The weekly meeting of the Board of Selectmen was held on Monday evening, July 28, 2003 at 7:30 p.m.
Present: James M. Hardy, Chairman; Eric W. Greene, Clerk; David L. Walsh
George Samia, Interim Executive Secretary
Karen Grabau, Adm. Assistant
Mr. Hardy read a letter from the Council on Aging relative to insurance for seniors.
Appointment
John Hatfield, 718 Bedford Street met with the Selectmen to discuss his concerns regarding the Route 106/18 intersection (East/West/Bedford Streets) relative to numerous accidents. Explained that the biggest problem is left turning traffic both northerly and southerly.
Also, speaking was Chris Blood, 733 Bedford Street, who noted that in six weeks he has lived at this location, there have been 4 accidents.
A discussion was held regarding the traffic problems and what could be done to alleviate the accidents. It was noted that the Board would have to petition Mass Highway for any changes and that a traffic study and accidents data would have to be submitted to them.
Board agreed to request a traffic study by OCPC and to submit a formal request for changes to intersection.
Appointment
Board met with Paul Ford, Area Sales Manager and Patricia Reynolds, proposed manager for Cumberland Farms Store at 1055 Washington Street relative to their application for change of Manager.
Ms. Reynolds explained that she was Assistant Manager at the store since January and took over as Manager on June 1. Noted that previous Manager Thomas Jean has taken a new position within the company. Noted that the store hours are now 5:00 a.m. to 12 midnight daily. It was noted that the hours on the Common Victualer license state 6 a.m. - 11 p.m. and that they should request a change of hours of operation for that license. It was noted that the hours of operation for the Package Store - Wine and Malt License are 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. as allowed by law.
Mr. Hardy warned Ms. Reynolds that she becomes the responsible party once the manager change is made on the license and that should she leave the store, he suggested that the license be removed from the premises.
M/Greene, s/Walsh, a unanimous vote, move to approve the Change of Manager for the Package Store - Wine and Malt license for Cumberland Farms Store #2299, 1055 Washington Street from Thomas Jean to Patricia A Reynolds.
Appointment
Board met with Atty. Joanne Erickson and John DeSousa, Jr. relative to his application for a Common Victualer License at the former Village Nook, 31 Central Street.
It was noted that plans are to open on August 11; insurance including workers compensation is in place; will have 4 employees; restaurant will have seating for 50 and will be smoke free; noted his partner is Susan Moura. Hours of operation will be Monday - Friday 5:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday 6:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
M/Greene, s/Walsh, a unanimous vote, move to approve a Common Victualer license for JSJ Restaurant Inc. dba Johnny D's Breakfast Place, 31 Central Street, hours: Monday - Friday 5:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.; Saturday and Sunday 6:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
Board of Selectmen -2- July 28, 2003
Open Forum
Mark Zewi'ey, 41 Oregon Street informed the Board that he disagreed with the letter delivered to him by Mr. Hardy. Stated that he had called the Massachusetts Office on Disability and spoken to Ms. Roach who stated that what Mr. Hardy stated in the letter was incorrect. Mr. Hardy reiterated that he wrote down and read back to Ms. Roach the exact wording in the letter and she had confirmed the information.
Mr. Zewi'ey went into a lengthy explanation of why he felt that the information Mr. Hardy had received was incorrect, why he felt he should be able to have a handicapped space in front of his house, his interpretation of his discussion with Jeanne Bennett, and other issues regarding his request.
Mr. Samia stated that he had spoken to Jeanne Bennett and that no packet of information was coming from the Police Department.
Board discussed with Mr. Zewi'ey the issues regarding his request. Mr. Zewi'ey requested that the Board table any vote to deny his request until their next meeting. Mr. Zewi'ey was asked to submit a written request relative to the handicapped parking space.
Board agreed that they would refer Mr. Zewi'ey's request to Town Counsel for his opinion and would table action on his request until August 11.
Open Forum closed.
M/Greene, s/Walsh, move to approve the minutes of the July 14, 2004 meeting.
VOTE: Yes - Hardy, Walsh; Abstain - Greene; a majority vote in favor.
M/Greene, s/Walsh, a unanimous vote, move to approve forwarding to the Planning board for review a request fro rezoning of the property designated as Lot 6, Map 1, from residential to industrial/commercial.
M/Greene, s/Walsh, a unanimous vote, move the reappointment of Charles Francis as a member of the patriotic Activities Committee for the period of July 1, 2003 to June 30, 2006.
M/Greene, s/Walsh, a unanimous vote, move the reappointment of John Morawski as a member of the Council on Aging for the period of July 1, 2003 to June 30, 2006.
Reminders:
Vacancies: Finance Committee
Planning Board
Planning Board Alternate
Interim Executive Secretary Report
1. 1. Comprehensive Storm Water Management Program - General Permit submitted on time to DEP and EPA
2. 2. Received a letter from Mary Coellho, Friends of Sachem Rock, requesting that the heat be kept on at Sachem Rock Farm this winter.
3. 3. Has given information relative to the Northville School property to Town Counsel.
4. 4. Insurance - waiting for a Certificate of Omissions from Estabrook & Chamberlain.
Board of Selectmen -3- July 28, 2003
Board Discussions
Letter received from Jeff Simmons, Eagle Scout candidate, regarding his proposed project of clearing a path that lies on private land for the Bay Circuit Trail.
M/Greene, s/Walsh, a unanimous vote, move to refer to Town Counsel and request he pursue easement with homeowner for Jeff Simmons' Eagle Scout Project.
Board discussed the Special Town Meeting Schedule, which Mrs. Grabau put together with a September 29 date.
Mr. Walsh stated that he felt that the schedule was very aggressive and that it would be better to hold the S.T.M in October.
Mr. Greene noted that the S.E. Regional School budget has been approved by a majority of the member towns and that he had hoped to hold a town meeting in September. Questioned if the town meeting could be sooner. Other board members felt that there was not enough time for the Finance Committee to look at articles.
Mr. Greene requested that a letter be sent to S.E. Regional informing them that the Board will honor funding and give the date of the STM.
Board requested Mrs. Grabau to draft a schedule for an October 20 S.T.M. and place in the Board's weekend packets. Mr. Hardy noted that he would not be able to attend the August 11 meeting, but would look over the schedule and give comments prior to the 11th meeting.
Board discussed the job description for Town Administrator. It was noted that an article would be on the Special Town Meeting to change the job title from Executive Secretary to Town Administrator.
Mr. Hardy and Mr. Walsh went over their drafts, which included duties, responsibilities, authority, education and skills.
Discussion was held regarding what each member felt were some of the items, which should be included in the job description.
Board agreed to each submitting a draft of a job description with the duties, education, other key issues, which member felt were essential to the position.
M/Greene, s/Walsh, a unanimous vote, move to approve James Hardy attending the MMA conference on September 19 & 20, 2003.
Mr. Walsh announced that the Sewerage Study Committee would be meeting on August 7 and August 21.
M/Greene, s/Walsh, move to close Open Session and reconvene the Executive Session for the purpose of discussing union contract issues and litigation and will not be returning to Open Session.
VOTE: Yes - Greene, Walsh, Hardy; a unanimous vote in favor.
Meeting adjourned at 9:10 p.m.
_______________________________Clerk
Board of Selectmen
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