The Holliston Select Board convened its first meeting of 2023 at 7:00pm on January 9, 2023.  Chair Ben Sparrell has shared with me that he works hard each week to find the best adjective to describe the evening’s agenda – this week an “informative agenda.”

Introduction and Appointment of Police Lt. James Barrett

Police Chief Matthew Stone reviewed the rigorous selection process that began in October.  27 applications were received.  Candidates making it through the screening phase were evaluated by an outside consultant using an assessment center to measure various components of policing.  The finalists were interviewed by Chief Stone, Lt. Thompson, and two area police chiefs.  The process yielded James Barrett a 27-year veteran of the Wrentham PD rising to the rank of Detective Sergeant.  Barrett is a US Army veteran who is also on the adjunct faculty at Dean College.

Chief Stone read this excerpt posted by Wrentham Police Chief Bill McGrath acknowledging Det Sgt Barrett’s service:

Barrett complimented the challenging and well-organized selection process and “couldn’t be happier” to be joining HPD.  The Board recognized Lt. Barrett’s experience as a leader, teacher, and mentor.  When asked how he, an outsider to HPD, would lead, he responded that he is a listener and “here to help HPD be the best it can be.”

The Board unanimously voted to appoint James Barrett as HPD’s Operations Lieutenant with a start date to be determined by Chief Stone.

Below, Lt. Barrett’s wife Angela, “his rock,” and 10-year-old daughter Fiona look on proudly as Town Clerk Liz Greendale administers the oath of office. 

Council On Aging (COA): Presentation of Survey Results by UMass Boston Gerontology Department

In the Fall of 2022, Holliston’s 55+ citizens were invited to respond to a survey to assess how best the Town can meet the realities of its elderly population.

Below are the slides from the presentation.  The entire slide deck will be posted on the Town’s website on Tuesday (TODAY).

– Many who believe they would move to senior housing (26%) OR are not sure/haven’t thought about it (29%) offered these comments.

• “A village network”
• ” 55+ community interspersed with mix generations”
• “Affordable senior housing to live in with dignity”
• “House w/ in-law apt.”
• “Modifying our present home”

Following the presentation, the Board thanked the researchers for the very thorough presentation.  Newly sworn in State Representative James Arena-DeRosa (below left) asked if Holliston’s results were unique from other MA communities.  Dr. Coyle first commented about how Holliston had really “shown up” to contribute to the survey.  The perception that the Senior Center is a needs-based place and how to recreate the image of the Center as a source of learning and exploring.

Senior Center Director Lisa Borchetta and CoA Chair Yvette Cain added that the results validate some existing work and support ideas that are on the drawing board for the future. Ms. Borchetta will share this report with her colleagues at an upcoming Department Head meeting so that all areas of Town government include senior realities in their planning / budgeting.

Besides presenting at this meeting, Dr. Coyle and Ms. Krebs will be holding a public session at the Senior Center (below).

The Board is anxious to incorporate these data into the Envision Future Holliston work to frame an inclusive community vision.

Public Comment:

• Mrs. Hein: The Planning Board will hold a Public Hearing THIS Thursday on a project proposed at 555 Hopping Brook
• Mr. Cronin: Mr. Arena-DeRosa was sworn in and it is great to have a full-time representative for Holliston’s interests.
• Mr. Sparrell: None
• Public: None

Warrants: The Board approved the weekly warrants totaling -> $1,395,185.00

Comments from Town Administrator:

• May 2023 Annual Town Meeting – Date and Time

The Board, Town Administrator, and Town Clerk discuss possible alternatives to holding the Spring Town Meeting on Monday, May 8, 2023, because Town Moderator Mayer is not available on that date.  The Board asked Mr. Ahern to research alternative date(s) that meet the needs of all stakeholders.

Mr. Ahern went on to provide brief updates on several projects that are carrying over to 2023:

• FY2023 Budget Update (Q2) – Select Board budgets through Dec. 31, 2022 (In good shape financially)
• FY2024 Budget Process – Schedule Review (department budgets are due into Mr. Ahern by January 20, 2023.)
• EV Charging at Town Hall – Update
• Streetlight LED Conversion Project – Update (conversion to begin soon)
• Blair Square Reconstruction Project – Update – The work should be completed within 45 days (weather permitting)
  • Despite several public meetings regarding the project, some tree removal has begun that took out ceremonial trees.
  • The relocation of the trail to run closer to Railroad Street has started.

• A temporary gravel path runs along Front Street from Central to just beyond the new veterans’ monument.

• Town Solar Project, ASO Study – Update – Favorable results expected from ASO study
• Community Farm Conservation Restriction – Update – Town counsel has authorized the transfer of the request for restriction be handled by the Conservation Commission.

Board Business: The Board took the following actions:

• Approved one day Beer & Wine License for Michelle Judd Gahan at Christ the King Church January 22, 2023, from 3:00 to 7:00 PM
• Approved the WRAP (Winter Recovery Assistance Program) Reimbursement Request, $211,147.96
• Appointed Wilston Johnston and Joseph Paru to the Open Space Committee, terms to expire June 2023
• Accepted a $1,750 donation from the American Legion Downtown Marigold Project to the Holliston Community Farm; for a Greenhouse Heater

Other Business:

Mr. Cronin asked that the Board review the fee schedule charged for use of Town facilities by the public.

Next week’s meeting will be on Tuesday, January 17, 2023, as Martin Luther King Day is observed on Monday the 16^th.

The meeting adjourned at 8:50pm.