8 – 24 - 09
At the meeting of the Randolph Board of Selectmen held Monday, August 24, 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 Mr. Fernandes led the Pledge of Allegiance.
Mr. Burgess made a motion to accept the minutes of April 27, May 18, June 15, July 13, 2009. Seconded by Mr. Alexopoulos. Voted 5-0.
Recognition of Nine Year Old District Three Cal Ripken Youth Baseball Champions
Mr. Connors invited the team to sit at the front of the meeting room. The coaches, players and parents of the players were introduced. The team presented the Board with a championship plaque to be displayed at Town Hall.
Recognition of Elks – National Lodge of Elks Award Recipient for Sept. 11th Memorial
Postponed to September 21st meeting. Remembrance Day September 12 for September 11th memorial.
Special Permit Hearing – Sprint/Nextel Telecommunications @ 10 York Avenue
Mr. Connors read the legal notice. Request to continue was received. All abutters will be notified of new date and a new notice will be published (General Notice). Motion to postpone hearing made by Mr. Burgess, seconded by Mr. Alexopoulos. Voted 5-0.
Special Permit Hearing – Sprint/Nextel Telecommunications @ 106 Mazzeo Drive
Mr. Connors read the legal notice. Mr. Burgess made a motion to postpone the hearing made by Mr. Burgess. Seconded by Mr. Alexopoulos. Voted 5-0.
Correspondence
- Letter from DOVE advertising fundraiser for October 2, 2009 at Granite Links in Quincy.
- Letter from Merrigan & Merrigan re: Holbrook Transfer Station public Zoning Board of Appeals meeting scheduled for Wednesday, September 2, 2009 at 7:00 p.m. at the Holbrook Town Hall.
- Email inviting the Board and the Executive Secretary to a ribbon cutting ceremony at Elite Envelope. September 30, 2009 at 12:30.
- Email from Brian Wheaton – request for left green arrow light going left onto Russ Street from Main Street. Referred to Safety Officer.
- CPC letter re: Daly purchase. New plan is scheduled to go before the Planning Board next Monday. Once voted by the Planning Board, Deed will be prepared by Mr. McCarthy.
- Invitation from Norfolk County Commissioners Annual Volunteer Recognition Luncheon on September 17 at The Lantana.
- Email from Daniel Jordan requesting a link to map of four districts on website.
- Email from Ingrid Seri – requesting a way to pay taxes bills and other town fees online with credit cards.
- Letter from Randolph Firefighters Local 1268 requesting dates for discussions re: Article XXV – Fire Prevention Assignment.
- Rockland Trust first Time homebuyer Work Shop being held September 8 and 10th from 5:00 – 9:00 p.m. at 236 Washington Street, Hanover. .
- Letter from Rena Baker, Elder Services – 2 Grants received from South Shore Elder Services: Bi-Lingual Friendly Visitor Grant $7,200 and Medical Access Program $3,400.
- Letter from Tetra-Tech Rizzo re: Irrigation Well Test Results – North Street. Mr. Murphy to contact.
- Letter from US Dept. of Commerce re: 2010 Census New Construction Program. Mr. Murphy to forward to Census Committee.
- Request for Building Inspector to look at 3 Stevens Terrace re: Unregistered vehicles.
- Email re: unlicensed pit bull on Corcoran Street.
- Letter from Jeffrey Simon, Director – Office of Infrastructure Investment. Mr. Murphy to follow up.
- Letter from Randolph Firefighters Local 1268 informing Board that Cpt. James Hurley is still working as Fire Prevention Officer, in direct violation of settlement. Mr. Connors suggested that Mr. Murphy follow up with the Chief. Mr. Murphy stated that he has followed up with the Chief twice, once the day he returned from vacation, and more recently, today. . He expects Cpt. Hurley to be out of Fire Prevention sometime in the next week to 10 days. Chief Foley’s solution was to make promotions first, and then fill the vacancy. Mr. Connors made a motion to request that Chief Foley respond to the Board of Selectmen in writing, with a copy to the Union representatives by 4:30 on Wednesday, August 26, 2009. Voted 5-0.
- Phone message from Canton Street resident. People driving the wrong way to North Main. Referred to Safety officer and send to Planning Director.
REQUESTS
- Request of Stephen McCarthy of Holbrook requesting appointment as a Special Police Officer in the Town of Randolph. Mr. Murphy to review for recommendation.
- Letter from Town of Canton Fire Dept. re: Shared Ambulance. Adding Stoughton to shared ambulance. Letter of Support from Chief Foley.
- Memo from Police Chief Paul Porter requesting the hiring of Traffic Supervisors: Motion made by Mr. Fernandes to appoint Jennifer Lynn Cole (Full Time), Shamika Lynnette McAllister (Full Time) and Lucille Pitts (Spare/On Call), seconded by Mr. Alexopoulos. Voted 5-0.
- One-Day liquor license request from St. Mary’s Church on October 3, 2009 and November 14, 2009. Mr. Burgess made a motion to grant the one-day license, seconded by Ms. Kenney. Voted 5-0.
- Poll worker appointment: Motion to appoint Marie Alward as a pollworker made by Mr. Alexopoulos, seconded by Mr. Fernandes. Voted 5-0.
- Request from St. Bernadette’s Church for one day liquor license on September 12, 2009. Motion to grant one-day license made by Ms. Kenney, Seconded by Mr. Fernandes. Voted 5-0.
- Reappointment of Constable Minkofsky. Motion to reappoint Stephen B. Minkofsky as constable, subject to CORI made by Mr. Burgess, seconded by Ms. Kenney. Voted 5-0.
- Unsigned letter from resident re: article in Herald. Mr. Burgess invited the writer of the letter to call the Selectmen’s Office for more information, as unsigned letters cannot be read.
Public Comments
Harriett Hoffman, Bridle Path Circle spoke with regard to the condition the roads in her area. Someone needs to aggressively find the funds for the repairs to the road. Mr. Connors agrees that the section of town is the worst area as far as roads are concerned. Mr. Murphy stated that he hopes to bring a comprehensive plan to repair the roads to the Board and the DPW Board so that the money the Town has for road repairs is used properly and most effectively. Ms. Kenney believes that some of these issues will be fixed when the new form of government takes effect. Mr. Burgess stated that the DPW has a pavement management plan and he would like to know where Highland Glen falls into the plan.
Judy Gangel asked that people come out to vote, since this is the last meeting before the election.
Tom Dugan. Randolph Youth Activity Center. This is a group of volunteers, not a “town” committee. Fundraisers are being held, and the group is looking for a location for the Youth Center. Ms. Kenney asked where the money will be coming from and how it will be sustained. Mr. Dugan stated that this is what the group is looking into. The group is working toward the final goal of opening a Youth Center.
Request for Class Two License – 90 Pleasant Street – Max’s Auto
Mr. Burgess read the legal notice. Kevin Reilly appeared on behalf of the applicant. Former space of Priceless Auto, which is no longer operating at 90 Pleasant Street. Most sales will be internet sales. Requesting the same number of cars on the license as Priceless which is 8. Hours will be 10-6 daily, 2:00 on Saturday, Sundays by appointment.
Mr. Connors asked, three times, if anyone was present to speak in favor of or in opposition to the applicant. There was no response.
Mr. Burgess read a letter from Pamela White, the owner of the property at 100 Pleasant Street. She is in opposition of the issuance of the license, since over the years there have been many non-operational vehicles and junk in the back of the property abutting her land. She asked how many vehicles can be stored on the property and for how long. She also included photos from September, 2008, and asked that they be compared to the status of the property today.
Mr. Connors read letters from Police Chief Paul Porter and the Building Inspector. There were no objections.
Mr. Fernandes asked if Priceless Auto is still in operation at that location. Mr. Reilly stated that Max’s will be operating out of the former Priceless Auto suite. Mr. Fernandes suggested that since there is a church at the premises, Sundays should be excluded from any license that is granted.
Ms. Kenney asked where the supply of automobiles come from? Mr. Reilly stated that his client purchases the vehicles at auctions. He and his associates have been doing this over the last 10 years.
Mr. Burgess asked where the 8 cars will be parked. Mr. Burgess counted 30 unregistered vehicles when he was there on this past Sunday. There were also 2 wave runners, a trailer, a mini-van school bus, and the Christian Academy had a group of kids using the parking lot as a play area. He is concerned that there may not be enough parking. Mr. Burgess asked if there is an agreement between the tenant and the property owner as to how many spaces Max’s will get. Mr. Reilly said that that Max’s will have the ability to use both the front and back of the property, but the lease does not specify a number of parking spaces. Cars will be cleaned up outside. Mr. Alexopoulos asked where the cars will be serviced after they are sold. Cars will not be serviced on the premises – they will use local garages.
Mr. Burgess asked how many of the businesses listed on the sign actually still exist today. Mr. Reilly is only representing Max’s, not the Landlord. Mr. Burgess counted 5 parking spaces, but the request is for 8 spaces. Mr. Reilly said the applicant is only looking for the ability to buy and sell through auction. He will not be looking to display eight cars. Mr. Burgess said that the number of vehicles listed on the license is equal to the number of vehicles that can be displayed at any one time.
Mr. Connors said that a Tear Sheet and CORI are still required. He would also like an assurance that an office will be there. The Landlord has to be aware of the fact that two parking spaces must be provided and marked “Max’s Auto” He believes license should be for 2 cars, and requested a copy of the Lease showing a firm identification of the two spaces in the front for purposes of the display of vehicles.
Mr. Connors made a motion to issue the license for 2 vehicles, hours 10-6 Monday through Saturday. Issuance of the license is contingent upon a copy of the Lease being provided to the Board spelling out 2 reserved parking spaces, CORI, Tear Sheet, and a contact Telephone number. Seconded by Mr. Alexopoulos. Voted 4-1 (Kenney).
Presentation of Streetscape Contract for Crawford Square Renovations
Richard McCarthy informed the Board about the grant received for the Crawford Square renovations. The Contract is for plans from start to finish for the project. The plans are to be presented over the next month. The Streetscape committee is narrowing down types of benches, sidewalk treatments, etc, to gather prices, and then brought back to the selectmen. The street will not be narrowed. Phase I PWED has a February 2010 completion date. Motion made by Mr. Burgess to sign contract with the Cecil Group. Seconded by Mr. Alexopoulos. Voted 5-0.
Discussion of new FEMA Flood Plain Maps
Richard McCarthy – public service announcement that the rate maps are available for public inspection along with the FEMA study. Notice in the Moneysaver. Mr. Fernandes asked what impact the changes will have. Mr. McCarthy stated that some homeowners may now be required to have flood insurance, and others may be able to drop the insurance.
Acceptance of Rent Property Deed – North Main Street
Mr. McCarthy informed the Board that an encroachment issue reduced the purchase price of the Rent Property at 592 North Main Street. He is before the Board to finalize the process of purchasing the property. Mr. Burgess made a motion for the Town to enter into an agreement to purchase the property at 592 North Main Street, seconded by Mr. Alexopoulos. Voted 5-0. Mr. McCarthy also informed the board that the Landscape design being done with a cooperative through the UMASS Architectural school.
Randolph Stimulus Program Presentation
Mr. Murphy presented the Randolph Economic Stimulus Program – which is to suspend building, gas, and wiring permitting fees, up to $1,000.00/per property owner – residential only, from September 1, 2009 – December 31, 2009. All work is to be completed by June, 2010. This will give the residents an opportunity to save money while fixing up their property, improve the value of housing stock and put local contractors to work.
Mr. Fernandes made a motion to adopt the Randolph Economic Stimulus program by waiving permitting fees for renovation projects on residential properties for a period from September 1, 2009 – December 31, 2009. The maximum amount any property owner may receive is $1,000.00 in waived permit fees during the time period of this program. All permit fees above the $1,000.00 waiver shall be the responsibility of the homeowner. Permit renewals will not be eligible to maintain this benefit. Construction must commence prior to June 1, 2010 to be eligible to maintain the benefit of the Randolph Economic Stimulus Program. This program will apply to new building permits, gas/plumbing permits and wiring permits issued by the Town of Randolph for residentially-zoned properties from September
1, 2009, through December 31, 2009. This program does not apply to new permit applications for single-family, two family, or multi-family residential construction. Seconded by Ms. Kenney. Voted 4-1 (Connors).
Proposal for Veterans Service Officer District – Randolph/Milton
Randolph/Milton. Mr. Murphy has met with the Town Manager in Milton about the possibility of creating a district for a Veterans Service Officer. The Milton Board of Selectmen voted to approve the district. Town of Milton has made a commitment of $15,000 salary for the remainder of the year, which is a savings of approximately $20,000 for this fiscal year. Milton has only 5 active cases. Mr. Campbell currently has 22 cases, for a total of 27, which is well below the average that the state says can be maintained by a full time veteran’s officer. If approved, we will operate as a district sometime in the Fall, possibly October.
Motion made by Mr. Connors the Town of Randolph, pursuant to MGL c. 115, Section 10 and subject to State approval, form a veterans service district with the Town of Milton for the purpose of furnishing such information, advice and assistance to veterans and their dependents as may be necessary to enable them to procure the benefits to which they are entitled relative to employment, vocational or other educational opportunities, hospitalization, medical care, pension and other veterans benefits, and for the purpose of the appointment of a director of veterans services for said district, for the enforcement therein of the purposes set forth above, and of such other provisions of law as it be the director’s duty to enforce. Seconded by Mr. Alexopoulos. Voted 5-0.
Selectmen’s Office Report:
Veterans and Working Families Homeowner Assistance Program. Applications available on September 1st. Information available online, at the Town Clerk’s Office and Town Planner’s Office. Money used is from Community Preservation Act Funds.
Discussion re: Deeds to Hollywell and North Street gift properties to the Town of Randolph. Motion to begin process made by Ms. Kenney, seconded by Mr. Connors. Voted 5-0.
Energy Efficiency – Mr. Murphy to present scope at next meeting to allow forward movement.
Mr. Murphy presented the Board with a copy of the contract for Town Counsel Bob Sullivan. The Board postponed approval of the contract to Monday, August 31, 2009, so they would have time to review the document.
Mr. Murphy informed the board about a settlement agreement that was reached between Attorney Hanley, the Officer and Mr. Murphy. Chief Porter dropped his original recommendation and agreed to the terms of a suspension and Officer Francis waived his right to a hearing. Chief Porter recommended that Officer Francis serve 2 concurrent 20 work day suspensions. He recommends that the Board proceed with the terms of the agreement and issue two (2) twenty (20) work day suspensions unpaid, consistent with the agreement.
Motion to accept the settlement agreement and issue the suspension of two (2) concurrent twenty (20) work day suspensions, unpaid, consistent with the agreement. Seconded by Mr. Alexopoulos. Voted 5-0.
Mr. Burgess - resident on Pond Street who has contacted the Board of Health re: Lead Poisoning and is not receiving a response from the Board of Health. Mr. Murphy to follow up.
Mr. Burgess also wanted to congratulate Fr. Linh Nguyen’s installation as first Vietnamese pastor in the Archdiocese of Boston, and welcome him to St. Bernadette’s Parish.
Mr. Alexopoulos – Morgan Street, Rockefeller, Gould Streets have become rush hour cut-throughs. Referred to Safety officer and Police Chief to assess the situation and possibly have stop signs erected.
Mr. Fernandes: Holbrook Transfer Station. At some point Board should take a position. Mr. Murphy to gather information and report back to the Board.
Request from T.J. Mullaney residents – street light request. Mr. Murphy to follow up.
Youth Activity Committee – originally sworn in as Youth Activity Task Force. Mr. Burgess made a motion to modify the name to the Youth Activity Committee so that anyone sworn in under YATC is now part of the YAC. Seconded to Mr. Fernandes. Voted 5-0.
Mr. Fernandes recommended Mr. Murphy find a location and a display case at Town Hall for awards.
Mr. Connors said he was disappointed during the recent debates that all of the candidates mentioned vacant businesses. He said that there are 320 businesses in town, with only 16 vacancies, contrary to the information given during the debates. There is not a large vacancy in the Town.
Mr. Fernandes told Mr. Connors’ that he has an issue with the statement that “everyone” discussed vacant businesses. He asked to go on record as saying that he did not mention vacant businesses during the debates.
Motion to enter into Executive Session, not to reconvene, made by Mr. Fernandes, Seconded by Mr. Alexopoulos. Voted 5-0.
Motion to adjourn made by Mr. Burgess, seconded by Mr. Fernandes. Voted 5-0.
Clerk of the Board
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