The Webster selectmen chill over liquor licenses, sewer and water rates

By Thomas D’Agostino
Patriot Correspondent

The Webster Board of Selectmen put a chill on liquor licenses as well as an increase to the utility rates for fiscal year 2012-2013.

Town Administrator John McAuliffe presented three options during the Monday June 4 meeting for the board to decide on. The first option was for the water rate to remain the same at $45.97 per one thousand cubic square feet and the sewer rate to increase by 7%. The present rate is $72.87 per one thousand cubic square feet. This would have raised the rate to $77.97 per one thousand cubic square feet.

Another option was a 3.5% increase, which would have brought the sewer rate to $75.40 per one thousand cubic square feet. The increase would reflect a $215,000 debt shift to the taxpayers.

The final and approved option was for no increase in either sewer or water with the $215,000 debt shift. It was not made clear where the money for the debt shift would come from at this time

In regard to liquor licenses, The Cellar Pub requested a transfer of liquor license to Mr. Robert M. Zalewski. Zalewski owns Snow’s Clam Box in Glocester, Rhode Island and wishes to operate a similar restaurant and pub in Webster. The present license is an inn holder’s license. Vice-chairman Deborah Keefe had concerns over the scope of the license in contrast to the business plans for the establishment. The matter was tabled until the June 11 meeting, pending an exact seating plan, capacity count, as well as a review and approval of the ABCC in regard to that specific license.

The Webster Hydroplane Racing Association will hold its second annual race day on Webster Lake this year.  Mike Grendell and Janet Hoosick of the association came before the board for a one-day liquor license for the event. Board treasurer Jeffrey Duggan asked  why they needed to bring liquor to the event. Hoosick answered, “In a nutshell, to help pay for the event.”

Webster Police Chief Timothy Bent was against the idea of having alcohol at a family event. “Are you going there to drink or are you going there to watch a boat race?” Chief Bent asked.

Grendell stated that Webster was the only place in New England where they hold the event and pay for the use of fire, rescue and police detail. The association paid $8,255 to the town for its services last year.

The board was not against the idea, as other events in town also serve beer.

The matter was tabled until June 11 so the association can draw up a specific plan on where they may have the beer garden with police detail and certified bartenders.

Killdeer Island Club received its approval for a one-day liquor license.

Tina Gorski-Strong was appointed as a member of the School Committee following the resignation of Mr. Ted Geotis. Ms. Gorski-Strong served on the committee from 2001 to 2011.