Board of Selectmen Minutes
Meeting date:
Thursday, November 14, 2013
Board of Selectmen Present: Lawrence Delaney
November 14, 2013 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.
Representative Kate Hogan presented the Board of Selectmen with citations from the Massachusetts House of Representatives and the Commonwealth of Massachusetts congratulating the Town of Bolton for moving forward with the 6MW solar project at Bolton Orchards.
PUBLIC HEARING FOR RENEWAL OF THE COMCAST CONTRACT
The current Comcast contract expires in April of 2014. As part of the renewal process for negotiating a new contract with Comcast, the Board of Selectmen and the Cable Advisory Committee held a public hearing to solicit input and opinions from citizens about their experiences with cable television.
Representative Hogan stated that Bolton Access Television is important to her and was hopeful that the program would remain strong and vital as it is important to the Town of Bolton.
Representatives from the Nashoba Regional School District, the Cable Advisory Committee and the Bolton Access TV staff as well as members of the public spoke on a variety of issues including their experiences related to the cable service, future funding of Bolton Access TV and technical issues that should be of interest to Comcast.
Mr. Troup, Chairman of the Cable Committee referenced the results of the survey conducted by the Cable Committee. Approximately 127 citizens responded to the survey and results showed that most citizens have HD TV, have the internet from Comcast and are satisfied with the repairs services but not happy with the program bundles.
Several speakers submitted documents as part of the hearing, which will be attached to these minutes.
The Cable Committee will be preparing an ascertainment document that outlines the needs and requirements of the town, as reflected in the survey and the hearing, to be submitted to Comcast.
PROPERTY TAX CLASSIFICATION
Present: Jeff Nichols, Susan Mason and Charlotte Johnson-Zembko, Board of Assessors, and David Manzello, Principal Assessor
Pursuant to Massachusetts General Laws, Chapter 40, Section 56, the Board of Selectmen held a public hearing regarding the property tax classification.
The Board of Assessors recommended that the Board of Selectmen approve a single tax rate classification for residential and commercial property. The total valuation of the town is 873,687,629 which is a 1.6% increase over last year.
The Advisory Committee also recommended to the Board of Selectmen that any excess levy capacity as identified by the Board of Assessors not be used in setting the fiscal year 2014 tax rate.
On a motion made by Sprague and seconded by Delaney, the Board of Selectmen voted to approve a single tax rate as proposed on the LA5 tax form with the overall tax rate of $21.20 and excess levy capacity of $236,391.26 in Bolton for the upcoming fiscal year. (Delaney – yes, Sprague - yes)
TOWN ADMINISTRATOR REPORT
Emergency Management Co-Director: On a motion made by Sprague and seconded by Delaney, the Board of Selectmen voted to advertise for an Emergency Management Co-Director to fill the vacant position. (Delaney – yes, Sprague - yes)
Update on Cordish Company: Mr. Delaney reported that he and Mr. Lowe attended a hearing held today by the Massachusetts Gaming Commission and presented the town’s position that the Town of Bolton be designated a “surrounding community” to the proposed Cordish Company casino in Leominster. Mr. Delaney stated that three municipalities – Bolton, Sterling and Fitchburg -- have filed petitions to be designated as a surrounding community to the Leominster site. TThe Massachusetts Gaming Commission will decide on whether to designate Bolton a “surrounding community” in the next week or so.
BOARD OF SELECTMEN BUSINESS
Planning Board Appointment: The Board of Selectmen and the Planning Board met jointly to fill a Planning Board vacancy. On a motion made by Storey and seconded by Sprague, the Board of Selectmen and Planning Board voted to appoint Erik Neyland to the Planning Board until the election in May of 2014. (Delaney – yes, Sprague – yes, Storey – yes, Keep – yes, Karlon – yes, Yesue – yes)
Amendment to the Century Mill Estates Conservation Restriction: The Board of Selectmen previously approved a conservation restriction on open space at the Century Mill Estates that was required by the Massachusetts Natural Heritage and Endangered Species Program at the Division of Fisheries and Wildlife. The restriction prohibited public access within the wellhead and Zone I area. The restriction is now being amended to allow a 15 foot wide trail easement that passes through the wellhead and Zone I area that will allow the public to enjoy the open space in a continuous manner.
On a motion made by Sprague and seconded by Delaney, the Board of Selectmen voted to approve the amendment to the conservation restriction as proposed. (Delaney – yes, Sprague – yes)
Lease between the Conservation Trust and Town of Bolton for use of a meeting room in the Houghton Building, 697 Main Street: On a motion made by Sprague and seconded by Delaney, the Board of Selectmen voted to approve the lease between the Town of Bolton and the Conservation Trust for use of a conference room in the Houghton Building. (Delaney – yes, Sprague – yes)
Fotini’s Restaurant, 544 Wattaquadock Hill Road: On a motion made by Sprague and seconded by Delaney, the Board of Selectmen voted to approve the sign for Fotini’s Restaurant as requested by Mr. Kessaris, owner of Fotini’s. (Delaney – yes, Sprague – yes)
On a motion made by Sprague and seconded by Delaney, the Board of Selectmen voted to transfer the Common Victualer license from Roadhouse Restaurant to Fotini’s Restaurant contingent on the Town Secretary receiving all the appropriate paperwork. (Delaney – yes, Sprague – yes)
On a motion made by Sprague and seconded by Delaney, the Board of Selectmen voted to execute the liquor license for Fotini’s Restaurant contingent on the Town Secretary receiving all the appropriate paperwork. (Delaney – yes, Sprague – yes) The hours of the restaurant will be weekdays and Saturday from 9 to 11:30 p.m. and Sunday, 12 noon to 11:30 p.m.
On a motion made by Sprague and seconded by Delaney, the Board of Selectmen voted to adjourn at 8:10 p.m. (Delaney – yes, Sprague – yes)
Respectfully submitted by Linda L. Day