Present: Selectmen Casey, Grimes, O’Donnell, Ward, Chairman Angley, Town Administrator LaFond and A.T.A. Bouchard.
The Chairman read the announcements of openings on various boards and committees.
Fire Chief Craig Weston – Swearing in ceremony and Citizen Recognition:
Weston announced the promotion of two officers of the Fire Department: Robert Telles, who joined the department in 1971 was appointed by the Chief to be the departments first Health and Safety Officer; and Mark Moran, who joined the department in 1993 was appointed Lieutenant. Both took there oath of office from the Town Clerk. Family members present “pinned” both officers.
Weston also wanted to recognize three citizens who have given so much to the community through their contributions to the Fire Department:
· Augusta Waters – donation to purchase rescue sonar equipment for the dive team
· Irene Winkler – for her many hours spent writing grants on behalf of the Fire Department
· Clark Griffith and wife – donation of land for the South Carver Fire Station, and most recently for purchasing the motor for the new rescue boat.
Ward thanked all three on behalf of the Town and also recognized Winkler’s effort in securing grants for the Cole property and Agricultural Commission. Ward also stated when he moved to Town in 1964, Griffith was already doing things for Carver. Angley, Grimes, O’Donnell and Casey also praised the fire department and congratulated the two new officers.
Water Commissioner Applicant Interviews:
The Board interviewed the following candidates for the position of Water Commissioner for the North Carver Water District: Michael Bumpus, Paul Johnson, Stephen Romano and Stephen Dewhurst.
After interviewing the three applicants Ward asked how the Board would like to proceed – slate vs. individual. LaFond stated format is up to the Board and that the appointment is for one year until the Spring 2009 election.
Motion by Grimes, second by Ward to appoint Michael Bumpus. Vote unanimous
Motion by O’Donnell to appoint Paul Johnson, second by Grimes. Vote 2 yes/3 no.
Motion by Ward to appoint Stephen Romano, second by Casey. Vote unanimous.
Motion by Ward to appoint Stephen Dewhurst, second by Casey. Vote 3 yes/2 no.
Chapter 43D Expedited Permitting – Jack Hunter:
Hunter stated if the Town accepted this provision, we would be eligible for funds for technical assistance from the State. This is site specific and the applicant will receive decisions from Board of Health, Conservation Commission, ZBA and Planning Board within 180 days of an application being filed. Acceptance of the chapter also obligates the state to act within a defined period of time. Zoning is Commercial/Industrial and a minimum of 50,000 square feet of development. Grimes stated he could see nothing negative in supporting this. Motion by Ward to support, second by Grimes. Vote unanimous.
Animal Shelter Committee Report:
Sharon Clarke read the report of the Animal Shelter Needs Committee that had been meeting for several months. Committee Members plan to start a non-profit organization to raise the funds to build a holding facility for up to five dogs as well as a small area for cats and other small animals, and will not be looking to Town Meeting for funding. The area they determined that fits the needs is the present Animal Control Offices, with additional space in the former DPW garage. Concern was raised by Board members on the noise from the building impacting the residents in Meadowbrook Housing Complex, and the committee stated they will add insulation to the rear wall as well as erecting fencing on the outside runs. They also stated that the animals will not be left outside when there is not staff present. Casey stated that he does not want to end contract with Lakeville and that there are two towns wanting them to take their animals. Angley wanted to know staffing issues with taking
care of animals. ACO Cindy Sherman stated that if the shelter is full at all times increased hours may be necessary. Motion by Ward to accept report and designate area in the former DPW Building. Casey amended motion to include dissolving committee and continuing the contract with Lakeville, second by O’Donnell. Vote unanimous. Casey thanked members of the committee for their hard work.
Appointment Requests:
Motion by Grimes, second by O’Donnell to appoint Marie Zwiegman to the Carver Cultural Council. Kerry Ann DiAntonio-Smith and Aaron Smith came before the Board requesting to be appointed to the Lakenham Green Preservation Committee. They live on Green Street and are interested in working on the Green with their neighbors. Motion by Ward to appoint Kerry Ann as a member and Aaron as an Associate Member of the Lakenham Green Preservation Committee, second by Casey. Vote unanimous.
Lakenham Green Gift:
LaFond stated that the Town had received a gift in the amount of $5,000 for the Lakenham Green and that it requires matching funds from the Town. Motion by O’Donnell to accept the gift and provide matching funds, second by Grimes. Vote unanimous.
STM Warrant of February 25, 2008:
LaFond stated the following information to the Board on the STM Warrant:.
· Article 2 – no contract in place, therefore no recommendation.
· Article 3 – we will have numbers prior to Town Meeting.
· Article 1 – LaFond stated that if we pay K & P’s bill by March 1st, K & P will give the Town a 10% discount
· Article 4 – taking of the easements needed for the North Carver Water District
· Article 5 – Granting of easement on Wade Street to A.D. Makepeace
Scott McCaig, Finance Committee Chairman, spoke on the reasons the Finance Committee did not pay the prior year’s legal bills before – legal bills are higher than we have been budgeted by the Town. There are communications in place and he receives monthly updates. He has reviewed the legal bills and they are all in line. LaFond expressed his thanks to McCaig for his time in this effort.
Resident Ron Warwick asked why his petition article was not on the Warrant, and how did the Wade Street article get placed on it. LaFond responded that the office was informed after the Article 5 petition article did not have the required signatures of verified registered voters, the Planning Board decided to represent the article. P.B. Chairman Will Sinclair stated that vote was taken last night to sponsor the article. He further stated this article was discussed prior to the posting of the warrant, and was asked by the Planning Department and a poll of the board was done. P.B. Member Lauzon sent asked Sinclair when it was discussed and Sinclair responded three weeks ago. Attorney Richard Serkey who represents A.D. Makepeace stated this property is a parcel of land at the end of Wade Street
and the parcel was a stump dump for the developer of Vaughan Estates. The lot was taken by the Town for non-payment of taxes and a year has elapsed. The Makepeace property is located adjacent to that lot and a year ago the company was in the process of requesting that their land be re-zoned from resident to commercial. The Planning Board at the time was in favor, but residents in the immediate area were not in favor. At the end of ’07 the company made a decision to submit a conservation subdivision for the tract of land, however the length of road is longer than the 600 feet allowed. The Town owned a parcel adjacent to the subdivision and submitted a petition that would authorize the Town to grant an easement. They submitted the petition article prior to the deadline for submission but were short certified signatures. Brian Lauzon again questioned legality of vote and stated he was not notified. He further stated they could
e-mail him. Ward asked if article could be withdrawn and asked if we could ask town counsel. Attorney Serkey asked the board not to move the article at town meeting but rather to wait for the Annual Town Meeting at which time the Planning Board could attempt to change the zoning again is they so desired. Motion by O’Donnell not to support Article 5, second by Ward. Vote unanimous.
Recommendations:
· Article 1: Motion by Ward, second by Casey to recommend. Vote 4-0-1 (O’Donnell abstained)
· Article 4: Motion by Ward, second by Grimes to recommend. Vote unanimous.
North Carver Water District Legislation:
LaFond stated the Governor had requested amendments to the legislation and that the Board of Selectmen needs to approve these changes before he signs the legislation. Motion by Ward, second by Casey to approve amendments. Vote unanimous.
S.A.F.E. Grant for Fire Department:
Motion by O’Donnell, second by Casey to accept $3,000 S.A.F.E. Grant for Fire Department. Vote unanimous.
Snow Overdraft:
Motion by O’Donnell, second by Casey to approve Snow Overdraft up to $99,414.82. Vote unanimous.
Citizen’s Participation:
Ron Warwick asked the Board a question in regards to individuals breaking the law. Ward stated he would not sit here and be interrogated by citizens. Angley told Warwick to put charges in writing. Warwick then questioned why his article did not appear on the STM. LaFond stated again this office did not receive it from the Town Clerk’s Office. Town Clerk McGillicuddy, who was present in the audience, stated she would check tomorrow to see when the petition article was “clicked” (date received) by her office.
Dave Piper, Jr., Owner of Cranberry Village, came before the Board responding to a letter dated January 10th from the Town regarding the flow study that was conducted on the Cranberry Village Water supply. He stated that DEP has water usage set at 150 gallons per day per home. He has 280 homes that average 79 gallons per day, and that is extremely low. He further stated that residents during the cold weather, even though they discourage it, leave faucets at a slow drip to prevent freezing. Mr. Piper had concerns regarding statements that he heard were made at the 1-8-08 meeting. LaFond explained that this is not the Town’s expertise and to alleviate concerns some of the CV residents have been complaining about for the last several months, the Town had the test done by a
qualified company. LaFond further stated he was not making an accusation, and wanted to get a letter to him fairly quickly. LaFond asked Piper if he had personally seen the tape of the meeting and Piper responded that he had not. Cranberry Village resident Rod Forrester disagreed, and well as Jane Forrester. LaFond stated he would get tape of meeting to Mr. Piper to review and if he feels he was insulted, he would be pleased to apologize.
Paul Johnson questioned why the Building Commission took down Fixcarver.com signs from telephone poles. LaFond stated that he would request a written explanation from Mendoza.
Jack Franey asked about the South Carver Water Study as the IDFA gave $10,000 towards this.
Larry Swartz a resident of Plympton came before the Board with a complaint regarding one of our Police Officers who struck his vehicle on Route 58 on January 17th. He stated the officer was driving at a high rate of speed and recklessly while responding to a call. LaFond stated there is an internal investigation regarding this matter, and that the Police Chief is taking action., and asked if Mr. Swartz had talked to the Police Chief. He had not, and will be put in touch with him.
Selectmen Notes:
· Frank Casey – nothing
· Jim Grimes – Grimes stated that any legal request should come through the Board of Selectmen and he wants to make a motion that no significant legal services in the Town can move forward without coming through for approval from the Board of Selectmen. Motion seconded by O’Donnell. Angley stated frequently an emergency call made to Counsel would be a problem if it had brought to the Selectmen. LaFond offered to have calls logged if the Board wished but that the majority of the legal bills were for labor appeals
and defending permitting decisions. Grimes stated that it was not his intent to tie the hands of departments. LaFond stated any enforcement action the Town is going to act on should be approved by the Board. Vote unanimous.
· Dick Ward – nothing
· Mike O’Donnell – reminded everyone of Valentine’s Day and that Budget Hearings are on Saturday. He also reminded residents that it is school vacation week coming up.
· Jim Grimes – mentioned that he didn’t agree with everything on the Fixcarver.com web site but that it could be good forum for people’s opinions.
· Jack Angley – stated the Plymouth County Cooperative extension annual tree and plant sale and residents could call the Hanson Office.
Town Administrator Notes:
Nothing
Motion by Ward to go into Executive Session regarding for the discussion of pending litigation and to not return to Open session, second by Casey. Roll call vote affirmative: O’Donnell, Casey, Grimes, Ward and Angley.
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