Board of Selectmen’s Meeting

May 22, 2006

 

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

 

Also present:  Michael J. Coughlin, Jr., Town Manager, and David Doneski, Town Counsel.

 

The Pledge of Allegiance was recited by those present.

 

Reorganization of the Board of Selectmen:

Vice Chairman Ampagoomian turned the gavel over to Michael J. Coughlin, Jr., Town Manager, to proceed with the reorganization of the Board.  Mr. Coughlin polled the Board of Selectmen for Nominations for Chairman:  A motion/Mr. Audette, seconded/Mr. Marzec to nominate Charles Ampagoomian as Chairman of the Board of Selectmen.  Hearing no further motions for the position of Chairman, a motion/Mr. Davis, seconded/Mr. Montecalvo to close nominations.  The Town Manager called for a vote on the main motion:  Vote yes [to elect Charles Ampagoomian as Chairman of the Board of Selectmen]/Unanimous.  Chairman Ampagoomian assumed the Chair and called for Nominations for Vice-Chairman:  A motion/Mr. Montecalvo, seconded/Mr. Davis to nominate William Audette as Vice-Chairman of the Board of Selectmen.  Hearing no further motions for the position of Vice-Chairman, a motion/Mr. Davis, seconded/Mr. Marzec to close nominations.  Chairman Ampagoomian called for a vote on the main motion:  Vote yes [to elect William Audette as Vice-Chairman of the Board of Selectmen]/Unanimous.  Chairman Ampagoomian called for Nominations for Clerk:  A motion/Mr. Audette, seconded/Mr. Davis to nominate James Marzec as Clerk of the Board of Selectmen.  Hearing no further motions for the position of Clerk, a motion/Mr. Davis, seconded/Mr. Audette to close nominations.  Chairman Ampagoomian called for a vote on the main motion:  Vote yes [to elect James Marzec as Clerk of the Board of Selectmen]/Unanimous.

 

Chairman Ampagoomian welcomed James Marzec as the newly elected member of the Board.  He also thanked Russell D. Collins for serving on the Board of Selectmen for the past 12 years.  

 

Approval of Minutes.

 

May 8, 2006

A motion/Mr. Davis, seconded/Mr. Audette to approve the May 8, 2006 minutes as presented with the readings omitted. Vote yes/Messrs. Davis, Audette, Montecalvo, and Ampagoomian.  Abstain/Mr. Marzec.

 

7:05 PM -  Public Hearing/Mass Electric Company [Petition for Manhole and Duct Locations/Plan No. 2006-31:  Thomas Street/Installing a new handhole across from Pole #2 to service House No. 33].  Present:  Vivian Liu, Mass. Electric Company.  Chairman Ampagoomian read the Public Hearing notice aloud.  A motion/Mr. Davis, seconded/Mr. Audette to open the Public Hearing.  Vote yes/ Unanimous.  Ms. Liu explained that the reason for the above petition was to install a new handhole from Pole #2 to service House No. 33 on Thomas Street.  There were no comments from those present.  Selectman Montecalvo asked for clarification on what a handhole was as compared to a manhole.  Ms. Liu explained that a handhole was for secondary and was located underground whereas a manhole was for primary, which is above ground.   A motion/Mr. Davis, seconded/Mr. Audette to close the Public Hearing.  Vote yes/Unanimous.  A motion/Mr. Montecalvo, seconded/Mr. Marzec to grant permission to locate manholes, wires, and ducts, including the necessary sustaining and protecting fixtures, along and across the following way:  Thomas Street........installing a new handhole across the street from pole #2 to service house #33 as per plan P2006-31.  Said manholes and ducts to be installed substantially in  accordance with the plan filed herewith marked--Massachusetts Electric Company, Plan No. 2006-31 dated March 17, 2006.  Vote yes/Unanimous.

 

Appointments/By the Town Manager – Town Manager Coughlin asked the Board of Selectmen to affirm the appointment of Neil Vaidya as Town Accountant for the Town of Northbridge.  Neil Vaidya thanked the Board of Selectmen, Town Manager and the people at Town Hall for their vote of confidence in him.  A motion/Mr. Audette, seconded/Mr. Montecalvo to affirm the appointment of Neil Vaidya as Town Accountant as recommended by Town Manager Coughlin.  Vote yes/Unanimous. 

 

Safety Committee Minutes (May 16, 2006)/Vote to approve.  Selectman Davis asked why the Selectmen have to approve the Safety Committee Minutes when they do not even attend the Safety Committee meetings.  Selectman Montecalvo explained that the Board of Selectmen must approve any recommendations made by the Safety Committee and therefore can vote to reject and/or revisit any issue they feel necessary.  The Selectmen may also vote to amend the Safety Committee minutes.  In addition, he clarified the fact that the Selectmen do not vote to “approve” the minutes, they only vote to “accept” them [if they agree with the recommendations outlined in the minutes].  A motion/Mr. Davis, seconded/Mr. Audette to accept the recommendations of Safety Committee as outlined in the minutes of May 16, 2006.  Vote yes/Unanimous.

 

Citizens’ Comments/Input.   Selectman Davis suggested that the “Citizens' Comments” portion of the Selectmen’s Meeting be moved to the top of the agenda as opposed to the bottom of the agenda.  Selectman Audette concurred with Selectman Davis.  Selectman Montecalvo feels that it should be left alone; that the Selectmen should be able to conduct their business first because Citizens' Forum can tend to be lengthy.  Selectman Davis pointed out that in the Selectmen’s policy and procedures manual all items to be brought forth under Citizens' Forum should be presented to the Town Manager no later than 4 P.M. on the day of the Selectmen’s meeting.  He asked that the Town Manager review the policy and add this to the future agenda. Town Manager Coughlin concurred with Selectman Davis that the policy and procedures in the Selectmen’s manual should be followed.  Chairman Ampagoomian asked that the Citizens' Forum policy be televised on Channel 12 so that the residents of the Town of Northbridge can understand the procedures that need to be followed when speaking during this session.  Town Manager advised the Board of Selectmen that the Citizens' Forum should be what the Selectmen want.  Selectman Montecalvo suggested that Chairman Ampagoomian present a proposal about this matter at the next meeting for the Board to review.  

 

Citizens’ Comments/Input.  1) Paul McKeon, 500 Benson Road, Northbridge advised the Board of his concerns with respect to the “Road Opening Permit Rules and Regulations”.  He presented the Board of Selectmen with a document for their review.  Continuing, Mr. McKeon stated that it cost him $125 to pull a license [just for the piece of paper].  He agreed that the Town was entitled to charge fees for the services rendered, however, he didn’t understand how the Town could charge anyone for just a piece of paper.  Selectman Montecalvo suggested this matter be referred to Town Counsel for review.  Chairman Ampagoomian concurred.  Mr. McKeon mentioned that he brought this before the Board two years ago and never received a response back.  2) Jim Pyne, [JMJ Realty Trust] presented some paperwork for the Board of Selectmen to review.  Town Manager informed Mr. Pyne that his check would be available for pickup tomorrow at the Town Hall.  Mr. Pyne  stressed his concerns for the length of time it took for the Town to reimburse him.  Town Manager Coughlin mentioned that he hadn’t contacted Mr. Pyne directly because Town Counsel was in contact with Mr. Pyne’s Attorney, Mr. Lane.  3) Carrie Maynard, 266 Church Street, Northbridge, complained about the lack of field space for town sports.  She noted that the Worcester Crush team refused to give up the field space.  Chairman Ampagoomian advised Mrs. Maynard that a joint meeting between the School Committee, Board of Selectmen and Parks and Recreation Committee would be meeting soon to discuss this issue further.

 

Selectmen’s Concerns.  Selectman Davis 1) presented the Board with an action plan containing the following items; DPW facility, Fire Station, and roofs.  He suggested these items be placed on the next agenda for discussion.  2) he mentioned giving the Building Committee the task of finding the developmental costs of the West Street School site and begin negotiations with the property owner [Mr. Jolles].  Selectman Marzec  1) brought forth a citizen complaint on a Title 5 issue and asked about an entry on Page 14 of the Annual Town Report. In response to Mr. Marzec’s question, DPW Director, Richard Sasseville responded that the Sutton Street reconstruction project (which was suppose to occur several years back) includes extensions of the sanitary sewer system.  2) Streetscape project – inquired on the status of when the poles are coming down. Chairman Ampagoomian informed Mr. Marzec the project should be completed by October 2006.  Selectman Audette 1) thanked Mr. Russell Collins for his many years of service and dedication to the Town of Northbridge.  2) suggested that Mr. Russ Vanderbaan come in and speak to the Board of Selectmen regarding Health Insurance benefits for the Town.  Chairman Ampagoomian will place this under Items For Future Agenda.  3) Debt exclusion and the status of the roofs. Town Manager Coughlin informed Selectman Audette the paperwork would be filed with the USDA this week as they are coming in to visit with him.  He also mentioned that all debt exclusions would need to be placed on a separate ballot. Selectman Audette wanted to know about the implementation of the DPW facility. Mr. Peter Barbadora clarified that there has only been some broad based studies done on a new DPW facility.  Selectman Davis asked that Mr. Sasseville and Mr. Barbadora attend the next meeting to discuss the DPW facility in more depth.  4) Streetscape damage – inquired about the status of Ken Couture’s claim as he is still not satisfied with the Town’s response.  Mr. Sasseville mentioned the Insurance Company was awaiting more information from Mr. Couture before anything can be resolved. 5) Mentioned that the Memorial Day Parade would take place on Sunday, May 28th at 1:00 P.M. at the American Legion in Rockdale and on Monday, May 29th at 10:00 A.M. beginning at Pinegrove Cemetary. 

 

Town Manager’s Report.  Town Manager Coughlin commended former Chairman Russell D. Collins for his time serving on the Board of Selectmen.  He then congratulated James Marzec on being elected as the new Selectman for Northbridge. Lastly, he congratulated and thanked the Town Clerk and her staff for running a great election.

 

Executive Session.  A motion was made and seconded to go into Executive Session under M.G.L. Chapter 39, S. 23B #3 (Litigation) to reconvene in open session.  Roll Call Vote:  Mr. Audette/Yes, Mr. Marzec/Yes, Mr. Montecalvo/Yes, Mr. Davis/Yes, Mr. Ampagoomian/Yes.

 

Open Session Adjourned:  8:35 P.M.

 

Executive Session Convened: 8:42 P.M.

 

Executive Session Adjourned: 9:16 P.M.

 

Return to Open Session: 

A motion/Mr. Davis, seconded/Mr. Marzec to reconvene in open session at 9:18 P.M.  Vote yes/Unanimous

 

Chairman Ampagoomian provided a brief synopsis of what occurred in Executive Session.

 

#1 High School – The School Committee, Building, Planning & Construction Committee and David Doneski, Town Counsel agreed to pursue the lawsuit regarding the School fields.

 

#2 Wastewater Treatment Plant – Agreed to authorize the execution of the settlement agreement with the Surety Company.  Town will obtain a $90,000.00 credit from contractor.  A motion/Mr. Montecalvo, seconded/Mr. Marzec to authorize the execution of the settlement agreement with Surety Company.  Role Call Vote:  Mr. Audette/Yes, Mr. Marzec/Yes, Mr. Montecalvo/Yes, Mr. Davis/Yes, and Mr. Ampagoomian/Yes.

 

#3 Architectural Access Board – [Town vs. AAB] Town missed the deadline date for completion of Handicapped Bathrooms and thus Town is being fined a total of $4,000.00.  A motion/Mr. Davis, seconded/Mr. Audette to pay the fine in the amount of $4,000.00 to the Department of Public Safety.  Role Call Vote:  Mr. Audette/Yes, Mr. Marzec/Yes, Mr. Montecalvo/Yes, Mr. Davis/Yes, and Mr. Ampagoomian/Yes.

 

A motion/Mr. Montecalvo, seconded/Mr. Audette to adjourn the meeting.  Vote yes/Unanimous.

 

Meeting adjourned:  9:23 PM

 

                                                            Respectfully submitted,

 

 

                                                            James Marzec, Clerk

 

 

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