Board of Selectmen Minutes

Board of Selectmen                                    Present:  Kenneth F. Troup

October 1, 2009                                         Stanley Wysocki

                                                                   Curtis Plante

                                                                  Don Lowe, Town Administrator

                                                                  Linda L. Day, Town Secretary

The Board of Selectmen met at the Town Hall at 7:00 p.m.

Present:  David Lindsay, Chairman of the Advisory Committee

SIGNING OF THE BONDS FOR THE PUBLIC SAFETY CENTER

Present:  Donna Madden, Treasurer/Collector and HR Director

Ms. Madden requested that the Board of Selectmen sign bonds in the amount of $4 million for the final borrowing for the public safety center project at a rate of 3.229 percent from Roosevelt & Cross, Inc. of New York.  

On a motion made by Wysocki and seconded by Plante, the Board of Selectmen voted to accept and execute the bonds for $4 million for the Public Safety Center project.  (Troup – yes, Wysocki – yes, Plante – yes)

Mr. Lindsay expressed his regret that the Advisory Committee was not given advance notice that the bonds were being issued at this time versus in March of next year which was the original plan.  Mr. Lindsay also stated that the borrowing is ahead of the schedule that was reported at town meeting which means taxes will be up a little more than projected in the next fiscal year.  

Ms. Madden stated that the interest rate was very attractive and that the bond counsel advised the town not to delay.  It was noted that rates would have been higher if we waited until next year and taxpayers could save money over the life of the loan.  

Ms. Madden also announced that the online payment system is up and running for real estate bills.  You can pay your tax bills and future excise bills via checkbook at no charge, and with a credit card with a sliding fee based on the amount of the tax bill.

REVIEW OF THE FY11 ANNUAL TOWN MEETING CALENDAR AND BUDGET MESSAGE

The Board of Selectmen reviewed and approved the FY11 Annual Town Meeting and Election calendar.  Mr. Lowe asked for direction from the Board for the message to be given to all departments, boards and committees as part of the budget packet.  Mr. Troup stated that the key message is that we are in a poor revenue situation and now is not the time for expansion.  The recommendation will be to level fund.  On a motion made by Wysocki and seconded by Plante, the Board of Selectmen voted to approve the Annual Town Meeting and Election Calendar for the FY11 (see attached) with a revision to move the discussion of the Board of Selectmen Goals for FY11 from October 1, 2009 to October 22, 2009.

FREE CASH

Free cash was certified at $1,001,594 which is $500,000 less than last year.   

 

CAPITAL PLANNING COMMITTEE

The Capital Planning Committee has requested that all Departments, Board and Committees submit their capital requests by October 26, 2009.   

 

BOARD OF SELECTMEN GOALS

The Board of Selectmen will review their goals for FY10 and provide comment to Mr. Lowe and Ms. Day.  

TOWN ADMINISTRATOR REPORT

Update on upcoming changes in the open meeting law and ethics reform:  Mr. Lowe reported that Governor Patrick signed into Law Chapter 28 of the Acts of 2009 making changes to the State’s Conflict of Interest Law and the State Ethics Commission’s enabling act.  All municipal employees will be provided with a summary of the conflict of interest law and must complete an on-line training program by December of 2009.  Municipal employees include any person performing services for or holding an office, position, employment or membership in a municipal agency.   Upon completion of the on-line training program, employees are required to submit their completion certificate to the Town Clerk.

PUBLIC SAFETY BUILDING PROJECT

Installation of Conduit:  The Board reviewed the request for approval to install conduit to connect the siren to the new public safety center.  The siren is customarily tested every noon time, sounds during the day for a fire call, at night for house fires and in the morning if there is no school.  Mr. Lowe stated the Public Safety Center Committee is not opposed to the request but wanted the Board of Selectmen’s opinion.  Mr. Lowe will speak with Fire Chief Stephenson and Emergency Management Co-Directors Thomas Moses and Peter Casello to get their opinion. On a motion made by Wysocki and seconded by Troup, the Board of Selectmen voted to approve the installation of the conduit for the siren provided the Public Safety Center Committee is also in favor of the installation.  (Troup – yes, Wysocki – yes)  Mr. Plante abstained.    

Project Sign:  On a motion made by Wysocki and seconded by Plante, the Board of Selectmen approved the installation of a sign at the public safety center construction site with the recommendation that the word “the” be removed so that the sign reads “A New Facility for Bolton Public Safety”.  (Troup – yes, Wysocki – yes, Plante – yes)  The Board asked that Ms. Day confirm that the sign dimensions are 4’ X 8’.  

LIBRARY

Present:  Mr. Robert Zak and Chris Sterling, Library Trustees, Mr. Robert White, OPM

Mr. Zak reported that the library is 76% complete which qualifies them for the next progress payment from the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners.  This payment will put them at 90% and the remaining 10% will be received when the certification of occupancy is received.

The project is on schedule and under budget.

  

Mr. White requested that the Board of Selectmen approve four separate purchase orders to the lowest bidders for the furniture and shelving for the library.  The purchase orders include $29,575.88 to Office Resources for desks and chairs; $16,960.00 to RV Leonard for custom wood bookcases; $78,973.60 to WBMason for general furniture, children’s furniture and stacking chairs; and $154,071.40 to Tucker Library Interiors for library shelving, end panels, tops, and tables.   The purchase orders have been approved by the Building Committee.  

On a motion made by Wysocki and seconded by Plante, the Board of Selectmen voted to approve these purchase orders for furniture and shelving.  (Troup – yes, Wysocki – yes, Plante – yes)  Mr. White will coordinate the delivery of the furniture and shelving with O’Connor Construction and they will allow for the delivery before the certificate of occupancy is issued.  The furniture will be insured under the building risks policy.   Mr. White stated that a Committee has been established for the grand opening which they anticipate will take place the beginning of January.  

RESULTS OF THE SENIOR SURVEY

Present:  Terry Abdalian, Brenda Evens, Barbara Parente, and Tom Beeson, all Friends of the Bolton Seniors  

The Board of Selectmen reviewed the results of the survey conducted by the Friends of the Bolton Seniors.  The purpose of the survey was to better plan and fulfills the needs of the seniors. The survey was answered by 43% of the senior population.   

The questions included:

Seniors commented on the lack of convenient and handicapped parking at the existing center.   The parking is not acceptable and very dangerous for the seniors.  Mr. Troup will contact the owners of the Flatley Building and ask if they would be willing to install a sidewalk for easier access to the senior center.  

Preferred services include legal assistance, referral/info services, health classes and services, tax preparation and congregate meals.  Legal assistance was highly requested and they have already addressed this by seeking the help from a local attorney.  Referral and informational services is another key service that is being requested but lacking due to the hours of the COA Director being limited to 20 hours per week.    Space is limited for activities such as exercise classes, educational programs, and social activities.  Ms. Abdalian talked with Kelly Collins, Director of the Library about a book club at the library but sensed the availability would be limited. Mr. Troup encouraged Ms. Abdalian not to discredit the library at this time as the project is not complete.  

Forty two percent of the seniors felt that the senior center was adequate while thirty eight percent felt the senior center was not adequate.  In conclusion Ms. Abdalian reported that the senior population is changing, the current center is restricted to 3 days, from 10-2 p.m. and space is limited.  Potential action items included implementing a number of new programs identified in the survey; adding paid personnel to execute and run programs; organizing volunteers; developing programs dependent on a dedicated and additional staff.  Mr. Troup suggested doing some research to see if we have an outreach, social worker type person in town that would be willing to help out.  

Mr. Plante asked if there were any grants to available to subsidize a social worker or paid personnel.   Ms. Abdalian was not sure but stated that Ms. Chmielowski was looking at sharing a social worker with a surrounding town.   Mr. Plante suggested that Ms. Abdalian gather information so that an article could be entertained at the annual town meeting in May of 2010.  Mr. Lindsay stated that this was inconsistent with the earlier discussion to recommend that department’s level fund.

 

It was Ms. Abdalian’s opinion that the Houghton Building would fit the need for a senior center and would allow us to continue providing services and programs desired by seniors.  Ms. Abdalian would like the town to make a commitment to the seniors in both personnel and facilities.  

 

Mr. Troup does not feel that the Houghton Building would be an adequate facility for the senior center and the parking would also be an issue.  Mr. Plante’s opinion is that the Houghton Building has potential and the parking issue could be addressed.   Mr. Troup stated that nothing has been considered at this time for the Houghton Building but that they would be sure to involve the Friends of the Seniors and the Council on Aging when the time comes.  A goal for the upcoming year should be to get the discussion started to determine the need and explore alternatives.   Ms. Abdalian will visit Lancaster to see how their project went for their new community center.  

BRUCE SLATER, GREAT BROOKS FARMS

Present:  Bruce Slater

Mr. Slater requested approval for a one-day beer and wine license for October 10, 2009 from 5 to 11 p.m. for his 30^th class reunion.  The facility will be closed to the public during the event.  He expects approximately 40 people.   Mr. Slater stated that he is very close to completing his notice of intent application and will be submitting it to the Conservation Commission next week.  The Planning Board does not have any other issues related to the special permit once the issues with the Conservation Commission are resolved.  On a motion made by Wysocki and seconded by Plante, the Board of Selectmen voted to approve Mr. Slater’s request for a one-day beer and wine license.  (Troup – yes, Wysocki – yes, Plante – yes)

BOLTON FLAG CEREMONY

Mr. Troup, Mr. Lowe and Chief Alfano attended the ceremony for presentation of the Bolton town flag held at the State House on Friday, September 25, 2009 at 2:30 p.m.   Former representative Patricia Walrath was also present for the ceremony.  The ceremony was enjoyed by all.

REPORT ON SUSTAINABILITY VISION DISCUSSION

Mr. Troup reported that he attended a recent meeting of the Bolton Local Group about how they thought the town might look in several decades if the town was energy efficient.  Mr. Troup suggested that we begin to think about how to institutionalize some of the long range thinking that might be needed to accomplish some of the ideas people are thinking about.

APPOINTMENTS

Cultural Council:  On a motion made by Wysocki and seconded by Plante, the Board of Selectmen voted to appoint Rosemary Donnelly to the Cultural Council, term expiration June 30, 2015.  (Troup – yes, Wysocki – yes, Plante – yes)

Building Inspector:  On a motion made by Wysocki and seconded by Plante, the Board of Selectmen voted to execute the new employee report form to be filed with the Massachusetts Building Official Certification Committee confirming the appointment of Mr. Michael Sauvageau as the Town of Bolton’s Building Inspector.   (Troup – yes, Wysocki – yes, Plante – yes)

THANK YOU

Mr. Plante thanked the emergency personnel, including Dispatcher Diane Coolidge and EMT David Farrell, for their efforts related to the accident on Route 495.  It was a very difficult situation with 3 fatalities and the coordination efforts were fantastic.

EXECUTIVE SESSION

On a motion made by Wysocki and seconded by Troup, the Board of Selectmen voted 3-0 by roll call (Troup – yes, Plante – yes, Wysocki – yes) to enter into executive session at 7:55 p.m. under the authority of Massachusetts General Law, Chapter 39B, Section 23B (3) to discuss strategy with respect to collective bargaining, and under the authority of Massachusetts General Law, Chapter 39B, Section 23B(2) to hear a complaint.  The Board announced it would not reconvene to open session.  

October 1, 2009 DISCUSS ANNUAL TOWN MEETING (Board of Selectmen)

October 8, 2009 BUDGET PACKETS DISTRIBUTED TO DEPARTMENTS BY THE TOWN ADMINISTRATOR, TOWN ACCOUNTANT AND TOWN TREASURER

October 22, 2009        BOARD OF SELECTMEN AND ADVISORY COMMITTEE FY BUDGET DISCUSSION

Anticipated revenues and expenses

Capital spending

Anticipated school expenses and state reimbursement

November 19, 2009       DRAFT BUDGETS AND ARTICLES ARE DUE TO TOWN

        ADMINISTRATOR – who then forwards to Town Accountant and Town Treasurer

December 3, 2009        DRAFT BUDGETS AND ARTICLES SUBMITTED TO THE BOARD OF SELECTMEN AND ADVISORY COMMITTEE BY THE TOWN ADMINISTRATOR

February 4, 2010        LAST day to have FINAL (no changes) ARTICLES to Board of Selectmen and Advisory Committee  

March 8, 2010   POST Public Notice of Caucus (at least 7 days before caucus)

March 15, 2010  CAUCUS   (at least 38 days before Town Meeting and must be before March 27) (Town Clerk)

March 18, 2010  LAST day to FILE CAUCUS NOMINATION CERTIFICATE

5:00 p.m.       (within 72 hours after caucus and at least 35 days before Town Meeting) (Town Clerk)

March 18, 2010  LAST day to FILE NOMINATION PAPERS

5:00 p.m.               (at least 35 days before Town Meeting) (Town Clerk)

March 18, 2010  LAST day to FILE OBJECTIONS OR WITHDRAWALS (within 48 hours after caucus nomination certificate filing deadline and at least 33 days before Town Meeting) (Town Clerk)

March 18, 2010  WARRANT TO BE REVIEWED WITH TOWN COUNSEL AT BOARD OF SELECTMEN’S MEETING

March 29, 2010  LAST day to FILE CITIZEN’S PETITION for certification of signatures by the Town Clerk’s office.  (Town Clerk)

April 1, 2010   WARRANT TO BE CLOSED AND SIGNED BY SELECTMEN (Selectmen’s meeting prior to the warrant going to PRINTER)

April 1, 2010   LAST day to FILL VACANCY caused by withdrawal (within 48 hours after withdrawal deadline and at least 31 days before Town Meeting.  Moderator, Town Clerk, Board of Selectmen chairman meet week before the ballot goes to printer.)  (Town Clerk)

April 5, 2010   LAST day to have WARRANT to PRINTER (21 days before posting)

        (Board of Selectmen)

April 5, 2010   LAST day to have BALLOT to the PRINTER (at least 35 before the Election) (Town Clerk)

April 13, 2010  LAST day to REGISTER VOTERS   for town meeting and election.    9:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m.    (20 days before A.T.M.)  (Town Clerk)

April 23, 2010  LAST day to POST WARRANT or publish warrant (7 days before ATM)

May 3, 2010     ANNUAL TOWN MEETING

May 10, 2010    ANNUAL TOWN ELECTION