Board of Selectmen

 July 14, 2008

 

Joint Meeting w/Cable Advisory Committee

 

A meeting of the Board of Selectmen was called to order by Chairman Joseph Montecalvo at 7:00 PM, Northbridge Town Hall, 7 Main Street, Whitinsville, MA.  Present:  Messrs. Ampagoomian, Montecalvo, Marzec, Nolan and Melia.  Also Present:  Theodore D. Kozak, Town Manager. 

Cable Advisory Committee:  Chairman Sharron Ampagoomian, Shelley Buma, Dean Fortin, David Miedema, III, and Ronald Guillaume.

 

The Pledge of Allegiance was recited by those present.

 

Approval of Minutes. 

May 5, 2008

Chairman Montecalvo announced that the May 5, 2008 minutes were voted on in error at the last meeting and that a new vote would have to be taken tonight because Selectman Marzec was absent and the newly appointed Selectmen were not present at those meetings.  Therefore, a motion/Mr. Marzec, seconded/Mr. Ampagoomian to approve the May 5, 2008 minutes as presented with the readings omitted.  Vote yes/Messrs. Ampagoomian, Marzec and Montecalvo.  Abstain/Messrs. Melia and Nolan.

 

May 19, 2008

Selectman Ampagoomian requested the May 19, 2008 minutes be amended as follows: Under the item "Town Manager’s Contract Extension", he wanted it stated that he did not sign or approve Town Manager Kozak’s contract extension.  A motion/Mr. Marzec, seconded/Mr. Ampagoomian to approve the amended May 19, 2008 minutes as requested by Selectman Ampagoomian.   Vote yes/Messrs. Ampagoomian, Marzec and Montecalvo.  Abstain/Messrs. Melia and Nolan.

 

May 19, 2008 [Executive Session]

Chairman Montecalvo mentioned that the May 19, 2008 Executive Session minutes were voted on in error at the last meeting and that a new vote would have to be taken tonight because Selectman Marzec was absent and the newly appointed Selectmen were not present at this meeting.  Therefore, a motion/Mr. Marzec, seconded/Mr. Ampagoomian to approve but not release the May 19, 2008 Executive Session minutes as presented with the readings omitted. Vote yes/Messrs. Ampagoomian, Marzec and Montecalvo.  Abstain/Messrs. Melia and Nolan.

 

June 9, 2008

A motion/Mr. Ampagoomian, seconded/Mr. Nolan to approve the June 9, 2008 minutes as presented with the readings omitted.  Vote yes/Unanimous.

 

June 23, 2008 [Executive Session]

A motion/Mr. Ampagoomian, seconded/Mr. Melia to approve but not to release the June 23, 2008 Executive Session minutes as presented with the readings omitted. Vote yes/Messrs. Ampagoomian, Nolan, Melia and Montecalvo.  Abstain/Mr. Marzec.

 

Appointments/By the Board of Selectmen. 1)  Cable Advisory Committee [Annual Reappointments]: a) Sharron Ampagoomian; b) Dean Fortin; c) Jerry Bagdasarian; d) Harry Berkowitz (new applicant).   Chairman Montecalvo noted that the Town Manager had received verbal communication from Mr. Bagdasarian that he would not seek reappointment.  He asked that Mr. Berkowitz come forward, since he is a new applicant, so that the Selectmen could ask questions.  Selectman Marzec asked Mr. Berkowitz about his previous tenure as Chairman of the Cable Advisory Committee and questioned why there were no minutes ever submitted.  Mr. Berkowitz replied that there was never a quorum at his meetings.  Selectman Nolan asked how Mr. Berkowitz could bring more users to use the Public Access television.  Mr. Berkowitz replied that is not the job of the Cable Advisory Committee but the job of the local access studio to handle.  The more programming you have the more interest you generate.  Selectman Melia asked if Mr. Berkowitz has reviewed the new policy manual.  Mr. Berkowitz mentioned that he has not seen it but has heard about it.  He then expressed his concerns about the pornography being aired and the potential lawsuits.  Selectman Marzec asked Mr. Berkowitz how many meetings does the Cable Advisory Committee have.  Mr. Berkowitz mentioned that are required to have four meetings and he would post them in advance.  A motion/Mr. Ampagoomian, seconded/Mr. Melia to appoint Sharron Ampagoomian, Dean Fortin, and Harry Berkowitz to the Cable Advisory Committee.  Selectman Marzec asked that the votes be taken individually on each candidate.  A motion/Mr. Ampagoomian, seconded/Mr. Melia to appoint Sharron Ampagoomian to the Cable Advisory Committee.  Vote yes/Unanimous.    A motion/Mr. Ampagoomian, seconded/Mr. Marzec to appoint Dean Fortin to the Cable Advisory Committee. Vote yes/Unanimous.   A motion/Mr. Ampagoomian, seconded/Mr. Melia to appoint Harry Berkowitz to the Cable Advisory Committee.  Vote yes/Messrs Melia, Ampagoomian, Nolan and Montecalvo.  Vote no/Mr. Marzec. 

 

 

2) Building, Planning and Construction Committee: George Murray.  A motion/Mr. Ampagoomian, seconded/Mr. Marzec to appoint George Murray to the Building, Planning and Construction Committee.  Vote yes/Unanimous.

 

Citizens’ Comments/Input.  Sharron Ampagoomian, 41 Henry Street, Whitinsville, MA, mentioned that the Board of Selectmen asked to have Cable Access producers present this evening and she wanted to make sure that any producer present had the opportunity to speak on what they believe in.  Mrs. Ampagoomian asked if the Cable Policy Manual had come back from Town Counsel.  Town Manager Kozak and Chairman Montecalvo informed Mrs. Ampagoomian that a copy of the manual had been placed in the Cable Committee's mailbox.  Heather Vasale Malo, 182 Heritage Drive, suggested that a speaker be placed in the back of the Selectmen's room so that people in the back of the room can hear people speak.  Ms. Malo apologized to the people who are offended by her program and then stated that her program is meant to be funny, educational and informative.

 

Town Manager's Goals and Objectives.  Chairman Montecalvo there are four goals and objectives that he and Ted have agreed to.  Chairman Montecalvo felt these four goals are measurable and that is why he has chosen them for the Board to review and approve.  A motion/Mr. Nolan, seconded/Mr. Ampagoomian to accept the four goals and objectives for Town Manager Kozak as outlined in their packet.  Vote yes/ Unanimous.

 

Fall Annual Town Meeting [Tuesday - October 28, 2008].  A motion/Mr. Marzec, seconded/Mr. Ampagoomian to close the Fall Annual Town Meeting warrant Friday, September 12, 2008 at Noon.  Vote yes/Unanimous.

 

Town Clerk [Doreen Cedrone]/ 1) Updating on voting at precincts – Chairman Montecalvo mentioned that some residents in town would like to see the return of polling at Precinct 2 – American Legion in Rockdale.  Ms. Cedrone thought everything has gone smoothly since combining the precincts at one location [high school], except for minor traffic problems when entering and exiting the parking lot.  Overall, she has received all positive feedback from wardens, clerks and citizens in town. Selectman Melia feels that keeping all the polling in one precinct should remain in tact for another election before making any changes.  Chairman Montecalvo asked Ms. Cedrone to provide a report after the national election.  2) Certification – Chairman Montecalvo presented Doreen Cedrone with a certificate provided by the International Institute of Municipal Clerks announcing her certification as a certified Municipal Town Clerk.  He mentioned Ms. Cedrone has completed all requirements by the International Institute of Municipal Clerks for the period of June 30, 2008 through June 30, 2012.

 

Cable Advisory Committee Policy Manual.  Present:  Chairman Sharron Ampagoomian, Committee Members:  David Miedema, III, Ronald Guillaume and Shelley Buma.  Also Present:  Producers of Cable Studio.  Chairman Montecalvo mentioned that a copy of the Cable Policy Manual has been submitted to Town Counsel for their review.  Once it is approved by Town Counsel, the Board of Selectmen will put in on a future agenda for discussion.

 

Cable Studio Location [Cable Committee].  Chairman Montecalvo felt that not enough sites have been explored for the location of the studio.  He suggested that the Cable Advisory Committee and Studio Producers get together and view other sites in town that could serve as the location of the Cable Studio.

Note:  The Audio of the meeting went dead for about 5 minutes.  Selectman Marzec mentioned that the Cable Studio issue has been ongoing for over a year and a half and that a vote was taken and the issue should be resolved.   Selectman Marzec feels the topic has been discussed ad nauseam.  The Selectmen were asked for alternative locations and no suitable town-owned locations were mentioned other than the Aldrich School Building.  That said, he recommended the vote from the previous Board be upheld.  Selectman Melia state that he would like further information before he makes his decision and then asked if the Cable Committee was planning to reorganize.  He further suggested that maybe it was time for a new chairperson to take charge and get the job done.  Chairman Montecalvo directed the Cable Committee to examine other facilities, gather all their facts and then come before the Board of Selectmen to discuss.           

 

Update on Union Street Brook [DPW Director Richard Sasseville].  Mr. Sasseville provided the Board of Selectmen with a quick presentation so that the newly elected Board members could have a better understanding of the issues at hand with the Union Street Brook.  He mentioned that his department has made some modifications to the drainage system on Louisa Drive and Devon Drive that can be removed or adjusted if needed.  Due to the fact there hasn’t been any major storm events since these actions were taken, the Highway Department cannot test their effectiveness but will continue to monitor these two areas.

 

Water Meters.  DPW Director Richard Sasseville mentioned that Mr. Don Bunker is no longer the manager of the Whitinsville Water Company but will continue to work as a consultant until the new water filtration plant is completed. Mr. Sasseville informed the Selectmen that the Whitinsville Water Company has rules and regulations, which state that they allow only one water meter per service.  These rules and regulations have been approved by the Department of Public Utilities of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.  Mr. Sasseville mentioned that if the Board of Selectmen chooses to assist the individuals with second meters for their water irrigation systems, it could have a negative impact with the sewer revenues.  If you discount irrigation water from being billed on the sewer system, you still have to make up that revenue some other way.  David Nowlan, 86 Washington Street, explained why he felt it wasn't fair to pay for water that wasn’t going into the sewer system.  He suggested bringing back the abatement process.  The Board of Selectmen agreed to look into this matter further to come up with a better solution.  The Town Manager advised that he will report to the Selectmen at a later date.

 

Town Manager’s Report.  1) Building Inspector Vehicle – Asked the Board if it would be possible for the Building Inspector to utilize the Fire Chief’s old vehicle due to the extensive travelling he does in the course of a week.  Chairman Montecalvo advised the Town Manager to make that decision.  2) Mileage Reimbursement Rate–He recommended the mileage reimbursement change from 44 cents to 48.5 cents. Selectman Melia and Selectman Ampagoomian recommended the mileage reimbursement rate be changed to 58.5 cents.  Town Manager Kozak remained firm on 48.5 cents.  3) Building, Planning & Construction Committee – three proposals will be coming in: a) the athletic fields, b) the Middle School Track and c) DPW Facility.  4) Recycling Facility – Scheduled to open on Saturday, July 19, 2008, at 9 a.m.  Brochures have been sent to all residents in Northbridge.  5) Affordable Housing Agreement – received a phone call from the Executive Office of Community Development about a piece of property that is in foreclosure.  He asked if the Town authorize the state to reauthorize the marketing of the property.  6) Attended a meeting at Mass Highway with DPW Director Richard Sasseville and Chairman Joseph Montecalvo.  They met with Mr. Frost who provided them with updates on the bridge projects and other projects going on in the Blackstone Valley area.

 

Selectmen’s Concerns.  Selectman Marzec 1) High School Fields – requested periodic updates.

2) Progress reports on the future upgrade of the Water Filtration System [Whitinsville Water Company].

3) Middle School Roof Reimbursement. Town Manager Kozak is looking into this.  4) Status of the Carpenter Road causeway.  5) Cable Programming Issue (content).  Selectman Melia 1) complaint regarding the recent local access TV show.  He feels this should be investigated by the District Attorney Office and determined whether it is an obscene show. 2) Cable Policy Manual – he mentioned that he liked it but it is missing information related to due process.  3) Acknowledged a letter from George Warren on fuel and oil pricing.  Selectman Ampagoomian 1) Elsa Mason Conservation Trust Fund – status?  Town Manager Kozak mentioned that the Town has exhausted all its resources and cannot find any information on this.  2) asked the Chairman and Town Manager to update the Board of Selectmen on their recent meeting with Town Counsel [Kopelman & Paige].  Chairman Montecalvo reported that they discussed their fees and services and felt they were still cheaper than other firms.  3) had a conversation with Town Manager Kozak regarding the power plant that was interested in the Town of Uxbridge and felt the Town Manager should contact them for information.  4) received a packet of information from a pellet factory company in Maine and asked about the status.  He was informed the company is building their factory in the Town of Upton.  5) handicap door opener -when is the button going to be placed outside? Town Manager Kozak mentioned that they have to go out to bid first.  6) asked Town Manger to provide the Board with backup information relative to items in his Town Manager's report.  Chairman Montecalvo mentioned the Selectmen’s packets would be placed in their mail slots on the Wednesday prior to a scheduled meeting by 4:30 PM. 7) suggested that the Executive Sessions should be recorded.  Town Manager Kozak will discuss with Town Counsel and report to the Board with his findings.  8) ACLU update?  Town Manager Kozak mentioned that he sent a letter to the ACLU requesting a check for the information needed and once the Town Manager's Office receives the check, the information would be forwarded. 9) New Police Officers – will there be a walking beat?  Chief Warchol mentioned they only have them on weekends due to budget constraints this year. 10) Noted that a former longtime resident of Northbridge, Andy Avedisian, World War II Veteran, has passed away.  His wife, Ruth, was the Town's *former Assistant Town Clerk.  Selectman Nolan 1) commended Town Manager Kozak for cleaning up the Great Hall.  2) commended the Fire Department for their wonderful display of fireworks on the Fourth of July.  He received numerous responses from citizens who enjoyed them.  Chairman Montecalvo 1) mentioned that Charter Communications signed the contract and the check is in the mail. 2) received a letter from a resident regarding a traffic study being conducted on Quaker Street who feels the study should be conducted when school is in session.  3) Pointed out that Mr. Davis has requested the minutes of the Executive Sessions for the Building, Planning and Construction Committee.

 

Items for Future Agenda.  1) Discussion on future Memorial Day Parades with Veterans. 2) Revisit bringing polling back to Precinct 2 at the American Legion.

 

Town Manager Kozak informed the Board that he will be on vacation the week of July 28, 2008.  Chairman Montecalvo mentioned the possibility of cancelling the July 28th meeting, pending nothing important comes up.  He will notify the Selectmen by the end of next week whether or not the meeting will be cancelled.

 

A motion/Mr. Marzec, seconded/Mr. Nolan to adjourn the meeting.  Vote yes/Unanimous.

 

Meeting Adjourned:  9:30 P.M.

 

                                                            Respectfully submitted,

 

 

 

                                                            Daniel Nolan, Clerk

 

dg/

 

*At their meeting of August 11, 2008, the Board of Selectmen voted to amend the July 14, 2008 minutes as follows:  under Selectmen’s Concerns, Selectman Ampagoomian, Item #10, strike the word “former” Town Clerk and insert “Assistant” Town Clerk for Ruth Avedisian.