BOARD OF SELECTMEN December 21, 2010
Chairman Marie Smith called the regular meeting of the Raynham Board of Selectmen to order at 7:05pm.
Present was Marie Smith, Donald L. McKinnon and Joseph Pacheco.
Acceptance of the Minutes -- Mr. McKinnon motioned and Mr. Pacheco seconded to accept the minutes of the December 14, 2010 meeting as printed. Mrs. Smith made it unanimous.
Prior to the Appointment of Acting Police Chief James Donovan, Mr. Pacheco read the following statement:
“Thank you Madam Chairman. It is very rare that I read prepared remarks as it’s never been my style but I believe the significance of tonight’s meeting warrants such.
As the Board and public alike know, on many occasions since my election as selectmen four years ago, I have chosen to recuse myself from specific police related activities due to having family members within the department.
With that being said, and after consultation with both the Massachusetts Ethics Commission and Legal Counsel, the process that results in what is expected to take place tonight was such an occasion whereby I recused myself from the screening for the next Acting Police Chief.
Having recused myself from the process, I am also recusing myself tonight and will not be casting a vote this evening for this appointment of acting Chief.
I will however say that as is the case with every department, I will continue to expect nothing but the best from every department – the Police Department, as has always been the case, with not be exempt from that. We owe it to the taxpayers to run a conscientious, financially sound community.
I’ve taken my job seriously as a Selectmen over the past four years and have gone to great lengths to ensure that the integrity not only of myself, but of the Town remains unblemished. I believe that by having not participated in this process there can be no doubts to that.
With that, I would request my remarks in their entirety be added to the official minutes of the meeting.”
Appointment of Acting Police Chief James Donovan – Mr. McKinnon motioned and Mrs. Smith seconded to appoint Sgt. James Donovan to Acting Police Chief effective January 1, 2011. The Vote made it unanimous.
Assistant Town Clerk, Marsha Silvia, administered the Oath of Office to Chief Donovan.
Chief Donovan thanked all for coming along with thanking the Board for the opportunity to be appointed as Acting Chief for the Town of Raynham.
Chief Pacheco was present and spoke of the many roles Chief Donovan encountered while on the force.
7:20pm – Public Hearing – Annual Beer and Wine License
Asian Palace – Shirley Chen, Manager was present. Ms. Chen presented paperwork to Mr. Buckner. Board Members asked Mr. Buckner if there have been any violations at the establishment regarding the license for alcohol or from the Board of Health. Mr. Buckner informed that there have not been any violations for the present alcohol license which is a Seasonal Wine & Malt Beverage License, although in the past there has been issues with the Board of Health. Mr. McKinnon asked for the capacity of the establishment. Ms. Chen informed that it does seat fifty-six. Mr. McKinnon stated that he would like to receive information from the Board of Health on the establishment. Mr. McKinnon motioned and Mr. Pacheco seconded to continue until January 4, 2011. Mrs. Smith made
it unanimous.
7:25pm – Public Hearing – Annual Beer and Wine License
Hibachi Sushi Buffet – Kson Lee, Manager and Jon King, Assistant Manager were present along with representation from Chris Coleman.
Mr. Coleman informed the Board that the approximate size of the establishment is 7,000 sq. ft. with the capacity of 170 for seating (14 seats at a newly constructed bar). The operating time of the establishment would remain the same as the previous owner’s--11am to12am weekdays and 12noon to 12am on Sunday.
Mr. Coleman stated that he has informed the applicants that although they have bartending experience, it would be necessary to be TIP certified along with any employees serving alcohol to the public. Mr. Coleman informed the Board that Mr. Lee previously worked for a restaurant in Maine. Mr. Pacheco reminded the applicants that the Town of Raynham takes seriously under age drinking. Mr. McKinnon requested information to be forwarded to the Board regarding Mr. Lee previous employment and experience.
Mr. Coleman stated that he would forward a contact to the Board of Mr. Lee’s former employer.
Mr. McKinnon asked for the time frame for the completion of the renovations. The renovations are to be completed within two months. Mr. Pacheco asked for the cost of the project. Mr. Coleman informed that the total renovation project is estimated between $40,000 and $45,000. Mr. McKinnon motioned and Mr. Pacheco seconded to continue until January 4, 2011. Mrs. Smith made it unanimous.
Mr. McKinnon motioned and Mr. Pacheco seconded to renew the alcoholic beverage and entertainment licenses as printed. Mrs. Smith made it unanimous.
Mr. Buckner’s Town Administrator’s Report was reviewed.
Mr. McKinnon spoke of the recent correspondence forwarded to Dr. Pacy regarding the proposed 3 budgets.
Correspondence – The Board received from Wluka Real Estate Corp. a request for a permit renewal for Gardner Street. Mr. McKinnon motioned and Mr. Pacheco seconded to schedule a meeting with Wluka Real Estate Corp on January 11, 2011. Mrs. Smith made it unanimous.
Correspondence – The Board received from the Highway Department notification that items sold at a recent auction brought in to the Town $5049.
Correspondence – The Board received from Daniel Barbosa, Joe T’s Pub, a request for permit reconsideration. Mr. Barbosa informed that renovations to the establishment would be complete by April 1, 2011 and that the business would be run as a Family Style Restaurant. Mr. Pacheco informed that he would like to remain with the same decision as previously voted on. Mr. McKinnon informed that the Board waited over two years for the establishment to be brought up to code and renovated. Mr. McKinnon stated that the new Manager could apply for the available license that the Town now holds open. Mr. Pacheco motioned and Mr. McKinnon seconded to deny the submitted request for a reconsideration of the liquor license. Mrs. Smith made it unanimous.
Correspondence – The Board received a letter of interest to serve on the Conservation Commission from William Reynolds. Mr. McKinnon motioned and Mr. Pacheco seconded to forward the letter of interest to the Conservation Commission. Mrs. Smith made it unanimous.
Correspondence – The Board received from the Board of Health information regarding the recent Flu Clinic. Mr. Perry informed that seventy vaccines were administered during the clinic and thanked the Bridgewater/Raynham Nursing staff for their assistance.
Correspondence – The Board received a letter of resignation from John E. Thomas of the Finance Committee. Mr. McKinnon motioned and Mr. Pacheco seconded to accept with deep regrets and to forward a letter wishing Mr. Thomas well. Mrs. Smith made it unanimous. Mr. McKinnon suggested posting the vacant position for the Finance Committee.
Correspondence – The Board received a letter of interest to serve on the Finance Committee from Tom Gallagher. Mr. McKinnon motioned and Mr. Pacheco seconded to forward the letter of interest to the Finance Committee. Mrs. Smith made it unanimous.
Board Members wished all a Merry Christmas
8:00pm-Mr. McKinnon motioned and Mr. Pacheco seconded to adjourn for the performance of administrative duties, signing Bills and Warrants with no business to be conducted afterwards. Mrs. Smith made it unanimous.
Respectfully submitted,
Dawn Caradonna
Recording Secretary
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