Present: Selectmen Casey, O’Donnell and Grimes, Chair Muscato, Town Administrator LaFond, A.T.A. Bouchard. Absent: Selectman Angley.
The Chair announced that there are openings on the Board of Appeals, Finance Committee, IDC and Earth Removal Committee. Residents wishing to apply are asked to contact the Selectmen’s Office.
South Shore Community Action Council:
Patricia Daly, Executive Director, and board member Bernadette Hemingway gave the Board an overview of the services offered by SSCAC, as well as an update on the emergency food program. The food program in FY04 and 05 received $50,000 in federal funding; 2006 it was reduced to $12,000; and in 2007 the grants have been zeroed out across the country. She further stated that the Town’s residents have been very generous in food donations and applauded both Bernadette and Police Officer Bassett for their efforts. She also thanked the residents for approving the $2,500 article in support of SSCAC’s various programs, and is hoping the support continues. Bernadette stated she is very committed to the food drive, and that there are containers at the Town Hall. They intend on expanding to
include a clothing drive and toiletry items. Muscato stated that this agency is responsible for key services to residents in need. Motion by Grimes to send a letter to the congressional delegation complaining about the withdrawal of subsidies and urged the other fifteen towns that SSCAC service to the same. Second by O’Donnell. Vote unanimous. O’Donnell commended SSCAC for their efforts, and asked to be informed when they will start the drive for clothing and toiletries.
Minutes of September 19th and 26th:
Motion by Grimes to approve minutes of September 19th, second by Casey. Vote unanimous. Motion by Grimes to approve minutes of September 26th, second by O’Donnell. Vote 3-0-1 (Casey abstained).
Historical Commission – Request for Appointment:
The Chair stated that they received a letter from Connie Shaw, Chairman of the Historical Commission, requesting that Jan Tracey be appointed to the Commission. Motion by Grimes to appoint, second Casey. Vote unanimous.
North Carver Water System Design Contract:
LaFond informed the Board that the Cole Group is recommending signing a contract with Norfolk Ram Group for design, permitting, and construction oversight of the North Carver water system. The Town is on a tight deadline regarding the purchase of the Cole Property. Grimes stated that the Cole Group is making good progress and a lot of the credit goes to Jack Hunter. Grimes motion to approve awarding contact to Norfolk Ram, seconded by Casey. Vote unanimous.
99 Main Street Brownfield’s Clean-up Grant Contract:
LaFond updated the Board on the $200,000 grant from the EPA for the property at 99 Main Street. Total cost of cleanup is estimated at $240,000 with matching services of $40,000 from the Town. This is a three year project. We received four quality proposals on the RFP, with Norfolk Ram being the most advantageous. Motion by O’Donnell to award contact to Norfolk Ram Group, second by Casey. Vote unanimous.
South Carver Water Rate:
Mr. Forrester, 13 Lincoln Circle, regarding the South Carver Water Rate. He requested the Board’s consideration of the gift of the land from the Pipers’ in determining the rate. He also asked if additional hookups are being considered to reduce the burden of the depreciation on the residents of Cranberry Village. T.A. LaFond explained that five or six years ago Town Meeting rejected an article for monies from the general fund for engineering and water services for the South Carver Wells and made it clear that it should be self supporting through the enterprise account. Also, the grant source on the upgrade of the wells prohibits additional hookups for a period of five years from completion of the work. There is a working subcommittee exploring the water needs of South
Carver. Muscato suggested that maybe Mr. Adams could explain the way the enterprise fund works.
Special Town Meeting Date:
T. A. LaFond informed the Board of the need for an STM to meet the requirements for one of the grants for the Cole Property. There has to be a commitment vote from the Town for this grant. He has discussed this with Hunter and is suggesting the date of December 11, 2006 in order not to run too close to the holidays. Motion by Grimes to set date of December 11, 2006, second by Casey. Vote unanimous.
Citizen’s Participation:
Bernadette Hemingway asked the disposition of the Benjamin Ellis School and asked to consider this is a historical building before we sell it. LaFond stated the school is still in the school committee’s custody, and that an appraisal had been done. He will contact the school regarding this.
Will Sinclair stated that the RDA has the Ben Ellis School on a list of to look at. O’Donnell discussed the school declaring the school surplus property, and encourages them to start the process so that it can go before Town Meeting. LaFond stated he would call Bernadette after he had spoken to the schools.
Diane Palombo of Plymouth Street asked the Board what is the appeal process for Animal Control. She has been charged with violations that she does not agree with. She stated she had e-mailed and spoken to the Selectmen’s Office during the week. LaFond told Ms. Palombo that the appeal for civil violations is through the courts, and that there is no appeal through the local authorities issued by code violation officers. LaFond informed the Board he had a meeting set up for this week with Palombo and the Animal Control Staff. Palombo stated she wanted to get her dog released from the Lakeville Animal Shelter and just pay the fees as she is appealing the civil infraction. LaFond will check with Town Counsel on the appeal process through the court as well as the
question of just paying the fees to Lakeville in order to retrieve her animal. He will e-mail Palombo. Resident Jane Forrester praised the Animal Control Officers’ work, and indicated that residents should be responsible for their animals and everyone should abide by the leash law.
Mr. Forrester asked what the latest news on the dog pound is. LaFond stated they will be discussing this in Executive Session as the Town is in litigation.
Will Sinclair spoke regarding the Redevelopment Authority and requested the Board “charge” them with their responsibilities. LaFond stated this would be put on the next Agenda.
Selectmen Notes:
Casey asked that the Board give consideration to not renewing in another year Class II Licenses that are located in residential neighborhoods. There has been an increase in the number of complaints regarding illegal operation of businesses in residential neighborhoods. He asked that the meeting be placed on the next agenda.
Grimes stated that he would like the personnel code discussed at the next meeting. Grimes questioned if the Board of Trustees could be considered the Manager on the VFW Club License. Bouchard will call the ABCC before the next meeting as this has never come up.
O’Donnell reminded residents that there will be a fundraiser at the VFW organized by the Carver Police Union and Matchmaker Mortgage to benefit the family of the Middleboro child, Johnny Fontaine, who passed away from EEE. He stated that both his Aunt and Uncle are members of the Carver Police Department and this will assist the family in defraying expenses incurred while he was hospitalized.
Muscato stated there will be a Community Forum on October 25th at the Town Hall on community infrastructure, and on November 2nd at 7 PM on the Future of Carver. There will also be two meetings with the School Committee – next Monday at 6:30 at the School Library and on October 24th at 6:30 regarding a school needs study. This vote will not commit the Town, but gets the Town on the list.
Town Administrator Notes:
LaFond stated we will be starting the budget process in 30 days or so. Also, the Town just completed its first year of the ALS Service by our Emergency Medical Services Department without a gap in schedule. It is an amazing accomplishment that it has been done without full time employees. He commended Tom Walsh and his staff, and intends to send Tom a letter.
Motion by Grimes, second by Casey to go into Executive Session under M.G.L. Chapter 39 § 23B and not return to Open Session. Roll call vote, unanimous.
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