November 19, 2012
The meeting of the Board of Selectmen was called to order at 7 p.m. by Chairman Soter with all members in attendance except Mr. Featherston.
Mrs. Mathieu appeared before the Board to present the results of the Town’s $5,220,000 bond sale.
On a Mayhew/Spencer motion, the Board unanimously voted to award the bonds to Roosevelt and Cross Inc. and Associates at the low bid of 1.465%. Mrs. Mathieu explained the favorable rate reflects the Town’s strong financial condition.
Mr. Fraine introduced Chris Laviolette and informed the Board he had appointed him to the Chief Financial Officer position effective December 10. Mr. Fraine explained interviews were conducted with Selectmen Featherston and Mayhew along with School Superintendent Fleury and Mrs. Mathieu. It was unanimously agreed that Mr. Laviolette was the best candidate for the position.
On a Mayhew/Connor motion, the Board unanimously voted to appoint Chris Laviolette to the position of Chief Financial Officer with a start date of December 10.
Public Hearing Tax Rate Classification - Mr. Soter re-opened the November 5 tax classification hearing. Mr. Soter stated the Board had discussed the matter during a workshop on November 15.
Mr. Spencer stated after reviewing all of the information presented and after considering the impact the debt exclusion will have he supports increasing the split. Mr. Connor expressed his agreement with Mr. Spencer. He stated his belief that closing the split was his preferred direction; however, the debt exclusion has put a hold on closing the gap. Mr. Mayhew agreed, stating he would support increasing the split provided the Board approves the full 10% exemption for small businesses.
Mr. Soter expressed his desire to see the split go from .96 to .92; however, he was willing to compromise at .94.
On a Mayhew/Spencer motion, the Board unanimously voted to close the tax rate classification hearing.
Minutes of November 19, 2012
Page 2
On a Spencer/Mayhew motion, the Board unanimously voted to approve a tax rate split of .94 and to continue the 10% small business exemption.
Public Hearing On The Application of RAMAA Inc. d/b/a Subway for a Common Victualler License, 15 North Main Street, Suite A-3 - Public Hearing was opened by Chairman Soter. Mr. Raval appeared before the Board presenting his desire to open a Subway restaurant at 15 North Main Street. Mr. Spencer asked the applicant if he had experience in this field. Mr. Raval responded that he owned a similar business in Milford. The applicant requested the hours of 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. but after further discussion with the Board they agreed to the hours of 7 a.m. – 11 p.m.
After receiving no comments from the public, a Mayhew/Connor motion to close the hearing was passed unanimously.
On a Mayhew/Connor motion, the Board unanimously voted to approve the application of RAMMA Inc. d/b/a Subway for a Common Victualler License to be open Monday-Sunday 7 a.m. to 11 p.m.
On a Mayhew/Connor motion, the Board unanimously voted to approve the November 5 minutes.
On a Mayhew/Spencer motion, the Board unanimously voted to approve the change of Manager request from Outback Steakhouse to Vicki Eagan. During the discussion, Mr. Connor noted his preference to have the new Manager appear before the Board to address any outstanding issues.
On a Mayhew/Connor motion, the Board unanimously voted to approve the Class I and Class II licenses as presented and attached.
On a Mayhew/Connor motion, the Board unanimously voted to approve the Class III license as presented and attached.
On a Mayhew/Connor motion, the Board unanimously voted to approve the Common Victualler license as presented and attached.
On a Mayhew/Connor motion, the Board unanimously voted to approve the license requests for Bellingham Auto Sales, Copart, Trudell’s Auction Gallery, Regal Entertainment Group and Louis Spencer all as presented and attached.
Mr. Connor asked that the Country Side Motel renewal be held until the Board can receive updates from the Police Department relative to any complaints and from the School Department relative to any children enrolled.
Minutes of November 19, 2012
Page 3
Under Old Business - Mr. Connor expressed his satisfaction with the recent election polling location at the High School and commended Town Clerk, Ann Odabashian, for the smooth transition.
Mr. Soter requested an Executive Session to discuss contract negotiations. Mr. Soter stated there would be no public comment following the Executive Session.
On a Mayhew/Connor motion, the Board unanimously voted to go into Executive Session to discuss contract negotiations.
On a Mayhew/Connor motion, the Board unanimously voted to adjourn to Executive Session at 8:30 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Denis C. Fraine
Town Administrator
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