June 22, 2015
The regular meeting of the Board of Selectmen was called to order at 7:00 PM by Chairman Soter with all members in attendance.
Sgt. Promotion – Officer Lamarre
On a Mayhew/Martinis motion, the Board unanimously voted to ratify Mr. Fraine’s appointment of Officer Lamarre to the rank of Sergeant.
Chief Financial Officer – Note Signing
On a Mayhew/Spencer motion, the Board unanimously voted to award the $650,000 General Obligation Bond Anticipation Notes for the DPW Salt Storage Shed & Pulaski Blvd. Water Main Replacement to the low bidder Eastern Bank, 0.75% interest rate (as presented by Chief Financial Officer, Chris Laviolette).
On a Mayhew/Martinis motion, the Board voted to approve the May 18th minutes as submitted. Mr. Spencer abstained; all other members voted in the affirmative.
On a Martinis/Mayhew motion, the Board unanimously voted to approve the following abatements: residential water, $5878.77; residential sewer, $1359.50; residential trash, $574.85; municipal water, $4114.61 and municipal sewer, $50.90.
Town Counsel RFP Update – Mr. Soter suggested tabling the Town Counsel RFP’s until January, 2016 noting there are too many items pending to make a change at this time.
Zoning Board/Alternate Member Interviews
Joseph Flanagan – Mr. Flanagan stated he applied for this position because he would like to get involved with, and be of service to the Town. He noted that he did serve on the Norfolk ZBA for 3 years and feels this would be helpful if appointed to serve as an alternate member.
Mr. Mayhew asked Mr. Flanagan if he had any dealings with Attorney Talerman while serving on the ZBA in Norfolk. Mr. Flanagan stated he did not.
Mr. Spencer asked Mr. Flanagan how long he has lived in Town and if he is familiar with Bellingham’s zoning bylaws. Mr. Flanagan stated he has lived in Bellingham for 2 years and noted he is not very familiar with Bellingham’s zoning bylaws.
Mr. Soter asked Mr. Flanagan to specify his best selling point to serving on the ZBA. Mr. Flanagan stated he will take this position very seriously and will do what is best for the community.
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James Sullivan – Mr. Sullivan stated he has lived in Bellingham for 4½ years and is currently serving on the Master Plan Implementation Committee.
Mr. Connor asked Mr. Sullivan if he attended Town Meetings. Mr. Sullivan stated he attended the last ATM because of his interest in the noise & sign bylaws.
Mr. Sullivan noted he has had personal experience dealing with business and the issues that may arise from residing in close proximity. Although he realizes the Town needs some business for revenue, his feelings are that he would side with the resident to protect the homeowner.
Mr. Martinis asked Mr. Sullivan why he feels he is the most qualified for this position. He stated he feels his government job pertaining to emergency management gives him experience.
Mr. Connor asked Mr. Flanagan if he has attended Town Meetings. He stated he has not.
Mr. Dunlea asked the applicants what current Town issues they are particularly passionate about.
Mr. Sullivan stated it is the noise ordinance and Mr. Flanagan stated it is the traffic.
Mr. Paturzo asked the applicants their feelings about businesses and residents working together.
Mr. Sullivan stated he believes there are proper locations where businesses should operate. He feels he will always lean more toward the homeowner.
Mr. Flanagan feels there can be a balance between homeowners and businesses.
Mr. Flanagan also stated that although he lives on North Main St., he would not put his personal feelings before what is best for the Town, referring to the increased traffic with the Shoppes at Bellingham project.
Mr. Flanagan was asked if he attended any 40B hearings while in Norfolk. Mr. Flanagan stated he did not attend any hearings. However, he did have training and felt if done right, this can be beneficial to the Town.
The Board asked Mr. Flanagan if he will be conducting business in Town which could be a conflict for him. He stated that will not be a problem.
Mr. Spencer noted there was another individual listed for an interview. Mr. Spencer was informed that this person was scheduled, however, he never contacted this office to say he would not be in attendance or to reschedule. Mr. Spencer felt the Board should wait until the next meeting to make the appointment. Mr. Martinis, Mr. Connor & Mr.
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Mayhew felt this gentleman had an opportunity to contact the office if he could not attend and in fairness to the two gentlemen here this evening, an appointment should be made.
On a Connor/Mayhew motion, the Board voted to appoint Mr. Flanagan as an Alternate Member on the ZBA. Mr. Spencer & Mr. Soter opposed; all other members voted in the affirmative.
Public Hearing – application of Uno Restaurants, LLC d/b/a Uno Chicago Grill for New Officer/Director and Transfer of Stock, 205 Hartford Ave.
Mr. Soter read the public hearing notice and advised the Board that no one from Uno Restaurants will be in attendance. Applications have been sent to the ABCC from numerous MA based restaurants throughout the state pertaining to the change of officers/directors & transfer of stock. The ABCC has reviewed the applications and asks the Towns to forward Form 43 (approval of the Selectmen) after the hearing is held.
Mr. Soter asked if there was anyone present to speak for or against this application with no response.
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 Uno Restaurants, LLC d/b/a Uno Chicago Grill for new officer/director and transfer of stock. Premises located at 205 Hartford Ave.
Planning Board – Planner/Zoning Enforcement Officer
Discussion was held with regard to creating a full-time Planner/Zoning Enforcement Officer by combining the part-time planning position and the part-time zoning officer. There will be continuity with such a position with the same person going through the planning approval process into the zoning compliance process. This position will require the individual selected to attend Planning Board and Zoning Board meetings. (A copy of the Essential Duties & Responsibilities is attached to these minutes).
The objective is to get this position filled fairly quickly. During the transition, Town Counsel will be holding office hours each week in the Planning Office and will be on-call to meet with staff and developers as needed. Additionally, Town Counsel will attend all Planning Board Meetings.
On a Connor/Mayhew motion, the Board unanimously voted to move forward with Mr. Fraine’s recommendation of creating a full-time Planner/Zoning Enforcement Officer position.
On a Mayhew/Spencer motion, the Board unanimously voted to accept a parcel of land situated along the Charles River (identified in the deed attached to these minutes) as a condition of the Planning Board’s approval of the Victory Packaging Project.
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On a Martinis/Mayhew motion, the Board unanimously voted to ratify Mr. Fraine’s reappointment of Cindy Souza and Tracey Taddeo as Animal Control Officers.
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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