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Board of Selectmen Minutes 06/28/2010
Date of Meeting:        Monday, June 28, 2010
Location:               Town Hall, 221 Main Street
Time:                   6:30 PM – 8:20 PM
Members Present:        Chairman James Stanton; Roger Deal; Ken Sydow
Others Present: Nancy Colbert Puff, Town Administrator; Lori Esposito, Administrative Assistant; others as listed on the attached sign-in sheet
Absent: Stephen Madaus, Town Counsel


Financial Warrants were signed in approval.

Compass Pointe:   Letter received from Attorney Cheryl Morrill to release bond.  Motion was made to release escrow bond pending written approval from Graves Engineering and Don Parker.  Motion seconded and voted all in favor.

Dispatchers’ Contract 10-13:  Two originals signed by the Board of Selectmen.

Library Entry Project:  Nancy Puff assisting.
  • Jim Stanton inquired if Town Counsel had reviewed the bid and Ms. Puff responded that he had not; it is just being put together now.  Ken Sydow asked if it is standard to have all bids reviewed?  Jim Stanton said it’s needed if someone decides to protest the bid.  
  • The Town Administrator said it is advisable for a town to provide its own “front end” bid for municipal construction, e.g., library contractor proposed changing one.    Steve Madaus provides statutory provisions.  Ideally, we should have a standard contract; then we would not need Town Counsel to review all contracts.
  • Ken said only if out of the ordinary.   Jim said if changing substance/content, Town Counsel needs to review it.
Town Accountant’s Contract:  Town Accountant will receive a two percent pay increase at the end of one year, per her contract.  Motion made to approve pay increase; motion seconded and voted all in favor.

Stiles Crossing:  The Planning Board has a hearing July 8.  The Board may vote to amend the plan to reduce the scope of work to correspond to the remaining value of the bond.  Recommendation from their engineer will be made.

Compass Pointe Stormwater:  The Conservation Commission worked out an arrangement with the developer for an agreeable bond (on a sliding scale, as the work is performed).

Business Marketing Committee:  Met with Worcester Business Development Corporation (WBCD) to discuss development potential for Hillside (behind Flagg House).  WBDC will assist the marketing committee in the early stages of planning and development.  

Sewall Street Paving:   This is out to bid.  Bids to be opened July 15.

FY 2011 Appointments:   
  • ADA Committee:    Invite all interested in serving on the committee to the next meeting, since these are first-time appointments.
The following appointments were motioned, seconded and voted all in favor:
  • Affordable Housing:   Michael Borsuk
  • Appeals Board:  Janet Lombardi (term 2015) and Arlene Murphy (filled vacancy, term 2014).  Ms. Murphy previously served as Alternate member.
  • Board of Registrars:  Mary Jasper
  • Business Marketing Committee:  Herb Cronin, Ron Wagner and Edson deCastro
  • Cable Advisory Committee:  Mike Ridinger and Tom Martiska;  Jim Stanton said Mike Michaels might also be interested in serving on this committee and asked Nancy Puff to call him.
  • Capital Planning Committee:  Roger Deal
  • Conservation Commission:  Jeffrey Walsh (three-year term)
  • Council on Aging:  Gertrude Peterson, Jane Meegan, John Faucher, David Wheeler, Eugene Dodd, Jean Gates, Dennis Goguen  and Mary Seed.
  • Cultural Council:  Carolyn Crane, Susan Boucher and Sue Filsinger
  • Earth Removal Board:  Arthur Gibree (Selectmen’s representative)
  • Finance Committee:  Motion was made, seconded and voted all in favor to reappoint Herb Cronin and Tim Houlihan to the Finance Committee.
  • Historic Commission:  Bruce Symonds and Paul Kalinowski
  • Historic District Commission:  Bruce Symonds and Gerald Jones
  • Homeland Security:  Dennis Costello, Joseph Flanagan, Mary Jasper, Anthony Sahagian and Donald Parker.
  • Insurance Advisory Committee:  Robert Thomas, Pamela Rudge, Joseph Flanagan, Steven Mero, Lori Esposito, Nicholas Langhart, Janet Wentzell, Mike Lucia, Jennifer Lamontagne, Town Administrator (ex-officio), Town Treasurer (ex-officio).
  • Memorial Day Committee:  Joseph Larkin
  • Personnel Board:  John Stowe and Richard Prince.  (Nancy Puff will speak with two additional people to see if they are interested in serving.)
  • Senior Tax Rebate Committee:  Mary Jasper, Jane Meegan and Dennis Goguen
  • Stornwater Committee:  Joe McGrath and Don Parker
  • Town House Committee:  Janice Resseguie and Don Parker
  • Tree Warden/Civil Defense/Right-to-Know Coordinator:  Don Parker
  • Veterans’ Agent:  Vincent Perrone
  • Parking Clerk:  Sandra Bourassa
  • Council on Aging Coordinator/Outreach Worker:  Jane Meegan
  • Social Service Representative (Elderly Meals-on-Wheels Coordinator)  Janice Ressiguie
  • Central MA Regional Planning Commission and Transportation Improvement (CMRPC):  Richard Baker and Howard Drobner
  • Town Counsel:  Stephen Madaus of Mirick O’Connell
  • Assistant Treasurer/Collector:  Joseph Daigneault
  • Administrative Assistant to Board of Selectmen:  Lori Esposito
  • Highway Superintendent:  Don Parker
  • Assistant Building Inspector:  Tom Dillon Assistant Building Inspector
  • Gas/Plumbing Inspector and Assistant Inspector:  Eric Johnson and Richard LaPan
  • Wiring Inspector and Assistant Wiring Inspector:  James Morrill and Thomas O’Connor
  • Tax Title Custodian:  Town Administrator


The following re-appointment was not made due to lack of motion from any board member:
  • Building Inspector:  No motion to re-appoint.  Roger Deal made a motion to direct the Town Administrator to advertise for a Town Building Inspector.  Ken Sydow seconded the motion; voted all in favor.
  • Ken Sydow said he would like to qualify the needs of the position and the Town Administrator is to come to the Board with recommendations.
  • Jim Stanton instructed the Town Administrator to send a letter to Mark Bertonassi, former Building Inspector, letting him know that we will advertise the position with new criteria.  He is welcome to apply once the position is advertised.
Hearing on Pleasant Lane # 11, 22:
  • James Vogel appeared before the Board and said he would like to connect both lots to the water line.
  • Ken Sydow asked how the last one went.  Mr. Vogel said it is not done yet.  It should only take a day or so to do.
  • Mike Hayek (21 Pleasant Lane) wants to understand how long the equipment is to be in the area; if the road will be closed, etc.  Also, the adjacent parcel abuts wetland; he would like to be sure there is some protection in place.  Jim Vogel said it would take probably only a day – possibly hours.  He would like to have both done in one day.  Ideally, the main should have been “stubbed in” by Pulte.
  • Mike Hayek asked if the water would be shut down and for how long.  Jim Vogel said the water would be shut down, but for minimal time.  Don Parker said it would probably only be while the road is out; it shouldn’t be long.
  • Motion was made to grant the request, subject to the same conditions as the other permit.  Motion was seconded and voted all in favor.
Sewall Street (Don Parker):
  • Jim Stanton asked about his inspection after the paving by Compass Pointe contractors; Mr. Parker accepted it.
Saint Mary’s Sign Request:  Motion was made, seconded and voted all in favor to grant St. Mary’s request.

Treasurer/Collector Candidate:   Paul Nowicki interview.  
  • Mr. Nowicki has been a treasurer/collector for 28 years; he has been certified for 25 years and just received recertification for the next five years.  He explained his past work experience.
  • As of June 30 his contract was not renewed by the new Town Administrator in town in which he is currently employed.  (This is the fifth new TA in the past five years)  He believes it’s because she chose to bring in her own people.
  • Jim asked him about his relationship with other town departments.  Mr. Nowicki said it was excellent.
  • Jim asked if he did work for the school.  He said they had their own system but he did both school and town accounting.
  • Jim asked him to describe one or two things he has accomplished in the last few years that he considers innovative.  Paul said in 2005 Ware was not on the internet and had no email.  He functioned as the IT operator and brought in the internet and email in three months.  He also instituted online tax payments and a check machine that auto-debits customer’s account.  He sold 30 properties that were tax-title foreclosures and made several million dollars for the town from the sale of those properties.
  • Ken Sydow asked how his relationship with the assessors was.  Paul said it was very good.  The tax rate was set on time every year, etc.  They worked well together.
  • Jim asked if he had taken any innovative steps for cost savings.  Paul said he sought more competitive bids on their bonds.  Also cuts expenses, spends wisely.
  • Jim asked if he was familiar with Vadar system.  Mr. Nowicki said he was, but currently uses Point Software. Ken asked what the advantage is of one over the other.  Paul said Vadar is Windows-based, with drop down names; it is much more user-friendly.  He also uses Budget Sense for accounting.
  • Jim inquired about his supervisory/management experience.  He said he has had two to seven people in various towns to supervise.  He expects employees to deal calmly, politely and professionally with the public.  He has never had a problem.
  • Ken Sydow:  coming into a more defined role, how will you handle that?  Will this challenge you with a singular role versus many?  Paul said he will look forward to working hands-on and implementing any changes necessary.  Collections will keep him challenged, using various tactics he has employed in the past.
  • Ken asked him about his strengths and weaknesses.  He said he’s great with numbers; loves to deal with the public; is a people person.  He likes to interact with people.  His weakness is a stubbornness to get things done on time; he likes to balance with the Town Accountant to the penny.
  • Roger Deal asked what he would like to know about us.   Paul asked if the department heads get along; is there any fighting that he needs to be aware of?  Roger said there are disagreements from time to time as with any business.  Overall, we have a very cooperative group of people.
  • Roger asked if the salary and benefits package we offer is suitable.  He said it is a little low but the travel is better than that of another opportunity he had.
  • Jim explained there were school/town difficulties in the past but we currently have a very good relationship.
  • Ken asked what he sees as the most important aspect of the position.  Paul said bringing money in; investing wisely and making sure the money is safe.  Also getting along with department heads.
  • Jim Stanton asked what research he did regarding Boylston.  He said he looked at our website; is interested in relocating into Town.
  • Ken asked if there is anything else he would like to know.  He asked about work hours.  Had heard that Town Hall was closed on Fridays.  Jim said the full-time employees work Fridays but the building is closed to the public.
  • Ken asked what else Paul would like us to know about him.   Mr. Nowicki said he was the most honest person they’ll ever meet.
  • Mr. Nowicki left the meeting at 7:40 PM.  Shortly after, Roger Deal made a motion to make an offer to Mr. Nowicki; motion was seconded and voted all in favor.

At 7:45 PM on a motion made by Selectman Ken Sydow, and seconded by Roger Deal, the following roll call vote as recorded to go into Executive Session under MGL c. 39 §23B, ¶6 to consider purchase, etc., of real property:  James Stanton:  yes; Roger Deal:  yes; Ken Sydow:  yes.  The Board agreed they would reconvene only to adjourn.

At 8:00 PM, Selectman Roger Deal motioned to adjourn Executive Session and reconvene only to adjourn:  Ken Sydow seconded; roll call vote recorded as follows:  Roger Deal:  yes; James Stanton:  yes; Ken Sydow:  yes.

Meeting adjourned at 8:00 PM.

Respectfully Submitted,


Lori Esposito, Administrative Assistant