SAUGUS — The Saugus Board of Selectmen held a moment of silence to the start of Tuesday night’s meeting to remember longtime Saugus assessor Dr. Frederick “Doc” Wagner, who passed away over the weekend at 97.
“Doc was more than just an assessor and more than just an optometrist,” said selectman Steve Castinetti. “Doc was a friend of mine. Had a ton of energy and a lot of drive left.
“He was a fixture that nobody will forget at the Hammersmith every morning. He’ll be sorely missed by me and everyone else as well.”
Selectman Stephen Horlick said Saugus was a “better place” for having Wagner in the town while selectman Debra Panetta said Wagner was “always a gentleman.”
“He was a wonderful person and he was beloved by all,” said Panetta. “He knew Saugus inside and out and he gave so much to our community. I do believe he’ll still be around Saugus, maybe not physically, but his spirit will always be around.”
The board approved a transfer of an all alcoholic package store license from L & D Liquor at 124 A Broadway to North Shore Liquors, which will be located at 180 Main St. The manager will be Bhavin Patel.
Selectmen also put off a vote to allow weekly “free pub poker” at Sully C’s Bar and Grill on Route 1 pending an opinion from Town Counsel John Vasapolli.
In other business, the board renewed several licenses for businesses in town including J & M Subs, Panera Bread, 7-Eleven, LA Fitness and Work Out World.
Pro Collision paid $5,000 in outstanding taxes and entered into a payment plan with the town.
Hometown Pizza failed to pay outstanding taxes after numerous letters from the town, however, Castinetti said he received an e-mail from the landlord saying they didn’t realize the urgency of renewal and will be at Town Hall today.
But the board voted to not renew the license.
“As far as I’m concerned ”¦ I would just not renew it and let them come in and renew the license,” said selectmen Chairman Michael Serino.
In his update to selectmen, Town Manager Scott Crabtree said budgetary preparations are under way for fiscal year 2014 and a new fuel management system for town vehicles will go live at the end of the month.
Crabtree also spoke about some “icy conditions” after a recent snow storm and said he will be looking at “better ways” to improve snow and ice removal in the town.
Matt Tempesta can be reached at [email protected].
