Memorial Town Hall, 1 Library Street, Georgetown, MA 01833
Ph. (978) 352-5755 0;">BOARD OF SELECTMEN MEETING MINUTES
Memorial Town Hall
3/12/12
6:30 PM – Executive Session
2nd Floor Meeting Room
7:00 PM – General Meeting
3rd Floor Meeting Room
Selectmen Present: C. David Surface, Chairman; Philip Trapani; Gary Fowler, Clerk; Stuart M. Egenberg
Others Present: Michael Farrell, Town Administrator; Attorney Bill Hewig, K & P; Janet Pantano, Administrative Assistant
Absent: Stephen Smith
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6:00PM-EXECUTIVE SESSION
To conduct strategy sessions in preparation for negotiations with non-union personnel, or to conduct collective bargaining sessions or contract negotiations with non-union personnel.
Call to Order
Mr. Surface called the meeting to order at 7:00PM.
Pledge of Allegiance
Public Hearing
All Alcohol License Transfer from Sports Depot at Rock Pond to Coach’s Rock Pond Pub
Mr. Surface stated that they would open the Public Hearing for the license transfer.
Mr. Trapani moved to open the public hearing for the All Alcohol Restaurant license transfer from Sports Depot at Rock Pond to Coach’s Rock Pond Pub at 206 West Main Street. Mr. Egenberg seconded the motion and the motion was approved by a unanimous vote.
Mr. Frederick V. McMenimen, Jr. was present and explained that he is the manager and explained the business. Mr. Surface asked how many hours a week. Mr. McMenimen stated he will be at the restaurant 20 hours a week. Cameron MacKenzie stated that he is there now 80 to 90 hours a week as they are just starting up. Mr. Surface stated hours are not filled out on the form the board asked Mr. MacKenzie to fill in the hours he will be at the restaurant. Mr. Mackenzie filled in 60-80 hours.
Mr. Trapani stated that the Georgetown Police department is very strict and watch the restaurant/bars closely. He stated that the neighbors will be watching and will not tolerate screeching tires and drunk drivers exiting there business. Mr. McMenimen stated that his son has met with the Police Chief and sent a letter to the neighbors with their cell number if there is a problem and he also visited the neighbors to hear their concerns.
Mr. Fowler asked questions on license, if abutters were notified, the occupancy numbers different from drawing in the packet. Ms. Pantano stated abutters were sent a courtesy notice and the drawing was from the previous license. She will check with the Building Inspector on the occupancy numbers. He asked about son on the LLC but not on application. Mr. McMenimen stated that he is the manager and son was a member of the LLC but he has resigned from the LLC. Mr. Fowler asked about the dollar amount in the purchase price and difference in numbers. Mr. Surface stated that this is not uncommon and explained the numbers. Mr. Fowler stated that the address on insurance form is 207 West Main should be 206 West Main Street.
Mr. Trapani moved to close the public hearing for the All Alcohol Restaurant license transfer from Sports Depot at Rock Pond to Coach’s Rock Pond Pub at 206 West Main Street. Mr. Egenberg seconded the motion and the motion was approved by a unanimous vote.
Mr. Trapani moved to approve the All Alcohol Restaurant license transfer from Sports Depot at Rock Pond to Coach’s Rock Pond Pub at 206 West Main Street, Frederick V. McMenimen, Jr. Manager to expire December 31, 2012. Mr. Egenberg seconded the motion.
Mr. Fowler asked about the inconsistencies of hours and paperwork at the last minute. Mr. Farrell stated that the ABCC does not have limit of hours the manager must be on site. He stated that they can have 5 or 40 hours but that if there are issues at the business and the manager needs to be present more hours this can be requested.
The motion was approved by a unanimous vote.
License Applications-Coach’s Rock Pond Pub
Automatic Amusement-16 Units, Common Victualler, Sunday Live Entertainment, and Weekly Live Entertainment
Mr. Surface stated that there are 4 licenses up for approval. He stated that the neighbors have had issues with noise and screeching tires from the restaurant in the past. Mr. McMenimen stated his son has met with the Police Chief, and the neighbors to address these issues. He stated that they have already run a fundraiser for PTA. Mr. McMenimen, III stated that he is helping his dad and sent letters to neighbors and gave them his cell number if there is an issue. He stated that when music events are held they tell the band no loud bass and to keep the volume down and they have had no complaints. He stated he hired a Police Officer for the first event and they did have a door person and they sent them out every 30 minutes to check the parking lot. He stated that they had no
problems and he stated they also had the Georgetown Electric put brighter lights in the parking lot and they are on timers. He stated the events have been in the pub area and have not heard a peep from the neighbors. Mr. Surface stated that when the bands leave they also have been loud and asked them to monitor this also.
Mr. Fowler asked if the number of Automatic Amusements is a larger number then the previous owner. Mr. McMenimen, III stated that the number is the same and actually less as they have removed two units.
Mr. Trapani stated that they are working to be proactive and is glad to see the owners trying to be proactive also.
Mr. Trapani moved to approve the Automatic Amusement-16 units, Common Victualler, Sunday Live Entertainment and Weekly Live Entertainment Licenses for Coach’s Rock Pond Pub to expire December 31, 2012. Mr. Egenberg seconded the motion and the motion was approved by a unanimous vote.
Minutes of February 27, 2012
Mr. Trapani moved to approve the Minutes of February 27, 2012. Mr. Egenberg seconded the motion and the motion was approved by a unanimous vote.
Comcast Renewal contract March 11, 2012-March 10, 2022
Bill Hewig, Kopelman & Paige; Dan Walsh, and Frank Hauser, from the CATV Committee were present
Mr. Egenberg went over the contract highlights and stated that this is a 10 year contract. Attorney Hewig stated that this contract is an excellent contract and there will be a small increase to residents and a $240K payment to the town. He stated that the contract is economically beneficial to the town and he approves the contract to legal form.
Mr. Fowler had a question on the I-Net. Mr. Egenberg explained the I-Net to Mr. Fowler. Mr. Egenberg stated that there is better technology now available. Mr. Fowler asked about internet and if this is added in the contract. Mr. Trapani stated that no internet is provided to any towns and that Comcast would not address internet. Mr. Hewig stated that there is no licensing power to boards with regard to internet or phones only to Cable TV.
Mr. Egenberg moved to approve the Comcast of Massachusetts III, Inc. contract from March 11, 2012 to March 10, 2022. Mr. Trapani seconded the motion and the motion was approved by a unanimous vote.
Discussion on “On Demand” capabilities on the cable channel. Mr. Hauser and Mr. Walsh stated that they are working on having the ability to view archived programs.
Attorney Hewig stated that he will send a form to the board that must go to the State regarding the license renewal.
FEMA Grant Central Street at Pennbrook Culverts Project $396,000
Mr. Durkee stated that they have already received a grant from FEMA for the West Street culvert and this grant is for Pennbrook culvert. This grant is $598K and must pay 25% which can be done with in kind services. He stated that for the West Street culvert they will contract the services out as it is in a sensitive area with the well fields. He stated that with this one they will try to do the culvert themselves. He stated that he will use Chapter 90 toward this project. He discussed other grants TIPS and FEMA that he is working on such as West Main St which we are at 25% plan design and have to get to 100%. Mr. Fowler asked if not all of the funds are used would the funds stay in town. Mr. Durkee stated that funds would be all used as the town has to pay 25%. Mr. Durkee
stated that he also wants to start the design process on North Street.
Mr. Trapani moved to authorize Mr. Farrell, Town Administrator to sign the FEMA Grant Central Street at Pennbrook Culverts contract. Mr. Egenberg seconded the motion and the motion was approved by a unanimous vote.
Open/Close ATM Warrant for May 7, 2012-Add Water Department Article ATM12-36
Mr. Trapani moved to open the ATM warrant for May 7, 2012 to add Water Department Article ATM12-36. Mr. Egenberg seconded the motion and the motion was approved by a unanimous vote.
Mr. Surface read the article. He stated that he attended the Water Department meeting last week and is assured the board is working to improve the system. He stated that they need a lot of funding for the water improvement projects.
Mr. Trapani stated that they asked the Water Department to come up with a Strategic Plan and he just heard that they fired the current engineer and have hired a new engineer. He stated that he okay with waiting if Mr. Surface is comfortable with what he heard at the Water Commissioner meeting.
Mr. Trapani moved to insert the Water Department Article ATM12-36 into the ATM warrant for May 7, 2012. Mr. Egenberg seconded the motion and the motion was approved by a unanimous vote.
Mr. Trapani moved to close the ATM warrant for May 7, 2012. Mr. Egenberg seconded the motion and the motion was approved by a unanimous vote.
DOR Financial Management Review Discussion
Mr. Surface asked Mr. Farrell to explain the study. Mr. Farrell explained that the Department of Revenue provides free consulting services to towns if you ask. He stated that you can find the reports on their web page. He stated that the Financial Management Review also looks at regionalization options for a community. He stated that he is recommending the Financial Management Review study for the town. He stated that DOR will determine the strengths and weaknesses of the town finances and structure. He stated that they look at structure of the offices of the Treasurer, Accountant, and Assessors. He stated that as they look at the structure this will help the Government Study Committee. He stated that this will give them something to work with. He stated we need an
implementation plan and this review will work with the Selectmen’s goal of a Strategic Plan. He stated that he included in the packet two studies for them to review and stated that these towns are AAA rated and this is how they stay on top of there finances. He stated that there is no cost to the town and the reviews are in high demand. He stated that if approved Georgetown can be scheduled for July and they would get the report in the fall. He stated that DOR will present the report to the town when they are finished.
Mr. Surface asked if they will look at Schools or just the Town. He stated that the Arlington review asked them to look at combining School and Town finances. Mr. Farrell stated that this is an operational study and would look at School finances with the town.
Mr. Fowler asked if this would cover what they are looking at for a Strategic Plan or would they still need the Strategic Plan. Mr. Trapani stated that this could be done along with a Strategic Plan but it does not cover all areas that the Strategic Plan covers. Mr. Fowler asked if this would look into sharing services with the Schools or is it more of just the financial area. Mr. Farrell stated that they can ask them to look at joint purchasing, etc. Mr. Fowler asked if they can look at the Water Department. Mr. Egenberg asked if it is one report and then done. Mr. Farrell stated that he does not think it is one and done but the town would have to get in the cue again.
Mr. Surface stated that this will be a great project for the town and asked Mr. Farrell to let staff know about the project and also the FinCom, Assessors, Accountant, Treasurer, Department Heads, etc.
Mr. Farrell stated that he feels we do good have a good bond rating of AA2 which is great for a small town.
Mr. Fowler moved to request a Financial Management Review be done by DOR. Mr. Egenberg seconded the motion and the motion was approved by a unanimous vote.
Request from Timothy Collins for appointment to the ConCom
Mr. Surface welcomed Mr. Collins and asked for some background information. Mr. Collins stated that he has lived in town for 11 years. He stated that he lives and works in Town and wants to donate time to the town. Mr. Trapani stated that he tries to find a balanced board. He asked if Mr. Collins has met with the ConCom. Mr. Collins stated that he is meeting with ConCom this week and had a call from Mr. Fowler to stop in tonight. Mr. Fowler asked if he is committed to attending the meetings. Mr. Collins stated that he is and wants to give back to the town.
Mr. Trapani moved to appoint Timothy Collins to Conservation Commission with a term to expire June 30, 2014. Mr. Egenberg seconded the motion and the motion was approved by a unanimous vote.
Mr. Surface stated that Mike, Gary and he attended a MMA meeting last Friday and the town was well represented.
Mr. Fowler asked about Janet or Mike talking to Ipswich about going paperless and using Ipads. Mr. Trapani asked about the cost analysis of buying the Ipads and cost of paper. Mr. Surface stated that members that have laptops or a tablet can bring them to the meeting. Mr. Farrell stated he did do an analysis of paper cost and the cost of the Ipads but did not add the time it takes to print the packets. Mr. Surface, Mr. Trapani, and Mr. Egenberg stated to not print a packet for them next meeting that they would bring their own laptop or tablet.
Mr. Trapani moved to adjourned. Mr. Egenberg seconded the motion and the motion was approved by a unanimous vote.
Meeting adjourned at 8:40PM.
Minutes transcribed by J. Pantano.
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