by Lindsay, the Board of Selectmen voted to appoint Robyn Roberts to the Agricultural Commission, term expiration June 30, 2014. (Plante – yes, Lindsay – yes, Wysocki – yes)
Council on Aging: On a motion made by Lindsay and seconded by Wysocki, the Board of Selectmen voted to appoint Brooke James to the Council on Aging, term expiration June 30, 2014. (Plante – yes, Lindsay – yes, Wysocki – yes)
MAGIC representative: On a motion made by Lindsay and seconded by Wysocki, the Board of Selectmen voted to appoint Donald Lowe as the MAGIC representative, term expiration June 20, 2012. (Plante – yes, Lindsay – yes, Wysocki – yes)
Certificates of Appreciation: On a motion made by Wysocki and seconded by Lindsay, the Board of Selectmen voted to sign Certificates of Appreciation for Wesley Durant for his 30+ years as Scoutmaster of Troop 1 in Bolton and leadership roles in Cub Scout packs and Boy Scout troops in Bolton and surrounding communities; and for the family of Neal Heeren for his many years of service to the Town of Bolton, including serving on the Planning Board and the Board of Registrars. (Plante – yes, Lindsay – yes, Wysocki – yes)
EXECUTIVE SESSION
On a motion made by Wysocki and seconded by Lindsay, the Board of Selectmen voted
3-0 by roll call (Plante – yes, Lindsay – yes, Wysocki - yes) to enter into executive session under the authority of Massachusetts General Law, Chapter 39B, Section 23B (3) at 10:25 p.m. to discuss collective bargaining. . The Board announced it would reconvene to open session.
FIREFIGHTER’S UNION CONTRACT
Mr. Plante recused himself from the meeting and left the room and did not return.
On a motion made by Wysocki and seconded by Lindsay, the Board of Selectmen voted to approve and execute the collective bargaining agreement between the Town of Bolton and Teamster’s Union, Local No. 170 for July 1, 2010 through June 30, 2013. (Lindsay – yes, Wysocki –yes)
On a motion made by Wysocki and seconded by Lindsay, the Board of Selectmen voted to adjourn at 10:50 p.m. (Lindsay – yes, Wysocki –yes)
Respectfully submitted by Linda L. Day