Selectmens Minutes 04/02/2019

Board of Selectmen                                                                                                      April 2, 2019

Chairman Marie Smith called the open meeting to order at 7:10 p.m. in the meeting room at Veterans’ Memorial Town Hall, 558 South Main Street, and said that the Board was returning from a joint meeting with the Finance Committee.  Present were Chairman Smith and Selectmen Joseph Pacheco and Patricia Riley.                                                                                     

Mrs. Smith led the Board in the Pledge of Allegiance and she reminded everyone that the meeting is being recorded live by RayCAM. 

Acceptance of the Minutes

Ms. Riley made a motion to accept the minutes of the March 26th meeting as printed, Mr. Pacheco seconded, and Mrs. Smith made it unanimous.   

Appointments

Ms. Riley made a motion to appoint Zachary DeAndrade as a Special Police Officer based on the recommendation of Police Chief James Donovan.  Mr. Pacheco seconded, and Mrs. Smith made it unanimous. 

New Business

Mr. Rick Pomroy of Pomroy & Associates was present to discuss the feasibility study for the fire station addition. He reported that they are in the process of establishing their team and getting a project architect and designer on board and going through the procurement process.  They received three responses from the RFQ and selected Compass Group Architecture.  Mr. Andrew DiGiammo, registered architect with the Compass Group, was in attendance and he presented a proposal for the architectural/engineering services for the design and construction phases of the project. He explained that Phase 1 will include, at a minimum, programming, existing conditions verification, a feasibility study, schematic design, and a concept budget estimate. That information will then be used to develop the total project budget and serve as the basis for the community outreach efforts and Phase 2 work. The cost of Phase I will be $98,345.  He said the time frame for Phase 1 will be approximately 4 – 5 months.  Mr. Pacheco said, “This would bring us to September, and typically, in late October, we have our Fall Town Meeting and that could be an opportunity to allocate free cash to the project. So, I would like to have a firm budget and a number to work on as we are going through that process.”  Mr. Pomroy said that would be reasonable.  Ms. Riley said the proposal seems very comprehensive and she pointed out that the proposal states that “a complete existing building and program analysis will be performed.”Mr. DiGiammo said, “This project will be unique as the Fire Station still has to be fully functional as the construction goes on.  It will be designed differently to accommodate this.”  Ms. Riley made a motion to approve Phase 1, Mr. Pacheco seconded, and Mrs. Smith made it unanimous.  Building Commissioner Robert Iafrate said that he has been working with the Building Committee and he has reviewed the proposal and approves it. 

Mrs. Smith called the hearing to order for the TMLP’s request for a Joint Petition for the Joint Pole Location on Locust Street.  Ms. Riley made a motion to approve, Mr. Pacheco seconded, and Mrs. Smith made it unanimous. 

The Board discussed the new License Sign Off Sheet that was designed by Mr. Flaherty as requested by Ms. Riley at the last meeting for the purpose of alcohol and entertainment licenses that are requested.  Ms. Riley emphasized that it would be used for all alcohol and entertainment licenses regardless of whether it would be for a one-day license or longer. She stated, “This way we will know all of the information before granting licenses.” Ms. Riley made a motion to approve, Mr. Pacheco seconded, and Mrs. Smith made it unanimous. 

The Board discussed a proposed article for the Annual Town Meeting to update the Master Plan. Ms. Riley said the Government Study Committee hasn’t voted on it yet, but it has been discussed and since it hasn’t been touched since 2003, it seems to be a foregone conclusion that it should be updated.  She has contacted SRPEDD representative Grant King, who said many communities are in the process of updating their Master Plans. His estimate of the cost ranges between $50,000 - $110,000, although grant funding is a possibility to cover some of the cost. Ms. Riley made a motion for the Board to sponsor the Town Meeting article for the Master Plan update for an amount not to exceed $70,000. Mr. Pacheco seconded, and Mrs. Smith made it unanimous. 

Mrs. Smith said there were three Citizens Petitions that were received and they will be on the Town Meeting warrant. 

Mrs. Smith said the Annual Town Election Warrant was received and needs signatures.  The election is going to be held on April 27th from 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. and will be held at the Middle School.  Ms. Riley made a motion to accept, Mr. Pacheco seconded, and Mrs. Smith made it unanimous.

Town Administrator’s Report

Mr. Flaherty reviewed the Town Administrator’s Report. 

South School is being renovated by RMC Construction and should be done soon.

Regarding the RFQ for designers, Mr. Flaherty reported that the Raynham Fire Department addition project is moving along. A meeting with the architect/designer/programmer for the feasibility study was held last week along with the Building Committee.   

The invitation for bids for the Council on Aging siding project has been published.  The bids should be back by April and the project will get underway in May. 

The Annual Town Meeting is set for May 20th. All articles for the warrant have been received. March 30th was the deadline.

There is one opening left on the Historical Commission, to replace Ms. Riley.

The Union negotiations will begin with the Highway Department. 

The next Selectmen’s Meeting with be April 9th at 7:00 p.m.

The next SRSG Meeting is April 17th at 9:30 a.m. in Mansfield.

The next SMHG Meeting will be held on April 17th at 1:00 p.m. in Seekonk.

The next Department Head meeting will be April 18th at 9:30 a.m. 

Mr. Flaherty and Mr. Buckley attended a MCPPO sponsored Contract Administration Class in No. Attleboro today. 

Mr. Flaherty read a prepared statement as follows: “In light of the recent, now second vote of ‘no confidence’ from the Board, I am submitting my resignation as Acting Town Administrator along with all boards, committees and positions that go along with the position.  My last day will be April 19th.   I want to thank all Department Heads, Employees and residents and especially Joe Pacheco for believing in me and assisting me during my tenure.”  Mr. Pacheco said, “This is a sad day for Raynham for all the commitment that he has shown to this Board, to our Town and residents and I genuinely think it’s Raynham’s loss.  I hope whatever Dave’s future brings is prosperous and he goes where there will be appreciation for the work and dedication that he brings to his job on a daily basis.  Dave, I wish you well, thanks and appreciation.”  Mrs. Smith said, “That goes for all of us. I’m sure that we appreciated anything that you did do and wish you well.”  Ms. Riley said, “I just want to clarify that when I made my motion last week, it was not a reflection on you, whatsoever, but that it would be prudent since the Government Study Committee’s deliberations were ongoing.” Mr. Pacheco requested that the matter be put on the Agenda for discussion next week.  Ms. Riley made a motion to put the matter on the Agenda, Mr. Pacheco seconded, and Mrs. Smith made it unanimous. 

Citizen & Community Input

Ms. Marsha Silvia, Town Clerk, asked to speak about Mr. Flaherty’s letter of resignation.  She said, “Dave, I did not know that you were going to resign and as an employee and coworker of the Town, I am really sorry.  And as a member of the Government Study Committee, I don’t recall great deliberations about it. It hasn’t been on the Agenda, and we talked about HR but nothing in depth at the meetings I attended and I’m glad I’m not a voting member.  And thank you for your service because it’s very much appreciated. I know because I’ve worked with you. I was here because I wanted to let you know the absentee ballots came in this afternoon, so they will be available late tomorrow morning because we have to get them all together.” Ms. Riley said, “There was no comment made about the Government Study Committee giving great deliberations. What I actually said was that the Government Study Committee’s deliberations are ongoing and since their recommendations may well impact the executive branch of town government and/or the Town Administrator’s position, it would be prudent to take that action. I’ve explained that some options that the committee might consider would be a 5 member Board of Selectmen, separating the Board of Selectmen and the Board of Health, a Town Manager form of government, or making the Town Administrator’s position a stronger position with more authority.  Also, under consideration is a Human Resources position or a host of other positions that could impact the Town Administrator’s position.”  Mrs. Silvia said, as a member of the committee, I almost got up last week and I wanted it to be clarified, because I took it to be that.  And I know it hasn’t been on the Agenda to discuss that specifically.” Ms. Riley said, “I didn’t say it was.” Mrs. Silvia said, “We all know it has to be on the Agenda to be discussed. That’s all I have to say.  I’m a taxpayer, a voter and a resident.”  Chief Januse said, “I wanted to say that Dave was very supportive of the Fire Department and I’m sad to see you go Dave.” 

Melissa Clark, of 364 White Street in Raynham, stated that she has had a flooding problem due to a water meter failure and has tried to get in touch with the Raynham Center Water District and has had little luck with getting contact information.  She is now reaching out to the Selectmen for assistance.  Mr. Pacheco said he will see that she gets the contact information for the Water District. 

Selectmen’s Report

Mr. Pacheco just wanted to remind everyone of the Rabies Clinic that will be held this Saturday from 12:00 noon until 2:00 p.m. behind the Fire Station. 

Ms. Riley said that the School Committee met last week, and they did vote to approve their budget and include the additional $180,000 that the Raynham Finance Committee offered to include in order to fund three additional positions in Raynham including one first-grade teacher, one seventh-grade teacher and a counselor for Merrill and LaLiberte. It will now go to Bridgewater to see if they will make their adjustment. She also reported that the Planning Board held hearings on the three proposed zoning articles that will be on the Town Meeting warrant and she encouraged everyone to attend the Annual Meeting.. She also reported that the 56th Annual Dollars for Scholars fundraising drive took place this past weekend, but contributions will still be accepted. Ms. Riley also stated that she wanted to clarify that “In no way was my motion last week a vote of no confidence and it wasn’t my intention if it was interpreted that way.” 

Correspondence

Correspondence was received from Town Moderator John Donahue, regarding the appointment of a committee to screen applicants for the position of Fire Chief.  He is requesting the Board announce and encourage any Raynham residents who are interested in being a member of the committee as a citizen-at-large to notify the Board by submitting a letter of interest.  Mrs. Smith wanted to make it very clear that she never wanted to go outside the department to look for a new Fire Chief.  Mr. Pacheco requested that the information regarding any Raynham residents interested in serving on the screening committee be posted on the website. 

Correspondence was received from Chief Donovan explaining that “we are currently going through the process of hiring five Reserve Police Officers through Civil Service” and requesting the date on the requisition order be extended until April 30th in order for the candidates to complete their medical, psychological and physical abilities exams. Ms. Riley made a motion to approve, Mr. Pacheco seconded, and Mrs. Smith made it unanimous. 

An invitation was received from the Buddist Monks to participate in the celebration of their Special A Thai New Year to be held at the NMR Meditation Center at 382 South Street East on Saturday, April 13th, from 10:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

A Tag Day request was received from Citizens for Citizens for the following dates:  April 8th through the 12th.  Ms. Riley made a motion to approve, Mr. Pacheco seconded, and Mrs. Smith made it unanimous. 

Adjournment 

At 7:53 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. 

Respectfully submitted,

Janet Murphy, Recording Secretary