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Bits of News
Tuesday,
February 2, 2010
Selectmen unanimously approved the use of town roads for the Mass Dash Relay. In an effort to raise money for the Dana Farber Cancer Institute, the relay will start in North Adams and cross the Commonwealth. The event will be on July 17 to18.
The board also approved “A Novel Run.” The run will take place on May 8 at 9:00 am. The funds raised will be used to support the library.
It is anticipated that when the latest census results come in, that Belchertown will be eligible for a liquor license for all alcoholic beverages otherwise known as a Full Package License. Town Administrator Gary Brougham requested that selectmen create a process under which a newly available liquor license will be granted. The census will not be complete until Autumn.
Selectmen also reviewed a proposal for early retirement incentives. Brougham reported that those who have announced that they plan to retire are interested to know if the Board of Selectmen will approve it for Belchertown. Because of the contingencies involved, the board expressed skepticism with the program. Selectman Michael Reardon, who is a public employee, referred to the program as, “a humane way of doing layoffs.”
Board of Selectmen Chairman James Barry advised the board regarding the Zoning Board of Appeals discussion surrounding the proposed Accessory Apartment Bylaw (check the ‘In Case You Missed It Section’ for the report on the Accessory Apartment Bylaw along with many other past stories). “They voted unanimously, according to their minutes, to not endorse it,” said Barry. Town Planner Doug Albertson requested that selectmen schedule a group meeting with the ZBA and Planning Board to discuss the proposed bylaw. The meeting will be scheduled for March 1.
Selectman Alfred Roccanti reported that the Veterans Services Advisory Board will be meeting on Thursday, February 18 at 6:00 p.m. in the town hall auditorium. “If you are veteran or have an interest in a veteran’s issue, you are encouraged to attend the meeting,” said Roccanti.
Selectman Ronald Aponte acknowledged a letter from the town’s attorneys regarding the new open meeting laws that will go into effect July 1. He said that the rules regarding deliberations have been extended to electronic chat-rooms and social networking websites like Twitter and Facebook. “I don’t think we are a big ‘tweeting’ board here, but it is something that might be for some of the other committees,” said Aponte. Another change is that committee’s will need to post their agendas 48 hours before the meeting excluding holidays and weekends.
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