April 7, 2014
The regular meeting of the Board of Selectmen was called to order by Chairman Connor at 6:30 PM in the Arcand Meeting Room. All members were in attendance except Mr. Featherston.
Norfolk County Advisory Board Interviews
--Roland Lavallee
Mr. Lavallee stated Norfolk County consists of 28 cities/towns. The Advisory Board represents the cities/towns in budget, capital planning and other matters. Principal responsibilities of the Advisory Board include reviewing and approving County budgets and appropriations. The Board meets approximately 6 times per year.
Mr. Spencer asked Mr. Lavallee how long he has served on the Board. Mr. Lavallee stated he has served for 10 years. He stated the Advisory Board also makes recommendations on other matters affecting the County and its municipalities. He noted regionalization of services, such as Dispatcher Positions, was something looked into. He stated he does a fair amount of research which is helpful for municipalities and the county.
Mr. Soter feels it would be beneficial for the Selectmen to receive an Advisory Board update. Mr. Lavallee noted the Advisory Board Annual Report is forwarded to the Selectmen.
Mr. Soter felt that Mr. Lavallee, as the Advisory Board member, should have brought to the Selectmen’s attention that the Town was not utilizing the services of the County Engineering Department. Mr. Lavallee stated he did bring these services to Mr. DiMartino’s attention. However, the timing was not right for services to be used on some of the projects.
Mr. Connor asked Mr. Lavallee what he likes about serving on this Board. Mr. Lavallee stated he likes interacting with members from other municipalities and the county.
--Larry Sposato
Mr. Connor asked Mr. Sposato what interested him in applying for this position. Mr. Sposato stated he contacted the Commission on a number of occasions and felt he was just not receiving the information he needed. After reading the description of the Advisory Board, he felt an interest in serving.
Mr. Spencer asked Mr. Sposato how he would provide the Town with an Advisory Board update. Mr. Sposato stated he would make the Advisory Board Meeting minutes available to the Selectmen and Town residents.
Minutes of April 7, 2014
Page 2
Mr. Spencer asked if the Advisory Board’s minutes are online. Mr. Sposato stated they are not currently available online.
Mr. Mayhew asked Mr. Sposato if he did get appointed to the Advisory Board, would he be a rebel rouser to get information he wanted. Mr. Sposato stated he would.
Mr. Mayhew asked Mr. Sposato if he feels there is a need for county government. Mr. Sposato stated he does not.
Mr. Soter asked Mr. Sposato what organizational skills he would utilize as an Advisory Board member. Mr. Sposato stated he would provide information to the Selectmen and how it affects Bellingham.
Mr. Soter asked Mr. Sposato if he would post Advisory Board minutes on the Town’s website and he stated he would.
Mr. Soter asked Mr. Sposato what aspects of county government he feels are positive. Mr. Sposato stated Norfolk County consists of 28 cities/towns and anything that can be done in an aggregate would be of benefit – possibly get help with Town roads.
Mr. Connor asked Mr. Sposato why he would choose himself over someone who has held this position for 10 years. Mr. Sposato stated he would bring fresh eyes and ideas and different ways of doing things. After 10 years, a new perspective would be good.
Mr. Connor stated he has a hard time saying change just for the sake of change.
Mr. Spencer stated he is leaning toward a new set of eyes and fresh perspective.
Mr. Mayhew stated he would like to keep Mr. Lavallee in this position.
Mr. Soter made a motion, seconded by Mr. Spencer to appoint Mr. Sposato to the Norfolk County Advisory Board. Mr. Soter & Mr. Spencer voted in the affirmative; Mr. Mayhew & Mr. Connor opposed.
This item will be revisited at the Selectmen’s 4/28 meeting when there is a full Board present.
Fire Chief Gentile introduced recently appointed Lieutenants – Joseph Altomonte, Neil Coakley, Gregory Prew and John Glennon.
Public Hearing – application of Joao Tavares d/b/a Maison BB for a Second Hand Dealer’s License, 15 North Main St., Unit C-7
Mr. Connor read the public hearing notice.
The applicants for this hearing were not in attendance.
On a Mayhew/Spencer motion, the Board unanimously voted to continue this hearing giving the applicants an opportunity to arrive.
On a Mayhew/Spencer motion, the Board unanimously voted to accept the minutes of March 17th & March 27th as presented.
On a Mayhew/Spencer motion, the Board unanimously voted to approve the Common Victualler and Seasonal Restaurant All Alcohol license renewal for the Chowder Bowl.
Minutes of April 7, 2014
Page 3
On a Mayhew/Spencer motion, the Board unanimously voted to approve the Common Victualler License renewal for Rosewood Restaurant.
On a Mayhew/Spencer motion, the Board voted to approve two signs reading “deer crossing for 3 miles” on North St. – one entering from the Mendon town line and the other after New England Bonsai (per Safety Officer Lee Rolls). Mr. Connor opposed; all other members voted in the affirmative.
On a Spencer/Soter motion, the Board unanimously voted to approve the following abatements: residential water, $1134.48; residential trash, $1736.50 and municipal sewer, $75.86.
On a Mayhew/Spencer motion, the Board unanimously voted to proceed with the emergency tree removal on Maple Street as recommended by Tree Warden Michael Burr.
On a Mayhew/Spencer motion, the Board unanimously voted to approve the petition of Verizon & National Grid to relocate joint pole #33 on Pulaski Blvd. This relocation is needed to widen the roadway for the new CVS. All work to be completed per the DPW Director.
On a Mayhew/Soter motion, the Board unanimously voted to ratify Mr. Fraine’s appointment of Kevin Houlihan, Steven Imbimbo, William Mouyos and Christopher Padula as Auxiliary/Special Police Officers.
On a Soter/Mayhew motion, the Board unanimously voted to continue the hearing for Maison BB at its April 28th meeting at 6:00 PM.
Mr. Mayhew updated the Board on the proposed School Budget (copy attached).
Mr. Connor expressed some degree of disappointment that the School Department did not use zero based budgeting.
On a Mayhew/Spencer motion, the Board unanimously voted to adjourn the meeting at 7:45 PM.
Respectfully submitted,
Jacqueline A. Bokoski
Administrative Assistant
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