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TOWN OF HOPEDALE 78 Hopedale Street - P.O. Box 7 Hopedale, Massachusetts 01747
Tel: 508-634-2203 Fax: 508-634-2200 |
Board of Selectmen Michael E. Collins, Chm. Alan J. Ryan Robert P. Burns
Town Coordinator Eugene N. Phillips |
Board of Selectmen Minutes
July 7, 2008
Chairman Collins convened the meeting at 7:00 p.m. and moved into the agenda. Present: Michael Collins, Chairman, Selectman Alan Ryan, Selectman Robert Burns, Town Coordinator Eugene Phillips, Executive Assistant Patricia Goodwin, and Nick Moe, videographer.
MSDV to approve the regular and executive session minutes of June 2, 2008. Chairman Michael Collins – Aye and Robert Burns – Aye.
MSDV to approve the regular and executive session minutes of June 16, 2008. Chairman Michael Collins – Aye and Alan Ryan – Aye.
Coordinator Phillips commented that the Board may wish to consider cancelling the next board meeting scheduled for July 21st, if the members would not be available due to vacation. Chairman Collins and Selectman Burns stated that they would be available and will plan to go forward with the regularly scheduled meeting on that date.
The Police contract has previously been reviewed by the Board of Selectmen and the terms of the agreement agreed to. As there were no further comments received by the Finance Committee the contract will require the signatures of the Board of Selectmen.
MSDV to sign the Police contract as written. Chairman Collins – Aye; Selectman Ryan – Aye, and Selectman Burns – Aye.
Chairman Collins discussed the high cost of operating vehicles, especially with the soaring gasoline prices, and suggested that mileage logs be incorporated for usage in the Police Chief, Fire Chief and Pool vehicles. Mr. Collins provided log books.
MSDV to place the mileage log booklets into the Police Chief, Fire Chief and Pool car vehicles for review on a quarterly basis. Chairman Collins – Aye; Selectman Ryan – Aye, and Selectman Burns – Aye.
Chairman Collins continued a discussion regarding the Draper Reuse Committee and the Draper Mill complex. He and Coordinator Phillips attended the recent DRC meeting, at which time they were given a copy of the Concord Square Development analysis (copies have been distributed to each of the selectmen). Mr. Collins related that Phillip Shwachman, owner of the Draper building, had approached the board through the town coordinator asking whether the town would consider selling, or in some other manner, providing him the unused “stub” of the Hope Street bridge, which abuts his land holdings downtown. He stated he would like to do a test case for the development of commercial/industrial property on the former Hopedale Coal and Ice property, which he owns. In that manner, he
believes he could ascertain whether the Draper complex could attract similar projects. Chairman Collins gave his opinion as a Selectman, a tax payer and an attendee of Draper Reuse Committee meetings, saying he told Mr. Shwachman “no” as he has held the main building for 18 years, and that the discussion about the location of development had been discussed at one of the public forum charettes regarding the property’s reuse. Chairman Collins noted that he’d told Mr. Shwachman the town would consider trading the Hope Street “stub” for Draper Field, and Mr. Shwachman replied that it is not a possibility. Mr. Collins added that he and Mr. Shwachman discussed Mr. Shwachman’s assertion that he is a good neighbor, with Mr. Collins noting that the town has been concerned that the placement of no trespassing signs and blocks on the property does not make him seem to be a good neighbor.
The Draper Reuse Committee, which formerly met twice monthly, now meets just once and membership is flagging. The new part-owner of the railroad attended the last Draper Reuse Committee meeting. At that meeting, the committee said it believes that if Mr. Shwachman intends to be the developer of record on the property, he must present some type of plan to the town, just as any other developer would. The latest analysis shows that the site plan concept as originally prepared by Concord Associates has changed quite a bit and now Mr. Shwachman is advocating for a largely residential development at the Draper complex. Chairman Collins expressed concern with the impact to the town and commented that other boards are reluctant to do an analysis due to the lack of a plan. Mr. Collins
stated that Mr. Shwachman said he is hesitant to submit a plan, but will discuss this request at a meeting with the town’s consultant, Concord Square Development. As a result, Chairman Collins would like to direct the Draper Reuse Committee to discontinue meeting until there is a more specific plan in place.
Selectman Ryan stated that it has always been the position of the board that the issue of redevelopment has to start with the redevelopment of the existing Draper building, and not with the redevelopment of the land. He added that the real danger to the town is that the building remains vacant. Mr. Shwachman has been told this at numerous Draper Reuse committee meetings and he is aware of the feelings of the town. As a result, Mr. Ryan said he is in agreement with Chairman Collins; has no desire to sell the road stub and would like to know what the value of the piece of property is and what the town can expect to receive for it. Selectman Burns commented that the ball is in Mr. Shwachman’s court and that he needs to pick up the ball and bring something to the table –
either via a plan, money, or an idea, etc.
Chairman Collins told Mr. Shwachman that he would discuss this subject at this evening’s Board of Selectmen meeting in order to obtain a consensus. It was suggested that Coordinator Phillips prepare a letter to Mr. Shwachman stating that the Board is requesting some sort of plan from him. The Chairman of the Planning Board commented that they have been working for 2-3 hours at each Draper Reuse meeting and asked if Mr. Shwachman had paid the $35K that he previously said he would pay towards the study. Coordinator Phillips stated that he was in attendance at the meeting when Mr. Shwachman was asked whether he had contributed the $35K for the study, as written in his letter of approximately eight months ago, to which there was no response.
Chairman Collins moved to appointments on the agenda.
A review of re-appointments for FY’09 took place as follows: ADA Coordinator and Chief Procurement Officer, Eugene Phillips, 1-year; Building Commissioner and Zoning Enforcement Officer, Michael Tusino, 1-year; Asst. Building Commissioner and Zoning Enforcement Officer, Michael Giampietro, 1-year; Cemetery Committee member, Roberta Simmons, 1-year; Central Mass. Regional Planning member, Howard Maurer, 1-year; Constables: Joseph Conlon, John Gagnon, Donald Martin, and Francis McVeigh, 3-years; Council on Aging members: Barbara Delphos, Julia Manning, and Virginia Potty, 3-years; Draper Reuse Committee members: Michael Collins, Barry Feingold, John Gagnon, Scott Garland, Howard Maurer, Ken Piercesaw and Michael Ruane, 1-year; Finance Committee members: James Carroll,
Donald Comastra, and Colleen Strapponi, 3-years; Fire Chief, Local Emergency Management and Right to Know Officer, Scott Garland, 1-year; Gas and Plumbing Inspector, John Fontana, 1-year; Assistant Gas and Plumbing Inspector, Joseph Zacchilli, 1-year; Historical Commission members: Elaine Malloy and Theresa Ryan, 3-years; Parking Fines Clerk, Donna Lamphere, 1-year; Tax Collector/Treasurer, Barbara Walls, 1-year; Town Accountant, Linda Catanzariti, 3 years; Town Counsel, Kopelman and Paige, 1-year; Veteran’s Agent, Anthony Mastroianni, 1-year; Wiring Inspector, Joseph Scanzaroli, 1-year; Assistant Wiring Inspector, Stephen Wood, 1-year; Zoning Board of Appeals, Mary Arcudi and Kenneth Piercesaw, 3-years, and Zoning Board Alternate, John Dubois, 2-years.
MSDV to accept the re-appointments of those listed. Chairman Collins – Aye; Selectman Ryan – Aye, and Selectman Burns – Aye.
Teri Gonsalves’ term on the Board of Assessors has expired. Selectman Ryan expressed appreciation on behalf of the Board for the excellent job she has done, and an appreciation of her land expertise. She continues to hold the position of Principal Assessor and will lend her expertise as needed to the Board of Assessors.
Edward Holland, Jr. has written a letter to the Board of Selectmen expressing interest in becoming a member of the Board of Assessors, and thereby filling the vacancy left by the expiration of Teri Gonsalves term on the Board.
MSDV to accept the appointment of Edward Holland, Jr. as a member of the Board of Assessors. Chairman Collins – Aye; Selectman Ryan – Aye, and Selectman Burns – Aye.
Police Chief Costanza recommended the appointment of Stephen LaPorta as Reserve Police Officer. Mr. LaPorta has most recently held the position as a part-time public safety dispatcher with the Hopedale Police Department.
MSDV to accept the appointment of Stephen LaPorta as Reserve Police Officer for the Hopedale Police Department. Chairman Collins – Aye; Selectman Ryan – Aye, and Selectman Burns – Aye.
Fire Chief Garland recommended the appointment of Michael Brodt as a Substitute Call Firefighter.
MSDV to accept the appointment of Michael Brodt as Substitute Call Firefighter for the Hopedale Fire Department. Chairman Collins – Aye; Selectman Ryan – Aye, and Selectman Burns – Aye.
Fire Chief Garland recommended the promotion of James P. Vignone to the position of Call Firefighter. Mr. Vignone most recently held the position of Substitute Call Firefighter for the Hopedale Fire Department and is a certified EMT and has completed the District 7 Firefighter I/II program.
MSDV to appoint James P. Vignone to the position of Call Firefighter. Chairman Collins – Aye; Selectman Ryan – Aye, and Selectman Burns – Aye.
Chairman Collins moved to new business.
Several months ago Coordinator Phillips had been contacted by Mr. Richard Rizzoli’s attorney regarding a parcel of land at B West Street to ask whether the town would be interested in taking the land in lieu of payment of taxes. At that time there was a concern that the property may possibly be contaminated and Coordinator Phillips responded that the town would like assurance that the parcel is clean and would ask for a clean deed. The attorney was not willing to go that far and stated that the town of Milford did not do a site assessment when they took the portion of the parcel located in Milford. Coordinator Phillips spoke
with Carol Whyte of the Planning Board regarding the property, which abuts the parklands. She believes that the land once had a school and a machine shop on the property. Selectman Ryan expressed interest in the land for conservation purposes. Selectman Burns commented that he believes there was a school on the property that had been burned down by the Fire department approximately 20 years ago. He asked whether anyone had walked the land to see what evidence may be there. Coordinator Phillips thought perhaps any rubble that had possibly been dumped onto the land would most likely have been disposed of by the machine shop. Selectman Ryan noted that because of the topography and vegetation, it was unlikely anyone dumping on the property went in very deep and that most of any possible dumping likely occurred on the Milford section of the parcel. The property is mostly wetlands. Mr. Phillips will walk the land and take pictures of the
property.
The Board of Road Commissioners received a request for fuel assistance from the Town of Mendon for their town vehicles. Selectman Ryan commented that Coordinator Phillips had been approached by the Town of Mendon to ask if the Town of Hopedale would be interested in letting them purchase gas from the Hopedale pumps. Mr. Ryan commented that he would be willing to help on a temporary basis, as long as Mendon was willing to pay whatever price Hopedale will have to pay to refuel the tank (which is reportedly about $1 more per gallon than what was paid the last time the tank was filled). He also noted that in discussions with members of the Road Commissioners, there is a concern about congestion at the pump during the ensuing winter months. Eli Potty of the
Board of Road Commissioners stated that this is their concern as well, as in the winter trucks are parked everywhere. Coordinator Phillips commented that the Fire Chief of Mendon, Ernie Horne, said that the Town of Blackstone is willing to help. Selectman Burns summarized the Board’s concerns as follows: What would be the duration? How many vehicles would be fueled? How many times per week would they need to fill up? What is the price to be charged per gallon? Chairman Collins asked Coordinator Phillips to contact Fire Chief Horne to let him know that Hopedale is willing to help on a 2-3 month temporary basis. Coordinator Phillips will contact Chief Horne to see if there is an interest and if so, a meeting will be reconvened between the Board of Road Commissioners and Board of Selectmen.
Police Chief Costanza forwarded a letter to the Board of Selectmen from Lieutenant Mark Giovanella requesting access to a “take home” cruiser as part of a readiness plan. Selectman Ryan commented that although this is an interesting proposal, he didn’t think this would make sense due to the cost of insurance, maintenance and fuel. Chairman Collins stated that he is in agreement with Selectman Ryan, and commented that the Board is trying to set policies going into a tough economic year. Selectmen Burns stated that he concurs with the other members of the Board, and that this is poor timing in terms of the economic impact. The Board was in unanimous agreement to not allow the use of a take home vehicle.
Coordinator Phillips sent a packet of information to the Finance Committee and to the Board of Selectmen recommending year-end transfers from four reserve funds for year-end deficits as follows: $22K transfer to Police overtime; $16K to the legal account; $4,397 to liability insurance, and $17K to fire overtime.
MSDV by the Board of Selectmen and Finance Committee to transfer the funds from the reserve to the year-end deficits. Chairman Collins – Aye; Selectman Ryan – Aye, and Selectman Burns – Aye. Finance Committee, Karla Hopkins – Aye; James Carroll – Aye, Colleen Strapponi – Aye.
Karla Hopkins of the Finance Committee suggested looking into sharing services with other towns by regionalization and suggested perhaps the Selectmen write to the legislators to see if they might provide incentive for neighboring towns to share services. Chairman Collins commented that he has been told the Governor has drafted something to this effect. Ms. Hopkins also discussed the need for members on the Finance Committee and noted that the members need not have a finance background. The committee is looking for creative ideas. The Finance Committee also suggested the town conduct an “audit” to determine how much undeveloped industrial property remains in town, locations, size, etc. Selectman Burns suggested that perhaps the Draper Reuse Committee could expand
their scope to look into commercial and industrial properties. Selectman Ryan commented that he had the same thought, but noted that the committee members have been working for a long time – many for two years – and that some members might be reluctant to expand the scope. Chairman Collins will speak with Michael Ruane of the Draper Reuse Committee. Mr. Collins has a listing of the properties and their zoning, and also suggested that the Water and Sewer Commissioners take a look at the properties regarding water usage. Chairman Collins stated that he will get back to the members of the Finance Committee on a number of items and thanked the members for attending tonight’s meeting.
The Parks Commissioner was contacted by an individual who expressed an interest in setting up an ice cream stand at the Hopedale Pond bath house building. The person was taken on a tour of the building by the Park Commissioner. The building has limitations, such as no sewerage, no water, and limited electricity. The Park Commissioner told the individual to come up with a business plan that can deal with the limitations of the building and parking, and the abutting neighbors. It is doubtful that this will happen this season.
Chairman Collins moved to Coordinator news.
Work has recommenced on the Mill Street Bridge. The coffer dam was repaired this past week and a head wall poured. The boring machine should be at the bridge on July 14th. It’s anticipated that the work will take 4-6 weeks on the east side and 4-6 weeks on west side, and that within the following month they could install a deck that can be crossed by vehicles before the winter months.
The police and fire worker’s compensation insurance coverage had a maximum ceiling of $50K on the plan. A police officer was injured on the job, and the medical costs have exceeded that ceiling. The town will be obligated to cover any additional medical expenses above the $50K. Coordinator Phillips expressed his displeasure to the insurance company with the manner in which the town was sold the policy, in that he had never been informed of the ceiling. The policy maximum has been increased to $200K (which is currently the maximum offered), however, the injured officer’s medical expenses will not be covered as the accident occurred prior to the change in the policy. The insurance company has been asked to research other insurance
providers for higher limitations, as it is felt that a $200K maximum does not provide enough coverage for this line of work. Per Selectman Ryan’s suggestion, Mr. Phillips will be looking into the possibility of recouping insurance damages through the property where the officer was injured and will keep the Board informed.
With no further business before them at 8:20 p.m. a motion was made by Selectmen Ryan and made unanimous by Selectman Burns to adjourn the meeting and not to reconvene RCV: Michael Collins, Chm. – Aye; Alan Ryan – Aye, and Robert Burns – Aye.
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Michael E. Collins, Chairman Robert P. Burns
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Alan J. Ryan
Hopedale Board of Selectmen
Moved, Seconded, Discussed and Voted **Roll Call Vote
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