Board of Selectmen Minutes
February 21, 2006
Chm. Ryan convened the meeting at 7:00. Present: Alan Ryan Chm., Michael Collins Selectmen; Eugene Phillips, Lisa Pedroli, Artie Maggiore, Joe Sweet.
Barry Feingold, Chairman of the Draper Reuse Committee, presented the Board with an update on the information the 10-member committee has been gathering on the background of the Draper Building. The board agreed committee member Michael Ruane did a wonderful job authoring the preliminary report as presented. The main concern of the property is safety. The committee feels the Draper Complex presents numerous hazards to the safety and quality of life in Hopedale. The Committee has met with owner Phil Schwachman and feels it needs to maintain a good working relationship with him. This committee will remain working together over the upcoming months with the owner to come up with some type of resolution for the Complex.
Jenna Marcelo and Sydney Pigeon of the Memorial School gave a presentation to the Selectmen sharing their concern for the environment and the removal of trees by developers. The two sixth-graders said they believe people need to care more about animals than building homes. Mr. Ryan assured them steps are being taken regarding these issues such as the new town by-law that was passed changing lot sizes in the Dutcher Street area. Selectman Collins outlined for the students that the town cannot stop all building and some concessions between builders and municipalities inevitably occur. The Selectmen liked their passion and commitment for these concerns and hope they continue to pursue their concerns over the years.
Treasurer Barbara Walls outlined the bonding for the Fire Station and discussed permanent financing. The Town has been alerted that as a result of the Moody’s interview of two weeks ago, their Bond Rate of A2 with a negative outlook will be upgraded to A2. The Town of Hopedale will bond $2,057,000 for the Fire Station and $169,000 for the Water and Sewer Dept. at an interest rate of 3.934529 for 16 years.
MSDV to accept recommended rate increases for Ambulance fee. Chief Garland indicated the amounts voted in a memo dated 1/19/2006 were Medicare minimums so reimbursement will not be an issue. The new rates are scheduled to take effect July 1, 2006.
There was some discussion among the Selection about a memo that was received by Rep. Marie Parente regarding a Town Flag. There is a collection of Flags in the State House but Hopedale has not presented them with one as of yet. Mr. Phillips will contact Barbara Kochen this week to see if this project was started in the past and to also see if there is anyone interested in working on it. Selectman Ryan mentioned that the Cub Scouts had been working on this project a couple of years back.
Each member of the Board will be doing evaluation of Mr. Phillips separately as part of the Coordinator’s annual review process. Mr. Ryan will then take all three versions of the review and Mr. Phillips self evaluation and compile a master document and discuss it at the next Selectmen’s meeting.
Joe Sweet, Road Commissioner, spoke representing a Hopedale resident, Ed Rizoli, concerned about possible increased traffic on Dutcher St. as a result of a potential Transfer Station in Milford on Route 140. Selectman Collins said he would try to work with the company about the concerns as he had already attended a meeting with Milford’s Health Agent regarding this postential transfer station. Mr. Phillips indicated restricting road use if Chapter 90 funds are used is very difficult. Mr. Collins attended a presentation meeting in Milford along with Lenny Izzo regarding this issue several months ago. He explained at this point in time it is just a proposal and nothing definitive has been decided.
Rick Espanet came before the Board to speak about the Community Preservation Act and the issues regarding the timing on its implementation. There are a couple options the Town has on implementing this. First is presenting it at the Annual Town Meeting and then following up by putting it on the November ballot. Under this scenario, the town would potentially lose a year of funding (if the Act passed at TM). The second option would be to hold a Special Town Meeting before May and then place the issue on the town ballot on May 9th. A petition signed by 300 people is an option in place of the town meeting, however it was determined this avenue would not secure a timely outcome. The concern the Selectmen have is if people are not well informed and the measure fails then it may be a
lengthy road to implementation. The Selectmen would like to take the extra time and make sure the residents are well educated. Mr. Collins questioned if changes in the percentages can be made after it is established or if the whole process could be dissolved if it is not working. Mr. Espanet assured him that it could be dissolved after 5 years if need be and the percentages could be adjusted either way if the economy changed. It was decided to bring the issue to Town Meeting in May then to the State Election in November.
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Alan J. Ryan Chm.
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Michael E. Collins
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Louis J. Arcudi
HOPEDALE BOARD OF SELECTMEN
Moved, Seconded, Discussed and Voted. Roll Call Vote
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