Board of Selectmen Minutes

Board of Selectmen                              Present:        Kenneth F. Troup

June 21, 2006                                                   Panny Gerken    

                                                                Curt Plante

The Board of Selectmen met at the Town Hall at 7:00 p.m.    Minutes of April 27, May 4, 11, 18, June 5, 2006 were read and approved.

WARRANT

#06-25a    $775,961.41

#06-25      $89,646.10

#06-26a    $877,186.92

#06-26       $88,168.68

TOWN ADMINISTRATOR REPORT

Bike Riders:  Ms. Ross reported that she received a call from Ms. Johnson who stated she was doing a personal challenge ride with 3 other people and they were looking for a place in Bolton to pitch a tent for one evening.  The Board of Selectmen approved and suggested the Police Station.

Insurance Advisory Committee:  The committee has scheduled their first meeting for June 27, 2006 at 10:00 a.m. at the town hall.  

EMT/FF position:  Ms. Ross reported that the Search Committee for the EMT/FF position have reviewed all resumes and will be interviewing on June 26 & 27, 2006.  The Selectmen recommended that no more than three candidates be brought forward to them to interview.  

Riverside hearing:  Ms. Ross reported that in the middle of the Riverside hearing this evening an abutter to the project was quite upset and threatened to file a lawsuit.  At the end of the hearing ZBA Chairman Gerard Ahearn was reviewing their decision and ZBA member Jake Foote abruptly resigned and walked out.  At this point the hearing was stopped and further research will be done to determine how the resignation affects the hearing.

AUCTION, 95 FOX RUN ROAD

Dublins Galleries, Inc of New Jersey requested permission to hold an auction at 95 Fox Run Road on July 8 and July 9, 2006 to sell goods within the home.   Mr. Plante recused himself from this discussion because the above mentioned property is owned by his brother.  The Gallery is working with Coldwell Bankers in selling the goods while Coldwell Banker will accept offers on the real estate.  Local police will be on site.  A tent will be erected for this function.  On a motion made by Gerken and seconded by Troup, the Board of Selectmen voted 2-0 with Mr. Plante not participating to approve the auction.  

NAMING OF FORBUSH MILL ROAD FIELDS

On a motion made by Plante and seconded by Gerken, the Board of Selectmen voted to charge the Parks and Recreation with soliciting names for the field and providing recommendations to the Board of Selectmen.  The Selectmen suggested using the website as a means of soliciting names for the fields.

BONDS

On a motion made by Gerken (Clerk of the Board of Selectmen) and seconded by Plante, the Board of Selectmen voted to unanimously pass the sale of the $1,690,000 Land Acquisition Bonds of the Town dated June 15, 2006 to First Southwest Company at the price of $1,690,018.69 and accrued interest and the consent dated June 20, 2006 to the financial advisor bidding for the bonds is hereby confirmed.  The Board also voted to make a year end transfer in the amount of $24,935 from 301-5691 to 145-5422 for the bond issuance costs.  

Mr. Slade, Co-Chairman of Advisory Committee reported that the Advisory Committee approved of the year end transfer in the amount of $24,935 from 301-5691 to 145-5422 for the bond issuance costs.  Mr. Slade also reported that the Advisory Committee reviewed and approved transfers from the reserve fund to cover department shortfalls.  (Insurance - $1.00; Street Lights - $800.00; Ambulance - 2,000; Police Expenses - $4,000; Police Wages - $6,000).

DOG COMPLAINT

The Board of Selectmen received a letter from Animal Control Officer Phyllis Tower informing them of an incident that occurred on Tuesday, June 13 when Bolton dispatch called Ms. Tower to say that the Camp’s dogs from 100 Nourse Road were running loose.  These dogs had been ordered restrained to the confines of their property and on a leash when off of their property by the Board of Selectmen in November of 2002.  On a motion made by Troup and seconded by Gerken, the Board of Selectmen voted to send a letter to the Camp’s reminding them of the order issued in 2002 and that if additional complaints about the dogs were received, the Board would be forced to re-evaluate the situation and may, at its discretion, order the banishment of the dogs from the Town of Bolton.

SCHOOL SPACE NEEDS ASSESSMENT COMMITTEE

Present: Bolton School Space Needs Assessment Committee members Leigh Shanny, Tom Pokorney, Advisory Committee members Chris Slade, David Lindsay, Burt Shnitzler, Richard Fly, Moderator Jim Anker, Library Trustees Chris Sterling, Chief Alfano, Luke Hamburger, Wayne Wetzel, Chris Nelson Pat Bensetler, Jeff Buffum, Robert Minardi, Ledyard Smith, Susan Miles, Barry Gerken, Ken Tucker, Mike Benjamin

Mr. Plante requested time on the Board of Selectmen’s agenda to discuss the Bolton School Needs Assessment Committee’s (BSNAC) comments made at the Annual Town Meeting on May 2, 2006 and their meeting with the Board of Selectmen on Thursday, June 1.  In addition, Mr. Plante requested information from Selectman Panny Gerken in her role if any as to the information provided or not provided during the meeting of May 2 and June 1.

Mr. Plante read a statement addressing his concerns regarding how information was or was not conveyed to the citizens of Bolton.   Mr. Plante referred to BSNAC minutes of April 24 which reflect a unanimous vote in favor of the renovation of Emerson School and stated that when asked at town meeting what the short term and long term needs were the response was “nothing short term”.  Mr. Plante also referred to an email from Ms. Gerken, dated May 12, 2006 that confirmed the BSNAC was going to recommend construction beginning in July of 2008 and occupancy in fall of 2009.  Mr. Plante stated that as a result of his findings it has become clear that there was a direct intent to mislead the citizens of Bolton by a few members that are either elected or in appointed positions.  Mr. Plante stated that there were two missed opportunities for this information to be provided.  Mr. Plante read from the Board of Selectmen’s operating guidelines and stated that the responsibilities of the department liaison were ignored.  He requested an explanation be given as to why the citizens of Bolton were intentionally deceived and the information was not forthright.  He also stated that he felt an apology was in order to the citizens of Bolton for not accurately serving the people as Selectman.  Mr. Pokorney, of the BSNAC stated that no one requested that the Committee not present information.  At the time of town meeting, the Committee had not yet made its recommendation to the Board of Selectmen or prepared their presentation.  Mr. Pokorney stated that he did not begin writing the presentation until June 10 and the estimate of more space at Emerson during 2009-2011 was not determined until the day before the presentation to the Board of Selectmen.  Mr. Pokorney stated that during the June 1 presentation to Selectmen he did mistakenly say they didn’t have the final vote until after town meeting because he merged two meetings in his mind and it was not done intentionally to be misleading.  

Ms. Gerken stated that her email to Town Administrator Jodi Ross was a worst case scenario.   She also stated that being familiar with the moderator’s guidelines a presentation would not have been allowed by the Bolton School Needs Assessment Committee.   Ms. Gerken’s concern was the members of the BSNAC having their integrity questioned.  Mr. Troup referred back to his notes taken at town meeting which said the short term need was “limited” and that a more major space would be needed within 6 to 8 years or more.  Mr. Troup said he thought that answer described in his notes had been consistent with the information presented by BSNAC to the Selectmen on June 1, 2006.  Mr. Nelson stated he tried to put the library in context by including other capital projects in his presentation and did refer to the $2 million school renovation or expansion capital expense.  

Mr. Plante stated that he did not ask for an open forum and requested this discussion be in executive session. His concerns were about Ms. Gerken not being forthright about the school information and found statements to be inaccurate and false.  Several audience members commented on the subject as well, including the need to improve communications with the public.  After these comments, Mr. Troup thanked everyone for coming and stated he hoped that everyone would be able to get passed this.  

APPOINTMENT OF POLICE OFFICER

Chief Alfano introduced Luke Hamburger and recommended that he be appointed as Police Officer for the Town of Bolton to fill the full time position vacated by Mr. Dempsey who has left to join the State Police.  Mr. Hamburger has been a reserve officer with the Town of Bolton for the last 15 months.   Chief Alfano stated that the Search Committee received 19 applications and 3 internal applications in response to the advertisement to fill the position.    Mr. Hamburger scored the highest on the police exam and has had a stellar career with every officer recommending him for the position.  He is a graduate of Nashoba Regional High School, has 11 years of military experience, and has dispatch and reserve officer experience from the town of Shrewsbury.   Mr. Hamburger stated that the Bolton Police Department was a great department to work for, enjoyed the fact that Bolton allows you to work with the population and at the end of the day he could go home with satisfaction that he had positively affected somebody in the community.    Mr. Hamburger is anxious to attend the Police Academy and Chief Alfano stated that attendance in the academy would be deferred a year.  The cost for the Police Academy is approximately $2-3,000 and Chief Alfano stated that officers who are put through the training by the town are required to stay in the department for three years or they must pay back a portion of the academy training costs.  Chief Alfano stated that one of his and the search committee’s goals is to grow the department in terms of retention.  On a motion made by Plante and seconded by Gerken, the Board of Selectmen voted to appoint A. Luke Hamburger as Patrolman for the town of Bolton, term expiration June 30, 2007.

Town Administrator Jodi Ross informed the Board of Selectmen of a letter received from the Westborough Police Department thanking Chief Alfano for his assistance in their recent promotional process in choosing the best candidate for promotion within their department.  A letter was also received from the Bolton School Donations Committee for his donation of a “lunch with the Police Chief” which helped make their fundraiser a success.  Chief Alfano provided a pizza party and tour of the police department for 12 students.  

RECOMMENDATION FOR SPECIAL OFFICER TRAINING

Chief Alfano stated that one of his goals is to review the operations of the Police Department and he is currently looking at the special police officer position within the department.  The position was held by three individuals:  Curt Plante, who has recently resigned when elected to the Board of Selectmen, Fire Chief John Stephenson and DPW Director Harold Brown.  Chief expressed his concern with the potential liability of special officers who have not received the minimum level of training.  He stated that the current special officers are all outstanding and it has nothing to do with the quality or integrity of those people.  Chief Alfano proposed that the special police officers be required to meet the minimum level of training for a reserve office or that the Board of Selectmen eliminate the position of special police officers, stating that it is a position the town no longer needs because of the reserve officer position.  He noted that he has talked with both Mr. Brown and Mr. Stephenson and they are not interested in the training needed to meet the minimum requirements. On a motion made by Gerken and seconded by Plante, the Board of Selectmen voted to eliminate the special police officer position.

VETERANS AGENT

Michele Marino met with the Board of Selectmen and expressed her interest in becoming the Town of Bolton’s Veterans’ Agent.  Ms. Marino stated that she works in the Clinton Veterans’ Office part-time time assisting Gerald Coppenrath, the current Veterans’ Service Officer for the Towns of Bolton and Clinton.  She has been servicing the veterans of Bolton for the past 2-1/2 years.   She has been appointed the Veterans’ Service Officer for the Towns of Berlin and Lancaster.  Town Administrator Jodi Ross stated that when the regional Veterans’ Services was formed Gerry Coppenrath was appointed Bolton’s Veterans’ Agent and Michele worked part time with Mr. Coppenrath.  The Town of Clinton provides the office space and the three towns pay the salary proportionally by population.  Ms. Ross stated she has heard positive comments regarding Ms. Marino from Bolton Veterans.

On a motion made by Gerken and seconded by Plante, the Board of Selectmen appointment Ms. Marino, term expiration June 30, 2007.  

MASTER PLANNING COMMITTEE

Present:  Master Planning Committee members, Ken Swanton, Mark Sullivan, Brad Reed

Mr. Swanton stated that the Master Planning Committee met Monday night and reviewed feedback received from various boards and committees regarding the master plan.  Mr. Swanton stated the plan was modified to address some of the comments received.  The Committee suggested that a capital planning committee be appointed to look at the capital projects.  The group discussed having the Selectmen host a long term planning meeting on a biannual basis to talk about long range projects in town.   The public would be encouraged to participate in these meetings.  The Committee will be doing one final draft in July to then public the master plan in August.  The Committee plans to do a mailing to all households regarding the master plan and informing them that copies are available at the library or can be downloaded from the website.

   

On a motion made by Gerken and seconded by Troup, the Board of Selectmen voted to appoint Betsy-Taylor Kennedy to the Master Planning Committee.  

CAPITAL PLANNING DISCUSSION

The Board of Selectmen was provided with a notebook of materials collected on Capital Planning along with information from a MMA meeting, manual offered by the Commonwealth regarding establishing a Capital Improvements program, and various town’s information on their Capital Expenditures/Planning Committees.  Ms. Ross suggested the Board of Selectmen take a look at the information and think about how they would like to proceed with forming a Capital Planning Committee.  Mr. Plante suggested the Selectmen form a committee to review the material and bring back a recommendation to the Board of Selectmen.  A motion was made and withdrawn by Mr. Plante to have Ms. Ross contact the chairman of the Capital Planning Committees to get a summary of their master plan.   After much discussion a motion was made by Plante and seconded by Gerken, to pull together whatever information was available for the next Board of Selectmen meeting.  The Advisory Committee and Master Planning Committee will be invited to attend.

APPOINTMENTS

Appointments:  On a motion made by Gerken and seconded by Plante, the Board of Selectmen voted to make the following appointments:  

Andrew Bagdonas, term expiration June 30, 2007

Christopher Baker, term expiration June 30, 2007

Pierino Bonazzoli, term expiration June 30, 2007

Barbara Brown, term expiration June 30, 2007

Kileen Burgoyne, term expiration June 30, 2007

Gregory Caless, term expiration June 30, 2007

Ethan Caless, term expiration June 30, 2007

Margaret Diaz, term expiration June 30, 2007

Wesley Durant, term expiration June 30, 2007

Cassandra Ela, term expiration June 30, 2007

Caitlin Farrell, term expiration June 30, 2007

Kristine Farrell, term expiration June 30, 2007

David Farrell, term expiration June 30, 2007

Katherine Howard, term expiration June 30, 2007

Mary Nichols, term expiration June 30, 2007

Rachel Nichols, term expiration June 30, 2007

Patricia Pultorak, term expiration June 30, 2007

Dina Rich, term expiration June 30, 2007

Frank Smith, term expiration June 30, 2007

Jamie Weliver, term expiration June 30, 2007

Gerald Wilson, term expiration June 30, 2007

Susan Latham, term expiration June 30, 2007

Phyllis Tower, term expiration June 30, 2007

Gerard Ahearn, term expiration June 30, 2011

Chuck Lord, term expiration June 30, 2008

Lorraine Stephenson, term expiration June 30, 2009

Edward Engelmann, term expiration June 30, 2009

Doris Ettinger, term expiration June 30, 2009

Flora Wilson, term expiration June 30, 2009

Sheila Chmielowski, term expiration June 30, 2009

(Don Baum informed me the title should be “Bolton Emergency Management Coordinator)

Don Baum, term expiration June 30, 2007

John Stephenson, term expiration June 30, 2007

Linda Engelmann, term expiration June 30, 2009

Roland Russell, term expiration June 30, 2009

John Karlon, term expiration June 30, 2009

Frank Krysa, Building Inspector – term expiration June 30, 2007

Arthur West, Assistant Building Inspector – term expiration June 30, 2007

Fred Delorey, Plumbing Inspector – term expiration June 30, 2007

Robert Janda, Assistant Plumbing Inspector – term expiration June 30, 2007

James Boodry, Wiring Inspector – term expiration June 30, 2007

Peter Casello, Assistant Wiring Inspector – term expiration June 30, 2007

Margaret Campbell, term expiration August 30, 2006

Michelle Simpson, term expiration August 30, 2006

Mark Sullivan, term expiration August 30, 2006

Bradley Reed, term expiration August 30, 2006

Ken Swanton, term expiration August 30, 2006

Betsy Taylor-Kennedy, term expiration August 30, 2006

Chris S. Slade (non-voting), term expiration August 30, 2006

Michele Borsari, until election in May 2007

Barbara DiBugnara, term expiration June 30, 2009

Vincent Alfano, Chief of Police

Warren Nelson, Lieutenant, term expiration June 30, 2007

Andrew Bagdonas, Sergeant, term expiration June 30, 2007

Michael Slepetz, Patrolman, term expiration June 30, 2007

Kimberly Denaro, Patrolman, term expiration June 30, 2007

Christopher Harrington, Patrolman, term expiration June 30, 2007

Yvette Washington, Patrolman, term expiration June 30, 2007

Jason Puri, Patrolman, term expiration June 30, 2007

A. Luke Hamburger, Patrolman, term expiration June 30, 2007

Hank Staake, Reserve Officer, term expiration June 30, 2007

Derek Koumpis, Reserve Officer, term expiration June 30, 2007

Timothy Charland, Reserve Officer, term expiration June 30, 2007

Daniel Keller, Reserve Officer, term expiration June 30, 2007

Jacob Vicente, Reserve Officer, term expiration June 30, 2007

Martha Babbit, term expiration June 30, 2009

Jeffrey Buffum, term expiration June 30, 2009

Thomas Kelly, term expiration June 30, 2009

Dennis Mahoney, term expiration June 30, 2009

Mark Giunta, term expiration June 30, 2009

Ken Troup (Liaison from Selectmen)

David Lindsay (Liaison from Advisory)

Daniel Senie, term expiration June 30, 2009

Clyde Wheeler, term expiration June 30, 2009

Mark Caisse, Tree Warden, term expiration June 30, 2007

Michele Marino, term expiration June 30, 2007

Harold E. Babcock, term expiration June 30, 2007

David Lavellee, term expiration upon completion of plant

Brooke James, term expiration June 30, 2007

Transfer Station stickers:  Town Secretary Linda Day requested the Board of Selectmen clarify their decision of June 1 regarding the distribution of transfer station sticker for seniors.  On a motion made by Plante and seconded by Gerken, the Board of Selectmen voted to distribute 40 transfer station stickers to seniors 61 and older for FY07.  This means anyone senior turning 61 on, before or during the FY07 is eligible to receive 40 transfer station stickers at no cost starting July 1, 2006 through June 30, 2007.

The Board of Selectmen reviewed a revenue update on transfer station stickers for FY05 and FY06.  Mr. Plante stated that the cost of operating the transfer station is not covered by the revenue from stickers and recommended trying to get 50 percent of the cost through fees.  On a motion made by Plante and seconded by Gerken the Board of Selectmen voted to raise the prices of stickers as follows:

$2.00 for orange sticker for 30 gallon bag (from $1.50)

$1.00 for green sticker for 15 gallon bag (from $.75)

BATCO

Mr. Sterling and Mr. Johnson met with the Board of Selectmen to discuss the storage of previously recorded meetings and meetings moving forward.  BatCo stated that they did not plan on making permanent recordings of meetings and would have to purchase a DVD recorder to do this.  The Board of Selectmen recommended one copy is provided to the library and one copy be provided to the town hall.  Mr. Sterling also stated that they are working toward proper scheduling of programming.

 

The Board of Selectmen executed letters opposing the legislation proposed by Verizon which would weaken and end public, education and governmental (PEG) television.  

TOM MARKHAM

On a motion made by Gerken and seconded by Plante, the Board of Selectmen voted to accept Chapter 74 Section 14B of the Massachusetts General Laws.  For the record the Minuteman Regional School Committee accepted the reauthorization of the revolving accounts at their meeting on April 25, 2006.  

VINGER PROPERTY

At the June 1, 2006 Board of Selectmen meeting the board requested an opinion from the Planning Board on whether relocating an access easement to Town owned land off Berlin Road would affect regulations set forth in prior permits issued by the Planning Board.  Nat Tipton, Town Planner stated in a memorandum dated June 15, 2006 that after review of the special permits and plans for the backland lot special permit and common driveway special permit the Planning Board determined that relocating the trail easement would not affect conditions set forth in either permit.  The Planning Board understands that relocating the access easement as proposed represents an agreement between the Conservation Commission and the property owners.  On a motion made by Plante, and seconded by Gerken the Board of Selectmen the proposed relocation was acceptable to everyone.  

SIGNS

No Hunting Signs:  Mr. Brown, DPW Director was hesitant to put up “no hunting” signs on all roads bordering the town of Bolton because the bylaw doesn’t actually state “no hunting”.  Mr. Brown stated that the bylaw permits bow hunting.  On a motion made by Troup and seconded by Gerken, the Board of Selectmen voted to place “no hunting signs without property owner permission” on Bolton roads at all town borders.  The Board of Selectmen felt that if bow hunting became an issue they would look at changing the bylaw.  

Library Capital Campaign sign:  The Board of Selectmen reviewed the request of the Library Capital Campaign Committee for a sign to be placed on the lawn of the Library showing how much money the Capital Campaign has raised.  The sign would be approximately 3.5 X 8 feet (28 sq. ft.), made out of plywood, and supported by 2 weighted brackets on the back of the sign.  Mr. Plante expressed his concern that the structural design is a safety hazard and suggested that the sign be affixed in such a way to be sure it is stable so that it does not fall over.  Town Secretary Ms. Day stated that the sign would require a permit from the Building Inspector.  On a motion made by Troup and seconded by Gerken, the Board of Selectmen approved the sign request.

Pleasant Garden Daylilies:  The Board of Selectmen reviewed and approved the request of Sallyann King to place her directional signs for the selling season, July through September.  The Board approval was with the stipulation that the signs would be placed on town property.  

Horse show fencing:  The Board of Selectmen is in receipt of a letter from Rose Darden, President of the Bolton Fair stating that the horse show fencing originally donated to the town of Bolton has been offered to the Bolton Fair since it is no longer used.    Mr. Troup stated that the fencing is town property and requested that Town Secretary Ms. Day contact organizations within town to see if it is still of use to them prior to the town giving up the fencing.   

SELECTMEN RETREAT

Mr. Troup recommended that the Selectmen schedule a meeting of the board to discuss how they can work better together and as a team.  He suggested a consultant be hired to help the board with this process.  Mr. Plante stated that when he was sworn in he was informed that he could not discuss town business outside a meeting.  He stated that as a new member he is getting to know everyone and his questions are not a personal attack but questions on the topic of discussion.  Ms. Gerken agreed that the board could do a better job and felt it does come down to how people communicate.

The Board of Selectmen will meet on Thursday, June 29 at 4:00 p.m. to discuss their goals and establish new goals for 2007 along with discussing the hiring of a consultant to assist the Board of Selectmen.

EXECUTIVE SESSION

On a motion made by Plante and seconded by Gerken, the Board of Selectmen voted to go into executive session under Chapter 39, Section 23B at 11:20 p.m. to discuss strategy with respect to collective bargaining.  The Board voted not to reconvene to open session.  (Roll Call:  Troup – yes, Gerken – yes, Plante – yes)

Meeting adjourned.