MUNICIPAL Business

Board of Selectmen

MEETING REPORTS - since May 2011

Various Recent Committee Meeting Reports

D-R SCHOOL COMMITTEE REPORTS  (May 8, 2012)

✯  The Municipal Representatives were chosen for the upcoming school district contract negotiations. Mr. Thomas Pires from the Dighton Board of Selectmen will be the Municipal Representative for the teacher negotiations and Mr. Michael Deignan from the Rehoboth Finance Committee will be the Municipal Representative for the ILA and secretary negotiations.

✯  Mrs. Pincince along with teachers and students from the Beckwith Middle School gave a  presentation to the School Committee on some of the work going on in their school. This is the fifth and final presentation in the series where each of the schools in the district is asked to make a presentation to the School Committee on some of the things they are working on.

✯  The Beckwith Gardening Club is looking for donations of plants, tools or anything gardening related. Please contact the school if you would like to help out.

✯  The full-day kindergarten enrollment deadline has been extended and there are still openings available. Contact the Superintendent’s Office if you are interested.

✯  The School Committee approved a motion to decrease the Dighton FY12 assessment by 119K with a contingency that this will also cover any past claims regarding voc-tech education and transportation expenses.

D-R SCHOOL COMMITTEE REPORTS  (April 24, 2012)

✯  DRRHS principal Gail VanBuren, along with teachers and students from the high school, gave a film presentation to the School Committee on some of the work going on in their school. This is the fourth presentation in the series where each of the schools in the district is asked to make a presentation to the School Committee on some of the things they are working on. The next presentation will be at the end of May.

✯  The Dighton-Rehoboth Leo Club will be holding their Charter Night on Monday, April 30 at 5:30 PM in the DR High School Cafeteria.

✯  The high school will be holding its annual Art Show on May 24.

✯  The school committee voted to change the Tuesday, June 12 meeting to Monday, June 11. The Dighton Board of Selectmen had set June 12 as the date for the Dighton Annual Town Meeting and the school committee members from Dighton asked for the date change.

✯  Superintendent Dr. Montagano discussed the state of the FY13 budget. The current figures released by the MA House of Representatives are slightly higher than the projections provided by Governor Patrick. These numbers will not be finalized until sometime in June, so they are still projections at this point.

✯  Sheridan Kimball from Dighton was recognized and congratulated by the committee as the recipient of the Outstanding Vocational Technical Student Award for 2012.

✯  Dr. Linda Tartell, MD was appointed by the Committee as the district physician for the FY13 School Year.

✯  The school committee authorized the Town of Dighton to use Dighton Middle School as a local dispensing site for the Strategic National Stockpile in the event of a large-scale communicable disease outbreak or bioterrorism event.

✯  The school committee rejected an assessment reduction from the Town of Dighton of approximately $119K for the share of vocational education tuition expenses paid by Dighton in the FY12 budget.

D-R SCHOOL COMMITTEE REPORTS  (April 10, 2012)

✯  This was the first School Committee meeting following the April elections in both Rehoboth and Dighton. David Katseff and Ray Medeiros were re-elected from Rehoboth and Susan Lorenz was re-elected from Dighton. Chris Andrade was elected to his first term to the School Committee from Dighton defeating incumbent Neil MacDonald. The committee reorganized with Susan Lorenz elected as Chair, Ray Medeiros elected as Vice-Chair and Tiffany Bartholomew elected as Secretary.

✯  The School Committee received the report from the independent auditor for the school year ending June 30, 2011.

✯  The Septic Task Force report discussed the progress of dealing with the septic system compliance issues at the Palmer River/Beckwith School complex.

✯  In order to have more options for filling the Superintendent position when Dr. Montagano retires on October 8 2012, the School Committee voted to create an Interim Superintendent position effective October 9, 2012 through June 30, 2013.

✯  Mr. Katseff presented cost estimates for conducting a superintendent search and the School Committee asked Assistant Superintendent Dr. Wordell if she was interested in the Interim Superintendent position. Dr. Wordell did express interest in this position. The School Committee discussed the option then voted to appoint Dr. Wordell to the position of Interim Superintendent effective October 9 2012.

APRIL 30 BOS MEETING ACTION ITEMS

Selectmen Joe Tito, Mike Costello, Sue Pimental, Don Leffort, and Lorraine Botts conducted town business on Tuesday, April 30, 2012 at the Senior Center including the following items: 

✯ The next BOS meeting will be held on Monday, May 7

✯ Selectmen unanimously approved replacement of a shared utility pole on the easterly side of New Street.

✯ Carol Williams of the Community Preservation Committee spoke of the great collaboration between several groups working together to secure a major parcel of land owned by the Oak Hill Beagle Club on Fairview Avenue. Established in 1951 for field training of hunting beagles, the club will retain 2 1/4 acres for their club house and the remaining 92 acres will be preserved by the town with perpetual restriction as conservation land. Residents must vote at town meeting to approve use funds to acquire this land.  The groups working on this project along with the CPC, include the Conservation Commission, the Agricultural and Natural Resources Committee, Rehoboth Land Trust and Trustees of Reservations.

✯ After some discussion with union representatives from the Rehoboth Police Department, selectmen unanimously voted to table the issue of discontinuation of health insurance co-pay reimbursements.  Five years ago, the town made a change to the health care plan without notification to the police unions and unfair labor practice charges were filed against the town.

✯ Two members of the town Personnel Committee, Bonnie Kelley and David Scanlon, spoke to the BOS about appointing at least one new member so that the committee can meet.  They have had a difficult time getting a quorum to conduct meetings.  They had no recommendations for an appointment, but requested selectmen find someone.

✯ The BOS  voted to adopt Mass. General Law regarding health insurance for municipal workers.  This vote does not change any existing coverage, but the vote was required to allow the BOS to begin addressing the issue.

✯  Selectmen voted to approve the appointment of Tom Nicholson to the Water Commission.

✯ Selectmen voted to approve the appointment of Melissa Treicher to the Rehoboth Cultural Council.

✯ Selectmen voted to approve the resignation of Ray Viau from the Finance Committee after six years of service to that committee.  His resignation letter was read aloud to the audience.  Selectmen then appointed Viau to the Rehoboth Cemetery Commission, filling a vacancy.

✯ Town Administrator Jeff Ritter gave an update on the process to finding ways to save money for municipal waste disposal.  Selectman Mike Costello requested that local disposal companies be approached to submit bids for a contract.

✯ Joe Tito reported he had a wonderful experience at a bread baking workshop recently by Rehoboth resident Ciril Hitz.

APRIL 23 BOS MEETING ACTION ITEMS

Selectmen Joe Tito, Mike Costello, Sue Pimental, Don Leffort, and Lorraine Botts conducted town business on Tuesday, April 23, 2012 at the Senior Center including the following items: 

✯ The next BOS meeting will be held on Monday, April 30.

✯ There will be a Food Drive for Helping Hands Food Pantry sponsored by Troop 13 Boy Scouts at the Rehoboth Annual Town Meeting on Monday, May 14 at the high school auditorium.  Please donate canned or packaged food goods (check expiration dates please).  The Food Pantry also needs donations of paper goods (no expiration date on those!).

✯ Selectmen Mike Costello announced that his wife had to put down her cat, a pet of 18 years, earlier that day.  Others offered condolences.

✯ Town Administrator Jeff Ritter gave an update on assessing the town’s trash disposal needs.  The town currently pays $8000 per year for trash disposal by Waste Management. There will be an assessment of container size in an effort to hopefully reduce this budget line item in the future. 

✯ There was a public hearing opened on installation of new utility poles by NE Electric and Verizon on New Street.  One property owner that will be affected by this proposed installation voiced numerous concerns.  The BOS tabled the issue as further investigation is required.  Costello offered to oversee this and report back to the BOS.

✯ There was a slide show presentation with narration by Costello for the proposed purchase of 304 Anawan to create a town hall office building.  Cost of purchasing the property, adjacent to the Public Safety Building (fire and police headquarters), and renovations will require a $1.8 million debt exclusion.  Residents will vote on this issue at town meeting on May 14.  The existing town offices are housed in concrete building constructed as part of a Nike Missile site.  The building is in need of substantial repair and potential asbestos and mold removal.  A reported 35 to 45 thousand is used each year to keep the building in repair.  Costello mentioned he was pursuing more information about using the land owned by the town on Peck Street (currently used by the Park Commission) for a solar energy installation, an idea originally suggested by Selectman Sue Pimental.

✯ The BOS  voted to adopt Mass. General Law regarding health insurance for municipal workers.  This vote does not change any existing coverage, but the vote was required to allow the BOS to begin addressing the issue.

✯  One-day liquor licenses were approved.

✯ A discussion of health insurance co-pays for town employees was tabled and selectmen will invite union representatives to further discussions.

✯ Selectmen approved police department budget transfers and voted to allow a transfer of $2,222.50 from the town Reserve Fund to pay for legal expenses.

✯ Selectmen voted unanimously to approve and accept the BOS annual report; the BOS letter for the annual town meeting warrant; and the annual town meeting/special town meeting warrant for May 14.  It will now be sent out for printing and mailing to residents.

✯ Interested residents are asked to fill out talent bank forms and volunteer for various municipal committees that have vacancies.

APRIL 9 BOS MEETING ACTION ITEMS

Selectmen Joe Tito, Mike Costello, Sue Pimental, Don Leffort, and Lorraine Botts conducted town business on Tuesday, April 9, 2012 at the Senior Center including the following items: 

✯ The next BOS meeting will be held on Tuesday, April 17 as Monday, April 16 is Patriot’s Day, a state holiday.

✯ The BOS voted to approve alterations on a liquor license for Liquor Basket, Inc.

✯ Selectman voted to accept street layout of Steber Way and Osprey Circle in the Vial Farm subdivision as public town roadways.

✯ Robert Johnson, tree warden, addressed selectmen with a request for a full-time forestry employee.  This position is already in the budget.  Selectmen voted to approve posting the position.

✯ BOS liaison appointments were quickly reviewed. Chairman Tito said this information is available upon request as public information.

✯ Vote to approve CORI check authorization for newly elected BOS members Sue Pimental and Lorraine Botts.

✯ Approval of budget amendments for fire department and police department.

✯  Approved resignation of Virginia Latham as an election worker and a member of the Cemetery Commission.

✯ Mike Costello criticized the draft BOS annual report for 2011 prepared by Jeff Ritter, town administrator, saying he would have done it differently, and that he thought Ritter could have done a better job.  Costello said not all of the accomplishments while he was chairman were listed on the report.  “So your primary criticism is the name Costello doesn’t show up enough,” joked Joe Tito, who requested his fellow selectmen provide input within three days.  The annual report is overdue.

✯ Review and approval of BOS letter in the annual town meeting warrant.  Further work needs to be done. Selectmen need more more time to review and offer input.

✯ Three-year capital budget plan projections:  there will be municipal building repairs to be considered reported Ritter. Pimental suggested listing assets as a starting point and when they need to be replaced.

✯ There will be a public meeting, hopefully before the annual town meeting, to discuss plans for to create a town hall complex and how this will be funded.  Tito said there is “a lot of agreement around town” that Rehoboth needs an “identity” and a “town center.”  He added that town office staff don’t function well in their existing setting.  Ritter stood up for his staff and made the point that town employees presently “do function well” despite being located in an old building. 

✯ The new town website, previously projected to be ready for launch in April, will take longer than expected.

✯ Regarding the annual town meeting warrant, Ritter was asked by Costello if the printing job out for bids.  The answer was yes.  Costello asked if a printer who lives in town could be asked to quote the job of printing the warrant that is sent by mail to every household. 

✯ The town has received two government surplus generators previously used by the U.S. Army.  These units can be used for town buildings.

✯ During public forum, Lynne Searle  of the Cemetery Commission told selectmen and the audience that Virginia Latham would be missed on the committee and that she had always put “her heart and soul” into  protecting the town’s 52 historic cemeteries.

APRIL 3 BOS MEETING ACTION ITEMS

Selectmen Mike Costello, Joe Tito, Sue Pimental, and Lorraine Botts conducted town business on Tuesday, April 3, 2012 at the Senior Center including the following items: 

✯ The BOS was reorganized with the selection of Dr. Joseph Tito, MD as chairman, Michael Costello in the newly created position of vice chairman; and Susan Pimental as clerk.  Selectman Donald Leffort was absent.  It was reported that he was on holiday.  Department liaison appointments will be announced at next week’s meeting.

✯ Town Administrator Jeff Ritter was absent and there was no administrator’s report given. It was reported that he was attending a class.

✯ Selectmen went into an brief executive session regarding a personnel issue.

✯ William Dalpe was recognized for the “incredible quality work” he was provided to the town as both an elected official (tree warden) and on various committees since 1988.  He was given a certificate of appreciation.

✯ Approval to authorize the use of the ball field behind the Pinecroft School (town property) by the Rehoboth Adult Co-ed Softball League for the season.

✯ Vote to approve the hiring of Gail Perry to the paid position of COA meal site manager.

✯ Approval of one-day beer and wine license to the Dighton Dandalion Club for a May 5 event at the South Seekonk Rod and Gun Club at 61 Reed Street in Rehoboth.

✯ Acceptance of Sue Pimental’s resignation from the Rehoboth Finance Committee.  Vote to approve the appointment of Gerald Schwall to the Finance Committee to replace Pimental.   Acceptance of the resignation of Lorraine Botts from the Council on Aging.  No replacement was named.

✯ Announcement of a FinCom meeting on Tuesday, April 10 from 7 PM at the Senior Center.

✯ There was a discussion on the proposed creation of a town hall complex to replace the existing town offices on Peck Street.  The plan included the purchase of the building next to the public safety building that houses both fire and police headquarters, The plan include the updating of the exterior of the public safety building and connecting the two, creating additional parkings, etc.  There will most likely be a public meeting and information session held by the BOS prior to the town meeting in May.

✯ The FY13 budget was discussed briefly as well as the warrants for the Special Town Meeting and Annual Town Meeting in May.

✯ Selectman Pimental requested a report outlining a complete accounting of town related legal proceedings.  She also requested that discussions begin on a three-year capital budget plan for the town.

✯ Newly selected BOS chairman Tito thanked Mike Costello for his work as chairman of the past year.  He also thanked everyone for supporting him and said he is happy to serve as BOS chair.

D-R SCHOOL COMMITTEE REPORTS  (March 27, 2012)

✯  Mr. Cichon and students from Dighton Middle School gave a presentation to the School Committee on some of the work going on in their school. This is the third presentation in the series where each of the schools in the district is asked to make a presentation to the School Committee on some of the things they are working on. The next presentation will be at the end of April.

✯  Ginger Hastings, the school district health care consultant, came before the School Committee to discuss the recent health care legislation which gives the school district  the option to adopt sections 21-23 of Massachusetts General Law Chapter 32B which removes bargaining requirements with employee unions and establishes a benchmark health insurance plan which serves as the reference for providing reasonable health insurance coverage. 

✯  The School Committee voted to allocate up to $15K to make modifications to the septic system at the Palmer River and Beckwith School complex. These modifications include upgrading the pump controls in order to bring our system into compliance with DEP.

✯  The School Committee voted to allocate up to $11K to hire a consultant to assess all 5 school buildings in our district. The Capital projects Task Force will use this assessment to make recommendations for capital improvements to our schools.

✯  The School Committee approved the use of Dighton Elementary School by the Taunton YMCA for a summer camp program.

MARCH 27 BOS MEETING ACTION ITEMS

Selectmen Mike Costello, Joe Tito and Don Leffort conducted town business on Tuesday, March 27, 2012 at the Senior Center including the following items: 

✯ Peter Jacobson from the Board of Assessors announced a gift in the amount of $10,000 from an anonymous donor for the sole purpose of purchasing an EKG machine for the Rehoboth Ambulance Committee. The money was accepted by the BOS with the agreement the donation would be used for that specified purpose.

✯ Town Administrator Jeff Ritter announced there was a smooth transition from the old fire and security alarm vendor to the new company. 

✯ Report from the IT Committee: Jim Muri reported progress on multiple fronts. The town is now under contract for servers, complete backups, maintenance and ad hoc services.  The likelihood of losing data is now very low.  With donated equipment and countless hours of donated time, the town is “getting a good bang for your buck.”  Muri hopes the IT Com will be able to keep a $15,000 budget line item next year to have on have to replace necessary equipment and have a capital budget for projects. The committee plans on connecting the various town buildings via a VPN tunnel.  Muri announced that the new town website is anticipated to take another couple months before a launch date.

✯ James Muri showed selectmen town seal signs and decals that were printed and donated by Joe Tavares of North Attleboro FastSigns. Muri relayed a message from Tavares that he would be happy to donate more signs to the town free of charge.

✯ Selectmen voted to authorize a part-time forestry job posting to replace retiring personnel.  The position will be for 18.5 hours per week for the hourly wage of $15.03.  Those interested in the position should inquire about an application at the town office.  Obviously the position involves forestry experience and availability during daytime hours.

✯ Selectmen accepted the resignation of William Dalpe as Moth Superintendent and Measurer of Wood and Lumber.

✯ Selectmen voted to authorize a draft notification to send to labor unions about adopting Massachusetts General Law regarding the provision of health insurance to retired municipal personnel. Adoption of this MGL does not mean any changes in anyone’s health insurance immediately, but it is the initial step in a progress that next will include analyzing the town’s health insurance programs.

✯ Selectmen voted to allow amendments to the current budget: one for  the Fire Department to pay for a new firefighter physical examination; and the second for the Highway Dept. to pay an invoice for supplies.

✯ Appointment of Rachel Lawton as an alternate member of the Agricultural Commission upon recommendation of committee members.

✯ Selectmen voted to seek the assistance of town legal counsel in the matter of an Open Meeting Law violation complaint.

✯ Vote to accept the resignation of Veronica Brinkley from the Council on Aging board.

✯ Changes in the annual town meeting (ATM)  warrant were changed last week.  A draft of the ATM and the Special Town Meeting warrant will be send to the printer as soon as possible.

✯ FY13 Budget:  in an attempt to reduce the budget, the police chief salary was reduced to zero.  The budget will be forwarded to FinCom for review at their meeting on Thursday, March 29.

MARCH 19 BOS MEETING ACTION ITEMS

Selectmen Mike Costello, Joe Tito and Don Leffort conducted town business on Monday, March 19, 2012 at the Senior Center including the following items: 

✯ Selectmen voted to approve a gift from Dave Perry of an irrigation system for the Senior Center and water spigots for the Community Garden.

✯ Town Administrator Jeff Ritter’s weekly report included the following items:  Bonnie Kelley will be conducting two trainings in Microsoft Office Suite for town personnel; the final paperwork for Tropical Storm Irene reimbursement from FEMA is around $30,000; a three-month preliminary agreement was signed with the computer vendor; the Mason Street dog complaint is being dealt with “behind the scenes” as to not take the time of the BOS.

✯ Selectmen announced that health insurance coverage for elected officials who work less than twenty-hours per week is being discontinued, except in the case of those already receiving group insurance benefits.  Their benefits will continue through the end of their terms.

✯ Approval to layout two public roadways, Osprey Circle and Steber Way in the Viall Farms subdivision.

✯ Selectmen voted to approve budget amendments relating to the fire department for mandated equipment; municipal lighting; police training programs; and highway improvements.

✯ Selectmen voted 2 to 1 to approve fund transfer to pay for special town counsel related to depositions in the Morra/Medeiros lawsuit.

✯ April 2 town election warrant was approved.

✯ Jane Foster and Robert Johnson II were both appointed as Inspectors of Animals.

✯ Selectmen voted to approve a contract with Home and Commercial Security for installation and monitoring of fire and security alarm systems in town buildings.  The company is donating the hardware to the town and charging cost-effective annual monitoring fees.

✯ Acceptance of the resignation of Cheryl Wyman from the Cemetery Commission and appointment of Connie Wenzel-Jordan to CemCom.

✯ Selectmen heard an update from the IT Committee and voted to approve a computer support services agreement to assure adequate support and backup data systems.

✯ Vote to approve new town meeting article to amend the bylaw on residency requirement for elected and/or appointed officials.

✯ Vote to close town meeting warrant.

✯ Update on RePAC:  a hearing will be held in Taunton District Court on March 27 at 2 PM to require RePAC to return all equipment and documentation to the town.

MARCH 13 D-R SCHOOL COMMITTEE REPORTS 

✯  The Superintendent presented the FY13 School Budget in an open public hearing which began at 6:30 PM.

✯  Herb Reed has been brought on to head the Chartwell’s Food Services programs in our schools. He came before the committee to discuss his background and some of his plans going forward. The food program will be going through some improvements. The goal is to decrease food costs and increase participation.

✯  Dr. Montagano announced to the committee that she intends to retire October 8 of 2012 and she submitted her letter of resignation. The School Committee voted to accept her letter of resignation.

✯  The School Committee discussed moving the vocational school tuitions from the school budget and instead send the tuitions directly to the towns of the students based on where they live. The MA general law clearly states how this situation should be handled. The School Committee voted to remove the vocational school tuitions from the school budget in order to comply with the law. This will result in approximately $200,000 in tuition fees which will be added to the Rehoboth town budget.

✯  At the next School Committee Meeting on March 27, the district Health Care Consultant will make a presentation to the committee regarding recent changes to MA General Law regarding health insurance provided to school district employees.

MARCH 12 BOS MEETING ACTION ITEMS

Selectmen Mike Costello, Joe Tito and Don Leffort conducted town business on Monday, March 12, 2012 at the Senior Center including the following items: 

✯ RPD Office Bree Krasnianski was recognized for her recent water rescue, and presented with a citation by the BOS, a commendation from State Senator James Timility, and a commendation from Rep. Steven Howitt.

✯ Senator Timilty addressed selectmen and pledged his support for their efforts to pursue the purchase of the building next to the public safety (fire and police headquarters) for a new town hall, as well as renovating the public safety building.

✯ Approval of transfer of liquor license for Crestwood Country Club.

✯ Cemetery Commission chair Cheryl Wyman notified the board she was submitting a letter of resignation because she no longer lives in town, a situation that has prohibited others from serving on municipal committees. Wyman also asked the selectmen to establish some method of permitting and record keeping for burials in historic cemeteries.  There is currently no system in place.

✯ Approval of annual town meeting warrant articles; approval of capital budget and FY13 operating budget.

✯ Acceptance of the resignation of Jordan Khoury as a member of the Board of Health due to moving out of town.

✯ Approval to accept new roadway off Walnut Street with three residential lots.

✯ Authorized the hiring of part-time clerical staff (8 hour per week) for the planning board/conservation committee and stormwater agent.  

✯ Approval of annual town meeting warrant articles; approval of capital budget and FY13 operating budget.

✯ Approval to accept Comcast payment in the amount of $36,118.35 for PEG cable access programming services.

✯ Tabled the discussion of increasing mileage reimbursement.

✯ Selectmen heard an update from the IT Committee and voted to approve a computer support services agreement to assure adequate support and backup data systems.

✯ Approval of annual town meeting warrant articles; approval of capital budget and FY13 operating budget.  The warrant will go to the Finance Committee for review and recommendation.  FinCom is slated to meet on March 22.

✯ Update on RePAC:  town counsel is seeking legal remedies to force RePAC officials to return equipment and documentation to the town.  Chairman Costello announced the Cable Advisory Committee is making progress.  Jeff Ritter has been working on a budget for cable access operation.  There was no discussion of seeking an independent, non-profit entity to operate PEG programming.

FEBRUARY 27 BOS MEETING ACTION ITEMS

Selectmen Mike Costello and Joe Tito conducted town business on Monday, February 27, 2012 at the Senior Center including the following items: 

✯ School Committee chairman David Katseff asked selectmen to hold a slot open at the spring town meeting for another warrant article for residents to vote for vocational tuition and transportation (approximately $213,000 for FY13) to be paid directly by the town for out-of-district students from Rehoboth who attend Bristol County Agricultural High School and Tri-County Vocational Technical High School. The SchoolCom will discuss the issue for the first time publicly at their next meeting on Tuesday, February 28.  Katseff encouraged BOS and FinCom members to attend. 

✯ Planning Board chairman Jim Muri spoke to selectmen about immediately hiring a part-time, 16-hour per week, clerical employee to work for both the Planning Board, Conservation Commission and Stormwater Agent.  Lack of clerical help has resulted in not keeping up with meeting minutes and other routine work.  He reported that for over one year, the Town Planner/Conservation Agent Leeann Bradley has been been unable to go out for necessary field work.  Because this new position would fall under the 12-hour minimum set by the clerical workers union, the newly hired part-timers would be required to join the union and pay dues.   A discussion was held on how to support this position through funds from various budgets and revenue from permits and filing fees.

✯ Town administrator Jeff Ritter reported that National Security has agreed to an extend the removal date for their equipment to the end of March rather than the end of February. A request for bids has gone out to provide the town’s fire and security alarm systems and monitoring service.  The bids are due March 15.

✯ Ritter recommended to selectmen that they hold off on interviewing the law firms that submitted proposals to be selected as town counsel with an anticipated start date of July 1, 2012.   Ritter suggested putting the next step of the selection process on a slow track until after the spring election.

✯ Ritter announced that he initiated an audit of the town’s telephones to be done by an outside company that will charge a one-time finder fee.  After conducting a user audit, the company will receive 50% of any savings that comes from elimination of extra phone lines for a period of one year.

✯ A letter has been signed and submitted to the Massachusetts Housing Partnership, the primary arm of the state agencies that help communities support affordable housing for elders and adults with disabilities. This is the first step in a process to do an initial feasibility study, at no cost to the town, to look at refurbishing the old Anawan School into affordable apartments  that will bring in revenue to the town.

✯ Selectmen discussed the warrant for the upcoming spring town meeting.  The warrant currently contains 33 items, although some may be incorporated into other articles of dropped. There was a vote to close the warrant.

✯ Chairman Costello reported the town has not received all the RePAC materials ordered by the court to be returned, and that town counsel will be back in court to take further legal steps. He said about 30% of the materials were not returned and that a forensic auditor would be hired.

✯ Selectmen voted to hire four temporary part-time staff to run public access television programming including Bette Dyer, “Special Municipal Employee” as equipment operator, as well as Cable Access Advisory Committee chair Derek Rousseau, camera operator John Meagher, and one other.

✯ Selectmen reported they are trying to acquire the building next to the Public Safety Building (police and fire headquarters) for a new Town Hall. They believe it is about 70% move-in condition with “room for years and years of expansion.”  Costello added the town will try to do this acquisition and moving town offices without raising taxes.

✯ The next BOS meeting will be held on Monday, March 12 at the Senior Center, beginning at 6:30 with an executive session followed by the public portion of the meeting at 7:30 PM.

FEBRUARY 21 BOS MEETING ACTION ITEMS

Selectmen Mike Costello, Joe Tito, and Don Leffort conducted town business on Tuesday, February 21, 2012 at the Senior Center including the following items: 

✯ Selectmen welcomed members of Boy Scout Troop 13 to the meeting.  The troop is conducting an Open House on Tuesday, February 28 at 7:30 PM at the Rehoboth Baptist Church.

✯ Finance Committee chair Sue Pimental broke the news that while budget projections for FY13 looked fairly good a couple weeks ago, things have changed because the school district budget did not include footing the FY13 tuition bill of $213,000 for fifteen Rehoboth students to attend out-of-district vocational schools.  Previously Dighton shared this bill, but only Rehoboth students are projected to attend the vocational high schools next year. Pimental suggested cutting $300K to $400K from the projected FY13 town budget and to be “creative” in funding the operational budget.  She suggested not hiring a new police chief and cutting health care insurance and pension benefits for part-time town employees. She emphasized that any funds over expenses go into certified free cash and that account should not go down to zero.

✯ Speaking on behalf of their town departments, Lt. Trombetta, Fire Chief Pray and Highway Supervisor Peter Richmond spoke of their FY13 budget needs and described their vehicle replacement and equipment needs as significant. Richmond reported that yearly vehicle repair costs average $60,000 and that replacing the a one-ton dump truck would be cost effective.  Richmond also reported that approximately 50 road signs are missing around town and they must be replaced. The fire department has reached a point where a significant amount of firefighter gear must be replaced.  Police are asking for four new cruisers, but expect money in the current budget will be available to purchase half the tasers they want. 

✯ Acting Police Chief Lt. James Trombetta thanked Officer Craig Warrish for helping obtain a used forklift through a federal program that gives used vehicles to municipalities.  The RPD has taken possession of three military-grade Humvees through the same program.  G. Lopes Construction was thanked for lending truck and trailer to pick up the forklift in New Hampshire. Bristol County Collision Center is currently donating services to repaint the three Humvees to be used by the police department when heavy vehicles are required, such as after a natural disaster.

✯ Representative Steven Howitt was on hand with Lt. Trombetta and Lt. Michael Brady to announce the RPD has been awarded an Edward J. Burn Justice Assistance grant of $54,000. to purchase 27 portable radios that will comply with FCC mandates for public safety personnel to use UHF broadcast channels. Lt. Brady, who is responsible for police department budget and grants, was thanked for preparing the grant.

✯ Rep. Howitt was also thanked for helping to acquire three new replacements signs on state roadways located in Rehoboth.

✯ Selectmen approved the request of the Rehoboth Antiquarian Society to post temporary signage in key spots around town to publicize their events.

✯ Selectmen gave an update on the getting back equipment, video archives, records and documentation from RePAC by court order on Friday at noon.  If RePAC officials do not comply or request an extension in the court, they may be held in contempt and arrested, according to Selectman Tito. 

✯ Selectmen voted to approve the re-appointment of Jennifer Moitozo to the board of registrars.  They appointed Ron Whittemore to the Council on Aging board of directors.

✯ Selectmen thanked Home and Commercial Alarm for the donations of equipment and monitoring services for both the Senior Center and the North Fire Station.  The equipment and services have been donated in the memory of Rehoboth firefighter Ken Marshall, Jr.

FEBRUARY 13 BOS MEETING ACTION ITEMS

Selectmen Mike Costello, Joe Tito conducted town business on Monday, February 13, 2012 at the Senior Center including the following items: 

✯ An update on alarm systems in town buildings.  The donated alarm system for the senior center is being installed as the old one is removed.  A time extension request to National Security was granted to allow the town time to go through the bidding and permitting process involved with getting a new vendor to install new fire and security alarm systems.  A wireless system will be installed temporarily between removal of the old system and installation of the new.

✯ Health agent Bob Ashton is coordinating efforts to deal with problems related to the solar energy system at the senior center with the system’s vendor, Cotuit Solar.

✯ The payments from Comcast Cable for PEG (public, educational, government) cable access will be coming directly to the town.  Chairman Costello noted that selectmen are investigating those funds can be used to pay for legal expenses related to lawsuits involving RePAC.

✯ A public hearing was held regarding the wine and malt liquor license for Rehoboth House of Pizza.  Selectmen questioned owners about their plans to expand into the next unit in the plaza where the existing restaurant has been for five years.  The license was granted.

✯ The Rehoboth Emergency Management Agency (REMA) received  $5000 in grant money once approved by the BOS. REMA can use that money towards projects including installation of a emergency generator at the senior center.

✯ There are currently 30 warrant articles on the annual town meeting, but the Highway Department and School District may be adding to that list.

✯ Town Administrator Jeff Ritter recognized the work of town treasurer Cheryl Gouveia, town accountant Cathy Doane and assistant town administrator Helen Dennen for their work preparing the town proposed level-funded FY13 town budget of $21.16 million reflecting a 2.8 percent increase in spending. Ritter said all town departments submitted level-funded budget proposals, but those figures may change. 

✯ Ritter addressed capitals needs of $240,300. for FY 13 including replacing voting equipment.  The police department wants to purchase tasers, portable radios and replacing 3 cruisers.  The fire department needs to purchase protective gear,  REMA wants portable radios and laptops.  Capital needs items identified for FY14 include a new vehicle for the building inspector, a street sweeper for the highway department, replacement of the animal control officer’s vehicle, and funding the preservation of historical documents.

✯ Ritter proposed increasing non-union salaries by 2.5 percent. He said that in terms of collective bargaining and contracts  union employees (clerical, dispatchers, highway department, and police supervisors) are asking for 1.5 percent salary increase which would go into effect on July 1, 2012.  He additionally encouraged the BOS to hire a full-time police chief. “You need someone who is responsible and a leader for the department,” said Ritter.

✯ Ritter reported that the town’s insurance costs increased by 15 percent or $29,747. due to the legal settlements related to lawsuits against the town or officials.

✯ Given the debt for the closure of the landfill, an amount of $128,000 per year) was paid off six months ago.  There was a discussion to apply this amount of money to the proposed project to create a new ‘town center’ through the purchase of the building next to Police/Fire headquarters, moving the town offices there, and renovating the exterior of the police/fire to achieve a more pleasant outward appearance.

✯ Finance Committee chairperson Sue Pimental praised Ritter for motivating department heads to proposed balanced budgets. She asked selectmen to confirm several budget projections including inclusion of salary/benefits for a new police chief. FinCom will meet to review the FY13 budget after more refining.

FEBRUARY 6 BOS MEETING ACTION ITEMS

Selectmen Mike Costello, Joe Tito and Don Leffort conducted town business on Monday, February 6, 2012 at the Senior Center including the following items:

✯ Town administrator Jeff Ritter reported that the warrant for the May Town Meeting closed on February 15.  There will be a preliminary budget review for FY13 on February 13. 

✯ While Peter Fine left the promised informational poster “Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Project” to be displayed at the senior center, selectmen voted to no pay Fine until “the job is done.”

✯ Approval to re-hire Kerri Lopes as part-time on-call dispatcher for the Rehoboth Police Department.

✯ Approval to authorize the Rehoboth Council on Aging to post a job opening for a meal-site manager position until the end of this fiscal year using monies saved from four months of wages not used for an administrative assistant.  The position will involved 19.5 hours per week for a $9. per hour wage.

✯ Voted to accept the gift of a security installation at the Senior Center.  This gift is valued at approximately $1,640.

✯ Approval to approve Chapter 90 reimbursement in the amount of $8,952.93

✯ There is a plan in place to schedule interviews beginning on February 16 with several of the law firms that send in RFPs.  Selectmen Tito said he believes the BOS should focus on those firms with extensive experience with municipal government. 

✯ Approval to make amendments to the Rehoboth Fire Department’s budget to shift money around to purchase new gear and equipment.

JANUARY 23 BOS MEETING ACTION ITEMS

Selectmen Mike Costello, Joe Tito and Don Leffort conducted town business on Monday, January 23, 2012 at the Senior Center including the following items:

✯ Town Administrator Jeff Ritter announced he will have the preliminary FY13 town budget prepared by the first week of February outlining expenses and projected revenues.  All department heads have submitted their budgets.

✯ The BOS was addressed on Monday night by Eric Brainsky, attorney for John Ferreira, who outlined the chronology of events related to the development of Kingsley Estates.  He asked to be on the agenda to address allegations made by Selectman Leffort concerning Ferreira and the 23-lot subdivision.  Attorney Brainsky presented the history of the development and reported it was in complete compliance with state and local regulations including an inspection by the EPA.  Leffort responded by repeating his allegations of technical violations related to the construction of swales in the development by quoting court documents and other material he had in his possession. Brainsky warned him that he was dangerously close to violating terms of a confidential correspondence and suggested Leffort consult with town counsel before proceeding. Leffort continued reading a letter which referenced third-parties report that suggested misrepresentations by officials including the town’s planning board.  Mr. Ferreira warned Leffort he would file a legal suit against him if he “hears one more time you slandering my name, my family or my subdivisions.”  Chairman Costello asked Leffort why he seemed to be on a witch hunt for the town’s planning board and Ferreira and that this matter has cost the town a significant amount of money in terms of legal fees. The thirty-minute discussion concluded with Leffort asking that the unsigned letter he had been reading from be put into the public record, but Selectman Tito questioned the appropriateness of putting such a letter into the record as Leffort claimed he did not know who wrote it.  Attorney Brainsky requested a copy of the letter. 

✯ Peter Fine, the contractor who was in charge of the solar energy installation at the Senior Center was asked to appear for a discussion about the production of an information poster describing the solar heating system to be displayed at the center. This project has been in process for nearly two years from the time the poster invoice was written along with a grant application filed.  Chairman Costello had suggested dismissing him from the project at last week’s BOS meeting.  Fine said the framed poster should be delivered in two weeks, explaining minor revisions needed to be made prior to printing. Selectman Tito asked why the project has taken so long and questioned the charge of almost $1,100 for a poster to be designed, printed and framed. Fine said the frame was approximately $300, the printing and matting was about $200 and designer including scale drawings or the system and building got around $600 for his work. 

✯ Approval to send the 2012 town meeting warrant along to the Finance Committee for review.

✯ Vote to approve scheduling of the annual Spring Town Meeting for Monday, May 14 with additional nights reserved for Monday, May 21 and Tuesday, May 29.  The meeting will be held in the DRRHS auditorium beginning at either 7 or 7:30 PM depending of if there will be a “special town meeting” added to the agenda.

✯ Selectmen were given the ten RFPs from law firms that submitted proposals to become town counsel. Upon review, the finalists will be invited to attend a special BOS meeting.

JANUARY 17 BOS MEETING ACTION ITEMS

Selectmen Mike Costello, Joe Tito and Don Leffort conducted town business on Tuesday, January 17, 2012 at the Senior Center including the following items:

✯ Chairman Costello thanked Christine Oberlander, Lisa Tito and Chris Tito for painting the conference room at the Senior Center where the BOS conducts executive sessions.  The room was painted in preparation for a new table and chairs donated by the Bristol County Sheriff’s Office.

✯ Costello also announced the Rehoboth Police Department has accepted used three Humvees through a federal surplus equipment program. “These are very nice Humvees,” said Costello who noted that Lt. Trombetta, acting police chief, will come to a BOS meeting to explain what his plans for the Humvees, which are being repainted by Bristol County Auto at the cost on only the paint.  The labor is being donated.

✯ Town Administrator Jeff Ritter reported that he has approached the Rhode Island School of Design for a grad student in architectural design to volunteer to comes up with ideas for a new facade to the public safety building that houses the police and fire departments.  Ritter cautioned these should be considered just suggestions for ideas to help conceptual what the building “might look like.”

✯ Selectmen Costello and Tito voted to accept Sassafras Road and Meadowlark Drive, both in the Kingsley Estates development, as official town roadways.  Selectman Leffort voted no and said he wanted to see the engineering report on the vinyl linings used on swales (drainage troughs) in the development. All three selectmen then voted to accept Franlee Drive in Kinney Estates as a town road.

✯ Selectmen voted to aprove an extension of the agreement with Tyler Technologies for $69,993. to pay for “Munis” financial software for fiscal years 2013, 2014 and 2015. This decision is subject to approve for this appropriation at town meeting.  The town office has used this software for the last five years.

JANUARY 9 BOS MEETING ACTION ITEMS

Selectmen Mike Costello, Joe Tito and Don Leffort conducted town business on Monday, January 9, 2012 at the Senior Center including the following items:

✯ Town Administrator Jeff Ritter suggested to the selectmen that he would like to schedule appearances by various municipal committees/boards/commission at BOS meetings in the future, perhaps every other BOS meeting. This would be a routine mechanism for enhanced communications between the BOS and the various groups to provide a “reality check.”  Ritter also reported on the most recent department head meeting and the status of three active projects.  Proposal submissions from law firms applying for a contract for legal services are due on January 18 at noon. Response for the Anawan Garage lease is due January 27 at noon. Proposals for the sale of land on Reynolds Avenue are due on February 3.

✯ Approval to use $3,302.24 from Chapter 90 funds for improvements on River Street.

✯ Selectman signed a multi-town application for Community Innovations Challenge grant application.

✯ Approval of restaurant license and 2011 Liquor License Annual Report to the state board of Alcoholic Beverages Control Commission.

✯ Selectman discussed the potential for town officials to utilize various technology to remotely participate in meetings.  Under the state Open Meeting laws, remote participation is now allowed.  Selectmen agreed to research this matter including consulting with the IT Advisory Committee.

✯ Approval to accept the resignation of Allyson Chemelowski from her position on the Rehoboth Council on Aging.

✯ Approval to appoint Daniel Sousa to the Rehoboth Emergency Management Agency (REMA) which now numbers 25 members.

JANUARY 3 BOS MEETING ACTION ITEMS

Selectmen Mike Costello, Joe Tito and Don Leffort conducted town business on Tuesday, January 3, 2012 at the Senior Center including the following items:

✯  The next meeting of the BOS will be held on Monday, January 9, 2012 at 7:30 PM.

✯ The board reviewed the performance of Norellen Palmer, the Director of the Rehoboth Council on Aging that operates the Senior Center.  Her six-month probationary period was over and the reviews from the COA board and others were all excellent.  The board approved her continued employment and thanked her for her service to the elder community.

✯ Approval to approve the town’s contact with Virtual Town Hall for the town website.  According to Jeff Ritter, town administrator, the process will take some months, beginning with gathering input from town departments with regard to content.

✯ Approval of various general licenses and a one-day liquor license for the Rehoboth Call Firefighters.

✯ The board approved payment to the Rehoboth Antiquarian Society for the operation of the Blanding Public Library.

✯ There was a continued discussion on the town vehicle towing policy discussion with acting police chief, Lt. James Trombetta. Currently the town uses three towing companies. all based outside of Rehoboth.  Trombetta said he was happy with the status quo, and there were no outstanding problems with the existing companies called to tow an approximate 400 vehicles per year.  While he didn’t see a need to add new companies to the list.  Selectman Leffort mentioned a company located in Rehoboth that wants to get on such a list.  Public input included similar commentary - that Rehoboth companies that pay taxes in town should have some opportunity to be on the tow list.  Selectman Tito felt the tow policy should be up to the police department and that it was not a matter the BOS would oversee.  No final decisions were made.

✯  Reversal of the BOS decision made on December 19 to remove Christopher Morra from his position on the town’s Finance Committee. In a two-to-one vote, the BOS voted to approve a public hearing on the matter, giving Morra a fourteen-day notice.

✯ During the public forum segment of the meeting, John Ferreira and his attorney spoke about the most recent controversy regarding the BOS’s December 19 decision to remove Christopher Morra from the Finance Committee, and his subsequent filing of open meeting law complaints with the MA Attorney General’s Office against FinCon and the BOS.  Ferreira said that because Morra supplied his complaint documentation to the Taunton Gazette, information was printed regarding his development, Kingsley Estates.  Morra had included a report from Tetra Tech, Inc. to substantiate his allegation that Selectmen Tito had “misrepresented facts and failed to disclose other facts” with regard to Kingsley Estates.   Ferreira said because of the Taunton Gazette report, he had received inquiries about the article, the development and the approval of the roads as public roadways. The roadway issue is at the core of Morra’s complaints against his fellow FinCom members, and the subsequent move of the BOS to remove him.  Ferreira and his attorney are of the opinion that Morra’s recent actions are manipulative and a continuation of a larger campaign to put his integrity, both professional and personal, in question.

DECEMBER 19 BOS MEETING ACTION ITEMS

Selectmen Mike Costello, Joe Tito and Don Leffort conducted town business on Monday, December 19 at the Senior Center including the following items:

✯  There will be no meeting on Tuesday, December  27. The next BOS meeting of the new year will be on Tuesday, January 3, 2012 at 7:30 PM.

✯ The IT Advisory Committee status update was made by chair Jim Muri.  Virtual Town Hall has been selected as the website provider. VTH hosts over 100 municipal websites and offers 24 tech support and training to town personnel who will be managing the website.  Additionally, a list of computer workstations are slated to be replaced.  Bids for IT services have come in at costs higher than expected.  The committee had estimated that a yearly service contract would run between $5000 and $6000 dollars per year, however the bids that came in were from $24,000 per year, but included workstation hardware support. The committee has asked the bidders to adjust their estimates deleting support for workstations, and focus on server support only.  In other IT news, the BOS accepted the offer of Personnel Board member Bonnie Kelley’s offer to provide free training to town office personnel on usage of Microsoft Office software. 

✯ Approval for Fire Chief Robert Pray to be the official signatory for the SAFE grant expenditures for 2012.

✯ Town Administrator Jeff Ritter announced the FY2013 budget discussion process is moving along. He has supplied each department head, as well as boards, committees, etc., with a memo requesting budget submission as soon as possible.  The memo also outlines budget guidelines and provided selectmen with coordinating documents with their liaison assignments to departments. The goal is to seek a level budget that is balanced within the parameters of Chapter 2 1/2.  Budget drafts are due by January 12, 2012 at noon and budget reviews by the town administrator will be completed by January 19.  On Monday, January 30, he will recommend a budget to the BOS. Selectmen will decide which groups to meet with for further discussion and by Monday, February 13, the BOS will vote a preliminary budget to forward to the town accountant before submitting to the Finance Committee.  

✯ Approval of various license renewals and permits.

✯ The town vehicle towing policy discussion was put on hold upon request of acting police chief, Lt. James Trombetta.

✯ Rehoboth will join with surrounding towns in applying for a grant that will provide funding to purchase licensed software allowing various permitting to be done by the town online. 

✯ Fourteen law firms with a specialization in municipal law, as well as smaller firms and individual attorneys, will be sought out in the RFP process to find new legal counsel.

✯ Selectman Tito made a motion to instruct town counsel to register Meadowlark Lane, Sassafras Road and Franlee Drive as public ways in the town of Rehoboth.  The motion passed by a vote of 2-to-1 with Selectman Leffort’s nay.

✯ Chairman Costello said he was “very disgusted” with FinCom member Chris Morra “when he made allegations against the chairwoman of the committee.”   He said that Morra was “using his position on the board for his own gain and political agenda” and said he was “sick and tired of it.”  After outlining several grievances against Morra, he made a just cause motion to remove Morra from his position on FinCom.  Selectman Tito voted with Costello while Selectman Leffort voiced his nay.

DECEMBER 12 BOS MEETING ACTION ITEMS

Selectmen Mike Costello, Joe Tito and Don Leffort conducted town business on Monday, December 12 at the Senior Center including the following items:

✯ Next BOS meeting will be on Monday, December 19 beginning at 7:30 in the Senior Center.  There will be no meeting on Tuesday, December  27. The next BOS meeting of the new year will be on Tuesday, January 3, 2012 at 7:30 PM.

✯ Resident Robert McKim, who continues to offer live audio commentary prior to the public portion of the BOS meetings, reported that he, as a member of the newly appointed committee to review the RePAC cablecast contract, has organized. He said if anyone has any questions, please contact the chair Derrick Russo or vice-chair Richard Barrett. 

✯ The roof replacement of the North Rehoboth Fire Station has been completed.

✯ Town Administrator Jeff Ritter reviewed the meeting agenda for viewers of the live broadcast on RePAC so they would know what to expect for issues and action items.

✯ The IT Committee according to Chairman Costello has done a fantastic job determining the computer needs at the town office, fixing the email problems, creating work stations, and finding new solutions for their budget.

✯ The town’s towing procedure was reviewed by selectmen and acting police chief Trombetta.  There are currently three companies affiliated with the town to provide towing services on a rotation basis.  An additional towing company has requested to be put on the list.  According to past practice, the police chief makes the determination.  Trombetta requested a week to review this matter and speak with the three existing tow companies about adding an additional service to the roster. 

✯ The BOS accepted the resignation of Betty Dyer as an election inspector as she is no longer living in Rehoboth, a requirement of the appointed position.

✯ The BOS voted to approve a regular payment to the Rehoboth Antiquarian Society for the operation of the Blanding Public Library.

✯ The BOS reviewed the RFP for law firm to serve as town counsel as a replacement to Kopelman and Paige, the existing town counsel.

✯ Resident John Ferreira spoke before selectmen and complained vigorously about the delays in getting new town road recording done despite the fact residents voted at two previous meetings to accept the new roads. Because town officials and legal counsel have missed deadlines, the roads have not been registered at the state level.  Mr. Ferreira stated that he was through coming back before the selectmen to get this done.

NOVEMBER 28 BOS MEETING ACTION ITEMS

Selectmen Mike Costello, Joe Tito and Don Leffort conducted town business on Monday, November 28 at the Senior Center including the following items:

✯ Town Administrator Jeff Ritter reported that Requests for Proposals have been sent to vendors that can supply the required desktop computer services outlined by the IT committee.

✯ Ritter updated selectmen on the status of repairing the north and south fire stations, along with the public safety building.  The North Station roof is being replaced as planned, but the South Station reshingling will have to be put on hold (estimated cost of $29,400) as the public safety building (police and fire departments) is more critical. 

✯ The IT Committee’s ‘acceptable use policy’ was given to union representatives for review and input.  None was received and the policy will be rolled out. 

✯ The town’s auditing firm Powers and Sullivan has completed the yearly audit.  There were no audit adjustments and the town met compliance for infrastructure assets and fully compliant with other reports.

✯ The members of the Personnel Advisory Committee were reappointed as the Personnel Board for the town.

✯ The next BOS meeting will be held on TUESDAY, December 6 at the Senior Center. All residents are encouraged to attend.

NOVEMBER 14 BOS MEETING ACTION ITEMS

Selectmen Mike Costello, Joe Tito and Don Leffort conducted town business on Monday, November 14 at the Senior Center including the following items:

✯ Town Administrator Jeff Ritter talked about seven follow-up actions items related to the Special Town Meeting held on November 7.

✯ One follow-up item relates to the town’s website.  Ritter has approached two more vendors and will report to the BOS next week on proposals for new websites.

✯ Ritter followed up on roof repairs on public building including fire stations.

✯ Ritter followed up on the lease of the Anawan Garage including soliciting bids.

✯ Sale of land on Reynolds Avenue proceeds opening it up to a competitive process.

✯ Recording of newly accepted town roads need to be done.

✯ Bids will be solicited for an emergency generator for the senior center as well as the electrical work required.

✯ Selectmen accepted a bid for replacing the roof on the north fire station.

✯ Selectmen voted to approve allowing the use of voting booths and ballot boxes by the Rehoboth Republican Committee Caucus.

OCTOBER 24 BOS MEETING ACTION ITEMS

Selectmen Mike Costello, Joe Tito and Don Leffort conducted town business on Monday, October 24 at the Senior Center including the following items:

✯ Town Administrator Jeff Ritter reported some significant interest in the upcoming Surplus Sale to be held on Wednesday, October 26.  Bids are due by 3 PM.

✯ Ritter announced his ongoing efforts to build relationships including a monthly brown bag lunch with D-R School Superintendent Dr. Kathleen Montagano.  Ritter is also meeting with several town administrators from surrounding towns and cities to discuss cooperative efforts.

✯ Ritter also announced the state department of Travel and Tourism contacted him about the town’s interest in hosting film production in Rehoboth.  Traditionally, when a film crew comes to a town, the money flows.

✯ The Wilmarth Bridge restoration project has begun and will hopefully be complete by the end of the year.

✯ Town treasurer and tax collector Cheryl A. Gouveia was recently received a five-year certification designation.

✯ Upon the advise of Town Clerk Kathleen Conti, selectmen voted to approve supporting MA House BIll 1972, legislation to further regulate primary elections. If passed, the bill will eliminate separate primary elections during a presidential election year saving the state 8 million dollars and Rehoboth $6,500 dollars.

✯ Steve Haskell spoke to selectmen about a state-required Service Zone Plan he has prepared.  It must first be approved by the BOS and then reviewed at the state level, then the regional level and finally approved for Rehoboth.  The plan contains names of first responders, and data regarding health services available to Rehoboth residents.

✯  Selectmen appointed Robert McKim and Richard Barrett to the Cable TV Advisory Committee that will provide advisory assistance in preparation for a contract renewal with Comcast, set for 2014.  Three other volunteers will be appointed to the board.

✯  Selectmen and Town Moderator William Cute spend some time discussing logistics for the upcoming Special Town Meeting set for Monday, November 7 at 7 PM in the high school auditorium.  Article 2 will require a 9/10th vote.  Article 5 has a typo that must be announced at the meeting.  Article 9 is anticipated to be tabled for action in the spring, however David House will be allowed to address the audience for three minutes.  Articles 10, 12, 13, 14, 15, 17, and 18 will all require a 2/3 vote to pass.

✯  The next BOS meeting will be held on Tuesday, November 1 instead of Halloween night on Monday. 

OCTOBER 11 BOS MEETING ACTION ITEMS

Selectmen Mike Costello, Joe Tito and Don Leffort conducted town business on Tuesday, October 11 at the Senior Center including the following items:

✯ An announcement was made by acting police chief, Lt. James Trombetta that following a five-month investigation Rehoboth resident Harvey Bigelow had been arrested and charged with sending harassing letters to selectmen and other residents. Chairman Costello thanked Lt. Trombetta and the police department for their dedication and hard work.

✯ Town Administrator Jeff Ritter reported that he and school superintendent Dr. Montegano have scheduled a monthly “brown bag lunch” meeting to discuss issues of common interest. 

✯ The Assessors Office will be closed on October 20.

✯ Surplus town vehicles will be available for purchase, via bid, on Wednesday, October 26. Bids will be accepted until 3 PM.

✯ The IT Committee continues work on evaluating the scope of services needed and vendor relationships.

✯  There is an estimated twenty boxes of outdated paperwork currently stored in a shed at the town office that needs to be destroyed.  Jeff Ritter reported that a shredding truck service can come to the site and destroy the paper at a cost of approximately $300.

✯  There is progress being made on repairs to the Wheeler Street and Pleasant Street bridges damaged by the 2010 March Flood.   

✯  Town treasurer Cheryl Gouveia gave an update on a proposed project to sell tax titles on the 152 properties in town that owe taxes.  She contacted the town of Westport  that was able to collect $150,000 for selling their tax titles.  The only cost to the town is paying for public notices published in newspapers. Currently, in order to pursue unpaid property tax, she must pay fees to lien court and fees to legal counsel to prepare letters to the property owners that usually do not pay anyway.  She said that one land developer owes back taxes on 34 properties.

✯  Selectmen voted to amend the Animal Control budget to buy four new tires for the AC vehicle.

✯  Selectmen heard an update on the North Fire Station roof replacement.  Two years ago at town meeting, residents approved $12,000 to repair the station roof.  Two bids for the job have been received, one for $22,500 and the other for $15,750.

✯  Selectmen continued discussions on warrant items for the Special Town Meeting scheduled for November 7.

OCTOBER 3 BOS MEETING ACTION ITEMS

Selectmen Mike Costello, Joe Tito and Don Leffort conducted town business on Monday, October 4 at the Senior Center including the following items:

✯ Town Administrator Jeff Ritter informed selectmen about an upcoming internal report on town licences including the current fees and how they compare with other towns. All town departments that generate revenue via licenses are being asked to participate by providing information for the report.

✯ Selectman Tito, police department liaison, addressed the issue of hiring a full-time dispatcher.  He along with acting chief Trombetta interviewed three candidates.  Selectman voted to approve Adam Foss. 

✯ Jim Muri of the IT Committee reported a list of issues the committee is currently working on including: a six-month plan of action, the town’s needs for hardware and software, working with the current vendor and updating IT policies into one consolidated policy manual.  He emphasized that the committee’s intention is to make things as workable as possible for municipal employees. 

✯  The Rehoboth Fire Department is currently interviewing applicants for new firefighters that if chosen will attend the 240- hour fire academy training on their own time beginning in January.  Both Chief Pray and Deputy Chief Baressi have served on a state-wide committee on volunteer firefighter training and recruitment. Four new Rehoboth volunteer firefighters were introduced to the selectmen including: David Auguiar, Sean Lambert, and Richard Gozalez, and Justin Garnett.  Two additional new firefighters who were not in attendance include: Shane Joachim and and John Sulyma. 

On another note, Lt. Randy Larrivee was acknowledged for being recently honored for his work teaching fire safety programs at the schools.

✯  Selectmen and Finance Committee members spent about 90 minutes discussing the warrant items for the Special Town Meeting to be held on November 7.

SEPTEMBER 26 BOS MEETING ACTION ITEMS

Selectmen Mike Costello, Joe Tito conducted town business on Monday, September 26 at the Senior Center. 

✯ Approval to appoint three reserve police officers for the Rehoboth Police Department including Adam Brown, Jacob Miranda and Samuel Corso.

✯ Approval of two associate members to the Zoning Board of Appeals including Richard Barrett who has prior experience on the ZBA and Matthew Habershaw who is a member of the Rehoboth Conservation Commission.

✯ Selectman Tito gave an update from the Massachusetts Department of Health on the high risk of EEE and WNV carrying mosquitos in Rehoboth and Dighton.  He advised that resident continue to be vigilant and follow recommendations including using insect repellents and wearing appropriate skin-covering clothing particularly after dark.

✯ Chairman Costello expressed his gratitude to volunteers who have spend their time over the summer cutting grass at the town office and other municipal buildings and locations.  Because of the town’s economic struggles, there has been no funds for landscaping maintenance.  He suggested that if you see someone cutting grass or weed whacking on town properties, buy them a refreshing beverage, perhaps something caffeinated.

SEPTEMBER 19 BOS MEETING ACTION ITEMS

Selectmen Mike Costello, Joe Tito and Don Leffort conducted town business on Monday, September 19 at the Senior Center. 

✯ Approval of request by the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) to issue a proclamation recognizing November as National American Indian Heritage Month.

✯ Approval of budget amendments to pay for municipal lighting repairs, and to pay the Fire Department’s bill to fill the fuel oil tank that supplies the department’s emergency generator.

✯ The warrant for November’s Special Town Meeting will close this week on September 23.

✯ Town Administrator Jeff Ritter reported that the town will be applying for FEMA relief for eligible town expenses related to Tropical Storm Irene.  Approximately 75 percent of the estimated $100,000 in expenses can possibly be reimbursed after the paperwork as been filed.

✯ Selectmen recognized that the State’s Department of Agriculture sent notice of the intention to allow 20 acres of property at 45 River Street to remain as active agricultural land.

✯ Following discussion during a removal hearing, the BOS charged Roger Breault, chairman of the Zoning Board of Appeals with “entering into litigation on his own without authority.”  A motion was passed to remove Breault from the ZBA and to send a formal letter of dismissal. 

✯ Selectmen established a Personnel Advisory Board to “provide advise and assistance to the BOS and supervisory personnel, and employees in all aspects of personnel management.”

SEPTEMBER 12 BOS MEETING ACTION ITEMS

Selectmen Mike Costello, Joe Tito and Don Leffort conducted town business on Monday, September 12 at the Senior Center. 

✯ Approval of town-provided mobile phone for Council on Aging Director Norie Palmer

✯ Town legal counsel Lauren Goldberg, in preparation for the November Special Town Meeting, has been asked to check procedural issues related to increasing the number of selectmen from 3 to 5 at next spring’s election.

✯ The board approved reappointing the Energy Committee to another year of service.

✯ Appointments and reappointments to the Zoning Board of Appeals was postponed until such time as the BOS is able to conduct a hearing to consider the removal of ZBA chairman Roger Breault who failed to appear for said hearing.

✯ Town Administrator Jeff Ritter reported that the summer Surplus Sale resulted in $4,500 in sales of various items.  He is considering holding another sale, specifically of more used town vehicles, in November.

✯ Jeff Ritter reported that storm-related costs to the town are estimated at $100,000 including salaries and administrative costs of five lost work days, expenses related to cemetery damages, and approximately $32,000 in Forestry Department expenses.  He noted that Bristol County sustained approximately six million dollars in damages.

✯ September 23 is the last day for any items to be placed on the warrant for the November Special Town Meeting.

✯ Resident John Ferreira spoke in the public forum about his concerns the town has been extremely slow in accepting new streets as official town roadways and wondered if there was a problem getting them recorded.  While resident accept the streets at town meeting, the procedure of having them recording has not been done.

✯ The next BOS meeting will be held on September 19, 2011

AUGUST 22 BOS MEETING ACTION ITEMS

Selectmen Mike Costello, Joe Tito and Don Leffort conducted town business on Monday, August 22 at the Senior Center. 

✯ Approval of all-alcohol license application for Apna Punjab, a new Indian restaurant to be located at 3 Park Street near the Attleboro town line. 

✯ Chairman Costello announced that 100 students from Providence College will be coming to town to volunteer for eight hours performing such tasks as painting, roadway cleanup and landscaping work.  There will be an organizational meeting on Thursday, August 25 at 7 PM at the Senior Center if anyone wishes to help out with the planning.

✯ Town Administration Jeff Ritter is investigating the amount of money the town uses on trash removal.  Currently the town spends around $9000 per year on dumpsters in various locations.  He is investigating actual town needs in an effort to save money.

✯ Jeff Ritter also announced the North Fire Station roof replacement project is coming along.

✯ The IT Committee is continuing to work on securing the town com

✯ The town’s website needs to be updated.  Jeff Ritter has done some preliminary investigation into a website company that specializes in municipal government websites.

✯ FinCom chairperson Sue Pimental encouraged the board to be cognizant of only putting critical budget issues on the warrant for the Special Town Meeting scheduled for November 7.

✯ Selectmen have given RePAC a sixty-day notice to write and submit an affidavit responding to four demands with regard to service and cooperation. 

✯ Approval of the appointment of Michael Higgins as part-time police department dispatcher.

✯ Announcement of public forum on September 7 for residents to share their thoughts about reconstruction of the Elm Street Bridge.

AUGUST 8 BOS MEETING ACTION ITEMS

Selectmen Mike Costello, Joe Tito and Don Leffort conducted town business on Monday, August 8 at the Senior Center.  Action items included:

✯ BOS chairman Costello began the meeting by congratulating his wife for running a half marathon the previous day.

✯ An engraved recognition award was presented to Don Welshman for his 33 years of service to the town as gas and plumbing inspector.

✯ It was announced that the Planning Board will be holding a public hearing on the Elm Street issue of whether or not to permanently close the road to through traffic by not repairing the Elm Street Bridge.

✯ A Community Survey document is being created with input from various town departments.  A draft is scheduled to be completed by August 22.

✯ The Special Fall Town Meeting has been set for Monday, November 7

✯ Bonnie Kelley, leader of the Rehoboth Concerned Citizens group, presented the BOS with a package of over 120 letters from residents with complaints about RePAC.  She also spoke of concerns she has about the cable access television provider and recent technical difficulties. Additionally, resident Lorraine Botts complained about technical problems with both audio and video.  Resident Robert McKim chastised RePAC for addressing all concerns through letters rather than appearing before the BOS.

✯ New members of the Town Events Committee were appointed including Julie Dalpe and Mary Beth Moriarty.

✯ It was announced that a prison work detail from the Bristol County Sheriff’s Office will be in Rehoboth working on projects including painting the railings on bridges and cutting down overgrown brush.

✯ The new IT Committee is working on their plans to create a safe and secure town network.

✯ The solar hot water system at the Senior Center is working well.

✯ Selectmen voted to approve the application for police department grants.  A “COPS” grant required letters of support from legislators and they are been received.

JULY  25 BOS MEETING ACTION ITEMS

Selectmen Mike Costello, Joe Tito and Don Leffort conducted town business on Monday, July 25 at the Senior Center.  Action items included:

✯ Town Administrator Jeff Ritter reported that department head meetings have been very beneficial and that they will meet as a group for the third time.  They will also have the opportunity to interact with the newly formed Information Technology Advisory Committee (ITAC) that will be performing an assessment of town office hardware and infrastructure. Additionally, Ritter has informed all department heads of a new risk management project to determine current equipment and usage.

✯ Board of Assessors met with the Attleboro Board of Assessors, and the Attleboro Mayor, to discuss the situation of the “border” home and whether it is a Rehoboth or Attleboro residence.  Chairman Costello brought up the issue of the children who live in the home and what school system should be supporting their education. Currently the children in that home attend Rehoboth schools.  

✯ Jeff Ritter will be meeting the Fire Chief Pray to begin working on the North Fire Station roof replacement project, hopefully to be completed before winter.

✯ The Elm Street bridge issue (whether or not to rebuild and reopen the street) was addressed by a variety of people including residents who wish the street to remain closed, essentially creating two cul-de-sacs.  Safety issues related to fire, police, and highway departments were addressed.   The next step is for the Planning Board to address the issue and then proceed to a public hearing or warrant item for the Fall Town Meeting.

✯ Board of Health Agent Bob Ashton reported the solar-heating system at the Senior Center is operating efficiently.  Project manager Peter Fine reported that a proof of the illustrated informational poster, required by the grant that funded the project, will be displayed at the Town Office for input before it is finally printed, framed and mounted at the Senior Center.

✯ Ted Ballard of the Water Commission spoke about needing legal counsel time to determine a the town’s legal standing in relations to multiple, complex issues including water supplies drawn in Rehoboth for use in neighboring Rhode Island.

JULY 12 BOS MEETING ACTION ITEMS

Selectmen Mike Costello, Joe Tito and Don Leffort conducted town business on Tuesday, July 12 at the Senior Center.  Action items included:

✯ Following an private executive session, selectmen allowed the public to witness an almost two-hour interrogation of Police Chief Stephen Enos prior to voting two-to-one (Costello and Tito yes, Leffort no) to not renew his contract, set to expire September 30, and to allow Enos to remain on paid leave  for the remainder of his contact. As police department liaison, Tito read a prepared statement.

✯ Also in executive session, selectmen signed a contract with the police union. Personnel had been working without a contract for the past two years.

✯ David House of the Energy Committee reported on the landfill solar energy project and selectmen voted to approve bidder Sun Edison Solar Energy Company to go ahead and create a two contracts, one between the Town and one with the D-R School District to build and manage the energy producing system. SunEdison will pay for town counsel to examine the contract.

✯ Selectmen voted to accept a gift of a rain barrel from the children enrolled in the ASAP after school program.  Norie Palmer, COA director, explained how the children raised money to purchase the barrel for the Rehoboth Community Garden outside of the senior center.  Garden manager Lisa Reigal expressed her appreciation and said it was a “very nice rain barrel” that she very much appreciates.

JULY 6 BOS ACTION ITEMS

Selectmen Mike Costello, Joe Tito and Don Leffort conducted town business during the July 6, 2011 meeting.   Below are some of the topics addressed:

✯ A public hearing was opened on the issue of making an amendment to the existing contract between the town and RePAC, specifically authorizing Comcast to pay the town directly. By existing contract provisions, Comcast payments to the town for public access cable television services go directly to RePAC, the vendor contracted to provide Rehoboth’s PEG channels (public, educational, government). This public hearing was recessed after a lengthy segment of public testimony, mostly complaints about RePAC.  According to town counsel, the BOS can utilize the public testimony in any way they deem fit, but the actual contractual issue was generally not addressed by those voicing their opinions.

✯ Selectmen approved several budget amendments to move money around.

✯ Town Administrator Jeff Ritter explained using $800 to pay for testing at the North Rehoboth School as part of a Purchase and Sale Agreement.

✯ Mike Deignan, Finance Committee Clerk, told selectmen there was enough money in the reserve fund to pay Al’s Quality Oil for outstanding bills. He also confirmed that unused budget items would revert to the general fund at the end of the fiscal year cycle on July 15, but free cash is not available until certified at the next town meeting.

✯ Mike Diegnan also addressed the issue of the actual savings on electric bills at the senior center following the installation of the solar energy system.  Chairman Costello said he went over the electric bills and there is a 50 percent savings on the center’s electric bills.  He said the previous budget anticipated a 70 percent savings in electric bills at the senior center, so the shortfall needed to be addressed with a budget amendment.

✯ Selectmen addressed a letter received by Lisa Reigel, coordinator of the Rehoboth Community Garden, about a request she received from the South Coast Educational Collaborative for their special education students at DRRHS to volunteer, with supervision, to help in the garden.   Selectmen voted to approve allowing the students onto the property to volunteer with the provision Norie Palmer was advised about the details of when the students would be on the grounds.

✯ Chairman Costello asked Jeff Ritter to open bids for replacing the North Fire Station roof, a project approved two years ago at town meeting.

JUNE 27 BOS ACTION ITEMS

Selectmen Mike Costello, Joe Tito and Don Leffort conducted town business during the June 27, 2011 meeting.   Below are some of the topics addressed:

✯ Recognition of Rehoboth Fire Department personnel for completing various Fire Academy training certifications (Full list in separate news story). Fire Chief Robert Pray also explained how on-call firefighters in Bristol County attend extensive training on their own time.  The latest graduates spent two evenings a week plus Saturdays since January in class. There was also a report from Lt. Randy Larrabee about the SAFE fire safety awareness program at Palmer River School this past year including the annual poster contest winners. Assistant Fire Chief Frank Barresi told selectmen that the RPD is well-known for being very aggressive in terms of training and that is why the department is called by other towns.  He also mentioned that Chief Pray was the first town chief appointed to the Massachusetts Training Council.

✯ Town Administrator Jeff Ritter announced the upcoming Town Surplus Sale will be conducted on Wednesday from 8 AM to 3 PM when sealed bids will be accepted.

✯ Approval of first FY 12 payment of $99,877.50 to the Rehoboth Antiquarian Society for the operation of the Blanding Library.

✯  Selectmen approved many reappointments and new appointments to committees, many with outdated memberships.  Later on in the evening, Fire Chief Robert Pray asked selectmen how they utilized Talent Bank Forms and if they actually interviewed all applicants who offered to volunteer or if they just pick and chose who they want.  None of the three selectmen offered a comment. “I’m just asking,” said Pray. Note: A complete list of new appointments will be published as soon as possible.

✯  Selectmen tabled further action on appointments/reappointments to the Zoning Board of Appeals, the Personnel Board and Finance Committee.

✯  FinCom member Mike Diegnan announced that he has scheduled meetings for this Thursday, June 30 and next Thursday, July 7 but he’s not sure which members may be around to attend.  Selectmen did rescind Sue Pimental’s resignation letter and subsequent three-year appointment that was approved last week.  Her status on the committee now is a member with one year left on her term.  Selectmen announced the issue of town bylaw with regard to FinCom members’ term limits will be brought up at the next town meeting held in October.

JUNE 13 BOS ACTION ITEMS

Selectmen Mike Costello, Joe Tito and Don Leffort conducted town business during the June 13, 2011 meeting.   Below are some of the topics addressed:

✯ Formal appointment of William McDonough as the town’s Building Inspector and Zoning Officer.  Formal appointment of Norellen Palmer as the Director of the Senior Center, often called the Council on Aging, although that entity is actually governed by a board chaired by Sally Knox.

✯  An update on the Gravel Committee’s decision to lift a cease and desist order on excavating at 126 Cedar Street involving Historic Cemetery #22:  the BOS was informed by William Saunders, chairman of the Cemetery Commission the project will take longer than the 60 days given to property owner Russell Patton, rather it will take 9 months to a year before completion.

✯ The reorganization of the Finance Committee was tabled for a future date so that selectmen can further investigate the details surrounding the FinCom term lengths.

✯  Approval of an event permit for a Spring Tractor Pull event at the Rehoboth Agricultural Fair grounds for June 17, 18 and 19.  The summer annual fair will be held on August 11, 12, 13 and 14 at the fairgrounds.

✯ Details about the Surplus Sale of town equipment and vehicles were announced.  There will be a viewing period at the Highway Department from June 20 to June 29.  Sealed bids will be accepted on June 29 at 3 PM.

✯ Approval to allow Veterans Officer William Saunders to use existing funds up to $5000 to rehabilitate the Rehoboth Veterans Memorial located at Palmer River School.

✯ Announcement to establish a Cable Advisory Committee as soon as possible.  Interested residents are encouraged to apply by filling out a Talent Bank form.

✯ Approval of a one-day malt and wine permit for a private function at Camp Ramsbottom.

✯ Reappointments and appointments to various committees were approved.

✯ Resident Richard Barrett told selectmen that Rocky Hill Road is in dire need for speed limit signage (20 mph) as drivers are regularly speeding and endangering residents and children.

✯ Selectman Tito announced that 100 percent of the recent DRRHS graduates have future plans including 89.2 going to college, 7.8 joining the workforce, and 3 percent enlisting in the military.

JUNE 6 BOS ACTION ITEMS

Selectmen Mike Costello, Joe Tito and Don Leffort conducted town business during the June 6, 2011 meeting.   Below are some of the topics addressed:

✯   Discussion about the closed convenience store, Allison’s Cork and Bottle and the disposition of the store’s liquor license.  A public hearing was scheduled for June 27.

✯   Approval of minor amendments (line moving) to the town budget.

✯  A lengthy, and at times heated, discussion was held about the senior center’s solar hot water system which is not functioning properly (never exceeding 79 degrees) using the analogy of “the town thinking it was purchasing an Cadillac Escalade and getting a Ford Focus instead.”  The system contractor Peter Fine outlined the many technical difficulties that have surfaced and argued the board is being unrealistic in their expectations of how the problems can be addressed and by whom.  Chairman Costello stated he wants accountability and resolution through a group effort.  Selectmen Leffort moved to take legal action via small claims court in the event the problems are not fixed.

✯  Approved funds over $100 by the Council on Aging for office supplies ($120) and postage ($176.00).

✯    Reappointments, appointments and alternative appointments to committees were approved.

✯  Approved BOS summer meeting schedule to the second and fourth Mondays in July and August.

✯    Announcement to change the meeting of the eleventh of July to the twelfth of July.

✯   Town administrator Jeff Ritter detailed information about the upcoming surplus equipment sale with a date of June 29.  More details to be announced.  The items for sale will be displayed at the Highway Department.

MAY 31 BOS ACTION ITEMS

Selectmen Mike Costello, Joe Tito and Don Leffort conducted town business during the May 31, 2011 meeting.   Below are some of the topics addressed

✯  Approval of Boy Scouts to use the Senior Center on June 14 from 6 to 9 PM for their annual Red and Green Banquet and Awards Dinner.

✯  Upon the request of the town treasurer, the building inspector was given approval to complete an inspection at 138 Chestnut Street, but not issue a Certificate of Occupancy.

✯  Approval to “re-precinct” the town with no changes based on the 2010 census and map. Paperwork will be returned to the state by the town clerk.

✯  Approval to table agenda item number 3, the review of agreement for engineering services related to flood-damaged bridges on Elm, Pleasant and Wheeler streets.

✯  Approval to allow the town administrator to sign bills, payroll vouchers and invoices.

✯  Accepting the resignation of Janice Connor from the Council on Aging board.  The selectmen publicly extended their thanks for her years of service.

✯  Approval of access to town roadways and state highway for a parade sponsored by the Holy Ghost Brotherhood of Charity.

✯  Approval to amend the town budget for police department training, overtime and a part-time dispatcher.

✯   Selectmen Tito announced several items: he would be attending a workshop in Worcester for elected officials; and he recently had pleasant and informative visit with Rehoboth’s Rescue 7.  He also reported that both RPD and RFD were instrumental in finding a local 13-year-old who had gone missing on May 27. Selectman Tito announced that two local  girls, Kelly McBride and Courtney Sousa, were set to receive the Gold Award, the Girl Scout equivalent of the Boy Scout’s Eagle Scout designation. 

MAY 23 SPRING TOWN MEETING - PART II

Warrant article items and results for ‘Special Town Meeting’ with 250 residents in attendance.

✯ Article 4: Residents approved the reauthorization of the Transfer Station revenue (offset receipts) by the Board of Health for the operation of the Transfer Station.

✯ Article 5: Residents approved the reauthorization of a revolving account to be used by the Conservation Commission for various purposes.

✯ Article 6: Residents approved the proposed fiscal year 2012 Community Preservation Budget of $303, 875.

✯ Article 7:  Acceptance of the Municipal Relief Act, Clause 56 that allows the Board of Assessors to grant tax abatements up to 100 percent to active duty enlisted members of the Massachusetts National Guard who are serving in foreign countries.

✯ Article 8: Residents voted to approve the reauthorization of a revolving account for the Forestry Department to be used to replace damaged trees and other landscaping not to exceed $10,000 per any fiscal year.

✯ Article 9: Residents approved the reauthorization of a revolving account using the monies collected from licensing for Palmer River improvements and Herring Regulation enforcement.

✯ Article 10: Amendment to the agreement between the town and the regional school district changing the date the school committee can submit budget info for town meeting.

✯ Article 11: Approved acceptance of a provision to put a one-year expiration date on checks issued by the town.

✯ Article 12:  Correction of a clerical error regarding the previous acceptance of Franlee Drive as a town roadway.

✯ Article 13:  Residents did not approve to pursue actions to authorize a CORI check policy for elected officials.

✯ Articles 14, 15 and 16:  Residents accepted the reports of the Ambulance Committee, Blanding Library and Housing Authority.

MAY 16 SPRING TOWN MEETING OVERVIEW

Warrant article items and results for both the ‘Annual Town Meeting’ and ‘Annual Meeting of the Rehoboth Water District’ items.   There were 249 voting residents present at 8:55 PM.

✯ Article 1: Residents voted to approve the authorize the disposal of surplus equipment by bid or auction.

✯ Article 2: Residents voted to approve the budget recommendations for 2012 from the Finance Committee with hours of discussion, explanations, and legal opinions following holds placed on fourteen individual line items.

✯ Article 3: Residents voted to accept the financial report issued by the Board of Health for the Transfer Station.

✯ Annual Meeting of the Rehoboth Water District was brief as there was no report.

MAY 16 SPECIAL TOWN MEETING OVERVIEW

Warrant article items and results for ‘Special Town Meeting’ with 209 residents in attendance.

✯ Article 1: Residents approved transferring $1,925 from the Community Preservation Fund to make needed repairs to the historic Hornbine School.  Speaking on behalf of the article were Cathy Potter, Rebecca Smith and Carol Williams.

✯ Article 2: Residents approved $15,000 for updating information technology at the Town Office to address problems that have created significant data and information security risks for the town.

✯ Article 3: Residents approved $10,000 to purchase a used Special Hazard Rescue Truck for the Fire Department. 

✯ Article 4: Allotment of $5,000 for repaving of the Transfer Station roadway was tabled for purpose of defeat as per the request of Selectmen Chairman Mike Costello.

✯ Article 5: Residents approved the use of $5,000 for facilities maintenance, specifically lighting in three town-owned buildings including the town office, senior  enter and public safety building.

✯ Article 6: Residents approved $18,000 for gasoline for town vehicles.

MAY 7 BOS MEETING ACTION ITEMS

Selectmen Joe Tito, Mike Costello, Sue Pimental, Don Leffort, and Lorraine Botts conducted town business on Monday, May  7 at the Senior Center including the following items: 

✯  Selectmen will next meet on Monday, May 14 at 6 PM in Room 211 at DRRHS. The Special Town Meeting and Annual Town Meeting will be held on Monday, May 14 in the DRRHS auditorium beginning at 7 PM.  Troop 13 Boy Scouts will be conducting a food drive for Rehoboth Helping Hands Food Pantry.  Kindly bring a donation and check those expiration dates.  Along with canned or packaged food items, the pantry is always in need of paper goods, personal items and cleaning materials.

✯ National Grid will conduct helicopter patrols on May 16 and May 17 in a methodical aerial inspection of substations and high tension line areas.

✯ Town Clerk Kathy Conti and Town Moderator Bill Cute discussed the upcoming ATM and STM.  It is hoped all business will be conducted in one night. However, if this is not possible, a second night will be held on Monday, May 21.

✯ Selectmen voted to arrange a meeting to get further information on the Elm Street Bridge repair bids.  The awarding of the bid was tabled until more info is gathered.

✯ Selectmen voted to Chapter 90 project requests

✯ Approval of one-day wine and malt-liquor license fo Young Caterer event at Country Gardens.

✯ Approval to use Chapter 90 monies to purchase a new street sweeper for $174,385 and for roadway stone sealing for $152,557.

✯  Approval of fire department budget amendment of $200 and approvals of police budget amendments totaling $17,222.

✯ Selectmen tabled a vote to approve a reserve fund transfer for town legal counsel expenses.

✯ Approval to accept BOS letter to the editor regarding the need for a new town office and the proposed purchase of new building for that purpose. Residents will vote to approve a ballot item on this project at town meeting scheduled for next week.

✯ FinCom chair Mike Deignan was thanked for attending all the meetings and discussions of the proposed new town hall project.

✯ Local PEG cable access update:  Vice chair Mike Costello addressed Ed Schagrin of REPAC directly, saying “Ed, if you’re home listening, I wonder what you are doing with the $117 thousand dollars that you stole from the people of this town.”  He added that Schagrin should be ashamed of himself and return the money.

✯ Selectmen Pimental gave an overview of the proposed town hall project and encouraged residents to come to the town meeting and ask questions. 

✯ FinCom chairman Deignan spoke on the issue of town legal bills and reported his committee’s intention is to put off any Reserve Fund transfers for town counsel until mid-June.  He asked about the status of choosing new town counsel as this effort has not been mentioned since the bids came in and were distributed to selectmen.  He was told the two new selectmen elected in April needed time to read through the proposals.  On another topic, Deignan asked the vice chair to please follow up ont the Elm Street bridge repair estimate so that if the number has changed, it can be reduced on the floor at the ATM next week. 

✯ Selectmen voted to appoint Bradley Marshall of Attleboro as the new Rehoboth Council on Aging outreach coordinator, a part-tme position of 19.5 hours per week.  Marshall has experience with the Veterans Administration and has worked at the Larson Senior Center in Attleboro.

✯ Selectmen Lorraine Botts announced a roundtable discussion between the BOS and the Rehoboth Business Association on June 9 at 7 PM.

✯ Selectmen Don Leffort applauded the efforts of the drama department at Beckwith Middle School for their recent spring play, a production of The Wizard of Oz held last weekend.

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