10 – 5 - 09
At the meeting of the Randolph Board of Selectmen held Monday, October 5, 2009, the following were Present: Chairman Paul Connors, Vice Chairman James Burgess, William Alexopoulos, Maureen Kenney, Paul Fernandes, 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.
Introduction of Newly Elected School Committee Members
Mr. Connors introduced Councillor-Elect Andrew Azer, as he was unable to attend the last meeting.
Mr. Connors introduced the newly elected members of the School Committee: Marybeth Nearen, Keith Wortzman, Ida Gordon and Emannuel Mecha.
Sharon Swain and Larry Azer were unable to attend.
Mr. Connors stated that the seventh member of the School Committee will be a Town Councillor.
Mr. Burgess mentioned that the Superintendent position will need to be filled, and he suggested that the Town Council and the School Committee work together and jointly meet to select the new Superintendent. Marybeth Nearen is going to get some times and dates from the Board of Selectmen for their next joint meeting. The School Committee is now searching for a consultant and they are willing to work with the Town Council in selecting a new Superintendent.
Public Hearing–continued–Sprint Telecommunications Equipment at 106 Mazzeo Dr
James Hoyt and Meredith Gardner present on behalf of Sprint. Dish antennae will be located below the current antennae, so they will not need a variance to go over 190 feet. A discussion about how many carriers there currently are on the pole took place. Mr. Hoyt stated that the restriction is actually to the number of carriers, not the number of antennae and that the pole capacity is not being exceeded here. He believes that the modification of the Sprint Antennae is still in the spirit of the bylaw. Mr. Fernandes does not believe their modification should be jeopardized, as the issue is an internal one. Mr. Alexopoulos stated that the issue should be cleared up internally, but he has no problem with what Sprint is doing.
Member Paul J. Connors voting not to approve the special permit.
Member James F. Burgess, Jr. voting to approve the special permit without conditions.
Member William Alexopoulos voted to approve the special permit without conditions.
Member Maureen C. Kenney voting to approve the special permit without conditions.
Member Paul K. Fernandes voting to approve the special permit without conditions.
The special permit granting authority approves the special permit based on the following findings and reasons:
That the use is in harmony with the intent and purpose of the zoning by-law, and that the use does meet the other provisions of the zoning by-law.
With each member voting on each question, as follows:
Member Paul J. Connors voting to find the use is not in harmony with the intent and purpose of the zoning bylaw.
Member James F. Burgess, Jr. voting to find the use is in harmony with the intent and purpose of the zoning bylaw.
Member William Alexopoulos voting to find the use is in harmony with the intent and purpose of the zoning bylaw.
Member Maureen C. Kenney voting to find the use is in harmony with the intent and purpose of the zoning bylaw.
Member Paul K. Fernandes voting to find the use is in harmony with the intent and purpose of the zoning bylaw.
Member Paul J. Connors voting to find that the proposed use does not meet additional requirements of zoning for issuance of a special permit because it will not serve the public good.
Member James F. Burgess, Jr. voting to find that the proposed use does meet additional requirements of zoning for issuance of a special permit because it will serve the public good.
Member William Alexopoulos voting to find that the proposed use does meet additional requirements of zoning for issuance of a special permit because it will serve the public good.
Member Maureen C. Kenney voting to find that the proposed use does meet additional requirements of zoning for issuance of a special permit because it will serve the public good.
Member Paul K. Fernandes voting to find that the proposed use does meet additional requirements of zoning for issuance of a special permit because it will serve the public good.
Public Hearing-Entertainment License-The Escape, 94 North Main Street
Mr. Connors read the legal notice. Robert Chapman, David Chapman and David Zecchini were present on behalf of Computer Escape. Mr. Chapman thanked the Board. He amended the application to request an entertainment license as opposed to a gaming permit. Looking to have an internet café, computer games and console gaming. Mr. Fernandes asked if there would be any live entertainment. Mr. Chapman stated that it would be only computer and console gaming, no live entertainment.
Ms. Gangel asked if they are prepared to deal with the restrictions and whether they intend to have a restriction on the length of time that someone is at a console or computer. She asked if there would be a time limit.
Mr. Chapman stated that his staff will be vigilant in making sure there is no loitering. They will monitor the amount of time that someone will be there. Customers will be paying for a certain amount of time.
Kit Hoffmann asked where the internet café will be located. Mr. Chapman stated that it will be located on the opposite side of the street in the Subway Plaza.
Mr. Chapman showed the Board his proposed floor plan. Internet Stations will have privacy walls, and they will block out certain materials and will have a shut off feature at the front desk. They will have plenty of security in place. They will offer pre-packaged snacks and drinks.
Hours will be 10-10 seven days a week. The number of stations will depend on how many people will be allowed in the establishment. Roughly 9 or 10 internet stations and 4 or 5 gaming stations. The request is for a Sunday entertainment license and a weekday entertainment license.
Letters from Police, Fire, Building Department, no violations. Mr. Connors asked to see the list of abutters, and stated that Mr. Zervos is missing from the list of the abutters. Mr. Burgess asked that a note be made that the abutters list was generated from the Assessor’s Office. Mr. Connors suggested that Mr. Chapman notify Mr. Zervos personally as he was left off the list.
Mr. Burgess made Motion to grant a weekday entertainment license to The Escape at 94 North Main Street, 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday through Saturday for the purpose of an internet lounge and video games, and a Sunday Entertainment License from 12:30 – 10:00 p.m. for the same purposes. Seconded by Mr. Alexopoulos. It was noted that there is an application pending with the Board of Health for prepackaged foods. Voted 5-0.
Randolph Biz Team – Survey Results
Mr. McCarthy present on behalf of Biz Team. The Biz Team conducted a survey. The response was about 5%. There were approximately 520 businesses collected by business certificates filed with the Town Clerk. The majority of the respondents were small businesses with few employees, and they depend on the local area to support their business. They listed issues as a lack of disposable income, the local economy, and wanted to see permitting more streamlined.
Moving forward, Mr. McCarthy will prioritize the changes that should be implemented by the new Town Council, Town Manager, and various departments and Boards.
Public Comments
Mr. Kaplan informed the Board that his problems remain the same. He is still being followed to and from his appointments, and the noise in the apartment continues. He is scheduled for three surgeries. There has been no progress whatsoever, and he barely leaves the house. He thanked the Board for listening.
Kit Hoffmann present on behalf of Randolph Community Partnership, informing public of RCP’s International Dinner on Thursday, October 29, 2009 from 6:00 – 9:00 p.m. at the Hearth Stone Exchange. Tickets are $25 for adults and $10 for children.
Judy Gangel present to inform the public of the Holiday Shoparama, which include party supplies, holiday decorations, wedding decorations, baby shower decorations, , all sold at 50-75% off of retail prices.
Keith Wortzman, Member of Disabilities Commission. On occasion, he receives mail addressed to the Handicap Commission; however the name of the Commission is the Disabilities Commission. Handicap parking signs need to be put back up in the police station parking lot
Correspondence
- Correspondence from Norfolk Superior Court with Decision of D&R General Contracting Inc., v. Town of Randolph. D&R’s application for preliminary injunction was denied.
- Letter from Michael Capone to the Board of Selectmen, the ABCC, and Mr. Jack Gateman, resigning from his position as the General Manager of the Randolph Country Club. Mr. Murphy to send letter to Mr. Gateman notifying him that he must notify the office before November.
- Letter from Rena Baker re: Fuel Partnership Program drawing on 10/6 and 2nd annual Senior Day on 10/5.
Email from the MWRA Advisory Board with a request to consider a resolution to the bottle bill, to include a 5 cent deposit on bottled water containers. Mr. Connors asked that a copy of the legislation be obtained and that it be added to the next meeting’s agenda for a vote after it is reviewed. .
- Fire Department Open House from 1:00 to 3:00 on Saturday October 10th for children in grades 1-5.
Requests
- Letter from Showcase Cinema requesting a midnight showing of Saw 6 on Thursday, October 22. Motion to approve request made by Mr. Burgess, seconded by Mr. Alexopoulos. Voted 4-1 (Ms. Kenney.)
- Letter from Showcase Cinema requesting a midnight showing of Couples Retreat on Thursday October 8. Motion to approve request made by Mr. Burgess, seconded by Mr. Fernandes. Voted 4-1 (Ms. Kenney).
- Letter from Showcase requesting a midnight showing of Michael Jackson This Is It on Tuesday October 27. Motion to approve request made by Mr. Burgess, seconded by Mr. Fernandes. Voted 4-1 (Ms. Kenney).
- Letter from Showcase requesting a midnight showing of Twilight: New Moon on Thursday November 19. Motion to approve request made by Mr. Alexopoulos, seconded by Mr. Fernandes. Voted 4-1 (Ms. Kenney).
- Letter from Showcase requesting a midnight showing of 2012 on Thursday November 12. Motion to approve request made by Mr. Alexopoulos, seconded by Mr. Fernandes. Voted 4-1 (Ms. Kenney)
- Letter from Showcase requesting a midnight showing of Where the Wild Things Are on Thursday October 15. Motion to approve request made by Mr. Alexopoulos, seconded by Mr. Fernandes. Voted 4-1 (Kenney)
- Pollworker Requests: Motion to appoint Natalie Schwartz and Patricia Jackson as pollworkers made by Mr. Alexopoulos, seconded by Mr. Burgess. Voted 5-0.
Liaisons
Mr. Burgess outlined the PWED Schedule and informed the Board that the Streetscape Committee would be presenting its preliminary recommendations to the Board of Selectmen on October 19th.
Selectmen’s Office Report:
Mr. Murphy recommended that the Board issue a memo to departments for a spending freeze with all items over $500.00 to be approved by the Board of Selectmen. Mr. Burgess made a motion to approve spending freeze and approval of items over $500 by the Board of Selectmen, seconded by Ms. Kenney. Voted 5-0.
Mr. Murphy informed the Board that he has attended a meeting with Veteran’s Services in Boston, and he is awaiting final approval of a shared Veteran’s Agent.
Residents were asked to call the Selectmen’s office to inform them of any street lights that are out.
Mr. Connors highlighted some upcoming dates for the Board of Selectmen: Saturday, 10/10 for fire prevention officer; 10/14 fact finder; Hazardous Waste Day is 10/17. Town Meeting is scheduled for October 26th. He requested that a Save the Date Notice for final Town Meeting on November 23rd be sent to all Town Meeting Members and to the State Representatives and Senators. He also asked that a notice be included to Town Meeting Members requesting the donation of a non-perishable food item.
Mr. Connors said that in the Town Meeting Warrant there is an article for clarification to page 43 of the Charter. In the Charter, the appointment of Town Manager must be made by November 4th, however the Councillors are not sworn in until January 4th, creating a 60 day gap. Mr. Connors read the corrective language proposed in the Warrant. Also in the Warrant are collective bargaining contracts for the Fire, DPW, Patrolmen and Superior Officers. Mr. Burgess made a motion to approve the warrant as submitted. Seconded by Mr. Connors. Voted 5-0.
Senator Joyce and the State Reps have informed the Board that it may be possible for the Board of Selectmen to ask the Governor to expedite the process. Mr. Connors made a motion for the Board of Selectmen to request assistance from the Governor to petition his intervention to expedite the process and allow the legislative action to take place in lieu of going before the House and Senate. Seconded by Ms. Kenney. Mr. Fernandes stated that the position itself will not be filled until January 4th. Voted 5-0.
Mr. Fernandes – update on TJ Mullaney Drive street lights. Mr. Connors stated that lights on poles 1, 3, and 5 are necessary. Mr. Murphy is pursuing a resolution.
Mr. Fernandes asked when the Board will be taking a position on the Holbrook Transfer Station. Mr. Murphy will add to the November 16th agenda.
Mr. Alexopoulos: New light at St. Bernadette’s by the December 8th primary.
Mr. Connors asked that the following be added to the list of people to invite to the Final Town Meeting: Sen. Paul W. White, Rep Galvin, Rep. Manning and Congressman Lynch.
At 9:20 Mr. Fernandes made a motion to adjourn, seconded by Mr. Alexopoulos. Voted 5-0.
Clerk of the Board
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