1 Board of Selectmen

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1 Town of Chelmsford Minutes 50 Billerica Rd., Room 204 Chelmsford, MA Regular Meeting MINUTES Attending: Matthew Hanson, Chairman Robert Joyce, Vice Chairman Laura Merrill, Clerk George Dixon, Jr., Selectman Janet Askenburg, Selectman Paul Cohen, Town Manager Please note that all documents referenced in these minutes are on file at the Town Manager s Office, 50 Billerica Rd., Chelmsford, Mass. This meeting was video recorded by Chelmsford Telemedia. Chairman Hanson called the meeting to order at 7:00 PM. Joint Meeting with School Committee & Town Moderator School Committee Members Present: Evelyn Thoren, Barbara Skaar, Al Thomas, Mike Rigney (7:05PM) Not Present: Sal Lupoli Appoint Member to Nashoba Valley Technical High School Committee for a 3-year term ending March 31, 2019 Town Moderator Jon Kurland called the Joint Meeting to Order at 7:01PM, and recognized that a quorum was present. Motion: by Selectman Joyce to nominate Donald Ayer for Nashoba Valley High School Committee. Seconded by Mrs. Thoren. Nomination was accepted by Mr. Ayer. There were no other nominations. Motion: byselectman Joyce to close Nominations for Nashoba Valley High School Committee. Seconded by Mrs. Thoren. Motion carries, unanimous. Roll Call Vote for the nomination of Donald Ayer to the Nashoba Valley Technical High School Committee: Ms. Skaar: Aye Mrs. Thoren: Aye Mr. Thomas: Aye Selectman Dixon: Aye Selectman Joyce: Aye Selectman Merrill: Aye Selectman Askenburg: Aye Chairman Hanson: Aye Motion carries, unanimous. 1

2 Appoint Alternate Member to Nashoba Valley Technical High School Committee for a 3-year term ending March 31, 2019 Motion: by Selectman Dixon to nominate Richard DeFreitas as Alternate Member for Nashoba Valley High School Committee. Seconded by Selectman Joyce.. Nomination was accepted by Mr. DeFreitas. There were no other nominations. Motion: by Selectman Joyce to close Nominations for Alternate Member to the Nashoba Valley High School Committee. Seconded by Selectman Dixon. Motion carries, unanimous. Roll Call Vote for the nomination of Richard DeFreitas as Alternate Member to the Nashoba Valley Technical High School Committee: Ms. Skaar: Aye Mrs. Thoren: Aye Mr. Thomas: Aye Selectman Dixon: Aye Selectman Joyce: Aye Selectman Merrill: Aye Selectman Askenburg: Aye Chairman Hanson: Aye Motion carries, unanimous. There was no further business to discuss. Motion: by Selectman Joyce to adjourn the Joint Meeting at 7:04PM. Seconded by Mrs. Thoren. Motion carries, unanimous. Resolution for Full Funding of Foundation Budget Review Commission Recommendations School Committee Members remained for this discussion. Mike Rigney arrived at 7:05PM. Mrs. Thoren advised Committee members would be attending the State s Day on the Hill session to lobby in support of receiving more state aid for schools, and she requested a vote of the Board in support of this Resolution. Motion: by Selectman Joyce to approve the Resolution calling on the Legislature and Governor to adopt and fully fund the recommendations made by the Foundation Budget Review Commission, as presented. Seconded by Selectman Merrill. Motion carries, unanimous. Presentation Selectman Joyce presented Chairman Hanson with a gavel & plaque in recognition of his time served on the Board as a Selectman and a Chairman. He was wished well with all his future endeavors. Chairman Hanson thanked the Board for the recognition. Public Service Announcements Vivian Merrill, Chelmsford Dog Association: Should I Stay or Should I Go Training, March 23 & March 25, 2016, Police Station Community Room 2

3 Mrs. Merrill explained this free event is open to everyone in preparation for the opening of the new Dog Park. The information presented can used anywhere there are people and dogs. Wellness Fair: April 2, 2016, 9:00AM-Noon Selectman Hanson listed some activities that will happen during this event. Everyone is welcome to attend. Glenn Davison: Town-wide Clean-Up, April 24, 2016 Mr. Davison has organized this event for 5 years. It has grown from a group of 25 families to over 300. Everyone in town is welcome to pick a place to clean and just take care of it. Open Session No one came forward at this time. Committee Vacancies Selectman Joyce read the list of current vacancies. Interested applicants can apply online at or through the Town Manager s office. Public Hearings William Harvey III: LIP Proposal, 73 Dalton Rd. Mr. Harvey explained he has developed 6 rental properties in Chelmsford, and this will be his second 40B project. He is proposing to develop 5 single bedroom units in one building to be situated at 73 Dalton Rd. Two units will be deemed Affordable, and all will count towards Chelmsford s housing goal. The building will be called the Edward B. Bell Estates. All utilities are available, no wetland will be impacted and traffic impacts will be minimal. The project will be completely privately funded. A letter to abutters was read into the record, and was hand delivered on March 5, He received one request for additional plantings for screening which he can accommodate. A site plan and rendering of the building were shown, and there is room for seven parking spaces. A letter from David Hedison supporting the project was read into the record. Mr. Harvey advised his appeal on a previous project for this site would be dismissed if this project receives approval from the Zoning board of Appeals. Zoning relief would be needed for setbacks and parking requirements, which he will request. Public Comments: Sarah Depoian, 79 Dalton Rd. had concerns over people on the third floor being able to see into her yard. She was also concerned that there was not enough room for seven parking spaces, and that excess light would impact her property. Steven Depoian, 79 Dalton Rd. wanted to clarify the use of the proposed office space in the units. Mr. Harvey advised that this was not commercial office space, but as a personal home office. James Paik, 80 Dalton Rd. felt this project would create too much traffic congestion. Left turns exiting and entering the parking lot would be difficult and dangerous due to poor sight lines. He felt having a 40B here would negatively impact real estate values for surrounding single family homes. Mr. Cohen clarified that Mr. Harvey s previous proposal was to move a two story historic home with 2300SF to this site. This new proposal is for one three story building with 1560SF per floor. 3

4 Joseph Stefanini, 77 Dalton Rd. did not support this project as it creates an invasion of his privacy, is too large, and is not architecturally pleasing. He referenced a one year cooling off period needed because of the pending lawsuit. Mr. Harvey responded to the previous speakers concerns and stated that Mr. Stefanini has already installed a privacy fence along his own property line. Lighting would not be on poles and would have motion sensors so they are not continuously lit. A traffic study would be completed as part of the Zoning Board process. The building will have a full basement that tenants will use for storage, as he does not allow things to be stored in the yards of any of his properties. John Edward, Housing Advisory Board indicated that because the Safe Harbor period has expired, any appeal of this project would most likely not be successful. The expiry occurred due to not enough housing units being created in a year. Motion: by Selectman Joyce to close the Public Hearing for 73 Dalton Rd. Seconded by Selectman Merrill. Motion carries, unanimous. Chairman Hanson encouraged Mr. Harvey to continue working with abutters to alleviate their concerns. Mr. Harvey advised that the roofline of this project is lower than the roofline at 75 Dalton Rd. He feels this building will look beautiful. He has received positive feedback from tenants at his other locations that they like where they are living. Mr. Cohen advised the Board that approving this project as a LIP will advance eligibility approval from DHCD. The pending litigation could cause a one year delay if the project is denied as a LIP. The Board in general agreed that rental units are needed in Chelmsford. Selectman Joyce was not comfortable making a decision at this time out of fairness to the abutters in having their concerns addressed in a timely manner. Motion: by Selectman Dixon to approve the proposal to create a 5-unit 40B Housing development for 73 Dalton Rd. as a Local Initiative Project (LIP). Seconded by Selectman Askenburg. Selectman Joyce abstained, all others in favor. Motion carries. Licenses: One Day Beer and Wine License: St. John the Evangelist Parish, Baptism Celebration, 115 Middlesex St., April 17, 2016 The applicant was advised they did not need to appear tonight. The board had no questions on the application. Motion: by Selectman Joyce to approve a One Day Beer and Wine License to St. John the Evangelist Parish on April 17, 2016 for the hours of 11:30AM-4:00PM to be exercised on the premises at 115 Middlesex St. Seconded by Selectman Merrill. Motion carries, unanimous. Comcast Cable License Renewal Mr. Cohen explained the current license will expire on March 31, Changes with the new license were summarized, and now both this license and the Verizon Cable license will expire in Future services will change what becomes available for the next license. Motion: by Selectman Joyce to approve the Agreement between the Town of Chelmsford, MA and Comcast of Southern New England, Inc. Seconded by Selectman Merrill. Motion carries, unanimous. 4

5 Reports and Presentations Kelly Santos: East Chelmsford Field Dedication Ms.Santos explained that Anthony Sousa was her grandfather who spent many hours maintaining this field over the 61 years he lived next to it. Now that the field has been renovated, she requested the board to consider dedicating the field in Mr. Sousa s memory, as he passed away in Fran McDougall, 11 Dawn Dr., supported this request on behalf of the CIVIC Committee. Chairman Hanson suggested recognition for the Sousa Family, as many of them still live in the area. Mr. Cohen noted that one part of the family donated some land to the field. The CIVIC Committee was authorized to determine the name of the dedication, develop an appropriate marker & ceremony for this field. Motion: by Selectman Joyce that the East Chelmsford playground be re-named in recognition of the Sousa Family, and to authorize the CIVIC Committee to work with the family to organize a ceremony. Seconded by Selectman Merrill. Motion carries, unanimous. Richard Day: Homeless in Hotels Update Mr. Day explained that his Board created a regulation in response to the State s failure to find permanent locations for families staying in local hotels in a timely manner. Governor Baker has recognized this problem, and is actively working on developing a new program which will locate these families in permanent housing that is more economical and meets minimum human habitation standards. The families will retain the option to continue current out-of-district bussing arrangements to keep the children in their original school systems. The Board of Health never intended to force the families out of the hotels, but wanted to ensure the needs of the families would be met in time for the State s July 15, 2016 deadline. Town Manager Reports FT 17 Health Insurance Premiums Mr. Cohen announced that municipal employee health insurance costs would be increasing 4.1%, and that this will be the third year of the current health insurance agreement. Bruce Freeman Rail Trail amenities Agreement/Phase I Tom Gazda, Vice-Chairman of the Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee reported that the agreement between the Massachusetts Department of Transportation and the Towns of Westford & Chelmsford and the City of Lowell will streamline the process of making improvements to the trail, enabling the communities to make requested improvements in a more timely manner. Town Counsel has reviewed the agreement and has no concerns. Mr. Gazda asked the Board to adopt this agreement. Motion: by Selectman Joyce to approve the Agreement Relative to Improvements and Amenities for Bruce Freeman Rail Trail (Phase I), as presented. Seconded by Selectman Merrill. Motion carries, unanimous. Town Manager Bid Awards Adams Library Site Work Motion: by Selectman Joyce to approve the Town Manager s Bid Award for Site Plan Development of the proposed Carriage house at 10 Bartlett St. to W.L. French Excavating corp., 3 Survey Circle, No. Billerica, MA for an amount not to exceed $246, Seconded by Selectman Merrill. Motion carries, unanimous. 5

6 Sign Warrant for May 2, 2016 Special Town Meeting The four Articles to be heard were summarized by Mr. Cohen. Motion: by Selectman Joyce to approve and sign the Special Town Meeting Warrant as presented for the meeting to be held on May 2, Seconded by Selectman Merrill. Motion carries, unanimous. Schedule Re-Organization Meeting This meeting will be held on Thursday, April 7, 2016 from 4:00-6:00PM. Appointments Roberts Field Improvement Committee: Shayna Micol, term expiring December 31, 2016 Motion: by Selectman Joyce to approve the Town Manager s Appointment of Shayna Micol to the Roberts Field Improvement Committee for a term to expire on December 31, Seconded by Selectman Merrill. Motion carries, unanimous. Inspector of Animals: Erik Merrill, term expiring April 30, 2017 Motion: by Selectman Joyce to approve the Town Manager s Appointment of Erik Merrill as Inspector of Animals for a term to expire on April 30, Seconded by Selectman Merrill. Motion carries, unanimous. Meeting Minutes Regular Meeting Minutes January 25, 2016 Motion: by Selectman Joyce to approve the Regular Meeting Minutes of January 25, 2016 as presented. Seconded by Selectman Merrill. Chairman Hanson abstained, all others in favor. Motion carries. Tri-Board Meeting Minutes January 27, 2016 Motion: by Selectman Joyce to approve the Tri-Board Meeting Minutes of January 27, 2016 as presented. Seconded by Selectman Merrill. Selectman Askenburg abstained, all others in favor. Motion carries. Public Input Session Meeting Minutes February 1, 2016 Motion: by Selectman Joyce to approve the Public Input Session Meeting Minutes of February 1, 2016 as presented. Seconded by Selectman Merrill. Selectman Askenburg abstained, all others in favor. Motion carries. Regular Meeting Minutes: December 28, 2015 Motion: by Selectman Joyce to approve the Regular Meeting Minutes of December 28, 2015 as presented. Seconded by Selectman Merrill. Motion carries, unanimous. Regular Meeting Minutes December 21,

7 Motion: by Selectman Askenburg to approve the Regular Meeting Minutes of December 21, 2015 as presented. Seconded by Selectman Merrill. Selectman Joyce abstained, all others in favor. Motion carries. Regular Meeting Minutes: December 28, 2015 Motion: by Selectman Joyce to approve the Regular Meeting Minutes of December 28, 2015 as presented. Seconded by Selectman Merrill. Motion carries, unanimous. Selectmen Liaison Reports and Referrals Selectman Askenburg: -The. Selectman Joyce: -Mr. Cohen. Selectman Merrill: - No referrals. Selectman Dixon: No referrals. Chairman Hanson: -Final 5:00-6:00PM. Press Questions No one came forward at this time. Next Regular Meeting: TBD post Election Motion: by Selectman Askenburg to adjourn this meeting at 7:45PM. Seconded by Selectman Joyce. Motion carries, unanimous. Respectfully Submitted, Vivian W. Merrill, Recording Secretary List of Reference Documents: -Memo from Donald Ayer -Supporting documents for Foundation Budget Review -Flyer for town-wide Clean-up Day & the Chelmsford Wellness Fair -List of Committee Vacancies -Presentation for 73 Dalton Rd. -One Day Beer & Wine License documents -Summary of Comcast Cable Television License Renewal and Supporting Documents 7

8 -Memo from Kelly Santos regarding East School field -Board of Health Regulation document for Lodging Establishments -Document regarding Health Insurance price increases -Multi-town Rail trail Agreement document -Bid Award for Library Carriage house Site work -Special town Meeting Warrant -Committee application -Inspector of Animals appointment letter - Draft minutes 8