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DOCUMENT : 2016-03-01-minutes-4959.txt
BOARD    : select-board
DATE     : 2016-03-01
KIND     : minutes
OUR COPY : https://lunenburgbudgetproject.org/docs/minutes/text/select-board/2016-03-01-minutes-4959.txt
TOWN PDF : https://www.lunenburgma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Minutes/_03012016-4959
========================================================================================

===OCR macOS Vision===
===PAGE 1===
BOARD OF SELECTMEN
MINUTES
Joseph F. Bilotta Meeting Room, Town Hall
March 1, 2016
Those present:
Board of Selectmen: Jamie Toale, Chairman; Tom Alonzo, Clerk; Paula Bertram,, Member; Phyllis Luck,
Member
Not present: Robert Ebersole, Vice Chairman
Others in attendance: Kerry Lafleur, Town Manager
Chairman Toale opened the meeting at 6:05 p.m. and declared the reason for entering Executive Session.
"To discuss strategy with respect to collective bargaining or litigation if an open meeting may have a
detrimental effect on the government's bargaining or litigating position, and the Chair declares so; PFFM
Collective Bargaining Agreement."
Motion: T. Alonzo
To enter into Executive Session for the stated reason
2nd: P. Luck
Ms. Luck-aye, Mr. Alonzo-aye, Mr. Toale- aye
**·***********************-*Executive Session Minutes parate**************************
The meeting commenced at 7:00 p.m.
Public Comment:
Ms. Luck read an email sent from a concerned citizen regarding the School Building Committee spending
contingency funds on discretionary items. The email read the approval of murals was based on subjective value
of the items not objective standards.
Mr. Alonzo asked what was the purpose of reading these emails aloud at a Board of Selectmen meeting and not
at a School Building Committee meeting? He did not understand why this forum was being used to present
these when all of these emails have already gone to all the members of the School Building and School
Committee members. Ms. Luck replied she wasn't sure this email was forwarded to all the above listed
committees. She added the Board of Selectmen is the Chief Executive of the Town and residents look to this
Board to be leaders and for information. The Board of Selectmen met with the School Building Committee
here. The School Building Committee is considering spending the four million dollars of contingency funding.
She stated she had no confidence that the School Building Committee is approaching the use of the contingency
funds in a frugal manner. Mr. Alonzo stated so this is what it comes down to; there are members of this Board
who have no contidence in the School Building Committee who have kept the project completely on time and
under budget. They were duly authorized by Town Meeting vote to do the project which is going to come in
very much under budget. He stated he would love to see any evidence that the School Building Committee is
not acting without confidence of what we are being asked to oversee. This seems to be an endless series of digs
at the committee over and over. It just gets to be tiring.
Mr. Alonzo moved on to announce the polls were still open until 8:00 p.m. tonight. He reminded those present
that they are getting close to the Lunenburg Boys and Girls Club fundraiser "Are You Smarter Than Our Six
Graders?" scheduled for Friday, March 11* at 7:00 p.m. at Lunenburg High School. They are still looking for
three teams to participate.
Mr. Toale reported there would be an agenda item on the March 8* meeting concerning the role of the
Selectmen on various committees and as liaisons.
===PAGE 2===
Mr. Toale stated in anticipation of the Annual Election on Saturday, May 21, 2016, the Citizens Party Caucus.
Will be held on Monday, March 14, 2016 at the Turkey Hill Middle School, 129 Northfield Road at 7:00 p.m.
Anyone interested in running for office should attend the Caucus, and if nominated, will be placed on the ballot.
Those who are not nominated that evening may pick up nomination papers from the Town Clerk office. Those
papers must be returned to the Town Clerk with a minimum of 42 valid voter signatures on or before Thursday,
March 24th at 4:00 p.m. He read aloud the offices to be filled: (2) Selectmen for 3 years, (2) Sewer
Commissioners for 3 years, (1) Sewer Commissioner for 2 years, (1) Sewer Commissioner for 1 year, (1)
Board of Health member for 3 years, (1) Assessor for 3 years, (1) Town Clerk for 3 years, (1) Constable for 3
years, (2) School Committee members for 3 years, (1) Park Commissioner for 3 years and (1) for 2 years, (1)
Commissioner of Trust Funds for 3 years, (1) Cemetery Commissioner for 3 years, (2) Library Trustees for 3
years and (1) for 2 years, (1) Planning Board member for 5 years and (1) Housing Authority for 5 years.
Mr. Toale also reported the Town Census has been mailed. If you haven't received one, contact the Town Clerk
office at 978-582-4130 and one will be mailed to you. Also, dog licenses are due April 1% and are now available
in the Town Clerk office.
Mr. Toale reported on February 25" he attended a Salvation Army event called "Angels Among Us." It was a
thank you dinner for volunteers from Fitchburg, Leominster and Lunenburg for their work during 2015. Many
Lunenburg residents were recognized for their efforts. Lunenburg resident Dave MacDonald was named
"Superhero Volunteer of the Year." He congratuled Mr. MacDonald.
David Passios, 56 Whiting Street, Board of Health member, announced for homeowners with failed septic
systems that the Board launched their septic/sewer loan program in February and applications are still being
accepted. Loans are written with two percent interest rates and a betterment placed on the property. Contact the
Board of Health office for more information at 978-582-4146. There is also information on the Town website.
CURRENT BUSINESS
1. Boys & Girls Club Week Proclamation
The program director from the Boys and Girls Club came forward and explained the National Week is the week
they get to showcase the best of our club. He thanked the community for supporting them.
Motion: P. Bertram
2"d: T. Alonzo
To sign the proclamation proclaiming March 7 through 12, 2016 as Boys & Girls Club Week in
Lunenburg
Vote: All in Favor
Mr. Toale read the proclamation aloud:
Whereas, the young people of Lunenburg, Massachusetts are tomorrow's leaders and
Whereas, many such young people need professional youth services to help them reach their full potential; and
Whereas, there is a Boys & Girls Club of Lunenburg providing services to more than 200 young people
annually, and Whereas, Boys & Girls Clubs are places where great futures start. They are at the forefront of
efforts in providing Health and Life Skills, The Arts, Education & Career Development, Sports, Fitness and
Recreation and Character and Leadership Development, Whereas, Boys & Girls Club organizations in our state
help ensure that our young people keep off the streets, offering them a safe and supportive place to go and
providing them with quality programs; and Whereas, Boys & Girls Club of Lunenburg will celebrate National
Boys & Girls Club Week, 2016 along with some 4000 Clubs and more than two million young people
nationwide. We, therefore, the Board of Selectmen do hereby proclaim March 7 through March 12, 2016 as
Boys and Girls Club Week in Lunenburg, Massachusetts, and call on all citizens to join us in recognizing and
commending the Boys and Girls Club organizations in our state for providing comprehensive, effective services
to the young people in our communities.
2. Vote to Change MART Route in Lunenburg
Ms. Luck reported she and Ms. Lafleur met with MART officials to arrange for more beneficial van services so
that more residents could be helped. To provide additional service without added cost, MART is going from
seven, 30 minute loops to five, 45 minute loops per day. The service will begin at 12:45 p.m. and the last loop
goes out at 3:45 p.m. Complimentary ADA service is provided up to ¾ of a mile from a fixed route. Clients
===PAGE 3===
who require and qualify for this service must fill out an ADA application at the MART office. Upon being
determined eligible they would call the MART office to schedule transportation. The map to define the ¾ mile
eligibility zones is still being worked on. The new schedule/service goes into effect today.
Motion: T. Alonzo
To amend the Mart routes as presented by Ms. Luck
2"d.P. Bertram
Vote: All in Favor
Ms. Bertram thanked Ms. Luck on her continued work on the MART routes.
3. Further Discussion on Financing of Pavement Mgmt. Plan
This item was tabled until March 15.
4. Third Amendment to Intermunicipal Agreement (Devens Regional Household Hazardous Products
Collection Program)
Ms. Lafleur reported the town is one of a number of members in this program. Residents of Lunenburg can
drop off items ten times per year at the site at Devens. The Town has been a member since 2012.
This is a request to approve the third amendment to add the Town of Stow to the program. There are no
additional costs to the Town for this.
Motion: P. Bertram
To approve the third amendment to the intermunicipal agreement
2"d, T. Alonzo
Vote: All in Favor
5. Minutes/Warrants/Action File Issues
Minutes of February 2, February 9 and February 16, 2016 were approved. An accounts payable warrant in the
amount of $644,219.92 was signed.
Action File Issues: Ms. Luck asked the Board to consider adding an alternate member to the Storm Water Task
Force due to a lack of quorum. Members of the Task Force are sometimes not available to attend due to other
committee obligations. Land Use Director Adam Burney will be attending all of the meetings and could fill in
when needed. It was decided to add this to a future agenda.
Mr. Alonzo requested considering adding a larger "construction size" bag to the approved yellow town trash
bags.
6. Committee Reports:
Ms. Bertram reported there is an MPO meeting next week and a Conservation Commission meeting tomorrow.
Ms. Luck reported the School Committee renewed its FY2017-2019 Transportation contracts. There was a
$40,000 increase in the contract as the vendor has reported the state mandated it pay its part-time employees for
sick time. There was no cost increase in the Special Education contract with Van Pool.
A Master Teacher project was presented by Robert Truax. These projects are approved annually and a $5000
stipend is awarded for approximately 100 hours of work. School committee meets again tomorrow night.
Zoning Board of Appeals is meeting on March 235 and will hear the petition of Douglas Jackson for a special
permit to use 436 Massachusetts Avenue for a single family home. The Storm Water Task Force met on
February 10# and discussed the role that town boards play in storm water control, with a goal of better
coordination among boards. They will be meeting the second and fourth Thursday of each month. The next
meeting is March 10'
The Planning Board met on February 22nd
• There was an informational meeting on 339 Electric Avenue (Unitil)
and that project was approved. Unitil representatives updated the board on changes done due to previous
suggestions made by the Conservation Commission. Unitil will return to the Planning Board on March 14*.
". The
public hearing on 274 Prospect Street (Highfield Village) was continued to March 28th
". The Highfield Village
applicant was looking to build their project as a cluster zoning development. Town bylaw calls for dwelling
units to be developed on a maximum of 50% of the land within the development (120 acres) with the remaining
50% of the land (60 acres) being designated as permanent open space. Not more than 10% of the open space (30
acres) shall consist of wetlands. In lieu of a cluster development a lot can be developed in a minimum of five
===PAGE 4===
acres each. Mr. Alonzo reported Cable Advisory meets later this month. School Building Committee meets
again on March 23rd
Mr. Toale reported Building Reuse Committee is willing to meet with any board to bring them up to speed on
the work they are currently doing. They are preparing to do a market analysis on the municipal buildings.
Town Manager Report: The Finance Committee continues to review the individual department budget
requests for Fiscal Year 2017 through the end of this month. She reported the School Committee is interested in
transferring the ownership of the TC Passios building to the Town as soon as Annual Town Meeting in May.
The school is not proposing anything in their Fiscal Year 2017 budget to carry the operating/maintenance costs
of that building. Ms. Lafleur is working with the School Superintendent to continue to lease that building to the
current tenants at a cost to cover the building maintenance expenses. Flacc and PACC are currently renting
space there.
Mr. Toale announced the next meeting is on March 8th
Public Comment:
Dave Rodgers requested clarification on the MART schedule as it relates to Veteran Jim Bellafiore. Ms. Luck
stated he needs to provide an ADA application to MARI. Ms. Latluer added once he is determined eligible for
the service; he will be provided door to door service by MART during their business hours. Mr. Rodgers wanted
to thank the Senior Center personnel for assisting during this transition time. He also thanked the Board for their
help. Ms. Bertram thanked Mr. Rodgers for his assistance as well.
Motion: P. Bertram
To adjourn the meeting at 7:42 p.m.
2'd: T. Alonzo
Vote: All in Favor
Respectfully submitted,
chanch Peterson
Elaine M. Peterson
Executive Assistant to the Town Manager

========================================================================================
DOCUMENT : 2016-03-08-minutes-4960.txt
BOARD    : select-board
DATE     : 2016-03-08
KIND     : minutes
OUR COPY : https://lunenburgbudgetproject.org/docs/minutes/text/select-board/2016-03-08-minutes-4960.txt
TOWN PDF : https://www.lunenburgma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Minutes/_03082016-4960
========================================================================================

===OCR macOS Vision===
===PAGE 1===
BOARD OF SELECTMEN
MINUTES
Joseph F. Bilotta Meeting Room, Town Hall
March 8, 2016
g1778s.
RECEIVED & FILED
MAR 2 3 2016
Those present:
LUNENBURG TOWN
Board of Selectmen: Jamie Toale, Chairman; Robert Ebersole, Vice Chairman; Tom Alonzo, Cierk, Paula CE
Bertram, Member; Phyllis Luck, Member
Others in attendance: Kerry Lafleur, Town Manager
Public Comment:
Mr. Ebersole announced his intent to run for reelection for Selectman this May. He read the following numbers:
60,45,33,32,3. 60 years ago his family moved to Lunenburg, 45 years ago he graduated from Lunenburg High,
33 years ago he was elected Town Clerk and Treasurer/Collector, 32 years ago he became a property owner/tax
payer and 3 years ago he was elected to Selectmen. He stated he sees this Board as highly functioning and
continuing to focus on bigger issues in the Town; full implementation of the Town Charter, fiscal responsibility
through our policies, recognizing that we have differing positions but that we need to respect each other, focus
on being open and transparency and not having any one man/woman show on committees/boards. Continuing
the Open Meeting law, minutes and televising as many meetings as possible, supporting the Capital Plan and
budget which lives within Proposition 2 ½. He has appreciated the three years he has worked on this board and
he hopes that the community supports him for his next term.
Ms. Luck reminded all that the Lions Club pancake breakfast is tomorrow morning at Eagle House Senior
Center.
Mr. Alonzo reminded all that the Lunenburg Boys and Girls Club fundraiser "Are You Smarter Than Our Six
Graders?"' is scheduled for this Friday, March 11'h
at 7:00 p.m. at Lunenburg High School. They are still
looking for three teams to participate. He hoped to see a packed auditorium.
Mr. Toale announced the Citizens Party Caucus on Monday March 14" at 7:00 p.m. at Turkey Hill Middle
School. Anyone interested in running for office should attend and if nominated, they will be placed on the
election ballot. Those who are not nominated may pick up nomination papers from the Town Clerk office.
Nomination papers must be returned to the Town Clerk office with a minimum of 42 valid registered voter
signatures on or before Thursday, March 24th at 4:00 p.m. He read aloud the offices to be filled: Selectmen for
Sewer Commissioners, Board of Health member, Assessor, Town Clerk, Constable, School Committee, Park
Commissioner, Commissioner of Trust Funds, Cemetery Commissioner, Library Trustees, Planning Board
member and Housing Authority He added there are several vacancies on various committees in Town.
Sue Doherty, Council on Aging Director, announced she applied for an "Are You Okay? Program" grant in
October 2015 and was awarded $3000. This is a computer generated phone call system to elders and disabled
people under age 60. Participants simply get a phone call at the same time every day, pick up and then hang up.
Emergency dispatch is sent to the residence after two phone attempts that are not answered. The grant was
issued by the Community Foundation of North Central Massachusetts via the Nashoba Valley Community
Healthcare Fund for new software and computer equipment for the Nashoba Valley Regional Dispatch Center.
Tthis is for making the phone calls and a camera to photograph the residents in the program in case of anyone
going missing. She added this will be a good program for our citizens. The Board thanked Ms. Doherty.
Mr. Alonzo wanted to acknowledge Boy Scout Josh Herrick from Troop 1828 in the meeting audience this
evening. Josh is working on his community service badge.
===PAGE 2===
CURRENT BUSINESS
1. Agricultural Commission- Right to Farm Community Signs Request
Chairman Jeff Mendoza presented a request to place "Right-to-Farm Community" signs in various locations at
entrance points to the town. As of August 2014, the Agricultural Commission was awarded a $450 grant to pay
for the signs from the Massachusetts Agricultural Commission Association. After discussions with various
departments, the DPW Director and Jeff discussed the locations of eight signs. Ten were ordered with two kept
for reserve. He presented a map showing where they will be located; both ends of 2A and Route 13; where
Route 225 comes into Lunenburg, the border of Leominster and Lunenburg on Leominster Road, Leominster-
Shirley Road (side facing Leominster) and Fort Pond Road. They will be purchasing the ten (18" × 24") signs at
the price of $45.00 each.
Motion: R. Ebersole
2nd: T. Alonzo
To approve the request for placement and location of the Right to Farm Community signs
Vote: All in Favor
Mr. Mendoza asked if the Agricultural Commission could have an alternate member and if it had to go back to
Town Meeting. Mr. Toale stated they would research this. The Farmers' Market will open on Sunday, June St
10 am to 1 pm. They are working with the Historical Society this year to enrich the Farmers' Market further.
He thanked the Board.
2. Draft MOU between Water District of Lunenburg and Town of Lancaster
Lancaster Town Administrator Ryan McNutt thanked the Board for givig him time to come in and present. The
Town of Lancaster is interested providing water to their areas in the north (districts that are zoned for
commercial/industrial and retail development). The districts have been limited by lack of infrastructure; they
lack gas, sewer and water. Lancaster began this process by reaching out to abutting communities. Shirley and
Lunenburg began discussions with Lancaster. Shirley has limiting regulatory challenges. Lunenburg does not.
Last year the Lunenburg Water District voted to expand their district into Lancaster. Mr. McNutt stated he was
here to have a conversation with the Board to see if there was support from this Board.
Mr. Alonzo stated he was opposed to the expansion of the water district but supported the process of a
memorandum of understanding. Ms. Bertram agreed with Mr. Alonzo. They both wanted to understand the
details. Ms. Bertram asked if an act of legislation would be required for a MOU. Mr. McNutt stated he believed
so. Discussion on state regulatory constraints and logistics of entering a MOU ensued.
Mr. Toale stated he too was in favor of a MOU. He asked why the Lunenburg Water District Commissioners
weren't here tonight with Mr. McNutt. Mr. McNutt stated the WDC wanted Mr. McNutt to make his intial
presentation and the conversation could be continued if there was enough support.
Mr. Ebersole stated he was not in support of a MOU as he believed the water in Lunenburg should stay in
Lunenburg. He didn't think the Town knew what they would need for the future. If there was an MOU, he had
concern about the usage amount and what the ultimate demand for water would be.
Ms. Bertram stated she was also concerned with all the points that Mr. Ebersole raised. She added she did not
want this to negatively impact the current water users in Lunenburg. Another concern was to understand the
usage and potential limits on those uses. Is there a lack of restrictions? She also wanted to understand how the
current water access would impact the infrastructure as well as any potential development.
Ms. Luck asked who would be doing the meter reading/billing. Mr. McNutt stated that still would need to be
worked out. Mr. McNutt assured this would not cost the Lunenburg Water District anything. Lancaster would
be undertaking the procurement. This would be a revenue generator for Lunenburg.
Mr. Ebersole and Ms. Bertram both stated they would want to see a more comprehensive IMA before making
any decisions. Mr. Alonzo stated the presentation was a good starting point.
Mr. McNutt stated the lawyers usually take the first stab at the intermunicipal agreement and throughout the
process keep this Board informed. Mr. Toale stated the entire Board would like to be kept informed. Mr.
Alonzo thanked Mr. McNutt for the presentation as well as the Water Commissioners.
He appreciated him coming forward. Mr. McNutt thanked the Board
===PAGE 3===
3. Request to redeem tax title property located at 425 W. Townsend Road
Attorney Sherill Gould reported she had been retained by the previous property owner's estate (Douglas
Rükonen). Mr. Riikonenn's son has been appointed Personal Representative of the Estate and he would like to
redeem the tax title property on behalf of the estate. She requested sixty days to research if the property is
redeemable for the equity of the estate. Ms Lafleur stated in April of 2014 the Town received judgement from
Land Court to foreclose on the tax title. Attorney Gould requested the Board make a ruling this evening so she
would not have to return to them if/when she pays the amount due in full within the 60 day period.
Motion: R. Ebersole
2n: P. Bertram
To approve the redemption for 425 W. Townsend Road subject to payment in full to the Town on or
before June 30, 2016
Vote: All in Favor
Attorney Gould thanked the Board.
CURRENT BUSINESS
1. Announcement of Ratification of Collective Bargaining Agreement with PPFM
Ms. Lafleur reported that at last week's meeting in Executive Session, the Board voted to ratify a three year
agreement with the Lunenburg Professional Firefighter's Association. The contract period covered is from July
1, 2014 through June 30, 2017. She reviewed the provisions of the agreement:
a. Outside Details and Overtime: the outside private detail rate will be increased from $35.00 to $42.00/hr.,
the Town detail rate will be $36.00/hour. The minimum callback compensation will be increased from 2
to 3 hours for an officer-on-call on an EMS call. The adoption of a 48 hour work period for full-time
employees protects the Town from claims that it failed to pay wages as required by law, Shift employees
will work on a 28 day work period.
b. Health Insurance is provided under the Public Employee Committee; if the Town ever opts out of the
PEC model, it would have to bargain over health coverage changes with the union.
c. Layoffs: this language has been clarified to define the period of recall, limiting it to two years and
establishing a recall process.
d. Sick Leave: language that is unlawful under the wage and hour law has been eliminated. A grandfather
provision affecting employees hired after July 1, 2014 eliminates sick leave buyback. Both parties
agreed to incorporate the Family and Medical Leave Act Policy into the agreement as required by law.
e. Line of Duty Injury: language was revised to use legally correct terms for when an accomodation must
be offered.
f. Emergency Medical Training: an increase from 3% to 5% in the EMT stipend will be awarded to those
who achieve Advanced Certification. Any employee who does not obtain the EMT-A certification will
continue to receive a 3% stipend until the Fire Department moves to an Advanced level certification or
the employee's certification lapses.
g. Wages: both parties reached agreement within the Board of Selectmen's authorization of a 1.5%
increase per year. The first two years will be retroactive to July 1, 2014 and July 1, 2015. The last
increase will be implemented on July 1, 2016. Additionally, firefighters hired after July 1, 2014 will be
required to be Firefighter I/II certified through the Massachusetts Fire Training Council or a similar
national professional board qualification within 12 months after the first day of employment.
Ms. Lafleur stated this now goes to Annual Town Meeting for funding approval. Mr. Alonzo thanked Ms.
Lafleur and Labor Counsel for all their work on this agreement. Mr. Ebersole thanked the firefighters.
2. Discussion of Roles & Responsibilities of Board of Selectmen
Mr. Toale stated this is a continuation of a discussion started at a workshop meeting.
He referred the Board to the below points to start the dialogue:
Role(s) and Responsibilities of a member of the Board of Selectmen
• Individually
• As a board
===PAGE 4===
• When functioning as:
• A voting member of another committee (i.e. School Building, Capital Planning, Building ReUse)
• A liaison to an elected committee
• A liaison to a BOS appointed committee
• What obligations (if any) exist to represent the board, report back to the board, speak for the board,
when functioning in each of these roles
Mr. Ebersole stated he is liaison to the Board of Health, Sewer Commission, Public Access Cable Committee
and the Library. He does attend Water District Commission meetings as a private citizen. He lets people know
what capacity he is there for (Board member or private citizen). If he has an opinion, he lets them know he is
speaking as an individual, not a member of the Board. Usually his role is to provide information the boards may
not have; information or discussions the Board of Selectmen may have had or other Boards may have had.
Sometimes he discusses in advance of a meeting with the Chair of the committee as it may not be appropriate to
bring up publicly. Other times he may make a point as a private citizen.
Ms. Bertram stated she takes the same approach very often, especially at the Planning Board meetings.
She views her role as liaison is to let the Board know what's happening with whatever organization she is
attending. Her role is get a general sense of the meeting, what was discussed and particularly if something will
eventually affect this Board. In the case of a voting member, it's important to bring back as much information
as possible, either through the Town Manager or giving a general synopsis of what's going on.
Ms. Luck stated she has looked at the Town Charter and the Massachusetts Municipal Handbook for Selectmen
for guidance. The handbooks stated the Board acts as a collective decision-making body. An individual member
may act independently only when authorized by the Board. When she looked at the Charter, it read, "The
executive powers of the town shall be vested in the Board of Selectmen which shall be deemed to be the chief
executive office of the town."
Ms. Bertram expressed that she would like to hear more detail on other committee meetings, rather than when
they are scheduled to meet or the end result of a meeting.
Ms. Luck stated as a member of the Storm Water Task Force she will be coming back to hear what the other
members of this Board think on issues and bring those thoughts back to her Storm Water Task Force meetings
for consideration.
Mr. Ebersole recommended that they break out committee reports with voting members of another committee
separate from liaisons. He added it's good to have the charge of each committee in their packets.
Mr. Toale stated there is an art and science to this process. He personally would never vote his opinion if he
knew it was not the consensus of this Board. However there is a practical side to this; the meeting might be a
two hour meeting. It's very difficult to report that not only to the Board in a way that provides detail, but to the
public and raises a risk of not giving the intended outcome.
Mr. Alonzo believed a liaison is supposed to be someone present to hear on behalf of the Board what the
meeting was about and to summarize. If it's a three hour meeting, he did not want to feel like he was attending
the three hour meeting here when he hears the summary. When it comes to a voting member of a board, they
have different avenues of involvement. He stated the voting member of the Board of Selectmen as well as other
boards acts as members from that committee, not of that committee. Take Capital Planning, it would take weeks
before everyone from all those representative committees went back to meet their boards and return with their
decisions. We are elected by our own body to be on that committee and we need to trust those representatives.
Ms. Luck stated if they all had a common understanding of their roles as a Board member, it would help.
===PAGE 5===
Ms. Lafleur stated she saw four different roles; members on Board appointed committees, members on bylaw
committees, liaison assignments and independently elected positions. Mr. Toale thought this topic merited
further discussion. The Board concurred
3. Minutes/Warrants/Action File Issues
An accounts payable warrant in the amount of $368,312.81, a payroll warrant in the amount of $747,868.73 and
a deductions warrant in the amount of $440,702.29 were signed.
Ms. Bertram requested the status of the Summer Street construction project. Ms. Lafleur stated she would get an
update for the next meeting and a warrant article for temporary easements is planned for annual town meeting.
Ms. Bertram also requested a status on Chase Road. Ms. Luck asked about the Town Manager's review. Mr.
Toale stated he was hoping the Personnel Committee could have worked on the form but it hasn't happened yet.
He stated the review process will be started soon and they will be using the same form. He added he would like
to have this as a workshop topic. He also wanted to prioritize their outstanding list of agenda items.
4. Committee Reports:
Mr. Ebersole reported the Board of Health has received one application for the septic repair program. The
program is available depending on income qualifications for repair/replacement of septic systems or connecting
to the sewer system. Public Access Cable Committee has their first draft of a ten year business plan in
coordination with the Cable Advisory Committee for license renewal negotiations. The Library Board of
Trustees is working on policies. They have applied for a grant to the Green Task Force for replacement of
interior lights in the Library. The lights have a payback period of four to five years. Sewer Commission
continues to work on updating regulations and policies and a possible bylaw change.
Mr. Alonzo reported Cable Advisory Committee meets on March 21st
" Finance Committee met last Thursday
and heard a presentation from the DW Director on pavement management and the public works department.
Finance Committee meets again on Thursday to hear from Monty Tech and the Council on Aging. School
Building Committee will meet again on March 23d,
', location to be determined.
Ms. Bertram reported the Conservation Commission met on March 2nd
, but she was not able to attend. Matt
Marro, Conservation Agent, informed her that two public hearings were held, one for Unitil and the other for
High Field Village. Both were continued to a later date. They also addressed an enforcement
order/administrative hearing for 189 Howard Street. They worked with the property owner to develop a timeline
to correct the issues. Work is expected to be complete by mid-July with a final inspection in August. Another
enforcement order/administrative hearing was held for 101 Pleasant Street. The property owner did not attend
the meeting. They have started fining the property owner on one count of working within the buffer zone
without a Notice of Intent at $100 per day. The property owner was requested to appear at their next meeting.
A packet was sent to the Town Manager concerning the enforcement order for this property. They did discuss
their requirement for notification of abutter's process is in conflict with the Wetlands Protection Act. They were
also looking at the cost of notifying abutters via certified mail.
The Planning Board meets again on March 14*h
'. MPO is meeting tomorrow. It is the start of the Transportation
Improvement Program (TIP) and there will be some project presentations.
Ms. Luck reported the School Committee met a public forum on reconfiguration. The Grade 3- 5 school has
been named; Turkey Hill Elementary. The FY16-17 school calendar was approved. A citizen expressed safety
concerns for students before a proposed cell tower easement was voted on. The School Committee voted in
favor of the easement stating they were allowing the process to proceed, but were not voting for or against the
cell tower as this was not in their purview. There was a discussion on the release of custody of the Brooks
House and T.C. Passios School. They will be working with the Board of Selectmen to place a warrant article on
the next town meeting. The amended MART schedule for Lunenburg has been reformatted by Jo McLaughlin.
The Storm Water Task Force will meet March 10th and the ZBA meets on March 23'd
===PAGE 6===
Mr. Toale had no report from the Capital Planning Committee. The Building Reuse Committee is letting
departments and boards know that they are willing to meet with them about the Space and Needs Study and
their presentation. The committee is working to request a market analysis versus an appraisal on the unused
properties.
Town Manager Report:
Ms. Lafleur reported she did receive the information from the Conservation Commission on 101 Pleasant Street
this afternoon but has not had a chance to look through it. There will be a draft of the ATM warrant articles for
next week's meeting. There will also be another comprehensive pavement management presentation. This will
answer some of the Board's questions since the last presentation. Regarding the T.C. Passios building, she is
hoping on March 22 to have a draft for the plan on renting out that building.
Mr. Toale stated their next meeting is March 15.
There was no further public comment.
Motion: P. Bertram
To adjourn the meeting at 8:45 p.m.
2*: T. Alonzo
Vote: All in Favor
Respectfully submitted,
Elainem Peterson
Elaine M. Peterson
Executive Assistant to the Town Manager

========================================================================================
DOCUMENT : 2016-03-15-minutes-4961.txt
BOARD    : select-board
DATE     : 2016-03-15
KIND     : minutes
OUR COPY : https://lunenburgbudgetproject.org/docs/minutes/text/select-board/2016-03-15-minutes-4961.txt
TOWN PDF : https://www.lunenburgma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Minutes/_03152016-4961
========================================================================================

===OCR macOS Vision===
===PAGE 1===
BOARD OF SELECTMEN
MINUTES
Joseph F. Bilotta Meeting Room, Town Hall
RECEIVED & FILED
March 15, 2016
APR 07 2016
LUNENBURG TOWN
CLERK OFFICE
The Board of Selectmen met in the Lunenburg Town Hall, Joseph F. Bilotta Meeting Room, as scheduled with
Jamie Toale, Chairman; Robert Ebersole, Vice Chairman; Tom Alonzo, Clerk; Paula Bertram, Member, Phyllis
Luck, Member and Kerry Lafleur, Town Manager.
The meeting opened at 7:00 P.M. with the Pledge of Allegiance.
Public Comment:
Mr. Alonzo thanked everyone for supporting the Boys and Girls Club fundraiser last Friday. He thanked all of
the sponsors and all involved in the event. They raised just shy of $20,000 for the club.
Mr. Toale stated he attended the Town Caucus last night and wanted to congratulate all those who were
nominated. He was however disappointed in the turnout and the lack of interested people in committees. He
really wanted to know what keeps people from getting involved.
Mr. Toale attended the Worcester County Selectmen's Association meeting last week in place of Ms. Luck who
is the Board representative. The speaker was Kirsten Shirer who is the Director of IT for the Dept. of
Revenue/Division of Local Services. She offered assistance to the Town, if needed.
Pete and Debbie Lincoln, 46 Hemlock Drive, both members of the Historical Society and the Council of Aging,
requested some feedback on hosting an event to solicit more membership/interest. They proposed an "Uptown
Stroll" on May 215' from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. involving four organizations in the center of town; the Public
Library, Teen Center, Historical Society and the Senior Center. There will be an Open House at each of those
four buildings, holding events throughout the day with a raffle at each place. They are hoping various area
concerns/merchants will also be involved. This is still in the planning phase and they were hoping public access
could provide publicity. They are seeking support, ideas and volunteers. Mr. Alonzo stated he enthusiastically
supported it and thought it was a wonderful idea. Mr. Toale echoed the same and asked the Lincolns to let them
know if they needed anything from the Board.
CURRENT BUSINESS
1. Further Discussion on Financing of Pavement Management Plan
DPW Director Jack Rodriquenz began the Power Point presentation. The Town first developed the pavement
management plan in 2009. It was updated in 2015. The plan was created to provide an objective way of
programming roadway improvements with the goal of maximizing resources and extending the life of the
pavement system. It also provides updated detailed information to the Board, residents and their own
department. The system establishes a baseline condition of roadways which is used to establish a list of
prioritized improvement recommendations. Roadway segments are prioritized according to a formula that
includes functional classification; roadways are classified in a hierarchy according to how they are used. A
higher priority is given to roads that carry higher volumes of traffic. It also looks at pavement defect value.
Functional classification involves:
Main Road - Typically contains high traffic volume, and either permits traffic flow from one main road to
another, or acts as an inter-town connector between the two. Example: Lancaster Avenue
Secondary Main & Secondary Road - Typically contains higher traffic volume than either a collector road or a
local road with less volume than a main road, also acting as a connector between main roads. Example:
Sunnyhill Road
===PAGE 2===
Collector Road - Typically contains lower traffic volume than either secondary main roads or main roads and
permits trafic flow between main roads or secondary roads and local roads. Example: Hollis Road
Local Road Over 1000 ft. - Typically contains the lowest traffic volume of all roads and either permits traffic
flow from any of the above roads to residential sub-divisions or acts as a connector between sub-divisions.
Example: Broadmeadow Drive
Local Road Under 1000 feet - Example: Windermere Drive
Mr. Rodriquenz presented lists of the different town roads and their classifications. Road defect types examined
during the survey were random/longitudinal cracks, utility cuts/other patches, raveling, shoving, pushing, main
line trenches, pot holes, rutting, and alligator cracks. Mr. Rodriquenz explained each category of defect in
detail and how the DP W repairs them.
He stated the pavement management plan did exactly what it was supposed to do, estimates cost and priorities.
It doesn't address funding. He turned the presentation over to Town Manager Lafleur.
Ms. Lafluer reported the original plan used a formula to provide a weighted rating for each road segment based
upon classification and defect. The rating was used to determine the prioritization of road maintenance work
and as the basis for roadway spending from FY' 10-15. The Town has only been spending around $600,000 per
year on average and it actually needs to spend around $1.2 million per year to keep up maintenance. She
reviewed the allocations from Chapter 90 funding per year plus what the Town has spent through the past five
years. The projects that were completed from 2010 - 2016 were major/secondary roads. Last year a process was
undertaken to update the pavement management plan. In summer 2015, each roadway was re-inspected to
update the 2009 data. Based upon the new data, a pavement condition index (PCI) was calculated. The PCI
expresses the relative condition of each roadway on a scale of 0 (worst) to 100 (best). The PCI is used to
estimate the appropriate repair treatment for each roadway. Each roadway was then weighted by its condition
and functional classification to develop a prioritized list of roadway repairs. Similar to the original
methodology, using the PCI, a new scale of 30 (highest priority) to 0 (lowest priority) was established. The
appropriate repair treatment and the Town's current on-call paving contract prices were used to estimate a repair
cost for each roadway segment, which is the basis for the development of a revised multi-year capital
improvement plan. The reason we took the roadway condition into account is because that for every dollar we
spend on routine maintenance, if delayed, we would be spending five times as much for reconstruction.
Existing Conditions Summary
Estimated Road Repair Needs
(Excludes Chase Road and Summer Street TIP Projects)
Repair Method Length (Miles)|
Roconstruction
0.6
Mill, Lovel & Overlay
40.7
Overlay.
11.8
Crack Seal
Defer Maintenance
TOTALS:
9.4
23.8
86.3
Cost
$190,000
$7,730,000
-$960,000
$130,000
50
$9,010,000
% by Length
0,7%
47.2%.
13.7%
10.9%
27.5%
% by Cost
2.1%
85.8%
10.7%
1.4%
0%
Repair Needs - Approx. $9 Million
(Amount needed to reach 100 PCI Rating)
Cost per Mile
$317,000
$190,000
$81,400
$13,900
SO
WARLOTE
Costs shown reflect the Town's current on-call contract pricing plus a 20% contingency. Based upon the
updated roadway inspection data and the Town's current on-call paving contract, investing $9 million today
would bring the town to a perfect state of repair. As shown in the table, as roadways deteriorate further, the cost
per mile for rehabilitation increases dramatically. This is why it is important not to do all of the worst roads
first, but rather having a blend of treatments.
===PAGE 3===
Existing Conditions Summary
Estimated Road Repair Needs
(Excludes Chase Road and Summer Street TIP Projects)
Functional
Length
Average
Classification
(Miles)
PCI
Main
-22.1
70
_Secondary Main
1.4
..36
Secondary
18.2
66
Collector
16.7
68
Local
27.9
TOTALS:
86.3
.53.
62
Total
Cost
$2,115,000
$260,000
$1,520,000
$1,960,000
$3,166,000
$9,010,000
% by Length
% by Cost
26,6%
-23.5%
1.6%
2.8%.
21.1%
16.9%
19.4%.
21.7%
32.3%
36.1%
WARLOTECH
Main roads account for approximately a quarter of the roads under the Town's jurisdiction. They also account
for about a quarter of the Town's roadway repair needs. The Town's main roads are in good condition, having
an average PCI of 70. The only secondary main road in town is Arbor Street, and it is in poor condition and has
a PCI of 36. Another 40% of roadways are classified as Secondary Roads & Collectors. These roadways
represent slightly less than 40% of the repair needs. On average, Secondary Roads are in fair to good condition,
with an average PCI of 66... Collectors are in slightly poorer repair with an average PCI of 58. Local streets
make up 32% of the town's roadways. They account for 35% of the total roadway repair backlog. On average,
local streets are in fair condition with an average PCI of 53.
The Board, in its capacity as Road Commissioners, determined that a long term funding strategy needed to be
developed. The strategy should endeavor to maintain roads at a PCI = 70. Consideration needs to be given to
providing regular funding for local roads. A sustainable funding plan needs to be put in place that regularly and
routinely addresses all roadway maintenance needs. The current level of spending will not achieve the
maintenance goal as most of the annual funding goes toward main and secondary roads, leaving little left for
local roads. The vast majority of complaints received are about the condition of local roads. As the condition of
a roadway worsens, the cost of bringing it back to a state of good repair increases dramatically. If only the worst
roads are repaired first, roads that can be rehabilitated more economically now will be more expensive to repair
if left to deteriorate. An effective Pavement Management Plan applies a blend of repair strategies to optimally
distribute the available budget.
Lifecycle of a Road
CONDITION,
Excellent
Good
Fair
S1 fo: «83r
heie
Poor
8
12
YEARS
REPAIR
Routine
Maintenance
Preventative
Maintenance
Rehabilitation
53-5 here
Wai cos!
55-8 here
Recapsruction
16
20
===PAGE 4===
The Town's current program is funded via the fiscal year operating budget, State Aid/Chapter 90 funding.
In Fiscal Year 2016 our operating budget was $250,000, with Chapter 90 funding of $416,626, totaling
$666,626.00. The Program Goal is PCI = 70. The annual cost to meet goal is $1.0 - 1.2 million with the Town's
current spending level at $667,000, this leaves a deficit of $333,000. The current level of spending is barely
sufficient only to address main, secondary main, secondary and collectors. The current level of spending is
insufficient to address local roads. The Board requested a short-term, impactful solution to address local roads.
For local Roads, there are 117 road segments, with 58 (just under 50%) having a PCI of less than 70. The cost
to improve these 58 segments is $3,123,063. There are 41 segments with a PCI of 71-89, which have associated
improvement costs of $257,300. There are 18 segments with a PCI of 90 or higher, presently with no associated
improvement costs. The total costs to make all improvements is $3,380,363. This addresses roads with a current
PCI of 71-89, to insure they stay at 70 or better throughout the life of this funding scenario. This is $3.4M in
maintenance costs; $510,000 in anticipated needed storm water improvements and assumes that 600 of the
town's 1,100 catch basins are included in the proposed work area and on average would need $850 worth of
maintenance. The construction of swales can be completed within the already calculated costs on a limited
basis. The total project cost would be $3,910,000.
Ms. Lafleur stated they are requesting support for a voter authorized Debt Exclusion. This is a one-time request
to provide funding infusion to the plan. Work would be completed over a three to four year period (FY17 - 20)
and financed over a seven (FY' 18 - 24) year period. Thereafter, funding for roadway maintenance will be
included in the operating budget plus Chapter 90 funding. She proposed increasing the operating budget
appropriation by $50,000 per year until we have $1 - $1.2 million available per year. The first $50,000 of motor
vehicle excise tax collected would be devoted to increase the operating budget funding beginning in FY18-24.
She suggested the Board commit to that in a financial policy. The current annual growth in motor vehicle excise
tax is roughly $50,000. It will be reexamined again after we reach the $1.2 million. She presented the funding
scenario. The cost to the average homeowner would be around $145.00 per year and then decreasing to $123.00
by year seven.
Scenario Assumptions
Amount
Amount Financed
Ter/years
Rate
Amortization
Years
3,910,000
3,910,000
3.000%
straight line
Balance:
Principal
Interest
FY
Total
Impact to
AVG SPH
FY 16 Base
Quarterly
Monthly
2018
2019
2020
2021
2022.
2023
2024
3,910,000
3,351,429
2,792,857
2,234,286
1,675,714
1,117,143
558,571
558,571
558,571
558,571
558,571
558,571
558,571
558,571
117,300
100,543
83,786
67,029
50,271
33,514
16,757
675,871
144.78
659,114
642,357
$
141.19
$
137.60 $
625,600
608,843
$
134.01
$
$
130.42: $
592,086
575,329
1262k
36.20
35.30 -
34.40 $
33.50 | $
32.61 $
31.71
33.81 ;
12.07
$
11.77 $
10.5 4
0.40
0.39
0.38
0.37
0.36
0,35
0,34
Total
3,910,000
469,200
4379,2001
Ms. Lafleur summarized the presentation:
• The Pavement Management Program is an inventory of each roadway under the Town's jurisdiction
• Based upon pavement distressed observed in the field, a PCI is calculated, rating the roadway's
condition on a scale of 0 (worst) to 100 (best)
• This index is then weighted by the roadway's functional classification to develop a priority index on a
scale of 30 (highest priority) to 0 (lowest priority)
• The current policy of weighting local streets lowest and instead allocating funds first to main roads and
collectors, which everyone uses, does not adequate address the needs of residents
• The PCI and other inventory data are used to determine the appropriate treatment to rehabilitate each
roadway
===PAGE 5===
• Based upon the determined treatment, an approximate cost can be calculated for each roadway segment
based on unit costs and a contingency
Costs shown reflect the Town's current on-call contract pricing plus a 20% contingency
• Both a commitment to increase the annual spending and a one-time infusion of new funding (debt
exclusion) are needed to get the Pavement Management Program on a sustainable track.
• The cost of the proposed debt exclusion for the average SFH is $145/ year 1
She presented a chart showing the combined estimated impact to a single family home.
Combined Est. impact to SFH
$800.00
$700.00
$600.00
$500.00
$400.00
$300.00
$200.00
$100.00
$-
FY2017
FY2018
FY2019
FY2020
FY2021
FY2022
FY2023
FY2024
FY2026
FY2026
Ms. Lafleur asked if there were any questions. Ms. Luck asked if the average tax bill/ exempt debt chart
included everything we owe; including the middle/high school. Ms. Lafleur stated yes, everything that has been
authorized as exempt debt so far. The only thing that is not included is the remaining amount for the school
project, which could be from $2 million to about $5 million dollars. but we won't know that until the project is
finished and the Massachusetts School Building Authority audits. The Town won't be doing the final borrowing
until after that has occurred. The above model is for $4 million, so if it was financed accordingly, it would be
another $145.00 per year. Mr. Toale stated in their workshop meetings on pavement management, the Board
had concurred that pavement management would be their first priority. Ms. Lafleur stated if we wait until 2024
the cost will be significantly more.
Ms. Bertram concurred and added that waiting will only cost more money. It makes sense to bring this plan
forward now and bring us up to a level we can maintain. She stated it was a responsible plan with a minimum
impact to the residents. She hoped this Board and the voters would support it. To have all our roads at a PCI of
70 is attainable. She thanked Mr. Rodriquenz and Ms. Lafleur for their work in putting together the
presentation. Ms. Lafleur reported one piece of the information she did not present tonight is there are two
maps that are color coded, based on their functional class or on their PCI. When this presentation is placed on
the town website, the maps will be included so people can look up their road.
Ms. Alonzo also thanked Mr. Rodriquenz and Ms. Lafleur. He asked how motor vehicle excise would get to
their goal of $1.2 million. Ms. Lafleur stated the suggestion was to dedicate the first $50,000 in motor vehicle
excise taxes collected towards the road improvements. The growth in that collection is about $50,000 and has
been very consistent year after year. It would begin in the FY18 and would not significantly affect any other
programs. Mr. Alonzo stated so it is cumulative each year. Ms. Lafleur confirmed.
===PAGE 6===
Mr. Toale noted that roads that continually break down are the ones with standing water on them. Drainage
seems to be an issue. If we spend this funding, how can we guarantee we can keep them up considering normal
wear and tear? Mr. Rodriquenz stated there is a plan to address water runoff and drainage structures.
Mr. Ebersole stated one item discussed by the Board was coordination with utilities so that having a map and a
proposed plan available helps in timing of projects. He supported this plan along with a financial policy and a
plan to eventually work it into the operating budget. Mr. Toale suggested this might be the right time for Mr.
Rodriquenz to revisit prices on materials and services. He agreed.
Ms. Lafleur stated the next step if the Board is in agreement is to authorize creating an election ballot question.
and a warrant article. Ms. Lafleur will have something prepared for the next meeting.
Mr. Ebersole asked if state roads are subject to the same storm water regulations as municipalities. Land Use
Director Adam Burney stated the Commonwealth of Massachusetts is required to file its own MS4 permits.
2. Review Draft of Annual Town Meeting (ATM) Warrant
Ms. Lafleur stated the warrant for Town Meeting articles is open until March 24* at 6:00 p.m. She believed we
have received most; we are currently up to 32 articles. The first six articles are to reauthorize various revolving
funds. Article 7 is to hear/accept reports of certain committees. We expect we will have a report on the
decommissioning of the high school. Article 8 addresses prior fiscal year bills; we don't have any at this point.
Article 9 is a FY'16 budget adjustment article. Article 10 requests funding for the market analysis of the
municipal buildings as requested by the Building Reuse Committee. Articles 11, 12 and13 are settlements of
collective bargaining agreements. Article 14 authorizes the FY'17 Capital Improvement Plan. Article 15
authorizes the FY'17 Operating Budget. Article 16 is a request to authorize a Cost of Living Adjustment
(COLA) for non-union employees. Article 17 authorizes the transfer to/from the Stabilization Account to
maintain the 5% balance in the account. Articles 18, 19, and 20 authorize the FY'17 Sewer, Solid Waste and
Water Enterprise Funds respectively. Article 21 requests to appropriate a bond premium and rescind borrowing
authorization for the middle/high school projects. Article 22 accepts M.G.L. C. 44, §53F ¾ to establish a PEG
Access and Cable Related Fund. This is a change in general law which requires the Town to adopt so we can
place the annual cable license fee in this account. Article 23 requires the appropriation of an operating budget
for PEG Access. In past years, the budget was just adopted by PACC. Articles 24 and 25 are from the School
Committee requesting transfer of custody of the Brooks House and T. C. Passios Elementary School
respectively to the custody of the Board of Selectmen. Article 26 grants a permanent easement along the Town
right of way at 1134 Northfield Road. This came before the Board recently and the Board granted a license to
the owner. The property owner is requesting the permanent easement be granted at Town Meeting. Article 27
authorizes expenditure of $3.9 million for the roads subject to a debt authorization at the ballot.
Article 28 is a citizen petition article to reclassify 1026 Northfield Road as Residence A zoning. The lot is
actually one lot but has two different zones on it. Article 29 is a request to authorize the Board to negotiate a
cell tower at the turf field and grant an easement. The School Committee has already approved the request for
the easement. This 75 foot high tower would replace an existing 60 foot high light tower. There would be a
revenue stream from this and we are hoping to offset the cost of replacing the turf field with this on an ongoing
basis. Article 30 is really a placeholder right now to authorize the Board to negotiate to locate a long term lease
for Doppler radar tower. This is at the beginning stages right now. This will likely be on a fall town meeting
request. Article 31 is to amend the APDC bylaw wording and map. Article 32 is a placeholder from the
Planning Board to amend the protective bylaw for parking and site plan review; we are still waiting for the
wording. Article 33 is to authorize borrowing for the replacement of the existing turf field. The funding source
would be the cell tower revenue and rental fees. A proposal will be coming soon to this Board. Article 34
involves decommissioning the high school and may not be needed as it would be addressed under Article 7.
Article 35 authorizes temporary easements for the Summer Street construction project. There may be other
articles coming in before the deadline of March 24* at 6:00 p.m.
3. Minutes/Warrants/Action File Issues
An accounts payable warrant in the amount of $35,451.38 was signed. Minutes of March 1, 2016 were
approved
===PAGE 7===
Ms. Bertram expressed concern about the Teen center parking lot being blocked off when she comes to Town
Hall during the day. She appreciated that there is limited land at the Teen Center but there is also limited
parking at Town Hall. She has mentioned this to the Town Manager in the past and is wondering about the
ownership of the parking lot. She thought it was something that needed to be addressed as town employees are
parking on private lots behind the Town Hall. She believed they needed to address the parking situation.
Mr. Alonzo stated this has been an issue and the Teen Center has wanted to set up a meeting. He offered to
work with the Teen Center on setting up a meeting.
4. Committee Reports:
Mr. Ebersole reported Public Access Cable Committee (PACC) has two vacancies. Last night at the town
caucus there were two Sewer Commission vacancies that were not filled. One was for a one year term and the
other for two year term.
Mr. Alonzo announced Cable Advisory Committee also has two vacancies. Their next meeting is on Monday,
March 21St
• Finance Committee meets again on this Thursday to continue reviewing department budgets. School
Committee meets this Wednesday.
Ms. Bertram reported the Planning Board met last night. There were several ANR plans. There was an
informational meeting for Walmart to have an outdoor display area. It was approved. There was a continuation
of the zoning public hearing for Unitil. They presented a landscape plan and a site development plan that was
approved. The rezoning of 1026 Northfield Road was discussed and they voted to support that citizen petition
article. They held a public hearing on the articles that will be coming before us for town meeting. They voted to
submit the articles for approval. Conservation Commission is meeting tomorrow night. The MPO sub region
representative voting will happen on March 31% at the Bull Run Restaurant. Please RSVP to Brad Harris at
MRPC if you plan to attend. She will be attending as a nominee for the Sub Region 3 representative.
Ms. Luck attended the MPO meeting on behalf of Ms. Bertram. The Transportation Improvement Plan projects
day will be coming up on April 14. The next MPO meeting is April 20 where TIP results will be discussed.
School Committee meets on March 16. ZBA meets on March 23rd
. The Storm Water Task Force met and began
dividing the six areas of focus for the new permit among the members. They ordered rain barrels that were
purchased with DEP grant funds. They will be sold at cost to residents. The next meeting will be March 24*
Ms. Luck attended a Section 319 Nonsource Competitive grant session with Jane Pierce, Grant Administrator.
Ms. Pierce will meet with individual task force members on March 23'd.
. The task force is also setting up a
meeting with Roger Brooks, Leominster DPW, to show them the results of their stormwater efforts and get
some guidance.
Mr. Toale reported Capital Planning will present their plan at Annual Town Meeting. Building Reuse
Committee is placing an article on ATM to fund a market analysis for the municipal buildings.
Town Manager Report: no report this evening.
Mr. Toale stated their next meeting is March 22"d
Public Comment: Mr. Alonzo reported the Finance Committee has two vacancies.
Motion: P. Bertram
To adjourn the meeting at 8:29 p.m.
2": T. Alonzo
Vote: All in Favor
Respectfully submitted,
Elainm. Peterson
Elaine M. Peterson
Executive Assistant to the Town Manager

========================================================================================
DOCUMENT : 2016-03-22-minutes-4962.txt
BOARD    : select-board
DATE     : 2016-03-22
KIND     : minutes
OUR COPY : https://lunenburgbudgetproject.org/docs/minutes/text/select-board/2016-03-22-minutes-4962.txt
TOWN PDF : https://www.lunenburgma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Minutes/_03222016-4962
========================================================================================

===OCR macOS Vision===
===PAGE 1===
BOARD OF SELECTMEN
MINUTES
Joseph F. Bilotta Meeting Room, Town Hall
March 22, 2016
The Board of Selectmen met in the Lunenburg Town Hall, Joseph F. Bilotta Meeting Room, as scheduled with
Jamie Toale, Chairman; Robert Ebersole, Vice Chairman; Tom Alonzo, Clerk; Paula Bertram, Member, Phyllis
Luck, Member and Kerry Lafleur, Town Manager.
The meeting opened at 7:00 P.M. with the Pledge of Allegiance.
Public Comment:
Ms. Luck read an email from resident Dave MacDonald to the Board concerning the proposed debt exclusion
for the Pavement Management Plan funding. He stated he supported the plan funding but taxpayers are just
beginning to absorb the impact of the new Middle/High school project in their tax bills. Before we get extended
any further he hoped as a show of good faith some of the unused funding from the construction project would
be returned to help with other capital needs and at a minimum discussion of spending be more holistic and less
targeted. He asked for more focus on whole town needs so we can all benefit.
Mr. Ebersole announced the Lunenburg Water District Annual Meeting is Saturday, March 26 at 10:00 a.m.
Polls are open from 8:00 to 10:00 a.m for election of a commisioner and a moderator. At the meeting, an annual
budget will be presented for the next fiscal year as well as request to fund constructionof an office/garage and
purchase of a new utility body vehicle.
Mr. Toale reminded all about the various board/committee vacancies as well as elected positions.
Ron Smith, 110 Old Farm Road, came forward regarding the citizen petition on the Annual Town Meeting
warrant that requests the zoning change on Northfield Road. He was asking for direction on how to speak for
the article. Ms. Lafleur and Mr. Toale stated they could review it this evening since Mr. Smith was here.
APPOINTMENTS:
Request for Approval of 2016 Bicycles Battling Cancer Fundraiser Ride-June 12, 2016
Mark Walter appeared on behalf of the American Cancer Society to coordinate the Bicycles Battling Cancer
fundraiser. He stated some bicyclists would be coming through a portion of town. They will be instructed to ride
single file and obey all traffic rules. He is not looking to close down any roads. He was here tonight to request
approval for the ride. The route for the 70 and 100 mile routes would be coming through Lunenburg around
mile 18. They will be riding north on Route 70/Lunenburg Road and enter Lunenburg via Leominster/Shirley
Road approximately at 8:15 a.m. and exiting Lunenburg where Leominster/Shirley Road enters the Town of
Shirley. His expectation is the 175-200 cyclists would be leaving the Town around 9:00 a.m.
Ms. Bertam asked about insurance coverage. Mr. Walter stated he provide coverage with the Town being listed
as the certificate of liability holder.
Motion: R. Ebersole
2nd. T. Alonzo
To approve the ride through town contingent on insurance being provided with the town being listed as
the certificate holder
Discussion: Ms. Luck asked if the Police would be needed. Mr. Walter replied no as there are no locations that
needed to be attended by the Police. Chief Marino stated he had no concerns on the ride through town.
Vote: All in Favor
Mr. Walter thanked the Board and exited the meeting.
===PAGE 2===
Town Manager's Appointment of Reserve Officers: Meaghan B. Landry, Zachary L.Levasseur, John M.
Wagner
Police Chief Marino stated he would like to share a few thoughts before the appointment. He mentioned fallen
State Trooper Ken Clardy who had been buried today; Hillsboro County, Florida and former Falmouth native,
Deputy Sheriff John Kotfila, who had been killed by a wrong way driver. He also mentioned Virginia Police
Officer Ashley Guindon, who was killed on her first day of duty. These serve as a reminder of the dangers
police face daily. He noted a decline in police applications over the last year and cited instances of losing four
reserve police officers to other towns to full-time positions. He requested support for the department with
respect to retaining officers and recruiting reserve officers. He introduced the three candidates for appointment.
Ms. Landry has a Bachelor Degree in Business from FSU; she has interned with the Police Department. Mr.
Levasseur has a Bachelor Degree in Criminal Justice from FSU/Westfield State University and has interned
with the Police Department. Mr. Wagner, has an Associate in Science Degree in Criminal Justice from Mount
Wachusett Community College and a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice Degree from Fitchburg State
University. He has served two internships with the Lunenburg Police Department. Chief Marino highly
recommended their appointments. Mr. Alonzo thanked the Chief for his heartfelt mention of the fallen officers.
Motion: T. Alonzo
2": P. Bertram
To ratify the appointments of the reserve officers as presented
Vote: All in Favor
The Chief thanked the Board. Applause for the appointments resonated.
Review of Annual Town Meeting Warrant Articles
The Board began with Article #29; a request for a zoning designation change for 1026 Northfield Road from
"Recreational" to "Residence A." Ron Smith stated he requested the zoning change via citizen petition as the
back six acres of the eight acre property located at 1026 Northfield is designated recreational from a previous
developer who had requested it be changed in 1990. The developer is now gone and Mr. Smith owns the
property. He would like to change it back to "Residence A". Mr. Smith attended a Planning Board public
hearing on the requested change and the Planning Board voted to support it.
Motion: R. Ebersole
2nd; P. Bertram
That the Board of Selectmen recommend the zoning change to Town Meeting
Vote: All in Favor
Mr. Smith thanked the Board and exited the meeting
Warrant Article for Water District Discussion
Mr. Alonzo stated he had requested this discussion after the vote taken at the Water District Annual Meeting
last year to enlarge the district. He believed it would be better suited to have the Water Commission under town
government as many people already think it is a part of the town. He stated it seems not the best use of
resources to hold two separate annual meeting. It certainly has an impact with the resources that are being
provided in the Water District in the best interest of the people of Lunenburg, to be considered where water may
or may not go. If there was no Water District already in existence and we were going to start one, would it be a
separate entity or would it be under the Town? It would be its own division, have elected commissioners and
have its own enterprise fund. Elections would be held at the same time as town elections and meetings could be
televised. It would be easier and more transparent all around. He asked the Board to consider an article to ask
for special legislation to put it under the Town. He added he does not believe the Water Commissioners are not
doing a good job. This is just for better procedural and organizational processes. He stated he resides in the
Water District and did not even know there was an annual meeting until Mr. Ebersole mentioned it this evening.
Mr. Ebersole stated 75% of the town is now in the Water District. The Water District supports economic
development and that needs to be coordinated within the town. Regarding the Lancaster expansion proposal, it
took a lot of work to get another special meeting of the Water District and having that go through the town itself
is a better way of coordinating the future use of water needs, economic development and protection of water
resources. He supported the discussion moving forward.
Ms. Bertram said she was open to the conversation but she is not at a point where she would support going
forward to ask the town to vote on this. Does the town have the capacity to take on such a task, the cost and
impact from such transition? She believed there have been some improvements by the Water District, there is
===PAGE 3===
more transparency, they have a Facebook page and website notifications. From a business standpoint, there are
a lot of unanswered operational costs/questions. We should have those answers before we go to the voters.
Ms. Luck stated taking the Water District back into the town makes the most sense. If the Sewer and Water
Districts were combined there would be economies of scale and you might even be able to save the residents
who have water and sewer services money with more efficient billing. For MS4 permitting it would be easier to
coordinate the Town's response in dealing with storm water response if the Water District was under the Town.
Mr. Toale stated he was somewhere between the opinions of Mr. Alonzo and Ms. Bertram. He thought the
benefits of combining would outweigh the work required but he would want to be sure the town wanted us to do
that work and then figure out a way to do it. Mr. Ebersole stated they could create the article to form a citizens
committee to see if this is feasible.
Water Commissioner Dave Rodgers came forward. Mr. Rodgers stated there are appoximately 2400 water users
in this district. Has anyone contacted any of the customers to see if they had any complaints about the Water
District? Mr. Alonzo stated no. Mr. Rodgers asked if the Fire Chief or Police Chief had expressed any issues
with the Water District. There were none. Mr. Rodgers stated the district was established in 1939 because the
town did not want it. When sewer first came to town there was discussion about combinuing both water and
sewer. However neither entity wanted to combine with the other for a lot of different reasons. Historically,
whenever anyone has needed the services of the Water District, we have been there. Mr. Rodgers stated he was
surprised that Mr. Alonzo had not seen the meeting notice because the meeting is posted downstairs in Town
Hall, on their website, their Facebook page and it was published in the Sentinel & Enterprise.
Mr. Rodgers added if it's not broken, he didn't think they should try to fix it. It runs smoothly. They have
money in reserve to take care of maintenance. He stated he did not support the change and does not see the need
for it.
Jim Moisan, 12 Crescent Terrace, pointed out that the Sewer Department falls under the umbrella of the Town.
With all the miscommunication and lack of transparency with Pratt Street, who's problem was that? There were
some pretty angry people. There were a lot of people who were told one thing and got another. Ms. Luck stated
they misunderstood. He asked if the Sewer Department has its own employees now or are are there
subcontractors. The Board replied some of each.
Mark Bursch, 20 Buttonwood Place, also a Water Commissioner, stated he understood Mr. Alonzo's points but
felt since some things have been brought to light, the lines of communication are much better. If anyone wants
information, we are there. He personally did not see a reason to change something that is already doing the same
job. Mr. Alonzo stated he believed all townspeople should have a say in where their water resources will go.
He asked what would be your biggest concern if the town took over the Water District? Water District
Superintendent Fran McNamara came forward and stated he had been on the Water Commission in Townsend.
He saw how a town operated a water district. It was pathetic. It ties politics into the operation of the water
system. The employees unionized and it was all determined by what went on in the union contract by the Town
Manager and the Board of Selectmen. The commissioners who were in charge of the district, had no
discussions or any part of it. They tried to work policies and procedures from other town departments for the
Water District and it didn't work. It's not the same. Mr. Bursch stated to answer Mr. Alonzo's question; it is
the unknown. We have the known and it is working. Ms. Luck asked if the Water District would assist on the
storm water task force. Mr. Bursch stated yes they would
Motion: R. Ebersole
2": P. Luck
To come up with a town meeting article to study this topic and gather information
Discussion: Ms. Bertram asked if he was looking for any funding to do this. Mr. Ebersole stated no. Ms.
Bertram stated she still had a lot of questions concerning the advantages and disadvantages. If we are talking
about simply looking at the issue, she was not opposed to that. Mr. Ebersole clarified that the article would have
to be written appropriately and have the study be completed by a certain time. Mr. Alonzo stated if the town
voted to go forward, we would need some type of funding. Ms. Lafleur stated the warrant closes at 6:00 p.m on
Thursday so the Board would need to come up with the wording tonight unless they are going to have another
meeting before then. We are at the end of the budget process so she would need to know what amount of money
they are looking for and where they expect it to come from. Mr. Ebersole stated the article should state to see if
the Town would vote to establish a study committee to investigate the feasibility and the benefits and the cons
of having the Lunenburg Water District become a town department and to establish what are the major
===PAGE 4===
milestones. We could return to fall town meeting if funding is needed. Ms. Bertram asked Ms. Lafleur for her
opinion on this issue. Ms Lafleur stated it was easy enough to have a study committee. Her concern was the
amount of items already on this Board's plate; the amount of things they are trying to fix and the difficulty we
have in filling seats on committees. It's a significant item. Ms. Bertram stated there are a lot of basic questions
she has on this issue. She was concerned about adding additional work to the Selectmen's office or other
entities without having the resources to handle that. While she understood the merit of it, she was concerned
about being able to actually make it happen. Mr. Toale called for a vote.
Vote: 4 in favor, 1 opposed
Ms. Lafleur stated she would draft the wording for the warrant article based on the discussion. The Board
thanked the Water Department for coming in tonight. Mr. Toale suggested going to the debt exclusion warrant
article for the pavement management plan next. Ms. Lafleur reported that she asked bond counsel for the
wording of the article, the motion and the ballot question. She stated the dollar amount was $4 million instead
of $3.91 million due to some additional scenarios. There is an article request at Town meeting to authorize the
borrowing and because it is an exempt debt issue, there will be a ballot question. Based on some comments
made by the Finance Committee and this Board there were some concerns expressed on the financing. She
referred the Board to their packet which illustrated several borrowing scenarios. Scenario 1 shows the average
single family household (SFH) with an increase in taxes annually between $126 and $148. The total paid by the
SFH over seven years is $959.67. The work would have to be completed within three years under this scenario.
Ms. Lafleur then presented Scenario 1.1. Under this we would be looking at two different bond issues to give a
longer period of time to complete the work and to spread out the cost for the taxpayers. This is a fifteen year
payback and a lower annual impact. The annual impact to the SFH would range from $22 to $85 per year. The
total estimated cost to the average SFH would be $1099. Scenario 1.2 has two bond issues and has a seven year
term. The annual impact to the average SFH ranges from $50 to $139 annually with total estimated cost of
$958. Scenario 2.1 provides temporary financing in years 1, 2 and 3 and does the permanent financing in year 4.
There is a fourteen year term on the bonds. The annual impact to the SFH ranges between $2.57 and $100.22
and the total estimated cost to the average SFH is $1,133.24. Scenario 2.2 has the same borrowing model as 2.1,
but the payback is over a 7 year term. The annual impact to the average SFH ranges from $2.57 to $146.47
annually with the total estimated cost of $1,007.30. Ms. Lafleur stated this Board is able to decide the terms of
the financing but is not something they need to decide now. The average single family home is assessed at
$256,969. She referred the Board to a chart that showed the different ranges of assessed valuation of single
family homes and the number of them. She will figure in the average cost per home once the Board decides
which borrowing scenario to follow.
Ms. Lafluer presented figures on what has been expended on town roads since 2006 and what would be
expended from the operating budget up to year 2030 if the debt exclusion is approved. She did not include any
further annual increases in the Chapter 90 funding as that is an unknown. A key component would be for the
Board to commit via a written policy to increase the annual operating budget so in the future we get to a point to
fund road maintenance on an ongoing basis. This includes committing the first $50,000 collected in motor
vehicle excise taxes to the road maintenance from years 2018 through 2028.
Discussion about spending policies for capital expenditures ensued. Finance Committee member John Henshaw
reported that there was no specific policy limit on capital spending. He stated for large capital projects over
$100,000 the town could opt to borrow to finance them. Under $100,000 the policy advised not to borrow. But
there was no strict limit on capital expenditures as he recalled.
Motion: P. Bertram
2"°: R. Ebersole
To recommend approval of the debt exclusion article
Discussion: Mr. Toale stated as a Board they had decided to make the pavement management plan one of their
priorities for the year. Ms. Luck asked if the spending could be put off as they don't even know what the final
bill will be for the Middle/High School project. Mr. Ebersole stated that we already have the amount authorized
to borrow and if anything it could only go down. Ms. Bertram added that we know what the total tax impact
would be at the full cost of the project. Mr. Ebersole stated by removing the replacement of the turf field and
the added parking area, the cost is lowered by $1.5 million. Mr. Alonzo stated the townspeople will let us know
what they want. Roads (conditions) seem to be one of the highest priorities for townspeople. If we wait longer it
===PAGE 5===
will cost more money. Mr. Toale asked if they needed to decide on the financing option tonight. Ms. Lafleur
replied no, but a vote on the ballot question will be needed as they are running out of time.
Ms. Bertram stated she wanted to amend the above motion to include the question on the election ballot
Mr. Ebersole seconded the amendment.
Lorrie Kunz, 10 Rennie Street, stated when they were having the informational meeting with the Sewer
Department regarding the sewer installation, there was a line item that indicated residents were paying for the
road repairs from a betterment. She had requested clarification last August from Ms. Lafleur. It was her
understanding that her taxes already went to road repair and she didn't feel like she should have to pay twice for
the road. She was told the affected roads weren't going to be paved if they did not pay for it in the betterment.
The Sewer Commission was trying to make this project affordable and most residents were still not on board.
Ms. Kunz stated that she lives on an original road built in the 1960s that has not had anything done to it since.
She asked "So we are going to pay for this road in our betterment and now additional taxes as well?" Ms. Kunz
stated she felt like she has been double-crossed and is disappointed. It just is wrong for a small group of people
to pay twice for the same thing. Mr. Toale stated her point is reasonable. This current pavement management
plan was not known at the time those decisions were made. He agreed that this doesn't seem equitable and the
Board would look into it. Ms. Lafleur stated she had asked the DPW Director to provide numbers on the paving
cost in the project but he hasn't provided them yet. Ms. Kunz really hoped the Town could somehow figure out
a way that the residents of this road don't have to pay twice as it is an undue burden on them. She thanked the
Board. Mr. Alonzo wanted to clarify that when the residents of Rennie Street were initially told their road
would not be paved, it was true. Clearly it is a different story now. The Board needs to look very hard at what
mechanisms are available to correct this. Mr. Toale added the Board was committing to look further into this
situation. Ms. Lafleur stated the betterments for the current sewer project haven't been finalized. The paving is
going according to schedule. She added they are going to figure out the funding of it concurrently. The funding
from the debt exclusion is available if it passes at the ballot the day after the election.
Mr. Toale asked for movement on the motion. Ms. Luck asked for clarification on the motion wording.
Ms. Bertram stated "To recommend approval of the debt exclusion article for annual town meeting and
to include the question on the election ballot"
Vote: All in Favor
Ms. Lafleur stated Articles 1-6 are the reauthorization of revolving funds; the first is Ambulance Billing in the
amount of $65,000. The second is the Timber Rights revolving fund in the amount of $10,000. The third fund is
for Custodial Special Detail in the amount of $13,000. The fourth fund is the Green Thumb Program in the
amount of $5,000. The fifth is the Library Revolving Fund in the amount of $12,000. The sixth revolving fund
is for MART Transportation in the amount of $45,000.
Motion: P. Bertram
2: T. Alonzo
To recommend approval of Articles 1 through 6
Vote: All in Favor
Ms. Lafleur stated Article 7 is to hear and accept reports. Article 8 addresses prior fiscal year bills; there are
none anticipated at this time, but she wanted to keep this on the warrant in case anything comes up between
now and town meeting.
Motion: P. Bertram
21d: T. Alonzo
To recommend approval of Article 7
Vote: All in Favor
Motion: T. Alonzo
That the Board give a recommendation on Article 8 at town meeting
2nd. P. Bertram
Vote: All in Favor
Ms. Lafleur stated Article 9 addresses any FY 2016 budget adjustments and she suggested the Board make a
recommendation at town meeting.
Motion: R. Ebersole
That the Board give a recommendation on Article 9 at town meeting
2nd: T. Alonzo
Vote: All in Favor
===PAGE 6===
Mr. Toale stated Article 10 authorizes $10,000 for the market analysis of municipal buildings. He referred to a
handout listing the scope of services. He believed the actual cost will be less than $10,000.
Motion: R. Ebersole
To recommend approval of Article 10
2nd: P/ Bertram
Vote: All in Favor
Ms. Lafleur stated Article 11 is the collective bargaining agreement with the Firefighter's Union and the Board
approved this at a prior meeting. Year 1 of this agreement is FY2015 and the cost associated with this is
3,611.32. This will come out of the fiscal 2016 salary adjustment account.
Motion: T. Alonzo
2nd, P. Bertram
To recommend approval of Article 11
Vote: All in Favor
Ms. Lafleur stated Articles 12 and 13 are collective bargaining agreements with the DPW Union and Police
Union respectively. There are no settlements at this point, so she suggested the Board make a recommendation
at town meeting.
Motion:R. Ebersole
2nd: P. Bertram
To make recommendations for Articles 12 and 13 at town meeting
Vote: All in Favor
Ms. Lafleur reported Article 14 funds the Fiscal 2017 Capital Improvements Plan. The Board decided to wait
until their next meeting to read the report before making any recommendations.
Article 15 addresses the FY2017 Operating Budget. She referred to a handout on what she will be presenting to
the Finance Committee this Thursday at their FY17 budget public hearing. Ms. Lafleur is not looking for any
action regarding the budget tonight. Ms. Lafleur reported the Montachusett Regional Vocational Technical
School assessment came in higher than expected, producing a deficit of $65,648. There is a significant increase
in student enrollment. She will be proposing budget adjustments to remedy this. She added the Governor's
budget for Chapter 70 funding came in much higher than originally estimated. The Governor's budget includes
a 70% percent reduction in the Town's over-effort contribution toward foundation budget. Revenue adjustments
assume the Governor's Chapter 70 funding level will hold. If Chapter 70 is reduced as a result of the State's
final FY2017 budget, then there should be a corresponding reduction in the Lunenburg Public Schools FY17
appropriation.
Ms. Lafleur reported proposed expenditure reductions are $5,000 for Legal Expenses. She did not expect that
and Custody line items.
Due to the increase in the Lunenburg Public School appropriation and the Monty Tech assessment, Ms. Lafleur
is proposing a reduction of $10,000 in DPW/Storm Water management projects and $10,000 in Veteran's
Benefits. She proposed reductions of $5,000 in Unclassified, Unemployment Compensation and $24,967 in
Unclassified, Health Insurance. She reported she is reserving $8,510 for Salary Reserve Fund transfers and
reducing Retirement Buyback by $11,000. She is also reducing the Overlay account by $10,000 and changing
the transfer to the Stabilization Fund to $13,986.00. This is needed to maintain the 5% balance because the
expenditures are going up overall. Total adjustments are $293,700 with $291,523 coming from increased State
Aid.
Article 16 is a request from the Personnel Committee to consider a 2% Cost of Living Allowance (COLA) for
all non-union employees. The estimated cost is $14,000 and will come from the FY17 Salary Reserve account.
The non-union employee's salary grid has not been adjusted for A cost of living allowance since 2012.
Motion: R. Ebersole
2": T. Alonzo
To recommend approval of Article 16
Vote: All in Favor
Ms. Lafleur reported Article 17 is the request to transfer to the Stabilization Account the amount to maintain the
5% balance. If the budget numbers don't change before town meeting, the amount will be $99,851. This should
be voted on at the same time the FY 2017 operating budget article is recommended. Article 18 is the FY 2017
Sewer Enterprise Fund budget in the amount of $813,440.
===PAGE 7===
Motion: R. Ebersole
To recommend approval of Article 18
Ms. Lafleur requested the Board hold off on voting on Articles 19 and 20 until next week.
2nd. P. Bertram
Vote: All in Favor
Article 21 requests to partially rescind the borrowing authorization for the MS/HS project in the amount of the
bond premium that was received: $48,402.09.
Motion: I. Alonzo
2nd: P. Bertram
To recommend approval of Article 21
Vote: All in Favor
Ms. Lafleur reported Article 22 is the local acceptance of statute to establish the Public Education and
Government (PEG) Fund account. The proceeds of the cable license fees will be deposited into that account and
PACC's budget will be funded from that account.
Motion: P. Bertram
2nd. T. Alonzo
To recommend approval of Article 22
Vote: All in Favor
Article 23 establishes the Public Access Cable Committee's (PACC) FY17 budget in the amount of $74,031.
Motion: I. Alonzo
2id. P. Bertram
To recommend approval of Article 23
Vote: All in Favor
Article 24 requests to transfer from the Sewer Enterprise Fund to Reserve Capacity Stabilization Fund under the
jurisdiction of the Sewer Commission. The amount is $8,433.70.
Motion: R. Ebersole
To recommend approval of Article 24
2nd. P. Bertram
Vote: All in Favor
Articles 25 and 26 request to transfer the custody of the Brooks House and T.C. Passios Elementary School
from the School Committee to the Board of Selectmen respectively. She asked that the Board hold off until she
finalizes the plan next week. She hopes to present the finances involved behind it and the lot plan needs to be
determined
Motion: R. Ebersole
2"d: P. Bertram
To make recommendation at town meeting.
Vote: All in Favor
Article 27 is a request to grant a permanent easement for 1134 Northfield Road. The Board granted a license a
few months ago for the septic system installation.
Motion: P. Bertram
To recommend approval of Article 27
2nd. T. Alonzo
Vote: All in Favor
Article 28 (debt exclusion for pavement management plan) has been discussed earlier this evening. Further
discussion ensued on the wording of the previous motion regarding Article 28 this evening.
Motion: R. Ebersole
To recommend approval of Article 28
2"d: P. Bertram
Vote: 4 in favor, 1 opposed
Article 29 is the citizen petition article to amend zoning at 1026 Northfield Road from "Recreational" to
"Residence A" designation. It was approved earlier this evening.
Article 30 requests either the Board of Selectmen or the Parks Commission to negotiate a long term contract for
a cell tower generally located at the existing school turt field and for the School Committee to grant an
easement for utilities installation and maintenance. This is tied into funding for the existing turf field and Ms.
Lafleur recommended the Board hold off on this article for now.
Ms. Lafleur would recommend the same for Article 31 (potential doppler radar tower).
Motion: R. Ebersole
To make a recommendation at town meeting on Article 31
2'd: T. Alonzo
Vote: All in Favor
===PAGE 8===
Article 32 requests to amend the Comprehensive Wastewater Master Plan Phase IV report. The Board
requested further information from the Sewer Commission on Articles 32, 33, and 40.
Ms. Lafleur stated the next four articles (34, 35, 36,37) were zoning bylaw amendments. Article 38 is being
presented by the Agricultural Commission. A representative or the Land Use Director will be requested to
appear to expand on the articles. The Planning Board already held the public hearing for the amendments.
Ms. Bertram stated it would be helpful to know what is being changed versus getting the amended version. Mr.
Alonzo agreed. It would be very helpful to see the tracked changes.
Ms. Lafleur moved to Article 39 which is requesting borrowing authorization to replace the existing turf field.
That will be presented in a subsequent meeting. This project would be funded through user fees.
Motion: R. Ebersole
To make recommendation at town meeting on Article 39
2": T. Alonzo
Further information on past user fees collected and where that funding went was requested.
Ms. Bertram requested the Parks Commission present on this article.
Vote: All in Favor
Article 41 is a request to amend the Architectural Preservation District Commission (APD) bylaw and map.
Mr. Ebersole stated when the Town voted in the bylaw there were dueling maps. The map that was approved by
the Attorney General office was the Historic District Map. Land Use Director Burney has redefined the map and
it reflects what was voted on originally. Technical changes on some wording are also needed.
Motion: P. Bertram
2nd. REbersole
To recommend approval of Article 41
Vote: All in Favor
Article 42 grants temporary easements for the Summer Street construction project. Ms. Lafleur suggested
making a recommendation at town meeting. She is meeting with those involved in the project on Friday.
Motion: R. Ebersole
2nd. P. Bertram
To make recommendation at town meeting on Article 42
Vote: All in Favor
Ms. Lafleur stated the warrant for submitting articles for town meeting is still open through this Thursday at
6:00 p.m.
Minutes/Warrants/Action File Issues
Minutes of March 8, 2016 were approved. An accounts payable warrant in the amount of $474,548.91, a payroll
warrant in the amount of $688,065.30 and a deductions warrant in the amount of $153,862.28 were presented
for signatures.
Action File: Ms. Bertram requested that wetlands protection bylaw violations allegedly occurring at 101
Pleasant Street be added to their agenda. There are a number of abutters affected by this. In addition, there was
work done on town land that may result in an enforcement order from the Conservation Commission to the
Town. A site visit has been scheduled for April 2. Mr. Toale asked why this would not fall under the purview of
the Conservation Commission. Ms. Bertram replied because some of the unpermitted work occurred on town
land and it may become a legal issue. There may also be a safety issue as a gas pipeline was in the area. Mr.
Ebersole asked if this was conservation land. Ms. Bertram replied no, it is town property under our jurisdiction.
Ryan Stober, 275 Pleasant Street, stated he is not an abutter but he drives by there all the time. He first noticed
three months ago that there was no Notice of Intent filed. The person who owns 101 Pleasant Street bought the
land that abuts the Town land at auction, about 80 acres, and just started doing work behind Twin City Baptist
Church. Then he moved his equipment through town land because that was the only way to gain access to
Pleasant Street. The town land also abuts Mr. Stober's back yard. He walks his dogs back there and started
noticing excavation marks and land being disturbed. This raised some alarms for him. He noticed there were no
markings delineating wetland boundaries. That was when he called the Building Commissioner who told him
the owner had a driveway permit. This owner has put in a road not a driveway. Mr. Stober talked to the
developer on Saturday. He allegedly stated to Mr. Stober that it's his land and he can do what he wants to it. Mr.
Stober stated it is a mess over there because of the rain; the developer is now trucking in fill. Why isn't there a
===PAGE 9===
cease and desist order? Mr. Stober added if you check with Mike Sauvageau, the driveway plan is sketched on a
bar napkin and he approved it.
Ms. Bertram stated there is a forestry management plan for this property. Under the plan, they are exempt from
the Wetlands Protection Act. The Conservation Commission contacted the forester because one of the issues is
whether the commission has legal access to the property. Because the front of the property is not accessible
from Pleasant Street, the forestry management plan was removed from that section of the property. There are
wetlands violations on that section of the property. The commission did send a violation notice and then issued
an enforcement order. They asked him to appear and he failed to appear twice. They are now fining the owner
$100 per day for being in violation. He appeared at the hearing on Wednesday night, became very volatile and
was asked to leave the meeting. There is another meeting set up for April 6 with the Conservation Commission.
One of the abutters is questioning why the town has not issued a cease and desist because it is town property
and why the driveway permit has not been revoked. Mr. Stober stated he is still out there. This will be a future
agenda item.
Committee Reports:
Continuing with Conservation Commission, Ms. Bertram reported resident Greg Bittner expressed concern to
her that the abutters to 101 Pleasant Street have been denied their due process under local bylaws. There were a
number of other abutters present at the hearing that made the same complaint. There have been site visits on that
land. An engineering firm, Whitman and Bingham, has been engaged to address the violation. They reported
that straw wattles and siltation control devices have been placed. They are working on a plan delineating the
wetlands area. A Notice of Intent on the property was expected to be filed today. Fines would stop pending the
hearing if the NOI was filed. The hearing is scheduled for April 6"h at which time a remediation plan will be
presented
The Conservation Commission also approved a Notice of Intent for an addition to a single family home at 575
Reservoir Road. Another hearing for repair to an existing stone wall at 163 Hemlock Drive was continued to
another time. There was a Request for Determination of Applicability for construction of a 24' by 24' barn at 40
Page Street. That was approved. The hearing on Unitil was continued at request of the applicant. The High
Field Village off 961 Northfield Road public hearing was continued to the first meeting of May. The Planning
Board and MPO have not met.
Ms. Luck reported the School Committee met on March 16*.
'. They had a first reading of a policy on
Community Relations; on the community use of school facilities. The policy is posted on the school website
and the School Committee welcomes residents' comments. The ZBA is meeting on March 23rd to hear the
petition of Douglas Jackson, 93 Lancaster Road, Shirley, who has petitioned for a special permit for a single
family home at 436 Massachusetts Avenue, which is currently zoned as commercial. The Storm Water Task
Force will meet on March 24*. They will be discussing whether to join the Central Massachusetts Regional
Storm Water Coalition. The coalition has received a $50,000 grant from the Department of Environmental
Protection. They will be hiring a consultant and providing 8-10 MS4 implementation workshops. They will
also be producing stand-alone short form and long form videos on MS4 topics, produce public awareness tools
and outreach products. Ms. Luck is still waiting what would be required of membership roles and
responsibilities from them. She should have the information before the task force meets and she will be bringing
more information back to the Board.
Mr. Alonzo reported the Cable Advisory Committee met last night and reviewed the majority of the cable
survey results and the first draft of the PACC business plan. He stated for those who have stated in the surveys
that they wish Verizon would come to Lunenburg, it is not due to any exclusivity on the part of the Board of
Selectmen for Comcast, but that Verizon does not believe there is any market in Lunenburg.
School Building Committee meets Wednesday and will review recommendations from Superintendent Calmes
to remove the consideration of a new turf field and parking area. If those two go through, there will only be
three items left in the contingency to consider. They would be the maintenance garage, the digital sign for the
front of the school and the air cooling units. The total of all those three is around $700,000. The Finance
Committee is holding their public hearing on the FY17 budget this Thursday at 7:00 p.m.; it will be televised.
===PAGE 10===
Mr. Ebersole reported the Library is receiving grant funding via the Green Community Task Force for
replacement of their interior lighting with LED lighting. The Flemings reviewed the Library Trust Funds and
researched what they are able to use them for. They are looking at purchasing special books and other items.
They are continuing to update their policies.
Mr. Toale had no reports this evening. Mr. Lafleur had no further reports this evening.
The appointment of Animal Inspector was postponed until another meeting.
Mr. Toale reported their next meeting on April 5th conflicts with the Kinder Morgan pipeline public hearing at
the Lunenburg High School at 7:00 p.m. It was decided to meet at 5:30 p.m.
Public Comment: none
Motion: P. Bertram
To adjourn the meeting at 10:15 p.m.
2nd. T. Alonzo
Vote: All in Favor
Respectfully submitted,
Flaine M. Peterson
Executive Assistant to the Town Manager

========================================================================================
DOCUMENT : 2016-04-05-minutes-4963.txt
BOARD    : select-board
DATE     : 2016-04-05
KIND     : minutes
OUR COPY : https://lunenburgbudgetproject.org/docs/minutes/text/select-board/2016-04-05-minutes-4963.txt
TOWN PDF : https://www.lunenburgma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Minutes/_04052016-4963
========================================================================================

===OCR macOS Vision===
===PAGE 1===
BOARD OF SELECTMEN
MINUTES
Joseph F. Bilotta Meeting Room, Town Hall
April 5, 2016
The Board of Selectmen met in the Lunenburg Town Hall, Joseph F. Bilotta Meeting Room, as scheduled with
amie Toale, Chairman; Tom Alonzo, Clerk; Paula Bertram, Member and Phyllis Luck, Member
Not present: Robert Ebersole, Vice Chairman, and Kerry Lafleur, Town Manage
The meeting opened at 5:30 p.m. Mr. Toale announced their meeting was early because Board members would
le attending the Kinder Morgan pieline publi eating at unesburg High Schol Auditorin at at7:00 m, this
Public Comment:
Mr. Toale announced the last day to register to vote in the 2016 Annual Town Meeting (May 7) and the
Annual Election (May 21) is Thursday, April 14th from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. at the Town Clerk's office at 17 Main
He read vacant positions; Sewer Commissioner (1 two- year term, 1 one-year term, Assessor
(1 three -year term), Park Commissioner (1 three- year term) and Commissioner of Trust Funds (1 three- year
term).
CURRENT BUSINESS
1. ATM WARRANT ARTICLES
Mr. Toale started with Article 15, which funds the FY 2017 Operating Budget. Mr. Alonzo asked a member of
the Finance Committee if the amount listed, $33,802,328, was the amount the Finance Committee had
approved. She confirmed it was.
Motion: T. Alonzo
To approve Article 15 as presented
2nd: P. Luck
Vote: All in Favor
Article 17 requests a transfer of $99,851 to the Stabilization Fund.
Motion: T. Alonzo
To approve Article 17 as presented
2nd. P. Bertram
Vote: All in Favor
Article 18 requests approval of a sum of money to operate the Solid Waste Enterprise Fund.
Motion: T. Alonzo
To make a recommendation at town meeting on Article #18
2nd. P. Bertram
Vote: All in Favor
Article 19 requests to place $25,000 in the Lunenburg Water Department/Water Enterprise Fund for FY 2017.
Motion: T. Alonzo
2nd. P. Bertram
To recommend approval of $25,000 for the Water Department/Enterprise Fund
Vote: All in Favor
Article 21 creates an Inflow/Infiltration Stabilization Fund and places $14,520 into it.
Motion: T. Alonzo
To make a recommendation at town meeting on Article #21
Motion: T. Alonzo
To make a recommendation at town meeting on Article #43
2nd. P. Bertram
Vote: All in Favor
2nd. P. Bertram
Vote: All in Favor
===PAGE 2===
Motion: T. Alonzo
To make a recommendation at town meeting on Article 44
2"d. P. Bertram
Vote: All in Favor
Ms. Bertram asked that the person who submitted the petition for Article 44 (bi-monthly yard waste pickup)
come before the Board to present it further.
Mr. Toale presented five warrants for Annual Town Meeting for signatures and posting.
Carl Luck, 50 Sunset Lane, stated there was an article submitted by the Conservation Commission, is it in the
warrant? The Board confirmed it was (Article 43). The Board will be scheduling the Planning Board,
Conservation Commission, Sewer Commission and Agricultural Commission to come before them to present
their articles.
2. Minutes/ Warrants/ Action File Issues
Minutes of March 15, 2016 were presented for approval. An accounts payable warrant in the amount of
$309,182.83, a payroll warrant in the amount of $715,980.37 and a deductions warrant in the amount of
$453,350.45 were presented for signatures.
Resignation
Mr. Toale read the following letter: Due to personal reasons, it's with a heavy heart that I am submitting my
resignation from the Lunenburg Storm Water Task Force. This committee is a very important for the Town of
Lunenburg; I will continue to support Storm Water goals. I want to thank the Board of Selectmen and all of the
members of the Storm Water Committee for their hard work and giving me the opportunity to serve. Thank you.
Dave MacDonald
Motion: T. Alonzo
2"d. P. Bertram
To accept Dave Macdonald's resignation with regret
Vote: All in Favor
Mr. Toale thanked Mr. MacDonald for his service. Mr. Toale announced their next meeting would be on April
12th
". Ms. Bertram requested an update on the Pleasant Street town property on that agenda.
Public Comment:
Greg Bittner, 129 Pleasant Street, submitted a talent bank form for appointment to the Green Community Task
Force. Mr. Alonzo reminded those watching to attend the public hearing at the Lunenburg High School at 7:00
Ms. Bertram requested the town post these types of community events on the website. She added the Board
might want to have a Facebook page to post these events as well. Mr. Toale thanked the Board for coming in
early tonight.
Motion: P. Bertram
To adjourn the meeting at 5:52 P.M.
2nd: T. Alonzo
Vote: All in Favor
Respectfully submitted,
Elaine M. Peterson ete k.10M
Executive Assistant to the Town Manager

========================================================================================
DOCUMENT : 2016-04-12-minutes-4964.txt
BOARD    : select-board
DATE     : 2016-04-12
KIND     : minutes
OUR COPY : https://lunenburgbudgetproject.org/docs/minutes/text/select-board/2016-04-12-minutes-4964.txt
TOWN PDF : https://www.lunenburgma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Minutes/_04122016-4964
========================================================================================

===OCR macOS Vision===
===PAGE 1===
BOARD OF SELECTMEN
MINUTES
Joseph F. Bilotta Meeting Room, Town Hall
April 12, 2016
The Board of Selectmen met in the Lunenburg Town Hall, Joseph F. Bilotta Meeting Room, as scheduled with
Jamie Toale, Chairman; Tom Alonzo, Clerk; Paula Bertram, Member; Phyllis Luck, Member and Kerry
Lafleur, Town Manager
Not present: Robert Ebersole
The meeting opened at 7:00 p.m. with the Pledge of Allegiance.
Public Comment:
Ms. Luck announced the Lions Club will be hosting a pancake breakfast tomorrow morning at Eagle House
Senior Center. They will also be holding a pancake breakfast on Sunday, May 29* from 7:00 to 10:30 a.m.
Ms. Luck corrected a recent Fitchburg Sentinel article that reported that she had voted against placing the $4
million debt exclusion article for pavement management on the ballot. She stated that she had voted against
supporting the debt exclusion. She believed the voters cannot afford the debt ceiling to be raised any further at
this time. But she did believe it was up to the voters to decide on the question.
Ms. Luck reported rain barrels and compost bins are for sale at the DPW between 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday
through Friday. Payments can be made with cash or check. Compost bins are $43 and rain barrels are $56.
Ms. Bertram announced the Conservation Commission was restarting the "Walks in the Woods" program.
The first will be April 24" at 9:00 a.m. Meet at the Ritter Building first. The 2016 schedule will be posted on
the town website.
Mr. Alonzo thanked everyone who showed up for the DPU public hearing last Tuesday regarding the Kinder
Morgan gas pipeline. He also wanted to thank Dave Rodgers for serving forty years on the Water district
Commission. He wished him well in his retirement.
Mr. Toale, referring to Mrs. Luck's no vote regarding the pavement management debt exclusion article, stated
he strongly disagreed and supported the warrant article. He added it could be discussed further at a later date
when funding options are considered.
Lori Lehtinen, 359 Whalom Road, stated she would be presenting to the Board on May 3d on the citizen
petition article for bi-weekly curbside yard waste pickup. She requested the Board permit Town Manager
Lafleur to contact Casella Waste Services for a quote, for comparison only, for bi-weekly curbside yard waste
pickup. Ms. Lehtinen stated she did not have resources to dispose of her yard waste all year and she believed
there are other town residents who might want this service. Ms. Luck asked Ms. Lehtinen if she and others
would be willing to pay extra for this service. Ms. Lehtinen suggested yard waste and recycling materials be
alternated weekly for pickup; 26 weeks of recycling and 12 weeks of yard waste pick-up. She also suggested
residents purchase the container that would hold the yard waste. She is also trying to get quotes for only yard
waste pickup also. She will have more figures for the May 3° meeting.
Motion: T. Alonzo
2"d: P. Bertram
To authorize Ms. Lafleur to obtain a quote from Casella Waste Management for bi-weekly curbside yard
waste pickup
Vote: All in Favor
APPOINTMENTS
State Representative Jennifer Benson, State Senator Jennifer Flanagan & State Representative Stephan
Hay
===PAGE 2===
Rep. Benson echoed the well wishes for Dave Rodgers' retirement. She introduced Rep. Hay as the newest
member of the state delegation. Tomorrow the House budget is being released and the representatives will be
filing amendments to that budget. They will debate the budget the last week of April. She encouraged the Board
to check out the budget tomorrow and see where there may be issues that they care about and to let them know
by Friday at 5:00 p.m. The Governor's budget has a 3.5% percent increase and the House budget will have a 3%
increase. In general, the House budget comes out a little bit lower and gives the representatives opportunity to
add in specific issues for their towns in their region. Rep. Benson stated the Governor's budget did not fully
fund 40S. (Chapter 40S serves to reimburse towns for the additional costs of educating new school-age children
in smart growth districts.) She and Rep. Orrall from Lakeville will be filing an amendment to fully fund 40S.
Local aid has a 4.6% increase in the Governor's budget. Education aid was only a 1.6% increase and she stated
that they will be looking at that as well. Senator Flanagan reported the Senate would be reviewing the budget in
May; their budget tends to be a little bit higher because they have the April tax revenue numbers. She stated the
Senate is working with the Governor on the statewide opiod crisis and they are focusing on prevention this year.
Another issue is transportation dollars. They will have a better sense once the debates start.
Rep. Hay stated he is the new guy and will be looking for guidance from Rep. Benson and Sen. Flanagan for
what is important to Lunenburg. He added his job is to advocate for what the voters believe is in their best
interests. He encouraged people to call his office or send a text or email with their issues etc.
Mr. Alonzo commented on the (Ch. 70) foundation formula, asking for a partial deferral. He stated it is already
being met but we need to look at where we can reallocate as far as both revenues and expenditures. Rep. Benson
stated the changes in the foundation formula as reflected or recommended by the foundation budget review
commission; it is a share, because that would change the required local contribution. The 11.5% increase in
Chapter 70 does not take into account the increase that you would see here in town. This is why they
recommended a phase in of those increases because the first year would be a big hit for the state and the towns
to meet. This also represents going beyond what we are currently funding, so we have to be cognisant of this.
The new revenue suggested for this would be the millionaires' tax but it would not be available until 2017.
The Board thanked the delegation for coming in this evening. They exited the meeting. Since it was not time for
the second appointment, the Board continued with current business items.
CURRENT BUSINESS
1. Annual Town Meeting Warrant
The Board signed the five warrants for the Annual Town Meeting posting.
2. MART Van Options- MART or Town Ownership
Ms. Lafleur reported the Board received a letter from MART stating the MART van being used in Lunenburg
has exceeded its defined useful life based on the van age. MART has requested which option the Town would
like going forward. The Town can keep the van in MART's ownership and allow it to be incorpoarted into the
existing MART fleet or Lunenburg can have the title and vehicle signed over to the Town. COA Director Sue
Doherty wrote a letter to the Board recommending the Town keep the MART van in MART's ownership and
allow it to be incorporated into the MART fleet.
Motion:T. Alonzo
To keep the van in MART's existing fleet
2n°.P. Bertram
Vote: All in Favor
Update on 225 Pleasant Street- Conservation Commission
Land Use Director Adam Burney presented a timeline on events. There was a driveway application filed in
November 2015 for 101 Pleasant Street for a single family home. It was located 105 feet from an open body of
water. The driveway permit was issued. Work began and there were some complaints filed. The Chair of the
Conservation Commission met with the property owner on site and it was determined there was a wetlands
violation. An enforcement order was issued and it was determined a Notice of Intent (NOI) needed to be filed.
The conservation agent went out around the beginning of 2016 to flag the wetlands. An engineer followed and
established a survey of the wetlands. The property owner was not timely in applying for the NOI so there was
an administrative hearing conducted by the Conservation Commision. The owner failed to appear. At that point
the commission began applying daily fines to the property owner for work within a buffer zone without a
permit. The owner attended another administrative hearing and filed a NOI which required a site visit. In the
===PAGE 3===
meantime, the property owner had filed for a forestry permit from the Massachusetts Department of
Conservation (DCR), allegedly in an attempt to log the site and potentially escape enforcement through the
Conservation Commission. Mr. Burney, some of the commissioners, the property owner, his engineer and Ms.
Bertram went on the site visit of 101 Pleasant Street. In response to information that had been submitted, they
continued on to the town land located at 225 Pleasant Street. They observed there had been filling in of
wetlands and gravel excavation on the town land adjacent to the wetlands. It was alleged that the owner of 101
Pleasant Street did this work. That information had been passed on to the Town Manager with a request from
Conservation to send a cease and desist letter for crossing town land with machines and other motorized
vehicles, which was issued by Town Counsel.
At their meeting last week, the Conservation Commission issued enforcements orders for additional work at
101 Pleasant Street and for the filling of wetlands and river bank on town property at 225 Pleasanat Street. The
Town is under an enforcement order at 225 Pleasant Street. Corrective action is required to remediate. The
Town can remove gravel and revegetate the slope under the enforcement order without any further filing with
Conservation. The other option is the Town can file a Notice of Intent, have a public hearing and then doing the
same kind of remediation listed above. The Town is the responsible party as they are the property owners
whether or not they did the work in the wetlands area.
Mr. Alonzo asked Mr. Burney if the Town had evidence that shows that the alleged person did the work on
town property. He added that the Town could remediate the area and the property owner at 101 Pleasant Street
could go back in on town land and commit another wetlands violation and the Town would be liable again. Mr.
Burney stated they do have evidence but he was not sure if it would meet legal standards. There are some things
the Town could do to prevent further violations in the future. He added there are rights of ways for utilities there
and high tension lines owned by Unitil. These two easements converge right around where the town property is.
Kinder Morgan had placed large concrete blocks and a gate at the easement entrances to prevent four-wheeling
activity there. The Town could work with the utilities to place additional blocks and/or a constructed gate
across the easement in the vicinity.
Ms. Bertram suggested before the Town jumps in and does the work, to approach the property owner of 101
Pleasant Street through legal channels or conversation to see if he would remediate the area to avoid legal action
as she did not believe the taxpayers should have to pay for this.
Mr. Burney stated the Town has thirty days from receipt of the enforcement order (today's date) to come up
with a remediation plan. Discussion ensued about how to proceed going forward with the remediation.
Mr. Toale summarized the discussion. The Town has thirty days to remediate the 225 Pleasant Street property.
The Town will reach out to the 101 Pleasant Street property owner and/or his engineer and see if they will
include remediation plans for 225 Pleasant Street while they are doing the remediation for 101 Pleasant Street at
their expense and do the remediation work on the town property as well. If they refuse, the Town will take legal
action for damages. Ms. Lafleur and Mr. Burney will address this task.
Mr. Toale asked for any public comment on this issue before moving on to the agenda. Greg Bittner, 129
Pleasant Street, stated he was a direct abutter to the property. He presented some "before" and "after" photos of
the town land. He also presented a map that was submitted with the driveway permit application showing
property lines. Mr. Bittner stated he did witness the 101 Pleasant Street property owner working on the town
land.
Mr. Toale stated the next Current Business items would be handled in the workshop later tonight.
Minutes/ Warrants/ Action File Issues
The Board signed an accounts payable warrant in the amount of $373,303.60.
Committee Reports:
Mr. Alonzo reported the School Building Committee approved three items on the contingency list; the
maintenance garage, the air cooling system and the digital sign for Mass Ave. There are no longer any other
remaining contingency items. Total cost of these 3 items is approximately $740,000.
Ms. Bertram reported Conservation Commission has received an email from the state forester regarding 101
Pleasant Street stating that a number of areas that were previosly included in the forestry plan will be excluded
===PAGE 4===
and therefore will come under the Conservation Commission jurisdiction. There will be a subsequent
enforcement orders issued on the property. Unitil attended the Conservation Commission meeting regarding
357 Electric Avenue and informed that they have added a stormscepter for hazardous materials filtration and
stormwater pollution control. They also acted on a number of other public hearings.
She did not attend the Planning Board hearing but there was a public hearing for 203 W. Townsend Road for a
stormwater plan for five homes. MPO met on March 31 and Ms. Bertram was elected Subregion 3
Representative for another term. Gary Luca of Ayer was selected as the alternate.
Motion: T. Alonzo
To appoint Ms. Luck as the designee for MPO
2"': P. Bertram
Vote: All in Favor
There was no further public comment.
Mr. Toale reported the next Board meeting will be April 19 and there will be presentations on several of the
annual town meeting warrant articles. The Board will be recessing to a workshop format momentarily. The
televised portion of the meeting ended at 7:15 p.m.
Mr. Toale presented the following agenda for the workshop:
1. BOS Goals & Accomplishments to date
2. BOS FYI Goals
3. BOS On-going Goals
4. Town Manager performance against BOS Goals
5. Town Manager Goals & Accomplishments
6. Town Manager Annual Evaluation
7. Finalize BOS Roles & Responsibilities in connection with other Boards & Committees
8. Revise Agenda Template
9. Prioritize Outstanding "To Do" & Agenda Items
The first item addressed was the Outstanding "To Do" and Agenda Items list (#9). The Board updated the list:
925 Mass Ave. (gas station), Municipal towing contract, Town Economic Development plan, Donation Policy,
Rotary at Whalom, crosswalks need to be identified, Review of Abandoned Properties, Review track and field
user fee proposal from the Parks Commission, Personnel metrics/performance management/ merit pay
discussion with labor counsel, Convert Green Communities Task Force to committee status, Public Access to
Lake Shirley, Retirement Health Insurance issues, Review/approve Traffic Rules and Orders, Adopt Tollbooth
Fundraiser Request Policy, Community Compact, Memorial Day Committee formation, Discussion of
Committee Membership; alternate members/increasing committee membership, Town Manager Evaluation
Form, Roles of Board of Selectmen members, Extra-large PAYT trash bags, Building Reuse/ Market Analysis,
Marshall Park, Facilities Maintenance/Consolidation, Social Media/FB page.
Discussion ensued on how to solicit volunteers for committees. Should the volunteer appreciation social be
combined with a recruitment night? A suggestion was made to have a spaghetti supper or another event where
committee chairs or department heads are present to explain their roles to the prospective volunteer or to
brainstorm on how to attract to more volunteers. Another suggestion was made to send emails out to the dept.
heads to solicit feedback.
Discussion turned to the Town Manager evaluation form. Suggestion made to amend the form tonight was not
agreed on because it would not be fair to the Town Manager to change the form midway through the process. If
there are ideas to change it, please let Mr. Toale know. Mr. Toale added that Ms. Lafleur may not have
===PAGE 5===
accomplished some of her goals due to assisting the Board attain some of theirs. Mr. Toale directed the Board
members to their packet and the BOS goals. He suggested coming up with a list of their accomplishments. Ms.
Bertram noted the establishment of the storm water task force. Mr. Alonzo suggested reviewing the BOS
agendas to see what they have done to date.
Mr. Toale provided some suggested dates for future work:
• ATM - 5/7/16
• BOS Accomplishments due 5/10/16
• Town Manager Evaluation due to Chair by 5/17/16
• Town Election - 5/21/16
• BOS Reorganization - 5/24/16
• FY17 Goals set for BOS & Town Manager - June Workshop
Mr. Alonzo suggested focusing on one item versus many during these workshop meetings.
Discussion on economic development came next. Ms. Bertram stated the hardest aspect of this issue is to
market our town. What kind of image do we want to portray in order to attract more business? Mr. Alonzo
stated as an example the town has a lot of trails for hiking and cross country skiing. What kind of businesses)
would serve the trails? Ms. Bertram suggested polling neighboring towns to see if they offer any related
services too and promoting the town jointly.
She also suggested inviting people/businesses to help vision what they think town should be. Ms. Bertram stated
she pictured the town as being an outdoors activity spot via ecotourism.
Ms. Luck suggested that the town needs a more attractive website.
Mr. Toale asked if the workshop forum once a month works. The Board agreed. The workshops and topics
should be scheduled in advance so research can be done in preparation.
Motion: P. Bertram
To adjourn the meeting at 8:25 p.m.
20°: T. Alonzo
Vote: All in Favor
Respectfully submitted,
iren receive
Elaine M. Petersor
Executive Assistant to the Town Manager