Selectboard Meeting: January 22, 2025

Robert Cumming (RC), Karen Cruise (KC), Phil Gott (PG), Sherry Patch (SP)

The meeting was called to order at 3:00 PM.

RC moved to approve the resignation of Gerry Pellegrini from the Environmental Action Committee & Conservation Commission.  KC 2^nd.  Voted 3-0.

RC moved to accept the resignation of Nick Abruzzi as the Parks & Recreation Director effective 2/7/2025. KC 2^nd.  Voted 3-0.

RC moved to appoint Andrea Surabian to the position of Alternate Parks & Recreation Committee member. Term to 6/30/2025.  KC 2^nd.  Voted 3-0.

RC moved to appoint Joyce Anderson to the Historical Commission.  Term to: 6/30/2025.  KC 2^nd.  Voted 3-0.

RC moved to approve the minutes of 1/8/2025 as amended.  KC 2^nd.  Voted 3-0.

RC moved to approve the Treasury Report for Warrant #14 as follows:

Payroll:                              $147,502.97

Accounts Payable:             $373,260.06

Light Department:              $191,133.01

Total:                                 $711,896.04

PG 2^nd  Voted 3-0.

Several residents from Calamint Hill Road North reiterated their concerns from the meeting held on 1/8/2025 regarding the proposed bike park at Boylston Park.  Parks & Rec member Ed Harley commented that the project has been on the Parks & Rec agenda since June.  Ed advised that notices were sent to abutters, but they did not hear back so they assumed that there was no interest. Jacob Roy thanked everyone for their input.  Jacob stated that a lot of research has gone into the project over the last 2 years. They have looked at several sites and they are just not feasible.

Mike Warren and Wendy Pape representing the Council on Aging thanked the selectboard for the opportunity to discuss a full-time Senior Center Director.  They noted that a part-time Director does not meet the needs under current conditions and that a full-time Director would allow them to be more proactive.  Areas of greatest unmet need are related to outreach to housebound seniors.

RC moved to approve the 2025 Class III Renewal Agent or Seller’s License to Chris Goodnow, d/b/a Chris Goodnow Auto Sales, LLC. KC 2^nd.  Voted 3-0.

PG has attended several Council on Aging meetings.  PG advised that  balancing programming, outreach and facilities management is a challenge for a part-time director and that we are not meeting the needs of 40% of the population and that a lot of things are going undone.  PG states that we should budget for what we should have. KC stated that she would like to see what is needed put into the business plan.  RC stated that he would like to get through the budget cycle first.  KC stated that we need to prioritize where things fall in the grand scheme of things.  KC posed questions that consider what we need to provide to the most vulnerable.  KC doesn’t feel taxpayers should be on the hook for everything. PG expressed concern that some folks are falling through the cracks, and that we are doing the budget now, whereas the COA business plan is due in May.  Mike Warren stated that outreach should be a priority,  KC suggested considering the director’s priorities.  The board will continue discussions.  No action was taken on this matter.

RC received MIIA’s opinion on liability regarding non-profit use of the Senior Center/Community Center.  MIIA has advised that non-profits must provide their own insurance when using town facilities.

The board reviewed the draft letter drafted by PG and approved it as revised.  PG will send the letter out to local retail businesses.

Several communications from residents regarding the proposed Bike Park at Boylston Park.

SP reported that she, Melissa, Peter Giumette and PG met with the Highway Superintendent, Police Chief and Fire Chief to discuss their FY 26 budgets including impacts of a level funded budget as well as 5% decrease in their budgets.  PG also requested aspirational budgets to give taxpayers a choice in terms of taxes and services..

KC is unable to attend the FY 26 budget meeting with the WRSD and representatives from the member towns on 2/4.  PG will attend.

RC will be the lead on the Selectboard and AD Budget Report this year.

KC expressed concerns about  Wachusett Trail Collective  being a small, volunteer organization with no assets.  She also stated that there is still an open question about insurance and the possible increase in cost to the town, who maintains the park and the Thomas Prince School Trails grant application.  KC stated that she is not ready to sign for 2/1. RC stated that Jacob did a good job and that some residents were in favor of the project.  RC noted that Hubbardston received two grants last year.  RC expressed concern regarding liability and people parking in the road.  RC stated that he cannot support the project today that there are too many questions and not enough time to get answers.

 PG stated that he is impressed with the passion of Jacob Roy.  PG noted that he has received a letter of support for the project from a mental health professional who stated that such bike parks are good for childhood development. However, he has had firsthand experience at his former home with people coming from out of town to use a trail by his house and people parking on his lawn.  PG stated that his experience is that the current passion of the group will wane, leaving care and upkeep of the facility in jeopardy., PG noted that pump tracks are available in Fitchburg and Acton.  The change in use for Boylston Park is much greater than what residents could reasonably expect.  PG suggested that the group look at Sawyer Park, which has parking and is an existing park.

RC moved to vote “NO” to the Bike Park Proposal and the Mass Trails Grant at Boylston Park.  KC 2^nd. Voted 3-0.

RC read Resolution. RC moved to award the bid for lease financing to M & T Bank for the Police Cruiser.  KC 2^nd.  Voted 3-0.

RC moved to award the bid for Oil Tank Replacement at Public Safety Building to Morse Brothers LLC.  KC 2^nd.  Voted 3-0.

Technical Assistance Grant for Community Engagement MBTA Communities.  Kick-Off Meeting with John Mirick on Friday.

Safe Streets & Spaces $250k grant request submitted for Worcester Road sidewalk extension from PO Place to Hickory.

Mass Trails Thomas Prince Accessible Trails Due 2/1.

SP is working with Ben Metcalf on getting the Invitation to Bid out for Westminster Road and the

RFP for Building Evaluation at the old salt barn and dry storage building.  The FY 25 Tree Removal bids are due on 2/5.

RC would like to schedule an executive session to discuss Town Administrator contract renewal.  The board will meet in executive session on 2/5 to strategize for the contract renewal process.

KC advised that she, will be meeting with Dick Stuart, SP, Matt Lindberg and John Mirick to discuss what might be feasible with regard to Mechanics Hall and Town Line Garage.

PG would like to see three budgets: level funded, 5% decrease and an “aspirational” budget.

RC moved to adjourn the meeting.  KC 2^nd.  Voted 3-0.

The meeting was adjourned at 4:36 PM.

Respectfully submitted,

Sherry Patch

Town Administrator