March 18, 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 – application of Gibbs Oil Co. for a Special Permit – Self-Service Gas Station & Storage of gasoline & diesel fuel underground, 320 Pulaski Blvd.
Mr. Soter read the public hearing notice and asked for a vote to continue this public hearing allowing the applicant time to meet with other Town Boards prior to meeting with the Selectmen.
On a Mayhew/Connor motion, the Board unanimously voted to continue the Gibbs Oil public hearing to May 6th, 7:00 PM.
On a Mayhew/Spencer motion, the Board voted to accept the February 4th and February 19th minutes as submitted. Mr. Featherston abstained; all other members voted in the affirmative.
On a Spencer/Mayhew motion, the Board unanimously voted to approve the following abatements: municipal water - $95.76; residential water - $576.93; residential sewer - $174.02 and trash - $3124.00.
On a Mayhew/Featherston motion, the Board unanimously voted to appoint Allen Crawford, Jr. to the Memorial & Veteran’s Day Committee.
On a Mayhew/Featherston motion, the Board unanimously voted to appoint William Eltzroth to the Historical Commission.
On a Mayhew/Featherston motion, the Board unanimously voted to approve the Seasonal Restaurant All Alcohol and Common Victualler License for the Chowder Bowl.
On a Mayhew/Spencer motion, the Board unanimously voted to approve the Seasonal Restaurant All Alcohol and Common Victualler License for New England Country Club.
On a Mayhew/Featherston motion, the Board unanimously voted to approve the Change of Manager for New England Country Club from JoAnn Upham to Diane Hamilton.
On a Mayhew/Connor motion, the Board unanimously voted to deny Mr. Wegner’s request for the placement of directional signs to his business.
Minutes of March 18, 2013
Page 2
Interview for Parks Commission – Robert Bartlett
Mr. Bartlett stated he has been a member of the Commission for 21 years and noted the position is a management role and not a hands-on position unless it is requested of them.
Mr. Connor asked if the Commission is looking at expanding more open space for fields. Mr. Bartlett stated the Commission would love to, but there isn’t money in the budget.
Mr. Spencer asked Mr. Bartlett about his personal accomplishments. He stated one of the first things he tackled was a safety issue on the fields. There were large holes on the fields and he made sure they were repaired. He also stated another little league field was added under his tenure. He worked with Betty Lowry on the High Street fields.
Mr. Soter stated he would like to see the Parks Commission get more involved with the budget process. Mr. Bartlett stated the Commission used to be involved, however, the Parks Commission budget has been level funded for approximately 7 years.
Mr. Fraine noted that per Town Charter, the Parks Commission falls under the auspices of the DPW and is part of that budget.
Interview for Parks Commission – Doug Mangine
Mr. Mangine stated he is currently employed by the Town of Needham as foreman of the Parks & Forestry Division and explained he works closely with Parks & Recreation. He stated he has worked as an advisor for youth baseball.
Mr. Connor stated he has known Mr. Mangine through youth baseball and invited him to apply for the position. He feels Mr. Mangine would be an asset to the Parks Commission.
Mr. Mangine stated the Town of Needham has three synthetic fields to maintain and feels his knowledge in the maintenance procedure would be a benefit to Bellingham.
Mr. Mayhew asked Mr. Mangine about his educational background. Mr. Mangine stated he is a high school graduate and also attended trade school for plumbing and is familiar with field irrigation systems.
Mr. Soter asked Mr. Mangine if he would be willing to be involved with the budget process for the Parks Commission. Mr. Mangine stated he would and currently works with the budget in Needham. He also stated he would be willing to offer different ideas on possible funding.
Mr. Mayhew made a motion to reappoint Mr. Bartlett to the Parks Commission, seconded by Mr. Spencer for discussion.
Minutes of March 18, 2013
Page 3
Mr. Spencer stated he feels Mr. Mangine would be a good candidate because of his experience with turf fields and his thinking out of the box when it comes to possible funding.
Mr. Mayhew stated Mr. Bartlett has been a Parks Commissioner for 21 years and feels loyalty to the Town should be rewarded. He supports Mr. Bartlett’s reappointment.
Mr. Connor stated he respects the 21 years Mr. Bartlett has given to the Town, but feels that Mr. Mangine’s background will give a new perspective to the Commission.
A vote was taken on Mr. Mayhew’s motion, with all members opposing except Mr. Mayhew. The motion failed 4-1.
Mr. Spencer made a motion, seconded by Mr. Connor to appoint Mr. Mangine to the Parks Commission. A vote was taken on Mr. Spencer’s motion, with all members voting in the affirmative except Mr. Mayhew. The motion passed 4-1.
Doug Maclachlan – Solicitation Article
Mr. Maclachlan stated this article is a work in progress. He informed the Board that he will be meeting this week with Mr. Mayhew and Mr. Fraine to work on this article in the hopes of having something ready for the October Town Meeting.
Chief Daigle – Police Station Feasibility Study Update
At the October, 2011 Town Meeting, $30,000 was appropriated for a Police Station Feasibility Study. Chief Daigle stated a Committee had been appointed by the Selectmen to select an architect and evaluate various options associated with the construction or renovation of the Police Facility. The architectural firm of Kaestle Boos Associates was chosen by the committee. In January of this year, three plans were submitted by Kaestle Boos Assoc. and after reviewing these plans, it was decided to go with the 14,500 sq. ft. facility to be located on Blackstone St. between the Fire Station and Senior Center, with a cost of $6.3 million. Chief Daigle stated he is looking for the Board’s support for the Police Station Design Article on the May 22nd Annual Town Meeting
Warrant
On a Mayhew/Featherston motion, the Board unanimously voted to support the May 22nd Annual Town Meeting Article requesting $400,000 to proceed with the architectural design of the new police station.
On a Mayhew/Spencer motion, the Board unanimously voted to approve the placement of a “school bus stop ahead” sign on Cross Street at the crest of the hill before Blackmar Street, per the Safety Officer’s recommendation.
On a Mayhew/Connor motion, the Selectmen voted to approve their appointments, as listed, with the exception of Steve Schreffler and Mary Chaves.
Both individuals will be asked to attend the Selectmen’s April 1st meeting.
On a Mayhew/Connor motion, the Board unanimously voted to ratify Mr. Fraine’s appointments, as listed, with the exception of the Emergency Management Director.
Minutes of March 18, 2013
Page 4
On a Mayhew/Spencer motion, the Board unanimously voted to adjourn the meeting at 8:30 PM.
Respectfully submitted,
Jacqueline A. Bokoski
Administrative Assistant
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