November 22, 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. Davies.
Tax Classification Hearing
Mr. Mayhew read the public hearing notice.
Present for this hearing were Chief Financial Officer Marilyn Mathieu; Assessors Tara Damiano, George Noble; and Elizabeth Cournoyer, Admin.
Mrs. Mathieu reported that residential single family property values have declined an average of 4%, condominium values have declined an average of 6%. Commercial/industrial values have remained the same.
Mr. Goodnow stated he is recommending a shift in the tax rate from 90 percent to 94 percent stating it is important to continue closing the gap between residential and commercial property owners.
Mr. Connor agreed with Mr. Goodnow’s recommendation.
Mrs. Chaves stated she is in favor of closing the gap, however, she feels 94 percent is too large an increase.
Mr. Mayhew asked if there was anyone present to speak on this matter.
John Murray, owner of Pool Pro, stated he is in favor of the 94 percent shift. He stated as a small business owner, he is finding it difficult to survive.
Mr. Goodnow made a motion to increase the tax rate from 90 percent to 94 percent and to continue with the 10% small business exemption, seconded by Mr. Connor with the motion passing 3-1. Mrs. Chaves opposed noting the increase is too large.
On a Goodnow/Chaves motion, the Board unanimously voted to ratify Mr. Fraine’s appointment of Michelle Nowlan to the Payroll Clerk position in the Treasurer/Collector’s Office (per Mrs. Mathieu’s recommendation).
On a Goodnow/Connor motion, the Board unanimously voted to authorize the DPW to purchase rock salt for Fiscal Year 2011 in accordance with bids received in the Cooperative Bid Number PW180 administered by the town of Framingham.
On a Goodnow/Connor motion, the Board unanimously voted to award the Well Rehab (cleaning) bid to Maher Services, Inc.
Mr. DiMartino presented the license agreement between the town of Bellingham and Steve Washakowski and Nancy Eisenhut (Bellingham Veterinary Clinic). The
Minutes of November 22, 2010
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Board decided to hold off signing this document until all parties are in agreement.
All Board members gave their approval to enter into an agreement for water system expansion on North Street.
On a Chaves/Connor motion, the Board unanimously voted to authorize sewer connection for the proposed TMC facility on Mechanic St. as well as the newly proposed Crystal Springs Condominium Development.
Mr. DiMartino stated he will schedule a hearing in January on Sewer Use Regulations (updating the section on the sewer use capacity) and Water Use Regulations (updating the section on meter tampering).
On a Connor/Chaves motion, the Board unanimously voted to accept the November 1st minutes as submitted.
On a Goodnow/Connor motion, the Board unanimously voted to approve the license renewals presented this evening.
On a Goodnow/Chaves motion, the Board unanimously voted to adjourn the meeting at 8:20 PM.
Respectfully submitted,
Jacqueline A. Bokoski
Administrative Assistant
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