September 13, 2010
The regular meeting of the Board of Selectmen was called to order at 7:00 PM by Chairman Mayhew with all members in attendance except Mrs. Chaves.
Mrs. Mathieu – Budget Update
Mrs. Mathieu appeared before the Board to provide an update on the FY2012 budget which begins July 1, 2011. Mrs. Mathieu explained that Bellingham usually begins the process of formulating a budget much later in the fiscal year, however in light of these difficult financial times, it makes sense to start early. Mrs. Mathieu explained her revenue projections are level funded with regard to local aid, new growth and local receipts. The only anticipated increase at this time is that amount allowed under Prop. 21/2 which will be approximately $600,000. She further encouraged the Board to consider level funded budgets and continued reductions through attrition whenever possible. Mr. Mayhew commended Mrs. Mathieu for keeping the town and this Board on track during the worst economic times we
have seen in a long time.
Public Hearing – application of David Brown d/b/a Great Buns 2 for a Common Victualler License, 93 Mechanic St.
Mr. Mayhew read the public hearing notice.
Mr. Brown stated the former business at that location closed recently and he would like to reopen for breakfast, lunch and dinner with the same hours as the last business.
Mrs. Davies asked what those hours are. Mr. Brown stated 6:00 AM – 9:00 PM seven days a week and then reopening on Friday & Saturday nights from 11:00 PM – 3:00 AM. Mrs. Davies asked if the former establishment did stay open until 3:00 AM, and if so, were there any problems? Mr. Brown stated they had stayed open until 3:00 AM, but not recently. He also stated he was not aware of any problems.
Mr. Mayhew asked if there was anyone present to speak on this application. Mr. Peter Morelli spoke in favor of the application. No one opposed.
On a Goodnow/Davies motion, the Board unanimously voted to close the public hearing. On a Goodnow/Davies motion, the Board unanimously voted to approve the application of David Brown d/b/a Great Buns 2 for a Common Victualler License, 93 Mechanic St. with hours as stated.
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On a Goodnow/Davies motion, the Board unanimously voted to approve the recommendation of Safety Officer Rolls to place a slow children sign on each side of Cross Street approaching Silver Lake.
Public Hearing – application of National Grid Co. & Verizon N.E., Inc. to install pole #6-584, Silver Lake Rd. to remove sag in wires between pole #6-5 & 6-51
Mr. Bruce Kutt representing National Grid explained the new pole installation is needed to remove the sag in wires between two existing poles.
Mr. Mayhew asked if there was anyone present to speak on this application. No one responded.
On a Connor/Goodnow motion, the Board unanimously voted to close the public hearing.
On a Goodnow/Connor motion, the Board unanimously voted to approve the application of National Grid Co. & Verizon New England, Inc. to install pole #6-584, Silver Lake Road to remove the sag in wires between pole #5 & 6-51.
Supt. David Fischer/Mr. Jim Testa – Green Repair Program
School Dept. attendance: Supt. Fischer, Mr. Testa, School Committee Members – Ms. Gray, Mr. Cartier, Mr. Martel and Mr. Patrick.
Mr. Fischer stated the Massachusetts School Building Authority is accepting Statements of Interest for the Green Repair Program. This program is for the repair or replacement of roofs, windows and/or boilers in public school facilities. Mr. Fischer went on to state that the School Department’s interest is to replace the Middle School boilers. These are the original boilers installed in 1964 and are inefficient and in constant need of repair. Honeywell International, Inc. submitted a price estimate of $440,000 for this project. It is uncertain what the Town’s share of this project would be since the MSBA’s reimbursement rates range from 31% - 80% of the approved project costs. However, it was noted that if the Selectmen do vote to go forward with the application for this program, it
does not place the Town under any obligation if the MSBA’s reimbursement rate is too low. Mr. Testa stated if this project does go forward, it will increase energy conservation and decrease energy related costs in the school.
On a Goodnow/Connor motion, the following vote was taken at the September 13, 2010 Board of Selectmen’s Meeting and unanimously approved by Mr. Mayhew, Mr. Goodnow, Mrs. Davies and Mr. Connor. Mrs. Chaves was not in attendance.
“Resolved: Having convened in an open meeting on September 13, 2010, the Board of Selectmen of Bellingham, MA, in accordance with its charter, bylaws, and ordinances, has voted to authorize the Superintendent to submit to the Massachusetts School Building Authority the Statement of Interest dated September 14, 2010 for the Bellingham Memorial Middle School located at 130 Blackstone Street, Bellingham, MA 02019 which describes and explains the
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following deficiencies and the priority category(s) for which Bellingham, MA may be invited to apply to the Massachusetts School Building Authority in the future; (Deficiency: The Middle School boilers are the original boilers installed in 1964. These 47 year old boilers are inefficient and in constant need of repair. The replacement of these boilers will increase energy conservation and decrease energy related costs in the school facility. The goal is to improve temperature control, provide more even heating throughout the school building and better energy efficiency); and hereby further specifically acknowledges that by submitting this Statement of Inertest, the Massachusetts School Building Authority in no way guarantees the acceptance or the approval of an application, the awarding of a grant or any other
funding commitment from the Massachusetts School Building Authority, or commits the City/Town/Regional School District to filing an application for funding with the Massachusetts School Building Authority.”
A vote was also taken by the School Committee with all members in attendance voting in the affirmative.
Solar Power Purchase Agreement Proposal
Graham Noll, Real World Consulting, Inc. CEO and Mark Flannery of the Energy Efficiency Committee came before the Board to present this proposal. Mr. Noll informed the Board that Real World Consulting in partnership with Solar Market, is presenting an opportunity for municipalities to benefit from a unique convergence of a federal grant and state incentive programs to lower electric rates.
The Solar Power Purchase Agreement Proposal is a 15 year agreement which utilizes the town’s land or buildings and in turn allows the town to purchase electricity from the solar company at a certain rate (lower than what the town is paying now). Mr. Noll stated there is no upfront cost to the town for this project, and upon entering into an agreement, the solar company will be responsible for the insurance, upkeep, liability and structural repairs of the panels. At the end of the agreement, the town can remove the panels, extend the program or purchase the panels.
Mr. Noll and Mr. Flannery stated the solar company would be looking to utilize some of the school buildings which have upgraded roofs, but also noted that the town has fields that can be utilized – pumping station #12, Cliff Road and pumping station #4, Wrentham Road.
Mr. Noll stated there are benefits to placing panels on the roofs such as cutting down on sun damage which extends the life of the roof and it also keeps the buildings cooler.
Mr. Flannery recommended the town move forward with an RFP to the Dept. of Energy.
Mr. Noll stated that moving forward with an RFP does not lock the town into working with Real World Consulting.
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Mr. Goodnow made a motion, seconded by Mrs. Davies to authorize Mr. Fraine and Mr. Flannery to go forward with preparing a RFP/RFQ to submit to the Department of Energy. Members of the Board were polled with all voting in the affirmative.
Members of the School Committee were also polled with all voting in the affirmative.
Public Hearing – Street Acceptance Hearing – Bellingham Estates (request for continuance to October 4th
On a Goodnow/Connor motion, the Board voted to continue this hearing to October 4th per request of the applicant’s attorney, Mark Kablack.
On a Goodnow/Davies motion, the Board unanimously voted to approve the Cross Street/Dupre Road Grant of Easements.
On a Goodnow/Connor motion, the Board unanimously voted to approve the Lion’s Club White Cane Drive for Oct. 17th raindate Oct. 24, 9 AM – 1 PM at he the Town Center and a second location approved by the Board (rather than Crooks Corner), insurance binder to be submitted to the Selectmen.
On a Goodnow/Connor motion, the Board unanimously voted to approve the request for a One Day Beer & Wine & Common Victualler License for the Lake Hiawatha Assn. Yard to Yard Sale, 9/25 – raindate 9/26, Noon – 4 PM, 325 Lakeshore Drive, license in the name of Denis Auger.
On a Connor/Goodnow motion, the Board unanimously voted to approve the following abatements: residential water in the amount of $354.05, municipal water in the amount of $50.66, residential sewer in the amount of $315.19 and trash in the amount of $300.55.
On a Goodnow/Connor motion, the Board unanimously voted to accept the July 19th executive session minutes as submitted.
On a Goodnow/Davies motion, the Board voted to accept the August 16th regular meeting minutes and executive session minutes as submitted with Mr. Connor abstaining.
On a Goodnow/Davies motion, the Board unanimously voted to award the Boiler Contract (Energy Grant) to Commercial Industrial Services of Medway.
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Victory Lane Motor Sales – vote reconsideration: It was requested by the owner of this establishment that small repairs be done outdoors. After discussion on this matter, it was decided that the vote taken at the August 16th Selectmen’s Meeting will not be changed and that all repairs will be done inside the building.
The Selectmen scheduled a workshop for September 27th, 7:00 PM to discuss the solid waste automated collection system and the sale of water.
Mr. Mayhew asked Board members to return completed Town Administrator Evaluations by September 27th.
Respectfully submitted,
Jacqueline A. Bokoski
Administrative Assistant
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