Town of Hopedale, MA - Board of Selectmen Minutes 10/16/07

Chairman Arcudi convened the meeting at 7:02 p.m. and moved into the agenda. Present: Louis Arcudi III, Chairman, Selectman Alan Ryan, Selectman Michael Collins, Town Coordinator Eugene Phillips, Executive Assistant Patricia Goodwin and Artie Maggiore, videographer.

Chairman Arcudi moved to new business. First on the agenda was a discussion of the Red Shop building permit fee. Coordinator Phillips stated that the Town had appropriated money for the project and that the building permit fee was not in those funds appropriated. Coordinator Phillips told the Board that they were able to waive permit fees.

Coordinator Phillips continued with a discussion on the land at B West Street, a 7.88 acre parcel owned by Dick Rizoli which is in tax title foreclosure. The entire parcel was once owned by Mr. Rizoli and has since been taken for taxes by the Town of Milford. The remaining parcel B is land-locked. Mr. Rizoli has offered to donate the land to the Town of Hopedale in order to be released from the payment of taxes and interest due, which amount of approximately $21K. The parcel is valued at approximately $70K. The approval of the Board is required in order to move forward at the upcoming Town Meeting and to allow time for obtaining the proper paperwork involved for a vote on accepting the land.

A discussion of the upcoming MMA (Massachusetts Municipal Association) Annual Meeting and Trade Show scheduled for January 10-12, 2008 ensued. Coordinator Phillips requested that the Selectmen notify Patricia Goodwin, Executive Assistant, by mid-November of any interest in participating so that she may make the necessary reservations.

Chairman Arcudi discussed the receipt of a letter addressed to the Board from Police Chief Costanza requesting approval of a parade permit for the annual Halloween parade and party to be held for the children on October 31, 2007 at 4:45PM. It was agreed that this is a wonderful event for local children.

The CMRPC (Central Massachusetts Regional Planning Committee) contract for the transportation portion of the master plan was budgeted at the annual town meeting held last year. The contract requires the signatures of the Board of Selectmen to move forward. Chairman Arcudi stated that this was approved by the taxpayers and is in the Planning Board budget.

A discussion took place regarding the Fire Department’s request for an increase in the fee schedule for permits and inspections. Coordinator Phillips stated that the last increase took place in March, 2002, and last year the Finance Committee had suggested an increase in the fees. A review of the requested fee increases would appear to be fair. The increases would go into effect immediately, effective at midnight tonight, October 16, 2007. Mr. Phillips will ensure that the fee schedule is posted on the website.

Chairman Arcudi discussed the closing of the warrant for the November 6, 2007 Special Town Meeting. Coordinator Phillips summarized the warrant articles. A motion was made to present all articles on the warrant for discussion at the Special Town Meeting.

Chairman Arcudi moved to a discussion of old business. First on the agenda was a discussion of the police contract signing. Coordinator Phillips stated that the memorandum of agreement had previously been signed. The signing of the contract is simply an administrative task. The contract will be copied and filed with the Town Clerk’s office. No motion was necessary.

Coordinator Phillips continued the discussion of the 236 Mendon Street lot and a proposal that the abutters be allowed to purchase portions of the lot. Chairman Arcudi believed the real concern was that the lot was not being cleaned/maintained by the road commissioners. Selectmen Ryan and Collins suggested that exploratory letters be mailed to all the abutters to ascertain their interest in purchasing a portion of the parcel. Chairman Arcudi stated that he believed this was a good recommendation. Coordinator Phillips will prepare letters to the abutters.

A discussion took place regarding the Hanger Restaurant’s licensing. Its alcoholic beverage license and entertainment license are due to expire on November 15, 2007. The entertainment portion requires the installation of a sprinkler system in order to meet building codes. Coordinator Phillips will write a letter to the establishment notifying the owners of the impending expiration of the license on November 15^th. In order to renew the license, the restaurant will need to be in compliance by the installation of the sprinkler system, requiring approval of the Fire Department and Building Inspector. Coordinator Phillips will also provide the owners with the dates of the upcoming Board meetings to take place prior to the November 15^th deadline.

A discussion took place regarding the renovation work being done on the Little Red Shop, which is progressing well. Coordinator Phillips is taking weekly photos of the building. The building is in the process of being re-roofed; the siding has been removed, and insulation, sheeting and clapboards will be installed.

There is a planned visit to the Draper Mill Complex by Lt. Governor Murray scheduled for Tuesday, October 23^rd, at 4:45 p.m., at which time he will tour the facility. Chairman Arcudi stated he is planning to participate in the visit. Coordinator Phillips commented that Representative Fernandes and Senator Moore are working hard to have the Governor visit.

Chairman Arcudi asked Coordinator Phillips for an update on the Mill Street Bridge. Mr. Phillips discussed his recent meeting with the Mass. Highway department at which meeting the department agreed to expedite the schedule of the work to be completed where convenient, which will not include the drilling portion, but primarily after the drilling has been completed. They have agreed to an installation of a footbridge to be placed on the south side of the existing bridge location. Hay bales have been placed on the pond side of the street, and the water main has been tapped into for the trailer which is to be set up. Signage has been put into place indicating that the bridge will be closed on October 30^th and alerting drivers to seek alternate routes. In addition, Mr. Phillips commented that a high school intern is working on the Town Hall website, which will include an aerial view map of the bridge, and the plan is to add a daily or weekly memo updating the progress taking place. Chairman Arcudi again thanked Coordinator Phillips for his continued work on the project.

Chairman Arcudi expressed that he would like to take this opportunity to address a letter he received after the last Board meeting from Mr. Louis Trevani, a resident of Hopedale, who requested that the Board supply the name(s) of the person(s) who asked Coordinator Phillips to address a letter to him in response to his concerns with the Hopedale water and sewer issues, in particular the color quality of the water coming from the taps. Chairman Arcudi stated that he requested that Coordinator Phillips write a letter on behalf of the Board of Selectmen due to the following:

o At the meeting held October 1^st, Mr. Trevani interrupted the board meeting agenda to discuss the issues he had with the water and when questioned, indicated that he had tried several times to seek resolution with the Water & Sewer Commission. Given this information, Chairman Arcudi agreed to attend the next meeting of the Water & Sewer Commissioners with Mr. Trevani.

o Upon investigation it was discovered that a call had been placed by Mr. Trevani to the Water department, but that there was no request to be placed onto the agenda of the Water & Sewer Commission meeting. As no meeting had actually taken place with the Water & Sewer Commissioners to discuss these issues, Chairman Arcudi commented that it would be inappropriate to attend a meeting with a board that the Board of Selectmen had no jurisdiction over without the complainant having done so first. Therefore the letter stated that the Board of Selectmen would not be in attendance at the next Water & Sewer Commissioners meeting scheduled for October 11^th.

Chairman Arcudi further commented that meeting agendas are published prior to the actual meeting. Selectman Ryan suggested that if a resident wishes to discuss an issue he or she should make a request to be placed onto the meeting agenda. By doing so, this would also allow the Board the opportunity to research the issue prior to the meeting. Chairman Arcudi stated that the Board of Selectmen is an elected board, and that he does appreciate the time taken to write the letter and the comments made.

With no further business before them at 8:30 p.m. a motion was made by Selectman Collins and made unanimous by Chairman Arcudi and Selectman Ryan to enter into executive session not to reconvene. RCV: Louis Arcudi Chm. –Aye, Michael Collins –Aye, Alan Ryan –Aye.