Update on Accident Involving Belmont Light Workers
Both workers involved in the accident in the manhole in the Belmont High School parking lot are home and doing well, according to Select Board Chair Elizabeth Dionne.
“It’s a good reminder of what our frontline workers put on the line,” she said.
Last week, two Belmont Light workers were transported to Mass General Brigham Hospital after an accident in the manhole where they were working. An apparent arc flash occurred, according to Fire Chief David DeStefano.
The accident resulted in power outages at the Belmont Middle and High School, though power was restored with the use of the generator.
Town Hires Rink Manager
Town Administrator Patrice Garvin announced the town’s decision to hire Erik Harrington, an avid hockey player and current employee of New England Sports Center, for the role of rink manager.
The position was advertised in March, and several rounds of interviews were conducted, she said. Members of the hockey community were involved in the final decision.
Harrington begins April 22.
Flag Retirement Ceremony
The Select Board approved a request to host a U.S. flag retirement ceremony at the Grove Street Cemetery.
The event will take place Saturday, April 19, at 10 a.m.
There will be approximately 2,000 to 2,500 old and worn United States flags to be retired and replaced prior to the Memorial Day ceremony set to take place May 26 at the same location.
Community Services Update
Select Board Vice-Chair Matt Taylor updated the board on the work the Community Services Department is doing to prepare for the library’s eventual exit from the Beech Street Center.
According to Taylor, the department recently presented a plan to the Council on Aging. The main feedback from COA members included the desire for a separate desk for recreation and senior services, support for a separate entrance at the back of the building for Recreation Department use, and in general, “preserving the senior-friendly atmosphere.”
Council on Aging Chair Karen Donelan said the council plans to continue discussing these plans at future meetings.
One-Day Liquor License Rate Set
The Select Board approved one-day special liquor license rates for alcohol, beer, and wine.
All Alcohol licenses for one-day use are $150; beer and wine, meanwhile, will be offered for $100.
Board Eyes Special Town Meeting in October
With several large items to tackle, the board is eyeing October for a special Town Meeting.
Issues that require Town Meeting attention include a citizen’s petition to modify requirements for a liquor license, bylaws recommended by the Bylaw Review Committee, and the Belmont Center overlay project.
Select Board Chair Elizabeth Dionne said scheduling the meeting “signals our commitment to dealing with these” topics.
Yates Resigns as Planning Board Chair
Addressing concerns raised by some community members, Select Board Chair Elizabeth Dionne emphasized that newly elected Select Board member Taylor Yates’ decision to remain on the Planning Board through the end of the McLean permitting process was OK’d by town council.
He cannot, however, act on any Planning Board activities in his capacity as a Select Board member.
Yates shared Monday night that he resigned last week as chair of the Planning Board. Thayer Donham stepped into his place.
The McLean public hearing closed and is now within the 20-day appeal period.
