December 2, 2013
The regular meeting of the Board of Selectmen was called to order at 7:00 PM by Chairman Connor with all members present except Mr. Featherston.
Town Clerk/Animal Control – RE: increasing fees
Town Clerk, Ann Odabashian and Animal Control Officers Cindy Souza & Tracey Taddeo presented updated fees for the Selectmen’s approval. Mrs. Odabashian noted the fees have not been increased since 2003 and the largest increase is for late fees and citation fees.
On a Mayhew/Spencer motion, the Board unanimously voted to accept the increased fees as outlined by Mrs. Odabashian and Animal Control Officers Souza & Taddeo effective January 1, 2014 (list attached).
On a Mayhew/Spencer motion, the Board unanimously voted to approve the minutes of November 18th as submitted.
On a Spencer/Mayhew motion, the Board unanimously voted to approve the following abatements: residential trash, $510.00; residential sewer, $364.60 and residential water, $182.24.
On a Spencer/Mayhew motion, the Board unanimously voted to approve page 1 of the attached list of license renewals with the exception of Executive Auto, 728 South Main St.
On a Mayhew/Soter motion, the Board unanimously voted to approve page 2 of the attached list of license renewals.
On a Soter/Spencer motion, the Board unanimously voted to approve page 3 of the attached list of license renewals.
Mr. Soter asked if there were any new complaints pertaining to Executive Auto’s Class II License and was advised that none were received pertaining to his license.
On a Mayhew/Soter motion, the Board unanimously voted to approve the Class II License renewal for Executive Auto, 728 South Main St.
Minutes of December 2, 2013
Page 2
Public Hearing – application of Bellingham Car Wash LLC, Tony Claro President for a Used Car Dealers License, 17 No. Main St.
Mr. Connor read the public hearing notice.
The applicant, Tony Claro stated he is the current owner of Mobil One & Bellingham Car Wash, having purchased the business approximately 4 months ago. He stated he worked for the former owner of the business and purchased it when the former owner couldn’t make it work.
Mr. Kaplan, Bellingham Plaza owner, was also present.
Mr. Connor stated that he drove by the Car Wash and noticed cars with stickers on the premises. He asked Mr. Claro if he had vehicles for sale at his establishment. Mr. Claro stated the vehicles belong to other establishments and they are on his property to be detailed.
Mr. Soter stated he does not feel this is the proper location for a used car lot noting this type of business does not fit in with future plans for the Town Center.
Mr. Claro stated he needs a Class II license to make his business work. He has tried with the Mobile One and Car Wash, but he just can’t make the numbers work.
Mr. Mayhew stated he gives Mr. Claro credit for trying something different to enhance his business and feels the Board should give him this opportunity.
Mr. Spencer stated he is torn regarding this application. He does not feel this is the proper location for a used car lot; however, he would rather see a small dealership than an empty building due to financial issues.
Mr. Connor stated the Board looks at proper person, property location when considering the issuance of a license. He does not feel this is the proper location for a used car business.
Mr. Kaplan stated the vehicles will be parked behind a small wall and will not be visible from the street.
Mr. Soter again stated he does not feel it is a proper location noting the Town Common is across the street and this type of business will not be appealing. He went on to state that Mr. Claro will possibly be looking at advertising, such as banners, flags & balloons to attract individuals to his business. He felt this could be an eyesore.
Mr. Claro stated he will do whatever the Board requests and will not use any of the advertising materials noted by Mr. Soter.
Mr. Mayhew stated that Mr. Kaplan has worked hard to renovate the plaza attracting new business and he does not feel Mr. Kaplan will allow deterioration of the premises. Mr. Kaplan stated he would like to give credit to Mr. Claro for making improvements at his establishment. The building looks much more appealing since he took over.
Mr. Connor asked if there was anyone present to speak on this application.
Minutes of December 2, 2013
Page 3
Mr. Dunlea of High Street feels a Town Center is a focal point and sets a tone as to the types of business the Town will attract. Mr. Dunlea does not feel a used car business
would set the right tone. However, he did also agree with Mr. Spencer regarding an empty building being a worse scenario.
Mr. Dunlea asked Mr. Claro the price range of vehicles he will be selling. Mr. Claro stated that would depend on what the customers are looking to purchase. The range could be anywhere from $5,000 to $50,000. He stated a good portion of his business will be done online.
Mr. Hulbert of Highridge Road asked for the amount of vehicles Mr. Claro is requesting. Mr. Claro stated he is requesting six vehicles.
Mr. Soter stated he still is not convinced that a used car business belongs at this location, but stated the only way he would consider it is with the following stipulations: no advertising (balloons, banners, etc.) on premises or vehicles; no stickers on the vehicles other than those required by the State; the Class II license will not be transferred; the establishment, when rented in the future, will not be marketed as a used car establishment and dedicated parking spaces for the business in back of the building.
Mr. Kaplan expressed his concern with the dedicated parking spaces stating there is a whole plaza where vehicles can be parked. Mr. Soter stated he would like dedicated spots, marked as such, possibly painted.
On a Mayhew/Spencer motion, the Board unanimously voted to close the public hearing. On a Soter/Mayhew motion, the Board voted to approve the application of Bellingham Car Wash LLC, Tony Claro, President for a Used Car Dealers License, 17 North Main Street, limited to 6 vehicles and with the stipulations outlined by Mr. Soter.
Mr. Mayhew, Mr. Spencer and Mr. Soter voted in the affirmative. Mr. Connor opposed. Motion passed 3-1.
Tax Classification Hearing (continued)
Mr. Connor stated the Tax Classification Hearing was continued to this evening upon Mr. Laviolette’s request and noted it could be closed this evening.
On a Mayhew/Soter motion, the Board unanimously voted to close the public hearing.
On a Mayhew/Spencer motion, the Board unanimously voted to adopt a split rate of .94 and approve the 10% small business exemption.
On a Spencer/Mayhew motion, the Board unanimously voted to adopt a debt exclusion under Proposition 2 ½, General Laws Chapter 59 s21C (9n) which allows the Town to transfer the recovery of water debt service costs from user charges to the property tax levy in the amount of $0 (zero dollars).
Minutes of December 2, 2013
Page 4
Brian Wright – ZBA vacancy interview
Mr. Wright stated he saw the position advertised on the Town’s website. He stated he has only been a resident in Bellingham for one month, but would like to contribute to the Town.
Board members asked if he had served on any boards/committees in other towns he has lived. Mr. Wright stated he has not.
Board members asked Mr. Dunlea if any other applications were received and he answered no. Mr. Dunlea stated the ZBA interviewed Mr. Wright and feels he will bring a lot to the Board with his architectural background.
On a Mayhew/Spencer motion, the Board unanimously voted to appoint Brian Wright to fill the unexpired term as an alternate on the ZBA.
Mr. Dunlea informed the Board there is another vacancy for a ZBA alternate.
On a Mayhew/Spencer motion, the Board unanimously voted to adjourn the meeting at 8:15 PM.
Respectfully submitted,
Jacqueline A. Bokoski
Administrative Assistant
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