September 12, 2011
The regular meeting of the Board of Selectmen was called to order at 7:00 PM by Chairman Connor with all members in attendance except Mr. Goodnow.
Emergency Management Update
Deputy Gentile appeared before the Board to provide an update of the town’s local emergency response to Hurricane Irene. Deputy Gentile stated operations went well although there is plenty of room for improvement. The Deputy thanked the various town agencies involved in the response particularly the assistance from various Board members. He stated the town’s LEMA will be reviewing various shelter options as well as communication failures which occurred in the Police Dept. Chief Daigle stated the department’s generator only operated for four hours and the 30 year old generator needs to be replaced. Mr. Soter stated he had been contacted by many residents who were concerned about the 911 failure. The Chief responded that Franklin had backed up the Town’s 911, however, he
acknowledged this is no way to run emergency services.
Public Hearing – application of St. Mary & St. Mekero Corp. d/b/a 7-Eleven, Emad Asaad, Mgr. for the transfer of the Package Store Wine & Malt License from New England Pantry of Mass. d/b/a White Hen Pantry, 417 Pulaski Blvd.
Mr. Connor read the public hearing notice. On a Davies/Featherston motion, the Board unanimously voted to continue this hearing at the conclusion of the emergency management update and the bond refunding.
Mr. Featherston thanked the Library staff for offering Wi Fi and cell phone charging for residents who were without power. Mrs. Davies thanked Boy Scout Troop 100 and Dr. Cheryl Hardenbrook who were ready to volunteer at the shelter if needed. Mr. Connor expressed his appreciation to all town departments involved in the response stating his pleasure with the overall effort. Several residents were in attendance and voiced their concerns with the slow response from utility companies as well as their concern with town communications.
Mrs. Mathieu – Bond Refunding
Mrs. Mathieu stated that due to very favorable interest rates, the Town will be refunding General Obligation Bonds at a rate of 1.85%. Anticipated savings total $1,113,344.80 over the life of the loan, with Bellingham saving $375,367.35 and the Commonwealth of Mass. saving $737,877.45. Mrs. Mathieu noted the interest rate for the bonds when issued in March of 2002 was 4.81%.
Minutes of September 12, 2011
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On a Davies/Featherston motion, the Board unanimously voted to approve refunding of General Obligation Bonds at a rate of 1.85%.
Public Hearing – 7-Eleven (continued)
Mr. Soter noted he would be abstaining from participating in this public hearing since the company he is employed by does business with 7-Eleven.
Present for this hearing were Emad Asaad, Manager and his attorney Karen Simao. Attorney Simao stated her client is here this evening to transfer the Package Store Wine & Malt License from White Hen Pantry.
Mrs. Davies asked Mr. Asaad if his employees are TIPS certified. He stated they are not at this time, but will be. He stated the employees will be family members. He also stated he is familiar with the sale of alcohol since he has owned and operated a restaurant in R.I. which served beer & wine. He stated he was in operation for 10 years with no violations.
Mrs. Davies informed Mr. Asaad that he may have operated an establishment that served beer & wine, but the laws vary from R.I. to Mass. Mrs. Davies also asked if they will have a cash register that remains locked until a valid I.D. is presented. Mr. Asaad stated the store does not have a register that remains locked.
He was informed by the Board that Bellingham takes alcohol sale to minors very seriously and stings are performed periodically. Mr. Asaad stated he also takes this seriously. A representative from 7-Eleven stated the company also performs periodic stings.
Mr. Connor asked if the area where the beer & wine is located will be blocked off during the hours when alcohol cannot be sold. The 7-Eleven rep. stated other stores use locks on the coolers which could also be utilized at this store.
Mr. Connor asked if there was anyone present in favor or in opposition to this application. No one responded.
On a Featherston/Davies motion, the Board voted to close the public hearing. Mr. Soter abstained; all other members voted in the affirmative.
On a Featherston/Davies motion, the Board voted to approve the application of St. Mary & St. Mekero Corp. d/b/a 7-Eleven, Emad Asaad, Mgr. for the transfer of the Package Store Wine & Malt License from New England Pantry of Mass. d/b/a White Hen Pantry, 417 Pulaski Blvd. contingent upon employees receiving TIPS certification, locks on coolers during non-sale hours with hours of operation per ABCC regulations. Mr. Soter abstained; all other members voted in the affirmative.
On a Davies/Soter motion, the Board unanimously voted to award Contract 2011-4, Hartford Ave. Culvert Replacement to the low bidder, Aqua Line Utility, Inc., East Bridgewater, MA.
On a Davies/Featherston motion, the Board unanimously voted to approve the recommendation of Sgt. Rolls to place an Autistic Child sign at the beginning of Country Way.
Minutes of September 12, 2011
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On a Soter/Davies motion, the Board unanimously voted to appoint Brian Salisbury to the ZBA alternate position (per the Zoning Board’s recommendation).
On a Soter/Featherston motion, the Board unanimously voted to approve the Lion’s Club White Cane Drive, 10/22 rain date 10/29, 9 AM – 1 PM at the Town Center and Crooks Corner. Their insurance binder has been submitted.
On a Soter/Davies motion, the Board unanimously voted to approve residential water abatements in the amount of $81.42 and trash abatements in the amount of $619.50.
On a Davies/Featherston motion, the Board unanimously voted to approve the August 15th minutes as submitted.
On a Soter/Featherston motion, the Board unanimously voted to approve the placement of signs on Nason Street as noted on the attached list and recommended by Sgt. Rolls.
On a Davies/Soter motion, the Board unanimously voted to approve and release the executive session minutes on the list attached except May 25, 2011.
On a Davies/Featherston motion, the Board unanimously voted to approve and hold the May 25, 2011 executive session minutes.
On a Soter/Davies motion, the Board unanimously voted to approve a Temporary Wine & Malt License for the Lake Hiawatha Yard to Yard Sale, Sept. 24th rain date Sept. 25th, 9 AM – 5 PM providing they receive a liquor liability policy.
Mr. Fraine requested an executive session pertaining to the town property auction. Members of the Board were polled with all voting in the affirmative.
On a Featherston/Davies motion, the Board unanimously voted to adjourn the meeting at 8:30 PM.
Respectfully submitted,
Jacqueline A. Bokoski
Administrative Assistant
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