Board of Selectmen’s Meeting

April 10, 2006

 

A meeting of the Board of Selectmen was called to order by Chairman Russell Collins at 7:00 PM, Northbridge Town Hall, 7 Main Street, Whitinsville, MA.  Present:  Messrs. Ampagoomian, Davis, Audette, and Montecalvo. 

 

Also present:  Michael J. Coughlin, Jr., Town Manager.

 

As part of a badge requirement, Cadet Girl Scouts [Troop 351] joined the Selectmen’s meeting to lead The Pledge of Allegiance. 

 

The Pledge of Allegiance was recited by those present.

 

Approval of Minutes.

 

March 27, 2006

A minor error was brought to the attention of the Town Manager’s staff and therefore, a set of revised minutes was provided to the Board prior to their meeting.  A motion/Mr. Audette, seconded/Mr. Ampagoomian to approve the March 27, 2006 minutes as presented with the readings omitted. Vote yes/Unanimous.

 

Appointments/Announcement by the Town Manager.  Town Manager Coughlin announced that Walter J. Warchol would be the next Chief of Police of the Town of Northbridge.  Next, Chief Warchol presented the Board with his vision statement for the Northbridge Police Department.  He thanked his family and friends for their ongoing support.  A motion/Mr. Audette, seconded/Mr. Ampagoomian to affirm the appointment of Walter J. Warchol as Chief of Police of Northbridge as recommended by the Town Manager.  Vote yes/Unanimous.

 

Whitin Community Center/Request to hang a banner over Church Street from June 3rd through June 17th to advertise the annual “Picnic in the Park” [Saturday, June 17th].  A motion/Mr. Davis, seconded/Mr. Ampagoomian to approve the above banner request as noted.  Vote yes/Unanimous.

 

Presentation:  Superintendent of Schools, Paul Soojian gave a PowerPoint presentation with visual aides about his reorganization plans for the Balmer and Primary Schools.  In summary, Mr. Soojian recommended combining the two schools and making them both K-4, thus utilizing and making better use of the available space in the Primary School.  After the presentation, Town Manager Coughlin requested authorization to contact the Puccio’s in order to re-open negotiations with respect to acquiring property for a new elementary school.

 

Department Heads’ Quarterly Reports.  Department Heads presented their quarterly reports for the period of January 2006 to March 2006.  Reports are on file in the Town Manager’s office.

 

Selectmen’s Concerns.   Selectman Ampagoomian inquired about the ornamental lighting around Memorial Square as it is very dark in that area.  Ms. Dulmaine responded that there would be some added lighting in the area in the near future.  Selectman Davis 1) asked about the status of the Northbridge Middle School and Police Station Roofs.  Town Manager Coughlin responded that the applications were being prepared for submittal to the USDA.  2) Inquired about who authorized the replay of the March 8th Finance Committee Meeting?  Selectman Ampagoomian stated it was a citizen’s request.  3) Position on override – Selectman Davis responded that he had no position at this time.  Selectman Audette asked if there was a timetable on the roofs.  He also asked if Mr. Murray could attend the next Board of Selectmen’s meeting to provide an update on the roofs.  Town Manager Coughlin responded by reiterating that it was a priority.  Chairman Collins advised that he would ask the Building, Planning and Construction Committee for an update. 

 

A motion/Mr. Audette, seconded/Mr. Ampagoomian to adjourn the meeting.

 

Meeting adjourned:   10:14 PM

 

                                                            Respectfully submitted,

 

 

                                                            John A. Davis, Clerk

 

 

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