In attendance: Chair Tina Hein, Vice Chair Ben Sparrell, Clerk Damon Dimmick, Town Administrator Travis Ahern
Tax Rate Hearing (FY2025) Tax Rate Setting Process
Motion made by Clerk Dimmick and 2nd by VC Sparrell to open a public hearing. Motion Passed.
Covered by Kevin Rudden (Principal Assessor) covered this and you can read more on his post found here
Motion made by Clerk Dimmick and 2nd by VC Sparrell to close the public hearing.
Several motions made by Clerk Dimmick to accept the recommendations from the Assessor’s Office. 2nd by VC Sparrell and passed.
Public Employee Committee (PEC) Agreement with the Town of Holliston to enter the Group Insurance Commission (GIC) for FY2026 through FY2028 (July 1, 2025 to June 30, 2028)
TA Ahern went through an extensive explanation of what this means for the Town as well as the employees impacted by this change. There were various reasons for this change, and it covers both current employees and retirees without regard to age of retirement. He noted there was also a significant change in GIC where new employees no longer need to wait 90 days for coverage.
Motion made to enter into this agreement by Clerk Dimmick, 2nd by VC Sparrell, motion passed.
Comments from the Town Administrator
Town Admin comments:
- Climate Action Plan (CAP) engagement with Weston & Sampson underway; deliverable date is June 30, 2025;
- Going to the 2nd and 4th Monday schedule starting 12/9; so meetings will be heavier…
- May 2025 Annual Town Meeting Warrant will be opened on 12/9, but there is some discussion of the date, which would normally be 5/12/25, but is under review;
- 12/9 will include an update on the DPW Facility (approved at May 2023 Annual Town Meeting), including delays from Land Court on 20 Cross Street and potential other sites should the Board want to consider;
- Board to decide on update for Norfolk Street on 12/9 or 12/23 depending on when complete information is available, but Water Mains to begin 4/15/25 and be done within calendar year (include Gas Mains to be replaced by Eversource when Town opens street for Water Main project); but the Sidewalks/Roadway/Drainage discussion will include past public discussion on traffic (speed) issues when reviewing the engineering/design;
- Humanitarian Awards will be 6:30pm on 12/9;
Non-12/9 items:
- Sewer Commission (3 members) and Policy Advisory Committee (7 members, with multiple appointment authorities) are posted with open period for Letters of Interest [showed the images online and links to the website];
- Holiday Stroll image on the Celebrate Holliston website, Ben and I will be taking the 2:30-5 shifts on the trolleys, Tina will be at Blair Square for a tree ceremony at 4pm, we will all try to be at 2pm cake ceremony
Board Business
a. Appointments to the Conservation Commission (as recommended for approval on 11/19/24): Alon Yaari through June 30, 2025 (filling Nicole Smith seat), and Emily Harrison as an Alternate Member through June 30, 2025
b. Citations for Lions Club and Celebrate Holliston for coordination of the Holiday Stroll and 300th activities
c. Rail Trail lease agreements (9)
d. Chabad Center Menorah lighting Town Hall December 26, 2024 at 5:00 p.m.
e. The Black Harp All Alcoholic Beverage License December 15, 2024 at WSK 24 Water Street from noon to 4:00 p.m.
f. Rushford and Sons Beer and Wine License December 15, 2024 at WSK 24 Water Street from 11 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
g. Meeting Minutes October 7, 2024
Individual motions were made on each of these items by Clerk Dimmick, 2nd by VC Sparrell and passed.
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