TOWN OF MILLBURY
Board of Selectmen Minutes
Municipal Office Building – Selectmen’s Meeting Room
Tuesday, January 8, 2008 7:00 p.m.
Present: Board of Selectmen: E. Bernard Plante, Chairman; Joseph J. Coggans, Jr., Michael O. Moore, Kenneth I. Schold, Francis B. King
Bob Spain, Town Manager; Joseph Montecalvo, Acting Town Manager; Philip Genovese, Director of Public Works; Bill Walsh and Dave Sullivan representing PlaceNameplaceBlackstone PlaceTypeValley PlaceNameRegional PlaceNameRecycling PlaceTypeCenter; Donna Boynton, Worcester Telegram; Tom Reilly Millbury-Sutton Chronicle; and Concerned Citizens
Chairman Plante opened the meeting with the Pledge of Allegiance.
Chairman Plante welcomed the new Town Manager, Bob Spain. Chairman Plante, on behalf of the Board of Selectmen and the townspeople, thanked Acting Town Manager Joe Montecalvo for the tremendous job he has done in the past six months. Mr. Montecalvo said that he was very appreciative of the cooperation he received from the Board and that he met a lot of nice people and some old friends in Millbury and that the staff was very cooperative.
PUBLIC HEARINGS
Applebee’s Restaurants – Transfer of License & Stock – Postponed
GUEST PRESENTATIONS
Drainlayer’s License – Jeff Bernard – Postponed
Presentation – PlaceNameplaceBlackstone PlaceTypeValley Regional Recycling Center
(Presentation scheduled for timeHour19Minute307:30pm; Board proceeded with Previous Minutes and Town Manager Report until Mr. Walsh and Mr. Sullivan arrived). Bill Walsh spoke about the Blackstone Valley Regional Recycling Center (BVRRC) located in the town of CityplaceBlackstone which is partnering with local communities. Municipalities doing business with Blackstone receive 30 percent of the profits for the sale of their recyclables. Most of the towns that BVRRC does business with have transfer stations not curbside recycling.
Based on Department of Environmental Protection figures for 2006, Millbury would have received $30,530 for its recyclables if it had used Blackstone that year. Sending recyclables to American Paper in CityBraintree would have netted $11,000; using FCR in CityplaceAuburn would have brought in even less, with the firm charging the town to dispose of some recyclables. Mr. Walsh said their innovative program is a win-win situation which has been highly successful, which is why he is here to ask Millbury to join the BVRRC and receive 30% of
the proceeds. Mr. Walsh said as a second step to take a look at the Blackstone Valley Mall
and the cardboard they have that most likely goes to a dumpster and is all profit. Mr. Walsh
said that last hear $300 million in newspaper was thrown out in the Commonwealth; if we all just recycled our newspaper it would make our local budgets a lot easier.
Selectmen’s Meeting – 1/8/08 Page 2
Mr. country-regionplaceSpain said that Blackstone had gotten involved with Millbury when Wheelabrator ceased taking the town’s recyclables on dateYear2008Day1Month1January 1, 2008 as part of the new contract. Getting money for our recyclables is a goal which we are going to do. Mr. country-regionplaceSpain recommended that town stay with Blackstone until July then put out a Request For Proposals (RFP) for the recycling. Also, at the recommendation of the DPW Director, to pull the metal out which we’ve already started recycling; the town has already gotten $5000. Blackstone has been very upfront and we appreciate them stepping into the void. Selectman King asked how would we be hauling this to Blackstone? Mr. country-regionplaceSpain said we don’t have the ability to
haul it; the net is $35,000 and it is $150 a load to haul it away and the net should be in excess of $20,000 in a year’s time based on 2006 figures. Mr. King asked if they’re hauling it and we’re paying it we do not have to go out to bid? Mr. country-regionplaceSpain said that it does not have to go out to bid as it is solid waste which does not have to go out to bid and it is a municipal agreement. Mr. Walsh agreed and said that he didn’t have a problem with 6 months (of hauling until town goes out to bid) but for budgetary purposes and staffing he would request a minimum of a year and 6 months.
Selectman Schold asked about the sorting and weighing at the facility; do they separate bottles from plastics? Mr. Walsh said nobody pays for plastics or cans, you will be charged you $35 a ton. Currently Blackstone takes our plastics currently for nothing and sells it out to cover their costs. It is just a wash for the town. In about a year or 2 Blackstone will have a sorting facility. Glass always has to be separated out to protect the equipment. The center also has a shredding facility with a commercial shredder; shredding documents could cost $2500 a year. All the member municipalities can use this facility using its own employees to do the shredding. Also, because this is a multiple town agreement this is a bargaining chip at the statehouse level.
Mr. Walsh said that the Board could sign the agreement to go forward with joining the PlaceNameplaceBlackstone PlaceTypeValley PlaceNameRegional PlaceNameRecycling PlaceTypeCenter which is a 3 year intermunicipal agreement, or take the information under advisement. Philip Genovese noted that every town has a representative on the board; Mr. Walsh said yet, it is the Blackstone Valley Regional Municipal Association for Recycling which meets 4 times a year at the facility in Blackstone. The Board of Selectmen is taking the proposal under advisement.
A discussion ensued regarding the new system of discarding recyclables at the Transfer Station which began at the beginning of the year. Mr. country-regionplaceSpain and Mr. Genovese are going to the Transfer Station on Thursday to see the system. Mr. Genovese has instruction his staff to help the people if they cannot reach the bins. Instructions will be placed on the cable channel regarding the recycling system.
PREVIOUS MINUTES
Minutes of the Special Selectmen’s Meeting – Tuesday November 20, 2007
Motion made by Selectman Schold, seconded by Selectman King to accept the minutes of the November 20, 2007 Special Selectmen’s Meeting as written. Motion carried unanimously.
Selectmen’s Meeting – 1/8/08 Page 3
Minutes of the Executive Session – Tuesday November 20, 2007
Motion made by Selectman Schold, seconded by Selectman King to accept the minutes of the dateMonth11Day20Year2007November 20, 2007 Executive Session as written. Motion carried unanimously.
Minutes of the Meeting – Tuesday November 27, 2007
Motion made by Selectman Schold, seconded by Selectman King to accept the minutes of the November 27, 2007 Selectmen’s Meeting as written. Motion carried unanimously.
Minutes of the Executive Session – Tuesday November 27, 2007
Motion made by Selectman Schold, seconded by Selectman King to accept the minutes of the dateMonth11Day27Year2007November 27, 2007 Executive Session as written. Motion carried unanimously.
Minutes of the Meeting – Tuesday December 11, 2007
Motion made by Selectman Schold seconded by Selectman King to accept the minutes of the dateMonth12Day11Year2007December 11, 2007 Selectmen’s Meeting as written. Motion carried unanimously.
Minutes of the Executive Session – Tuesday December 11, 2007
Motion made by Selectman Schold, seconded by Selectman King to accept the minutes of the dateMonth12Day11Year2007December 11, 2007 Executive Session as written. Motion carried dateMonth4Day1Year20004-1-0 with Selectman Coggans opposed.
Minutes of the Special Selectmen’s Meeting – Tuesday December 18, 2007
Motion made by Selectman Schold, seconded by Selectman King to accept the minutes of the December 18, 2007 Special Selectmen’s Meeting as written. Motion carried unanimously.
Minutes of the Executive Session – Tuesday December 18, 2007
Motion made by Selectman Schold, seconded by Selectman King to accept the minutes of the December 18, 2007 Special Selectmen’s Meeting as written. Motion carried unanimously.
TOWN MANAGER REPORT
Item #1 – Capital Improvement Planning Committee/Capital Budget Planning Committee
Town Manager country-regionplaceSpain has appointed the following to the above named committee:
Mary Ann Harris, Finance Director
Philip Genovese, Interim Director of Public Works
Suzanne Pierce, School Department Business Manager
Francis B. King, Selectman
An Additional five registered voters will be appointed from a list submitted by Moderator Tom Fox.
Selectmen’s Meeting – 1/8/08 Page 4
Item #2 – Maintenance of Sidewalks Policy
Philip Genovese spoke about a memo he sent out regarding sidewalk maintenance. He submitted a draft regarding sidewalk policies that was complied after research with surrounding towns, most of which have a sidewalk policy in place. Selectman King noted that this policy will be a “hard sell” and asked why can’t an employee without a license to drive the truck to plow do the sidewalks? Mr. Genovese said that he discussed this with the Town Manager; some have only a Class D license but we have to maintain 2 people at the Transfer Station. Chairman Plante said he understands the need for a policy but his biggest concern is children in the streets. Mr. Genovese agreed and said the situation with children and the elderly does raise a flag, and where do you draw the line with
safety of children and residents when the sidewalks are not a top priority because we don’t have the staff to do it. Chairman Plante said that staffing is a problem and that they are all aware. Additional discussion ensued; Mr. country-regionplaceSpain will look into the plowing issues.
Item #3 – CityplaceWorcester Regional Transit Authority
The WRTA is seeking the town’s assistance in supporting a resolution to address and resolve its issues of forward funding, full funding, existing and prior year debts and the full faith and credit of the Commonwealth during the January-June 2008 legislative session or the WRTA will have to implement service reductions. Motion made by Selectman King, seconded by Selectman Schold to support the resolution; motion carried unanimously. Mr. country-regionplaceSpain will send a letter to the state on behalf of the Board of Selectmen.
Item #4 – Legal Council – Breakdown of Expenditures
The Legal Council account has a balance of $35,822.38 after the dateMonth12Day28Year2007December 28, 2007 warrant was processed. Selectman CityplaceMoore asked about the amount spent for the Wheelabrator negotiations as Wheelabrator will reimburse the town 50% of the cost up to $25,000. The Town Manager will get that information.
ADDITIONAL ITEMS
addressStreetMcCracken Road - Mr. country-regionplaceSpain read a notice from Philip Genovese, Director of Pubic Works, stating that “the DPW will be removing the signage on addressStreetMcCracken Road, dateMonth1Day15Year2008Tuesday January 15, 2008 returning it to a two way traveled roadway.” Police Chief Richard Handfield and Fire Chief Matt Belsito both submitted letters stating that they had no issues with the re-opening of addressStreetMcCracken Road. Motion made by Selectman King, seconded by Selectman Schold to reopen addressStreetMcCracken Road on dateMonth1Day15Year2008January 15, 2008. Motion passed 4-0-1 with Chairman Plante abstaining as he is employed by addressStreetMass Highway.
Christmas Trees - Mr. country-regionplaceSpain said that people with transfer station stickers can bring their Christmas trees to the Transfer Station. Selectman King asked if they were going to
Wheelabrator or are we chipping them, how are we handling them; Mr. Genovese said that the understanding is that the trees are going to Wheelabrator. Selectman Coggans said it would make sense to use the chipper to hold our tonnage down. Selectmen CityplaceMoore said we should look into it quickly as we don’t have the tonnage this year that we have had. Mr. country-regionplaceSpain said it would be resolved tomorrow.
Selectmen’s Meeting – 1/8/08 Page 5
Meetings - Mr. country-regionplaceSpain said he is glad to be here and looks forward to working with the Board. He has already made appointments with other boards in town and has met with the staff (Department Heads) and stressed that one of his priorities is communication.
Mr. country-regionplaceSpain wants to set up a meeting between this Board, the School Committee, the Finance Director (Mary Ann Harris), the Superintendent of Schools (Susan Hitchcock) and the Finance Committee regarding the budget.
Snow & Ice - Mr. country-regionplaceSpain said they are declaring a snow and ice emergency as there is about $23 left in the account.
NEW BUSINESS
Withdrawal of 2008 Liquor License Renewal – The Taft House Co-op Cafe
Motion made by Selectman Schold, seconded by Selectman Coggans to accept the withdrawal of the 2008 Liquor License Renewal of The Taft House Co-op Café. Motion carried unanimously. Chairman Plante said that Dottie (Guillette - former secretary) was going to contact ABCC to see if this license can be converted from a package store wine and malt license. Selectman Coggans asked what licenses do we have to give out? Mr. country-regionplaceSpain is still researching the issue.
Accept Donations to the Fire Department
Motion made by Selectman Coggans, seconded by Selectman Moore to accept a $100 donation from Robert & Jean Moore to use for fire department equipment. Motion carried 4-0-1 with Selectman King abstaining.
2008 Drainlayer License Renewals – Postponed until dateYear2008Day22Month11-22-08 Selectmen’s Meeting.
Selectman Coggans addressed the issue of water pipes and sewer pipes being the proper distance from each other. Mr. Genovese is researching policy language on this issue.
Recycling – Selectman CityplaceMoore wants the board to give the Manager direction on recycling; the Board wants the Manager to look at RFPs for curbside vs. transfer station.
Building Inspector – In reference to a letter from the Building Inspector announcing his retirement in March, Selectman Moore asked about forming a screening committee. Mr. country-regionplaceSpain said he is deciding what to do as there are a lot of issues with it. Chairman Plante said the question is do we really need a full time Building Inspector? Mr. country-regionplaceSpain said it is a priority and he is looking at the whole issue before he makes any commitments.
Pyrotechnics By-Law – Selectman Coggans would like to have a by-law or an article on the warrant to ban pyrotechnics in any public building. The Fire Chief said he would support it. Need to have town council review this to ensure that it is above scrutiny.
Selectmen’s Meeting – 1/8/08 Page 6
OLD BUSINESS
Sewer Project – Selectman King asked about the status of the dam and sewerage on addressStreetW. Main Street, and what is holding up the sewer project? Mr. Montecalvo said that it is in litigation. Mr. country-regionplaceSpain said he discussed the issue with a member of the Sewer Commission and this is a subject they will discuss and resolve soon; the project is 90% done.
Free Cash – Selectman CityMoore asked if we know the amount of free cash; Mr. country-regionplaceSpain said we don’t know yet. Selectman CityplaceMoore wants the amount by the next Board of Selectmen meeting on dateMonth1Day22Year2008January 22, 2008.
Upper Blackstone Representative – Selectman CityplaceMoore asked if there is an Upper Blackstone representative? Mr. Montecalvo said Mr. Genovese will address that; they feel it needs to be someone from the Sewer Commission and it is up to him to make a ruling on this. Mr. country-regionplaceSpain said it would be a recommendation from Mr. Genovese and the Town Manager would make the appointment.
MAIL
Selectman Schold read correspondence from the Millbury Police Department dated November 26, 2007 regarding Community Policing Grant.
Selectman Schold read a letter from Raymond M. Nietupski, Assistant Scoutmaster Troop 106, regarding recognition of Millbury resident Christopher Desmond attaining the level of Eagle Scout. Chairman Plante requested that Joyce Ostrowski (acting secretary) order a plaque, or award similar to ones done in the past, for presentation at a Board of Selectmen meeting in February.
Selectman Schold read a dateMonth11Day30Year2007November 30, 2007 letter from Charter Communications regarding the annual rate justification filing for 2008. Chairman Plante asked if the Cable Committee has heard from Verizon? Selectman Coggans said he spoke with Paul DiCicco, chairman of the Public Access Cable Commission today. Chairman Plante wants people to understand that it is not the Board or even the Commission that is holding up Verizon. Selectman CityplaceMoore asked if the Board will be meeting with the Cable Advisory Committee. Chairman Plante said we should wait until the committee (Public Access Cable Commission) has something to offer.
CITIZEN SPEAK
Richard Valentino spoke as a citizen, not a board chairman, asking is something is going to be done about the telephone pole at addressStreetHowe Avenue at the corner of addressStreetRiverlin Street. The pole is ready to fall and is worse now.
Selectmen’s Meeting – 1/8/08 Page 7
EXECUTIVE SESSION
Motion made by Selectman Coggans, seconded by Selectman Schold to move into Executive Session at 8:40 p.m. under Chapter 39, Section 23B, Para. 3 to discuss strategy with respect to collective bargaining and litigation and to conduct strategy sessions in preparation for negotiations with non-union personnel.
Selectman Coggans, Jr. - Yes
Selectman CityplaceMoore - Yes
Selectman Schold - Yes
Selectman King - Yes
Chairman Plante - Yes
Chairman Plante stated that the Board will leave Executive Session only to adjourn.
The Board returned to open session at timeHour23Minute4911:49 p.m.
ADJOURNMENT
Motion made by Selectman Coggans, seconded by Selectman Schold to adjourn at timeHour23Minute5011:50 p.m. Motion carried unanimously.
Respectfully submitted,
Joyce A. Ostrowski
Secretary, Bd of Selectman
E. Bernard Plante
Joseph F. Coggans, Jr.
Michael O. Moore
Kenneth I. Schold
Francis B. King
Its Board of Selectmen
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