April 5, 2005
Chairman Raymond W. Platt called the regular meeting of the Raynham Board of Selectmen to order at 7:00pm.
Present were Raymond W. Platt, John Donahue and Donald L. McKinnon.
Mr. Donahue motioned and Mr. McKinnon seconded to accept the minutes of the March 29, 2005 meeting. Mr. Platt made it unanimous.
Chief Andrews requested the Board’s approval for an increase in ambulance rate fees effective
May 1, 2005. Mr. Donahue motioned and Mr. McKinnon seconded to approve the submitted increase
in ambulance rate fees effective May 1, 2005. Mr. Platt made it unanimous.
Chief Andrews informed the Board that an application for state equipment grant would be filed again this year. He reminded all to change batteries in smoke detectors to coincide with daylight savings time.
Chief Andrews said that burning permits are still available, free of charge, and that burning can be done until April 30, 2005 and he informed all that the Annual Fishing Tournament would take place on May 14, 2005 at Watson’s Pond between 8am-12noon.
Mr. Platt informed all that upon contacting businesses in Raynham during the past week, a total of $36,000 was pledged for the Fire Department Ladder Truck.
Chief King was present and requested changes in parking fees. Chief King stated that the last change in rates was dated 1980. Changes requested by the Chief are for handicap filing and crosswalks. Mr. Donahue motioned and Mr. McKinnon seconded to approve Chief King request for changes to parking fees to Town Counsel for review. Mr. Platt made it unanimous.
Mr. Platt advised the Board that their approval was requested for the renewal appointments for the following: Town Counsel-Marc Antine and Veterans Agent-Randall Buckner. Mr. Donahue motioned and Mr. McKinnon seconded to approve the listed appointments. Mr. Platt made it unanimous.
7:15pm – Christopher’s Seafood and Steakhouse – application to alter the premises by adding an outdoor patio area to the rear of the building. Present for the hearing was Theodore Kesaris, manager and Attorney James Rudser. Mr. Rudser informed all that the proposal for the addition to Christopher’s is the same as presented last year except for a modification to include handicap accessibility and an increase in the height of the exterior wall to insulate the noise. Chief King was present and stated that in his opinion the additional height of a wall would not alleviate the noise. Deputy Chief Pacheco was present and commented on his concerns about parking. Steve Manchester, Jennings Drive, was present and informed all that he would be again opposed to an addition due to the
fact that Mr. Kesaris has not addressed the noise issue during the past year. Joan Baacke, 76 Jennings Dr. questioned the establishment’s business – was it a restaurant or a club. Attorney Rudser informed all that the establishment was being renovated but it was a restaurant. Mr. Kesaris informed all that the renovation will be complete by the end of the month and that Mr. Wong is the new kitchen owner. Kathleen Hutchinson, 51 Jennings Dr. was present and stated that with all her windows closed, the noise from Christopher's can still be heard in her home. Mrs. Hutchinson also commented on the back door opening more frequently creating more noise. Paul Baacke, Jennings Dr., questioned the size of the patio. Attorney Rudser posted the actual plans for all to view. Mr. Platt informed all that State law requires smokers to remain 18 feet from an entrance. Arthur Whittemore, 43 Elm Street East, said that during the summer
months, the rear door is open and the neighbors can hear music and conversations from patrons. Mr. Kesaris stated that the rear door is closed by 8 or 9pm. Dave Hutchinson asked who the owner of the building was. Mr. Kesaris said that it was his brother, Chris. Dennis Cunningham, 63 Elm Street East, asked if the patio could be constructed in the front instead of the rear. Mr. Whittemore questioned the removal of dumpsters in the rear of the building. Mr. Hutchinson commented on the plans for the establishment years ago was for it to be a family restaurant, but has since lost the quality of that. Mike Armstrong, 39 Jenings Dr., questioned the parking of additional cars. Mr. McKinnon stated that at last year’s meeting, March 9, 2004, the same proposal was brought before the Board and the same response was received from the neighbors. Mr. Kesaris stated that his business has no customers in the afternoon hours and would like
to add the patio to attract customers. Mr. McKinnon stated that the noise from the establishment is a concern to all. Mr. Donahue stated that he received three phone calls prior to tonight’s meeting from neighbors with concerns again regarding noise and the lack of improvement during the past year. Attorney Rudser stated that Mr. Kesaris is willing to comply with any conditions set forth by the Board. Mr. Donahue stated that he has a concern with the addition of the patio being only 75 feet from a neighbor’s home. Mr. Platt read a letter received from Mrs. Lucy Nelson, 38 Elm Street East, informing the Board that she was opposed of the outdoor deck. Mr. Platt informed all of the number of police calls to the establishment during the past five years, especially 55 calls of a serious nature during the past 1-? years. Mr. Donahue motioned and Mr. McKinnon seconded to deny the request from Christopher’s Seafood and Steakhouse
to alter the premises with an addition to the rear of the building. Mr. Platt made it unanimous.
8:01pm -Mr. McKinnon motioned and Mr. Donahue seconded for a two-minute recess. Mr. Platt made it unanimous.
8:10pm -Mr. Platt reconvened the regular meeting of the Board of Selectmen.
Mr. Buckner’s Town Administrator’s Report was reviewed.
Mr. Buckner informed the Board that a Public Hearing will need to be scheduled for the transfer of an All Alcoholic Beverage License at 240 Broadway held by Premium Discount Liquors, Inc. to Peter DeTrolio, Jr. – Manager of Bisogna II, Inc. Mr. Donahue motioned and Mr. McKinnon seconded to schedule a Public Hearing on April 19, 2005 at 7:15pm. Mr. Platt made it unanimous.
Mr. Buckner said that he was in receipt of a news release from the White House informing all that April 9, 2005 was Former POW Recognition Day.
Mr. Donahue reminded all that the Lions Club would be holding a fundraiser on April 9, 2005 sponsoring Save Our Sports. Mr. Donahue also reminded all of the Community Preservation Act meeting scheduled for Monday night.
Mr. Platt reminded all of the Bridgewater/Raynham candidate forum night on Monday at 7pm at the Raynham Middle School.
Correspondence – The Board received an annual request from SRPEDD to appoint a delegate. Mr. Donahue motioned and Mr. McKinnon seconded to reappoint Mr. Marty Newfield to SRPEDD to represent the Board of Selectmen, and Roger Stolte to the JTPG with Richard McCarthy as the alternate. Mr. Platt made it unanimous.
Correspondence - The Board received information regarding an amateur boxing show fundraiser for
B-R sports -Bash For Cash at the Massasoit Community College on April 8, 2005 at 7:30pm.
Correspondence - The Board received from the Governor’s Office information regarding the release of the $120M apportionment for FY06 for Chapter 90, Local Transportation Aid.
Correspondence – The Board received a Bulletin from the MMA, regarding the budget challenges for FY 06.
Correspondence – The Board received information regarding Bridgewater/Raynham High School’s Student Government Day, which is scheduled for May 6, 2005.
Correspondence – Mr. Donahue motioned and Mr. McKinnon seconded to approve the following Tag Days, with the approval pending the Water Districts’ for the car washes: Relay For Life at Wal-Mart on April 23, 2005; Cub Scout Park 20, candy sale on May 22, 2005; VFW Ladies Auxiliary #2188 of Middleboro to sell Poppies on May 27 and 28, 2005; Apponequet High School car wash on June 4 with a rain date of June 11, 2005; Boys Scout Pack 20 to sell candy bars on April 10, 2005; Taunton High School Key Club, car wash on May 5, 2005. Mr. Platt made it unanimous.
Michael Scarlett was present and questioned the updating of the Town’s web-site information.
8:25pm-Mr. Donahue motioned and Mr. McKinnon seconded to adjourn for the performance of administrative duties, signing Bills and Warrants with no business to be conducted afterwards.
The vote made it unanimous.
Respectfully submitted,
Dawn M. Caradonna
Recording Secretary
| 
