June 10, 2008 BOARD OF SELECTMEN
Chairmen Joseph Pacheco called the regular meeting of the Raynham Board of Selectmen to order at 7:06pm.
Present were Joseph Pacheco, Donald L. McKinnon and Marie Smith.
Mr. McKinnon motioned and Mrs. Smith seconded to accept the minutes of the May 27, 2008
meeting. The vote made it unanimous
Mr. McCarthy was present and informed all that the Town received today the acceptance of the More Grant in the amount of $1M. Mr. McCarthy said that funds would be used to correct issues at Paramount Park and Hill Street. He thanked the Board and Town Departments who helped in the process to obtain the grant. Board Members thanked Mr. McCarthy, Senator Pacheco and Representative Flynn for their assistance in obtaining the Grant for the Town. Mr. McKinnon suggested forwarding correspondence to Senator Pacheco and Representative Flynn thanking them for their help.
Mrs. King, Treasurer/Collector, was present and informed all that the new real estate/personal property tax bill will be forwarded to residents in one mailing which would contain three coupons for payment. Mrs. King informed all that payment could also be processed online beginning July 1 although a fee would be assessed for the use of a credit card.
Mr. Ellis, Cable Advisory Committee, was present to update the Board on the cable negotiations. Mr. Ellis reminded all that the current cable contract will expire in February 2009. He informed all that a joint meeting with the Board of Selectmen and Cable Advisory Committee is scheduled for June 24, 2008.
Mr. Ellis spoke of the possibility of getting Verizon to offer cable in Raynham. He said Verizon has a schedule thru the end of 2009 which does not include Raynham. Mr. Ellis urged Raynham residents to attend the joint meeting to discuss their cable needs.
7:24pm – Public Hearing – Odor Complaint, 471 Leonard Street. Mr. Perry, Health Agent, was present and updated all on the process leading up to this evening’s meeting. Mr. Perry stated that a complaint was received on May 15, 2008 regarding a terrible odor emanating from 471 Leonard Street. He said that he attempted to investigate the complaint although he could only observe from the street near the property. At that location, Mr. Perry confirmed odors and determined that that source of the odor was from 471 Leonard Street. Mr. Perry informed that the owners of the property were listed as Mr.& Mrs. Richard Chaves. On May 16, 2008 Mr. Perry contacted the owners, but was informed that Mr. Chaves was out of town. On May 20, 2008, Mr. Perry spoke to Mr. Chaves who
informed Mr. Perry that his property is a farm and jurisdiction would fall under the Department of Agriculture. At this time, Mr. Perry informed Mr. Chaves that a complaint was filed with the Board of Health and that he was trying to obtain access to the property to investigate a possible public health nuisance. Mr. Perry stated that Mr. Chaves was not pleasant and had informed him that he could not enter the property. Following a receipt of a fax, Mr. Perry attempted to contact Mr. Chaves again to gain access for his investigation in the complaint. On May 24, 2008, Mr. Perry forwarded correspondence to Mr. Chaves detailing information regarding the possible public health issue and asked that he appear before the Board of Health. A reply was received from Attorney Goldrick on behalf of the owners stating that neither he nor his clients would be present for the Public Hearing and that the Town was witch-hunting.
Residents present were Mr. & Mrs. Conrad of 300 Forest Street, Mr. Stoughton of 22 Walter Drive and Christine Monahan of 284 Forest Street. Mr. Conrad said that a smell can be detected daily during any given season. He said the smell was more of a garbage smell, possibly from the feed used for the cattle. Mr. Stoughton also commented on the smell and informed that it could possibly be from the excess milk that is processed in the dairy on the property. Mrs. Monahan said the smell is so disgusting that you cannot breathe when walking by the property and that the smell is noticeable even on cold days.
Mr. Perry stated that the State Department of Agriculture informed him that a Dairy License was issued for the property within the past year. Attorney Goldrick’s letter stated that inspections were performed and that the property had no violations. Mr. Stoughton asked when the inspections were performed. Mr. Perry informed that the Board of Health does not have a copy of the inspection reports. Mr. McKinnon motioned and Mrs. Smith seconded to approve Mr. Perry to enter into discussions with Attorney Antine on the appropriate action to be taken in order to allow the Health Agent access to investigate the complaint. Mr. Pacheco made it unanimous.
Mrs. Smith asked if the dairy license was to produce and sell products or to be used for the cattle. Mr. Perry was not clear as to the dairy license. Mr. McKinnon also recommended that Mr. Perry consult experts who may be able to assist in the determination of the odor. Mr. Pacheco said the letter from Attorney Goldrick disturbed him and that the Town has always operated with honesty and integrity.
Mr. McKinnon motioned and Mrs. Smith seconded to approve an abatement of the nuisance on the property if so determined by Mr. Perry. Mr. Pacheco made it unanimous.
Mr. Pacheco informed the Board members that Mr. Stolte had forwarded a copy of the traffic engineer’s recommendation and requested the Board’s approval regarding the reduction of signal time on approaches for N. Main, Center Street and Mill Street. Mr. McKinnon motioned and Mrs. Smith seconded to approve the reduction of signal times on approach for N. Main, Center Street and Mill Street. Mr. Pacheco made it unanimous.
Mr. Buckner’s Town Administrator’s Report was reviewed.
Board members agreed to forward correspondence to Johnson & Johnson thanking them for offering an intern to perform an energy audit of Town buildings.
Mr. McKinnon recommended a Committee be formed to discuss topics on an upcoming joint meeting with the State regarding the Municipal Revenue Growth Factor. Mr. McKinnon suggested the following members serve on the Committee: Chairman of the School Committee, Chairman of the Finance Committee, Town Administrator and a member of the Board of Selectmen. Mr. McKinnon volunteered to represent the Board of Selectmen. Mr. McKinnon motioned and Mrs. Smith seconded to appoint the above listed individuals to the Committee. Mr. Pacheco made it unanimous.
Mr. Pacheco informed all that he attended the Bristol Association of Selectmen Meeting last week.
He said that the next scheduled Casino Task Force Meeting is scheduled for June 18, 2008 at 7pm. He also said that he and Mr. McKinnon attended the RAVE Brunch and congratulated Mr. McKinnon on his receipt of an award.
Correspondence - The Board received a request for Christopher’s Seafood & Steakhouse for alteration of license premises. Mr. McKinnon motioned and Mrs. Smith seconded to schedule a Public Hearing on July 8, 2008. Mr. Pacheco made it unanimous.
Correspondence – The Board received information from the Department of Conservation & Recreation’s Flood Hazard Management Program.
Correspondence – The Board received from the Highway Department a request for an approval of a policy at the Town’s transfer station. The policy would stipulate that all vehicle engines would need to be turned off prior to unloading any waste or recycling materials. Mr. McKinnon motioned and Mrs. Smith seconded to approve the policy. Mr. Pacheco made it unanimous.
Correspondence – The Board received the Fire Department’s Monthly Report.
Correspondence – The Board received a letter of resignation from Gerry Harlow from the Council on Aging. Mr. McKinnon motioned and Mrs. Smith seconded to accept with regret. Mr. Pacheco made it unanimous.
Correspondence – The Board received a request from Chief Pacheco for a clarification on a Town by-law regarding the hawking and peddling of goods. Mr. McKinnon motioned and Mrs. Smith seconded to forward the by-law to Attorney Antine for his interpretation. Mr. Pacheco made it unanimous.
Correspondence – The Board received a request for a Tag Day from the Apponequet High School, Class of 2010 for a car wash on July 28, 2008. Mr. McKinnon motioned and Mrs. Smith seconded to approve the car wash for Apponequet High School, pending approval from the Water District. Mr. Pacheco made it unanimous.
8:14pm – Mr. McKinnon motioned and Mr. Smith seconded to adjourn for the performance of administrative duties, signing bills with no business to be conducted afterwards. Mr. Pacheco made it unanimous.
Respectfully submitted,
Dawn M. Caradonna
Recording Secretary
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