July 16, 2012
The regular meeting of the Board of Selectmen was called to order by Chairman Soter at 7:00 PM with all members in attendance.
Capital Improvement Comm. Interviews – Roland Lavallee, Brian Salisbury
The Board interviewed Mr. Lavallee first. Mr. Connor asked Mr. Lavallee to update the Board on his qualifications for this position.
Mr. Lavallee stated he has two degrees in engineering and is a licensed Professional Engineer and a licensed Professional Surveyor. He also stated he is a Vice President in a national engineering, architecture and planning firm servicing public sector clients of all sizes. Mr. Lavallee noted this career path provided him with experience in the areas of municipal finance, facility management, infrastructure construction & rehab, planning & design – all areas that the CIC must be involved with. In addition, he has also served on the FinCom since 2001 and the CIC.
Mr. Spencer asked Mr. Lavallee what capital requests he feels are a priority at this time. Mr. Lavallee stated the water system upgrade, police station, fire station and school buildings are priorities.
Mr. Connor asked Mr. Lavallee if he advocates responding to requests or driving the bus. Mr. Lavallee stated responding to requests - the CIC and Selectmen work together to bring items to Town Meeting.
Mr. Soter asked Mr. Lavallee if he is in favor of meetings being televised. Mr. Lavallee answered in the affirmative.
Mr. Salisbury stated he applied for this position because he enjoys being active in the community and feels a deep obligation to ensure that Bellingham remains a great place to live and raise a family. He stated he has an undergraduate degree in financial management and a law degree. Prior to becoming an attorney, he worked as a financial/cost accountant for approximately 10 years and feels this experience would be put to good use on the CIC.
Mr. Mayhew asked Mr. Salisbury what he feels are the most critical needs at this time. Mr. Salisbury stated the schools, roads, police station and water system are most critical at this time.
Mr. Salisbury was asked if he foresees any conflicts with the possibility of serving on both the CIC and as a ZBA alternate. He stated he does not see a conflict with holding dual positions.
Minutes of July 16, 2012
Page 2
Mr. Mayhew made a motion to appoint Mr. Lavallee to the CIC filling the vacancy through March, 2013, seconded by Mr. Spencer. All members voted in the affirmative.
The Selectmen thanked both Mr. Lavallee and Mr. Salisbury for applying for this position. Mr. Salisbury noted the Board picked the best candidate stating Mr. Lavallee is very qualified.
Mr. Jones – Highridge Development
(Mr. Soter stepped down as Chair for this discussion, with Vice Chairman Connor chairing.)
Mr. Jones stated that due to the outstanding real estate taxes he owes to the Town, he has not been able to proceed with further development of two lots. He stated he has discussed the situation with Middlesex Bank, the property’s mortgage holder. Middlesex is willing to pay 50% of the outstanding taxes with the remaining 50% paid upon issuance of a building permit by the Town. Mr. Jones stated he is here this evening to receive the Board’s approval so he may go forward with the offer from Middlesex.
On a Featherston/Mayhew motion, the Board voted to accept Middlesex Bank’s agreement (as outlined this evening) providing the Town receives a letter from Middlesex. Mr. Soter abstained; all other members voted in the affirmative.
(Mr. Soter returned to the meeting.)
On a Connor/Spencer motion, the Board voted to approve the June 25th minutes as submitted. Mr. Featherston & Mr. Mayhew abstained.
On a Spencer/Mayhew motion, the Board unanimously voted to approve the following abatements: residential water $1403.83, municipal water $3040.30 and residential sewer in the amount of $548.08.
Mr. Featherston & Mr. Mayhew volunteered to serve on the CFO Search Committee.
On a Connor/Mayhew motion, the Board voted to approve a water abatement in the amount of $110.26 for a private call back service charge at 22 Lemire Court. Mr. Soter opposed feeling the whole amount of $400 should have been abated. All other members voted in the affirmative.
On a Connor/Featherston motion, the Board unanimously voted to approve a temporary Common Victualler License for Chevy’s Ice Cream, 191 Pulaski Blvd.
Minutes of July 16, 2012
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Mr. Fraine requested an executive session to update the Board on contract negotiations.
Members of the Board were polled with all voting in the affirmative.
Mrs. Mathieu will also attend this session.
On a Connor/Featherston motion, the Board unanimously voted to adjourn the meeting at 8:15 PM.
Respectfully submitted,
Jacqueline A. Bokoski
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