Board of Selectmen Minutes
Meeting date:
Thursday, October 24, 2013
Board of Selectmen Present: Stanley Wyoscki
October 24, 2013 Lawrence Delaney
Mark Sprague
Don Lowe, Town Administrator
Linda L. Day, Town Secretary
The Board of Selectmen met at the Town Hall at 6:30 p.m.
EXECUTIVE SESSION
On a motion made by Delaney and seconded by Sprague, the Board of Selectmen voted 3-0 by roll call (Wysocki – yes, Delaney – yes, Sprague - yes) to enter into executive session under the authority of Massachusetts General Laws, Chapter 30A, Section 21A (3) at 6:30 p.m. to discuss strategy with respect to pending litigation on the basis that an open meeting may have a detrimental effect on the litigating position of the Town of Bolton. The Board announced it would reconvene to open session, which it did at 7:00 p.m.
INTERVIEWS FOR SCHOOL COMMITTEE REPRESENTATIVE
The Board of Selectmen and Nancy Federspiel, School Committee Chairman interviewed Lorraine Romasco, Matthew Beyranevand and Neal Darcy for the vacancy on the School Committee as a result of the resignation of Reta Rupich. Bharat Nair also expressed interest but was unable to attend the meeting.
On a motion made by Delaney and seconded by Federspiel, the Board of Selectmen voted to appoint Lorraine Romasco to the School Committee until the annual town election on May 12, 2014. (Wysocki – yes, Delaney – yes, Sprague – yes, Federspiel – yes)
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE
Helene Demmer, Chairman, Erik Neyland, Vice Chairman and Lysa Miller, Secretary of the Economic Development Committee (EDC) met with the Board of Selectmen to review the EDC’s mission, discuss the proposed “Adopt a Pole” program, request for a budget for FY15 and request approval to display a banner purchased by the EDC as part of the 275th Anniversary.
The Selectmen supported the EDC’s mission to promote local business and encourage redevelopment of vacant buildings. The Committee is working on several initiatives including ribbon cutting ceremonies, newspaper articles, social media blogging and social events.
The EDC also requested approval of the proposed “Adopt a Pole” program where local businesses will sponsor a holiday wreath that will be placed on utility poles along Main Street.
On a motion made by Delaney and seconded by Sprague, the Board of Selectmen voted to approve the proposed “Adopt a Pole” program. (Wysocki – yes, Delaney – yes, Sprague – yes)
The Board of Selectmen also approved the request of the EDC to display the banner purchased as part of the 275th Anniversary, listing several business in town in front of the town hall.
Ms. Demmer stated that the banner, ribbon and scissors for ribbon cutting ceremonies were paid for by the EDC members and requested a line item in the FY15 budget. The Board of Selectmen were amenable to this request.
SIGN REQUEST – SLATER’S, 356 MAIN STREET
Mr. Slater requested permission to place two (18” X 24”) signs at the end of the Interstate 495 ramps advertising Slater’s Brick Oven Pizza and BBQ.
On a motion made by Delaney and seconded by Sprague, the Board of Selectmen voted to approve the two signs as requested by Mr. Slater. (Wysocki – yes, Delaney –yes, Sprague – yes)
TOWN ADMINISTRATOR REPORT
FY15 Budget Message: Mr. Lowe reported that all departments have been asked to submit a level funded budget for FY15 and if a budget line item can’t be level funded an explanation to justify the increased should be provided.
The Board of Selectmen did not support Mr. Lindsay’s suggestion that the departments be asked to cut 3% from their budget given the high tax rate.
Animal Containment Concern: Mr. Lowe reported that there is an animal containment concern that has been brought to his attention by Chief Alfano. The owner will be invited to attend the Board of Selectmen’s meeting on November 14, 2013 to address this concern.
Update on the slot parlor activity: Mr. Lowe reported that he attended a public hearing on October 21, 2013 in Lancaster where he had the opportunity to address the Gaming Commission and deliver the message that the Town of Bolton should be designated a “surrounding community”.
Mr. Lowe also reported that he has contacted by Mr. Joseph Weinberg as a follow up to the letter sent to the Cordish Headquarters (dated September 25, 2013) requesting that Bolton be designated a surrounding community and there has not been any closure to the Town’s request.
As of this morning the Towns of Westminster, Townsend and Lunenburg have signed a standard agreement that includes an annual payment of $5,000 with a clause to increase the amount based on casino revenues. Mr. Weinberg has indicated that Cordish is unwilling to address the issue of whether Bolton qualifies as a surrounding community separate from its proposed agreement.
Mr. Lowe asked the Board of Selectmen to provide direction as to whether they wanted to accept Cordish’s standard agreement or petition the Massachusetts Gaming Commission to be designated as a surrounding community. If the Town is designated a surrounding community the Town then has 30 days to negotiate an agreement with the Cordish Company.
On a motion made by Sprague and seconded by Delaney, the Board of Selectmen voted to appoint Mr. Lowe, Town Administrator as the agent to file a petition with the Gaming Commission to be designated a surrounding community. (Wysocki – yes, Delaney – yes, Sprague – yes)
On a motion made by Delaney and seconded by the Sprague, , the Board of Selectmen voted to file a written petition to the Gaming Commission, pursuant to Massachusetts General Law Chapter 23K § 17(a) and 205 CMR 125.01, to be designated surrounding community to the proposed Leominster casino. (Wysocki – yes, Delaney – yes, Sprague – yes)
BOARD OF SELECTMEN BUSINESS
Appointment: At the request of the Planning Board Chairman, the appointment of the Planning Board member was deferred to the next meeting.
On a motion made by Delaney and seconded by Sprague, the Board of Selectmen voted to adjourn at 8:40 p.m. (Wysocki – yes, Delaney – yes, Sprague – yes)
Respectfully submitted by Linda L. Day