Town of Hopedale, MA - Board of Selectmen Minutes 3/5/2007

Chm. Ryan convened the meeting at 7:00p.m. Present: Alan Ryan Chm., Michael Collins, Louis Arcudi Selectmen; Eugene Phillips Town Coordinator, Lisa Pedroli, Sgt. Giovanella, Janet Jacaruso Town Clerk, Rep. John Fernandes, Raymond Dirany, and Artie Maggiore videographer.

· The School Business Office has informed the Selectmen that the food service program is now making a profit. The Selectmen were pleased with this information.

· Mr. Ryan questioned Mr. Phillips regarding the land fill site work currently being performed in Town. He explained that the Rockwell Company was served a notice of responsibility and they have agreed to fund a study to determine what lies above and below the surface of the area in question. Mr. Phillips should be receiving a summary of the work completed in the up coming weeks.

· Chm. Ryan mentioned that Mass Development may have some Brownfields Redevelopment money available which could be of use for the Draper Reuse Committee.

· Capitol Improvements Program Guidelines – this has not gone to the Capitol Planning Committee as of yet but Mr. Phillips is currently working with CMRPC to establish some methods that will be of use.

· Rhode Island Analytical testing performed – nothing in the water outside the parameters we use for our own water.

Town Clerk, Janet Jacaruso came before the Board to discuss the purchase of a new tabulation voting machine. The amount of $6,500.00 has been approved by the Finance Committee and now a vote by the Board is needed for the purchase of the machine. MSDV to approve the purchase of an Accu-Vote optical scanner and to discontinue the use of the Op-Tech system.

Rep. John Fernandes came before the Board to introduce himself to Board members and residents of Hopedale. Representative Fernandes discussed some ongoing issues involving the Town of Hopedale such as the Draper Reuse Committee and issues concerning the School Committee regarding SPED transportation. He briefly discussed budget items and is looking forward to working with all Boards within the Town of Hopedale.

Chm. Ryan signed paperwork regarding the $250,000.00 earmark grant presented earlier for the Hopedale Pond Study. Mr. Phillips presented the Selectmen with packets containing the scope of work for the pond study. The study may cost anywhere between $100,000.00 to $150,000.00 and the remaining funds might be used for dredging the pond.

Mr. Phillips informed the Board that the Girls Soccer and Boys CC State Championship signs will be put up by the Highway Dept within the next week or so.

The Board briefly discussed the state budget preliminary numbers. On the Education side the projected increase is $405,000.00 but may be reduced by a reduction in school choice numbers by about $150,000.00 which would net $290,000.00 of additional chapter 70 revenue, and the lottery numbers increase of $14,000.00. The Finance Committee and Mr. Phillips will be working together to finalize the budget numbers.

MSDV to rescind the approval of selling of the Cell Tower lease to WCP. In the upcoming weeks Mr. Phillips will send out another RFP for the purchase of the cell tower.

MSDV to hold a public hearing for the Dog Officer regarding an aggressive dog at 41 Adin Street scheduled for March 19, 2007 at 7:15.

Sgt. Giovanella came before the Board to discuss the possibility of waiving a Zoning Board fee. The last week of March to the last week of April is Motorcycle Awareness month and the Police Dept. would like to post a temporary sign on the corner of Rte 16 and Adin Street. MSDV to grant a waiver of a Zoning Board Fee. Mr. Phillips will contact the Zoning Board the update them on this situation.

Mr. Dirany came before the Board again to apply for a Class II License at 245 Mendon Street. The current license holder has been grandfathered but the decision to grant a new owner a license has been denied. The Board does not feel this location is appropriate for a dealership. MSDV not to grant a Class II license to Mr. DiRany at this location.

Mr. Phillips informed the Board $25,000.00 in grant money will be signed over to the Town from Milford for the use of a Planner, Grant Writer in the next couple weeks. Secretary of State O’Connell and Rep. Fernandes will be in Town to Tour the Draper Facility on Wednesday March 7, 2007 along with a few members of the Reuse Committee and Selectmen.

Mr. Phillips informed the Board of the possible changes in Cable Service concerning Verizon and Comcast. He will get more information and present it to the Board at a later date.

The Board spoke briefly about the Municipal Partnership Act which empowers some Towns to generate additional revenues. The Town of Hopedale might not benefit much from this but Selectmen feel it is something that will pass.

Mr. Phillips informed the Selectmen of the possibility of President Bush cutting the CDBG Grant which may decrease from $4.8 billion to $2.8 billion.

With no further business before them MSDV to enter into executive session not to reconvene. RCV Alan Ryan Chm. –Aye, Michael Collins –Aye, Louis Arcudi –Aye.