===PAGE 1=== Page 1 of 7 Select Board Meeting Minutes March 4, 2025 Town of Lunenburg Select Board Meeting Minutes Town Hall, 17 Main Street and via Zoom Tuesday, March 4, 2025 Members Present: Caesar Nuzzolo, Amanda Moore, Renee Emkey (via Zoom) Members Absent: Michael Ray Jeffreys, Tom Alonzo Also Present: Jennifer Warren-Dyment, Town Manager Public Comment Participants are listed in the minutes CALL TO ORDER AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE Chair Caesar Nuzzolo called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. and led the Pledge of Allegiance. Chair Nuzzolo informed attendees that the meeting was being recorded and broadcast live and would be uploaded to YouTube after the meeting. He explained that the agenda listed topics that may be discussed, but not all items may be addressed and other items not listed could be brought up as permitted by open meeting law. BOARD COMMENTS Member Moore wanted to thank Public Safety teams, both Police and Fire and several other agencies that were deployed. There was a missing juvenile that was found and recovered safely and wanted to thank all the teams and staff members involved in the rescue mission. Chair Nuzzolo wanted to thank all Public Safety Personnel. Also last week there was a large structural fire. He commended the professionalism and feels well-served by our First Responders. Member Emkey echoed the comments from the Board to thank the Public Safety personnel and is glad the juvenile was found safe. PUBLIC COMMENTS None ANNOUNCEMENTS Chair Nuzzolo gave a reminder the Citizen Party Caucus is next Monday, March 10 th at 7:00 PM at the Middle High School Auditorium. Attending the caucus is the easiest way to be put on the ballot with nomination otherwise, you will need to obtain signatures and submit nomination papers to the Town Clerk. Openings include the Select Board, School Committee and Sewer Commission. A complete list is available on the Town website and Facebook page. Chair Nuzzolo announced an Executive Session to be held at 8:00 P.M. at tonight’s meeting. The Board will return to Open Session only if there are agenda items remaining, otherwise the Board will adjourn following the Executive Session. ===PAGE 2=== Page 2 of 7 Select Board Meeting Minutes March 4, 2025 COMMUNICATIONS FROM OTHER BOARDS None. SCHEDULED MEETINGS AND HEARINGS Application to transfer Common Victualler license for Sam Fam Inc D/B/A Lunenburg Diner located at 324 Electric Ave Applicant, Sam Somonita, was present for this hearing. Member Emkey inquired about the need for transfer and it was stated that the business sold to Sam Fam Inc. All necessary documentation for the transfer were included in the package except for the purchase and sale agreement of the business which the applicant agreed to submit as soon as possible. Ms. Somonita stated that she has no intention of making any changes to the business operations or building floor plan and will be conducting business in the same way as it was previously licensed including hours of operation. Member Moore made Motion to approve the transfer of the common victualler license to Sam Fam Inc. D/BA/ Lunenburg Diner located at 324 Electric Ave. Seconded by Member Emkey. Roll Call Vote: Member Emkey, Aye; Member Moore, aye. Chair Nuzzolo, Aye. Motion passed (3-0-0). Meeting with Principal Assessor to discuss Board of Assessors Town Meeting Warrant Article Lynda McQuade, Principal Assessor was present via Zoom and brought forward two Warrant Articles for the Boards review and discussion. The first proposed article is “To see if the Town will vote to amend M.G.L. Ch. 59 §5(17D)(17E)(17F) (Elderly, Surviving Spouses and Minors Exemptions), or take any other action relative thereto. For FY2026 they would like increase the asset level from $40,000 to $66,000 and the exemption amount from $185 to $332. COLA Provisions have been accepted by the Town Meeting would apply to both exemption amounts. Sarah Cammer, Vice-Chair on the Board of Assessors clarified (via Zoom) that this is something that the Town has not voted on for about 20 years and in order to adjust the rates and update the assets to appropriate levels. Member Emkey asked the Article references 17D, 17E and 17F but the modifications only reference 17E and 17F. Ms. McQuade explained that 17E allows the asset limit to increase per COLA, and 17F allows the exemption amount to increase per COLA and both 17E and 17F modify 17D. Ms. McQuade continued to the second proposed warrant article which amends Clauses 41C and 41D relative to tax exemptions. “To see if the Town will vote to amend MGL Ch. 59, §5(41C)(41D) (Elderly Exemptions), or take any other action relative thereto. For FY2026 the income level for an individual would increase from $24,000 to $31,500 and married income level would increase from $30,000 to $39,600. The single asset amount for an individual would increase from $40,000 to $52,700; and married couples would increase from $55,000 to $72,700. COLA provisions were accepted at the last Town Meeting and would apply to these income and asset amounts. ===PAGE 3=== Page 3 of 7 Select Board Meeting Minutes March 4, 2025 Member Emkey asked for clarification on the amounts and Ms. McQuade informed that the proposed rate would bring it current to 2022. And COLA rates would be effective July 1, 2025 for FY2026 to make the rates current. Town Manager Warren-Dyment questioned whether or not language needed to be added to incorporate the COLA to be applied or if it gets applied by Statute automatically. Ms. McQuade mentioned that at the last Town Meeting that was approved but will check with Counsel. Ms. McQuade noted that they currently have 121 real estate exemptions, of these 41C (to become 41D) there are 20 people that have applied and 2 were over the current income levels and if they do not qualify for 41C they can qualify for 17D. Six applicants were approved. No further discussion or action was taken by the Board. Presentation by Joeci Gilchrest Re: Spring All Vendor Fair Joeci Gilchrest, President of the Lunenburg Business Association presented to the Board the efforts and plans for a 1 st Annual Fair in the Town of Lunenburg. Fair is to be held Saturday May 10, 2025 from 11:00 AM to 6:00 PM held by the Lunenburg Business Association and the Lunenburg Parks Department. Activities to include local vendors, food trucks, live music, petting zoo, inflatable axe throwing, sword fighting (local professional swordsman Dan Burns), face painting, and a dunk tank. There will also be an entrepreneur section and interactive entertainment. So far there are 52 confirmed table vendors; each will have 10x10 and 10x12 spaces placed through the TC Passios green space. The fair will go from the front of TC Passios to the Teen Center. The Teen Center will also be a touch-a-truck and a jail break fundraiser and outdoor games such as cornhole and ring toss. The Adult Activity Center has authorized the use of their pavilion and seating area for live entertainment including a jazz band, John Gerard, and a folk singer. Local non-profits and organizations have been in support as well; the Eagle House will be setting up a photo booth, the Story School will be providing a scavenger hunt, Hollis Hills Farm will be providing a hayride shuttle service to assist with parking (which will be at the High School). The same day as the event, the Lunenburg Food Pantry will be receiving donations via the Post Office which they have been working in conjunction with the Post Office and DPW regarding road closures. Ms. Gilchrest added the possibility of incorporating a live drop-off during the event for attendees to donate to the Food Pantry. Member Moore inquired about approvals from Public Safety and the schools – Ms. Gilchrest is planning on having in-person meetings with various departments to make sure all necessary requirements are met. Ms. Gilchrest added the need for volunteers. The Parks Department has a signup sheet on their Facebook page. Chair Nuzzolo mentioned the Town can help share the signup forms. Ms. Gilchrest asked about anything additional to be aware of for applications and approvals. Member Moore mentioned any raffles for any vendor will need approval. One day liquor licenses would go through the Select Board and Town Manager Warren encouraged to submit soon as the process takes a bit of time to complete. Member Emkey wanted to make note regarding the food drive that she is unsure about blocking off the circle in front of TC Passios because of the need for multiple trips people will take delivering and dropping off food. Ms. Gilchrest has been in communication with them and they have set up a system to handle the traffic. Member Moore explained the need to inform the Police Department to have a traffic safety officer helping with traffic. The fair will have a rain date of May 11, 2025. ===PAGE 4=== Page 4 of 7 Select Board Meeting Minutes March 4, 2025 APPOINTMENTS, RATIFICATIONS, AND RESIGNATIONS Acknowledge the resignation of Sewer Commissioner Michael Mackin Acknowledge the resignation of School Committee Member Peter Beardmore Chair Nuzzolo acknowledged both long-time volunteers; their contributions are greatly appreciated. TOWN MANAGER REPORT Project Updates: Bridge work on Flat Hill Rd at Catacoonamug Brook is starting. A portion of the road will be closed on Friday March 7, 2025. Detour route is in place and posted. Anticipated reopening is April 25, 2025. Library Teen Room expansion Phase 1 is largely completed. Phase 2 starts later this week. The first chimney is completed on the Town Hall Roof Replacement and Chimney Restoration project and the 2nd chimney has started. Invitation to Bid is out for Municipal Building Cleaning Services; a site visit was held February 28, 2025 with 25+ attendees and the date for bids has been extended from March 6th to March 12, 2025 at 10:00 AM to allow questions to be answered. General Updates: Attorney General sent notification of the approval of Town Articles 7, 8, and 9 from the November 12, 2024 Town Meeting were approved. Recruitment: A candidate has accepted an offer for Assistant to the Sewer Business Manager position and will be on the March 11, 2025 meeting. The Screening Committee for the Police Chief has reviewed applications and interviews start March 12, 2025. Open positions are a seasonal Lifeguard, Seasonal Beach Director and a Library Page. Board and Committee Vacancies: Openings for the Agricultural Commission, Architectural Preservation District Commission, Board of Health, Cultural Council, Green Communities Committee, Historical Commission, Master Plan Steering Committee, Personnel Committee, Public Access Cable Committee (PACC), Sewer Commission, Stormwater Task Force, Zoning Board of Appeals Member Emkey inquired about the Town Hall chimney restoration and if there were any unexpected costs or roadblocks. Town Manager Warren-Dyment responded that there have been no unexpected costs, except for the placement of scaffolding which has been resolved, and the neighboring business had been cooperative through the process. OLD BUSINESS Workplace Climate Policy: Member Moore volunteered to begin drafting Policy. Discussion on Select Board and Town Manager Goal-Setting Process: Board discussed scheduling workshop in the near future. Review and Discussion on Budget Task Force Recommendations: Chair Nuzzolo passed over until there is a full Board in attendance. ===PAGE 5=== Page 5 of 7 Select Board Meeting Minutes March 4, 2025 Discussion on FY2025 Budget, FY2026 Budget, Capital Plan, and Annual Town Meeting Warrant Articles: Town Manager presented Preliminary Budget to the Finance Committee last week. The biggest change is reducing the pavement management line to zero. Residents are asking for more data and request a reduction and not an elimination. Chapter 90 apportionment, $690,000, helps to offset as it is significantly more than last year’s appropriation (increase from $418,000). Ms. Warren-Dyment is open for all feedback. Member Emkey noted the large increase in Chapter 90 funding and inquired about the reason behind the increase. Ms. Warren- Dyment responded that the Governor is asking for bond authorization from the Legislature and the amount is contingent on the bond being approved. Ms. Warren-Dyment stated considering the feedback from last week’s presentation, she would like to request to add an additional warrant article as a placeholder to supplement the pavement management line as a standalone article if the decision is to supplement that line with one-time funds such as free cash. CURRENT BUSINESS Notice of Right of First Refusal for 100 Townsend Harbor Road: Chair Nuzzolo requested to discuss in more detail with a full Board present. The Chair included recommendations from the Planning Board and Conservation Commission that they reviewed the notice and found no related use for the property. The Agricultural Commission provided a recommendation the Chair read aloud. The Agricultural Commission is for the Town to preserve the property for the agricultural aesthetic, the potential use for passive recreation or a community garden. Open Space Ad Hoc Committee met and discussed the property which the Chair attended, and the Committee had expressed interest but did not provide a formal recommendation. Chair Nuzzolo inquired about the process of whether the Town were to purchase the property. Town Manager Warran-Dyment explained in the hypothetical, there would need to be an adjustment in the current budget to offset the cost and would start FY27 with no Free Cash. Chair Nuzzolo did have interest in the property though the financial impact would need more consideration. This discussion was tabled to continue to the next meeting. Consider Approval of Revised Regional 911 Emergency Communication District Agreement with Nashoba Valley Regional Dispatch District: Ms. Warren-Dyment explained this would adding the Town of Hudson to this agreement. This would change the original assessment for $212,000 to $206,000. The district is applying for grants through the E911 Program. Member Moore made Motion to Authorize the Town Manager to Execute the revised 911 Emergency Communications District Agreement. Seconded by Member Emkey. Roll Call Vote: Member Emkey, Aye; Member Moore, aye. Chair Nuzzolo, Aye. Motion passed (3-0-0). Potential Vote to declare approximately 100 cubic yards of sand (previously obtained by Town at no cost) as surplus. Chair Nuzzolo wanted to give a thank you to Jim Lattanzi, a past long-time Lunenburg resident now residing in Fitchburg, while on vacation, arranged to have buckets of sand delivered to seniors to help fill the gap. Member Moore made Motion to ===PAGE 6=== Page 6 of 7 Select Board Meeting Minutes March 4, 2025 declare 100 cubic yards of sand as surplus. Member Emkey Seconded. Roll Call Vote: Member Emkey, Aye; Member Moore, aye. Chair Nuzzolo, Aye. Motion passed (3-0-0). EXECUTIVE SESSION Chair Nuzzolo made Motion to Enter into Executive Session and to re-enter into Open session pursuant to MGL c. 30 §21 (a)(3) to discuss strategy with respect to litigation if an open meeting may have detrimental effect on the litigating position of the Town, and the Chair of the Board so declares. Member Moore Seconded. Roll Call Vote: Member Emkey, Aye; Member Moore, aye. Chair Nuzzolo, Aye. Motion passed (3-0-0). Executive Session began at 8:08 P.M. The Board re-entered Open Session at 9:21 P.M. MINUTES/WARRANTS/ACTION ITEMS Regular Session Minutes for January 15, 2025; February 4, 2025; February 11, 2025; February 18, 2025. Chair passed over this agenda topic. Accounts Payable Warrant: $962,530.75. Member Moore recused from signing. COMMITTEE REPORTS Master Planning Steering Committee: Member Moore read aloud a prepared statement. Member Moore went into detail of the efforts she has put into understanding the Master Plan process including reviewing meeting minutes, completing public surveys however the information regarding the process on deliverables have not been made available to the Steering Committee. The Committee has not been able to meet since May 30, 2024. The most recent meeting of March 3, 2025 it was discovered that the Planning Board had been discussing adjustments to the Master Plan Steering Committee structure but no official request was ever made to the Committee. Member Moore additionally noted in the last two Planning Board meetings it was incorrectly stated that the Select Board did not have a representative despite Member Moore’s appointment in June 2024. Member Moore requested a tri-board meeting potentially with the Planning Board, the Select Board and the Master Plan Steering Committee along with the hired consultants to get a thorough update on deliverables and what is outstanding. UPCOMING MEETING/EVENTS SCHEDULE Chair Nuzzolo announced the Board is meeting on March 11, 2025 and March 18, 2025 TOWN MANAGER COMMENT None. PUBLIC COMMENTS ===PAGE 7=== Page 7 of 7 Select Board Meeting Minutes March 4, 2025 David Passios, as the Vice Chair of the Green Communities Committee (noted he missed the agenda item for Communications from other Boards), wanted to pass on the information from the Chair that they received notification of $225,000 in Green Communities dollars they applied for in October has been awarded to the Town of Lunenburg. Funds will go toward the primary school heat pump system installation, primary and high school refrigeration controls, police cruisers, Primary school weather stripping, and a couple thousand for the administration of the grants by Town employees. BOARD COMMENTS None. ADJOURN Member Moore moved to adjourn. Member Emkey seconded the motion. Roll Call Vote: Member Emkey, Aye; Member Moore, aye. Chair Nuzzolo, Aye. Motion passed (3-0-0). The Board adjourned at 9:28 PM. Respectfully Submitted, Annie Aubrey, Executive Assistant to the Town Manager These Minutes were reviewed and approved by the Select Board on: Tuesday March 11, 2025 Member Emkey made the Motion to Approve the minutes from March 4, 2025. Seconded by Clerk Moore. Call for the vote: Five-aye. Motion passed unanimously (5-0-0).