Chairman of the selectboard James Wettlaufer and Christian Petersen were present, Earl Johnson was absent.
Paul Bracciotti from the Pioneer Valley Planning Commission updated the selectboard on the planned development for moderate-income housing for seniors.
Wettlaufer reported about a meeting he attended for local officials of central and western Massachusetts with Jeffrey A Simon, who is the new spending czar. Simon was appointed by governor Deval to oversee the spending that officials hope will help revitalize the state‘s economy. Simon is a senior real estate mogul and president of Simon Properties, a real estate developing firm located in Boston. The meeting took place yesterday at the Southbridge Hotel and Conference Center, 14 Mechanic Street, Southbridge.
According to Wettlaufer, the funds stemming from the $800 billion American Recovery and Reinvestment Act will only be used to fund roads and bridges and no “vertical construction.” The town of Holland will not get any funding from the stimulus money for the planned Stafford Road project. However, the town will get a one time payment of $74,000 towards the education fund.
The Holland Aqua Riders applied for a permit to anchor the ski jump opposite PJ‘s and to begin training on May 16, at 9:00 hours, which is a Saturday.
The Brook‘s, a private group of sports fishers, applied for a permit to hold a derby on Hamilton Reservoir. They intended to park 12 trailers for boats. The boat launch only accommodates 10 trailers. The derby would last form 6:00 hours to 14:00 hours. The permit was not issued. The town clerk was advised to contact the Brook‘s to inform them that there are only 10 parking spaces.
Wettlaufer informed the people in the audience that the selectboard would go into executive session pursuant M.G.L. c.39, s.23B, par.(5). The selectboard gave as reason the need to investigate a public employee for criminal misconduct and the filing of a criminal complaint. No name was released.
The "Town Common" has a new reporter who attended the selectboard meeting for the first time I think. Patty Lawrence Perry from the Worcester Telegram was not present.
Peter Frei