Advisory Committee Meeting: January 28, 2025

AC members in attendance: Peter Giumette, Jennifer Greene, Forrest Finkler, Gerry Pellegrini, Josh Tanenbaum, Walter Zawacki, John Zimmatore

Also attending:

The AC meeting commenced at 6:31 p.m. (via GoToMeeting)

Approval of January 7th meeting minutes

John made a motion to approve the minutes; Walter seconded; 5Y/0N/1A

Liaison updates

SB – Peter

SB 1/8/24

Reimbursements approved for 2nd POET vessels for those with under 5 PPT who have previously installed one and those that haven’t will have the installation paid for if they would like one.

The Public Safety Building Committee has determined it would be worth some additional expense (10% increase) to allow for potential future expansion within the structure.

SB 122/24

Turned down request by Wachusett Trails Collaborative to sign off on Mass Trails Grant application for bike path at Boylston Park on Calumet Hill Road North

Approved lease agreement for Police curser approved in FY25 budget

Approved approximately $3,600 for oil tank replacement in current Public Safety Building

Council on Aging – Jennifer

At the 1/8/25 Board Meeting, the SB’s request for a -3% budget was discussed. Given the leanness of budget already, the only place cuts would be possible is in the postage costs for the Newsletter. This is a centrally important service for seniors and the Board strongly opposes reducing it in any way.

The Board, along with SB members Phil Gott and Bob Cummings, also discussed the usage policies for the Community Center. At present, non-town entities cannot use the Center without insurance riders (which no one has). The fees for usage by town entities currently goes to the town rather than the COA; discussion about whether this can be changed is ongoing.

Old Business

o Update of FY26 budget process

Peter will share the preliminary budget on the AC drive, but would like to invite Melissa and/or Sherry to walk the Committee through it.

New Business

o Review and approval of AC comments on first three Master Plan chapters

Josh has received comments on the first three chapters. Everyone identified the conflict between the necessary growth and the “NIMBY” effect.

John commented that what is lacking is an integration plan — some work needs to be done to mesh the vision into a workable solution.

See attachment for summary.

o Discussion of bike path proposal and limitations of Conn Comm reviews

Gerry attended a public meeting/walk through at which there was a lot of arguments against the park. Specifically, residents were concerned about the lack of bathrooms and where trash would go.

At the SB meeting where the park was discussed, there was also concern voiced regarding insurance and the Town’s liability. The Wachusett Trails Collective (WTC) said they would take care of maintenance, but what happens if they move out of town.

The Town has already submitted a grant for TPS and didn’t want to compete against itself.

John noted the various other bike trails available.

Forest responded that it would bring people to town which, according to the Master Plan, we want to do. Walter agreed, noting the popularity of bike parks. If there’s grant money to construct, it’s an amenity in town that could attract visitors.

Peter reported that Parks and Rec did approve the park, but did not review it carefully and most importantly, did not check to see if neighbors were contacted.

The process was rushed to meet a Feb. 1st grant application date.

John asked who the members of WTC were; 7 members were mentioned but no one knows who they are apart from the husband-and-wife team.

Walter mentioned that many ski areas around the country offer downhill mountain biking in the summers. Forrest agreed that it would be good for Wachusett to consider.

Gerry stated that this park was going to be directed to small children with a “skills park” rather than getting people on chair lifts and expert trails.

The SB suggested a “pump track” maybe should be done at Krashes Field.

The SB unanimously voted against the application.

o Fire Department and the Center School

Gerry reported that the FD was comfortable using the Center School as a training space, though not for live burns. Both the Fire Chief and the Assistant Fire Chief are strongly in favor of the demolition of the building.

Correspondence

Next Meeting

The next AC Meeting will be a joint public hearing with the SB February 12th at 6:30 p.m. The next AC meeting will be on February 18th at 6:30 p.m.

John motioned to adjourn the meeting; Forrest seconded: 7Y/0N/0A

The meeting adjourned at 7:44 p.m.

Minutes recorded by Jennifer Greene (Secretary)

Attachments:

•  AC Master Plan Comments
•  Correspondence from Jim Gettens, Sterling, MA