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At the meeting of the Randolph Board of Selectmen held Monday, March 9, 2009, the following were present: Chairman Paul Connors, Vice Chairman James Burgess, William Alexopoulos, Maureen Kenney, Paul Fernandes, Town Counsel Paul DeRensis, Executive Secretary David Murphy and Recording Secretary Cheryl Sass. Meeting opened by Mr. Connors at 7:15 pm.
Mr. Burgess said the prayer and Ms. Kenney led the Pledge of Allegiance. Moment of silence for Annie Paakkinen, mother of Animal Control Officer Stephen Slavinsky.
Mr. Burgess made a motion to accept the minutes of April 24, 2008. Seconded by Ms. Kenney. Voted 5-0.
Correspondence/Requests
- Notice from Executive Office of Administration and Finance with regard to GIC Rates remaining lower than other health plans.
- Letter from Robert LeGrice, Randolph Patrolmen’s Union informing the Board of the newly elected Union Officers: Robert LeGrice, President; Michael Beal, Vice President; Marc Abramson, Secretary; Bargaining Unit, Robert LeGrice, James Hayward, Jeffery Chaplin, Richard Lucey and Kinnon Ryan.
- Letter from John & Bertha Chew, 217 Union Street, informing Board of their opposition to Transfer Station Holbrook.
- Randolph Community Partnership Job/Health Fair. Planning Session Wednesday, March 11th at 7:30 pm at Lecture Hall I. Vendors/More information call 781-961-8888.
- Copy of letter from Board of Recreation to Paul Meoni, School Committee Chairman. Re: Youth Outreach workers with the support of the Shannon Grant. Requesting that Board of Recreation have access to the entire first floor of Devine School as a center for youth/family programming. Mr. Murphy to contact Board of Recreation and School Committee for more information.
- Letter from Executive Office of Public Safety and Security re: Third Party Underground Storage Tank Inspections. Mr. Murphy to look into matter further.
- Notice from MMA with regard to reforms and revenues asking Board to support legislation. Mr. Murphy to copy and distribute to each selectman and add to agenda for meeting on April 6.
- Invitation from Father Bill’s and Mainspring to legislative breakfast on Friday, March 27th at Evelyn House, 94 Prospect Street in Stoughton from 9-11 a.m.
- Letter from Fire Chief Charles Foley notifying board of offers of employment to Marcus Andrews-Oranczak, Kristopher G. Kronillis and Joseph W. Gordon to be appointed on or about March 8.
- Letter from Commonwealth of Mass Commission on Group Insurance re: GIC Information sessions available to employees. Mr. Murphy to inform employees of dates and times.
- Letter from Massachusetts Highway Department re: Accelerated Bridge Program – Bridge Replacement for access road over Route 24.
- Letter from Massachusetts Highway Department re: Overhead and ground mounted guide signs on I-93.
Requests
- Harry Claude. Requesting appointment as a Constable. CORI is clear. Mr. Fernandes made a motion to appoint Mr. Claude as a Constable. Seconded by Mr. Alexopoulos. Voted 5-0.
- Election Worker Appointments: Anne Shaw, Marie Alward and Edward Adarkwah. Mr. Alexopoulos made a motion to appoint, Seconded by Ms. Kenney. Voted 5-0.
- Memo from Rena Baker re: damage to back wall, drain pipe and back door at senior center from a vehicle that was driven into the back of the building. Insurance Company has been notified. Mr. Murphy to contact Rena Baker re: prohibiting parking under office windows.
Government Study Group Update
Mr. Connors began by saying that a meeting was held last Thursday at the State House with House Counsel, Senate Counsel, Senator, Representatives, and Secretary of State’s Office. The bill went through the House and Senate today and was enacted. Therefore, it will be on the town ballot on April 7. Mr. Howard thanked the Committee for their hard work and introduced Roz Vineberg. Roz thanked Committee and the Board for all of their work and support. Kevin Reilly stated that he will send a letter dissolving the committee tomorrow.
Ms Kenney wanted to remind voters that there will be 2 questions on the ballot on April 7 and urged them to vote for a change of government. Mr. Fernandes informed residents that now is the time for them to form committees and get behind whichever form of government they choose to support. Mr. Alexopoulos thanked the committee, Senator Joyce and Reps Timilty, Driscoll and Ayers.
Mr. Burgess thanked the Committee for their work in crafting the document. Mr. Connors thanked Mr. DeRensis for his hard work as well.
Mr. DeRensis wanted to inform the public that voters can vote separately on each question. If neither gets a majority, the current form stays in effect. If one gets a majority, that one takes affect. If both get a majority, the form with the most votes takes effect.
Review of Taxi/Livery Fuel Surcharge
Mr. Lemieux was present to discuss the fuel surcharge. He stated that although gas prices have come down significantly, everything else has gone up (i.e., motor oil, parts, tires). He asked to keep the current rate as it is: $4 first mile $3 each mile after that, which includes the surcharge of $.50 per mile. Mr. Burgess asked, three times, if anyone was present to speak either for or against the Taxi/Livery Fuel surcharge. There was no response.
Mr. Fernandes stated that gas was $3.50/gallon when the surcharge was imposed. Today is anywhere up to $1.99. The Board agreed to the surcharge on a temporary basis.
Mr. Alexopoulos said that he felt the surcharge was warranted when the price of gas was extremely high, and he may be willing to keep a slight increase, but not the full $.50.
Mr. Burgess suggested that Mr. Lemieux contact surrounding towns to see if they have implemented a fuel surcharge and to find out if Randolph’s rates are in line with what other towns are charging.
Mr. Fernandes made a motion to continue the hearing to April 13 at 7:30. Seconded by Ms. Kenney. Voted 5-0.
Discussion – Handicap Parking Fine Increase from $100 to $250
Town Counsel advised that change could be made by a vote of the Board of Selectmen. Don Laliberte, Keith Wortzman present on behalf of the Handicap Commission. Chief Porter is in favor, but he is concerned about the number of appeals the Parking Clerk will have to handle.
Mr. Burke suggested letting Town Meeting decide on whether to increase the fine.
Mr. Connors recommended doubling the fee to $200 instead of $250. He suggested sending a letter from the Handicap Commission and the Board of Selectmen to businesses in town recommending that they properly post handicapped spots, and the amount of the fine for violation.
Mr. Burgess made a Motion to increase handicap parking fine from $100 to $250 going into effect on April 1st. Seconded by Ms. Kenney. Voted 5-0. Mr. Burgess asked Mr. Murphy to have a bulletin added to RCTV about the change in the fine.
Hearing (continued) Marie & Fuollone Polynice d/b/a Chez Colie – Request for a Common Victualler License at 232 South Main Street (f/k/a Main Street Café/The Olde Diner)
Continuation of Hearing on Fuollone and Marie Polynice. Fuollone Polynice, who stated that she is a Randolph resident, will manage the business up front while Marie Polynice does the cooking. Fuollone will be on the premises managing the business all day. She has never run a restaurant, but she did run a clothing store in Mattapan. Hours will be 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. 7 days a week. Mr. Burgess made a motion to grant the request for a Common Victualler License. Seconded by Mr. Fernandes. Voted 5-0.
Public Comments
Gerald Kaplan, Chestnut West. Cancelled surgeries. Needs a tranquil atmosphere in his apartment. Still living in hotels and with relatives. Asks the Board for their assistance.
Tom Fisher. Request to name an intersection in Randolph after Herb Lyken. Intersection of High Street, Chestnut Street and Chestnut West. Mr. Connors asked Mr. Fisher to make a written request.
Hearing – the Vault – License Violation
Board acting on request from Chief of Police dated February 23, 2009, with regard to an incident that occurred at the Vault on February 19, 2009. A Letter to the Board from Det. Lt. Arthur Sullivan dated March 4, 2009 was read into the record. Letter dated March 2, 2009 from Mr. Bonvie’s Attorney, John Aida, requesting a continuance, read into the record. Letter from Tad Bonvie to Mr. Murphy stating that the Vault Room is closing for rebranding and renovations.
Mr. Burgess stated that the purpose of the hearing is so the Board can determine whether or not Mr. Bonvie’s license will be revoked or suspended. He stated that he has no objection to a continuance is but there must be an agreement in place that the facility remains closed until the Board can render a decision from the evidence presented.
Attorney Aida said that the closing is self-imposed, and there is no intention to reopen. If a continuance is granted, both parties can agree that it will not be reopening as long as the hearing is done expeditiously.
Mr. Bonvie stated that the Vault Room is closed and it will never reopen as the Vault Room. It will be reopening as more of a restaurant, dinner, dancing location. He is making minor changes to the inside and intends to no longer rent the facility to promoters, who typically charge a cover fee at the door. He is currently interviewing chefs and will limit functions to weddings and corporate or business events.
Chief Porter has no objection to a continuance. Mr. Burgess made a motion to continue the hearing to March 30th at 7 p.m. Seconded by Mr. Alexopoulos. Voted 5-0. A Roll Call vote was taken: Mr. Fernandes - Yes, Mr. Burgess - Yes, Ms. Kenney – Yes, Mr. Connors – Yes.
Liaisons:
Mr. Burgess informed the public the Open Space and Recreation Survey is available at www.townofrandolph.com. He also asked for volunteers to work on the Streetscape Committee. Interested parties should contact Rich McCarthy by April 1st.
Mr. Burgess asked if the Youth Center on Lafayette Street could be added to a future agenda. He also asked Mr. Murphy for an update on his call to service on January 26th. Mr. Burgess also asked to have the Night Before the Fourth parade added to a meeting agenda in April.
Mr. Fernandes asked to have the Track Team, Drama Club, and SEMSBA, - added to the agenda for meeting March 23rd. Signs at Murray’s Furs, Lombardo’s, Holiday Inn, O’Donnell’s and Message Boards on 139 congratulating youth teams and clubs.
Selectmen’s Office Report:
Verizon responded to Board’s request to state to open the Cable Franchise License Process. Asking to meet with Chair of Cable Advisory Committee (Mr. Stone). TO report back to the Board end of April. Motion to open the Cable Franchise License Process made by Mr. Burgess, seconded by Mr. Alexopoulos. Voted 5-0.
Request on behalf of Rich McCarthy to apply for a land grant. Motion to allow request made by Mr. Burgess, seconded by Mr. Alexopoulos. Voted 5-0. Mr. Connors asked about the possibility of acquiring or having the town lease for $1.00 the Nike site for wind turbines or cell phone towers, or something to generate power.
Request of Mr. Murphy and Mr. McCarthy re: PWED 2. Second application handling Main Street from West Street to Warren Street. Mr. Burgess made a motion to submit request. Seconded by Mr. Alexopoulos. Voted 5-0.
Mr. Murphy informed the Board that Energy Committee for Energy Performance Contract spent the day interviewing three finalists.
Mr. Burgess made a motion to enter into executive session. The Board will not reconvene. Seconded by Mr. Fernandes. Voted 5-0. A Roll Call Vote was taken: Ms. Kenney – yes, Mr. Burgess – yes, Mr. Fernandes – yes, Mr. Alexopoulos – yes, Mr. Connors – yes.
Clerk of the Board
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