Board of Selectmen
December 8, 2008
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, Nolan, Marzec and
Melia. Also Present: Theodore D. Kozak, Town Manager.
The Pledge of Allegiance was
recited by those present.
Presentation of Wreath from clients of the Evergreen Center,
Milford, MA. Clients from the
Evergreen Center presented a wreath to the Board
of Selectmen and Town Manager Kozak.
Chairman Montecalvo and Town Manager Kozak thanked them for the wreath
and mentioned it will be hung outside on the Town Hall.
Approval of Minutes.
November 10, 2008
A
motion/Mr. Ampagoomian, seconded/Mr. Nolan to approve the November 10, 2008 minutes
as presented with the readings omitted.
Vote yes/Unanimous.
November 10, 2008 [Executive Session]
A
motion/Mr. Ampagoomian, seconded/Mr. Marzec to approve but not release the November
10, 2008 Executive Session minutes as presented with the readings omitted. Vote yes/Unanimous.
November 24, 2008 [Executive Session]
A
motion/Mr. Marzec, seconded/Mr. Ampagoomian to approve but not release the November
24, 2008 Executive Session minutes as presented with the readings omitted. Vote yes/Unanimous.
Public Meeting. FY ’09 Community
Development Block Grant Program/Strategy Session. Present: Gary Bechtholdt, Town Planner. Chairman
Montecalvo opened public meeting for the fiscal year 2009 Community Development
Block Grant Strategy Session. Ted Kozak,
Town Manager, explained one of the first steps in the application process is to
apply for funds through this program.
Mr. Bechtholdt explained the
purpose of tonight’s public meeting is to open the review and public comment period for the Town’s Community Development Strategy
in preparation for Northbridge’s FY2009 Community Development Block Grant
(CDBG) program application. Mr.
Bechtholdt provided a handout for the meeting and then briefly highlighted the
program and what the town needs to do as a community to set the stage for the
application. Mr. Bechtholdt explained
town’s seeking grant funding shall annually review and update its Community
Development Strategy (CD Strategy). The Community Development Strategy shall summarize the
various planning documents developed locally and will outline a plan of action
to accomplish specific community development goals. The CD Strategy should also target certain
portions of the town for priority development purposes and include how the
community expects to address these priorities with CDBG & non-CDBG funds. Mr. Kozak mentioned Northbridge has completed
a number of municipal infrastructure projects most recently on Border Street,
which was the first phase of a 3-phase project.
In addition, Mr. Bechtholdt also noted the town has had a successful
housing rehab and sign and façade program through CDBG funding. Mr. Bechtholdt stated that Northbridge was
not awarded CDBG funding last year and that it was his initial intention, based
upon that public input, to seek similar project funds for the FY09 CDBG
program. Mr. Bechtholdt cited that in
addition to infrastructure improvements, other eligible projects include
housing assistance such as lead paint abatement, economic
development/commercial rehabilitation such as sign and façade improvements,
public facilities, (architectural barrier removal), public social services, and
certain planning projects. The eligible projects must satisfy one of the
three national objectives of the CDBG program: (a) benefit low and moderate incomes;
(b) prevent or eliminate conditions of slums or blight; or (c) address an
urgent or critical community need.
Mr. Bechtholdt stated again that the
purpose of tonight’s meeting is to open up the dialogue and public review comment
as we prepare this year’s application. The
FY08 CD strategy was completed for last year’s submission and we are currently using
it as a template for this year and certainly want to take input from the
residents to see if they want to expand the target area and/or seek other
program activities through CDBG funds. Mr.
Bechtholdt continued by suggesting a number of things one may want to ask themself,
as we move forward in the review process: Should the town continue to seek
funding for the reconstruction of streets and sidewalks? Are there other streets & sidewalks that
need improvement? Should the town
continue to offer housing rehabilitation assistance to its lower income residents? Are there public buildings that are not
accessible to all residents? What
projects should the Community Development Block Grant funds be targeted to in
Town? Are there some neighborhoods in
more need than others? Are there
services that could increase the economic stability of Northbridge’s low & moderate-income
residents? Should Northbridge consider
regional approaches to addressing certain community needs? The Community Development Block Grant
application is due February 13, 2009, and the town is presently working with the
Regional Planning Commission (CMRPC) in Worcester
on the preparation of this year’s CDBG application. The intent tonight is to initiate review and
keep that comment period open through the end of the month (December 31, 2008),
which will be followed by a public hearing in January specific to the
application. Copies of the draft CD
Strategy are on file with the Town Clerk and Planning Office and may also be
viewed online on the town’s website along with notice on the local access
channel with contact information. Those
interested in providing comments are encouraged to do so by contacting the Planning
or Town Manager’s Offices. Mr.
Bechtholdt indicated Northbridge is no longer considered a mini-entitlement
community and has not been for a couple of years and reviewed the option of
submitting the grant application under CDF I or CDF II. Mr. Bechtholdt briefly explained the
differences of the two grant funding pools (CDF I / CDF II), noting for CDF II,
the Community Need Score is not calculated in the overall scoring of the
application. Mr. Bechtholdt explained
the purpose of tonight’s meeting was not necessarily to speak specifically
about the program but to talk about the Town of Northbridge and its Community
Development Strategy moving forward, identify target area, prioritizing
initiatives in preparation of putting together a worthy application for this
grant program. Mr. Montecalvo asked when
the public hearing would be held. Mr.
Kozak explained the opening of the hearing would be the first meeting in
January and asked that the public who would like to offer comments and ideas to
contact the town during the open review period and during the public hearing
process. Mr. Bechtholdt advised the
public hearing would be advertised and posted.
Mr. Ampagoomian asked if anyone contacted Wayne Darragh, the consultant
who assisted Northbridge in the past.
Mr. Bechtholdt indicated that the Town Manger did communicate with Mr.
Darragh, who has been very helpful in our transition. Mr. Kozak reminded the Selectmen tonight’s
meeting is a good opportunity to offer thoughts and ideas. Mr. Melia asked if anyone has contacted the
State to determine why Northbridge did not get the grant last year and if we
are looking to get past that as we move forward with this year’s grant. Mr. Bechtholdt & Mr. Kozak explained as
part of their meeting with Mr. Darragh they also met with Mark Siegenthaler the
Community Development Manager at DHCD.
Mr. Kozak explained that a big part of the application is the Community
Need score. The good news is that the community is improving its economic and
social economics with higher income levels and better housing stock. However, it lowers the number on the
applications, which makes it more difficult to compete with other communities. In conclusion, Mr. Kozak noted that the Community
Need score was really the hurdle, which makes him think we may want to look at
CDF II instead of CDF I. Mr. Ampagoomian
agreed and suggested looking to fund installation of an elevator in the old Aldrich School so that the entire building could
be used for municipal activities. Mr.
Bechtholdt suggested that may be considered as a public facilities and architectural
barrier removal project. Mr. Kozak
explained that he had also considered it.
Mr. Bechtholdt explained that the town had a really strong application
last year for the infrastructure project so we could pick up a second activity
for the grant and would explore other activities and see how to make our
application stronger. We may get bonus points
for doing multiple projects, however, we may not benefit in the
application. Mr. Kozak noted the other
concern with the Aldrich
School is the property is
not currently within the target area. We
could look to extend the target area but to extend and submit a project in the
first year may not be received well. Mr.
Ampagoomian noted the Aldrich
School is just outside
the existing target area, which is the next block over. Mr. Bechtholdt noted if we are to add
activities, we need to make sure it is within the target area or expanded
target area as well as satisfy one of the three National objectives. Mr. Kozak said he may contact landlords to
see if there is a housing need and if those watching could contact the town;
could be outside our target area but we could expand it if there is a clear
need to expand. Mr. Bechtholdt noted
housing rehab was a successful program for the town in the past. Mr. Kozak also mentioned soliciting for
social public programs as well as looking into foreclosure or different types
of programs. Mr. Montecalvo expressed the
need to address sidewalks as they are in terrible shape. Mr. Bechtholdt noted that during the
Community Development Strategy session, we should look to prioritize
things. Mr. Kozak noted anyone with
comments/suggestions to please contact the Town with their thoughts and ideas.
After soliciting
input from those in the audience, A motion/Mr.
Ampagoomian, seconded/Mr. Marzec voted to keep the comment period open for the
Community Development Strategy through December 31, 2008. Vote yes/Unanimous.
Citizens’ Comments/Input. Loretta Donahue, 12 Taft Street, Northbridge,
concerned parent and advocate for the sports programs in Northbridge. She explained there are nine travel
basketball teams but not enough practice time in our gymnasiums. The teams are only allowed to use the
gymnasium for one hour and fifteen minutes a week for practice time. She was here to ask the board for assistance
with using the schools
gymnasiums for additional practice time.
Chairman Montecalvo advised her to speak with Town Manager Kozak so that
he can coordinate something with the Superintendent of Schools. Town Manager Kozak informed Mr. Montecalvo
that he spoke with Henry O’Donnell, Interim Superintendent, and that he wasn’t
aware there was a problem. Mr. O’Donnell
asked that Ms. Donahue contact him so they can arrange something.
The Village Congregational Church (Pastor Robert G.
Sherwood) /1) Request permission to use the Whitinsville Town Common for a Spring
Festival to be held on Saturday, June 20, 2009 from 9 A.M. to 3 P.M. (Rain
Date: Sunday, June 21, 2009). A motion/Mr. Marzec,
seconded/Mr. Ampagoomian to grant permission to The Village Congregational Church to use the Whitinsville Town
Common for a Spring Festival to be held on Saturday, June 20, 2009 from 9 A.M.
to 3 P.M. (Rain Date: Sunday, June 21, 2009). Vote yes/Unanimous. 2) Request to block off Church Street from in front of the Church
to the intersection of Park Street.
A motion/Mr. Marzec, seconded/Mr.
Ampagoomian to approve the above request subject to the safety requirements of
the Police Department and Department of Public Works. Vote yes/Unanimous.
JoAnn Warren d/b/a JoAnn Warren Studio [JoAnn Warren,
Mgr.] /Vote to approve dance permit.
A motion/Mr. Marzec,
seconded/Mr. Melia to approve the JoAnn Warren d/b/a JoAnn Warren Studio dance
permit. Vote yes/Unanimous.
Excavation and Trench Safety Regulations. Present:
Richard Sasseville, DPW Director.
Mr. Sasseville provided the
Board of Selectmen with a “draft” copy of the Trench Safety Regulations and
explained that the Commonwealth
of Massachusetts adopted
a new law to protect the public from open trenches. In addition, the Safety Committee will have
to designate a permitting authority at their next meeting and then the
regulations need to be approved by the Board of Selectmen. The Board of Selectmen will review the
information and place it on their next agenda for approval.
Holiday Events Update [Playground and
Recreation Commission, Alternatives & Holiday Tree Lighting Committee. Present: Bruce Frieswick, Chair of Playground and
Recreation Commission, Committee Members: Frank Puda and Alicia Cannon. Donna Prior, Alternatives, and Kathy Lyons Chair,
of the Holiday Tree Lighting Committee. The
Board of Selectmen thanked each committee and all the volunteers for their hard
work and effort in making the Holiday Events such a success. That said, the Selectmen also provided some
suggestions on how to conduct future Holiday events in the Town of Northbridge.
Playground & Recreation Policy Manual. Present:
Bruce Frieswick, Chair of Playground and Recreation Commission and Committee
Members: Alicia Cannon and Frank Puda. The Board of Selectmen mentioned they would review
the policy manual and provide their comments to the Playground and Recreation Commission
for their review. Chairman Montecalvo
mentioned that he will go along with their policy but if he feels something
needs to be changed, it could be changed in the future. After the Board of Selectmen review the
policy manual, the Playground and Recreation Committee will be invited to a
future meeting at which the Board of Selectmen will take a vote on the policy
manual.
Northbridge High School
Accreditation. Present: Christine
Johnson, Principal and Mary Contino, Chairman of the School Committee. Chairman
Montecalvo announced that Northbridge
High School has been
accredited for the next 10 years.
Chairman Contino mentioned they were thrilled to hear the good
news. The Board of Selectmen
congratulated Ms. Johnson, Ms. Contino and all who contributed to making the
accreditation happen.
Town Manager’s Report. 1) Building, Planning and Construction
Committee Update – the committee has begun a feasibility study for the fire
station [Heritage Design]. Looking at
the possibility of placing the fire station behind the police department. Hired a firm for the infiltration basin. Currently working with an engineer on a DPW
study but the quote came in high. 2) Community Development Meeting – a
representative from the State came out to meet with Gary Bechtholdt and Town
Manager Kozak to discuss the town’s application. Town Manager Kozak mentioned
that he and Mr. Bechtholdt would be attending a workshop on grants tomorrow in Boston. 3)
Personnel Board Meeting - finalizing the personnel policy and will be holding a
public meeting sometime in January. 4) Cable Advisory Committee Update –
met with the Chairman of the Cable Committee to discuss Community Access
design. Town Manager Kozak will work with the attorney to put together a packet
for the Board to review. 5) Update on website for Financial
Information – spoke to Bob Thayer about the budgets and will make sure the
information is out on the website for individuals to review. 6)
Update on Aldrich School Work – received bid proposals for work to be done at
the school. Hopefully, the building will be ready for spring time so that
employees can move into the building. 7) Employee & Volunteer Recognition
Program – working with Sharon Susienka on putting together plaques and
certificates with hopes to present the plaques/certificates at the first Board
of Selectmen’s meeting in January. 8) Ambulance Update – a deer hit the
ambulance and the ambulance is at Kearn’s Auto Body for repair. 9)
Town Manager Kozak mentioned that the Town of Northbridge won the “Best Voting” award for
2008. According to the Lou Bertonazzi
Foundation, Northbridge’s average was 40.02 percent.
Selectmen’s Concerns. Selectman Marzec 1) A citizen approached him about replacing a sign on St. James Court and
he is willing to help foot the bill. Mr.
Sasseville informed the Board that they have a sign, however, they just need a
place to put the sign. 2)
Memorial Square – asked if the Safety Committee could
review the intersection; 3) attended
a workshop at UMASS Amherst on green initiatives. Selectman
Melia 1) Memorial Square gridlock problems. Selectman Ampagoomian 1)
suggested inviting Verizon and National Grid in to their next meeting to
discuss getting rid of poles; 2)
Cable Studio Location and following the 30B Process. Town Manager Kozak will
contact the Inspector General regarding the grant money for the 30B process. Selectman
Nolan 1) timing of SBAB funding for the Middle School Roof Project – Town
Manager Kozak mentioned the school submitted the application and hasn’t heard
anything yet? 2) Veteran’s Building
on Hill Street
– asked who is responsible for the upkeep? The roof looks like its
deteriorating; 3) inquired as to
when the Animal Control Officer will be coming in again to provide an update to
the coyote situation. Town Manager Kozak
mentioned that Dan Chauvin, Animal Control Officer, would be coming to the
first meeting in January to discuss further.
4) Resolution of St.
Patrick’s Lease – Town Manager Kozak mentioned that the draft version was
signed and they are now waiting for St. Patrick’s attorney to respond regarding
the language.
Items for Future Agenda.
Executive Session. A motion/Mr. Marzec,
seconded/Mr. Melia to go into Executive Session under M.G.L. Chapter 39, S.
23B#3 Negotiations--not to reconvene in open session. Roll Call Vote: Mr. Marzec/Yes; Mr. Melia/Yes; Mr. Nolan/Yes;
Mr. Ampagoomian/Yes; and Mr. Montecalvo/Yes.
Meeting Adjourned: 8:49 P.M.
Respectfully
submitted,
Daniel
Nolan, Clerk
/dg