The Holliston Select Board was joined by about 50 residents at its Tuesday, June 20, 2023, meeting.  Chair John Cronin called the meeting to order at 7:01pm and moved immediately to the first agenda item – Lowland Industrial Park truck traffic.

Below are some images of those attending in-person and remotely.

Lowland Street Request for Barrier Installation at Rail Trial Crossing

This meeting was a follow up to the June 5, 2023, discussion that suggested a barrier be installed to stop trucks on Lowland Street.  The barrier could be located in the area marked by the red square below.

Several residents presented their perspectives.  Rather than chronicle each contribution, here are the summaries of the points raised:

In favor of a ground level physical “pipe” barrier: (that allows emergency vehicle access)

• There are 60 residences in the neighborhood most impacted by the Heavy Commercial Vehicle (HCV) traffic.
• The recently enacted HCV exclusion of trucks over 2.5 tons has had limited (but some) impact.
• The trucks would no longer transit the residential neighborhood causing property damage and safety issues (including the Rail Trail crossing)
• Communication wires are at a height often hit by trucks – causing property damage and work disruption.
• The current signage is vague and does not deter truck drivers.
• There are currently no sidewalks on Lowland to stay off the narrow pavement (21 feet)
• Talking with business owners / CEO has no lasting impact.
• HPD enforcement is present and still the problem persists.

Opposed to a ground level physical “pipe” barrier:

• Lowland Street is an important traffic link for residents in the Cranberry Drive and Fiske Street neighborhoods.
• School bus routes would be disrupted.
• Install better signage at better locations to prevent trucks leaving Rt 16 at Woodland.
• Barrier would divert more truck traffic toward the other 3 entrances / exits from the industrial park.
• Until Google and other mapping applications learn about the barrier, trucks will potentially end up stuck on Lowland and could try to exit via Regal and Norland Streets.

During the resident comments, two ideas rose to the top as possible approaches – either singularly or in tandem.

Resident and electrician Tom Chipman volunteered his expertise to work the utility companies to install taller poles in the area which should meet the national standards for wire height.

Resident and researcher Ken Szajda proposed adding a “height barrier” that would allow cars and emergency vehicles to pass under.  Large trucks would hit the barrier to alert them to go the other way.  Those of us in this part of the world might call it getting “Storrowed.”  Dr. Szajda volunteered to work with the Board and FinCom to assess the feasibility of such height barriers.

Board members see eliminating property damage and increasing traffic / pedestrian safety as the primary goals of a permanent solution.  The best solution will involve a variety of components.

The Board accepted both Tom and Ken’s offers of help to pursue the best permanent solution.  Also, the Town Administrator was tasked with determining if MGL Chap 82, Sect 32A to see if a Public Hearing would be necessary before installing any such barricade.

Building Department – Rate Review

Above, Building Inspector Mark Kaferlein proposed new inspection rates and inspector pay schedules to bring Holliston’s fees / pay schedules more in line with surrounding towns.  Mr. Kaferlein couldn’t find good documentation as to when the fees were last updated.

The Board unanimously approved the proposed fee / pay schedules.

Annual Appointments for FY2024 (July 1, 2023, to June 30, 2024)

The Board unanimously approved the listing of Annual Appointments as posted on the Town website -> https://www.townofholliston.us/sites/g/files/vyhlif706/f/uploads/2023_appt_off_0.pdf

Warrants: The Board unanimously approved the weekly Accounts Payable and Payroll totaling – >$3,327,307.74

Public Comment:

• Mr. Sparrell:
  • Trash pickup during the week of July 3^rd will be as follows:  Monday, 7/3 Normal pickup; Tues – Friday ONE DAY DELAY.
• Mrs. Hein:
  • Attended the MetroWest Visitor’s Bureau annual meeting.  Brought back some useful information for the Town’s efforts to recruit / hire an Economic Development staff member.
• Mr. Cronin:
  • Presented the certificates approved / signed for HFD’s recent retirees.  He noted that among those who’ve recently retired they accounted for a total of 253 years of service.
• Public: None

Comments from the Town Administrator:  Mr. Ahern noted the following:

• Envision Future Holliston’s consultant BerryDunn is completing the Environmental Scan.  A preliminary report was shared with the committee and Town Department Heads last week.  The completed scan will soon be posted on the Town website -> https://berrydunn.mysocialpinpoint.com/holliston-strategic-plan
• Next week’s SB meeting will start at 6:30 in conjunction with the FinCom to appoint the seventh member of the FinCom (vacancy due to Dan Alfred’s election to the School Committee).  3 strong candidates have volunteered to fill the 1-year vacancy.
• The Town received a $10,660 grant to install EV charging stations at the new 9 Green St parking area.  Construction has begun and is expected to be completed by July 4, 2023.
• The first downtown sewer public forum was held on June 14^th.  Two more are scheduled in July and August -> https://www.townofholliston.us/home/news/proposed-downtown-sewer-project
• Working on the EDC staff position job description / posting.
• 20 Cross Street is still in land court and the Town has asked Court to be able to access the site to begin environmental testing.
• The Town’s Marshall Street Solar project should have signed documents to begin work in July of this year.

Board Business:  The Board took the following actions:

• Approved the Metrowest Regional Transit Authority Contract Extension
• Approved / Signed a contract extension with Chief Matthew Stone (FY24-26).  The contract includes an “evergreen clause” which should make future extension easier.  Each Board member complimented Chief Stone’s exemplary performance. Below, Chief Stone and the Board sign the contract.  Congratulations Chief!

• Approved the minutes of the April 19, 2023, meeting.
• Approved Contract for Curbing & Sidewalk Installation with R.M. Pacella, Inc. for a sum not to exceed $543,987.
• Approved a Common Victuallers (Seasonal) License for Arcadian Farm, located at 258 Norfolk Street
• Approved and signed a letter from the Select Board to the Planning Board regarding Hopping Brook Special Permit Review process.  Seen below, are the hardy souls who stayed on the meeting for almost 2.5 hours to see the Board sign the letter.

Below is the letter signed by the Board.

Other Business:

Mr. Sparrell: None

Mrs. Hein: Will use the information gathered to date for Envision Future Holliston to develop her FY 24 goals.

Mr. Cronin:

• Asked the Board members to send FY 24 liaison preferences to Donna Muzzy before next week’s meeting.
• Announce that the contract for Holliston’s Sustainability Coordinator is now open for applications.  A Fall 23 timeframe is planned to finalize the new contract.

The meeting adjourned at 9:30 pm.