January 5, 2015
The regular meeting of the Board of Selectmen was called to order at 7:00 PM by Chairman Connor. Mr. Soter and Mr. Martinis were absent.
Public Hearing – Community Development Grant Application
Peter Sanborn and Paula Stuart of Community Opportunities Group presented information for the public hearing. Mr. Sanborn stated the 2015 MCDBG application will be strengthened by including both the towns of Hopedale and Franklin.
The 2015 application will include the continuation of the Housing Rehabilitation Program, with the majority of funding to be spent within the three designated target areas, but up to 20% of grant funds available to address emergency repair needs throughout the three towns. Also, two public service activities are currently being considered – funding for local food pantries and/or a supplemental fuel assistance program. The Housing Rehab Program currently has a waiting list of 40 individuals.
Mr. Sanborn also presented an update of the progress on the 2013 Grant which is now underway and includes the Housing Rehab Program in Bellingham and Hopedale as well as the preparation of ADA Transition Plans for the two communities.
Mr. Connor asked if there was anyone present to speak on this application. No one responded.
On a Mayhew/Spencer motion, the Board unanimously voted to close the public hearing.
On a Mayhew/Spencer motion, the following was unanimously voted:
- To submit an application to the Mass. Department of Housing & Community Development for a CDF II grant of up to $900,000 from the FY 2015 MCDBG Program in conjunction with the Town of Hopedale and Franklin, with the Town of Bellingham serving as the lead community.
- To authorize the Town Administrator and Chairman of the Board of Selectmen to sign all necessary documents related to the filing of the grant application.
- To designate Town Administrator Denis Fraine as Environmental Certifying Officer.
Public Hearing – application of VB Beer & Wine, Inc. d/b/a Penguin Convenience Store, Mahendrakumar S. Patel, Mgr. for the transfer of the Package Store Wine & Malt License from Maniben, Inc. d/b/a Penguin Convenience Store, Pushpaben J. Patel, Mgr., Pledge of License & Inventory, 829 South Main St.
Mr. Connor read the public hearing notice.
Minutes of January 5, 2015
Page 2
Attorney Devlin of Demakis Law Offices represented the applicant. He stated when Pushpaben Patel took over the store it was with the intention of moving to Bellingham. However, plans changed and the commute from Abington to Bellingham is too long and that is why she is transferring the license to Mahendrakumar Patel. Attorney Devlin stated the Beer & Wine License and the inventory will be pledged to Rockland Trust.
Mr. Patel and his son operate a VB Gas Station in Raynham. Attorney Devlin noted Mr. Patel will work fulltime at the convenience store in Bellingham while his son will take over the gas station.
Mr. Connor asked if there was anyone present to speak on this application. No one responded.
On a Mayhew/Spencer motion, the Board unanimously voted to close the public hearing. On a Mayhew/Spencer motion, the Board unanimously voted to approve the application of VB Beer & Wine, Inc. d/b/a Penguin Convenience Store, Mahendrakumar S. Patel, Mgr. for the transfer of the Package Store Wine & Malt License from Maniben, Inc. d/b/a Penguin Convenience Store, Pushpaben J. Patel Mgr., and also approve the pledge of license and inventory. Premises located at 829 South Main St.
ZBA Appointment – Brian Wright
Mr. Wright stated he has been an Alternate on the ZBA a little over a year. He stated he is looking forward to being more involved on the Board if appointed to the regular position.
Mr. Connor read a letter of recommendation from James Dunlea, ZBA regular member noting that Brian Wright will continue to be an excellent resource in service to the Board.
On a Spencer/Mayhew motion, the Board unanimously voted to appoint Brian Wright to the unexpired regular member’s position vacated by Peter Delsignore.
On a Mayhew/Spencer motion, the Board unanimously voted to approve the Dec. 15th minutes as submitted. The December 23rd minutes will be placed on the next agenda for approval since Mr. Spencer was not present at that meeting.
On a Mayhew/Spencer motion, the Board unanimously voted to approve the license renewals presented this evening.
On a Mayhew/Spencer motion, the Board unanimously voted to approve the following abatements: residential water in the amount of $498.74 and residential sewer in the amount of $211.66.
On a Spencer/Mayhew motion, the Board unanimously voted to open the Annual Town Meeting Warrant this evening and set the closing date for February 13th, 12 noon.
Minutes of January 5, 2015
Page 3
On a Spencer/Mayhew motion, the Board unanimously voted the temporary increased resident population as of July, 2015 to be 1500.
Public Hearing (continued) – St. Nick’s, 90 Mendon St.
Mr. Tassone informed the Board that St. Nick’s will be closing at the end of January and asked if they could keep the license until that time and place it in Karen Tassone’s name.
The Board agreed to this request.
Mr. Connor asked if there was anyone present to speak on this hearing. No one responded.
On a Mayhew/Spencer motion, the Board unanimously voted to close the public hearing.
On a Mayhew/Spencer motion, the Board unanimously voted to allow St. Nick’s Second Hand License to be placed in Karen Tassone’s name and remain in effect until January 31, 2015, fees waived. No receipt of merchandise by St. Nick’s that requires a 30 day hold.
On a Mayhew/Spencer motion, the Board unanimously voted to adjourn the meeting at 7:40 PM.
Respectfully submitted,
Jacqueline A. Bokoski
Administrative Assistant
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