Board of Selectmen’s Meeting

Board of Selectmen

November 23, 2009

A meeting of the Board of Selectmen was called to order by Chairman Joseph Montecalvo at 6:30 PM, Northbridge Town Hall, 7 Main Street, Whitinsville, MA. Present: Messrs. Ampagoomian, Nolan, Melia, and Marzec. Also Present: Theodore D. Kozak, Town Manager.

The Pledge of Allegiance was recited by those present.

Executive Session. A motion was made and seconded to go into Executive Session under M.G.L. Chapter 39, S. 23B#3 Litigation and M.G.L. Chapter 39, S. 23B#3 Negotiations and to reconvene in open session. Roll Call Vote: Mr. Melia/Yes, Mr. Nolan/Yes, Mr. Ampagoomian/Yes, Mr. Marzec/Yes, and Mr. Montecalvo/Yes.

Open Session Adjourned: 6:31 P.M.

Executive Session Convened: 6:32 P.M.

Executive Session Adjourned: 6:57 P.M.

Open Session Reconvened: 7:00 P.M.

Approval of Minutes.

November 9, 2009 [Executive Session] - A motion/Mr. Melia, seconded/Mr. Nolan to approve the November 9, 2009 Executive Session minutes as presented with the readings omitted. Vote yes/Messrs. Melia, Nolan, Ampagoomian, and Montecalvo. Abstain/Mr. Marzec.

November 16, 2009 – A motion/Mr. Nolan, seconded/Mr. Melia to approve the November 16, 2009 minutes as presented with the readings omitted. Vote yes/Unanimous.

November 16, 2009 [Executive Session] - A motion/Mr. Marzec, seconded/Mr. Nolan to approve the November 16, 2009 Executive Session minutes as presented with the readings omitted. Vote yes/ Unanimous.

Public Hearing/7:05 PM Alcohol Violation Hearing: Gary’s Variety, 2201 Providence Road, Northbridge [Harshad Patel, Mgr.]. Present: Harshad Patel, Defendant, Northbridge Police Chief Walter J. Warchol and Sgt. Shawn Heney, Investigating Officer. Chairman Montecalvo read the hearing notice and announced that Mr. Patel was notified of this hearing by certified mail and asked for any witnesses to come forward to be sworn in. No others came forward. A motion was made and seconded to open the public hearing. Vote yes/Unanimous. Chief Warchol had submitted a written complaint to the Board of Selectmen on November 2, 2009. Chief Warchol began the hearing by presenting the facts of the case. He stated that surveillance of the above-mentioned establishment was conducted on October 23, 2009 between 5:30PM and 6:10PM by Sgt. Shawn Heney of the Northbridge Police Department. Chief Warchol stated the Department had received prior information that a 17 year old would be going to Gary's Variety to purchase alcohol for himself and other underage individuals using an Arizona ID. At approximately 6:00PM, the 17 year old entered the store and five minutes later exited carrying a 12 pack of Coors Light and a bag, which they later determined to contain a bottle of Captain Morgan Rum and Bacardi Rum. At this point a marked cruiser stopped the vehicle that the 17 year old had gotten into. The 17 year old stated that he did in fact enter the store, purchase the alcohol, paid and left the store without being asked for his identification. He later gave the Arizona ID to Sgt. Heney. Later, Sgt. Heney and Officer Ciccone went to Gary's Variety and spoke with the lone employee behind the counter. The employee refused to produce his license for identification until speaking with the Chief of Police. At this point, Chief Warchol noted that on March 18, 2009, the Alcoholic Beverages Control Commission [ABCC] sent an underage female employee to this same establishment to purchase a 40 oz. Bud Light and at no point was this individual asked for identification. After a review by the ABCC, the license of Gary's Variety was suspended for three (3) days of which three (3) days will be held in abeyance for a period of two years provided no further violations of Chapter 138 or Commission regulations occur. Chief Warchol stated that he requested tonight's hearing as a result of the above violations. At this time, Chairman Montecalvo swore in Chief Warchol, Sgt. Heney, and Mr. Patel as witnesses. Chairman Montecalvo then asked the Defendant if he had any questions or disagreed with the evidence presented. Mr. Patel replied no. Chairman Montecalvo then asked the Board if they had any questions. Selectman Melia asked Sgt. Heney about a couple of details in the written report as far as who sold the alcohol on two occasions without obtaining an ID—was it a clerk or was it the person present this evening. Sgt. Heney responded that it was Mr. Patel. Selectman Ampagoomian asked if the store had an ID scanning device and Mr. Patel replied yes but there was a problem with it. Selectman Nolan pointed out that the police report indicated the 17 year old stated he wasn't asked for identification, however, did the clerk say whether he had asked the 17 year old for identification. Sgt. Heney's response is inaudible on the tape. Selectman Nolan then referred a comment to Chief Warchol and noted that the ABCC's investigation resulted in a three day suspension with the three days held in abeyance if the store did not have any further violations. He then asked the Chief if the Selectmen decide tonight to suspend the store's license would the three days from the ABCC's suspension be tacked on to whatever the Selectmen decide to do. Chief replied that he didn't know for sure but assumed they would. Chairman Montecalvo then asked the Defendant if he wished to make any statement. Mr. Patel answered no. There were no witnesses present for the defendant. Continuing, Chairman Montecalvo asked the Police Chief what he recommends for a punishment. Chief Warchol began by stating that the Police Department acts as the agent for the Local Licensing Authority [Board of Selectmen] and he would appreciate it if the store would be more cooperative if the Police have to go in and investigate an alcohol related violation. With that said, Chief Warchol recommended a five day suspension including a weekend. There being no further testimony, a motion/Mr. Marzec, seconded/Mr. Ampagoomian to close the public hearing. Vote yes/Unanimous. A motion/Mr. Ampagoomian, seconded/Mr. Marzec to accept the recommendation of the Police Chief and suspend Gary's Variety's liquor license for five days beginning Wednesday, December 9^th and ending Sunday, December 13^th. Discussion on the motion: Selectman Melia commented that bar tenders take a training course and asked Chief Warchol if there was a comparable training course for liquor store clerks. Chief Warchol answered yes. Mr. Melia asked if this particular licensee had that training and Chief Warchol again said yes. Selectman Melia then inquired about an ID scanning device for the establishment and why one wasn't installed after the previous violation. Mr. Patel replied that he intends to purchase such a device. Next, Selectman Marzec asked if the Board could make the purchase of an ID scanning device a condition of the penalty in addition to the license suspension. The Board concurred. Therefore, a motion/Mr. Ampagoomian, seconded/Mr. Marzec to amend the main motion as follows: a motion to accept the recommendation of the Police Chief to suspend Gary's Variety's liquor license for five days beginning Wednesday, December 9^th and ending Sunday, December 13^th and installing a license/ ID scanning machine. Vote yes/Unanimous. Mr. Patel asked if he was allowed to sell other merchandise during the liquor license suspension and the Board said he could sell everything except alcohol and that it had to be removed from the shelves and the license turned over to the Police Department. Chief Warchol informed Mr. Patel that he would be in contact with him about what he had to do for the liquor license suspension.

Appointments/By the Board of Selectmen: Playground & Recreation Commission: David Ducey, 32 Ivy Lane, Whitinsville. Present: Alicia Canon, Chairman-Playground and Recreation Commission [PRC]. Chairman Montecalvo asked Mr. Ducey to introduce himself to those present. Mr. Ducey noted that he used to be a small business owner, was a 27-year member of the Marine Corps/Marine Corps Reserve, spent six years on the Northbridge School Committee and was involved in coaching baseball as well as having served on the Board of Directors. Mr. Ducey also mentioned that he was approached by the Lacrosse Team to get involved and has agreed to do that. Selectman Marzec expressed his delight with the fact that Mr. Ducey wants to get involved with the PRC. Selectman Melia thanked Mr. Ducey for coming forward to serve and felt that he would be a good and capable addition to the PRC. Selectman Ampagoomian asked Mr. Ducey what he would see as a major accomplishment for the Parks and Recreation Commission with the limited funding available. Mr. Ducey replied that there are many opportunities for children to participate, however, it would be helpful if there was town land available to expand and increase the number of fields available. He went on to say that increased field space should be a long term goal of the PRC. A motion/Mr. Nolan, seconded/Mr. Ampagoomian to appoint David Ducey to the Playground & Recreation Commission. Vote yes/Unanimous.

Citizens’ Comments/Input. None.

2010 Holiday Calendar/Vote to approve. A motion/Mr. Marzec, seconded/Mr. Nolan to approve the 2010 Holiday Calendar. Vote yes/Unanimous. 2010 Board of Selectmen’s Meeting Schedule/Vote to approve. A motion/Mr. Marzec, seconded/Mr. Melia to approve the 2010 Board of Selectmen’s Meeting Schedule. Vote yes/Unanimous.

Winter Parking Ban [December 1, 2009 to April 1, 2010]/Vote to approve. Chairman Montecalvo read the entire parking ban notice and noted the locations that are exempted. He also stated that the notice will be posted on cable and the web. A motion/Mr. Ampagoomian, seconded/Mr. Marzec to approve the Winter Parking Ban from December 1, 2009 through April 1, 2010 [to be extended if necessary] during the hours of 1:00 AM to 6:00 AM, as requested by the Northbridge Police Department. Vote yes/ Unanimous.

UMASS Medical School/MA Public Health Regionalization Project/Vote to send letter of intent. Town Manager Kozak updated the Board and advised them that he sent a letter of intent to UMASS Medical School expressing the Town's interest in participating in the MA Public Health Regionalization Project, however, not enough other towns expressed an interest in participating and therefore the Blackstone Valley area was not chosen for the pilot project and therefore a vote on this matter is not needed.

School Department [Paul Halacy]/1) Vote to authorize the Superintendent of Schools to submit a Statement of Interest to the Mass. School Building Authority for W. Edward Balmer School. Present: Paul Halacy and Melissa Walker. Chairman Montecalvo read the following Statement of Interest aloud: Having convened in an open meeting on November 23, 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 a Statement of Interest dated October 1, 2009 for the W. Edward Balmer School located at 21 Crescent Street, 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 costs in a school facility,

#7 Replacement of or addition to obsolete buildings in order to provide for a full range of programs consistent with state and approved local requirements,

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. Ampagoomian, seconded/Mr. Nolan to authorize the Superintendent of Schools to submit a Statement of Interest to the Mass. School Building Authority for W. Edward Balmer School. Vote yes/Unanimous. 2) Vote to authorize the Superintendent of Schools to submit a Statement of Interest to the Mass. School Building Authority for Northbridge Elementary School. Chairman Montecalvo read the following Statement of Interest aloud: Having convened in an open meeting on November 23, 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 a Statement of Interest dated October 1, 2009 for Northbridge Elementary School located at 30 Cross Street, 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:

Mass. Technology Collaborative/Clean Energy Choice Community Matching Grant Agreement/ Vote to authorize Chairman of the Board to sign said agreement. Mr. Kozak informed the Board that the town received a $4,600 grant from the Mass. Technology Collaborative to be used for energy saving projects. He also asked Mr. Sasseville if he had any recommendations as to what the funds could be used for and Mr. Sasseville suggested some solar lighting for the former Aldrich School parking lot. Chairman Montecalvo then asked Mr. Sasseville if the lights behind the library were going to be replaced. Mr. Sasseville replied that there were some lights in the parking lot for the church that illuminated the church parking lot and that the town was not paying for those lights. When he called National Grid about another concern, they discovered that they had no record of the church parking lot lights being on or being paid for and so the lights were shut off. When asked for clarification about the proposed lighting for the Aldrich School, Mr. Sasseville responded that the light will illuminate the handicapped access ramp and a portion of the parking lot. Chairman Montecalvo asked about the library and whether those lights will be turned back on. Once again, Mr. Sasseville explained that there is a light in the back of the library that illuminates the library parking lot, however, he thinks that the Librarian has voiced her hope that the church parking lot lights will be turned back on to provide additional lighting as some of the library patrons and library staff park in the church parking lot. Chairman Montecalvo asked if that was possible and Mr. Sasseville answered that anything is possible if you want to pay for it. Continuing, Mr. Sasseville went on to explain where the grant funds were coming from and what the solar light will look like. Selectman Marzec asked how many lights were going to be installed and how much did each light cost. Mr. Sasseville replied one light will be installed with the entire assembly--light fixture, 20' pole, battery/battery pack, solar collector and mounting base will cost about $3,999 and approximately $450 for shipping for a total of $4,450. Mr. Marzec also asked if the light would be lit all night long and Mr. Sasseville answered yes. He also inquired about whether there would be any problems with snow buildup on the light and Mr. Sasseville said not anymore than any other solar light because the light will be sloped properly to get the most amount of light during the winter months. Due to the fact that the light will illuminate only a portion of the parking lot and ramp area, Selectman Nolan asked whether there was another light in the area that will be on or will the rest of the parking lot be in darkness. Mr. Sasseville stated that there are plans to have other lights installed. Mr. Kozak concurred. Mr. Nolan also asked if other businesses have their lights on all night or only when the businesses are open as he was concerned about the lights bothering the neighbors on Cottage Street. Mr. Sasseville explained that the neighbors won't even see the new light and the streetlights on Cottage Street are already on all night long and therefore it is a non-issue. Mr. Kozak noted that by installing the new light that it also discourages vandalism. There being no further discussion, a motion/Mr. Marzec, seconded/Mr. Nolan to authorize the Chairman of the Board to sign the Mass. Technology Collaborative/Clean Energy Choice Community Matching Grant agreement. Vote yes/Unanimous.

Sewer Department Issues/Present: Richard Sasseville, DPW Director. 1) Billing Policy. Selectman Ampagoomian reported that he is always asked questions about the town's billing policy and more specifically if there was any mechanism in place that would allow residents to make partial payments on large bills with the balance carried over to the next billing cycle. Mr. Sasseville responded that as far as he knows customers can always pay a portion of their bills in advance, however, there is no mechanism in place to allow residents to pay portions their bills in arrears without incurring late fees and risk having their water shut off. The Town Manager further explained that MGL doesn't allow the bills to be paid in arrears without penalty. 2) Sutton Street Sewer Service. Selectman Ampagoomian stated that the Town has expended a lot of money for this project but it keeps getting delayed and several residents have asked him if they would be allowed to tie into the existing sewer service as another resident did several years ago instead of waiting another so many years. Mr. Sasseville acknowledged that a resident in the area of Eisenhower Drive did tie into to the existing sewer service several years ago. He also said that he didn't see it being a problem unless it wasn't technically feasible. In addition, Mr. Sasseville stated that they wouldn't stop someone from doing so especially if they were experiencing Title V problems but the resident would be responsible for all costs. Nancy Cross, 145 Sutton Street, Northbridge, came forward to say that she personally has experienced two major sewer back ups in the last ten years and currently has to deal with horrible odors of sewer gas in her home and the surrounding neighborhood. Ms. Cross claims that she has been told by a Sewer Division employee that there is a sewer blockage in the vicinity of 112 Sutton Street and is the cause of the other sewer backups. She said she has been told that the dirt in her cellar is permanently contaminated. Kelly Macjewski, 163 Sutton Street, Northbridge, concurred with Ms. Cross' statement and stated that she has had four major sewer backups in the last decade and stated there has been a total of seven residents that have experienced sewer back ups over the last ten years. Mr. Sasseville explained that he submitted an article to deal with this issue for the Fall Annual Town Meeting Warrant but the article didn't make it on the warrant. After listening to their stories, Chairman Montecalvo urged Ms. Cross and Ms. Macjewski to get all the residents together and get a petition going and to submit it to the Board of Selectmen. He indicated that the Board could do two things: one, if the Town has the money it can be fixed or two, it can be put it on the Town Meeting warrant. Ms. Cross asked who took the article off the warrant. Chairman Montecalvo responded that if the Town didn't have the money to fix it, the article couldn't go on. Selectman Ampagoomian asked if this project should have been part of the Rockdale Sewer Interceptor project and Mr. Sasseville replied no because it was a cross country line that went from Klocek's garage to Riverdale Mills; a 12-inch line that was replaced with an 18-inch line. With that said, Mr. Ampagoomian suggested that even though the Town doesn't have the funds to do such a project, a letter should be sent to Governor Patrick, Lt. Governor Murray, Senator Moore, Rep. Peterson, and the Central Mass. Regional Planning Commission. He said there is stimulus money available and it has been a shovel-ready project for 12 years. Ms. Macjewski interjected that they have already contacted those very people and they are of the opinion that this is a town issue at this point. She also noted that the Town paid for the clean up of the two blockages that occurred ten years ago and for the one that happened last April. However, during the blockage that occurred in October, she said she was told by the Town that it was her problem and that she had to pay for the cleanup and her insurance company also informed her that they would not pay because it was caused by the poor condition of the Town's infrastructure. Ms. Cross strongly requested that no one else be allowed to tie into the existing line because the more people that tie in the worse it will be if the line backs up. At this point, Chairman Montecalvo expressed the fact that the Board understands the pipe has to be fixed but his main concern was to figure out what can be done until the pipe is replaced. He also recommended the DPW Director check out what is causing the sewerage back up and report back to the Board of Selectmen. Selectman Marzec suggested one reason for the sewer back up problem could be due to the newer, larger pipe at the top of Sutton Street, which probably gets smaller as it travels down Sutton Street. Mr. Sasseville explained though it is a newer pipe the size was the same [8-inch] all the way down the street. He also pointed out that the newer pipe is plastic with smooth joints every twelve feet as opposed to the 80 year old vitrified clay pipe with bell and spigot flange joints every three feet. Again, Mr. Montecalvo suggested the DPW Director take another look at this situation and provide some recommendations to the Board as to what needs to be done. Selectman Marzec mentioned that this project has been on the books for a long time, nothing has been done and the residents have suffered, which is unacceptable. He said that he understands the financial situation of the town but it's time to stop giving these people the lip and start doing something about it. Chairman Montecalvo asked Selectman Marzec if he had any suggestions but Ms. Macjewski interjected and said that she had a suggestion. She suggested that the pipe be checked on a routine basis—not just when there is heavy rain--whether it's once a week or once every two weeks but it has to be done more often that it presently is being inspected. Mr. Montecalvo said he couldn't guarantee that the town could do that because there aren't enough employees and because of other things that need to be done on a daily basis. Chairman Montecalvo again instructed the DPW Director to come back to the Board with some recommendations to deal with this problem in the short term. Mr. Sasseville then stated that if the Board is committed to fixing the problem, the only long term solution is to fix the pipe and indicated he would submit a warrant article for the Spring Annual Town Meeting. Selectman Nolan pointed out that it would cost about $750,000 [per the DPW Director] to fix the problem and asked what that included. Mr. Sasseville responded that it would be done as a trench repair and would include tearing up the road, replacing the pipe and resurfacing the trench area. Mr. Nolan then asked what the cost would be to wait until the Sutton Street project comes up on the list and Mr. Sasseville answered that it would be about 2/3 of the above-mentioned cost and mentioned that the time to replace the pipe is before the road is permanently resurfaced. Selectman Melia said he thought the Town had received prior approval to go ahead with the project back in 1993 or 1995 and Mr. Sasseville advised him that the Sutton Street Reconstruction Project was submitted to Mass. Highway in December of 1994 but never received the funding. He further explained that the project was on the Transportation Improvement Program [TIP] in 1998 and 100% designed but some problems began to surface with the residents regarding the design of the project due to land takings, etc. and the State wouldn't yield on their standards so the project came to a halt. Since then, the project has been redesigned and for the most part the road will remain within the current layout. Next, Selectman Melia asked about short range objectives: what can be done in the short term, how long and how many people will it take to find out what is wrong. Mr. Sasseville responded that he would like to do a TV survey of that section of line, which will locate a blockage, bad joint or other defect, etc. and once we know what the condition is a plan can be developed on how to maintain the line. Selectman Melia then requested this item be followed up at a future Selectmen's meeting.

Town Manager’s Report. 1) 11-Town Meetings Update. Mr. Kozak met with the Uxbridge Board of Selectmen to discuss the State's reduction in Local Aid and unfunded mandates. The group supports the additional funding of Local Aid and removal of the unfunded mandates and they will prepare a Position Paper for the group. He also met with the Blackstone Valley Regional Economic Development Council to discuss formation of a council to benefit the development of land in the valley. They are also encouraging other communities to join the 11-town group. 2) Regional Dispatch. The Town Manager advised that he received an invitation from the Town of Mendon to join their regional dispatch program for Police and Fire along with Hopedale and Millville. He also informed them that Northbridge is currently working with other neighboring communities to secure a grant for regional dispatch but will take Mendon's offer into consideration. 3) Whitinsville Water Company’s Open House Update. Mr. Kozak reported that the Whitinsville Water Company held an open house at their new treatment plant. He said it is quite a facility and they will give tours to anyone interested. 4) Christmas Tree Lights. Mr. Kozak announced that the committee who organized the tree lighting last year will not be doing it this year so he talked to Chief Nestor and the DPW Director to see if we have the ability to put lights on the town commons. The Town Manager informed the Board about the vandalism of the Christmas lights at the Rockdale Common and announced that donations for lights are welcome. 5) Insurance Advisory Committee Meeting Update. EBS Foran [Health Insurance Consultant] attended the IAC meeting and presented an outline of the process/plan for preparation of a Health Insurance RFP for FY'11 to see if we can get a better deal. 6) Senior Tax Work-off Program Deadline – December 1, 2009. Town Manager Kozak reminded everyone that the deadline for applications is December 1^st. 7) Municipal Annex [Aldrich School]. Mr. Kozak informed the Board that he would like to run fiber between the Town Hall and the Aldrich School for computers and telephones and that it would be beneficial because it could be tied into our current system. He also pointed out that the Fire Department would be able to assist with running the fiber. Also, the Town would have to sign an agreement with National Grid and Verizon for permission to go on their poles.

Selectmen’s Concerns. Selectman Melia 1) Asked if the Town Hall Annex [Aldrich School] is ready and who will be moving into that facility. Mr. Kozak responded that it isn't quite ready as there is some electrical work and painting that needs to be finished. Mr. Kozak said that the Town offices at the police station will be moving to the annex. 2) Stated the DPW did a great job clearing trees in the front of the Aldrich School building. 3) Has received complaints about people parking in front of the Aldrich School too close to Cottage Street and it is creating a safety hazard. Chairman Montecalvo instructed him to notify the Safety Committee about that issue and Mr. Kozak volunteered to work with Selectman Melia on it. 4) Mentioned that he went to the Carpenter Road causeway to view the work that the DPW did [cement barriers and fencing]. He said the fencing is kind of sloppy and asked whether the Whitinsville Water Company would donate some paint for the fencing. 5) Wished everyone a safe and happy Thanksgiving. Selectman Nolan 1) Read a statement from the Board of Health about creating a registry for those who wish to receive the H1N1 vaccine when available for the highest priority groups: pregnant women, household contacts for pregnant women in their third trimester; household contacts and care givers of children under the age of six months; children six months to 18 years of age that are not Northbridge Public School students or do not have a sibling within the Northbridge Public School system. Mr. Nolan advised that notification is being done through the public school reverse phone system so it's very important that residents in these priority groups who do not typically receive the reverse phone system messages to contact the BOH at 508-234-3272 if you want to receive the vaccine. Open to the public general flu clinics will be held as soon as allowed. Selectman Ampagoomian 1) inquired about Quinsigamond Community College and if they still plan on opening a satellite campus in the valley. Mr. Kozak responded that they plan to hold monthly meetings over the next several months that he will be attending them and will keep the Board updated. 2) Attended the recent Blackstone Valley Chamber Of Commerce breakfast meeting and spoke to Mr. Bernie Plant from Mass Highway about the Plummer's Corner project. Mr. Ampagoomian indicated that Mr. Plant was surprised that the project was still not done and offered to contact Mr. Kozak and/or Mr. Montecalvo regarding the status of the Plummers Corner project. With that said, Selectman Ampagoomian asked Mr. Kozak to contact Mass. Highway about this matter. Chairman Montecalvo suggested that maybe a visit to Mass. Highway would be in order. 3) Reiterated that the Sutton Street Project has been a headache for everyone for a number of years and requested the Town Manager to write a letter to Governor Patrick, Lt. Gov. Murray, Senator Moore, Rep. Peterson and the Central Mass. Regional Planning Commission about this. 4) Asked about the illegal Quaker Street fire several weeks ago and the status of the person paying who was to pay restitution for services. Mr. Kozak responded that the fire was on Benson Road and that the Chief is working with the home owner. Selectman Marzec 1) though he was absent he brought up the Insurance Advisory Committee appointment [Retirees Rep.] from the last Selectmen's meeting and asked whether due process was followed. He stressed that he was in no way suggesting Mr. Murray wasn't qualified he was concerned with the way it was handled and that someone could have been excluded from the process. 2) Mentioned a $9M dollar foot bridge was being installed over Route 1 at Gillette Stadium. Mr. Marzec suggested a letter be sent to Rep. Peterson, Senator Moore, Governor Patrick and Lt. Gov. Murray expressing our disapproval of spending federal stimulus money on a foot bridge on private property when we have to fight for every penny we get. 3) Announced that the Pop Warner Football Program Pee Wee Cheerleaders are going to Disney World in two weeks. The team has worked very hard and placed second in the State. Mr. Marzec also mentioned they have two weeks to make that trip a reality; that they are doing fundraisers and are looking for donations as well. In addition, the Jr. Pee Wee Football Team won the New England Regional Super Bowl and finished the season with a 10-2 record. He congratulated all the young men and women who participated in both programs. 4) Wished everyone a Happy Thanksgiving. Chairman Montecalvo advised he received a notice from the School Committee saying the interpretation by their Attorney indicated they did not necessarily need a Selectmen's Rep. on the negotiating team; however, Town Counsel is also looking into that matter. Mr. Montecalvo also said he and Ted met with the School Committee Chair and explained why a Selectman or their designee should be involved in negotiations. Selectman Ampagoomian pointed out that Mass. General Laws state that a representative of the Board of Selectmen may be involved in negotiations.

Meeting Adjourned: 8:29 P.M.

Respectfully submitted,

Charles Ampagoomian, Jr., Clerk

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