Board of Selectmen’s Meeting

November 19, 2007

 

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

 

The Pledge of Allegiance was recited by those present.

 

Approval of Minutes.

 

November 5, 2007

Selectman Davis recommended the minutes be revised under School Committee Vacancy 2 to

reflect one motion nominating all four candidates and the subsequent roll call votes for each

candidate.  A motion/Mr. Davis, seconded/Mr. Marzec to approve the November 5, 2007 minutes as

amended with the readings omitted.  Vote yes/Unanimous.

 

       November 5, 2007 [Executive Session]

       A motion/Mr. Marzec, seconded/Mr. Davis to approve the November 5, 2007 Executive Session

       minutes as presented with the readings omitted.  Vote yes/Unanimous.

 

Public Hearing.  1) 7:05 P.M./FY 2008 Tax Rate Classification Hearing.  Present: Robert Fitzgerald, Principal Assessor.  Chairman Audette read the public hearing notice aloud.  A motion/Mr. Davis, seconded/Mr. Marzec to open the Public Hearing.  Vote yes/Unanimous.  The DOR requires this hearing each year.  Mr. Fitzgerald passed out a handout.  It allows the Selectmen to decide whether to shift the tax allocation between the classes of property.  It will not increase the revenue, but just shifts the tax burden. There was a 5% increase over last year.  The handouts were explained in detail.  The idea is to shift some of the tax burden away from the residential and move it to the commercial, industrial and personal property classes.  However, the commercial and industrial classes increased in the last year.  The Board of Assessors recommends maintaining a single rate for all properties.

 

Selection of residential exemption distributes the taxes between the residential classes.  It is up to a 20% discount and is based on the average valuation of a home.  This year the average is $328,200. The average assessed for commercial increased 15% and industrial increased 20%.  They completed the full measure and list of all properties in town but are now in compliance with the Department of Revenue regulations.   The Board of Assessors reviewed this and felt that it is not worthwhile to do this in Northbridge at this time.

 

The small commercial exemption would give us a tax break of up to 10% of the valuation for the small commercial properties.  The definition to qualify is less than 10 employees and valued at less than $1 million.  Around 100 businesses qualify.  If you give the tax break for them, then it needs to be made up by the businesses that are over $1 million.  There are only a few communities in the Commonwealth that use this exemption.  The Board of Assessors does not recommend this exemption

 

Mr. Fitzgerald also mentioned that in regards to the excess levy capacity, it looks to be $11,000.00, which means, that every penny has been taxed to the community.  Translated into taxes is about half of one penny. 

 

There being no further comments, a motion/Mr. Ampagoomian, seconded/Mr. Marzec to close the Public Hearing.  Vote yes/Unanimous.

 

A motion/Mr. Montecalvo, seconded/Mr. Ampagoomian for the Town of Northbridge to adopt the single tax rate to include residential, commercial, and industrial.  Vote yes/Unanimous.  A motion/Mr. Montecalvo, seconded/Mr.  Ampagoomian not to adopt a residential exemption.  Vote yes/Unanimous.  A motion/Mr. Montecalvo, seconded/Mr. Davis not to adopt a small commercial exemption.  Vote yes/Unanimous.

 

2) 7:30 P.M./FY 2008 Community Development Block Grant (cont). Present: Jennifer Dulmaine, Program Director.  Chairman William Audette read the Public Hearing notice aloud.  A motion/Mr. Davis, seconded/Mr. Marzec to open the Public Hearing.  Vote yes/Unanimous.  Ms. Dulmaine began her presentation by asking the Board of Selectmen if they had any questions or changes to the Community Development Strategy.  The Board of Selectmen had no questions or changes.  She read aloud the seven strategies; 1) Revitalize neighborhoods and improve town infrastructure; 2) Upgrade public facilities; 3) Promote Economic Development; 4) Encourage affordable housing; 5) Promote open space; 6) Support social services; and 7) Encourage environmental awareness in education to citizens.  Continuing, Ms. Dulmaine mentioned the FY 2008 Community Development Block Grant application is due February 15, 2008.  The Office of Community Development will be accepting eligible proposals for the grant application.  All proposals will need to have a preliminary review for compliance with one of the three national objectives; 1) Benefit a majority of low to moderate-income persons (51%); 2) Aid in the prevention or elimination of slums and blight; or 3) Meet an urgent condition posing serious threat to the health and welfare of the community and where other financial resources are not available to meet such needs.  To date, she has not received any proposals from the community.  She will be putting forth Phase II of the Village Infrastructure project.  That said, Ms. Dulmaine provided the Board of Selectmen with an update on the FY 2005 and FY 2006 Grants.  FY 2005: 1) Housing Rehabilitation Program has 4 projects representing 7 units in process and 5 projects representing 11 units that had been completed.  They will be finished by March 31st. 2) The Outreach Scholarship Program is 100% complete and provided 133 family memberships to Northbridge residents. 3) The Senior Center ADA 2nd floor bathroom is 100% complete.  FY 2006: Village Infrastructure Project – Final Paving was completed as of November 14, 2007; curbing is 100% complete; sidewalks are 85% complete; and driveways aprons/ramps are in progress.  Ms. Dulmaine mentioned a discussion she had with Town Manager Kozak about sheds/garages that are located on C Street [town owned property].  That said, she informed the Board of Selectmen that she could put a small grant application in (slum and blight) but would cost around $50,000 to $70,000 to demolish the garages.  She asked the Selectmen if it was an immediate concern because the grant would not be awarded until June/July and the funds would not be received until August/September.  DPW Director Richard Sasseville suggested to the Board that the Town ask the owner of the condominium if they would be interested in purchasing the property.  A motion/Mr. Ampagoomian, seconded/Mr. Marzec to continue the public hearing at the next Board of Selectmen meeting scheduled for December 3rd.  Vote yes/Unanimous.

 

Appointments/By the Board of Selectmen/Vote to appoint.  Personnel Board.  Present: Phyllis DiPalma.  Ms. DiPalma informed the Board that she has only lived in Northbridge for a couple years but was very active in committees and boards in Braintree.  A motion/Mr. Davis, seconded/Mr. Ampagoomian to appoint Phyllis DiPalma to the Personnel Board.  Vote yes/Unanimous.  Industrial Development Finance Authority & Commission.  A motion/Mr. Marzec, seconded/Mr. Davis to appoint Brian Houlihan to the Industrial Development Finance Authority & Commission. Vote yes/Unanimous.

 

Citizens Comments/Input.  Chairman Audette mentioned that there have been rumors around town that the Board of Selectmen are trying to stop people from coming under Citizens Comments.  This rumor is not true and still exists, however, the Board of Selectmen have limited the amount of time people could discuss there issue to 5 minutes.

 

2008 Holiday Calendar.  A motion/Mr. Ampagoomian, seconded/Mr. Montecalvo to approve the 2008 Holiday Calendar.  Vote yes/Unanimous.

 

Retirees’ Health Insurance/Vote to change contribution rate percentage.  Chairman Audette recused himself from this topic of discussion, as he is a retiree.  Vice Chairman Marzec took over.  Town Manager Kozak spoke briefly about changing the retirees’ health insurance contribution rate because all the major collective bargaining units have agreed to shifting the burden of the contribution rate by 5% of this fiscal year.  Selectman Ampagoomian asked why this wasn’t under discussions at a previous meeting. After a brief discussion amongst the Board of Selectmen, a motion/Mr. Davis, seconded/Mr. Ampagoomian to table this item to the next agenda under decisions.  Vote yes/Messrs. Montecalvo, Davis, Ampagoomian, and Marzec.  Chairman Audette resumed his position on the Board.

 

Winter Parking Ban [December 1, 2007 to April 1, 2008]/Vote to approve.  A motion/Mr. Davis, seconded/Mr. Marzec to approve the Winter Parking Ban from December 1, 2007 through April 1, 2008 during the hours of 1:00 A.M. to 6:00 A.M. as requested by the Northbridge Police Department.  Vote yes/Unanimous.

 

Schedule of Equipment Rates/Vote to approve.  Present: Richard Sasseville.  A handout was provided to the Board of Selectmen previously for them to review.  The proposed Schedule of Equipment Rates lists various items of equipment used by the Department of Public Works.  On occasion, the Department employs Town equipment in instances where reimbursement of costs is warranted.  Example. When Town property is damaged as a result of a motor vehicle accident and Town labor and equipment are used to make repairs.  The costs of equipment used are included in insurance claims for damage recovery filed by the Town.  The rate schedule is based on the current Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) schedule of reimbursement rates that are applicable to Federal disaster responses.  Once the rates are approved by the Board of Selectmen, these rates will remain in effect until amended or rescinded.  A motion/Mr. Davis, seconded/Mr. Marzec to approve the schedule of equipment rates as presented by the Director of Public Works to take effect on December 1, 2007 and remain in effect until amended or rescinded by the Board of Selectmen.  Selectman Ampagoomian mentioned that in the future, these types of items should be placed under discussion first before a vote is taken. Vote yes/Unanimous.

 

 

Special Licenses Rules and Regulations/Vote to approve.  Present: Police Chief Walter Warchol.  Town Manager Kozak mentioned that he met with Sharon Susienka and the Police Chief to put together a rules and regulations packet for persons applying for one-day liquor licenses.  A motion/Mr. Marzec, seconded/Mr. Ampagoomian to approve the Special Licenses Rules and Regulations as presented in the memorandum from Assistant to the Town Manager Sharon Susienka.  Vote yes/Unanimous.

 

Middle School Lockdown Update.  Present: Fire Chief Gary Nestor and Police Chief Walter Warchol.  On Thursday, November 8, 2007, the Fire Chief, Police Chief, Town Manager Kozak, and School Superintendent Paul Soojian and his staff met to discuss the events that happened at the Middle School on November 2, 2007.  During this meeting, they critiqued the events to see if there were any areas that they could identify that needed improving or changing.  They identified the internal areas: communication problems with the school radio system, Connect Ed – use of Emergency vs. Community Outreach broadcast, the need for more emergency kits, phone/contact information [hard copy], sheets for assessment and transport of staff students to hospitals, medical release forms, emergency medical supplies, nurse coverage for other buildings, identify one person from school to coordinate when/if hospital transportation is required, and staging area for buses at all school locations. External areas identified as: one person from administration to inter-face with police and fire regarding questions/decisions, review of process/decision to seal off roadway to allow emergency vehicles in and out without interface, better way to communicate who is being transported where, establishment of one location for an Information Release Center at the site, and transportation of students when parents cannot be reached after dismissal.  Selectman Montecalvo feels that one person should be in charge of coordinating an emergency. * Selectman Ampagoomian mentioned that he found out about the lockdown by a phone call from Firefighter William Davis, not the Town Manager or Chairman of the Board of Selectmen”.

 

Mass. Highway Project [Richard Sasseville].  Richard Sasseville provided the Board of Selectmen with an update on two projects with Mass Highway; Sutton Street and Plummer’s Corner.  Sutton Street Project – Earth Tech is in the process of reviewing the design and will be meeting with Mass Highway before the public hearing is scheduled.  Plummer’s Corner Project – Earth Tech has submitted proposals to Mass Highway and there are some changes in acquisition of land.  Based on the potential for changes in property ownership Earth Tech will be proceeding with the 25% design. Selectman Ampagoomian asked if the Department of Public Works were picking up leaves.  Mr. Sasseville replied yes.

 

Discuss budget process and strategies. Present:  Chairman of the Finance Committee Mary Frances Powers.  Ms. Powers discussed a previous held meeting in August 2007, with the Chairman and Vice Chairman of the School Committee, the Superintendent, Business Manager, Town Manager and the Chairman and Vice Chairman of the Finance Committee to discuss the budget format.  At this meeting, the committee has agreed to utilize a particular form, so she finds it hard to believe that the school committee is saying they do not know what forms to use.  At the next Selectmen’s meeting [December 3, 2007], Ms. Powers suggested that the three boards meet prior to the meeting to discuss the actual budget process, format and calendar.  The Selectmen agreed.

 

 Town Manager’s Report. Town Manager Kozak 1) provided an update on the West Street School site [Fire Station] and mentioned that the Building, Planning and Construction Committee are working on specifications with the Licensed Soil Scientists to test the soils on the site.  As for the DPW site, he mentioned that he contacted the engineering firm [CDM] for some information on digital plans for the location.  The Building, Planning and Construction Committee are working on specifications for the fields.

2) Economic Development – met with Brian Houlihan to revitalize the Industrial Development Finance Authority & Committee.  Town Manager Kozak mentioned that he would be meeting with Brian Houlihan, President of the Chamber of Commerce and the Town Planner to discuss goals. 3) received a letter from the owner of Linwood Mills advising the town of work being done at the mill and how they want to come before the Board of Selectmen for a Tax Increment Financing agreement.  4) Cable Advisory Committee put together a list of equipment that they need and how they have been discussing the pros and cons of moving to the Aldrich Building.  Town Manager Kozak mentioned that he met with the new manager [who took over Mr. Spillane’s role at Charter] and they had questions regarding the INet. 5) Emergency Planning update – a meeting took place last week with the Board of Health, Clerk, and the Fire Chief.  These individuals are in the process of preparing a plan in case of a Pandemic.  Once they have something in place they will come before the Board of Selectmen to discuss. 6) Church Street landfill site – material can come from out of state as long as the material is tested properly.  They are estimated to be here one more year.

 

Selectmen’s Concerns. Selectman Montecalvo 1) reiterated the budget season priorities and discussed implementing the services we cut last year.  Selectman Davis 1) made a public statement with respect to the Northbridge Education Foundation.  He thanked them for all their support. Selectman Ampagoomian 1) Town Manager Goals and Objectives.  Chairman Audette mentioned they have been provided to the Town Manager for his review. 2) Municipal parking lot [behind Sports Minded], traffic flow between the buildings.  The Safety Committee will handle.  3) received a phone call from a citizen regarding the Rockdale Village lights that are out. 4) asked Selectman Davis or the Town Manager to explain the meeting with Consigli Construction. Selectman Davis responded that the Town Manager felt uncomfortable with the metal building project so he offered * to set up a meeting with Consigli Construction to review the new guidelines to ask Consigli Construction to come in and provide the Board with some guidelines [design bid].  5) Citizen’s Forum – encourage more citizens to come before the Board of Selectmen to discuss their items.  Selectman Marzec 1) is anyone interested in discussing some dialogue for the Economic Development of the Town, if so, please contact him. 2) mentioned the Holiday Bazaar at the High School was successful and hopes it continues next year.  He thanked Bridget Curley and the Parks and Recreation committee for handling and doing such a great job.

Chairman Audette 1) thanked Mr. Michael Gauthier, Principal of the Middle School and the 8th Graders for the Veteran’s Day breakfast and then thanked the Playground and Recreation Committee for a great job.   2) Cable Situation – Quaker Street lost cable last week, however, when individuals called the Cable Company they were connected to Nova Scotia and Georgia.  He suggested that residents look in the phone book and not call the telephone number provided on their bill. 3) Chairman Audette wished everyone a Happy Thanksgiving on behalf of the Board of Selectmen!

 

Items for Future Agenda. 

1.  Naming the fields at the High School.  

2. Town Manager Goals and Objectives

                            

Correspondence.  Letter from the Northbridge Historical Commission should be entered into the Board of Selectmen minutes regarding the Aldrich School.

 

Executive Session.  A motion was made and seconded to go into Executive Session under M.G.L. Chapter 39, S. 23B#3 Negotiations and not to reconvene in open session.  Roll Call Vote:  Mr. Montecalvo/Yes, Mr. Davis/Yes, Mr. Marzec/Yes, Mr. Ampagoomian/Yes and Mr. Audette/Yes.

 

Meeting Adjourned:  8:40 P.M.

 

 

                                                            Respectfully submitted,

 

 

                                                            Joseph Montecalvo, Clerk

 

 

dg/

 

*At the Board of Selectmen meeting dated December 17, 2007, upon Selectman Davis’s requests, the Board of Selectmen voted to amend the November 19, 2007 minutes as follows: Last page, first line, strike the following words “to ask Consigli Construction to come in to” and insert the following word language: “to set up a meeting with Consigli Contruction to review the new guidelines”.  Selectman Ampagoomian suggested the following verbiage be added to the end of the Middle School Lockdown Update; “Selectman Ampagoomian mentioned that he found out about the lockdown by a phone call from Firefighter William Davis, not the Town Manager or Chairman of the Board of Selectmen”.