Board of Selectmen Minutes
Meeting date:
Thursday, July 21, 2011
Board of Selectmen Present: Curtis Plante
July 21, 2011 David Lindsay
Stanley Wysocki
Don Lowe, Town Administrator
Linda L. Day, Town Secretary
HOUGTON BUILDING RENOVATIONS
The Board of Selectmen did a walkthrough of the Houghton Building with members of BatCo and architect Stephen Egnatz and Jonathan Mechlin to review the renovations that will be taking place. The 1st floor of the building will include space for the Friends of the Library and their books, and a meeting room for town use. The BatCo office, recording study and equipment will be located on the 2nd floor. The Conservation Trust will also have some office space on the 2nd floor.
POLE HEARING – WATTAQUADOCK HILL ROAD
Present: Iris Price, representative of National Grid, Scott Burns, Engineer for Verizon, Nancy Caisse, Mrs. Calcagni, abutter, Rich Pelletier, and Martha Remington, representing the Historical Commission
The Board of Selectmen continued to discuss the proposal to locate a new stub pole at the intersection of Wattaquadock Hill Road and Old Bay Road. At the last site visit with Mr. Burns, the Engineer for Verizon, there was an agreement to move the pole another three feet. Mr. Burns stated that they work from a book of standards and that they did not have any specific engineering drawings for this proposal. Ms. Caisse reiterated her concerns related to safety not only for herself but for the Town of Bolton, and did not comment on the proposal to move the pole.
Mr. Wysocki was satisfied with the proposal while Mr. Plante was not convinced that the solution proposed by the Utility Companies was the best solution. Mr. Lindsay questioned whether the installation of a new main pole would allow for a different angle of support and solve the problem.
Mr. Price stated that they have tried their best to accommodate the Town of Bolton, but that they also have an engineering and safety standard that they must adhere to.
Martha Remington, Chairman of the Historical Commission stated that every effort should be made to protect this vista.
Ms. Calcagni informed the Board of Selectmen that she contacted Rita Moran, of National Grid for assistance with this situation.
Ms. Price suggested that the Town of Bolton contact the Legal Department of both National Grid and Verizon requesting an independent engineer.
For the record, the Board of Selectmen also received a letter from the Agricultural Commission encouraging the Board of Selectmen to thoroughly research this proposal and asked that only as a last resort should the farms be asked to bear the burden of change.
The hearing was continued to Thursday, August 18, 2011 at 7:00 p.m.
2011 POSITIVE SPIN FOR ALS BIKE RID
On a motion made by Lindsay and seconded by Wysocki, the Board of Selectmen voted to approve the request of Mr. Farricker to hold the 2011 Positive Spin for ALS Bike Ride on September 18, 2011. (Plante – yes, Lindsay – yes, Wysocki – yes) The Board had originally approved this event for June 12, but it was postponed because of the weather. Chief Alfano has also approved this event.
SALT BOX, 626 MAIN STREET REVIEW
Present: Tom Geaghan, Consultant and Nabil Roufail, Alfred Hanna and Maged Antoun, owners of the Salt Box
Mr. Geaghan and the owners of the Salt Box property met with the Board of Selectmen to introduce themselves and get feedback regarding their preliminary plans to develop the property at 626 Main Street as commercial property.
The plans show a village type concept with four smaller buildings. They are negotiating with a family restaurant that they feel would blend in nicely with the area. Options are being explored for the use of the other three buildings.
They are aware of the Senior Housing located at 600 Main Street and would like to connect the two properties with a foot path. They are also looking at a new plan for entering and exiting the property.
They have met with Jenny Atwood Burney, our Town Planner, and the Planning Board. The Planning Board may favor including this area as part of the overlay district, but has not voted on it as yet.
The owners have met with the Board of Health to review plans to update the septic system.
The Board of Selectmen suggested that conceptual drawings or a model of the proposed development be presented so that people can visualize the proposed ideas for the property. A suggestion was made to have a joint meeting with the Board of Selectmen and Planning Board when the conceptual drawings are available for review.
BATCO LEASE
The Board of Selectmen reviewed the lease between the Town of Bolton and BatCo. On a motion made by Wysocki and seconded by Lindsay, the Board of Selectmen voted to approve and execute the lease. (Plante – yes, Lindsay – yes, Wysocki – yes)
The Board of Selectmen also discussed using BatCo funds on space not being occupied by BatCo at the Houghton building. It was the Board’s opinion that there was not any issue with BatCo funds being used on space not being occupied by BatCo at the Houghton Building because the vast majority of the building and the new equipment will be used by BatCo.
REPLACEMENT FOR FIRE CHIEF
Present: John Mentzer, Deputy Chief; Gerald Wilson, Captain; David Farrell, Lieutenant; David Byler, member of the Fire Department and Jack Holbrook, retiree of the Fire Department
The Board of Selectmen discussed the process for hiring a new Fire Chief to replace John Stephenson who retired on June 30, 2011.
The Board of Selectmen informed the Fire Department Officers that the Chief’s position would remain a part time position with a stipend of $5,000 on an annual basis. The Officers would like to see the position filled with an internal candidate.
Mr. Lowe has informed the Fire Department that Deputy Chief Mentzer assumes all responsibilities during this period without a Chief. Mr. Mentzer stated that there are changes that he would like to see the department make and specifically mentioned the addition of a training officer to prepare and manage the training plan. There are also vacancies in the officer structure of the Department that need to be filled. In addition, there are job descriptions, rules and regulations, and operating procedures that need to be worked on. Mr. Holbrook would like to see recruitment addressed and paid call for the volunteer force.
The Selectmen discussed the existing strong chief structure and will consider changing this structure at a later date. A change in this structure would require a town meeting vote
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On a motion made by Lindsay and seconded by Wysocki, the Board of Selectmen voted to conduct a search for a new Fire Chief. The advertisement will include the annual stipend of $5,000 and all interested internal candidates will be encouraged to apply as well as candidates from the outside. (Plante –yes, Lindsay – yes, Wysocki – yes)
TOWN ADMINISTRATOR REPORT
Animals in Town Buildings and Vehicles Policy, and Service Animal Policy: On motion made by Lindsay and seconded by Wysocki, the Board of Selectmen voted to approve the “Animals in Town Buildings and Vehicles Policy” and the “Service Animal Policy” with the minor revisions discussed this evening. (Plante - yes, Lindsay – yes, Wysocki –yes)
Bring Your Own Beverage: The Board of Selectmen reviewed Mr. Lowe's draft for a Bring Your Own Beverage (BYOB) Policy and suggested revisions be made to the clause regarding notification of the police prior to allowing patrons to bring in alcoholic beverages for personal consumption. It was also suggested that there be an additional clause addressing the re-corking of beverages. Mr. Lowe will address these suggestions and bring back a revised draft for discussion at the next Board of Selectmen’s meeting.
Health Care Legislation: Mr. Lowe reported that he has attended two meetings regarding the health care legislation. There is a lot more information to be learned before he can give the Board of Selectmen an update. Mr. Lowe will give the Board of Selectmen an update at their meeting August 18, 2011. Ms. Madden will be attending a meeting regarding the health care legislation on August 4th, 2011. Mr. Lindsay stated that the Town of Arlington already voted to move their employees into the State plan.
BOARD OF SELECTMEN BUSINESS
Appointment: On a motion made by Lindsay and seconded by Wysocki, the Board of Selectmen voted to appoint Michele Marino, Veterans Agent, term expiration June 30, 2012. (Plante - yes, Lindsay – yes, Wysocki –yes)
Longevity: On a motion made by Lindsay and seconded by Wysocki, the Board of Selectmen voted to approve an additional $100 for the following employees who have accumulated over 20 years of service. (Plante – yes, Lindsay – yes, Wysocki – yes)
Linda Day, July 1, 2011 – 23 years of service
Donna Hathaway, August 30, 2011 – 23 years of service
Michael Slepetz, April 15, 2011 – 26 years of service
Conservation Restriction – Brett Gaby, 84 Sampson Road: On a motion made by Lindsay and seconded by Wysocki, the Board of Selectmen voted to approve the Conservation Restriction on a 31,835 square foot portion of a 4.7 acre parcel at 84 Sampson Road. (Plante – yes, Lindsay – yes, Wysocki – yes)
DEEPEST SYMPATHY
The Board of Selectmen expressed their deepest sympathy to the family of Neal Heeren who passed away suddenly. Mr. Heeren will be missed dearly.
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 9:30 p.m. to discuss collective bargaining. The Board announced it would not reconvene to open session.
Respectfully submitted by Linda L. Day