Present: Selectmen Casey, O’Donnell, Grimes, Ward, Chair Angley and A.T.A. Bouchard. Absent: T.A. LaFond
Meeting called to order at 7:25 PM and the Chair read the announcements after the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.
Motion by Ward, second by Grimes to change the order of agenda items to take the presentation on Casino Gambling as the first item. Casey stated that other appointments have been waiting since 6:45 PM. Motion by Ward to withdraw motion, second by Grimes. Vote unanimous.
Renaissance Foods, Inc.
King Richard’s Faire owner, Bonnie Shapiro, came before the board requesting approval of the 18 One Day Special Licenses for the fair. This is the 26th year. Motion by Grimes, second by Casey to approve. Vote 4-0-1 (O’Donnell abstained).
Appointments:
Rachel Mason and Katelyn Preston requesting appointment to the Carver Cultural Council. Motion by Grimes, second by Casey to appoint.
Peg Blackwell requesting appointment to the Historical Commission. Motion by Ward, second by Casey to appoint. Vote unanimous.
Charles Hamilton requesting to be appointed as a Selectmen’s representative to the Earth Removal Committee. Motion by Ward, second by Grimes to appoint. Vote unanimous.
Boomerangs:
The Harringtons, owners of the new business Boomerangs came before the Board requesting an Automatic Amusement Device and Common Victualler License. Boomerangs is an entertainment business geared towards children 2 to 12 years of age. Casey asked about security and the Harringtons replied all children will have wristbands as well as having other security measures in place for their protection. Motion by Grimes, second by Ward to approve. Vote unanimous.
Constable Appointment:
Motion by Ward, second by Casey to appoint Gordon Davis a constable. Casey stated he has a background in law enforcement. Vote unanimous.
Master Plan Committee:
Motion by Grimes to table, seconded by Casey. Vote unanimous.
Casino Gambling Presentation:
Frank Dunphy of Casino Facts.com did a presentation on the negative impact the Wampanoag Indian Casino will have on neighboring towns in the region as well as the host town, Middleborough. The Wampanoags are seeking a Class 3 gambling approval from the state that will have 40-50,000 visitors a day with 10,000 employees. Carver is located 3.5 miles from the proposed casino. Their research from four towns in Connecticut that are impacted by the Mohegan Sun and Foxwoods Resort is what they base their concerns on. Of the original 125 acres purchased, 70% is wetlands and cautioned that the tribe has sovereign nation status that allows them to circumvent federal and state laws on environmental issues, etc. Jack Hunter stated we need to lobby our legislators regarding the impact it will have on
Carver in regards to infrastructure, schools, housing, etc. Will Sinclair stated this is impacting the development in the North Carver. The hotel and water park were coming to North Carver has pulled out in favor of the casino location. Other concerns were Plymouth airport expansion and the fact that the casino operates 24 hours per day as one-third of the airport is located in Carver.
At 9:05 there was a brief recess and open session reconvened at 9:15 P.M.
Old Colony Elder Services Reappointments:
Motion by Grimes, second by Ward to reappoint Julie Murphy as a Board Member with an Alternate of Bernadette Hemingway. Vote unanimous.
One Day Special License:
Motion by Ward and second by Casey to grant One Day Special License to Carver Sportsmen’s Club for August 26, 2007. Vote 4-0-1 (O’Donnell abstained).
Animal Shelter Committee:
Ward stated that in the past two hours five more residents have applied for the committee. He would prefer all applicants come before the Board and make a presentation. Motion by Ward to conduct interview, second by Grimes. Vote unanimous.
Minutes of June 26, 2007:
Motion by Grimes, second by Casey to approve minutes as written. Vote unanimous.
Citizen’s Participation:
Will Sinclair gave a reminder on the upcoming Casino Forum on August 8th.
Dawn Padavoni had questions on the dollar amount in the Police Chief’s Contract and the availability to the public. Grimes commented that we should probably make copies of all contracts to be available at the Library for residents to view. Bouchard stated this is already available and requests that residents call the office prior to coming to arrange to view the documents. This will avoid any inconvenience to the residents. Motion by Grimes that any public documents, without violating any laws, be made available to be viewed by any citizens under supervision of staff, and if copies are requested the citizen would be charged, second by Ward. Vote unanimous. Resident Stephen Dewhurst stated the vote us vacuous as this is state law.
Resident Tom Seery asked about litigation with BATG and asked questions on spreadsheet in his possession. Angley asked Bouchard to respond. Bouchard stated that Seery had her at a disadvantage as she did not have knowledge of the document he was questioning or what it was about. Additional comments were made and Angley stated this office is not hiding anything and it is unfair to expect answers on issues that they have not been appraised of prior so we are able to respond to the same.
Other comments were made regarding the Finance Committee meeting and Lauzon wanted assurance that what happened in the past cannot happen again.
Selectmen Notes:
Ward noted that the Farmer’s Market has been going well. Various committees and community organizations are going to have tables at the Farmer’s Market.
O’Donnell reminded everyone Old Home Day is this Saturday. He discussed the impact of Casino to the various Towns and the grassroots opposition.
Casey stated there are two very important meetings on the Casino issue – the Community Forum and the regional meeting in Lakeville. Selectman O’Donnell will represent the Town in Lakeville. Grimes reminded everyone it is not too late to call your legislators regarding this issue.
Angley stated he really did not have anything, but urged everyone to work on legislators.
Motion by Casey, second by O’Donnell to adjourn at 9:45 P.M. Vote unanimous.
| 
