December 3, 2002
Chairman Raymond W. Platt called the regular meeting of the Raynham Board of Selectmen to order at 7:00 p.m.
Present were Raymond W. Platt, Gordon D. Luciano and Donald L. McKinnon.
Mr. McKinnon moved and Mr. Luciano seconded to accept the minutes of the November 25, 2002 meeting as printed. Mr. Platt made it unanimous.
Mr. Buckner’s Town Administrator’s Report was reviewed.
The ABCC forwarded notice to the Board that the Seasonal Beer and Wine License at Season’s Palace had been revoked and they were to surrender the License to the Board. They have not done so as of today. Mr. Buckner asked for approval of the Board to contact the ABCC. Mr. McKinnon would like to know if they are still serving without a license. Mr. McKinnon would like to contact Town Counsel Marc Antine on this matter. Mr. Luciano stated that an officer should be sent to get the License. Mr. Luciano moved and Mr. McKinnon seconded to have Mr. Buckner contact the ABCC, Town Counsel and the Police Department on this matter. Mr. Platt made it unanimous.
Mr. McKinnon encouraged everyone to attend the meeting at the Moakley Center at Bridgewater State College on Saturday, December 7, 2002 from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon regarding the high school.
Mr. McKinnon stated that there is an large crowd expected for the dedication of the Fire Station to Ted Januse and he reminded everyone to park at Town Hall. A good time will be had by all. There is a good line up of speakers.
Mr. McKinnon stated that a search was done regarding the original expansion plans for the Highway Garage. The original plans for the garage were found, but we believe now there was no expansion plan, however the footings are already in. The Sewer Department needs an area to store its equipment and an expanded Highway garage makes sense. Mr. Luciano stated that John Donahue; Chairman of the Capital Planning Committee has been meeting with the department heads on that issue and looking for some information pertaining to what their needs are. Mr. Platt stated that the Sewer Department does have specific needs.
Mr. Luciano stated that clothing bins have been appearing around town on private property with the owner’s permission. However now they are starting to be in empty lots, like the lot across from McDonald’s. Is there a legal issue here? Can the town set a policy to discourage these open bins? Mr. Luciano would like to see this turned over to the detectives for investigation.
Mr. Luciano stated that there would be no Selectmen’s meeting on Tuesday, December 24, 2002 or Tuesday, December 31, 2002. There will be a meeting on Monday, December 30, 3002 at 7:00 p.m., however town offices will not be open on that evening.
Mr. Luciano stated that last week the Board discussed and approved the Route 138 property not be put up for sale. Would it be worthwhile for the Board to put it out for lease? Mr. McKinnon stated that he is not sure because of the zoning codes in that area. Mr. Platt stated that he would not like to get locked into a long-term lease.
Mr. Luciano stated that he attended the first meeting of the Government Study Committee tonight and they have agreed to do research in various areas. This is a very objective, non-political committee working closely in Raynham’s best interest. This is not a project that will be completed in a short time.
The Raynham Center Water District has scheduled a meeting on Monday, December 16, 2002 at 7:00 p.m. at the Senior Center to vote on an Article whether to pursue a study of a merge of the two Water Districts. The north previously voted in favor of the study. The study is in the best interest of the ratepayers and the districts. Mr. Luciano strongly supports this study. Mr. Platt thinks they look forward with guarded anticipation. The North seems willing to explore the future. Mr. McKinnon stated that whatever the Water Commissioners recommend for the center he will agree with.
Mr. McKinnon stated that with regard to the Government Study Committee he would appreciate receiving an agenda of where and when the meetings will be. Some things will need the involvement of the Executive Branch. The separation of the Board of Health and the Selectmen and the 5-member board are directly concerned with the Executive Branch. Mr. McKinnon would appreciate an agenda and what is coming up on specific nights.
Mr. Platt stated that he has every intention of staying abreast of the Study Committee and reserves the right to say yes or no. Mr. Luciano stated that he strongly encourages participation of so many in Town Government. Mr. Luciano is glad to have a subcommittee to delegate to this committee. Mr. Luciano can’t encourage participation more. Mr. Luciano hopes as the process continues people feel they do have a voice and that this government is open to questions and concerns.
Mr. Platt stated that he has been the unofficial liaison to the Sewer Department and he looks forward to continuing. The future is still challenging.
Ms. Metcalf and Ms. Venezia appeared before the Board with regard to horse shows at Rozenas. Ms. Metcalf stated that the South Shore Horseman’s Association would like to continue to have horse shows there. They feel they have complied with all the town has asked. They respect the town and do a good job. Ms. Venezia stated that the shows for Cape Cod Hunter Association aren’t as large as for South Shore. They try to follow through with all the town asks. There have been no problems with the neighbors. The dates requested by the South Shore Horseman’s Association are April 13, 2003, May 11, 2003, June 22, 2003, July 13, 2003, August 10, 2003 and September 7, 2003. The dates requested by the Cape Cod Hunter Association are April 19, 2003, June 14, 2003, August
9, 2003 and August 16, 2003. The Southeastern Hunter Association has requested April 26, 2003; May 31, 2003; and either July 5, 2003 or July 26, 2003. Mr. Platt reviewed the conditions as set forth last year and commended the South Shore Horseman’s Association on handling the situation last year when a horse got loose. Ms. Venezia commended the police and residents for being there when needed. Mr. Buckner recommended approval of the requested dates. Mr. Platt made it unanimous.
Correspondence: The Raynham Housing Authority has requested waivers of fees for a municipal job. Mr. Luciano moved and Mr. McKinnon seconded to grant the request for a waiver of fees. Mr. Platt made it unanimous.
Correspondence: Middleboro High School Student Council requested permission to hold a Jail and Bail at Walmart on Saturday, February 15, 2003. Mr. McKinnon moved and Mr. Luciano seconded to grant this request. Mr. Platt made it unanimous.
Correspondence: SRPEDD requested a liaison be appointed for the Multi Hazard Community Planning Team. Mr. McKinnon moved and Mr. Luciano seconded to appoint Fire Chief George Andrews. Mr. Platt made it unanimous.
Correspondence: TMLP forwarded a petition for a proposed pole location on Locust Street for pole EL17 ½. Mr. McKinnon moved and Mr. Luciano seconded to grant this request with the condition that the pole not be located in the sidewalk. Mr. Platt made it unanimous.
7:51 p.m. Mr. Luciano moved and Mr. McKinnon seconded to adjourn for the performance of administrative duties and to go into Executive Session on a Grievance with no business to be conducted afterwards. Mr. Platt made it unanimous.
Respectfully submitted,
Kelley A. McGovern
Recording Secretary
|