June 21, 2010
The regular meeting of the Board of Selectmen was called to order by Chairman Mayhew at 7:00 PM. Mrs. Chaves and Mr. Connor were absent.
Public Hearing – PWED Grant – Mr. DiMartino
Mr. DiMartino stated this hearing was scheduled to discuss the Town’s plans to apply for a MassDOT Public Works Economic Development Grant. This grant would be used to fund engineering design and construction improvements to Maple St. between Pine St. and Hartford Ave. Included would be intersection improvements, storm drain construction, minor roadway widening and sidewalk improvements.
Mr. DiMartino stated that the section of Maple St. from the I-495 bridge to Hartford Ave. could also use improvement. He went on to explain that PWED grant limits are usually $1 million per project which is why he has selected only the portion of Maple Street with the worst road condition, drainage problems and intersection upgrade needs. Mr. DiMartino also stated that Maple St. from the I-495 bridge south to Rte. 140 was improved by a PWED grant in the late 1990’s and felt using the PWED grant money for improvements to the northern most end of the street was the logical next step.
On a Davies/Goodnow motion, the Board unanimously voted to authorize Mr. DiMartino to go forward with the MassDOT Public Works Economic Development Grant application.
On a Davies/Goodnow motion, the Board unanimously voted to ratify Mr. Fraine’s appointment of Animal Control Officers Cindy Souza and Tracey Holmes, DPW Director Don DiMartino and Treas./Collector Grace Devitt.
Public Hearing – (continued) –Bellingham House of Pizza
Mrs. Davies stated she contacted Town Counsel regarding any possible negative impact with Bellingham House of Pizza having parking spots in the Town’s right-of-way. She was advised that it would only become an issue if the Town would widen the street. Mrs. Davies stated she also learned this is a pre-existing, non-conforming property and feels they should appear before the Zoning Board to see if the loss of parking spaces has a detrimental effect on the property.
Mr. Mayhew asked if there was anyone present to speak on this application. Mr. Oakley expressed his concern over the Town’s liability if a vehicle parked in the Town’s right-of-way is hit and then pushed into the deck.
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Mr. Goodnow made a motion to approve the application of Stamatia Kontoulis d/b/a Bellingham House of Pizza & Pub, Inc. to alter the premises by extending their liquor license to a twenty seat patio with the stipulation that no alcohol be served on the patio after 10:00 PM. Mrs. Davies seconded the motion for discussion.
Mrs. Davies felt this hearing should be continued and the applicant appear before the Zoning Board.
Mr. Mayhew stated the patio was approved by Mr. LeClare and does not feel the Selectmen are in a position to question the Zoning Agent’s decision. The Selectmen’s function is to vote on the liquor license.
Mrs. Davies asked how someone can appeal the Zoning Agent’s decision. Mr. Fraine stated if someone takes exception to the Zoning Agent’s decision, it can be appealed to the Zoning Board. Mr. Paturzo, ZBA Vice Chair concurred with Mr. Fraine’s statement.
A vote was taken on Mr. Goodnow’s motion, with Mrs. Davies opposing. Mr. Goodnow and Mr. Mayhew voted in the affirmative.
On a Goodnow/Davies motion, the Board unanimously voted to accept the June 7th minutes as submitted.
Planning Board Associate Member Candidates
Planning Board members in attendance were Glenn Wojcik, Dave Brown, Peter Morelli and Peter Pappas.
Mr. Crawford stated he has been a resident of Bellingham for 39 years. He stated he has construction experience having worked for his brother building homes for about 10 years. Mr. Crawford stated he would like to get involved in politics.
Mr. Oakley stated he has worked as a general superintendent for construction – 27 years with one company & 11 years with the other. A few projects he was involved with were Emerald Square Mall, Saugus Mall and Solomon Pond Mall. Mr. Oakley stated he is a fairly open-minded individual and would be interested in projects that would fit into the Master Plan and benefit the Town as a whole.
Planning Board members were asked why they did not interview Mr. Oakley. Mr. Wojcik stated they had already interviewed and recommended Mr. Crawford when Mr. Oakley’s application was received, noting that position had been vacant for quite a while.
Mr. Goodnow asked Mr. Wojcik if Mr. Oakley missed a deadline to submit his application. Mr. Wojcik stated there wasn’t a set deadline.
Mr. Goodnow made a motion, seconded by Mrs. Davies to appoint Mr. Oakley as the Planning Board Associate Member. Selectmen & Planning Board members
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voting in the affirmative were Mr. Goodnow, Mrs. Davies, Mr. Mayhew, Mr. Morelli and Mr. Pappas.
Opposing the motion were Mr. Wojcik and Mr. Brown.
The motion passed on a 5 – 2 vote.
Water Resource Protection Meeting
Mr. Mayhew explained that Mrs. Chaves had suggested various Town Boards and Committees meet to discuss improvements to our water resource management strategies. Unfortunately, Mrs. Chaves was unable to attend due to personal issues. Mr. Mayhew explained the Town’s desire to protect both its groundwater as well as our aquifers. Specifically, he noted how important enforcement of existing ordinances is to ensuring the safety of our water.
Mr. Fleuette stated the Board of Health has handled many complaints relative to the condition of foreclosed properties which may have been in water resource areas. He explained the Health Agent works quickly to ensure these properties have minimal impact and violations are corrected.
Mrs. Davies expressed her concern that both wastewater and storm water are major pollutants which need to be monitored. Mrs. Davies is particularly concerned with existing homes located near lakes.
Mr. Holmes explained the process the Conservation Commission undertakes during all plan reviews to ensure wetland impacts are avoided. Mr. Standley of the Conservation Commission stated his Commission is always especially sensitive to any construction near Town wells. However, he agreed all Town Boards and Committees must continue to work cooperatively to ensure the safety of Town wells forever.
Mr. Morelli of the Citizens Advisory Committee explained that this Committee has identified the most vulnerable locations in Town relative to water resources and this report is available a the DPW and the Town Library.
Mr. DiMartino stated one of the great concerns for water quality is the location of “summer” homes around Town lakes which have become permanent. He explained the solution is expensive as the C.A.C. discovered several years ago. The Faford project, if approved, will provide some relief with the proposed sewer expansion, however, other sewer projects should be considered in and around sensitive areas.
Mr. Dunlea of the ZBA stated his belief that dumping picks up considerably when the economy slows down and he has seen this effect near the Charles River on High St. The suggestion of surveillance cameras was offered to cut down on illegal dumping.
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Mr. Mayhew thanked everyone for attending and suggested water resource protection is something we need to stay vigilant of and all agreed a future meeting would be productive. Mr. Mayhew commended Mrs. Chaves for encouraging this discussion.
On a Goodnow/Davies motion, the Board unanimously voted to adjourn the meeting at 8:40 PM.
Respectfully submitted,
Jacqueline A. Bokoski
Administrative Assistant
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