Selectmens Meeting Minutes 08/21/2018
Board of Selectmen August 21, 2018
Chairman Marie Smith called the meeting to order at 7:03 p.m., after returning from an Executive Session, under Mass. Gen. Law Chap. 30A, Sec. 21.
Present were Joseph Pacheco, Marie Smith and Patricia Riley.
Ms. Riley opened the meeting with our Pledge of Allegiance.
Acceptance of the Minutes
Ms. Riley made a motion to accept the minutes of the August 7th, meeting as printed, Mr. Pacheco seconded, and Mrs. Smith made it unanimous.
Department Heads & Committees
Chief Jim Januse was present to give his Activity Report for the month of July. Fires, fire incidents, mva investigations, and public assist were 109; Ambulance, medical emergencies, mva’s and public assist were 185; Miscellaneous inspections, fire alarm work and items of note were 93; Mutual aid fire and ambulance, 3 ambulance given, 2 ambulance received; 3 fire given, 1 fire received for a total of 9. There were a total of 1,705 calls for July, 2018 which is 90 more than last year. Chief Januse updated the Board on several employees who have been out on extended sick leave. Ms. Riley asked Chief Januse what he thought the increase in the number of calls was, he replied texting, and the also the calls to the two nursing homes which each average about 8 a week. Chief Januse received reimbursement checks from the State for previous storms one for $8,962 and for another storm - $30,628.
Micaila Britto, Veterans Service Officer was present to give her monthly report. On Wednesday, August 8th she held an event in which the Town officially became a Purple Heart Community. She wanted to thank all those who contributed to the event, especially “Signs By Tomorrow”, who not only donated to the event but also is going to cover the cost for all of the signs that will be made. The next event will be in November. The Veteran’s Appreciation Breakfast which will be held at the American Legion Club, on Saturday, November 10th the fee will be $5.00 per person and will be free for Veterans. Ms. Riley and the Board all thanked her for all her hard work and dedication.
Public Hearing – MassDot – the Rt. 44 over Rt. 24 Bridge Replacement Project
Representatives from MassDOT were present regarding the Route 44 over 24 bridge replacement project public hearing. Mr. Brent Richard, Design Manager narrated the presentation and answered questions. He said the bridge was built in the 1950’s and is now structurally deficient and functionally obsolete to the point that it needs to be replaced. The goals include incorporating functionality and safety improvements into the roadway and highway interchange system. The project will begin mid-September and will be completed in the late Summer of 2021. Mr. Dan Andrade of the Planning Board, asked why is the bike path being promoted? Mr. Richard replied it’s the policy of MassDOT and may be connected on either side in future roadway projects. Mr. Pacheco asked, on Rt. 44 heading west, the left turn lane, light timing is atrocious on peak hours and holidays. Mr. Richard said they will be evaluating the light timing as they go along.
Mr. Dan Andrade – Rt. 138 Overlay District Proposal Discussion
Mr. Daniel Andrade, member of the Planning Department was present to discuss the overlay district. He said, we have two of the existing Selectmen who had signed contracts for the Rt. 138 Study where $20,000 in funding came from the South Coast Rail Project. Marilyn Whalley went after the grant and I have the contract that was signed, and it was their belief that Raynham had the likelihood of getting something done. I have all the documentation of the 2012 Rt. 138 Study that she had acquired. Bob, the Town Building Commissioner, was appointed as the Planning Coordinator. I had gone through all of this with Bob, and as far as I’m concerned this is still open. Bob started the Rt. 138 Study Committee to bring us back and come up with an Article of a mixed use overlay district. I have been pretty disappointed, because this Rt. 138 overlay district that was created, started with the Selectmen. The Selectmen and the Town Planner applied for the grant, received it, signed a contract stating that you would do everything possible to see it done. After the Pre-Town Meeting, it was pretty disappointing not getting the support from the Selectmen and the amount of time that has gone into this, over 5 or 6 years and I have put a lot of my time into this. There has been a lot said, because I am a contractor. We have put together a 5 member committee to work on the draft and recommended it to the Planning Board. By reconvening the Board in September, we are open to suggestions and we have had multiple meetings and multiple public hearings on the Rt. 138 Study. When people say what are we rushing for? This study has been going on for 7 years. It’s been falsely advertised and going forward the Selectmen should step up because it did start from this office, and I think it should be directed from this office. I would like to see it on November’s ballot. I’m leaving this up to this Board for direction and am handing this book to you Madam Chairman.
Mrs. Smith asked Bob if he is putting together another committee. Mr. Andrade replied, the same committee that he put together before. He said we’re not going forward unless we have some sort of direction from the Selectmen. The brochures were criticized because of spelling errors and going forward, I would make sure that the Selectmen have copies of it to approve and support it. I will take direction from you. Mr. Pacheco said, I would like to thank Mr. Andrade for his continued tenacity. It was a contentious couple of months but regardless where anybody falls on the issue here you deserve some credit for that because you stuck to what you believe was in the best interest of Raynham and you moved that forward. I’m grateful for your continued involvement in Town. The only thing I would add is I talked to John Donahue today and he had extended an offer to all sides and he has not been contacted yet. I think that it’s incumbent upon all parties to be willing to come together to try to reach a consensus prior to a Town Meeting. When I Chaired the Rt. 138 Study Committee for two years, and as much as I would loved to have said that I got a consensus from most people, I wasn’t able to. It’s challenging and emotional, but Moderator Donahue has a good way about him and he has the ability bring people together so hopefully we can have some candid and honest conversations. I would also suggest some new people, and some new voices in. Mr. Andrade said, I was amazed in how many people were trying to defeat it. To me that’s not in the best interest of the Town. Rt. 138 is not going to happen overnight and there is property on Rt. 138 that needs to be cleaned up. Ms. Riley wanted to thank Mr. Andrade for all his time and said that she talked to Mr. Donahue last night and he is very interested in working together to come to a compromise and ultimately a really good proposal that everybody can support. Mr. Bill Chappell, who lives on Rt. 138 asked, what is so wrong with Rt. 138? Mrs. Smith said that is the next avenue that Raynham has business wise and the way it is zoned currently restricts it. There are buildings are on Rt. 138 that need to be cleaned up. Ms. Riley said, the goal is to beautify the area and bring in the right kind of businesses. Mr. Bob Teixeira of 122 First Street, also a member of the Planning Board said, there seems to be a piece of information that’s missing – on the June 21st Planning Board meeting you were absent. At that meeting, Mrs. Nickerson came before you with a letter signed by 50 residents. Also, I’m on the Planning Board and no nothing about Mr. Iafrate restarting that committee – the Planning Board has not given him any direction to do that. Dan may have, but the Planning Board hasn’t. Mr. Teixeira read from the minutes. We don’t do zoning issues at the Fall Town Meeting, it should be done at the Annual Town Meeting. Mr. Teixeira said they gave us that money to study the impact of the South Coast Rail on Rt. 138. They didn’t say to rezone Rt. 138, but to study the impact of the S. C. Rail on 138. Mr. Iafrate wears two hats, as the Town Planner he takes his direction from the Planning Board, as the Building Inspector he’s on his own. For someone to push this that hard, it’s got to be a personal item you can’t convince me it’s just a general for the well being of the Town. Mr. Pacheco said, there were two previous grants that were for zoning. And just to clarify, the Town Planner takes direction from this Board, this Board hired him and negotiated his contract. He supports the Planning Board, but the ultimate direction comes from the Board of Selectmen. Mr. Teixeira replied we guide him. A Raynham resident was present to address the Board. He does support the overlay district and said on many occasions it has come very close I think that there should be some compromise. We are not looking to have factories, but to allow some business owners to do improvements. Mrs. Smith said, there should be a hearing for people to voice their opinions, offer input then perhaps we can see what we can come up with for viable options. Mr. Pacheco closed the hearing.
Completion of Old Business
Mr. Pacheco discussed the Assistant Town Administrator’s position. They have received have 4 letters of interest for the position and they would like to interview them to narrow it down to have two finalists for the Board. Ms. Riley had some questions about the process at this point, I am not going to motion to go forward until we get some clarification. Mr. Pacheco made a motion to move forward with the interviews, no one seconded. Mrs. Smith said the matter is closed until the next meeting.
Town Administrator’s Report
Mr. Flaherty reviewed the Town Administrator’s Report.
The outside concrete steps are finished at the North School and final painting should be done next week. Bids were received for cleaning the North School once the painting is complete.
The MDPH Air Quality Division performed an inspection for air quality at Town Hall. Mr Flaherty will reach out to them to see when the report will be completed.
Webinar training for the new accounting software program is scheduled for August 29th at 10:00 a.m.
The new ACO vehicle that was purchased is having lettering done and shelving installed and will be done as soon as possible.
Raynham Historical Society needs 2 more members please contact Pat Riley, contact info can be obtained at the Selectmen’s Office.
The next Selectmen’s meeting will be held on September 4th at 7:00 p.m. as the Board is observing the last week of the summer schedule.
The next Dept. Head Meeting will be held on September 20th at 9:30 a.m.
The SMHG Meeting will be held on September 13th in Seekonk.
The next SERSG meeting will be held on September 12th at 9:00 a.m. in Mansfield.
He notified Charles Winikor at the Taunton Daily Gazette to request the meetings be covered.
He also contacted Mia, who is going to get back to him regarding harassment issues and other trainings.
He had done an expense report for the North School.
Selectmen’s Report
Mr. Pacheco wanted to discuss the small yellow boxes which shows the speed, then they disappeared. He talked to Chief Donovan and he said they are mobile and are moved from place to place.
Ms. Riley wanted to discuss the HVAC issue and Mr. Flaherty will reach out to them for the report. She also wanted to remind everyone of the State election on September 4th.
Correspondence
Correspondence was received from the Mass. Dept. of Public Health declaring that they have changed the treat level to moderate for West Nile Virus.
Kevin Ellis wanted to remind everyone that Raynham Pride Day will be held on September 16th.
Correspondence was received from Laraine Nickerson saying that if I am unable to attend the meeting of Tuesday, August 21st I would like to go on record that I question the legality of the by-law as it pertains to Article 24.
Correspondence was received from Brian Monteiro of National Grid discussing their right of way.
Correspondence was received from the Board of Health, for property to be cleaned at 26 Michael Road. Mr. Flaherty said that the property has been taken care of and they are in full compliance.
Correspondence was received from Verizon requesting joint pole locations on Pine Street. Ms. Riley believed that they need a public hearing, Mr. Pacheco said they serve notice to the abutters. Mr. Pacheco made a motion to approve the public hearing for the next meeting, Ms. Riley seconded, and Mrs. Smith made it unanimous.
A report was received regarding the Lemon Law. Mr. Pacheco made a motion to resend the letter that was sent months ago requesting clarification on the process, which we never received a reply, Ms. Riley seconded, and Mrs. Smith made it unanimous.
Correspondence was received from the Park & Rec Dept. requesting approval of a one day liquor license for October 7th, November 18th, January 18th, February 3rd and March 22nd. Ms. Riley made a motion to approve, Mr. Pacheco seconded, and Mrs. Smith made it unanimous.
A quote was received from Atlantic Elevator for $1,130.00 for the repair of the elevator. Mr. Flaherty said there was a problem last week and that we need to appropriate the funds. Ms. Riley made a motion to approve, Mr. Pacheco seconded, and Mrs. Smith made it unanimous.
Correspondence was received from the Board of Assessors that at their meeting held on August 7th the Board of Assessors voted in favor, as a precautionary measure to send out third quarter estimated tax bills.
The North School Committee had requested a quote for cleaning, and the bidder who won said they will honor the bid after the painting was finished.
A letter was received from Cook and Company for injured on duty claims. Mr. Pacheco made a motion that the matter be taken under advisement, Ms. Riley seconded, and Mrs. Smith made it unanimous.
Citizen & Community Input
A resident requested that emergency notices be sent to residents via email. Mr. Flaherty will look into it.
Adjournment
8:53 p. m. Ms. Riley motioned, and Mr. Pacheco seconded to adjourn for the performance of administrative duties, signing of Bills and Warrants with no business to be conducted afterwards. Mrs. Smith made it unanimous.
Respectively submitted,
Janet Murphy
Recording Secretary