January 3, 2011
The regular meeting of the Board of Selectmen was called to order at 7:00 PM by Mrs. Davies with Mr. Connor and Mrs. Chaves also in attendance. Mr. Goodnow and Mr. Mayhew were absent due to illness.
On a Connor/Chaves motion, the public hearing on proposed changes to water use regulation was continued until the completion of the Selectmen’s business with the School Committee.
School Committee – MSBA Statement of Interest – Clara Macy Elementary School
Mr. David Fischer presented the Board with a “statement of interest” application which the School Committee would like to present to the Mass. School Building Authority. The application will provide approximately 2.8 million dollars in necessary upgrades at Macy School. Mr. Fischer explained Macy has been identified as the schools top priority. Mr. Fischer explained the application must be submitted this month or the School Dept. will miss this year’s opportunity. Mr. Fraine explained the application does not commit the Town to the project and any decisions relative to funding will go through the usual process of Finance Committee and Town Meeting.
Mr. Connor asked Mrs. Gray if the School Committee had formally endorsed this project. Mrs. Gray explained her committee was prepared to take a vote following the Selectmen’s action on the application.
On a Connor/Chaves motion, the Board unanimously voted to adopt the following resolution:
“Resolved: Having convened in an open meeting on Monday, January 3, 2011, the Board of Selectmen of Bellingham, Massachusetts, 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 January 4, 2011 for the Clara Macy Elementary School located at 60 Monique Drive, Bellingham, MA, which describes and explains the following deficiencies and the priority category(s) for which the Town of Bellingham may be invited to apply to the Massachusetts School Building Authority in the future.
Statement of Interest Priority: Replacement, renovation or modernization of the school facility systems at Clara Macy Elementary School, as outlined in
Minutes of January 3, 2011
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Attachment A (Clara Macy Capital Improvement Proposal), to increase energy conservation and decrease energy related costs at Clara Macy Elementary School; and hereby further specifically acknowledges that by submitting this Statement of Interest, 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 Town of Bellingham and the Bellingham School Department from filing an application for funding with the Massachusetts School Building Authority.”
Following the Selectmen’s vote, the School Committee voted to adopt a similar resolution and to submit the application to the MSBA for their consideration.
Public Hearing – Proposed Water Use Regulation Amendment; Proposed Sewer Use Regulation Revision
A public hearing was opened relative to the update of water use regulations as well as sewer use regulations. Mr. DiMartino appeared before the Board and presented the proposed changes (attached). Mr. DiMartino explained the regulation relative to meter tampering is outdated and suggested the Board adopt a fine schedule consistent with State Law. Mr. DiMartino explained the allowable fine is $1,000.
Mr. Connor asked what the costs associated with the repair of a tampered meter would be. Mr. DiMartino stated the cost of labor and materials would be approximately $400.
On a Chaves/Connor motion, the Board unanimously voted to adopt the new water use regulation relative to meter tampering as proposed and attached.
Mr. DiMartino explained the second matter to consider is the allocation of CRPCD sewer capacity. Mr. DiMartino reminded the Board that 70,000 gallons of capacity was recently purchased by the Town and available for allocation. Mr. DiMartino suggested all property owners who have a sewer stub and paid a betterment be given the first opportunity to connect. Homeowners would be given six months to complete the connection or request an extension.
There would be no review by the Board of Selectmen for these connections. Additionally, newly constructed single family or duplex homes which are not part of a greater subdivision will be allowed to connect solely with the approval of the DPW Director. All subdivisions seeking connection will require approval of the Board of Selectmen.
Mr. Connor agreed the capacity should be allocated if possible in order to recoup the Town’s investment and to assist with the payment of the overall sewer system.
On a Connor/Chaves motion, the Board unanimously voted to amend the Sewer Use Regulations as proposed by Mr. DiMartino and attached.
Minutes of January 3, 2011
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On a Connor/Chaves motion, the Board unanimously voted to declare a snow and ice emergency which will allow for deficit spending.
On a Connor/Chaves motion, the Board unanimously voted to approve the December 13th minutes as submitted.
On a Connor/Chaves motion, the Board unanimously voted to approve the following: water abatements $1,092.84, municipal water $2,974.65, sewer $309.00 and solid waste $686.00.
On a Chaves/Connor motion, the Board unanimously voted to open the Annual Town Meeting warrant this evening and set the closing date for February 11th, 12 noon.
On a Chaves/Connor motion, the Board unanimously voted to grant a One Day Alcohol License to the BBA for January 19th provided a liquor liability insurance policy is obtained for this event.
On a Chaves/Connor motion, the meeting was adjourned at 8:10 PM.
Respectfully submitted,
Denis C. Fraine
Town Administrator
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