Agenda: Licenses, town planner, parking

and regional dispatching, Webster BOS meeting

By Thomas D’Agostino
Patriot Correspondent

WEBSTER – At its January 22 meeting, the board unanimously accepted the application for a full liquor license at Eastern Pearl Restaurant at 290 Main Street. The Massachusetts Alcoholic Beverages Control Commission will render final judgment for the license. Board Vice Chair Deborah Keefe clarified to the owners that the license is for the building and not them personally.

Ed Johns approached the board in regard to the donation of a storage shed for the Slater Street field. Johns, a board member of the Webster Lassie League is seeking donations from local businesses for the project. Bay Path School will be erecting the shed once the project has the go ahead. The board will need a strict value of the project before accepting the shed as a gift to the town. Mr. Johns has previously worked on three other similar projects and looks forward to having this one come to fruition.

Paul Masciello of New England Parts was granted a Class III License by the board. Mr. Masciello appeared before the board on January 17 in regard to the request and was informed that he needed the proper paperwork before the board could vote. Vice Chair Deborah Keefe elucidated that the painting of any vehicles would be in violation of his license.

The board also discussed the need for a Town Planner. Town Administrator John McAuliffe stated that with the revitalization of the town in progress having a “visionary” in position would greatly benefit the community. Vice Chair Deborah Keefe also agreed that it would be a benefit to have a key person coordinating pertinent departments.

The board and town administrator once again discussed the issue of regional dispatch. Webster is in a key position to host a regional dispatch location and would benefit from this position. According to Town Administrator, John McAuliffe, funding will allow for two communities, a third would become an out of pocket expense. Board Chairman Donald Bourque is very enthusiastic about the idea of regional dispatch stating, “We are a small town with big city issues.”

Another issue addressed at the meeting was parking on one-way streets. In some cases, automobiles are parked on both sides of the street, preventing a free flow of traffic. Highway Department Superintendent, Kenneth Pizzetti is working on addressing all the one-way streets in town for a solution. These particular streets are old streets and narrow. Mr. Pizzetti stated that years ago when there were few automobiles per family there was no major issue but now there are two or more autos per household and they have to park them somewhere. The streets get congested, making it hard if not impossible for emergency vehicles to navigate them.

Long Subaru was granted a one-day liquor license for February 7 from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Angela Brayton was appointed to the Recreation Committee. She held a great interest in being part of the committee after attending a meeting and learning more of what the appointment encompasses.

Selectman Robert Miller addressed the issue of the School Street parking lot. In August of 1986, the owner of the adjacent building was given permission for use of that lot. Some lots are posted for patron or business parking only and some are not. Mr. Miller brought up the issue calling it a “town yo-yo” that needs more attention for patrons of the local businesses.