Selectboard
Selectboard Meeting Minutes
August 23, 2023
Town Hall Annex & Virtual Via GoToMeeting
Attending: Karen Cruise (KC), Robert Cumming (RC), Phil Gott (PG), Town Administrator Sherry Patch (SP)
Call to Order
The meeting was called to order at 3:00 PM.
Approval of Minutes
KC moved to approve the minutes of 7/26/2023 as amended. RC 2nd. Voted 3-0.
KC moved to approve the minutes of 8/9/2023 as amended. RC 2nd. PG abstained. Voted 2-0.
Approval of Treasury Warrant
KC moved to approve Treasury Report Warrant #4 as follows:
Payroll: $120,612.80
Accounts Payable: 365,599.18
Light Department: 73,904.08
Total: $560,116.06
RC 2nd. Voted 3-0.
Public Comment
Holly Burgess commented that there are a lot of important financial matters that might come before voters at a special town meeting and requests that the SB share information with voters ahead of time.
Appointments/Resignations
KC moved to appoint Carolyn Nelson as an Election Worker. Term to 7/31/2024. RC 2nd. Voted 3-0.
KC moved to appoint Joyce Szerejko as an Election Worker. Term to 7/31/2024. RC 2nd. Voted 3-0.
FY 24 Selectboard Goals and Long-Term Goals
The board briefly discussed FY 24 Short term goals and long-term goals. In discussing things that the board does well, KC noted that she feels the board is able to disagree in a non-adversarial way. KC also feels that the board communicates well but could do better. KC stated that communicating through SP is important as the board cannot discuss things outside of a meeting due to the Open Meeting Law requirements .KC Asked that board members send SP a list of things that they don’t do well for future discussion. KC also noted that having information available in plenty of time for review so that they are prepared for discussion is important. PG noted leadership as goal. PG stated that there needs to be vision for the future of the town and that there is not a lot of trust in Town government and that there is a lack of communication and presentation of facts. PG also stated that he feels the town is understaffed and an investment in personnel will pay for itself. PG also would like to look at other sources of revenue and how we can get there. KC stated that it might be time to form an Economic Development Committee. PG noted some research that Wayne Adams has done regarding Ecotourism. RC suggested that weekly meetings may be necessary. KC suggested possibly holding targeted meetings when necessary. RC noted the need for police and fire department policies.
Draft Easement Harrington Farms
The board reviewed the draft Deed of Easement between the Town and HF Propco, LLC for a septic easement located at 178 Westminster Road. This matter is on hold pending Special Legislation approval of the June 20, 2023 Annual Town Meeting.
Vote to Approve 2024 Marching Band Agreement
KC moved to approve and authorize the TA to sign the 2024 McGann Marching Band Memorial Day Agreement. RC 2nd. Voted 2-0. RC abstained.
Correspondence/Communications
The board acknowledged the email correspondence from Wachusett Garden Club President Dot Odgren requesting to create a Pollinator Garden at the Thomas Prince School in memory of Kindergarten teacher Lisa Beaupre. Wachusett Garden Club member, Karen Pellegrini advised that there is some playground equipment that no longer meets code in the location where the garden will be installed, and that the Highway Department has agreed to remove the equipment. KC Moved to authorize the Highway Department to remove and dispose of the playground equipment and to authorize the Wachusett Garden Club to create the Pollinator Garden as requested. RC 2nd. Voted 3-0.
Grant Opportunities and Status of Existing Grants
SP advised that the Community Compact Best Practice Grant Program is open. SP will send information to the board regarding the program opportunities. SP noted that the Efficiency and Regionalization Grant program will be open from January 8th to February 9th.
Town Administrator Reports
SP advised that the Hydro pneumatic tank at the Thomas Prince School has been installed and is operational. We are currently waiting for the water test results and DEP approval.
Selectboard Reports
RC reported that he met with Solar Farm Working Committee Chair, Richard Chase. Richard is working on the charge for the Solar Working Group. The group is working on the interconnection agreement and RFP for the Solar Development Project. PG updated the board on the meeting with the Chief Patriarca and Chief Bennett. PG will send a summary report for board review. KC updated the board on the draft town news regarding the PFA’s detection in surface water. The draft has been reviewed by Barry Fogel and Jeff Arps.
Executive Session
KC move to enter into Executive Session to discuss strategy with respect to collective bargaining if an open meeting may have a detrimental effect on the government’s bargaining position. Pursuant to the provisions of; of G.L. c. 30A, §21, ¶3. (Police Union Negotiations).
And also:
To review and possibly approve minutes of a prior executive session held with respect to strategy with respect to collective bargaining if an open meeting may have a detrimental effect on the government’s bargaining position. Pursuant to the provisions of; of G.L. c. 30A, §21, ¶3. (Police Union Negotiations)
The following roll call vote was taken KC: aye; RC: aye; PG: aye. Voted 3-0.
KC announced that the meeting will not reconvene in open session.
The meeting was adjourned at 3:51 PM.
Respectfully submitted,
Sherry Patch
Town Administrator