Board of Selectmen’s Meeting

January 14, 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.

Presentation of Plaque to Charles Thompson. On behalf of the Board, Chairman Audette presented a plaque to Mr. Charles Thompson, former Executive Director of the Whitin Community Center, in honor of his retirement after 34 years of dedicated service to both the Center and the Northbridge Community.

Approval of Minutes. December 17, 2007 [Executive Session]. A motion/Mr. Davis, seconded/Mr. Marzec to approve the December 17, 2007 Executive Session minutes as presented with the readings omitted. Vote yes/Unanimous.

Public Hearing. 1) 7:05 P.M./Transfer Class II License from Boston Motors West, Inc. [Mohamed Bayou] to Claude Elias d/b/a Elias Auto Sales to be located at 53-55 Providence Road, Linwood, MA 01525. Chairman Audette suggested that since Mr. Mohamed Bayou was not present for tonight’s meeting, the Board of Selectmen would continue the hearing until the next Selectmen’s meeting on January 28, 2008. A motion/Mr. Davis, seconded/Mr. Ampagoomian to open the public hearing. Vote yes/Unanimous. A motion/Mr. Davis, seconded/Mr. Ampagoomian to continue the hearing until January 28, 2008. Vote yes/Unanimous.

Appointments. Introduction of Anthony Genga, Full-Time Firefighter. Present: Fire Chief Gary Nestor and Firefighter Anthony Genga. Chief Nestor introduced Anthony Genga as the newest member of the Northbridge Fire Department and provided the Board with a brief summary of Mr. Genga’s qualifications and past work experience. He also pointed out that Mr. Genga was the interview panel's unanimous choice for selection as the successful candidate to bring forth. The Board of Selectmen then welcomed Mr. Genga aboard.

Resignation. Shelley Buma, Chairman, Republican Town Committee. Selectman Davis called a point of order, stating he wasn’t sure if the Board of Selectmen needed to accept the resignation of Shelley Buma from the Republican Town Committee. The Board of Selectmen agreed that in the future these types of resignations would not be placed on the agenda.

Citizens Comments/Input. Mr. John Doldoorian, 24 Willow Street, Whitinsville, was upset about a letter that went out to some retirees regarding changes to their health insurance contributions. He mentioned that town employees have been arrogant towards him when he has asked for assistance. Chairman Audette suggested that Mr. Doldoorian sit down with the Town Manager and Selectman Montecalvo to discuss this matter. Mr. Gerard Morin, 916 Hill Street, Whitinsville, mentioned that he worked for the Town for 45 years and was upset with the letter he received regarding the increase in his health insurance. Mr. Robert Parker, Jr., 20 Nolet Street, Linwood, a) presented a letter to the Selectmen regarding mail delivery in the Linwood section of Town. He asked the Selectmen to support his cause by sending a letter of support to the U.S. Post Office, Linwood Postmaster Vickie Robinson, Senator Moore, Representative Peterson, Congressman Neal, Senator Kennedy and Senator Kerry asking for their help so that the residents in Linwood can receive mail delivery at their homes. b) Mr. Parker also asked the Board of Selectmen to address the change in location of voting precincts and to keep open the American Legion. c) He requested that the Selectmen develop a policy regarding Memorial Crosses in Town. Mr. Roger Mathieu, 2713 Providence Road, Northbridge, was present to discuss the change in location of voting precincts. He mentioned many people are unhappy about it and asked the Selectmen to reconsider their decision in eliminating the American Legion as a polling precinct.

Linda Usher/Request to hold the 20^th Annual Whitin Five Mile Road Race, Thursday, November 27, 2008 (Thanksgiving Day). A motion/Mr. Montecalvo, seconded/Mr. Davis to approve the above request subject to the safety requirements of the Police, Fire and Public Works Department. Vote yes/Unanimous.

Presidential Primary [February 5, 2008]/Vote to sign warrant. A motion/Mr. Montecalvo, seconded/Mr. Marzec to sign the warrant for the February 5, 2008 Presidential Primary. Vote yes/Unanimous.

Request to build a handicap ramp at 166 Church Street, Whitinsville [Brad Pierce]. Mr. Richard Sasseville, DPW Director, stated that Mr. Pierce wanted to build a handicap ramp at 166 Church Street; however, part of the ramp would be placed on Town property. As such, Mr. Sasseville reviewed Mr. Pierce’s proposal and plans and did not see a problem, though the Town would require a permit from the Board of Selectmen. Mr. Sasseville then recommended that Town Counsel review the paperwork [submitted by Brad Pierce] and provide the Town with some verbiage so that they do not assume any responsibility and/or liability with the ramp. The Board of Selectmen will place this under decisions on their next agenda after Town Counsel has time to review the plans.

Mass. Coalition for Water Resources Stewardship/Present: Richard Sasseville, DPW Director. Town Manager Kozak informed the Board that a new permit is required for the Wastewater Treatment Plant. Continuing, Mr. Sasseville discussed an article that appeared in the Worcester Telegram & Gazette on January 8^th, "Coalition Urges Reform on Rules on Wastewater" and the financial impact of the EPA permitting process on the Town. Mr. Sasseville indicated that he would like a vote from the Board of Selectmen to endorse the position taken in this white paper Mass. Coalition for Water Resources Stewardship process. Selectman Davis asked that a motion be prepared for their next meeting of January 28, 2008. The Board of Selectmen agreed to place this item under decisions for their next meeting.

Housing Rehabilitation Policy/Present: Jennifer Dulmaine, Community Development Office.

Ms. Dulmaine advised that reason for her appearance before the Board this evening was because she has recently received several inquiries from participants in the Northbridge Housing Rehabilitation Program requesting a reduction of the lien on their properties. She felt that due to the economic conditions, it would be to the Town's advantage to develop a policy or more detailed guidelines to deal with such requests. Continuing, Ms. Dulmaine stated that individuals who participated in the program would need to submit a written request with substantiating documentation. As of this date, she has received three requests including one written request from the property owner at 34-36 Pine Street. Selectman Montecalvo felt that the Town didn't need a policy because the property owners graciously accepted the lien upon participation in the program. That said, the Board of Selectmen agreed to review each lien reduction request on a case-by-case basis.

Spring Annual Town Meeting/Vote to close warrant Friday, March 14, 2008 @ Noon. A motion/Mr. Davis, seconded/Mr. Marzec to close the Spring Annual Town Meeting Warrant on Friday, March 14, 2008 @ Noon. Vote yes/Unanimous.

Cottage Street Extension/Present: Attorney Henry Lane and Melody Nydam (Property Owner). Attorney Lane requested permission from the Board of Selectmen to extend a portion of Cottage Street in order to allow better access by Robert and Melody Nydam to their property near 122 Cottage Street. Attorney Lane said that Richard Sasseville, DPW Director, had no objections to their proposal. Mr. Sasseville confirmed that he had discussed the proposal with Melody Nydam and visited the site. At this time, Selectman Ampagoomian recused himself from discussion because his wife is a member of the Zoning Board of Appeals and his participation could be considered a conflict of interest. A motion/Mr. Davis, seconded/Mr. Marzec to approve the Cottage Street extension project. Vote yes/Messrs. Montecalvo, Davis, Marzec and Audette. Abstain/Mr. Ampagoomian.

Parks and Recreation/Electronic Signatures on Consent Forms. Present: Youth Soccer Committee Members: Craig Mahoney, 31 Clover Hill Road, Brian Burke, 33 Keryn Court, Tom Wollen, 321 Samuel Drive, and Matt White, 34 Acorn Road. The Committee was present to discuss allowing electronic signatures on the Parks and Recreation Participation Consent Forms like other surrounding towns. The Committee designed an online waiver form for all parents to complete, which would help eliminate mounds of paperwork. Selectman Davis suggested that Town Counsel review the form and provide the appropriate language and then forward to Playground and Recreation for their final approval. Town Manager Kozak agreed with Selectman Davis' suggestion and said he would follow through with it.

Permanent Intermittent Police Officer Appointments [Brian Patrinelli & Jeremy Blood]. Chief Warchol introduced Brian Patrinelli to the Board of Selectmen and mentioned that Jeremy Blood could not be present for tonight's meeting. Chief Warchol provided the Board with a brief summary of Mr. Patrinelli's and Mr. Blood’s qualifications and their past work experience. Chief Warchol advised that he highly recommends the appointment of both men and recommended the Board of Selectmen affirm the appointment of both Mr. Patrinelli and Mr. Blood as Permanent Intermittent Police Officers at the next meeting. The Board of Selectmen then welcomed Mr. Patrinelli aboard. Town Manager Kozak indicated that he will appoint both individuals effective tomorrow, 1/15/08, and the Board of Selectmen will then have 15 days to reject the appointments. That said, this item will be placed on the next Board of Selectmen’s Agenda [January 28, 2008].

Northbridge Education Foundation/FY ’09 Funding for Sports and Activities. Present: NEF Committee Members: Kathryn Ducey, Cindy Donati, Joseph Deneault, Matt White, and Fred Beauregard. Ms. Ducey came before the Board of Selectmen to discuss the committee’s ongoing efforts to ensure that the children currently attending Northbridge Public Schools have the same opportunities that children in the past have had with respect to sports and extra-curricular activities. Ms. Ducey said the committee's efforts to raise money for sports and extra-curricular activities has been successful. She mentioned that the committee will continue their fundraising efforts, however, they feel it is time for the Town to resume its funding of athletics and extra-curricular activities. Each committee member discussed the financial state of the Town and asked that the Selectmen support the School Committee’s budget. Selectman Montecalvo informed the Northbridge Education Foundation that he would support the School Committee’s budget if there is money available. Each Selectman concurred with Mr. Montecalvo and stated that they will support the School Committee’s budget if there is money.

Town Manager’s Report. 1) FY ’09 Draft Budget – briefly reviewed the FY '09 budget expenses and revenues. Mr. Kozak indicated that the School Department's budget request was a million dollars over what he told them was available. He also mentioned the School Department would be presenting a more detailed budget format by the end of the month for him to review. 2) Cable Negotiations/Update – Mr. Kozak advised that the Cable Advisory Committee began their first session of negotiations with a representative from Charter and presented the ascertainment requests and needs for the Town. He felt the meeting went well and stated that further discussions would take place at a future meeting. 3) Senior Citizen Property Tax Work-Off Program – The Town Manager held several meetings with Gail Anderson, Senior Center Director, COA members Ted Haringa and Bernie Miller, and Sharon Susienka, in order to develop appropriate program guidelines and procedures for the program. Mr. Kozak indicated that he would like to have the program in place by April/May 2008. 4) Programming on Public Access Cable Channel – Mr. Kozak explained that some inappropriate programming occurred this past weekend and that it was an inadvertent mistake.

Selectmen’s Concerns. 1) Selectman Montecalvo announced that Mr. Walsh of Blackstone Recycling will be coming to the next Board of Selectmen’s meeting to discuss recycling. 2) Selectman Davis reviewed the Town's debt schedule given to him by the Town Manager and Treasurer/Collector and suggested consolidating some of the bonds we have out there. 3) Selectman Ampagoomian/a) stated that the American Legion in Rockdale should remain open as a precinct for voting. b) Inquired about the Town's salt supply. DPW Director Richard Sasseville responded that they are buying salt from anyone who can deliver it. c) Mentioned that the Town has a brand new DPW truck and that it came from the developer of Walmart, not Town funds. d) Requested a report from the Building, Planning and Construction Committee regarding the Town's appeal for reimbursement of School bills. Town Manager Kozak informed him that the Building, Planning & Construction Committee would be coming before the Selectmen to discuss that issue. 4) Selectman Marzec/a) Expressed his concerns about the Library.

b) Explained that he has been approached by individuals and mentioned if anyone is interested please fill out a Talent Bank Form for the Master Plan Committee. c) Asked whether were other salt consortiums? 5) Chairman Audette mentioned that Representative George Peterson would be coming to Northbridge on February 11, 2008, from 7 to 8 PM.

Items for Future Agenda. Selectman Davis would like to invite the Cable Commission and School Committee to the next Board of Selectmen’s meeting to discuss the location of the cable studio. Chairman Audette advised that the Town Manager's Goals and Objectives for the upcoming year will be taken up on January 28, 2008.

Correspondence. Senator Moore's letter re: House Bill #4651 [Municipal Relief Act]. Selectman Davis suggested a letter be sent to Senator Moore disagreeing with his letter. Town Manager Kozak will send a letter on behalf of the Board of Selectmen.

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 M.G.L. Chapter 39, S. 23B #6 Land--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: 9:55 P.M.

Respectfully submitted,

Joseph J. Montecalvo, Clerk

dg/