Board of Selectmen

February 9, 2009

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.

Senator Louis P. Bertonazzi Foundation – Citizenship Award presented to the Northbridge Town Clerk. Senator Bertonazzi congratulated the Town of Northbridge for winning the second such Senator Louis P. Bertonazzi Foundation Citizenship Award. He explained that the Citizenship Award is a voting competition amongst nineteen towns. The process consists of Town Clerks forwarding election information to the foundation consisting of the number of registered voters and the actual number of people who voted in each town after the 2007 local election, 2008 local election, 2008 Presidential Primary, 2008 September Primary and the 2008 Presidential election (November). The updated standings are released after each election and then the final tally represents the cumulative total of all five elections. Senator Bertonazzi presented the Board of Selectmen with an inscribed plaque to be placed in the Northbridge Town Hall for the next two years. He then presented a check in the amount of $1,000 to Town Clerk Doreen Cedrone and the Board of Registrars (Dr. John Baker, Sandra Ovian and Peter Andonian) to be used as they see fit to enhance voter participation in future elections. With that done, he presented a banner to the Town of Northbridge that read “Citizenship Award, Best Voting Community, Northbridge”.

Approval of Minutes.

December 8, 2008 - A motion/Mr. Ampagoomian, seconded/Mr. Marzec to approve the December 8, 2008 minutes as presented with the readings omitted. Vote yes/Unanimous.

December 8, 2008 [Executive Session]

A motion/Mr. Marzec, seconded/Mr. Ampagoomian to approve but not release the December 8, 2008 Executive Session minutes as presented with the readings omitted. Vote yes/Unanimous.

December 22, 2008 [Executive Session]

A motion/Mr. Ampagoomian, seconded/Mr. Nolan to approve but not release the December 22, 2008 Executive Session minutes as presented with the readings omitted. Vote yes/Unanimous.

January 12, 2009 – Selectman Marzec requested the January 12, 2009 minutes be amended as follows: under the heading entitled Executive Session - Roll Call Vote, delete his name, as he was not present at this meeting. A motion/Mr. Ampagoomian, seconded/Mr. Nolan to approve the January 12, 2009 minutes as amended by Selectman Marzec. Vote yes/Unanimous.

January 12, 2009 [Executive Session]

A motion/Mr. Melia, seconded/Mr. Ampagoomian to approve but not release the January 12, 2009 Executive Session minutes as presented with the readings omitted. Vote yes/Messrs. Melia, Nolan, Montecalvo, and Ampagoomian. Abstain/Mr. Marzec.

January 26, 2009 – Selectman Nolan requested the January 26, 2009 minutes be amended as follows:

1) Under the topic Northbridge Community Access and Media Inc., strike out the language: “Selectman Nolan expressed his concerns about forming an LLC”, and replace it with the following: “Selectman Nolan clarified his position from the previous meetings stating he would prefer the 30B process to be implemented”. 2) Under the title “Cable Non-Profit Corporation, second sentence should read as follows: “Selectman Nolan asked if there was a problem with the Board of Selectmen nominating four of the five members, three directly and one indirectly via the Cable Advisory Board, which is also appointed by the Board of Selectmen. Continuing, Selectman Marzec requested the minutes be amended as follows: Under the heading of Selectmen’s Concerns (Selectman Marzec, Item #8), insert the following statement at the end of the sentence: “he stated in his opinion that it is not the Town Manager’s job to do this but the elected officials”. A motion/Mr. Marzec, seconded/Mr. Nolan to approve the January 26, 2009 minutes as amended by Selectmen Nolan and Marzec. Vote yes/Unanimous.

Appointments/By the Board of Selectmen:

1) Playground & Recreation Commission: Dwayne Fitzgerald. Present: Dwayne Fitzgerald, 157 School Street, Northbridge. Selectman Marzec, Selectman Nolan and Selectman Melia each stated that they know Dwayne Fitzgerald and highly recommend him for appointment to the Playground and Recreation Commission. A motion/Mr. Marzec, seconded/Mr. Melia to appoint Dwayne Fitzgerald to the Playground and Recreation Commission. Vote yes/Unanimous.

2) Northbridge Community Access and Media Inc. [Cable Non-Profit Corporation]. Positions: One 1-year Term, One 2-Year Term, and One 3-year term. Applicants: a) Harry Berkowitz, 294 Benson Road, Northbridge; b) Ronald Guillaume, 267 Rumonoski Drive, Northbridge; c) Daniel Nolan, 41 Alana Drive, Northbridge; d) Sharron Ampagoomian, 41 Henry Street, Whitinsville; and e) Russell Collins, 292 Mason Road, Whitinsville. It was noted that Mr. Collins sent a letter to the Board stating that he was unable to make this evening's meeting due to a prior commitment. Continuing, each applicant introduced him/herself. Chairman Montecalvo began and asked each candidate why they wanted to be appointed to the committee and each candidate responded with their reason(s). Following that was a short question and answer period by Board members. Mr. Guillaume pointed out that Article One of the Corporation Bylaws for Northbridge Community Access and Media, Inc. be modified as follows: in Line 6, after the word public, insert the word government so that the line reads “provide non-commercial, public, government, and educational cable access”…… Town Manager Kozak remarked that they could make this change. Chairman Montecalvo then asked for nominations for the 3-year term. Selectman Nolan indicated that he would like to be a part of the voting process even though he was seeking appointment. Chairman Montecalvo and Selectman Ampagoomian both stated that they thought the State Ethics Commission would not allow this because Selectman Nolan is a candidate for appointment to the Cable Non-Profit Corporation. A motion/Mr. Ampagoomian, seconded/Mr. Melia to appoint Harry Berkowitz to the 3-year term on the Cable Non-Profit Corporation. Vote yes/Messrs. Marzec, Melia, Ampagoomian and Montecalvo. A motion/Mr. Marzec to appoint Dan Nolan to the 2-year term on the Cable Non-Profit Corporation. No second, motion dies. A motion/Mr. Ampagoomian, seconded/Mr. Montecalvo to appoint Sharron Ampagoomian to the 2-year term on the Cable Non-Profit Corporation. A motion/Mr. Ampagoomian, seconded/Mr. Montecalvo to appoint Ronald Guillaume to the 2-year term on the Cable Non-Profit Corporation. Mr. Guillaume requested that his name be withdrawn from consideration for the 2-year term and asked that Sharron Ampagoomian be appointed to the 2-year term. Vote on motion to appoint Ms. Ampagoomian: Vote yes/Messrs. Ampagoomian, Melia and Montecalvo. Vote no/Mr. Marzec. A motion/Mr. Ampagoomian, seconded/Mr. Melia to appoint Ronald Guillaume to the 1-year term on the Cable Non-Profit Corporation. A motion/Mr. Marzec to appoint Dan Nolan for the 1-year term on the Cable Non-Profit Corporation. No second, motion dies. Vote on motion to appoint Mr. Guillaume: Vote yes/ Messrs. Ampagoomian, Montecalvo, Melia and Marzec.

Citizens’ Comments/Input. Salvatore D’Amato, Finance Committee member, was present to express concerns from the Chairman of the Finance Committee Mary Frances Powers, who is unable to attend due to a medical condition. Mr. D’Amato stated that he wants to discuss free cash certification and the make up of it, preferably $779,671 the one-time closeout in the reserves. He reported that this amount has remained on the annual town report since 2006 and could not fathom why the Town Accountant has not disclosed this account during a budget meeting or any revenue discussions. That said, the Finance Committee feels that it is important that the Municipal side be held to the same standards as the School Department, which in turn means full disclosure of all reserves and numbers associated with revenues in Town. Because of what happened previously with the School Department finding monies in their reserves, the school has since put forward quarterly meetings so that they can discuss what reserves they have. The Finance Committee is asking the municipal side to do the same, as the credibility of the town is at stake.

South Middlesex Opportunity Council [SMOC] Subordination Agreements/Vote to sign. Present: David Bobillier, Senior Housing Coordinator for SMOC. Mr. Bobillier stated that SMOC would like the Selectmen to sign off on several subordination agreements so that they can refinance 63 affordable units in the Rockdale area. This will allow them to create a cash flow along with helping them build their capital budgets for improvements. Chairman Montecalvo mentioned the Board of Selectmen would vote tonight, however, it would be subject to Town Counsel’s approval. A motion/Mr. Melia, seconded/Mr. Nolan to sign the subordination agreements subject to review and confirmation of acceptable documentation by Town Counsel. Vote yes/Unanimous.

Cable Non-Profit Corporation/Vote to appoint officers. Town Manager Kozak advised the Board of Selectmen of a conversation he had with Attorney Hewig on what the next steps are for the Cable Non-Profit Corporation. Attorney Hewig suggested the Board of Selectmen file their Articles of Organization as soon as possible. Selectman Marzec suggested holding off on that until the School Committee makes their appointment. Selectman Ampagoomian suggested the officers of the Board of Selectmen be the officers for the cable non-profit corporation pending the other board members' approval. That said, a motion/Mr. Melia, seconded/Mr. Ampagoomian to appoint Chairman Montecalvo as President, Selectman Ampagoomian as Vice President and Selectman Nolan as Clerk of Northbridge Community Access and Media, Inc. [Cable Non-Profit Corporation]. Vote yes/Unanimous. Selectman Ampagoomian suggested that the name of the Cable Non-Profit Corporation be changed to: “Northbridge Community Television, Inc. as Cable has gone by that name for quite some time. Town Manager Kozak mentioned that prior to tonight’s meeting he spoke to Attorney Hewig about changing the name of the Corporation and Attorney Hewig advised him that the Selectmen could name the Corporation whatever they liked. A motion was made and seconded to change the name of Cable Non-Profit Corporation from Northbridge Community Access and Media Inc. to Northbridge Community Television Inc. Vote yes/Unanimous. A motion/Mr. Ampagoomian, seconded/Mr. Montecalvo to amend Article 1 of the Corporation Bylaws as follows: in Line 6, after the word public, insert the word government so that the line reads ……….provide non-commercial, public, government, and educational cable access…… Vote yes/Unanimous.

Emergency Plan Review/Present: Fire Chief Gary Nestor & Richard West, Director, Northbridge Emergency Management Agency. Mr. West, 132 Swift Road, Whitinsville, announced that he came before the Board of Selectmen to discuss and answer questions relative to an emergency shelter should the need ever arise in Northbridge. He also informed the Selectmen that he is in the process of making some updates to the Town's Emergency Planning Manual. Chief Nestor mentioned that if there is anyone out in the Community that is interested in volunteering and helping the Emergency Management folks to contact him at 508-234-8448 or Mr. West at 508-328-9032. They can use all the assistance they can get.

Formation of a Green Committee. Selectman Marzec provided a packet of information regarding the formation of a Green Committee to the members of the Board of Selectmen for their review. By forming a Green Committee, the town will end up saving money in the long run especially with rising home energy costs. The Board of Selectmen agreed to form a Green Committee and suggested advertising for the committee by placing it in the Telegram & Gazette and posting it on Cable and Town’s web page.

DPW & Fire Station Facilities Update/Present: George Murray, Chairman of the Building, Planning & Construction Committee [BPCC]. George Murray, 43 Spruce Street, Northbridge, provided an update on the DPW and Fire Station facilities. He advised that his committee is reviewing the Wastewater Treatment Plant as a possible site for the DPW facility, as this would not cost the town any money for the land. The BPCC has chosen Earth Tech to do a preliminary review of the site to see if it’s feasible and once they receive the study they can use it anywhere. However, Mr. Murray mentioned that his committee is still in negotiations with Earth Tech for the services they will provide to the Town. Mr. Murray also stated that a new Fire Station facility has been on the back burner for 20 plus years and his Committee has since hired Heritage Design Group to look at a site near the Police Station. They are currently waiting for Heritage Design to provide them with the details as to whether or not the site is suitable.

Ross Rajotte & Mumford Bridges Update/Present: Richard Sasseville, DPW Director. Mr. Sasseville announced that representatives from Mass Highway were invited to attend this evening's meeting, however, they were not able to attend due to conflicts with their schedules. He stated that he gathered some information off Mass Highway's website and provided each of the Selectmen with a one-page synopsis. The Ross Rajotte and Mumford Bridges are currently in the design phase, which can be viewed after the meeting. Mr. Sasseville mentioned that the drawings [design] for Sutton Street have been sent to Mass Highway for their review and Plummer’s Corner is in the 25% design process.

Selectman Marzec reported that he spoke with Rep. George Peterson regarding the hold up on the Mumford Bridge and he was under the impression that it was a local issue. After conducting some further research on the bridge, he noted that someone at no cost to the Town did some design plans in 2004 that were approved. Selectman Marzec said it doesn’t make sense that the bridge project won’t be done until 2012. Chairman Montecalvo interjected by stating that the Mass Highway Department does their own design process and that the Town of Northbridge was informed by them that the bridge project would not begin until 2010-2012. Chairman Montecalvo also pointed out that the bridge is being held up due to funding issues.

Vail Field Concession Stand/Present: Louie Bernard, Member-Playground and Recreation Commission, 1429 Providence Road, Whitinsville. Mr. Bernard mentioned that he is speaking as a member of the Northbridge Youth Softball Association this evening asking for assistance with the use of a shed at Vail field. He provided a handout to the Selectmen that included a timeline of events of when construction of a shed began at Vail field. Mr. Bernard continued by stating that his association is looking for sole usage of the shed to be granted to them. Mr. Bernard was advised that their association would pay to have all the issues repaired and/or modified for occupancy of the shed should the Parks and Recreation Commission grant them sole usage. Selectman Ampagoomian suggested a meeting take place with the Parks and Recreation Commission, Northbridge Youth Softball Association and Town Manager Kozak to come to some kind of common ground for use of the shed.

Town Manager’s Report. 1) Local Aid Adjustments – provided a report on the impacts of the Governor’s proposed reduction of local aid in FY09 and FY10. 2) Free Cash Certification – provided a report of free cash funds certified by the State. 3) Updated the Selectmen on the process to hire a new Treasurer/Collector for the community. He mentioned that he received 11 applications and out of the 11 applicants, 6 of them had municipal backgrounds. That said, he established a sub-committee for the interviewing process, which includes Sharon Susienka, Neil Vaidya, Peter Mimmo of the Personnel Board and Mary Thompson of the Finance Committee. 4) Personnel Board Update – continues to work on the personnel policy revisions. Reminded the Board of the upcoming continued public hearing, Wednesday, February 11^th at 5 PM in the BOS Room. 5) Four Town Group Meeting – to be held in the Town of Douglas on February 19, 2009 at 1 PM with the new Secretary of Housing and Economic Development, Gregory Bialeki. 6) Home Energy Seminar – seminar will assist homeowners with conserving energy. 7) Applications for the Community Development Block Grant will be submitted Friday, February 13^th for the Village Infrastructure work.

Selectmen’s Concerns. Chairman Montecalvo 1) Recommended cancelling the Board of Selectmen's meeting on February 23^rd. The Board of Selectmen agreed. Selectman Ampagoomian 1) Suggested sending a letter of opposition to the Governor voicing their concerns about the gas tax increase. 2) Concerned about town services and whether or not they would be cut. Town Manager Kozak mentioned that there would be no cuts this year. 3) He wanted to go on record to say that he thought it was inappropriate for an earlier guest to speak out of turn regarding the Town Accountant. Selectman Nolan 1) Congratulated Susan Cote on becoming the new School Superintendent for Northbridge. Selectman Melia 1) Inquired about a letter the Town received from Dr. Fitzpatrick of Blackstone Valley Regional Vocational Technical High School regarding the retroactive recovering of monies from grants on Storage Tank removals. Town Manager Kozak mentioned that he has contacted Mr. George Murray, Chairman of the Building, Planning and Construction Committee, to see if they had any tanks that we could go after. 2) Congratulated the Northbridge Police Department for doing a great job apprehending a suspect in a recent burglary on Fowler Road.

Executive Session. A motion/Mr. Ampagoomian, seconded/Mr.Marzec to go into Executive Session under M.G.L. Chapter 39, S. 23B#3 Negotiations and Chapter 39, S. 23B#5 Criminal Misconduct --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: 9:48 P.M.

Respectfully submitted,

Daniel Nolan, Clerk

/dg