Board of Selectmen

November 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, Melia. Selectman James Marzec was absent and it is duly noted.

Also Present: Theodore D. Kozak, Town Manager.

The Pledge of Allegiance was recited by those present.

Approval of Minutes.

October 19, 2009 - A motion/Mr. Ampagoomian, seconded/Mr. Melia to approve the October 19, 2009 minutes as presented with the readings omitted. Vote yes/Messrs. Melia, Ampagoomian, Nolan, and Montecalvo.

October 27, 2009 – A motion/Mr. Ampagoomian, seconded/Mr. Melia to approve the October 27, 2009 minutes as presented with the readings omitted. Vote yes/Messrs. Melia, Ampagoomian, Nolan, and Montecalvo.

Chairman Montecalvo advised that because the Public Hearing cannot begin until 7:05 PM he would proceed to the next item on the agenda.

Resignations: Thomas Melia, Insurance Advisory Committee. A motion/Mr. Ampagoomian not to accept the resignation of Thomas Melia. No second. Motion dies. A motion/Mr. Ampagoomian, seconded/Mr. Nolan to accept the resignation of Thomas Melia from the Insurance Advisory Committee. Vote yes/Messrs. Nolan, Ampagoomian and Montecalvo. Abstain/Mr. Melia. Sheri Nolan, Disability Commission. A motion/Mr. Ampagoomian, seconded/Mr. Melia to accept the resignation of Sheri Nolan from the Disability Commission. Vote yes/Messrs. Melia, Ampagoomian and Montecalvo. Abstain/Mr. Nolan.

Appointments/By the Board of Selectmen: Conservation Commission: Gina Calitri. Present: Wyatt Mills, Chairman of the Conservation Commission and Gina Calitri. Mr. Mills advised the Board that this is the Commission's last vacancy to fill and that Ms. Calitri would be a great asset to the Commission. Ms. Calitri then introduced herself and announced she lives at 662 Marston Road, Whitinsville, and has been a resident of Northbridge for 12 years. After a brief question and answer session, a motion/Mr. Ampagoomian, seconded/Mr. Nolan to appoint Gina Calitri to the Conservation Committee. Vote yes/Messrs. Melia, Ampagoomian, Nolan, and Montecalvo. Green Committee: Cynthia Vlasaty [Member At Large]. Ms. Vlasaty, 15 Hemlock Street, Northbridge, introduced herself and announced that she was a former Special Education Teacher. After a brief question and answer period, a motion/Mr. Nolan, seconded/Mr. Melia to appoint Cynthia Vlasaty to the Green Committee. Vote yes/Messrs. Ampagoomian, Nolan, Melia and Montecalvo. Insurance Advisory Committee [Retirees’ Rep]: George Murray. Selectman Nolan stated that it seemed out of sorts to appoint someone to a committee the same evening it became vacant. Town Manager Kozak announced there are no set rules and felt that Mr. Murray would be a great choice because of his background. A motion/Mr. Ampagoomian, seconded/Mr. Melia to appoint George Murray to the Insurance Advisory Committee as the Retirees’ Representative. Vote yes/Messrs. Ampagoomian, Melia and Montecalvo. Vote no/Mr. Nolan. State Ethics Commission Municipal Liaison: Theodore Kozak. Town Manager Kozak informed the Board that this is a new Mass. General Law requirement and advised that he is volunteering to be the liaison for the Town of Northbridge. Selectman Ampagoomian asked that all information from the State Ethics Commission be relayed back to the Selectmen in a timely manner. A motion/Mr. Nolan, seconded/Mr. Ampagoomian to appoint Theodore Kozak as the State Ethics Commission's Municipal Liaison. Vote yes/Messrs. Nolan, Ampagoomian, Melia and Montecalvo.

Public Hearing/7:05 PM – Tax Rate Classification Hearing/Allocation of Local Tax Levy for FY 2010. Present: Robert Fitzgerald, Principal Assessor. Chairman Montecalvo read the public hearing notice aloud. A motion/Mr. Ampagoomian, seconded/Mr. Nolan to open the public hearing. Vote yes/ Messrs. Nolan, Ampagoomian, Melia and Montecalvo. Mr. Fitzgerald announced that the DOR requires this hearing each year. He then passed out a handout and advised that no vote is needed if the Board keeps a single tax rate. A vote allows the Selectmen to decide whether to shift the tax burden between classes of property, which does not increase the revenue, but just shifts the tax burden. The question is does the Town want to shift some of the tax burden away from the residential and move it to the commercial, industrial and personal property classes. Mr. Fitzgerald mentioned that from FY09 and FY10 there was a loss of approximately $80 million in value because of the interim year adjustment (decrease in taxes) that is required by the Department of Revenue. Last year the loss was $90 million dollars. That said, Mr. Fitzgerald indicated that there was a 5.5% decrease in single family homes as well as a slight decrease in the commercial and industrial classes. He further stated that the Board of Assessors recommends maintaining a single rate for all properties. A vote by the Board of Selectmen to select a residential factor less than “1” was not taken.

Selection of a residential exemption distributes taxes among the residential class up to a 20% discount and is based on the average valuation of a home. This year the average value of a single family home is $246,400. Single family homes below that amount would get the discount but the difference would be made up by all properties over the average amount. For the Board's benefit, Mr. Fitzgerald pointed out that the projected 2010 tax rate is $10.41. The Board of Assessors reviewed this and felt that it is not worthwhile to implement an exemption in Northbridge at this time. A vote by the Board of Selectmen to adopt a residential exemption was not taken.

The small commercial exemption would allow a tax break of up to 10% of the valuation for small commercial properties. To qualify, a business must have less than 10 employees and be valued at less than $1 million. Around 100 businesses qualify for such an exemption. If you give them a tax break, then it needs to be made up by property owners with businesses that are over $1 million and/or have more than ten employees. There are only a few communities in the Commonwealth that use this exemption. Mr. Fitzgerald reported that the Board of Assessors does not recommend this exemption. A vote by the Board of Selectmen to adopt the small commercial exemption was not taken.

Chairman Montecalvo stated that a vote is not required tonight because the Board has chosen not to shift the tax burden, not to adopt a residential exemption and not to adopt a small commercial exemption. Therefore, the Town of Northbridge will continue with a single tax rate for all classes of property including residential, commercial and industrial. There being no further comments, a motion/Mr. Ampagoomian, seconded/Mr. Nolan to close the Public Hearing. Vote yes/Messrs. Nolan, Melia, Ampagoomian and Montecalvo.

7:20 PM – Northbridge Community Development Strategy. Present: R. Gary Bechtholdt II, Town Planner and Tim Hansen, Central Massachusetts Regional Planning Commission. Mr. Montecalvo read the hearing notice aloud and upon a motion duly made and seconded the Board of Selectmen opened the public hearing. Mr. Bechtholdt noted that in addition to posting the hearing, the notice was advertised online, as well as published in the local newspaper as required.

Mr. Bechtholdt explained the purpose of this public hearing is to take public input and comments as part of updating the Town’s Community Development Strategy [CD Strategy]. He also explained that the CD Strategy would be included as an integral component to the Town’s FY2010 Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) application, which is due February 2010. Mr. Bechtholdt mentioned since the last Selectmen’s meeting of October 19^th when the CDBG program was discussed, a CDBG Advisory Committee meeting was held (11/02/09) where participants discussed expanding the Target Area within Whitinsville (New Village Target Area) and designating two (2) additional Target Areas in town including Rockdale and Linwood. Mr. Hansen explained that similar to last year, CDBG activities need to be in targeted areas to be eligible; whereas before activities may have received bonus points as part of a CDBG application scoring.

Mr. Bechtholdt referred the Selectmen to the Community Development Strategy included in their packet, which was also distributed and made available online. He noted activities discussed at the CDBG Advisory meeting included providing daycare scholarships to working parents; additional infrastructure improvements within the New Village Target area and other areas in town; ADA compliance (sidewalks); improving handicapped accessibility within municipal buildings specifically the Aldrich building, which is currently underutilized because of limited ADA access; architectural barrier removal at Ovian Square (Church St, Cross St and Prospect St). Attendees also noted housing (old mill housing) and infrastructure are in disrepair within the villages, additionally the abandoned garage structure within the New Village target area should be razed as it is a main contributor to the slum and blight of the area. Mr. Bechtholdt indicated some initiatives may be depended upon what we have for construction documents at this time.

In addition, Mr. Bechtholdt noted as part of last year’s CDBG review and consideration the town issued a request for proposals for public social services, suggesting the town may look to do so this year, however, he cited a change in the Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) guidelines. Mr. Hansen explained that there appears to be a change regarding public social service, which requires that a Town’s needs assessment replicate a regional needs assessment on social services, this looks to be a new requirement. Mr. Hansen also noted that he just learned about this and is looking to get clarification. He provided the following example: If a regional social service agency believes its only mission is to provide homeless shelters, then providing daycare is obviously not part of that and that is why he is looking to get clarification on that. Mr. Bechtholdt again noted that the purpose of tonight’s hearing is to open up dialogue and receive input on updating the CD Strategy and suggested that we continue this hearing to afford additional opportunity for review and public comment.

Mr. Montecalvo sought comments from the Selectmen. Mr. Ampagoomian asked if installing an elevator/lift in the Aldrich building would qualify for the grant. Mr. Hansen explained that it would be considered an ADA project and may qualify for eligibility according to Housing and Urban Development's (HUD's) low to moderate threshold of limited clientele, so, yes, on the surface it would. Mr. Hansen continued by noting that he had some discussions about this and it looks like it probably would be eligible as there were no changes in the requirements from last year, so he thinks it would be a match. He also noted that he would hate to totally adopt the whole project and say it is definitely eligible all the way, as there are certain criteria that have to be met along the way but it’s not ineligible.

Mr. Nolan asked if the location would need to be in the target area. Mr. Hansen explained that is one of the things the CDBG Advisory committee discussed and noted that the town may have many areas of need but it appears that the town has been concentrating on the New Village target area. One may consider the target area as a spider web that is the area where you focus on. Inside that spider web you have your sticky areas that meet the National Objectives. The New Village target area would meet National Objectives by the slum & blight standards in the target area. If the community expanded the target area for instance to a larger portion of Whitinsville, including the Aldrich Building, the sticking point of that spider web for National Objective would be ADA limited clientele in that target area.

Mr. Bechtholdt confirmed for Mr. Montecalvo that the New Village target area includes both Overlook Street access ways off North Main Street. Upon seeking comments from the audience, the Selectmen continued the public hearing to Monday, December 14, 2009. A motion was made and seconded to continue the public hearing at the December 14, 2009 Board of Selectmen’s Meeting. Vote yes/Messrs. Ampagoomian, Melia, Nolan and Montecalvo.

Citizens’ Comments/Input. None.

Cemetery Deed (Riverdale Cemetery)/Michael & Deborah Kell/Lot #499. A motion/Mr. Ampagoomian, seconded/Mr. Nolan to sign the cemetery deed for Michael and Deborah Kell, Lot #499 at Riverdale Cemetery. Vote yes/Messrs. Nolan, Ampagoomian, Melia and Montecalvo.

Laurieann’s Restaurant & Bar, Inc., 2147 Providence Road, Northbridge/Application for KENO License. Mr. Kozak informed the Board that no action needs to be taken on this matter unless the Board chooses not to allow “Keno” at the above mentioned establishment. If that is the case then the Board has 21 days to notify the State Lottery Commission of its opinion. There being no further discussion, a motion/Mr. Ampagoomian, seconded/Mr. Melia to support the “KENO” license application for Laurieann’s Restaurant & Bar, Inc. Selectman Melia announced that no motion is needed for this item.

School Department [Paul Halacy]/1) Vote to approve and submit a Statement of Interest to the Mass. School Building Authority for Northbridge Middle School. Present: Paul Halacy, Director of Buildings and Grounds and Melissa Walker, Business Manager. Mr. Halacy explained that by approving the Statement of Interest, it allows the Northbridge Middle School to be placed on a list with the State for renovations and additions. There is no guarantee there will be funding and if the school qualifies there is no obligation by the town to proceed further. Having convened in an open meeting on November 9, 2009, the Board of Selectmen, in accordance with its charter, by-laws, and ordinances, has voted to authorize the Superintendent to submit to the Massachusetts School Building Authority the Statement of Interest dated October 21, 2009 for Northbridge Middle School located at 171 Linwood Ave., Whitinsville, which describes and explains the following deficiencies and the priority category for which Northbridge may be invited to apply to the Massachusetts School Building Authority in the future:

#5 replacement, renovation or modernization of school facility systems, such as roofs, windows, boilers, heating and ventilation systems, to increase energy conservation and decrease energy related cost in a school facility,

and hereby further specifically acknowledges that by submitting this Statement of Interest, the Massachusetts School Building Authority in no way guarantees the acceptance or the approval of an application, the awarding of a grant or any other funding commitment from the Massachusetts School Building Authority, or commits Northbridge to filing an application for funding with the Massachusetts School Building Authority. A motion/Mr. Nolan, seconded/Mr. Melia to support the submittal of a Statement of Interest to the Mass. School Building Authority for Northbridge Middle School. Vote yes/Messrs. Nolan, Ampagoomian, Melia and Montecalvo.

Boy Scouts of America [Troop 155]/Request to plant a tree and place a stone marker on the Whitinsville Town Common. Town Manager Kozak will review the policy and consult with Tree Warden Richard Sasseville on whether or not organizations can plant something on Town property. After he researches this request, he will place this item on a future agenda for approval.

Housing Partnership Committee [Gary Bechtholdt, Town Planner]. Mr. Bechtholdt provided the Board with a memo to advise them that the Town of Northbridge submitted a grant application for technical assistance back in March 2009. That said, he announced that the Town of Northbridge and the Town of West Boylston were selected as part of this year’s Technical Assistance Grant to develop a Housing Production Plan. The Northbridge Planning Board and the Master Plan Update Committee recognize that this initiative is an important component to updating the town’s Master Plan. A Housing Production Plan will include a comprehensive housing needs assessment as well as affordable housing goals and implementation strategies. For that purpose, the Planning Board is looking for the Board of Selectmen to establish a local Housing Partnership Committee. The local Housing Partnership Committee may include representatives from town boards, commissions and residents at large. With that said, Mr. Bechtholdt recommended the Committee be established as follows: a representative from the Board of Selectmen, Planning Board, Conservation Commission, Housing Authority, Council on Aging, and two citizens at large. The primary function of this Housing Partnership Committee will be to evaluate the community’s affordable housing needs, develop a plan and a set of strategies and programs for Northbridge’s Housing Production Plan. The Housing Partnership Committee’s role and responsibilities may be expanded to include: establishing criteria to evaluate affordable housing proposals; make recommendations on particular housing proposals; work with developers of affordable housing; and increase public awareness through public forums. There being no further discussion, Mr. Bechtholdt requested this matter be placed on the next Board of Selectmen’s meeting agenda to establish a Housing Partnership Committee.

Town Manager’s Report. 1) Toys for Tots – Advised the Selectmen that Mr. William Audette will be conducting a Toys for Tots program and asked permission to place a collection box in Town Hall as well as to use the Great Hall for the storage of donated toys. 2) Senior Lunch Program – Mentioned that Chairman Montecalvo and he attended the School Department’s first senior lunch program. It was very well attended and the School Department plans to conduct these on a bi-monthly basis. He also announced that all seniors are welcomed to attend. 3) Veterans’ Breakfast – The Middle School hosted their annual Veterans’ Breakfast on Saturday morning, November 8^th from 8 to 10 AM in the Middle School cafeteria. 4) Energy Seminar for Homeowners – The Mass. Municipal Association is sponsoring free home energy seminars for homeowners and Mr. Kozak has requested that a seminar be scheduled in Northbridge. Further details will be provided once he receives a confirmation. 5) Blackstone Valley Leadership Group Meeting – Mr. Kozak attended this meeting that the Chamber of Commerce hosted on November 2, 2009. Discussion focused on Quinsigamond Community College and the possibility of locating a satellite campus in this area as well as the starting steps to make this a reality. He plans on attending these monthly meetings. 6) The Governor proposed 3 to 4 budget reductions – Quinn Bill benefits, Library Services, PILOT Program (Payment In Lieu Of Taxes), and reductions in school funds such as: revolving accounts, transportation and circuit breaker. 7) Received an email and phone call from UMASS School of Medicine looking to meet with him and the Board of Health to talk about the possibility of a pilot program for regionalizing health services. He will place this item on a future agenda for discussion and decision.

Selectmen’s Concerns. Selectman Melia 1) Asked about the condition of Carpenter Road and if there's been any progress with the Whitinsville Water Company. Town Manager Kozak replied barriers have been placed on the road and fencing will also be installed in the future. 2) He mentioned that he toured the high school fields and asked about having parking spaces closer to the fields. Town Manager Kozak advised that the fields have been turned over to the School Department, however, the Building, Planning and Construction Committee had some issues with the widening of the roadway. 3) Stated that he read the Beacon this month and there was a story about regionalizing dispatchers with Police and Fire. He asked if the Town of Northbridge is looking into regionalizing their dispatchers and would there be a savings by doing so. Town Manager Kozak replied that he has been reviewing this concept and will take it one step at a time while weighing the pros and cons of regionalization of dispatchers. Mr. Melia also asked if the Police and Fire Chief were on board with this. Selectman Nolan 1) Asked if a letter went out to Dean Baker regarding the Linwood Postal Service (cluster boxes). Town Manager Kozak responded that the letter did go out. 2) Asked about the status of the dilapidated garage in the New Village area. Town Manager Kozak answered that he is hoping to use grant money received from the FY08 Community Development Block Grant to remove it. 3) Suggested that the Board of Selectmen get the ball rolling for the Charter Review Committee. 4) Participated in the recent Board of Health H1N1 vaccination clinic and he commended all the volunteers. Selectman Ampagoomian 1) Attended the Chamber's presentation on the regionalization of dispatchers. 2) Suggested that everyone thank the Vets on Veterans Day. 3) Attended two events at the American Legion. 4) Suggested the town look into giving soldiers a nice welcome home celebration.

Executive Session. A motion/Mr. Melia, seconded/Mr. Nolan to go into Executive Session under M.G.L. Chapter 39, S. 23B#3 Negotiations and M.G.L. Chapter 39, S. 23B#3 Litigation --not to reconvene in open session. Roll Call Vote: Mr. Melia/Yes; Mr. Nolan/Yes; Mr. Ampagoomian/Yes; and Mr. Montecalvo/Yes.

Meeting Adjourned: 9:29 P.M.

Respectfully submitted,

Charles Ampagoomian, Jr., Clerk

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