Rehoboth Residents Lose Public Access Services on Cable Channels and Internet
(January 31, 2012) With the BOS’s unanimous decision last night to terminate the town’s contract with RePAC, residents of Rehoboth who depended on Comcast cable access channels 9, 15, and 98 and the organization’s website for news, announcements and information are out of luck.
According to reports in the Taunton Gazette and Sun Chronicle, RePAC had already removed equipment from the Senior Center prior to Monday night’s BOS meeting when the vote was made. RePAC’s website had also removed programming schedules over the weekend. Today, the website has taken off access to all video archives and each of the channel’s “virtual bulletin board” that contained announcements, meeting schedules and municipal information.
With the termination of the contract with RePAC, the organization’s lease of a portion of the town annex building on Anawan Street (formerly the old senior center) was also terminated. By last night police cruisers were stationed outside the building.
With no other third-party contracted vendor to step in to assume the services previously provided by RePAC, it is unknown when the three cable channels will begin rebroadcasting or when video archives will be simulcast or available on a website. Chairman Costello was quoted in the Taunton Gazette saying that selectmen will use members of the the recently appointed Cable Advisory Committee to help video meeting. He also mentioned the possibility of getting student volunteers from DRRHS to create public access programming.
Selectmen’s Agenda Items for Monday, January 30
(January 30, 2012) Tonight, the Rehoboth Board of Selectmen have a full slate of agenda items, but the anticipated public hearing concerning the board’s issues with finance committee member Christopher Morra has been cancelled.
Selectmen have cancelled a collective bargaining session, and will instead use executive session to discuss “the reputation, character, physical condition or mental health, rather than professional competence, of an individual” and to further address complaints, discipline or dismissal of said individual.
Regular business will include a update and final report form the Energy Committee, and selectmen will vote to accept the resignations of David House and John Pacheco from the committee.
Along with a liquor license amendment and budget amendment, selectmen will hear updates on issues relating to RePAC, as well as the town’s Personnel Board.
Selectmen will also discuss a letter form National Security regarding the town security system. Following new business, open public forum will be offered to those who wish to address selectmen.
Rehoboth Cultural Council Sponsors Clutter Control
(February 1, 2012) Rehoboth Senior Citizens enjoyed an informative presentation by Dave Downs, a retired Rehoboth school teacher, on Monday, January 30.
Downs humorously outlined ten common reasons why the average American has so much stuff and what to do about it. Those reasons ranged from, “We might need it someday” to “We can’t resist yard sales or a bargain!” Downs gave many suggestions for reversing these tendencies; beginning the de-cluttering process and how to dispose of the stuff you decide to let go.
A past recipient of the “Best Exhibitor Award” at the New England History Festival, Downs presents a variety of “edu-tainment” programs to audiences throughout the state.
Downs is pictured here with Gert Messier, the namesake of Gert’s Café offering an affordable lunch on Mondays at the Senior Center.
Rehoboth Fire & EMS Conduct Joint Training
(February 7, 2012) On Sunday, February 5, nearly 40 firefighters, EMT's and paramedics gathered at Rehoboth Fire Station # 2 for a cold water rescue drill. Several Junior firefighters were also on hand to observe and support. Cold water rescue and EMS lectures were given by Lt. Botelho and FF/P Syrett before the entire group headed out in the twenty degree weather for practical evolutions.
The drill simulated a real time response to a report of two people in the water off Jameson Drive. As units arrived, various tasks were assigned by the incident commander. Several different aspects of operational skills were trained on including operating under the incident command system, the rescue itself, care and transport of the victims, safety, accountability and rehabilitation of the rescuers.
All participants returned to the station for a critique of the training. Everyone agreed that it was an extremely good day of training. This was the first in a series of joint drills that will be held throughout the rest of the year to ensure the best use of resources for the mitigation of different types of incidents.
Selectmen’s Agenda Items for Monday, February 6
(February 6, 2012) Tonight, following an executive session, the Rehoboth Board of Selectmen will conduct business and act on a variety of issues. A public hearing to address the BOS’s attempts to remove Finance Committee member Christopher Morra in December and January is not on the agenda.
Action items on the agenda include annual meeting warrant articles and a vote to approve Chapter 90 reimbursement request for nearly nine thousand dollars.
Selectmen will also meet with Peter Fine about the informational poster for the senior center he promised to deliver within two weeks. Fine was chastised by BOS chair Michael Costello for taking too long to deliver the framed poster that details the senior center’s solar energy system. On Monday night, selectmen will also vote to approve the gift of a “security installation” at the senior center. They will also vote to authorize a senior center job posting for a meal site manager position.
Agenda items also include a vote to re-hire a part-time police department dispatcher, and setting a date for selectmen to interview chosen candidates from the proposals sent by law firms hoping to become the town’s new legal counsel.
Since selectmen terminated the contract with RePAC last week leaving resident with no means of viewing live or taped municipal meetings, the agenda includes a discussion about the loss of public access television programming for the town of Rehoboth.
Rehoboth Rescue Trains on Superbowl Sunday
(February 6, 2012) While many prepared snacks, meals, and for the arrival of guests in anticipation of the Super Bowl, Rescue personnel added yet another training drill to their monthly schedule.
Personnel arrived at the station early to receive course training entitled, "POV Operations: Answering the Call Safely." Curriculum and training videos were provided by VFIS, the Town's emergency services insurance provider. POV stands for personally operated vehicle.
Participants learned about the do's, and do not's of responding to an emergency in a POV, and also learned strategies for ensuring safety to self and the public while getting to an emergency call. Personnel also earned credit from St. Joseph's University.
The Rehoboth Rescue Squad has served the Town of Rehoboth since 1965, and remains the Town's only 100% volunteer public safety agency with personnel receiving absolutely no compensation for their services. Following its motto, "In service for life," the Squad takes safety very seriously, and continuously trains in the areas of auto/truck extrication, ice and water rescue, search and rescue, dive team operations, emergency communications, storm spotting, and pre-hospital care. The Squad welcomes new volunteers from all walks of life, and provides all training.
FinCom to Discuss Open Meeting Law Complaints and Budget Amendments
(January 30, 2012) The Rehoboth Finance Committee is scheduled to meet on Thursday, February 2 from 7 PM at the Senior Center to discuss a variety of issues. New business will include a discussion of the open meeting law violation complaints lodged by FinCom member Christopher Morra.
Amendments to this year’s town budget will also be discussed including police compensation overtime, police medical and physical, and selectmen advertising. The committee will also discuss reserve fund transfers to pay for town legal counsel, and the appointment of a FinCom member to the D-R Regional School District’s subcommittee for long-range capital needs.
DRRHS Transition Students Organize Black Out Bullying Day
(January 24, 2012) In support of a state-side bullying awareness effort by Governor Deval Patrick, the students from the Transition Program at Dighton-Rehoboth Regional High School have organized “Black Out Bullying Day” to be held tomorrow at the high school.
Students and faculty are being asked to wear black clothing, sign banners and stop to read information about bullying statistics posted throughout the school. With help from members of the school’s Peer Leaders group and Best Buddies program, the event is designed to promote awareness of the impact of bullying on students, schools and communities.
“If we stand united in this fight against bullying,” said Tim Tichacek, the transition program’s coordinator, “it might just give an at-risk student or bystander the confidence he or she needs to speak up.”
The small group of special education students in the transition program have all either graduated or received certificates of completion after four years as students at D-R. The transition program provides them with continuing education, life skills and vocational training, and job sampling until they reach the age of twenty-two. Recently the students learned the process of getting CORI background checks in order to volunteer in the community.
“The students in my program have worked very hard on this over the past few weeks,” noted Tichacek.
Candlelight Vigil in Memory of Catherine Ahern Rescheduled for Wed. January 25
(January 24, 2012) A candlelight vigil in memory of Catherine Ahern has been rescheduled for tomorrow, Wednesday, January 25 at 6 PM outside Dighton-Rehoboth Regional High School at the “Dighton Circle.” The vigil is being organized by members of the DRRHS Class of 1996 through Facebook.
BOS Agenda for Monday Includes Discussion About Solar Energy Info Poster
(January 22, 2012) The Rehoboth Board of Selectmen will meet at the Senior Center on Monday beginning with an executive session at 6:15 PM with discussion on collective bargaining, contracts and litigation, as well as issues related to the disposition of town property.
Following the town administrator’s report, there will be a discussion with solar energy system contractor Peter Fine who is responsible for producing a detailed informational poster to display at the senior center, the location of one of the town’s solar heating systems. Chairman Costello has voiced his frustration with the length of time it was taking to get the poster printed and displayed. A preliminary proof of the poster had been submitted to the BOS and displayed at the town office for input, but the end product has yet to be displayed at the senior center. Last week, Costello proposed a vote to dismiss Fine and start the project over with someone else. Selectman Tito suggested speaking with Mr. Fine before voting to dismiss him.
Second on the agenda is a discussion with Attorney Brainsky representing Kinglsey Estates, the subject of recent controversy involving the registration of two roads in the development as public roadways.
Other agenda items for Monday night include the transfer of $32,227 from the town’s reserve fund to pay for town legal fees. Selectmen will also discuss the proposals submitted by law firms that hope to be selected as new town legal counsel. There will be review and vote to approve a request from the police department for IT and computer services. Selectmen will vote to approve and sign an amended license agreement with Comcast.
Other business will be conducted before opening public forum. Not included on the posted meeting agenda was the old business of conducting a public hearing to discuss the board’s prior effort to dismiss Christopher Morra from the town’s finance committee, and Morra’s subsequent filing of open meeting violation complaints to the Attorney General’s Office.
Public Vigil to be Held in Memory of Catherine Ahern
(January 20, 2012) A candlelight vigil in memory of Catherine Ahern is scheduled for Saturday, January 21 at 5 PM outside Dighton-Rehoboth Regional High School at the “Dighton Circle.” According to a notice published in the Sun Chronicle, the vigil is being organized by members of the DRRHS Class of 1996 through Facebook.
Town’s Veterans Agent Brings Rehoboth Issues to Boston Legislators
(January 18, 2012) William Saunders, the Veteran’s Service Officer for Rehoboth, recently attended a lunch meeting at the Statehouse in Boston to share local veteran’s concern with legislators and others. The meeting, hosted by State Representative Steven S. Howitt who represents Rehoboth, was attended by other area veterans agents. Other legislators were also in attendance as well as the Colemann Nee, Secretary of Veterans Services and James Vallee, House Chairman of the Joint Commission on Veterans and Federal Affairs.
“Veterans aren’t looking for a hand out, “said Howitt, “but it is important that our veterans who sacrifice their lives on a daily basis for our nation are treated with the utmost respect and honor when they return home.”
Local Restaurant Creates Special “Champion” Hot Wing Recipe
(January 17, 2012) In celebration of the New England Patriots participation in the AFC Championships, local Rehoboth restaurant, Apna Punjab, has developed a special new recipe for “Champion Hot Wings.”
"We feel people with a real appreciation for hot wings seek out better recipes all the time,” said restaurant manger Jay Vij, “and we have come up with a taste that will be really appreciated and difficult for others to duplicate.”
The chefs at Apna Punjab, which opened three months ago, were determined to create a recipe more flavorful than the common tart and spicy buffalo wing.
A tremendous Patriots fan, Vij has watched the last three games on the 60 inch television in the restaurant's bar and is looking forward to the next game when patrons will be able to order the new Champion Hot Wings for the first time. Along with being able to custom order wings in hot, super-spicy or ridiculous heat levels, patrons over 21 can take advantage of the restaurant’s beer/wing combination specials on Sunday, January 22 for the AFC Championship game. Apna Punjab is located at 3 Park Street near the Rehoboth/Attleoboro town line.
RePAC Begins New Simulcast Service for Both TV and Internet
(January 13, 2012) RePAC, the town’s cable access television provider, launched a new service yesterday allowing viewers to watch municipal meetings either on Comcast cable television or via the internet on the RePAC website.
According to RePAC, this new option provides a means for remote participation by members of municipal boards and committees at public hearings in accordance with “the recent ruling by the Office of the Attorney General.” All live broadcasts of municipal meetings will be simultaneously viewed wherever internet access is available. The live broadcast may be seen by going to the RePAC website and clicking on the sub-tab marked “Live Streaming” under the main Video tab.
D-R Grad Victim of Murder in North Carolina
(January 12, 2012) Thirty-four-year old Catherine Elizabeth Ahern Blakeney, a 1995 graduate of Dighton-Rehoboth High School, was found murdered in her home in Charlotte, North Caroline on December 27 along with her dog Precious, both victims of domestic violence according to homicide detectives from the Charlotte-Mechlenburg Police Department.
When Ahern had been out of contact with family for several weeks, police were called on December 27 to check on her welfare and reported speaking with her husband who allowed them to search the home. Brandon Blakeney, age 34, known to police for prior domestic violence calls, was arrested and charged with first-degree murder. He is being held without bail.
According to media reports, Catherine previously had a restraining order from March 2010 against Blakeney while they were dating, but the order was dropped. Additionally, there were court records on assault charges against him related to incidents in December 2010 when she called police for assistance. Blakeney resisted arrest and had to be subdued by police officers. The couple were then married in 2011.
A march was held in Charlotte, organized by the Domestic Violence Advocacy Council. “It’s never going to get better,” said Gaylene Macuska, a council member. “It’s always going to get worse and unfortunately this one turned out to be the worst.” Police report that Ahern was the 68th victim of domestic violence-related deaths last year in North Carolina.
The daughter of Daniel and Karen Ahern of Rehoboth, “Cathy” is also survived by her maternal grandmother Sonja Bury of Rehoboth and many aunts, uncles and cousins. Her funeral service will be held on Saturday, January 14 with calling hours from 10 am to 12 noon, followed by a service. Burial will be private.
Nixle Alert Implementing Changes to System
(January 12, 2012) During the next few weeks, the Nixle emergency alert system will be making changes to comply with the Common Alerting Protocol (CAP), a standardized method for relaying emergency information across multiple warning systems, allowing alerts coming in from different agencies to all be received in the same format.
Nixle has been used by the Rehoboth Police Department and municipal government to send out advisories and community messages. Beginning today, alerts will include new information fields including urgency, certainty, category, event description, instructions and updates.
Roger Breault Demands Town Supply Him with Independent Legal Counsel
(January 10, 2012) Roger Breault, who last year was removed from his position on the Zoning Board of Appeals, has demanded that the Town of Rehoboth “employ an independent attorney on his behalf” to represent him in an appeal on a civil action filed by Grossi Development LLC and Thomas Grossi on November 21, 2011.
In his January 6 letter addressed to the town administrator and town clerk, Breault claims there is a conflict of interest using the contracted town counsel, Kopelman & Paige to represent him in this matter. Additionally, he noted the BOS previously “refused to employ an independent attorney” for him in the original civil rights suit filed by Grossi Development on April 29, 2010 that was subsequently dismissed August 25, 2011.
Breault has since been named as a defendant/appellee, both an individual and as a member of the Zoning Board of Appeals, in the appeal of a case against the town, the Conservation Commission, and the Zoning Board of Appeals filed by the development company. Others named in the suit include a total of sixteen individuals serving in official town capacities including the past town administrator.
Claiming the BOS’s previous refusal to “properly employ independent counsel” resulted in additionally legal costs for the town, Breault went on to allege the BOS “created considerable risks for its insurance carrier which continues to be reflected in higher insurance premiums.”
Along with his demand for independent legal representation, Breault urges the town to make a full report to the town’s insurance carrier “to avoid uncomfortable legal complications” should the sitting BOS “ignore” his request.
Selectmen Debate When to Schedule Meeting to Address Morra Issues
(January 10, 2012) Selectmen last night both began and ended the public portion of the BOS meeting with discussions on when exactly to schedule a meeting with Christopher Morra. The meeting, which can be held either privately in an executive session or in public will address several issues relating to their attempt on December 19 to remove him from the Finance Committee.
Last week on January 3, the board voted to give Morra a fourteen-day notice for a hearing scheduled for January 16. Given the notice was sent to Morra the next day, it did not meet the 14-day advance notice. Selectman then voted two-to-one to rescind their decision of last week and send out another notice to Morra.
However this notice would only give 48-hours notice to Morra. According to BOS chair Michael Costello, the shorter period of notice was appropriate under one set of regulations that were outlined in documentation supplied from town legal counsel Kopelman & Paige.
Later in the meeting, during the public forum segment, the Morra meeting schedule issue was brought up again by Finance Committee vice chair and clerk Michael Deignan who voiced his concern about the 48-hour meeting notice. Referencing Massachusetts General Law, Deignan cast enough doubt about the validity of the shorter notice that selectmen then rescinding their previous decision to rescind the original decision of last week.
In keeping with the original notice sent to Morra, the meeting could be held, at the earliest, on Wednesday, January 18 or at the next regularly scheduled BOS meeting on Monday, January 23.
BOS Agenda Items for January 9 Meeting
(January 9, 2012) The Rehoboth Board of Selectmen will meet for an executive session beginning at 6 PM tonight at the Senior Center when they will be negotiating contracts with non-union personnel, as well as collective bargaining with regard to contracts and litigation. Executive session will also involved the purchase, exchange, leave or value of real estate.
The public portion of the meeting is scheduled to begin at 7:30 PM with the town administrator’s report followed by action items including a request to place a temporary mobile home at 78 Martin Street. Other business will include license renewals, a vote to support the Community Innovation Challenge Grant; approval to accept the resignation of COA board member Allyson Chemelowski and appointment of a member to the Rehoboth Emergency Management Agency (REMA). The BOS will also vote to approve the authorization for remote participate in municipal meetings by members. A public forum will be opened following regular business.
FinCom Vice Chair Files a Response to Open Meeting Law Violation Complaints
(January 6, 2012) On January 4, Michael Deignan, vice chair and clerk of the Rehoboth Finance Committee filed a sworn two-page affidavit in response to complaints made by FinCom member Christopher Morra to the Attorney General’s Office alleging violations of the state’s Open Meeting Law. A copy of his affidavit was also received by the town clerk and selectmen’s office.
The notarized affidavit contained supplementary documentation and eight detailed responses to Morra’s allegations of opening meeting law violations by FinCom chair Susan Pimental, Deignan and Christine Daluz.
According to Deignan, his intent is not to get involved in a war of words, but his response was made “since my name specifically appears on Mr. Morra’s filing as having committed an Open Meeting Law violation.”
“With the many issues facing our town, state, and country today,” emphasized Deignan, “this type of petty political bickering does little to instill confidence in the Town’s residents that our elected and appointed officials are working our best with their interests in mind.”
BOS and School Committee Meetings Result in Reversed Decisions
(January 4, 2012) Last night the Rehoboth Board of Selectmen reserved a decision made at their last meeting on December 19 to remove Christopher Morra from his position on the town’s Finance Committee after he filed three open meeting law complaints last week with the Massachusetts Attorney General’s Office.
Selectman Joseph Tito said that he felt the board had been premature in dismissing Morra. BOS chairman Michael Costello emphasized his motion to remove Morra had been motivated by his desire to protect the town from additional litigation involving Morra. Additionally, he said he would like to file complaints against Morra himself, for alleged ethics violations.
The board then voted two-to-one to schedule a hearing on the matter, giving Morra a fourteen-day notice. Opposing the hearing vote was Selectman Don Leffort who expressed his belief the BOS should wait until they receive further information from the AG’s office regarding Morra’s complaints.
Also last night, Dighton-Rehoboth School Committee held a special meeting to gain public input about their decision, prior to the December school break, to suspend participation of both Dighton and Rehoboth middle school basketball teams in the Massasoit League.
Due to a grievance filed by the D-R Teacher’s union seeking increased compensation for the basketball coaches for additional games put into the Massasoit League’s game schedule, the committee had cancelled remaining games. With an overflow crowd of parents, students and coaches at the meeting, the committee reserved its prior decision following a closed-door session. The teams have been playing since November and the season close is scheduled for February 5. January 3 BOS Action Items Detailed on the Municipal Business Page
January 3 BOS Agenda Includes Discussion of FinCom Appointment
(January 3, 2012) The Rehoboth Board of Selectmen’s agenda for tonight’s meeting includes a discussion of the Finance Committee and an appointment to the committee, presumably to replace Christopher Morra who was removed from FinCom at the December 19 BOS meeting.
Selectmen will meet for an executive session beginning at 7 PM tonight at the Senior Center when they will discuss “the purchase, exchange, lease or value of real estate.
The public portion of the meeting will begin at 7:30 with the town administrator’s report and sixth-month evaluation of Norellen Palmer, the director for the Rehoboth Council on Aging that operates the Senior Center. There will be discussion on the police department’s towing policy, and a vote to approve the contract for the town’s municipal website. There will also be votes to approve general licenses and a one-day liquor license for the Rehoboth Call Firefighters.
Other business will include approval to pay the third payment to the Rehoboth Antiquarian Society for the operation of the Blanding Library. Public forum will follow regular business items.
School Com to Hold Special Meeting with Public Input on Middle School B’Ball Issue
(January 2, 2012) A special meeting of the Dighton Rehoboth Regional School Committee will be held on Tuesday, January 3, 2012 starting at 7PM in the Media Center at DRRHS to further discuss the issues concerning the suspension of Beckwith School participation in the Massasoit Basketball League’s current season.
Before the committee goes into closed session, there will be "Public Input" on the agenda. Parents and interested others are welcome to attend, listen and speak if you wish to during the Public Input section of the meeting which is scheduled to last approximately one hour.
A recent decision was made by the school committee to suspend participation of the boys and girls basketball teams at both Dighton Middle School and Beckiwth Middle School due to a grievance filed by the D-R Teacher’s union seeking increased compensation for the basketball coaches for additional games put into the Massasoit League’s game schedule.
is a publication of Image Communications, Copyright 2012
