January 7, 2013
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 – Executive Auto Center, Inc.
Mr. Soter stated that the attorney representing Executive Auto Center requested a continuance for the hearing due to a prior commitment.
On a Mayhew/Featherston motion, the Board unanimously voted to continue this hearing to the Board’s next meeting on January 28th.
Mr. Joe Fitzpatrick – Net Metering Agreement
Mr. Fraine introduced Joseph Fitzpatrick who has been consulting the town relative to several net metering proposals received. Mr. Fitzpatrick explained that he had evaluated three proposals. Of the three, the proposal submitted by Next Sun Energy was superior. Specifically, the Next Sun proposal would drop the town’s charge for electricity from 13.5 cents per KWH to 9.95 cents per KWH with a two percent annual escalator. The term of the agreement is 20 years. Mr. Fitzpatrick and Mr. Fraine stated Town Counsel had been involved in the review and any contract would be subject to Town Counsel approval. Mr. Fitzpatrick stated the Next Sun proposal would save the town of Bellingham approximately $9 million over the next 20 years based on our current charges.
On a Mayhew/Featherston motion, the Board unanimously voted to accept Next Sun Energy’s offer, as recommended by Mr. Fitzpatrick, subject to the School Committee’s vote of acceptance of the offer and Town Counsel’s approval of the final contract.
On a Mayhew/Spencer motion, the Board unanimously voted to approve the minutes of December 17th with changes noted.
On a Mayhew/Spencer motion, the Board unanimously voted to approve the Common Victualler License renewal for Whole Foods, 255 Hartford Ave. and the Class II License for Autobrite, 41 Rose Ave., Affordable Auto Credit, 230 Pulaski Blvd. and to hold Patriot Auto.
Mr. Soter stated a letter was received from Deputy Fire Chief Poirier suggesting the Board approve a 120 day provisional license allowing Mr. Buteau time to come into compliance with respect to the paint spray booth located at his 341 Pulaski Blvd. business. After discussing this matter, the Board felt that allowing Mr. Buteau 60 days to come into compliance would suffice. On a Mayhew/Featherston motion, the Board unanimously voted to approve a 60 day provisional Class II License giving Mr. Buteau
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the opportunity to bring his paint spray booth into compliance. Mr. Buteau will also be advised to contact the Board of Selectmen in advance of the 60-day expiration date if he should have issues with getting this project completed on time.
On a Connor/Mayhew motion, the Board unanimously voted to open the Annual Town Meeting Warrant this evening and set the closing date for February 15th at 12 noon.
On a Connor/Mayhew motion, the Board unanimously voted to set the temporary increased population at 1500.
On a Spencer/Mayhew motion, the Board unanimously voted to approve residential water abatements in the amount of $1,177.39; residential sewer in the amount of $1373.24; municipal water in the amount of $3,620.62 and trash in the amount of $1984.00.
On a Mayhew/Featherston motion, the Board unanimously voted to authorize emergency spending to continue the necessary snow and ice control operations.
Mr. Mayhew requested the Board go into executive session regarding contract negotiations. Members of the Board were polled with all voting in the affirmative.
On a Mayhew/Spencer motion, the Board unanimously voted to adjourn the meeting at 8:00 PM.
Respectfully submitted,
Jacqueline A. Bokoski
Administrative Assistant
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