Board of Selectmen’s Meeting

March 24, 2008

Joint Meeting w/Cable Advisory Committee

A meeting of the Board of Selectmen was called to order by Chairman William Audette at 6:00 PM, Northbridge Town Hall, 7 Main Street, Whitinsville, MA. Present: Messrs. Davis, Montecalvo, Ampagoomian and Marzec. Also Present: Theodore D. Kozak, Town Manager, and Cable Advisory Committee Members: Chairman Sharron Ampagoomian, Ronald Guillaume, Steven Holm, Jerry Bagdasarian, and David Miedema.

The Cable Advisory Committee was called to order by Chairman Sharron Ampagoomian. A motion/Mr. Guillaume, seconded/Mr. Holm to open the Cable Advisory Committee meeting and to go into Executive Session with the Board of Selectmen. Roll Call Vote: Mr. Holm/Yes, Mr. Guillaume/Yes, Mr. Bagdasarian/Yes, Mr. Miedema/Yes, and Ms. Ampagoomian/Yes.

The Pledge of Allegiance was recited by those present.

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

Open Session Adjourned: 6:02 P.M.

Executive Session Convened: 6:03 P.M.

Executive Session Adjourned: 7:00 P.M.

Open Session Reconvened: 7:02 P.M.

Approval of Minutes.

January 28, 2008

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 language after the word the and before the word package: "appeal of the decrease in funding" was mailed.” A motion/Mr. Davis, seconded/Mr. Marzec to approve the January 28, 2008 minutes as amended. Vote yes/Unanimous.

7:05 PM - Public Hearing. Cable Television License Renewal Hearing. Present: Cable Advisory Committee: Chairman Sharron Ampagoomian and Committee Members: Steven Holm, Ronald Guillaume, Jerry Bagdasarian, and David Miedema. Also Present: Attorney Bill August and Charter Communication Representatives Greg Garabedian, Vice President and General Manager of New England, and Tom Cohan, Director of Government Relations. Chairman Audette read the public hearing notice aloud. A motion/Mr. Davis, seconded/Mr. Marzec to open the public hearing. Vote yes/Unanimous. Attorney Bill August provided a summary of what the new Cable Television License would encompass and then reviewed the major points of it and noted that the Cable Contract is on file in the Town Manager’s Office should anyone like to review it. He felt the negotiations went well and that the Cable Advisory Committee and Charter Communications negotiated a license that will meet the needs of the Town of Northbridge. Comments from those present: Northbridge Cable Producer Maria Maroney asked what sites were being proposed for relocation of the Cable Studio. Attorney Bill August mentioned that the studio location was not part of the Cable license. A motion/Mr. Marzec, seconded/Mr. Davis to close the public hearing. Vote yes/Unanimous. Next, Chairman Sharron Ampagoomian requested the Cable Advisory Committee make a motion to grant her permission to pay bills for the cable committee. A motion/Mr. Guillaume, seconded/Mr. Holm to allow Sharron Ampagoomian to pay the outstanding legal bills for the cable committee. Vote yes/Messrs. Holm, Guillaume, Bagdasarian, Miedema, and Ms. Ampagoomian. A motion/Mr. Guillaume, seconded/Mr. Holm to adjourn the Cable Advisory Committee meeting. Vote yes/Messrs. Holm, Guillaume, Bagdasarian, Miedema, and Ms. Ampagoomian.

Chairman Ampagoomian then asked about the status of the cable studio location. Chairman Audette informed her there was an item on tonight’s agenda. She mentioned she knew nothing about it. That said, Selectman Davis suggested this item be placed on the next agenda. Chairman Audette concurred.

Citizens’ Comments/Input. None.

Economic Opportunity Area Designation [Linwood Mill]/Present: Town Planner Gary Bechtholdt, Owner of Linwood Mills William Giannopoulos & Blackstone Valley Chamber of Commerce, Economic Development Task Force Representative David DeManche. Mr. Bechtholdt advised the Selectmen that Mr. Giannopoulos is coming before the Board tonight to ask them to designate the Linwood Mill as an Economic Opportunity Area. This would allow Mr. Giannopoulos to claim a 10% Abandoned Building Tax deduction (from State taxes) on the rehabilitation costs associated with the Linwood Mill project because the building has been 75% vacant for more than two years. A motion/Mr. Marzec, seconded/Mr. Montecalvo to designate the Linwood Mill property as an Economic Opportunity Area for a 10-year term. Vote yes/Unanimous.

Northbridge Youth Soccer Association/Request to hang a banner across Church Street from August 17^th through August 23^rd for their Annual Soccer Kick-Off Festival to be held Saturday, August 23, 2008 at Vail Field [Balmer School] from 10 A.M. to 3 P.M. Present: Matthew White. Mr. White requested permission to hang a banner across Church Street to advertise the Annual Soccer Kick-Off Festival, which will be held on Saturday, August 23, 2008 at Vail Field. A motion/Mr. Montecalvo, seconded/Mr. Marzec to approve the above banner request. Vote yes/Unanimous.

Chairman Audette recused himself from the Board for the next two agenda items. Vice Chairman James Marzec took over.

Northbridge Veterans’ Council/1) Request to hold Memorial Day Parade in Whitinsville on Monday, May 26, 2008 at 9:00 A.M. and use Whitinsville Town Common for Services. A motion/Mr. Montecalvo, seconded/Mr. Ampagoomian to grant permission to the Northbridge Veterans' Council to hold the Memorial Day Parade in Whitinsville on Monday, May 26, 2008 at 9 A.M. and use the Whitinsville Town Common for Services. Vote yes/Messrs. Davis, Montecalvo, Ampagoomian and Marzec. Abstain/Mr. Audette.

Oliver Ashton Post #343/1) Request to hold Memorial Day Parade in Rockdale on Monday, May 26, 2008 at 11 A.M. and use Rockdale Town Common for Services. Selectman Davis thanked the Veterans’ Council and Oliver Ashton Post #343 for their cooperation. A motion/Mr. Ampagoomian, seconded/Mr. Davis to grant permission to the Oliver Ashton Post to hold the Memorial Day Parade in Rockdale on Monday, May 26, 2008 at 11 A.M. and use the Rockdale Town Common for Services. Vote yes/Messrs. Davis, Montecalvo, Ampagoomian and Marzec. Abstain/Mr. Audette.

Chairman Audette rejoined the Board of Selectmen.

West End School Site. Selectman Montecalvo and Selectman Ampagoomian stated that they were not in favor of this motion. Town Manger Kozak provided the Board of Selectmen with the cost factor information he requested from the Building, Planning and Construction Committee. A motion/Mr. Davis, seconded/Mr. Marzec to have the Town Manager send a letter to the owner’s representative of the Shop stating that the Town of Northbridge no longer has any interest in the property known as the West Street School or the land adjacent because of the uncertain costs associated with the removal of the large pile of debris on site. Vote yes/Messrs. Audette, Davis and Marzec. Vote No/Messrs. Ampagoomian and Montecalvo.

Spring Annual Town Meeting Warrant (May 6, 2008)/Vote to sign warrant upon final completion. Town Manager Kozak informed the Selectmen of Town Counsel's recommendation that Article 23 regarding Stormwater Regulations be removed from the warrant. A motion/Mr. Montecalvo, seconded/Mr. Ampagoomian to eliminate Article 23 from the warrant per Town Counsel. Vote yes/Unanimous. A motion/Mr. Marzec, seconded/Mr. Davis to sign the May 6, 2008 Spring Annual Town Meeting Warrant upon final completion by Town Counsel. Vote yes/Unanimous.

Cable Studio Location. After discussing the relocation of the cable studio, a couple of producers came forth and voiced their opinion of the pros and cons associated with relocating the studio to the Northbridge High School, Aldrich School or other sites. After a lengthy discussion, some of the Selectmen felt that this topic has been lingering long enough and that it was time to move forward. *Selectman Ampagoomian asked Town Manager Kozak for a hard copy of the information allowing cable access to go into the high school from Joanne Alto of the Massachusetts School Building Authority”. A motion/Mr. Davis, seconded/Mr. Marzec to have the Town Manager notify the Northbridge School Administration that the Board of Selectmen agrees to move the Northbridge Cable Studio and all of its equipment to Northbridge High School upon an agreement reached between the Board and the Administration. Vote yes/Messrs. Davis, Marzec and Audette. Vote no/Messrs. Montecalvo and Ampagoomian. Selectman Montecalvo stated that he would like Town Manager Kozak to have a feasibility study done first on relocating the cable studio to the Aldrich School. A motion/Mr. Montecalvo, seconded/Mr. Ampagoomian to direct Town Manager Kozak to conduct a feasibility study on the relocation of the Cable Studio to the Aldrich School. Selectman Davis called a Point of Order. He suggested this item be placed under decisions for the next meeting. Chairman Audette declined. Vote yes/Messrs. Montecalvo, Ampagoomian, Audette and Marzec. Vote no/Mr. Davis.

FY 2009 Budget. Town Manager Kozak discussed the minor revisions that he made to the FY 2009 Budget. Selectman Montecalvo requested that the Selectmen’s stipend be restored to the original budget allocation of $5,150 as follows: 4 Selectmen at $1,000.00 each per year and 1 Chairman at $1,150 per year. A motion/Mr. Montecalvo, seconded/Mr. Ampagoomian to restore the Selectmen’s stipend to the original budget allocation as shown above. Vote yes/Messrs. Montecalvo, Ampagoomian and Davis. Vote no/Mr. Marzec. Abstain/Mr. Audette. A motion/Mr. Montecalvo, seconded/Mr. Ampagoomian to submit the FY 2009 budget as amended to the Finance Committee. Vote yes/Unanimous.

Hawks Nest Tavern/Request permission to replace sign located in Town's right-of-way. Town Manager Kozak mentioned that the new owner [Mr. Philip R. Pichel, Sr.] would like to replace the existing sign located at the corner of Providence Road (Route 122) and Plummer Avenue, which says Time Out Tavern. Selectman Davis presented the Board of Selectmen with a motion. A motion/Mr. Davis, seconded/Mr. Ampagoomian to grandfather the current sign location and size for the business formerly known as the Time Out Tavern and now named Hawks Nest Tavern at the corner of Plummer Avenue. Selectman Montecalvo called a Point of Order to move this topic from discussion to decision. A motion/Mr. Ampagoomian, seconded/Mr. Davis to move this item from discussion to decision for a vote. Vote yes/Unanimous. Vote on Mr. Davis' motion above: Vote yes/Unanimous. DPW Director Richard Sasseville pointed out that the Town's current regulations prohibit this type of sign in its present location, however, he stressed that this decision should be a one-time occurrence only without setting a precedent for future requests.

Brian McCarthy/Donation of maintenance work at Plummer Park [spring/fall cleaning, mowing]. Present: Brian McCarthy, CRF Maintenance Services. Chairman Audette mentioned that he spoke to the Chairman of the Playground and Recreation Commission and passed along her appreciation for Mr. McCarthy coming forward to help her committee out by graciously cleaning up the field at Plummer Park. The Board of Selectmen thanked Mr. McCarthy for donating his time to clean and mow the field.

Permanent Intermittent Police Officers (3). Present: Chief Walter Warchol. Chief Warchol asked the Board of Selectmen for permission to hire three Permanent Intermittent Police Officers. This is due to Officer Lamoreaux’s departure to the Auburn Police Department, which creates two full-time vacancies now. He mentioned that the two full-time vacancies would be replaced by the recent hire of two Intermittent Police Officers [Jeremy Blood and Brian Patrinelli]. By doing so, this will leave no part-time police officers. The Board concurred.

Massachusetts State Lottery Commission/Keno To Go. Town Manager Kozak referred to a letter that was sent by the Massachusetts State Lottery Commission to all Government officials on a new program they developed. This new program will allow establishments to sell KENO tickets and players will be able to take tickets home and check their numbers on their computer. This new policy would allow all Lottery customers the opportunity to play KENO. Mr. Kozak also informed the Board that no action was necessary unless the Board did not want to allow "Keno To Go" in the Town of Northbridge.

Alternatives Project [Present: Dennis Rice and Lee Gaudette]. This item was rescheduled to the next Board of Selectmen’s [April 14, 2008].

One-time Capital Exclusion Question. Town Manager Kozak recommended that the Board of Selectmen vote to place this question on their ballot. This would be a one-time capital exclusion for the purchase of a new fire truck and three DPW vehicles. A motion/Mr. Marzec, seconded/Mr. Davis to move Item P, “One-time Capital Exclusion Question” from discussion to decisions. Vote yes/Unanimous. A motion/Mr. Marzec, seconded/Mr. Davis to put forth a one-time capital exclusion question that reads “Shall the Town of Northbridge be allowed to assess an additional $678,000 in real estate and personal property taxes for the purposes of financing the purchase of a new fire truck, financing the purchase of two (2) new medium duty, all wheel drive vehicles complete with plow attachments, warning lights, communications equipment and other accessories and auxiliary equipment, and one (1) new dump truck with combo body and plow for use by the Department of Public Works Highway Division, for the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2008”. Vote yes/Unanimous.

Quaker Street/Warning Signs. Present: Richard Sasseville, DPW Director. Mr. Sasseville advised the Board of Selectmen that because of the road's poor condition, signs would need to be posted “Road Closed Travel at Own Risk” or “Road Repairs Travel at Own Risk”. This is to warn motorists in advance that the Town cannot be responsible for damage to vehicles using the road. The Selectmen agreed to place the signs “Road Repairs Travel at Own Risk”.

Town Manager’s Report. 1) Voting Day/Thank you letter – Town Manager Kozak read aloud a letter that was sent to him from the Northbridge High School Social Studies Teacher recognizing Town Clerk Doreen Cedrone for the tremendous job she did on Primary Voting Day. 2) Senior Property Tax Work-Off Program Update – he reminded everyone that the deadline date for submitting applications is March 31, 2008. 3) Retirees’ Medicare Update – he mentioned that a workshop took place in the Board of Selectmen's room with representatives from the Social Security Department and the representatives interviewed a number of retirees’ to see if they qualified for Medicare. 4) Student Government Day – informed everyone that Student Government Day will be scheduled sometime in early April and will keep the Board apprised when a date is finalized. 5) Building, Planning and Construction Committee Update – Town Manager Kozak mentioned he met with the committee and discussed the finalization of the design for the upper fields. He then mentioned that 9 bids were received for the Fire Station Roof project with the lowest bid being $98,000. 6) Eagle Scout Award for David DerMugrditchian – he and other Board members attended a ceremony for Mr. DerMugrditchian as he was presented with the Eagle Scout Award – a very prestigious award. 7) Wal-Mart's First Anniversary Celebration – mentioned that he and Selectman Montecalvo attended the First Anniversary Celebration. Town Manager Kozak thanked Walmart for their contributions to the Town.

Selectmen’s Concerns. Selectman Davis 1) update on the Skate Park project – Town Manager Kozak informed Selectman Davis that the asphalt is completed and that he asked the students to move forward with purchasing of the equipment. 2) Boot Drive Policy – Town Manager Kozak responded that it was an oversight and would be placed on the next agenda for discussion. 3) Any progress with other Libraries allowing Northbridge residents to use their facility. Town Manager Kozak replied that he has spoken to other Manager’s at the MORE meetings; however, none of them have stepped forward to allow residents of Northbridge to use their libraries. Selectman Marzec 1) A concerned citizen contacted him regarding a show that was on Channel 12, showing footage of an old selectmen’s meeting that shows a candidate that is running for Selectman. a) Who has access to the tapes? b) Why are tapes being aired from several years ago? c) Who determines what is shown and when? Because of it being election season, he strongly cautions the airing of these former tapes as he feels it is unfair to the other candidates. He wants an explanation on how this happened. 2) discussed a letter in his mailbox regarding a violation of the Open Meeting Law. He has submitted his emails during that timeframe.

Items for Future Agenda. 1) Union Street Brook Issue.

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

Respectfully submitted,

Joseph Montecalvo, Clerk

dg/

*At their regularly scheduled meeting of April 14, 2008, the Board voted to amend the March 24, 2008 minutes as follows: Selectman Ampagoomian requested the following information be inserted: Page 2, Under Cable Studio Location: “Selectman Ampagoomian asked Town Manager Kozak for a hard copy of the information allowing cable access to go into the high school from Joanne Alto of the Massachusetts School Building Authority”.