Following an Executive Session, the Holliston Select Board (SB) convened its public meeting at 7:01pm.  Chair Tina Hein quickly got the February 28, 2022, meeting focused on budget reviews for Holliston’s Public Safety departments including the ratification of a new Collective Bargaining Agreement between the Town and the Holliston Police Association (HPA).

Select Board ratification of Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) with Holliston Police Association (HPA) for FY22-24

Thanks to the work of Mr. Cronin, Mr. Ahern, and the Officers of the HPA a 3-year agreement was reached.  It includes “nominal but fair financial components,” language related to officers who transfer from other Police departments, and educational incentives commensurate with other communities.  The agreement was signed by the HPA last week and the Board (below) countersigned the contract after approving the CBA as presented.

FY23 Budget Reviews:

• Police: $3,482,733           +8.04%

HPD Chief Matthew Stone and Lieutenants George Leurini and Chad Thompson presented the rationale for the proposed FY 23 budget.  The budget includes a twenty-sixth officer. Chief Stone noted that the department is currently fully staffed at 25. 

In reality, not all 25 are available all the time AND that the department handled 17,865 calls last year which is more than previous years.  Not only are the number of calls for service increasing, but the types of calls often require more personnel and more follow-up and documentation.  Even during the pandemic, the department has expanded its in-service training with officers completing up to 40 hours of training on such topics as: 1^st line Supervisor, Drunk driving, Implicit Bias, Accident reconstruction, and many more.  In 2021, the Department was able to resume some of its very popular Community Interactions, a key part of the HPD mission, much to the delight of citizens who enjoyed pizza and / or ice cream with Holliston’s Finest.  The Chief commended the entire department for its exceptional service throughout the pandemic.

The Board asked Chief Stone if the budget includes necessary funds for compliance with the new state-wide Police Officer Standards and Training (POST) requirements.  Stone replied that Holliston’s accreditation through the MA Police Chiefs program puts the department ahead of the POST requirements.

The Board expressed its appreciation for ALL that HPD does – especially in these most challenging times.

• Auxiliary Police: $16,002   approx +15%

Lieutenant Leurini (left of Chief Stone) noted that the budget increase is due to the increased materials cost to send Auxiliary officers to what is known as the Bridge Academy.  The POST requirements apply to Auxiliary and Special officers.  The Bridge Academy, which is free, requires current Aux and Special officers to attend a shortened police academy, including weapons certification – the ammunition is not free – and adds to Holliston’s expenses.  The Auxiliary officers provided 1,008 hours of VOLUNTEER time during 2021.  They were seen at celebrations, the farmers’ market, patrolling the Rail Trail, covering construction details, etc.  Lt. Leurini reported the five Aux officers are at or planning to attend the Bridge Academy.  He estimates that several of the current Auxiliary officers will drop off the force.  The result will likely be an uptick in overtime pay for regular officers.

• Animal Control Officer: $38,000                0.0%
• Fire: $956,436   +1.35%

Fire Chief Michael Cassidy (below) presented three budgets: Fire, Ambulance, and Emergency Management.

His Fire budget is “level service” even as costs increase.  He noted the increasing number of calls his department is receiving.  Chief Cassidy noted that HFD officers, members, and dispatchers provide great service to the town.

• Ambulance:   $607,731                   +3.53%

During 2021, a shift differential was instituted that incents ambulance crews to stay at Fire Headquarters during their shift.  The differential appears to have a positive impact on service level.

It is very difficult to recruit and retain ambulance crews.  Many join HFD to get experience as a step toward a better paying job.  The Chief noted that private ambulance companies are offering bonuses to attract / retain staff.

Succession planning is one of Chief Cassidy’s goals.  Many HFD members have long tenure.  He is encouraging veteran Officers / Members to have newer personnel “shadow” them during weekend duty thus passing along the “institutional knowledge” of the organization.

• Emergency Management:  $17,161          -24.03%

There was very little discussion about this budget.  The Board collectively and individually commended Chief Cassidy for his leadership throughout the pandemic.  Mr. Cronin bestowed his Citizen of the Year to Cassidy for each of the last two years. (Not sure if that’s an official thing.)  Mrs. Hein noted that the Chief patiently and thoroughly advised EVERYBODY when it came to questions about COVID.

Cassidy announced that Holliston is one of only 31 communities to receive a FEMA grant to update the Town’s Hazard Mitigation Plan.

Warrants: The SB approved the weekly warrant totaling – $1,507,008.73.

Public Comment:

• Select Board Members – None
• Public:
  • Chris Pierce (below) spoke in support of the HFD and HPD’s budget requests

Andres Vargas (below) once again returned to the Board regarding snow removal in East Holliston – specifically on Curve St.  He noted that indeed the Town sidewalk machine cleared much of the snow, but in some areas the machine needs to go around obstacles in the sidewalk and go out into the street and then back to the sidewalk.  His point being that pedestrians also have to follow the cleared path out into the street.  He also has video of private contractors plowing snow onto to Town property.  Mr. Ahern asked that he receive a copy of the recording.

Comments from Town Administrator:

• Senate President Spilka will be at the Board’s March 14^th meeting.  Questions for the Senator can be submitted via the Town Administrator ahernt@holliston.k12.ma.us
• Sign up for the Town’s new Quarterly Newsletter. This new communication vehicle is available to all residents.  A Blackboard Connect message will be sent out announcing this resource.
• The first episode of HCAT’s “Ask the TA” will air sometime this week.  Mr. Ahern’s guests are members of the Envision Future Holliston committee (formerly known as the Comprehensive Long-range Planning Committee). Questions can be submitted to Ask the TA@holliston.k12.ma.us for discussion on future Ask the TA segments.
• FY23 Revenue vs. Expenditures Projection – Mr. Ahern (below) shared updated numbers which close the gap between revenue and expenses.

• The Town Administrator’s proposed balanced budget will be completed by the end of this week.
• The following budget-related items were tabled for future / deeper discussion.
  • 5-Year Revenue vs. Expenditures Projection
  • FY23 Capital Improvement Requests
  • 5-Year Capital Improvement Program (CIP) development (FY23-27)

Board Business:

• Purchase & Sale of streetlight equipment in the Town of Holliston (approx. 923 units) for $46,133.13.  The Board approved the expenditure of ARPA funds (below, unanimously approved by the ARPA Steering Group on Feb. 28, 2022) to complete the transaction on or before March 1, 2022.  The Board authorized Mrs. Hein, as Board Chair, to sign the P&S for the Town.

• Mr. Cronin asked what the impact of this transaction might have on Holliston ratepayers.  Mr. Ahern will follow up to get the answer.
• Discussions are underway to inventory the exact number of light fixtures and establish a maintenance agreement with a vendor to service our new light fixtures – ultimately upgrading to all LED bulbs.

• The Board approved the Public Employee Committee (PEC) Side Letter Agreement for Medicare Buy-In program.  This allows about 20 Town retirees who retired before a certain date to become Medicare beneficiaries instead of carrying conventional insurance.  There is no more cost to the Town than the current program BUT, the retirees’ costs are reduced with potentially better coverage.
• The Board approved a 90-day Intermunicipal Agreement with the Town of Medway for dispatch support services to provide coverage when Holliston dispatchers are involved in training.
• Appointed Geoffrey Zeamer (below) to the Community Preservation Committee (CPC), term ending June 30, 2023

• Appointed Paul Saulnier to the CPC, term ending June 30, 2024
• Approved the MBTA Comment Letter to Housing and Economic Development Secretary Kennealy.  The letter was drafted by Town Planner Karen Sherman.  Mrs. Hein pointed out several concerns with the proposed guidelines that would negatively impact Holliston.  Mr. Cronin suggested sending a copy of the letter to Senator Spilka
• The Board decommissioned two committees whose missions had been accomplished: Town Hall Septage Committee and the Stipend Committee.  The Board thanked those who volunteered their time and energy to these important committees.  Mr. Sparrell asked that there be a review of the myriad of committees that are on the books that may have outlived their need.
• Approved the minutes of the January 31, 2022, meeting.

Other Business:

• Mr. Ahern asked that the Board authorize him to submit Holliston’s $300,000 grant proposal to the Shared Streets and Spaces program.  The authorized him to do so.  The application will be submitted on time, March 1, 2022.

The meeting adjourned at 9:26pm.