August 16, 2010
The regular meeting of the Board of Selectmen was called to order by Chairman Mayhew with all members in attendance except Mr. Connor.
Public Hearing – application of Bourvorn Davong d/b/a Vohn’s Restaurant, Inc. for a Restaurant All Alcohol License, 52 Pulaski Blvd.
Mr. Mayhew informed the Board that an email was sent this morning from Atty. Wozniak’s Office stating that Vohn’s Restaurant has withdrawn its application without prejudice.
Mrs. Mathieu stated that an auction of Town-owned property is tentatively scheduled for October 7th. These properties have been taken in tax title and have been reviewed by different Town departments/boards and determined to be of no need to the Town (such as conservation land). Mrs. Mathieu stated she is not recommending an absolute auction which means that a starting figure will be set for the property. The auctioneer for this property auction would be Paul Zekos who has handled many municipal auctions.
On a Davies/Goodnow motion, the Board unanimously voted to authorize Mrs. Mathieu to proceed with a non-absolute property auction and to appoint Mrs. Mathieu custodian of the auction.
Mrs. Mathieu updated the Board on the Pothier St. property. She stated all the asbestos has been removed and the demolition should be completed in a few days.
On a Goodnow/Chaves motion, the Board unanimously voted to approve the following abatements: municipal water $3,551.35, residential water $521.72, municipal sewer $101.56; residential sewer $285.17 and trash $2634.50.
On a Goodnow/Chaves motion, the Board unanimously voted to accept the July 19th minutes as presented.
No vote was taken on the July 19th executive session minutes.
Public Hearing – application of Steven Emery d/b/a Town Line Auto for the transfer of the Class II License from Blue Chip Auto Sales, Inc., 57 Mendon St.
Mr. Mayhew read the public hearing notice.
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Mr. Emery stated he has been in the auto business since 1987 and currently has a dealership in Quincy. He learned of this property and would also like to have a dealership in Bellingham.
His hours of operation will be Monday – Sunday, 9 AM – 8 PM.
Mr. Emery stated he will be selling vehicles in the $3,000 - $4,000 range and will adhere to all state laws pertaining to used vehicles. He stated the business will remain the same with a 30 vehicle limit and no repairs will be done on the property.
Mr. Mayhew asked if there was anyone present to speak on this application. No one responded.
On a Davies/Goodnow motion, the Board unanimously voted to close the public hearing. On a Goodnow/Chaves motion, the Board unanimously voted to approve the application of Steven Emery d/b/a Town Line Auto for the transfer of the Class II License from Blue Chip Auto Sales, Inc., 57 Mendon St. with hours being Monday – Sunday, 9 AM – 8 PM and a 30 vehicle limit.
Capital Outlay Review
Mrs. Mathieu presented the Selectmen with a list of capital outlay items. Included on the list was a 4-wheel drive vehicle for the Fire Dept. Chief Ranieri stated this vehicle is to replace the 4-wheel drive vehicle involved in an accident earlier in the year. He noted this vehicle is needed to respond to calls during inclement weather. Chief Ranieri is also requesting $14,000 to replace four overhead doors.
The Board supported the capital outlay items presented this evening.
On a Goodnow/Chaves motion, the Board unanimously voted not to enter into the Early Retirement Agreement outlined in the Bill passed by the Legislature and signed by the Governor.
Public Hearing – application of Car Solutions, LLC for a Class II License, 161 Mechanic St.
Mr. Mayhew read the public hearing notice.
Frank & Shauna Vargas came before the Board and stated they are looking to open a used car business at 161 Mechanic St. Mr. Vargas stated he has been working for a dealership in South Attleboro and felt it was time for him to open his own business.
He stated his hours of operation would be Monday – Sunday, 9 AM – 8 PM. He is requesting a 37 vehicle license with a price range of $3,000 - $18,000 – a good variety for customers to choose from.
The Board asked if vehicle repairs will be done at this location.
Mr. Vargas stated they will not be done on the Mechanic St. property. He noted he will still be affiliated with the South Attleboro dealership and will have all repairs done at that location.
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Mr. Vargas also stated he will be posting the Mass. Used Car Warranty Law on each vehicle for sale as required. A copy of this warranty law will also be posted in the office for all customers to see.
Mr. Mayhew asked if there was anyone present to speak on this application. Mr. Art Paturzo spoke in favor of this application.
On a Chaves/Davies motion, the Board unanimously voted to close the public hearing.
On a Chaves/Goodnow motion, the Board unanimously voted to approve the application of Car Solutions, LLC for a Class II License, 161 Mechanic St. with hours of operation Monday – Sunday, 9 AM – 8 PM, with a 37 vehicle limit.
Public Hearing – application of Victory Lane Motor Sales, Inc. for a Class II License, 700 Pulaski Blvd.
Mr. Mayhew read the public hearing notice.
Attorney Lee Ambler represented the applicant, Robert Hamilton.
Atty. Ambler stated Mr. Hamilton applied through the Zoning Board for a special permit to change the current non-conforming use, an auto body shop, to a used car dealership. His hearing was held on June 3rd with the Special Permit approved that evening with the following stipulations: the current use as an auto body shop would stop except for servicing his used car stock; install a non-viewing & security fence along Liberty St. on the side of the property & 20ft. from Pulaski Blvd. to the existing fence; use of the spray painting booth will stop; no storage of auto body chemicals and a maximum of 15 vehicles to be store on the property.
Atty. Ambler also stated Mr. Hamilton went before the ConCom and is required to raise the fence 6” off the ground allowing for small wildlife to pass underneath.
Mr. Hamilton has been in the used car business for 20 years. He has worked in both Franklin and Athol and has no known complaints on file. He would like his hours of operation to be 7:30 AM – 10 PM, 7 days a week. The vehicles he will be selling will be in the range of $1500 - $5000. Mr. Hamilton stated he is usually only open until 5 PM, but the added hours would give him the flexibility of meeting with customers if necessary.
Mr. Goodnow asked about lighting on the property with the establishment being open later in the evening – possibly interfering with neighboring properties. Mr. Hamilton stated the lights would be angled down on his property, not neighboring properties.
Mr. Mayhew asked if there was anyone present to speak on this application.
Mr. Clem Brisson, 9 Liberty St. expressed his concern over this property. It has been an eyesore. He is also concerned with noise from vehicles being repaired since the business may be open later in the evening.
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Atty. Ambler explained that Mr. Hamilton’s Special Permit for a Used Car establishnment is less detrimental to the neighborhood than the current car repair business. The Board also recommended that all repairs be done inside, keeping the noise level down.
On a Chaves/Goodnow motion, the Board unanimously voted to close the public hearing.
On a Chaves/Goodnow motion, the Board unanimously voted to approve the application of Victory Lane Motor Sales, Inc. for a Class II License, 700 Pulaski Blvd. with hours of operation 7:30 AM – 10 PM, Monday – Sunday; subject to all restrictions set forth by the Zoning Board of Appeals and the Conservation Commission; 15 vehicle limit with all repairs done inside.
Mark Flannery, Energy Efficiency Committee – RE: Green Communities Act
Mr. Flannery handed out information on the Green Communities Act and gave the Board an introduction to this Act. He highlighted the function of the Energy Efficiency Committee; the Green Communities Designation; Benefits to Bellingham; Potential Grants; Potential Grant Projects and the criteria for the Green Communities Act.
The Board thanked Mr. Flannery for his presentation.
Bellingham Housing Production Plan – Mrs. Chaves
Mrs. Chaves gave a brief overview of the Bellingham Housing Production Plan which was prepared by the MAPC.
On a Davies/Goodnow motion, the Board unanimously voted to support Mrs. Chaves’ efforts on this project.
Mrs. Mathieu requested an executive session to give the Board an update on contract negotiations and possible litigation.
The Board was polled with all members voting in the affirmative.
On a Goodnow/Davies motion, the Board unanimously voted to adjourn the meeting at 9:10 PM.
Respectfully submitted,
Jacqueline A. Bokoski
Administrative Assistant
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