Webster selectmen discuss parking, fire/rescue, and pets

By Thomas D’Agostino
Patriot Correspondent

Those who are used to parking on both sides of Whitcomb Street are in for a surprise as the Webster Board of Selectmen approved a recommendation for no parking on the left side of the one-way street from East Main Street to Lake Street. The major concern was the inability of passage for safety and rescue vehicles up the street. Kenneth Pizzetti and Police Chief Timothy Bent represented the Safety Committee on the recommendation.

Whitcomb Street is an older road and somewhat narrow compared to the newer streets. Vice Chairman Don Bourque and Selectman Deborah Keefe shared their views on the need for a change. “The parking on that road is horrendous and we would never, ever get an emergency vehicle up there.” Selectman Keefe said.

In regard to a dog hearing from the March 12 meeting, the defendant appeared before the board, as the pet was seen roaming unattended and unleashed once more. Selectman Keefe was adamant in expressing her recommendations from the previous meeting but also knowing how much the dog means to the family, agreed to give the owner one more chance to find a way to keep the pet under control.

It was the board’s decision that the owner must comply completely with the recommendations or the dog will be removed from the home and put up for adoption. Chairman Dan Ricci also expressed that this was his last chance to follow the board’s decision. Town Administrator, John McAuliffe said, “This has got to be fixable. We are not building the Hoover Dam here.”

There had been numerous incidents and complaints about the pet in the past, accompanied by fines to the owner.

The Fire Department Future Study Committee gave its update on the merge between the fire and rescue departments to respond as one unit to an emergency. Don Bourque commented, “This is something that is twenty-five years past due.”

Webster has the largest call Fire Department in Worcester County. Chairman Ricci, along with the rest of the board applauded the efficiency of the fire and rescue departments and their willingness to work together as one.

Empire Wok appeared before the board in regard to a liquor license violation. A father and his twenty -year old son were served alcohol at the establishment. The minor told authorities he only had a few sips of alcohol. Selectman Keefe asked if there was a legal issue with the father being there as guardian. Chief Bent stated that it is illegal for a minor to drink in public regardless of the parent being present. The bartender at the time told the board that the son had an ID claiming he was of drinking age. Empire Wok has been in business in Webster for fifteen years. This is their first violation. The bartender has been working at the establishment for six years and is certified. The board, in consideration of their stellar record recommended a verbal warning and that they card “everyone every time.” They also requested that this request be monitored for the next twelve months. The second offense would result in a loss of license for seven days. The board also applauded the police for their actions on the matter.

Deb Horan of the Webster/Dudley Business Alliance was granted permission for a dumpster to be placed near the Webster Town Hall for Earth Day clean-up Saturday, April 28 ,and Sunday, April 29., Anyone wishing to participate can contact the alliance at (508) 949-6232.

Mohegan Bowl-A-Drome, Inc. transfer of license was approved.

Ruth St. Marie was appointed to the Webster Historical Commission.

The board approved the inclusion of the Bay Path Debt Exclusion Vote for the May 7 ballot and the Town Meeting Warrant.

In regard to the appointment of Betty LaForte to the Council on Aging, the council appoints its own people but passed it on to the board for its support of the appointment.

Eastern Pearl requested special legislation for a full liquor license. Full licenses are location-specific and must go to the legislature for review and approval.

The new boat ramp at the town beach is going as scheduled and should be in place by the end of April.