Board of Selectmen’s Meeting

April 9, 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. Audette, Davis and Marzec.

Also Present: Theodore D. Kozak, Town Manager.

The Pledge of Allegiance was recited by those present.

Chairman Ampagoomian requested Item C [Northbridge Fire Department] be the first order of business.

Northbridge Fire Department/Request to hang a banner over Church Street from May 7, 2007 to May 20, 2007 to advertise the annual Spaghetti Supper to be held on May 19, 2007. A motion/Mr. Audette, seconded/Mr. Davis to approve the Fire Department’s request to hang a banner over Church Street from May 7, 2007 to May 20, 2007 to advertise the annual Spaghetti Supper to be held on May 19, 2007.

Livery License Policy and Procedures/Vote to accept. A motion/Mr. Davis, seconded/Mr. Marzec to accept the Livery License Policy and Procedures for the Town of Northbridge. Vote yes/Unanimous.

Annual Town Election [May 15, 2007]/Vote to place override question on ballot. Chairman Ampagoomian stated that before the Board of Selectmen vote on the override question, Town Manager Kozak would like to provide a PowerPoint presentation showing what the FY 08 budgets looks like with and without an override. A motion/Mr. Davis, seconded/Mr. Marzec to place the following question on the Annual Town Election, May 15, 2007 ballot: Shall the Town of Northbridge be allowed to assess an additional $3,700,000.00 in Real Estate and Personal Property Taxes for the purposes of operating the Municipal Government and Public Schools for the Fiscal Year beginning July 1, 2007. Vote yes/Unanimous.

FY ’08 Budget Presentation/Update. Town Manager Theodore D. Kozak mentioned that a meeting took place with the Finance and School Committee to discuss what the amount of an override should be on the ballot. The School Committee requested $4.0 Million dollars and the Town requested $700,000 Thousand dollars. After carefully reviewing all the numbers, Town Manager Kozak recommended $3.7 Million dollar override be placed on the ballot. Carroll Paine, Chairman, School Committee, presented the School Department budget and how it would look with and without an override. Mary Frances Powers, Chairman, Finance Committee, mentioned that the Finance Committee would not be taking a position as a committee to oppose an override.

Providence Road Development. Present: Attorney Henry Lane. Attorney Lane mentioned that his Law Office represents Whitinsville Land Associates and its affiliates, which own approximately 180 acres of land on Providence Road near Plummer’s Corner. They are working on a development plan for the land, which includes the development of multi-family housing and some commercial development along Providence Road. In addition, the proposal includes the dedication of approximately half the site for open space, recreation and other non-profit and municipal uses. Attorney Lane presented the Board of Selectmen with an executive summary version of the presentation and a sketch of some of the potential municipal uses.

Town Manager’s Report. 1) Letters of Commendation/Police – Town Manager Kozak read letters of commendation sent from Police Chief Warchol to Officers Chickinski, Westbury, DeJordy and Dispatcher John Inger for a job well done in the apprehension of three suspects at the scene of a residential breaking and entering on Brook Street. In addition, a letter was sent to Lieutenant Labrie, Sergeant Ouillette, and Detective Roy for a job well done concerning their investigation and subsequent arrest of two suspects in a recent armed robbery. 2) Union Street Update –updated the Board of Selectmen on his meeting with the railroad company and the possibility of changing the culvert. He then mentioned he was still waiting to meet with Mass Highway but has done some investigating work with respect to Mr. Bob Parker and his garage. 3) Arthur Drive Update – mentioned a meeting that took place 3 weeks ago with the Department of Public Works, Town Planner and Contractor. The Contractor has agreed to raise the crown and roads so the storm drains would work properly. A follow up meeting will be scheduled soon to discuss the progress. 4) Northbridge Redevelopment Corporation Update – Town Manager Kozak mentioned that he met with the various Boards to discuss the progress of the landfill project. Selectman Davis asked if the State’s Consultant could come in and inform the Selectmen on 1) what is being dumped at the site; and 2) what kind of testing is being performed. 5) Student Government Day – Reminded the Selectmen that Student Government Day starts at 8:00 A.M. in the Board of Selectmen’s Room.

Selectmen’s Concerns. Selectman Audette is concerned about how the residents in Town will be educated about the override. Selectman Marzec concurred with Selectman Audette and then offered his time to educate people, if needed. Selectman Davis 1) suggested having a meeting at the Middle School Auditorium to inform residents and; 2) asked if whether NRC was still planning to give the Town land for soccer fields. Chairman Ampagoomian 1) available town-owned land and the possibility of leasing these parcels/pieces of land for the use if; cell towers and windmills; 2) Mass Highway (Plummer’s Corner update at next meeting).

Future Agenda Item. Report from Building, Planning and Construction Committee on the cost of High School Fields Litigation.

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, not to reconvene in open session. Roll Call Vote: Mr. Audette/yes, Mr. Davis/yes, Mr. Marzec/yes, and Mr. Ampagoomian/yes.

Meeting Adjourned: 8:18 PM

Respectfully submitted,

James Marzec, Clerk

dg/