February 5, 2008 BOARD OF SELECTMEN
Chairmen John Donahue called the regular meeting of the Raynham Board of Selectmen to order at 7:06pm.
Present were John Donahue, Donald L. McKinnon and Joseph R. Pacheco.
Mr. McKinnon motioned and Mr. Pacheco seconded to accept the minutes of January 29, 2008 meeting as printed. The vote made it unanimous.
Mr. Donahue informed all that the Board was returning from an Executive Session regarding Collective Bargaining.
Mr. Stolte was present and informed the Board that recently a safety issue arose during the construction phase of Aquaria’s pipeline on King Philip Street. Mr. Stolte stated that the Town granted permission for a street opening permit in the month of February with conditions that the street be buttoned-up at the end of each week or bad weather. He said that last Friday Aquaria was laying asphalt along King Philip Street and with the weather conditions the way they were, it caused visibility around the area to be unsafe for many. Chief Pacheco was present and concurred that the detail police officers on site had to detour traffic due to lack of visibility. Chief Pacheco stated that he felt the situation had to be brought to the Board’s attention. Mr. Stolte said that previously the
Town had an issue with the construction of the pipeline by Aquaria which had been resolved; therefore, this is the second situation for which Aquaria has been spoken to regarding the safety in the Town. Mr. Donahue stated that King Philip Street is not a heavily populated area although if the situation had happened just a few yards up the street where there is a residential complex, the situation could have been a bigger issue. Jeff Hanson, Construction Manager and Frank Prewinski from Aquaria were present. Mr. Hanson admitted that a mistake during the overlay on Friday did occur which caused heavy steaming. Mr. Hanson did agree that they were instructed to overlay the road every Friday and due to the storm coming in, had first paved a section of Thrasher Street then proceeded to King Philip Street. Mr. Hanson stated that Aquaria would like to continue working in the area and that all work was scheduled to be completed by the end of February. Mr.
Donahue stated that the first priority was the public safety. Mr. Pacheco concurred that public safety should take top priority. Mr. Hanson said that they would take all necessary precautionary steps to avoid any future safety issues.
7:22pm- Public Hearing, Longhorn Steakhouse.
Mr. Gerstein, representing Longhorn Steakhouse, was present and informed the Board that the requested change was for the transfer of stock and officers/directors. Mr. Gerstein signed the affidavit in front of the Board, which confirmed notices were sent to abutters regarding this meeting. Board Members asked if there were any management or operation changes. Mr. Gerstein informed that the facility would remain the same as for management and operations. Mr. McKinnon motioned and Mr. Pacheco seconded to approve the change in transfer of stock and officers/directors. Mr. Donahue made it unanimous.
Chief Andrews were present and updated the Board of the number of calls during the month of January. Chief Andrews reminded all that caution should be taken on ice especially with the warmer weather. Chief Andrews stated that Mr. Bettencourt is working on plans for the renovation of the station, the in-school programs are going well and that re-certification of the men was presently being performed.
7:31pm – Public Hearing, Terrier Way. Board Members reviewed plans for Terrier Way as presented by Mr. Buckner. Mr. McKinnon motioned and Mr. Pacheco seconded to accept the layout and forward the acceptance in the form of an article for the Town Meeting Warrant. Mr. Donahue made it unanimous.
7:35pm – Continuation of Public Hearing, Tax Classification.
Mr. McKinnon and Mr. Pacheco concurred to be in favor of keeping a split rate for the tax. Mr. Donahue stated that he would be in favor of having the rate remain the same and for the future to eliminate the split for the Town. Mr. Donahue said that the Town should be careful with the split from a business perspective. Mr. McKinnon said that last year he was in favor of an additional percentage. Mr. Pacheco thanked the Board of Assessors for the presentation last week and motioned for the split to be 1.26. Mr. McKinnon seconded the motion for discussion. Mr. Donahue disagreed with the split and stated that the difference would only be approximately $0.04 or about $16 savings per household. Mr. McKinnon stated that if a change in the percentage would mean a difference of savings in the
resident’s pocket then he would be in favor of the split. Mr. McKinnon and Mr. Pacheco voted yes. Mr. Donahue voted no. Motion carried.
Mr. Buckner’s Town Administrator’s Report was reviewed.
Mr. McKinnon thanked all Department Heads for their hard work in striving toward the upcoming FY2009 budget.
Board Members were requested by the Raynham Youth Soccer League to give their opinion on a new design symbol for the league. All Board Members concurred on photo #1 (shield) as a design.
Mr. Pacheco read an appreciation letter from Representative Flynn to Mr. Donahue on the many years of service to the Town. Mr. Donahue thanked Representative Flynn and officially announced that he would not be running for a seat on the Board in April. Mr. McKinnon thanked Mr. Donahue for his many accomplishments over the last four years.
Correspondence – The Board received from GATRA a draft of the proposed route for Rt. 44 up to WalMart. Mr. Pacheco motioned and Mr. McKinnon seconded to invite Mr. Gay from GATRA to a meeting on February 19, 2008. Mr. Donahue made it unanimous.
Correspondence – The Board received from the MA Office of Disability information regarding a meeting on February 21, 2008 at the Multiple Service Building in Wareham.
Correspondence – The Board received a request from Chief Pacheco to withdraw an article in the amount of $2000 for cruiser repair from the Special Town Meeting Warrant next week.
Correspondence – The Board received from Silver Skate a request for a Tag Day on April 26, 2008.
Mr. McKinnon motioned and Mr. Pacheco seconded to approve the request for a Tag Day from Silver Skates for April 26, 2008. Mr. Donahue made it unanimous.
8:16pm – Mr. McKinnon motioned and Mr. Pacheco seconded to adjourn for the performance of administrative duties, signing Bills, Executive Session re: Litigation, with no business to be conducted afterwards. Mr. Donahue made it unanimous.
Respectfully submitted,
Dawn M. Caradonna
Recording Secretary
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