Board of Selectmen Minutes

Board of Selectmen              Present:        Stanley Wysocki

August 13, 2015                                         Mark Sprague

                                                                   Don Lowe, Town Administrator

                                                                   Linda L. Day, Town Secretary

Chairman Sprague called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m.

UPDATE AND POSSIBLE VOTE ON GREEN ROAD SIGNS

Mr. Lowe reported that everyone agreed that the original proposal for sixteen (16) “no parking” signs on Green Road was excessive.  Police Chief Alfano and DPW Director Harold Brown visited the site with Mr. Lowe and proposed eight (8) “no parking” signs that included four (4) signs on the right side of Green Road and four (4)signs on the left side of Green Road starting beyond the entrance of Nashoba Regional High School.  There will not be any signs on the right side in front of the resident’s homes.  

Some residents felt that the number of signs was still excessive.  The Selectmen did a site visit and the latest proposal is to place seven (7) signs on Green Road.  There will be four (4) signs on the right side and 3 signs on the left side starting beyond the high school entrance.  If the spacing of the signs on the left side is too far apart and vehicles park there the remedy would be to add a 4^th sign.  The Board of Selectmen felt that this would solve the safety issue while also taking into consideration the concerns of the residents.  Police Chief Alfano approved this proposal and Superintendent did not have any issues with the proposal.

On a motion made by Wysocki and seconded by Sprague, the Board of Selectmen voted to approve the placement of seven (7) “no parking” signs on Green Road:  Three (3) on the left side from the entrance of the school up until the beginning of the cemetery and four (4) on the right side of Green Road from Route 117 up to the school entrance. (Sprague – yes, Wysocki – yes)

UPDATE ON ROUTE 117 COMMITTEE

The appointment of the Route 117 Committee was deferred until September 17, 2015 so that the search for volunteers can be re-advertised to give people who have been away all summer the opportunity to volunteer if interested.   Ms. Ciummo stated the Public Ways Safety Committee was more than willing to assist the Route 117 Committee if needed.

TOWN ADMINISTRATOR REPORT

Update on Minuteman:  Mr. Lowe reported that the Massachusetts School Building Authority (MSBA) sent a letter endorsing the 628 student population for the proposed building.  The MSBA stated that they would not fund anything less than 600 students and confirmed that Minuteman has done everything required thus far.  The cost of the project is an estimated $144.9 million with 40% reimbursement of the cost.  

On a motion made by Wysocki and seconded by Sprague, the Board of Selectmen voted to execute a letter of support for the current plan for a new building suitable for a student population of 628 at a total cost of $144.9 million.  (Sprague – yes, Wysocki – yes)

Special Town Election:  The Special Election to fill one open seat on the Board of Selectmen and one open seat on the Nashoba Regional School Committee is Monday, November 2, 2015.

Nomination papers will be available in the Town Clerk’s Office beginning Monday, July 20, 2015.  The last day to submit nomination papers for certification will be Monday, September 14th by 5:00 p.m.

Transfers to Snow and Ice:  On a motion made by Wysocki and seconded by Sprague, the Board of selectmen voted to approve the transfer of funds from various departments to snow and ice in a total of $125,000.  (Sprague –yes, Wysocki –yes)

At the request of the attorney at the Alcoholic Beverages Control Commission, Bolton’s Town Counsel has revised the language of the home rule petition for Slater’s at 356 Main Street.

On a motion made by Wysocki and seconded by Sprague, the Board of Selectmen voted to accept the revised language proposed.  (Sprague – yes, Wysocki - yes)

Audit Advisory Committee:  On a motion made by Wysocki and seconded by Sprague, the Board of Selectmen voted to advertise for Bolton’s representative on the Nashoba Regional School District Audit Advisory Committee. (Sprague – yes, Wysocki - yes)  

Appointments:  On a motion made by Wysocki and seconded by Sprague, the Board of Selectmen voted to appoint Ninotchka Rogers, Town Accountant.  (Sprague – yes, Wysocki - yes)  The term expiration is June 30, 2016.

 

On a motion made by Wysocki and seconded by Sprague, the Board of Selectmen voted to appoint Maxwell Pineau to the Conservation Commission.  (Wysocki – yes, Sprague – yes)  The term expiration is June 30, 2018.  

On a motion made by Wysocki and seconded by Sprague, the Board of Selectmen voted to appoint Pat Bensetler as Bolton’s WHEAT representative.  (Sprague – yes, Wysocki -yes)  The term expiration is June 30, 2016.  

“No” Jake Brakes:  Mr. Lowe and Police Chief Alfano discussed the key locations for the placement of “no” jake brakes in Bolton.  Mr. Lowe proposed proceeding with the installation of 5 signs at the following locations:  1) Near the Catholic Church on Route 117 eastbound; 2)  Across the road from Bolton Office Park on Route 117 westbound approaching the incline; 3)  Wattaquadock Hill shortly prior to the downhill portion toward Route 117; 4)Still River Road southbound prior to the downhill portion; and 5) Route 85N approaching Route 117.  

The sign will read “Limit Use of Engine Brakes Ahead” and will be black and yellow.  The Board of Selectmen will pay for the signs and the Department of Public Works will install the signs.

On a motion made by Wysocki and seconded by Sprague, the Board of Selectmen voted to approve the proposed locations for the “no” jake brake signs.  (Sprague – yes, Wysocki –yes)

EXECUTIVE SESSION

On a motion made by Sprague and seconded by Wysocki, the Board of Selectmen voted 2-0 by roll call (Sprague – yes, Wysocki - yes) to enter into executive session at 7:45 p.m., pursuant to Massachusetts General Laws, chapter 30A, 21(a)(6) to discuss the status of ongoing negotiations regarding the potential lease of the former landfill for a solar array, as the Chair finds that an open meeting may have a detrimental effect on the negotiating position; and, pursuant to Massachusetts General Laws, Chapter 30A, Section 21(a)(3), to discuss strategy with respect to collective for the Police and Dispatch Unions, as the Chair finds that an open meeting may have a detrimental effect on the bargaining position.  The Board announced it will not reconvene to open session.  (Sprague – yes, Wysocki – yes)

Respectfully submitted by Linda L. Day