Selectmens Minutes 05/28/2019
Board of Selectmen May 28, 2019
Chairman Joseph Pacheco called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. in the meeting room at Veterans’ Memorial Town Hall, 558 South Main Street. In addition to Chairman Pacheco, Selectman Patricia Riley was 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, or in preparation for negotiations with nonunion personnel or to conduct bargaining sessions or contract negotiations with nonunion personnel and also 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 bargaining position of the public body. On a roll call vote, Chairman Pacheco and Selectman Riley voted in the affirmative to enter into Executive Session
Chairman Pacheco called the open meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. in the meeting room at Veterans’ Memorial Town Hall and announced that the Board was returning from Executive Session with nothing to report at this time. In addition to Chairman Pacheco, Selectman Riley was in attendance. Ms. Riley then 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 May 21, 2019 meeting as printed, Mr. Pacheco seconded, and it was so voted.
Department Heads and Committees
Mr. Ed Buckley, Highway Superintendent, was present to give his monthly report. He noted that the department swept the streets and sidewalks for the Memorial Day Parade and has also started roadside mowing. The Hazardous Waste Collection Day was very busy and a record amount of materials was collected. The White Street project is continuing. Mr. Buckley is in the process of negotiating an easement near the river. The bridge replacement is in the design phase. The salt shed replacement project is currently out to bid. Construction in late summer is anticipated. Ms. Riley thanked Mr. Buckley for his department’s efforts putting out the American flags for Memorial Day and the other patriotic holidays. She noted that R.A.V.E.’s “Salute To Our Veterans” Committee presented a Certificate of Appreciation to the Highway Department at the ceremony following the Memorial Day Parade.
Mr. Matt Tanis, Health Inspector, was present to give his monthly report. He said the food inspections are on track and the new inspector is doing very well. Next week they will start motel and tanning establishment inspections. He spoke recently at the Senior Center about summer health concerns and said it was well attended. He plans to do another presentation. He has received a draft of proposed recommendations from the State regarding two areas of public health that the State feels need to be addressed in order to meet federal standards. The first, which concerns education and credentialing of staff, he has already addressed. The other concerns sharing of resources, which he believes was prompted by the gas explosions in western Massachusetts. The only gap the Town has concerns communicable diseases and not having a public health nurse on staff. He explained that the State really wants someone who has practice in nursing to track communicable diseases and do the follow-up. He suggested that if another town has a part-time nurse, the Town might want to consider having that person come in on a part-time basis. He also provided the Board with an updated fee schedule for consideration. Mr. Pacheco suggested placing it on the agenda for June 25th. Ms. Riley made the motion, Mr. Pacheco seconded, and it was so voted. Mr. Tanis has also proposed changes to the regulations for Body Art Establishments and is requiring employees to take a class. Mr. Pacheco suggested that also be placed on the agenda for June 25th. Ms. Riley made the motion, Mr. Pacheco seconded, and it was so voted.
New Business
The Board discussed the designation of Sewer Commissioners as Special Municipal Employees. Ms. Riley made a motion to approve, Mr. Pacheco seconded, and it was so voted.
A Tag Day request was received from the Bridgewater-Raynham Varsity Cheerleaders for the following days: August 16th and 30th. Ms. Riley made a motion to approve, Mr. Pacheco seconded, and it was so voted..
A Tag Day request was received from the ECE Cheer Gym for the following days: July 22th – July 25th Ms. Riley made a motion to approve, Mr. Pacheco seconded, and it was so voted.
Town Administrator’s Report
Mr. Gordon Luciano reviewed the Interim Town Administrator’s Report.
There are two openings for the Zoning Board of Appeals for associate members, staggered terms, and one opening for the Finance Committee for a one-year term.
Mr. Luciano will be meeting with the insurance agent this week to review and update the injured on-duty coverage. This change will be effective on July 1, 2019.
Mr. Luciano also reported that, after the vote last week at the town meeting, the process for looking for a permanent location for the Animal Control Office and the pet adoption program has begun.
Upcoming Meetings
In his report, Mr. Luciano also noted that the next Selectmen’s Meeting with be June 11th at 7:00 p.m. at Town Hall. There will be an Executive Session prior to the Selectmen’s meeting under M.G.L.C.30A, Section 21, at 6:00 p.m. Town Hall will be open every Tuesday in June from 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. In July and August, the Town Hall offices will reflect that of the Selectmen’s summer meeting schedule.
The next scheduled meeting for the Southeastern Regional Services Group will be held on Wednesday, June 5th at 9:15 a.m.
Union Negotiations will continue with the Sewer and Highway unions on Tuesday, June 4th.
The next scheduled meeting for the Government Study Committee will take place on Wednesday, June 5th at 6:30 p.m. at South School.
Selectmen’s Report
Ms. Riley attended the funeral services for R.A.V.E. founder Shoshanah Garshick. Her family has indicated that they have some memorabilia to donate to the Town for safe-keeping. She also attended the services for Betty Thompson, who did so much for the Council on Aging and Raynham’s senior citizens.
Ms. Riley thanked everyone who participated in anyway in the Town’s Memorial Day Parade, those who lined the streets to watch, as well as those who walked, marched or road in the parade. She noted that at the ceremony following the parade, R.A.V.E.’s “Salute To Our Veterans” Committee presented Certificates of Appreciation to retiring Fire Chief James Januse, the Raynham Fire Department, and the 772md Army National Guard Unit, in addition to the Raynham Highway Department.
The Celebration Brunch for R.A.V.E’s. volunteers will be held this Friday at Merrill School.
Mr. Pacheco echoed Ms. Riley’s comments on the Parade, noting that the weather was ideal and the turnout was great.
Correspondence
Correspondence was received from the Massachusetts State Lottery Commission notifying the Town that a KENO monitor to display the game will be installed at Quick Stop at 343 Broadway unless the Town objects in writing within 21 days. Mr. Pacheco said, “We have the opportunity to object. We have never objected in the past and my recommendation is to place the letter on file.” Ms. Riley made that motion, Mr. Pacheco seconded, and it was so voted.
Correspondence was received from the TMLP requesting a joint pole location on Locust Street. Mr. Pacheco suggested setting a public hearing for June 11th. Ms. Riley made the motion to place it on the agenda forr June 11th, Mr. Pacheco seconded. It was so voted.
Correspondence was received from the Park & Recreation Department announcing a Dog Park informational session at South School on Wednesday, May 29th from 6:30 – 7:30 p.m.
Correspondence was received from Derek Swenson, Bridgewater-Raynham Superintendent of Schools, regarding the reopening of the Regional Agreement for the purpose of modernizing the document. Mr. Pacheco designated Ms. Riley and Mr. Luciano to represent the Board.
Correspondence was received from the Professional Firefighters Union to start negotiations for a successor contract. Mr. Pacheco and Mr. Luciano will get started on it.
Adjournment
At 7: 22 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. It was so voted.
Respectfully submitted,
Janet Murphy
Recording Secretary