November 21, 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.
Tax Rate Classification Hearing
Mrs. Mathieu and the Board of Assessors appeared before the Board to present information relative to the Tax Classification Hearing. Mrs. Mathieu stated the Town presently has a .94 shift. Information contained in the packet provided to the Selectmen displayed the various splits and the impact of each. During the past year, residential values continued to slide downward while commercial and industrial values held steady. Mrs. Cournoyer explained without an increase in the shift, the business community would face a larger tax increase than residential due to the declining residential values. Mr. Connor stated his belief the Town needed to continue closing the gap between residential and commercial suggesting a .96 shift was in order. Mr. Soter expressed his disagreement stating now is not the time to
shift more of the tax burden onto residents. Mrs. Davies expressed her agreement with Mr. Connor stating the gap needed to be closed.
Public hearing – application of S B Restaurant, Inc. d/b/a Simon Diner for the transfer of the Common Victualler License from Thai Jasmine Restaurant, 131 Pulaski Blvd.
Mr. Connor read the public hearing notice. On a Davies/Featherston motion, the Board unanimously voted to continue this public hearing at the conclusion of the tax classification hearing.
Mr. Soter made a motion, seconded by Mr. Featherston to approve a shift in the tax rate from .94 to .95 including a 10% small business exemption. The motion failed 3-1 with Mr. Soter voting in the affirmative and the other members opposing.
On a Featherston/Davies motion, the Board voted to approve a shift in the tax rate from .94 to .96 including a 10% small business exemption. Mr. Soter opposed; all other members voted in the affirmative.
Simon Diner Hearing (continued) – Mr. Boulos stated they will be changing from a Thai food restaurant to diner food, serving breakfast, lunch & dinner. Mr. Boulos stated they would like extended hours to be able to serve breakfast to patrons leaving nightclubs or other late-night venues. After discussion on the hours, Mr. Boulos requested a 24 hour license.
Minutes of November 21, 2011
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Mr. Connor asked if there was anyone present in favor or opposition to this license.
Bonnie Gossels, owner of the property, spoke in favor stating she is impressed with the work they’ve done and how much cleaner the restaurant is. She also feels that diner food will be better suited for the area than the Thai food restaurant.
No one opposed the application.
On a Soter/Featherston motion, the Board unanimously voted to close the public hearing. On a Soter/Featherston motion, the Board unanimously voted to approve the application of S B Restaurant, Inc. d/b/a Simon Diner for the transfer of the Common Victualler License from Thai Jasmine Restaurant, 131 Pulaski Blvd. for a 24 hour restaurant.
Mr. Patel – Larry’s Package Store
Mr. Patel appeared before the Board with his attorney, Louis Cassis, to speak on the application of Douglas Wine & Spirits moving into the plaza at 280 Hartford Ave. He stated that application has been returned to the town because it is over quota and wanted to know why the town is fighting for the approval of this license. Mr. Fraine explained the town has filed suit against the Alcoholic Beverages Control Commission because we feel the town is being denied one package store all alcohol license. We feel this license is the property of the town. He noted the town is allowed 4 package store all alcohol licenses under quota. The town currently has 3 under the quota system and 2 others approved through legislation.
Attorney Cassis stated he does not feel the town should be going through with this suit, adding he has never seen a town sue the ABCC and does not feel the town will win the suit. Mr. Patel stated there are enough package store licenses in town and approval of another one will only hurt the small business owner.
Board members and Mr. Fraine again stated they feel this license is town property and that is the reason for the suit. The town is not looking to add a license, just to keep what belongs to the town. Mr. Fraine went on to state that the town’s attorney is paid a flat monthly fee and additional funds will not be expended on this suit.
Mr. Connor thanked Mr. Patel and his attorney for coming before the Board.
On a Soter/Featherston motion, the Board voted to ratify Mr. Fraine’s appointment of Dep. Chief Steven Gentile to the position of Fire Chief effective January 27, 2012. The motion passed on a 3-1 vote, with Mrs. Davies opposing stating she still felt the position should have been advertised.
On a Featherston/Davies motion, the Board unanimously voted to accept the November 7th minutes as submitted.
On a Featherston/Davies motion, the Board unanimously voted to approve license renewals on page one of the attached list.
On a Soter/Davies motion, the Board unanimously voted to approve license renewals on page two of the attached list with the exception of Countryside Motel.
Minutes of November 21, 2011
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Mr. Soter stated he would like to postpone this renewal until the Dec. 5th meeting giving the Board an opportunity to receive input from the Police Chief & School Dept. regarding this establishment.
On a Soter/Featherston motion, the Board unanimously voted to approve license renewals on page 3 of the attached list.
On a Featherston/Davies motion, the Board unanimously voted to award Contract 2011-10, Mann St. Water Main Replacement to the low bidder Gravity Construction, Inc. of Plainville MA.
Mr. Soter stated he received a call from a Hartford Ave. resident stating that tractor trailer trucks are missing the turn on Depot St. going to the DCP or Best Buy facility. He asked if signage stating DCP/Best Buy Turn Ahead could be placed on the left side of Hartford Ave. coming from 495. This request will be forward to Sgt. Rolls.
On a Davies/Soter motion, the Board unanimously voted to adjourn the meeting at 8:30 PM.
Respectfully submitted,
Jacqueline A. Bokoski
Administrative Assistant
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