# select-board — 5 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 : 2024-12-03-minutes-6905.txt BOARD : select-board DATE : 2024-12-03 KIND : minutes OUR COPY : https://lunenburgbudgetproject.org/docs/minutes/text/select-board/2024-12-03-minutes-6905.txt TOWN PDF : https://www.lunenburgma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Minutes/_12032024-6905 ======================================================================================== ===PAGE 1=== Select Board Meeting Minutes December 3, 2024 1 Town of Lunenburg Select Board Meeting Minutes Town Hall, 17 Main Street and via Zoom Tuesday, December 3, 2024 Members Present: Chair Caesar Nuzzolo, Vice-Chair Michael-Ray Jeffreys, Clerk Amanda Moore, Member Tom Alonzo, and Member Renee Emkey Members Absent: None Also Present: Interim Town Manager Carter Terenzini Note: At the discretion of the Chair, several agenda items were taken out of order. CALL TO ORDER AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE Chair Caesar Nuzzolo called the meeting to order at 7:00 PM and led the Pledge of Allegiance. Chair Nuzzolo informed attendees that the meeting was being recorded and broadcast live and would be uploaded to YouTube after the meeting. He explained that the agenda listed topics may be discussed, but not all items may be addressed and other items not listed could be brought up as permitted by open meeting law. PUBLIC COMMENT Board Comment Vice-Chair Michael-Ray Jeffreys commented to the public on the importance of changing personal and work passwords. He recommended having a different password for your job than you have for personal things. Public Comment None. ANNOUNCEMENTS Chair Nuzzolo announced that the annual tree lighting at the town gazebo will be this upcoming Thursday, December 5, 2024, at 6:00 PM. COMMUNICATIONS FROM OTHER BOARDS None. SCHEDULED MEETINGS AND HEARINGS Introduction: Recent Employee Hires Interim Town Manager Carter Terenzini introduced recent employee hires as follows: • Denise McCue: Office of Board of Assessors Data Collector. • Maddison Berthet: Conservation Commission Administrative Assistant. • Christopher Riley: Land Use Director. • Autumn Buck: Department of Public Works Driver/Laborer. • Anthony Russo: Call Fire Fighter/EMT. • Robin Nano: Board of Assessors Administrative Assistant. ===PAGE 2=== Select Board Meeting Minutes December 3, 2024 2 APPOINTMENTS, RATIFICATIONS, AND RESIGNATIONS Action Re: Interim Town Manager’s Nomination of LPD Acting Lieutenant (S. Zrate) Interim Police Chief Jeffrey Thibodeau recommended Sergeant Sean Zrate for the position of acting Lieutenant for the Lunenburg Police Department. Interim Chief Thibodeau stated that Sergeant Zrate is currently the department's Senior Sergeant. Interim Chief Thibodeau stated that Sergeant Zrate has 20 years of experience in policing, and with his experience with the Lunenburg Police Department, he believes Sergeant Zrate is extremely qualified for the position of acting lieutenant. Motion by Vice-Chair Jeffreys to ratify the appointment of Sean Zrate as Acting Lieutenant of the Lunenburg Police Department. Seconded by Clerk Moore. Call for the vote: Five-aye. The motion passed unanimously (5-0-0). Action Re: Interim Town Manager’s Nomination of Council On Aging Director (D. Goodsell) Interim Town Manager Terenzini stated that 5 applicants were invited for final interviews for the Council on Aging Director position. The final interview panel selected Debra Goodsell for the role. He reported that Debra has 10 years of experience as the Council On Aging Director for the Town of Clinton. Interim Town Manager Terenzini stated that Debra’s experience from her work in Clinton aligns strongly with the Town of Lunenburg and will make for a seamless transition. Interim Town Manager Terenzini stated that there were several excellent candidates for the position. He expressed his hope that, in the future, the Council On Aging can mentor individuals already serving to support career development within the organization. Motion by Member Alonzo to ratify the nomination of Debra Goodsell as the Director of Council On Aging. Seconded by Clerk Moore. Call for the vote: Five-aye. The motion passed unanimously (5-0-0). Action Re: Interview for Appointment to Cultural Council for Britny Pasturszak & Nancy Peterson Chair Nuzzolo stated that there are three vacancies on the Cultural Council with terms to expire June 2025. Nancy Peterson, a lifelong resident of the Town, approached the Board. Nancy is retired and is looking forward to spending her time getting involved in the Town. Member Alonzo commented that Nancy would be an excellent addition to the Cultural Council. Vice-Chair Jeffreys, Member Alonzo, and Clerk Moore thanked Nancy for volunteering. Britny Pasturszak, a resident of Lunenburg since 2021, joined the Board via Zoom. Britney has been an art educator and artist for 10 years. Britny is currently pursuing her Master of Education and Art ===PAGE 3=== Select Board Meeting Minutes December 3, 2024 3 Education at Fitchburg State University. She stated that she wanted to be involved in the community and this opportunity would be a good way to do so. Chair Nuzzolo and Member Alonzo thanked Britny for volunteering. Motion by Member Alonzo to appoint Britny Pasturszak and Nancy Peterson to the Cultural Council, terms to expire June 30, 2025. Seconded by Member Emkey. Call for the vote: Five- aye. The motion passed unanimously (5-0-0). INTERIM TOWN MANAGER REPORT Interim Town Manager Terenzini provided his report to the Board and reported on the following: • He began by thanking Jo Toale and PAC for the improved sound for meetings at the Town Hall. • The Interim Town Manager reported that he met with the Cemetery Commission. The Historical Commission has indicated interest in a cemetery found at 34 West Street Terrace and he will be meeting with the property owner. There was also discussion with the Cemetery Commission regarding a stone wall that they would like to erect. • He reported on his meeting with the Capital Planning Committee and discussed the potential capital budget. He reported that the capital budget is anticipated to be around $1.1 million. • The weekly meeting with the Facilities Director concentrated on projects that may be terminated for lack of need. Any termination of projects will be brought to Town Meeting if funds are to be transferred. They also discussed better coordination with other projects and possible property disposition. • He reported that he has been meeting with Bliss Cannabis regarding the community host agreement. • The Adult Activity Center roof is complete. • The Friends of the library have provided a formal commitment to fund a contingency up to $20,000 for the library teen room project. • The Municipal Design Committee met with the designer. He indicated that the Chair of that Committee will speak further on this topic. • Town Hall roof replacement and chimney restoration submittals are starting to come in. He commented that if any changes to costs occur, it would be due to the chimney restoration. He recommends completing the chimney restoration before the roof replacement. • The Ritter Building bids were opened last Thursday. The total budget is $230,000. The roof, trim and gutter repair had bids ranging from $100,000 to $315,000. The windows and doors had a bid of around $435,000. The Board engaged in a discussion related to the replacement of the windows and doors in the context of the Municipal Building Design projects. Board Members want to ensure that windows and doors are not replaced only to be removed in a few years as part of the larger municipal building design projects. The ADA ramp was not put out to bid. He suggests revisiting the Ritter Building project. Project submittals for the DPW floor are coming in. Vice-Chair Jeffreys commented on the need for a better process to ensure that projects that have been funded do not linger before going out to bid. He commented on project costs increasing if not put out to bid quickly. He also commented on the need to engage with regulatory agencies, such as the APDC, on the front-end. He stated there needed to be policies around these concerns. Member Alonzo commented on the need to obtain professional estimates as opposed to back-of-the-napkin estimates when planning for capital. He stated when projects are coming in five-fold over the estimate which ===PAGE 4=== Select Board Meeting Minutes December 3, 2024 4 indicates not only an inflation problem, but also an estimate issue. Member Moore commented on the potential need for an estimate policy. • Interim Town Manager reported that he is waiting for DOR to sign off on Free Cash. He reported that the final tax rate is still estimated the same. • The Interim Town Manager announced current vacancies including PAC Videographer, Sewer Business Manager Assistant, Police Officer and Network Administrator. Vacancies on Boards and Committees: Agricultural Commission, Architectural Preservation District Commission, Board of Health, Conservation Commission, Cultural Council, Finance Committee, Historical Commission, Library Board of Trustees, Master Plan Steering Committee, Personnel Committee, Public Access Cable Committee, Storm Water Task Force, and Zoning Board of Appeals. CURRENT BUSINESS Action Re: MHP/MBTA Technical Assistance Grant Chair Nuzzolo welcomed Land Use Director Christopher Reilly to come before the Board to talk about this agenda item. Mr. Reilly explained that this is a grant available to communities to assist with compliance with the MBTA Zoning Act. The grant is approximately $20,000 and is funded through the Mass Housing Partnership. The technical assistance funds are used to help communities achieve compliance by developing develop district options, community engagement, and drafting the bylaw. Mr. Reilly explained that the Act’s application to Lunenburg- Lunenburg is required to zone a district with a minimum of 15 dwelling units per acre (three times the density allowed by the current bylaws). Mr. Reilly stated he believed the Town will have options to consider that will allow for compliance without having a negative impact on residential areas. He also stated that if the Town does not comply, grant funding could be affected as well as potential legal consequences. Motion by Member Alonzo to authorize Interim Town Manager Terenzini to allow for the application of the MHP/MBTA Technical Assistance Grant as presented by the Land Use Director. Seconded by Vice-Chair Jeffreys. Call for the vote: Five-aye. The motion passed unanimously (5-0-0). Action Re: Request for Merger by APDC/HC Chair Nuzzolo stated that the APDC and the Historical Commission both unanimously voted for this merger. He stated the next steps would be to determine whether to use Town Counsel to craft language that would be presented to Town Meeting. Interim Town Manager Terenzi stated that he wanted to bring this matter before the Select Board prior to bringing it to Town Counsel, as this would be a major decision. APDC Chair Anthony Sculimbrene and Historic Commission Chair Richard McGrath approached the Board. Mr. Sculimbrene stated that the APDC and the Historic Commission are doing the same work, but with two different groups of people. The APDC and Historic Commission are looking to combine their bylaws. Mr. McGrath stated that recent Historic Commission meetings had no ===PAGE 5=== Select Board Meeting Minutes December 3, 2024 5 quorum, and this merger would help with staffing the Commission. They discussed that the Town has historical assets within the Architectural Preservation District. Member Alonzo commented that he was in favor of going forward to see what this looks like fleshed out, but stated there was a reason to have two separate entities despite having overlapping interest- areas. Member Jeffreys stated he supported the request and also agreed with Member Alonzo’s comments as well. Member Jeffreys stated the APD was created to promote economic activity in the center of Town. He commented that the Town should explore whether it has met its intended purpose as the cost to maintain town properties. He suggested that in addition to exploring the merger they should explore focusing more on preservation and not so much on economic activity. Motion by Vice-Chair Jeffreys to support the request by the Architectural Preservation District Commission and the Historical Commission to engage Town Counsel to explore merging. Seconded by Member Alonzo. Call for the vote: Five-aye. The motion passed unanimously (5-0-0). The Chair allowed Anthony Sculimbrene of 92 Beal Street to provide public comment out of order. Mr. Sculimbrene commented that the consequences of not moving forward with the Ritter Building project are significant. He stated the Town needs to do a much better job of obtaining project cost estimates. He commented that Lunenburg has not been a good builder or good owner (of its buildings). OLD BUSINESS Action Re: CCC Host Community Agreements There was no discussion on this agenda item. Action Re: ARPA Status Interim Town Manager Terenzini reported that approximately $205,000 remain in APRA funds. Mr. Terenzini stated it will cost $105,000 to deploy MUNIS. He estimated $15,000 should be set aside for training. He stated this plan will help bridge the cost increases over two years. He recommended $140,000 to soften the impact to the operating budget. $108,000 was already appropriated for MUNIS. The delta is $32,000. Mr. Terenzini stated the $140,000 gets the Town through two years. The Board and Town Manager engaged in a discussion about the transition to subscription-based services. Members discussed the requests that came in from the Library. Vice-Chair Jeffreys, liaison to the Library Trustees, spoke to their requests and said that they would like to retain the amount originally appropriated and now use the funds on other projects, such as teen room furniture. Member Alonzo advocated for increased funding for the food pantry. Motion by Member Alonzo to the Select Board committing an additional $30,000 to the food pantry. Seconded by Clerk Moore. Call for vote: Four-aye. One abstention: Chair Nuzzolo. The motion passed (4-0-1). ===PAGE 6=== Select Board Meeting Minutes December 3, 2024 6 Motion by Vice-Chair Jeffreys to commit $32,000 for MUNIS, $25,000 for the before and after school program, $12,000 for the Library’s teen room furniture. Seconded by Member Alonzo. Call for the vote: Five-aye. The motion passed unanimously. Action Re: Lunenburg Skate Park Letter of Support Vice-Chair Jeffreys drafted a letter of support but wants to hold it until next week so a colleague experienced with grants can review it. The deadline for the letter is the last week of December. Discussion on Annual Climate Survey Policy Clerk Moore stated that the Board should get the results from the last Annual Climate Survey along with what questions were asked. and how the Board can improve the previous questions versus new questions. Chair Nuzzolo stated he would work on a draft of the policy for consideration by the Board at a future meeting. Discussion on Select Board and Town Manager Goal-Setting Process There was no discussion on this agenda item. NEW BUSINESS Action Re: Annual License Renewals Chair Nuzzolo stated Lunenburg Liquors has an outstanding property tax bill and that there were no delinquent sewer bills for any of the renewals. Chair Nuzzolo stated that the office had not heard from several of the licensees and the status of several licensees. The Board deferred votes on the licensing to the next meeting. Action Re: Vacating Final Judgement #17TL001765 Interim Town Manager stated that the current owner is looking to redeem the property. Interim Town Manager Terenzini explained that this was in relation to 14 Sunset Ave. He stated that the former owner is looking to re-purchase the property and that in order to do that the Select Board would need to vacation the judgment. Mr. Terenzini stated the Boad had been provided a draft of the motion by the Treasurer/Collector. Mr. Terenzini asked that the matter be tabled to the next meeting. MINUTES/WARRANTS/ACTION ITEMS Regular Session Minutes December 12, 2023. Motion by Member Alonzo to approve minutes of December 12, 2023. Seconded by Member Emkey. Call for the vote: Five-aye. The motion passed unanimously (5-0-0). Warrants There was no discussion on this agenda item. ===PAGE 7=== Select Board Meeting Minutes December 3, 2024 7 Action Items Vice-Chair Jeffreys requested an action item for the Facilities Director to look into the temperature settings in Town Hall. COMMITTEE REPORTS Budget Task Force: Member Emkey reported that the Budget Task Force met last night to discuss the Community Preservation Act. Capital Planning: Member Alonzo reported that Capital Planning met last night to review the 25 projects on their list. Project list will be finalized at the next Capital Planning meeting. Town Manager Screening Committee: Member Alonzo reported that the Town Manager Screening Committee will be conducting interviews next week. Economic Development Committee: Clerk Moore reported that the Economic Development Committee has not met, and the next meeting is scheduled for December 19, 2024, with location confirmation pending. Library Trustees: Vice-Chair Jeffreys commented on the Trustees engaging in the annual review process for its staff, including the Director. He encouraged everyone to check out the library website to be informed of the activities that they hold. Municipal Design Committee: Vice-Chair Jeffreys met with the Municipal Building Design Committee and reported that Taylor & Burns Architects was contracted and hired. He stated that they are still engaging with staff on current needs and future proofing. He discussed a conversation that he had with the Facilities Director on the TC Passios building and the Director’s concern about the building making it through the winter. This requires the Town to now explore a more immediate solution for the PAC program. UPCOMING MEETING/EVENTS SCHEDULED December 10 th; December 17th PUBLIC COMMENT Town Manager Comment There was no discussion on this agenda item. Public Comment John Bowen, 162 Highland Street (via Zoom): Mr. Bowen commented that the APDC and Historic Commission merger should be carefully considered as each Commission has its own intended directions. Mr. Bowen also commented on the MHP/MBTA Technical Assistance Grant and stated he disagreed with the Act. He provided comments on the Cemetery Commission and their votes at a recent meeting not being taken by roll-call. He also discussed the Cemetery Commission’s use of the Ramaker program. He also discussed moving bodies on West Street. ===PAGE 8=== Select Board Meeting Minutes December 3, 2024 8 Board Comment Vice-Chair Jeffreys commented that a gentleman from Lunenburg Liquors reported to the Board that he is receiving two bills for the property, instead of one. He has been paying both bills but would like this issue to be resolved. ADJOURNMENT Member Alonzo moved to Adjourn. Seconded by Clerk Moore. Call for the vote: Five-aye. The motion passed unanimously (5-0-0). Meeting adjourned at 10:08 P.M. Respectfully Submitted, Lauren Menard Minute Clerk These Minutes were reviewed and approved by the Select Board on: Tuesday July 1, 2025 Chair Nuzzolo made the Motion to Approve the minutes from December 3, 2024. Seconded by Vice-Chair Moore. Call for the vote: Four-aye. One-abstain (McLeod). Motion passed (4-0-1). ======================================================================================== DOCUMENT : 2024-12-10-agenda-6920.txt BOARD : select-board DATE : 2024-12-10 KIND : agenda OUR COPY : https://lunenburgbudgetproject.org/docs/minutes/text/select-board/2024-12-10-agenda-6920.txt TOWN PDF : https://www.lunenburgma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_12102024-6920 ======================================================================================== ===PAGE 1=== SELECT BOARD Tuesday, December 10, 2024 7:00 PM AGENDA Bilotta Meeting Room, Town Hall In accordance with the requirements of the Open Meeting Law, please be advised that this meeting is being recorded and broadcast live over the Lunenburg Public Access channel, on FacebookLive on the Public Access Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/Lunenburg-Public-Access-Cable-157427270975305/ ) and will be uploaded to the LunenburgAccess YouTube after the meeting. This meeting will be held in-person at the location provided on this notice. Members of the public are welcome to attend this in-person meeting. Please note that while an option for remote attendance and/or participation is being provided as a courtesy to the public, the meeting will not be suspended or terminated if technological problems interrupt the virtual broadcast, unless otherwise required by law. Members of the public with particular interest in any specific item on this agenda should make plans for in-person vs. virtual attendance accordingly. The following information is also provided for members of the public that would like to participate in the meeting remotely: To Participate Remotely: From a computer, please use the link below to join the public meeting webinar: https://zoom.us/j/9091740347 or from a telephone, dial the toll free number (888) 475-4499 and enter Webinar ID: 909-174- 0347 # If you have not registered with Zoom you will be asked for your name and an e-mail address. Note: No participant ID is needed, just press # when asked. Telephone users may dial *9 to request to speak after joining the meeting. Computer and app users may use the “raise hand” feature to request to speak. The agenda lists all the topics which may be discussed at the meeting and are those reasonably anticipated by the Chair. Vote s may be taken as a result of these discussions. Not all items listed may in fact be discussed and other items not listed may also be brought up for discussion to the extent permitted by Open Meeting Law. 7:00 PM CALL TO ORDER AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE II. PUBLIC COMMENT*** • BOARD • PUBLIC III. ANNOUNCEMENTS IV. COMMUNICATIONS FROM OTHER BOARDS V. SCHEDULED MEETINGS AND HEARINGS 1. Finance Director’s Presentation Re: FY’24 Year End Financial Report VI. APPOINTMENTS, RATIFICATIONS, AND RESIGNATIONS VII. INTERIM TOWN MANAGER REPORT VIII. OLD BUSINESS 1. Annual License Renewals 2. Status Update and Potential Vote on ARPA funds 3. Review and Potential Vote on Lunenburg Skate Park Letter of Support 4. Review Draft of Cannabis Control Commission Host Community Agreement for Bliss Cannabis 5. Discussion on Annual Climate Survey Policy 6. Discussion on Select Board and Town Manager Goal-Setting Process IX. CURRENT BUSINESS ===PAGE 2=== 1. Action Re: Vacating Final Judgement #17TL001765 (Land Court) 2. Action Re: Sell or Hold 531 Reservoir Rd; 56 Carr Avenue X. MINUTES/WARRANTS/ACTION ITEMS • Regular Session Minutes for December 19, 2023; January 9, 2024 XI. COMMITTEE REPORTS XII. UPCOMING MEETING/EVENTS SCHEDULE December 17th ; January 7th XIII. PUBLIC COMMENT*** • INTERIM TOWN MANAGER • PUBLIC • BOARD XIV. ADJOURN *** Per Policy, Public comment is limited to 15 minutes, with no more than 3 minutes per speaker except at the discretion of the Chairperson ======================================================================================== DOCUMENT : 2024-12-10-minutes-6920.txt BOARD : select-board DATE : 2024-12-10 KIND : minutes OUR COPY : https://lunenburgbudgetproject.org/docs/minutes/text/select-board/2024-12-10-minutes-6920.txt TOWN PDF : https://www.lunenburgma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Minutes/_12102024-6920 ======================================================================================== ===PAGE 1=== Town of Lunenburg Select Board Meeting Minutes Town Hall, 17 Main Street and via Zoom Tuesday, December 10, 2024 Members Present: Chair Caesar Nuzzolo, Vice-Chair Michael-Ray Jeffreys, Clerk Amanda Moore, Member Tom Alonzo, and Member Renee Emkey Members Absent: None Also Present: Interim Town Manager Carter Terenzini CALL TO ORDER AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE Chair Caesar Nuzzolo called the meeting to order at 7:00 PM and led the Pledge of Allegiance. Chair Nuzzolo noted that Vice-Chair Jeffreys was running a couple minutes late. Chair Nuzzolo informed attendees that the meeting was being recorded and broadcast live and would be uploaded to YouTube after the meeting. He explained that the agenda listed topics may be discussed, but not all items may be addressed and other items not listed could be brought up as permitted by open meeting law. PUBLIC COMMENT Board Comment Member Renee Emkey commented that the Salvation Army will host two boot drives this Saturday from 10 AM-2 PM. One in the center of town and one at the CVS intersection. Member Tom Alonzo commented that State Representatives Kushmerek and Scarsdale will be ringing the Salvation Army bell this Saturday from 10 AM-11AM at the Lunenburg Walmart. Public Comment None. ANNOUNCEMENTS Chair Nuzzolo announced that anyone who wants to send a letter to Santa, can do so by using Santa’s mailbox located in the center of Town. He added that Santa’s Mailbox sends letters to the North Pole with sponsorship by the Lunenburg Ledger. Chair Nuzzolo also announced that there is a pancake breakfast tomorrow morning from 8AM-10AM at the Lunenburg Adult Activity Center. COMMUNICATIONS FROM OTHER BOARDS None. SCHEDULED MEETINGS AND HEARINGS Finance Director’s Presentation Re: FY’24 Year End Financial Report Chair Nuzzolo stated that the Finance Director was unavailable tonight, so this agenda item will be postponed. ===PAGE 2=== APPOINTMENTS, RATIFICATIONS, AND RESIGNATIONS None. INTERIM TOWN MANAGER REPORT Interim Town Manager Carter Terenzini provided his report to the Board: • Interim Town Manager Terenzini taped a Talk of The Town episode with Land Use Director, Christopher Reilly. Topics of the episode included the status of the Master Plan, the MBTA Zoning Act, and new law on Accessory Dwelling Units. • Still waiting on Department of Revenue to sign off on free cash. The final tax rate was set at $14.36 and he and anticipates tax bills will be mailed out next week. • Interim Town Manager Terenzini met with the representative from the Food Pantry on their ARPA contract and has received their redlines. He also met with the Village at Flat Hills representative to identify the final documents they need to submit to process the payment. Those documents were delivered physically today and electronically yesterday. He also has received Bill Bernard’s inspection report on the project. • Mr. Terenzini met with the owners of the property of the cemetery that was found on West Terrace. The property owners provided Interim Town Manager Terenzini with questions, and he will be pushing those out to the Historic Commission and other relevant parties. • He stated a tentative meeting has been set with Town Counsel review the potential merger of the APDC and Historic Commission. • He provided the following project updates: the Library Teen Room contract has been executed, and the Town Hall roof replacement and chimney restoration contract has been issued. He stated he met with the Ritter building roof contractor, and he is very comfortable with the scope of the work and understands the scope of work. He also felt comfortable with his estimate but wants to go through it one more time and will provide his final answer tomorrow. The DPW floor project started today, and he expects the roof project to start next week. • Most ARPA orders have been placed. Minor variations in pricing may be seen as they move forward. • Interim Town Manager Terenzini reported that the Sewer Commission meets tonight and subject to their action, there will be a Sewer Business Manager starting January 6 th. • Current Recruitments: PAC Videographer, Assistant to the Sewer Business Manager, Police Officer, Police Sergeant, Agricultural Commission, Architectural Preservation District Commission, Board of Health, Conservation Commission, Cultural Council, Finance Committee, Historical Commission, Library Board of Trustees, Master Plan Steering Committee, Personnel Committee, PACC, Stormwater Task Force, and ZBA • He stated there would be a flyer seeking volunteers for various boards and commissions going into the tax bills. OLD BUSINESS Annual License Renewals Chair Nuzzolo read the attached list of alcohol licensees and asked if there was any discussion on any of the licensees (see attached). ===PAGE 3=== Motion by Member Alonzo to approve all 2025 alcohol license renewals as read. Seconded by Vice-Chair Michael-Ray Jeffreys. Call for the vote: Five-aye. The motion passed unanimously (5-0-0). Auto Dealer Class 1 License Renewals Chair Nuzzolo read the attached list of Class 1, 2, and 3 Auto licensees and asked if there was any discussion on any of the licensees (see attached). Motion by Member Alonzo to renew the 2025 Auto Dealer licenses. Seconded by Vice-Chair Jeffreys. Call for the vote: Five-aye. The motion passed unanimously (5-0-0). Common Victualler Renewals Chair Nuzzolo read the attached list of Common Victualler licensees and asked if there was any discussion on any of the licensees (see attached). Motion by Member Alonzo to renew the 2025 Common Victuallar licenses. Seconded by Vice-Chair Jeffreys. Call for the vote: Five-aye. The motion passed unanimously (5-0-0). Limousine Licenses Chair Nuzzolo read the attached list of Limousine Licenses and asked if there was any discussion on any of the licensees (see attached). Vice-Chair Jeffreys commented that based on our policy you have to be licensed in our town to provide the service in our town even if you don’t actually live in our town or have your business in our town. Motion by Member Alonzo to approve the 2025 Limousine License Renewals. Seconded by Member Emkey. Call for the vote: Five-aye. The motion passed unanimously (5-0-0). Status Update and Potential Vote on ARPA Funds Interim Town Manager Terenzini stated that at the end of last week, they had roughly $105,000 in ARPA funds remaining. He stated he is awaiting final roof contractor estimates for the Ritter Building before reallocating the remaining funds. He needs to make sure he has correctly accounted for all of the capital amounts that they are doing. He is not using too much ARPA money but is leaving enough capital money behind for contingency. He hopes to have the final report for the Board next Tuesday. Chair Nuzzolo stated that he received status updates on some of the more recent purchases. Many of the purchases were authorized by Interim Town Manager Terenzini. Purchases included DPW equipment requests, fire department requests. Some purchases were already made such as the fence for the Council on Aging, along with the purchases made by the Historical Society, and the Boys and Girls Club. ===PAGE 4=== Interim Town Manager Terenzini reported that the Food Pantry was very enthusiastic and conveyed their deep appreciation. Member Alonzo reported that he was at a Boys and Girls Club event last night and they said the same thing. Chair Nuzzolo requested that as items are purchased and closed out, that the Board has updates so that they can track this matter live. Interim Town Manager Terenzini stated that the Finance Director would do this as invoices are paid in Accounting and that it would be a duplicate but that this can be done. Chair Nuzzolo clarified with Interim Town Manager Terenzini that he would like to hold off on voting on the remainder for any contingency until next week. Interim Town Manager Terenzini confirmed stating that he wanted to feel comfortable with the numbers and that he hadn’t heard from the Ritter Building contractor that he met with earlier that day, and he doesn’t believe anything until he has ink or DocuSign on paper. Vice-Chair Jeffreys commented that he thinks it would be helpful to turn this into a newspaper ad and publish it to the public to inform where these funds have gone so that there is awareness amongst the community of how these funds were committed by this Board. He added that not many people watch these meetings, but many people read the Ledger so if there is a way to convert this into an ad that can get out before the holiday season. Chair Nuzzolo and Clerk Amanda Moore agreed. Clerk Moore stated that she’s not sure if doing it before the holidays makes sense and that she would feel more comfortable waiting until everything was finalized. Interim Town Manager Terenzini added that they could do a report to the community which could become part of the Annual Town Report. Interim Town Manager Terenzini stated that this may be a January task. Review and Potential Vote on Lunenburg Skate Park Letter of Support Vice-Chair Jeffreys drafted the Lunenburg Skate Park Letter of Support and had a colleague who is experienced in grants, make modifications. Vice-Chair Jeffreys read the Lunenburg Skate Park Letter of Support. Member Emkey had one modification which was correcting the incorrect spelling of her last name. Vice-Chair Jeffreys stated that he would like to change the word community to town in the second sentence of the second paragraph. Vice-Chair Jeffreys asked if the rest of the Board was available to sign the letter of support this week. Chair Nuzzolo, Clerk Moore, and Member Emkey indicated they could sign it on Thursday. Motion by Member Alonzo to approve the Lunenburg Skate Park Letter of Support with the modifications noted during their discussion. Seconded by Clerk Moore. Call for the vote: Five-aye. The motion passed unanimously (5-0-0). Review Draft of Cannabis Control Commission Host Community Agreement for Bliss Cannabis Chair Nuzzolo stated that this was not available tonight. Interim Town Manager Terenzini stated that Bliss Cannabis sent them some documents and will be going over those with Town Counsel tomorrow, subject to comments that he makes and then they will meet with Bliss again. ===PAGE 5=== Discussion on Annual Climate Survey Policy Chair Nuzzolo stated that the rest of the Board can send notes and feedback, and he will put together a draft. He would like to review the draft next week or sometime in January. Vice-Chair Jeffreys stated that he thinks having the outline in case members are unfamiliar with a climate or engagement survey. He added that it is helpful to look at the existing and what he would like to see in this policy is not just the schedule of when they want this to come out, but also the kind of details of what they are looking for and a lot of that is answered by the questions that go out into the survey which look at a variety of different areas. Having the list of questions that came from the company initially before modifications were made would be helpful to see what the template looked like. Chair Nuzzolo added that his idea in thinking of it was that what they’re looking for might change year-to-year so ideally the Town Manager would draft and then they review and give questions that they want to add or remove. Vice-Chair Jeffreys said that it should tie into Town Manager evaluation in terms of some of this because there is a level of inappropriateness if they go out and directly engage with Department Heads and ask them what they think of their boss. He suggested having a neutral survey that captures the information, and they can pair it into the Town Manager evaluation. Member Alonzo stated that most of this should go to the Towns HR person and that is where most of the decision should be made. He added that the Board should be able to review what they’re going to do but he is not sure about how much input the Board should have. Chair Nuzzolo suggested inviting the HR Director in to discuss this when they talk about it next. Discussion on Select Board and Town Manager Goal-Setting Process Chair Nuzzolo stated the idea of doing quarterly check ins on goals throughout the year and give progress updates. Vice-Chair Jeffreys talked about getting an update on the capital plan every other month. He added that goal setting could be time-consuming, and they must be careful about creating a process that no one has time to implement. He said that an alignment of goals would be helpful to help things happen. Clerk Moore added that there are several communities that start with their Town Manager and Select Board goal setting and then employees work with their Department Heads to set goals, but it is tied to their pay. Member Alonzo stated that most people working in departments in whatever role have a running list of things they need to do so the goals should be self-determined throughout the year rather than coming up with goals in one point of time. He added that the Town Manager should be working with the Department Heads all year around about what things should be on the horizon. Vice-Chair Jeffreys discussed the challenges of goals for when a new member joins a Board as they may need to get acclimated and determine their own goals. Member Emkey stated that goals are not static, they evolve, and one goal may not make sense because something else came up that’s higher priority. Chair Nuzzolo suggested a mid-year check in and potential realignment of goals could be worthwhile. CURRENT BUSINESS Action Re: Vacating Final Judgement #17TL001765 (Land Court) Chair Nuzzolo stated that they discussed this last week, and they just need an updated motion. ===PAGE 6=== As provided under Mass general laws Chapter 60 § 69, I, Caesar Nuzzolo, hereby move to vacate the final judgement entered on August 18th, 2023, in Massachusetts land court tax lean foreclosure case number 17TL001765 Town of Lunenburg v. Joseph Edwin Brogna and Kevin M. Brogna covering the property located at 14 Sunset Avenue Lunenburg Massachusetts, Accessors parcel 112-034-00-00, on the condition that the Town receives payment of all amounts due to redeem the tax taking covering a property which include but are not limited to taxes and interest to the date payment is received by the town, all charges and fees associated with the foreclosure case, all tazes and interest in lieu of an assessment as a result of the Town’s ownership, all water and sewer charges incurred prior to and subsequent to the entry of the foreclosure judgement, and any costs incurred by the town while in the care, custody, and control of the property after the entry of the foreclosure judgement. The Town must receive payment in full within 14 days starting from the day after the Select Board vote. Upon payment to the town of the full redemption, the Town will take the necessary action to vacate the foreclosure judgement and withdraw the foreclosure case in the Massachusetts land court and issue and record an instrument of redemption. Seconded by Member Alonzo. Call for the vote: Five-aye. The motion passed unanimously (5-0-0). Action Re: Sell or Hold 531 Reservoir Rd; 56 Carr Avenue Chair Nuzzolo stated that these are properties entering into the foreclosure process and as he understands it, there was a change in state law so Select Board now must decide if as the Town if they want to withhold these properties of if they want to sell them. He stated the new law, Chapter 140 of the Acts of 2024. Interim Town Manager Terenzini explained that this is a new law, and it speaks about the right of communities to keep value in excess taxes that were owed. Vice-Chair Jeffreys stated that 56 Carr Avenue has a lot of value and thinks there is a lot of value to the community in holding the 11 acres, whereas he does not see the value in the municipality holding 531 Reservoir Road. Chair Nuzzolo agreed with Vice-Chair Jeffreys. Member Alonzo stated that he would like to know more about the property before they make a decision. Vice-Chair Jeffreys added that property cards would be helpful, along with staff having the ability to take photos. Chair Nuzzolo stated that the Board is going to hold off on this until next week. MINUTES/WARRANTS/ACTION ITEMS Regular Session Minutes for December 19, 2023; January 9, 2024 Member Alonzo suggested revision to a Board comment for the spelling of an individual’s name and added that they should include the individual’s last name. He also suggested correcting page numbers. Chair Nuzzolo ensured he would let Annie know of this revision. Motion by Member Alonzo to approve the meeting minutes of December 19, 2023. Seconded by Member Emkey. Call for the vote: Five-aye. The motion passed unanimously (5-0-0). Warrants • Accounts payable warrant in the amount of $514,353. ===PAGE 7=== • Accounts payable warrant in the amount of $150,048. Action Items Clerk Moore indicated an action item of looking into the idea of and pricing of an agenda and minute software. COMMITTEE REPORTS School Committee: Member Emkey reported that the Committee met last week. Town Manager Screening Committee: Member Alonzo reported that the committee meets tomorrow and Thursday for three interviews each day. Following interviews on Thursday, discussion on all interviews and potentially have a list to provide to the Select Board. Economic Development Committee: Clerk Moore reported that the committee is still tentatively meeting next week. Master Plan Steering Committee: Clerk Moore reported that public meeting number five was not posted for the open meeting law so some of the committee members were not able to attend or were advised not to attend so that they did not violate open meeting law. There was back and forth conversation and a member resigned because of it. The committee has been experiencing challenges with a quorum. Municipal Building Design Committee: Vice-Chair Jeffreys reported that the Committee proposed for PACC to be located at the TC Passios building. Facilities Director attended the Municipal Building Design Committee meeting last week and vocalized concerns about the boiler system at the TC Passios building and whether it would get through the winter without significant need for repair. Conversation was had with PACC about what their minimum space needs are. Vice-Chair Jeffreys reported that he intends to discuss integrating PACC into the plans with the Municipal Building Design Committee. Conversations will need to be had about whether PACC can be accommodated, and some of the challenges with PACC’s studio space requirements is that they have no interest being in the Town Hall because of the sounds it makes, and they also have concerns about being collocated with phones ringing, people talking, break rooms, etc. 300 th Anniversary Committee: Chair Nuzzolo reported that the committee unofficially met last night and there was a lot of discussion about events and merchandise that they could do for that. The first official meeting will be April 28 th. Chair Nuzzolo added that there was a lot of discussion about how the committee doesn’t want to be the authority over events and celebrations that happen, and they want to encourage other committees, boards, groups of people to plan things. The organization sees themselves being the committee that’s going to coordinate all of it. Vice-Chair Jeffreys commented that he hears what Chair Nuzzolo is saying, but he wondered if the committee would be doing outreach to look for activities. Chair Nuzzolo clarified that they will be doing outreach, and will be planning many events, but they just want other groups to know if they have ideas and they want to organize it, then they are free to do so. Council On Aging: Chair Nuzzolo reported that the Council met this morning and had a brief meeting where they had a celebration party for the outgoing Council on Aging Director Sue. ===PAGE 8=== Chair Nuzzolo added that he met with the new Council On Aging Director, Deb, who seems to be terrific and he is looking forward to working with her. Planning Board: Chair Nuzzolo reported that the board met last night but he did not have a chance to watch it. UPCOMING MEETING/EVENTS SCHEDULED December 17 th; January 7th PUBLIC COMMENT Interim Town Manager Interim Town Manager Terenzini commented that depending on the good work from the Town Manager Screening Committee on Wednesday and Thursday night, John Petrin is tentatively scheduled to come before the Board next week to provide information on where all that is headed and ask how the Board wants to proceed with their final interview. He asked if the moderator should come with John and Member Alonzo stated that he would relay that request. Public Dave MacDonald thanked the Board for all that they have been doing during the busy Christmas season. He also thanked PACC TV for the new sound system. Mr. MacDonald wished Fred and Mario Patacchiola a happy birthday and that he is proud to live in a town that has these two very respected men. He added that Chair Nuzzolo did a great job with the Christmas tree lighting the other night and that there were a lot of kids there who brough letters to the mailbox. He informed the Board that Santa will be at the Town Center this Saturday 10AM-12PM to take photos with children and to check on the mailbox and he invited the Board to come down to see Santa. Mr. MacDonald thanked Chief Sullivan and Chief Thibodeau for ringing the Salvation Army bell next Saturday at Walmart from 9AM-11AM. Board Member Alonzo thanked Chair Nuzzolo for his work with the tree lighting. He thanked the people in the band who provided the music and the fire department for bringing Santa there. He added about potentially spending $500 in ARPA funds to get an amplified speaker system. ADJOURN Vice-Chair Jeffreys moved to Adjourn. Seconded by Member Alonzo. Call for the vote: Five-aye. The motion passed unanimously (5-0-0). Meeting adjourned at 8:17 P.M. Respectfully Submitted, Lauren Menard Minute Clerk ===PAGE 9=== These Minutes were reviewed and approved by the Select Board on: Tuesday July 1, 2025 Chair Nuzzolo made the Motion to Approve the minutes from December 3, 2024. Seconded by Vice-Chair Moore. Call for the vote: Four-aye. One-abstain (McLeod). Motion passed (4-0-1). ===PAGE 10=== 2025 Alcohol License Renewals 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 A B C D E 449 Corporation Lakeview Club 449 Whalom Road General On Premises-All Alcohol $1,450.00 Aayan Corporation Hilltop Farms 1 Main St. Package Store- Wine & Malt $700.00 American Graffiti, Inc. American Graffiti 113 Summer Street Restaurant-All Alcohol $1,450.00 Central Mass Garden Center Central Mass Gardens 621 Chase Road Package Store- Wine & Malt $700.00 Embers Lounge & Restaurant LLC Embers Pizzeria 84 Lakefront Drive Restaurant All Alcohol $1,450.00 Genghis Inc. Jaxx Country Variety 1353 Massachusetts Ave. Package Store- All Alcohol $1,450.00 Global Montello Group Corp. Honey Farms #3829 134 Leominster Shirley Rd. Package Store- Wine & Malt $700.00 Il Forno Lunenburg Bar Inc. Il Forno Lunenburg Bar 494 Electric Avenue Restaurant- All Alchohol $1,450.00 Jiang Jun Lou, Inc. Asian Imperial 5 Electric Avenue Restaurant All Alcohol $1,450.00 Bedrock Builders LLC Bedrock Bar and Grill 324 Electric Ave Restaurant All Alcohol $1,450.00 Lake Front Beverage Inc. On The Rocks 96 Lakefront Drive Restaurant All Alcohol $1,450.00 Lanni Orchards Inc. Lanni Orchards 294 Chase Road Package Store-Wine & Malt $700.00 Lunenburg Zeda's Inc. Bad Larry's 1 Main St. #4 Restaurant- All Alcohol $1,450.00 Mahant Baker's Variety Inc. Baker's Whalom Variety 423 Electric Avenue Package Store-Wine & Malt $700.00 Red Pepper, Inc. Ixtapa Cantina 308 Massachusetts Avenue Restaurant- All Alcohol $1,450.00 Sarjudas LLC Lunenburg Liquors 433 Electric Avenue Package Store- All Alcohol $1,450.00 Settler's Crossing Enterprises Inc. Settlers Pub 994 Northfield Road General On Premises-All Alcohol $1,450.00 Smokestack Roasters LLC Smokestack Roasters 39 Massachusetts Ave Restaurant- Wine & Malt $700.00 Victory Distributors LLC Hannaford Supermarket & Pharmacy #8388 333 Massachusetts Ave Package Store- All Alcohol $1,450.00 Lunenburg Liquor Mart Inc Liquor Mart 88 Massachusetts Ave Package Store- All Alcohol $1,450.00 ===PAGE 11=== 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 A B C 2025 AUTO DEALER RENEWALS Fee $100.00 CLASS I NAME DBA ADDRESS COLONIAL IMPORTS, INC NORTH END SUBARU 757 CHASE ROAD COLONIAL IMPORTS WEST INC. NORTH END MAZDA 747-753 CHASE ROAD RECREATIONAL DIMENSIONS INC. CENTRAL MASS POWER SPORTS 19 MASSACHUSETTS AVE. JOE SMALLEY AUTO SALES, INC. DAEWOO NORTH 30 SUMMER STREET CLASS II NAME DBA ADDRESS CAROL & HENRY BAKER BAKER'S TOWING 421 ELECTRIC AVENUE K B AGYEMAN K B CARS LLC 555 CHASE ROAD MASS AVE. MOTORS INC MASS AVE MOTORS INC 381 MASSACHUSETTS AVE JOHN V. GOGUEN J G SERVICE 346 ELECTRIC AVENUE COLONIAL IMPORTS INC NORTH END SUBARU 44 CHASE ROAD MICHAEL R. & ROBERT C. LOVEWELL R C MOTORS 9 KIRBY AVE & 480 ELECTRIC AVE MICHAEL BARTNOWSKI K C SALES AND SERVICES LLC 1312 MASSACHUSETTS AVE. CHAPDELAINE TRUCK CENTER INC. CHAPDELAINE TRUCK CENTER 199 MASSACHUSETTS AVE. JACK NASSIF ENTERPRISES INC. J & E AUTO SALES 383 WHALOM ROAD CLASS III NAME DBA ADDRESS MICHAEL CHAPDELAINE CHAPDELAINE AUTO SALVAGE RR 199 MASSACHUSETTS AVE. ===PAGE 12=== LICENSEE NAME DBA ADDRESS Fee 449 Corporation Lakeview Club 449 Whalom Road $25.00 Aayan Corporation Hilltop Farms 1 Main St. $25.00 American Graffiti, Inc. American Graffiti 113 Summer Street $25.00 BBK Group, LLC White Thai Cuisine 177 Massachusetts Ave. $25.00 Embers Lounge & Restaurant LLC Embers Pizzeria 84 Lakefront Street $25.00 Genghis Inc. Jaxx Country Variety 1353 Massachusetts Ave. $25.00 Global Montello Group Corp. Honey Farms #3829 134 Leominster Shirley Road $25.00 IL Forno Restaurant Inc. Il Forno Restaurant & Catering 494 Electric Avenue $25.00 Jiang Jun Lou Inc. Asian Imperial 5 Electric Ave. $25.00 Konrad Café Inc. Dippin Donuts 455 Massachusetts Ave. $25.00 Lake Front Beverage Inc. On the Rocks 96 Lakefront Ave. $25.00 Lanni Orchards Inc Lanni Orchards 294 Chase Road $25.00 Lunenburg Zedas Inc. Bad Larry's 1 Main Street # 4 $25.00 Mahant Baker's Variety Inc. Bakers Whalom Variety 423 Electric Avenue $25.00 Presto Pizza Inc. Presto Pizza 429 Electric Avenue $25.00 Red Pepper Inc. Ixtapa Cantina 308 Massachusetts Ave. $25.00 Settlers Crossing Enterprises Inc. Settlers Pub 994 Northfield Road $25.00 Smokestack Roasters LLC Smokestack Roasters 39 Massachusetts Ave. $25.00 Victory Distributors LLC Hannaford Supermarket & Pharmacy #8388 333 Massachusetts Ave. $25.00 White Farm Ltd. Cherry Hill Ice Cream 826 Leominster Road $25.00 Yatim Central Convenience Lunenburg Lunenburg Gulf 451 Mass. Ave. $25.00 Bedrock Builders, LLC Bedrock Bar and Grill 324 Electric Ave. $25.00 Lunenburg Liquor Mart Inc. Liquor Mart 88 Mass. Ave. $25.00 ===PAGE 13=== 2025 LIMOUSINE LICENSE 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 A B C D FIRST CHOICE LIMOUSINE & FIRST CHOICE LIMOUSINE 55 CHASE ROAD $25.00 TRANSPORTATION SERVICE INC. THOMAS L. CROUNSE LLOYD'S LIMOUSINE SERVICE P O BOX 502 $25.00 ======================================================================================== DOCUMENT : 2024-12-17-agenda-6929.txt BOARD : select-board DATE : 2024-12-17 KIND : agenda OUR COPY : https://lunenburgbudgetproject.org/docs/minutes/text/select-board/2024-12-17-agenda-6929.txt TOWN PDF : https://www.lunenburgma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_12172024-6929 ======================================================================================== ===PAGE 1=== SELECT BOARD Tuesday, December 17, 2024 7:00 PM AGENDA Bilotta Meeting Room, Town Hall In accordance with the requirements of the Open Meeting Law, please be advised that this meeting is being recorded and broadcast live over the Lunenburg Public Access channel, on FacebookLive on the Public Access Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/Lunenburg-Public-Access-Cable-157427270975305/) and will be uploaded to the LunenburgAccess YouTube after the meeting. This meeting will be held in-person at the location provided on this notice. Members of the public are welcome to attend this in-person meeting. Please note that while an option for remote attendance and/or participation is being provided as a courtesy to the public, the meeting will not be suspended or terminated if technological problems interrupt the virtual broadcast, unless otherwise required by law. Members of the public with particular interest in any specific item on this agenda should make plans for in-person vs. virtual attendance accordingly. The following information is also provided for members of the public that would like to participate in the meeting remotely: To Participate Remotely: From a computer, please use the link below to join the public meeting webinar: https://zoom.us/j/9091740347 or from a telephone, dial the toll free number (888) 475-4499 and enter Webinar ID: 909-174- 0347 # If you have not registered with Zoom you will be asked for your name and an e -mail address. Note: No participant ID is needed, just press # when asked. Telephone users may dial *9 to request to speak after joining the meeting. Computer and app users may use the “raise hand” feature to request to speak. The agenda lists all the topics which may be discussed at the meeting and are those reasonably anticipated by the Chair. Vote s may be taken as a result of these discussions. Not all items listed may in fact be discussed and other items not listed may also be brought up for discussion to the extent permitted by Open Meeting Law. 7:00 PM CALL TO ORDER AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE II. PUBLIC COMMENT*** • BOARD • PUBLIC III. ANNOUNCEMENTS IV. COMMUNICATIONS FROM OTHER BOARDS V. SCHEDULED MEETINGS AND HEARINGS 7:05PM Introduction: Deb Goodsell, Council on Aging Director 7:15PM Presentation Re: Town Manager Screening Committee Status 7:35PM Presentation Re: FY ’24 Year End (Finance Director) 7:55PM Joint Meeting with Budget Task Force Re: Status Update and Executive Summary VI. APPOINTMENTS, RATIFICATIONS, AND RESIGNATIONS VII. INTERIM TOWN MANAGER REPORT VIII. OLD BUSINESS 1. Action Re: License Renewals 2. Action Re: Status and Potential Contingency Vote on ARPA 3. Action Re: Sell or Hold 531 Reservoir Rd & 56 Carr Avenue 4. Action Re: Host Community Agreement Re: Bliss Cannabis 5. Discussion on Annual Climate Survey Policy 6. Discussion on Select Board and Town Manager Goal-Setting Process ===PAGE 2=== IX. CURRENT BUSINESS 1. Action Re: Q1 FY ’25 Ambulance Write-Offs 2. Action Re: Comparison Communities for Wage and Other Studies X. MINUTES/WARRANTS/ACTION ITEMS XI. COMMITTEE REPORTS XII. UPCOMING MEETING/EVENTS SCHEDULE January 7 th ; January 14th (Town Manager Interviews) XIII. PUBLIC COMMENT*** • INTERIM TOWN MANAGER • PUBLIC • BOARD XIV. ADJOURN *** Per Policy, Public comment is limited to 15 minutes, with no more than 3 minutes per speaker except at th e discretion of the Chairperson ======================================================================================== DOCUMENT : 2024-12-17-minutes-6929.txt BOARD : select-board DATE : 2024-12-17 KIND : minutes OUR COPY : https://lunenburgbudgetproject.org/docs/minutes/text/select-board/2024-12-17-minutes-6929.txt TOWN PDF : https://www.lunenburgma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Minutes/_12172024-6929 ======================================================================================== ===PAGE 1=== Page 1 of 8 Select Board Meeting Minutes December 17, 2024 Town of Lunenburg Select Board Meeting Minutes Town Hall, 17 Main Street and via Zoom Tuesday December 17, 2024 Members Present: Caesar Nuzzolo, Michael-Ray Jeffreys, Amanda Moore, Tom Alonzo, Renee Emkey Also Present: Carter Terenzini, Interim Town Manager Public Comment Participants are listed in the minutes CALL TO ORDER AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE The meeting was called to order at 7:00 PM by Chair Nuzzolo . The Pledge of Allegiance was recited. Chair Nuzzolo noted that it was being recorded and broadcast live on Lunenburg Public Access Channel, Facebook Live, and would be uploaded to the Lunenburg Access YouTube channel. BOARD COMMENTS Vice Chair Jeffreys reminded the community that the Municipal Building Design Committee meets on the 1st and 3rd Monday of each month at 5:30 PM. He encouraged public participation, noting they are working with an architectural team on designing the new town hall and recently reviewed initial design concepts. SCHEDULED MEETINGS AND HEARINGS Introduction: Debra Goodsell, Council on Aging Director Deb Goodsell introduced herself to the Board alongside outgoing Director Sue Doherty and Council on Aging Chair Deb Lincoln. Ms. Goodsell has experience as the Director of Council on Aging for the Town of Clinton, and expressed excitement to join Lunenburg. Sue Doherty praised her qualifications and experience, saying she couldn’t think of a better person to take over her role. Ms. Lincoln expressed confidence in Debra Goodsell that she would be an amazing asset. Chair Nuzzolo welcomed Ms. Goodsell to Lunenburg on behalf of the Select Board. Chair Nuzzolo then read a proclamation recognizing Sue Doherty for her years of service as Council on Aging Director. The proclamation highlighted Sue Doherty's accomplishments, including expanding services and programs, overseeing facility improvements, and elevating the Adult Activity Center. It was declared December 30th to be Golden Age Day in Lunenburg. Presentation Re: Town Manager Screening Committee Status by Tim Murphy and John Petrin Tim Murphy, Chair of the Town Manager Screening Committee and John Petrin from Community Paradigm provided a formal update on the town manager search process: The Screening Committee, comprised of representatives including Tom Alonzo from the Select Board, conducted interviews with six candidates and has shortlisted three finalists for further interviews with the Select Board. These finalists emerged from a rigorous vetting and recruitment process facilitated by Community Paradigm, which entailed extensive consultations with department heads and board members to establish a candidate profile and recruitment strategy. The names of the finalists are yet to be publicized as the reference checks are ongoing. ===PAGE 2=== Page 2 of 8 Select Board Meeting Minutes December 17, 2024 Interviews with the Select Board are scheduled for January 14th. Initially, plans accounted for two nights of interviews to accommodate four candidates. However, with three candidates finalized, all interviews will take place on January 14th, commencing at 5:30 PM. Petrin recommended the Board be prepared to potentially make an appointment either on the same evening or the following night, January 15th, stressing the importance of expediency once candidates are revealed, to avert the risk of them being pursued by other opportunities. He expressed readiness to furnish suggested interview questions and engage in discussions with the Board regarding interview logistics. Mr. Petrin proposed sending a rubric along with a set of question guidelines from the initial screenings to facilitate the Board's preparations. A consensus emerged to permit Petrin to lead the primary questioning, with Board members integrating follow-up questions where needed. In-depth discussions took place on interview logistics, particularly concerning the incorporation of candidate presentations within the 75-minute interview timeframe. It is the intent that each candidate will be granted 10 to 15 minutes to present on a municipal-related topic of their choosing, allowing simultaneous questioning. This approach is designed to streamline the interviews while enabling the Board to appraise the candidates’ presentation capabilities. Finally, Petrin advised the Board to be poised for contract negotiations with the selected candidate promptly after the decision is made. The Board was advised to draft preliminary contract structures and designate bargaining team members to facilitate a seamless transition upon candidate selection. Petrin urged that legal counsel be consulted to finalize terms swiftly, thereby preventing potential hiring delays. Presentation Re: FY’ 24 Year End (Finance Director) Finance Director Ezequiel Ayala delivered the FY2024 unaudited year-end financial report with the following key highlights: • Total revenue collections stood at $48,390,000, surpassing budget projections by achieving 101.4%. • Investment income notably exceeded expectations, realizing $414,000, equivalent to 484% of the projection. • Local receipts exceeded estimates, bringing in $6,940,000. • State aid reached 96% of projected estimates, with complete funding for Chapter 70 and unrestricted local government aid. • Total expenditures amounted to $46,463,000, representing 96.7% of the budget, with actual expenditures being 1.78% lower than in FY2023. • Certified free cash was established at $2,270,000. • The tax rate was confirmed at $14.36. Ayala highlighted that the practice of conservative budgeting has consistently resulted in revenue surpluses. As such, he proposed adjusting future budgets to more accurately reflect actual expenditure. The Board engaged in discussions regarding the effects of conservative budgeting, focusing on the need for a judicious balance between maintaining reserves and addressing pressing community requirements. Additionally, conversations addressed staffing vacancies, which contributed to reduced expenditure levels. Joint Meeting with Budget Task Force: Summary and Recommendations At 7:55 PM, Anthony Sculimbrene, Chair of the Budget Task Force, issued a formal presentation highlighting the task force's critical findings and recommendations: ===PAGE 3=== Page 3 of 8 Select Board Meeting Minutes December 17, 2024 Identified Key Issues: 1. Revenue Constraints: Limitations enforced by Proposition 2½ have impacted potential revenue growth. 2. Vacancies in Key Roles: Uncompetitive compensation packages have resulted in staffing shortages. 3. Financial Systems: Current processes are outdated and complex, necessitating modernization. Major Recommendations: 1. Bank Account Consolidation: Streamline the town's bank accounts to enhance interest income. 2. Comprehensive Financial Audit: Engage in an exhaustive audit to ensure financial transparency and accountability. 3. Implementation of the Prudent Investor Rule: Leverage this rule to optimize the town’s investment strategies. 4. Community Preservation Act (CPA) Adoption: Implement the CPA to secure additional funding and preserve public resources. 5. Green Energy Grants: Actively seek grants to finance school HV AC projects, aligning with sustainability goals. Additional Recommendations: • Expanding solar energy initiatives. • Reevaluating and updating town fees and charges. • Enhancing the efficiency of financial workflows. The Board participated actively in thorough discussions focused particularly on the CPA adoption and its implications for town priorities vis-a-vis taxpayer burden. Board members expressed gratitude for the task force's comprehensive efforts and committed to an ongoing review of the recommendations to ascertain feasible implementation strategies. INTERIM TOWN MANAGER REPORT • Mr. Terenzini worked closely with the finance team on decisions related to tax foreclosures, revenue projections, and the foreclosure process for tax-delinquent properties. This involved extensive discussions and strategizing about the best approach for moving forward with foreclosures, while ensuring that all legal requirements were met, particularly in terms of notifying property owners within specific timelines after foreclosures are finalized. • Confirmed that the data files for tax bills have successfully been sent to the printer. Tax bills are anticipated to be distributed by the end of the week. • The Ritter Building roof project is advancing as planned. The contractor has confirmed their projected cost estimate, and the project is currently under budget. • Progress continues on the Department of Public Works (DPW) floor replacement project, while the roof project has commenced, beginning with stripping work. Some unforeseen issues with rotting have been discovered, though they are manageable with repairs costing under $1,000. • The school bids for the Turkey Hill fire alarm system have presented challenges. Bids came in significantly over budget, adding complexity to ARPA fund allocations. Bids ===PAGE 4=== Page 4 of 8 Select Board Meeting Minutes December 17, 2024 received were at $322,000 against a remaining budget of $260,000, which complicates the financial landscape and necessitates exploring alternative funding options, possibly bridging any gaps with additional funds or town meetings. • Recruitment is actively ongoing for several critical positions, including PAC videographers and the assistant to the sewer business manager. Police officer interviews have been conducted, and further steps such as background checks and psychological evaluations are underway. • Continued efforts are being made to efficiently manage ARPA projects and contracts. Procedures have been put in place to enhance tracking of project milestones, expenditures, and contract compliance, ensuring that resources are deployed effectively and in accordance with ARPA guidelines. Additionally, Mr. Terenzini highlighted a software initiative to update the town's financial software system, as the current Munis system is outdated and unsupported by manufacturer updates. This includes collaboration with IT and finance personnel to explore potential modernization strategies, such as cloud-based solutions, to improve operational efficiency and financial reporting accuracy. The Finance Director and team have also been involved in discussions on improving charts of accounts, standardizing financial reporting, and alleviating redundant processes. Action Re: License Renewals The following businesses have submitted applications to the Office of the Select Board for their annual renewal. All fees have been processed and applications have been reviewed. Common Victualler Lunenburg Diner (324 Electric Ave #3) Il Forno Restaurant & Catering (494 Electric Ave) Shady Point Beach & Campground (701 Reservoir Rd) Dunkin Donuts (451 Massachusetts Ave) Dunkin Donuts (400 Electric Ave) Lunenburg Gas and Market (400 Electric Ave) Dunkin Donuts (134 Leominster-Shirley Road) Whalom Gas Service (1 Whalom Road) Member Alonzo made Motion to renew all the Common Victualler Licenses as read. Seconded by Member Moore. All, aye. Passed unanimously (5-0-0). Miscellaneous (Weekday Entertainment) Smokestack Roasters (39 Massachusetts Ave) Bedrock Bar and Grill (324 Electric Ave, #4) Bad Larry’s (1 Main St, Suite 4) Il Forno Restaurant & Catering (494 Electric Ave) Miscellaneous (Automatic Amusement) Bedrock Bar and Grill (324 Electric Ave, #4) Whalom Gas Service (1 Whalom Rd) Baker’s Whalom Variety (423 Electric Ave) ===PAGE 5=== Page 5 of 8 Select Board Meeting Minutes December 17, 2024 Lakeview Club (449 Whalom Rd) Miscellaneous (Jukebox) Bedrock Bar and Grill (324 Electric Ave, #4) American Graffiti (113 Summer St) Bad Larry’s (1 Main St, Suite 4) Lakeview Club (449 Whalom Rd) Miscellaneous (Base) Lakeview Driving Range (15 Carr Ave) Member Alonzo made Motion to renew all the miscellaneous licenses as read by the Chair. Seconded by Vice Chair Jeffreys. All, aye. Passed unanimously (5-0-0). Action Re: Status and Potential Contingency Vote on ARPA Interim Town Manager Carter Terenzini provided an official report on the management of the remaining ARPA (American Rescue Plan Act) funding, including approximately $83,000 yet to be allocated. He underscored the importance of maintaining flexibility to manage these residual funds in light of potential budget overruns on current school projects or other emerging requirements. Mr. Terenzini pinpointed areas for possible financial adjustment. One significant area involves augmenting funds devoted to addressing staff payroll and IT challenges by approximately $12,000, driven by ongoing reliance on external IT support services from Suzor due to the vacancy of the network administrator role. Utilizing external service providers incurs higher hourly costs than retaining a full-time network administrator. Additionally, he recommended increasing the Department of Public Works (DPW) fund allocation by $23,000 to address unforeseen expenses related to tree removal and other operational contingencies, emphasizing careful adherence to specific contract limitations for financial efficiency. An allocation of $32,500 to cover anticipated town hall capital cost overruns was confirmed, sustaining a $10,000 budgetary contingency for pressing needs. The Turkey Hill fire alarm project needs budget supplementation with bids exceeding expectations by approximately $62,000, compounded by required engineering oversight expenditures. Therefore, there is a proposition to utilize remaining ARPA funds to close this financial breach, contingent upon finalized bid evaluations and financial assessments. Mr. Terenzini sought endorsement from the Board to keep ARPA funds available for these prospective allocations. He recommended deferring final funding allocation decisions pending receipt of upcoming bid results. The Board consented unanimously, thereby delegating Mr. Terenzini with the authority to make conclusive funding decisions. Member Alonzo moved to entrust the last $83,000 plus dollars that remain in ARPA to be committed to the interim town manager pending opening of bids this Friday for the school and possible allocation to the school and to commit anything else as he sees fit as we have discussed at this board, and to report back. Vice Chair Jeffreys seconded. The motion passed unanimously (5-0-0). ===PAGE 6=== Page 6 of 8 Select Board Meeting Minutes December 17, 2024 Action Re: Sell or Hold 531 Reservoir Rd & 56 Carr Ave Interim Town Manager Carter Terenzini provided clarity on the complexities associated with the foreclosure process, emphasizing the need for prompt decision-making, given the requirement to notify the property owner within 14 days, should the town decide to retain a property. Mr. Terenzini also highlighted the necessity of a formal appraisal, which would entail expenses, to assess the current market value of any retained property. If the town chooses this route, they are obligated to pay the difference between the appraisal value and the accumulated taxes, penalties, and interest to the property owner. In evaluating the two properties, the Board agreed that further information is vital before proceeding with any decisions on 56 Carr Avenue, particularly whether there are any approved development plans by the planning board or ZBA for that property. This decision was influenced by discussions questioning the validity of any development plans, as they might have expired. Meanwhile, the Board was ready to take decisive action on 531 Reservoir Road. After deliberations, it was deemed appropriate to foreclose on the property and subsequently sell it. Mr. Terenzini confirmed that the town could proceed with foreclosure on this property without any immediate constraints. Vice Chair Jeffreys moved for the Select Board to authorize the tax title foreclosure of 531 Reservoir Road and the eventual sale of said property. Member Alonzo seconded. All, aye. Motion passed unanimously (5-0-0). Action Re: Q1 FY ’25 Ambulance Write-Offs Ezequiel Ayala presented the ambulance write-offs for the first quarter of FY2025. The total amount of $26,318.68 in uncollectible bills was submitted for consideration to be written off the books. Ayala explained that while these debts are being written off the financial records, the town will still pursue collections through a separate collection company. Although these balances will no longer be reflected in the town's receivables, any revenue collected will still be received as income by the town. An inquiry was raised regarding the possibility of placing liens on properties owned by individuals with outstanding debts, to which Mr. Ayala clarified there was no existing precedent for this being done, and no clear legal basis had been identified. As part of regular financial maintenance, Mr. Ayala emphasized the importance of addressing such write-offs on a quarterly basis to stay current, noting the previous write-off exercise had been conducted after a significant interval had elapsed, resulting in a much larger amount at that time. Vice Chair Jeffreys Moved to write off the Q1 FY’25 ambulance uncollectible bills as presented in the amount of $26,318.68. Member Alonzo seconded. All, aye. Motion passed unanimously (5-0-0). Action Re: Comparison Communities for Wage and Other Studies Mr. Terenzini presented a proposed list of comparison communities to use for wage and benefits studies, based on a 45-minute drive time radius. The Board discussed the methodology and suggested including additional economic factors like average tax bills and affordability ratios. They agreed to have Mr. Terenzini refine the analysis and bring it back for further review. ===PAGE 7=== Page 7 of 8 Select Board Meeting Minutes December 17, 2024 Member Moore requested that the Interim Town Manager track and report on the volume of public records requests being received. Committee Reports • School Committee: Member Emkey noted the School Committee is scheduled to meet the day following this meeting, December 18th, 2024. • Town Manager Screening Committee: Member Alonzo reported that the screening committee has completed its work, resulting in the identification of three finalists. He acknowledged John Petrin and the committee chair for their excellent leadership throughout the process, highlighting the committee's ability to adhere to its schedule and effectively evaluate candidates. • Capital Planning Committee: Member Alonzo informed the Board that the Capital Planning Committee met the previous day and successfully finalized its list of projects. This list has been submitted to the Interim Town Manager, detailing ranked capital projects for upcoming budget considerations. • Municipal Building Design Committee: Vice Chair Jeffreys shared insights from the Municipal Building Design Committee's recent meeting, during which they reviewed initial layout concepts presented by the architectural team. The presentation encouraged discussions on site operations and the building's future functionality. Mr. Jeffreys highlighted a conversation concerning whether to accommodate Public Access Cable (PAC) studio requirements in the new municipal building. He mentioned the committee's split views on the necessity of providing additional studio space for PAC, citing cost and size as the main concerns. Mr. Jeffreys pointed out the committee's overall perception that public sentiment is not in favor of dedicating high-value studio space to PAC within the new facility. Given the concerns discussed, the Board agreed it would be prudent to invite PAC representatives to attend an upcoming meeting to discuss potential solutions. Upcoming Meeting/Events Schedule The next regular Select Board meeting will be January 7, 2025. Town Manager candidate interviews are scheduled for January 14-15, 2025. PUBLIC COMMENT John Bowen (via Zoom), 162 Highland Street, thanked Finance Director Ezequiel Ayala for his exceptional work. Mr. Bowen emphasized Mr. Ayala's skillful contribution to the town's finances. Mr. Bowen noted that he has gone above and beyond, considering the pay level of his position, and stated that he consistently returns phone calls and maintains excellent availability. In addition, Mr. Bowen voiced his disagreement with some of the Budget Task Force's recommendations, particularly around the subject of tax overrides. He contended that the town could manage larger tax increases to address various needs and expenses, suggesting a 5.5% annual tax increase as a possible strategy. Mr. Bowen argued that the current mindset of adhering to the constraints of Proposition 2½ might not adequately fulfill the town's financial requirements and emphasized protection for fixed-income residents through potential exemptions. He urged the Board to consider an approach similar to that of towns like Weston and Dover, asserting these communities keep state intervention limited by self-financing effectively through overrides and autonomous fiscal management. ===PAGE 8=== Page 8 of 8 Select Board Meeting Minutes December 17, 2024 Adjourn Member Alonzo moved to adjourn the meeting. Member Moore seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously (5-0-0). The meeting adjourned at 10:35 PM. Respectfully Submitted, Annie Aubrey Executive Assistant to the Town Manager These Minutes were reviewed and approved by the Select Board on: Tuesday January 21, 2025 Member Tom Alonzo made Motion to Approve minutes from December 17, 2024. Seconded by Member Renee Emkey. All, aye. Passed unanimously (5-0-0).