February 6, 2012
The regular meeting of the Board of Selectmen was called to order at 7:00 PM by Chairman Connor with all members in attendance.
Public Hearing – application of Jaliyan, Inc. d/b/a Subway for the transfer of the Common Victualler License from Melissa Moore d/b/a Subway, 250 Hartford
Mr. Connor read the public hearing notice.
Mr. Vipul Patel and Mr. Bharatkumar Patel stated they are applying for the transfer of the common victualler license from Melissa Moore d/b/a Subway Sandwich Shop which is located in the Wal-Mart Store, 250 Hartford Ave.
Mr. Patel stated he owns a couple Subways in other town and noted employees are ServSafe certified. The hours of operation will be the same as the Wal-Mart hours. Mr. Connor asked if there was anyone present in favor or in opposition to this application. No one responded.
On a Davies/Soter motion, the Board unanimously voted to close the public hearing. On a Davies/Goodnow motion, the Board unanimously voted to approve the application of Jaliyan, Inc. d/b/a Subway for the transfer of the Common Victualler License from Melissa Moore d/b/a Subway, 250 Hartford Ave., with operating hours the same as Wal-Mart.
Planning Board – parking bylaw discussion
Town Planner, Stacey Wetstein and Planning Board Chairwoman, Tricia Buckley presented a summary of proposed changes to the Bellingham Parking Bylaw. These changes will be submitted in an article on the May 23rd Annual Town Meeting Warrant and include the following:
- Updates existing parking bylaw – adds new definitions for more kinds of uses, such as restaurants and retail; includes those uses in the “Schedule of Requirements”; results in greater guidance for business owners/developers. Adds a “Purpose” section which gives an explanation/context for all parking/loading requirements. Adds regulations for bicycles, small cars and motorcycles.
- Refines parking requirements – retail businesses and service establishments: parking based on type of use and size of business. Requires less commercial parking in many cases. Requirements for food establishments adjusted based on style of restaurant.
Minutes of February 6, 2012
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- Provides more flexibility – By Special Permit from the Planning Board, parking requirements can be reduced. Shared parking – a chart quantifies how shared parking can be accomplished. Flexible parking options – quantifies how walkability and employment density can result in fewer required parking spaces.
Chairwoman Buckley stated the Planning Board & Mrs. Wetstein spent an enormous amount of time going over all aspects of the bylaw and feel it will be very user-friendly with the changes. It is the hope of the Board that these changes will alleviate the confusion experienced in the past.
The Selectmen thanked Mrs. Wetstein and the Planning Board for all the hard work that went into these revisions.
Mr. DiMartino – water/sewer rates review/capital improvements
Mr. DiMartino appeared before the Board to discuss water & sewer rates. He explained sewer rates are set based on costs charged by Woonsocket and Charles River treatment plants. The Town has almost no control over sewer rates. With regard to water rates, he suggested the Board hold a public hearing next month to formally consider the various rate options. Mr. DiMartino explained there are many projects which will require funding in the coming years. Specifically, the need to address iron manganese as well as the recent increase in bacteria “hits” need to be studied. The Town recently engaged the engineering firm of Wright-Pierce to study Town-wide options to address these problems. Mr. Connor emphasized the need to increase the capital line item within the water budget. He expressed his view this matter has been ignored for many years and it is time this board addresses the need for capital planning. Mr. Soter agreed, however, he cautioned the need to provide as much
information as possible so the public understands the direction the town is going. Mr. Connor suggested Mr. DiMartino review some type of senior discount similar to the one used for trash services.
Mr. Soter suggested that in the future the Board review water & sewer rates at the same time as the tax classification review.
The Board directed Mr. DiMartino to schedule the water/sewer rates public hearing.
On a Goodnow/Soter motion, the Board unanimously voted to adopt a debt exclusion under Proposition 2 ½, General Laws Chapter 59 s21C (9n) which allows the Town to transfer the recovery of water debt service costs from user charges to the property tax levy in the amount of $410,987.50.
On a Featherston/Soter motion, the Board unanimously voted to award Contract 2012-WR, Drinking Water Supply Well Rehab to the low bidder Maher Services, Inc. of North Reading (per Mr. DiMartino’s recommendation).
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On a Soter/Goodnow motion, the Board unanimously voted to approve the following abatements: municipal water in the amount of $141.98, residential water in the amount of $6464.49, municipal sewer in the amount of $34.74 and trash in the amount of $88.00.
A One Day Alcohol License was requested by Whole Foods Market for Feb. 10th. Mr. Soter stated he received calls from a few parents after the last wine tasting concerned that alcohol was being served to minors. Mr. Soter stated he would like Whole Foods made aware of these concerns and that precautions be taken for it not to happen again.
On a Soter/Featherston motion, the Board unanimously voted to approve the One Day Alcohol License requested by Whole Foods Market for Feb. 10th, 4-7 p.m., Chocolate Madness Wine & Cheese Tasting, Katie Quinn & Delia Michael pourers.
On a Davies/Goodnow motion, the Board unanimously voted to set the temporary increased population at 1500.
On a Soter/Featherston motion, the Board unanimously voted to appoint Anthony Nardone to the Memorial & Veteran’s Day Committee.
On a Goodnow/Featherston motion, the Board voted to approve two additional street lights on Highridge Road on poles 17 & 34 (per Sgt. Rolls’ recommendation). Mr. Soter abstained; all other members voted in the affirmative.
Mr. Fraine requested an executive session to discuss ongoing negotiations with town unions. Members of the Board were polled with all voting in the affirmative.
On a Goodnow/Davies motion, the Board unanimously voted to adjourn the meeting at 9:40 PM.
Respectfully submitted,
Jacqueline A. Bokoski
Administrative Assistant
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