HomeMy Public PortalAbout20110614 - Select Board - Meeting MinutesTOWN OF HOPKINTON
Board of Selectmen
MINUTES OF MEETING
June 14, 2011
A meeting of the Hopkinton Board of Selectmen was held on Tuesday, June 14, 2011 at
Town Hall, 18 Main Street, Hopkinton, Massachusetts. Selectmen present: Todd Cestari,
Ben Palleiko, John Mosher, and Brian Herr. Michelle Gates was absent. Officials present;
Town Manager Norman Khumalo, Operations Assistant Geri Holland, Human Resources
Director Maryrose DeGroot and Finance Director Heidi ICriger.
CALL TO ORDER: The meeting was called to order in Room 211 at 6:15PM.
MOTION by Mr. Palleiko to go into Executive Session for the purpose of discussing
contract negotiations, litigation and real property; and to allow Mr. Khumalo and Mrs.
Holland to participate SECONDED by Mr. Herr. ROLL CALL• Mr. Cestari— Yes, Mr.
Palleiko—Yes, Mr. Mosher -Yes, Mr. Herr —Yes. VOTE to Approve: Yes -4, No -0,
Absent -1.
RE -OPEN PUBLIC SESSION: The Public Session was re -opened in Room 215 with the
Pledge of Allegiance at 6:45PM.
PUBLIC FORUM: Mrs. Mary Pratt of 102 Fruit Street advised that the Town proceed
with the design phase of the reconstruction of Main Street in order to get state funding
through the Boston MPO.
ACCOMPLISHMENTS: Mr. Mosher read the following announcements: Youth
Services Librarian Denise Kofron was honored by the HPTA on March 31, 2011 as a
Hopkinton Hero after being nominated by a student. The Fire Department secured a safety
equipment grant to replace a self contained breathing apparatus and enhance firefighter
safety. Deputy Assessor Jonathan Steinberg has successfully completed Course 101:
Assessment Administration: Law -Procedures -Valuation which was presented by the
Massachusetts Department of Revenue.
CONSENT AGENDA: Items contained in the Consent Agenda included a) approval of
May 10 and May 31, 2011 Regular Session Minutes; b) acceptance of gifts to the
Ambulance Gift Account in memory of Mr. Leslie Clark as follows: $50.00 from Sybil
Long of 26 Ash Street, $50.00 from Shirley Saunders of 65 Governors Circle, Groton, CT
and $100.00 from the employees at Hopkinton Town Hall; c) acceptance of the
resignations of Roger Mezitt from the Hopkinton Historic Commission and Nadine Butler
Stewart from the 300th Anniversary Celebration committee, both effective immediately d)
the appointment of Michael Peirce of 12 Wildlife Drive to the Board of Appeals for an
unexpired term to 2015 and Frank D'Urso of 173 Saddle Hill Road to the Regional
Vocational School Committee to complete an unexpired three-year term to 2012; e) to
approve a parade permit for the Horribles Parade on July 4. DISCUSSION: Mr. Mosher
requested that he be allowed to abstain from voting on the May 31 minutes and Mr. Herr
requested clarification on the two appointments. MOTION by Mr. Palleiko to approve
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Hopkinton Board of Selectmen Meeting Minutes June 14, 2011
items b), c) and e) of the Consent Agenda SECONDED by Mr. Herr. VOTE to Approve:
Yes -4, No -0, Absent -1. MOTION by Mr. Mosher to approve the May 10, 2011 minutes
SECONDED by Mr. Palleiko. VOTE to Approve: Yes -4, No -0, Absent -1. MOTION
by Mr. Herr to approve the May 31, 2011 minutes SECONDED by Mr. Palleiko. VOTE
to Approve: Yes -3, No -0, Absent -1, Abstained -1. Mr. Khumalo explained that each
town that sends students to Keefe Tech is allowed to have two members on the Keefe Tech
School Committee. Mrs. Holland confirmed that Board of Appeals Chairman Rory
Warren has endorsed the appointment of Michael Peirce, who currently serves as an
associate member, to full membership on the Board. MOTION by Brian Herr to approve
the appointment of Frank D'Urso to the Regional Vocational School Committee
SECONDED by Mr. Palleiko. VOTE to Approve: Yes -4, No -0, Absent -1. MOTION by
Mr. Palleiko to approve the appointment of Michael Peirce to the Board of Appeals
SECONDED by Mr. Mosher. VOTE to Approve: Yes -4, No -0, Absent -1.
FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS: ► Mr. Palleiko requested that completed or resolved items
be removed from the Future Agenda Item list. ►Mr. Mosher proposed that the Board of
Selectmen send a brief email to the chairs of Town boards and committees soliciting their
feedback on their various charges and tasks, then craft a proposal based on the response.
He said the chairs should be made aware of the resources available to them. ► Chairman
Cestari suggested web -based training for chairs and vice chairs on Massachusetts open
meeting regulations.
LIAISON REPORTS: 10 -Mr. Herr said he attended the Marathon "wrap up" meeting at
the Laborer's Training Facility. He announced that the Boy Scouts had raised a record
amount of money at an event the previous week. ► Mr. Mosher reported that the Open
Space Committee is working on updating its website. He announced that the 495
Partnership is meeting on June 15 at Westboro High School at 7:OOPM. Mr. Mosher noted
the need to improve volunteer recruitment efforts.
LIAISON ASSIGNMENTS: Tabled until the full Board is present.
SUMMER MEETING SCHEDULE: Tabled until the full Board is present.
TOWN BOARD AND COMMITTEE REAPPOINTMENTS: Mrs. Holland confirmed
that the chairs of the boards and committees had been contacted regarding the proposed
reappointments. Mr. Palleiko requested that the Historic District Commission
appointments be set aside for discussion. MOTION by Mr. Herr that the Board vote to
reappoint the individuals named on the handout except for the Historic District
Commission (see attachment). SECONDED by Mr. Mosher. VOTE to Approve: Yes -4,
No -0, Absent -1. Mr. Palleiko said he wanted to revisit the issue between the Historic
District Commission and the Library Board of Trustees regarding the proposed expansion
of the Library. He requested that the appointments be made when HDC members are
present.
HIGH SCHOOL PROJECT REFUNDING REQUEST: Mr. Khumalo said the Town
can realize significant savings ($774,000.00) if the Board approves the Town Treasurer
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Hopkinton Board of Selectmen Meeting Minutes June 14, 2011
and Collector's recommendation to refund the HHS project bond. The savings would
revert to Free Cash. MOTION by Mr. Palleiko that in order to reduce interest costs, the
Treasurer is authorized to provide for the sale and reissuance of funding bonds under MGL
Chapter 44, Section 21A to refund all or any portion of the remaining principal
redemption, premium interest. SECONDED by Mr. Herr. VOTE to Approve: Yes -4,
No -0, Absent -1.
FINANCIAL REPORT: Town Accountant Heidi Kriger reviewed the Town's financials
for Fiscal Year 2011 through March 31, saying that revenues are tracking well. Local
receipts are up by $100,000.00 due to the increase in building permits for roofing. A
$185,000.00 court settlement will go into Free Cash. Hopkinton will have a strong Free
Cash position by the end of the Fiscal Year. Debt service is down by $893,000.00 and
employee benefits are up by $527,000.00 due to health insurance costs. Overall, revenues
are up by about $631,000.00.
98 HAYDEN ROWE ROAD LEASE: REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS: The Board
considered approving a request for proposals (RFP) for the lease of Town -owned property
located at 98 Hayden Rowe Street for a tenn not to exceed 20 years. Mr. Khumalo
confirmed that Town Counsel has reviewed a draft of the RFP and that the Cultural Arts
Alliance is willing to abdicate its current lease. With Board approval, the RFP could be
issued on June 15. MOTION by Mr. Palleiko to authorize the Town Manager to issue an
RFP for the lease of Town owned property located at 98 Hayden Rowe Street
SECONDED by Mr. Mosher. VOTE to Approve: Yes -4, No -0, Absent -1.
TOWN MANAGER'S REPORT: West Main and School Street Intersection; Notice
to Proceed: Mr. Khumalo received a recommendation from DPW Director John
Westerling that the Town enter into a contract with World Tech Engineering, Inc. Up to
$30,000.00 was appropriated at Annual Town Meeting for this purpose. According to Mr.
Khumalo, the study could be completed in 30 -days. There is support for this project from
Town staff and residents. This contractor will communicate directly with the state
Highway Department. MOTION by Mr. Mosher to accept the recommendation of DPW
Director John Westerling to enter into a contract with World Tech Engineering, Inc. for the
evaluation of the intersection of West Main Street and School Street for $19,850.00
SECONDED by Mr. Palleiko. VOTE to Approve: Yes -4, No -0, Absent -1.
HOCKEY RINK PRESENTATION: Parks and Recreation Commission Chair Ken
Driscoll and Demons Hockey Director Jack Bloomer requested the Board's authorization
to move forward with Legacy Farms on the construction of a hockey rink at no cost to the
Town. Under current conditions, Hopkinton is not a major tenant at any of the skating
facilities in the area and must compete with 25 to 35 other teams for ice time. There is no
time to implement a figure skating program or recreational skating. The league spends up
to $100,000.00 yearly to rent ice time in other towns. A rink in Hopkinton would keep
hockey affordable and possibly be a revenue generator. The Demons will oversee
fundraising and financing and will help Parks and Recreation and Legacy Farm in project
oversight. Mr. Driscoll envisions a multi -purpose recreational facility, with hockey being
the primary activity. Concept plans by Legacy Farms have a facility that fits in with the
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Hopkinton Board of Selectmen Meeting Minutes June 14, 2011
character of the Town (a structure similar to the farm stand being built on Hayden Rowe).
Mr. Palleiko said he approves of the concept and the financial model. He advised that the
project be vetted to attain widespread support. Mr. Driscoll said a survey will be
conducted to assess the quality of current programs and need. He said a framework exists
following the Fruit Street Athletic Field project, adding that he's confident the project will
be net positive. Mr. Bloomer said there is enormous interest from Holliston and Ashland
in this project in terms of their high school and middle school hockey programs. Steven
Zeiff of Legacy Farms confirmed that his company is very enthusiastic about the proposal.
MOTION by Mr. Herr that the Board of Selectmen authorize the Town Manager and
Town Counsel to engage with the Parks and Recreation Commission in accessing and
developing a Town hockey rink and other athletic recreation venues on Legacy Farms land
currently assigned to the OSMUD for recreational use SECONDED by Mr. Palleiko.
VOTE to Approve: Yes -4, No -0, Absent -1.
PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION; Resignation of Patrick Mahon: Mr.
Driscoll said Mr. Mahon has taken a job which requires him to travel out of state often.
Mr. Mahon has served on the Commission for over seven years. Chairman Cestari said it's
a shame to lose Mr. Mahon and thanked him for his service. MOTION by Mr. Palleiko
that the Board of Selectmen accept the resignation of Patrick Mahon effective May 25,
2011 SECONDED by Mr. Herr. VOTE to Approve: Yes -4, No -0, Absent -1.
Parks and Recreation Commission Vacancy Announcement: MOTION by Mr.
Palleiko that the Board of Selectmen approve the posting of a Parks and Recreation
Commission vacancy for a term to the May 21, 2012 Town Election SECONDED by Mr.
Herr. VOTE to Approve: Yes -4, No -0, Absent -1. MOTION by Mr. Palleiko that the
Board of Selectmen hold a joint -committee meeting with the Parks and Recreation
Commission on June 28, 2011 SECONDED by Mr. Mosher. VOTE to Approve: Yes -4,
No -0, Absent -1.
HOPKINTON PUBLIC LIBRARY BOARD OF TRUSSEES APPOINTMENTS:
Trustees Marie Eldridge and John Belger were present. Mrs. Holland confirmed that June
Harris had applied to serve one year of a three-year term until the next election. Mrs.
Eldridge said Ms. Harris has demonstrated her commitment to the Library and has invested
much time, energy and expertise. Mr. Miyares reviewed the circumstances surrounding
the election, the tie for the second three-year term and the subsequent failure -to -elect
declaration. He said he had presented Mr. Ken Weismantle's suggestion that one of the
two people who were tied be allowed to assume the three-year term to the State Elections
Division, which rebuffed the proposal. At the next election, one three-year term with two
years remaining, one two-year term with one year remaining and one one-year term will be
on the ballot. Individuals seeking one of these seats must specify which term they seek
Mr. Herr noted that several winning candidates were sworn in by the Town Clerk on
election night, including Mrs. Leda Arakelian who had tied with Ms. Harris for the second
three-year term, and asked if this creates a conflict. Mr. Miyares answered in the negative,
saying that office is conferred by the election, not by the swearing -in, although swearing -in
is a requirement. Mr. Mosher said he is pleased about Ms. Harris' interest in the seat, but
not pleased about the process and suggested that measures be taken to avoid such a
situation in the future. Chairman Cestari thanked Town Clerk Ann Click and Ms. Harris
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Hopkinton Board of Selectmen Meeting Minutes June 14, 2011
and expressed regret that the position lost the interest of another very qualified candidate.
MOTION by Mrs. Eldridge that the Board of Selectmen and Library Board of Trustees
vote to appoint June Harris of 185 Saddle Hill Road for a three-year term on the Library
Board of Trustees until the May 21, 2012 Town Election SECONDED by Mr. Herr.
VOTE to Approve: Yes -4, No -0, Absent -1. MOTION by Mrs. Eldridge that the Board
of Selectmen and Library Board of Trustees vote to appoint Stan Pulnik of 11 Downey
Street for a two-year seat on the Library Board of Trustees until the May 21, 2012 Town
Election SECONDED by Mr. Herr. VOTE to Approve: Yes -4, No -0, Absent -1.
OLD TOWN ROAD LOT (MAP L36, BLOCK 177, LOT 0): Mr. Khumalo said
Article 52 at the Annual Town Meeting authorized the Board to sell or otherwise dispose
of this parcel. He said the Board could determine a price in Executive Session. Mr.
Palleiko said he would not support future proposals of this kind unless they include maps
and more detail from Land Use, Planning and Permitting. Mr. Herr and Mr. Mosher
concurred. MOTION by Mr. Palleiko that the Board of Selectmen declare that real
property located on Old Town Road and shown on Assessors' Map L36, Block 177, Lot 0
is available for disposition SECONDED by Mr. Herr. VOTE to Approve: Yes -4, No -0,
Absent -1.
TOWN MANAGER'S REPORT Continued: Veteran's Services: Mr. Khumalo said
the Veteran's Agent, Anthony Mastroianni, is retiring as of June 30. It has been agreed
that a replacement could serve Hopkinton, Ashland, Holliston and Medway. Under current
regulations, towns with populations lower than 14,000 people are required to have a part-
time agent. Mr. Khumalo said that, based on caseloads, Hopkinton's needs and those of
other towns, having a Veteran's Services District is more efficient. He proposed hiring a
full-time Veteran's Agent who can utilize existing staff at Town Hall. A combined budget
of $200,000.00 can fund the Agent's $80,000.00 salary and can allow for expansion if
individual needs are identified. Mr. Khumalo agreed to reach out to local veterans
organizations and seek input for Senator Karen Spilka and Representative Carolyn
Dykema. MOTION by Mr. Palleiko that the Board of Selectmen approve the submission
by the Town Manager of the Veteran's Services District proposal with the towns of
Hopkinton, Ashland, Holliston and Medway to the State Department of Veteran's Services
SECONDED by Mr. Herr. VOTE to Approve: Yes -4, No -0, Absent -1.
Town Manager's Re -appointments: MOTION by Mr. Herr that the Board of Selectmen
support the Town Manager's recommendation to appoint for a one-year term William
Proctor as the Animal Control Officer, Sidney Proctor as the back-up Animal Control
Officer, and retain the legal services of Miyares & Harrington for one year SECONDED
by Mr. Palleiko. VOTE to Approve: Yes -4, No -0, Absent -1.
Wastewater Treatment Facility: Operation and Maintenance Contract: Mr. Khumalo
said DPW Director John Westerling recommends that the Town negotiate a contract with
Whitewater, Inc. for a one-year contract with the option of two one-year extensions for
operation, management and maintenance of the wastewater treatment facility on Fruit
Street. MOTION by Mr. Palleiko that the Board of Selectmen authorize the Town
Manager to enter into contract negotiations with Whitewater, Inc. for a one-year contract
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Hopkinton Board of Selectmen Meeting Minutes June 14, 2011
with the option of two one-year extensions for operations, management and maintenance
of the Fruit Street Wastewater Treatment Facility SECONDED by Mr. Mosher. VOTE to
Approve: Yes -4, No -0, Absent -1.
Lift Hiring Freeze: Assistant Town Clerk: MOTION Mr. Palleiko that the Board of
Selectmen authorize the lifting of the hiring freeze so the Town Clerk can hire an assistant
SECONDED by Mr. Mosher. VOTE to Approve: Yes -4, No -0, Absent -1.
ADJOURN: MOTION by Mr. Herr to adjourn SECONDED by Mr. Mosher. VOTE to
Approve: Yes -4, No -0, Absent -1. Meeting adjourned at 9:45PM.
Respectfully Submitted,
Elizabeth Aghababian
Recording Secretary
Date Approved 6-29-2011
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Hopkinton Board of Selectmen Meeting Minutes June 14, 2011
BOS RE -APPOINTMENTS:
COMMITTEE
ADA OVERSIGHT COMM
BOARD OF APPEALS
BD OF APPEALS-ASSOC.MEMBER
CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT COMM.
COMMUNITY PRESERVATION COMM.
CONSERVATION COMMISSION
COUNCIL ON AGING
COA -ASSOCIATE MEMBERS
DOWNTOWN REVITAL.COMM.
HISTORIC DISTRICT COMMISSION
(TABLED)
HISTORICAL COMMISSION
HOPKINTON CULTURAL COUNCIL
HOPKINTON TAX RELIEF COMM.
MARATHON COMMITTEE
MARATHON FUND COMMITTEE
PERMANENT BUILDING COMM.
PERSONNEL COMMITTEE
NAME
Mike DiMascio
Michael DiMascio
June Correia Clark
John J. Barris
Henry R. Kunicki
Marcus Waldron
Jeffrey S. Barnes
ID
David W. Holly
onna J. Deneen
Kathleen Kearns
Pasquale (Pat) Baratta
Pat Mangiacotti-Prucher
Susan Marshall
Austin Spang
Michael D. Girardi
Nancy Stevenson
William S. Shaw
Laure Warren
Tom Phelan
Anne Pouch
Nancy Haines
Robert A. Levenson
Carole Nathan
Colleen D. Charleston
Michael Dawley
Ezat Parnia
_ Thomas A. Sheridan, Jr.
TERM
3 Yr Term until 2014
5 Yr Term until 2016
5 Yr Term until 2016
5 Yr Term until 2016
3 Yr Term until 2014
3 Yr Term until 2014
3 Yr Term until 2014
3 Yr Term until 2014
3 Yr Term until 2014
1 Yr Term until 2012
1YrTerm until2012
3 Yr Term until 2014
3 Yr Term until 2014
3 Yr Term until 2014
3 Yr Term until 2014
3 Yr Term until 2014
3 Yr Term until 2014
2 Yr Term until 2013
2 Yr Term until 2013
2 Yr Term until 2013
1 Yr Term until 2012
3 Yr Term until 2014
1 Yr Term until 2012
1YrTerm until2012
1 Yr Term until 2012
3 Yr Term until 2014
3 Yr Term until 2014
3 Yr Term until 2014
COMMITTEE
NAME
REGISTRAR OF VOTERS Antoinette Kunicki
SMOC REPRESENTATIVE
SPECIAL CONSTABLES
SUSTAINABLE GREEN COMM.
SGC AT LARGE MEMBERS
SGC ASSOCIATE MEMBERS
VETERANS CELEBRATION
COMMITTEE
YOUTH COMMISSION
1
f
Paul D. Prior
William E. Pickett, Jr.
Andy Boyce
Laura Connolly
Aubrey Doyle
Frank D'Urso
John Keane
Nancy Dourney
Ria McNamara
3 Yr Term until 2014
1 Yr Term until 2012
3 Yr Term until 2014
2 Yr Term until 2013
2 Yr Term until 2013
3 Yr Term until 2014
3 Yr Term until 2014
3 Yr Term until 2014
1 Yr Term until 2012
2 Yr Term until 2013
John Carroll 1 Yr Term until 2012
Gretchen A. Govoni 1 Yr Term until 2012
Christiane Y. Perrin 1 Yr Term until 2012
Scott Richardson 1 Yr Term until 2012
Gino Spinelli 1 Yr Term until 2012
Michael Whalen 3 Yr Term until 2014
Nancy Drawe 3 Yr Term until 2014
Linda M. Katz 3 Yr Term until 2014
Margie Wiggins 3 Yr Term until 2014
Mark Kosa 3 Yr Term until 2014
Sue Hadley 3 Yr Term until 2014