Board of Selectmen Minutes

Board of Selectmen                                        Present:           Stanley Wysocki

August 31, 2017                                                                     Jonathan Keep                       

Town Hall                                                                               Don Lowe, Town Administrator

                                                                                                Linda L. Day, Town Secretary

REORGANIZATION OF THE BOARD

Ms. Day called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. and asked for nominations for Chairman. 

On a motion made by Keep and seconded by Wysocki, Mr. Keep was appointed to serve as Chairman for the Board of Selectmen from now until January 1st, when Mr. Wysocki will take over as Chairman until the spring election.   (Keep – yes, Wysocki - yes)

BOLTON BEAN LIQUOR LICENSE

A public hearing was held on the application of Bolton Bean, Inc., for a new annual, restaurant type, wine and malt liquor license at 626 Main Street, Bolton, MA 01740.  Frank, Randy and Travis Patterson were present for the hearing.

The gentlemen explained that they would like to continue expanding and bettering their business.  Although they want to maintain the aura and ambiance of the coffee shop, they would like to open at night and a different menu along with various events like poetry night, painting night and live music, as suggested by some of their customers.   The current hours are Monday through Friday, 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. and Saturday until 2:00 p.m.  The goal is to open three nights a week from 5:00 to 10:00 p.m. with a dinner menu including beer and wine.   They would like the option of serving beer and wine during the day as well, but it would not be served on the outdoor patio, which would require an expansion of the premises approved by both the Board of Selectmen and the Alcoholic Beverages Control Commission.  On a motion made by Wysocki and seconded by Keep, the Board of Selectmen voted to close the hearing at 7:08 p.m. and voted to approve the application of the Bolton Bean, Inc. for a new annual, restaurant type, wine and malt liquor license at 626 Main Street, Bolton, Ma.  (Keep – yes, Wysocki –yes)

SPECIAL ELECTION

Ms. Pamela Powell, Town Clerk recommended holding a dual election on Tuesday, November 7, 2017 from 7:00 am. to 8:00 p.m. to fill the vacancy on the Board of Selectmen created by the resignation of Thomas Frain along with the election to fill the Senate seat vacated by Senator Jennifer Flanagan.  Ms. Powell would appreciate any candidate contacting here in advance so that she can prepare the appropriate nomination paperwork that will be due back to the Board of Registrars on Monday, September 18, 2017 to be on the ballot.

On a motion made by Keep and seconded by Wysocki, the Board of Selectmen voted to call a Special Election on Tuesday, November 7 from 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.  (Keep – yes, Wysocki –yes)

ALS BIKE RIDE FUNDRAISER

On a motion made by Wysocki and seconded by Keep, the Board of Selectmen voted to approve the request of Myke Farricker for the 2017 ALS Positive Spin bike ride to travel through Bolton on Sunday, September 24, 2017.  Chief Alfano has approved this request.  (Keep – yes, Wysocki – yes)

ENGINE BRAKE SIGN

Mr. Thomas Starr, 37 Green Road requested that an engine brake sign be placed on Main Street westbound near Sampson Road which is in a 45-mile per hour zone.  Mr. Lowe recommended Mr. Starr’s request be approved and stated that he will work with Police Chief Nelson to determine the exact location for the sign.  Mr. Lowe has heard from several residents that the signs have improved the situation.  Mr. Keep referenced the signs in Lancaster which say engine brakes are “prohibited” while the signs in Bolton say “limit” the use of engine brakes and suggested stronger wording for the signs in Bolton, noting the there was an immediate effect that lasted a good number of months but is lessening. Mr. Lowe was hopeful that the new signs designating the safety zone in front of the high school would help slow the traffic.  It was agreed that the language on the sign should stay consistent with the signs already installed in town.  On a motion made by Keep and seconded by Wysocki, the Board of Selectmen voted to install the engine brake sign as proposed.  (Keep – yes, Wysocki - yes)

CITIZEN POLICE ACADEMY

Police Chief Nelson proposed holding a Citizen Police Academy in October to help citizens understand the operation of the Police Department.  The eight week academy would be held in October, one night a week for three hours, and cover criminal law, motor vehicle law and the responsibilities of a school resource officer.  It would also include a ride-along with the Police Officer. Police Chief Nelson would like at least 10 to 20 participants and participants must be 18 or older to attend the academy.  On a motion made by Keep and seconded by Wysocki, the Board of Selectmen voted to approve the Citizen Police Academy pending confirmation from the Southborough Police Chief that their Town Counsel had vetted the waiver documents.  (Keep – yes, Wysocki – yes)

ENERGY CONSERVATION PROGRAM CALLED HEATSMART MASS

Mr. Jagodnik proposed a new initiative to join an Energy Conservation Program called HeatSmart Mass that seeks to increase the adoption of small scale clean heating and cooling technologies in participating communities through a competitive solicitation process that aggregates homeowner buying power to lower installation prices for participants. The technologies include central biomass hearing; air source heat pumps, ground source heat pumps and solar hot water.    The town’s application to Mass CEC/DOER is due September 15, 2017 and residents will sign up to join the program in January.   Bolton will partner with Harvard, and the Board of Selectmen will be voting on joining the program on Tuesday, September 5, 2017. 

Mr. Lowe confirmed that the program has the support of the Harvard Town Administrator as well.  Mr. Lowe has volunteered to be the municipal representative.

On a motion made by Keep and seconded by Wysocki, the Board of Selectmen voted to join the Energy Conservation Program and appoint Mr. Lowe as the municipal representative.  (Keep – yes, Wysocki – yes)

SIGN REQUEST

Yvette Monstad, an artist by profession requested approval to place a small residential sign at the end of her driveway advertising her art studio at 218 Sugar Road.  The sign will be 12’ X 24”.   Building Inspector Michael Sauvageau has approved the sign.  On a motion made by Wysocki and seconded by Keep, the Board of Selectmen voted to approve the request.  (Keep – yes, Wysocki – yes)

DRONE AERIAL IMAGING PROJECT

Mr. Carson Roberts, an engineer for Headwall Photonics located at the Office Park on Main Street in Bolton requested permission to fly a drone to analyze images from areas of gardens, fields, orchards and forests as part of their drone aerial imaging project.  Mr. Roberts explained that Headwall’s main products are spectral imaging systems, where they take a picture of whatever is being looked at, and for every pixel in the image there will be an optical spectrum that can identify specifics such as a healthy or sick leaf.  The drones are about 4 by 6 feet in diameter and operate within the operator’s line of sight.  The operator must have a FAA remote-pilot license and permission from the landowners to fly over their property. Al Ferry, Pinewood Road stated that this could also be of interest to the Conservation Trust, Conservation Commission and the Community Garden. 

Mr. Giunta, Bolton Firefighter commented that the drones could be helpful to the Fire Department when trying to identify brush fires before they spread.  Mr. Roberts explained that this product is used to only collect data and there is no real time image. They do have smaller drones that give real time imaging and would be glad to help out in any way that they can if needed. 

On a motion made by Keep and seconded by Wysocki, the Board of Selectmen voted to approve the drone aerial imaging project to fly over and analyze images from area gardens, fields, orchards and forests.  (Keep – yes, Wysocki – yes)

TOWN ADMINISTRATOR REPORT

Update on Minuteman:  No update

DPW Director Position:  There were 19 applications received for the DPW Director position and an offer was extended twice with both individuals declining. The Screening Committee voted to advertise for a second time and anyone who applied the first time should feel free to re-apply.  Interviews will be late September, early October. The DPW is business as usual and Mr. Harold Brown is working two days a week to help prepare for the winter and the FY19 budget process. 

Update on Wilder Road Culvert: The culvert on Wilder Road has been completed and the road opened on Tuesday, August 29 about 4:00 p.m.  The project was awarded to Kennefick Corporation; Article 11 in the amount of $186,000 was approved at the May 2, 2016 Annual Town Meeting and the job was completed for $157,000 which was the actual bid for a balance of $29,000 left over in the article.

Update on Berlin Road Culvert:  The work started on time for this project, but the contractor discovered peat that had to be removed and due to excessive groundwater the plan had to be re-designed. Article 10 in the amount of $268,000 was approved at the May 2, 2016 Annual Town Meeting and the contract was awarded to Beals and Sons in the amount of $179,000 leaving a balance of $89,000.  There are two known change orders which Mr. Lowe is hopeful will be covered by remaining balance.

Mr. Lowe stated that the plan to have one lane open on Berlin Road for the school buses was erroneous and it was never the plan.

Update on Wastewater Treatment Plant at Emerson School:  Article 2 in the amount of $88,924 was approved at the December 12, 2016 Special Town Meeting for the work on the wastewater treatment plant.  The work came in at $69,200 leaving a balance of $19,724. 

Mr. Lowe suggested that town meeting vote to transfer the overage of $19,724 into the wastewater treatment facility capital stabilization fund created at the Annual Town Meeting in May 1, 2017.  Mr. Lowe informed the Board of Selectmen that because we created a stabilization fund it requires a 2/3 majority vote of town meeting and therefore requested that and the said stabilization fund be revised to a revolving fund so that that any repairs could be done quickly.

Update on Signage for School Safety Zone:  The signage is on order and the work will be done in October.  Mr. Brown has determined what is needed for the power and it will require one boring under the road.

Speed Warning Signs:  The speed warning signs have been received and working on a contract for the installation which should be in a relatively short period of time.

Town Hall Portico:  The Review Committee voted unanimously to hire Red Hawk Architects and they have already started work.  The goal is to go out to bid in March to complete the project.

Camp Virginia PARC Grant:  The PARC grant was submitted to the State on July 14, 2017 by Ashley Davies, Land Protection Specialist for the Sudbury Valley Trustees (SVT).  Mr. Lowe stated that to his surprise the grant application submitted didn’t include the two lots that were to be sold off to help make the Girl Scouts of Eastern Massachusetts whole.  The purchase price at this time is $1.3 million.  The application also made reference to a playground which the Board of Selectmen have never discussed.  Mr. Lowe expressed his concern that no one is interested in developing the house lots but someone needs to if the Girl Scouts of Eastern Massachusetts are to be made “whole". 

Ms. Patricia Gray, resident on Quaker Lane and a member of the Law Committee expressed concern about the significant amount of town resources being dedicated to reviewing the open space plan and grant application related to the purchase of Camp Virginia.   Mr. Wysocki disagreed with Ms. Gray, stating that there is a small Adhoc Committee working on the Camp Virginia acquisition and there hasn’t been significant town resources working on this.

Mr. Lowe confirmed that the use of town resources hasn’t been significant for the Camp Virginia project but there was a significant amount of time spent by the Conservation Agent and others relative to the open space plan which was in fact a requirement of the grant application but more importantly it was the open space plan was due to be updated anyways. 

Mr. Lowe suggested that the Board of Selectmen address the appointment of an Adhoc Committee at their meeting on Thursday, September 14, 2017. 

As far as the timeline, the assumption has been that if a Special Town Meeting is called it would be in November and the grant would be awarded in December.  A warrant article will have to be sponsored by either a town board or citizen’s petition. 

Mr. Lowe stated that the two acres where the cell tower is located is not included in the acquisition and is revenue-generated for the Girl Scouts.

BOARD OF SELECTMEN BUSINESS

MART Drug and Alcohol Policy:  On a motion made by Wysocki and seconded by Keep, the Board of Selectmen voted to approve the above-mentioned policy.  (Keep – yes, Wysocki – yes)

Town Common Discussion:  Discussion regarding the Town Common was deferred to the next Board of Selectmen’s meeting as an executive session.

Appointment of Election Workers:  On a motion made by Keep and seconded by Wysocki, the Board of Selectmen voted to make the appointments to the Board of Registrars as proposed by the Town Clerk Pamela Powell. (Keep – yes, Wysocki – yes)   Annelisa Addante, 378 Still River Road; Alida Austin, 84 Burnham Road: Kathleen Barry, 40 Wheeler Road; Lori Bernard, 122 Vaughn Hill Road; Alice Coggeshall, Main Street; Christel Conlin, 12 Harris Farm Road; Debby Daman, 9 Whitcomb Road; Janet Hammonds, 600 Main Street; Nancy Jagodnik, 115 East End Road; Leigh Lord, 581 Sugar Road; Corinne Mackie, 167 Wilder Road; Clare Moses, 438 Sugar Road; Marci Nonni, 113 Burnham Road; Cia Ochsenbein, 702 Main Street; Patty Pleshaw, 19 Pondside Drive; Randall Porteus, 536 Sugar Road; Alice Rennie, 166 Vaughn Hill Road; Karen Richards, 45 Coventry Wood Road; Alice Roemer, 185 Main Street; Wendy Rogers, 92 Randall Road; Linda Shelales, 20 Pinewood road; Pam Sowizral, 4 Powder Hill Road; Isabel Wells, 189 Still River Road; Susan and Thomas Wildman, 542 Sugar Road. 

Great Brook Farms Liquor License:  The Board of Selectmen executed the Great Brook Farms liquor license that was approved at the Board of Selectmen’s meeting in April, 2017)

Bills/Payroll Warrants:  On a motion made by Keep and seconded by Wysocki, the Board of Selectmen voted to approve the Bills/Payroll Warrants as follows.  (Keep – yes, Wysocki – yes) 

Bills/Payroll Warrant W17-27, W17-27A and 27B, June 30, 2017; Bills/Payroll Warrant W18-01 and W18-01A - July 5, 2017; Bills/Payroll Warrant W18-02 and W18-02A – July 19, 2017; Bills/Payroll Warrant W18-03 and W18-03A – August 2, 2017; Bills/Payroll Warrant W18-04 and W18-04A – August 16, 2017; and Bills/Payroll Warrant W18-05 and W18-05A – August 30, 2017.

Minutes:  On a motion made by Keep and seconded by Wysocki, the Board of Selectmen approved the minutes of April 27, 2017 and May 11, 2017.  (Keep – yes, Wysocki – yes)

EXECUTIVE SESSION

On a motion made by Keep and seconded by Wysocki, the Board of Selectmen voted 3-0 by roll call (Keep – yes, Wysocki - yes) to enter into executive session at 8:20 p.m., pursuant to Massachusetts General Laws, Chapter 30A, 21(a) 3 to discuss strategy with respect to collective bargaining for the Fire Union, as the Chair finds that an open meeting may have a detrimental effect on the Board’s bargaining position, and executive session pursuant to MGL c. 30A, §21(a)3 to discuss strategy with respect to collective bargaining for the Police Union, as the Chair finds that an open meeting may have a detrimental effect on the Board’s bargaining position.  The Board will not reconvene to open session.

The Board announced it will not reconvene to open session.  (Keep – yes, Wysocki – yes)

Respectfully submitted by Linda L. Day