Select Board Chair Mark Ahronian called the May 4^th meeting to order at 7:03.

COVID-19 Update:

• Total number of cases is 39. With 19 cases having recovered, and one COVID-related fatality, that leaves 19 active cases.
• The number of cases in town more than doubled in the last ten days of April. Last week, the Board of Health voted to require the use of face coverings when patronizing or working in essential businesses, and when in public spaces where physical distancing could not be maintained.
• BlackBoard Connect was used on Friday, May 1 to notify those enrolled in the alert program regarding the Board of Health face covering directive.  Citizens may still enroll in BlackBoard Connect via the Town website.
• Face coverings should be used with common sense. If they are going to their mailbox in an empty cul de sac, just because they step on the sidewalk in front of their home does not mean public officials are going to fine them if they are not wearing a face covering. If, however, they are in a public space, and are in proximity to others, all parties should have face coverings. If they’re alone in the woods, their face covering can be down around their neck. If someone comes around the bend ahead of them on a trail, both parties should reposition their face coverings.
• We did not see consistent compliance with the face covering requirement over the weekend, and public safety continues to break-up unauthorized gatherings of individuals in private and public recreation spaces.
• During a conference call yesterday with mayors and managers, there was much discussion regarding the milestones required before we can reopen segments of the Commonwealth. Contact tracing is one part of the reopening process – requiring a fine balance between risk we are willing to assume, and the amount of privacy they are willing to give up.
• As we look forward to reopening and the recovery phase of this pandemic, it should be grounded in science, coordinated and regional, equitable, and prioritize health and welfare.
• Cassidy will be working with individual departments to identify what it could look like for their buildings to be open, and how that impacts the way they offer their programs and services to the public. The approach will pursue parallel paths of both prioritizing the safety of our employees and making as many services available the public as possible.
• Chief Stone and Chief Cassidy have been working with school administrators to brainstorm how the Class of 2020 can receive their diplomas in a safe ceremony which allows students and families to celebrate this significant milestone in a meaningful way that complies with State guidelines.
• School officials are doing what they have done for years – collaborating with other town departments to advocate for the social and emotional well-being of the students and their families.
• We are committed to working with the Memorial Day Committee on a safe and appropriate ceremony to honor and mourn the military personnel who have died while serving in the United States Armed Forces. (see below)
• When a phased reopening is initiated by the state, and certain non-essential business sectors in our region are able to resume operations, we will be able to advertise extended drop-off hours at the Recycling Center on Marshall Street.
• Such changes will be communicated across multiple platforms, including the Town website (BlackBoard Connect), social media, and our community notification system

Members of the Board thanked Chief Cassidy for his continuing efforts to manage this crisis on behalf of the citizens of Holliston.  Mr. Ahronian reinforced that we are still in ‘the surge.’

The Board approved a motion that requests Chief Cassidy to present reopening options no later than May 18, 2020.

Several citizens, who are parents of Class of 2020 graduates, spoke about importance of having some form of celebration to signify the milestone of graduation ad offered a couple of suggestions for how that might be accomplished.

A citizen asked a question about how the State and Town face covering requirements complement one another.  Chief Cassidy sees no conflict.  “When you are in compliance with Holliston’s policy, you comply with the Governor’s mandate.”

Representative Carolyn Dykema attended the meeting and updated the Board and those in attendance on several topics. 

Legislation:

• Recent legislation allows towns to postpone town meetings and elections. 
• Proposed legislation would allow the quorum to be as low as 10% of the normal number.
• FY 21 budgets could be prepared on a month-to-month basis using the FY 20 budget figures

State Funding:

• There are NO anticipated cuts to FY 20 State support of municipalities
• The State’s ‘rainy day’ fund is nearly $3.5 Billion and will be used to cover the current commitments
• FY 21 funding is very uncertain.  The current thinking is that there will be $4-6 Billion (15% lower than normal) revenue shortfall for the coming fiscal year.

Recommendation for Holliston:

• The Town should build 3 or 4 scenarios for what FY 21 State support MIGHT look like – from best to worst case. 
• When the revenue picture becomes clearer in the coming weeks, then the best scenario can be chosen to present at the Annual Town Meeting.

The Board thanked Rep Dykema for her tremendous efforts on behalf of Holliston and for taking the time to update the citizens at the meeting.

Warrants – The Board approved the weekly warrants totaling $2,115,977.24

Public Comment:

• Mrs. Hein noted the passing of Youth and Family Services Program Director, Jackie Winer’s father.  He was a victim of the COVID-19 outbreak.  The Board will be sending a condolence message.
• Mr. Cronin noted that May 4, 2020 is “Firefighter Appreciation Day.”  He thanked all of Holliston’s Bravest for their dedication and service.
• There were no further public comments.

FY 21 Budget Planning:

Town Counsel, Jay Talerman, advised the Board regarding FY 21 budgeting.  His comments tied nicely with the input from Representative Dykema about developing a 1/12 budget.  He sees the 1/12 budget which is built using the Town’s FY 20 budget and then apportioning it out to be ‘not less than 1/12’ of the budget for each month that there is no full-year budget approved as the best option at this time.

The Board approved a motion to request the Town Accountant, Sharon Emrick, to construct a sample of a potential 1/12 budget showing line item details.

The Board took no action regarding the dates of Town Meeting (June 15, 2020) and Town Election (June 23, 2020.  They will review this again at a future meeting.

FY 21 Budget Reviews:

• Fire Chief Michael Cassidy presented his revised FY 21 proposed budgets for Fire, Ambulance, and Emergency Management.  Each budget met the revised guidance of 0% increase.
• Police Chief Matthew Stone presented his revised FY 21 proposed budget for the Holliston Police Department.  His proposed budget came in just slightly below the 0% increase target.
• Department of Public Works Director Sean Reese presented his revised FY 21 proposed budgets for the Highway, Water, and Facilities Manager departments.  Each budget met the 0% increase guidance.

The Board noted with regret that each department’s budget reflected a salary freeze for the personnel in each of these 24/7 operations.

The Board approved all the proposed FY 21 budgets as presented.

Facilities Manager, James Keast updated the Board on two projects: debris removal at 260 Woodland Street, and repairs to the Pinecrest Clubhouse.  The Board commended Mr. Keast on his outstanding efforts to bring these projects forward with significant financial savings for the town.

The Board approved a motion to contract with Compass Restoration Services for a sum not to exceed $50,000 to be funded by a Reserve Fund Transfer.

Board Business:

American Legion Commander, Steve Bradford updated the Board on the revised plans for this year’s Memorial Day observance.  Sadly, the epidemic has greatly impacted this important remembrance.  Here are the plans at this time:

• There will not be a parade.
• There will be a virtual ceremony produced by HCAT for public viewing with local dignitaries invited to speak
• The flags decorating veterans’ graves will be placed by local vets in lieu of the Boy Scouts
• The flags downtown will be displayed
• The names of fallen service members will be posted on downtown poles

Mrs. Hein updated the Board regarding the 9 Green Street committee’s work.

• Lord Associates, the engineering firm hired to evaluate the property sees the demolition of the building as the best option.
• The Committee composed a memo to the MA Department of Environmental Protection, which the Board voted to endorse, requested a status on our request to extend the time for remediation of this property.

Christina Lingham was appointed to the Governance Committee joining Sam Tyler.

Mr. Cronin read the most recent draft of the Captial Request Policy.

The Board accepted two financial donations:

•  $400 to the Senior Center from Holliston Superette
• $3,000 to the Park & Rec Department from the Holliston Newcomers and Neighbors to support the potential 2020 Summer Concert series.  Park Director Mark Frank thanked the Newcomers and provided a brief update of Park and Rec activities for the spring and summer seasons.

Mr. Keast outlined a preliminary plan to install barriers at the six service windows in Town Hall.

Mr. Talerman returned to guide the discussion related to funding the approved Department Head salary adjustments.  The 2019 Town Meeting approved up to $75,000 to cover the increases.  Mr. Talerman’s opinion is that the use of those funds are to be used to supplement the salary budgets.  He will confirm with the Board by next week that the MA Department of Revenue Services concurs with his interpretation.

The Board approved the placement of a sign in front of Town Hall congratulated the Class of 2020.

The meeting adjourned at 10:19 pm.