The Select Board was not deterred by Monday’s Nor’easter and used a remote meeting format following the special guidelines.  This allowed all participating to let their smiles show!  Chair John Cronin convened the meeting at 7:02 pm with a roll call of members present. 

The agenda order was rearranged to accommodate budget review presentations and police officer interviews to best use everyone’s time.

The Zoning Board of Appeals proposed budget was presented by Town Planner, Karen Sherman.  The Board approved the budget o $10,925 as presented (below).

Building Inspector, Mark Kaferlein presented the Building Department’s proposed budget.  The Board approved the proposed budget of $155,010.

The Board interviewed three candidates for the position of Holliston Police Officer.  All three had been screened by HPD personnel and sent along for the Board’s decision.

Ms. Kelly Bush (left) currently serves as a Sherborn Police Officer. Mr. Bob Marvil (center) is a Detective in Pennsylvania (with family ties to this area).  Mr. Chris Keenan (right) recently graduated as the Sean Collier Scholarship recipient from the Lowell Police Academy.  The Board posed several questions to each candidate.  Each candidate presented themself as having the necessary qualifications and demeanor to serve Holliston.  The Board voted to offer employment (pending background checks, etc.) to Ms. Bush to fill the current vacancy; Mr. Marvil to be offered the next opening; and Mr. Keenan to be offered a position in the next fiscal year.

Then it was time for the weekly COVID update.

Fire Chief Michael Cassidy began by noting that 1 year ago today, Massachusetts recorded its first COVID case.

• This week’s report shows a very promising trend – lower case counts and positivity rate.
• Holliston has moved out of the Red category to join neighboring communities in the Yellow category.
• Social media messaging continues to remind us that we are not out of the woods yet – please stay vigilant

Sr. Ctr. Director Linda Marshall updated the community about vaccinations for Holliston Seniors.  The Sr. Ctr. has received a large volume of calls related to Phase 2 of the vaccine rollout.

Linda and several other community leaders held a meeting to marshal community resources to assist Seniors with navigating the registration process and handle transportation.  She reported that a State call center should be operational later this week.  She believes the call center will take information from Seniors and call back with some guidance.  Marshall is planning a robocall to Holliston Seniors age 75 and older asking them to contact the Sr. Ctr. IF they need vaccine assistance and if so, WHAT type of help is needed.  So far about a dozen Holliston citizens have volunteered to help the Seniors in getting vaccinated.  If you are able to help with registration and/or transportation, please contact the Senior Center – 508.429.0622.

CARES Act Programmatic update: Chief Cassidy presented one request for Board approval.  The Board approved the cost of air purifiers (same make and model as already used in Holliston) for the HPD.

Next week, Cassidy will provide the Board with a more comprehensive report on the status of the Town’s COVID expenses and remaining funds.

Warrants: None as the Town Hall was closed today.  Mr. Ahern may need Board signatures before the next meeting to cover expenses.

Public Comment:

• Mr. Sparrell:
  • Trash pick-up is delayed one day beginning Tuesday
  • The Blair Square Public Forum is this Wednesday at 7:00pm See Town website for details -> Blair Square Forum
• Mrs. Hein:
  • Congratulations to R.A.M.S. Assistant Principal Jessica Beattie on being named MA Asst. Principal of the Year – https://hollistonreporter.com/2021/01/r-a-m-s-beattie-named-asst-principal-of-the-year/
• Mr. Cronin:
  • A very productive meeting was held last Thursday regarding the Town and Schools COVID expenses to date. Mr. Cronin, Mr. Ahern, Chief Cassidy, Dr. Kustka, Mr. Buday, Mrs. Raffi, and Mrs. Hanstad attended the meeting.
• Public: None

Comments from the Town Administrator

Town Administrator Ahern (above) first provided the Board with an update on the Town’s revenue picture as of Feb 1^st.  “The news from the State is good, and it came earlier than expected.”  The table below shows the detail.

Ahern also shared:

• The winter parking ban is in effect – he also reminded citizens to move personal property back from the roadways (like basketball hoops) to prevent damage.
• A trash receptacle has been placed in Blair Square.  It should be located near a dog wasted station.
• He is helping the Farmers’ market discussion to move along
• The Board will hold a special meeting on February 4, 2021 to review three departmental budgets
• The Planning Board will continue a Public Hearing on the 555 Hopping Brook project at 7:00pm on February 4^th.  Information about the project is located on the Town website -> https://www.townofholliston.us/planning-board/pages/555-hopping-brook-information
• HCAT will broadcast “Government 101” with Mary Greendale and Paul LeBeau on Wed, February 3^rd at 7:00pm
• There are many quotes in on projects approved at the December Town Meeting
• The Town has officially been awarded consulting support through the State’s Local Rapid Recovery Plan.  A committee of town’s people will work with the consultant in the coming weeks to help Holliston businesses’ rapid recovery.
• The Board asked Mr. Ahern to expedite the Town Hall door replacement project which was awarded some time ago.

Board Business:

• The Board approved minutes of the January 11, 2021 and January 19, 2021 meetings
• The Board authorized Mr. Ahern to enter into an agreement with McMahon Transportation Engineers for the Town-sponsored traffic studies related to potential Heavy Commercial Vehicle Exclusions on South Street and Lowland Street (and others if possible)
• The Board accepted an unrestricted gift of $400 to HFD from Washington Street Resident

Other Business:

• Mr. Sparrell reminded the Board that next Monday the Blair Square committee would be providing an update.  The goal is to have any needed funding on the May Town Meeting Warrant.
• Mrs. Hein and Mr. Cronin simultaneously received a message from Superintendent Dr. Kustka that Tuesday (Groundhog Day) would be a SNOW DAY for Holliston Public Schools.
• Mr. Ahern reported that Town Hall offices will open at noon on Tuesday (today).

The meeting adjourned at 9:22pm.