===PAGE 1=== Page 1 of 4 Select Board Meeting Minutes December 5, 2023 Town of Lunenburg Select Board Meeting Minutes Tuesday December 5, 2023 7:00 PM PRESENT: Michael-Ray Jeffreys, Lou Franco, Tom Alonzo, Renee Emkey, Caesar Nuzzolo (Remote via Zoom) OTHERS: Heather Lemieux, Police Chief Thomas Gammel CALL TO ORDER AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE The meeting was called to order at 7:00 PM by the Chair. The Pledge of Allegiance was recited. Chair Jeffreys noted that it was being recorded and broadcast live on Lunenburg Public Access Channel, Facebook Live, and would be uploaded to the Lunenburg Access YouTube channel following the meeting. BOARD COMMENTS Member Emkey: Announced that the Lunenburg Basketball Booster is hosting its first Holiday Fair on December 9th, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., at the Lunenburg Middle High School cafeteria. Member Alonzo: Expressed gratitude to everyone involved in the tree lighting event and recognized how well it was attended. Shared upcoming plans for the Lunenburg Water District's special town meeting on January 10th to discuss a water treatment plant pilot at Lancaster Avenue Wells. Lou Franco: Announced the inductions into the Lunenburg Century with events for Frederick Cuddy and Mario Patacchiola. He shared induction details and invited people to reserve spots by calling 978-582-4166. PUBLIC COMMENTS George Burden, 39 Cortland Circle: Voiced concerns during public comment about harassment from neighbors, specifically involving "misters Sarapas and Liu," leading to police involvement. Mr. Burden spoke of unresolved neighborhood disputes and inadequate responses from local authorities. Despite complaints against the police chief and numerous emails to the town manager, Mr. Burden cited little feedback and conflicting info from Officer Thibodeaux on property hunting rules. He also noted a property tax reduction contrary to town trends, intensifying his grievances. John Bowen & Jeanmarie Price, 162 Highland Street: Presented a prepared statement expressing concerns with the Lunenburg Cemetery Commission, particularly regarding an encounter with Chairwoman Miss Yasko at a public library meeting. He questioned the remark and felt rushed, leading to police being called when he attempted to continue his public comment. Mr. Bowen criticized the commission's handling of neighbor relations, citing unresolved fuel leaks and enforcement of dog rules with surveillance, contributing to false accusations against his property. He also alleged misuse of authority by probing citizens and ===PAGE 2=== Page 2 of 4 Select Board Meeting Minutes December 5, 2023 potentially involving the police unnecessarily, impacting community relations and sensitivity to citizens' issues. ANNOUNCEMENTS Ms. Lemieux shared about the ongoing master plan survey available through the town's website and social media channels. The town offices will close in observance of Christmas Eve and Christmas Day on December 25th and 26th. APPOINTMENTS Presentation and Review of New Fee Schedules for the Building Department – Brian Gingras, Building Commissioner. The building commissioner presented a review of the new fee schedules for the building department, explaining adjustments based on surveys conducted of neighboring towns. Listings included residential and commercial building fee changes, with set rates of $12.75 per $1,000 for commercial and $10 per $1,000 for residential projects, as well as a minimum permit fee for commercial projects set at $150. The schedules also established rates for work orders and occupancy permits, such as $50 per unit for occupancy and a $75 fee for work without a permit. The presentation was an in-depth comparison with surrounding communities showcasing how the proposed increases generally aligned with median rates for the area. The board decided to postpone the vote on the new fee schedules to provide the public with an opportunity for comments and to ensure ample review, planning to revisit the decision at a future meeting. INTERVIEWS/APPOINTMENTS/REAPPOINTMENTS/RESIGNATIONS Ratification of the Town Manager’s Appointment of Patrol Officer Paul Theodoulou to Sergeant The Town Manager recommended the promotion of Patrol Officer Paul Theodoulou to Sergeant. Officer Theodoulou addressed the board, and the board expressed support. Chair Jeffreys made Motion to ratify the appointment of Patrol Officer Paul Theodoulou to the rank of Sergeant. Seconded by Lou Franco. Roll Call Vote: Member Nuzzolo, aye; Member Emkey, aye; Member Alonzo, aye; Member Franco, aye; Chair Jeffreys, aye. Unanimous approval vote (5-0-0). An impromptu swearing-in ceremony followed the ratification. Ratification of the Town Manager’s Appointment of Assistant Town Accountant Amy Driggers. The Town Manager recommended Amy Driggers for the Assistant Town Accountant. Driggers addressed the board outlining her background in banking and bookkeeping as qualifications. Chair Jeffreys made Motion to ratify the appointment of Amy Driggers as Assistant Town Accountant. Seconded by Lou Franco. Roll call vote: Aye by Member Nuzzolo, Member ===PAGE 3=== Page 3 of 4 Select Board Meeting Minutes December 5, 2023 Emkey, Member Alonzo, Member Franco, and Chair Jeffreys. Unanimous approval (5-0- 0). TOWN MANAGER REPORT: No Report OLD BUSINESS: None CURRENT BUSINESS Sign 100th Birthday Letters to Frederick Cuddy & Mario Patacchiola Board members signed letters in recognition of the 100th birthdays of Frederick Cuddy and Mario Patacchiola. Details included individual celebration dates and associated events. Vote to Extend the Pilot Health Insurance Opt Out Program Through FY25 The board discussed the health insurance opt-out program's pilot extension, highlighting synchronization challenges with certain enrollment periods with those of non-town affiliates. The board favored extension through FY25. Chair Jeffreys made a Motion to extend the pilot Health Insurance Opt Out Program through fiscal year 2025. Seconded by Member Emkey. Roll call vote: Aye by Member Nuzzolo, Member Emkey, Member Alonzo, Member Franco, and Chair Jeffreys. Unanimous approval (5-0-0). Unused Levy Capacity Letter for Pro Forma Recap and Third Quarter Preliminary Bills An explanation of the unused levy capacity was provided. The board signed off on the calculation, indicating an unused levy capacity of $8,629.17. Background: The documentation indicated an unused levy capacity amount of $8,629.17. This amount was affirmed following evaluation after the special town meeting. The excess levy capacity reflects a less-than-expected increase in taxes, demonstrating an exception this year to the typical allowance which equals the sum of 2.5% plus new growth. MINUTES/WARRANTS/ACTION ITEMS Warrants: Warrants presented were as follows: • Payroll Warrant: $1,030,042.89 • Accounts Payable Warrant: $144,864 • Payroll Deductions Warrant: $57,009.62 • Second Accounts Payable Warrant: $214,705.07 COMMITTEE REPORTS School Committee: Member Emkey highlighted efforts to convene the Storm Water Task Force and an upcoming school committee meeting scheduled for tomorrow night. ===PAGE 4=== Page 4 of 4 Select Board Meeting Minutes December 5, 2023 Capital Planning Committee: Member Alonzo informed about the ongoing process of evaluating requests and prioritizing for the town manager's upcoming budget considerations. Scheduled meetings are set for December 18th and 21st to finalize recommendations. Master Plan Steering Committee: Member Franco, noted a forthcoming meeting on December 7th at 6 PM in Town Hall. Upcoming Meetings: December 12th and December 19th PUBLIC COMMENTS Town Manager: Ms. Lemieux reiterated that public comment sessions at meetings were not meant for engagement or lengthy discussions, explaining their primary function is to allow members of the community to express their views and concerns succinctly. Acknowledging the voiced frustrations from earlier comments, the town manager stressed that there are always two sides to every story and emphasized the importance of considering all perspectives. The chair had explained earlier that the board's scope might lack direct authority and asked for understanding from all participants. Member Alonzo: Suggested that all meetings of public bodies should be both audio and video recorded to improve transparency. He also indicated that remote participants should have their cameras on for better accountability. Chair Jeffreys: Highlighted the challenges faced by town staff due to excessive communications from a few members of the public, noting over 500 emails to the town manager. Emphasized the impact on productivity and encouraged the public to express their gratitude to staff. Member Franco: Criticized the excessive number of emails sent to staff as both harassment and a waste of town resources, urging citizens to consider the town's interest and to stop such practices. EXECUTIVE SESSION: Chair Jeffreys made Motion to enter into executive session and to adjourn the meeting directly from executive session pursuant to M.G.L. Chapter 30A Section 21, subsection 3 to discuss strategy with respect to litigation, if an open meeting may have a detrimental effect on the litigating position, and subsection 6 to consider the purchase, exchange, lease, or value of real estate, if the chair declares that an open meeting may have a detrimental effect on the negotiating position of the public body, which I do declare. Seconded by Member Alonzo. Roll call vote: Aye by Member Nuzzolo, Member Emkey, Member Alonzo, Member Franco, and Chair Jeffreys. Unanimous approval (5-0- 0). Public Meeting Adjourned 8:29 PM