October 6, 2009 BOARD OF SELECTMEN
Chairmen Donald McKinnon called the regular meeting of the Raynham Board of Selectmen to order at 7:05pm.
Present were Donald L. McKinnon, Marie Smith, and Joseph Pacheco.
Mrs. Smith motioned and Mr. Pacheco seconded to accept the minutes of the September 29, 2009 meeting as printed. Mr. McKinnon made it unanimous.
Chief Pacheco was present and read a Letter of Commendation to the Board for Detective LaPlante. Chief Pacheco spoke of the outstanding work Detective LaPlante has done recently on the CVS investigation. Board members thanked Detective LaPlante and congratulated him on all his hard work.
Brendan Loftus, Capital Planning, and Duane Wheeler, Finance Committee, were present to review articles listed on the Draft Warrant for the Special Town Meeting scheduled for November. Mr. Loftus reviewed the Capital Planning Articles #11 through 16 with the Board. Mr. Wheeler stated that he did not have any comment on the articles at this time. He said that the Finance Committee would be meeting on October 13 to review the listed articles and will converse with the Town Accountant on the figures for each article. Mr. McKinnon asked if Capital Planning was recommending the approval of the submitted capital articles. Mr. Loftus said that the Committee was recommending all the articles.
Mr. Luciano, Bridgewater/Raynham Regional School District Committee, was present to inform the Board of an article that was submitted to Capital Planning recently regarding the completion of a parking lot at the Middle School. The cost of the project would be approximately $22,000 with help from the Highway Department. Mr. Luciano is requesting assistance for the article to be placed on the warrant for the Fall Town Meeting. Mr. Luciano also informed the Board that the State has lowered the required debt payment, therefore the Committee will be submitting and article for the May Town Meeting to reduce the debt by $8,416.
Mr. Loftus informed that the article Mr. Luciano was referring to regarding the parking lot project was reviewed by the Committee. The Committee recommended not moving forward with the project due to financial constraints. Mr. Loftus stated that many requests have been submitted for capital improvements, and they have been placed within a time frame to move forward. Mr. Wheeler informed the Board that the Finance Committee agreed with the vote of Capital Planning for the articles proposed for the warrant.
Mr. McKinnon suggested possibly setting up an account with funds received from the South School and/or North Schools where the funds could be used for school projects.
Mr. Luciano informed all that the South School is presently housing Head Start which has a one-year renewable lease with the School District. He requested the Board’s approval to coordinate with Mr. Buckner and the District’s Business Manager the possibility of an account being established to fund school capital improvement projects.
Mr. Pacheco motioned and Mrs. Smith seconded to appoint Russell Martorana to the Economic and Business Development Commission. Mr. McKinnon made it unanimous.
Mr. Buckner’s Town Administrator’s Report was reviewed.
Mr. McKinnon informed that during Mr. Buckner’s process to file an appeal regarding the Growth Factor, Mr. Buckner found and researched a different avenue to pursue. He said that an appeal could be filed on revenue shortfall, which would fall under the category for the Town's loss of revenue from the Dog Track.
Correspondence – The Board received from the MMA an Action Letter entitled September State Tax Revenue Plummet Below Benchmark. The MMA said State revenue shortfalls could lead to mid-year cuts in Local Aid.
Mrs. Smith informed that she recently met with the Town Planner and discussed the possibilities of a grant for the funding of an expansion at the Senior Center. Ms. Whalley suggested relocating the existing stairs in the building to extend the kitchen. Ms. Whalley will forward a recommendation for an Architect to Mrs. Smith.
Mrs. Smith reminded all that November 14, 2009 would be the date for the celebration of Sgt. Monti. Mrs. Smith urged anyone wishing to volunteer to assist in the preparation of the celebration to attend the next meeting.
Mrs. Smith said that the cable room ceiling at the Middle School had been approved and everything was moving forward.
Mr. Pacheco said that the Economic and Business Development Committee was in the process of reviewing the Town’s Sign By-law. Any changes suggested would most likely be ready for the May Town Meeting.
Mr. McKinnon reminded all that the meeting scheduled for October 22, 2009 with the Bridgewater Board of Selectmen has been cancelled.
Mrs. Smith motioned and Mr. Pacheco seconded to forward correspondence to the School District informing them of the celebration that has been scheduled for November 14, 2009. Mr. McKinnon made it unanimous.
Mrs. Smith said that information had been received from Mr. Perry regarding a Board of Health seminar on November 14, 2009. Members of the Board will not be able to attend due to the ceremony for Sgt. Monti.
Correspondence – the Board received from Mr. Stolte a request to award a salt contract to American Rock Salt for FY 10. Mrs. Smith motioned and Mr. Pacheco seconded to approve the contract to American Rock Salt as follows: $54.24 per ton. Mr. McKinnon made it unanimous.
Correspondence – The Board received an opinion from Attorney Antine regarding the submittal of a request for the Board to place an article on the Town Warrant for Street Acceptance. Mr. Pacheco motioned and Mrs. Smith seconded to forward correspondence to Attorney Shelmedine informing him of the Board’s concern about property taxes owed to the Town and its decision not to place those articles on the Fall Town Meeting warrant Mr. McKinnon made it unanimous.
Correspondence – The Board received an invitation from Bristol/Plymouth Regional High School for an Open House on October 17, 2009 12-3pm.
Correspondence – The Board received the Fire Department Activity Report for the month of September.
Correspondence – The Board received from the Town of Lakeville an agreement to house stray/surrendered dogs from Raynham. Mr. McKinnon said that the facility was state-of-art and would be capable of handling the animals.
Correspondence – The Board received from Debbie Tanner a letter of thanks for the opportunity and experience she acquired while serving the Town during Mrs. Sleezer’s absence.
8:17pm – Mrs. Smith motioned and Mr. Pacheco seconded to adjourn for the performance of administrative duties, signing Bills and Warrants with no business to be conducted afterwards. Mr. McKinnon made it unanimous
Respectfully submitted,
Dawn M. Caradonna
Recording Secretary
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