November 3, 2014
The regular meeting of the Board of Selectmen was called to order at 7:00 PM by Chairman Connor with all members in attendance except Mr. Mayhew.
Adam Misivk stated he approached the Historical Commission regarding the placement of historical makers as part of his Eagle Scout project. He stated the three areas that have been selected are Rakeville, Silver Lake and the four corners at Maple & Mechanic Streets. He stated he will be fund raising this winter and hopes to begin the project in the spring.
Marcia Crooks, Historical Commission Chairman, stated there are many historical locations throughout town and hopes this type of project continues.
On a Soter/Spencer motion, the Board unanimously voted to approve Adam Misivk’s Eagle Scout project and recommended he receive assistance from the DPW.
On a Soter/Martinis motion, the Board unanimously voted to accept the October 6th & October 20th minutes as submitted.
On a Martinis/Spencer motion, the Board unanimously voted to approve the following abatements: municipal water $6692.65; municipal sewer $619.74; residential water $627.62; residential sewer $3.08 and residential trash $296.00.
On a Spencer/Martinis motion, the Board unanimously voted to authorize the DPW to purchase rock salt for FY15 in accordance with bids received in the Cooperative Bid Number PW-268 administered by the Town of Framingham.
On a Martinis/Spencer motion, the Board unanimously voted to award Contract 2014-5 Roadway Improvements Various Streets to the low bidder, P. J. Keating Co. of Lunenburg, MA.
Public Hearing – application of TMC CF New England LLC for a Special Permit to operate a self-service gasoline station and storage of 40,000 gallons of gasoline & diesel fuel underground, 297 Pulaski Blvd.
Mr. Connor read the public hearing notice.
Present on behalf of Cumberland Farms were Attorney Phil Lombardo; Ruthann McCarthy, Cumberland Farms Senior Area Sales Mgr.; Tracey Roll, VP Real Estate Development; Erin Pacileo, P.E., McMahon Associates and Josh Swerling, PE, Bohler Engineering.
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Josh Swerling stated the proposed project calls for the construction of a new Cumberland Farms development including a convenience store (approx. 4700 sq. ft.), six fueling stations (12 fueling positions). The plan includes 31 parking spaces with access to the site provided by four driveways, two on Pulaski Blvd. & two on Winter Street. Mr. Swerling also noted the project includes extensive landscaping and buffering for surrounding neighbors.
Mr. Martinis asked if this proposed project will be similar to the Medway facility. Mr. Swerling answered in the affirmative.
Attorney Lombardo explained Cumberland Farms’ decision to come before the Selectmen in advance of the Planning Board. He stated the site plan review is a very technical and long process and wanted to get the Selectmen’s approval first then go before the Planning Board to start the thorough review process.
Mr. Fraine stated this was also the recommendation of the Town Planner.
Mr. Soter stated he would like to see trees planted in the front as well as the back of the establishment. He also mentioned the possibility of replacing the typical Cumberland Farms signage.
Mr. Spencer noted that what is being presented this evening indicates there will be more landscaping at this location than there is right now.
Attorney Lombardo stated Cumberland Farms will create buffers using white vinyl fencing and evergreens to minimally disturb the neighbor’s quality of life. He went on to state he has worked for Cumberland Farms for 15 years and the company has never denied a request for fencing or landscaping.
Mr. Martinis asked about the lighting and the hours of operation.
Mr. Swerling stated the company will use downward lighting with the minimum requirements for safety and efficiency so as not to disturb the neighbors.
Attorney Lombardo stated although some Cumberland Farms request 24 hour operations, this location would request 5 AM – midnight. Dumpster pickup and fuel delivery will be slated for reasonable hours working with the neighbors.
Mr. Soter asked if these hours would be 7 days a week, with Atty. Lombardo answering in the affirmative.
Mr. Connor asked when the project would begin if approval is granted this evening.
Atty. Lombardo stated it is anticipated the project would begin in the spring.
Mr. Connor asked if there was anyone present to speak on this hearing.
Melanie Berchtold, 20 Central St. submitted a letter to the Selectmen expressing concerns related to the development of a gas station. The concerns listed were health risks associated with fumes from gasoline vapors and exhaust from running vehicles; safety risks associated with increased traffic; environmental concerns of parking lot water runoff; possible underground tank leakage; and decreasing property values.
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Mr. Swerling stated Cumberland Farms meets and exceeds state & federal regulations pertaining to their gas stations and does not believe there will be any perceivable odors. He also outlined the precautions that are in place to prevent tank leakage.
Renee Mardo of 20 South Park St. is concerned with the hours of operation being until midnight. She also asked if there would be any bottle redemption center on the premises. She stated she has children and does not like the pedestrian traffic the redemption center on Pulaski Blvd. attracts.
Erin Pacileo stated there is not a designated bottle redemption area.
Ms. Mardo also is concerned with the picnic area proposed.
Ms. Pacileo stated the area is used primarily during the day for individuals wishing to have their coffee outdoors. It will be seasonal and only used certain months of the year.
Ms. Berchtold asked about the tractor trailer trucks that park on the property right now. Atty. Lombardo stated that once Cumberland Farms purchases this property, the trucks will no longer be parking there.
Patricia Armstrong of 11 Central Blvd. stated she has lived in the area for quite a few years and remembers when there were a couple of gas stations in that immediate area, one on this property. She expressed her concern over the land being contaminated.
Mr. Martinis stated Ms. Armstrong brings up a serious matter with regard to soil contamination and asked that Cumberland Farms perform a soil study.
Atty. Lombardo stated a soil study will be part of the land purchasing process and the study will be shared with the Town.
Ronald Gamache of 20 South Park St. stated the area in which the retention pond is proposed is already very wet and abutters have sump pumps.
Mr. Swerling stated the grading of the retention pond could be done in such a way that it could help abutters with water runoff.
John Murray stated he has businesses on Pulaski Blvd. and spoke in favor of this project.
On a Spencer/Martinis motion, the Board unanimously voted to close the public hearing.
On a Spencer/Martinis motion, the Board unanimously voted to approve the application of TMC CF New England LLC for a Special Permit to operate a self-service gasoline station at 297 Pulaski Blvd.
On a Martinis/Spencer motion, the Board unanimously voted to approve the application of TMC CF New England LLC for the storage of 40,000 gallons of gasoline & diesel fuel underground, 297 Pulaski Blvd.
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On a Martinis/Spencer motion, the Board unanimously voted to approve the Common Victualler renewals as presented this evening with the exception of Wenger Farm.
On a Spencer/Martinis motion, the Board unanimously voted to approve the Class I, II & III renewals as presented this evening.
On a Soter/Spencer motion, the Board unanimously voted to approve Second Hand Dealer renewals; Motel License renewal and licenses for Regal Entertainment and Trudel’s Auction Gallery as presented this evening.
On a Spencer/Martinis motion, the Board unanimously voted to approve the FY16 Policy Statement with the additions requested by Mr. Soter pertaining to economic development and Mr. Spencer pertaining to funding for state or federal mandates.
Board members requested information on St. Nick’s Second Hand License Renewal. Mr. Fraine will be checking on this matter and report back at the November 17th Selectmen’s Meeting.
On a Soter/Martinis motion, the Board approved the recommendation of Safety Officer Rolls for the placement of an Autistic Child sign on Highridge Road.
On a Martinis/Soter motion, the Board unanimously voted to inform the School Committee that any savings generated through bus fees and other cost saving measures in transportation will be credited to the School Department budget.
On a Spencer/Soter motion, the Board unanimously voted to adjourn the meeting at 8:45 PM.
Respectfully submitted,
Jacqueline A. Bokoski
Administrative Assistant
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