Selectmen: AMC Liquor License, Sidewalks, Signage, Water Usage

BURLINGTON, MA — At Monday's meeting, Burlington's selectmen began what they said would be a new routine: hearing from the state legislative delegation. They also voted to loosen restrictions on the AMC theater's liquor license, to approve a sign for the historical society, and to put their support behind an effort to get state funding to repair Cambridge St. sidewalks. And three town employees got new jobs.

State Sen. Cindy Friedman couldn't make it, but state Rep. Ken Gordon told the board how excited he was about the new Lowell-Burlington shuttle, which launched last week. The shuttle, which is designed for Lowell residents who work second-shift restaurant jobs in Burlington, received a $250,000 state grant for its launch period. Currently, a round trip is $5.

"There are several hundred job openings in the restaurant industry here in Burlington—especially when the students are in school," said the state representative, while "We have areas in Lowell where we have people looking for work."

Gordon also said he supported an effort by the sidewalk committee to get a state grant to repair or add sidewalks along Cambridge St. Committee Chair Steve Morin asked the board for its support in petitioning MassDOT, which they gave.

Rounding out state business, Public Works Director John Sanchez updated the board on the quest to join the Massachusetts Water Resources Authority. If the Draft Environmental Impact Report process goes smoothly, he said, the town may be approved next summer. They want to install a needed pipe next summer, also.

"Hopefully by the end of the summer we'll have the permit and the pipe," said Sanchez. "So that will be the first time we can take water from Lexington without having a water emergency."

Sanchez said water usage has dropped some 25% since the outdoor water ban began, but needs to drop further before his department can do needed maintenance.

On Sanchez's recommendations, Town Administartor Paul Sagarino made two public works appointments, in addition to naming a new "special police officer." The selectmen voted to waive the 15-day waiting period on all three appointments.

Selectmen also voted to ease restrictions on the AMC theater's liquor license. According to the theater's manager, they are expecting a difficult year, so the selectmen voted to allow the theater's "liquor compliance monitor" to do additional work Monday through Thursday, days when the theater may only sell two or three drinks. The waiver lasts 90 days, at which point the board will reconsider.

They also approved the Historical Commission's request to install a sign at its museum at 13 Bedford St.

"Residents always ask us, where is the historical museum?" said commission member Peter Cappola.