October 15, 2012
The meeting of the Board of Selectmen was called to order at 7 p.m. with all members in attendance except Mr. Connor.
Public Hearing - application of Keith Buteau d/b/a Patriot Auto Body
Mr. Soter asked Mr. Buteau to provide an overview of his proposed modification. Mr. Buteau explained the site plan for his property identified 60 parking spaces yet the Selectmen only approved 40 during the Public Hearing several years ago. Mr. Buteau is before the Board requesting the 40 car plan be approved.
Mr. Mayhew questioned whether a fence along Arthur Street is included as part of his plan. Mr. Butreau stated it was approved by the Town and would be installed if approved by the Board. Mr. Mayhew stated the issue of the fence was being appealed before the Zoning Board and suggested he wait on the fence until the appeal is considered. Mr. Buteau stated he understood he is proceeding at his own risk. Mr. Mayhew suggested he should wait on the fence and work out his differences with his neighbor, Mr. Lussier.
Mr. Spencer asked Mr. Buteau why he was installing the fence. Mr. Buteau stated he wanted to reduce the number of turnarounds into his property.
Mr. Soter asked what type of fence would be installed. Mr. Buteau stated it would be a vinyl privacy fence six feet in height. He explained the Police Safety Officer inspected the site and requested the fence be two feet in height at the edge of the sidewalk and gradually increases in height.
On a Mayhew/Featherston motion, the Board unanimously voted to close the Public Hearing.
On a Mayhew/Featherston motion, the Board unanimously approved the application with the exception of the fence.
After further discussion, the Board subsequently took a second vote to approve the application as submitted allowing the applicant to proceed at his own risk with the fence installation. Mr. Spencer, Mr. Featherston and Mr. Soter voting in favor and Mr. Mayhew opposed.
Minutes of October 15, 2012
Page 2
Mrs. Mary Chaves appeared before the Board as an applicant for the alternate Zoning Board position. Mrs. Chaves explained she has served on many Town Boards, including the Zoning Board, and wants to once again get involved. Mr. Mayhew questioned Mrs. Chaves about an alleged in-law apartment attached to her home. Mrs. Chaves stated she has several family members living with her and the home has an open living area. Mr. Mayhew stated he does not want this to be an issue and wants to make sure it is not an illegal in-law apartment.
Mr. Soter thanked Mrs. Chaves for applying and stated his confidence in her knowledge of zoning issues.
On a Spencer/Featherston motion, the Board voted three in favor and Mr. Mayhew opposed to appoint Mary Chaves as an alternate member of the Zoning Board.
Mrs. DeMattia appeared before the Board to discuss the Senior Tax Work-off changes proposed by the Council. She suggested the hourly rate be increased to $8.00 and the annual hours worked increased to 125. All members agreed with the proposal. Mr. Soter suggested a $1,500 cap per household in the event a husband and wife participate. It was also suggested any husband and wife households currently participating in the program would be grandfathered and permitted to continue working the maximum hours which will now be 250 hours at $8.00 per hour for a maximum benefit of $2,000.
On a Mayhew/Spencer motion, the Board unanimously voted to accept the recommendations presented by Mrs. DeMattia.
Mr. Spencer asked the Board to consider a similar program for veterans. Mr. Spencer identified neighboring communities which have recently enacted programs for veterans. Mr. Fraine suggested scheduling the Town’s Veteran’s Agent, Ray Richards, to appear at the next Selectmen’s meeting to discuss a program.
On a Mayhew/Spencer motion, the Board unanimously voted to accept the minutes of September 10th, 13th, and 24th.
On a Mayhew/Featherston motion, the Board unanimously voted to accept the rock salt low bid as presented by Mr. DiMartino with the understanding the second low bidder will be utilized in the event the low bid is unable to perform.
Mr. Doug Maclachlan appeared before the Board to discuss the possibility of presenting a solicitation by-law proposal to Town Meeting. Mr. Maclachlan explained he would like a door to door solicitation by-law similar to the current “do not call” program. He explained door to door solicitation is unregulated and growing. He stated Town youth groups would be exempt.
Minutes of October 15, 2012
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Mr. Mayhew acknowledged door to door solicitation is annoying and welcomed the proposal. Mr. Soter also expressed his support provided the by-law does not restrict Town organizations. All members of the Board expressed their general support and suggested Mr. Maclachlan work with Town Counsel and the Town Administrator on this by-law.
Chief Gentile appeared before the Board to request the ambulance fees be increased to 200% of the Medicare rate. He explained these rates are accepted by insurance companies and do not impact individuals. He further explained Medicare reimbursements are accepted and no additional charge is applied to seniors on Medicare. Chief Gentile stated the proposed rate does not cover the cost of the service but will allow the Department to address future capital needs.
On a Featherston/Spencer motion, the Board unanimously voted to accept the Chief’s recommendation of 200% of Medicare charges along with a mileage reimbursement rate of .44 per mile.
On a Featherston/Spencer motion, the Board unanimously voted to appoint Dee Clark, Paul Szuflicki, Theresa Szuflicki and Michelle Genereux to the Cultural Council.
On a Mayhew/Featherston motion, the Board unanimously voted to grant a one day Common Victualler License for the St. Brendan’s fall fair on November 3rd and 4th from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
On a Mayhew/Spencer motion, the Board unanimously voted to grant a one day wine license to Whole Foods for November 8th from 5:30 – 7:30 p.m. The motion was made subject to a T.I.P. certified “pourer” overseeing the event.
On a Mayhew/Spencer motion, the Board unanimously voted to authorize the Town Administrator to sign a legally non-binding letter of intent with Energy in the Bank to explore a possible solar panel field at the landfill as well as a net-metering agreement.
Mr. Fraine requested the Board meet in Executive Session in order to receive an update on negotiations with the Police Union and the Chief Financial Officer. The Board was polled with all members voting in the affirmative; it was further stated no information would be presented following the Executive Session.
On a Mayhew/Spencer motion, the Board adjourned to Executive Session at 8:45 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Denis C. Fraine
Town Administrator
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