BOARD OF SELECTMEN

DECEMBER 13, 2004

REGULAR SESSION MINUTES

 APPROVED

 

 

Present:  George F. Dillon, Jr., Chair; Peter S. Cunningham, Vice Chair; John L. Saball, Clerk; **Virginia C. Wood, Member; Robert W. Nordblom, Member; Administrative Officer Jean E. Kitchen and Kathleen Newell, Office Assistant

 

The meeting was called to order at 7:01 P.M.

 

Doug Rafferty, Woodard & Curran RE:  Sewer Evaluation Report Update

Mr. Doug Rafferty, Sewer Commissioners Jim Gmeiner, Karl Johnson and Harlan Fitch were present for this portion of the meeting.

 

Mr. Rafferty stated the town sewer is located in the center of town and is relatively new.  This evaluation updates the old program and streamlines the project to save money and resources.  Mr. Rafferty reviewed a presentation including maps, geographic surveys.  Mr. Rafferty stated the Lost Lake/Knops Pond region was an area of concern with its glacial eskers which may cause problems with area septic systems due to small lots, steep slopes, wells and proximity to wetlands. 

 

**Ms. Wood left the meeting at 7:12 P.M.

 

Mr. Rafferty reviewed the Boston Road area stating there were too many needs with no local solution and the most economical step would be to connect to the sewer system.  Mr. Rafferty stated the DEP had requested a feasibility study.

 

Mr. Rafferty reviewed an enlarged map of Lost Lake and discussed what could be done to address the needs of the area, stating there could be the potential of its own system.

 

Mr. Rafferty then reviewed conceptual costs of proposed projects.

 

Mr. Cunningham asked why there was a problem with infiltration the system.  Mr. Rafferty highlighted a few areas which had been found to have problems.  Mr. Johnson asked what the ramifications of doing nothing would be.  Mr. Rafferty stated the septic systems on Boston Road were failing and Lost Lake has some bacterial concerns and is not in good health.

 

Mr. Cunningham stated that it was no surprise there were concerns in the Lost Lake area and the only solution appeared to be a packaged treatment plant.  Mr. Cunningham asked Mr. Rafferty what the reliability was of such systems.  Mr. Rafferty stated that the DEP tests and approves the systems.  Mr. Dillon stated he had attended a DEP meeting and he felt the Board needed to be proactive and devote an evening to discussion of the topic.

 

Mr. Cunningham asked if the Sewer Commission had any comment.  Mr. Gmeiner stated Lost Lake is a watershed area and would recommend forming a committee to review the problem.

 

** Ms. Wood returned at 7:50 P.M.

 

 

Chief Mulhern RE:  Introduction of New Police Officer Keith Weidlich

Chief of Police Robert Mulhern and Police Officer Keith Weidlich were present for this portion of the meeting.

 

Chief Mulhern introduced Officer Weidlich to the Board stating that he was formerly from Wilmington, Delaware where he had been on the police force for 7 years, the last two as a forensic detective.  The Board members welcomed Officer Weidlich.

 

Chief Mulhern gave an update stating the Police Department website was up and running and could be accessed at www.grotonpd.org.

 

Main Street Committee Update

Ms. Jane Bouvier, Chief of Police Robert Mulhern, Ms. Joan Croteau, Mr. Gerald Croteau and Mr. Eddie Kopec were present for this portion of the meeting.

 

Ms. Bouvier stated that the Croteaus had donated the funds for granite markers designating the center of town and an anonymous donor had also donated $3,000.  Mr. Cunningham asked where the markers would be placed.  Chief Mulhern stated from Old Ayer Road to Elm Street, and the exact placement would be determined by the Highway Surveyor Tom Delaney.  Mr. Cunningham asked if the Sign Committee had been contacted.  Ms. Bouvier stated she would speak with the Committee.  Ms. Kitchen provided Ms. Bouvier a sign permit application.  Chief Mulhern stated he had attended a seminar in Marlborough with Mr. Delaney and had viewed different bump outs.  Ms. Wood asked Chief Mulhern about lighting.  Chief Mulhern replied the Committee was currently reviewing the lighting needs.  Mr. Dillon stated higher wattage bulbs had been installed at the crosswalks at Lawrence Academy and asked Chief Mulhern if he had noticed a difference.  Chief Mulhern stated he would like to come back to meet with the Board regarding lighting, citing inadequate lighting at the cross walk in front of the Town Hall.  Ms. Kitchen asked Chief Mulhern to schedule soon as the budgets are being prepared.  Ms. Wood thanked the Croteaus and the anonymous donor for their contributions and urged the Committee to continue working on lighting and parking.  Mr. Nordblom stated he would like to see some type of reflector in the cross walks.  Chief Mulhern stated he had looked into lighted crosswalks, but they are costly.  Mr. Dillon stated Lawrence Academy had requested a school zone but had been unable to obtain it and asked Chief Mulhern for an update.  Chief Mulhern stated Lawrence Academy did not qualify because it did not have an eighth grade and the area which it had requested was not academic school usage but after school recreation usage.

 

Community Preservation Consideration of Members-At-Large and Appointments of Daniel Emerson, Housing Authority; Bruce Easom, Conservation Commission; Carolyn Perkins, Planning Board

Mr. Michael Roberts, Mr. Rick Hughson, Mr. Peter DiFranco, and Mr. Bruce Clements were present for this portion of the meeting.

 

Mr. Dillon stated there were four (4) applicants for the two Member-At-Large positions and the Board would cast a ballot vote for the two positions, and then Ms. Kitchen would tally the votes after which the Board members would explain their votes.  Mr. Michael Roberts and Mr. Rick Hughson received the majority of votes.

 

Mr. Cunningham moved to appoint Michael Roberts to the Community Preservation Committee as Member-At-Large for the one-year term to expire June 30, 2005.  Seconded by Mr. Saball.  Unanimous vote.

 

Mr. Cunningham moved to appoint Rick Hughson to the Community Preservation Committee as Member-At-Large for the one-year term to expire June 30, 2005.  Seconded by Mr. Saball.  Unanimous vote.

 

Mr. Cunningham moved to appoint Bruce Easom to the Community Preservation Committee as Conservation Commission Representative for the three-year term to expire June 30, 2007.  Seconded by Mr. Saball.  Unanimous vote.

 

Mr. Cunningham moved to appoint Carolyn Perkins to the Community Preservation Committee as Planning Board Representative for the three-year term to expire June 30, 2007.  Seconded by Mr. Saball.  Unanimous vote.

 

Mr. Cunningham moved to appoint Daniel Emerson to the Community Preservation Committee as Housing Authority Representative for the two-year term to expire June 30, 2006.  Seconded by Mr. Saball.  Unanimous vote.

 

Recreation Commission Appointment Consideration  Medora King

Ms. Medora King and Recreation Commissioner Peter DiFranco were present for this portion of the meeting.

 

Mr. Dillon thanked Mr. DiFranco for putting forth the effort to find new Commissioners.

Ms. King stated that she was a business owner and wished to give back to the community.

 

Mr. Cunningham moved to appoint Medora T. King to the Recreation Commission for the two-year term to expire June 30, 2006.

 

Harmonious Development, 3 Forge Village Road a/k/a 785 Boston Road

Mr. Steve Catalano, Mr. Lou Russo and Mr. Charles Mihok of Maugel Architects were present for this portion of the meeting.

 

Mr. Dillon stated that the Board had met the previous week and Ms. Wood had asked for some clarification.

 

Ms. Wood stated there was a lot of glass, the dormers seemed to be large with excessive glass and the roof color was lighter than the surrounding structures.  Ms. Wood stated there were antique buildings with barns adjacent to the property and asked if any elements could be incorporated to the architecture of the buildings.  Mr. Mihok stated the roof color could be changed and the original design intent had been to blend in with the height of the neighboring structures.  Mr. Mihok stated he would like to maximize the windows as it is a commercial property and to reduce the windows in the dormers would make the dormers appear even larger.  Ms. Wood asked if there were another façade design which could be tied into the surrounding structures.  Ms. Kitchen asked if Ms. Wood were looking for a different portrait of the windows.  Mr. Mihok discussed potential changes.  Ms. Wood stated she would need to see a picture to make a determination.  Mr. Dillon asked the Boards desire.  Ms. Wood stated she would like to have the applicant return with another drawing of a different façade.  Mr. Mihok asked for specific changes.  Ms. Wood stated less glass, a darker roof, and asked Mr. Mihok to look at the surrounding barns and incorporate some piece into the structure.  Mr. Mihok asked when the Board was meeting again as his client was anxious to start construction.  Mr. Russo stated the use of the building is for commercial purposes and not designed to be a barn stating he had received a foundation permit from the Building Department and was hoping the Board would act this evening as he was anxious to start framing.

 

Mr. Saball concurred with Ms. Wood stating the changes were subtle and he would also like to see another drawing.  Ms. Kitchen asked Mr. Mihok if he could provide the changes prior to the next meeting so she could forward them to the Board for review.    Ms. Kitchen scheduled a follow up meeting on Monday, December 20, 2004 at 8:00 p.m.

 

 

Conservation Restriction, Culver Road, Lots A-1 and A-2

**Mr. Cunningham recused himself from the discussion. 

The Board reached a consensus to approve the conservation restriction on Lots A-1 and A-2 on Culver Road. 

 

Common Victualler License Renewals:  Herb Lyceum; Main Street Café; Donelans Supermarket; Groton House of Pizza; Wrangling Brook Farm; Filhos Cucina; Peltonen Dining Services at NEBS; Lawrence Academy; Johnsons Drive-In; Sunset Farm Bed and Breakfast; Dunkin Donuts; The Natural Market; Pastore Restaurant, Inc.; Rivercourt Residences; Sherwin Brothers a/k/a Clover Farm Market; Groton General Store; Olivers Grille & Pub; Groton Country Club; Groton Stage Coach Inn

Mr. Dillon stated he had spoken with Ms. Casey who had confirmed that there were no outstanding items.

 

Mr. Cunningham moved to approve Common Victualler License renewals for the following businesses, all licenses to expire December 31, 2005:  R.C. Kimball, Inc. d/b/a Olivers Grille & Pub; Donelans Supermarkets, Inc.; F.J. Catalano Enterprises, Inc. d/b/a Dunkin Donuts; Groton Country Club & Recreation Authority; Groton Convenience, Inc. d/b/a Groton General Store; Groton House of Pizza; Sunset Farm Bed & Breakfast; The Herb Lyceum; The Main Street Café; The Natural Market, Inc.; Pastores Restaurant; Filhos Cucina; Rivercourt Residences; Groton Stage Coach Inn & Tavern, Inc.; Santis Restaurant, d/b/a Johnsons Restaurant & Dairy Bar, a/k/a Johnsons Drive-In; Trustees of Lawrence Academy; Peltonens Dining Services, Inc. (@NEBS); Wrangling Brook Farm; Sherwin Brothers d/b/a Clover Farm Market.  Seconded by Mr. Saball.  Unanimous vote.

 

Weekly Entertainment License Renewals:  Groton Country Club, Groton Stage Coach Inn, and Groton House of Pizza

Mr. Cunningham moved to approve Amusement License for the following establishments, all licenses to expire December 31, 2005:  Groton Country Club & Recreation Authority for live entertainment and disc jockey; Groton House of Pizza for 1 pinball machine, 2 video games and 1 juke box; Groton Stage Coach Inn & Tavern, Inc. for live entertainment (dinner music), small bands, and occasionally disc jockey.  Seconded by Mr. Saball.  Unanimous vote.

 

Administrative Officer Report

Ms. Kitchen stated the Hanson family had donated an upgrade to the playground behind the Groton Public Library.  Ms. Kitchen stated she had been contacting other communities regarding sharing a personnel person. Ms. Kitchen stated she is in the process of doing a workshop on Chapter 40B housing for town departments and the public and she was asking for input from other departments.  Mr. Nordblom asked if the workshop would be televised.  Ms. Kitchen stated it could be if someone could be secured to operate the cameras.  Ms. Kitchen informed Mr. Bob Coleman the workshop was scheduled for January.

 

Selectmen Liaison Update

Mr. Nordblom stated he had attended a Finance Committee meeting to discuss the FY06 budget relating to EMS however there was not a quorum present.

 

Mr. Saball stated he and Mr. Dillon had attended a dedication for the Habitat for Humanity house.  Mr. Saball stated the number of hours donated was astounding and it was a proud time for the Town of Groton.  Mr. Dillon thanked Buckingham Bus for providing transportation and Mr. Saball for driving the bus.

 

Mr. Dillon stated that he had attended a Veterans breakfast at the Senior Center to recognize Mr. Joseph Lindsay who has completed a project at the Senior Center for the Eagle Scouts.

 

Mr. Dillon stated the City of Billerica was also celebrating its 350^th Anniversary and he would like the Board to send a letter of congratulations.

 

Mr. Dillon read a memo from the Senior Center regarding the TRIAD program for providing sand buckets for seniors.

 

Mr. Saball stated the Fire and EMS departments had merged and the transition was going as smoothly as could be expected.

 

The meeting adjourned at 9:25 P.M.

 

 

 

                                                                                    ______________________________

Approved:  _____________________________                     respectfully submitted,

                  John L. Saball, Clerk                                    Kathleen Newell

                                                                                    Office Assistant

 

Date Approved:  January 31, 2005