Dudley selectmen amend open meeting policy; adopt new town motto

Janet Stoica
Patriot Correspondent

DUDLEY - Selectmen on Monday approved an amended Open Government Policy, requiring all meetings to be recorded and made available via cable access and the Internet. The new policy will support the general public’s right to view and be informed of all town committee meetings for proper accountability. Town Administrator Jankowski advised the Board that all Town boards and committees have access to two video recorder meeting rooms. It was noted that several Town committees do not currently video their meetings for the general public’s access, including the  Board of Assessors, Board of Health, Cultural Council, Historical Commission, Library Trustees, Personnel Board, Sewer Commission, Water Commission, and the Zoning Board of Appeals.

Ed Bazinet sat before the Board to further elaborate on the Town motto discussed at its April 2^nd meeting. Members voted to accept the new Town Motto and to replace the previous phrase. The new Town Motto will be “All was others; All will be others.”

Selectmen also reviewed a front deck building proposal brought by Drafters Sports Café located at 35 Chase Avenue. Crystal Kistner, manager of the café, responded to selectmen’s questions regarding access to the outdoor deck. The deck is to be an extension of the restaurant/bar area with the outdoor aspect mainly a smoker’s area. There would be no outside entry/exit except in emergencies. Selectman Paul Joseph requested elevation drawings and a fire plan, necessitating the approval to be tabled until the next meeting on May 14.

Wayne & Marie Rozenas came before the Board to present a Right of First Refusal notice regarding their intent to sell two acres of their land on Baker Pond Road which was classified under the Agricultural Protection Act. Selectmen voted to personally view the property take up the matter at their next meeting.

The Board appointed Donald Wilson, Jr., to the Capital Improvement Committee with a term to expire on 6/30/15.

Discussion was then held on designations for underground tank storage systems. Fire Chief Dean Kochanowski was asked to address the Board on the process of tank storage approvals. Chief Kochanowski advised the selectmen that the underground tanks for gasoline and service station liquid storage was highly regulated by the DEP and inspections should be completed by August 8, 2012.

It was determined that the Chief, Town Administrator Peter Jankowski, and a selectman to be named in the near future,  would be the designated committee in charge of underground tank approvals.

Selectman Peter Fox gave an update on the Oxford Sewer Project advising the Board that the bid work came in more than $500,000 less than the grant monies to be awarded by the State. The Board will work in alliance with Oxford to determine whether Dudley would be able to participate in the savings aspect.

Following a third reading of the One-Day Liquor License Policy pertaining to commercial licenses, only minor amendments were made.  These changes referred to a 15-member assembly; customers leaving a premise by the designated closing hour; and requirements for police officers’ presence. Daily fees would be $35 for a wine & malt license and $50 for an all alcohol license.

Mr. Jankowski presented his customary Administrator’s Report which included Charter TV’s 2010 Annual Financial Report as well as Providence & Worcester Railroad’s upcoming 2012 Vegetation Control Program/Herbicide Application along it’s rail-bed areas. These reports are available for all Town residents’ review in the Town Administrator’s office.

Lastly, the Board undertook a review of the Annual Town Warrant for the Town Meeting scheduled on Monday, May 21, at 7 p.m. to be held at Shepherd Hill High School. All articles were approved with two changes that included: Article 3 - deleting the language referring to the Spay & Neuter Program as the program is no longer offered and Article 22, Section 2 - a minor editing error concerning underlining in the last sentence.

Chairman Steven Sullivan also announced that tonight’s meeting was to be Selectwoman Nancy Runkle’s last. He spoke glowingly about her accomplishments as did Vice Chair Paul Joseph and after applause from the audience and all Board members, Ms. Runkle was presented with an impressive bouquet of beautiful flowers. After Selectwoman Runkle’s remarks, the Board  adjourned for Executive Session. Members in attendance this evening included Nancy Runkle, Paul Joseph, Steven Sullivan, Jonathan Ruda, and Peter Fox. Absent was Student rep, Katie Racicot. Also present were Michelle Jervis, Administrative Secretary, and Peter Jankowski, Town Administrator.