December 11, 2007 BOARD OF SELECTMEN
Chairmen John Donahue called the regular meeting of the Raynham Board of Selectmen to order at 7:03pm.
Present were John M. Donahue, Donald L. McKinnon and Joseph R. Pacheco.
Mr. Pacheco motioned and Mr. McKinnon seconded to approve the minutes of the December 4, 2007
meeting as printed. Mr. Donahue made it unanimous.
Mr. Donahue informed all that the Board was returning from an Executive Session regarding Litigation.
Mr. McCarthy was present and informed all that the Rt. 138/Rt. 495 traffic signal project is a $1million project, which is in the FY08 TIP plan for funding. Mr. McCarthy stated that the funding for the project would be $200,000 from the State and $800,000 from the Federal Government, but at present there is no state funding available. The project is a safety issue and Mr. McCarthy said it has been ranked high. Mr. McCarthy requested the Board’s support of the project and asked that correspondence be forwarded to the various legislators. Mr. Pacheco motioned and Mr. McKinnon seconded to forward their support of the project to Senator Kerry, Senator Kennedy, Congressmen Frank, the Governor, MA Highway, US Department of Transportation, Senator Pacheco, and Representative Flynn. Mr. Donahue
made it unanimous.
Mrs. McRae, chairperson of Rt. 138 Committee, was present and thanked the Board for their support in the project.
John McGarry, Chairmen of the Raynham Veterans Memorial Committee, was present and informed all that the committee recently voted unanimously on a design for the new Veterans Memorial site. Mr. McGarry presented the design to the Board and stated that the project would cost approximately $80,000. He stated that a flier would be mailed with the Town Census advertising the purchase of engraved individual memorial bricks, which would aid in the funding of the site. Mr. McKinnon thanked him for his support of the Memorial.
7:23pm – Public Hearing – Gilly’s Pubs, Inc., Candice Gomes
Candice Gomes, manager and part owner, was present and informed the Board that Gilly’s Pub was in business for many years in Easton. Mr. Flanagan, Fire Inspector, was present and stated that the building will need to be inspected and that the applicant has been informed of all regulations. Mr. Flanagan stated that the applicant would be exempt from the current sprinkler code due to the business type. Mr. Palmer, Building Commissioner, was present and stated that he too would require an inspection of the building. Mr. McKinnon asked if the applicant previously had a liquor license at the establishment in Easton and were there any issues. Ms. Gomes confirmed that they did have a license and that there were no issues. Ms. Gomes presented the Board with a letter from the Easton Police
Department regarding the business. Mr. Buckner said that Chief Pacheco has completed a background check and that the applicant checked out.
Mr. Donahue asked if the establishment was to be a nightclub at any time. Ms. Gomes informed him that the establishment was to be only a restaurant. Mr. Donahue reminded the applicant that the business is in a residential area. Mr. Pacheco asked if Ms. Gomes would be on the premises and if all employees were qualified to serve liquor. Ms. Gomes stated that all would be TIP Certified. Mr. McRae, resident, was present and informed that the establishment in Easton was well run. Mr. McKinnon motioned and Mr. Pacheco seconded to approve the liquor license for Gilly’s Pub, Inc., pending payment of past personal tax bills. Mr. Donahue made it unanimous.
Mr. McCarthy, Sandy Carney-SPREDD, Buddy Rocha and Nancy Rasavitch-MA Economic Development were present to discuss 43D expediting permitting. Ms. Rasavitch presented information regarding a grant that the State is offering for a total of up to $100,000 to aid in expediting permitting. Ms. Rasavitch stated that the grant could be used to streamline the processes of reviewing permit applications, studying impacts, or even permitting tracking software. Sandy Carney presented the Board with information and said that the Regional Planning Agency also has funds available to communities to aid in the expediting of permitting for a project. Mr. Rocha stated that his office also could work with communities to aid in TIF projects.
Mr. Pacheco stated that the information presented to the Board states that a community could not opt out of the project until 5 years. Ms. Rasavitch said that the State felt that if the grant were given to a community, then the community should commit to the project for a minimum of 5 years.
Mr. Pacheco asked if any of the listed communities have moved forward with permitting projects.
Ms. Rasavish reviewed the list and stated the communities that have moved forward. Henry Ellis, Planning Board, was present and stated that the Planning Board was interested in the process especially for Raynham Woods. Mr. Pacheco stated that he would like to receive feedback from various Department Heads.
Mr. Buckner’s Town Administrator’s Report was reviewed.
Mr. McCarthy updated all on the hotel project for Rt. 138, which he stated does go hand-in-hand with the traffic signal project for Rt. 138/Rt. 495 and that hotel representatives would be meeting with the Sewer Department during the next week.
Mr. McCarthy said that the he has met several times with Wal Mart engineers who have also met with local surrounding businesses to inform of their plans for traffic signals on Rt. 138. Mr. McCarthy informed the Board that the Wal Mart project is pending the Rt. 138/Rt. 495 traffic signal project.
Mr. McKinnon discussed the closure of the cable studio in Avon & Easton and suggested Gilmore Hall for a potential site of a future studio. Mr. Donahue concurred that the use of Gilmore Hall would be a good idea.
Correspondence – The Board received information regarding the new regulation, 520CMR Excavation & Trenching.
Correspondence – The Board received information regarding the South Coast Rail meeting dates for 2008.
Correspondence – The Board received information regarding the 10th Annual Lighting of Raynham on Friday, December 14, 2007.
Mr. McKinnon motioned and Mr. Pacheco seconded to contact Bristol/Plymouth Regional High School for potential projects at Gilmore Hall. Mr. Donahue made it unanimous.
8:37pm – Mr. Pacheco motioned and Mr. McKinnon seconded to adjourn for the performance of administrative duties, signing Bills and Warrants, with no business to be conducted afterwards.
Mr. Donahue made it unanimous.
Respectfully submitted,
Dawn M. Caradonna
Recording Secretary
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