Both announcements were read into the record by Chairman Hanson.

Transcription

1 Town of Chelmsford Minutes 50 Billerica Rd., Room 204 Chelmsford, MA Regular Meeting MINUTES Attending: Matthew Hanson, Chairman Patricia Wojtas, Vice-Chairman Janet Askenburg, Clerk James Lane, Selectman George Dixon, Jr., 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. Public Service Announcements Attorney General s Regional Open Meeting Law Educational Forum on Tuesday, March 25, 6:00-8:00PM at the Police Department Training Room Voter Registration Deadline for the April 1 Annual Town Election is Wednesday, March 12 at 8:00PM at the Town Clerk s Office; Absentee Ballot Deadline is 12:00 Noon on Monday, March 31. Both announcements were read into the record by Chairman Hanson. Open Session Kathy Cryan-Hicks, Chelmsford Public Library, announced that the This Is Chelmsford Volunteer Fair is being held Saturday, March 15, 2014 from 10:00AM-Noon at the Senior Center. Forty-four groups are currently participating in the Fair, where people and organizations can network and recruit new members. The Fair is free, and open to everyone. Dee Miller, for the Chelmsford Women of Today, announced there are still team slots available for their annual Spare the Violence Bowl-A-Thon being held on March 30, The fee to join is $70.00/team, and they request sponsorships of $50.00/bowler. The event supports Alternative House shelter. Laurie Myers and her courthouse support dog Wena announced the Community Voices fundraising event being held on April 11, 2014 from 7:00-9:00PM at the Princeton Station. The event will include an award ceremony and gown auction. Brian Latina, 15 Jessie Rd., explained he had applied online for a 6 foot piece of the wood from the Purple Beech Tree which was cut down in the Town Common last year. His request was denied. He was upset that someone was able to take much of the wood for $ , when he 1

2 read in a newspaper story that the wood had a price of $20.00/linear foot. He felt that the value of all the wood would have been in the vicinity of $67, at this rate, and any bulk sale of the wood should have required Town Meeting approval, as it is an asset with a value greater than $5, He also wished to let the Board know that he heard that a $2, grant from Target which would have planted apple trees at a location which the Town purchased for Agricultural use, not Open Space, was also denied, and he wanted to know the reason for this denial. Chairman Hanson explained that the Conservation Agent asked the grant recipient for a plan detailing types of trees and planting locations which was never supplied. He was not aware of any denial of the grant itself. Mr. Cohen was not aware of either issue, and agreed to speak with the Conservation Agent and the TREE Committee about it. Committee Vacancies Selectman Wojtas read the list of current vacancies. Interested applicants can apply online at or through the Town Manager s office. Scheduled Business Chairman Hanson requested that the Legislative Meeting be taken out of order, as some of the legislators had another meeting to attend. The Board agreed to the request. Meeting with State House Legislative Delegation re: Chelmsford Legislative Issues Representative Atkins sent written responses to correspondence that was sent to all the legislators, as she was unable to attend this meeting. Senator Mike Barrett and State Representatives Jim Arciero, Tom Golden, and Dave Nangle were present. Senator Barrett and Rep. Golden explained that appropriations for the transportation bill still need to be put into the budget, and that less than half of the issues on the bond bill will receive appropriation; this will require communities to continue to advocate for their particular projects. Appropriation probably will not happen until after the next governor is elected. The UMass West Campus bill is also waiting for appropriation. Chairman Hanson stressed that abutters have safety concerns after one of the buildings burned down last year. Senator Barrett explained that OPEB reform legislation is not receiving much support in the legislature, even though it has been a priority in the House. He expects to see a re-draft in 2015 that will hopefully smooth out the cliff effects in the current draft. Local aid numbers are expected by March 15. Chairman Dempsey has indicated there will be some increases. The GIC benchmark rate may actually see health insurance costs decrease by just over 1%. The delegation will continue to push for double pole legislation. Regarding the re-opening of the Route 495 rest stops, there is a feasibility study pending for a number of rest stops throughout the state. Federal regulations prohibit allowing a business to open at these locations. 2

3 Selectman Wojtas asked how notification procedures could be improved in light of the recent train derailment in Westford. It has been historically difficult to find out what trains are carrying, and it was suggested that Congresswoman Tsongas be contacted about this. The Brownfield s fund has been re-capitalized which will allow future funding opportunities for the Katrina Rd. site. Selectman Lane asked the legislators if they could help expedite the FEMA mitigation grant application filed on behalf of the Williamsburg Condominium residents to address the erosion issues by the Merrimack River. The sewer line is now 19 feet from the bank of the river. Representative Nangle was aware of the application, and knew that FEMA had been contacted. Senator Barrett thanked the Board for its excellent communication as it does help get things done. Candidate Introductions Robert Joyce Mr. Joyce explained he has lived and raised his family in Town for 40 years, and provided his work experience. He has heard a demand for tax relief as a priority, and will work to ensure a good quality of life for residents. The public is invited to his campaign kickoff event being held on March 14, 2014 from 7:00-11:00PM at the North Town Hall Joseph Ready Mr. Ready explained he was raised and is raising his family here, and he owns a small business in Town. His goals include enhancing the revenue base, enhancing grant opportunities, and working with the school department to meet their goals. He thanked Selectman Lane for his work testifying in Boston on behalf of the Town. His campaign party will be March 16, 2014 at the Elks Hall from 4:00-7:00PM. Everyone is welcome. One Day Beer and Wine License-Robert Joyce, Chelmsford Community Center Mr. Joyce was present for questions. Laura Lee will be the TIPS certified server for the event. Motion: by Selectman Wojtas to approve a One Day Beer and Wine License to the North Town Hall Advisory Committee for March 14, 2014 to be exercised on the premises at 31 Princeton St. for the hours of 6:00PM-11:00PM. Seconded by Selectman Askenburg. Motion carries, unanimous. Sheila Pichette, Finance Committee Chair: Formation of an OPEB Committee & Request for a Separate Town Meeting Warrant Article to Fund the Nashoba Valley Technical School District Assessment Mrs. Pichette explained the Finance Committee voted unanimously to recommend forming a subcommittee to work on issues such as funding full day kindergarten, property tax relief, and OPEB funding. The suggested composition of the group would be 2 members from each of the, Finance Committee, School Committee and 3 citizens at large. 3

4 The Finance Committee also voted 6 to 1 against having a separate warrant article for the Nashoba Valley Technical High School assessment.. School representatives will be attending the next Finance Committee meeting, and Town Meeting. Selectmen Lane supported the sub-committee concept and suggested that 2 of the citizen positions be reserved for Town Meeting Representatives, since they approve the Town s budget. Selectmen Askenburg, Chairman Hanson, and Mr. Cohen felt the scope of work was too much for a sub-committee, and these topics should be heard and discussed by the entire groups at periodic Tri-board meetings. The Board will consider these concepts for further discussion at the next regular meeting. Linda Prescott: Placement of the North Town Hall on the National Register Fred Merriam spoke for Mrs. Prescott who could not be present this evening. Mr. Merriam explained that the Mass. Historic Commission is willing to submit this building for inclusion on the National Historic Register, and pay to inventory it. The building recently won an award for the restoration work that was done to it. The designation is mainly honorary and does not conflict with local initiatives. With the Board s formal support, a letter of permission would need to be sent to Betsy Freedburg at Mass. Historic to pursue the designation. Motion: by Selectman Wojtas to support working with the Chelmsford Historic Commission to coordinate the placement of the North Town Hall building on the National Register of Historic Places, with the assistance of the Mass. Historic Commission. Seconded by Selectman Askenburg. Motion carries, unanimous. Town Manager Reports Amendment to the Chapter 40B Affordable Housing Regulatory Agreement for Chelmsford Hillside Gardens The amendments to the agreement are in regard to funding schedules, and limits the maximum sales price of the units. The new document has been approved by DHCD and Chelmsford s Community Development Office. Selectman Wojtas requested confirmation that the agreement is being approved as originally intended, as she thought the original proposal was that these units were all rental units, and if they are not then there will be a change to the Town s affordable housing inventory. Motion: by Selectman Wojtas to approve the amended Affordable Housing Regulatory Agreement for Hillside Gardens contingent on verifying the units were not previously being held for rental. Seconded by Selectman Askenburg. Motion carries, unanimous. Other Reports Mr. Cohen is awaiting confirmation that health insurance rates will be decreasing by 1%. Ralph Hickey has notified the Town that he will no longer be able to perform his duties as ADA Coordinator. Len Olenchak has volunteered to take over this position, which is nominal in nature. 4

5 The Town Treasurer reported that $8, was received from the State for the Sewer Rate Relief Fund. This is an annual payment. The Conservation Restriction for Pond St. is almost ready to be recorded. Survey work is continuing for Sunny Meadow Farm. Mr. Cohen requested guidance from the Board regarding the draft document for Sheehan Farm. The State has approved the draft, however, the Chelmsford Land Conservation Trust, which has indicated interest in holding the restriction, has indicated it does not envision and will not allow incidental uses based on their interpretation of the Town Meeting vote to acquire the property. The clause in question would allow a 10-foot unpaved perimeter around the property for public access. Selectman Lane recalled a discussion of a perimeter walk so that any crops would not be disturbed. Mr. Cohen advised that if the disagreement could not be resolved, the Town could look for another restriction holder, as the restriction is in perpetuity, and he is trying to envision potential situations where public access could be warranted, such as what used to be done with the corn maze and the Pumpkin Toss events. Motion: by Selectman Wojtas that the support the inclusion of a 10- foot perimeter buffer around the Town-owned portion of the Sheehan Farm property described in the draft Agricultural Preservation Restriction document. Seconded by Selectman Askenburg. Motion carries, unanimous. Meeting Minutes Regular Meeting Minutes-January 27, 2014 Motion: by Selectman Wojtas to approve the Regular Meeting Minutes of January 27, 2014 as presented. Seconded by Selectman Askenburg. Motion carries, unanimous. Public Input Session Meeting Minutes-February 3, 2014 Motion: by Selectman Wojtas to approve the Public Input Session Meeting Minutes of February 3, 2014 as presented. Seconded by Selectman Askenburg. Motion carries, unanimous. Unscheduled Business Municipal Electricity Aggregation Chairman Hanson explained that a formal Town Meeting vote would be required to start the RFP process required to move forward in researching this program for Chelmsford. Consultants that appeared at a prior Board meeting have indicated they would be willing to do a similar presentation at Town Meeting if desired. Motion: by Selectman Wojtas to approve including a warrant article for Municipal Electricity Aggregation in the Spring 2014 Town Meeting Warrant. Seconded by Selectman Askenburg. Motion carries, unanimous. Nashoba Valley Technical High School Budget 5

6 The school s superintendent has indicated she will be able to attend the Finance Committee hearing and Spring Town Meeting to answer questions about the school s budget. Selectmen Askenburg and Wojtas supported keeping this item as a separate warrant article in case the night the article is to be heard is changed due to unforeseen circumstances. Selectman Dixon supported a separate article to give the school a chance to showcase the great work it is doing. Selectman Lane supported the separate article as Town Meeting Representatives have taken exception to the lack of their questions being answered in the past. Selectman Askenburg suggested that the Finance Committee make the Nashoba presentation available online so that people can review it and prepare their questions prior to Town Meeting. Sign Spring Annual Town Meeting Warrant Motion: by Selectman Wojtas to sign the Spring 2014 Town Meeting and Annual Town Election Warrant, to include the article on Municipal Electricity Aggregation and keeping the Nashoba Valley Budget as a separate warrant article. Seconded by Selectman Askenburg. Motion carries, unanimous. Selectmen Liaison Reports and Referrals Selectman Lane: -Participants of the Boy Scouts Blue & Gold Celebration on February 28, 2014 were congratulated for their achievement. Selectman Askenburg: -The Chelmsford High School Marching Band was congratulated for being chosen to attend the July 4 th National Independence Day Parade in Washington, DC next year. -Peter Pedulla has requested another month to work on the digitalizing project for the Town s meeting tapes. Selectman Dixon: -There was a nice ceremony for the Dennis Ready Dedication of Room 204 of the Town Offices. -The High School Boosters event turnout went very well and there were a lot of great donations. -Colin Lane was congratulated for winning second place in the Boy Scouts Pinewood Derby. Selectman Wojtas: -William Cassels and Jeffrey You were congratulated for achieving Eagle Scout status. -On March 14, 2014 there will be a discussion about sundials at the Library. Chairman Hanson: -The Volunteer Fair is being held Saturday, March 15, 2014 from 10AM-Noon -Attendees were thanked for attending the ceremony for Dennis Ready. -Board members were asked to contact him regarding their participation in the CWOT Bowl-A- Thon. -Office hours will be held on Thursday, at the Java Room, from 5:00-6:00PM. Press Questions No one came forward at this time. 6

7 Executive Session Executive Session was not needed this evening. Next Regular Meeting: March 24, Motion: by Selectman Wojtas to adjourn this meeting at 9:12PM. Seconded by Selectman Askenburg. Motion carries, unanimous. Respectfully Submitted, Vivian W. Merrill, Recording Secretary List of Reference Documents: -List of Committee Vacancies -Supporting Documents for One Day Beer & Wine License -E-message of March 6, 2014 regarding the Regulatory Agreement for Hillside Gardens -Spring Annual Town Meeting Warrant -Draft Meeting Minutes 7