Tina Hein, John Cronin, Ben Sparrell –  Travis Ahern is joining remotely

Sustainability Coordinator Engagement Discussion

After a few years, we have had a couple for responses and grading took place on 9/14 with Weston and Sampson receiving most favorable response. If the board is amenable we will move forward on the contract which has been presented.

Rebecca Mauser-Hoye is project manager company is a multi-disciplinary firm and there are numerous aspects of the town’s vision which they can help implement. Johanna Hall is a team leader and is looking forward to working with the town.

Travis indicated there were several things to work out ahead of time and all questions have been asked and answered.

We have the internal staff as well as the expertise and resources to move forward and we can move some fairly large initiatives to move the town forward.  Invited questions from the board.

Joan Levinsohn has some specific questions

• Will there be a point person for residents for information and if so who will that be. Rebecca indicated that would be her and they would work on communication avenues.
• Old coordinator offered meetings — will there be the same access (once every few months, etc.) Rebecca indicated they do see there will be meetings going forward.
• Climate Action Plan — can you really do all the parts of the plan with a climate action plan in place as well? Johanna addressed this concern – we want to discuss best path forward but there should be no expectation that they can complete a plan all the way through.

Start date will depend on execution of contract – hope to have numerous answers to when this starts over the next few weeks. Duration of contract is yet to be determined and how long the “bridge” will last due to numerous issues which need to be addressed.

Ben is excited about this engagement and looking forward to seeing what innovations come through this contract and as a town we continue to move forward. Tina was looking for three tings in the scope of contract (assistance to administrator, responsiveness to email, and climate action plan) and she is satisfied with contract as it stands.

John asked Rebecca about the background she is bringing to role. She has been with the company 13 years and started out working on hazardous sites. Six years ago she transitioned into an energy team working with renewals (EV stations).

John asked if it were part of the role to share information about what other communities are doing for sustainability. Rebecca indicated there would be some feedback regarding what initiatives are coming through.

Johanna indicated that because they work with other sustainability coordinator in the region, they will have insight as to what is being done in other municipalities. Regional perspective is also important.

Ben made a motion to approve the contact for Sustainability Coordinator and to execute the contract with approved adjustments.  Approved Unanimously

Warrants – all warrants were approved as read and passed unanimously.

Public Comments

Ken Gorman – lives in Queens and over several years has worked on getting roads repaired. They are neglected – there are funds being expended in other areas of the community, but I do not feel that Queens is getting the attention they should be getting as taxpayers. Town has been contacted numerous times and has been told they were on the schedule, but nothing happens. Cars speed down roads when children are out playing. Please pay attention to this.

Comments from the Town Administrator

Travis provided updates regarding rescheduling Blair Square ribbon cutting joined by legislators from the state. More information about this to follow. Walk through completed on 10/5 with team from Mass School Building authority. There was very constructive feedback, and this was a net positive. We should know about final decision as to whether we will be moving forward

Part time economic development coordinator has been agreed upon with a start date of 10/23.  Postcards regarding town meeting have been mailed and we are monitoring the traffic to the landing page.

Approval of two streetlights located at Stoddard Park Drive – approve installation to avoid impacting neighbors. Partial funding from Eversource. The parks commission has voted in favor. Motion carried.

Snow & Ice rates for 2023-2024 – change: 17 percent increase but with the changes we made last year we are still very competitive (big change was 10 wheel dumping) – Ben made a motion increasing hourly rates to $100 for 10 wheel dump but with all others remaining the same.

• Event permit Holliston community Farm Haunted Walk October 28, 2023, from 5:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.  – Approved
• Event Permit Great Pumpkin Walk October 29, 2023, from 10:00 a.m. to noon – Blair Square to first bridge on Trail – Approved (this is an annual event and is cute according to Tina)
• Event Permit Authentic Auto Body Family Day & Car show October 14, 2023, from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. – withdrew event

Police donation from Stephen & Mary Birch Foundation $5,000.  – Donation received and donation motion made and accepted unanimously. Purpose: Community Outreach.

Other Business – Ben (just a reminder about Town meeting on 10/16) 19 articles and is important

John – Fall meeting, Sunday 10/15 VFW will be celebrating 75^th anniversary, John will be attending, 11/11 Veteran’s Day ceremony will be held beginning at 10:30 at Afghan Memorial. Met with Travis regarding warrant for town meeting.

Public Hearing Autotycoon Corp. 419 Washington Street

Consider application for a Class 2 license (buying and selling used vehicles)

Parking/Facility:

(see recording)

There are basically 19 spots. This has previously been licensed as a dealership in the past.

Email received from Shelley Bochner always had a car dealer and have never had a problem The only issue is that the sidewalks should not be blocked and that neon flashing lights be off when closed.

(The discussion about test driving used cars was had and to ensure nothing is recorded inaccurately please see the recording)

John Cronin reiterated that the town is glad to have them here in town and they are partners.

Motion to approve license: passed unanimously – Meeting closed at 7:55