Memorial Town Hall, 1 Library Street, Georgetown, MA 01833
Ph. (978) 352-5755 z Fax (978) 352-5727
BOARD OF SELECTMEN MEETING MINUTES
Memorial Town Hall
Third Floor Meeting Room
August 9, 2010
7:00 PM
Selectmen Present: Philip Trapani, Chairman; Gary Fowler; C. David Surface, Clerk
Others Present: Michael Farrell, Town Administrator; Janet Pantano, Administrative Assistant;
Absent: Evan O’Reilly; Stephen Smith
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Call to Order
Mr. Trapani called the meeting to order at 7:00PM.
Warrant
Mr. Trapani stated that there was a warrant to be signed.
Board Business
Public Hearing
Rock Pond Restaurant-Change of Manager
Kevin & Laurie Buswell, were present
Mr. Trapani swore in both the Buswell’s. He welcomed both to Georgetown. Mr. Trapani asked for some background information on themselves and what they plan to do at the Rock Pond Restaurant. Mr. Buswell stated that they will have TV’s with sports games from around the country. He stated that there will be a game room for kids and the menu will be similar to a 99 and Applebee’s with a sports theme. He stated that he has hired a chef from Boston and started some interviews and hired some local contractors to do some work at the site. He stated that he has a15 year lease with the option to buy. He stated that this is his third restaurant. He stated that in the future he would like to put in batting cages in the rear section of the building and add
a deck overlooking the pond. He stated that they are looking to be members of the community and sponsor sport teams. Mr. Trapani stated the property went into bankruptcy process he asked if this will impact the lease. Mr. Buswell stated that one brother went into bankruptcy and has now come out of bankruptcy. He stated that he has paid all the outstanding bills. Mr. Surface asked about other restaurants. Mr. Buswell stated that one was in Hudson, NH, and one in Manchester, NH with a partner. He stated that this is just his and his wife’s. Mr. Surface asked if he has seen anything of the bankruptcy as he does not want to see anything fall through. Mr. Buswell stated he talked to the Farah’s attorney and was assured there would be no problem. Mr. Surface stated that the Real Estate taxes would be paid by Mr. Farah that this was a concern. Mr. Buswell stated that he wants to purchase as soon as
possible just waiting for them to get there paperwork in order. He stated that his chef is certified and all bartenders will be tip certified and he plans to hold a class for wait staff. Mr. Fowler asked if it was all right that just one brother signed the lease. Mr. Buswell stated that the license is under the LLC and Sid Farah is listed as the manager. He stated that he will be open for lunch and dinner seven days a week with later closing on the weekends. Mr. Trapani asked Mr. Farrell if all outstanding balances have been paid. Mr. Farrell stated that he talked with the Treasurer today and all real estate taxes and personal property taxes had been paid and he stated he had talked to the Water and Electric departments and they were paid.
Mr. Surface moved to approve the Change of Manager for the Rock Pond Restaurant to Kevin Buswell to expire December 31, 2010. Mr. Fowler seconded the motion and the motion was approved by a unanimous vote 3-0.
Rock Pond Restaurant Licenses
Automatic Amusement & Common Victualler
Mr. Surface moved to approve the Common Victualler License for the Rock Pond Restaurant, manager Kevin Buswell to expire December 31, 2010. Mr. Fowler seconded the motion and the motion was approved by a unanimous vote.
Mr. Surface moved to approve the Automatic Amusement License 10 units for Rock Pond Restaurant to expire December 31, 2010. Mr. Fowler seconded the motion and the motion was approved by a unanimous vote.
Street Acceptance/Order of Taking-Whispering Pines & Northwood Estates
Nick Cracknell, Town Planner was present
Mr. Cracknell explained the process that the town has gone through and that the developers of these developments are either gone or deceased. He explained that they will have to get some easements for drainage. Mr. Fowler asked if it would be easier to go back to Town Meeting. Mr. Cracknell stated that it would be more expensive to go back to Town Meeting.
Northwood Estates
Mr. Surface moved to adopt the Order of Taking for: 1.) the fee interest in that portion of land within the four streets shown within the right-of-way in the Northwood Estates Definitive Subdivision Plan(s); and, 2.) a permanent easement interest in that portion within “Lot 13” shown on the Land Court Plan as described by Town Counsel in the form presented in Exhibit 4. Further motion to award damages in the amount of $0.00 for the taking. Mr. Fowler seconded the motion and the motion was approved by unanimous vote.
Whispering Pines
Rich Williams, Artisan Development was present; Mr. Cracknell explained that he is the developer who has finished the Whispering Pines Subdivision.
Mr. Cracknell explained that the residents found out that they own to the center of the road and to get the road accepted Mr. Williams went to all residents and received deeds to provide the Town title to the land within the right-of -way. He explained that at 1 Pineneedle Lane which is under foreclosure they do not have a signature but the bank, Deutsche Bank is in favor of the taking. He stated that the Order of Taking is only for the corner lot at 1 Pineneedle Lane. He stated that they also have to have an Acceptance of the Title Certificate and an Acceptance of Deed. He sated that he is still waiting for a final review from Town Counsel on these.
Mr. Cracknell stated that he has no problem waiting until August 23 to vote on the Whispering Pines acceptances and then they can strike the last sentence of the motion relating to approval of Town Counsel. Mr. Trapani and the board stated that they would wait until August 23rd to vote.
Selectmen’s Report
FY11 Goals & Objectives
Mr. Trapani stated that they have two major objectives for this fall. He stated that one was government study review and the other was for the strategic planning committee to get under way. He stated that they should wait for after summer vacations to be over. He stated that there will be a budget planning session this week to look at planning on large projects before the town. He asked Mr. Farrell to look at the $26Billion just released by the government for Towns.
Mr. Fowler asked how they will work on all items in the packet that Mr. Farrell had given to the board. He asked if the board would work on one a meeting. Mr. Farrell stated that the SoP’s are what Mr. Fowler is referring to. Mr. Surface stated one a month at least. Mr. Trapani stated that a few years ago the current board put a lot time into these SoP’s and they should finish them.
Town Administrator Report
Mr. Farrell stated books closed for FY10 and that they have more revenue then was anticipated. He stated that all funds unexpended from FY10 that will go into Free Cash and that he has to check with the Town Accountant on encumbrances for a final figure. He stated that they will also have funds coming back from the Public Safety roof project and the boiler at Pennbrook School. He stated that Free Cash should be healthy. Mr. Trapani asked for an update at the next meeting.
Mr. Trapani stated that they will need to post a 6:00PM Executive Session for the August 23 meeting as they are still negotiating the Town Administrator contract.
Mr. Surface explained the process that the board has been going through on the Town Administrator contract and where they stand. He stated that the board wanted to talk with the personnel board before the next meeting. He stated that after the next meeting they would have a proposal for Mr. Farrell.
Mr. Surface moved to adjourn. Mr. Fowler seconded the motion and the motion was approved by a unanimous vote.
Meeting adjourned at 7:55PM.
Minutes transcribed by J. Pantano.
Minutes approved August 23, 2010.
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