Present: Selectmen Frank Casey, Jim Grimes, Jack Angley and Mike O’Donnell, Town Administrator LaFond and A.T.A. Bouchard. Absent: Frank Muscato. Jack Angley was appointed Acting Chairman.
After the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag, Angley read the announcement of vacancies on the various boards, committees and commissions, as well as the upcoming Community Forum Series. Also announced was the vacancy on the elected Board of Assessors until the April 2008 election. Residents wishing to apply should contact the Selectmen’s Office.
Owen Archer, Inc. dba The Little Red Smokehouse Liquor License:
Public Hearing on the transfer of license, change of manager and change of directors for the corporation. Robert Dillon stated to the Board that all of the transfers are due to the dissolution of marriage. Motion by Grimes to approve, second by Casey. Vote 3-0-1 (O’Donnell abstained).
Robert Woolson – Appointment Request:
Robert Woolson came before the Board with the IDC Chairman requesting appointment to the IDC. Woolson is an electrical engineer employed in site development. Sinclair reported that the IDC voted to recommend this appointment. Grimes welcomed Woolson and stated that the Town could use more participation from residents and looks forwarding to working with him. Motion by Grimes, second by O’Donnell to appoint. Vote: 4-0.
Bouchard stated that Jamie Ferreira was unable to make his appointment as he will be in Florida until after mid April.
Proclamation:
Police Chief Parker has requested that the Board proclaim the second week of April National Emergency Dispatchers Week. Motion by Grimes and second by O’Donnell to approve. Vote: 4-0
The Chief also stated that he received a letter from Sgt. Duphilly on an incident involving a loose horse. The Police, Fire, Animal Control and the Plymouth County Sheriff’s Department all responded. Parker praised the cooperation between all agencies as well as volunteers.
Marie Dupuis – Request for Appointment:
Marie Dupuis has requested appointment to the Handicapped Committee. The Chair read her letter of interest. Motion by Grimes, second by O’Donnell to appoint. Vote 4-0
Minutes of March 13, 2007:
Motion by Grimes, second by Casey to approve as written. Vote: 4-0
Fire Department Grant – Makepeace Neighborhood Fund:
Motion by O’Donnell, second by Grimes to approve. Vote unanimous.
Cole Property Contract:
Town Administrator requested the Board approve the contract between Angle Tree and the Town for the agricultural access to the Cole Property at a cost of $14,800. Grimes stated it is important for the Town to have this access and recommends a vote to approve. Motion by Grimes, second by O’Donnell to approve. Vote unanimous.
Citizen’s Participation:
Paul Johnson, 3 Laurie Lane, stated he knew Sgt. Duphilly’s father and he was a great guy. Johnson asked about Hunter’s agreement to remain with the Town for one year and whether it was written or verbal. Johnson wanted to know chain of events and asked if job was advertised. LaFond commented that Mr. Hunter did talk to him about a job offer from Springfield, and at some point he was going to accept the offer and told him the date he intended to leave by. A search process to fill the position commenced. Subsequently, Mr. Hunter felt the position in Springfield was not in his best interest and has not left his employ with the Town of Carver. Johnson was puzzled that we would advertise a position that was not vacant. LaFond stated due to the expertise and experience
required for this position the Town needed to start a search process when it did. Johnson asked if the position was vacant or not and if Hunter had to apply. LaFond asked Johnson what was the point, did he simply not like Hunter and not think that he should be the Director of Planning. Johnson replied in the affirmative and cited his dispute with him over the Community Preservation Act.
Grimes spoke about some of the concerns he had last week. He stated Hunter has done a great job for the Town, and that Hunter has committed to stay for at least one year. This is a critical time for the Town in the water development process.
LaFond stated he was proud he hired Hunter and it is out of line to question his dedication, loyalty and integrity, and believes anyone who has worked with him feels the same.
Resident Gail Nauen praised the work Hunter has done for the Town. We would not be where we are without his help.
Resident Dawn Padovani told the Board that she was angered that the Board would allow someone to sit in the audience with signs when she was chastised for laughing in the audience at a previous Board meeting.
Resident Ron Warwick complained that the law was broken on his request for public records. LaFond responded that he did take longer than ten days due to the fact that the request was for personnel information regarding Hunter and he has to check to see what is allowed and not violate employee’s rights. Warwick also addressed the issue of Hunter working 40 hours per week. LaFond stated that Hunter works at least 40 hours per week, minus benefit time and asked Warwick what he was looking for. Warwick asked who knew that Paul Johnson was coming to the meeting tonight and is that why they came with signs?
Resident Jim Nauen spoke in support of Hunter and praised him as a superstar, and that he has never been so impressed with anyone because of his personal involvement. You don’t have to live in a community to care about it.
Resident Judy Ward also praised Hunter and is appalled at Johnson and Warwick. She stated that Hunter is very dedicated and works very long hours.
Dick Ward, Agricultural Commission, updated the Board on $10,000 grant received from the SARE Program through the University of Vermont to promote the Farmer’s Market. He thanked Sheila Jardin and Irene Winkler for their assistance in writing the grant.
Will Sinclair reminded residents once again of the upcoming community forums.
Selectmen Notes:
O’Donnell wished everyone a safe and happy holiday.
Casey – nothing
Grimes stated at the last IDC meeting the focus was on Wind Power.
Angley wished Muscato a speedy recover. Updated the Board on the Cranberry Growers Association and the industry. Also of a concern is to protect the quality and right to water for both citizens and growers.
Town Administrator Notes:
LaFond gave an update on the Cole Property development. Office is working on the final draft of the ATM Warrant and will be bring it before the Board of review shortly. He also informed the Board that Steve Pratt presented three petition articles for the warrant after the deadline. These are for Eagle Scout Projects throughout Town. He would like the Board to review requests and make a decision at their next meeting. He then gave the Board an update on the budget process.
Motion by Casey to adjourn to go into Executive Session under M.G.L.Chapter 39, S. 23B and not return to Open Session. Roll Call Vote Taken. Unanimous.
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