Present: Selectmen Grimes, O’Donnell, Casey, Ward, Chairman Angley, Town Administrator LaFond and A.T.A. Bouchard
The Chair read the announcements of opening on the following Committees: Finance, IDC, Marcus Atwood House Trustees, Open Space and Recreation Plan Committee and Historic District Commission.
Police/Fire Station Building Committee Update:
Buz Artiano and Tim Stevenson were present from the committee. Artiano stated that after the September election “no” vote, the committee needed to get more information from citizens through a survey to clarify what the vote meant. They received ninety-six responses with results as follows:
1. 75 residents voted; 21 did not
2. Major concerns were increase in taxes and Town growth
3. Do we need a new fire station and when: 50 people stated within 6 years/46 in 4 years.
4. Do we need a new Police Station and when: 58 people stated within 6 years/6 undecided and 33 vote no at this time.
LaFond commended the committee for a job well done and stated residents had concerns of building a new school. Ward stated we still need to pursue the needs of the Fire and Police Departments. Grimes agreed study should go on as it is important to the Town, and perhaps we should look for casino mitigation funds from the State for Police/Fire needs. Artiano agreed and understand the money is not out there now. The committee will be asking for $10,000 to have more groundwork done on the issue. Casey stated unrealistic to think Town is going to build facilities without raising taxes, and the implications of not building a fire facility will have on the department. Motion by Ward to place results or survey on web site, second by Grimes. Vote unanimous.
Little Red Smokehouse Entertainment License:
Robert Dillon, Manager, came before the Board requesting an Entertainment License. He would like light entertainment at his restaurant to enhance his business. Motion by Grimes to approve, second by Casey. O’Donnell asked would this have an impact on his seating capacity and Dillon replied no. Vote unanimous.
Lakenham Green Preservation Committee – Appointment Request:
Jason Pecorelli requested appointment to the Lakenham Green Preservation Committee. Motion by Ward, second by Grimes to approve. Vote unanimous.
CDBG Applications:
Jack Hunter came before the Board regarding potential projects for CDBG Funding applications. A Community Forum was held and participants expressed that rehabilitation of housing, well and septic improvements, sign improvements and sidewalks as priorities. It has been determined that some of the residents of the Crystal Lake area meet the federal income guidelines and would qualify for housing rehab under the 0% loan program. This could upgrade wells and do a septic system study for a sewerage treatment plant, as well as street improvements. Thirty-five residents of Crystal Lake that attended the forum overwhelmingly supported this effort. We have been told by the State that Carver is not large enough to apply on our own and they urged us to partner with a surrounding community. We have
talked to Middleborough Community Development office regarding this, however at this point; Middleborough has not decided whether to do this. He would like to go forward. Motion by Ward to pursue partnering with Middleborough to apply for CDBG funds, second by O’Donnell. Vote unanimous. Hunter stated they had received letter from Mass. Housing on the 40B project, and the task force will be meeting on Monday.
61A Land Conversion – Lot A High Street:
Motion by Grimes to decline the option, second by Ward. Vote unanimous.
STM Warrant Review:
LaFond requested the Board move the STM date to February 25, 2008. Motion by Ward second by Casey to change the date of the Special Town Meeting to February 25, 2008. Vote unanimous.
One Day Special License Request:
Motion by Grimes, second by Ward to approve a One Day Special License for the Sportsmen’s Club for a Game Supper to be held on January 25, 2008. Vote 4-0-1 (O’Donnell abstained).
Citizen’s Participation:
Rod Forrester once again stated that Piper gave the South Carver Wells to the Town. This is an asset to the Town, and the rates keep going up. LaFond explained the legalities of an Enterprise Fund, and the Board will be looking at the water rate in the near future and there is a possibility the rates will be coming down. LaFond stated that we recently looked at the usage and the Town had a flow meter installed for a seven day period. From the data received there could be some leaking in the park. We have been told there should be periods of the day with no water usage (in the middle of the night). The Town will be notifying Mr. Piper with this information. Mr. Piper may decide to do leak detection that will tell him what happens beyond the Town’s meter. Casey also explained
how an enterprise fund works, and stated the only way for park residents to change rates below the actual cost is through Town Meeting to dissolve the enterprise fund.
Dawn Padovani asked when the vote was taken to take away the EMT stipend from Police Union Members. LaFond stated no vote was taken. Padovani once again brought up the legality of the extension of the Police Chief’s Contract. LaFond stated the Chair had requested Town Counsel look at this issue. As soon as Town Counsel gets back to us we will be in contact.
Another resident present asked Dick Ward for an animal shelter update. Ward asked Casey to respond. Casey stated the needs committee is asking for architectural plans for the present office space and garage and that everybody is on board at this time.
Edna Forrester asked for an update on the BATG issue. Attorney Rich Bowen explained the litigation process regarding BATG, and the timeline. The Town is asking a dollar amount on damages and with the 93A claim we can request triple damages plus attorney’s fees.
Selectmen’s Notes:
Grimes stated the Earth Removal By-Law Review committee is making good progress and will have a totally new bylaw in a few weeks.
Town Administrator Notes:
LaFond stated there is an opening on the ZBA. The Water District Legislation has been approved through the legislature. The Board needs to appoint three water commissioners until the 2009 local election when they will run for staggered terms and recommends accepting application through the last day of January. Motion by Ward, second by Casey to seek applicants through end of January. Vote unanimous. He will do a presentation on numbers at next meeting in January and schedule budget hearings, and will schedule a joint meeting with the schools in February.
A.T.A. Bouchard stated that Town Clerk McGillicuddy requested that the Board approve an alternate emergency polling location, Erwin Washburn Primary School. Motion by O’Donnell, second by ward to approve. Vote unanimous. Bouchard also asked for the Board to accept a SETB Grant in the amount of $5,000 for the Police Department. This will be used to train the dispatch staff on 911 procedures. Motion by Grimes to accept, second by Ward. Vote unanimous.
The Chair entertained a motion to go into Executive Session for the purposes of discussing contract negotiations and pending litigation, and not to return to Open Session. Roll Call Vote Taken – Grimes, O’Donnell, Casey, Ward and Angley all affirmative. Meeting adjourned at 8:40 PM.
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