December 17, 2012
The regular meeting of the Board of Selectmen was called to order at 7:00 PM by Chairman Soter with all members in attendance.
Public Hearing – Community Development/Grant Renewal
Mr. Soter introduced Paula Stuart of Community Opportunities Group and updated the Board on the progress made through this grant. She stated the roof on Wrentham Manor was replaced; low & moderate income homes have been rehabilitated through this program. Approximately 30 units will have benefited when this phase of the grant is finished.
Ms. Stuart stated the last grant application’s target area was south of Blackstone Street and noted this will again be the target area. She stated there are 40 people on the waiting list for this new grant application. Ms. Stuart recommended a portion of the grant be used to develop an ADA Transition Plan. She also recommended this be a joint application with the Town of Hopedale.
Mr. Mayhew stated there are homes outside of the target area that need rehabilitation and questioned why south of Blackstone Street is again the target area. Ms. Stuart stated there are certain criteria that goes into establishing the target area with south of Blackstone St. having the most need. Ms. Stuart also went on to state that up to 20% of grant funds will be made available to address emergency repair needs of eligible residents throughout the Town.
Mr. Soter asked if there was anyone present who wanted to speak on this grant application.
Mr. Collamati suggested the possibility of using a portion of the funds on the rail trail.
On a Mayhew/Featherston motion, the Board unanimously voted to close the public hearing. On a Mayhew/Featherston motion, the Board unanimously voted to proceed with the CDBA application.
License Renewal – Our Kitchen
Representatives of JPM Management, LLC d/b/a Our Kitchen included Gwendolyn Zoppo, Manager; Michael Bucciero and Joseph Zoppo, Esq.
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Mr. Soter stated Our Kitchen representatives were requested to attend this evening’s meeting to discuss the status of this restaurant. He noted as of this evening, the restaurant is still not in operation.
Mr. Connor stated the public hearing for this restaurant was held in May of 2011. In November of that year, the Board approved the renewal even though the restaurant was not open at that time. Now a year later, the restaurant is still not ready to open.
Mr. Zoppo stated the plans for the restaurant has changed and the establishment has gone from the original 1800 sq. ft. to approximately 7,000 sq. ft.
Mr. Connor stated the original application stated the establishment would serve home-style American food and asked if this is still the intention.
Mr. Zoppo stated that Our Kitchen had originally wanted to serve Italian food, however, there was already an Italian restaurant in the plaza. That restaurant has since closed so Our Kitchen will be going in that direction. He also noted that Our Kitchen will be taking over that restaurant’s space. Mr. Zoppo also stated the restaurant will also feature a game room with pool tables and entertainment machines.
The Board questioned Mr. Zoppo about the restaurant’s intention to serve alcohol beyond the 1800 sq. ft. space originally approved. Mr. Zoppo stated this has not been decided by individuals involved with the restaurant. Mr. Zoppo was advised that a new application will need to be submitted to include the increased space. Also, an application will need to be submitted for the pool tables and entertainment machines.
Mr. Zoppo stated Jim Clark, part owner of Incontro Restaurant in Franklin, is now an investor in this restaurant. Mr. Clark stated he has spent $25,000 building a brick oven for pizza.
Mr. Connor expressed his dissatisfaction with the progress of this restaurant. He stated at the very least, the Selectmen’s Office should have been given an update regarding the change in plans for this establishment.
Mr. Connor made a motion to deny the renewal of the Restaurant All Alcohol License and Common Victualler License for Our Kitchen, seconded by Mr. Spencer. A vote was taken on Mr. Connor’s motion with Mr. Connor and Mr. Soter in favor and Mr. Mayhew, Mr. Featherston and Mr. Spencer opposing. The motion failed.
Mr. Mayhew made a motion, seconded by Mr. Featherston to approve the Restaurant All Alcohol License and Common Victualler License for Our Kitchen with the stipulation the restaurant will be open in 60 days or a public hearing will be held to consider the revocation of said license.
The motion passed on a 3-2 vote with Mr. Connor and Mr. Soter opposing.
Citizen Complaint – Mr. O’Neil
Mr. Soter welcomed Mr. O’Neil to the meeting. Before Mr. O’Neil presented his information, Mr. Soter read into the record a letter from Town Clerk, Ann Odabashian
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in which she expressed questionable business practices conducted by Mr. Saghbini at Executive Auto Center.
Mr. O’Neil thanked the Selectmen for giving him the opportunity to appear before them. Mr. O’Neil read into the record a letter outlining, what he considered to be serious complaints, concerning zoning and other issues against Executive Auto Center located at 728 South Main St. Mr. O’Neil stated he has been a Bellingham resident for 29 years residing at 741 South Main St., directly across the street from Executive Auto.
He stated approximately one year ago, Mr. Saghbini was requested to appear before the Selectmen for storing unregistered vehicles at 745 South Main St. Also addressed at that time was Mr. Saghbini’s installation of automotive alignment equipment at this address.
Mr. Saghbini was advised by the Selectmen that the zoning at 745 South Main St. did not allow for this activity. Mr. Saghbini apologized to the Selectmen and stated it would never happen again.
Around April of 2012, Mr. O’Neil stated he again witnessed equipment being transferred from Executive Auto to the 745 South Main St. property. Mr. O’Neil stated he contacted Building Inspector Stuart LeClaire who in turn took action and had the equipment removed.
In July of 2012, Mr. O’Neil again witnessed cars being transferred from 728 South Main to 745 South Main for servicing; and again, Mr. LeClaire spoke with Mr. Saghbini regarding the zoning violation.
In November of 2012, Mr. O’Neil filed a written complaint with Mr. LeClaire, who in turn responded with an inspection and found an employee of Executive Auto working on a vehicle at 745 South Main St. Mr. LeClaire notified the employee of the zoning violation and they agreed not to return.
In December of 2012, Mr. O’Neil again observed vehicles being transferred to 745 South Main St. for service. He went on to state that as he stood in his driveway, Mr. Saghbini pulled up in his driveway, proceeded to get out of his vehicle and threatened him should he continue making observations. Mr. O’Neil stated he immediately filed a complaint with the Bellingham Police Dept. against Mr. Saghbini and has also obtained a no trespass order.
Mr. O’Neil stated he is requesting the Selectmen take action to strongly consider the revocation of Executive Auto’s license.
After hearing the allegations from Mr. O’Neil and hearing from Building Insepctor LeClaire regarding his many visits to the 745 South Main St. property, the Board
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unanimously voted, on a Featherston/Mayhew motion, to hold a public hearing on January 7, 2013 to consider the possible revocation of Executive Auto Center’s Class II License.
Mr. Soter expressed his sorrow and concern over the Sandy Hook tragedy. He explained that he had requested the School Superintendent and School Committee Chairman, along with the Police & Fire Chief to attend the meeting to discuss ways we can make our community safer. He asked the School Superintendent if there were any resources lacking within the school system which would provide added safety. Mr. Fleury answered that the return of the school resource officer is something both committees have discussed in the past.
Mr. Cartier stated the School Committee has an emergency response handbook which is reviewed annually by all staff & faculty, along with public safety officials. He explained the handbook is not available to the public due to sensitive security issues. Chief Gentile explained the Fire Dept. personnel drill with each school annually to ensure that faculty understand their responsibilities in the event of an emergency. Mr. Soter thanked everyone for attending and encouraged the school leadership to reach out whenever security resources are necessary.
On a Mayhew/Featherston motion, the Board unanimously voted to award the bid for Contract No. 2012-6 for Emergency Chlorination Systems for the Grove Street and South Main Street Tanks to Worldwide Industries Corp., not to exceed $88,070.00.
On a Mayhew/Spencer motion, the Board unanimously voted to award the contract for Sensus Water Meters and Radio Transmitters 2012 to the low and only bidder Everett J. Prescott, Inc. of Brockton, MA.
On a Mayhew/Connor motion, the Board unanimously voted to approve the December 3rd minutes with changes noted.
On a Mayhew/Featherston motion, the Board unanimously voted to approve the license renewals as listed. Chief Daigle submitted a list of calls that the Police Dept. responded to at the Country Side Motel. Chief Daigle and Mr. Fraine will meet with the owner to review these calls.
On a Spencer/Mayhew motion, the Board unanimously voted to renew the Common Victualler License for Aroma Pizza and the Class II Licenses for Nice Rides & Murray Enterprises.
On a Mayhew/Featherston motion, the Board unanimously voted to approve Whole
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Foods’ request for One Day Beer/Wine Licenses for 12/21, 4:30-6:30 PM for an Elegant Evening and 12/28, 6-7:30 PM, New Year’s party. Rodney Poles will be pouring at both events.
On a Mayhew/Featherston motion, the Board unanimously voted to adjourn the meeting at 9:30 PM.
Respectfully submitted,
Jacqueline A. Bokoski
Administrative Assistant
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