Board of Selectmen Meeting
August 22, 2001
Mr. Merritt opened the meeting and introduced the Board members and Jim Boudreau, Town Administrator.
MOTION: Mr. Mariano moved the Board approve the agenda as written. Second by Mr. Gaynor.
Unanimously Voted.
First on the agenda, Police Sergeant John Suurhans was sworn in and pinned by Assistant Town Clerk Patricia Anderson.
Four Police Candidate Interviews took place with Officer John A. McDevitt first on the list.
* ( Could not hear some responses)
John A. McDevitt has been a life long resident of Norwell. Graduating from Norwell High School and Bridgewater State College with a Bachelor of Science in Sociology and Criminology. His work includes a juvenile lock-up in Brockton.
The Board asked why is why he wants to become a Police Officer in Norwell?
He responded that his interest was in the Criminal Justice System, taking a Law class in High School and continuing in College. Helping with people in the community, it makes a difference everyday.
The Board asked how he feels about the primary function of a Norwell Police Office.
He responded to aide the Community, such as playing basketball with children, or helping traffic or investigating crimes.
The Board asked what does the phrase “Community Policing” mean to you.
Being seen in the community, creating ties.
What is the single most important skill?
He responded people skills.
The board asked about responding to an automobile accident where the operator is under the influence of alcohol an is a friend?
He feels it's a crime.
Do you think Police Officers should be held to a higher standard of conduct because of the position they hold or to the same standard as you and me?
He feels that they should be held to a higher standard.
The Board thanked John for coming in and they advised him they would be making their decision this tonight.
New Business
MOTION: Mr. Mariano moved the Board approve the request from Norwell Fire Fighters to conduct their annual “Fill the Boot” drive for the Muscular Dystrophy Association setting up Toll Booths at two locations, Main & Central Streets, and Washington & Grove Streets on Saturday, September 2, 2001 (rain date of Sunday, September 3, 2001) from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM. Second by Mr. Gaynor.
Unanimously Voted.
MOTION: Mr. Mariano moved the Board approve the request from the Ridge Hill Road residents for a Block Party on Saturday, September 8, 2001 from 1:00 PM to 6:00 PM with a rain date of September 9, 2001. Blocking off the area between 56 Mill Wood Circle to the end of Millwood Circle. Second by Mr. Gaynor.
Unanimously Voted.
MOTION: Mr. Mariano moved the Board accept with regret the resignation of Officer John Matchett from the Norwell Police Department effective September 9, 2001. Second by Mr. Gaynor.
Unanimously Voted.
MOTION: Mr. Mariano moved the Board approve the request of the Norwell Garden Club and authorize the Norwell Garden Club to replant and maintain the existing Jacobs Lane/Main Street Island. Second by Mr. Merritt.
Voted, Mr. Gaynor abstained.
Old Business
1. Annual Re-Appointments.
MOTION: Mr. Mariano moved the Board re-appoint Edward J. Geswell as the Gas & Plumbing Inspector for a 1 year appointment expiring June 30, 2002. Second by Mr. Gaynor.
Unanimously Voted.
MOTION: Mr. Mariano moved the Board re-appoint John E. Hoadley as the Alternate Gas & Plumbing Inspector for a 1 year appointment expiring June 30, 2002. Second by Mr. Gaynor.
Unanimously Voted.
MOTION: Mr. Mariano moved the Board re-appoint John F. Moore as the Inspector of Wires to a 1 year appointment expiring June 30, 2002. Second by Mr. Gaynor.
Unanimously Voted.
MOTION: Mr. Mariano moved the Board re-appoint Charles Palmieri as the Alternate Inspector of Wires for a 1 year appointment expiring June 30, 2002. Second by Mr. Gaynor.
Unanimously Voted.
Next on the Agenda at 8:15 was the interview with Police Candidate Brendan M. O'Donnell.
Brendan has been a resident of Norwell. Graduating from Norwell High School and Assumption College with a Bachelor in Marketing. Currently employed at Talbots in Hingham on a construction project.
The Board asked why is why he wants to become a Police Officer in Norwell?
He responded that his Grandfather and Father both had careers in public service. Since career day in grade school he has always wanted to be a Police Officer.
The Board asked how he feels about the primary function of a Norwell Police Office.
He responded to be in the available in the community answering questions, in the time of need.
The Board asked what does the phrase “Community Policing” mean to you.
He said to get to know the community.
What is the single most important skill?
He responded communication skills.
The board asked about responding to an automobile accident where the operator is a close friend or family? The other officer informs you that he feels this individual is under the influence of alcoholic beverage. What type of action do you take?
He responded that you have to separate yourself from the personnel relationship. Your there to do your job.
Do you think Police Officers should be held to a higher standard of conduct because of the position they hold or to the same standard as ordinary citizens?
He feels that they should be held to a higher standard as being in the spotlight.
The Board thanked John for coming in and they advised him they would be making their decision tonight.
Next at 8:15 was the interview with Police Candidate Timothy P. O'Brien.
Timothy is 32 years old. He moved to Norwell 4 years ago. He is married with 2 children and one on the way. Currently he is a Sales Rep for PMI Mortgage Insurance Co., traveling Vermont, Massachusetts and Rhode Island going to Credit Unions providing mortgage insurance for them. I have an associates degree, working toward a bachelors degree currently in business administration and criminal justice.
The Board asked how he feels about the primary function of a Norwell Police Office.
He responded ensure public safety first and foremost, secondly he'd like to see more of a practical approach to meeting members of the community. Get involved with the daily operations of the residence.
The Board asked what does the phrase “Community Policing” mean to you.
He said to be more active in community involvement with police but also have the citizens take a more active approach towards the police in their own community.
What is the single most important skill?
He responded communication skills.
The board asked about responding to an automobile accident where the operator is a close friend or family? The other officer informs you that he feels this individual is under the influence of alcoholic beverage. What type of action do you take?
He responded that if you let someone get away with something once they may try again. If they are a close friend of mine, they would respect what I do. Being human it would be a hard situation.
Do you think Police Officers should be held to a higher standard of conduct because of the position they hold or to the same standard as ordinary citizens?
He feels that they should be held to a higher standard. I think they are in charge of your safety and you want to know that they are honest and trust worthy.
The Board asked for a comment when your off duty and out of uniform same question?
Once that's your profession that's what you become and you have to held accountable for it.
The Board thanked Timothy for coming in and they advised him they would be making their decision tonight.
Mr. Boudreau stated the process consists of paperwork to be filled out, a physical examination, a psychological examination, a physical aptitude test which tests, strength, agility and job related situations, then to a Criminal Justice Training Counsel Police Academy which is twenty two weeks and upon graduation become members of the Norwell Police Department.
Mr. Galvin stated that the Police Department has graduated their first Citizens Police Academy. Approximately 20 police officers were involved in this Academy.
Regarding the new Sergeants, Mr. Galvin thinks it is very important to have a supervisor on every shift so that the officers can turn to that supervisor for the proper advise on how to handle situations. We have appointed Sergeant Suurhans and Sergeant Matchett has just retired so we hope to appoint another in the near future to give the town more security and decision making on the streets.
Next at 8:45 was the interview with Police Candidate David C. Bartley.
David grew up in Milton. He worked at Mass. Correction Facility.
The Board asked how he feels about the primary function of a Norwell Police Office.
He responded he lives in town on Christopher Road. He was a Call Firefighter.
The Board asked how he feels about the primary function of a Norwell Police Office.
He responded to communicate and respond to people in town.
The Board asked what does the phrase “Community Policing” mean to you.
He said to be active and interact with the Town's people.
What is the single most important skill?
He responded people skills.
The board asked about responding to an automobile accident where the operator is a close friend or family? The other officer informs you that he feels this individual is under the influence of alcoholic beverage. What type of action do you take?
He responded that whether he is a friend or not, the law is the law.
Do you think Police Officers should be held to a higher standard of conduct because of the position they hold or to the same standard as ordinary citizens?
He feels that they should be held to a higher standard
The Board asked for a comment when your off duty and out of uniform same question?
He feels that whether you are on or off duty you are visible in the community.
The Board thanked David for coming in and they advised him they would be making their decision tonight.
Road Openings
MOTION: Mr. Gaynor moved the Board approve the request from Bay State Gas for a Road Opening Permit to install gas service into 458 Washington Street for Stop & Shop. No road cut will be needed.
Dig Safe #20012900654. Second by Mr. Gaynor.
Voted, Mr. Mariano abstained.
MOTION: Mr. Mariano moved the Board approve the request from S. L. T. Construction for a Road Opening Permit to install a 3 way Gate Valve and 10” water main to Hawthorne Park at Grove Street between utility pole #16 and #17. A 10'x3' road cut will be needed. Comments and Conditions from Department Heads attached.
Dig Safe #20012903680.
Unanimously Voted.
The above Road Opening Request will be put on next weeks agenda due to confusion.
MOTION: Mr. Mariano moved the Board approve the request from S. L. T. Construction for a Road Opening Permit to install a 5 way Gate Valve and 10” Water Main to Heritage Lane at the intersection of River Street and Common Avenue. A 250 S. F. road cut will be needed. Comments and Conditions from Department Heads attached.
Dig Safe #20012602422. A trench opening to be cut across River Street, be saw cut or equal leaving clean 90 degree angles. Excavatable flow able fill will be used instead of back filling with gravel and left to cure for 24 hours before patching. Asphalt patch will be equal depth as existing material. Second by Mr. Gaynor.
Unanimously Voted.
Items of Interest
1. We are looking for one Constable.
2. Letter from the Hingham Fire Department of thank you to the Norwell Fire Department.
Mr. Boudreau stated that Civil Service has given its authorization to the Town to appoint three new Police Candidates.
MOTION: Mr. Marino moved the Board appoint John A. McDevitt to the position
of patrolman for the Norwell Police Department, said appointment contingent upon the successful completion of a physical, psychological examination, physical aptitude test and the Massachusetts Criminal Justice training Counsel Police Academy. Second by Mr. Gaynor.
Unanimously Voted.
MOTION: Mr. Marino moved the Board appoint Brendan M. O'Donnell to the position of patrolman for the Norwell Police Department, said appointment contingent upon the successful completion of a physical, psychological examination, physical aptitude test and the Massachusetts Criminal Justice training Counsel Police Academy. Second by Mr. Gaynor.
Unanimously Voted.
MOTION: Mr. Marino moved the Board appoint Timothy P. O
Unanimously Voted.
The Board expressed its condolences to Jack Bishop on the passing of his wife Jeannne.
MOTION: Mr. Mariano moved the Board adjourn. Second by Mr. Gaynor.
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James M. Boudreau, Town Administrator
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