Selectmens Meeting Minutes 08/20/2019
Board of Selectmen August 20, 2019
Chairman Joseph Pacheco called the meeting to order at 6:30 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 discuss strategy with respect to collective bargaining or litigation if an open meeting may have a detrimental effect on the bargaining or litigating position of the public body and the chair so declares and to approve Executive Session minutes. 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., also 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 stated 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 Chairman Pacheco informed everyone that the meeting was being recorded live by RayCAM.
Acceptance of the Minutes
Ms. Riley made a motion to approve as printed the minutes of the regular meeting held on August 6, 2019, Mrs. Smith seconded and Mr. Pacheco made it unanimous. Ms. Riley made a motion to approve the minutes as printed of the special meeting that was held on August 16, 2019. She explained that there was only one item on the agenda at the special meeting and that was a request to approve two One-Day Liquor Licenses for American Legion Post 405, and that request was approved. Mrs. Smith seconded the motion to approve the minutes of the special meeting. Mr. Pacheco abstained. It was so voted.
Department Heads and Committees
Mr. Matt Tanis, Raynham Health Agent, was present to give a special report regarding aerial spraying for mosquito control to reduce the risk of Eastern Equine Encephalitis, (EEE). He stated that the Mass Dept. of Public Health and the Mass. Dept. of Agricultural Resources have deemed it necessary to spray for a second time due to the continued high risk of EEE. Raynham’s risk level has been elevated to critical. The Town of Raynham is listed to be sprayed entirely as well as surrounding communities. Aerial spraying is to begin on Wednesday, August 21st between the hours of 8:00 p.m. and 4:00 a.m., weather permitting, and continue over several evenings. Communities being added to the list of those previously sprayed include Norton, Mansfield, Abington, and Marshfield. Mr. Tanis stated that although spraying is necessary, it will not eliminate risk and it is critical that residents continue to protect themselves from mosquito bites by staying indoors from dusk until dawn 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. For questions about aerial spraying, call MDAR at 617-626-1700. Ground spraying will continue throughout the season. Mr. Pacheco thanked Walmart and Lowe’s for their donation of insect repellant for residents of Raynham. Mr. Tanis said that there is still some mosquito repellant available at the Board of Health Office for Raynham residents free of charge. Mrs. Smith asked if there was a decrease in the mosquito population after the spraying. Mr. Tanis said that the State saw about a 20% decrease after the first spraying. Ms. Riley emphasized that the town fields and school fields are closed from dusk until dawn until further notice.
Appointments
Two Applications for Appointment for Constable were received from the following: Sean Byron, and Jacob R. Diodato. One application for Re-Appointment was received from Louis Borges, Jr. Ms. Riley made a motion to approve the applications based upon the recommendations of the Police Chief. Mrs. Smith seconded and Mr. Pacheco made it unanimous.
New Business
A request was received from the Raynham Lions Club for a One-Day Wine & Malt Beverage License for the following dates: Oct. 6th, Nov. 24th, Jan. 17th, Feb. 2nd, and March 20th to continue fundraising for their charities. Mrs. Smith made a motion to approve, Ms. Riley seconded, and Mr. Pacheco made it unanimous.
A request was received from Rick’s Music World for a One-Day Wine & Malt Beverage License for Sept. 6th from 7:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. Ms. Riley made a motion to approve, Mrs. Smith seconded, and Mr. Pacheco made it unanimous.
A request for a Tag Day was received from Hope for Children International for the following dates: Aug. 21st, 22nd, 26th, 28th, 29th, & 30th, also Sept. 6th, 13th, 30th, and Nov. 1st, and 2nd. Mrs. Smith made a motion to approve, Ms. Riley seconded, and Mr. Pacheco made it unanimous.
Correspondence was received from Attorney Bill August, Special Counsel to the Selectmen and Cable Advisory Commission on cable matters, requesting the Board take a vote to request Verizon increase its franchise fee up to 4.7% now that Comcast is subject to the 5% obligation in keeping with its new contract with the Town. Verizon’s license provides for level playing field increases up to 4.7%. Interim Town Administrator Gordon Luciano recommended the Board move forward on this. He has the language from Attorney August for the letter to send to Verizon. Ms. Riley made a motion to approve, Mrs. Smith seconded, and Mr. Pacheco made it unanimous Mr. Luciano will also notify the Mass. Department of Telecommunications and Cable that the Town of Raynham, in its capacity as cable television renewal license issuing Authority, awarded a renewal license to Comcast Cable Communications Management, LLC, effective July 7, 2019.
Ms. Riley reminded everyone that the Massachusetts Department of Transportation will be holding a public hearing in the municipal meeting room on Tuesday, August 27th, regarding the proposed resurfacing and related work on Rte. 138. She emphasized that it’s very important for anyone who is interested to attend and offer input.
Town Administrator’s Report
Mr. Luciano reviewed his report as Interim Town Administrator. He stated that the application deadline for the Town Administrator’s position came to a close on Friday, August 16th at 11:45 a.m. with a total of 24 applications received. The Screening Committee yesterday began the process by reviewing all of the resumes, scheduling preliminary interviews with potential candidates for the week of August 26th and establishing a timetable for submittal of finalists to the Board of Selectmen for the Board’s interviews to take place the week of September 10th. Prior to that submittal to the board, a thorough background check will be conducted of those candidates.
Mr. Luciano also discussed the public hearing by the MassDOT that will be conducted on August 27th at 6:30 p.m. at Town Hall regarding the proposed resurfacing and related work project on Rt.138. He explained that the area designated for improvements consists of the roadway from approximately King Philip Street to the I-495 ramps and it includes proposed vehicular, pedestrian and bicycle safety and new sidewalks which are in compliance with ADA standards. Everyone is welcome and they will be taking public comment at that time.
Mr. Luciano also reported that 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.
The Fall Town Meeting will 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. All articles to be considered for placement on the warrant must be submitted to the Selectmen’s office no later than Friday, September 6th by 11:45 a.m. with no exceptions.
Upcoming Meetings
In his report, Mr. Luciano also announced that the next scheduled Selectmen’s meeting will be held on Tuesday, September 3rd at 7:00 p.m. at Town Hall when the Board will return to a weekly meeting schedule.
The next scheduled meeting for the Fire Station Building Committee will be held on Wednesday, September 4th at 2:00 p.m. at Town Hall.
Selectmen’s Report
Mrs. Smith reported that all three Board members attended the retirement party in honor of Fire Chief James Januse. Commenting that she didn’t get a chance to say what she wanted to say, Mrs. Smith stated that she wished Chief Januse all the best on his retirement but she also wanted to extend a special thanks to all of the members of the Fire Department who helped him during his tenure as Chief. Ms. Riley echoed Mrs. Smith’s comments and thanked Chief Januse for 49 years of dedicated service to the community. She said it was great to see so many current and former members of the Fire Department at the retirement party. She also wanted to extend a thank-you to all of our first responders who keep the rest of us safe, often by putting themselves in harm’s way. She also noted that while Chief Januse accomplished many of his goals, he noted that one he was not able to achieve was a substation located in North Raynham. “I hope we don’t lose sight of that,” she said. “That would provide better protection for people in that area of town. Hopefully, we might be able to address that as part of the master planning process. I believe at one point, we did have a fire truck stationed in North Raynham on Rte. 138.”
Correspondence
Mr. Pacheco said that he received correspondence from the Governor’s Office stating that there is a grant opportunity for IT improvements. He asked Mr. Luciano to coordinate with the Treasurer’s Office, the Building Department, and the IT Department since they have been talking about making improvements. There is a potential for the Town to receive up to $200,000 in grant funding.
Mr. Pacheco stated that correspondence was received from the Edgewood Pool and Tennis Club offering a unique opportunity for the Town to take over the Pool Club. He recommended forwarding the letter to Park & Rec for their input. Ms. Riley made a motion to forward the letter to the Park & Recreation Department and Commission for consideration, Mrs. Smith seconded, and Mr. Pacheco made it unanimous.
Correspondence was received from the Board of Appeals that Long Built Homes has been granted a variance with conditions under Section 6.12.0 for Estate Lots No. 4 and No. 8. The property affected is on Assessors’ Map 9, Lot 213-0 on Locust Street.
Correspondence was received from Gary Crandall of Pine Tree Lane, voicing his opposition to the proposed dog park in its potential location behind South School. Ms. Riley asked if the Park and Recreation Commission is still considering the South School location as an option. Mr. Luciano said he would follow up with Park & Rec.
Correspondence was received from Roberta Andresen of 57 Richmond Street as a follow up to the situation she previously spoke to the Board about concerning water damage on her property.
Adjournment
At 7: 18 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