# select-board — 6 documents, concatenated for reading and search # # This is a CONVENIENCE BUNDLE, not a source. Every document below is # published separately and byte-identically; cite the individual file, # whose path is given in each header, rather than this bundle. # Index of all boards: https://lunenburgbudgetproject.org/minutes/INDEX.txt # The town's own scanned original is linked per document. ======================================================================================== DOCUMENT : 2016-10-18-minutes-4991.txt BOARD : select-board DATE : 2016-10-18 KIND : minutes OUR COPY : https://lunenburgbudgetproject.org/docs/minutes/text/select-board/2016-10-18-minutes-4991.txt TOWN PDF : https://www.lunenburgma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Minutes/_10182016-4991 ======================================================================================== ===OCR macOS Vision=== ===PAGE 1=== RECEIVED & FILED NOV 1 € 2016 LUNENBURG TOWN CLERK OFFICE BOARD OF SELECTMEN MINUTES Joseph F. Bilotta Meeting Room, Town Hall October 18, 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 Interim Town Manager David Marciello The meeting opened at 7:00 p.m. with the Pledge of Allegiance. PUBLIC COMMENT: Mr. Alonzo reminded all of the Homecoming Parade and new school dedication on Saturday, October 22° Open House at the school is from 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. The parade begins at 12:00 and the ribbon cutting commences at 12:45 p.m. outside by the main entrance, weather permitting and inside the auditorium if weather doesn't cooperate. A reception with refreshments will follow. The football game begins at 2:00 p.m. with parents and player recognition at 1:45 p.m. Mr. Toale reminded all that October 19' is the last day to register to vote in the November 8th Presidential election. The Town Clerk office will be open from 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Their hours on Thursday will be from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. They are closed on Friday. Kathy Murray presented on behalf of the Lunenburg Family Giftmart to request use of the T.C. Passios Building for their charity event in December. Lunenburg Family Giftmart was created because of an identified need in the community. Through the generosity of the community they have been able to offer a way for Lunenburg families in need to shop for free. They work with St. Boniface Church, the Lions Club, the Lunenburg Food Bank and the Lunenburg School District. This is a one day, invitation only event. For the past seven years the event had been held at St. Boniface Church, which is unavailable this year. They are coming to the Board with this time sensitive, emergency request. Their fundraising and gift collections must begin immediately to ensure the success of the event; however without a guaranteed space they cannot do so. She stated she had met with Facilities Director John Londa yesterday to work out the details. Mr. Toale stated the tenants were contacted and there is no issue with the event. Motion: P. Bertram 2"d: T. Alonzo To approve use of the T.C. Passion Building for the Lunenburg Family Giftmart as outlined Vote: All in Favor Ms. Murray thanked the Board and exited the meeting. John Londa presented an update on contract negotiations for two solar projects; Solect Energy for the rooftop solar arrays on the DW Building and the Middle/High School and the Borrego net-metering agreement for the Town. Mr. Londa presented risks of each the contracts that the Board should be aware of. He stated he has been working with the Interim Town Manager, legal counsel and Solect Energy's legal counsel to work out the details and they are at a point where they both either agree or walk away from the negotiations. The Board will discuss these further at their next meeting. They requested copies of contracts of other solar projects for comparison before the next meeting. Trish Domigan - VHB- Summer Street Project Update Ms. Domigan reported the 75% plan, which means it is 90% completed, was submitted to Mass DOT in May of this year. She added they are moving the project along to final design which is very exciting. The advertisement date is May 6, 2017. The entire project construction cost is $9.9 million right now. Mass DOT ===PAGE 2=== asks for updates on the construction cost regularly. All of the environmental permitting is completed. They will now be going to the property owners concerning easements and are in the process of scheduling a neighborhood meeting to talk to the Lunenburg property and business owners along Summer Street for the beginning of November. There are 26 temporary and 6 permanent easements that are required for the project. Most of the permanent easements are on MBTA property. She will be scheduling a meeting with them next week. Appraisals are scheduled for January 2017. VHB will be coming to your meeting next April to present the takings and will prepare a right of way certificate and return it to MASS DOT for approval. The Board requested wording for the easements by the end of March in time for Annual Town Meeting approval. Discussion turned to the additional cost of $120,000 due to a change order. Ms. Domigan also stated construction phase services are not included in the final cost of $9.9 million. This is when the contractor submits shop drawings such as any plan interpretations or clarifications. The cost will be distributed through all three communities. The Board thanked Ms. Domigan for coming in this evening. CURRENT BUSINESS 1. Election Ballot Questions Forum Mr. Toale polled the room for interest on each of the four ballot questions. Mike Mackin, 26 Cortland Circle, School Committee and School Building Committee Chairman, presented on Question 2. Question 2 would give the state Board of Elementary and Secondary Education the authority to approve 12 new charter schools or to expand existing charter schools as a result of increased enrollment each year beginning on January 1, 2017. Priority would be given to those charter school applicants who seek to open a charter school in public school districts that are in the bottom 25 percent in the two years before application. Further, the Board would establish standards by which annual performance reviews would be judged. Mr. Mackin was asking voters to vote "no" on Question 2. Mr. Mackin stated he was speaking as a resident. He stated there is nothing in Question 2 that addresses quality, financing or the current problems in financing our public schools. Public schools serve children in thirteen categories of disabilities, charter schools do not. This has a budget impact. There are 180 school districts that have passed resolutions opposed to Question 2. He named several organizations opposed to Question 2. He concluded by saying he is not against charter schools just the impact on the school system. He stated it should be up for public forum discussion. He thanked the Board for their time and hoped that they would discuss it. Dave Rodgers, 82 Highland Street, spoke of his grandson who lives in Fitchburg, who attended parochial school and a public school in Fitchburg. He was accepted into The Sizer School, a charter school. He just received his report card and got five Bs and one A. The issue that is most important to Mr. Rodgers is the direct result of a charter school education for his grandson. He also wanted to disclose that he is on the Foundation Board of the Sizer School. In terms of fiscal responsibility and management, they are very well run. He personally is in tavor of funding charter schools. He thanked the Board and stated he agreed with Mr. Mackin that the subject needed more debate and discussion. Mr. Alonzo thanked both for coming forward and thanked Chairman Toale for putting this on the agenda. He believed having a forum on this item and others that impact this town are important. Mr. Alonzo stated he was opposed to voting yes for Question 2. You are taking a single funding stream and splitting it. Those charters are not overseen by publicly elected bodies that have direct accountability to taxpayers. The idea that there is a lottery to choose students creates a poorly competitive system that leaves the current school system at a loss for funds. The public school system has no choice on where people want to go. For those reasons, he is opposed to voting in favor of Question 2. Mr. Ebersole stated he is concerned with the privatization of the school system. He is appreciative of the good charter schools we have in the area and the success rates for some of those students, but is concerned with the economics. There is no cap on these additional charters and that is why he opposed to Question 2. Mr. Toale thanked those who spoke tonight and encouraged everyone to vote. 2. MART Proposal/MOU Regarding COA Van This item is a transportation service contract by and between MART and the Town of Lunenburg. Ms. Luck reviewed contract details. The contract states that the Lunenburg Council on Aging (COA) elects to perform and operate transportation services during normal business hours for elderly and disabled residents. Lunenburg ===PAGE 3=== would provide their drivers' workers' compensation and liability insurance. The contract is for three fiscal years. MART will reimburse the Town up to 20% of this position's monthly salary. They will also reimburse the Town for all eligible expenses related to the operations of the COA transportation services. The Town would also insure the van under their insurance policy. The Town will lease the vans from MART for $1.00 per year. There is also an option to have MART take over the van transportation service. They would use their own drivers and can't assure that they would hire the current Lunenburg employees to work for MART. A cost comparison of the Town and MART operating the van service was provided. MART's costs would be around $89,000. Lunenburg's costs would be around $80,000 to $90,000. MART would like the Town to sign the contract by November 1st !. Discussion ensued about using the MART service and their drivers or Lunenburg using their own drivers and the differences. Mr. Ebersole asked if the auto insurance and the claims that need to be paid are being paid out of the insurance account or the Council on Aging budget. Mr. Marciello stated the existing $3,500 bill would be paid and MART would reimburse the Town up to $2000. Mr. Ebersole wanted to make sure that the Council on Aging is made aware of whatever claims are to be paid and it becomes public record as a part of this review process. Motion: R. Ebersole 2'': P. Luck To approve the Transportation Service Contract as presented by MART Mr. Ebersole noted there is a clause that the Town can back out of the contract with 60 day notice. Discussion ensued about the one year trial. Concern was expressed about additional costs and liability with this contract. It was requested to continue this discussion on a future agenda. Mr. Ebersole asked if there was a previous contract that has expired with MART. Mr. Marciello stated he would find out. Mr. Ebersole withdrew his motion. Ms. Luck seconded. Further information on refused calls and the cost of workers' compensation was requested to be provided before a vote is taken. COA Director Doherty and the Finance Committee should be invited to participate in the discussion. 3. Request for Proposals for Legal Counsel Discussion Mr. Toale referred the Board to the draft Request for Proposal for Legal Services. Mr. Marciello asked the Board when they want the RFP advertised and what deadline to submit. Discussion about the timing ensued. 4. Request to waive building permits fees for DPW and School Solar project installations Mr. Alonzo asked what has been the past practice for the other projects. Mr. Londa stated he could not recall how Turkey Hill Middle School project was handled. He did state the contract states the contractor is responsible for building permit fees. After some discussion, the Board took no action. 5. Notice of Removal from C.61B: Recreational to Residential Use of 200 Reservoir Road Mr. Marciello stated the Town has been notified that the Larkin property composed of approximately 20 acres and located at 200 Reservoir Road is being removed from Chapter 61B recreational status and changed to residential. The Town has the First Right of Refusal and would have 120 days to exercise its option to purchase. The Town would have to pay for an impartial appraisal of the property and in order to purchase it would require town meeting approval. The property owners will pay the back taxes on the property. The Board requested feedback from the pertinent departments. It was also suggested to inform the Lunenburg Water district as their property abuts this land 6. Montachusett Joint Transportation Committee (BOS) Representative Appointment This position would be an alternate to attend meetings in the event the Planning Board designee, Ken Chenis, cannot attend. Also needed is the MRPC representative. After some discussion it was decided to advertise for volunteers to represent the Board of Selectmen for both positions. 7. Special Town Meeting Discussion Two dates were offered for a Special Town Meeting, November 28" and December 5'. '. Mr. Marciello presented some possible warrant articles for the Special Town Meeting. Motion: R. Ebersole 2nd, :T. Alonzo ===PAGE 4=== To open the warrant for a Special Town Meeting on November 28'2016 and close it on Tuesday, October 25 at 6:00 p.m. Vote: All in Favor 8. Vote to send Letter (Certified Copy of Votes) to Dept. of Education Mr. Marciello reported a letter needs to be sent to the Commissioner of Elementary and Secondary Education requesting permission to lease the rooftop and related space on the Middle/High School for the solar project with Borrego. Motion: 1. Alonzo 2': P. Luck That the Middle/High School rooftop space be declared surplus and the leasing of that space for the purpose intended will not interfere with educational programs, and that a letter be sent to the Commissioner of Elementary and Secondary Education requesting approval for the leasing of the surplus space on the roof of the Lunenburg Middle/High School Mr. Ebersole requested a rendering or design illustrating how the solar array will look on the school. Mr. Toale requested this be part of the package when the discussion on this project occurs. Mr. Londa reported the design would include the two shingled south-facing roofs. The bulk of the panels would be on the flat roof. He stated he would bring something back for the Board to view. Mr. Alonzo asked if we ended doing the same project with a different company would we have to write another letter. Mr. Marciello stated if things change and something is different, we would have to go back to the Department of Education. Vote: All in Favor Mr. Toale signed the letter. 9. Minutes/Warrants/Action File Issues Minutes of November 4, 2014 and October 4, 2016 were approved. A payroll warrant in the amount of $720,200.91; a payroll deductions warrant in the amount of $163,155.11; an accounts payable warrant in the amount of $149,702.24; a middle/high school construction warrant in the amount of $985,713.01 and a void payroll warrant in the amount of -$338.01 were signed. There were no action file issues. 10. Committee Reports: Mr. Alonzo reported Cable Advisory Committee did not have a quorum at their last meeting. Their next meeting is December 12. PACC continues to work on their business plan. The School Building Committee met and progress on construction continues; front fields are being sodded, the greenhouse is near completion and the outdoor classroom is being finalized. The funding is coming in $4.3 million under budget. There are very few things that would add to that, but there may be some minor change orders. The School Building Committee will not be meeting regularly after their December meeting because anything that is left will be sporadic. Ms. Bertram reported Conservation Commission is meeting tomorrow night. The "Walks in the Woods" continues on Sunday, October 23°° at 9:30 am; please meet at the Ritter Building. Montachusett Planning Organization (MPO) meets tomorrow at 1:00 p.m. and the Planning Board meets on October 24t Ms. Luck reported the School Committee is meeting tomorrow evening. The next Storm Water Task Force meeting is October 27*. The Central Mass Regional Stormwater Coalition is sponsoring a workshop on Friday, October 28th. ". There is going to be a stormwater financing forum on November 15 and 16 at the University of New Hampshire/Durham. The Zoning Board of Appeals is hearing a petition from Asian Imperial Garden for expanded parking. The proposed layout does not meet zoning requirements. They are also hearing the petition of a homeowner at 172 Leominster Road to live in an existing building on site while constructing a new home. They would then demolish the older building. Mr. Toale reported Building Reuse met last night and reviewed the Requests for Proposals on the municipal buildings as well as a visionary proposal for the town center. They are awaiting the assessment of the properties. Capital Planning met this afternoon and reviewed the one year and fifteen year plans of the Police Department. ===PAGE 5=== 11. Town Manager Report Interim Town Manager Marciello reviewed his report with the Board. Mr. Marciello has compiled information the Pay as You Throw larger bags. More information is coming. Kabob-e-licious did not meet the deadline for submitting their alcohol server training certification. A hearing will be scheduled to address this. Mr. Marciello will be out of the office next week from Tuesday through Thursday to attend MCPPO training in Boston. He is awaiting further data for coming into compliance with a USDA survey request regarding Meadow Wood Trailer Park. Mr. Marciello reported he made an emergency appointment of Sheila Craigen as temporary Accounting Clerk to assist in the back up of work in the accounting office due to the permanent person being on medical leave. Motion: R. Ebersole 2"d: P. Bertram To ratify the appointment of Shelia Craigen as temporary Accounting Clerk Vote: All in Favor Mr. Marciello presented meeting notes formatting to the Board. The Board stated one modified agenda with bullets was acceptable. The Board discussed whether they would meet on October 25'. ' They will schedule a meeting and cancel if the information is not ready by then. Mr. Marciello exited the meeting. 12. Town Manager Interview Schedule Discussion Mr. Toale stated the three finalists will be notified of their interview times and the formats for the November 8 and 15 meetings. Discussion on the process ensued. The Board reviewed draft questions for the applicants. Responses to the written questions will be returned to the Board in advance. A 10- 15 minute presentation on economic development will be presented on the 15' '. A meeting schedule was reviewed as well. PUBLIC COMMENT: Dave Rodgers, 82 Highland Street, stated he spoke to Facilities Director John Londa and it would take 60 days to complete the solar project. It must be substantially completed by the 8'" of January. His point was time is of the essence. He also expressed concern about the Summer Street easement project. He wondered if the Town should give the Board permission at the Special Town Meeting to proceed forward with the easement taking It was noted there is not enough time to create that article in time for the Special Town Meeting. Motion: P. Bertram To adjourn the meeting at 10:33 p.m. Vote: All in Favor 2''': T. Alonzo Respectfully submitted, Claim. Peterson Elaine M. Peterson Executive Assistant to the Town Manager RECEIVED & FILED NOV 1 6 2016 LUNENBURG!?" : CLERA! / : ! ======================================================================================== DOCUMENT : 2016-10-25-minutes-4992.txt BOARD : select-board DATE : 2016-10-25 KIND : minutes OUR COPY : https://lunenburgbudgetproject.org/docs/minutes/text/select-board/2016-10-25-minutes-4992.txt TOWN PDF : https://www.lunenburgma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Minutes/_10252016-4992 ======================================================================================== ===OCR macOS Vision=== ===PAGE 1=== Of 1s fit BOARD OF SELECTMEN MINUTES Joseph F. Bilotta Meeting Room, Town Hall October 25, 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 and Phyllis Luck, Member Not present: Interim Town Manager David Marciello The meeting opened at 7:00 p.m. with the Pledge of Allegiance. Mr. Toale thanked the Sewer Commission for moving their meeting to the Department of Public Works this evening so this meeting could be televised. PUBLIC COMMENT: Mr. Alonzo thanked everyone who came out for the ribbon cutting ceremony at the new Middle/High school. He thanked Mr. Toale and Mr. Mackin, Superintendent Calmes, Representative Tsongas and Representative Benson for their comments. Mr. Toale noted the three excellent student speakers also. Mr. Toale announced Eagle House Senior Center is holding a flu shot clinic on October 27" between 9:00 and 11:00 a,m. Anyone over six months of age can get a shot. Please bring your health insurance card. This is only for basic flu shots. John Baker, 53 Chase Road, who has experience in the court system spoke against voting in favor of Question 4 on the election ballot. APPOINTMENT Mr. Toale asked Dave MacDonald, 155 Island Road, to come forward regarding his request to be appointed to the Personnel Committee. Town Moderator Tim Murphy has submitted a letter of recommendation for Mr. MacDonald to be appointed. Motion: R. Ebersole 2'': T. Alonzo To appoint Dave MacDonald to the Personnel Committee with a term to expire June 30, 2019 Vote: All in Favor Mr. MacDonald thanked the Board and urged residents to volunteer on committees. Mr. Toale stated there were two more vacancies on the Personnel Committee. There is also a vacancy in the member at large seat on Capital Planning. The Board is seeking representatives to serve on behalf of the Board on Montachusett Regional Planning Commission (MRPC) and the Montachusett Joint Transportation Committee (MJTC). CURRENT BUSINESS 1. MART Proposal/Memorandum of Understanding regarding van transportation (continued) COA Director Sue Doherty presented to answer questions regarding the MART van service in Lunenburg. She reported she has been working with Ms. Luck and Interim Town Manager Marciello on this item. They have come up with some good ideas and possible scenarios. They have compared keeping the MART service, with some enhancements, run by the Town to MART providing the service to residents. One idea is to have a driving consultant work with the drivers. There is also a defensive driving track in West Boylston for training with the MART van and another in North Andover. She stated other towns are in the same situation interested in coming to Lunenburg to participate. MART has offered to come to Lunenburg to train the drivers on using a tablet to report their daily inspections. She stated they did a comparison of both the Town and MART costs for ===PAGE 2=== providing the transportation services. Discussion ensued on the pros and cons of both services. Issues include time and availability of service, auto liability and workers' compensation, Medicare, and dispatch costs. Ms. Doherty stated she wanted to make it clear that all the unreported incidents cited by MART were not under her supervision; these incidents occurred before her COA Director appointment. She stated there have been a couple of incidents since she was appointed and they were addressed immediately with the Town Manager and MART. She stated we want to keep the service in town. Mr. Ebersole asked if she was the drivers' supervisor. She stated she was. He asked if the drivers' driving records were checked periodically. She stated this was discussed in her conversation with Mr. Marciello and Ms. Luck. Mr. Alonzo asked why we should keep the service. Ms. Doherty cited the familiarity of the drivers and their personal service provided to the clients as well as personalized attention to their needs. Terri Burchfield, Pinance Committee Chair, asked what would be different from the current budget that would go through June 2017. Ms. Doherty stated nothing other than the extra driver training ($350 for two drivers). Ms. Burchfield asked for clarification on the contract wording regarding the hiring of drivers. Further discussion about the COA budget and the Town costs for the MART van operation ensued COA Chair Pete Lincoln stated he has been involved with the Council on Aging for ten years. He stated we care about each other and we have a huge number of volunteers. The MART service that we provide is personal. He believed the small financial difference between MART operating the service versus the Town providing it outweighs the personal service we provide. Ms. Bertram suggested during next year's COA budget process that the Town look at what the cost is of incorporating the driver training courses. Motion: P. Bertram 2'°: T. Alonzo To authorize Chairman Toale to sign the MART agreement and keep the service as is Mr. Alonzo thanked the Council on Aging Director and COA Chair for coming forward with the information. Mr. Toale agreed and thanked Ms. Luck for pulling all the information together. Vote: All in Favor 2. Close the Special Town Meeting Warrant Motion: T. Alonzo To close the Special Town Meeting Warrant 2"%.P. Bertram Vote: All in Favor 3. Special Town Meeting Warrant Articles Review Mr. Toale directed the Board to the draft warrant. Article 1 is to raise and appropriate or transfer from available funds, money necessary to amend the amounts voted for the Town's FY'2017 Budget. He stated Accountant Brochu reported new growth has been submitted to the Department of Revenue in the amount of $487,955, which represents an increase of $187,955 more than the original estimate of $300,000. This could be applied toward the Summer Street construction project costs. A memo noted that former Town Manager Lafleur had encumbered $196,000 at the end of last fiscal year in anticipation of the additional costs for Summer Street. Mr. Toale asked where we want that surplus to go. This will be discussed at a later time. Article 2 is a placeholder for purchasing property on 200 Reservoir Road consisting of approximately 20 acres that is being taken out of Chapter 61B. Mr. Toale stated we have yet to hear from the pertinent boards of any interest. A fair market appraisal costing $10,000 - $12,000 would be needed to be done for the Town. Mr. Ebersole asked that the following wording "pursuant to Chapter 61B" and "raise, appropriate or transfer from available funds" be added. Article 3 funds the first year of the Police Union contract, there is no additional cost for the first year. Article 4 establishes a special account to place any funds raised from sale of the buildings listed in Article 5. Article 5 identifies the buildings and/or land to be declared surplus and gives the Board custody of them as well as authority to sell or lease them. Ms. Bertram expressed concerns on the wording of Article 5. Discussion ensued and the following questions were asked; can we declare as surplus buildings we are currently using? How do deed restrictions on buildings such as the Ritter Memorial Building affect sales? Mr. Toale stated the Building Reuse Committee's intent is to go to a future annual town meeting with a plan for the buildings that includes both cost and revenue streams. Mr. Alonzo asked are there obstacles that prevent us from doing an RFP without declaring these buildings as surplus. Mr. Ebersole asked can we have a vote to authorize the Building Reuse Committee to issue a Request for Proposals for sale or use of the properties ===PAGE 3=== subject to coming back to Town Meeting. It was noted the old Primary School has already been declared surplus and the T.C. Passios Building and the Brooks House were already turned over to the Board's custody at previous town meetings. Article 6 appropriates $35,000 from the sale of cemetery lots account to be used for care, improvement and embellishment of the cemeteries. This was mistakenly deleted from the Special Town Meeting warrant in August. Articles 7 and 8 amend the salary administration plan per recommendation of the Personnel Committee and the former Town Manager. Article / reorganizes some position grades, adds one new position and changes Building Inspector to Building Commissioner. There is no financial impact of these changes. Article 8 replaces the FY17 salary schedule with a proposed salary schedule to come in line with a previously approved 2% COLA. Suggestion was made to spell out the acronyms in all the articles. Article 9 amends the Public Access Cable budget by increasing it by $110,142.36. Finance Committee Chair Burchfield stated their public hearing for the Special Town Meeting will be on November 10th 4. Solar Agreements Lunenburg School Facilities Director John Londa presented terms for the solar net metering agreement with Clean Footprint, LLC. It is a twenty year contract commencing after the commercial operation date which is estimated to be June 31, 2017; to purchase solar net metering credits generated by a solar facility in Fitchburg. The sale price is $.1375 per net metering credit and has a 2% annual escalator. The credits would be applied towards the Middle/High School and the Public Safety Building electricity accounts. It is expected to save the Town $.65 per kilowatt hour and there is an estimated savings of $49,754 the first year. Some risks due to default were discussed Motion: R. Ebersole 2^°. P. Bertram To approve the solar net metering agreement between the Town of Lunenburg and Clean Footprint LUC Mr. Alonzo asked if Town Counsel had reviewed the agreement. Mr. Londa confirmed. Vote: All in Favor Mr. Toale asked Mr. Londa where we stand with the other solar agreements. Mr. Londa reported they have reached a consensus on the terms for the Solect Energy LLC contract but they have not received a final clean copy yet. He covered some risks on not having the construction substantially complete before January 8, 2017 such as the rate increasing two additional cents. Motion: P. Bertram 2"°: R. Ebersole To sign the contract as outlined by Mr. Londa Mr. Alonzo stated he was not in favor of signing a contract without a clean copy approved by Town Counsel. He also expressed concerns that the construction would not be completed in time. Discussion ensued whether to proceed or not. Ms. Bertram amended her motion to authorize the Interim Town Manger to execute the contract pending approval from Town Counsel; Mr. Ebersole accepted that change and seconded Vote: Ms. Bertram- aye, Mr. Toale- aye, Mr. Ebersole-aye, Ms. Luck - aye, Mr. Alonzo- no 5. Minutes/Warrants/Action File Issues Minutes of October 11, 2016 were approved. There were no warrants or action file issues. 6. Committee Reports: Ms. Luck reported the School Committee met on October 19"; there was a presentation of a collaborative effort of grades kindergarten through twelve teachers to realign the history/social studies curriculum to streamline the content for more effective learning. Master teacher Anna Keegan facilitated the task force and the project took over two years to complete and cost $19,360 over two fiscal years. It was communicated at that meeting that there are 38 students attending charter schools, not 58 as stated at the October 18'h meeting during public comment. The cost per student is approximately $11,650. There are approximately 50 students who opt for ===PAGE 4=== school choice outside of Lunenburg to attend neighboring schools; the cost per student is $5,000. Forty-seven students not residing in Lunenburg choose to attend the Lunenburg Schools. The Storm Water Task Force meets October 27" . The Mass Watershed Coalition is hosting a workshop on Friday, November 18", "Stormwater for Towns, Save Money, Save Lakes, Save Streams." Ms. Luck will be attending. There is also a Central Mass Regional Watershed Coalition workshop in Millbury on October 28" as well as the Stormwater Financial Forum on November 15" and 16t* The Zoning Board of Appeals will hold a public hearing for Asian Imperial Garden's request to expand their parking lot as well as hearing the petition of a homeowner at 172 Leominster Road to live in an existing building on site while constructing a new home. Ms. Bertram reported the Montachusett Planning Organization (MPO) met on October 19". There is $2.6 million available for FY17 and there are a couple of different ways to address that. Currently there is $1.1 million in the TIP for Summer Street for FY17 and $8.8 million allotted for FY18. One option is to add additional funding to the Summer Street construction project to total $3.7 million in FY17 and adjust FY18 to $6.1 million. MRPC Transportation Director Brad Harris presented a $2.3 million proposal for resurfacing work on Route 202 in Winchendon. This is a brand new project and is not on the TIP. The Chair suggested putting the funding out for all communities to provide additional comment. Arthur Frost of MASSDOT presented an update on the Summer Street project. Ms. Bertram was able to add additional information based on VHB consultant Domigan's October 18 presentation. There was some concern related to obtaining six easements from the MBTA in time. This tends to be a long involved process. They requested to find out who is the contact The Planning Board met and one item discussed was the Complete Streets Program. There were concerns about the Town's ability to meet the objectives in the program as well as the cost. Some other options were discussed. It will be discussed again. The Planning Board supported Asian Imperial Garden's request to expand their parking lot. They also discussed their meeting schedule and they will be meeting either before or after the Monday holidays in December 2016 and January 2017. The Conservation Commission met on October 19*. There is a groundbreaking at 123 Hollis Road which is a butterfly habitat on November 5 at 10:00 a.m. The Lunenburg Snow Riders came in under public comment and updated the status of the Lane Property. Three of the five foot bridges have been completed and they will be working on the multi-use bridge soon. The Snow Riders would like to name this bridge after Peter Charpentier. He was a valued, hard-working member of the club and an avid hiker who passed away this year. There was a Request for Determination of Applicability hearing by Andrew Pratt for 44 Pine Acres Road for construction of a deck within the buffer zone. There was a request to modify a detention basin at 554 Lancaster Avenue by Sunshine Nominee Trust. The original plan was a round basin; now they are proposing to put in a long trench. Concerns about maintenance were raised as it is adjacent to the roadway. This hearing was continued to November 2d due to other questions that arose. Ms. Bertram would like some feedback from the DPW Director concerning the proposed modification and the Town's possible responsibility to address this. Another item discussed was the demolition and rebuild of a single family home at 37 Burrage Street. This was continued to November 16" because the property owner has not complied with the demolition delay bylaw. A public hearing for Hickory Hill landowners' Notice of Intent for a comprehensive update of the lake management plan was held. This was continued to November 2"° while waiting for a DEP site number to be issued. Mr. Toale reported Building Reuse Committee is working towards the warrant article for Special Town Meeting in November. The Capital Planning Committee is still seeking its "at large" member. 7. Town Manager Report Mr. Toale stated Mr. Marciello emailed his report to the Board members. Some Board members did not receive it so it will be deferred until the next meeting 8. Town Manager Interview Schedule Discussion The Board will interview all three candidates on November 8t*. • Answers to questions will be reviewed as well. The candidates will make a presentation on economic development on the 15"h. '. The Board members discussed who will ask which questions. Each member chose four questions. Mr. Toale will send a list showing who is asking each question. ===PAGE 5=== Mr. Toale reported on November 1% this Board is holding the tax classification hearing before the interviews and on November 8" it will have to authorize temporary financing for the pavement management plan. Both meetings on the 8t and 15"h will be starting at 6:00 p.m. Mr. Alonzo stated he would not be present for the meeting on November 22'd Public Comment: Mr. Ebersole reported there were several people who told him about people speeding and ways to slow traffic down. He recommended they notify the Police Chief. It could be done via the Complete Streets program. Mr. Ebersole asked about the status of 225 Pleasant Street. Ms. Bertram stated the meeting went so late that she did not get to see the entire agenda but will follow up on that. Motion: P. Bertram To adjourn the meeting at 9:14 p.m. 2"°: T. Alonzo Vote: All in Favor Respectfully submitted, Clavie m. Peterson Elaine M. Peterson Executive Assistant to the Town Manager ======================================================================================== DOCUMENT : 2016-11-01-minutes-4993.txt BOARD : select-board DATE : 2016-11-01 KIND : minutes OUR COPY : https://lunenburgbudgetproject.org/docs/minutes/text/select-board/2016-11-01-minutes-4993.txt TOWN PDF : https://www.lunenburgma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Minutes/_11012016-4993 ======================================================================================== ===OCR macOS Vision=== ===PAGE 1=== BOARD OF SELECTMEN MINUTES Joseph F. Bilotta Meeting Room, Town Hall November 1, 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; Phyllis Luck, Member and Interim Town Manager David Marciello Not present: Robert Ebersole, Vice Chairman; Paula Bertram, Member The meeting opened at 7:00 p.m. with the Pledge of Allegiance. PUBLIC COMMENT: Mr. Alonzo thanked everyone for coming out Saturday for the Homecoming Parade and football game. All the high school classes did a great job on the floats. He thanked the Student Council for inviting the School Building Committee to be Parade Marshalls. Mr. Toale stated there are still vacancies on various committees: the Board of Selectmen representatives for Montachusett Regional Planning Commission (MRPC) and Montachusett Joint Transportation Committee (MJTC), Capital Planning, Personnel Committee, Public Access Cable Committee (PACC), and Cable Advisory Committee, Anyone interested should submit a talent bank form to the Board of Selectmen office. Talent bank forms are in Town Hall and the town website. Mr. Alonzo noted the removal of toll booths on the Mass Turnpike, all tolls are now electronically billed through the use of an electronic transponder. You can order one at https://www.ezdrivema.com/ezpassma Ms. Luck noted early voting ends on Thursday in Lunenburg. She voted today and it was very easy. APPOINTMENIS: Hearing for Kabob-E-Licious Alcohol License #063600048 for failure to comply with Service Training Requirements Mr. Toale stated on September 13, 2016, the Board of Selectmen, acting as the Local Licensing Authority for the Town of Lunenburg, conducted a hearing pursuant to G. L. c. 138, §23 to discuss the failure to comply with Service Training Requirements set forth in Section 1.19 of the Lunenburg License Commission Regulations. After the hearing, the Board found there was a violation of failure to provide appropriate server training documents for staff. The Board gave owner Tarrum Williams until 6:00 p.m. on October 13, 2016 to provide those documents. A letter was sent to notify Ms. Williams that there would be a hearing on November 1, 2016 at 7:05 p.m. to discuss alcohol license #063600048 and subsequent violations following the September 13" hearing. Mr. Toale opened the hearing. He asked Ms. Williams to step forward and be sworn in. Mr. Marciello swore in Ms. Williams. Mr. Toale stated Ms. Williams had been given until October 13" to submit other staff's server training certification and it did not happen. Ms. Williams stated she is the only person able to serve as the other servers are under eighteen years old and are not eligible for TIPS training. She stated one server, Mary Jane, was certified but when she retired she left all her paperwork at school. Due to her own family issues she has been back and forth taking care of that so Ms. Williams was not able to obtain hers. She only works with Ms. Williams as a consultant. She is TIPS certified but is not working on the premises. Mr. Toale presented a Serv Safe Certificate for serving food for a K. Reddix to the other Board members and inquired if the Board had Ms. Williams' TIPS certification on file. Ms. Williams replied yes. She stated she only obtained Reddix's certificate today and had forwarded it to the office. She added Reddix moved away in July and is no longer working for the business. Ms. Luck asked if Ms. Williams was the only person serving alcohol now. Ms. Williams responded herself and her husband. Mr. Alonzo asked if he was TIPS certified. Ms. Williams replied no. Ms. Williams stated the premises have a TIPS certification and the establishment has a ===PAGE 2=== liquor license and you have to be in the vicinity or in the area from what it is. But I never knew you had to be on the premises. Mr. Alonzo stated at the last hearing, there was no disagreement between Ms. Williams and the Board that you were not fully compliant. Ms. Williams, you indicated that you understood that you were not in compliance. Ms. Williams replied at that time, yes. Mr. Toale stated and you were given a month to provide it. Ms. Williams replied that is correct, yes. Since that time I have been trying to get a hold of the paperwork, especially the server training, that is the only thing I have (indicating the ServSafe food certificate) When it comes to TIPS certification, I already had given my certification. So to me I was not noncompliant to my own certification. Mr. Alonzo stated we were still waiting for other documentation, that's why we gave you a month to provide additional documents that you admitted you had to supply to us. Ms. Williams replied that was the TIPS certification paper and the server training; there was no other paperwork that I was waiting for. I had already given a copy of my TIPS certification that I had taken. The only other thing that I was thinking that you were looking for was the person that was working with me; their server training as far as the food handling and Serv Safe, that type of thing. Mr. Alonzo stated, this, holding up the Serv Safe certificate. Ms. Williams stated yes. Mr. Alonzo asked when did we receive this. Ms. Williams stated today. Mr. Alonzo stated that's almost three weeks late. Ms. Williams stated, right, I have been trying to get a hold of the person to give that to me. People don't want to provide it to me because they think I'm going to the information for the wrong reasons. What I was trying to show you was there was nobody on our premises that is not certified. Ms. Luck stated you just told us your husband works there but he is not certified. Ms. Williams replied no, for food cooking, yes. The certificate for Serv Safe is in front of you. But the only person who is TIPS certified is me. Nobody else is; my husband only works every once in awhile. I work there, that's it, nobody else is there. Everyone else is under eighteen. Mr. Alonzo referred to Section 1.19, subsection b. A signed certificate of each employee who handles alcohol indicating the employee has received the described training and has reviewed and understands the written policy describing his or hers responsibilities and the disciplinary action which will be taken for violations, shall be maintained on the premises at all times. Copies of all such documents and certifications shall be available to the licensing authority, or any authorized agent thereof, upon demand. Mr. Alonzo stated if someone other than you is on the premises, they need to be certified to serve alcohol. I believe that is still the issue from what you have described. Mr. Toale asked if there were any other questions or comments. Ms. Williams stated she would have her husband certified because there is nobody else there that needs to be certified other than herself and him. He is just there part-time, but I will have him certified. Mr. Toale stated the next step was to close the hearing and determine if a violation has occurred. Motion: T. Alonzo 2"': P. Luck To close the hearing Vote: Ms. Luck-aye, Mr. Alonzo-aye, Mr. Toale-aye Mr. Alonzo stated by Ms. Williams' own testimony they have someone on premises who is serving that is not certified. He was also concerned that a month went by with no communication from Ms. Williams. Ms. Williams stated she did call via telephone on the day it was due and found out there was no hearing. She was sick and was unable to make it even though there was no hearing that day. Mr. Toale noted but you did not get the paperwork in that day. She stated that was why she was calling to let them know she did not have the paperwork either and if she could ask for an extension. She stated they said there was no hearing so there was no extension but you do have until six o'clock to submit the paperwork. I did try my best to get it but I was unable to obtain it. So I just waited until this hearing today. Mr. Toale stated that was on the 13* of October, then a letter was sent informing you of this hearing and the first thing we saw was the certificate left here this afternoon. Ms. Williams stated because I was trying diligently to get it in. Ms. Luck stated but you are still noncompliant because your husband serves alcohol and he is not TIPS certified. Ms. Luck added it seems like you had a lot of time to ask about that, to clarify that. Ms. Williams stated well there was one other person who did not pass so that was irrelevant, I couldn't give you that information anyways because they still have to take it. Mr. Alonzo stated this does not constitute due diligence, with that being aside, you are still in noncompliance. We can't have further violation of being in noncompliance. I would recommend that we suspend the license and ask that it be returned until such time that they provide the full documentation for this license to go forward. He advised Ms. Williams to get the certification to this Board so we can get you back on the agenda to reinstate it. ===PAGE 3=== Motion: T. Alonzo 2ºd: P. Luck To suspend the license until such time Ms. Williams provides alcohol server training certification for her husband and to ask for the license to be returned Vote: All in Favor Mr. Alonzo clarified that they could still serve food but not alcohol. He added Ms. Williams will get a written determination from the licensing board outlining this and what needs to happen to get the license reinstated. Ms. Williams replied okay and exited the meeting. Mr. Toale stated the 7:15 p.m. appointment was not present so he moved on to the tax classification hearing. He read the following aloud: "The Board of Selectmen will hold a public hearing on November 1, 2016 at 7:30 P.M. as required by M.G.L. Ch. 40 §56 on the issue of allocating the local property tax levy among the four classes of real and personal property for Fiscal Year 2017. The hearing will be held in the Lunenburg Town Hall, 20° Floor, Joseph Bilotta Meeting Room, at 17 Main Street, Lunenburg, MA. Jamie Toale Board of Selectmen Chairman" He invited Regional Assessor Harald Scheid to come forward. Mr. Scheid introduced his colleague, Becky Boucher. Mr. Scheid stated Massachusetts law requires each town and city to hold a tax classification hearing. The principal reason is to give the Board of Selectmen the opportunity to either adopt a single tax rate to be applied against all taxable valuations and properties in the town or alternatively to split the tax rate levying a higher tax rate against commercial/industrial owners to the benefit of the residential property owners. The fiscal year 2017 valuations have been approved by the Department of Revenue; our new growth revenue has also been certified. Ms. Boucher stated the original estimate for new growth was $300,000 but there is an additional $187,955 bringing the total to $487,955. Mr. Scheid stated we are looking at raising $24,757,321.63 in property tax revenue. That translates into a tax rate of $19.97 per $1000.00 of value; last year's was $19.61 per thousand. The Board of Assessors recommends the Board of Selectmen adopt a single tax rate to be applied to all classes of property in Lunenburg. Ms. Boucher stated the average single family home increased in value from $256,969 in FY2016 to $267,155 for FY2017 and the average tax bill increased by 5.8% from $5039.16 in FY2016 to $5335.09 in FY2017. Condominium classes went up slightly as well and commercial and industrial values stayed level. She also presented a summary of assessments. The town has 26 new vacant land parcels, 30 new condominium units, over 30 new single family homes and one new apartment building with 30 units at Tri-Town. The new growth was based on those changes. Ms. Boucher stated she did not have the LA-5 form because everything is not finalized until after Special Town Meeting. It can be signed at a later meeting. Mr. Alonzo asked how much of the 5.8% increase is new debt for FY2017. Mr. Scheid stated they did not have that figure but could calculate that. Motion: T. Alonzo 2'': P. Luck The Board of Selectmen votes in accordance with M.G.L. c. 40, §56, as amended, the percentage of local tax levy which will be borne by each class of real and personal property, relative to setting the Fiscal Year 2017 tax rates and set the residential factor at 1.0, with a corresponding CIP shift of 1.0, pending approval of the Town's annual tax recap by the Massachusetts Dept. of Revenue. Vote: Mr. Alonzo-aye, Ms. Luck-aye, Mr. Toale-aye Motion: T. Alonzo To close the tax classification hearing 2°: P. Luck Vote: Mr. Alonzo-aye, Ms. Luck-aye, Mr. Toale-aye The Board thanked Ms. Boucher and Mr. Scheid. Change of D/B/A for Lunenburg Zedas Inc, d/b/a Zeda's Village to d/b/a Bad Larry's Mr. Marciello reported everything is staying the same except for the name change. Motion: T. Alonzo To approve the petition for change of d/b/a from Zeda's Village to Bad Larry's 2"d P. Luck Vote: All in Favor ===PAGE 4=== CURRENT BUSINESS 1. Special Town Meeting Warrant Articles Discussion Mr. Toale stated the Special Town Meeting articles have been amended per the Board's requests. They have also been reviewed by Town Counsel. Article 1 is to raise and appropriate or transfer from available funds, all sums of money necessary to amend the amounts voted for the Town's FY'2017 Budget, under Article 15 of the May 7, 2016 Town Meeting. Finance Director Karen Brochu reported prior to the close of Fiscal Year 2016, the former Town Manager had encumbered $196,500 for amendment #3 of the VHB engineering contract for the Summer Street project. Since then there was a revised amendment #3 presented and an amendment #4. Ms. Brochu stated Ms. Bertram had a conversation with VHB consultant Trish Domigan and we have updated some of the costs. The revised amendment #3 was in the amount of $102,900, amendment #4 was $80,300 and from the conversation with Ms. Domigan an additional $15,000 is needed for construction phase services and $15,000 for MBTA fees. The adjustment needed at this time would be $16,700. Another item discussed was the cost of temporary easements. Ms. Domigan is aware of the Special Town Meeting and will be providing Ms. Bertram that figure. Based on all of this, Ms. Brochu recommended with the $187,000 extra that is in new growth, to place the $16,700 in General Highway Maintenance under the Summer Street design line item to cover what we know right now for VHB and to place the difference in the Reserve Fund. If we determine the costs of the temporary easements before Special Town Meeting we can make an adjustment. A spreadsheet with the most up to date figures will be presented for this article at Special Town Meeting. Motion: T. Alonzo To have the Board of Selectmen withhold their recommendation until Special Town Meeting 2nd: P. Luck Vote: All in Favor The Board thanked Ms. Brochu. Article 2 is to vote to authorize the Board of Selectmen, pursuant to Chapter 61B, to raise, appropriate or transfer from available funds a sum of money in order to purchase property located at 200 Reservoir Road and known as the Estate of Vera R. Barney shown on a July 2016 plan recorded with Worcester Northern District Registry of Deeds at Plan Book 507, Plan 25, shown as five numbered lots and consisting of 20.36 acres. Mr. Marciello reported we have heard back from all parties and although there is interest there is no ability to purchase the property. Mr. Toale did state the Agricultural Commission position is to recommend keeping land open for agriculture but they did not indicate they wanted to pursue it as this time. Motion: T. Alonzo 2nd: P. Luck That the Board of Selectmen recommend passing over Article 2 at the Special Town Meeting Vote: All in Favor Article 3 will vote to raise and appropriate or transfer from available funds, a sum of money to fund the first year of the FY17, FY18 & FY19 Police Officers Collective Bargaining Agreement dated July 1, 2016 - June 30, 2019 with IBPO Local 353, AFL-CIO. Mr. Marciello reported the contract is being worked on by labor counsel; we just don't have the actual document at this time. Motion: I. Alonzo 20°: P. Luck To have the Board of Selectmen withhold their recommendation until Special Town Meeting Vote: All in Favor Mr. Marciello reported Article 4 has been amended by legal counsel to refer to a stabilization account versus a special revenue account. This article will require a 2/3rds vote. Ms. Brochu reported the Town has the authority under Chapter 44, §63, that if we sold a town building for over $500 the proceeds from that sale could go into a special revenue fund. The funds would stay in that fund and can be used for any purpose that the Town is authorized to borrow for a term of five years or more. "To see if the Town will vote to create a special purpose stabilization fund pursuant to M.G.L. c. 44 § 5B, entitled "Town Building Stabilization Fund," for the purpose of funding the building, remodeling, purchasing, leasing or demolishing of municipal buildings. Revenues from the sale of the properties listed in Article 5 shall be placed in this account and used for this purpose" Ms. Brochu stated she wasn't sure about the wording ===PAGE 5=== stating that the sale of the properties could automatically go into the fund. She will need to check with legal counsel on that point. It may need to be voted at future town meetings. Mr. Marciello stated based on his past practice in another town, we are asking the voters for approval to place the revenue into the account with this article. Article 5 votes to identify and/or ré-identify the following listed land and/or buildings situated thereon as surplus; and to authorize and/or reauthorize the Board of Selectmen to sell and/or lease the parcels and/or any buildings situated thereon, and/or subdivide in any manner said parcels and/or buildings situated thereon and/or take any legal action necessary to empower the Board of Selectmen to effectuate the sale, lease, subdivision and/or transfer of said land and buildings situated thereon; and to deposit any revenues generated from the sale, lease and /or transfer into the special revenue account created in Article 4; Ritter Memorial Building; Assessors' Map 071, Lot 074;Town Hall; Assessors' Map 060, Lot 005; Primary School, Assessors' Map 071, Lot 076; Brooks House, Assessors' Map 060, Lot 055; T. C. Passios School, Assessors' Map 060, Lot 055. Discussion about the wording of the articles and possible implications ensued. An amendment may be presented at the town meeting. Motion: T. Alonzo 2°: P. Luck To have the Board of Selectmen withhold their recommendation on Article 4 and 5 until Special Town Meeting Vote: All in Favor Article 6 votes to appropriate the sum of $35,000 from the Sale of Cemetery lots account to be used for the care, improvement and embellishment of the Cemeteries. This article was passed over at the August 2016 Special Town Meeting due to some wording being left out. Motion: T. Alonzo To recommend approval of the Cemetery Commission article 2": P. Luck Vote: All in Favor Article 7 amends Article XV of the Town's Bylaw entitled "Salary Administration Plan" of the Town of Lunenburg as follows: the Public Access Cable Committee Coordinator position be moved from Grade 8 to Grade 10, the Grade 8 position be retitled "Public Access Cable Committee Assistant"; the position of "Public Access Cable Committee Manager" be added and assigned to Grade 11; that "Building Inspector" be retitled "Building Commissioner"; the Land Use Director position moved to Grade 16 and the contract positions of Fire Chief and Town Accountant/Financial Director be added to Grade 16; that the current position of Police Chief' be assigned as Grade 18. Article 8 amends Article XV of the Town's Bylaw entitled "Salary Administration Plan" of the Town of Lunenburg as follows: to replace the Fiscal Year 2017 Salary Administration Plan salary schedule with the proposed salary schedule and use the proposed salary schedule to calculate the FY18 Salary Administration Plan salary schedule which includes the 2% COLA approved at the May 2016 Annual Town Meeting; or take any other action relative thereto. Motion: T. Alonzo 2"d: P. Luck That the Board of Selectmen recommends approval of Article 7 and 8 at Special Town Meeting Mr. Toale stated he plans to abstain from this vote at Special Town Meeting but for the purpose of the motion he will vote tonight. Vote: All in Favor Article 9 is a vote to appropriate from Public, Educational and Governmental Access and Cable Related Fund Revenues, the sum of $110,142.36 to supplement the amounts voted under Article 25 of the May 7, 2016 Annual Town Meeting to fund the FY17 Public, Educational and Governmental Access Committee operating budget. Mr. Alonzo stated the Finance Committee has not made a recommendation to date but will be discussing at their public hearing. Ms. Brochu reported an article was on the Annual Town Meeting to accept MGL Chapter 44, §53F ¾ to establish a Public Education Government Access & Cable Related Fund and to transfer existing Peg Access Funds to it, but her understanding was the Public Access Cable Committee did not fully fund their budget at the level it needed to be. There was an error in the calculation of their budget. Motion: T. Alonzo 2nd: P. Luck That the Board of Selectmen recommend approval of Article 9 Vote: All in Favor ===PAGE 6=== 3. Minutes/Warrants/Action File Issues The Board signed a payroll warrant in the amount of $765,669; a payroll deductions warrant in the amount of $512,508.84 and an accounts payable warrant in the amount of $246,996.93. 4. Committee Reports: Ms. Luck reported MART has made an executive decision to postpone all the recent transportation agreements between themselves and the fifteen member communities. The Storm Water Task Force met on the 27. began discussions with their consultant about how to proceed. He will return to their December 8' meeting. Ms. Luck attended the Central Mass Regional Stormwater Coalition workshop on Friday at the DPW in Millbury. It was very interesting to see all the problems that we are facing and how to deal with them. Conservation Administrator Matt Marro attended also. This morning Ms. Luck attended the Central Mass Regional Stormwater Coalition Steering Committee meeting. They are organizing subcommittees for education and technical aspects. There is a Stormwater Financial Forum on November 15" and 16" at UNH/Durham. The Mass Watershed Coalition is hosting a workshop on Friday, November 18%h, "Stormwater for Towns, Save Money, Save Lakes, Save Streams." at Mount Wachusett Community College. The School Committee meets tomorrow night. Mr. Alonzo reported the Finance Committee has set their public hearing for the Special Town Meeting articles for November 10th '. Cable Advisory Committee meets in December and School Building Committee meets on November 9' Mr. Toale reported Building Reuse Committee meets November 21$ and their main agenda is to work on the RFPs given all the input. Capital Planning meets on November 15" and they are still seeking an at large member. They meet again on December 6* to hear DPW's presentation. Interim Town Manager Marciello stated he did not submit a written report as he was in Boston last week for MCPPO training. The Storm Water agreement is with Land Use Director Burney for review and the RFP for assessing services should be posted in The Central Register within the next couple of days. He is compiling data received for a USDA report and should have a final report on the Pay as You Throw bags soon. Mr. Toale reported on November 8 and 15 this Board will be interviewing the finalists for the Town Manager position. The interviews will be held here and televised. Both start at 6:00 p.m. There may be a meeting on November 22, if needed and Special Town Meeting is on the 28" PUBLIC COMMENT: Mr. Alonzo reminded all of the Boys and Girls Club of Lunenburg Rockin Auction fundraiser on November 19"h at the Eagles Club in Leominster from 7- 11 p.m. There will be live music, raffles, food and refreshments and several auctions. He encouraged everyone to attend and buy tickets at http://bgcluboflunenburg.org. Motion: T. Alonzo To adjourn the meeting at 8:44 p.m. 2nd. P. Luck Vote: All in Favor Respectfully submitted, Claire I. Peterson Elaine M. Peterson Executive Assistant to the Town Manager ======================================================================================== DOCUMENT : 2016-11-08-minutes-4994.txt BOARD : select-board DATE : 2016-11-08 KIND : minutes OUR COPY : https://lunenburgbudgetproject.org/docs/minutes/text/select-board/2016-11-08-minutes-4994.txt TOWN PDF : https://www.lunenburgma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Minutes/_11082016-4994 ======================================================================================== ===OCR macOS Vision=== ===PAGE 1=== BOARD OF SELECTMEN MINUTES Joseph F. Bilotta Meeting Room, Town Hall November 8, 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 and Phyllis Luck, Member The meeting opened at 6:00 p.m. with the Pledge of Allegiance. Chairman Toale announced this meeting and the next meeting would focus primarily on interviewing two candidates for Town Manager. PUBLIC COMMENT: Ms. Luck announced the Lions Club Pancake Breakfast at Eagle House Senior Center tomorrow morning from 8:00 - 11:00 a.m. Mr. Alonzo reminded all of the Boys and Girls Club of Lunenburg Rockin' Auction fundraiser on November 19* at the Eagles Club in Leominster from 7- 11 p.m. There will be live music, raffles, food and refreshments and several auctions. He encouraged everyone to attend and buy tickets at http://bgcluboflunenburg.org. Interviews for Town Manager Mr. Toale announced the first candidate was Heather Lemieux. He explained each board member has questions they will ask her. He asked Ms. Lemieux to briefly tell them about her and why she was interested in Lunenburg. Ms. Lemieux replied her educational background is in Political Science, having received a Bachelor's degree from Providence College and a Master's degree in Public Policy at the College of William and Mary. Ms. Lemieux works as Town Administrator for the Town of Barre and has been there for 10 years. She started as the Administrative Assistant to the Town Administrator and Finance Clerk. About four and a half years ago she was appointed Town Administrator. She stated she is looking for the next step in her career from Town Administrator to a Town Manager in a larger community. Mr. Ebersole asked what she has done professionally and succeeded at, but is not an experience that she wanted to repeat. Mr. Lemieux replied Barre has entered into a net metering agreement but it took three attempts to arrive at the one they have. It was a long frustrating process, meeting with various companies and looking at all the various details. Mr. Alonzo asked if she has ever been involved with introducing new ideas and programs into a community in which she worked and about the process. Ms. Lemieux replied the creation of a Regional Information Technology position with the Town of Rutland and Rutland Regional Emergency Communications Center. This was a new concept; we had never had an IT person on staff. We had always used various vendors which she foresaw as a security issue. The attempt started with brainstorming with a neighboring community because we both had the mutual need for IT and saw the benefit of having someone on staff. Working with the other community we could share the costs of related employment benefits. This was a new concept. Staff was very receptive to this due to seeing the need and overall benefit. The outcome was successful. Recently we attended a state conference at which our IT Director was a panelist and Barre was noted for being a model for this. It was a proud moment for her and staff. Mr. Alonzo asked if there were any obstacles that she had to overcome. Ms. Lemieux replied working out the details of the position, performing a salary survey, making sure it fit into the current compensation plan and creating an intermunicipal agreement with the other town. ===PAGE 2=== Ms. Bertram asked if she considered her management style as a commander or a coach and to provide an example. Ms. Lemieux replied more like a coach; my style is more hands off. The department heads are the professionals and they know how to run their departments. If they need some guidance or help with issues, I am more than happy to support them and help, if needed. Ms. Luck stated many communities are faced with implementing the new MS4 permits dealing with stormwater. Barre is not one of them. Can you share with us anything you know about it? Ms. Lemieux stated she did not know a lot, but in years past we were asked if we wanted to participate in a regional grant program. Ms. Luck asked how Barre deals with storm water. Ms. Lemieux replied we have a Water Commission that is part of the Dept. of Public Works. The water employees handle all the issues related to drainage and repair of those structures. Mr. Toale asked what has been the most difficult management problem that you dealt with in the last five years. Ms. Lemieux stated there was a decision made by the Barre Selectboard stemming from a situation where there were problems in a certain department for many years. The Board tried to assist with solving those problems with the department head and the union. Ms. Lemieux stated she was the liaison for the Board in this matter. The issue was not able to be resolved and in the end there was a vote of no confidence. The Board decided not to renew that person's contract. That whole process and the outcome was the most difficult as it wasn't very popular in some respects. Mr. Ebersole asked how she would deal with reduced available revenue in a budget year. Ms. Lemieux stated she would look for savings in other areas, going out to bid for electricity, plan changes; another source could be selling town land. Mr. Alonzo asked her to explain something complicated but that you know well. Ms. Lemieux replied many people are not familiar with the municipal budget process. Breaking it down into steps and having visual aids is helpful. Another complicated process is setting the tax rates for a town. Mr. Alonzo asked her to explain that further. Ms. Lemieux stated you start with a budget worksheet and you look at your starting tax levy, add your new growth and your 2½ percent limit, hit your maximum allowable levy, add in various revenue sources, add in each department's total budgets and add in your bottom line. That's like a balance sheet to update numbers. Ms. Bertram stated she wanted to understand Ms. Lemieux's role in the oversight of Barre employees and her responsibility for day to day operations. Ms. Lemieux stated it is a little different than Town Manager. In Lunenburg's charter, you have direct appointments. With a Town Administrator the Board of Selectmen does the various appointments, but I am the liaison for them. My role is to oversee the day to day management of departments, make sure things run smoothly and to deal with any issues. I report to the Board and keep them informed. I am the personnel administrator. Ms. Luck asked if she ever had to hold a subordinate accountable for their actions. Ms. Lemieux answered yes, there was a situation where an appointment was made to a position and it was within the probationary period. We did end up letting that person go and I was involved in that process. It was not easy to make or do. It had to be done in a delicate manner because of their relationship to the finances. It was the Board's decision but I was aware of the knowledge that led to her release and I related that to the Board and they asked me to carry out it out. That person did not take it well, but you have to remain calm and not try to get into a "back and forth" with them about the situation. Mr. Toale asked if he were to poll people Ms. Lemieux works with, what percentage of them would not be fans of hers. Ms. Lemieux stated she couldn't say she was everybody's best friend. She believed she got along with the majority of people she works with but obviously being in her position you're not going to make friends with everyone. Mr. Toale asked if he were to talk with those people who are not fans, what kind of words he would hear. Ms. Lemieux stated even those who may not be my biggest fans have said positive things. I can't think of what they would say; that I am an honest person; that I try to do my job well. I am not entirely black and white, but I hold integrity to a high level for all the department heads. Mr. Ebersole asked her something she'd be happy doing every single day for the rest of her career. Ms. Lemieux replied the budget part of the job. The budget is the framework on what you provide your services from. She stated she really enjoys that. Policy is important as well. Mr. Alonzo stated before this town was under a charter, the job position was called chief administrative and financial officer. What side is your strongest; administrative or financial and how would you go about strengthening the weaker of the two? Ms. Lemieux stated she really enjoys the financial part but the ===PAGE 3=== administrative portion is very rewarding as well. Finance is probably her strength. To strengthen the administrative side, I don't have a good answer for that, maybe spending more time on that part of the job, seeing processes through, receiving constructive criticism and feedback on how to improve those skills from the Ms. Bertram asked how you would go about producing a working environment that supports maximum productivity. Ms. Lemieux stated you have to know what motivates people besides income. If people's needs are met, the really rewarding aspect is that they are part of a solution; helping department heads achieve their goals. Ms. Luck stated communication among town boards and committees as well as department heads can be difficult to achieve. What specific actions have you taken as a town administrator to improve communication among these groups? Ms. Lemieux stated she has learned to over communicate most of the time; making sure you are relaying the message to everyone and not just a select few. Also attending meetings so you can listen to what's going on; email is important. Ms. Luck asked what you would do as a first step to improve communication here in Lunenburg. Ms. Lemieux stated call different department meetings, so everyone can come together and discuss what each department is currently going through and see if there are mutual needs that they may not have been aware of that could be addressed at those meetings. With the department heads here, it seems like there is already a cooperative nature. They were all very welcoming and knowledgeable in their fields so to facilitate that would appear to be an easy process. Mr. Toale asked if it was better to be perfect and late, or good and on time. Ms. Lemieux replied perfect. Obviously everyone wants employees that arrive on time at work, but I think striving for perfection in your field is definitely an asset to have as department heads and staff. You want to motivate them to the next level not to just come to work to the daily grind. Mr. Toale asked if you were working on an important project for the town, is it more important to get it absolutely perfect but miss the deadline. Ms. Lemieux stated no, not to the point where you miss the deadline. I put a lot of effort into everything I do, I try to make it as best as possible. Instead of reinventing the wheel on different things, I look for best practices from other communities. I reach out to other communities and take the best. Mr. Ebersole asked her to describe a time when she screwed up. Ms. Lemieux stated going back to making sure that all parties are notified; this was a lesson that I learned. We entered the Community Compact program and one of the best practices areas we chose was regionalization and I brought it to the Board of Selectmen and they endorsed it. But we hadn't informed all of the Planning Board members because over time it had evolved into a regional planner position that we created for the town. That kind of had some pushback where they were reluctant at first but in the end they came on board after they were comfortable and there was success in the program. We are now in year two of the program. I went to them immediately because I wanted to reapply and make sure everyone was aware. Mr. Alonzo asked who is the smartest person that you know personally and why? Ms. Lemieux replied probably my mother. She stated she has been fortunate to have many mentors in her life, especially her predecessor who taught her a lot about her field and about being a people person, vital for this role. He taught me a lot of life skills, approaching the day with a positive attitude. Ms. Bertram stated you talked about wanting to work in a bigger community. What challenges are you looking for in this position? Ms. Lemieux stated Lunenburg is going through some of the same challenges as Barre such as looking at net metering agreements and Complete Streets Program. Economic development would probably be my biggest hurdle. My experience has been around applying for Massworks grants to improve infrastructure and the Capital Planning portion of that. We are also involved with our regional planning agency to apply for the Massachusetts Downtown Initiative grant which we did not receive when we applied, but ended up receiving technical assistance funding through the development committee. I find new projects exciting and I am a lifelong student. Ms. Luck asked what your strategies are for getting things done during the day while still managing to react to situations that arise. Ms. Lemieux replied being organized helps me immensely. I have my daily planner that holds details of the different projects and goals. These tools help me focus and keep me refocusing. I have an excellent assistant that helps me throughout the day and assists me on projects if needed. Mr. Toale stated you did your research and met with the town manager screening committee and various department heads. What surprised you the most about Lunenburg? Ms. Lemieux stated what surprised me the ===PAGE 4=== most coming from a small town was that some people said there is not a lot of business here. From my perspective it looks like you have a lot of businesses. When I did the tour with Chief Marino he took me around town, I got to see the various areas. I did not know the extent of the farms in town, so that was pleasant to see; the beautiful farmland and the lakes. Mr. Alonzo asked what opportunities in your present job have eluded you. Ms. Lemieux stated she always wanted to explore economic development more in Barre. My first few years were spent on housekeeping things, making sure all the policies and procedures were updated. We've been slowly working on position descriptions. Police Chief Marino asked if there was anything in Lunenburg that jumped out at her. Ms. Lemieux stated the recreation aspect. To further explore that as a natural resource and that is something that would bring people into Lunenburg. You have your beautiful lakes and recreation land. Chief Marino asked if she had any desire to come and live in the community. Ms. Lemieux stated right now she is pretty grounded with her family where she is. Mr. Toale asked Ms. Lemieux if she had any questions. She asked the Board what they think are the major issues right now facing the town and what are the opportunities? Ms. Bertram responded that she would like to see the economic development go forward. She believed Lunenburg had an opportunity to excel in ecotourism because of the natural resources and the numerous trails. She stated as a Board they have done a good job on policies and procedures. She thought there is some more work to do. She added she would like to see some standardization for personnel evaluations. It is a tool for the employee as well as for the person responsible for overseeing that department. Mr. Alonzo stated storm water is a huge challenge; it is going to be tough to stay on top of that because of the cost involved. Internally a challenge is that we run the town on a skeleton crew basically in every department; that leaves us with little flexibility. Another challenge is how to deal with all the municipal buildings. What we do with that is both a challenge and an opportunity. Mr. Ebersole added economic sustainability of the community. How do we do what we do with the limited resources that are available? Mr. Ebersole stated we have a strong commitment of residents who participate on various committees. Ms. Luck stated she sees the issues with storm water but also sees the lakes and streams as an opportunity to improve the conditions. Mr. Toale stated he is confident this town can do a lot of things when they focus on it, set a goal and try to achieve it. His only concern is that they get enough people in town to participate. We just need to zero in on whatever that vision is. Ms. Lemieux asked what key issue makes Lunenburg unique and a good place to work? Mr. Ebersole stated we have committed staff here who want to do the right thing. They may not always get the funding or the tools, but after talking to the Finance Committee and saying what they want, then with whatever they get, they make it happen. Mr. Alonzo stated from a natural resource point of view, this is a beautiful town and it makes it a great place to want to live in. What makes it a great community is that we act as a community and even though we may not always agree, we've developed a sense of constructive open dialogue that you don't see often in many other communities. This Board has tried to be as transparent as possible; we share every bit of information. Ms. Bertram stated she agreed with Mr. Alonzo and Mr. Ebersole. She added the miles of trails that we have are phenomenal. We also have a lot of focused community groups; the Lions Club, for example. There truly is a sense of community. Our school system is phenomenal. Everyone in town does everything they can to make sure residents know what is going on, because our department heads and volunteers go the extra mile. Because of that we have a strong sense of community. Ms. Luck agreed adding it's a very welcoming place. When you need help people are there for you. Mr. Toale stated time was up and that the interview would continue next week. Ms. Lemieux thanked the Board. She wanted to thank the department heads for being so helpful and welcoming and she appreciated that. After a brief recess the Board reconvened at 7:02 p.m. to interview David Marciello. Mr. Toale asked Mr. Marciello to tell them briefly about him and why he is interested in the Town Manager position. Mr. Marciello stated he was an attorney and has a Bachelor's degree in Political Science and a Master's degree in Public Administration. He was the Town Administrator in Rehoboth for ten years. He stated he has twenty years of experience working as a municipal attorney. He stated he is the Interim Town Manager for Lunenburg and is interested in making it permanent. ===PAGE 5=== Mr. Ebersole asked what you have done that you succeeded at, but wouldn't want to repeat. Mr. Marciello stated he does not want to work for a divided Board. He has done it numerous times and it is not a pleasant existence. I did well at it, we coexisted and we did monumentally good things. Mr. Alonzo asked have you ever been involved with introducing new ideas or programs into a community in which you have worked and tell us about it and describe the steps you used to improve its acceptance. Mr. Marciello stated he was hired in Rehoboth for one main purpose. Personnel issues were a complete shambles at the time. They did not have any working policies or any tracking of people that were paid hourly. I had to start from scratch, had to write the policy, all of the procedures and install tracking. It took a lot of collective bargaining and about a year and a half. Mr. Alonzo asked what it made it successful. Mr. Marciello replied there was no way to track how many hours people worked. It was successful economically and liability wise. Ms. Bertram asked do you consider your management style as a commander or a coach and provide an example. Mr. Marciello replied there has to be hierarchy; an operational plan. You have to know the chain of command but you have to bring all the stakeholders in. You have to delegate authority but ultimately the chain of command has to rule. So I prefer both and implement both. Ms. Luck stated Massachusetts towns are faced with implementing the new MS4 permit. Can you share what initiatives you have undertaken to tackle the requirements of this permit in your last job and how the community you serve in has funded the requirements of the permit to date. Mr. Marciello stated I wrote the MS4. I was instrumental in designing our program; it was a lot smaller than it was today. I went to a lot of seminars, I had consultants. I helped create educational videos on public access, showing how to do things correctly and incorrectly. We made pamphlets. In the second phase we had to come up with timetables and in the third phase we had to implement it. Ms. Luck asked how you would implement it in Lunenburg, He stated I do not know the town well enough yet; I need to learn what issues we have as well as resources. Mr. Toale asked what has been the most difficult management situation that you had to handle in the last few years. Mr. Marciello stated Rehoboth; it was during the recession. We had to face potential layoffs. We had under-performing departments. We did not layoff or cut hours and instead took cuts in pay. I gave back almost 10% of my pay to keep the budget balanced. Eventually we came out of the recession. Mr. Ebersole asked how he would deal with reduced available revenue in a budget year. Mr. Marciello replied there is no one right answer. It depends on the situation you have and using the right tools. Mr. Alonzo asked him to explain something that is complicated but that you know well. Mr. Marciello stated Proposition 2 1/2. People want to know why their taxes went up 4% when there is Prop. 2 ½. The reason is the town as a whole can only raise taxes 22% on the town plus any new growth that it had, plus any exemptions, debt exclusions and overrides. That is your starting point. "John Smith" could have more because of assessments. Ms. Bertram asked if he could tell them about a goal he set and walk us through your thinking and planning process. Mr. Marciello stated in 2011 my contract as Town Administrator was not extended. I thought I could get another job easily with my experience. I was frequently told I placed second as I did not have my Master's degree. So I went back to school. I became a graduate assistant and worked fifty hours per week and I graduated in just over two semesters. That was a goal I set, I had to do it quickly. I had a family to support. Those were my goals, I needed to recredential myself and to excel and I achieved it all. Ms. Luck asked him to tell them about a time as Town Administrator he had to hold a subordinate accountable for their actions. Mr. Marciello stated that happens frequently; everything from the minor trivial thing to termination. He stated he couldn't be specific because they were personnel issues. Mr. Toale asked if I were to poll everyone you worked with, what percent would not be a fan of yours. Mr. Marciello replied he could think of a few, but you are never going to please everyone. He stated when he left Rehoboth, there were people who were initially critical of him who told him he would be missed Mr. Ebersole asked him what something is that you'd be happy doing every single day for the rest of your career. Mr. Marciello stated if there was one positive change at the end of each day, and that isn't possible, that would make me happy. Mr. Alonzo stated before this town was under a charter, the job position was called chief administrative and financial officer. What side is your strongest; administrative or financial and how would you go about strengthening the weaker of the two? Mr. Marciello stated actually the charter states that the Town Manager is the Chief Financial Officer, unless that has been changed. I don't see myself as the CFO, I am administrative. ===PAGE 6=== I understand budgets in the whole; the omnibus and the big picture. I need the financial geniuses to make sure they walk me through the minutia. Mr. Alonzo asked him how he would strengthen his financial side. Mr. Marciello stated he relies on the experts and every time you do that you learn a little more, you have more expertise. Ms. Bertram asked how you would produce a working environment that supports maximum productivity. Mr. Marciello stated it's lateral, it's all about relationships. You bring everyone into the mix, the stakeholders. Ms. Luck stated communication among town boards and committees as well as department heads can be difficult to achieve. What specific actions have you taken as a town administrator to improve communication among these groups? Mr. Marciello stated he committed a faux pas when he first started here. I sent out an email to the School Committee but neglected to send the email to the School Superintendent. I had put in my email please share this but it did not reach her. I faced my mistake and apologized. Communication is key but in that scenario I did not have all the information. I've adjusted since then. Ms. Luck asked how you would improve communication among all the Boards. Mr. Marciello stated he would make sure all the information got to all the Boards by acting as an intermediary. Mr. Toale asked is it better to be perfect and late or good and on time? Mr. Marciello stated good and on time because steady wins the race. You want consistency and accountability. You want to improve but being late doesn't cut it. Mr. Ebersole asked what your relationship was in the past with legislative delegations and other people outside of the community that you have worked in. Mr. Marciello stated he was a liaison on all different levels, state, federal, all the agencies. Some were friendly informal relationships and some were "go through the channels." Mr. Alonzo asked who is the smartest person you know personally and why? Mr. Marciello replied his old accountant; I think his IQ is 185. Numbers just fell out of his head Ms. Bertram asked what challenges are you looking forward to should you get the position. Mr. Marciello stated I've already started with some policies. Every town this size works on a skeleton crew. Everyone tends to focus on their job but they don't know anything else. They don't know how other departments work and that is dangerous. I've already started things being backed up on the main frame, people being cross-trained. You need to have that safety net. Ms. Luck stated there are multiple interruptions during the day. What are your strategies for getting things done while still managing to react to situations that arise? Mr. Marciello stated you have to come up with coping skills and ways to work around that. I come in early and stay late. I get everything done in two hours in the morning and an hour and a half after we close. I'm focused and can tear through stuff in those times. Mr. Alonzo asked what opportunities in your present or past job have eluded you. Mr. Marciello stated we had a bridge that washed out and we went through all the preliminary requirements during a Board transition. We had to hire an engineer in order to get funding. They never hired the engineer. The bridge is still closed because they never got the permits. I wish I had a board that was amiable to getting things done but it did not happen. Mr. Toale opened questioning to department heads. Chief Marino asked Mr. Marciello if he had any desire in the future to move into the community. Mr. Marciello stated he did not know but he would definitely be part of the community. That's a family decision that we would have to make as it affects everyone. The Board thanked Mr. Marciello and he exited the meeting. Mr. Toale stated the interview process involves the candidates coming back next week with a prepared presentation and follow up questions. He encouraged department heads to attend this meeting also. At the conclusion of that meeting we will deliberate. We can decide to vote on an appointment, decide to continue the process or we can decide to start the process over again. The Board agreed. Execution of Documents for November 15, 2016 Pavement Management Temporary Financing Mr. Toale stated this was a bond anticipation note (BAN) in the amount of $800,000 due on January 26, 2017. Motion: T. Alonzo 2"':P. Bertram To approve the Bond anticipation note as presented by Chairman Toale Finance Director Brochu confirmed and stated there will permanent borrowing on a larger amount ($2.5 million, which includes the $800,000) in January 2017 in order to have that funding available for the next round of paving in the spring. This BAN will be paid off when we do the permanent financing. Ms. Luck requested DPW Director Rodriquenz come in to the Board before that occurs for an explanation of how it will be spent on ===PAGE 7=== the paving, stormwater management costs, etc. Mr. Ebersole noted the presentation given by Mr. Rodriquenz had listed funding timelines and that this could be reviewed again. Ms. Bertram also wanted to continue a discussion on the Complete Streets Program as well before January 27% Vote: All in Favor Warrants/Action File Items Mr. Toale presented Special Town Meeting warrants for signatures in order to post them. He presented an Accounts Payable warrant in the amount of $1,202,514.55 and an Accounts Payable warrant in the amount of $582,687.39. Ms. Bertram noted there will be additional costs of around $40,000 for the Summer Street project to move forward. Mr. Toale stated the Board should meet on November 22'd in preparation for Special Town Meeting. There was no public comment. Motion: P. Luck To adjourn the meeting at 8:14 p.m. 2nd.P. Bertram Vote: All in Favor Respectfully submitted, Claire m Peterson Elaine M. Peterson Executive Assistant to the Town Manager ======================================================================================== DOCUMENT : 2016-11-15-minutes-4995.txt BOARD : select-board DATE : 2016-11-15 KIND : minutes OUR COPY : https://lunenburgbudgetproject.org/docs/minutes/text/select-board/2016-11-15-minutes-4995.txt TOWN PDF : https://www.lunenburgma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Minutes/_11152016-4995 ======================================================================================== ===OCR macOS Vision=== ===PAGE 1=== BOARD OF SELECTMEN MINUTES Joseph F. Bilotta Meeting Room, Town Hall November 15, 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 and Phyllis Luck, Member The meeting opened at 6:00 p.m. with the Pledge of Allegiance. ANNOUNCEMENTS/PUBLIC COMMENT: Mr. Toale announced there would be a coat drive by Cub Scout Pack 1728 at the Ritter Memorial Building on November 19th from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Please bring your used coats, hats, gloves, scarves and snow pants to be distributed to a nearby charity. The Lunenburg Turkey Hill Family Lions Club will hold a Meat Bingo on November 18" from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. at the Eastwood Club on Townsend Street in Fitchburg. There is a $20.00 entry fee which includes the bingo. The Lunenburg Family Gift Mart donation boxes are located at the Public Library, T. C. Passios Building, the Lunenburg Primary School, Turkey Hill Elementary School, Lunenburg Middle/High School, the Boys and Girls Club, New Outlooks Salon, Bellissima Capelli's Salon, the Lunenburg Public Safety Building, Eagle House Senior Center, the Pilgrim Covenant Church and Lanni Orchards. You can also send checks to Lunenburg Gift Mart, 1025 Massachusetts Ave. The last day to register to vote for the November 28th Special Town Meeting will be Thursday, November 17" at 8:00 p.m. at the Town Clerk office. Mr. Alonzo reminded all of the Boys and Girls Club of Lunenburg Rockin' Auction fundraiser on November 19* at the Eagles Club in Leominster from 7:00 - 11:00 p.m. There will be live music, raffles, food and refreshments and several auctions. He encouraged everyone to attend and buy tickets at http://bgcluboflunenburg.org. Town Manager Candidates - Economic Development Presentations and Follow Up Questions 1) David Marciello Mr. Marciello began his presentation by stating you should have short and long term goals. He stated viable economic development involves the use of a comprehensive package of strategies and tools. • Successful development in small towns is always multifaceted. Community development equals economic development. • Successful economic development strategies are guided by a broadly accepted vision. Case studies of 45 towns who undertook successful economic development initiatives found that in small towns, people are the most valuable resource. • Be proactive. Utilize future oriented approaches but also address the town's current needs. • Use regionalization strategies to identify common opportunities and partnerships beyond municipal boundaries. • Short term success can build long term momentum. • Address abandoned/blighted property via municipal fines, liens and receiverships. • Long term goals include creating and developing smart growth; Mr. Marciello noted the Lunenburg Village District and having a Master Plan in place. ===PAGE 2=== • Things we can start doing right now include having Mixed Land Uses, taking advantage of Compact Designs, creating a Range of Housing Opportunities and Choices, creating Walkable Communities, providing a Variety of Transportation Opportunities Ms. Bertram asked Mr. Marciello if he knew of any smaller communities using the receivership option for abandoned/blighted property. Mr. Marciello replied that Dracut is using this option. Further discussion ensued on this option. The Board proceeded with other questions for Mr. Marciello. Mr. Alonzo asked if there was any better answer to any question from last week that he would like to modify. Mr. Marciello stated that he could not recall any of the questions from last week but would want to expand on this presentation if given the opportunity. Mr. Alonzo asked what the longest commute is that you ever had for a job and how long did you keep that commute up? Mr. Marciello replied when he was in the National Guard for six years and it was fourteen hours every few weekends. Mr. Alonzo asked what in your mind determines when you will delegate something and when you will personally do it yourself? Mr. Marciello stated he would always delegate to an expert or whoever is best based on the scenario. Ms. Luck asked how you would handle a disagreement between two subordinates or two boards. Mr. Marciello stated elected boards are autonomous and you try to mediate and get consensus. If they are appointed, it depends on how contentious it is. You let everyone have their say and again try to get consensus. You find out what the issues are and where there is agreement and try to build on that. Ms. Luck stated in the written questions we asked you how you view your role of the Board versus how you view the role of the Town Manager and you mentioned that your view is not relevant. She stated she actually thought it was. Please explain how you view the role of the Board versus the Town Manager. Mr. Marciello stated the role of the Board is to set policy. The Town Manager effectuates the policy. Mr. Ebersole asked regarding management style, how you would do evaluations? Mr. Marciello stated you use a standard form for the annual review and use it on everyone in the same manner. But you see things every day and commend and correct when necessary. Using the standard form, you bring the person in and you allow the person to likewise evaluate themselves. It is a formalized way on the anniversary date rather than doing everyone on July 1st '. Ms. Luck asked how much in advance the employee would get the evaluation sheet. Mr. Marciello stated it is a public record, they could get it at any time. Mr. Toale asked Mr. Marciello if he had any comments or questions. Mr. Marciello thanked the Board and stated he loved the town. He feels very comfortable here. He wants to work somewhere he can make an impact and be a part of the community. He asked Ms. Luck why she saw stormwater as a big issue. Ms. Luck stated it is such a worthwhile cause, water is precious. Mr. Marciello asked Ms. Bertram and Mr. Alonzo about ecotourism; what has been done in town to improve that? Ms. Bertram stated as a member of a regional trail coalition, she is interested in seeing what other communities are doing to capitalize on their natural resources and recreational opportunities. As an MPO member, it's one of the common strings in conversations. We have an opportunity to capitalize on that. Mr. Alonzo stated we are in a key location and are blessed with the three lakes and trail system. It is important to the townspeople as well. We need to promote that and invest from a municipal and volunteer aspect. It's a great untapped opportunity. Mr. Toale stated time was up and thanked Mr. Marciello. The Board took a brief recess at 7:00 p.m. and reconvened at 7:06 p.m. 2) Heather Lemieux Ms. Lemieux thanked the Board for inviting her back. She stated her first task was to identify the major components in developing an economic development plan for Lunenburg and the steps she would take to develop that plan. • Vision (comes from the stakeholders and what they want for their community) • Quality of Life (ex. Affordability, Sense of Community, Transportation Availability, Public Services) ===PAGE 3=== • Support for More Business (Water/Sewer Infrastructure, Freight Rail, Accessibility) • Smart Growth ( Update the Master Plan, Review Priority Development Area Study by MRPC, Zoning Bylaw Review) Step 1 Perform an Assessment by Meeting with the Stakeholders (town officials, civic organizations, business owners, residents) to identify the vision. You would need to review town and zoning bylaws, and any MRPC reports. Next would be to perform a SWOT (strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats) analysis. Strengths would be Route 2A and Route 13, the freight line, the five year pavement management plan and natural resources. Weaknesses/threats would be a lack of vision, zoning bylaws, perception of not being "business friendly," lack of water and sewer in certain town areas. Step 2 Work with the Stakeholders to Improve on Weaknesses and Threats: • Enter into a Community Compact with Commonwealth of MA to fund Economic Development Self Assessment Report or related development plan; • Work with the business community to identify their needs and support growth • Identify Priority Development Areas and ensure necessary infrastructure is present and roads are accessible. Possible areas- Leominster Shirley Road, Summer Street, Chase Road, Whalom District • Infrastructure Improvements: Apply for Mass Works Grant to fund projects outside the Five Year Pavement Mgmt. Plan; Apply for Complete Streets Program Funding that will improve accessibility and provide up to $400,000 for construction • Zoning Bylaw Review; Work with Land Use Director and Planning Board to ensure the endorsed "vision" is implemented through necessary zoning bylaw updates. Step 3 Promote the Strengths and Opportunities in Town: • Village District; Focus on developing the Village District to create a vibrant downtown • Freight Rail: look at adjacent available industrial/commercial parcels that wouldn't require significant costs to develop. Work with Mass Development to educate business owners about loan/training programs. • Maintain the high Quality of Life; fair tax rate, high level of public services, affordable housing • Natural Resources- preserve Open Space and expand use of recreation land. Promote trail use through access to trail maps on the town website. • Market the "Brand" of the Town; whether it be a vibrant downtown with shops or recreational areas to visit, or unique community events, market it through social media and website that could be tied to MA Office of Travel and Tourism Step 4 Adhere to the Vision • Follow the Economic Development Plan as agreed by stakeholders and adapt over time by consensus • Every plan needs a champion to see it through and move it along and supporters that will assist in carrying it out. Mr. Alonzo asked in your mind what would be the goal why 1 as a resident would want economic development in town. Ms. Lemieux replied most likely to lower your tax rate; bringing in commercial business could potentially lessen the resident's tax burden. He asked what the biggest obstacle(s) is to implementing this plan. Ms. Lemieux replied getting the consensus from all the parties. You could hold forums, have monkey surveys on the website, survey through the tax bill mailing or meeting with public officials. Mr. Alonzo asked it there was any better answer to a question from last week that she would like to modify. Ms. Lemieux stated there were a few. She thought her mother was still the smartest person she knew but another was retired Senator Stephen Brewer. Mr. Alonzo asked what the longest commute is that she ever had for a job and how long did she keep that commute up? Ms. Lemieux replied she worked in Boston but lived in Warren. She commuted from Warren to ===PAGE 4=== Worcester to the train station and went in to South Station and then she walked to Ashburton Place which is the building behind the State House. She did this for a year and a half. She left due to layoffs. It took at least a three hours round trip. Mr. Alonzo asked what in your mind determines when you will delegate something and when you will personally do it yourself? She replied she has a great assistant so I delegate a lot to her. Department heads are knowledgeable in their fields. I trust them to carry out their work and get information from them. Mr. Ebersole asked regarding management style, how you would do evaluations? Ms. Lemieux replied they haven't done evaluations in Barre since 2008, but just this year she created two forms, one for management and the other for non-management positions. Ms. Luck asked her to talk about a grant that she was proud to receive. Ms. Lemieux stated she has applied for many and has been pretty successful. Just this week they were awarded a generator grant through the FEMA hazard mitigation program for the DPW for the fuel pumps and the DPW Building. Mr. Toale stated we talked about the difference between a Town Manager and a Town Administrator. He asked if you were to get the job as Town Manager, what you see as the exciting part to that difference. She replied with a Town Administrator there are more layers versus Town Manager having that direct relationship with department heads. I would feel very comfortable and honestly don't have any real concerns. I feel like I'm ready for that next step in my career. Ms. Lemieux asked the Board members what they see as the role of the Town Manager versus the Board of Selectmen. Mr. Toale stated hopefully both are pursuing the same vision and goals. Once that task is accomplished the Board role is to set vision and policy, deliver that to the Town and listen to the Town's needs. Obviously the Town Manager role is more operational and managing all the department heads. Ms. Bertram agreed with Mr. Toale but added the Town Manager should bring forward initiative and innovative ideas. Someone who thinks outside the box and looks for creative opportunities. Not someone who is looking to the Board for guidance, but a strong leader. Our job is to create policy and procedures and make important decisions. The Town Manager would keep a pulse on the community and what's going on around the state. Mr. Ebersole stated this Board has turned over throughout the last several years. This allows us to focus on projects such as storm water, roads, economic development, governance, etc. Clearly we are at a point now that we have a Board recognizing what the Town Manager can and should be doing. Mr. Alonzo added because we are employed other places we don't see what's going on in the town. It's important to bring up the opportunities or challenges that you are presented with day to day; not only recommendations, but options. I want to know about all the options before we need to make the decisions. Any task that is not understood well should be communicated to us that you need more clarity. Ms. Lemieux asked if the town has looked at becoming a Community Compact town. Mr. Toale stated we discussed it early in the process and wanted to wait and see if it was worth it for the town. The Board thanked Ms. Lemieux and took another recess before resuming the meeting at 7:44 p.m. Mr. Toale stated the Board should deliberate about the two candidates and discuss about how to proceed. Ms. Bertram stated she believed they had a viable candidate. Ms. Lemieux is better suited for this community due to a number of reasons. The fact that she is currently working in her field is to her credit. Her written responses were excellent and she has a strong financial background. Ms. Bertram was very interested in some of the items that she brought forward regarding economic development, such as leveraging our existing traffic corridors and how we can benefit from that. She has exhibited a lot of time to get to know our community, meeting with department heads and finding out their concerns and gaining some of their knowledge. Mr. Ebersole supported Ms. Lemieux as the candidate. Both candidates were technically competent. Her presentation skills were something that he felt more comfortable with; it was more interactive with the Board. Ms. Lemieux feels more approachable when I think of her interacting with the public and town employees. Mr. Alonzo stated we had two good candidates with varying skills, strengths and weaknesses. He is looking more for a financial person and that more critical to him. Ms. Lemieux is more of a financial person and Mr. Marciello is more of an administrative person. Ms. Lemieux's presentation skills were better, they were more engaging and that is going to be more important for future meetings. Overall the better fit is Ms. Lemieux. Ms. Luck stated she had opportunity to speak to seven Department Heads and the Executive Assistant to the Town Manager. Since these are the boots on the ground people who will be working with the Town Manager ===PAGE 5=== every day, she thought their input was valuable. Although their input was varied, some themes emerged. I heard that Ms. Lemieux appeared to be a good listener and was very personable. They liked that she said she was a coach and they could see that and appreciated that type of interaction. It was mentioned that she worked in a smaller town with less staff and she has probably done a little bit of everything, so she'll understand what's going on here. Budgeting seemed to be a strength of hers. They majority felt she would be easy to work with. They felt Mr. Marciello was diligent, a hard worker and personable. His temperament was intense and a little off putting for the people that I interviewed. She would vote for Ms. Lemieux. Mr. Toale agreed they were both qualified. He thought Ms. Lemieux's presentation skills were more polished. Both candidates answered the questions thoughtfully and shared themselves completely. He also got quite a bit of input from members of the town in terms of the interaction of the Interim Town Manager and also the effort and willingness of Ms. Lemieux to come and spend time with department heads. His only question was have we seen a big enough pool (of candidates)? But he was comfortable that either of these candidates could do the job. He shared all of the Board's opinions and thought Ms. Lemieux might be able to do the job better. Motion: T. Alonzo 2"d: P. Bertram That the Board offers the position to Heather Lemieux and enters into contract negotiations for the position of Town Manager of Lunenburg Discussion: Ms. Bertram stated that Mr. Toale raised the question if we had a big enough candidate pool and she was comfortable moving forward. Mr. Alonzo did not want people to think this is all we have. He was confident Ms. Lemieux would be an excellent Town Manager. Mr. Ebersole agreed and thanked the search committee chaired by Tim Murphy. Mr. Toale appreciated the comments and he also thought they had a good candidate and he appreciated the validation. Vote: All in Favor The Board discussed how to proceed until Ms. Lemieux starts in Lunenburg. Mr. Toale suggested appointing Land Use Director Adam Burney as Acting Town Manager. Mr. Ebersole suggested Mr. Toale in communicating with Ms. Lemieux. Mr. Alonzo offered to assist, if needed. Appointment: Ratify Town Manager Appointment of Garry Rhodes to Alternate Building Inspector Land Use Director reported Garry Rhodes of 75 Hazen Road, Shirley, MA has been appointed by Interim Town Manager Marciello as Alternate Building Inspector beginning November 10**. , due to the Building Commissioner being out for a planned medical leave. There will be compensation of $100.00 per week while Mr. Rhodes is performing these duties. Additionally, current Local Inspector John Morreale Sr. will be working hours outside of those associated with his stipend and these hours will be paid at a rate of $30.00 per hour for the duration of the required additional hours. Motion: T. Alonzo 2nd: P. Bertram To ratify the Town Manager appointment of Garry Rhodes to Alternate Building Inspector Vote: All in Favor Minutes/ Warrants/Action File Issues Minutes from October 18, 2016 were approved. The Board signed the Fiscal Year 2017 2nd Quarterly Water Commitment in the amount of $5,853.72. The Board signed Accounts Payable warrants in the amount of $162,809.97 and $170,494.05; a Payroll warrant in the amount of $753,961.91. Mr. Toale signed the previously approved lease with FLAAC for renting space in the T.C. Passios Building. The Board discussed whether to go into Executive Session or not. They decided to schedule for the following week. Mr. Toale asked if there was any public comment. Ms. Luck thanked Mr. Toale for his work on the search process and adding he did a great job organizing and steering the board through the process. Motion: P. Bertram To adjourn the meeting at 8:14 p.m. 2nd:R. Ebersole Vote: All in Favor ===PAGE 6=== Respectfully submitted, clairem. Peterson Elaine M. Peterson Executive Assistant to the Town Manager ======================================================================================== DOCUMENT : 2016-11-22-agenda-5008.txt BOARD : select-board DATE : 2016-11-22 KIND : agenda OUR COPY : https://lunenburgbudgetproject.org/docs/minutes/text/select-board/2016-11-22-agenda-5008.txt TOWN PDF : https://www.lunenburgma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_11222016-5008 ======================================================================================== ===PAGE 1=== Select Board Meeting- Executive Session1.