Selectmen Meeting: Michael Patterson Named Burlington Fire Chief

BURLINGTON, MA — After several months serving in an interim basis, Michael Patterson secured the fire chief role permanently. The selectmen approved his appointment at their Monday meeting, filling a position that opened up when Steve Yetman retired in August. Patterson served as Yetman's assistant chief before stepping up as interim chief for the last few months.

While serving as interim chief, Patterson had to face a chemical accident at Buffalo Wild Wings last month, which killed one and injured more than a dozen others.

At the meeting Monday, selectmen also dealt with a number of liquor licenses and approved details for a transportation subsidy pilot program. The program, approved at the town meeting in September, will test subsidizing ride-hailing for populations in need, as a replacement for the B-Line bus and its much-diminished ridership.

The town received a matching grant from the state for the $50,000 approved at town meeting for the program. The subsidy will be available for those 60 and older, people with disabilities, and residents making less than 300 percent of the poverty line. Public Works Director John Sanchez explained that under the pilot, riders will pay for the first dollar of a ride, but the town will cover the next ten.

"Within Burlington, most rides, if not all, are less than $11," Sanchez said.

The selectmen also approved a liquor license transfer and other necessities for Karma Restaurant, the upscale Asian restaurant coming to Burlington Mall. The license comes from the closed Uno Chicago Grill. Karma, which has three locations in the area, will have over 150 seats, including 15 in a seasonal outdoor patio. The company already received a planning board permit for construction and is planning to open in late spring, the owner, Iverson Guo, said.

Burlington Beer Works got another continuation, as they attempt to find a buyer for their liquor license, before the board cancels it.

Membership of the Northwest Park Housing Committee was approved, as were annual license renewals and articles for the April town meeting warrant.

The meeting video, via BCAT Government Coverage, is available here.

Christopher Huffaker can be reached at 412-265-8353 or chris.huffaker@patch.com.