Board of Selectmen contemplates name change

Date: 9/5/2014

SOUTHWICK – The Board of Selectmen is going to answer, “What’s in a name?”

At its Aug. 28 meeting, the board contemplate a name change to “Selectboard,” an item that sparked some heated discussion.

The initial idea was generated by Ruth Preston, secretary for the Planning Board. None of the board members were opposed to the idea, but wanted to further research the change before voting to avoid unforeseen legal issues or otherwise.
   
“I don’t have any problem going forward and seeing if we can’t start doing some research,” Selectman Russell Fox said. He wanted to consult the Town Charter to ensure the proper process is followed.
   
Karl Stinehart, chief administrative officer for the board, suggested they change the name gradually, using any stationary, business cards or other purchased supplies to avoid wasting taxpayers’ dollars.
   
Cesan preferred to make the motion and vote on the matter that evening, provided “there are no legal issues that stand in the way.”
   
Fox tried to explain the benefits of waiting, but Cesan interrupted.
   
She said, “Well, I think I’m making a motion. Do I have a second? No? You guys don’t want to change it?”
   
Fox said, “I don’t think anyone said that.” He explained that they simply wanted to make sure they were making the change per Charter guidelines.
   
Cesan asked Selectman Joseph Deedy his opinion.
   
Deedy responded, “My opinion is if it checks out, then we can do it. No, I don’t have a problem with it, but I wouldn’t change everything tomorrow.”
   
Cesan asked Fox, Deedy and Stinehart if they were comfortable “going on the record” saying they had no issue with the name change provided there are no legal snafus.
   
All three agreed to do so.
   
In other action, the board approved a liquor license for the Westfield River Brewing Co. that relocated to the former Chuck’s Steakhouse building, 707 College Highway. The new building is a three-story, 2,500 square-foot barn where alcohol would be served on the first floor and the outside patio. A tasting bar with 10 tap lines, a growler refill station and six-packs for purchase will be featured.
   
Sergio Bonavita, owner and brewer for the company, went before the Board of Selectman on Aug. 11 to obtain a Farmer-Breweries, Farmer-Wineries & Farmer-Distilleries license for the new location. The public hearing was conducted that evening, but the license decision was postponed until the Selectmen’s next meeting, due to the absence of Cesan.
   
The license was approved on Aug. 28 with little discussion.
   
In regards to the Agricultural Commission, a resignation letter from Tracy Root was accepted. Both Pete Barnum and Dennis Clark were appointed to the commission.