I apologize for the delay in getting these out, it’s been one of those weeks!
In Attendance: Chair Tina Hein, Vice Chair Ben Sparrell, Clerk Damon Dimmick, Town Administrator Travis Ahern
Select Board Schedule Update
Dec. 2024 to June 2025; Bi-Monthly (two times per month) schedule
Proposed schedule:
There were a couple of notes about notifying vendors about the need to get Alcohol permits early. We’re looking for 17 days’ notice or 8 business days’ notice, and then that would allow us to keep up with a schedule that gets it on a Thursday agenda for your Monday meeting, and doesn’t delay anybody’s event
Motion by Clerk Dimmick, 2nd by VC Sparrell, motion passed.
Certain powers designated to TA Ahern and update the SB after the fact.
Motion made by Clerk Dimmick, 2nd by VC Sparrell, motion passed.
Establish a Policy Advisory Committee:
Goal of 5-Year Strategic Plan includes creation of a body to review internal policies through a DEI lens: https://www.townofholliston.us/sites/g/files/vyhlif706/f/uploads/holliston_strategic_plan_final_to_publish.pdf
Select Board to enable (i.e. create) Committee with draft scope
We have 7 priorities, DEI education, enrichment, environmental sustainability, financial stability, flourishing economy, robust infrastructure, thriving, engaged community under the DEI component.
Appointment authority for the appointing of Committee members (subject to change)
When appointed, preference will be given to individuals who have conducted, facilitated, or participated in DEI training. Other comments were included during this discussion, but the general feeling is everyone is on board with this and where a specific group may not necessarily need input (e.g. like school committee) those positions would be reallocated to other committees.
Select Board liaison (VC Ben Sparrell) update regarding “HSC Bus / Start-Time Committee” work to-date
A general discussion took place regarding the work of the committee. VC Sparrell pointed out one part of the discussion involved the impact busing had on both sides. So it was trying to manage and keep things from kids from being out at 6 o’clock in the morning and 5 o’clock at night. And basically the bulk of what people understand and have to is that the district day should not start before 7 30 and shouldn’t end after 4pm.
Note: Since I am getting this recap out so late, please refer to this article regarding start times: https://hollistonreporter.com/school-start-times-update/
Weekly Warrant(s) – A/P & Payroll
Clerk Dimmick made a motion to accept the weekly warrant, 2nd by VC Sparrell, motion passed.
Comments from the Town Administrator
Monday the 11th Town Hall was closed and the Veteran’s luncheon occurred. Chair Hein, TA Ahern, and Rep Arena-Derosa attended.
The Holliston lions, the Legion and the VFW did a phenomenal job. There was a number of (and it was great to see) high school age kids (Editors note: these were Holliston Leo Club members) who were there serving meals to veterans. It is an aging group, and so having them there to wait on the tables was, I thought, phenomenal great job by everybody involved in putting that on.
Other discussions took place regarding upcoming events for Vets.
Board Business
Snow Plow Rates – FY2025 (2024-2025 Winter) – plow rates have increased significantly and the town is expected to spend approximately 40% more in base rates.
Clerk Dimmick made a motion to approve the new snow plow rates, 2nd by VC Sparrell, motion passed.
MassDOT – Chapter 90 Reimbursement Request -$56,596.69 – Motion made by Clerk Dimmick, 2nd by VC Sparrell, motion passed.
Contract Award: Water Meter Project (Software/MTUs)Hydro Utilities, LLC, $399,875 — Motion made by Clerk Dimmick, 2nd by VC Sparrell, motion passed.
Meeting Minutes: October 21, 2024 (pre-Fall Town Meeting); September 16, 2024 – Motion made by Clerk Dimmick, 2nd by VC Sparrell, motion passed.
Executive Session Minutes (not for immediate release): October 28 and November 4, 2024 Motion made by Clerk Dimmick to approve the minutes but not release them, , 2nd by VC Sparrell, motion passed
Appointment to Holliston Cable Access TV Inc. John Drohan for a term to expire September 2027 – Motion made by Clerk Dimmick, 2nd by VC Sparrell, motion passed.
Donation to the Police Gift Account from the Birch Foundation $5,000 – Motion made by Clerk Dimmick, 2nd by VC Sparrell, motion passed.
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