April 3, 2007 BOARD OF SELECTMEN
Chairman Donald L. McKinnon called the regular meeting of the Raynham Board of Selectmen to
order at 7:04pm.
Present were Donald L. McKinnon, Raymond W. Platt, and John M. Donahue.
Mr. Platt motioned and Mr. Donahue seconded to accept the minutes of the March 27, 2007 meeting as printed. Mr. McKinnon made it unanimous.
Mr. McKinnon stated that the meeting tonight was an informational forum for residents in regards to the upcoming ballot question. Steve Smith, Executive Director of SRPEDD was present, and said that SRPEDD was in favor of the project. Mr. Smith stated that the project initially was quoted to cost $800M. Mr. Smith informed all that there would be eight stations along the route, 15 trains in and out per day with a total passenger count of 4282. Richard McCarthy, Town Planner, presented maps to show the path of the projected train route. Mr. McCarthy stated that the train would change the community character and disturb residents’ way of life. Jim Ross stated that he does not see an advantage for Raynham with the rail. Mr. Ross said he would have concerns with safety for
individuals at the proposed train crossings and the impact on the environment. Erika Ueberbacher, Conservation Agent, was present and stated wetland concerns with the development of the train Fred Legler of Britton Street was present and stated concerns with the disturbance of water, wildlife, and the environment. He stated that residents move to Raynham to get away from the train and live in a rural area. He stated that the Town does not need a train. Mr. Donahue presented two reports, 2002 Final Environment Report from Secretary Durand and a Federal EPA Report which was a response to the Secretary’s Report. He said the best route has not been designed by the State. Mr. Donahue said he has concerns for the Britton Street residents and the impact on the Town. He said he was in support of the train in Southeastern MA, but not at the expense of the quality of life for Raynham residents and stated that he would vote no on the
ballot question. Mr. Platt spoke of Representative Flynn’s past and present comments regarding the inability of the State to fund the project and agreed with Mr. Legler on the impact of the environment. Mr. Platt commented on the number of individuals riding the train on a daily basis, which would not support the use of the train. Mr. McKinnon stated that he is against the rail and elaborated on the many reasons why.
Mr. McCarthy requested permission for Erika Ueberbacher, Conservation Agent, to attend the commuter rail meetings as a representative of the Town. Mr. Donahue motioned and Mr. Platt seconded to authorize Erika Ueberbacher to represent the Town at future commuter rail meetings. Mr. McKinnon made it unanimous.
Mr. McKinnon said that SRPEDD requested the appointment of individuals to serve as representatives for Raynham. Mr. Platt motioned and Mr. Donahue seconded to re-appoint Marty Newfield as the Board’s representative to the SRPEDD Commission, Roger Stolte as the representative to the Joint Transportation Planning Group and Richard McCarthy as alternate. Mr. McKinnon made it unanimous.
Mr. Donahue informed all that the Board has scheduled the continuation meeting for the Medeiros Property land taking for April 10, 2007.
Mr. Buckner’s Town Administrator’s report was reviewed.
Board members agreed to schedule the summer meeting dates next week.
Mr. Donahue stated that residents have had questions regarding their recent tax bill and their assessment value. Mr. Donahue explained to all the process for which the bills are calculated.
Correspondence – The Board received information regarding the acceptance of Elmwood Estate as a Town Road. The Board of Appeals recommended acceptance of the road with conditions at their last meeting on March 29, 2007.
Correspondence - The Board received a recommendation from the Planning Board in favor of the acceptance of the layout of Terrier Way.
Correspondence – The Board received from Tom Armitage of QBI Home a request to accept the streets of Finch Farm Estates as Town roads.
Correspondence – The Board received from the Bridgewater/Raynham School District information regarding a scheduled Public Forum on April 9, 2007 at the Raynham Middle School and on
April 23, 2007 at the Bridgewater Middle School.
Correspondence – The Board received from Alice Fleming a letter stating concerns of littering by The Call. Mrs. Fleming said that multiple copies of the paper are lying on resident’s lawn. Board members requested Mr. Buckner contact The Call to minimize the problem.
Correspondence – The Board received a request for tag day from Veterans Support Organization, Post Road, Warwick, RI for April 8, 2007. Board members agreed to forward the request to Chief Pacheco.
Mr. McKinnon said that the Board would be reconvening to meet with the Finance Committee for a Joint Meeting following the Board of Selectmen Meeting.
8:47pm – Mr. Donahue motioned and Mr. Platt seconded to adjourn for the performance of administrative duties, signing Bills and Warrants, Executive Session re: Litigation, with no business to be conducted afterwards. Mr. McKinnon made it unanimous.
Respectfully submitted,
Dawn M. Caradonna
Recording Secretary
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