December 10, 2007
Present was Jonathan P. Smith, James C. Lehan, Ramesh H. Advani, and Jack Hathaway, Town Administrator.
Jonathan opened the meeting at 7:30 p.m. Jack read the agenda contents.
CLASS III PUBLIC HEARING – NORFOLK AUTO, INC.
The public hearing was called to order at 7:33 p.m. Mr. Kevin Roche was present. Jonathan read the contents of the current license. There were no questions or comments.
James Lehan moved to approve the Class III license as read for the year 2008. Ramesh Advani seconded, and it was so voted.
TOWN ADMINISTRATOR REPORT
Action Items
Jack asked the Board to approve licenses as listed below:
COMMON VICTUALLER
Eagle Brook Saloon, 258 Dedham Street, Charles Horne, Manager
Guido’s Restaurant, Inc., 218 Dedham Street, Joseph J. Guarino, Manager
Horse ‘N Carriage Restaurant, 210 Dedham Street, Kevin M. O’ Boy, Manager
Norfolk Town Pizza, 158 Main Street, Nicholas K. Alisandratos, Manager
Bourque’s Restaurant, 194 Main Street, Karen Bourque, Manager
Dunkin’ Donuts, 134 Main Street, Frank Barounis, Manager
Fore Kicks, 10 Pine Street, Tom Teager, Manager
Center Ice, Inc., One Dean Street, Joseph Hamilburg, Manager
Ramesh Advani moved to approve the Common Victualler licenses as read for calendar year 2008, James Lehan seconded, and it was so voted.
ENTERTAINMENT LICENSES
Eagle Brook Saloon, 258 Dedham Street, Charles Horne – Manager
Entertainment – Live Music (secular days and Sundays), 1-5 instruments 8 p.m.-1 a.m.
Fore Kicks, 10 Pine Street, Tom Teager, Manager
Entertainment – (11) eleven coin operated “arcade” machines
(secular days and Sundays), hours: winter 4 p.m.- 9 p.m. Mon.– Fri., summer 9 a.m. -10 p.m. Mon.-Fri., 8 a.m. -10 p.m. Sat., Sun.
Norfolk Rink Management Co., Inc., One Dean Street, Joseph Hamilburg, Manager
Entertainment – (6) six coin operated “arcade” machines
(secular days and Sundays), normal business hours: Mon - Sun. 7 a.m. midnight
James Lehan moved to approve the Entertainment licenses as read for calendar year 2008. Ramesh Advani seconded, and it was so voted.
CLASS I
Cliff’s Cycles, 84 Rockwood Road, Frank Hallion and Ronald St. Pere.
James Lehan moved to approve the Class I license as read. Ramesh Advani seconded, and it was so voted.
CLASS II * (B) Bond required by state law
Auto Clinic, 104 Pond Street, Joseph Wolf
Norfolk Auto Brokers, 84 Rockwood Road, Denise Anderson
Norfolk Auto, Inc.,38 Main Street, Paul E. Roche
Mitch’s Repair Service, 269 Dedham Street, Richard Mitchell
James Lehan moved to approve the Class II licenses as read for calendar year 2008. Ramesh Advani seconded, and it was so voted
TAXI LICENSE
Foxfield Taxi, Paula Savill (2 taxis)
Ramesh Advani moved to approve the Taxi licenses as read for calendar year 2008. James Lehan seconded and it was so voted.
HOUR EXTENSION – NEW YEAR’S EVE
Jack requested that the Board of Selectmen vote to extend the hours for the following establishments: Guido’s Restaurant, Eagle Brook Saloon, and Horse ‘N Carriage Restaurant for New Year’s Eve until 2:00 a.m. All patrons must be off the premises by 3:00 p.m. Ramesh Advani moved to approve the request. James Lehan seconded, and it was so voted.
PUBLIC HEARING - TAX CLASSIFICATION
The hearing was opened at 7:40 p.m. Jack told the Board that the calculations have been completed, and are waiting for state approval. He recommended that the hearing be continued to the next Selectmen’s Meeting which is scheduled for Monday, December 17, 2007. The hearing will recommence at 7:40 p.m.
James Lehan moved to continue the hearing until the following week. Ramesh Advani seconded and it was so voted.
BI-WEEKLY CALENDAR
The Bi-Weekly calendar was reviewed by Jack.
OLD BUSINESS
Jack discussed his recent conversation with Town Administrator Michael Boynton from the Town of Walpole. This conversation was in reference to the Everett St/Summer Street truck exclusion possibilities. Mr. Boynton felt that the Walpole Selectmen were not interested in pursuing this topic at the present time.
Jack discussed his conversation with Bill Fleming from Caritas Norwood. Mr. Fleming stated that the Southwood property will be put up for auction in late spring/early summer at the latest. The most recent deal they had concerning this parcel fell through.
Jack discussed his attendance at a recent procurement seminar that he attended in Boston. He stated that he received valuable information during the 3 day seminar that can be utilized in Norfolk in the future. He will also share his knowledge with town boards and committees.
Ramesh Advani asked Jack if there was any update on Call and Wait. Jack said he had heard nothing. We are waiting for the hearing set for January.
Jack discussed the possibility of having Town Counsel George Hall in to the Selectmen’s meeting to review and update them on on-going cases. Jim Lehan asked if George could review his “work flow.” They would like to have him meet with them during their January 28, 2008 meeting.
MEDWAY BRANCH SIGNS
Present were Jennifer Woodard, 11 Medway Branch, and Bill Smith, 3 Medway Branch who were the spokespersons for the Medway Branch residents. Ms. Woodard felt the sign should be in front of the building and not at the end of the street, and such a large sign detracts from the neighborhood. Mr. Smith noted that other towns don’t have signs at the end of the street, they only mark the respective building.
Butch Vito, DPW Director explained the history of directional signs in town. He explained that vendors, and out of towners rely on these signs to locate their destination. When they were originally placed in their respective destinations they were appropriate. Jack Hathaway said both the Fire Chief and the Police Chief have no strong opinions as to whether the present sign stays or should be replaced by a smaller sign, or none at all.
Richard Morris, COA Chairman spoke. He gave instances where other towns do have signs at the end of their respective streets. He feels that the signs are beneficial where they are.
Ramesh Advani felt the signs are beneficial, but possibly we could go to a smaller, more agreeable size.
James Lehan agreed with Ramesh. He felt possibly a smaller sign that was more esthetically pleasing to the neighborhood would be beneficial.
Jonathan Smith stated that there should be some type of sign there. The facilities located on Medway Branch were there before the houses were built.
James Lehan stated that they should look for a compromise between the residents and the Town.
John Wayne, Medway Branch voiced his opinions on the signs, and asked for a formal Medway Branch update meeting with the Board of Selectmen. The Board agreed to the meeting.
Jonathan Smith asked Jack to follow up with costs for a new sign, and bring them to the Board.
OLD BUSINESS
Ramesh Advani wants an update on GATRA. He would like to have Frank Gay in to discuss the program and how it is going. Jonathan Smith would like to have imput on who has been using the service and how they like it.
Ramesh Advani asked for an update on the Buckley Mann property. Jack Hathaway said that four of the buildings have been demolished, and the remaining buildings have been secured. They will file a notice of intent, and work through the Conservation Commission to demolish the rest. It will be set for next spring.
PUBLIC HEARING - EARTH REMOVAL
ELITE FOOD COMPANY
Jonathan Smith opened the hearing at 8:30 p.m. Present for Elite Food Company were Charlie Sheppard, Sam Amato, and presenting for the company, Jack Goodhall from CDW Consultants. Also present was Paul Keating, owner of Elite Food Company.
The discussion began with a review of the boundaries and the scope of the earth removal. The project was discussed with specifics by Mr. Goodhall. He also presented detailed plans.
Jonathan Smith reviewed the recommendations that were provided by the Earth Removal Committee in their report. Mr. Goodhall expressed concerns over posting the $5,000 bond. Jack Hathaway asked if the performance bond could be waived. James Lehan felt as long as we don’t compromise the Town Bylaws, he was okay with waiving the bond. Jack Hathaway reviewed the Bylaws, and interpreted them. He felt that it was at the Board’s discretion to waive the fee or not. Ramesh Advani questioned whether we should set a precedent by waiving this fee.
Mr. Goodhall said that the work would begin in the spring when the ground is thawed, and would continue for at least 6 months.
Jonathan Smith asked the Board if they should look at each case individually, and assess on their own merit. Paul Keating asked the Board why they require a bond when other towns do not.
James Lehan recommended that the Board set the bond at $1,000, and not waive the fee. Mr. Keating asked that the permit be extended to 18 months.
Jim Lehan moved to set the bond at $1,000 and the permit to be set for January 1, 2008 through June 30, 2009. Ramesh Advani seconded the motion. Jonathan Smith asked that we incorporate the plan, and provide as an amendment and it was so voted.
NEW BUSINESS
Jack told the Board that he had spoken to Mr. Michael Boynton, Town Administrator for the Town of CityWalpole concerning a proposed Power Plant in CityplaceWalpole. Mr. Boynton assured him that it is a united effort, from the residents and the town, and that they will fight it.
Jack notified the Board that we had applied for an MAPC grant, and have received some money from them.
Jack brought up the place Public Safety Building. He said there will be a packet forthcoming to the Board. There are several issues with the septic lines. He will present a 5 year plan contingent upon continued residence in the present building, and if they are to remain in the building, there must be some improvements. James Lehan recommended that a possible new septic system is a priority. They must also resolve some issues with space.
Jack mentioned that Cable negotiations continue, and there will be another meeting next week.
Fire negotiations will also begin next week.
Jack noted that two committees are in need of members. Capital Outlay Committee, and Affordable Housing Committee. They Board requested that they review the appointments, and possible candidates at the next meeting. Jonathan Smith mentioned that Martin Murphy had just resigned from the Zoning Board of Appeals. The Board will need to appoint another person to fill his term.
Jim Lehan spoke to the Board concerning the Medical Reserve Corp. He discussed its mission, purpose and general committee make-up. They will be holding an Open House at the Library on January 26th from 1- 4 p.m. to help recruit members and inform the general public as to their role in the community. Jim also mentioned that he will be doing a cable show with Fire Chief Coleman Bushnell concerning the MRC on NCTV.
Jim Lehan also asked that Jonathan Smith trade liaisons with him. Due to scheduling conflicts, he is unable to make school committee meetings. He asked that Jonathan trade. He would take the school liaison position, and Jim would take the public safety liaison position. Jonathan agreed to the switch.
At 9:36 p.m, being no further business, Jonathan Smith moved to adjourn the meeting. James Lehan seconded the motion, and it was so voted.
This is a true and accurate report of the Selectmen’s Meeting of December 10, 2007.
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Ramesh H. Advani, Clerk
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