March 21, 2011
The regular meeting of the Board of Selectmen was called to order at 7:00 PM by Chairman Mayhew with all members in attendance.
Audit Presentation
Mr. Robert Brown, CPA appeared before the Board to provide the results of the Town’s annual financial audit. Mr. Brown stated the Town has done a commendable job managing limited resources during the past year. The Town continues to maintain an acceptable level of reserves. The financial control systems the Town has in place continue to be excellent. Mr. Brown commended the Town’s financial team for an excellent year. Mr. Connor asked Mr. Brown if there were other communities that do a better job than Bellingham and what they do. Mr. Brown answered Bellingham is among the 3 or 4 better audits of the 30 his firm reviews each year.
Charles River Watershed Association
Ms. Kate Bowditch of the Charles River Watershed Association appeared before the Board to provide an update on the $40,000 DEP Grant for review of phosphorus impacts within a targeted area in Bellingham. Ms. Bowditch explained the DEP Grant is allowing CRWA to hire an engineering firm to analyze the cost and remedies associated with removal of phosphorus in and around the Bellingham town center. Ms. Bowditch stated the results of the study will provide property owners with important insight concerning engineering alternatives for phosphorus reduction.
Resident, Ken Hamwey expressed his concern with the financial impact this program will have on our community particularly in light of the high unemployment rate. Mr. Mayhew shared the concern stating these regulations need to be reviewed for the impact they will have on businesses before they are implemented. Ms. Bowditch thanked the Board and stated she will provide an update in September.
Public Hearing – application of SGBSYP, LLC d/b/a Fields Wine & Spirits, Kunal Patel, Mgr. for the transfer of the Package Store All Alcohol License from Fields Enterprises, Inc. d/b/a Fields Wine & Spirits, Thomas J. Fields, Mgr., 116 Mechanic St.
Mr. Mayhew read the public hearing notice.
Attorney Hyman Stramer represented the applicant Mr. Kunal Patel.
Mr. Patel stated he has made application to transfer the Package Store All Alcohol License from Mr. Fields. He stated that the business will remain the same,
Minutes of 3/21/11 – Page 2
including the hours of operation. He also noted he has signed a lease to remain at the same location.
Mr. Connor asked the applicant if he is related to the owner of Larry’s Package Store. Mr. Patel stated he is not.
Mr. Mayhew asked if there was anyone present who wanted to speak on this application. No one responded.
On a Chaves/Goodnow motion, the Board unanimously voted to close the public hearing.
On a Chaves/Connor motion, the Board unanimously voted to approve the application of SGBSYP, LLC d/b/a Fields Wine & Spirits, Kunal Patel, Mgr. for the transfer of the Package Store All Alcohol License from Fields Enterprises, Inc. d/b/a Fields Wine & Spirits, Thomas J. Fields, Mgr., 116 Mechanic St. with hours of operation as listed on the current license.
On a Goodnow/Davies motion, the Board unanimously voted to ratify the annual appointments approved by Mr. Fraine (list attached).
Mr. Goodnow made a motion, seconded by Mrs. Chaves to approve the Selectmen’s annual appointments (list attached). In response to Mrs. Davies interest in providing more of a review of appointments before they come to the Board, Mr. Fraine suggested the Selectmen hold an All Board’s Meeting in the fall as part of the issuance of the annual policy statement.
On a Davies/Chaves motion, the Board unanimously voted to appoint Jeane Anzivino to a three-year term on the Council on Aging (as recommended by a vote of the COA members).
On a Goodnow/Davies motion, the Board voted to approve a Common Victualler License for Bellingham Youth Baseball, Harpin St. field, April – October, 2011 with fees waived. All members voted in the affirmative except Mr. Connor who abstained because he is on the Youth Baseball Board.
On a Connor/Chaves motion, the Board voted to accept the March 7th minutes as presented. Mr. Goodnow abstained; all other members voted in the affirmative.
Mr. Fraine requested an executive session to discuss contract negotiations. Members of the Board were polled with all voting in the affirmative.
On a Goodnow/Connor motion, the Board unanimously voted to adjourn the meeting at 8:30 PM.
Respectfully submitted,
Jacqueline A. Bokoski, Admin. Asst.
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