October 2, 2007 BOARD OF SELECTMEN
Chairmen John Donahue called the regular meeting of the Raynham Board of Selectmen to order at 7:05pm.
Present were John Donahue, Donald L. McKinnon and Joseph Pacheco.
Mr. McKinnon motioned and Mr. Pacheco seconded to accept the minutes of the September 25, 2007 meeting as printed. Mr. Donahue made it unanimous.
Scheduled was a joint meeting with Finance Committee and Capital Planning. Mr. Loftus, Chairman of Capital Planning said that the Finance Committee and Capital Planning have agreed to put forth the following articles for the November Town Meeting Warrant: Article 1-A transfer of $10,893.68 from Article 34 of the May 17, 2004 Warrant; Article 2-A transfer of $14,200.17 from the November 15, 2005 Warrant; Article 3-A transfer of $22,000 from Article 6 of the October 6, 2006 Warrant; Article 4-A transfer of $60,049 from the Stabilization Account for two new Police Department cruisers; Article 5-A transfer of $39,000 from Free Cash to the Police Expense Account for the upgrade of technology within the Police Department; Article 6-A transfer of $77,000 from the Stabilization Account for Fire Department turn-out
gear; Article 7-A transfer of $180,000 from the Sewer Infrastructure Account for the Paramount Drive Pump Station; and Article 8-A transfer of $35,000 from the Sewer Infrastructure Account for the purchase of an F350 pick-up truck.
Mr. Loftus stated that Article 8 for the purchase of a new F350 pick-up truck would allow the existing F250 to be given to the Highway Department.
Mrs. Smith recommended the Fire Department upgrade yearly necessary equipment along with individual purchases made on a regular basis through he Fire Department Account. Mrs. Smith stated that the use of free cash could possibly be designated for the following requests: Tree Department request for $20,000 to remove hazardous trees and the Cemetery Department request to purchase abutting land. Mr. Buckner requested the Warrant remain open and that the joint meeting continue next week for the acceptance of articles. Discussion was made regarding a recent borrowing of $25,000 from the Highway Department Account and the promise by Committee Members to be returned. Mr. McKinnon suggested placing an Article on the Warrant.
Mr. Buckner’s Town Administrator’s Report was reviewed.
Mr. Buckner reminded all of the Pre-Town Meeting on November 13, 2007 and the Town Meeting on November 19, 2007.
Mr. McKinnon thanked Mr. & Mrs. Ellis for their outstanding work done for Raynham’s Pride Day.
Mr. Pacheco informed all that he had recently received inquiries regarding the North Main Street Project.
Mr. Pacheco stated he has spoken to Mr. Stolte who informed him all work should be completed by the end of October.
Mr. Pacheco stated that he has received requests for speeding signs to be placed at the entrances of Raynham reminding drivers of the state speed limit.
Mr. Pacheco informed all that the next scheduled meeting for the Casino Task Force will be on October 4, 2007, 7pm at the Lakeville Public Library.
Mr. Pacheco also thanked Mr. & Mrs. Ellis for their outstanding work done for Raynham’s Pride Day.
Mr. Donahue informed all that the topic of discussion last week regarding the old Town Hall/Police and Fire Departments did not in any way deem the building to be unsafe. He informed all that the building is only in need of cosmetic repair.
Mr. Donahue discussed the possibility of a Bridgewater vote to de-regionalize K-8.
Correspondence – The Board received a thank you from Mr. & Mrs. Ellis for everyone who participated in Raynham’s Pride Day.
Correspondence – The Board received from the Planning Board a number of proposed zoning amendment articles for the Town Warrant. Mr. McKinnon motioned and Mr. Pacheco seconded to accept the articles and forward them back to the Planning Board for public hearing. Mr. Donahue made it unanimous.
Correspondence – The Board received a letter of interest from Gerry Harlow for the vacant position on the Council on Aging. Mr. McKinnon motioned and Mr. Pacheco seconded to forward to the Council on Aging. Mr. Donahue made it unanimous.
Correspondence – The Board received from the National Environmental Health Association a Certificate of Merit for Alan Perry. Mr. McKinnon motioned and Mr. Pacheco seconded to forward a letter of congratulations to Mr. Perry. Mr. Donahue made it unanimous.
Correspondence – The Board received a request to start the process for the search of a new Fire Chief upon the retirement of Chief Andrews in August 2008.
Mr. McKinnon suggested a Committee be formed for the appointment of a new Fire Chief consisting perhaps of all members from the Board of Selectmen, Fire Fighters Union Representative and a citizen at large. The Board agreed to give it a few weeks for consideration.
Correspondence – The Board received from Richard McDonald a request for stop signs on the corners of Judson and Orchard Street. Mr. McKinnon motioned and Mr. Pacheco seconded to forward the request to the Highway Department and Police Department for recommendation with the Board’s full support. Mr. Donahue made it unanimous.
Correspondence – The Board received a letter of resignation from John Welch, Sealer of Weights and Measures effective December 31, 2007. Mr. McKinnon motioned and Mr. Pacheco seconded to accept with regrets. Mr. Donahue made it unanimous.
Mr. McKinnon discussed the responsibilities of the Sealer of Weights and Measures and suggested a more formal collection process of funds be implemented.
Correspondence - The Board received a letter of resignation from Shelly Coelho, Conservation Commission. Mr. McKinnon motioned and Mr. Pacheco seconded to accept with regrets. Mr. Donahue made it unanimous.
Board members concurred to accept applications for the vacant position through October 23, 2007.
Correspondence – The Board received a request for a Cycle Run from Steve’s Custom Cycle on October 7, 2007. Mr. McKinnon motioned and Mr. Pacheco seconded to approve pending the approval from the Police and Fire Departments. Mr. Donahue made it unanimous.
Correspondence – The Board received an invitation from Bristol Plymouth Agricultural School for their Fall Show Preview on October 18, 2007.
Correspondence – The Board received requests for Tag Days as follows: B-R Student Council on October 29, 2007; Bridgewater State Softball Team, car wash on October 20, 2007; and Taunton High Drama Club, candy sale on December 16, 2007. Mr. McKinnon motioned and Mr. Pacheco seconded to approve the listed Tag Days pending the approval from the Water District. Mr. Donahue made it unanimous.
Correspondence – The Board received a request from Mr. Dolan regarding the removal of six sections of fencing along his property and the Town Hall property line. Mr. Buckner informed that the fence could be removed with one condition that if Mr. Dolan would to sell his home, the six sections would be replaced at Mr. Dolan’s expense. Mr. McKinnon motioned and Mr. Pacheco seconded to request an approval from the Conservation Commission and Mr. Bettencourt on the removal of the fence. Mr. Donahue made it unanimous.
8:23pm – Mr. McKinnon motioned and Mr. Pacheco seconded to adjourn for the performance of administrative duties, signing Bills and Warrants, Executive Session re: Negotiations, with no business
to be conducted afterwards. Mr. Donahue made it unanimous.
Respectfully submitted,
Dawn M. Caradonna
Recording Secretary
| 
