Selectmens Meeting Minutes
Board of Selectmen January 8, 2019
Chairman Marie Smith called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. in the meeting room at Veteran’s Memorial Town Hall, 558 South Main Street, with Chairman Marie Smith and Selectmen Joseph Pacheco and Patricia Riley 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 to discuss the deployment of security personnel or devices or strategies with respect thereto. On a roll call vote, Chairman Smith and Selectmen Pacheco and Riley voted in the affirmative to enter into Executive Session.
Chairman Smith called the open meeting to order at 6:42 p.m. and stated that the Board was returning from Executive Session. Ms. Riley then made a motion to hire two Police Officers, one of whom would attend the Police Academy and the other would join the Police Department at this time. Mr. Pacheco seconded and Mrs. Smith made it unanimous. Ms. Riley then made a motion to fill five positions on the Police Department reserve list Mr. Pacheco seconded and Mrs. Smith made it unanimous.
Chairman Smith led the Board in the Pledge of Allegiance and reminded everyone that the meeting is being recorded live by RayCAM.
Acceptance of the Minutes
Ms. Riley suggested the Board table the minutes from the December 18th meeting and the December 26th meeting and Mr. Pacheco agreed.
Department Heads
Mr. Ed Buckley, Highway Superintendent, was present to give his monthly report. He stated that thus far this season, the snow total has been 5.2 inches and the budget is in the vicinity of $44,000, including one plowing event so far. They are continuing leaf and brush clean up. The new vehicles that were previously ordered have arrived. He has been working with the City of Taunton on the South Street East bridge and they proposed to do a preliminary engineering study. They are asking the Town to split the cost 50-50 on the engineering study, which is $51,000 for the early assessment work.
Fire Chief Jim Januse was present to update the Board on the Activity Report for the month of December. Fires, fire incidents, motor vehicle accident investigations, and public assists totaled 113; Ambulance, medical emergencies, mva’s and public assists totaled 184; miscellaneous inspections, fire alarm work and other items of note totaled 76. Instances of mutual aid for fire and ambulance were as follows: 3 ambulance given, 1 ambulance received; 4 fire given, 1 fire received for a total of 9. There was a total of 3,017 calls for December of 2018, which is 135 more than last year. Chief Januse updated the Board on several employees who have been out on extended sick leave. Chief Januse also submitted a letter stating that he will be retiring effective June 30, 2019, and recommending that the Board move forward in a timely manner on determining his successor. Mr. Pacheco made a motion to accept with regret, Ms. Riley seconded, and Mrs. Smith made it unanimous. Ms. Riley asked if the letter could also be taken under advisement, Mr. Pacheco agreed. Ms. Riley also noted that Chief Januse has left an indelible mark on the department through his many years of service and he will be sorely missed.
Appointments
An Application for Appointment for Constable was received from Mr. Adam Loomis of Bridgewater. Ms. Riley made a motion to approve based on the Police Chief’s recommendationl, Mr. Pacheco seconded, and Mrs. Smith made it unanimous.
Public Hearing – Change of Manager – Westborough Beverage Corp. dba Walmart, Justin Ricky, Manager
Mr. Justin Ricky was present to address the Board. He said he is currently the Manager of Walmart on Paramount Drive and was the Manager at the Walmart on Rt. 138 for the past two years. Mr. Pacheco made a motion to approve, Ms. Riley seconded, and Mrs. Smith made it unanimous.
Town Administrator’s Report
Mr. Flaherty reviewed the Town Administrator’s Report.
The Special Town Meeting will be held at 7:00 p.m. at Town Hall following the Selectmen’s Meeting.
The ACO vehicle is done.
Regarding the RFQ for the OPM, he has received many inquiries for the Fire Station addition already. The complete descriptions are available and responses are due by January 16th at 3:00 p.m.
The new Health Inspector has resigned and the full-time position will be posted soon.
The North School chimney cap will be done by the end of the month.
The Raynham Historical Commission needs 2 more members. Please contact Pat Riley. Contact info can be obtained at the Selectmen’s Office. The Council on Aging needs two Associate Members. The Raynham Food Basket needs a Director and the Cable Committee needs a new member.
The next Selectmen’s Meeting with be January 15th at 7:00 p.m.
The next SRSG Meeting will be held on January 9th at 3:00 p.m. in Mansfield.
The next SMHG Meeting will be held on January 30th at 9:00 a.m. in Seekonk.
Selectmen’s Report
Due to the time constraint with the Special Town Meeting scheduled to begin at 7:00 p.m., the Selectmen deferred their reports until the next meeting and only wished everyone a happy new year.
New Business
An Application for Change of Manager was received from Apple New England, and a public hearing will be set next week. Mr. Pacheco made a motion to accept the application for consideration. Ms. Riley seconded, and Mrs. Smith made it unanimous.
Adjournment
At 6:52 p.m., Mr. Pacheco 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.
Respectively submitted,
Janet Murphy
Recording Secretary