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Hopkinton Board of Selectmen Meeting Minutes February 5, 2013
TOWN OF HOPKINTON
Board of Selectmen
February 5, 2013
A meeting of the Hopkinton Board of Selectmen was held on Tuesday, February 5, 2013 at
Town Hall, 18 Main Street, Hopkinton, Massachusetts. Selectmen present: Ben Palleiko,
John Mosher, Todd Cestari, Michelle Gates, Brian Herr. Officials present: Town Manager
Norman Khumalo, Operations Assistant Jamie Hellen.
CALL TO ORDER: Chairman Palleiko called the public meeting to order at 5:42 PM in Room
211 and entertained a motion to enter Executive Session for the purpose of discussing strategy
with respect to collective bargaining because an open meeting may have a detrimental effect on
the bargaining position of the board; considering the purchase, exchange, lease or value of real
property, because an open meeting may have a detrimental effect on the negotiating position of
the Board; to allow town staff Khumalo and Hellen to participate; to consider approving minutes
from previous Executive Sessions; and that the meeting will resume in open session after the
Executive Session ends. So MOVED by Mr. Cestari and SECONDED by Mr. Mosher. ROLL
CALL: Mr. Palleiko - Yes, Mr. Mosher-Yes. Ms. Gates-Yes, Mr. Cestari - Yes. VOTE to
Approve: Yes-4, No-0.
REOPEN PUBLIC SESSION: Chairman Palleiko reopened the Public Session at 6:33 PM in
Room 215 with the Pledge of Allegiance.
PUBLIC FORUM: Residents were invited to share ideas, opinions, or ask questions regarding
town government. Mr. Cestari announced there is a session being held by Youth Services this
evening at the high school from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. entitled Virtual Reality Real Danger.
Police Chief Flannery issued a public advisory that there have been several breaking and entering
incidents in town, and in the region as a whole. He asked residents to ensure their homes are
properly secured, to watch out for their neighbors, and to call the police department if they see
anything unusual.
STAFF APPOINTMENTS: The Board considered affirming the appointments of Robert
Bielecki as police officer, Michael Santosuosso as a facilities maintenance worker, and Patti
Howell as the Deputy Assessor.
Police Chief Flannery introducted Mr. Bielecki and provided background information. The
Board then had an opportunity to question Mr. Bielecki. MOTION by Mr. Cestari to appoint
Mr. Bielecki as a police officer in the Town of Hopkinton subject to successful completion of his
pre-employment obligations, SECONDED by Mr. Mosher. VOTE to Approve: Yes-5, No-0,
Abstained-0.
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Hopkinton Board of Selectmen Meeting Minutes February 5, 2013
Mr. Daltorio from the Engineering and Facilities Department introduced Mr. Santosuosso and
provided background information. The Board then had an opportunity to question
Mr. Santosuosso. MOTION by Mr. Mosher to affirm the appointment of Michael Santosuosso
as a facilities maintenance worker, SECONDED by Mr. Cestari. VOTE to Approve: Yes-5,
No-0, Abstained-0.
Mr. Ketchen, Finance Director, introduced Ms. Howell and provided background information.
The Board then had an opportunity to question Ms. Howell. MOTION by Mr. Mosher to affirm
the appointment of Patti Howell as Deputy Assessor, SECONDED by Mr. Herr. VOTE to
Approve: Yes-5, No-0, Abstained-0.
CONSENT AGENDA:
1. Appointments – The Board considered the appointment of Mike Riley as an at-large Lake
Maspenock Resident Member of the Lake Maspenock Dam Advisory Committee and
David Gibbs as an Associate Member, Upton resident.
2. Parade Permits – The Board considered approval of a parade permits for the Hopkinton
Little League Annual Opening Day Parade on April 21, 2013 and the Boston Athletic
Association’s Annual “Training Run” for March 23, 2013.
3. Resignation – The Board considered acceptance of the resignation of Robert Scumaci
from the Permanent Building Committee.
Chairman Palleiko broke out items 1 and 2.
MOTION by Mr. Mosher to approve item 3 of the consent agenda, SECONDED by
Mr. Herr. VOTE to Approve: Yes-5, No-0, Abstained-0.
Mike Riley introduced himself to the Board and provided information on why he would like to
be appointed to the Lake Maspenock Dam Advisory Committee. MOTION by Mr. Mosher to
approve item 1 of the consent agenda, SECONDED by Mr. Herr. VOTE to Approve: Yes-5,
No-0, Abstained-0.
Thomas Grilk of the Boston Athletic Association addressed the Board to provide information
about the training run. MOTION by Mr. Mosher to approve item 2 of the consent agenda,
SECONDED by Mr. Cestari. VOTE to Approve: Yes-5, No-0, Abstained-0.
FISCAL 2014 BUDGET UPDATE AND REVIEW SCHEDULE: Mr. Khumalo and
Mr. Ketchen presented to the Board the financial model, a preliminary summary of strategic
initiatives and budget impact statements received from town departments to date, as well as a
proposed FY 2014 budget review schedule. Questions and comments from the Board were
addressed.
TOWN MEETING WARRANT: The Board considered opening the warrant for the 2013
Annual Town Meeting. Mr. Khumalo recommended the Board open the warrant, with a closing
date of March 7, 2013, and with a goal of providing all documents ten days prior to Annual
Town Meeting. MOTION by Mr. Mosher to open the town meeting warrant for the 2013
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Hopkinton Board of Selectmen Meeting Minutes February 5, 2013
Annual Town Meeting, SECONDED by Mr. Cestari. VOTE to Approve: Yes-5, No-0,
Abstained-0.
FUTURE BOARD AGENDA ITEMS: Mrs. Gates asked to have Senator Spilka and
Representative Dykema attend a future meeting to provide information on the proposed tax
increases from the state, as well as transportation changes. Mr. Khumalo stated this has already
been scheduled for the Board’s April 2 meeting. Mr. Cestari asked to have the Youth
Commission appear at a future meeting to review the committee’s charge. Mr. Mosher stated he
would like to have a discussion on downtown parking.
CONTINUED PUBLIC HEARING
WATER FRESH FARM, 151 HAYDEN ROWE STREET:
The Board continued the public hearing to consider a malt and wine only liquor license request
from American Hydroponics, Inc., doing business as Water Fresh Farm. The applicants were
present and stated they are requesting this license due to customer requests. They stated they are
requesting a license to sell beer and wine to be taken off premises, not consumed at their place of
business. Mr. Khumalo stated the town holds five malt and wine licenses, two of which are
active, and three remain open. Mrs. Gates asked if the zoning question raised at the last meeting
has been resolved. Mr. Khumalo stated Town Counsel and the building inspector have reviewed
this application and find no zoning problems. Chairman Palleiko expressed concern with
allowing the sale of alcohol in a residential area.
MOTION by Mr. Cestari to close the public hearing, SECONDED by Mrs. Gates. VOTE to
Approve: Yes-5, No-0, Abstained-0.
MOTION by Mrs. Gates to approve the malt and wine only liquor license request from
American Hydroponics, Inc., d/b/a Water Fresh Farm, located at 151 Hayden Rowe Street,
Hopkinton, SECONDED by Mr. Cestari. VOTE to Approve: Yes-3, No 2, Abstained-0.
(Palleiko and Mosher opposed).
DOWNTOWN MAIN STREET CORRIDOR PROJECT UPDATE DISCUSSION: David
Daltorio, Tom Nealon, and representatives from Beta Engineering were present to provide the
Board with an update on the Downtown Main Street Corridor project in relation to the 25%
design to be submitted to MassDOT. Questions and comments from the Board were addressed.
MOTION by Mr. Herr that the Board accept the 25% design plan as submitted by the DISC and
authorize the Town Manager to submit it to the state to initiate the review process, SECONDED
by Mr. Mosher. VOTE to Approve: Yes-5, No-0, Abstained-0.
ELMWOOD FARM DONATION AGREEMENT: The Board reviewed and considered
executing a Donation Agreement with the Trust for Public Land for the donation of a
Preservation Restriction on the historic Fitch-Adams House and existing historic barn in
accordance with the vote taken on Article 40, Item g of the May 7, 2012 Annual Town Meeting.
The Town Manager, Town Counsel, and Historical Commission recommended approval.
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Hopkinton Board of Selectmen Meeting Minutes February 5, 2013
MOTION by Mrs. Gates that the Board enter into a donation agreement with the Trust for
Public Land to acquire preservation restriction relating to the historic Fitch-Adams House and
the existing historic barn located on the property off Ash Street, shown as Lot U20-30-1 on that
certain plan entitled “Plan of Land in Hopkinton, MA, Owner: Abbott Realty Trust, Alan
Greenwald & Kenneth Crater, Trustees” prepared by Guerriere and Halnon, Inc., dated
December 12, 2012, last revised on December 14, 2012 and recorded in the Middlesex (South)
County Registry of Deeds as Plan 962 of 2012, and to accept and approve the Preservation
Restriction Agreement for historic Fitch-Adams House and existing historic barn, in accordance
with the vote taken on Article 40, Item g of the May 7, 2012 Annual Town Meeting and to
execute all documents necessary to effect this vote, SECONDED by Mr. Herr. VOTE to
Approve: Yes-5, No-0, Abstained-0.
PERKIN ELMER TAX INCREMENT FINANCE:
Mr. Herr recused himself from this discussion and left the podium.
The Board considered approval of the Host Community Agreement, TIF Agreement, TIF Plan,
and Zone documents and Economic Opportunity Area Application.
MOTION by Mr. Cestari that the Board vote to approve the parcels shown as lots 1 and 5 on the
plan entitled Index Plan Elmwood Park, Parkwood Drive, Hopkinton, MA, Middlesex County,
dated August 16, 2012 as the Elmwood Park Economic Opportunity Area, the Elmwood Park
EOA, for a period of 20 years, pursuant to MGL, Chapter 23A, Section 3E, and to approve the
submission of an application of the Elmwood Park EOA to the Massachusetts Economic
Assistance Coordinating Council (EACC) for approval, SECONDED by Mr. Mosher. VOTE to
Approve: Yes-4, No-0, Abstained-0.
MOTION by Mr. Cestari that the Board vote to execute a thirteen year Tax Increment Finance
Agreement (TIF) and adopt a thirteen year TIF zone pursuant to MGL Chapter 40, Section 59,
with Perkin Elmer Health Sciences, Inc. and Elmwood Park Property LLC for property located
as delineated by the Elmwood Park EOA and authorize the submission of the TIF agreement and
related TIF plan to the EACC for approval, SECONDED by Mr. Mosher. VOTE to Approve:
Yes-4, No-0, Abstained-0.
MOTION by Mr. Cestari that the Board vote to execute the host community agreement between
Perkin Elmer Health Sciences, Inc. and the Town of Hopkinton, SECONDED by Mr. Mosher.
VOTE to Approve: Yes-4, No-0, Abstained-0.
Mr. Herr returned to the podium.
CASINO UPDATE: Chairman Palleiko provided the Board with an update on the application
process for the proposed casino in Milford. MOTION by Mr. Herr that the Board of Selectmen,
through its Chair, write a letter to the Massachusetts Gaming Commission expressing its
opposition to the development of a resort style casino anywhere in the Metrowest region of
Massachusetts, SECONDED by Mr.Cestari. VOTE to Approve: Yes-5, No-0, Abstained-0.
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Hopkinton Board of Selectmen Meeting Minutes February 5, 2013
LIAISON REPORTS: Mr. Mosher reported the Upper Charles Rail Trail Committee is making
some progress piecing the trail together and conducting outreach to the abutters. He stated the
Hopkinton Sustainable Green Committee was authorized by the Appropriations Committee to
spend up to $25,000 on an engineering study for Fruit Street Solar Farm and Dave Daltorio has
applied for a $12,000 grant to help offset that cost. Mr. Khumalo stated word was just received
that this grant was not awarded. Mr. Cestari stated the Youth Commission has worked for the
past two months drafting a new charge to better define the relationship between the Youth
Services Department and the Youth Commission, and a draft will be submitted to the Board of
Selectmen for approval. He outlined upcoming programs being offered by Youth Services.
Mr. Herr congratulated the School Committee on their selection of Cathy MacLeod as the new
Superintendent of Schools. Mrs. Gates reported she attended the Mass Municipal Association’s
annual meeting and heard a speech from the Governor regarding proposed tax increases, as well
as a discussion on medical marijuana. She also attended the 495 Metrowest Partnership meeting
where the Secretary of Transportation spoke on their plan to raise revenue for transportation.
She urged citizens to become informed on these issues as it will affect the Metrowest area greatly
in the form of toll increases and mileage taxes. She asked that the Senator and Representative
come to the Board of Selectmen prior to the Board’s approval of the FY 2014 budget so an
informed decision can be made. She asked that the Board add discussion of this to a future
agenda and consider sending a letter to the state on the proposed new taxes. Chairman Palleiko
stated the town conducted its first training session for the Chairs of the various boards and
committees which was very well attended and successful.
TOWN MANAGER’S REPORT: Mr. Khumalo provided an update on the Alprilla Farm
wells. He stated Legacy Farms has invested $2.2 million to construct these wells, which will
provide water to Legacy Farms and other areas of the town, as it will produce more water than
needed for Legacy Farms alone. He stated the town will be reimbursing Legacy Farms for a
portion of this investment and asked that the Board approve the Alprilla Farm Well Agreement.
MOTION by Mr. Herr, to authorize the Chair to sign the Alprilla Farm Well Agreement,
SECONDED by Mr. Cestari. VOTE to Approve: Yes-5, No-0, Abstained-0.
ADJOURN: MOTION by Mr. Herr to adjourn, SECONDED by Mr. Mosher. VOTE to
Approve: Unanimous. Meeting adjourned.
Correspondence to the Board of Selectmen
1. Weights and Measures Annual Report
2. Planning Board Memo Re: Master Plan Update – Fruit Street Master Plan
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Hopkinton Board of Selectmen Meeting Minutes February 5, 2013
Summarized Transcription by
//Patricia McDonnell// Date: February 21, 2013
Patricia McDonnell
Certified Transcriber, OfficeSolutionsPlusLLC.com
//Elizabeth Tice// Date: February 21, 2013
Elizabeth Tice, President
OfficeSolutionsPlusLLC.com
My commission expires August 26, 2016