June 24, 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.
Mrs. Smith motioned and Mr. McKinnon seconded to accept the minutes of the June 10, 2008
meeting. The vote made it unanimous
Mr. Pacheco informed all that the Board was returning from an Executive Session regarding Litigation.
Mr. Stolte recommended that correspondence be forwarded to Mr. McCormick, Head Engineer on the South Main Street Project, Senator Pacheco and Representative Flynn thanking them for their efforts on the Project. Mr. McKinnon motioned and Mrs. Smith seconded to forward thank you letters. Mr. Pacheco made it unanimous.
Mr. Stolte requested the Board’s approval on quotes for Reclamation, Asphalt and Milling. The quotes are for a three-year period with fuel and asphalt escalation included. Mrs. Smith motioned and Mr. McKinnon seconded to approve the recommended contracts. Mr. Pacheco made it unanimous.
Chief Pacheco was present and requested the Board’s approval to promote Seargant Carr to Lieutenant. Mrs. Smith motioned and Mr. McKinnon seconded to promote Seargant Carr to Lieutenant. Mr. Pacheco made it unanimous. Lieutenant Carr thanked Chief Pacheco and the Board.
Chief Pacheco presented an accommodation to K-9 Officer Donovan and Jambo for their outstanding performances. Officer Donovan thanked all for the recognition.
7:28pm-Joint Meeting – Permanent Advisory Committee on Cable TV
Members of the Committee present were Kevin Ellis, Robert Pribusauskas, Timothy Durrigan, Jerry Gibbs and Deborah McClory. Also present was Counsel for the Committee, Attorney William August along with Catherine Maloney from Comcast. Mr. Ellis informed all that the Hearing was for a preliminary ascertainment report. Mr. Ellis said that in February 2009 the present cable license would expire. John Donahue, Hickory Drive, stressed the need for a local cable assess studio in Town. Mr. Donahue asked that within the negotiations, the Committee discuss the possibility of a studio in Raynham. Mr. Medeiros, Leonard Street, discussed his concerns with increased pricing of cable packages and the elimination of channels available. Florence Brazil, 38 Johnson Street, asked for the possibility
of a senior citizen discount and cable packages being removed if individuals are using the package. Mr. Danis, 5 Anna Street, asked why the programming channels in Raynham were receiving Providence stations instead of Boston channels. Pat Riley, 258 King Street, discussed her involvement with Cable and the need for a local cable studio for community involvement and her concern about the broadcasting of Providence stations versus Boston channels in Raynham. Sydney and Arianna Smith, Middle School students, were present and said that previously they have been involved in the Easton studio and enjoyed doing so. They said that volunteering in the studio was an honor and that they would like to continue with a local studio. Andrew Donovan, 40 Hidden Valley Drive, said he was happy with Comcast although would consider other cable companies if available. Mr. Donovan asked if Raynham was receiving the same discounts as surrounding communities. Lynn
Rocha, 6 Temi Road, said she had been involved with the cable studio for the past fourteen years and asked if the equipment presently in Easton would be shared when the studio shuts down in February. Ed Flanagan was present and asked if Verizon would be available in Raynham as he had seen their trucks in Town. Mr. Ellis said that Verizon had scheduled communities through 2009 and Raynham was not included on the list. Mr. Flanagan stated that if Verizon was available it could possibly resolve the issue with viewing Boston channels. He also stated that he has contacted the FCC, which does not have any disclaimers such as to the one Comcast lists on certain channels when trying to view them. Kathleen Roberts, 709 South Main Street, said she also assisted with local programming and complimented the individuals behind the scenes who volunteer to videotape events. Chief Pacheco said the first time he was involved in cable programming was in 1988 when it
was broadcast from the Dog Track. The Chief stressed the need to have access to a local studio for involvement of the community along with the availability for access to homes for public safety. Bill Peckson, 167 S. Street West, agreed that a senior discount should be available and asked why the local weather channel is not local; it is actually Boston weather where as Taunton receives Taunton weather.
Mr. Peckson had concerns regarding the availability and knowledge of customer service reps at Comcast. Suzanne Gibbs, 57 Mark Drive and a middle school teacher, would like to see children involved in cable. William Lewis, Elm Street East, informed all of the Senior Tax Rebate Program that allowed seniors to work for the Town in return for an offset on their taxes. Mr. Lewis stated that a local studio would allow seniors the availability to work for the community. Mr. Luciano, Darrington Drive, also stressed the need for a local studio. Mr. Luciano suggested the Middle School as a possible site for a studio. As discussed by many residents, Mr. Luciano would also like to see Raynham based programs. Mr. McKinnon, Richmond Street, spoke of the importance of a studio in Raynham.
He also thanked the Commission, Attorney August and residents for attending the meeting tonight. Irene Powell, 679 S. Street West, stated that she contacted the FCC and had submitted communication received. Mr. Ellis thanked all for attending. Ms. Maloney informed the residents as to why Providence channels were received in some situations. Mrs. Powell stated that in her communications with the FCC, they have informed her that the channels were the franchise choice and that both MA and RI channels could be broadcast. Robin Burns, Robinson Street, asked why Raynham is receiving RI channels if both could be broadcast.
Ms. Maloney explained the channels were decided upon by a FCC survey done years ago. Mr. Pacheco said the frustrations over many years regarding decrease service and increase prices seems to be what the residents are discussing tonight. Attorney August confirmed that the Middle School does receive free cable and will look into the remaining schools for cable. Mrs. Smith asked Ms. Maloney if a certain package could contain MA channels and RI channels. Ms. Maloney stated that the channels are all within a basic package, which cannot be picked from. She also stated that negotiations for a local studio would need to be discussed. Attorney August stated that in some cases a side letter is included and asked if during the past 6 months has any been included in other communities. Ms.
Maloney said she has not seen any. Attorney August stated that Verizon does not offer senior discounts, but would be interested in seeing what different communities are receiving. Mr. Durrigan stated that more homes in Raynham have cable than internet and hoped to solve all issues presented tonight. Attorney August questioned the inventory at the studio in Easton. Ms. Maloney informed that all equipment was shared equally. Attorney August asked if a dollar amount would be simpler than dividing the equipment.
8.58pm Close Public Hearing
9:00pm- Mr. McKinnon motioned and Mr. Pacheco seconded to recess for 5 minutes. The vote made it unanimous.
9:04pm- Mr. McKinnon motioned and Mrs. Smith seconded to reconvene the regular schedule Board of Selectmen meeting. Mr. Pacheco made it unanimous.
Mrs. Smith motioned and Mr. McKinnon seconded to approve the Annual Appointments as printed. Mr. Pacheco made it unanimous.
Mr. Buckner informed the Board of two vacancies – Council on Aging and Finance Committee.
Mr. Buckner’s Town Administrator’s Report was reviewed.
Mr. Pacheco informed that he researched the receipts of motor vehicle excise tax by Raynham and that the Town is receiving them. Mr. Pacheco congratulated the local businesses that received awards recently as advertised in the Call.
Correspondence – The Board received a request from Mr. McCarthy to withdraw the PWED Grant application.
Correspondence – The Board received a request for a waiver of electrical fees from Dan and Cindy Corey of 71 Homestead Drive in the amount of $40. The Building Commissioner recommended approving it. Mrs. Smith motioned and Mr. McKinnon seconded to waive the electrical fees in the amount of $40. Mr. Pacheco made it unanimous.
Correspondence – The Board received from the Board of Health Agent a copy of a letter dated May 28, 2008 listing a hotline number for EarthSource for concerns of odor along with a request to inform EarthSource of any reports brought forth by residents. Mrs. Smith motioned and Mr. McKinnon seconded to continue communications with EarthSource regarding concerns from residents. Mr. Pacheco made it unanimous.
Correspondence – The Board received a request for a motorcycle parade, Brian Ride on August 3, 2008. Mrs. Smith motioned and Mr. McKinnon seconded to refer the request to Chief Pacheco. Mr. Pacheco made it unanimous.
Correspondence – The Board received from National Grid information regarding vegetation plan for MA.
Correspondence – The Board received from Wonderland Greyhound Park a request to support slot machines at the State’s four race tracks.
Correspondence – The Board received a request for a waiver of Board of Health regulations from
Mr. McMichael, 68 Gatsby Drive, pertaining to reconstruction of his septic system. Mrs. Smith motioned and Mr. McKinnon seconded to approve the request as recommended by Board of Health Agent. Mr. Pacheco made it unanimous.
9:22pm – Mrs. Smith motioned and Mr. McKinnon 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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