November 17, 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.
On a Mayhew/Martinelli motion, the Board unanimously voted to approve the change of manager for Outback Steakhouse from Jeffrey Charloff to Christopher Yasbek.
On a Mayhew/Chaves motion, the Board unanimously voted to approve the November 3rd minutes as submitted.
On a Mayhew/Martinelli motion, the Board unanimously voted to approve license renewals as presented this evening with the exception of the vehicle storage permit for Mr. Spencer.
Mrs. Davies asked for information on this license. Ms. Bokoski stated that Mr. Spencer works on vehicles on his property and has held this license for quite a few years.
On a Mayhew/Davies motion, the Board unanimously voted to approve Mr. Spencer’s permit to store 3 unregistered vehicles on his property.
On a Chaves/Mayhew motion, the Board unanimously voted to approve water abatements in the amount of $1867.71 and sewer abatements in the amount of $746.24.
Tax Classification Hearing
Mr. Goodnow read the public hearing notice.
Present for this hearing were Chief Financial Officer Marilyn Mathieu, and Assessors Betsy Cournoyer and George Noble.
Mrs. Mathieu reported house values in Bellingham average $304,992.00 decreasing from last year’s average of $311,780.00. Mrs. Mathieu noted a shift of 87 percent was approved by the Board last year.
Mrs. Davies stated she favors an 89 percent shift feeling this would be the most equitable for businesses and residents. Mrs. Davies also stated the town offers programs to help Bellingham’s senior citizens with their tax payments.
Minutes of November 17, 2008
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Mr. Mayhew also agreed with the 89 percent shift stating it would unfair to place a higher tax burden on the businesses in town.
Mrs. Chaves, Mr. Martinelli and Mr. Goodnow also agreed with this shift.
On a Mayhew/Chaves motion, the Board unanimously recommended adopting an 89 percent shift and a 10% small business exemption.
Public Hearing – application of Jacob Kamborian d/b/a Lakeview Farms for the transfer of a Common Victualler & Weekday Entertainment License from Kathleen Ozella d/b/a Lakeview Farms, 1048 South Main St.
Mr. Goodnow read the public hearing notice.
Mr. Kamborian stated he would like to operate a family restaurant with the hours being 11 am – 11 pm, seven days a week. He stated he is also requesting the Weekday Entertainment License for a DJ or small acoustic performer, guitar, singer and rhythm. He stated he would like to have the music year-round and also stated he would like to have music on the patio during the nice weather.
Mrs. Chaves asked Mr. Kamborian if he is aware of the agricultural restriction on the property. Mr. Kamborian stated Mr. Ozella made him aware of this restriction. Mr. Mayhew asked him if he realizes that 51% of the food sold at the restaurant is to be grown or raised on the property. Mr. Kamborian stated he is aware of this and likes the idea of being able to cook with this fresh produce.
Mr. Goodnow asked if there was anyone present who wanted to speak on this application.
Ms. Rogozyn expressed her concern with the entertainment year-round noting she lives across the street and this may disturb the neighbors.
Mr. Mayhew asked Mr. Kamborian if he would be willing to stop the outdoor entertainment at 6 pm. Mr. Kamborian stated he would not have a problem with this noting he does not want to disturb residents in the area.
Mr. Burgess asked about the beer & wine license at that establishment. The Board advised Mr. Burgess that the beer & wine license was not part of this evening’s public hearing.
On a Mayhew/Martinelli motion, the Board unanimously voted to close the public hearing.
On a Mayhew/Martinelli motion the Board voted to approve the application of Jacob Kamborian d/b/a Lakeview Farms for the transfer of a Common Victualler and Weekday Entertainment License from Kathleen Ozella d/b/a Lakeview Farms, restaurant hours being 11 am – 11 pm and restricting outdoor entertainment after 6 pm.
Mrs. Chaves opposed; all other members voted in the affirmative.
Public Hearing – application of Bourvorn Davong d/b/a Vohn Restaurant for a Common Victualler License, 52 Pulaski Blvd.
Mr. Goodnow read the public hearing notice.
Minutes of November 17, 2008
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Since the applicant is not present, Mr. Martinelli made a motion, seconded by Mr. Mayhew to postpone this hearing until the conclusion of the Board’s regular business. All members voted in the affirmative.
Conservation Commission – update
Present from the Conservation Commission were Cliff Matthews, Anne Matthews and Barry Lariviere. Mr. Matthews updated the Board on a meeting they recently attended at Daniels Farm in Blackstone to discuss the possibility of a bike path which will connect with the abandoned railroad bed in Bellingham. Mrs. Davies also attended this meeting.
The Commission also discussed the possibility of placing the Storm Sewer Facilities Gift By-law under their jurisdiction so that it may be made part of their order of conditions giving them more leverage.
Mrs. Davies asked if there was a possibility of their meetings being held in the Municipal Center so they may be televised for those who could not attend. Commission members stated they liked the informality of the North Community Center for their meetings. They like the ability to sit individually with applicants and go over plans in an informal setting.
Mrs. Davies asked if they could post their minutes on the Town’s website so the public could view them. Mrs. Matthews stated she has been sending them to the Finance Committee and will also post them on the website.
The Board thanked the Commission members for their update.
Mrs. Chaves will be serving on the by-law review committee with a letter going to town boards and committees asking for volunteers.
On a Mayhew/Davies motion, the Board unanimously voted to continue the public hearing for Bourvorn Davong to December 1st.
On a Mayhew/Martinelli motion, the Board unanimously voted to adjourn the meeting at 8:40 PM.
Respectfully submitted,
Jacqueline A. Bokoski
Administrative Assistant
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