Board of Selectmen’s Meeting

February 5, 2007

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

The Pledge of Allegiance was recited by those present.

Presentation by Trustees of Soldiers' Memorials to Captain Marc Bullio, Veteran, U.S. Army.

The American Legion, Trustees of Soldiers' Memorials, and the Board of Selectmen formally welcomed home Captain Marc Bullio, 46 Kerry Lane, Whitinsville, who recently returned from service in Iraq. Chairman Charles Ampagoomian and Andy Williamson from the American Legion both presented Captain Bullio with a certificate of commendation thanking him for his service to our country during his tour of duty in Iraq.

Representative George N. Peterson, Jr. announced that the Revenue Hearing took place and the revenues would be roughly 800 million dollars more than last year [19.875 billion dollars]. This amount is significantly higher than last year and is about a three to five percent increase in revenues. He mentioned that 1.1 billion dollars would be spent on a maintenance budget for Health Insurance and the unfunded pension liability. Representative Peterson then discussed the following, Chapter 70 – up 2 to 5%; Lottery not doing as well – sales are down and will probably be flat or reduced; and Local Aid will probably not be increased. He mentioned that he spoke to Gerry Perry at the Division of Revenues and how they will be conducting workshops to help address budget issues. The Board asked several questions with respect to various topics including Local Aid figures, Lottery Aid, Chapter 70, Gambling, Community Policing and the Group Insurance Commission program. Chairman Ampagoomian thanked Representative Peterson for his assistance on behalf of the Board of Selectmen.

Approval of Minutes. 1) January 8, 2007. A motion/Mr. Davis, seconded/Mr. Audette to approve the January 8, 2007 minutes as presented with the readings omitted. Vote yes/Unanimous. 2) January 22, 2007. A motion/Mr. Marzec, seconded/Mr. Davis to approve the January 22, 2007 minutes as amended by Selectman Davis. Vote yes/Unanimous. 3) January 29, 2007. A motion/Mr. Davis, seconded/Mr. Marzec to approve the January 29, 2007 minutes as amended by Selectman Davis. Vote yes/Unanimous.

Appointments/By the Board of Selectmen. Playground & Recreation/Matthew J. White. John Phelan from the Playground and Recreation Commission introduced Matthew White. Mr. White advised the Board of Selectmen on why he would like to serve on the Playground and Recreation Commission. The Board of Selectmen thanked him for coming forward. A motion/Mr. Davis, seconded/Mr. Marzec to appoint Matthew J. White to the Playground and Recreation Commission. Vote yes/Unanimous. Town Manager/Vote to Appoint Permanent Town Manager. Interim Town Manager Joseph Montecalvo spoke briefly about their site visit to Hopkinton. Selectmen Audette, Marzec and Davis all agreed that choosing Theodore Kozak for the Town Manager position was the best choice. Chairman Ampagoomian reiterated his support for another finalist, Mr. Weitz. Selectman Davis mentioned that Mr. Weitz is not a candidate tonight and would like to see the Board of Selectmen start off on a positive note and fully support Mr. Kozak. A motion/Mr. Audette, seconded/Mr. Davis to appoint Theodore Kozak as permanent Town Manager of Northbridge. Chairman Ampagoomian asked for a roll call vote: Mr. Audette/yes, Mr. Marzec/yes, Mr. Davis/yes, and Mr. Ampagoomian/no. Chairman Ampagoomian announced that Mr. Kozak is the new Town Manger pending the negotiations of his contract. Interim Town Manager Montecalvo asked that a date be set up immediately to negotiate Mr. Kozak’s contract. The Board of Selectmen will meet on Tuesday, February 13, 2007 at 5:30 P.M. [Town Hall]. Selectman Davis requested the Interim Town Manager to contact Mr. Kozak and see what he’s looking for.

Citizens Comments/Input: None.

Safety Committee Minutes (January 17, 2007). Interim Town Manager Montecalvo mentioned that pictures were taken of Arthur Drive along with a site visit. The Safety Committee reviewed the pictures and a motion was made and seconded to allow parking on the southerly side of Arthur Drive. A motion/Mr. Audette, seconded/Mr. Davis to accept the recommendations of the Safety Committee as outlined in the minutes of January 17, 2007. Vote yes/Unanimous.

Annual Whitin Five Mile Road Race/Linda Usher, Race Director – Request to Hold the 19^th Annual Road Race, Thursday, November 22, 2007 (Thanksgiving Day). A motion/Mr. Audette, seconded/Mr. Marzec to approve the above request subject to the safety requirements of the Police, Fire, and Public Works Department. Vote yes/Unanimous.

Citizen’s Forum - Rules and Regulations/Vote to approve. Selectman Audette mentioned that despite all the rumors in Town, he has no intention of removing Citizen’s Forum. The rules and regulations he has put forth are just for the sake of courtesy and decorum during the Board meetings. Selectman Davis says the policy is too detailed. He suggested keeping the original policy and changing a few words. Selectman Audette is more interested in the Citizens Forum portion. Selectman Audette then withdrew his proposal. Selectman Davis will send his proposal to Sharon Susienka to be placed on the next agenda {February 26, 2007} for discussion.

Rules & Regulations / Use of Public Sidewalks & Ways/Vote to approve. The Interim Town Manager advised there is a bylaw, however, this document would cover the entire basis and would be enforced by the Building Inspector, James Sheehan. He also mentioned that he would check with Kopelman & Paige on whether they could include Mr. Sasseville’s document with the bylaw. He will then discuss this matter further at the next Board of Selectmen’s meeting. Selectman Davis suggested a 90-day timeline to implement the bylaw. Chairman Ampagoomian suggested 30 days.

Spring Annual Town Meeting/Vote to close warrant Friday, March 16, 2007 @ Noon. Interim Town Manager Montecalvo asked that the Town Meeting be delayed till June 5, 2007. The Board concurred. A motion/Mr. Davis, seconded/Mr. Marzec to close the Spring Annual Town Meeting Warrant on Friday, March 16, 2007 at Noon. Vote yes/Unanimous.

Selectmen’s Office Hours. Selectman Audette suggested that this be handled on a voluntary basis. Once the date and time are established, the Selectmen will notify Sharon Susienka to post the office hours on cable.

Union Street/Arthur Drive Issues. Deferred to the next meeting [February 26, 2007].

Town Manager Evaluation Process. Present: Patrick McGowan. The Board of Selectmen reviews the Town Manager annually per the Charter. A review in May helps ensure that a Board member would have eleven (11) months experience working with the Town Manager. Mr. McGowan suggested that the Board of Selectmen put together a new evaluation form with measurable goals and objectives that are attainable. He also mentioned that he has a copy of Grafton’s form to use as a starting point. The Board of Selectmen thanked Mr. McGowan for his contribution. Selectman Davis asked Mr. McGowan if a committee were formed would he serve on it and Mr. McGowan replied, yes. Interim Town Manager Montecalvo suggested that the Board of Selectmen discuss with the evaluator/evaluatee some goals and objectives. The Board of Selectmen will set indicators on how to meet the objectives. Selectmen Marzec recommended tabling this discussion for now and continuing it at the next meeting scheduled for February 26, 2007. Mr. McGowan thanked the Board of Selectmen for their time.

Finance Committee [Status Report]. Present: Mary Frances Powers, Chairman. Interim Town Manager Montecalvo informed the Board of Selectmen that he doesn’t know what the revenues will be and that there would be a deficit in excess of $4 Million plus in the year 2008. The reserves were used as of October 2006 so there are no reserves left. Chairman of the Finance Committee, Mary Frances Powers advised the Board of Selectmen that working with the Interim Town Manager has been a pleasure. Ms. Powers indicated that the Town Accountant has provided her with the preliminary numbers and she feels that they are very close to having a public discussion using the preliminary numbers. Interim Town Manager mentioned he will have the health numbers from EBS Forum by the end of the month and currently the Town is in negotiations with the Police and School Departments. Selectman Davis asked if the Town is getting out of self-funding and Interim Town Manager Montecalvo responded, “yes”. He presented two scenarios: 1) using real revenues, and 2) using override numbers; however, the public needs to know what happens if the override passes or what happens if it fails. Selectman Davis requested the latest date an override could be called? Ms. Susienka will check with the Town Clerk. Selectman Davis suggested the Finance Committee come to the next Board of Selectmen meeting scheduled for February 26, 2007. Ms. Powers replied that the Finance Committee could attend the next meeting. Selectman Marzec asked if the preliminary numbers are close? Ms. Powers explained that the budgets should be level funded for 2007 numbers. Selectmen Marzec then asked if there was any idea when the public discussion will take place and Interim Town Manager mentioned not until the numbers come from the state. Ms. Powers recommended using the 2007 revenues plus 3% to get a rough idea. Selectmen Marzec stressed the importance for the Board of Selectmen and Finance Committee to be united before going to the Town meeting. Selectman Audette voiced his concern about not being able to get the information together in time for the Town meeting. Interim Town Manager advised the Selectmen that all the departments have level funded their budgets, however, he is unaware of the school department because he hasn’t heard back from them.

Whitinsville Water Company/Water Rates. Interim Town Manager updated the Board of Selectmen on what occurred at the Water Rate Hearing. He mentioned that the Whitinsville Water Company filed a petition on July 17, 2006 with the Massachusetts Department of Telecommunications and Energy for approval of an increase in the rates charged for water service to its customers. The first rate increase will be 23% and will take effect on February 9, 2007; the second rate increase will be 3.5% and will take effect on February 1, 2008.

Town Manager’s Report. Interim Town Manager, Joseph Montecalvo 1) reported that the Citizens for the Preservation of Northbridge would be coming to the next Board of Selectmen meeting scheduled for February 26, 2007. 2) Citizen complaints on snowplowing roads.

Selectmen's Concerns. Selectmen Marzec had a concern regarding Charter Communications fees. He suggested that the Town look into other avenues and start negotiations. He suggested working with citizens and the cable advisory committee. Chairman Ampagoomian announced that on Saturday, February 10, 2007 from 11 AM to 4 PM the VFW Hall located at 875 Hill Street will be holding an “Open House” for citizens to view the renovations made to the building.

Items for Future Agenda. 1) Emergency plans for Fire/DPW; 2) Delinquent Taxes

Executive Session. A motion was made and seconded to go into Executive Session under M.G.L. Chapter 39, S. 23B #3 Negotiations and Litigation [James Knott, Whitinsville Water Company Rate Hearing], not to reconvene in open session. Roll Call Vote: Mr. Davis/Yes, Mr. Marzec/Yes, Mr. Audette/Yes, and Mr. Ampagoomian/Yes.

Meeting Adjourned: 9:12 PM

Respectfully submitted,

James Marzec, Clerk

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