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Selectmen vote to recommend against new wine licenses
by Robert Falcione
October 25, 2006 — The Selectmen, by
4-1 this evening, voted to endorse a "No" vote on ballot
question #1, that would Selectman Ron Clark, looking over the requirements of the types of food that a store must sell in order to apply for the new license said, "Subway doesn't sell apples," apparently refuting the argument that convenience stores will be able to sell wine if the measure passes. "They will," said a chorus of voices in the room. "Massachusetts is 48th in terms of drunk driving fatality rate," said Clelland Johnson (Left in photo), owner of Hopkinton Wine and Spirits, who said he was asked by Dale Danahy of Colella's to appear and speak against the measure. Joining Mr. Johnson in opposition to the ballot question was Peter Turlo of Hopkinton, who owns Natick Wine and Spirits, and Chief of Police, Thomas Irvin. "Many families are in trouble because of substance abuse, and we don't need to increase it," said Chief Irvin. "I have a "vote no" bumper sticker," said Vice-chair Mary Pratt. "I urge anyone listening to vote 'No'," said Selectmen Michael Shepard.
E. L. Harvey & Sons The Harvey family stopped by at the request of Selectmen that was initiated by Mr. Clark, to answer questions about their development of a C&D and MRRF building in Westborough, rather than Hopkinton. The application process for the buildings for a business that was supposed to earn Hopkinton $600,000 annually in tipping fees once it reached capacity, took several years, but was just one permit away from completion in Hopkinton. Harvey Treasurer Jim Harvey explained that Westborough fast-tracked the application process. "The state told us we had to stop work outside," Mr. Harvey said. "We had to make a decision. We' rather be spending the $6 million in Hopkinton," Mr. Harvey said. He did say the Hopkinton facility will be built, but it will be built last. "We are a 24 hour a day operation in Westborough with no restrictions," said Mr. Harvey. Hopkinton's Board of Appeals permit had a host of restrictions, including operating hours. Hopkinton's facility had residential properties within its sphere, but it is unknown if the Westborough facility does. Mr. Harvey said that "down the line" asphalt shingles and rugs will need to be recycled. Budget Process
According
to the Town's Executive Secretary Ted Kozak, the Charter has
established a timeline of November 1 for the Mr. Kozak said that the Town had $2.5 million in overrides in the last two years, but Chairman of the Board of Assessors, Dr. John Duffy presented a study of several recent budgets, and said that given past trends, they all increase at about 3.75% this year, and given his figures, there will be a surplus of around $500,000, even with the increase. Appropriations Chair Stuart Cowart (Photo) said that although State funds and free cash are up, there is a 20% increase in health insurance costs. "It is going to be a thin year without additional sources of revenue," he said. When the Selectmen asked of the Department heads in the audience what non-recurring services could be cut back, School Department Business Manger Geoff Mac Donald said that the School Committee had been looking at things it had been deferring and wanted to get back on schedule. In addition, School Committee Chair Rebecca Robak said, "The first look at MCAS reflects the cut-backs we've had. "We have to look at the district, and not so much at growth," she said. The Selectmen voted to have departments bring a budget at level funding, but for departments to prioritize their items. |
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create a new class of liquor licenses to allow stores that sell
certain types of food to also allow them to sell wine. Given the
population criteria, Hopkinton alone would get 7 of the new
licenses if the measure passes, in addition to the existing
types of licenses. The vote is not binding, but sends a message
to the community that their leaders are not in favor of the
further proliferation of alcoholic beverages.
FULL STORY
Board of Selectmen and the Town Manager to establish budget
guidelines. And speaking of Town manager, the Selectmen plan to
meet next Monday in to interview Town Manager
applicants.