In attendance: John Cronin, Tina Hein, Ben Sparrell, Kathleen Buckley

Update on High School SOI Response from MSBA

The schools came before the board in April – and requested approval for statement of  interest for building a new school. The board was advised at the time that the town would not be invited to the program by the building authority.

Regarding that announcement, the Superintendent did speak with the MSBA and felt that the application was strong and should continue to apply. The Superintendent did continue to pursue. This is a highly competitive process and the letters MSBA received 63 requests with the problem being a limited amount of funding available and therefore makes the process very competitive.

Perspective (from John) – dissenting vote for application because the school’s application has compelling content from educational prospect that the community should understand what the community is up against in terms of rebuilding versus renovating.  The Superintendent welcomed input from Mr. Keast (49 page report found here) and was presented in August. It was sent to the MSBA in the spring. This report is compelling in many ways and here are some thought about it:

Mr. Keast calls out interior and exterior deficiencies in the school.

The conclusions are quite telling – if you look at Page 27 the exterior assessment there are critical conditions which are hazardous. Pictures are included so you can see the problems which are critical. Most of the repairs are needed on issues designed/updated in 2001.

Interior which is later in the report (page 49) many crucial issues (fair, poor, and critical). Windows and doors are worrying because they are in critical condition. HVAC requires ongoing maintenance. Plumbing is in critical condition. Building design is problematic. (remember this is a facility report and not a safety report).

John’s Conclusion: We need a new High School, and the Superintendent will have his support.

Ben: Certainly, supporting the efforts and modern facilities are important in our community. We have neglected this facility but one of the issues that I feel is important is the constituencies of the use of the facility (faculty, students). I would like to find a way to reach out to our senior population (they have kids who are now grown and not engaged in the schools as often, but they pay taxes and vote!) Have their questions answered and how it impacts them. I will reach out to the Council on Aging to answer questions and address issues with this population, so they understand how this works. Refers back to discussions he had with voters at polls.  (John agrees this is a good idea)

Tina: Agree that the presentation to the community is important and should allow for input from the town. Thankful to Mr. Keast for this assessment. The benefit is significant.

We’ve seen this issue change over time and now that we have the assessment ready for our 6^th application for funding for the school we are better positioned because we have this type of information. The fact that we’re in “critical” condition does really highlight the condition of our school.

John asked that Kathleen pass on to Travis that the Mr. Keast should continue to update this report (especially if it strengthens our application)

Warrants – Ben made a motion to approve, Tina seconded, passed.

Public Comment

Ben: Envision Future Holliston there are still some details to be worked out but it is 95% done and the main area which needs attention is the tracker (for the community to follow along). Anticipating finalizing in the next few weeks.

Marshall Street still open Saturday and Sunday through January

Parking Ban remains in effect

Tina: Economic Development committee meeting attendance (12/21) Melanie has great energy and talent, and it was on full display! She discussed some of the outreach to business owners and expressed her interest in meeting businesses where they do business. If you are a business owner who is interested in a one on one with Melanie, please reach out to her by contacting here through the town website at this link: https://www.townofholliston.us/user/4316/contact or by calling her office at 508-454-0467 .Melanie has sent out many introduction letters and she’s continuing her outreach around town.

First Night Walk – Friends of Holliston Trails have excelled again! There were 4,300 visitors over Blair Square which is an 1,100-visitor increase. Enormous event and we are drawing from surrounding communities.  When we invest in community assets we see the rewards and you certainly saw it on 12/31. Fantastic Event – and congratulations to everyone who made this event a success.

John was also on the trail and it was fun and wild. Said it felt like a T Station at rush hour! People getting into the spirit, he had a fire pit with a friend and there were a lot of people and it was just a great event all around.

Regional Communications Center – Travis has been working with emergency managers to pull Holliston into this regional arrangement and it has finally been completed. This went into effect on 12/28 and John wants to thank the dispatchers who helped make this a success and Chris Mayo who was an integral part of the successful conversion.  He helped make the user interface seamless. Thanks to everyone who worked to make this a successful integration.

Comments from the Town Administrator

Kathleen (assistant admin) Police Chief and Fire Chief asked for these comments to be read into the record:

Chief Cassidy – thanks to the public safety telecommunications who helped with the transition and best wishes to those who are no longer employed by the town, those who have chosen to retire and have decided to pursue alternative career paths. Thanks especially to Chris Mayo for his help in making sure this was a seamless transition.

Chief Stone – I echo everything said by Chief Cassidy. This has been a collaborative effort from the beginning and operationally this has gone smoothly with no interruption of service. Our team can handle everything and we’re looking forward to our new collaboration with Holbrook.

Board Business

• Meeting Minutes November 13, 2023
• Meeting Minutes November 20, 2023
• Senior Center Donation $200. From Robert and Diane Keeley –
• Senior Center Donation $200. From Dorothy Giebutowski

Motions made by Ben and 2^nd by Tina all in favor: Passed

Other Business

Tina: Next Tuesday will be meeting with rep from Senator Spilka’s office regarding transportation – Three issues (a) $1m bond bill (sidewalks) (b) Safe Street task force and (c) MetroWest Coalition regarding rail Trail expansion (Sherborn to Framingham)

John: Property at Washington Street (799) Late October we were approached by the broker seeing if we were interested in buying the property. After several executive sessions we moved to include the Economic Development Committee and have had two meetings with them and at their recommendation. This property has been abandoned for almost 5 years and while it’s been inspected it still has some risks. The town is welcoming feedback (about a 30-day window)

We are not prepared to discuss the value, or negotiation strategies but we will share as much as possible when we determine if it is a viable opportunity for the town. We want to hear from YOU (the community).

Ben: I think this is an important piece of property and I think it’s incumbent on the town to make this work. I have a few questions including (1) if the town pursues what are we going to do with it (2) who is managing it and (3) who manages the finances? 

John: As part of the dialogue there will be a draft plan presented by the Economic Development Committee to Town Admin Travis and we will be prepared to answer some of your questions (Ben’s)

Tina: Take a look at this space as an opportunity for an anchor property right in the middle of downtown Holliston. Right now this is blight but keep looking at this as an opportunity to be a centerpiece of downtown Holliston.  It is an investment which we can see rewards from going forward (just like Green Street). We know the value of our downtown spaces and please make sure you look at the potential as you provide your input.

John: Keep in perspective the highest/best use.