Board of Selectmen

October 19, 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, Marzec, Nolan, Melia. Also Present: Theodore D. Kozak, Town Manager.

The Pledge of Allegiance was recited by those present.

Approval of Minutes.

September 8, 2009 - A motion/Mr. Marzec, seconded/Mr. Ampagoomian to approve the September 8, 2009 minutes as presented with the readings omitted. Vote yes/Unanimous.

September 28, 2009 – Selectman Nolan requested the minutes be amended as follows: Under the heading entitled "Northbridge Community Television, Inc. Revised Bylaws" insert the words "Chairman Montecalvo" in place of the words "Selectman Nolan" so that the first sentence reads as follows: At a previous Selectmen’s Meeting, Chairman Montecalvo requested Board members to submit any questions regarding the revisions recommended by Mr. Berkowitz to Town Counsel for review. A motion/Mr. Marzec, seconded/Mr. Ampagoomian to amend the September 28, 2009 minutes as requested above. Vote yes/Unanimous.

September 28, 2009 [Executive Session] - A motion/Mr. Nolan, seconded/Mr. Marzec to approve the September 28, 2009 Executive Session minutes as presented with the readings omitted. Vote yes/ Unanimous.

Resignations: Bruce Frieswick, Playground & Recreation. Selectman Melia asked why Mr. Frieswick was leaving the board after being a long time member. Chairman Montecalvo announced that he wasn’t sure why he was leaving and then mentioned that a letter will be sent thanking him for his years of service to the Town. There being no further comments, a motion/Mr. Ampagoomian, seconded/Mr. Nolan to accept with regret Mr. Bruce Frieswick’s resignation from the Playground and Recreation Commission. Vote yes/Unanimous.

Citizens’ Comments/Input. 1) Representative George N. Peterson, Jr. provided a handout discussing the state budget for FY '09 and FY '10. He advised the Board that the state has used $1.4 billion dollars in stabilization money, $1.4 billion dollars in federal stimulus dollars; $340 million dollars in 9C cuts [mid-year cuts such as local aid], and $506 million dollars in other one-time monies totaling over 3½ billion dollars. He said the state budget is currently $250 to $260 million dollars out of balance after the first quarter and the revenues are much lower than what they anticipated and there is no money in the rainy day fund to make up any losses. He also announced that FY '11 will be an extremely tough year. Selectman Ampagoomian a) Thanked Rep. Peterson for coming to Northbridge and asked how the legislature and Governor resolved the issue when Massachusetts failed to get into the lottery game, Power ball. Rep. Peterson responded that after the Senate and House budgets were completed, they thought it would generate $25 million in additional lottery revenue that would go back to cities and towns; however, two weeks before the conference committee report, the state voted not to allow Powerball to come in and did not notify the conferees on the budget. They were already out of balance $25 million dollars when the Governor signed the budget. Since then, they voted to allow Power ball to come to Massachusetts but it will take at least two to three months to implement and therefore we can't count on the $25 million in additional lottery revenue that we hoped for. b) He asked with all the cuts the Governor is making, why is the Governor hitting the heart of cities and towns? Rep. Peterson mentioned that the Governor will be looking at every line item in the budget and he mentioned that a lot of the budget cannot be touched such as indebtedness, bond repayment, unfunded pension liability, Medicare and Medicaid. Selectman Nolan asked if the sales tax increase was over estimated. Rep. Peterson replied that it was over estimated and they are taking in less sales tax revenue. Chairman Montecalvo asked if the Governor is holding back on stimulus money. Rep. Peterson answered that he can’t get a clear answer on how much stimulus money has been spent and how much is left. Town Manager Kozak mentioned that the Massachusetts Municipal Association has several reform packages before the legislature: pension reform, closing loop holes in telecommunications and properties, health insurance (plan development) and asked Mr. Peterson his thoughts on these issues. Rep. Peterson explained that having plan development will allow communities to have a better handle on health costs; the expansion with telecommunications is on hold right now; and lastly, he mentioned that the unfunded state pension liability payment was $1.3 billion dollars and the pension fund will be funded by 2027. He also explained that the funding schedule might be rolled out five more years. 2) Middle School Students and Teacher Sherri Travers. Ms. Travers introduced Vice Principal Rich Meagher and Middle School Students: Molly O'Brien, Emma Fitzgerald and Matthew Goldstein. a) Veterans’ Day Breakfast invite – Ms. O'Brien invited all Veterans and their families to attend their 5^th Annual Veterans’ Day Breakfast on November 7, 2009, from 8:00 AM to 10:00 AM, at the Northbridge Middle School Cafeteria. Ms. Fitzgerald informed the Selectmen that students from the Middle School are going to air a cable show towards the middle of November and one of the major components will be interviews with Veterans’. If any veteran wants to be interviewed but cannot make it to the breakfast, they can contact Ms. Sherri Travers. b) Introduction of Social Justice Group "Make Waves" – Ms. Travers provided the Selectmen with certificates. Mr. Goldstein explained the certificates are given to individuals that do a good deed for someone and that individuals who receive a certificate should log onto the globalwaves.org website and fill out a questionnaire. Chairman Montecalvo thanked the students for coming to their meeting. 3) Roger Mathieu, 2713 Providence Road, Northbridge, thanked the town for his appreciation award. That said, Mr. Mathieu asked if he and other residents in his neighborhood could come before the Board for a discussion on what it would cost to bring sewer to the Grafton line. Chairman Montecalvo advised Mr. Mathieu that he would have the Town Manager look into this project.

Special State Primary Election Warrant [Tuesday, December 8, 2009, 7AM-8PM]/Vote to sign. Selectman Marzec asked for verification on the funding for this election. Town Manager Kozak advised it was the State who was paying for the Special State Primary Election. A motion/Mr. Ampagoomian, seconded/Mr. Marzec to sign the Special State Primary Election Warrant for Tuesday, December 8, 2009 from 7 AM to 8 PM. Vote yes/Unanimous.

Chairman Montecalvo announced that he was moving Item D “Fall Annual Town Meeting Warrant” to after Item H “School Department”. The Board of Selectmen agreed.

Street Acceptances/Vote to lay out the following roads as public ways: 1) Olivia Drive (Marino Estates) and 2) Prairie Street (Rocky Hill Farm Estates). Present: Gary Bechtholdt, Town Planner. The Planning Board recommends that the Board of Selectmen vote to lay out the above roads as public ways. Mr. Bechtholdt noted that Prairie Street will be accepted by gift. Next, he explained that the developer for Olivia Drive failed to retain all the easements in that street and is in the process of satisfying waivers with the abutting property owners and therefore at town meeting, the vote to accept Olivia Drive will be by eminent domain instead of a gift. Mr. Bechtholdt mentioned that he will leave the mylar plans with the Board of Selectmen so that they can review and sign them. A motion/Mr. Nolan, seconded/Mr. Melia to lay out Olivia Drive and Prairie Street as public ways as recommended by the Planning Board. Vote yes/Unanimous.

FY 2008 Community Development Block Grant Contract/Vote to sign contract between the Department of Housing & Community Development and the Town of Northbridge. Town Manager Kozak advised the Selectmen that this is a standard contract between the Department of Housing and Community Development and the Town of Northbridge for the FY 2008 CDBG program. This contract will allow the Town of Northbridge to receive stimulus money in the amount of $674,000 for the FY 2008 CDBG program. A motion/Mr. Marzec, seconded/Mr. Ampagoomian to allow Town Manager Kozak to sign the FY 2008 Community Development Block Grant Contract. Vote yes/Unanimous.

Chairman Montecalvo announced that since Mr. Bechtholdt is here, they would skip to Item I, under discussions, “FY 10 Community Development Block Grant”.

FY 2010 Community Development Block Grant. Present: Gary Bechtholdt, Town Planner and Tim Hansen, Central Massachusetts Regional Planning Commission (CMRPC) met with the Board of Selectmen to review the FY 2010 Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program. Mr. Bechtholdt noted that Mr. Hansen assisted Northbridge in preparing last year’s grant and will do so for this year’s application. Mr. Bechtholdt announced that the deadline for the FY 2010 CDBG application is February 2010, although a specific date has not been determined by DHCD. Mr. Bechtholdt explained the requirement to update the town’s Community Development Strategy as part of the application. Mr. Bechtholdt mentioned that the Community Planning & Development office did host a workshop two weeks ago on Tuesday, October 06, 2009 where participants were asked to discuss the needs of the community and how future CDBG funds may be applied for in town; unfortunately this meeting was poorly attended. Mr. Bechtholdt noted that he found the scoring of the last two grant-year submissions did not favor very well; this may be due in large part to community involvement. Mr. Bechtholdt felt in order to be more competitive the town needs to improve on community involvement. With that Mr. Bechtholdt expressed that he is looking to the Board of Selectmen to create a CDBG Advisory Committee to help facilitate and initiate some dialogue and input from the community in putting together this year’s application. A public meeting/workshop will be held on Monday, November 2^nd beginning at 6PM.

Mr. Hansen noted that many towns have CDBG advisory committees to review grant applications and discuss possible activities; noting that it would not guarantee funding but would be a step in the right direction to increase community involvement. Mr. Ampagoomian asked if including information gathered, as part of the Master Plan Update Committees efforts could be included to improve on the overall scoring. Mr. Hansen noted that anytime a town takes on a Master Plan update can add applicable information to the application, which may help show community involvement and may also show need.

Mr. Hansen (noting the guidelines for this year’s application have not been issued) briefly reviewed with the Selectmen four sections of the CDBG scoring: (1) Need of the project; (2) Community Involvement –how did community choose these projects; (3) Feasibility –can the community carry out this project; and (4) Impact on how need will be addressed. Mr. Bechtholdt mentioned again that a second public workshop/meeting will be held on November 2^nd encouraging those interesting in participating on the CDBG Committee to attend the meeting. In addition to this meeting an RFP will be issued in the upcoming weeks for public social services; which may also be included in this year’s application.

Mr. Hansen stated Community involvement can not be written in at the final hour. Community involvement needs to happen and has to start now. Mr. Ampagoomian asked if sewer improvements within Rockdale would be eligible for the grant. Mr. Hansen stated that CDBG funding needs to meet National Objectives, with that all properties within a target area would need to be income qualified (low/mod income), would need to perform a survey showing at least 51% qualify. To do a sewer project would also need to have a housing rehab component of the grant, where each homeowner would also have to be income qualified. Yes, this type of activity is eligible under HUD guidelines; however in order to meet National objectives may be difficult to prove and would require a lot of groundwork, and may or may not fit needs. A public hearing specific to the Community Development Strategy will be held with the Board of Selectmen on Monday, November 09, 2009.

Blackstone Valley Chamber of Commerce [Jeannie Hebert]/Request a one-day Beer & Wine License for the “Heritage Starlight Celebration & Taste of the Valley” fundraising event to be held Friday, October 23, 2009 from 7:00 PM to 10:00 PM at WRT Management Company, 1 Main Street, Whitinsville, MA 01588. Ms. Hebert announced the Blackstone Valley Chamber of Commerce would be holding their 3^rd Annual Taste of the Valley Fundraiser. There will be around 14 food establishments and over 20 beer and wine distributors for tasting. and Ms. Hebert invited everyone to attend. A motion/Mr. Ampagoomian, seconded/Mr. Melia to approve the Blackstone Valley Chamber of Commerce's [Jeannie Hebert] request for a one-day Beer & Wine License for the “Heritage Starlight Celebration & Taste of the Valley” fundraising event to be held Friday, October 23, 2009 from 7:00 PM to 10:00 PM at WRT Management Company, 1 Main Street, Whitinsville, MA 01588. Vote yes/ Unanimous.

School Department [Paul Halacy]/1) Vote to approve Statements of Interest to the Mass. School Building Authority for Balmer School and the Northbridge Elementary School. Present: Paul Halacy and Melissa Walker. Mr. Halacy explained that by approving the Statements of Interests, this allows the Northbridge Elementary and Balmer Schools to be put on a list with the State for renovations and additions. There is no guarantee there will be funding but if the school qualifies there is no obligation by the town to proceed further. A motion/Mr. Ampagoomian, seconded/Mr. Melia to approve and sign the Statements of Interest for Balmer School and the Northbridge Elementary School and submit to the Mass. School Building Authority. Vote yes/Unanimous.

Fall Annual Town Meeting Warrant [10/27/09] – Vote position on articles. Chairman Montecalvo read the warrant articles aloud. Article 1 (FY’10 Budget Adjustments/transfers): Town Manager explained that the Town needs to reduce Health Insurance by $220,000 to balance the town budget. The library would like to transfer $800 from the library personnel account to the library expense account, which would help them with their certification process. Neil Vaidya, Town Accountant, mentioned that a grant in the amount of $2,500 came in so $2,500 needs to be transferred from Fire Dept. Salaries to Fire Dept. Expenses. Town Manager Kozak and Chairman Montecalvo agreed to wait until the night of Town Meeting to vote on this transfer, this way it will give the Finance Committee and Town Moderator time to review. A motion/Mr. Melia, seconded/Mr. Nolan to support Article 1. Vote yes/Unanimous. The Finance Committee voted to support Article 1. Article 2 (Transfer up to $1,000,000 from Water Enterprise fund to reduce Northbridge water system user charge increases as the result of water purchase rate increases by WW Company): This transfer will help to reduce the rate increase for the Northbridge water users. A motion/Mr. Melia, seconded/Mr. Nolan to support Article 2. Vote yes/ Messrs. Melia, Montecalvo, Nolan and Marzec. Vote no/Mr. Ampagoomian. The Finance Committee took no position on Article 2. Article 3 (Authorizes the imposition of a local excise of .75% on the sale of restaurant meals originating in Town to take effect 1/1/10.): Town Manager Kozak advised that the state is allowing towns and communities to impose an additional local excise tax of .75% on the sale of restaurant meals. A motion/Mr. Melia, seconded/Mr. Ampagoomian not to support Article 3. Vote yes/ Messrs. Nolan, Melia, Marzec and Ampagoomian. Vote no/Mr. Montecalvo. The Finance Committee voted to support Article 3. Article 4 (Election of Second Advisory Trustee to the Arthur Fletcher Whitin Fund): Chairman Montecalvo advised the Selectmen that he plans to run for the position of Second Advisory Trustee and will be abstaining on this article. A motion/Mr. Melia, seconded/Mr. Ampagoomian to support Article 4. Vote yes/Messrs. Melia, Ampagoomian, Nolan and Marzec. Abstain/Mr. Montecalvo. The Finance Committee voted to support Article 4. Article 5 (Increase in demand fees from $5 to ???): Town Manager announced that this is a new law that allows towns to increase their demand fees to an amount not to exceed $30.00. Town Manager Kozak recommends the fees be increased to $20 or $25 but it will be determined at Town Meeting. A motion/Mr. Marzec, seconded/Mr. Melia to support Article 5 for an increase in demand fees from $5 to $25. Vote yes/Messrs. Melia, Marzec, Nolan and Montecalvo. Vote no/Mr. Ampagoomian. The Finance Committee voted to support Article 5. Article 6 (Establishment of a Capital Construction and Equipment Stabilization Fund for design and construction costs for capital projects): Town Manager Kozak advised that the Building, Planning and Construction Committee has been trying to locate a site for the new DPW facility and reviewed various budget lines to see if there were any funds available. A fund called Capital Construction & Equipment Account (Receipts Reserved for Gravel/Capital Account) that was established in 1996 had over $80,000 that was still available. These funds could potentially be used towards engineering design plans for this project. A motion/Mr. Ampagoomian, seconded/Mr. Marzec to support Article 6. Vote yes/Unanimous. The Finance Committee took no position on Article 6. Article 7 (Transfer $80,000 from Capital Construction and Equipment Stabilization Fund to fund design, engineering & architectural service costs for a new Public Works facility.): A motion/Mr. Nolan, seconded/Mr. Marzec to support Article 7. Vote yes/ Unanimous. The Finance Committee took no position on Article 7. Article 8 ($50,000 for triennial revaluation): A motion/Mr. Ampagoomian, seconded/Mr. Nolan to support Article 8. Vote yes/ Unanimous. The Finance Committee took no position on Article 8. Article 9 (Street acceptance – Olivia Drive [Marino Estates]. A motion/Mr. Nolan, seconded/Mr. Marzec to support Article 9. Vote yes/Unanimous. The Finance Committee took no position on Article 9. Article 10 (Street acceptance – Prairie Street [Rocky Hill Farm Estates]. A motion/Mr. Marzec, seconded/Mr. Nolan to support Article 10. Vote yes/Unanimous. The Finance Committee took no position on Article 10.

Randy Swigor, General Manager – Whitinsville Water Company. Chairman Montecalvo announced that there were some concerns of the quality of the water in town. Mr. Swigor provided a brief overview of the water system and supply to the Board of Selectmen. He mentioned that the Whitinsville Water Company has two sources of supply (two well fields), one in Sutton (primary) and one on Carr Street (secondary). The well field on Carr Street has elevated levels of iron and manganese that are dissolved in the water. They are naturally occurring minerals and are found throughout New England. They try to minimize the use of this well field, however, there are certain neighborhoods that are affected in the summer months by use of this well field and they are: Carr Street through North Main Street and Crescent Street through Mason Road area. Mr. Swigor commented that the presence of these minerals does not pose a health concern as they are often included in dietary supplements. He announced that the WWC flushes the entire water system every spring including Whitinsville and Northbridge. During the summer months they do spot flushings and in the fall they do a third flushing. Selectman Melia thanked Mr. Swigor for his presentation on where the water is coming from but he is very concerned about the water color. Mr. Swigor stated that the Whitinsville Water Company performs hundreds of tests every year and meets all the local, state and federal water quality standards. Selectman Melia asked if the WWC assumed any liability regarding the damage to the property of homeowners who have stains in their tubs, sinks and toilets. Mr. Swigor informed the Board that his Company provides a free product called “Iron Out” to homeowners who have these stains and he even mentioned that they will drop if off to their homes. Selectman Ampagoomian asked with the new facility up and running how much would the Sutton users pay versus the Northbridge users. Mr. Swigor responded “the same”. Mr. Swigor announced the new Water Filtration System Facility in Sutton will be conducting an Open House on Friday, October 30^th from 3:30 PM to 5:30 PM. He urged all customers and residents to come and view the new facility. Selectman Melia asked Mr. Swigor who owned the Carpenter Road Causeway? Mr. Swigor mentioned that the WWC attorney informed them that the Town owns the causeway. Selectman Melia advised everyone that the causeway is in such disarray and feels that the Town and WWC should in a combined effort fix the causeway for the safety of the community. Mr. Swigor and Town Manager Kozak agreed to discuss at a later date.

State Ethics Commission/Designation of Municipal Liaison. Town Manager Kozak advised the Selectmen that the State Ethics Commission has now issued guidelines for implementing changes to M.G.L. 268A, the Conflict of Interest Law. They would like Towns to provide all municipal employees, (paid or unpaid, elected or appointed, full or part time, etc.) with a written summary of Chapter 268A on an annual basis. The summary is available on the Ethics Commission website and each employee must provide the municipal clerk with a signed acknowledgement of receipt of the summary. All municipal employees will also have to complete an online training program every two years, which is also available on the State Ethics Commission’s website [www.mass.gov/ethics]. The employee shall file a certification of completion of the online program with the municipal clerk. The deadline for initial completion of the online training program has been extended to April 2, 2010. That said, the Board of Selection member must designate a “senior level employee” to serve as the liaison to the State Ethics Commission. The liaison must be designated no later than January 27, 2010.

Linwood Mail Delivery. Present: Robert Parker, 20 Nolet Street, Linwood and Russ Burma, 46 Nolet Street, Linwood. Mr. Parker reported that it’s been 22 months since a petition was filed for Linwood residents to receive curbside mail delivery. On September 19^th, a letter was sent to all Linwood residents notifying them that they would be receiving curbside mail delivery and to install a box with a post at the end of their driveway. On September 26, 2009, the Whitinsville Postmaster went out to Linwood for a site visit and indicated to the residents that cluster boxes would be installed. Mr. Parker is upset for two reasons; 1) the cluster boxes are being installed right across the street from his house; and 2) there are residents not far from his house that will have curbside boxes. Mr. Parker felt that a public hearing should have been held to discuss this matter. Selectman Nolan wanted to know if there was a reason for cluster boxes versus curbside mailboxes. DPW Director Richard Sasseville mentioned that it was the recommendation of the Postmaster to install cluster boxes due to the cost savings. Mr. Parker announced that he is still trying to rectify this situation by talking with Representative Peterson and Senator Kerry’s office. Mr. Burma asked if the Selectmen could persuade Postmaster Murray to deliver mail instead of installing cluster boxes. Mr. Parker asked if one of the Selectmen could contact someone at the U.S. Postal Service. Chairman Montecalvo asked who he could contact at the U.S. Postal Service. Mr. Parker replied, Dean Baker is the person he spoke with regarding the cluster boxes. That said, he asked that a letter be sent to Dean Baker and the Whitinsville Postmaster asking them if they could meet with Town Manager Kozak to discuss this matter. Chairman Montecalvo announced that he would have Town Manager Kozak send a letter to Mr. Dean Baker at the U.S. Postal Service in North Reading. Mr. Parker also requested the Town Manager to look into the matter of the Linwood residents being able to retain a Linwood, MA 01525 address rather than having to change to Whitinsville, MA 01588 addresses.

Town Manager’s Report. 1) Chamber of Commerce Meeting regarding satellite Quinsigamond Community College Campus - Attended Chamber of Commerce Meeting who hosted officials from Quinsigamond Community College who are actively looking for a satellite campus in the Blackstone Valley area. Town Manager Kozak mentioned that he volunteered to be on a sub-committee to look for a location. 2) National Grid Emergency Management Meeting - Attended a meeting on emergency planning in preparation for the winter season. Discussion included National Grid’s preparation for a snow and sleet storm similar to last year’s ice storm. 3) Church Street Landfill Closure - Spoke to a representative at Cover Technologies and the landfill is now closed, monitoring wells have been put into place, and the company is currently seeking certification from the state. 4) Department of Public Utilities-Water Rate Hearing - Attended a public utility meeting to further discuss the Whitinsville Water Company’s proposed cost for the new water treatment plant, including a discussion on the analysis to utilize $1 million dollars to reduce debt service of the facility. 5) MMA Legislative Update - The governor is requesting authority to decrease governmental spending, which may include reduction of local aid. Several items recommended by the MMA to reduce costs for cities and towns remain on the side lines by the legislature.

Selectmen’s Concerns. Selectman Marzec 1) He mentioned that the Director of the Whitinsville Community Center [Gary Wood] is looking for interested young folks to play basketball. Selectman Ampagoomian 1) Inquired about the status of the handicapped parking spots that were removed from Park Street. DPW Director Richard Sasseville informed Selectman Ampagoomian that they didn’t meet the standards for handicap parking so they were removed. 2) Asked if the Disability Commission has a place to meet and do they have an office with a phone. Town Manager Kozak replied no. They hold meetings at the Town Hall and anyone can call the Town Manager’s Office if they have any questions.

3) Asked about an update on the Fire Station grant. Town Manager advised that he hasn’t heard anything. 4) FEMA Grants – Requested Town Manager Kozak to search for grants so that the town can renovate the Great Hall and/or replace Town Hall windows. 5) Streetlights – asked if the lights at the crosswalks on Church Street can be turned on? DPW Director Richard Sasseville will look into this because the lights at the crosswalk should be on. Selectman Melia 1) mentioned he and other Selectmen went to a budget sub-committee meeting of the School Committee and felt it was very informative. Selectman Nolan 1) asked about the status on the use of the Aldrich School Building. Town Manager Kozak mentioned the first floor is almost completed. He said he’s been speaking with Town Planner Gary Bechtholdt and is considering the second floor as a grant project for next year, if possible. Chairman Montecalvo reminded everyone that October 27, 2009 is the Town Meeting and the Selectmen would be meeting at 6:30 P.M. at the Middle School Auditorium. Selectman Ampagoomian asked that the Board be sent a reminder notice and Town Manager Kozak advised him that he would send out a notice.

A motion/Mr. Ampagoomian, seconded/Mr. Melia to adjourn the meeting. Vote yes/Unanimous.

Meeting Adjourned: 9:29 P.M.

Respectfully submitted,

Charles Ampagoomian, Jr., Clerk

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