Board of Selectmen Minutes

Board of Selectmen                              Present:        Kenneth F. Troup

June 1, 2006                                                    Panny Gerken    

                                                                Curt Plante

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

UNLICENSED DOGS IN BOLTON

Susan Latham, Animal Control Officer met with the Board of Selectmen to request that the Officer’s Warrant be signed for unlicensed dogs.  Ms. Latham provided the Board of Selectmen with a list of efforts made to license all dogs for 2006 that included information being sent with the census and resent with the second census mailing.  Licensing was also offered with the March rabies clinic and posted on the bulletin board in front of the Police Department.  An additional mailing was done in April along with phone calls in May.  Messages and written postings were sent to all those not responding to the previous notices.  By the end of May people who had not licensed their dog had received some form of individual contact.  Certified letters and/or house visits is the next step for those who have not licensed their dogs.  This year as of May 27, 2006 there are 36 people who have not licensed their dogs.  Ms. Latham stated that she is careful not to proceed to court until she is certain the people live there and still have dogs.  

The cost to license a dog is $6.00 and $10.00 and the late fee after May 1st is $25.00.  If the dog is not licensed, a complaint is filed in the district court and there will be a hearing with the magistrate and the fine of $25.00.  If they do not show up for this hearing then a criminal complaint is filed and the owner must appear before a judge and the fine is $50.00.  If they do not show up for that appearance a warrant is issued.  

When asked to explain the title page “Warrant to kill unlicensed dogs and officer’s return” Ms. Latham stated that it is the Commonwealth’s form and she could not imagine any town doing just that.  

On a motion made by Gerken and seconded by Plante, the Board of Selectmen voted to sign the unlicensed dog warrant.

TRANSFER STATION STICKERS 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.

The Board of Selectmen will discuss any price change after reviewing an analysis of revenue for their next meeting.  

LETTER OF APPRECIATION – COUNTRY MUNCHKINS

The Board of Selectmen executed a letter to be sent to Ms. Maria Manyak and Mrs. Elaine Coronella regarding the closing of the Country Munchkins daycare center.  The Board acknowledged the positive contribution of their daycare center over the past 20 years and wished them the best of luck in the future.

ROUTE 117/495 INTERSECTION/TRAFFIC LIGHTS

Present:  Marc Ganek, representative of BOSE; Brian Lawlor, Civil Engineer of Symmes Maini and McKee; Jim Winn, Traffic Consultant for Greenman Pedersen; Public Ways Safety Committee member Dan Senie; Pat Bensetler, Martha Remington, Nat Tipton, Betsy Cussen, Wendy Rogers, Scott Powell, David Lindsay

Representatives from BOSE and traffic consultants met with the Board of Selectmen to discuss the Route 117 and Interstate 495 intersection.  

Mr. Ganek of BOSE Corporation stated that BOSE has not finalized their expansion plans and therefore have not been aggressive in moving forward with the traffic light proposal at Route 117 and Interstate 495.   Mr. Ganek stated that BOSE will take the necessary time to be sure Bolton is satisfied with the proposed plan.  It will be an agreement among Bolton, BOSE and the State before moving forward.  

The preliminary plan proposes widening Route 117 to two westbound lanes between 495 northbound and southbound exit ramps and one eastbound lane.  It also includes coordinating operation with the existing traffic light at the southbound ramp and Sugar Road.  The three lanes under the overpass will still provide enough room for a shoulder for pedestrians and bicycles.  

Mr. Lawlor stated that according to Massachusetts Environmental Policy Act (MEPA) they do not require any traffic mitigation.  This proposal came about during discussions with Stow and their concern about the traffic on the Interstate 495 ramp backing up.

  

Mr. Winn, of Greenman Pedersen stated that the traffic was rated a level F which is the worst it can be.  The proposed improvements are all within the existing roadway rights of way.  The project is all under the Mass Highway’s jurisdiction and therefore the town will not be responsible for maintaining or making improvements.

Ms. Bensetler expressed her concern with protecting the burial vaults at Pan Cemetery from vehicles that will use the shoulder to pass other cars.  Mr. Winn stated that the road widening begins 160 feet beyond the vaults but vertical granite curbing would be installed to prevent cars from driving on the grass by the cemetery.  

Mr. Ganek stated that the right thing will be done to protect the area and assured everyone that it would be a unified agreement between the Town of Bolton, BOSE and Mass Highway.  Mr. Ganek could not provide an estimated time of when the project will move ahead.  

Approximately 900 employees are at the Stow facility and they have plans to add another 200.  Margaret Campbell recommended that BOSE encourage employees to car pool.  

It was agreed that anyone having questions or concerns should contact Town Administrator Jodi Ross who in turn will contact BOSE representatives.  

BATCO

Mr. Richard Merrill, BATCO member met with the Board of Selectmen to inform them that Verizon is seeking a federal franchise contract from the federal government and Massachusetts State House that would permit them to install cable and offer video services without negotiating with the licensing authorities.  Verizon claims that the communities are satisfied with Cable TV so they should not have to negotiate with the licensing authorities.   This might mean that after current contracts expire even Comcast would no longer have to funnel funds to public access TV stations.  

Mr. Merrill asked the Board of Selectmen to write a letter of response regarding the hearing to be held in July at the State House with a position and support of Public, Education and Government (PEG) access.  

Mr. Merrill fears that if we lose the Comcast contract we will not have public access.

Mr. Merrill agreed to draft a letter for the Board of Selectmen and forward to the Board for review and submission to our legislatures.  

SPACE NEEDS ADVISORY COMMITTEE

Leigh Shanny and Tom Pokorney, Co-Chairs of the Bolton School Space Needs Advisory Committee (BSNAC) met with the Board of Selectmen and presented their analysis and recommendations on how to meet the space needs. Other members of the Space Needs Committee present for this meeting included:  Joel Bates, Assistant Principal (1/2 vote); Margaret Campbell, MPC Liaison (non-voting); Karen Cavaiolo, Teacher, Staff Representative; Richard Fly, Advisory Liaison (non-voting); Panny Gerken, Selectmen Liaison (non-voting); Ted Kirchner, Citizen; Ken Tucker, Principal (1/2 vote).

A copy of the BSNAC presentation is attached to these minutes.  

The Space Needs Advisory Committee was appointed by the Board of Selectmen and charged with assessing the space needs for grades K-8 in Bolton for the next 15 years.  

The Committee started by gathering data and modeling to forecast need for space.  Once that was done near and long term needs were determined.  The Committee then looked at several categories that included renovation alternatives, expansion alternatives and temporary space.  The Committee split up into sub-committees to explore the alternatives: did preliminary cost estimates, looked at pros/cons, feasibility, voted on alternative and accessed the criteria.

After exploring a number of possibilities, the total town population was found to be the best predictor of school population.  Bolton faces two primary space needs thresholds including a near term need for additional capacity possibly beginning in the 2009/2010 school year for 150-200 students and secondly a long term need for total student capacity of 1,400 between 2015 and 2021.

The Committee unanimously concluded that the 1952 and 1922 sections of the Emerson School should be renovated as a near term solution to the capacity needs for an additional 150-200 students.  The Committee also recommended that the student population be monitored to identify growth and space, and usage to determine when to begin work on longer term solution (i.e. new school).

The Committee felt that renovating Emerson was the most cost effective of alternatives explored and could be completed in time to accommodate the projected 150-200 additional students.  

Renovations were estimated to cost $2 million which includes the removal of asbestos, new HVAC & Electrical, classrooms, special purpose rooms, handicapped access and new secure entrance.  The kitchen and site work can be deferred as the need arises and funds permit.  

The Committee presented their population analysis and showed population forecast spreadsheets.  

Mr. Pokorney provided a comparison of the top two alternatives which was to renovate Emerson or add on to the Florence Sawyer School.  

Mr. Pokorney stated that when the Committee weighed the two alternatives they kept coming back to renovating Emerson School to meet the needs.  To accomplish their recommendation the BSNAC recommended that the Board of Selectmen appoint a Renovation Committee in the summer of 2006 and target completion of the project for summer of 2009 depending on the growth in the school population.  The Committee suggested that the population growth continue to be tracked and a new school building committee be appointed 5-6 years before the pain threshold based on the new capacity.

Mr. Lindsay stated that the renovation of Emerson School at $2,000,000 would cost each household approximately $100 for an average year if funded over 20 years, which he thought was a bargain that should be initiated right away to take advantage of low interest rates.

Mr. Plante expressed his disappointment in the Committee’s vague response at the May town meeting regarding the space needs.  The Committee members explained that they had not finalized their research to be able to explain accurately what the short term needs were and their intent was not to be misleading.  Mr. Plante stated that he was not ready to appoint a committee this evening and would like to hear from the Master Planning Committee first.  

Mr. Plante stated that he served on the previous School Building Committee and it was his understanding that an addition to the Florence Sawyer School would be a future option.

It was noted that the Master Planning Committee has asked for comments from all Boards and Committees that are requested by Thursday, June 15, 2006.

 

Mr. Troup felt that town meeting criticized the use of MAPC forecasting as being too high, yet found it interesting that in the study done by the BSNAC it was used as a low population estimate.

Mr. Plante suggested that the Future Electronics property be looked at to determine if it could be developed as a campus, village type atmosphere to include education, assisted living, etc.  Mr. Troup stated that there was activity last year to sell the property for $17 million and the asking price was down to $12 million but it was determined that it is not something anyone can use effectively soon enough for municipal purposes to make the building pay for itself.  

NASHOBA REGIONAL SCHOOL DISTRICT LEASE

Present for the meeting:  George King, and David Lindsay, Advisory Committee member

The Board of Selectmen reviewed the Nashoba Regional School District lease which has been ongoing.   A signed lease between Bolton and the district can not be found.  This lease will formalize past and existing practices.  Capital expenses over $10,000 have been paid for by the Town and anything less has been paid for by the district.

Mr. King stated that presently the district is trying to determine the exact space needs for the district office and is looking at different options.  The most desired would be to go to the high school but the space limitations are significant and there isn’t any room to expand.  They may have to consider purchasing property in the district town and noted their desire is to stay close to the center of the district.  Mr. Plante suggested the district consider the two schools that are empty in Lancaster.  Mr. Plante has some questions related to the contract, including who would be responsible for the deductible.

The lease will be discussed at the Tri-Town Meeting in Lancaster on June 7, 2006.  Once the three towns have finalized the lease agreement Ms. Ross, Town Administrator will forward to town counsel for review.    Mr. Plante was under impression that this lease was for use by the district for its administrative offices in Emerson School.  Ms. Gerken agreed to draft the addendum identifying the district offices as a tenant in our building.  

TOWN ADMINISTRATOR REPORT

Training Seminar:  Ms. Ross reminded the Board of Selectmen of the MMA meeting for newly-elected selectmen to be held at the Ashland Public Library on Thursday, June 15^th from 4 to 9 p.m.

The next Agricultural Steering Committee meeting is Monday, June 19 at 7:30 p.m.

Vinger Property:  Ms. Ross reported she has been informed by Carol Gumbart, Conservation Commission Administrator that they have received concerns from residents regarding people crossing over their property to access the Vinger Conservation Area.  To resolve this problem the Conservation Commission is working on moving the access to another area of the conservation land that would avoid people crossing over private property.   

Mr. Plante expressed concern with how this would affect the Planning Board’s decision. The Board of Selectmen requested that this matter be reviewed by the Planning Board and asked that the Planning Board provide a written response to the Board of Selectmen and Conservation Commission.

Helicopter Flying Mission:  On June 8, 2006 between the hours 1:00 a.m. to 5:00 a.m. there will be a CH-47 helicopter flying missions on South Post of Devens.  The aircraft will be flying from Tuner Drop Zone to a Landing Zone near Range Control and return.

APR Bonds:  Mary Carney, Financial Advisor believes it is desirable to have each of the annual maturities in the bond issue be at least $100,000.  The bonds will have a 17 year amortization rather than a 20 year and will be easier to market.

Ideally, Mr. Lindsay would like to do the maximum and minimize the tax rate especially for older residents because they can’t pay higher taxes right off, but he must defer to her on this.  

There is a meeting with Mary Carney scheduled to Monday, June 5 at 11:00 p.m. to prepare for a 1:30 p.m. conference with Moody’s.  

On a motion made by Gerken and seconded by Plante, the Board of Selectmen voted to borrow for 17 years at the best rate we can get.

SELECTMEN’S BUSINESS

Appointments:  Appointment letters will be distributed to board and committee members whose term expires June 2006 to see if they are interested in continuing to serve on said board or committee.  Ms. Day, Town Secretary noted that she has started this process already.

Master Plan:   The Board is reviewing the Master Plan and Mr. Troup will compile the comments for submission to the Master Planning Committee by June 15, 2006 deadline.  The Board will also invite the Master Planning Committee to their meeting on Wednesday, June 21, 2006 for a discussion of the master plan and forming a capital planning committee.  

Sign Requests:   The Board of Selectmen reviewed the request of Diane Newark for an 18X24 sign to be placed at the corner of Wilder Road and Main Street directing people to the Robert F. Kennedy Children’s Action Corps.  On a motion made by Gerken and seconded by Troup, the Board of Selectmen voted to approve the sign contingent on Ms. Newark or a representative of the RFK Children’s Action Corps meeting with Selectman Curt Plante at the site to determine the location where the sign will be placed and whether it should be vertical or horizontal.  It was also noted that according to the sign diagram submitted to the Board of Selectmen it appears the arrows are pointing in the wrong direction.

On a motion made by Gerken and seconded by Plante, the Board of Selectmen reviewed and approved the request of Pam Kaminski for three wooden signs stating “Used Book Sale Today” to be posted on Main Street and the entrance of Emerson School on June 17^th from 9-1:00 p.m.  

Ms. Kaminski also requested permission to place a sign on the lawn of the library showing how much money the Capital Campaign has raised.   The Board of Selectmen requested more information regarding the sign (i.e. size, etc.) and will address at a future meeting.  

Executive Session Meeting:  The Board of Selectmen scheduled an executive session meeting for Monday, June 5^th at 5 p.m. to discuss union negotiations.

Meeting adjourned.