October 6, 2008
The regular meeting of the Board of Selectmen was called to order at 7:00 PM by Chairman Goodnow with all members in attendance.
Town Clerk, Ann Odabashian requested a few minutes to meet with the Selectmen. On a Mayhew/Martinelli motion, the Board unanimously voted to delay the 7:00 PM public hearing until the conclusion of Mrs. Odabashian’s presentation.
Mrs. Odabashian stated she is recommending the designation of the Bellingham Memorial Middle School as an emergency polling location in the event one of the regular locations was inaccessible. She reviewed this matter with Jim Haughey, the town’s Emergency Management Director and has also received approval from School Supt. David Fischer.
On a Mayhew/Martinelli motion, the Board unanimously voted to approve Mrs. Odabashian’s request to designate the Bellingham Memorial Middle School as an emergency polling location for the November election and all future elections.
On a Mayhew/Davies motion, the Board unanimously voted to support the appointment of Ann Odabashian as Moderator for the October 16th Special Town Meeting and to authorize Denis Fraine to act as interim Town Clerk for that meeting.
Public Hearing – application of Three Star Alliance, LLC d/ b/a Bella Pizza for a Common Victualler License, 799 South Main St.
Mr. Goodnow read the public hearing notice.
Mr. DePinto stated he and his partners are planning on opening a casual Italian restaurant serving pizza and Italian food with hours being 11 AM – 11 PM seven days a week.
Mr. Goodnow asked if there was anyone present in favor or in opposition to this application. No one responded.
On a Mayhew/Martinelli motion, the Board unanimously voted to close the public hearing. On a Mayhew/Davies motion, the Board unanimously voted to approve the application of Three Star Alliance, LLC d/b/a Bella Pizza for a Common Victualler License, 799 South Main St. with hours as stated.
Minutes of October 6, 2008
Page 2
Public Hearing – application of Nipaben Patel d/b/a Subway for a Common Victualler License, 170 Pulaski Blvd.
Mr. Goodnow read the public hearing notice.
Mr. Patel stated nothing pertaining to the operation of the business will be changing. The only change is the location from 54 to 170 Pulaski Blvd.
Mr. Goodnow asked if there was anyone present in favor or in opposition to this application. No one responded.
On a Chaves/Davies motion, the Board unanimously voted to close the public hearing. On a Mayhew/Martinelli motion, the Board unanimously voted to approve the application of Nipaben Patel d/b/a Subway for a Common Victualler at 170 Pulaski Blvd. transferred from 54 Pulaski Blvd.
Mrs. Mathieu – Financial Update
Mrs. Mathieu appeared before the Board to provide a financial update. She explained the annual audit was completed and there were no material findings. The auditors will be scheduled to appear before the Board to present their findings next month. Mrs. Mathieu stated the Town is feeling the effects of the national economic slow down which has adversely affected the state economy as well. The Town does not have any significant borrowing issues in the next coming year as we refinanced a significant portion of debt this past June. Mr. Mayhew commended Mrs. Mathieu and her financial team for the outstanding work they have performed.
Board of Health – Update
Board of Health members Vincent Forte and Guy Fleuette and Health Agent Mike Graf updated the Selectmen on their ongoing projects. Mr. Forte stated the Board has passed a bylaw banning the use of latex gloves in food service establishments. Mr. Fleuette noted Bellingham is one of the first communities in the state to pass this type of bylaw.
The Board is also reviewing a state law which requires hair salon owners to install holding tanks to dispose of chemicals. Mr. Graf is researching this matter and noted this requirement could put salons out of business.
The Board will also be reviewing restaurant inspection fees before its December meeting.
On a Mayhew/Martinelli motion, the Board unanimously voted to approve the petition of Verizon New England, Inc. and National Grid to relocate one joint pole on Pulaski Blvd. to provide service to Advance Auto Parts, with all work to be performed under the direction of the DPW Director.
On a Chaves/Mayhew motion, the Board unanimously voted to approve water abatements in the amount of $17,226.30 (municipal.); sewer abatements in the amount of $3,653.70 (municipal) and trash abatements in the amount of $170.00.
Minutes of October 6, 2008
Page 3
On a Mayhew/Chaves motion, the Board unanimously voted to approve the minutes of September 12th & September 22nd as presented.
On a Mayhew/Martinelli motion, the Board unanimously voted to approve a Common Victualler License for St. Brendan’s Fall Fair, Nov. 1st & 2nd, fees waived.
Mr. Martinelli requested that Mr. DiMartino look into the possibility of providing a water/sewer discount for senior citizens. Mr. Fraine stated this request will be made of Mr. DiMartino at this time so he can take the discount into account when preparing the upcoming rates and making his presentation to the Selectmen.
Mr. Fraine requested an executive session to update the Board on a 40B litigation matter and to also update the Board on contract negotiations. Members of the Board were polled with all voting in the affirmative.
On a Mayhew/Chaves motion, the meeting was adjourned at 8:25 PM.
Respectfully submitted,
Jacqueline A. Bokoski
Administrative Assistant
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