Hudson public meetings in 2022

Ad-Hoc Bicycle & Pedestrian Committee

The committee approved minutes from previous meetings and discussed a presentation for the Select Board regarding a Mass Trails Grant application. Members agreed to hold a final review meeting on January 18th.

• Approved minutes of November 30, 2022 and December 14, 2022 meetings (4-0)
• Agreed to hold a final review meeting on January 18th

Lake Boon Commission

The Commission unanimously approved the budget for July 1, 2023, through June 30, 2024, and the purchase of a buoy for the 4th basin. Members discussed proposed winter rules for the lake, which will be taken to a town meeting in the spring.

• Approved budget for July 1, 2023 - June 30, 2024 (Unanimous)
• Approved purchase of a buoy for the 4th basin entrance (Unanimous)
• Deferred review of minutes to the next meeting
• Decided to bring proposed winter bylaw changes to a spring town meeting

Planning Board

The Planning Board approved site plans for 569 Main Street subject to four special conditions regarding septic capacity, zoning variances, landscaping, and utility inspections. The Board also held an executive session to discuss pending litigation involving Ashbury Realty Trust.

• Approved site plans for 569 Main Street with four special conditions (4-0-0)
• Entered executive session to discuss litigation with Ashbury Realty Trust (4-0-0)
• Closed public hearing for 569 Main Street (4-0-0)
• Approved meeting minutes from 10/12/2022, 11/1/2022, 11/9/2022, and 11/15/2022 (4-0-0)

Select Board

The Select Board approved several public safety purchases, including fire equipment and school radios, and authorized a $49,750 contract for the Riverwalk Welcome Arch. The Board also voted on various personnel appointments and approved a series of budget requests for town departments and services.

• Approved $49,750 contract with Ledgerock Metal Fabricators for Riverwalk Welcome Arch (5-0)
• Approved $53,448.90 for Pierce Enforcer 1500 GMP Pumper Equipment (5-0)
• Approved $13,784.00 for five public safety portable radios for Hudson Schools (5-0)
• Renewed Beer/Wine Pouring License for Hudson Bagel (5-0)
• Denied renewal of Beer/Wine Pouring License for Victor’s 50’s Diner (5-0)
• Accepted $99,997.00 grant for Hudson/Sudbury Jail Diversion Program (5-0)
• Appointed Kristina Johnson as Floodplain Plain Administrator (5-0)
• Approved increased FY 2024 permit fees for Building Inspections Department (5-0)

Executive Assistant

The Select Board approved several public safety purchases and a $49,750 contract for the Riverwalk Welcome Arch. The Board also authorized numerous budget requests for town departments and accepted grants for jail diversion and firefighter safety. Personnel actions included several new appointments and the noting of multiple retirements and resignations.

• Approved $49,750 contract with Ledgerock Metal Fabricators for Riverwalk Welcome Arch (5-0)
• Approved $53,448.90 for Fire Department Pierce Enforcer 1500 GMP Pumper Equipment (5-0)
• Accepted $99,997.00 grant for Hudson/Sudbury Jail Diversion Program (5-0)
• Approved $13,784.00 for five public safety portable radios for Hudson Schools (5-0)
• Renewed Beer/Wine Pouring License for Hudson Bagel (5-0) and denied renewal for Victor’s 50’s Diner (5-0)
• Appointed Kristina Johnson as Floodplain Plain Administrator (5-0)
• Approved FY 2024 permit fee increases for Building Inspections Department (5-0)
• Approved various budget requests including $7,443,000 for Retirement/Pensions and $6,417,840 for Group Health Insurance (5-0)

Conservation Commission

The Commission voted unanimously to delay submitting the wetlands bylaw to the Fall Town Meeting to avoid conflict with the Stormwater bylaw. Members also discussed resource area protections and buffer zone regulations. A public hearing for Coolidge Street was continued.

• Postponed submitting wetlands bylaw to Fall Town Meeting (Unanimous)
• Continued Coolidge Street NOI #190-06xx hearing to February 2, 2023 (4-0-2)
• Approved December 6, 2022 minutes (6-0-0)

Ad-Hoc Bicycle & Pedestrian Committee

The committee received a presentation from Police Chief Richard DiPersio regarding bike patrols and rodeos. Members began organizing a five-section presentation for the Select Board. No formal policy decisions were made during the meeting.

• Accepted resignation of Kelly Schultz
• Voted unanimously to adjourn (5-0)

Historic District Commission

The Commission approved materials for a Riverwalk overlook and three separate business sign installations on Main Street. The board also approved its Fiscal Year 2024 budget.

• Approved Riverwalk overlook black railings and dark grey imitation wood decking (3-0-0)
• Approved 4’ X 8’ single-sided metal sign for D-Roxx Barber Shop at 170 Main Street (3-0-0)
• Approved 2’ X 3’ double-sided wooden sign for Main Street Bagel Factory at 149-157 Main Street (3-0-0)
• Approved three 8” X 48” wood-framed signs at 162 Main Street (3-0-0)
• Approved $784 Fiscal Year 2024 budget (3-0-0)

Lake Boon Commission

The Commission reviewed proposed bylaw changes for winter motorized vehicle safety and speed limits. Members discussed adding safety buoys to the 4th basin to warn of shallow water and stumps. No formal votes were taken on these items; they were tabled for the next meeting.

• Tabled decision on winter rules for motorized vehicles and speed limits
• Tabled decision on additional safety buoys for the 4th basin
• Approved adjournment of meeting (unanimous)

Community Preservation Committee

The Community Preservation Committee approved funding for a Mass Trails Grant match and a recreation sign, both pending Town Meeting approval. The committee also determined that a Hudson Public Schools disc golf project is currently ineligible for funding.

• Approved $36,000 for Mass Trails Grant matching funds (5-0)
• Approved $3,000 for Albertini property recreation sign (5-0)
• Determined Hudson Public Schools disc golf project ineligible for funding
• Riverwalk Welcome Arch application withdrawn
• Approved placeholders for May 2023 Town Meeting articles including $107,500 for debt service (5-0)
• Approved June 29, 2022 meeting minutes (5-0)
• Approved June 28, 2023 meeting minutes (5-0)

Council on Aging

The Board unanimously approved the Treasurer's Report, showing a balance of $26,230.23, and the Director's Report. Members discussed the potential purchase of snowshoes for seniors and the 'Village to Village' concept, which will be revisited next month.

• Approved Agenda as presented (unanimous)
• Approved Minutes of 11/22/22 (unanimous)
• Approved Treasurer’s Report with balance of $26,230.23 (unanimous)
• Approved Director’s Report (unanimous)
• Approved Outreach and Bus Driver’s Reports (unanimous)

Commission on Disabilities

The Commission discussed wheelchair access issues at the Hudson Public Library and planned a walkthrough with a wheelchair user. Members proposed seeking a Select Board agenda item in January to address improvements. The Commission approved the October 11, 2022, meeting minutes.

• Approved October 11, 2022 minutes (4-0-0)
• Agreed to make library accessibility a regular monthly agenda item

Affordable Housing Trust

The Trust voted to recommend that the Select Board allow the town to join the MassDocs program to streamline loan documentation for affordable housing. The board also received a status update on the Packard Street project, which received DHCD funding.

• Recommended Select Board approval for Hudson to opt into MassDocs program (4-0-0)
• Approved July 26, 2022 meeting minutes (4-0-0)

Select Board

The Select Board participated in a Joint Finance Committee – School Committee Meeting. Members discussed revenue trends, projected future budget deficits for the School Department, and potential strategies to address those deficits.

Board of Health

The Board of Health approved the minutes from the November 1, 2022 meeting and authorized vouchers. Members also signed the revised rules and regulations governing the practice of bodywork.

• Approved 11.1.2022 meeting minutes (3-0)
• Approved vouchers (3-0)
• Signed revised Rules and Regulations Governing the Practice of Bodywork Regulation 17-1

Conservation Commission

The Commission discussed a draft wetlands bylaw with legal counsel and identified policy questions for future decision. No final changes to the bylaw were decided during this meeting.

• Approved minutes from December 1, 2022 (7-0-0)

Planning Board

The Planning Board voted to postpone public hearings for 136 Main Street and 569 Main Street. Action on approving previous meeting minutes was deferred.

• Continued public hearing for 136 Main Street until February 21, 2023 (4-0-0)
• Continued public hearing for 569 Main Street until December 20, 2022 (4-0-0)
• Deferred approval of 10/12/2022, 11/1/2022, 11/9/2022, and 11/15/2022 minutes

Executive Assistant

The Select Board participated in a Joint Finance Committee – School Committee Meeting. Members discussed revenue trends, projected deficits in future school budgets, and potential strategies to address those deficits.

Board of Assessors

The Board of Assessors accepted the minutes from the November 21, 2022 meeting and approved motor vehicle abatements processed between November 21 and December 5, 2022. The Board also reviewed the final presentation for the Tax Classification hearing.

• Accepted minutes of 11/21/2022 meeting (3-0)
• Accepted motor vehicle abatements from 11/21/2022 – 12/5/2022 (3-0)

Select Board

The Select Board approved a major contract for wastewater treatment plant phase 2 upgrades and set the FY2023 property tax rates. The board also authorized several municipal contracts, personnel appointments, and business license transfers.

• Approved $17,954,599.00 contract to Daniel O’Connell’s Sons, Inc. for wastewater treatment plant phase 2 upgrades (3-0)
• Set FY2023 residential tax rate at $14.60 and commercial/industrial at $28.88 (3-0)
• Approved $110,000 contract with Woodard & Curran for Brigham Street culvert feasibility study (3-0)
• Awarded $65,136.14 contract to Axon Enterprises, Inc. for body-worn cameras and tasers (3-0)
• Approved $12,900.00 contract with Mass Cultural Council for FY2023 allocation (3-0)
• Authorized Police Chief to apply for FY23 State 911 Support & Incentive Grant of $67,385.000 (3-0)
• Approved transfer of ownership for Off the Rail Nutrition to Prosperity Nutrition (3-0)
• Approved appointment of George Ostertag as part-time Senior Center bus driver (3-0)

Executive Assistant

The Select Board approved a major contract for wastewater treatment plant upgrades and set the FY2023 property tax rates. The board also authorized several infrastructure contracts and personnel appointments.

• Approved $17,954,599.00 contract to Daniel O’Connell’s Sons, Inc. for wastewater treatment plant phase 2 upgrades (3-0)
• Set FY2023 residential tax rate at $14.60 and commercial/industrial at $28.88 (3-0)
• Approved $110,000 contract to Woodard & Curran for Brigham Street culvert replacement feasibility study (3-0)
• Awarded $65,136.14 contract to Axon Enterprises, Inc. for body-worn cameras and tasers (3-0)
• Approved $12,900.00 contract with Mass Cultural Council for FY2023 allocation (3-0)
• Approved 2023 license renewals for all qualifying licensees (3-0)
• Authorized Police Chief to apply for FY23 State 911 Support & Incentive Grant of $67,385.000 (3-0)
• Reduced ARPA funding for Main Street/Houghton Street bridge project by $110,000 to fund Brigham Street study (3-0)

Conservation Commission

The Commission issued a Negative Determination for a project at 306 Cox Street with specific conditions regarding tree cutting and maintenance. A public hearing for 0 Coolidge Street was continued to a later date.

• Issued Negative Determination for 306 Cox Street (5-0-1)
• Required 306 Cox Street applicant to submit final tree cutting plan and notify Commission of maintenance changes
• Continued 0 Coolidge Street public hearing to December 15, 2022 (6-0-0)
• Approved November 17, 2022 minutes (6-0-0)

Ad-Hoc Bicycle & Pedestrian Committee

The committee reviewed resident survey data to identify priority streets for sidewalks and discussed the development of the Mass Central Rail Trail downtown section. Members agreed the committee should serve in both advisory and advocacy capacities. No new policies or funding were approved.

• Approved minutes of November 16, 2022 meeting (unanimous)

Cultural Council

The council approved a new slate of officers and a modification for grant #FY22-LCC-2991. Members also agreed to update language in award letters for grantees receiving more than their requested amounts. The council scheduled a review of the grant payment process for August 2023.

• Approved minutes of November 1, 2022 meeting (8-0)
• Approved modification for grant #FY22-LCC-2991 Step into History and Culture (9-0)
• Approved modified language for award letters regarding funding in excess of requested amounts (9-0)
• Accepted slate of officers: Donna Specian (Chair), Doris Monteiro (Secretary), Cheryl Lombardo and Debbie Papa (Co-Treasurers) (9-0)

Board of Assessors

The Board of Assessors met to approve previous meeting minutes and review motor vehicle abatements. The board also received bills, commitments, and abatements for signature.

• Accepted minutes of the 10/19/2022 meeting (2-0)
• Accepted motor vehicle abatements from 10/19/2022-11/21/2022 (3-0)

Board of Library Trustees

The Board of Library Trustees approved several expenditures from State Aid for library operations and programming. The board also approved the October 2022 minutes and voted to cancel the December meeting.

• Approved October 20, 2022 minutes
• Approved $1,800 for library cards
• Approved funding for up to 50 rolls of newspaper digitization
• Approved $5,000 for adult programs
• Approved $1,100 for deep cleaning
• Approved $1,500 for hotspots
• Voted to cancel the December meeting

Conservation Commission

The Commission approved an Order of Conditions for 17A School Street and issued a Certificate of Compliance for 275 Chestnut Street. Two other public hearings were continued to December 1, 2022. The board also discussed a draft wetlands bylaw.

• Issued Order of Conditions for 17A School Street (6-0-0)
• Continued hearing for 0 Coolidge Street to December 1, 2022 (6-0-0)
• Continued hearing for 306 Cox Street to December 1, 2022 (6-0-0)
• Issued Certificate of Compliance for 275 Chestnut Street (6-0-0)
• Approved minutes from November 3, 2022 (6-0-0)

Internal Traffic Committee

The committee voted to seek a legal opinion on establishing a one-way direction for Wheeler Road, a private road maintained by the town. No action was taken on requests for cyclist signage or shoulder striping on Causeway Street. The board decided to meet on an as-needed basis in 2023 rather than following a set monthly schedule.

• Approved motion to seek legal opinion on establishing one-way direction on private Wheeler Road (4-0-0)
• Decided to meet as needed in 2023 instead of a set monthly schedule

Ad-Hoc Bicycle & Pedestrian Committee

The Committee decided that a future follow-on committee should serve in advisory and advocacy capacities and consult with other town boards. They also agreed to recommend expanding the Safe Routes to School program across all five public school buildings.

• Approved minutes of November 2, 2022 meeting (3-0-1)
• Agreed follow-on committee should serve in advisory and advocacy capacities
• Agreed follow-on committee charter should not require representatives from other boards
• Agreed to recommend expanding Safe Routes to School program to all five public school buildings
• Agreed to recommend the School Department create a Safe Routes to School Task Force

Commission on Disabilities

The meeting was cancelled because a quorum was not present.

Planning Board

The Planning Board approved a request from Portman Industrial to withdraw its application for site plan review without prejudice. The board also held a joint executive session with the Select Board to discuss pending litigation.

• Approved Portman Industrial's request to withdraw site plan review application without prejudice (4-0-0)
• Voted to enter joint Executive Session with Select Board to discuss pending litigation (4-0-0)

Zoning Board of Appeals

The Zoning Board of Appeals accepted the withdrawal of a petition for 27 Cox Street and 54 Lake Street. Public hearings for 29 Grove Street and 114 Forest Avenue were continued to December 8, 2022. The board also approved the meeting minutes from October 13, 2022.

• Accepted request to withdraw petition 2022-09 (27 Cox Street and 54 Lake Street) without prejudice (4-0)
• Continued public hearing for petition 2022-11 (29 Grove Street) to December 8, 2022 (4-0)
• Continued public hearing for petition 2022-12 (114 Forest Avenue) to December 8, 2022 (4-0)
• Approved October 13, 2022 meeting minutes (4-0)

Planning Board

The Board approved Approval Not Required (ANR) plans for two properties and accepted a $297,089 bond for the Indian Farms subdivision. The Board also voted to take no action on two proposed zoning amendments regarding medical marijuana and retirement community districts.

• Endorsed ANR plan for 27 Cox Street/54 Lake Street (4-0-0)
• Endorsed ANR plan for 136 Main Street (4-0-0)
• Voted to take no action on Article 32 (Medical Marijuana Overlay District) (4-0-0)
• Voted to take no action on Article 33 (Retirement Community Overlay District) (3-0-0)
• Accepted $297,089 bond for Indian Farms subdivision (4-0-0)
• Released remaining lots in the Indian Farms subdivision (4-0-0)

Select Board

The Select Board approved a new policy for requesting Town Counsel services despite objections from two members. The board also accepted a $150,000 grant for Senior Center improvements and issued several seasonal business licenses.

• Approved new policy regarding requesting Town Counsel services (3-0-2)
• Accepted $150,000 Earmark Grant for Senior Center improvements (5-0)
• Approved $19,700 contract with Wright-Pierce for Pretreatment Program assistance (5-0)
• Issued Transient Vendor license to Hudson Farmers Market for Winter Market (5-0)
• Issued Christmas Tree & Wreath licenses to Humphrey’s Family Christmas Trees and Hudson Concord Elks (5-0)
• Authorized contract with Tripi Engineering Services for Hudson Public Library (5-0)
• Approved appointment of Sotirios Bakouros as WWTF Assistant Chief Mechanic (5-0)
• Approved appointment of Bonnie McAvoy to Ad-Hoc Bicycle and Pedestrian Committee (5-0)

Executive Assistant

The Select Board approved a new policy for requesting Town Counsel services following a member's objection. The board also issued several seasonal vendor licenses and approved a $150,000 earmark grant for Senior Center improvements.

• Approved new policy regarding requesting Town Counsel services (3-0-2)
• Accepted $150,000 Earmark Grant for Senior Center improvements (5-0)
• Approved $19,700 contract with Wright-Pierce for Pretreatment Program assistance (5-0)
• Issued Transient Vendor license to Hudson Farmers Market for Winter Market (5-0)
• Issued Christmas Tree & Wreath licenses to Humphrey’s Family Christmas Trees and Hudson Concord Elks (5-0)
• Authorized contract with Tripi Engineering Services for Hudson Public Library (5-0)
• Approved appointment of Sotirios Bakouros as WWTF Assistant Chief Mechanic (5-0)
• Approved appointment of Bonnie McAvoy to Ad-Hoc Bicycle and Pedestrian Committee (5-0)

Conservation Commission

The Commission approved funding for a legal review of the Wetlands Bylaw and issued a Certificate of Compliance for a project at 191 Parmenter Road. Two public hearings for properties on Coolidge Street and School Street were continued to November 17, 2022.

• Approved $5,000 expenditure for McGregor Law to review proposed Wetlands Bylaw (7-0-0)
• Issued Certificate of Compliance for 191 Parmenter Road (7-0-0)
• Continued public hearing for 0 Coolidge Street to November 17, 2022 (7-0-0)
• Continued public hearing for 17A School Street to November 17, 2022 (7-0-0)
• Approved minutes from October 20, 2022 (7-0-0)

Council on Aging

The Council on Aging approved the agenda, previous meeting minutes, and reports from the Treasurer, Director, Outreach, and Bus Drivers. The board rescheduled the December meeting to accommodate Medicare Open Enrollment.

• Approved the meeting agenda (unanimous)
• Approved the 10/12/22 meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Accepted the Treasurer’s Report (unanimous)
• Accepted the Director’s Report (unanimous)
• Accepted the Outreach Report (unanimous)
• Accepted the Bus Driver’s Report (unanimous)
• Rescheduled December Board meeting to Wednesday, December 14th (unanimous)

Ad-Hoc Bicycle & Pedestrian Committee

The committee reviewed a presentation of community survey results and initial recommendations. Members discussed sidewalk configurations in Sudbury and planned to research their requirements and easement usage.

• Approved October 19, 2022 meeting minutes (unanimous)

Board of Health

The Board of Health approved revised rules and regulations for the practice of bodywork, effective November 2, 2022. The board also approved vouchers and the minutes from the October 12, 2022 meeting.

• Approved revised Rules and Regulations Governing the Practice of Bodywork Regulation 17-1 (3-0)
• Approved vouchers (3-0)
• Approved minutes from 10.12.2022 (2-0)

Cultural Council

The council reviewed 27 grant applications with $22,697 available for award. After an initial screening, 11 applications were denied and 16 were approved for funding, including one partial award.

• Approved October 25, 2022 meeting minutes (7-0)
• Denied 6 grants for insufficient public benefit (8-0)
• Denied 4 grants for lacking a valid local sponsor letter (8-0)
• Denied Nashoba Symphonic Band grant for failing to submit previous grant paperwork (8-0)
• Approved $3,800 partial grant for Hudson Cultural Alliance, Inc. (6-0)
• Approved 15 qualifying grants in a block vote (8-0)

Planning Board

The Planning Board approved the Definitive Plan for the Old County Road Subdivision with 16 specific conditions. The board also endorsed three Approval Not Required (ANR) plans and recommended the acceptance of Silver Oak Road. A recommendation for Article 30 regarding Site Plan Review regulations failed to pass.

• Approved Old County Road Definitive Plan (3-1-0)
• Endorsed ANR plan for Chestnut Street (4-0-0)
• Endorsed ANR plan for 191 Parmenter Road (4-0-0)
• Endorsed ANR plan for 540 Main Street (4-0-0)
• Accepted $289,089 bond for Indian Farms subdivision (4-0-0)
• Released remaining lots in Indian Farms subdivision (4-0-0)
• Recommended acceptance of Silver Oak Road and associated easements (4-0-0)
• No recommendation made for Article 30 Site Plan Review amendment (2-2-0)

Internal Traffic Committee

The committee discussed a proposal to make Wheeler Road one-way from Forest Avenue to Broad Street for safety reasons but tabled the item following resident feedback. A request for a blind driveway sign at 9 Stratton Road was denied.

• Tabled proposal to make Wheeler Road one-way from Forest Avenue to Broad Street (4-0-0)
• Denied request to install blind driveway sign at 9 Stratton Road
• Approved meeting minutes from August 29, 2022 and June 17, 2022 (3-0-1)

Cultural Council

The council approved revisions to the Grant Agreement form and Grant Award Letter to clarify reporting requirements for grantees. Members also reviewed the FY2023 grant budget and discussed a request to modify a previous grant for a Juneteenth program.

• Approved August 23, 2022 meeting minutes (9-0)
• Approved changes to the Grant Agreement form (9-0)
• Approved changes to the Grant Award Letter (9-0)

Board of Library Trustees

The Board of Library Trustees approved the use of $55,000 in ARPA funds for two structural engineering projects, pending Select Board approval. They also voted to close the library the day after Thanksgiving and on Christmas Eve (full day if weekend, 1 PM if weekday). The library will adopt a Fine Free policy, with specifics to be voted on next meeting.

• Approved $55,000 in ARPA funds for two structural engineering projects
• Voted to close library day after Thanksgiving
• Voted to close all day Christmas Eve (weekend) or 1 PM (weekday)
• Approved minutes from September 15, 2022
• Approved Shannon Gillespie (noted from Select Board meeting)
• Adopted Fine Free policy (specifics to be voted next meeting)