October 17, 2011
Chairman Connor called the Board of Selectmen’s Meeting to order at 6:30 PM with all members in attendance.
The first order of business was an All Boards Meeting.
Mr. Connor thanked all the representatives from the various town boards for attending. Mr. Fraine explained that the Town Charter requires the Board of Selectmen to issue a policy statement each November and input from the various boards is typically included. Mrs. Mathieu began by providing a financial overview stating that without specific information relative to state aid, we would be recommending level funded budgets once again this year. She expressed her appreciation to everyone for their cooperation over the past year. Mr. Cartier and Mr. Fleury, representing the School Department, expressed an interest in hiring a grant coordinator who would work for both school and municipal government. They also suggested greater sharing with facilities management, legal services and field maintenance. Mr.
DiMartino stated the greatest issue he faces is in the area of water infrastructure and highway infrastructure. Both Chief Daigle and Deputy Chief Gentile stated the most pressing need within their respective departments is in increasing personnel. Mr. Lavallee explained the Finance Committee and Capital Improvements Committee are working on a DPW Feasibility report. He stated that their involvement will likely spread to police facilities in the near future. Mr. Roberts gave a presentation on the work of the Walking Trail Committee. He expressed his appreciation to the Conservation Commission for their involvement.
Mr. Connor stated the Board will be announcing reappointments well in advance to when positions vacate. He explained the Board’s desire to make the public aware of when individual terms are expiring.
Mrs. Davies informed the Board that her family will be relocating to California after the school year and she will regrettably be resigning her position. She thanked all in attendance for their support and work over the past few years. Mrs. Davies stated she will be discussing her resignation plans with Town Counsel in order to avoid any election costs. All members thanked Mrs. Davies and expressed their appreciation for her many contributions.
Public Hearing – application of National Grid & Verizon for existing joint pole relocation; proposed new joint pole location, pushbrace & anchor on Lake St.
Mr. Connor read the public hearing notice and noted there wasn’t a utility company representative present because this application is for a town project.
Minutes of October 17, 2011
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Mr. Connor asked if there was anyone present to speak in favor or in opposition to this application. No one responded.
On a Davies/Goodnow motion, the Board unanimously voted to close the public hearing. On a Davies/Goodnow motion, the Board unanimously voted to approve the application of National Grid & Verizon for joint pole relocation/location on Lake St. as outlined on Plan #11491595 with all work to be performed to the satisfaction of the DPW Director.
Etienne Laferriere presented an Eagle Scout Project proposal to the Selectmen pertaining to the maintenance of fire hydrants in south Bellingham. He stated his proposed project will include painting the hydrants, attaching four foot markers on the hydrants along the main roads which are very close to the street or sitting low to the ground and trimming back overgrown brush making the hydrants visible.
Etienne stated all the labor for this project will be volunteered and he will be looking for donations for the materials needed.
The Board congratulated Etienne on being an Eagle Scout candidate and thanked him on coming forward with this worthwhile project.
On a Soter/Goodnow motion, the Board unanimously voted to support Etienne’s Eagle Scout Project proposal and directed him to contact the DPW Director for guidance with the project.
Taft Estates - 40 B Project
The neighborhood meeting for this project was held on Oct. 13th at 6:30 PM at Keough Administration Building. The meeting was well-attended and residents responded favorably to the proposed project.
Concern was raised as to the number of homes to be built on this property and Mr. Jones was asked if the number he is looking for was reduced, would he pursue a non-
friendly 40B. Mr. Jones stated he would not because he doesn’t want to go through the long process and financial investment in pursuing a non-friendly 40B and would opt to go with a commercial development.
Town Counsel stated if the Selectmen choose to submit a letter of support for this project, they may do so with stipulations such as the number of homes to be built, whether some have first floor master bedrooms and garages, etc. He stated he could draft something for the Board to review.
On a Davies/Featherston motion, the Board voted to support the friendly 40B project at the site of the former drive-in on Pulaski Blvd. as presented by Mr. Tim Jones with the Town Administrator & Town Counsel drafting a letter containing project stipulations.
Mr. Soter abstained noting he is living in a development built by Mr. Jones and he does not feel comfortable voting on this project. All other members voted in the affirmative.
On a Featherston/Goodnow motion, the Board unanimously voted that the Town of Bellingham opt to accept MGL c. 40, Sec. 4J – Statewide Public Safety Mutual Aid Agreement and MGL c. 40, Sec. 4K – Statewide Public Works Municipal Mutual Aid Agreement.
Minutes of October 17, 2011
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On a Goodnow/Davies motion, the Board voted to accept the minutes of October 3rd as submitted. Mr. Featherston abstained; all other members voted in the affirmative.
On a Goodnow/Soter motion, the Board unanimously voted to appoint Richard Morgan to the Cultural Council (per the Council’s recommendation).
On a Goodnow/Soter motion, the Board unanimously voted to approve the placement of a Slow Children sign at the beginning of Cedar Hill Road (per the recommendation of Sgt. Rolls).
On a Goodnow/Davies motion, the Board unanimously voted to adjourn the meeting at 9:30 PM.
Respectfully submitted,
Jacqueline A. Bokoski
Administrative Assistant
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