Minutes November 16, 2017 6:00 Pm Town Hall Lower Level Conference Room

Michael Lennox, Chairman TOWN OF NORTH ATTLEBOROUGH Keith Lapointe, Vice-Chairman BOARD OF SELECTMEN Paul J. Belham, Sr. 43 South Washington Street John C. Rhyno North Attleborough MA 02760 Patrick Reynolds 508-699-0100

NORTH ATTLEBOROUGH BOARD OF SELECTMEN MINUTES NOVEMBER 16, 2017 6:00 PM TOWN HALL LOWER LEVEL CONFERENCE ROOM

I. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE

Chairman Lennox called the meeting to order at 6:00 P.M. and invited the assembly to join him in the Pledge of Allegiance.

Members Present: Chairman Michael Lennox Vice-Chairman Keith Lapointe Selectman Paul J. Belham, Sr. Selectman John Rhyno Selectman Patrick Reynolds

Members Absent:

Documents Reviewed: Executive Session Minutes April 6, 2017 Executive Session Minutes April 20, 2017 Executive Session Minutes June 8, 2017 Executive Session Minutes June 22, 2017 Executive Session Minutes July 27, 2017 Executive Session Minutes August 31, 2017 Executive Session Minutes October 5, 2017 Payroll Warrant Number 19 Expense Warrant Number 171117 Application for change of manager Newell Blaise Post Common Victualler/All- Alcohol License Memo from Board of Assessors regarding information for FY2018 Classification Hearing Statutory Exemption Information Sample Value and Tax Fiscal 2014-2018 Town of North Attleborough Historical Information – Fiscal 2018 Summary and warrant articles – Special Town Meeting – January 22, 2018 Application/Permit for Use of Town Highways from Downtown Associates of North Attleborough for their Annual Christmas Parade Page 1 of 9

II. MINUTES

a. Approve the Minutes of November 9, 2017

Town Administrator Gallagher stated that the minutes from November 9, 2017 have not been completed and will be completed by the next meeting to be voted on.

b. Release Executive Session Minutes

Vice-Chairman Lapointe made a motion to release the Executive Session Minutes for the following meetings:

i. April 6, 2017 ii. April 20, 2017 iii. June 8, 2017 iv. June 22, 2017 v. July 27, 2017 vi. August 31, 2017 vii. October 5, 2017

Selectman Belham seconded the motion.

The motion passed 5-0.

III. APPROVAL OF WARRANTS

a. Payroll Warrant

Vice-Chairman Lapointe made a motion to approve the payroll warrant number 19, dated 11/17/2017, in the amount of $1,078,571.68.

Selectman Belham seconded the motion.

The motion passed 5-0.

b. Expense Warrant

Vice-Chairman Lapointe made a motion to approve the accounts payable warrant number 171117, dated 11/17/2017, in the amount of $1,396,488.25.

Selectman Belham seconded the motion.

The motion passed 5-0.

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Chairman Lennox asked the Town Administrator the status of the Board of Assessors for their public hearing. The Town Administrator asked the Chairman to move on to the next item on the agenda and he would check on the status of the Board of Assessors.

Chairman Lennox asked to take the agenda out of order and move to departmental meeting with the Cable TV & Advisory Committee.

IV. DEPARTMENTAL AND OTHER MEETING

a. Cable TV & Advisory Committee

Derek Castello, President of the Cable TV & Advisory Committee was present to give an update on the committee to the board. He stated that the board has updated their website with contact phone numbers for each member. He encouraged residents to use these phone numbers to contact the board with concerns they may have regarding cable TV issues.

He stated at the committee’s last meeting on October 24, 2017 the new Comcast contract was discussed. There were no residents in attendance at this meeting, but Mr. Castello said that if any resident has questions or concerns on this matter the board is happy to hear them. He stated that the board would like craft a short summary of this contract for the Board of Selectmen to review. Once this is approved by the board the commission would like to post it on their website for residents to view.

Chairman Lennox stated that he thought that would be helpful for residents. He asked if this summary could compare the old contract versus the new one.

The Chairman also asked Mr. Castello if there are any challenges that the Cable Advisory Committee is facing. Mr. Castello replied that were none, but hopes now with their contact information on their website that residents will reach out with any questions or concerns they have on the cable TV services in the future.

Chairman Lennox thanked the committee for their work for our residents.

Selectman Belham asked Mr. Castello when the summary would be ready to be reviewed by the board.

Mr. Castello said that the summary should be ready to be reviewed some time in February.

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Selectman Rhyno asked Chairman Lennox to take the meeting out of order so the board may vote on the Change of Manager for the VFW Post before the public hearing begins with the Board of Assessors.

Chairman Lennox asked to move the agenda out of order and move to Permits & Licenses.

V. PERMITS AND LICENSES

a. Change of Manager for the CV/All Alcohol Club License for Newell Blais Post 443 VFW of US Inc. d/b/a Newell Blais 443 VFW

Vice-Chairman Lapointe made a motion to approve the change of manager for the Common Victualler/All Alcohol Club License for the Newell Blais Post 443 VFW of US, Inc. d/b/a Newell Blais 443 VFW. The new manager on the license will be Michael Gedgaudas.

Selectman Belham seconded the motion.

The motion passed 5-0.

Chairman Lennox asked to move the agenda out of order and move to Public Hearing.

VI. PUBLIC HEARING

a. Tax Classification Hearing

Vice-Chairman Lapointe made a motion to open the Tax Classification Public Hearing.

Vice-Chairman Lapointe read the advertisement into the record.

Selectman Belham seconded the motion.

The motion passed 5-0.

Chairman Lennox announced that the public hearing is now open and asked the Board of Assessors to make their presentation.

John Bellissimo, Chairman of the Board of Assessors introduced members of the board Paul Pinsonnault and John Kraskouskas and Sheila Scaduto, Assistant Assessor.

Mr. Bellussimo stated that Proposition 2 ½ requires a tax classification hearing be held by the ruling body of the town to determine how the tax rates will be set. The date for this hearing was determined so that advertising dates would be met and that dates would be Page 4 of 9

met for the tax bills to be mailed out. Unfortunately this year there has been a slowdown in getting information needed to make these decisions from the Department of Revenue (DOR). He stated that some of the informational reports will be supplied tonight and other reports showing the shifts and levy amounts still need to be completed.

He stated that the Board of Assessors is requesting a continuance of the public hearing, so that the rest of the reports can be completed and given to the Board of Selectmen for review before the hearing.

Vice-Chairman Lapointe asked for Chairman Bellissimo to walk through the Tax Relief Programs available for residents.

Mr. Bellissimo stated that there are the Senior Tax Work-Off Program, Small Business Exemption Program, and Tax Deferral Program.

Selectman Belham asked how many people took advantage of the Small Business Exemption Program.

Chairman Bellissimo stated that the Board of Assessors will be providing that information to the board, but this program is very restrictive and most small businesses do not qualify for this program. Another issue that is faced is the tax exemption goes to the owner of the property and unless the business is owner occupied, the small business may not get the advantage of this program. He stated that there were maybe twenty businesses last year, but you will be provided the exact number with the reports.

Chairman Lennox asked about exemptions for Veterans.

Chairman Bellissimo stated that exemptions for Veterans, the elderly, and people with disabilities are done automatically (annual forms are sent out to residents). If residents feel they are eligible for exemptions and are not receiving these benefits, please contact the Assessor’s office and they can assist with the process of seeing if these persons are eligible for this benefit.

Chairman Bellissimo also stated that taxes can be deferred. This will put a lien against the property and must be paid with interest when the property is sold.

Vice-Chairman Lapointe asked if there are any hardship programs that may be applied for.

Chairman Bellissimo stated the Clause 18 may be applied for, which is a hardship benefit that is under the discretion of the Board of Assessors. Again if residents feel they are eligible for exemptions and are not receiving these benefits, please contact the Assessor’s

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office and they can assist with the process of seeing if these persons are eligible for this benefit.

He also stated that each year an Article is submitted for Town Meeting to double the amount of deductions that can be offered to the Town’s residents.

Selectman Belham asked if all information received by the Board of Selectmen could be put on the website for the residents to view.

Town Administrator Gallagher said that he would have this information posted on the Board of Selectmen page of the town website.

Vice-Chairman Lapointe made a motion to grant a continuance of the Tax Classification public hearing to Monday, November 27, 2017 at 7:00 PM in the Town Hall Lower Level Conference Room.

Selectman Belham seconded the motion.

The motion passed 5-0.

VII. RESIDENT AND COMMUNITY COMMENT

There was no one present to address the board.

VIII. OLD BUSINESS

There was no old business to discuss.

IX. NEW BUSINESS

a. Close the warrant for the Special Town Meeting to be held January 22, 2017

Vice-Chairman Lapointe made a motion to close the warrant for the Special Town Meeting to be held January 22, 2018 and to accept the articles submitted.

Vice-Chairman Lapointe read the list of articles into the record.

Selectman Belham seconded the motion.

The motion passed 5-0.

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X. TOWN ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT

The Town Administrator stated that the Board of Selectmen received a late request to grant a Permit for Use of Town Highways to the Downtown Associates of North Attleborough for the Annual Christmas Parade to be held Sunday, November 26, 2017 at 3:00 P.M. Mr. Gallagher said that since the parade will take place the Sunday after Thanksgiving and there is no meeting prior to that date due to the holiday he is asking for the board to vote on this permit tonight. He also stated that Downtown Associates of North Attleborough has been asked to submit this request earlier to alleviate the need for a rush vote in the future.

Vice-Chairman Lapointe made a motion to approve the use of Town highways to the Downtown Associates of North Attleborough for the Annual Christmas Parade to be held Sunday, November 26, 2017 at 3:00 P.M.

Selectman Belham seconded the motion.

The motion passed 5-0.

XI. SELECTMEN’S REPORTS

Selectman Rhyno

Selectman Rhyno wished everyone a Happy and safe Thanksgiving.

Selectman Reynolds

Selectman Reynolds wished everyone a Happy Thanksgiving.

Selectman Reynolds also mentioned that New Hope, Inc. is holding its Annual Gourmet Guys fundraising event to be held at the Attleboro Elks Club on Friday, November 17, 2017 from 6:30 PM – 9:30 PM. He stated that he will be participating in the event serving food he has prepared. For more information please visit www.new-hope.org.

Selectman Belham

Selectman Belham wished everyone a Happy Thanksgiving.

Vice-Chairman Lapointe

Vice-Chairman Lapointe thanked Rebecca Jennings, Lyle Pirnie, David Reed and all the others that who planned the Veterans’ Day Celebration. It was a moving event especially

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the presentation from Rolling Thunder. He thanked all Veterans for the sacrifice they make to serve and protect our country.

Vice-Chairman Lapointe announced that he would be resigning from the RTM. He stated that he has been thinking about this matter since his election to the Board of Selectmen and had discussions with Chairman Lennox, who was also struggling with this issue. He said that he felt for himself that having two votes on issues is not appropriate. He thanked the members of the RTM for the work they do and the leadership for the education that he has received.

Vice-Chairman Lapointe wished everyone a Happy Thanksgiving.

Chairman Lennox

Chairman Lennox announced that he has resigned from the RTM as of today. He said that he has been proud to represent his precinct and town as a member of the RTM. This opportunity has enabled him to become engaged in local government, but he feels a conflict with voting as a Selectman and then again as a RTM member.

Chairman Lennox congratulated The Miller Family Farm for a great turnout for the Santa Pictures that benefits the North Attleborough Animal Shelter.

Chairman Lennox reminded residents that Betty’s Angels will be walking in the Annual Christmas Parade to be held Sunday, November 26, 2017 collecting non-perishable foods to support Lenore’s Food Pantry.

XII. EXECUTIVE SESSION

a. M.G.L. c. 30A, Section 21 (a) (7): To discuss, review and take any other action deemed appropriate regarding Executive Session minutes for September 7, 2017, October 26, 2017 Sections XII (c) (d) and (e) and November 9, 2017

b. M.G.L. c. 30A, Section 21 (a) (7): To discuss, review and take any other action deemed appropriate regarding Executive Session minutes for October 26, 2017 Sections XII (a) and (b)

c. M.G.L. c. 30A, Section 21 (a) (2): To Discuss strategy in preparations for contract negotiations with Assistant to the Town Administrator, JoAnn Cathcart

Vice-Chairman Lapointe made a motion to enter into executive session under M.G.L. c. 30A, Section 21 (a) (7) to discuss, review and take any other action deemed appropriate regarding executive session minutes for the meetings held September 7, 2017, October 26, Page 8 of 9

2017 and November 9, 2017 and M.G.L. c. 30A, Section 21 (a) (2) to discuss strategy regarding contract negotiations with Assistant to the Town Administrator JoAnn Cathcart.

Selectman Belham seconded the motion.

Roll Call Vote:

Selectman Rhyno -Yes Selectman Reynolds -Yes Selectman Belham -Yes Vice-Chairman Lapointe -Yes Chairman Lennox –Yes

The motion passed 5-0.

After the Roll Call Vote Chairman Lennox announced that The Board of Selectmen is now entering into Executive Session under M.G.L. c. 30A, Section 21 (a) (7) and M.G.L. c. 30A, Section 21 (a) (2) for the purposes previously voted as discussion in open session would have a detrimental effect on the original reasons for executive sessions relative to approval of minutes and on the Town’s bargaining position.

The Board of Selectmen will not be returning to open session and will adjourn directly from Executive Session. Thank you very much and have a Happy Thanksgiving holiday.

The Board of Selectman entered into executive session at 6:40 P.M.

XIII. ADJOURNMENT

The Board of Selectmen adjourned directly from executive session at 7:04 P.M.

SELECTMEN’S MEETING SCHEDULE:

November 23, 2017 No Meeting Scheduled November 30, 2017 Regular Meeting December 7, 2017 Regular Meeting December 14, 2017 Regular Meeting December 21, 2017 Regular Meeting

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