The Select Board Finalizes School Facilities Study Committee Appointments & Discusses the Town Water Main Break

The Select Board met on 08/06/24 to address the Town Manager search, School Facilities Study Committee appointments, the town water main break, and more.

The Select Board met Tuesday night with all members present.

Comcast Cable Television License Renewal

Attorney Bill August, representing Comcast Cable, came before the board Tuesday night, in regards to license renewal. The board unanimously approved a new 10-year Comcast Cable Television License, set to begin on September 20, 2025, following the expiration of the current contract. August provided an overview, praising both Attorney Kerry Morris and Comcast for their responsiveness and fairness. Despite a recent FCC rule allowing financial charges for previously complimentary items, August expressed confidence in the new agreement, emphasizing the importance of long-term stability in an era of deregulation.

However, concerns were voiced by board members Jayne Wellman and James Mackey regarding the potential impact of declining cable subscribers and the future costs of streaming services. “Cord-cutters” are creating a 5% drop in subscribers each year, with a steady trend downward. Comcast may try to recoup this loss in revenue by charging for streaming services in the future.

Additionally, Mark Kratman raised issues about the lack of visibility of the senior discount on the “digital starter service” for residents aged 65 and older. Bill August recommended the Senior Center and Town make public announcements. Director of the Tewksbury Telemedia Department, Brian Dorrington, also agreed to help promote. Currently there is no tracking of how many seniors in town are currently taking advantage of this discount. 

Residence Inn Special Permit Application for Billboard

Attorney Jamie Cutelis presented to the board in favor of permit approval for a billboard by the Residence Inn, at 1775 Andover Road. This digital sign would be 100’ in the air, within 50’ of the building. Despite a variance approval from the Planning Board and currently being in compliance, the special permit application was denied.

Eric Ryder, Mark Kratman, and Patrick Holland all expressed their approval, noting this proposal meets criteria, and is a great opportunity for the town to generate considerable revenue with limited impact.

However, Jayne Wellman and James Mackey both opposed, stating the building is currently transitioning to residential housing and that passing this now, while legal, is skirting the intention of the bylaws that forbid this type of development by residential housing. Mackey also noted “within 50 feet” is actually less than 20 feet from the building.

The application failed to secure the required 4/5 Super Majority vote for approval.

$100 Donation to Veterans Services

In a gesture of support, the board unanimously approved a $100 donation to the American Legion’s Veterans Services. The move reflects the town’s ongoing commitment to honoring and supporting its veterans.

Town Manager Search

The appointed Town Manager Screening Committee, with the assistance of the Community Paradigm Associates (CPA), will conduct interviews for Mr. Montuori’s replacement, as he is stepping down at the end of the year. The application to be considered for the position will close on August 22nd, with the committee’s decision for invitation to interview released on September 4th. The final interviews of the top three candidates, conducted by the Select Board, are expected to be scheduled in October.

Mark Kratman queried as to how many towns in the region are currently conducting Town Manager searches. John Petrin, Senior Associate of the CPA, explained that four towns – including Tewksbury – have an active search. Only Lexington will be voting in a new leader before Tewksbury.

Jayne Wellman requested an opportunity for the finalists to meet with the department heads before the final vote. Eric Ryder agreed and Petrin stated it will be included in the interview process.

Additionally, Chairman Patrick Holland enquired on the attractiveness of Tewksbury to potential candidates, with Petrin assuring the board that “Tewksbury is a great location with more opportunities than challenges.” James Mackey had no questions and simply stated, “Godspeed,” in support of the Screening Committee.

School Facilities Study Committee Appointments

The board appointed three members to the School Facilities Study Committee: Tom Bowley – nominated by Mark Kratman; Bruce Panilaitis – nominated by both James Mackey and Patrick Holland; and Jamie Cutelis – nominated by Jayne Wellman. Stephanie Todd was also nominated by Eric Ryder.

The board expressed gratitude to all applicants for their willingness to contribute to the town’s development and hope they consider bringing their time and skills to other open positions in town.

September 3, 2024 State Primary Warrant

The board approved the warrant for the upcoming State Primary on September 3, 2024, ensuring the town is prepared for the election.

Sale of Town Owned Land

The Select Board authorized the sale of three small town-owned lots: Georgia Road ($2,600), Delaware Road ($5,000) and Maryland Road ($25,000). Eric Ryder inquired on the lots’ size, buildability, and if they are posted publicly. It was noted lot #140 may become buildable when connected to abutting land. Bids are publicly posted, and abutters get first rights. All three lots are approximately 0.2 acres.

Mark Kratman asked if these sales will landlock any properties. The answer was no. Two of the three lots are mostly wetland. Jayne Wellman voted to authorize the sales and James Mackey seconded. The sales were approved with a 5/0 unanimous vote.

Water main Break Review and Update

A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to discussing the recent major water main break. Town Manager, Richard Monturoi, prefaced this discussion highlighting the significant impact this recent break had on the town, noting a clear need for improved communications, while offering sincere thanks to the DPW workers and office staff for their quick response and hard work.

Kevin Hardiman, Director of Public Works, detailed their response, highlighting the challenges and efforts made to restore service – from when the water treatment plant monitor first noticed a draw indicating a significant break at 5:30AM until 2:30PM when the water was finally turned back on. The expected churning created heavy iron deposits that required flushing the dirty water out of the system. In the days that followed, post morning commute rush, three to four crews worked late into the evenings for days until the hydrants ran clear.

Eric Ryder thanked Hardiman and the DPW, sympathizing with how complex this break was to solve. He noted the validity of residents frustrations regarding inconsistent communication, highlighting the DPW’s need to get the word out on social media and town pages “before the public start talking for you.” He continued, “simply saying the brown water is safe to drink without any further updates or clarifications further exasperates the situation.”

Jayne Wellman also thanked the DPW for the extensive work and detailed timeline, praising the helpful information that is continually added to their website. Wellman suggested the DPW nominate a staff member to be a “Public Information Officer” to improve communication during these critical events. When asked for a ballpark percentage of the town’s water mains currently in need of replacement, Hardiman answered 40%. She also queried if they have a sensor system that would help locate breaks in a more timely manner. The response was no, as they can only read a change on output. 

James Mackey thanked the DPW for the rapid response and noted their professionalism and constant drive for improvement. He pointed out the aging infrastructure, predating both Hardiman and Monturoi, being a “prolific issue” continuously affecting the entire town. He urged the Select Board to come together and support Hardiman and Monturoi, as “a 20-year plan is not acceptable”. He continued it is incumbent upon the board to devise cost, funding, etc. and bring a proposal to town meeting, in efforts to create a shorter 10-year timeline. He proactively suggested scheduling a working session for the board.

Mark Kratman reviewed the DPW website and indicated they have no links to their social media, which could enhance accessibility, and there is no spot for live updates. He explained, it is frustrating for residents that may not have social media or know which platform to access for the best direct information on a current situation.

He continued, inquiring how long the major pipe was. Hardiman explained it is 2 miles long from Victor Drive to Haffners, and currently slated to be rerouted to a parallel pipe built in 1993, in 2026. Kratman concluded, “The residents need to know we hear your frustration”. They pay up up to twice the water rates than the other communities are paying, when they are told to run water to clear out the brown water. This needs to be taken into consideration, to alleviate the cost for the residents.

Patrick Holland thanked the Billerica Fire Department for making their pump truck available to Tewksbury in the event a fire possibly broke out while the water was shut down. Richard Montuori noted residents can reach out to Kevin Hardiman’s office if they have concerns about the surge of water usage from flushing their pipes affecting their rate. He would also like to see a leak detection survey of the entire town.

The five-year capital plan is on the website, and needs to be in a prominent place. The town has made significant improvements since 2012, with over 32.5 million dollars approved funding water main replacements. “We can do better, and we will.”

Town Councel Invoice July 1-15, 2024

Finally, the board unanimously approved a $3,000 payment for town council counsel services for the first half of July 2024.

Board Member Reports:

Ryder noted the Economic Development Committee on 8/14/24.

Wellman addressed that State Housing Bond Bill has passed and will need discussion on a town level.

Mackey highlighted the Veterans BBQ on 8/17/24. In addition Tewksbury’s oldest resident will be turning 105 soon!

Kratman highlighted the Council on Aging meeting scheduled for 9/10/24. He noted, while they now have a new smaller van, they still need additional driver. The September 11 Committee has already begun 9/11 event planning.

Holland read a Thank You note from the First Baptist Church to Tewksbury Police Department’s Debuty Chief Farnum. Pastor Simeon Damas praised the chief for intervening when a family was unfairly evicted. 

The next Select Board Meeting will be held September 10th, 2024. Meetings are televised on Comcast Channel 99, Verizon Channel 33, as well as on TewksburyTV via Youtube.