Board of Selectmen

May 5, 2009

A meeting of the Board of Selectmen was called to order by Chairman Joseph Montecalvo at 6:30 PM, Northbridge Middle School Auditorium, 171 Linwood Avenue, Whitinsville, MA. Present: Messrs. Ampagoomian, Nolan, Marzec and Melia. Also Present: Theodore D. Kozak, Town Manager, Sharon Susienka, Asst. to the Town Manager and Donna Gosselin, Adm. Asst.

Spring Annual Town Meeting/Vote positions on several warrant articles. Regarding Article 13 – Acceptance of Chapter 137 of the Acts of 2003 [benefits paid during a military leave of absence], Town Manager Kozak reminded the Board that at their last meeting on April 27, 2009, they voted to "pass over" Article 13. Continuing, he explained to them why Article 13 wasn’t needed and why it was going to be passed over at this evening's town meeting. He stated that the article contained the wrong legislative reference and that a new law has superseded the legislative reference included in the warrant article. With respect to Article 16 – Aldrich School [5-year lease for Northbridge community television cable operations], Mr. Kozak reminded the Board that at their last meeting on April 27, 2009, they voted to "support" Article 16, however, he was now recommending that the Board vote to "pass over" Article 16 at this evening's town meeting for the following reason: He advised that if Article 14 is passed by town meeting tonight then Article 16 would not be needed as the leasing provision is covered under Article 14, which transfers the custody, care and control of the Aldrich School Building from the School Committee to the Board of Selectmen, including the leasing of all or a portion of the building. There being no further discussion, a motion/Mr. Marzec, seconded/Mr. Nolan to pass over Article 16. Vote yes/Unanimous. Next, Mr. Kozak asked the Selectmen if they wanted to re-vote their position on Article 25 [Petition for reinstatement of the sewer abatement process]. He reminded the Board that at their last meeting on April 27, 2009, they voted to take "no position" on Article 25. The Selectmen all agreed to uphold their previous vote of "no position" on Article 25.

Town Manager's Evaluation. Chairman Montecalvo reviewed the Town Manager's evaluation form with the Selectmen and asked them to fill out the evaluation forms and return them to him by May 14, 2009, so the scores can be compiled and the evaluation can be scheduled on the May 18, 2009 Board of Selectmen's agenda.

Selectmen’s Concerns. Selectman Marzec - Mentioned the fire on Border Street last week and suggested that the Board try to organize something to help those who were displaced by the fire. Town Manager Kozak advised that he contacted the Red Cross but they haven't returned his call. It was then suggested that the Town Manager's Office contact a bank and set up a fund to collect monetary donations. Selectman Melia suggested having one of the Chiefs call the Red Cross to find out how to go about getting help for those in need. The Town Manager remarked that the Red Cross has already contacted some individuals. Selectman Melia – 1) Stated that he went to Union Street to view the brook [did not go on any private property] and it looked okay after the recent rain. 2) Asked about the Memorial Day Parade. Mr. Kozak responded that he asked both veterans' groups to push back the start time ½ hour but has received only one response so far.

There being no further business before the Board, a motion/Mr. Ampagoomian, seconded/Mr. Nolan to adjourn the May 5, 2009 Selectmen's meeting at the conclusion of the Spring Session of the Annual Town Meeting. Vote yes/Unanimous.

Meeting Adjourned: 9:59 P.M.

Respectfully submitted,

Daniel Nolan, Clerk

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