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MelDers present tm Aan nma, daay Adams, Clerk; dodd Dwyer, Jim Marino
Member not present: Michael-Ray Jeffreys, Vice Chairman
Also Present: Heather Lemieux, Town Manager; Karen Brochu, Finance Director; Muir Haman,
Library Director; Tom Gammel, Acting Police Chief
Library Trustees present: Harry Kubetz, Kate McCarron, Robert Conroy, Donna Saiia, Maia
Wentrup, Dick Mailloux
Chairman Alonzo called the meeting to order at 7:01 p.m. and announced in accordance with
the requirements of the Open Meeting Law, please be advised that this meeting will be
recorded and broadcast over the Lunenburg public access channel. It can be viewed on the
YouTube Lunenburg public access channel within 24 hours after the meeting is concluded.
Mr. Alonzo read the remote meeting information and asked if everyone was present and could be
heard. The meeting opened with the Pledge of Allegance that was recited by Ms. Adams.
PUBLIC COMMENT: There was none at this time.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
There will be a flu clinic on Wednesday, October 14t from 3:00 - 6:00 PM at the Middle/High
School.
APPOINTMENTS:
Joint meeting of the Select Board and Board of Library Trustees to determine appontment
of Laura Boussom to the Library Board of Trustees vacancy - term to expire at the next
annual town election
Mr. Alonzo acknowledged Library Trustees Harry Kubetz, Kate McCarron, Robert Conroy,
Donna Saiia, and Maia Wentrup and Library Director Haman.
The Library Trustees opened their meeting at 7:09 p.m. and role called the members.
Ms. Boussom, 48 Robbs Hill Road, a resident for 20 years, has been a volunteer in Town for
different organizations and would be interested in working on the board. She has met with the
Trustees and is familiar with the responsibilities.
Motion: K. Adams
2'°: J. Marino
To appoint Laura Boussom as Library Trustee until the next annual election
Vote: Ms. Adams-aye, Mr. Dwyer-aye, Mr. Marino-aye, Mr. Alonzo-aye, Mr. Conroy-aye,
Ms. Wentrup-aye, Mr. Kubetz- aye, Ms. McCarron-aye, Ms. Saiia-aye, Mr. Mailloux- aye
The Library Trustees adjourned their meeting by roll call vote at 7:16 p.m.
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Fines & Forfeits (136.6% or $9,969.61 more than the estimate);
Other Excise (Meals Tax) (133.6% or $33,886.56 more than the estimate);
Fees (101.1% or $1,719.68 more than the estimate);
Motor Vehicle Excise (108.5% or $141,611.48 more than the estimate);
Investment Income (162.6% or $39,384.68 more than the estimate);
Licenses & Permits (131.3% or $78,937.75 more than the estimate);
Miscellaneous Non-Recurring (101.7% or $3,607.78 more than the estimate).
There were several categories that did not meet estimates including
Departmental Revenue-Other (94.8% or $14,392.34 lower than the estimate);
Departmental Revenue-School (50.2% or $59,735.30 lower than the estimate);
Penalties & Interest (99.1% or $1,352.88 lower than estimated), but due to increases in
other categories overall actuals exceeded estimates.
Taxes: We received 99.0% or $276,227.59 less than the levy estimate. We also received
$229,176.93 in tax lien revenue.
State Aid: We received 100.1% or $71,288.96 more than the state aid estimate. This was
primarily due to increases in our smart growth school cost (40S) reimbursement
EXPENDITURES
We expended/encumbered $41,602,530.31 (97.2%) of budgeted expenditures as of
6/30/20. There were appropriation closeouts in the amount of $1,182,589.51. State
Assessments were $36, 759.00 lower than cherry sheet estimates. This was primarily
due to changes in Choice & Charter Tuition costs for students going out of district.
Of note on the expenditure side is the following:
Selectmen's Administration: There is an unexpended balance of $19,607.97 or 16.6% of
the total budget, due to the hiring date of the Assistant Town Manager.
Reserve Fund: There was an unappropriated balance of $58,110.00 in this account at year-
end.
Salary Reserve: There was an unappropriated balance of $59,597.96 in this account at year-
end
Public Buildings: There is an unexpended balance of $44,110.36 in this account at year-
end, primarily due to unexpended electricity and heating costs.
Facilities & Grounds: There was an unexpended balance of $51,246.17 in this account at
year-end, primarily due to decreased costs in the contracted services line.
Police Department: There was an unexpended balance of
$102,600.40, or 5.9%, in this department budget at year-end.
Police Lock Up: There was an unexpended balance of $51,187.94 at year-end.
Fire Department: There was an unexpended balance of $17,617.75 in this department
budget at year-end.
Radio Watch: There was an unexpended balance of $13,272.27 in this department budget
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Vehicle Maintenance: There is an unexpended balance of $43,427.23.
Veterans Benefits: There is an unexpended balance of $15,908.92.
Park Department: There is an unexpended balance of $15,626.44 at year-end.
Liability Insurance: There was an unexpended balance of $44,523.98 in this appropriation
at the close of the fiscal year.
Health/Life/Medical: There was an unexpended balance of $266,418.63, or 10% of the
budgeted total, at year-end.
Ms. Brochu stated free cash has not been certified as of yet but she estimated it being between
$1.6 and $1.7 million.
The Board thanked her for her report. Ms. Brochu exited the meeting.
INTERVIEWS/APPOINTMENTS/ RE-APPOINTMENTS/ RESIGNATIONS
Ratification of the Town Manager Appointments:
• Acting Sergeant Joshua Mathieu (effective September 9, 2020)
• Reserve Officer Nicholas Marino (effective September 9, 2020)
• Reserve Officer Daniel Gonzalez (effective September 10, 2020)
• Reserve Officer Jeffrey Hill (effective September 10, 2020)
• Reserve Officer Paul Duquette (effective September 11, 2020)
Acting Chief Gammel began with Joshua Mathieu: Officer Mathieu has been a member of
the Lunenburg Police Department since August of 2011 and has been a full-time officer
since November of 2012. He is a graduate of the 19"h Reading ROC and holds a Bachelor
Degree of Science degree from Westfield State College. He has completed numerous
training courses involving investigative techniques and is one of the department's Field
Training Officers. He has been involved with training numerous new Lunenburg police
officers and is viewed as an excellent instructor and possesses the essential qualities to be
an effective leader. I believe with his work experience, education, and leadership skills, he
is extremely qualified for the position of Acting Sergeant. I highly recommend Joshua
Mathieu for the position of Acting Sergeant.
Mathieu stated he appreciated the opportunity and is looking forward to it. Mr. Marino
recused himself from voting on the appointees except Officer Mathieu. He worked with
him for several years and his ability to interact with the public is second to none. His
leadership abilities are outstanding.
Motion: K. Adams
2": T. Dwyer
To ratify the Town Manager appointment of Joshua Mathieu as Acting Sergeant
effective September 9, 2020
Vote: Ms. Adams- aye, Mr. Dwyer- aye, Mr. Marino-aye, Mr. Alonzo-aye
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Nicholas Marino Is a melong resident of bunenburg and Is the son or reurea ronce caler
James P. Marino. Nicholas is a graduate of Lunenburg High School, and is enrolled at
Mount Wachusett Community College, majoring in Criminal Justice. Through his
background investigation it was found that Nicholas is a dedicated employee who is well
thought of, trusted, hard worker, and thoughtful.
Daniel Gonzalez is a lifelong resident of Lunenburg and was former intern with the
department through the Step Program at Lunenburg High School. Daniel has a Bachelor of
Science Degree from the University of Massachusetts-Lowell and was a member of the
Honors College at the university. Daniel is pursuing a Master's Degree in Criminal Justice
and has maintained his status with the Honors College. Daniel earned a GPA of 3.69 as an
undergraduate and has maintained a 4.00 GPA as a graduate student. Daniel is considered a
hard worker and dedicated individual, which is evident with his college grades, which was
found through his background investigation.
Jeffrey Hill is a lifelong resident of Fitchburg, graduating from Fitchburg High School.
Jeffrey has an Associate Degree of Science in Criminal Justice from Mount Wachusett
Community College and is pursuing a Bachelor's Degree in Criminal Justice from
Fitchburg State University. Jeffrey is currently a full-time police dispatcher with the
Fitchburg Police Department. Through his background investigation it has been found that
Jeffrey is well thought of and a hard worker.
Paul Duquette is a lifelong resident of Lunenburg. Paul graduated from Lunenburg High
School and is currently a full-time Fitchburg Fighter/EMT, as well as a Call Firefighter for
the Lunenburg Fire Department. Through his background investigation it was found that
Paul was well thought of and has a good work ethic. Paul is described as a dedicated, hard
worker and all around good kid.
I have had conversations with all of them and I believe all four will be assets to the
community and the Lunenburg Police Department. Every one of them has excellent
qualities to bring to the table.
Nicholas Marino thanked them all for this opportunity and looked forward to getting
started. Daniel Gonzalez also thanked them for the opportunity and looked forward to
serving the community well. Jeffrey Hill was thankful for the opportunity and excited to
serve the Town of Lunenburg. Paul Duquette stated he had been working with the guys at
the Police Department for a while and was excited to start his career with them. He
thanked everyone for the opportunity as well.
Motion: K. Adams
2":T. Dwyer
To ratify the Town Manager appointment of Reserve Officer Nicholas Marino (effective
September 9, 2020), Reserve Officer Daniel Gonzalez (effective September 10, 2020),
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the committee duties.
Motion: T. Dwyer
2^°: J. Marino
To appoint Laura Boussom to the Senior Tax Workoff Program Committee as member at
large with a term to expire June 30, 2021
Vote: Ms. Adams-aye, Mr. Dwyer-aye, Mr. Marino-aye, Mr. Alonzo-aye
Historical Commission-Kevin Boussom, 48 Robbs Hill Road-term to expire June 30, 2023
Mr. Alonzo noted Mr. Boussom works on Tuesday nights and comes with a
recommendation from the Historical Commission.
Motion: K. Adams
2nd: J. Marino
To appoint Kevin Boussom to the Historical Commission with a term to expire June
30, 2023
Vote: Ms. Adams-aye, Mr. Dwyer-aye, Mr. Marino-aye, Mr. Alonzo-aye
Ratification of the Town Manager Appointment of Heavy Equipment Operator-Jarrett
Ms. Lemieux reported although there have been around 50 applications for the position, not
many were actually qualified or had refused the position due to not getting the highest pay rate
immediately on being hired. Mr. Ober's references indicate he is hard working, task-oriented and
dependable. He always has a positive attitude. I am requesting that you vote to ratify this
appointment tonight. This appointment was recommended to me by the DPW Director and HR
Motion: J. Marino
2^°: T. Dwyer
To ratify the Town Manager appointment of Jared Ober as Heavy Equipment Operator
Vote: Ms. Adams-aye, Mr. Dwyer-aye, Mr. Marino-aye, Mr. Alonzo-aye
CURRENT BUSINESS
1. Notice of First Right of Refusal for Chapter 61B property located at 250 Howard
Street
Ms. Lemieux stated a complete package was received on August 12" and feedback was solicited
from the pertinent committees. The property is 15.22 acres and is being sold for $50,000. Open
Space found this property meets three of the six criteria for purchasing land. They would like the
town to purchase the property for the fee of $50,000. The Conservation Commission issued a
unanimous vote to pursue matching the offer and acquiring the property. The property is a
valuable wildlife habitat and has connective access to a larger parcel of open space already
owned by Lunenburg. Ms. Lemieux stated the end date of the 120 day period would be
December 10th. There is a process to follow and a purchase and sale has to be consummated
within 90 days of August 12'h
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vote: Mis. Adams-aye, Mr. Dwyer-aye, Mr. Marino-aye, Mir. Alonzo-aye
Warrants
Mr. Alonzo reported he had signed the following last week:
• Accounts Payable Warrant #11 21, dated 9/1/20 in the amount of$975,957.14
• Payroll Deduction Warrant # 12 21, dated 9/2/20 in the amount of $26,977.95
• Payroll Warrant #5P 21, dated 9/3/20 in the amount of $725,448.67
Action Items-there were none this evening
Committee Reports
Mr. Alonzo stated the first Capital Planning Committee is tomorrow at 6:00 p.m. Mr. Dwyer
stated the next meeting of MJTC is this Thursday at 2:30 p.m. Both are zoom meetings.
OLD BUSINESS
Discussion on FY2021 budget and Special Town Meeting articles, including article to
amend FY21 appropriations
Ms. Lemieux reported on what will be proposed for FY21 amendments based on her
recommendations on deferred items we did not approve at the Annual Town Meeting. She
requested updated figures from the Fire and Acting Police Chiefs for the additional police
officer and firefighter. An additional police officer with a January 2021 hiring would be
$30,161 and a firefighter would be $38,928. Another amendment for Town Meeting would
be a new growth figure. The estimated new growth figure from Principal Assessor Byrne has
increased from $173,400 to $250,000. Other amendments would be reductions to the Town
health insurance lines due to reduced July premiums of 50%. The town side would be
$50,000 and the school side would be $118,000.
The Capital Planning Committee will be readdressing the deferred capital items that were
part of the FY21 plan in the amount of $664,333. She has contacted the school to see if there
are any needs beyond what they received at the annual town meeting as well as funding
received from the state and federal governments due to Covid-19 and other grants.
POLICY WORKSHOP:
• Policies on Placing a Ballot Question on Election Ballot
Ms. Lemieux had placed a draft policy in the Board's packet that was presented earlier in the
year but not voted on.
Motion: J. Marino
2nd: T. Dwyer
To adopt the draft policy as presented for the policy of placing a ballot question on a the
local election ballot
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guidelines within the past twelve months. Mr. Alonzo asked that these be incorporated into a
draft and forwarded to him and it will be voted on at a future meeting.
• Policy on approving signage in town Right of Way for non-profits and/or other
groups on town-owned property
Mr. Alonzo asked what the initial feeling was on this topic. Ms. Lemieux stated this discussion
stems from requests for permanent signage, for example, A Right to Farm Community, etc. Ms.
Adams added requests from charitable organizations to post fundraising signs was another
reason. Mr. Alonzo's understanding was this was a policy for temporary signs. Mr. Dwyer stated
what would be fine would be non-profit charitable organizations' signs versus charitable
organizations posting political signs. Ms. Lemieux noted there was previous concern about sign
pollution. Discussion ensued on what would be acceptable or not allowing any signs at all.
Suggestion was made to see what other towns are doing and come back to define it further at
another meeting.
Mr. Alonzo reviewed the upcoming meetings; September 15 and 22nd
PUBLIC COMMENT
Dave Passios, 56 Whiting Street, reminded everyone the TCP Building Design Committee will
be meeting Thursday at 6:00 p.m. and are seeking input from community organizations.
He asked about the undefined liquor license that the Select Board had requested that had fallen
through the cracks with the state legislature. He also wondered about the process for the Jaxx
Country Store citizens' petition for an additional all alcohol retail license. Mr. Alonzo stated they
will follow up on that. Ms. Adams noted school begins next week. Mr. Alonzo thanked the Town
Clerk and all the election workers for pulling together a smooth election. He thanked them for
their dedication.
Motion: K. Adams
To adjourn the meeting at 8:46 p.m.
Vote: Ms. Adams-aye, Mr. Dwyer-aye, Mr. Marino-aye, Mr. Alonzo-aye
Respectfully submitted,
Elaiiem. Peteran
Elaine M. Peterson
Executive Assistant to the Town Manager
2™: T. Dwyer