January 19, 2010
The regular meeting of the Board of Selectmen was called to order at 7:00 PM by Chairwoman Davies with all members in attendance except Mr. Goodnow.
Community Development Strategy Hearing
Wayne Darragh and Paula Stuart of Community Opportunities Group updated the Board on the FY2010 Community Development Block Grant. The proposed FY2010 program would primarily
serve eligible residents of the South Bellingham Target Area (south of Blackstone Street). Up to 20% of grant funds will be made available to address emergency repair needs of eligible residents throughout the Town.
Mr. Darragh went on to explain that for the first time in a number of years, grant funds may be used to make repairs to public housing developments. Wrentham Manor, located within the target area, is in need of rehab work to repair or replace roofs on the residential buildings.
Present this evening to receive information on the grant were Mary Healy, South Center St. and Mr. & Mrs. Kaiser, Valleyview Road.
Mr. Darragh stated that Community Opportunities Group is not proposing a joint application with the Town of Blackstone this year. The grant application deadline is February 12th and he is looking for a Board vote to proceed with the application.
On a Mayhew/Chaves motion, the Board unanimously voted to go forward with the CDBG application.
Public Hearing – application of Griffin Powers d/b/a E & G Auto Sales for a Class II Used Car Dealers License, 161 Mechanic St.
Mrs. Davies read the public hearing notice.
Attorney Lee Ambler, representing E & G Auto Sales, requested a continuance to the Board’s February 1st meeting.
On a Mayhew/Chaves motion, the Board unanimously voted to continue the E & G public hearing to Feb. 1st per Attorney Ambler’s request.
Minutes of January 19, 2010
Page 2
Chief Daigle presented a report pertaining to the four establishments that failed a compliance check on December 15, 2009 – White Hen Pantry, Lukoil, Hilltop Farms, and Bellingham Grocery. He noted that in the past, the Board has sent warning letters to first-time establishments and held hearings for the repeat offenders. He stated he is just informing the Board of past practice and it is the Selectmen’s decision as to how they want to proceed.
Mr. Mayhew made a motion, seconded by Mrs. Chaves for discussion, that letters be sent to White Hen Pantry and Lukoil and hearings be scheduled for Bellingham Grocery and Hilltop Farms as repeat offenders.
Under discussion, Mr. Connor felt that hearings should be held for all establishments noting that if a minor is caught purchasing alcohol, he/she would receive more than just a warning letter as punishment.
A vote was taken on Mr. Mayhew’s motion, with Mr. Connor, Mrs. Chaves and Mrs. Davies opposing. The motion failed 3-1.
Mr. Connor made a motion, seconded by Mrs. Chaves to hold hearings for all four establishments with members voting in the affirmative except Mr. Mayhew. The motion passed 3-1.
On a Mayhew/Chaves motion, the Board unanimously voted to approve the Dec. 21st minutes and December 18th executive session minutes as submitted.
Mrs. Chaves left the meeting at this time.
On a Connor/Mayhew motion, the Board unanimously voted to approve the following abatements: residential water in the amount of $6108.12; municipal water in the amount of $2966.58; residential sewer in the amount of $107.36 and trash in the amount of $170.00.
On a Mayhew/Connor motion, the Board unanimously voted to approve One Day Beer & Wine Licenses for the BBA monthly meetings on 1/20, 2/17 and 3/24, Jefferson Community Room with Sony Patel, Larry’s Package as pourer.
On a Mayhew/Connor motion, the Board unanimously voted to approve a One Day Beer & Wine License for The Big Biscuit, 2/11, 6:30 PM – 9:00 PM, Field’s Wine & Spirits will pour.
On a Mayhew/Connor motion, the Board unanimously voted to open the Annual Town Meeting Warrant this evening and set the closing date for Feb. 19th, 12 noon.
On a Mayhew/Connor motion, the Board voted to set the temporary increased resident population as of July 2010 at 1500. Mrs. Chaves returned to the meeting at this time and abstained; all other members voted in the affirmative.
Minutes of January 19, 2010
Page 3
On a Mayhew/Chaves motion, the Board unanimously voted to approve the Common Victualler renewals for Town Pizza, Mechanic St. and Subway, Pulaski Blvd.
Mr. DiMartino – Water/Sewer Rate Review
Mr. DiMartino appeared before the Board for the annual review of water & sewer rates. Mr. DiMartino explained that the wetter than usual summer had dramatically reduced the demand for outside watering and as a result revenues are lagging behind by approximately $100,000 for the current fiscal year. In an effort to make up for this shortfall, the Water Dept. has put a freeze on all non-essential spending which will rectify the situation for the current year. Mr. DiMartino has prepared recommendations for fiscal year 2011 water rates (attached) which reflect various scenarios he would like the Board to consider as part of a rate review public hearing. Sewer rates for the current year are more in line with last year’s expectations, however, a modest adjustment is recommended by Mr. DiMartino in
order to keep pace with inflation. Mr. DiMartino requested the Board schedule a public hearing for both water and sewer rate reviews. This hearing is scheduled for February 22nd, 7:00 PM.
On a Mayhew/Chaves motion, the Board unanimously voted to adjourn the meeting at 9:10 PM.
Respectfully submitted,
Jacqueline A. Bokoski
Administrative Assistant
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