Board of Selectmen’s Meeting
October 17, 2001
MOTION: Mr. Mariano moved the Board enter into Executive Session for the purpose of discussion of Contracts and potential litigation to resume to Open Session at 7:30 PM. Second by Mr. Gaynor.
Mr. Merritt polled the Board; Mr. Mariano; Mr. Gaynor; yes, Mr. Merritt; yes.
Mr. Merritt opened the meeting and introduced the Board members and Jim Boudreau, Town Administrator.
Mr. Merritt requested to add to New Business #4 a request from Norwell Firefighters for a Fundraiser.
MOTION: Mr. Mariano moved the Board approve the agenda as written. Second by Mr. Gaynor.
Unanimously Voted.
At 7:30 Mr. Merritt introduced Mr. Ralph Gordon to give an update on School Building Committee.
Mr. Gordon stated;
· the Vinal School is 99% completed. A punch list needs to be addressed. It is getting smaller. We are protected by holding funds from the contractor until work has been completed.
· The Middle School is 98% competed. Still some finish items and clean up that need to be accomplished. The biggest issue is to get permits for the elevator. Occupancy should be around the 1st of November.
· The High School originally was supposed to be completed in December 2001, having a series of delays, the contractor has not officially notified us as to the new completion date. The best estimate at this time is summer. The project is phased because the school is in session. One wing is vacated, which is the “D” wing.
· The contractor would like us to accept the “D” wing prior to having it absolutely complete, we have not agreed to that. This is an issue between the town and the contractor. We are concerned and have fallen behind schedule.
· The Cole School, the low bid contractor is G&R construction, the same people who did the Fire Station. They have requested an early start, before December, to get some of the footings poured before the cold weather begins. The work began October 1st. In return, we have asked G&R to give us an early completion date of August 2002.
At 7:55 PM, Mr. Merritt introduced Todd Burtch a Zoning Board of Appeals applicant. And said the appointments would made be next week.
Mr. Burtch stated that he is a resident of the Town, he is interested in participating in Norwell’s future ensuring the town continues to be a highly desirable community. He is the Vice President for Trammell Crow Co. He has attend Zoning Board of Appeals meetings. He would be interested in the Planning Board.
At 8:00 PM, Mr. Merritt introduced Dr. Kenneth Stone, No Place for Hate.
Dr. Stone said there will be a meeting October 25, 2001 at 7:30 PM in the Osborn room.
No Place for Hate campaign was created by the Massachusetts Municipal Association and the New England office of the Anti-Defamation League (ADL). The program was endorsed by a coalition of over 50 organizations in the state including Mass Council of Churches, Governors Task Force on Hate Crimes, Mass Police Association, the Urban League and many more. The goal is to empower communities to proactively recognize issues of diversity, to engage residents in building inter-group understanding and respect, and to prevent acts of bigotry, hate crimes and civil right violations. There are fifty-three communities currently participating, sixteen communities now officially certified for the year 2001 (including Cohasset, Duxbury and Hull), eleven communities receiving NPFH Matching Grants through the generosity of Blue Cross Blue
Shield, and there is currently a waiting list to join the program.
Last year, the Norwell Board of Selectmen voted to join the No Place for Hate campaign. A community becomes certified when it has completed four programs that promote respect and understanding. Once all activities are approved, the ADL certifies the town as No Place for Hate. The town will be presented with an official No Place for Hate placard for display, in hopes that the community will continue proactive anti-bias initiatives. Each community will have the opportunity to apply for re-certification each year.
Jennifer Smith, the Assistant Director for the ADL New England Region will be present to discuss the NPFH program. Representatives from South Shore communities which have already been certified or received grants will also be on hand to describe what surrounding towns have done. We in Norwell have completed two activities as of this date. A propose third program will be presented. In addition, the Matching Grant program that Norwell is eligible to apply for will be described. A source for the matching funds has already been identified.
We believe that this innovative initiative can further promote awareness and insure that Norwell loudly proclaims the ideal of zero tolerance for hatred, prejudice or bigotry of any form. By taking part in this program, Norwell is proactively taking a stand by working towards being officially certified as No Place for Hate, joining the dozens of other communities who are committed to these ideals. As a leader in the community, we are hoping that you or your representative will attend this important organizational meeting. This worthy program can only succeed with the broad and meaningful support of all of Norwell’s significant institutions. Sunday, October 21, 2001 Ecumenical Service First Parish 3 PM.
At 8:30 PM, three Officers are interested in the Sergeant position with Officer Ronald Fries first on the list.
First, as always, the Board will give you the opportunity to tell us a little bit about yourself to help us in our decision in picking a new Sergeant for the Police Department.
Officer Ronald Fries graduated High School in 1985. He then joined the U. S. Air Force for 4 years. He served 6 years in the Air Force reserves. He took a position in Winthrop, Department of Public Works, and then took the Police exam and was hired in March of 1996, and took a lateral transfer in November, 1997 to the Norwell Police Department. Currently he is finishing his Associates Degree in Criminal Justice with Western New England. His motivation is to advance himself, his career, and his profession.
1 . (RICK) Although Norwell does not contain any high profile industries or businesses which would be tempting targets in the present environment and is considered a low threat for terrorism, having said that, and knowing that people are uneasy and concerned about what is occurring in this country and the world, what do you see is the role of the Police Department in keeping Norwell safe and reassuring the residents of Norwell that all is well?
Mr. Fries responded in the event that something did happen in Norwell, we do have pumping stations that supply the water to the town. For residents that have concerns and questions you have to be sensitive to their concerns and questions and not belittle them or their concern and assure them we have plan. In something happened with the direction of the Chief we would be able to handle anything.
2. JOHN) Do you believe the Department's endeavors toward community policing are having a positive impact on the quality of life and reduction of crime in Norwell?
Mr. Fries said he believes it is a positive impact. It gives the citizens more insight to what we do.
3. (PAUL) What do you feel are the most important skills a supervisor must possess?
He thinks being consistent and fair.
4. (RICK) How will you deal with disciplining officers that have been your peers?
He said it’s a difficult situation because of your friends and relationships. As long as you have the respect from your piers and do things fairly and progressive punishment and take the necessary steps.
5. (JOHN) What do you believe is the toughest challenge facing the Norwell Police Department in the next few years?
He said the way the economy is going, he sees a lot of it being funding. Maintaining and keeping up with technology. Also addressing the needs of the community.
6. (PAUL) If you had the authority, what is the one change you would make to improve the department?
He thinks their should be an Officer on the dispatch desk. When the residents call, a lot of times they want to speak to a Police Officer.
7. (RICK) What do you believe is the single most important skill that a police sergeant can possess?
The one skill is communication.
8. (JOHN) What do you believe is the single most important ability that a police sergeant can possess?
His response; communication dealing with people, individuals on the street. Keeping things calm, staying calm yourself, not over reacting and not escalating the situation.
9. (PAUL) How would you handle a situation involving a patrol officer who is not as motivated as the other officers under your supervision?
Try to address it personally, sit with that person and talk it out. Try to push them along in the right direction.
IO. (RICK) As a supervisor, how will you enhance the department's community
policing efforts?
I think we are going in the right direction with the Community Police Academy. We also have a Rape Aggression Defense System program, which teaches woman how to defend themselves and look for dangerous situations. And give the confidence to react. There is a RAD kids program which deals with strangers.
Mr. Merritt said, one candidate is unable to be here. At this point, an appointment will be made in the next two weeks.
Officer Theodore Ross was the second to be interviewed. Officer Ross is a Norwell High School graduate. He got his associates degree in 1987 from Massasoit Community College in Business Administration. He has been a dispatcher and Special Police Officer. He was hired in 1989 as a full time officer in the Town of Norwell. He worked the midnight shift for five years. For the last seven years he’s been working 4-12. He is a Field Training Officer and Detective. As a Field Training Officer, the responsibilities are training the new recruits, instructing them on the rules and regulations, proper procedures, arrests, reports, daily and weekly evaluations of the candidates and meeting with the Chief and given him a recommendation as to when they are ready to go out on their own. As a Detective, the responsibilities are investigating cases that come through the patrol division and also through the residents of Norwell. Interviewing witnesses, victims of crimes, suspects, other
departments and other State and Federal agencies. Preparing reports, making arrests and testifying in court. He recently obtained his Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice at Curry College.
I . (RICK) Although Norwell does not contain any high profile industries or businesses which would be tempting targets in the present environment and is considered a low threat for terrorism, having said that, and knowing that people are uneasy and concerned about what is occurring in this country and the world, what do you see is the role of the Police Department in keeping Norwell safe and reassuring the residents of Norwell that all is well?
Mr. Ross stated he thinks through the computer system at work, they get updates form the FBI and other Federal Agencies instructing what to be on the look out for as far as suspects or targets. As far as residents are concerned, we try to talk to them and try to allay their fears regarding their concerns.
2. (JOHN) What types of questions are you hearing from residents and how do you go by the process of allaying their fears?
If people call, we would go talk to them, see what the concern is. A lot of the questions are, “Are we ready?” We try to explain what we would do if a particular situation happened. To be more alert, as to a package or people in particular areas.
3. (PAUL) What is your motivation to become a Sergeant?
He stated he has been a patrolman for 12 years. Handling different functions in the Police Department, as a Field Training Officer and Detective. With the recruits that he has trained, he looks forward to helping other Patrolman on the shift and give them guidance on the proper way to do things. The goals would be a Lieutenant or Captain and then Chief.
4. (RICK) As a supervisor, how will you enhance the department's community
policing effort?
He responded he believes in the community policing program. He would encourage the officers to take a more active part in patrolling the neighborhoods. We have 2 Officers that do bike patrol, I’d like to see more. So that neighborhoods can see different faces from the Department.
New Business
MOTION: Mr. Mariano moved the Board approve the request from the Norwell Homes residents for a Block Party on Saturday, October 20, 2001 from 12:00 PM to 7:00 PM and approve to block off between #7 Nancy Lane and #20 Nancy Lane. Second by Mr. Gaynor.
Unanimously Voted.
MOTION: Mr. Mariano moved the Board approve the request from the North & South River Watershed Association for a one day liquor license to serve Wine and Malt at an event at the Cushing Center on November 16, 2001, between the hours of 7:00 PM and 9:00 PM. Second by Mr. Gaynor.
Unanimously Voted.
MOTION: Mr. Mariano moved the Board accept with regret the Resignation of Manny Schembari from the PBMC. Second by Mr. Gaynor.
Unanimously Voted.
Old Business
Appointments postponed until next week.
Mr. Boudreau started the Sparrell Update by saying the RFP went to the PBMC. The PBMC had a couple suggestions and those have been incorporated into the RFP. At the present time we are waiting for numbers of employees that would occupy the building. It will then go to Counsel.
Mr. Mariano stated that regarding the septic system that needs to be done in the short term to get everything flowing into system. The system would be able to handle more people in the building.
Mr. Boudreau stated that work needs to be done on the transition from the Sparrell to the new septic system. Do we want a temporary fix that will have to be redone when the building comes permanently online or do we want to spent $3500 more to redirect the flow in the Sparrell and make it a permanent fix. The PBMC would have to make the recommendation to us.
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 40 South Street for Chilmark Corp. No road cut will be needed. Dig safe # 20014001383. Second by Mr. Merritt.
Voted, Mr. Mariano abstained.
MOTION: Mr. Gaynor moved the Board approve the request from Bay State Gas for a road opening permit to install gas service into 10 Central Street for Paul Jevne. No road cut will be needed. Dig Safe # 20014001387. Second by Mr. Merritt.
Voted, Mr. Mariano abstained.
MOTION: Mr. Gaynor moved the Board approve the request from Bay State Gas for a road opening permit to install gas service into 12 Central Street for Paul Jevne. No road cut will be needed. Dig Safe # 20014001387. Second by Mr. Merritt.
Voted, Mr. Mariano abstained.
MOTION: Mr. Mariano moved the Board adjourn. Second by Mr. Gaynor.
Unanimously Voted.
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James M. Boudreau, Town Administrator
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