MINUTES OF THE BOARD OF SELECTMEN
MAY 27, 2008
SELECTMEN’S HEARING ROOM AT TOWN HALL
Present: Jack Angley, Chair, Frank Casey, Mike O’Donnell, Dick Ward, and Town Administrator Rick LaFond.
Absent: Jim Grimes
Angley opened the meeting at 7:00 p.m. with the Pledge of Allegiance and read the committee openings.
At 7:05 the Board met with Sarah Hewins who is the Board’s delegate to the Plymouth-Carver Aquifer Study Committee. Hewins presented her concerns regarding the study process as outlined in a report dated May 9, 2008.
Hewins raised concerns regarding the water conservation and education survey conducted by the committee. She believes that the methodology was flawed and questions the value of the results. She also stated that she was unable to endorse the model bylaws created by the group and that the group did not address the possible impact of a casino complex in Middleboro.
Hewins outlined her specific actions as the delegate to the committee as well some of her ideas as to what the town and the committee can do collectively to protect water resources. She stated that despite her concerns that this was not a failed endeavor and many positives have come out of the process including the desire of many communities to continue to meet when the state steps back from the process.
Angley stated that since the Water Management Act was passed in 1986 the state has never undertaken a comprehensive study of water availability, and, that the state was considering the Plymouth Carver Aquifer as a possible water resource for the Boston area but backed off due to political pressure in favor of creating the Quabbin Reservoir. Ward commented that he attended several meetings and became concerned about the protection of the Cape Cod Reservoir as well as the work of the consultant on one of the by-law subcommittees.
Hewins further stated that at some point the meetings became dominated by the state consultants and were no longer locally controlled and directed.
Casey commented that Wareham had raised the issue of Carver responsibility to keep its’ water clean and questioned the implementation of storm water regulations and mapping. Hewins responded that the mapping is complete and that various boards have put in place the required regulations. With regard to Wareham’s concerns she stated that there are communities upstream from us too and that both agriculture and septic are issues.
Ward thanked Hewins for her effort and noted that it took a measure of courage to bring these recommendations considering the position of the state.
O’Donnell stated that the possible impact of a casino was a very important point to raise and requested that this issue not be buried as the efforts continue forward.
Action and Discussion
Angley read a proclamation declaring the week of June 1 – June 7, 2008 “Buckle Up Carver Week”.
John Koutsogiannis appeared to inform the Board that he intended to reopen Dandy Donuts in July. He stated that he would be providing the same menu and service that existed prior to the recent closing.
Motion by Ward, to approve a common victualer license for Dandy Donuts at 114 Main Street,
Second by Casey,
Unanimous Vote
The Board reviewed the draft Special Town Meeting Warrant:
Article 1 – Motion by Ward to approve,
Second by Casey, Unanimous Vote
Article 2 - Motion by Ward to approve,
Second by O’Donnell, Unanimous Vote
Article 3 - Angley stated that this article was back on at his request. Ward stated that he did not have all the information when it was proposed for the ATM warrant. Building Commissioner Mike Mendoza and Director of Assessing Ellen Blanchard spoke on behalf of the article. Town Clerk Jean McGillicuddy asked that the full time elected officials be included in the updated plan. O’Donnell stated that he believed that we had the ability to do the update internally.
Motion by Ward to include on warrant,
Second by Case, 3-1 Vote (O’Donnell opposed).
Articles 4 & 5 - Blanchard explained that these articles were an attempt to make the use of tax deferrals for seniors more attractive.
Motion by Casey to approve,
Second by Ward, Unanimous Vote
LaFond stated that the Cole Committee had discussed the possibility of the need to raise the appropriation level on the development of the water system by $850,000. He stated that by this time we had hoped to have the Water District approved and the construction bids in so that we would know more specifically if and how much we may need. IDC Chair Will Sinclair stated that the anticipated funding need included additional expense from an upgraded treatment system, some unanticipated costs to date, and permitting for an increase from 100,000 gallons/per day capacity to the full amount the wells could produce anticipated to be about 350,000 per day. Sinclair stated that the permitting may take 3-5 years.
Motion by Ward to include an article for the increased appropriation,
Second by Casey,
Unanimous Vote
O’Donnell stated his concerns about the possible increase.
Motion by Ward to adopt recommendation of 61A committee to not exercise the town’s option to purchase on the application by Gary Weston,
Second by O’Donnell
Unanimous Vote
Mr. Paul Johnson of 3 Laurie Lane asked about the status of a request he made to the Board of Selectmen during a budget hearing regarding town vehicles. LaFond replied that his request had not been addressed.
Selectmen Notes
O’Donnell commended the town on its Memorial Day observances;
Casey stated that he wished Jean Bouchard a return to health;
Ward stated that he also enjoyed the Memorial Day activities.
Town Administrator Notes
LaFond stated that he and the staff had been working on the following:
town meeting preparation, budget and financial preparation, contract negotiations with multiple groups, preparing for administration of the 604B grant, and ongoing discussion regarding the future of the Whitworth property.
Motion by Casey to go into executive session under MGL CH. 39 Section B subsection 3 and not return to open session,
Second by Ward,
Unanimous Roll Call Vote.
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