Minutes of the Board of Selectmen’s Meeting of February 13, 2007
Present: Frank Muscato, Frank Casey, Jim Grimes, Mike O’Donnell, Jack Angley, Town Administrator Richard LaFond and A.T.A. Jean Bouchard.
The Chair announced openings on the following committees: Finance Committee; IDC, Earth Removal Committee; and Handicapped Commission. Residents wishing to apply should contact the Selectmen’s Office. The Chair also announced the upcoming Community Forum Series.
Massachusetts Motorcycle Association:
Wendell Davis of the Mass. Motorcycle Association came before with their request to proclaim Carver’s participation in the State’s Motorcycle Safety and Awareness period from the last week of March through the end of April.
They are also requesting the Town’s authorization to construct a 2’x8’ framed yellow/black plastic “Check Twice” sign to be located in the Town during this period. Police Chief Parker recommended both the proclamation and recommended the placement of the sign at the traffic island area in vicinity of Tremont Street and Route 58. He is also recommending that he be appointed the public safety official to coordinate this effort. Motion by Grimes and seconded by Angley to approve the Police Chief’s recommendations. Vote unanimous.
Chapter 61A Land Conversion:
Request received to convert Lots 1- through 21 known as Hawks Haven Subdivision off Plymouth Street from Chapter 61A Land. Motion by Grimes seconded by O’Donnell for the Town not to exercise their option. Vote unanimous.
Handicapped Commission Appointment:
Jan L. Tracey of Plymouth Street applied for appointment to the Handicapped Commission. Motion by Grimes, second by O’Donnell to appoint. Vote unanimous.
Constables – Re-appointments:
Board received requests from Robert S. Barlow and John D. Kelley for re-appointment as constables for three year terms. Motion by Grimes, second by Angley to appoint both individuals for three year terms. Vote unanimous.
Grants and Gifts:
Town received two grants from Bridgewater Savings Bank.
1. $400 to be used by the IDC for videotaping Community Forums for cable tv.
2. $1,000 to be used by the Planning Board for Affordable Housing.
Motion by Grimes to accept both gifts, second by O’Donnell. Vote unanimous.
Fishing Tournament:
Rod Jockey Bass Club is requesting permission for a fishing tournament on Sampson’s Pond on April 7, 2007. Motion by Grimes, second by O’Donnell to approve. Vote unanimous.
Commission on the Status of Women:
The Commonwealth’s Commission on the Status of Women has contacted municipalities across Massachusetts seeking nominations for the 2007 Massachusetts Unsung Heroine Award with a deadline of March 1, 2007. Selectmen announced that nomination forms are available at the Selectmen’s office or it can be submitted on an online application with the commission.
Recreation Committee Appointment:
Deborah Carlino has requested to be appointed to the Recreation Committee to fill the vacancy created by the resignation of Elaine Weston. Motion by Grimes, second by Angley to appoint to June 30, 2007. Vote unanimous.
Minutes of January 9th, 18th and 23rd:
Motion by Grimes, second Angley to approve as written. Vote unanimous.
Conservation Commission – Home Rule Petition
LaFond stated that the 2005 STM vote to have two alternate voting members of the Conservation Commission in the event there is a lack of a quorum or conflict of interest with a member(s). This would allow an alternate be able to fill in and would fast tract the decision process. Senator Marc Pacheco has contacted our office to let us know the home rule petition did not complete the legislative process in last year’s session and he will be presenting it again. Pacheco requested the Board take a vote to affirm the Town Meeting vote, and formally request the legislature to go forward. Members of the Board would like to have clarification on this issue, thus tabled until next meeting.
Selectmen Notes:
Casey was pleased to inform the Board that Janice Morrison is the new low income representative from Carver and Plympton for South Shore Community Action Council. Janice has worked for Blue Cross/Blue Shield and will be an asset. She is the wife of our Veteran’s Agent, and this will give Ken more access to SSCAC’s programs.
Grimes stated he received information at the Plymouth Aquifer Committee that A.D. Makepeace is interested in selling water privately. He stated that other communities also had concerns regarding private enterprises selling the Town’s water resources, and how it would affect the aquifer. He also had concerns on how to let the delegates from the Town know about the different issues and concerns and relay them to the other members of the committee. Grimes suggested that we might want to get some Board members of the different Towns and have Town Counsel look at an article for Town Meeting.
Angley extended his sympathy to the Weston family on the death of their mother and grandmother. The Weston Family was one of the earliest Carver families.
O’Donnell reinforced Grimes and Angley’s concerns on the water issue and stated we should be very proactive on this. We need a mechanism so our delegates can get back to us on what is being discussed. Agrees we should get other Towns involved with our concerns and invite them over. He wished everyone a Happy Valentine’s Day.
Muscato stated budget hearings were held on Saturday, February 10th. He also stated that private water companies are allowed under state law and he supports the Plymouth Carver Aquifer Committee. He stated once we receive a report it would be of help.
Town Administrator’s Notes:
LaFond informed the Board that Autogator had not picked up their Class III license as of this date and asked what the Board’s pleasure was. Motion made by Angley second by Grimes to have the Police Department do an inspection to include checking on the status of sales of second hand vehicles. Casey stated we should have Fire Chief or Deputy Chief also there for the inspection. O’Donnell also suggested Health Agent. Angley amended his motion to include the Fire and Health Department inspections also, second by Grimes. Vote: 4-0-1 (O’Donnell abstained).
LaFond stated that the Town is considering contracting with Woodcock and Associates, water consultants, to work with the three big developers as well as the design and financing of the North Carver Water System. They will also be setting up the water district and looking into grants. He will be asking the Board to approve this contract at their next meeting. He stated the RFP would be going out to Comcast for re-licensing. Grimes asked about the feasibility of the Town forming a co-op with other towns. Discussion also followed on fiber optic cabling already in place. O’Donnell asked about the possibility of inviting Verizon in on the issue.
LaFond stated that the School Committee will be presenting their budget proposal on February 27th. Also scheduled is a health insurance update to be presented by EBS Foran.
Motion to Adjourn by Grimes, second by O’Donnell. Vote unanimous.
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