Board of Selectmen

December 14, 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, Marzec and Melia. Also Present: Theodore D. Kozak, Town Manager.

The Pledge of Allegiance was recited by those present.

Executive Session. A motion/Mr. Marzec, seconded/Mr. Ampagoomian 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) to reconvene in open session. Roll Call Vote: Mr. Marzec/Yes, Mr. Montecalvo/Yes, Mr. Melia/Yes, Mr. Ampagoomian/Yes, Mr. Nolan/Yes.

Open Session Adjourned: 6:32 P.M.

Executive Session Convened: 6:34 P.M.

Executive Session Adjourned: 7:12 P.M.

Open Session Reconvened: 7:14 P.M.

Approval of Minutes.

November 23, 2009 [Executive Session] - A motion/Mr. Marzec, seconded/Mr. Melia to approve the November 23, 2009 Executive Session minutes as presented with the readings omitted. Vote yes/ Unanimous.

Public Hearing/7:05 PM Continued public hearing from 11/9/09 - Northbridge Community Development Strategy. Present: Gary Bechtholdt, Town Planner. Chairman Montecalvo noted that the hearing was a continuation from the November 9, 2009 meeting. Mr. Bechtholdt reminded the Selectmen that the purpose of the hearing is to update the town’s Community Development Strategy, which is being done in conjunction with and in preparation for submission of the FY2010 Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) application. Mr. Bechtholdt explained that a number of public workshops were held as part of this effort, noting that the CD Strategy was posted online and made available for the public to review. Mr. Bechtholdt explained that the update would (1) expand the existing target area (New Village) and create two additional target areas in Northbridge (Rockdale & Linwood), with a plan and/or description of the target area(s); (2) update the action items (noting Selectmen had copy of draft) and (3) incorporate new initiatives from the past year. Such initiatives as: (a.) supporting sustainable environment and green energy initiatives, (Green Committee formed within the last few months); (b.) promotion renewable energy and biotech research development (companion to green energy); (c.) exploring smart growth planning & zoning; (d.) increasing the town streamline permitting process (43D Expedited Permitting); (e.) improving accessible (municipal facilities, buildings/parks/sidewalks/etc.); and (f.) continuing support, preservation and protection of historical significant buildings and landscapes, mentioning that the town participated in a reconnaissance study with DCR on Heritage Landscapes. Mr. Bechtholdt further explained that the town is relocating a number of municipal departments so they will be within one location (the Aldrich School building). This will result in the following permitting departments to be centrally located which includes; the inspectional services, Building Department, Zoning Board, Board of Heath, Conservation Commission, and the Planning department. Mr. Bechtholdt suggested action items included in the CD strategy should be for the whole town, not just projects or activities eligible for the CDBG program. The strategy should include items for both CDBG and non-CDBG related funding resources. Mr. Bechtholdt explained that he provided the Selectmen with a couple of handouts in preparation for tonight’s meeting and asked if the Selectmen had any suggestions on strategies and if they wanted to expand on this year’s update, noting again held a number of public meetings/workshops. After which Mr. Bechtholdt indicated the Selectmen may look to close the public hearing and vote to update the Community Development Strategy. Selectman Ampagoomian inquired about the sidewalk replacement cited for the Linwood section of Northbridge and asked if the sidewalks were town-owned or part of Mass Highway. Mr. Bechtholdt explained that the CD Strategy includes all encompassing projects within the town, items the town would like to improve; whether it is looking to utilize CDBG or non-CDBG funds. This particular item (Linwood sidewalk) was likely expressed from a prior discussion and that is why it has been included.

Mr. Bechtholdt also mentioned that the CD Strategy update should include the town’s recently completed Pavement Management Study and add to the list of documents the Urban Rivers Vision program (Village of Rockdale) those action items. Selectman Melia stated that he was glad to see that the Town Hall windows were included in one of the strategies and asked if funding was obtained would the town have to follow a specific order. Mr. Bechtholdt suggested not necessarily and reminded everyone the next step or the next immediate step would be for the town to seek funds through the CDBG program. Mr. Bechtholdt noted that the Town Hall windows are not an eligible activity through that program but certainly worth including in the CD Strategy. Selectman Marzec asked if the new windows would be more energy efficient. Mr. Bechtholdt mentioned that the Town Manager and he had been exploring other possible funding sources and mentioned the need to be mindful that the Town Hall is under a preservation restriction so we may be looking at more of a repair than a replacement of the windows. A motion/Mr. Ampagoomian, seconded/Mr. Marzec to close the public hearing. Vote yes/Unanimous. A motion/ Mr. Marzec, seconded/Mr. Melia to accept/update the town’s Community Development Strategy as discussed. Vote yes/Unanimous.

Green Committee/Vote to change the composition of the Green Committee to allow for an alternate Town Employee Representative. A motion/Mr. Ampagoomian, seconded/Mr. Marzec to change the composition of the Green Committee to allow for an alternate Town Employee Representation. Vote yes/Unanimous.

Appointments/By the Board of Selectmen: Green Committee: John Zywien, Town Employee Rep./Alternate. John Zywien, 52 Gill Court, Whitinsville, advised the Selectmen that he has been a member of the community his whole life and is Principal of the W. Edward Balmer School. A motion/ Mr. Ampagoomian, seconded/Mr. Nolan to appoint John Zywien as an alternate Town Employee Representative to the Green Committee. Vote yes/Unanimous.

Citizens’ Comments/Input. None.

Housing Partnership Committee [Gary Bechtholdt, Town Planner]. Mr. Bechtholdt mentioned that the town needs to establish a Local Housing Partnership for the purpose of preparing a Housing Production plan for Northbridge. That said, he provided the Selectmen with an inventory of residential development for years 2000 through 2008, along with a listing of the inventory for residential projects that have been approved in various stages of construction and then noting the total units that have been approved. Mr. Bechtholdt also mentioned that he enclosed an annual report from the Building Department relative to how many building permits were issued for new residential construction and a generic map showing the location of active subdivisions and recently approved residential projects.

The Town was awarded a technical assistance grant from the state. The Northbridge Planning Board and Master Plan Committee recognize this Housing Production Plan as an important component to the town’s Master Plan update. The Housing Plan will include a comprehensive housing needs assessment, affordable housing goals and implementation strategies. Mr. Bechtholdt mentioned that the Board of Selectmen needed to vote to establish a local Housing Partnership Committee and designate a Select Board member to participate on this partnership committee tonight. Mr. Bechtholdt stated that he has an individual from the Housing Authority, Planning Board and Master Plan Committee to participate on the Housing Partnership Committee. Chairman Montecalvo advised that at their next meeting of December 28, 2009, the Board would vote to appoint a Selectman to the Housing Partnership Committee. A motion/Mr. Marzec, seconded/Mr. Nolan to establish a Housing Partnership Committee. Vote yes/ Unanimous.

2010 Annual Liquor License Renewals/Vote to approve subject to the payment of all monies due the Town. A motion/Mr. Marzec, seconded/Mr. Melia to approve the 2010 Annual Liquor License Renewals with the exception of Laurieann’s Restaurant Bar & Inc. and subject to the payment of all outstanding liens Vote yes/Unanimous.

2010 Miscellaneous License Renewals [Common Victualler, Class II, Class III, Automatic Amusement Devices, Entertainment, etc.]/Vote to approve subject to the payment of all monies due the Town. A motion/Mr. Ampagoomian, seconded/Mr. Marzec to approve the 2010 Miscellaneous License Renewals subject to the payment of all outstanding liens with the exception of Hathaway Motors Class II License. Vote yes/Unanimous.

Automatic Amusement Device License [Laurieann’s Restaurant & Bar Inc.]/Vote to approve.

Chairman Montecalvo advised that no action will be taken on this license until the December 28, 2009 Board of Selectmen’s Meeting. A motion/Mr. Ampagoomian, seconded/Mr. Marzec to pass over the Automatic Amusement Device License for Laurieann’s Restaurant & Bar Inc. Vote yes/Unanimous.

Boy Scouts of America [Troop 155]/Request to plant tree and place stone marker on the Whitinsville Town Common. Present: Andrew Myers, Scoutmaster & Richard Sasseville, Director of Public Works. Mr. Myers advised the Selectmen that in 2010 the Boy Scouts of America will celebrate their 100^th Anniversary of the Founding of BSA and will be a yearlong celebration. As part of their centennial celebration, the BSA has partnered with the Arbor Day Foundation and is encouraging units to plant a centennial tree in their community. Mr. Myers is looking for the Board's approval to plant a tree somewhere in the Town of Northbridge. DPW Director Richard Sasseville suggested a tree be planted on the Hill Street side of the former Aldrich School which is being converted into a “Town Hall Annex”. Additionally, as a former school building, many of the young men who were members of Troop 155 since 1952 were educated here so this would seem to be a fitting location. Selectman Marzec suggested a white or red dogwood tree would look good at this site. A motion/Mr. Ampagoomian, seconded/Mr. Marzec to grant permission to the Boy Scouts of Americas to plant a centennial tree and place a stone marker at the Aldrich School Building. Vote yes/Unanimous.

Holiday Lights/Vote to accept an anonymous gift in honor of Pete Johnson. A motion/Mr. Ampagoomian, seconded/Mr. Melia to accept an anonymous gift in the amount of $100 for Holiday Lights in honor of Pete Johnson and send a letter of appreciation. Vote yes/Unanimous.

Richard & Leslie Arsenault/Vote to accept a gift of Holiday lights for the Rockdale Common. A motion/Mr. Melia, seconded/Mr. Marzec to accept the donation of Holiday lights from Richard and Leslie Arsenault for the Rockdale Common. Vote yes/Unanimous.

Playground & Recreation Policy Manual/Revisions. Present: Alicia Cannon, Playground & Recreation Chairman, and Committee Members: Louis Bernard, David Ducey, Dwayne Fitzgerald and Francis Puda. Ms. Cannon reviewed the changes recommended by her board to the Selectmen. That said, Chairman Montecalvo suggested that the Playground & Recreation Committee come back in the future to discuss problems they may incur with the scheduling of the fields. He also mentioned that the Playground and Recreation Manual would be placed on the next agenda under Decisions.

Town Manager’s Report. 1) Green Committee Update – The committee organized and prepared a mission statement, goals and objectives, as well as a schedule for the upcoming year. The next meeting will be tomorrow, December 15th at 6 PM. 2) Blackstone Valley Chamber of Commerce – A meeting was held to discuss a possible satellite location of Quinsigamond Community College. At the meeting, there was a representative from Rhode Island Community College who provided an overview for choices of educational programs as follows: A – Evening Course Offering, B – Partnership with Organization or High School, C – Full Satellite Campus. 3) National Park Service - Representatives from the Blackstone River Valley Special Review Study Commission met with the Town Manager to discuss proposed locations of new Federal Parks which could include: Whitinsville, Hopedale, and three communities in Rhode Island. 4) New Ambulance – The new ambulance was delivered today and will be put into operation by the end of this week. 5) Evergreen Center Wreath Presentation – On Friday, December 11, 2009, clients and staff members from the Evergreen Center [James Lawrence, Devin Dugan, Jonathan Ersing; Bruno Vaz, Teacher, and Susan Silvia, Head of Vocational Department] delivered a wreath to the Town of Northbridge. Chairman Montecalvo and Town Manager Kozak thanked the students and accepted the wreath.

Selectmen’s Concerns. Selectman Marzec 1) He recognized the Blackstone Valley Pop Warner Jr. Midgets Cheerleading Squad for finishing fourth in the nation. 2) He mentioned that he spoke to William Giannopoulos, Owner of the Linwood Mill, who advised him that he received a $500,000 grant for refurbishing the Linwood Mill Complex. 3) He advised the Selectmen that individuals in the community feel that a Selectman should have a representative on the Green Committee and he volunteered for the position. 4) Town Hall Annex – He said that people are talking about changing the name of the Aldrich School Building. He stated the name of the Aldrich School Building should be kept as is because of its history. 5) He wished everyone a Happy Hanukkah and a Merry Christmas. Selectman Nolan 1) He mentioned that before Spaulding Aldrich died he spent several hours with him discussing how the name of the Aldrich School Building came to be and also felt the name of the building should remain as is. He explained that the school was named after a teacher, Eleanor W. Aldrich who worked there for 40 years. With that said, he requested that the town honor Spaulding's request to keep the name of the Aldrich School Building as is. Selectman Melia 1) He concurred with Selectmen Marzec and Nolan on keeping the name of the Aldrich School Building in tact. 2) He asked for an update on the lower Sutton Street Sewer Issue. DPW Director Richard Sasseville advised the Selectmen that he went back and reviewed the estimate for the project and the cost would be $480,000. He also advised them that the Sewer Superintendent Mark Kuras is working on having a TV survey done. Selectman Ampagoomian 1) Thanked the anonymous person for donating $100 in honor of Pete Johnson and thanked Mr. & Mrs. Arsenault for donating holiday lights for the Rockdale Common. 2) He personally thanked Superintendent Susan Gorky and some Northbridge students for bringing Craig Scott, a Columbine survivor to the Middle School to share his tragic story with the Northbridge School system.

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

Meeting Adjourned: 8:08 P.M.

Respectfully submitted,

Charles Ampagoomian, Jr., Clerk

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