May 24, 2023

“Selectman Hull motioned, Selectmen Mello seconded and it was VOTED to send a letter of thanks to David Barriere and his son Nathan from Rehoboth. Rolf Call Vote: Chairman Caron, aye. Selectman Hull, aye. Selectman Mello, aye. Announcements Announcements were read by Selectman Mello. Public Input Chairman Caron gave instructions for providing public input. 1 Jennifer Duczkowski, 2414 County Street, came forward to discuss appointments for the Commission on Disability. She gave details on the recent meeting held by the Commission on Disability to interview candidates. She said the board gave the impression of bias when they appointed two of the four candidates. She thought that this was not the intent of the board and the impact was that no one feels comfortable to voiunteer. She said the statement made by Selectman Hull at the meeting on May 10, supported the appointment of all four of the candidates. She said she felt confident, that any questions the board had, could have been answered in advance of the May 10, meeting. She urged the board to reconsider the appointments, issue apologies, and look for ways to foster involvement by volunteers. Jonathan Gale, 22 Waterford Circle, speaking as the Chair of the Commission on Disability felt that the applicants that were not appointed were both caring, concerned and wanted to make a difference. He said he did not know of any other town with policies and procedures where the applicants have to be present to be appointed. Mr. Gale said he received an email from the Board of Selectmen's office asking for a recommendation from the Commission on Disability. He said they were not informed that the applicants had to be present. Mr. Gale said both candidates intended to be present tonight, but due to work they were not able to be present. Kevin Smith, 2461 Maple Swamp Road, said if something needs to be explored, he hoped the town would do it. He said the Commission on Disability recommended all four candidates for a reason and with the support of Selectman Hull. He thought the more people you can bring to the table, the better. He encouraged the board to appoint the remaining two applicants. William Moore, 1835 Smith Street, said he thought this was much ado about nothing. He said the appointments were not denied, they were tabled, meaning it would be considered at a future meeting. Mr. Moore said all of the committees are appointed by the Board of Selectmen. He strongly supported the boara's right to choose their appointed individuals. He said nasty accusations of nepotism and sexism were uncalled for. Patrick Higgins, via zoom, said at the beginning of the meeting you always give the zoom information. He said that was not necessary because anyone who is watching would have that information. He said it was an exercise in futility. Mr. Higgins also advised the board not to turn down volunteers and referenced, Chapter 41, section 11. Mr. Higgins also said the COD meeting should have been posted as a joint meeting with a quorum of the Board of Selectmen having been present. Selectman Hull, asked Mr. Higgins "if one member attends, but does not participate, is it considered a joint meeting?" Mr. Higgins said if you are present and participated. Mr. Robert Woods, 158 Chase Street (via Zoom), said he wanted to clarify a few things. He felt that it was up to the Chairman as to how they would like to conduct the meeting. If the chairman would like the appointees to be present, it is up to the chair. 2 Town Administrators' Report Annual Town Meeting - Town Meeting Warrant Overview Presentation Mr, Mullen went over the proposed Annual Town Meeting Warrant and gave information on each article. ; Selectman's Reports Chairman Peter Caron Solid Waste Committee Chairman Caron said the point-of-sale system was on order for the Transfer Station and they hoped to have the system up and running by beginning of the fiscal year. Selectman Nicole Mello - Library Building Committee Selectman Mell said on May 13" the Library held an open house at 207 Main Street and about 70 residents attended. She said it went very well. Selectman Leonard Hull - Dighton Water District Selectman Hull reported that there would be a Water District Meeting tomorrow night at Dighton . Elementary School. He thanked Mr. Quinn for his service to the Water District. He also announced that Mir. Derek Lach had resigned from the commission, Selectman Hull reported that there is a water restriction from May - October, odd and even restrictions are in place and no new irrigation permits would be issued. Main Street Project Selectman Hull reported that the telephone poles were being moved by National Grid. He said beginning in July, three (3) mains would be repaired and negotiations with Naughton Construction for road restoration were underway. He said a smocth top coat or milling would be performed. DDIC Selectman Hull reported positive news. He said four (4) new businesses opened in town. He said on Saturday, One Connection presented the town with a check for $35,000.00 and they celebrated their one-year anniversary. Selectman Hull said that a networking event would be held in October. Selectman Hull said the D-R Regional Schoo! Committee met last night. He said unfortunately Mrs. Gail De Cecco has resigned from the high school principal position as well as Amy Younger as principal of Dighton Middle School. Recommendation to Appoint Leah Quinn to the Commission on Disability Chairman Caron said he saw no problem with asking an applicant to be present for an interview. He said he was offended by the comments that it was sexist. Chairman Caron said he would not be pressured and bullied by someone who wants to be appointed. He recommended that neither one be appointed. Selectman Hull said it was his initial recommendation to expand the commission, however, the actions of one individual on social media, caused him to change his opinion. 3.” (Motion: Hull, second: Mello)

Read it in the official minutes, page 1 (PDF)

“Selectman Hull motioned, Selectman Mello seconded and it was VOTED to approve the facilities use request for New Leaf Energy. Roll Call Vote: Chairman Caron, aye. Selectman Hull, aye. Selectman Mallo, aye..” (Motion: Hull, second: Mello)

Read it in the official minutes, page 4 (PDF)

“Selectman Hull motioned, Selectman Mello seconded and it was VOTED to approve the Board of Selectmen's meeting schedule. Warrants.” (Motion: Hull, second: Mello)

Read it in the official minutes, page 5 (PDF)