1 – 8 – 07
At the meeting of the Randolph Board of Selectmen held Monday, January 8, 2007, the following were present: Chairman Richard W. Wells, Vice Chairman and Clerk James F. Burgess, Jr., members William Alexopoulos, Paul K. Fernandes, and Paul J. Connors, Executive Secretary Michael J. Carroll, Town Counsel Paul R. DeRensis, and Administrative Assistant Linda M. Sproules. Meeting opened at 7:00 p.m.
Mr. Burgess said the opening prayer and Mr. Fernandes led the Pledge of Allegiance. A moment of silence was held for Janice Blanchard, wife of retired Police Officer Robert Blanchard, former Registrar and Constable George Crowell, DPW employee Robert Mahoney, and former President Gerald Ford.
Mr. Burgess moved to accept the minutes of 12-11-06 and 12-18-06. Seconded by Mr. Connors. Voted, 5-0.
Hearing – George Barkas – Request to transfer the Common Victualler license at Parthenon Restaurant, 30 North Main Street
George Barkas was present. He and his wife purchased the business and asked the Board to approve the transfer of the CV license. Legal notice was read. Mr. Wells asked, three times, if there was anyone present to speak in favor. There was no response. Mr. Wells asked, three times, if there was anyone present to speak in opposition. There was no response. Mr. Burgess asked about the hours. Mr. Barkas said he was thinking of 6 am to 3 pm but depending on how business is he might apply down the road for later hours. Mr. Burgess suggested looking at those hours now and that he wouldn’t have to stay open right away. The current license hours are 6 am to 10 pm. Letters were read from Police, Building Commissioner, and Fire Prevention. No violations and no objections. Mr. Alexopoulos asked about changes in seating. Mr. Barkas said there would be no change in the number of seats. Mr. Barkas said depending on the business, he might update the interior. The name will stay the
same. Mr. Alexopoulos moved to allow the transfer of the Common Victualler license to George Barkas with the existing hours of 6 am to 10 pm. Seconded by Mr. Connors. Voted, 5-0.
The dog hearing that was scheduled was cancelled as the complaint was withdrawn. Mr. Carroll said the ACO Steve Slavinsky, AWC Chairman Jean Duddy, and Lt. Richard Crowley spent a considerable amount of time with the parties to reach a satisfactory conclusion to all.
Animal Welfare Committee
Chairman Jean Duddy, Paula Camiel, and Madeline Kiniklis were present. Animal fees were distributed for acceptance by the Board. All of these fees exist, with the exception of the kennel fees which were discussed at public hearings. These are not in the bylaw. Town Counsel said they spent a considerable amount of time. Member Toby Schwartz arrived. Mr. Connors moved the Animal Welfare Committee’s recommendation. Seconded by Mr. Alexopoulos. Voted, 5-0.
Ms. Duddy said that there has been no set procedure for the Animal Welfare Committee for dog issues. She referred to tonight’s hearing that was cancelled and said that they were involved and the matter was resolved. She said that many times complainants don’t know what can and cannot be done legally. The AWC would like to participate to calm the waters. They would like to be put in the loop for animal issues. Also, they have worked extensively on writing bylaws. They would like some representation from the Board at some of their meetings. They can help recoup some of the fees for unregistered dogs. They would like the Boards support. Mr. Wells and Mr. Carroll have discussed this. Mr. Fernandes asked if other towns have formal policies. Ms. Duddy said there are
many. Mr. Fernandes said he would like to see a draft of a policy, and that communication with the AWC was key and a copy of each complaint should be forwarded to them. Mr. Wells felt it should go as soon as the Animal Control Officer gets it. Ms. Duddy will provide policies for the Board’s review. Mr. Fernandes said there are other policies that also need acceptance. Mr. Wells asked that this be put on an upcoming agenda to get policies for review.
Correspondence
1) Letter of thanks from St. Bernadette Parish. Mr. Fernandes said he attended the Vietnamese Liturgy yesterday, and that while the words were foreign, he understood it. He said it was nice to know we have a church that is so welcoming.
2) Request from the Finance Committee asking the Board to attend their next meeting. Meeting will be posted.
3) Letter from Boston Metro Planning Organization concerning the TIP program. They are looking for updated contact information and a review of proposed projects. Mr. Burgess said he would be concerned about the reconstruction of Oak Street, and asked if the plan was to widen it. If so, he said it would have a major impact on properties. He would be in favor of signals at Oak and North Streets, but not necessarily widening. Mr. Alexopoulos asked if there were plans. Negative. Mr. Connors said that this goes back to the fact that the Selectmen are the road commissioners. We have to pick a contact. He had no problem with Mr. Zecchini being the contract but layouts are the responsibility of the Selectmen. Any changes would be signed-off by the Selectmen
and they would attend all pre-conference hearings. Mr. Burgess felt that Mr. Carroll and Mr. Zecchini should be the contact people. Mr. Connors moved to write to reaffirm that the Selectmen are the road commissioners and that we support TIPS engineering layout to be approved by the Selectmen, that there be 2 contacts: Michael Carroll and David Zecchini, and the Selectmen must sign-off on any changes, and go to pre-conferences. Seconded by Mr. Burgess. Mr. Carroll said he is also involved with the MPO for the redesign of the Rt. 24/128 interchange. He will contact them right away. Voted, 5-0.
4) Received a letter from the Board of Health asking that the Board accept the Rotary gift in the amount of $500.00 which would allow the Public Health nurse to purchase screening kits for bladder cancer to test Randolph Firefighters. Mr. Alexopoulos moved to accept the gift from Rotary in the amount of $500.00. Voted, 5-0.
5) Received a letter from the Board of Health asking that the Board accept the Tobacco mini grant from the State MTCP and MAHB to fund tobacco compliance checks on tobacco sellers in order to reduce underage sales. Mr. Alexopoulos moved to accept the grant. Voted, 5-0.
6) Received an invitation from the Simon C. Fireman Community to Chairman Wells inviting him to their 21st anniversary celebration. Prepare proclamation.
Dorothy Sullivan – Update of Senior Tax Abatement Program
Currently have two projects going. The Numbers Up Program, sponsored by Triad, is to get numbers up on houses to assist Police and Fire responders. She received 35 calls from residents. Home Depot was contacted and they donated all the house numbers. Ms. Sullivan and her family did this on a weekend. One house required a ladder so Fire Prevention came and installed the rest. Captain Hurley said they would continue it for her.
The Tax Abatement Program – She made up an application form and left copies of them at the Senior Center. She received 37 applications. Ms. Sullivan, Elder Affairs Director Baker, and then Principal Assessor Brown reviewed the applications. She met with Mr. Carroll, Town Clerk Brian Howard, Personnel Director Mike Lane, and Ms. Baker. Five positions went to Town Hall and five went to the Schools. Ms. Sullivan met with the Principals and they were very receptive. Applications were pulled in lottery fashion. Contracts were signed (like the Town of Canton’s) to absolve the town of any liability. CORI checks were done. Ten seniors are now working and the program is a success. She thanked Mr. Carroll, Mr. Lane, Mr. Brown, and Mr. Howard, and the Board of Selectmen
for their enthusiasm.
Greatbridge Properties – Ch. 40B proposal for Center Street
Attorney Arthur George was present with Chris Davies and Lynn Sweet. Packets had been previously delivered. They propose 36 units of affordable housing. Atty. George said he was very impressed with their company. They build a high quality product and they are sensitive to the community. This is an industrial area. As part of the initial application, this appearance is required to get approval of the concept only. They would like the Board to listen to the presentation. Chris Davies said he is part of a two person firm. This is all they do. One or two projects per year. They like to keep it small and do it right. They are looking to see if the Board thinks it would work. This project is 4 buildings for a total of 36 units, small buildings. The recent
Attleboro project went very well. Applications were opened in October and it was full by December. They met a few months ago with Mr. Carroll. They presented a plan and received feedback. They took the buildings down from 3 to 2 stories leaving only one in the back of the property as a 3-story. The 2 bedroom units go front to back with lots of light and air flow. They have 1-2-3 bedroom units. Pricing low 700’s, mid 800’s and near 1000’s for 3. More market research will be done. This is workforce housing for people living in the community. Rents are set by HUD and affordable in perpetuity. They use a tax credit through the Federal govt. They are audited every year by two different groups. Lynn Sweet is a consultant and experienced in Ch. 40B. Ms. Sweet said the Local Initiative Program is a way to involve the community. It differs from 40B in that it starts with the
Chief Executive Officers. Following that, they will ask the State for site plan approval and submit an application for low income tax credits. For timing, they are asking the Board to approve a letter agreeing with the concept. The state would then do a site plan approval. Once they approve, the developers would file with the ZBA for the regular process. This will also go before Conservation because of wetlands. They are meeting with them next week. They will need a Comprehensive Permit, an Order of Conditions; and financing from state. They will also meet with the neighbors. Mr. Burgess asked how they chose tenants. There is an application process and the applications are reviewed in order of receipt. Applicants must have no criminal backgrounds. Good credit is required as well as landlord checks. Incomes need to be at 60% of median or below. This is not voucher public housing. Local
preference is not guaranteed but Mr. Davies said these types of projects fill quickly with local residents. Mr. Fernandes said at the 60% income people would be able to pay the rents. Mr. Alexopoulos asked what if income changes. They can stay unless income skyrockets. They would rather see people succeed. There is a good oversight program to monitor at least once a year, including tenants’ records. Mr. Alexopoulos asked if they were purchasing the property. It is under Purchase & Sale agreement. This is located across the street from addressStreetFern Avenue. The lot would be subdivided. Mr. Alexopoulos looked at the plan and asked what kind of turnover they had at other locations. Mr. Davies said their Haverhill project was very successful. There were only 3 turnovers last year. They have good occupancy and ongoing management. The Attleboro applications went fast. Mr. Connors asked
how many total bedrooms – no more than 72. 10% are 3’s and 10% are 1’s. That is part of the application process. More research will be done. 1st floor units are handicapped accessible and adaptable. Interested parties can log onto their website www.Greatbridgeproperties.com. Mr. Davies offered to give members a tour of his other projects. Atty. George gave a sample of the letter needed in order to file the application. Town Meeting member Joe Burke asked if any units are for over 55. Mr. Davies said he couldn’t do that but that there are usually seniors living there. Marybeth Nearen said this is going in the Young School area. She urged the Board to look hard at what this will do to the schools. There are 30-32 kids in each class now. Judy Gangel asked what kind of occupancy is allowed in each size. “How many in a 3, 2 and 1 bedroom, and the makeup of the demographics?” Mr. Davies said he would look at the town codes. Reasonable factor of no more than 2 per bedroom. They are sensitive to the
school issue. Atty. George asked how the Board felt. He said it would be a great use of that land. This is to start the ball rolling. Town Counsel said this has not been addressed before. He requested that there be a wider comment from residents and departments – is it the right location? Get feedback on traffic, water supply, sewer capacity, Fire Department impact, Police Department impact, Schools? Use a checklist. Atty. George said this was usually done at the ZBA level. It can’t be answered now because the plans have not been done. It will all be done at the Comprehensive Permit process. Town Counsel said that was a formal process governed by state law. They are here asking for initial endorsement. Expose it to the community on a wider basis first. Get the initial feedback. Town Counsel said the LIP programs he had been involved in have had a presentation that included
graphics. Atty. George said they gave packets and showed a color picture. Atty. George asked how much time was needed. Schedule for the next meeting on 1/22. Mr. Carroll said he met with the Building Commissioner, Conservation member Robert Schoepplein, to get feedback. They are doing homework. This is a concept. They are aware of the town’s bylaws. The meetings were not in depth. Mr. Fernandes said he was going to suggest a public discussion on this next meeting. What are some of the dark side issues? This is new territory for the Board. We would benefit from hearing from others. Atty. George said they were amenable to coming back. They would not have details because it is only a concept. Mr. Davies said they have done a lot of homework. They have a good design. They have full engineering and designs to be done. Mr. Burgess said Tom Good had a hard time putting
anything together because of the wetlands. All drainage was shifted from front to back. Atty. George said they were meeting with the ConCom next week. Mr. Wells requested this be scheduled for January 22nd and that cable put on a trailer. Mr. Burgess requested that they get ConCom’s prior approval of Tom Good’s front property prior to next meeting. Atty. George said they are having an informal meeting with ConCom. The current orders of condition are based on Tom Good’s plan. Mr. Burgess said the existing Order did not go away. Atty. George was confident that the ConCom would craft new Orders. Ms. Sweet said that any plan Tom Good had to develop the front would be reviewed. Town Counsel suggested that the applicant include graphics that the public and the neighbors could see and to get it to the Board as soon as possible so that it could be on display. Mr. Wells
asked for copies for Police, Fire, DPW, Board of Health, Building, and Planning Board. Mr. Carroll asked that 12 copies be sent to Board for the distribution. Put info on website.
Correspondence – continued
7) MMA eligible voting member for next weekend’s conference: Mr. Burgess moved that Paul Connors be the voting member. Seconded by Mr. Fernandes. Voted, 5-0.
8) Received a letter from the Department of Revenue approving our tax rate.
9) Norfolk County Retirement System offered two payment options. Mr. Connors moved to recommend Option 2 – one single payment. Voted, 5-0.
10) Letter from Library Director advising of Jan. 10th Trustees mtg.
11) Letter from the Building Commissioner advising that she had reviewed 19 Soren Street and the Young Terrace lot. Report to follow.
12) List of bidders for Senior Center roof replacement was received. No recommendation or backup documentation received yet. Mr. Fernandes asked for more information from whoever put it out. Mr. Carroll said this was for info only. He said that Jim Campbell would have a recommendation by next meeting.
13) Notice from Sen. Joyce’s office that Governor Patrick restored the 9C cuts made by former Governor Romney.
14) Letter from Comcast advising of pricing changes for certain services.
15) Letter from National Grid re: pole relocation being denied and double pole update. Mr. Connors said he was very pleased with the efforts of Michael Molisse. He operates out of Quincy. Joe Cardinal is still our business person. Poles are being pulled out. Verizon is still the problem. He noted 28 lights New Years weekend that were out. The list was emailed and they responded immediately. Verizon has still done nothing. Mr. Connors moved to reconsider decision on Crowley Drive pole relocation. Seconded by Mr. Fernandes. Voted, 5-0. Mr. Connors moved to approve the pole relocation on Crowley Drive. Seconded by Mr. Alexopoulos. Voted, 5-0.
Requests
Resident of Orrin White Drive requested No Dumping signs – DPW to be asked to post signs.
Public Comments
Judy Gangel – As Chairman of the recycling group, she said she would be looking to schedule spring clean up. Access to Town Hall was being requested now for April or May time frame. She said a copy of the letter she referred to about how the recycling committee was formed would be dropped off tomorrow.
She referred to the Greatbridge proposal and said the impact on the schools would be tough. They were unable to tell if records are checked through the CORI process. She wanted to make sure this was done.
Tomorrow night at the High School a hearing for the Superintendent’s proposed budget is scheduled.
She requested that the Board, when communicating with transportation, look at the placement of bus stops. Buses should not be allowed to stop before intersections as it blocks the view of cars exiting.
Gerald Kaplan asked that the Board try to control the loud noise in his apartment.
Mr. Connors said that School Committee member Marybeth Nearen had to leave. She gave him a note stating that the School budget presentation would be tomorrow. They are looking for Selectmen presence. Mr. Fernandes said he would be attending. Mr. Burgess could not attend. Mr. Burgess said that he could not meet on the 19th with the Board regarding budgets, but that he had met with his departments, and he would have notes available. Mr. Connors and Mr. Burgess met with SEIU dept heads today.
Report of the Executive Secretary
Members have been reviewing budgets on an ongoing basis. Official budget review meetings were posted for January 19th and 20th for Selectmen departments.
The Emergency Management Team met last week. NIMS training (100 & 700) is required. Firefighter Paul Frew has been trained to do training.
Budgets have been tightened over the years. To increase efficiency, he recommended at one time that the offices of Personnel be located closer to the Selectmen. This should result in costs savings to help administer benefits. Mr. Connors said that at one time the Animal Control Officer was to be included. This would allow better use of offices. If funding is made for a Planner, the position would be located in the Planning Board office. Mr. Connors moved the recommendation of the Executive Secretary as it had been discussed before and it is time to act on it. This would be a reconfiguration of town offices involving Personnel and ACO. Seconded by Mr. Burgess. Discussion about possible layouts. Personnel and ACO would move into Selectmen’s office and Board of Selectmen
members would move to the Personnel office. Voted, 5-0.
Mr. Wells said the Police Chief made a proposal to call for a Chiefs exam. There should also be a Lt. and Sgt. Exam too. Are there any scheduled? Write to Chief for clarification.
Mr. Connors moved to adjourn. Will not reconvene. Voted, 5-0.
Meeting adjourned at 9:08 p.m.
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CLERK OF THE BOARD
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