Selectmens Meeting Minutes 08/06/2019
Board of Selectmen August 6, 2019
Chairman Joseph Pacheco called the meeting to order at 6:19 p.m. in the meeting room at Veterans’ Memorial Town Hall, 558 South Main Street. In addition to Chairman Pacheco, Selectmen Marie Smith and Patricia Riley were in attendance.
Ms. Riley made a motion to enter into Executive Session in accordance with Massachusetts General Laws, Chapter 30A, Section 21, to consider the purchase, exchange, lease or value of real property if the chair declares that an open meeting may have a detrimental effect on the negotiating position of the public body. On a roll call vote, Chairman Pacheco and Selectmen Riley and Smith voted in the affirmative to enter into Executive Session.
Chairman Joseph Pacheco called the open meeting to order at 7:10 p.m. in the meeting room at Veterans’ Memorial Town Hall, 558 South Main Street. In addition to Chairman Pacheco, Selectmen Marie Smith and Patricia Riley were in attendance. Chairman Pacheco announced that the Board was returning from Executive Session with nothing to report at this time.
Ms. Riley led the Board in the Pledge of Allegiance and Mr. Pacheco informed everyone that the meeting was being recorded live by RayCAM.
Acceptance of the Minutes
Ms. Riley made a motion to approve the minutes of the Board of Selectmen’s meeting on July 23, 2019 and the Board of Health’s meeting on August 1, 2019. Mrs. Smith seconded and Chairman Pacheco made it unanimous. Mr. Pacheco stated that the August 1st meeting was a special meeting held for the sole purpose of declaring a health emergency and issuing the directive of closing the town fields from dusk to dawn because of the threat of Eastern Equine Encephalitis.
Department Heads and Committees
Ms. Elizabeth Moura, Raynham Council on Aging Director, was present to give her monthly report. She stated that forms will be available on October 15th for anyone applying for fuel assistance for the first time. Anyone who is already on fuel assistance will receive a renewal form from Self Help and only needs to sign it and return it. Medicare open enrollment will begin on October 15th and continue through December 7th. SHINE counselors will be available to explain any plan changes and available options. Appointments can be made starting in September by calling outreach worker Peggy Evers at 508-824-2740. SHINE Director Lisa Sarkis will give a presentation in early November. Ms. Moura has updated the list of frail elders who either live alone or have no relatives to check on them. The Police and Fire Departments have checked on them during heat waves and snow storms. She also noted that many older people who have come to Raynham to live recently have done so, not because of family, but because of the proximity to the highways. Ms. Moura reported that there’s a new activity offered at the Senior Center called Singo, which is much like Bingo but they use songs instead of numbers, and they also have a new Bocce court. The hours of operation at the Senior Center are Monday – Friday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. There are many useful and helpful items on the Council’s website.
Mr. Matt Tanis, Raynham Health Agent, was present to give a special report regarding the aerial spraying for mosquito control to reduce the risk of Eastern Equine Encephalitis, (EEE). The Massachusetts Department of Public Health and the Mass. Dept. of Agricultural Resources have deemed it necessary, due to the high risk of EEE. The Town of Raynham is listed to be sprayed entirely as well as surrounding communities. Aerial spraying is to begin on Thursday, August 8th, and continue over several evenings. Mr. Tanis stated that although spraying is necessary, it will not eliminate risk. He said it is critical that residents continue to protect themselves from mosquito bites by staying indoors or applying insect repellent when going outdoors. If you have any questions related to this matter, please call the Board of Health Office at 508-824-2766. For general information on mosquito control, please call the Bristol County Mosquito Control Project at 508-823-5253. Residents can also call the MDAR for questions about aerial spraying at 617-626-1700. Ground spraying will continue throughout the season. Mr. Pacheco said that significant credit goes to Governor Baker and his administration for recognizing the public safety risk and for acting so swiftly.
Mr. Michael Heylin, Executive Director of RayCAM, was present to update the Board on the status of the new cameras for the meeting room. A vendor has been chosen and the high definition cameras will be installed early in September. He also thanked Building Commissioner Robert Iafrate for all the work he has done on the project. A new laptop will be made available for the Planning Board soon. New microphones will also be installed.
Appointments
Mr. Pacheco stated that the requested appointments to the TIFF Committee, Solid Waste Committee and Board of Overseers are listed in the Selectmen’s packets. Mrs. Smith made a motion to appoint, Ms. Riley seconded, and Mr. Pacheco made it unanimous.
Public Hearing – K & T Doggy Palace, 1470 New State Highway Unit #16, Raynham, MA.
Mr. Pacheco opened the public hearing at 7:29 p.m. Kimberly and John Tavares of West Bridgewater, who requested the kennel license, were present. Kimberly Tavares said that the unit has been changed to Unit #22. Mr. Pacheco said, “I believe that it’s ok because it’s in the same locus.” He asked the petitioners if there was anything they wanted to highlight. Kimberly said, “It’s just going to be a doggy day care with no dogs over 30 pounds and the maximum capacity would be 25 dogs. The hours of operation will be 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. with no overnight boarding at this time.” She added that at some point they would like to expand in the same area, doubling their size. Ms. Riley asked if they had any experience doing this. Kimberly replied that they own several dogs and they’ve been frustrated when they take their dogs to a day care and they are kept with medium-sized and large dogs. There will be a 16’ x 16’ kennel that will be behind the building and they have sent letters to abutters. Mr. Iafrate spoke on the request and said it is in a business zone and although it is a unique use of space for the area, it is allowed. He stated that “The adjacent properties are also in a business zone, but the fact that they are having small dogs, I don’t foresee any issues.” Mr. Pacheco suggested that approval be contingent upon the Building Inspector’s and the Animal Control Officer’s approval, and that there be a contingency on the license that it is approved for day care only. If the petitioners want to board dogs in the future, they would have to come back to amend their license. Ms. Riley made a motion to approve with the contingencies, Mrs. Smith seconded and Mr. Pacheco made it unanimous. Mr. Pacheco adjourned the Public Hearing at 7:32 p.m.
New Business
Mr. Pacheco said the Board had invited the Bridgewater-Raynham 2019 Valedictorian and Salutatorian, both of whom are from Raynham, to attend the meeting; however, they both had prior commitments and were not able to attend. Mr. Pacheco said Kota Chin is the Valedictorian and Jillian Kelley is the Salutatorian. The Board offered congratulations and wished them success. Ms. Riley made a motion to send a letter of congratulations to both, Mrs. Smith seconded, and Mr. Pacheco made it unanimous.
Notice was received from the Massachusetts Lottery Commission regarding an application for a Keno license for the “Barrels & Boards” restaurant at 1285 Broadway. Mr. Pacheco said, “From a technical standpoint, we can’t approve or disapprove, we can only object to it.” The Board had no objections.
Town Administrator’s Report
Mr. Luciano reviewed his report as Interim Town Administrator. He stated that there is one opening on the Finance Committee for a one-year term. Anyone who is interested in becoming a member and would like more information should call Mr. Luciano at the Selectmen’s office at 508-824-2707.
The application deadline for the Town Administrator’s position is Friday, August 16th at 11:45 a.m. Additional information including the full job description can be found on the town website at www.town.raynham.ma.us. Mr. Luciano said that he has received about 15 applications so far and there seems to be some very good, very well-qualified candidates.
There will be a joint meeting of the Board of Selectmen, Finance Committee and the Capital Planning Committee on Monday, September 9th at 6:00 p.m. at Town Hall for a presentation of the feasibility study conducted by the Fire Station Renovation group. A decision will have to be made by the Board on Tuesday, September 10th, regarding what the Capital Planning Committee will recommend to Town Meeting. Mr. Pacheco asked if it was okay with the Board to schedule that joint meeting on September 9th and the Fall Town Meeting on October 21st. Ms. Riley made a motion to schedule those meetings. Mrs. Smith seconded, and Mr. Pacheco made it unanimous. The Fall Town Meeting will then be held on Monday, October 21, 2019, at 7:00 p.m. at the Raynham Middle School. The meeting will be primarily focused on capital expenditures.
Upcoming Meetings
In his report, Mr. Luciano also noted that the next scheduled meeting of the Board of Selectmen will be on Tuesday, August 20th at 7:00 p.m. at Town Hall. “We are still on the every other week summer meeting schedule,” he stated, “until the week of Labor Day when we will return to a weekly meeting schedule.”
The next scheduled meeting for the Fire Station Building Committee will be held on Monday, August 12th at 2:00 p.m. at Town Hall.
Selectmen’s Report
Mrs. Smith said that there was a bicycle accident that occurred when a bike got caught in a drain grate. She stated that Highway Superintendent Ed Buckley was made aware of it and will correct the issue.
Ms. Riley said she got a chance to attend the Family Performing Arts Center’s performance of “The Wizard of Oz” at Bridgewater University. She said it was a great show and there was a large turnout. She also stated that
the Raynham Historical Commission held their July meeting at the Raynham Library where Library Director Eden Fergusson demonstrated how many historical resources can be accessed online. Mrs. Fergusson will be working closely with the Historical Commission and assisting with the Commission’s efforts to pull together the various sources of historical information about the town. She also reported that the Raynham Historical Society is having an ice cream social at the Hannant House on Saturday at 2:00 p.m.
Correspondence
Correspondence was received from the Board of Assessors stating that the Board voted in favor of sending out third quarter estimated tax bills.
Correspondence was received from Hal Bailey and Patti Page-Bailey requesting that the Raynham Senior Center be renamed in Betty Thompson’s honor. Ms. Riley made a motion to take the matter under advisement, Mrs. Smith seconded, and Mr. Pacheco made it unanimous.
Correspondence was received from Police Chief James Donovan, who is returning the sum of $9,942.09 to the NMR Meditation Center. He explained that it is the balance of funds that were left over from the $76,000 payment made to the Police Department for police services and equipment related to law enforcement activities for security and traffic safety during the grand opening events at the Wat Nawamintararachutis Meditation Center in June 2014.
Correspondence was received from the Planning Board stating that they will be holding a hearing on August 15th at 6:00 p.m. to consider an amendment to the Town of Raynham Zoning By-Laws by rezoning an area along Church Street from the current Residential A district to Residential B district.
Correspondence was also received from Richard Alphonso of Pine Tree Lane in opposition to the potential location of a dog park behind South School. Ms. Riley made a motion to take the letter under advisement, Mrs. Smith seconded, and Mr. Pacheco made it unanimous. Ms. Riley thanked those residents who attended the meeting held by the Park and Recreation Commission. She stated that it’s always important to get the public’s input in these matters.
Adjournment
At 7:40 p.m., Mrs. Smith motioned and Ms. Riley seconded to adjourn for the performance of administrative duties, signing of Bills and Warrants, with no business to be conducted afterwards. Mr. Pacheco made it unanimous.
Respectfully submitted,
Janet Murphy
Recording Secretary