Selectboard

Selectboard Meeting Minutes

February 22, 2022

Virtual Via GoToMeeting

Attending: Karen Cruise (KC), Richard Bisk (RB), Robert Cumming (RC), Town Administrator Sherry Patch (SP)

Call to Order

Meeting called to order at 9:00 AM.

Approval of Minutes

KC moved to approve the minutes of 2/8/2023 as amended. RB 2nd. The following roll call vote was recorded: RB: aye, RC: aye; KC: aye. Voted: 3-0.

KC moved to approve and release Executive Session Minutes of December 2021, January 2022, February 2022 as amended. RB 2nd. The following roll call vote was recorded: RB: aye, RC: abstain; KC: aye. Voted: 2-1 RC abstain.

Public Comment

None.

Appointments/Resignations

KC moved to appoint Susan Deliddo to the Board of Registrars (term 4/1/2023-3/31/2026). RB 2nd. The following roll call vote was recorded: RB: aye, RC: aye; KC: aye. Voted: 3-0.

KC moved to appoint Gina Polewaczyk to the Historical Commission term to 6/30/2023. RB 2nd. The following roll call vote was recorded: RB: aye, RC: aye; KC: aye. Voted: 3-0.

New Business

KC moved that the interest to property at 178 Westminster Road proposed to be conveyed at the Special Town Meeting on March 7, 2023, is surplus to the Town's needs. RB 2nd. The following roll call vote was recorded: RB: aye, RC: aye; KC: aye. Voted: 3-0. KC advised that the easement is for a septic line for Harrington Farm.

SP reviewed potential funding sources for Articles 1 and 2 of the Special Town Meeting.

KC moved to recommend transferring the sum of $65,000 from Free Cash to pay the BAN payment for PFA’s. RB 2nd. The following roll call vote was recorded: RB: aye, RC: aye; KC: aye. Voted: 3-0.

KC Moved to recommend transferring the sum of $125,000 from Free Cash to fund replacement of the water storage tank at the Thomas Prince School. RB 2nd. The following roll call vote was recorded: RB: aye, RC: aye; KC: aye. Voted: 3-0.

KC moved to approve the Rhodes Road Entrance Permit. RB 2nd. The following roll call vote was recorded: RB: aye, RC: aye; KC: aye. Voted: 3-0. It was noted that the Entrance Permit has been approved by the Highway Superintendent.

The board discussed resuming in person meetings as existing legislation will expire on 3/31. KC offered to run an in person/virtual session from the Town Hall Annex until summer. The next meeting (3/8) will be a hybrid session.

The board discussed next steps with regard to implementation of the Housing Production Plan. Karen has drafted committee charges for Housing Production Plan Implementation Committee and the Water and Sewer Exploratory Committee. Ann Neuberg explained that the HPPC though the water and sewer committee wouldn’t be a subcommittee but would instead be an informal working group. The board discussed the membership structure of the implementation committee.

Discussion Regarding Potential Debt Exclusion Ballot Question for New Public Safety Building

KC moved to approve additional 2% COLA for the Worcester County Retirees. RB 2nd. The following roll call vote was recorded: RB: aye, RC: nay; KC: nay. Failed: 1-2.

The board discussed the draft document outlining Waiver of Right of First Refusal Process Under Chapter 61 KC prepared. KC summarized the process including the 120 day period that the town has to decide whether or not they would like to exercise their right of first refusal. KC moved to approve the process. RB 2nd. The following roll call vote was recorded: RB: aye, RC: aye; KC: aye. Voted: 3-0.

KC moved to approve Change Order #1 Tree Removal Services. RB 2nd. The following roll call vote was recorded: RB: aye, RC: aye; KC: aye. Voted: 3-0.

KC summarized the FY 24 Police Budget request. Requests include two new officers, promoting a Sgt to Lt. Scheduling officers is an issue. This would also ensure two officers on patrol Thursday-Saturday. There is also an increase in training costs. Other items include upgrades such as desks, chairs and detailing of cruisers, which will add value when the vehicles are auctioned off. KC questioned if we could support the request. KC would like to see data to support the request. KC advised that the budget reflects a 36.4% increase before Union negotiations. RB stated that he would like data on when and how officers are used. Traffic stops, resident assistance summarized in order to help decide where funds are needed. KC stated that the MRI report does reflect budget needs. RB stated that it would be helpful for the Chief to put something together for alternate priorities. RC stated that he is supportive of adding a lieutenant to the department.

KC reviewed FY 24 Budget Presentation schedule. Highway, Fire/EMS and Police on March 6th at 6:30 PM. The meeting will be virtual.

Discussed Acceptance of G.L. c. 258, s.13 indemnification of Town Officials up to $1M. Acceptance allows indemnification of town officials up to $1M, which will help to protect officials from personal financial loss. KC moved to add a ballot and or Annual Town Meeting article for local acceptance. RB 2nd. The following roll call vote was recorded: RB: aye, RC: aye; KC: aye. Voted: 3-0. SP will clarify process for acceptance with Town Counsel.

Approved Annual Town Meeting Calendar dates.

Correspondence/Communications

SP advised of several emails received regarding feedback on the Worcester Road Complete Streets Project.

Town Administrator Report

SP advised that the Highway Superintendent has submitted a Chapter 90 request for approval of funding for milling and reclaiming Brook Station Road and Boylston Avenue. Approximately 3 miles.

Selectboard Reports

RC would like to review Selectboard Policies. RC discussed adding a policy for agenda items to be discussed at one meeting and voted at a follow up meeting which would allow the board more time to consider the impact of their decisions and for additional research if necessary. RC also discussed the MGL, which provides that the selectboard walk the Town boundaries every 5 years. KC advised that Brian Keevan has done this in past.

KC stated that she would like to draft a survey on communications in order to receive input from residents on what else the board can do to improve communication with residents.

RB reported that Union negotiations have started. RB will also be attending the WRSD School budget presentation next week.

Adjournment

KC moved to adjourn the meeting. RB 2nd. The following roll call vote was recorded: RB: aye, RC: aye; KC: aye. Voted: 3-0.

Meeting adjourned at 10:44 AM.

Respectfully submitted,

Sherry Patch

Town Administrator