October 3, 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. Featherston.
On a Davies/Goodnow motion, the Board voted (per the Council’s recommendation) to appoint Jack Henderson to the Council on Aging filling Joan Giard’s unexpired term which is up in March, 2012. Mr. Connor abstained because Mr. Henderson is a relative; all other members voted in the affirmative.
On a Goodnow/Soter motion, the Board unanimously voted to approve the change of manager for Uno’s Chicago Grill from Todd Harrington to John Tarnuzzer.
On a Davies/Goodnow motion, the Board unanimously voted to approve a Common Victualler License for St. Brendan’s Fall Fair, November 5th & 6th, 9 AM – 5 PM, fees waived.
On a Soter/Goodnow motion, the Board unanimously voted to approve residential water abatements in the amount of $21.05 and residential sewer abatements in the amount of $31.45.
On a Goodnow/Davies motion, the Board unanimously voted to approve, but not release the executive session minutes of August 15th and Sept. 12th.
On a Goodnow/Davies motion, the Board unanimously voted to approve the minutes of September 12th as submitted.
On a Goodnow/Davies motion, the Board unanimously voted to declare a storm emergency for the hurricane Irene response. Mr. Fraine stated the Federal government (FEMA) is accepting applications for storm related cost reimbursements. Mr. Fraine
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went on to state the storm cost Bellingham over $70,000 with the majority in tree removal from public ways.
On a Davies/Goodnow motion, the Board unanimously voted to award Contract 2011-5, Road Construction Lake St. and Silver Lake area to low bidder Lorusso Corp., Plainville, MA not to exceed $547,000, (per Mr. DiMartino’s recommendation).
Mr. Fraine stated Chief Ranieri announced his retirement for late January, 2012. He has held this position for over 30 years and there will be some transitional inconveniences. Having said that, Mr. Fraine feels very comfortable with recommending Deputy Chief Gentile for the Chief’s position. Mr. Gentile was appointed to the Deputy Chief’s position in March of 2010. He has been a Fire Dept. member since 1993 and in the firefighting profession since 1987. He was promoted to the position of Lieutenant in 2001. He graduated from Bellingham High School, holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Fire Science and is currently finishing up his Master’s Degree. Mr. Fraine went on to state it is his opinion that Deputy Gentile has earned the opportunity to serve as
Bellingham’s next Fire Chief and it is his intention to appoint him to the position effective with Chief Ranieri’s retirement. Mr. Fraine’s appointments require a majority ratification of the Board of Selectmen. In the event the Board supports his recommendation, the process of finding a replacement for the Deputy will begin.
Mr. Soter, Mr. Goodnow and Mr. Connor support Mr. Fraine’s recommendation of Deputy Gentile. Mrs. Davies stated that although Deputy Gentile may be the best candidate for the position, she still feels strongly that the position should be advertised.
With the Board’s ratification, Mr. Fraine stated the Deputy’s position will be advertised and the Fire Chief appointment will be on the Selectmen’s agenda for the second meeting in November.
Taft Estates – 40B Project
Mr. Tim Jones and his consultant, Paul Cusson presented plans for an affordable housing project at the site of the former drive-in on Pulaski Blvd. Mr. Cusson stated the project is being submitted under the Local Initiative Project which is also known as a “friendly” 40B project. Mr. Cusson’s stated the site is also business zoned in the middle of residential zoning and noted to make the project economically feasible, it would either need to be a commercial use, such as a strip mall, or the 40B project which allows the developer the benefit of building more homes than a regular project.
Since a friendly 40B project is intended to give Selectmen the ability to give their endorsement, the Board felt it would be beneficial to hold a meeting with the residents of this area to receive their input. The meeting will be scheduled for Oct. 13th at 6:30 PM in the South Community Bldg. (if available).
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On a Goodnow/Davies motion, the Board unanimously voted to authorize Chairman Connor to sign the Massachusetts School Building Authority Funding Agreement (PFA) for the Memorial Middle School, Green Repair Project.
On a Soter/Goodnow motion, the Board unanimously voted to adjourn the meeting at 9:00 PM.
Respectfully submitted,
Jacqueline A. Bokoski
Administrative Assistant
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