Joe Seely, owner of Tom’s Eatin’ and Drinkin’ Place, came before the board to discuss the status of his business, which open this April and was closed in September. The decision before the board was whether the liquor license (due to expire at the end of this month) should be renewed. The owner stated that he is negotiating with the landlord on his expired lease and talking to two prospective buyers for the business and expects to have a more solid business plan in 30 to 45 days. The town adminstrator cited town council advice and explained that if the license is allowed to lapse the owner would have the right to take the issue to the Alcoholic Beverages Control Commission’s (ABCC) appeal process. Selectman Amberson abstained from voting on the issue, siting that renewal would reduce the town’s bargaining power in the situation and noting that approval could occur upon receipt of a solid business plan. After some discussion, Selectwomen Ms. Rand, Ms. Rutan and Ms. Bakstan voted to conditionally approve the renewal pending clearance of the fire safety, building inspection and board of health issues documented prior to the closure. Their consensus was that the existence of the license will aid in the selling of the business, any new business would have to be approved prior to assuming the license and the most favorable outcome would be the opening of a business in the location.
The Board declared January 13th John Davis Day, in honor of the 14th & 17th Governor of Massachusetts, U.S. Senator and U.S. Representative who was born in Northborough in January 13th, 1787.
John Coderre, Town Administrator, explained that the tie into the sewer lines in front of the New Senior Center will not be possible at this time citing expense and complications, thus a septic tank will be constructed. Once this is completed, the building will be ready for its grand opening. he predicts an end of January opening.
The Town Administrator announced the application to the Community Preservation Act for repairs to Town Hall. The former High School building, now used as the Town Hall was built in 1939. Repairs being requested are repairs to the entrance canopies, steps and railings and roofing. The repairs would need to be paided by CPA funds or by capital project funds and floating new bonds.
Selectmen voted to accept a measure passed by state legislators last week that allows towns and cities an extra month to send out their third-quarter tax bills. Mr. Coderre set expectations for bills to be sent out by January 15th, which would set the due date to February 15th. Prior property tax story form last week
[...] on the agenda was an update on the business plan for the closed restuarant, Tom’s Eatin’ and Drinkin’, instead the board presented a letter surrendering the [...]