Board of Selectmen’s Meeting

April 28, 2008

 

A meeting of the Board of Selectmen was called to order by Vice Chairman James Marzec at 6:15 PM, Northbridge Town Hall, 7 Main Street, Whitinsville, MA.  Present:  Messrs. Davis, Montecalvo, and Ampagoomian.  Chairman William Audette was absent and is duly noted.  Also Present:  Theodore D. Kozak, Town Manager.

 

Executive Session.  A motion was made and seconded to go into Executive Session under M.G.L. Chapter 39, S. 23B #3 (Negotiations & Litigation) and to reconvene in open session.  Roll Call Vote: 

Mr. Montecalvo/Yes, Mr. Davis/Yes, Mr. Ampagoomian/Yes, and Mr. Marzec/Yes.

 

Open Session Adjourned:        6:15 P.M.

 

Executive Session Convened:  6:16 P.M.

 

Executive Session Adjourned: 7:02 P.M.

 

Open Session Reconvened:     7:03 P.M.

 

The Pledge of Allegiance was recited by those present.

 

Vice Chairman James Marzec mentioned that Chairman Audette was tending to a personal matter but might show up for tonight’s meeting.

 

Announcement of Town Accountant Neil Vaidya’s Certification.  Town Manager Kozak announced that Neil Vaidya passed his certification for Town Accountant and congratulated him for a job well done.  Each Selectman congratulated Mr. Vaidya for passing the exam.

 

Approval of Minutes.

 

April 14, 2008 [Executive Session]

A motion/Mr. Davis, seconded/Mr. Montecalvo to approve but not release the April 14, 2008 Executive Session minutes as presented with the readings omitted.  Vote yes/Messrs. Montecalvo, Davis, Ampagoomian and Marzec. 

 

Appointments/By the Board of Selectmen.  1) Council on Aging, Marie Rebecchi.   A motion/Mr. Ampagoomian, seconded/Mr. Montecalvo to appoint Marie Rebecchi to the Council on Aging.  Vote yes/Messrs. Montecalvo, Davis, Ampagoomian and Marzec. 

 

Citizens’ Comments/Input. 

 

The Village Congregational Church (Pastor Robert G. Sherwood)/ 1) Request permission to use the Whitinsville Town Common for the Annual Harvest Festival on Saturday, October 4, 2008 from 9 A.M. to 3 P.M. (Rain Date: 10/5/08, from 12 P.M. – 3 P.M.).  A motion/Mr. Davis, seconded/Mr. Ampagoomian to grant permission to the Village Congregational Church to use the Whitinsville Town Common for their Annual Harvest Festival on Saturday, October 4, 2008 from 9 A.M. to 3 P.M. (Rain Date: 10/5/08, from 12 P.M. – 3 P.M.).  Vote yes/Messrs. Ampagoomian, Davis, Montecalvo and Marzec.  2) Request to block off Church Street from in front of the Church to the intersection of Park Street.  A motion/Mr. Ampagoomian, seconded/Mr. Davis to allow the Village Congregation Church to block off Church Street from in front of the Church to the intersection of Park Street.  Vote yes/Messrs. Ampagoomian, Davis, Montecalvo and Marzec. 

 

Boot Drive [Toll Booth] Policy/Vote on recommended revisions.  In December 2006, the Board of Selectmen approved and implemented the current boot drive policy, which states: The Town of Northbridge will allow boot drives at Memorial Square and/or Ovian Square for the purpose of raising funds for a registered charity under the following conditions: 1. All drives must be approved in advance by the Police Department. 2. All drives are limited to the hours of 9:00 AM and 3:00 PM. 3. Each location will be limited to a maximum of 5 participants. 4. All participants must be at least 18 years of age at the time of the drive. 5. All participants must wear a reflective vest approved by the Police Department. 6. All participants may approach the traffic from the sidewalk or island side and not impede the flow of traffic, not activate the electronic crosswalk devices, and not harass or intimidate drivers.  The Northbridge Police Department shall have the authority to suspend any drive in the interest of public safety.  After a brief discussion, Selectman Montecalvo suggested that only one drive per month be allowed.  The Selectmen all agreed that boot drives would be limited to once a month from April 1st through November 1st and that no boot drives would be allowed from November 2nd – March 31st.  There being no further discussion, a motion/Mr. Montecalvo, seconded/Mr. Davis to revise the current boot drive policy by adding the following language:  1) by limiting boot drives to once a month from April 1st through November 1st and that no boot drives would be allowed from November 2nd – March 31st.  Vote yes/Messrs. Ampagoomian, Davis, Montecalvo and Marzec.

 

Trinity Episcopal Church [Rev. Charles F. Sutton, Jr.]/Request to use the town-owned “Tot Lot” from June 22nd through June 27th, from 6:00 P.M. to 8:00 P.M. to conduct an outreach program.   A motion/Mr. Davis, seconded/Mr. Ampagoomian to approve the Trinity Episcopal Church to use the town-owned “Tot Lot” from June 22nd through June 27th, from 6:00 P.M. to 8:00 P.M. to conduct an outreach program with final approval by the Playground and Recreation Commission.   Vote yes/ Messrs. Ampagoomian, Davis, Montecalvo and Marzec.

 

Spring Annual Town Meeting (May 6, 2008)/Vote positions on warrant articles.  Present:  Mary Frances Powers, Finance Committee Chairman.   Article 1 (FY ’08 Budget Adjustments):  Town Manager mentioned that at this time we need 3 items transferred: Selectmen’s Expense for Legal fees [$50,000], Veteran’s Benefits [$40,000], and Memorials [$1,700].   A motion/Mr. Davis, seconded/Mr. Ampagoomian to support Article 1.  Vote yes/Messrs. Montecalvo, Davis, Ampagoomian and Marzec.  The Finance Committee voted to support Article 1.  Article 2 (Establishment of an Insurance Stabilization Fund and transfer $740,000 into it):  Town Manager Kozak mentioned the next 3 articles pertain to the savings from changes in the Health Insurance.  A motion/Mr. Davis, seconded/Mr. Ampagoomian to support Article 2.  Vote yes/Messrs. Montecalvo, Davis, Ampagoomian and Marzec.  The Finance Committee voted to support Article 2.  Article 3 (Transfer $150,000 from Employee Insurance Benefits to the School Committee for capital projects): Town Manager Kozak mentioned this money will be used for Capital Items.  A motion/Mr. Davis, seconded/Mr. Ampagoomian to support Article 3.  Vote yes/Messrs. Montecalvo, Davis, Ampagoomian and Marzec.  The Finance Committee voted to support Article 3.  Article 4 (Transfer $50,000 from Employee Insurance Benefits to the Building Committee for repair and renovation of Aldrich School):  A motion/Mr. Montecalvo, seconded/Mr. Davis to support Article 4.  Vote yes/Messrs. Montecalvo, Davis, Ampagoomian and Marzec.  The Finance Committee voted to support Article 4.  Article 5 (Reimbursement to Town for FY ’07 eligible direct/indirect costs of Sewer Division in the amount of $21,000):  Town Manager Kozak explained these are funds for indirect costs that should have been charged to the sewer enterprise fund.  A motion/Mr. Davis, seconded/Mr. Montecalvo to support Article 5.  Vote yes/Messrs. Montecalvo, Davis, Ampagoomian and Marzec.  The Finance Committee voted to support Article 5.  Article 6 (FY ’09 Omnibus Budget):  A motion/Mr. Davis, seconded/Mr. Ampagoomian to support Article 6.  Vote yes/Messrs. Montecalvo, Davis, Ampagoomian and Marzec.  The Finance Committee voted to support Article 6.  Article 7 (FY ’09 Sewer Enterprise Budget):  A motion/Mr. Montecalvo, seconded/Mr. Ampagoomian to support Article 7.  Vote yes/Messrs. Montecalvo, Davis, Ampagoomian and Marzec.  The Finance Committee voted to support Article 7.  Article 8 (FY ’09 Water Enterprise Budget):  A motion/Mr. Montecalvo, seconded/Mr. Davis to support Article 8.  Vote yes/Messrs. Montecalvo, Davis, Ampagoomian and Marzec.  The Finance Committee voted to support Article 8.  Article 9 (FY ’09 Chapter 90 Proceeds):  A motion/Mr. Davis, seconded/Mr. Montecalvo to support Article 9.  Vote yes/Messrs. Montecalvo, Davis, Ampagoomian and Marzec.  The Finance Committee voted to support Article 9.  Article 10 (FY ’09 Authorizes Treas./Collector to enter into compensating balance agreements):  A motion/Mr. Davis, seconded/Mr. Montecalvo to support Article 10.  Vote yes/Messrs. Montecalvo, Davis, Ampagoomian and Marzec.  The Finance Committee voted to support Article 10.  Article 11 (Authorizes BOS to enter into a regional recycling agreement with Town of Blackstone):  A motion/Mr. Montecalvo, seconded/Mr. Davis to support Article 11.  Vote yes/Messrs. Montecalvo, Davis, Ampagoomian and Marzec.  The Finance Committee voted to support Article 11.  Article 12 (FY ’09 Reauthorization of Recycling Committee Revolving Account):  A motion/Mr. Davis, seconded/Mr. Montecalvo to take no position at this time and to revisit Article 12 at their May 5, 2008 meeting.  Vote yes/Messrs. Montecalvo, Davis, Ampagoomian and Marzec.  The Finance Committee voted to support Article 12.  Article 13 (FY ’09 Transfer of $15,248 from Title V to Debt Principal):  A motion/Mr. Davis, seconded/Mr. Ampagoomian to support Article 13.  Vote yes/Messrs. Montecalvo, Davis, Ampagoomian and Marzec.  The Finance Committee voted to support Article 13.  Article 14 (Transfer of $237,036 to School Department to replace School Choice Funds to be used to reinstate athletics and co-curricular activities):  A motion/Mr. Davis, seconded/Mr. Ampagoomian to support Article 14.  Vote yes/Messrs. Montecalvo, Davis, Ampagoomian and Marzec.  The Finance Committee voted to support Article 14.  Article 15 (Raise and appropriate $34,000 to purchase a response vehicle for Fire Department):  A motion/Mr. Montecalvo, seconded/Mr. Ampagoomian to support Article 15.  Vote yes/Messrs. Montecalvo, Davis, Ampagoomian and Marzec.  The Finance Committee voted to support Article 15.  Article 16 (Raise and appropriate $400,000 to purchase a new fire truck contingent upon passage of a one-time capital outlay expenditure exclusion):  A motion/Mr. Davis, seconded/Mr. Montecalvo to support Article 16.  Vote yes/Messrs. Montecalvo, Davis, Ampagoomian and Marzec.  The Finance Committee voted to support Article 16.  Article 17 (Raise and appropriate $278,000 to purchase 3 new vehicles for DPW/Highway Division):  A motion/Mr. Davis, seconded/Mr. Montecalvo to support Article 17.  Vote yes/Messrs. Montecalvo, Davis, Ampagoomian and Marzec.  The Finance Committee voted to support Article 17.  Article 18 (Raise and appropriate $25,000 to perform a feasibility study for construction of a new DPW facility):  [Town owned property-Sewer Department] A motion/Mr. Davis, seconded/Mr. Ampagoomian to support Article 18.  Vote yes/Messrs. Montecalvo, Davis, Ampagoomian and Marzec.  The Finance Committee voted to support Article 18.  Article 19 (Authorizes BOS and/or School Committee to lease a portion of land at Primary School for modular classroom up to five years):  A motion/Mr. Davis, seconded/Mr. Montecalvo to support Article 19.  Vote yes/Messrs. Montecalvo, Davis, Ampagoomian and Marzec.  The Finance Committee voted to support Article 19.  Article 20 (Establishment of a revolving account for Playground and Recreation up to $20,000):  A motion/Mr. Montecalvo, seconded/Mr. Davis to support Article 20.  Vote yes/Messrs. Montecalvo, Davis, Ampagoomian and Marzec.  The Finance Committee voted to support Article 20.  Article 21 (Amendments to Wetlands Protection Bylaw):  The Board of Selectmen would like time to review the 2-page Executive Summary presented by Mr. Wyatt Mills, Chairman of the Conservation Commission.  A motion/Mr. Montecalvo, seconded/Mr. Davis to take no position on Article 21 and to take it up at their May 5, 2008 meeting.  Vote yes/Messrs. Montecalvo, Davis, Ampagoomian and Marzec.  The Finance Committee voted to support Article 21.  Article 22 (Adoption of Stormwater Management Bylaw):  A motion/Mr. Davis, seconded/Mr. Ampagoomian to take no position and will review Article 22 at their May 5, 2008 meeting.  Vote yes/Messrs. Montecalvo, Davis, Ampagoomian and Marzec.  The Finance Committee voted to support Article 22.  Article 23 (Designation of 670 Linwood Ave. as a priority development site under the provisions of Chapter 43D – expedited permitting provisions):  A motion/Mr. Davis, seconded/Mr. Montecalvo to support Article 23.  Vote yes/Messrs. Montecalvo, Davis, Ampagoomian and Marzec.  The Finance Committee voted to support Article 23.  Article 24 (Designation of 2040 Providence Road as a priority development site under the provisions of Chapter 43D – expedited permitting provisions):  A motion/Mr. Ampagoomian, seconded/Mr. Montecalvo to support Article 24.  Vote yes/Messrs. Montecalvo, Davis, Ampagoomian and Marzec.  The Finance Committee voted to support Article 24.  Article 25 (Designation of several parcels on Main Street as a priority development site under the provisions of Chapter 43D – expedited permitting provisions):  A motion/Mr. Ampagoomian, seconded/Mr. Montecalvo to support Article 25.  Vote yes/Messrs. Montecalvo, Davis, Ampagoomian and Marzec.  The Finance Committee voted to support Article 25.  Article 26 (Acceptance of the alteration and extension of Ash Street):  A motion/Mr. Davis, seconded/Mr. Montecalvo to take no position on Article 26 at their May 5, 2008 meeting.  Vote yes/Messrs. Montecalvo, Davis, Ampagoomian and Marzec.  The Finance Committee voted not to support Article 26.  Article 27 (Advance Auto – drainage easement):  Town Manager Kozak recommended that the Board of Selectmen not support Article 27.  That said, Vice Chairman Marzec entertained a motion to move Item I Discussion of Article 27 with Henry Lane from “discussions” and place under “decisions”.   Selectman Davis offered a motion to take the agenda out of order.  Motion not seconded. Discussion on the motion,  Selectman Montecalvo felt that this discussion should wait and that the Selectmen should take no position until they had time to further review the information.  Selectman Davis then withdrew his motion.  A motion/Mr. Davis, seconded/Mr. Montecalvo voted to take no position on Article 27 and to take it up at their next meeting on May 5, 2008.  Vote yes/Messrs. Montecalvo, Davis, Ampagoomian and Marzec.  The Finance Committee voted not to support Article 27.

 

Union Street Brook/Vote on how to proceed.   Vice Chairman Marzec announced that the two residents who have been actively pursuing the Union Street Brook could not be present for tonight’s meeting.  Selectman Davis suggested this topic be placed on the next agenda [May 5, 2008] under “decisions”.  The Board of Selectmen agreed to place this topic on their next agenda.

 

Donald Bunker, General Mgr., Whitinsville Water Co./ 1) Discoloration of Town Water  - explained to the Board of Selectmen the reason for the discoloration of Town water is due to the drought.  Mr. Bunker mentioned that Whitinsville Water Company received several phone calls last year, [specifically summer and fall] concerning the water in Town being yellow.  He mentioned that because of the lack of rain, the town had to utilize the Whitinsville Well field, which has elevated levels of natural iron in it.  2) Infiltration Plant Upgrade Project/Update.  Mr. Bunker mentioned that it’s not an infiltration plant, it’s a Treatment or Filter Plant.  The Mass DEP and the WWC have signed the consent order to build the filter plant.  They are still required to have it online by September 2009, and are on track to do that.  WWC met with the designer, Metcalf and Eddy to design the treatment plant. They have received their permits through MEPA, Sutton Planning Board and Sutton Conservation Commission and have gone out to bid but have not yet awarded any contract until they get final approval from DEP.  They expect to start building this spring, with a completion date of late spring/early summer.  The cost will be around $4.88 million dollars.

 

Spring Annual Town Meeting Warrant [Article 27]/Present: Atty. Henry Lane, Petitioner, Richard Sasseville, DPW Director and Scott Holman, Cedarwood Development.    Attorney Lane provided the Board of Selectmen with some material to review along with a brief synopsis of what his client is proposing.  Cedarwood Development would like the Town to accept the drainage easement through the property at 277 Church Street [Advanced Auto] in Whitinsville for the purpose of maintaining an existing storm drain.  Attorney Lane mentioned that after researching the drainage system, of which the easement area is a part, originates on the property of the Northbridge Housing Authority and provides an outlet for catch basins within the Colonial Drive roadway and along the paved swale at the base of the slope behind the buildings along the rear of the Housing Authority property.  From the Housing Authority property, the drain line continues through the parking lot behind the Armenian Church and then ultimately diagonally through the property at 277 Church Street to the storm drains in Church Street.  That said, there is no documentation of the agreement that resulted in the drain system being properly constructed and apparently it was done through an informal agreement among the parties involved.  Town Manager Kozak and the Board of Selectmen agree to delay this discussion until after they receive clarification from Town Counsel on who owns the land that the Housing Authority presides. 

 

Soccer League/Present: Craig Mahoney.  Craig Mahoney, 31 Clover Hill Road, President of Northbridge Youth Soccer and Thomas Wollen, 321 Samuel Drive.  Mr. Mahoney discussed two items; 1) handicap access for the high school fields; and 2) mowing the town fields.  That said, Mr. Mahoney mentioned that he received several concerns from parents and residents about not having handicap access at the high school fields.  After discussing his concerns with the School Department and Playground and Recreation Committee, he thought it should be brought to the attention of the Board of Selectmen.  He asked the Selectmen to assist him with trying to come up with a compromise to accommodate access for handicap individuals.  Mr. Mahoney suggested that the head coaches receive a key to the gate, if need be, the head coach could escort that vehicle up to the field and then go back and lock the gate. The second suggestion would be to have wheelchairs at the field so that a coach or family member could push the individual up the path so that the individual could watch the game.  Last option would be to close the field down.  Vice Chairman Marzec indicated that the high school fields were not intended to be used as playing fields and that the path going to the fields is narrow.  Selectman Ampagoomian informed Mr. Mahoney that the Board of Selectmen does not have any jurisdiction over the fields.  Selectman Davis mentioned that you cannot tell residents in town that if they are handicapped they cannot use the fields.  Selectman Montecalvo suggested the idea of using a golf cart to transport handicapped individuals and other folks such as elderly to and from the field.  He also suggested bringing this to the Safety Committee for assistance.  Selectman Ampagoomian suggested that the Town Manager contact the Parks and Recreation and the School Department to sit down and come up with a resolution.  Selectman Davis recommended that the Safety Committee and Building, Planning and Construction Committee be included in trying to come up with a resolution.  Town Manager Kozak mentioned contacting the Parks and Recreation Committee to pursue the matter further by setting up a meeting with the groups mentioned above.  Mr. Mahoney mentioned his second issue being mowing the fields.  This is an issue his organization deals with every year and feels that the fields are not mowed in a timely manner.  DPW Director Richard Sasseville pointed out to everyone that because of the lack of facility space, the summer equipment is stored at the fire station and the winter equipment is kept at the DPW facility, until winter is officially over.  He then mentioned that on any given day he has about four employees to handle the numerous jobs needing to be accomplished in a 40-hour week.  That said, this past winter, the conditions of the roads were left in bad shape, as the residents in town are aware of.  The DPW Department has received numerous calls relative to patching/filling potholes.  He mentioned that he has to prioritize his department’s workday as he sees fit.  Mr. Sasseville stated that the summer equipment has been serviced and is now been relocated to the DPW facility.   He also said there is no guarantee the fields will ever be mowed by April 1st.  Mr. Mahoney reiterated the soccer fields must be mowed before April 1st.  Selectman Montecalvo mentioned when you have money you can do anything, when you don’t have money, things don’t get accomplished the way they should. 

 

Chapter 43D Grant Application.  Town Manager Kozak mentioned that Gary Bechtholdt, Town Planner, requested this topic be placed on the agenda.  Mr. Bechtholdt wanted the Board of Selectmen to be apprised that he is planning to submit grant applications by springtime, which in turn, would need to be voted upon at the town meeting scheduled on May 6, 2008.   He has been actively working with the state on the permitting process for the three properties listed in the warrant, which would allow the town to apply for grant money to help plan this type of development. 

 

Town Manager’s Goals and Objectives.  Town Manager Kozak mentioned that Chairman Audette asked each of the Selectmen to bring in two goals [listing the primary one and then the secondary].  Town Manager Kozak has received goals from Selectman Davis and Selectman Montecalvo.  Selectman Ampagoomian did not submit goals because he felt this should be at the discretion of the newly elected Selectmen come May 20th.  This topic will be discussed at their next meeting on May 5, 2008.

 

Cable Studio Agreement – Revised.  Town Manager Kozak provided the Selectmen with a newly revised Cable Studio Agreement prior to tonight’s meeting.  Town Manager Kozak pointed out the changes by highlighting them in blue.  Selectman Ampagoomian mentioned that some of the information provided in this document violates the first amendment.  That said, he is against moving the cable studio to the High School because it has too many restrictions.  The Board of Selectmen concurred with the contract being too restrictive in nature.

 

Notice of Intent to sell and convert land [Theodore Koopman] under the provisions of M.G.L. C.61A§14 – first refusal option/Present: Ross Smith, Perspective Buyer.  Selectman Ampagoomian mentioned that because of the economic times of the Town of Northbridge, they are in no position to make an offer to purchase the land.  He also noted that the Town has 120 days to decide whether or not they want the land.  Mr. Ross Smith mentioned that he hoped that the Board of Selectmen wouldn’t delay the process too long because time is of the essence.  Selectman Davis suggested this item be placed on the next agenda [May 5, 2008] this way it gives all the boards and commissions time to review the information and provide feedback.

 

Town Manager’s Report.  1) Town Manager Kozak mentioned the Fire Chief received a reimbursement check $3,681.16 for assistance provided at the Bernat Mills fire.  2) Student Government Day/Update – great participation from the students.  Thanked Selectman Montecalvo for his assistance.  Vice Chairman Marzec requested a “thank you” letter be sent to Mr. Ken Warchol for his hard work. 3) Personnel Board Meeting/Update – he met with the Personnel Board and asked them to review their Bylaws to see if they need to be updated.  4) Whitinsville Social Library Board of Trustees/Update – Town Manager Kozak mentioned that he met with members of the Library Trustees to discuss the amount of funding being recommended to Town Meeting for the Library.  He mentioned they will be setting up a meeting in Boston to discuss the recertification of the Library.  5) Senior Citizen Property Tax Work-Off Program/Revision to program income guidelines – a number of residents took out applications, however, our office never received them back.  Reason being, after contacting the individuals, the level of income was set to low.  Town Manager Kozak mentioned he would be recommending at the next Selectmen’s meeting to raise the income guidelines.  6) Tax Title Takings – the Treasurer/Collector is actively working on the collections of Tax Title Takings.  There is about $200,000 of uncollected taxes.  7)  Handicap access door – a new door will be ordered to replace the old one because of the width.  8) Town Manager Kozak received a phone call from a representative at Verizon.  He mentioned he met with her to discuss FIOS and that nothing could happen until a year from now.  He will also set up a meeting with her and the Board of Selectmen.  9) Reminder: Wednesday evening (7 PM), April 30th, Blackstone Valley Chamber of Commerce, the Eleven Town Meeting will be held.

 

Selectmen’s Concerns. Selectman Montecalvo/ 1) He mentioned that he wanted everyone to know that he did not propose renaming A, B,C,D streets in the village.  Selectman Davis/ 1) now that the Cable Contract is signed – is there a timeframe on when the other camera will be up and running.  Selectman Ampagoomian/ 1) received several phone calls pertaining to the possibility of putting a second meter on their house because of irrigation systems.  He suggested setting up a meeting with the DPW, and Don Bunker, Manager, Whitinsville Water Company to discuss the policy. 2) DPW Equipment – asked about placing it on EBay to get rid of it and free up space at the DPW facility.  3) sends his condolences to the Green family for the recent loss of their father, Joe Green. Selectman Davis concurred.

 

Executive Session.  A motion was made and seconded to go into Executive Session under M.G.L. Chapter 39, S. 23B#3 Litigation and Negotiations--not to reconvene in open session.  Roll Call Vote:  Mr. Montecalvo/Yes; Mr. Davis/Yes; Mr. Ampagoomian/Yes; and Mr. Marzec/Yes.

 

Meeting Adjourned:  10:09 P.M.

 

 

                                                            Respectfully submitted,

 

 

                                                            Joseph Montecalvo, Clerk

 

 

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