===OCR macOS Vision===
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1W111!
Clerk; Katey Adams
Members not present: Michael-Ray Jeffreys
Also present: Heather Lemieux, Town Manager
The meeting commenced at 6:30 p.m.
Motion: D. McQuaid
2nd: P. Luck
Motion to enter Executive Session under MGL Chapter 30A, Section 21, Reason #6 to
consider the purchase, exchange, lease or value of real property, and the Chair so
declares that an open meeting may have a detrimental effect on the negotiating position
of the governmental body (635 Massachusetts Avenue) and to re-enter Open Session
after adjourning from Executive Session
Mr. Alonzo announced Mr. Jeffreys was participating remotely for Executive Session only
due to significant geographical distance via telephone.
Vote: Mr. Jeffreys- aye, Mr.MeQuaid-aye, Ms. Luck- aye, Mr. Alonzo -aye
*****************EXECUTIVE SESSION MINUTES ARE SEPARATE***********
The meeting commenced at 7:07 p.m. with the Pledge of Allegiance
Mr. Alonzo announced in accordance with the requirements of the Open Meeting Law, please
be advised this meeting is being recorded and broadcast over the Lunenburg Public Access
channel.
PUBLIC COMMENT:
Ms. Luck announced the Turkey Hill Lions Club pancake breakfast was at the Senior Center
tomorrow from 8:30 - 10:00 a.m. $2.00 per person, takeout is available.
Greg Burns, 13 Oak Avenue, Agricultural Commission member, announced the Farmers
Market will open on May 31st and run through October 11th at the Ritter Building. There are a
bunch of surprises for opening day.
Mr. Alonzo announced with the current health scare we have been posting updates on the
town website under News and Announcements. We did get an advisory from Town Counsel
about possibly rescheduling town meetings dates in the spring due to the coronavirus
outbreak. Ms. Lemieux added there is a MA General Law that allows the BOS to vote to
postpone Town Meeting until June 30th even though it is not in the Town Charter.
APPOINTMENTS
Lunenburg Skate Park Tollbooth Fundraiser Request for June 6, 2020; 10 am to 2 pm
& Update on 01462 Skate Park Group activities
The teen members of the 01462 Skatepark group gave a report on their fundraising progress.
Aiden Smith reported they have recruited a social media maven to help post their events on
Instagram. Now you can go to their page on Facebook to make a donation. They also have a
video on YouTube.
===PAGE 2===
regarding the tollbooth fundraiser, they are looking at June 6, which is also graduation day.
Mr. Alonzo asked who will be doing the collecting of donations that day. Griffin stated adults
will be doing the tollbooth. The group will need to contact the Police and DPW for conditions
of running the tollbooth. They will be collecting at the intersection of Route 2A and Main
Street.
Motion: D. McQuaid
2nd.K. Adams
To approve the tollbooth fundraiser on June 6 in Town Center from 10 am to 2 pm
pending approval of the Police and DPW and any conditions they set
Vote: All in Favor
Historical Commission Request to place CPA Bylaw article on May 2, 2020 ATM
Warrant
Chairman Rebecca Lantry could not make the meeting to make her presentation, so this will
be tabled until the next meeting.
Public Hearing for Common Victualler License, Il Forno at 494 Electric Avenue
Owner Mike Mohammed presented for the request. They are moving their location from
Fitchburg to Sean Patrick's Restaurant at 494 Electric Avenue. They would be closed on
Mondays and be serving lunch and dinner, 10 am to 10 pm the rest of the week unless there is
a private function. They have a lease with an option to purchase the business. They intend to
do either an alcohol license transfer or apply for a new license.
Motion: D. McQuaid
To approve the common victualler license for Il Forno at 494 Electric Avenue
2°°:P. Luck
Vote: All in Favor
Meeting with Green Communities Task Force re: LED Streetlights
Dave Blatt, Chairman of the GCTF, gave a presentation on the options the Town has
regarding street light conversion to LED to save the money. He reported they have already
received a grant for $157,225 for projects in the:
• Primary School ($88,577)
• Turkey Hill Elementary Shool ($14,012),
• Library ($40,816)
• Eagle House ($3,595)
• Public Safety ($5,000)
• Teen Center ($4722)
• Administrative Costs ($452)
A second grant allotted $198,867 for the following:
• $52,408 for schools
• $30,581towards the Ritter Building
• $89,969 towards Public Safety Bldg.
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WHUI
• Yearly Luminaire Charge = # of lights x Luminaire Charge × 12 months
• Yearly Electric Charge = # of lights x Electric Charge x Monthly & WH X 12
Components of a street light include the pole (arm) and bracket and the cobra head (the actual
light)
What we pay to Unitil today: OPTION #1
Light Type
OL 3300 Lumens = 50-Watt
3,300 Sodium Vapor
OL350 Lumens = 100-Watt
3,500 Mercury Vapor
OL 9500 Lumens + 100-Watt
9,500 Sodium Vapor
OL 20000 Lumens = 200-Watt
20,000 Mercury Vapor
OL 500000 Lumens = 400-
Watt 50,000SodiumVapor
MAE OL Ornamental Light
# oflights
248
1
48
34
3
2
Luminaire
Charge
$11.10
$12.79
$13.20
$19.67
$27.96
$11.46
Total
Electric
Charge
$0.18118
$0.18118
$0.18118
$0.18118
$0.18118
$0.18118
Yearly Electric
Charge
$10,783.83
$85.34
$4,200.48
$6,283.32
$1,051.75
$86.73
$22,491.45
Yearly
Luminaire
Charge
$33,033.60
$153.48
$7,603.20
$8,025.36
$1,006.56
$275.04
$50,097.24
Total
$43,817.43
$238.82
$11,803.68
$14,308.68
$2,058.31
$361.77
$72,588.69
Bottom Line if we do nothing:
• Total Yearly Charge = $72,588.69
• Yearly Electric Charge = $22,491.45
• Yearly Maintenance Charge = $50,097.24
OPTION #2 YEARLY CHARGE FOR UNITIL LED LIGHTS
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SV-R = 99W LED
BXSP2-HO-HT-3ME-165W-30K-UL-SV-
R = 16oW LED
34
$11.36
$0.18118
$2,402.45
$4,634.88
$7,037.33
3
$15.80
$0.16625
$314.21
$568.80
$883.01
MAE OL Ornamental (NoChange)
$11.50
$0.16625
$85.77
$276.00
$361.77
TOTALS
$9,441.23
$31,591.80
$42,033.03
What this means to the Bottom Line
• Total Yearly Charge = $41,033.03
• Yearly Electric Charge = $ 9,441.23
• Yearly Maintenance Charge = $31,591.80
• Total Yearly Savings = $31,598.15
How do we get there?
• Cost for Until to convert those 336 lights = $46,703.45
• Total Yearly Savings = $31,598.15
• Time to Return of Investment = 18 months
Option #3 Lunenburg purchases the lights and Lunenburg manages the infrastructure
• Estimated Maintenance Fee
• $300/call $100/additional light
• Based on similar towns = $5000/ year
• Yearly Electric Charge = $9441.23
• Total Cost Estimate = $14,441.23
• Estimated Yearly Savings = $58,147.46
How do we get there?
• Cost to Buy from Unitil = $90,793.21
• Purchase entire assembly
• Utilize Green Community Grant to Upgrade
• Total Yearly Savings = $58,147.46
• Time to Return Of Investment =19 months
Compare the two options:
• Both options provide a significant savings in Electrical Charge (over $13,000/year)
• Maintenance will be handled same as today
• Call can only come from DPW or Town Manager Office
• Big difference is with "Maintenance"
• About $26,500 less per year for option #3
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Meeting
• Solicit RFQ to get
cost estimate for
conversion
• Bring vote to Town
Town
Authorization
While applying
for Grant
• Purchase Lights
• Option 3'd party for
Maintenance
• Contract 3rd party to
convert to LED
• Contract 3'd party to
Maintain Lights
Now that we
own
RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE GREEN GROUP:
• That the Town proceeds with purchasing the streetlights from Unitil
• The Town applies for Green Community Competitive Grant for the conversion to
LED
• The additional yearly savings more than offset the additional time necessary for 3rd
party maintenance contract
• The Energy credits we use for maintenance today can be used for other town and/or
school buildings
Mr. Alonzo thanked the GCTF for all their work and was in favor of Option # 3 given the
cost savings. Ms.Adams asked if there was a cost to do the installation. Mr. Blatt got an
initial quote of $300 per light to change over to LED. She asked Ms. Lemieux who would
manage the outsourcing for maintenance.
Ms. Lemieux also thanked the GCTF for their work and time. She noted on paper this looks
good for the town. Operationally, this would add extra work for myself as procurement
officer and DPW, the department this would fall under. As you know we are currently short-
staffed so there is an added cost. She saw the potential for more staff hours as well. Ms. Luck
suggested contracting an agent for the maintenance rather that in-house staff. Further
discussion ensued about the logistics of this project.
Mr. Blatt stated Fitchburg owns their own street lights and have many more than we do;
yearly costs vary from $15,000 to $45,000, the higher cost due to replacing their decorative
poles. An LED should give you ten years on a bulb. He suggested doing an audit on all the
lights in town to see what is needed and what is not. There are a lot of options for us.
He wanted to present the data tonight and have the board review it and have a warrant article
on annual town meeting. Our recommendation is Option 3.
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Mr. Blatt's comment that the amount won't be determined until the day Unitil comes up with
Vote: All in Favor
the final price.
Mr. Blatt asked for other volunteers to come forward for the GCTF, adding they don't meet
often and their meetings are over by 8:00 p.m.
INTERVIEWS/APPOINTMENTS/ RE-APPOINTMENTS/RESIGNATIONS
Kira McClellan - Agricultural Commission/Associate Member- term to expire June 30,
2022
Maryrae Holman- Agricultural Commission Member- term to expire June 30, 2022.
Ms. McClellan, Holman Street, stated she works at the Farmers Exchange so believes she
could be a good resource for people in town. She has attended some of the Agricultural
Commission meetings. Member Greg Burns stated the commission endorses both
appointments.
Motion: K. Adams
2n:D. McQuaid
To appoint Kira McClellan to the Agricultural Commission as an Associate member
with a term to expire June 30, 2022
Vote: All in Favor
Maryrae Holman, 214 Elmwood Road, has grown up in the agricultural community and was
a member of 4H for ten years in her youth. She now has a 4H group here in town and has a
degree in veterinary medicine with equine specialty.
Motion: K. Adams
2nd: D. McQuaid
To appoint Maryrae Holman to the Agricultural Commission with a term to expire
June 30, 2022
Vote: All in Favor
The Board thanked both for coming forward to volunteer.
TOWN MANAGER REPORT
Announcement on Existing Vacancies:
The following is a list of vacancies on the following committees:
• Agricultural Commission (2 alternate vacancies)
• Americans with Disabilities Act Commission (1 vacancy)
• Architectural Preservation District Commission (1 design professional; craftsperson or
building contractor familiar with historic renovation)
• Finance Committee (1 position appointed by the Finance Committee Appointing
Committee)
• Open Space Committee (1 vacancy-citizen at large)
• Planning Board (1 position appointed by the remaining members of the Planning
Board and the Board of Selectmen until the next Annual Town Election in May)
• Zoning Board of Appeals (2 Associate vacancies)
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The active shooter training at the Town Hall was very informative and some recommendations
to address vulnerabilities have been put into motion. I want to thank Chief Marino and the
Police Department staff that conducted the training, including Sgt. Connery, Sgt. Tocci, Sgt.
Zrate, Officer Melnicki, Officer Wagner, and Officer Russell. These trainings will also be
taking place at our other town buildings at dates to be determined.
Municipal Vulnerability Preparedness (MVP) Planning Grant:
The kick-off meeting with our consultant (CEI) was held on Monday, March 9th. The Land Use
Director will be sending out a poll to all the individuals/groups that our consultant has
recommended be part of the MVP Planning Workshop on potential dates to hold this
workshop. Initially we thought it best to break this up into two 4 hour sessions but our
consultant recommended that we would have a better product by making it one session as each
portion of the workshop builds upon the previous. We hope to schedule this in March or the
beginning of April in order to be able to apply for the project funding, which should be released
sometime in April. After the Planning Workshop, there will be a Public Listening Session to
hear the results of the Planning Workshop.
FY 2021 Financial Updates:
As relayed to the Board in an email on March 4th, we received the Monty Tech assessment for
FY21 and it is approximately $92,000 more than the estimate we have in our budget; our
budget had estimated a 2.5% increase and the actual assessment is a 14.3% increase.
The Finance Director is looking at the Overlay account that isused to cover abatements and
exemptions to see if we can reduce the estimate for FY21.
FY21 Town Counsel Retainer:
At the end of this fiscal year we will have completed three years with Mead, Talerman and
Costa providing Town Counsel Services. During this three years, we have not seen an increase
in our retainer agreement; Mead, Talerman and Costa is proposing an amendment of
agreement with them that would increase our monthly retainer $455/month. This fee increase
is proposed to adjust for inflation since 2017 and based on their effective hourly rates which
they track on a month by month basis (the effective hourly rate is calculated by dividing the
retainer amount by the billable hours. I have asked Attorney Costa to send an amended
agreement but my recommendation is to continue services with MTC at the proposed retainer
fee that increases the average hourly rate by $10.95/hr. I have reviewed the Legal Expense
account and based on the previous year's expenses, the current year's projected expenses and
that we will only be negotiating one collective bargaining agreement next year that is billed
from our labor counsel, there are sufficient funds in that account barring any un foreseen legal
expense that would be extraordinary.
Career Expo at Monty Tech:
Monty Tech is having a Career Expo on Tuesday, April 28th and I have signed up to have a
tableto meet with students about a career in municipal government.
Tennessee Gas Pipeline Company Tree Trim Program:
The Tennessee Gas Pipeline is currently undergoing its Tree Trim Program on their Right of Way
in the Town of Lunenburg (see map below). Periodically they need to clear their ROW of
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Department Head Updates:
Library: The Library is getting new shelving in the Tween Room that will be paid through a
grant from Hannaford.
Treasurer/Collector: The Treasurer/Collector is working on unclaimed checks and will be
advertising the list as required by MGL. Twelve thousand motor vehicle bills went out and are
due March 23rd.
COA: The new van driver has started and is working out very well. The Eagle House is busy
with their variety of programs and events all throughout the week. The new HVAC is up and
running in the older section of the building and is working well.
Police: The Police Association is planning the annual Car Show in June and will be trying to
bring in more food vendorsthis year. ThePD Critical Response Team is coordinating
trainings at each ofthe town buildings and then will go to the larger commercial businesses in
town. The Police Department has put a lot of time into some cases such as a bank robbery
case that spanned multiple communities and a drive by shooting case. Thank you to the
good police work to all involved.
Public Access: PACC is working on getting the third channel for education up and running;
the Cable Manager has been working with the IT Director on possible video conference
solutions that meet remote participation guidelines; PACC received the Media Award from the
Salvation Army for a public service announcement they did in September. The YouTube Live
feed was taken down by YouTube with the reason that it violated community standards. The
Cable Manager filed an appeal and received notice that the appeal was rejected. I will keep
you updated with any changes.
IT Director: The IT Director is working with PACC'sconsultant on possibleremote participation
solutions. The solution will require additional hardware and training for videographers.
if the projects are completed.
Land Use: The Land Use Director reported that the Earth Removal public meeting is on March
9th and the Planning Board is still working on the Stormwater bylaw. The Howard Street
developer is looking to alter the Howard Street property from 122 houses to 500 one bedroom
rental units. The Planning Board has another meeting with the Proctors on March 9th for their
Stormwater Permit. The MVP kick-off meeting will be held on March 9th with certain
department heads that make up the core team.
Meetings, Events and Other Announcements:
•
The Green Communities Task Force will be meeting this Thursday at 6:30 p.m.
I will be attending the TCP Design Building Committee meeting tomorrow, at 6:00
p.m. at the Ritter and the Finance Committee meeting on Thursday at 6:30 p.m. at
Town Hall.
•
Finance Committee will be hearing presentations from the School and the DPW.
• Reminder that the warrant closes on Monday, March 16th at 4 pm and Finance will
hold their public hearing on the budget on Thursday, March 26th at 6:30 pm.
• The Citizens Party Caucus will be Monday, March 16th at 7 pm in the Turkey Hill
===PAGE 9===
CURRENT BUSINESS
1. Discussion of Notice of Right of First Refusal for the following C. 61 properties:
a) 10.5 acres at 322 Flat Hill Road
b) ≤ 8 acres on Holman Street and Northfield Road
.006 acres on Howard & W. Townsend Road
d) 2.523 acres at 57 & 63 Cross Road
Ms. Lemieux stated the Planning Board discussed the properties Monday night and there is a
memo from the Land Use Director:
"RE: Right of First Refusal for 300 Holman Street, 322 Flat Hill Road, 57 & 63 Cross Road,
Howard Street and W. Townsend Road
The Planning Board met last night and reviewed the four properties that the Town has been notified of
Intent to Sell under Chapter 61. There are three memos attached from Adam Burney for 322 Flat Hill
Road, 57 & 63 Cross Road and 300 Holman Street. Mr. Burney reported the Board didn't have a
quorum to vote on the Howard/West Townsend Rd. property. Although both myself and Ms. Boggio
have notified Open Space Chairman Brandon Kibbe about the four parcels, neither one of us has
received any communication from him nor has he contacted Ms. Boggio about coordinating a meeting
for Open Space to review them. The Conservation Commission has scheduled these properties for
review on their March 18th agenda and will report back following the meeting. North County Land
Trust Chairperson Jassy Bratko has stated they have no interest in these properties. "
Ms. Lemieux reviewed the Chapter 61 timeline with the Board per policy. Mr. Alonzo asked
if any other boards have weighed in on any suitability of these properties. There was
discussion about the Holman Street property notice by the Planning Board, but after talking
to Town Counsel, it meets the criteria about a bona fide offer. Conservation Commission still
has to meet and discuss. Ms. Lemieux stated the Board has time to vote on the properties but
asked if they wanted to place any warrant articles regarding the properties. Mr. Alonzo
suggested putting a placeholder in the warrant until they hear from all concerned boards.
Mike Conway, owner of the Flat Hill Road property, inquired about the process going
forward. Mr. Alonzo explained the timeline involved with the ATM warrant and what would
happen if it was decided not to go forward purchasing his property.
Motion: D. McQuaid
2nd: P. Luck
To place the above listed chapter properties on the ATM warrant as placeholder
articles until the Board hears from Open Space and Conservation Commission
Vote: 3 in favor, 1 against (Adams)
===PAGE 10===
Historical Commission/APDC member Cullen Dwyer was informed the CA article was
passed over earlier as Chair Lantry could not make tonight's meeting. Mr. Alonzo asked Ms.
Lemieux if this question would require a town meeting vote and a subsequent ballot question,
is it too late to do so? She did not believe it was. It would have to be done no later than
March 31st since the election warrant is included in the mailer that goes out to residents.
Mr. Cullen stated basically it would impose a 3% tax surcharge on assessed residential
properties and would be matched by the state to pay for various projects for the purposes of
community preservation. Categories funded include, outdoor recreational facilities, historical
sites, affordable housing and preserve open space.
Mr. Alonzo asked what the percentage match would be for a 3% tax. Ms. Luck requested
knowing out of the 176 communities who use the CPA tax, what is the percentage being
taxed by them? Mr. Dwyer stated he would find out. More discussion will be at the next
meeting.
3. Minutes/ Warrants/Action Items
There were no minutes. An accounts payable warrant in the amount of $237,312.95 was
signed.
Mr. McQuaid asked about how long it takes to get newly paved roads line painted. DPW
Director Rodriquenz should be providing that policy information.
Ms. Luck in regards to the Town Manager memo regarding her performance evaluation,
asked that an agenda item be added to review the process and dates. Mr. Alonzo stated it
would be on next week's agenda.
Mr. Alonzo asked about the large PAYT trash bags. Can we find a way to get a large trash
bag that actually fits barrels? Ms. Lemieux stated she would have to contact Waste Zero.
4. Committee Reports
Ms. Adams reported that the Planning Board meeting regarding the draft earth removal bylaw
had a good turnout. Mr. Alonzo noted most people who spoke were in the earth removal
business.
Ms. Luck noted the Central Mass Stormwater Coalition is hosting four workshops on Illicit
Discharge Detection and Elimination (IDEE). The first one is March 24th in Fitchburg.
Our consultant would have offered this workshop for the fee of $2,500. She would like to
confirm the DPW Director is attending this workshop to save that funding. Ms. Lemieux
stated the last conversation was that the staff preferred to hold one in Lunenburg but she will
check. Ms. Luck also requested Lunenburg attendance at the standard operating procedures
workshop in Fitchburg on April 30". There is a $5000 savings involved if they just drive to
Fitchburg, one town over and they get free lunch as well.
OLD BUSINESS
1. Discussion on Fiscal Year 2021 Budget, FY21 Capital Plan, Five Year Financial
Forecast and Annual Town Meeting Warrant articles
===PAGE 11===
Dave Passios, 56 Whiting St, encouraged everyone to watch the presentation given by Monty
Tech on their proposed 2021 budget to the Finance Committee last Thursday. Secondly, he
asked about the progress of the Town Charter being approved and the timing. Mr. Alonzo
stated it has been presented to the legislature and it is on their dockets. Special legislation
works at its own pace.
Mr. Passios asked what is going to be the procedure to fill the additional seats on Parks
Commission? Ms. Lemieux stated she has asked town counsel and is awaiting a response.
Mr. Passios stated for the future, Town Manager and BOS goal setting should include
working on the issues at our DPW department; to find a solution in 2021 by hiring an outside
auditing and/or consulting firm to study the issues and suggest ways to address them.
Ms.Adams wanted to thank Mr. McQuaid for his years of serving the town.
Motion: D. McQuaid
To adjourn the meeting at 10:07 p.m.
Mr. McQuaid-aye, Ms. Luck-aye
2nd:P. Luck
Respectfully submitted,
Elaine m. Peterson
Elaine M. Peterson
Executive Assistant to the Town Manager