Board of Selectmen

Joint Meeting

w/School Committee and Finance Committee

December 3, 2007

A joint meeting of the Board of Selectmen, Finance Committee and School Committee was called to order by Chairman William Audette at 6:30 PM, Northbridge Town Hall, 7 Main Street, Whitinsville, MA. Present: Messrs. Davis, Montecalvo, Ampagoomian and Marzec. Also Present: Theodore D. Kozak, Town Manager. School Committee Members: Chairman Mary Contino, Susan Brouwer, Richard DeLuca, Leeann Hansson, Karen Peterson Kittredge, Michael Lebrasseur, Kim Morrison and Diane Mimmo. Absent: Andrew Myers. Also Present: Superintendent of Schools, Paul Soojian. Finance Committee Members: Chairman Mary Frances Powers, Mary Thompson, Salvatore D’amato, James Barron, Homer Rajotte and Andrew Todd. Absent: Plato Adams.

The Pledge of Allegiance was recited by those present.

Town Manager Kozak mentioned the purpose of tonight’s joint meeting is to review and discuss the FY 09 Budget Calendar. After discussing the budget process with the Chairman of the Finance Committee and the Superintendent of Schools, it was agreed upon, that a meeting be held for all boards to come together and understand the budget timelines. Town Manager Kozak distributed the FY 09 Budget Calendar to each Board member so that he could discuss the changes made to the bylaws last year that were implemented for this year. Chairman Powers mentioned that all boards have agreed to use forms that she created for the budget process and these forms will reflect a level funded program.

Town Manager Kozak announced that last week he received a draft audit report from the Massachusetts School Building Authority regarding the Northbridge High School. He mentioned that in this report they are questioning some of the expenses that were made during the construction of the high school. The Town has 10 business days to accept or not accept the report. The Chairman of the Board and Superintendent of Schools will have to authorize the appeal before sending it back to the State. A motion/Mr. Davis, seconded/Mr. Marzec to appeal the audit report to the State. Vote yes/Unanimous. Selectman Ampagoomian asked if agenda item I is to be discussed now or later. Town Manager Kozak suggested that since Superintendent Soojian is here why not discuss it now. Superintendent Soojian responded that he was not the Superintendent back then and hopes that the Building, Planning and Construction Committee can assist the Board of Selectmen with the audit report. Chairman David Morrow suggested this item be placed on a future agenda so that other committee members could be present to assist with questions. A motion/Ms. Brouwer, seconded/Ms. Kittredge to allow Superintendent Soojian, Chairman of the School Committee, Ms. Contino, and the Business Manager to sign the appeal for the audit report to the State. Vote yes/Unanimous. Town Manager Kozak asked if anyone could assist the Building, Planning and Construction Committee with digging through paperwork would be greatly appreciated.

Approval of Minutes.

November 19, 2007 [Executive Session Minutes]

A motion/Mr. Davis, seconded/Mr. Ampagoomian to approve the November 19, 2007 Executive Session minutes as amended with the readings omitted. Vote yes/Unanimous.

Public Hearing. 1) 7:05 P.M./FY 2008 Community Development Block Grant (cont). Present: Jennifer Dulmaine, Program Director. Ms. Dulmaine mentioned she is just continuing the Public Hearing. She updated the Board of Selectmen on the design for Phase II, which is going to be part of her recommendation for FY08 Community Development Block Grant Application. The design will consist of the remaining work on Border Street and Crescent Street sidewalks [on the school side]. The estimated cost of the project is $600,000. In addition, the demolition of the Town’s property on C Street is eligible for Community Development Block Grant funds. The estimated cost is approximately $50,000-$75,000. This property is within the New Village Target Area, which has been designated as slum and blight. By removing, the dilapidated garages that are currently on the property will help improve the condition of the area. That said, she also received a proposal from the Senior Center requiring funding to expand and repair the existing parking lot and to have sidewalks comply with the ADA regulations. They are eligible for funding under the 51% MLI due to their clientele. Ms. Dulmaine stated that they have made a commitment to the residents in the village to move forward with the multiphase infrastructure project and suggests spending the remainder of the funds on the target area. That said, she would begin preparing her recommendations for submission. A motion/Mr. Marzec, seconded/Mr. Davis to continue the public hearing for the FY 2008 Community Development Block Grant to December 17, 2007. Vote yes/Unanimous.

Appointments/Resignation. Northbridge Housing Authority – Lorraine Bell. Selectman Ampagoomian asked that a letter be sent thanking her for serving on the Northbridge Housing Authority. A motion/Mr. Ampagoomian, seconded/Mr. Marzec to accept the resignation of Lorraine Bell from the Northbridge Housing Authority. Vote yes/Unanimous.

Citizens Comments/Input. None.

Community Development/Certificate not to encumber the property located at 36 A/B Elm Place, Whitinsville, MA. Present: Jennifer Dulmaine. Ms. Dulmaine mentioned that she received a request from an attorney on November 19, 2007 regarding property located at 36 A/B Elm Place, Whitinsville. That said, Ms. Dulmaine mentioned that back in February, this family was assisted with the Housing Rehabilitation Program. There is a certificate not to encumber in effect for 15 years. Repayment of the loan is triggered when the property is sold, transferred, mortgaged or otherwise encumbered. The attorney is requesting to put their home in a trust because the owners are developing an estate plan that will provide for the continued care of their special needs child upon their death. The owners are not withdrawing any equity from the property and they will be the owners of the property in their role as sole trustees of the trust. Ms. Dulmaine recommends the Board waive the current Certificate not to Encumber. That said, the Board of Selectmen can only approve removing the current Certificate not to Encumber and require a new Certificate not to Encumber in the trust name be recorded against the property. A motion/Mr. Ampagoomian, seconded/Mr. Davis to grant the Certificate Not To Encumber only when the date of the new certificate is recorded at the Worcester Registry of Deeds. Selectman Davis suggested making a general motion until receiving clarification on the correct wording from Town Counsel. Vote yes/Unanimous.

Safety Committee Minutes [November 27, 2007]\Vote to accept recommendations. Selectman Montecalvo mentioned that the Oakhurst Farm Plaza application was withdrawn and that the Border Street signage plans have been approved. A motion/Mr. Davis, seconded/Mr. Marzec to accept the recommendations of the Safety Committee as outlined in the minutes of November 27, 2007. Vote yes/Unanimous. Selectman Davis asked that the Safety Committee provide verification that all the posted signs in Town are legal. Selectman Montecalvo mentioned that the Town relies on the Police Chief to provide the Department of Public Works with this information.

2008 Board of Selectmen’s Meeting Schedule. A motion/Mr. Marzec, seconded/Mr. Davis to accept the 2008 Board of Selectmen’s Meeting Schedule. Vote yes/Unanimous.

Sparetime Recreation [Ken Couture]: Transfer of wines and malt license to Sparetime Enterprises, Inc. d\b\a Sparetime Recreation [Wayne Couture]. Town Manager Kozak advised the Board of Selectmen that back in November/December of 2003, Mr. Wayne Couture submitted an application to transfer Sparetime Recreation’s Wines and Malts Liquor License from Kenneth Couture, Mgr., to Sparetime Enterprises, Inc. d\b\a Sparetime Recreation [Wayne D. Couture]. At that time, a public hearing was held before the Board of Selectmen on January 5, 2004, at which time the application received local approval. The next day, January 6, 2004, the application package was sent to the ABCC. In late March 2004, the Town was notified that the transfer was “Disapproved due to failure to comply with Mass. Tax Laws”. On March 31, 2004, Mr. Coughlin wrote a letter to the ABCC asking them to summarize the details of the above decision. There is no documentation in the file to show that the ABCC ever followed up with Mr. Coughlin, however, a letter was sent [via first class] to Mr. Kenneth Couture on august 17, 2004, notifying him that the ABCC did not approve the transfer for the reason stated above. Mr. Kenneth Couture is now asking that the Board of Selectmen approve the new Form 43 and submit to the ABCC for their approval. Selectman Ampagoomian asked that this topic be placed on the next agenda, under Decisions, and find out if the taxes have been paid.

Ms. Jennifer Dulmaine interrupted the Board to discuss the Certificate Not To Encumber. She mentioned that it has been brought to her attention that in order for the property to be transferred into the trust, there cannot be any Encumbrances on the property. Ms. Dulmaine asked if the vote by the Board be amended or changed. A motion/Mr. Ampagoomian, seconded/Mr. Davis to rescind the motion in regards to Item D, Community Development Certification Not to Encumber the property located at 36 A/B Elm Place, Whitinsville. Vote yes/Unanimous. This item will be placed on the next [December 17, 2007], Board of Selectmen’s Meeting, under Decisions.

Voting Precincts [Combine precincts 1, 3 and 4 and relocate to Northbridge High School Field House] Present: Doreen Cedrone, Town Clerk. Ms. Cedrone mentioned this was supposed to be implemented in FY 2007 but because of the Towns shortfall in money, the funds were returned. After a brief discussion, the Board of Selectmen agreed to vote their decision at their next meeting [December 17, 2007] in order to give time for residents to comment on the change in location.

Northbridge High School Audit Report. The Board of Selectmen discussed the Northbridge High School Audit Report and what steps they are planning on taking so that they can provide their timely response to Melanson and Heath. *Selectman Ampagoomian mentioned that he asked Town Manager Kozak for a copy of all the invoices mentioned in the school audit report.

Letter from Northbridge Housing Authority Regarding Vacancy/Vote to Schedule Joint Meeting for 12/17/07. Present: Mary Frances Powers, Chairman. Selectman Montecalvo asked if the position was posted. Ms. Powers mentioned that the charter states that they do not have to post the vacancy. Town Manager Kozak mentioned that if anyone is interested in the position please submit a talent bank application by Wednesday, December 12, 2007. A joint meeting will be held on December 17, 2007 to select a candidate for the Northbridge Housing Authority.

Town Manager’s Report. Town Manager Kozak 1) mentioned that the MMA Annual Trade Show [Boston] – is on January 11^th & 12^th. That said, Assistant Sharon Susienka would like to attend and asked if the Board of Selectmen had any concerns relative to her attending. The board was in favor. 2) Walmart – trash/debris on Main Street. Town Manager Kozak spoke to the manager of Walmart [Rob Rolandelli] and advised him that he received a complaint from a citizen regarding trash and debris in their yard. Mr. Rolandelli informed Town Manger Kozak that they try to maintain the area and if it continues, he will consider putting up a fence. 3) Water Quality – Don Bunker from the Whitinsville Water Company sent Mr. Kozak a news release regarding the discoloration of the water. Selectman Montecalvo suggested that Mr. Leonard White and Don Bunker from Whitinsville Water Company come to the next Board of Selectmen meeting. 4) FY ’08 Municipal Sustainability Grant from DEP [$20,000]. Town Manager Kozak mentioned that the Town of Northbridge received a grant, for $20,000.00 from the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection for the Regional Recycling Facility. 5) sent a letter to Representative Peterson and Senator Moore regarding the lottery funds. 6) a note from the Planning Board regarding Oakhurst Truck Stop facility has been withdrawn from Northbridge (not Sutton). 7) he received a request from the Cultural Council to use the Aldrich School building in the spring for a book sale.

Selectmen’s Concerns. Selectman Davis 1) Tax program. Selectman Ampagoomian 1) review the Town Manager Goals and Objectives. Selectman Marzec 1) mentioned he is in the process of discussing with people and real estate agents, their interests for bringing in business to the town. Chairman Audette 1) congratulated the Northbridge Rams for their victory at that Super Bowl. 2) thanked everyone for their offers of sympathy with the recent passing of his father-n-law.

Executive Session. A motion was made and seconded to go into Executive Session under M.G.L. Chapter 39, S. 23B#3 Litigation & 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: 9:40 P.M.

Respectfully submitted,

Joseph Montecalvo, Clerk

dg/

* At their meeting of December 17, 2007, the BOS voted to amend the December 3, 2007 minutes by inserting the following language at the end of the Northbridge High School Audit Report: “Selectman Ampagoomian mentioned that he asked Town Manager Kozak for a copy of all the invoices mentioned in the school audit report”.