Board of Selectmen’s Meeting

January 28, 2008

 

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.

 

December 17, 2007

Selectman Ampagoomian requested the following statement be inserted under the heading Town Manager’s Goals and Objectives: “Selectman Ampagoomian stated that the goals and objectives were part of the Town Manager's job function as described by the Charter”.  Selectman Davis requested the following changes be made under the heading Voting Precincts:  a) Delete the following language in lines five, six and seven: “Selectmen Davis would like to amend the motion by including moving Precinct 2 to the Northbridge High School Field House.  No vote taken on the main motion”.   b) Delete the word “first” in the seventh line.  c) Delete the last sentence: “Selectman Ampagoomian withdrew his motion” and insert the following verbiage as the last sentence: “Vote on the motion by Selectman Ampagoomian as amended:".  Vote yes/Messrs. Montecalvo, Davis, Marzec and Audette.  Vote no/Mr. Ampagoomian”.   

 

January 14, 2008 [Executive Session]

A motion/Mr. Davis, seconded/Mr. Ampagoomian to approve the January 14, 2008 Executive Session minutes as presented with the readings omitted.  Vote yes/Unanimous.

 

Public Hearing.  1) 7:05 P.M./Brenda McAuliffe d/b/a Cellar Sooper – Application for Wines and Malt Package Store License.  Present:  Attorney Gerald Shugrue and Brenda McAuliffe.  Chairman Audette read aloud the public hearing notice.  A motion/Mr. Marzec, seconded/Mr. Davis to open the public hearing.  Vote yes/Unanimous.   Attorney Shugrue spoke on behalf of Ms. McAuliffe and mentioned she has been in business [in this community] for approximately 24 years. That said, he mentioned that she actively checks her customer’s identification because of her tobacco license and mentioned this would not be an issue because of her experience.  After a brief question and answer session by the Board of Selectmen, a motion/Mr.Davis, seconded/Mr. Marzec to close the public hearing.  Vote yes/Unanimous.  There were no comments from those present.  A motion/Mr. Ampagoomian, seconded/Mr. Montecalvo to grant local approval to Brenda McAuliffe d/b/a Cellar Sooper for a Wines and Malt Package Store License and to submit the application packet to the ABCC.  Vote yes/Unanimous.

 

2) 7:20 P.M./Cont. – To consider the application for a Class II License by Claude Elias d/b/a Elias Auto Sales to be located at 53-55 Providence Road, Linwood, MA 01525. Present: Claude Elias and Mohamed Bayou.  Chairman Audette mentioned this hearing was continued from a previous public hearing.  Mr. Elias mentioned that he was applying for a transfer of Boston Motors West's [Mr. Bayou] Class II license at the above location.  He also stated that he would be conducting internet sales and operating as a wholesale vendor only with no cars displayed on the premises. Chief Warchol mentioned that if any retail sales were conducted on the premises it would be a violation of this license, as it would require a special permit from the Zoning Board of Appeals.  Mr. Bayou then mentioned that a vehicle record book must be maintained on site along with the hours of operation, which can be done by appointment. Selectman Davis suggested this hearing be continued to the next Board meeting so that Chief Warchol, Claude Elias and Mohamed Bayou could discuss in more depth the requirements of having a Class II license.  Selectman Montecalvo inquired about the difference between wholesale and retail licenses.  It was explained that a retail license is for selling vehicles to private individuals and a wholesale license is for selling dealer to dealer.  A motion/Mr. Davis, seconded/Mr. Ampagoomian to continue the public hearing on February 11, 2008.  Vote yes/Unanimous.

 

3) 7:25 P.M./a) Ultramart Convenience Stores, LLC (Tariq Khalil)/Application for an Underground Storage Tank License [1-10,000 gal. tank, 2- 4,000 gal. tanks]; b) Application to transfer the Common Victualler License from Drake Petroleum [Xtra Mart] to Ultramart Convenience Stores, LLC [Tariq Khalil].  Present:  Mr. Tariq Khalil.  Chairman Audette read the public hearing notice aloud.  A motion/Mr. Davis, seconded/Mr. Marzec to open the public hearing.  Vote yes/Unanimous.  Selectman Davis then called a Point of Order due to the public hearing notice being incorrect, as it did not mention that this transaction was for the transfer of an existing underground storage tank license.  That said, the Board of Selectmen asked that the public hearing be continued to February 11, 2008.  For the next meeting, the notice will state that Mr. Khalil is applying for a transfer of the Underground Storage Tank License [1-10,000 gal. tank, 2- 4,000 gal. tanks] from Drake Petroleum.  Comments from those present:  Ms. Mitkonis and Mr. Vasiliadis, owners of Jumbo Donuts, voiced their concerns with this transfer.  Ms. Mitkonis mentioned that she and her brother feel the property is too small to house a 10,000 gallon tank of petroleum and (2) 4,000 gallon tanks of petroleum.  She pointed out that back on December 7, 2007, there was a leak at Xtra Mart facility and that they were never notified of the situation, not even by DEP.  She also mentioned that she attended a Safety Committee meeting to discuss the dangerous exit onto Church Street and her placement of a “right turn only” sign at that exit due to the many motor vehicle accidents that have occurred there.  There being no further comments, a motion/Mr. Davis, seconded/Mr. Montecalvo to close the public hearing.  Vote yes/Unanimous.  Town Manager Kozak then stated that he would contact the DEP to find out what happened with the oil leak on this property.

 

Appointments/By the Town Manager. Permanent Intermittent Police Officers: 1) Brian Patrinelli; 2) Jeremy Blood.  Present:  Police Chief Walter Warchol and Jeremy Blood.  Chief Warchol introduced Jeremy Blood to the Board and provided a brief summary of his experience and qualifications. Chief further explained that Mr. Patrinelli was unavailable this evening but would introduce him to the Board at their next meeting.  The Board of Selectmen then welcomed Mr. Blood aboard.  A motion/Mr. Ampagoomian, seconded/Mr. Marzec to affirm the Town Manager’s appointment of Brian Patrinelli and Jeremy Blood as Permanent Intermittent Police Officers effective January 15, 2008.  Vote yes/Unanimous.

 

Citizens’ Comments/Input.  None.

 

Veteran’s Services/Vote to accept monetary gift from Blackstone Valley Community Chorus.  Present:  Kenneth Trajanowski and Members of the Blackstone Valley Community Chorus, Diane Pollard, Becky Ostrosky, Marcel Landry.  The Blackstone Valley Community Chorus had a fundraiser back on November 11, 2007 and raised $300 for the Veterans.  They came before the Board tonight to present their gift in the amount of $300 to Mr. Kenneth Trajanowski.   A motion/Mr. Ampagoomian, seconded/Mr. Montecalvo to accept the gift from the Blackstone Valley Community Chorus.  Vote yes/Unanimous.

 

166 Church Street Handicap Ramp/Brad Pierce.  Postponed until further notice.

 

Cottage Street Extension [Robert & Melody Nydam]/Atty. Henry Lane.  A motion/Mr. Davis, seconded/Mr. Montecalvo to approve the proposed improvement to approximately 50 feet of Cottage Street in order to provide better access to the property located at 122 Cottage Street as presented by Attorney Henry Lane and as recommended by the Director of Public Works.  All Roadway improvements shall match the existing adjacent roadway as to base, pavement thickness and structure.  Vote yes/Messrs. Montecalvo, Davis, Marzec and Audette.  Abstain/Mr. Ampagoomian.

 

Housing Rehabilitation Hardship Waiver Policy [Present: Jennifer Dulmaine, Program Manager].  Ms. Dulmaine provided the Board of Selectmen with a copy of a waiver policy and asked if they had any questions and/or concerns with respect to the following recommendations: 1) Fill out a Hardship Waiver application; 2) Provide documentation to substantiate income sources such as pay stubs, taxes, social security declaration, and mortgage information; 3) Letter from the applicant explaining their hardship.  The Board of Selectmen agreed to Ms. Dulmaine’s recommendations and added that they will continue to review all cases on an individual basis. A motion/Mr. Marzec, seconded/Mr. Davis to accept the above recommendations for the Housing Rehabilitation Hardship Waiver Policy.  Vote yes/Unanimous.

 

Coalition for Water Resources Stewardship/Vote to endorse recommendations.   A motion/Mr. Ampagoomian, seconded/Mr. Davis to endorse the recommendations of the Massachusetts Coalition for Water Resource Stewardship as detailed in their report entitled “The Case for Environmental Regulatory Reform – Clean Water Act NPDES Permitting – A White Paper” dated November 14, 2007, and further that the Board actively seek the support of the Massachusetts Congressional delegation to enact such legislation as may be required to bring about such recommended reforms.  Vote yes/Unanimous.

 

Update on Community Development Application Grant and Community Development Block Grant Projects/Present:  Jennifer Dulmaine, Program Manager.  Ms. Dulmaine provided the Board of Selectmen with an update on the Underground Utilities Project: the transformers are down, wires are being removed, the remainder of the poles are being scheduled for removal, and guy wires are in at the bowling area/Ovian Square.  All the poles will be down within the next two weeks.  The project is 99.9% done.  The New Village Infrastructure Project is 95% completed; some driveways need to be finished and some lines need to be painted.  Ms. Dulmaine then mentioned that she would be leaving her job with the Town due to the grant not being funded but that she has enjoyed her time in Northbridge.  The Board of Selectmen congratulated Ms. Dulmaine on all the projects she has completed for the Town of Northbridge and wished her well.    

 

Relocation of Cable Studio/Present: School Committee and Cable Committee.  Present:  Christine Johnson, High School Principal, and Cable Committee Members:  Chairman Sharron Ampagoomian, Shelley Buma, Jerry Bagdasarian and David Miedema, III.  Chairman Ampagoomian called her meeting to order.  Chairman Audette mentioned that tonight’s discussion was based solely on the purpose of the relocation of the cable studio.  That said, he mentioned that he and other individuals visited the Northbridge High School proposed cable studio location and thought it was a wonderful space.  Ms. Johnson spoke with enthusiasm about the possibility of merging the cable studio with the Northbridge Public School system.  She explained that the facility was designed in 2000 to accommodate the cable studio should they ever decide to move into the school.  Chairman Ampagoomian felt the space at the High School was not a good location because it did not have high ceilings, a grid, proper lighting, a control room, no editing stations, no storage or soundproof walls.  The Board of Selectmen voiced their concerns on the pros and cons of moving the cable studio to the High School.  That said, Chairman Audette suggested that this discussion be placed on the next agenda after everyone has had time to digest the information brought forward at tonight’s meeting.

 

Planning Board: 43D Expedited Permitting provisions.  Present:  Gary Bechtholdt, Town Planner, Barbara Gaudette, Chairman-Planning Board, Ed Palmer, Planning Board Member, Nancy Radzevich, Mass. Development, and Suzanne LePage, Central Mass Regional Planning Commission.  Earlier this week, Mr. Bechtholdt provided the Board with copies of information relative to tonight’s meeting for their review.  He highlighted the provisions in hopes that the Selectmen would provide him with any feedback they may have.  Ms. Radzevich, from Mass. Development, provided the Selectmen with an overview and explained that a 43D Expedited Permitting Provision is a mechanism designed/developed by the State to allow municipalities to choose where they want economic development to happen and get targeted areas to commit and make decisions on their permits within 180 days.  By participating in this program, communities are eligible for grant funds up to $150,000 in technical assistance to implement 43D.  Municipalities that adopt the provisions of 43D are also eligible for priority consideration for state grants, including but not limited to, Community Development Action Grants, Public Works Economic Development Grants, Brownfields Remediation Grants, and other state resources and training programs.  In order to adopt this program, the community identifies a qualifying parcel as a priority development site, and obtains permission [Town Meeting] of its owner for participation in the program.  When applying for a grant, the guidelines are listed under the website as well as the Mass Permitting Regulatory Office and all requests should be geared towards streamlining and/or expediting your local permitting process.   Ms. LePage mentioned that the CMRPC would provide free technical assistance while the Town is considering 43D, which includes helping to prepare the grant and updating the Town's zoning map.  Once adopted, should the Town run out of grant money to finish a project, CMRPC would help fund the town as long as they haven’t spent all their technical assistance money.  After a brief question and answer session, the Board of Selectmen gave Mr. Bechtholdt, Planning Director, the go ahead to move forward on the program.

 

Recycling Center/Bill Walsh, Chairman-Blackstone Board of Health.  Present: Marilyn Baker, Chairman-Northbridge Recycling Committee.  Mr. Walsh, who runs the Blackstone Valley Regional Recycling Center for the Town of Blackstone, mentioned that in cooperation with DEP they decided to regionalize the recycling center.  Last year when the Northbridge Recycling Committee lost their funding, DEP asked Mr. Walsh to look into regionalizing with the Northbridge facility to become the Blackstone Valley Regional Recycling Center –Northbridge Division, run by the Town of Blackstone.  The Town of Blackstone currently has a residential and commercial recycling center for eight communities.  The commercial recycling returns money back to the towns they do business with.  In addition, the Blackstone Valley Regional Recycling Center applied for a Regional Recycling Grant and was awarded $20,000.00.  Under the regional cooperation, the Recycling Center located behind the Northbridge Fire Station, will continue to be open the third Saturday of each month from 9 A.M. to 1 P.M.  Flyers will be sent to every resident in Northbridge requesting them to recycle their items instead of throwing them in the trash. That said, Mr. Walsh mentioned that Town Meeting would have to authorize the establishment of a regional recycling center and then an agreement would need to be signed by the Board of Selectmen before July 1, 2008.  

 

Building, Planning and Construction Committee/Update on Mass. School Building Authority's response to Auditor’s Report.  Present:  David Morrow, Chairman-Building, Planning and Construction Committee.  Mr. Morrow mentioned that Town Manager Kozak provided the Board of Selectmen with a copy of the transmittal that was sent to the Massachusetts School Building Authority.  *The appeal of the decrease in funding package was mailed to the MSBA and the Building, Planning and Construction Committee hoped to have a positive outcome and will now wait to hear from the state.  Mr. Morrow provided an update on the design of the fields and the detention basin.  He mentioned that his committee would be having working sessions in the next couple of weeks to finish up the design of the fields and the detention pond.  As for the DPW facility, they will have to hire an architect to do a formal study before moving forward.

 

Town Manager’s Report.  1) M.O.R.E. Update – The Town of Northbridge is applying for the regional purchase of photocopy paper through the Worcester consortium. 2) Governor’s Budget Proposal – discussed the concern of revenue that is being proposed but not passed [casino].  Town Manager Kozak inquired about our library situation and asked communities if they would be willing to help our community out by allowing the residents of Northbridge to utilize their library.  Selectman Montecalvo asked the Town Manager if he could provide him with a list of the communities that denied usage.  Town Manager Kozak proposed holding back monies and mentioned there were some additional funds from health insurance this year that he would like to use in the future to help offset the increased costs.

3) Senior Citizen Property Tax Work-off Program – provided the Selectmen with a draft copy of the program and would like to discuss further at a future Selectmen’s meeting [review in 2 weeks under Decisions].  4) Retirees’ Health Insurance – Town Manager Kozak still gathering information and is hoping to have a workshop for the retirees to discuss plans in greater depth.  5) Announced that Representative Peterson will be conducting a workshop “Chapter 70 Formula” on February 4th, Nipmuc High School at 7 P.M.  6) Reminded everyone that the State Primary will take place on February 5th at  Northbridge High School.  Transportation will be provided by the Senior Center (508) 234-2002 to the High School for the Election.

 

Selectmen’s Concerns. Selectman Ampagoomian/1) keep on top of Mass Highway, Sutton Street project.  Selectman Marzec/1) received a few phone calls from retirees about the Health Insurance issue and wanted them to know the town is trying to find a solution. 2) Rumonoski Drive - during the snowstorm the curbing was destroyed.  3) Salt Issue – citizen complaint regarding why is the Town in this situation [shortage of salt this year].  Selectman Davis/1) stated the past Chairman of the Board of Selectmen, Russ Collins, mentioned on a Local Access program, that he spoke to the owner of the property [where the town would like to build a fire station and where there is a large pile of material that has to be moved], has spoken to DEP and mentioned that the pile could be moved to Douglas Road, where a soccer field could be built.  Selectman Davis asked that Selectman Ampagoomian contact Mr. Collins, get the details and ask him to attend the next Board of Selectmen's meeting.  2) mentioned that the Town’s Finance Committee are loyal and dedicated volunteers.  3) suggested that the Veterans' Groups get together and present a united request for this year's Memorial Day Parade.   Chairman Audette/1) Recommended that the Town Manager's Goals and Objectives should work on a fiscal year basis (July to June).  He asked Board members to submit their FY'09 Town Manager's goals and objectives to him by the April 28th Selectmen’s Meeting.

 

Items for Future Agenda.  1) 2/11/08:  Rep. George N. Peterson, Jr. – Office Hours @ Town H all,

7 P.M. to 8 P.M.  2) Evaluation forms for the Town Manager are due on February 11, 2008.

 

Correspondence.  Letter from the American Legion on voting at their facility.

 

A motion/Mr. Ampagoomian, seconded/Mr. Marzec to adjourn the meeting.  Vote yes/Unanimous.

 

Meeting Adjourned:  10:55 P.M.

 

 

                                                            Respectfully submitted,

 

 

                                                            Joseph J. Montecalvo, Clerk

 

 

dg/

 

*At their regularly scheduled meeting of March 24, 2008, the Board votes to amend the January 28, 2008 minutes as follows:  Selectman Davis requested that the January 28, 2008 minutes be amended as follows:  Under the section entitled “Building, Planning and Construction Committee,” Line 5, insert the following after the word the and before the word package: “the appeal of the decrease in funding package was mailed.”