The weekly meeting of the Board of Selectmen was held on Tuesday evening, August 21, 2007 at 7:30 p.m.
Present: Theresa McNulty, Chairman; David L. Walsh, Clerk; Peter A. Hamilton
George Samia, Town Administrator
Karen Grabau, Adm. Assistant
PUBLIC HEARING
Mr. Walsh read the following notice:
A Public Hearing will be held at the Town Hall, Main Conference Room, First Floor, 175
Central Street, East Bridgewater on Tuesday evening, August 21, 2007 at 7:35 p.m. regarding the petition of Verizon New England Inc. and Massachusetts Electric Company to place new facilities – P77-1 on Central Street.
Joanne Robideau, representing Verizon was present for the hearing. Explained that an additional pole will be placed in front of Town Hall. There were no other abutters present.
M/Walsh, s/Hamilton, a unanimous vote, move to approve the petition of Verizon New England and Massachusetts Electric Co. to place one pole, Pole 77-1, on Central Street for the purpose of an electrical upgrade.
Hearing closed at 7:40 p.m.
M/Walsh, s/Hamilton, move to approve the minutes of the August 7, 2007 meeting.
Yes – McNulty, Hamilton; Abstain – Walsh; a majority vote in favor.
M/Walsh, s/Hamilton, a unanimous vote, move to approve the request of Maureen Vardaro of Boy Scout Troop 29 for use of the Town Hall parking lot on September 22 from 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. for a Bottle and Can Drive.
Mrs. McNulty thanked the Troop for changing their original date due to the Business Expo and Soccer Parade.
M/Walsh, s/Hamilton, a unanimous vote, move to accept with regret the resignation of William Dunham as a member of the Finance Committee effective immediately.
Board members thanked Mr. Dunham for his service. It was noted that as there is a vacancy on the Finance Committee, the Board of Selectmen would be accepting letters of interest for the next two weeks from interested residents.
Mrs. McNulty noted that the Finance Committee has interviewed the candidates for the vacancy that exists on the Finance Committee from Mrs. Feeney not wanting reappointment. Committee is waiting form Selectmen to interview and then will meet with Board and submit their recommendation. It was agreed that the Selectmen should set up interviews soon.
APPOINTMENT
Maria Buckley, Friends of Sachem Rock Farm, met with the Board to explain recent attendance by several members of the group at a Project Wild Seminar.
Mrs. Buckley explained that they would now be able to present classes at Sachem Rock Farm for ages K-12. Noted that each participant was given a book, which contains the various classes that can be offered; classes will be listed on the Friends web site.
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Mrs. Buckley informed the Board that the Fall Festival will be held in October and that applications are being accepted. Noted they have received several applications. Explained some of the activities that will be offered this year.
TOWN ADMINISTRATOR REPORT
Reported on additional information regarding town joining state health insurance program. Noted that he has spoken to Joel Viera, who is willing to work with town to set up. Noted that first step is to identify employees and which bargaining unit they belong to and then put together an agreement and amendments to contracts. Will put together information and then have Mr. Viera in for a presentation to the Board. Noted he has discussed with Town Counsel regarding opening negotiations with unions.
APPOINTMENT
Kiwanis members, Robert DiFazio, President, Cheryl Pooler, President-elect and Mike Chapin, Christmas on the Common Coordinator met with the Board regarding upcoming Christmas on the Common events.
Mr. DiFazio stated that this would be the 24th year for the event. Noted that they are unable to put together a Committee to run the annual Parade and asked if the Board would be willing to institute a Town Parade Committee to take over coordinating and overseeing the Christmas Parade.
It was noted that the Christmas on the Common would become a Holiday Festival; possibly dining tent, more activities for all ages, will continue the entertainment and open Craft Fair to a wider range of vendors.
Mrs. Pooler suggested that we reach out to community and town organizations for assistance; working together should be able to keep parade going.
Mr. Chapin noted that he has put together a book with all the information to coordinate a parade; all procedures are in place; hope to see parade continue.
Board asked interested residents to call Selectmen’s Office; office will keep list and coordinate volunteers; will follow-up with Mr. Chapin and Mr. DiFazio.
Board noted that as far as funding for parade, this would need to be worked out.
Mr. DiFazio also noted that the Christmas Tree Sales would begin end of November; trees should be in by November 24.
REMINDERS
Dog Licenses due August 30; Sept. 1 additional $25.00 fine
Business Expo, September 8 on Common
OPEN FORUM
Residents of Old Bedford Road were present and discussed with the Board their concerns that the pit bull at 37 Old Bedford Road was in the house this past weekend.
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Chief of Police, John Cowan and Off. Joel Silva were present. Chief Cowan explained call received at Police Station and Off. Silva’s and Sgt. Brown’s reports on seeing the dog at 37 Old Bedford Road. In response to the residents, Chief Cowan explained that his officers could not forcibly enter a residence or remove a dog. Explained that the Officers tried to contact the Dog Officer, a report was given to the Selectmen on Monday and the Selectmen’s Office was notified that the dog was removed from town.
Chief Cowan explained that his next step is to get an order of seizure from the Selectmen, notify the Dog Officer, will check with the D.A.’s Office as to procedure to follow. Noted that there is a legal procedure that must be followed.
Further discussion between the Chief of Police and residents regarding their fears and concerns relative to the pit bull was held.
Board assured the residents that they will be monitoring the situation.
M/Walsh, s/Hamilton, a unanimous vote, move to order the pit bull, Chance, at 37 Old Bedford Road be seized immediately due to non-compliance with the agreement to remove the dog from the Town of East Bridgewater.
Open Forum closed.
Mr. Walsh requested that the Sewerage Study Committee be placed on the September 4, 2007 agenda for an update.
Mrs. McNulty announced that the Recreation Commission was holding the second event at the Skate Park; for information contact Jackie Kelly.
Mrs. McNulty read an announcement from the Treasurer/Collector’s Office informing the residents that the new billing system will begin next week, with bills for Zone 1 being sent out on August 28.
Board requested that John Haines be asked to come in to update the Board on the Forge Pond Dam.
M/Walsh, s/Hamilton, move to close Open Session and go into Executive Session for the purpose of discussing contract negotiations and will not be returning to Open Session.
VOTE: Yes – McNulty, Walsh, Hamilton; a unanimous vote in favor.
Open Session adjourned at 8:30 p.m.
__________________________Clerk
Board of Selectmen
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