November 25, 2008 BOARD OF SELECTMEN
Chairmen Joseph Pacheco called the regular meeting of the Raynham Board of Selectmen to order at 7:04pm.
Present were Joseph Pacheco, Donald L. McKinnon and Marie Smith.
Mr. McKinnon motioned and Mrs. Smith seconded to accept the minutes of the November 18, 2008 as printed. Mr. Pacheco made it unanimous
In regards to the Study Committee on the Superintendency/De-regionalization of Grades K-8, Mr. McKinnon motioned and Mr. Wheeler seconded to recommend to the Board the formation of a Permanent Committee. The vote was unanimous. Mr. McKinnon said that the Committee would study three options: the de-regionalization of Grades K-8, the formation of a superintendency union or a recommendation to leave the situation as is. He said that at present the members of the committee are Mr. Donohue, Mr. Wheeler, Mr. Buckner and himself. He moved to add the Chairman of Capital Planning or his designee be added to the Permanent Committee along with two citizen members. Mrs. Smith seconded the motion and Mr. Pacheco made it unanimous.
Mr. Steve Donohue was present and complimented the Research Study Committee on the preliminary work completed. Mr. Donohue informed that the Regional School Committee recently voted unanimously to support the change on cable television broadcasting from the Providence DMA to the Boston DMA.
Mr. Donohue stated that the Regional School Committee had discussed the use of the old Bridgewater/Raynham High School and voted turn the building over to the Town of Bridgewater for their use.
Residents and employees of the Taunton/Raynham Dog Track were present to discuss the closure of the track and again ask for the Board’s assistance in sending correspondence to the Governor and Legislature and requesting a two year extension for the operation of the business. Karen Burke-Elm Street West was present and asked the Board for assistance in sending correspondence to Legislature to save over 1000 jobs. Bill Nickerson spoke of the many activities the Taunton/Raynham Dog Track has done over the years. Paul Arnone-175 Fairview Ave, Brockton spoke of the Town’s revenue that will be lost due to the closure of the track. Steve Doherty-Quality Beverage spoke of how the track is an outstanding customer for his business and for many other vendors. Lorraine Nickerson-36 First
Street urged the Board to forward correspondence to the Governor in the efforts to save many jobs. Christopher Roberts-Elm Street West asked how the campaign to Save the Dogs has taken so many jobs away from residents of MA. Manny Saras-Prospect Hill Street informed all that his kennels will be affected and asked that the Board help to stop the closure of the track. Nancy Murphy-Taunton resident stated that she has been employed at the track for 58 years and would not like to see the track close. Danny Curry-443 Broadway stated that the track closure would affect many local businesses. Mrs. Clemmey-171 Elm Street West spoke of the dog owners already leaving and their respect for the dogs along with the track being a community for friends. A child spoke of how his family members are employed at the track and how unfair it would be to close the business. Duane Wheeler-First Street spoke of the effects that the closure of the track will have on
the Town due to the revenue that will be lost. Donna Bliss-Town of Berkley informed that she has been an employee of the track for 8 years and said that the Save the Dogs campaign has never seen the kennels nor do they know how the dogs are truly taken care of. Chief Pacheco spoke of the many generations his family has been employed at the track and how the closure of the track will affect the Police Department including detail officers. Chief Januse spoke of his family being employed at the track and the cuts that the Police and Fire Departments will see when the funds received from the business are lost. Richard McCarthy-Canton was present and informed that he his always found the dogs to be in excellent condition and has never seen any problems. Rob Hall-Town of Berkley spoke of how the dogs are all well cared for at the facility. Mike Curran, trainer at the track, stated that the only abuse at the track is the loss of 1000 jobs and that the
animals are loved and cared for. Tom Clifford-Town of Rehoboth informed that he has been employed at the track for 33 years, with the track as partner to the Town, he asked that the Board send correspondence to the Governor informing him of the issues for both the residents and the Town.
Mr. Pacheco read correspondence from Representatives Flynn and Canessa informing the Board of their support for a postponement of the closure of the track.
Mr. Pacheco reminded all that the Board has voted to send correspondence to Senator Pacheco, Representative Flynn and the Governor regarding the postponement for two years of the Taunton/Raynham Dog Track business. Mr. Pacheco read a draft letter, which will be signed and forwarded. Chief Pacheco asked if the Board could add to the letter a statement regarding the 1000 jobs which will be lost.
Mr. McKinnon and Mrs. Smith both stated that the Board would do whatever it takes to support the postponement of the closure. Mr. Pacheco stated that he was disappointed at the Governor’s action especially at his comment on the ballot vote.
8:15pm - Mr. McKinnon motioned and Mrs. Smith seconded to recess. Mr. Pacheco made it unanimous.
8:20pm - Mr. McKinnon motioned and Mrs. Smith seconded to reconvene the meeting. Mr. Pacheco made it unanimous.
Mr. McKinnon motioned and Mrs. Smith seconded to appoint Marilyn Whalley as the new Town Planner/Grant Writer. Mr. Pacheco made it unanimous.
Mr. Buckner’s Town Administrator’s Report was reviewed.
Mr. McKinnon motioned and Mrs. Smith seconded to adopt and sign the Issuing Authority Report to Verizon re: its application to provide cable service to Raynham. Mr. Pacheco made it unanimous.
Board members wished all a Happy Thanksgiving.
Correspondence – The Board received a request from the Board of Assessors to schedule a joint meeting regarding FY 2009 valuations. Mr. McKinnon motioned and Mrs. Smith seconded to schedule a Public Hearing on December 9, 2008. Mr. Pacheco made it unanimous.
8:35pm – Mr. McKinnon motioned and Mrs. Smith seconded to adjourn for the performance of administrative duties, signing Bills and Warrants with no business to be conducted afterwards.
Mr. Pacheco made it unanimous.
Respectfully submitted,
Dawn M. Caradonna
Recording Secretary
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