MassVoter.com← Dighton Board of SelectmenDighton Board of Selectmen · 2024–2026 Board · Regular meeting
January 28, 2026
10 recorded votes, 10 with disagreement.
Sources: Official minutes (PDF)
A monthly email on what it voted on, starting in November.
Attendance
Present: Peter D. Caron, Mark Pacheco, Nicole Mello
Absent: None
Every vote, in order
Table the job description and posting for Operator Class I. Roll call Vote: Chairman Caron, aye
To table the job description and posting for Operator Class I. Roll call Vote: Chairman Caron, aye
The minutes say the motion was voted but do not list a roll call for it.
From the minutes
“Selectman Pacheco motioned, Selectman Mello seconded and it was VOTED to table the job description and posting for Operator Class I. Roll call Vote: Chairman Caron, aye. Selectman Pacheco, aye. Selectman Mello, aye. Safety Signage Near Dighton Elementary School Mr. Ferry said we received a request for safety signage from State Representative Justin Thurber's office. He said it is out of his jurisdiction, but rather is the jurisdiction of Mass DOT. Mr. Ferry said he supports the request. Mr. Ferry said that Mr. Vitacco has written a letter to State Representative Thurber's office regarding the Dighton Elementary and Dighton Middle School safety zone..” (Motion: Mark Pacheco, second: Mello)
Approve the letter regarding Somerset Avenue safety concerns to State Representative Justin Thurber as written
To approve the letter regarding Somerset Avenue safety concerns to State Representative Justin Thurber as written
The minutes say the motion was voted but do not list a roll call for it.
From the minutes
“Selectman Pacheco motioned, Selectman Mello seconded and it was VOTED to approve the letter regarding Somerset Avenue safety concerns to State Representative Justin Thurber as written. Roll call Vote: Chairman Caron, aye. Selectman Pacheco, aye. Selectman Mello, aye. Aging Highway Equipment Mr. Ferry was looking for guidance from the Board with regard to aging equipment within his department. Chairman Caron asked what equipment was of concern. Mr. Ferry said it is a combination of equipment and trucks some of which are 20-30 years old. He said two years ago he submitted an article for the warrant and it was rejected. Chairman Caron asked if leasing equipment was looked in to. Mr. Ferry said that is always discussed in the Finance Committee meetings. 3 Mr. Ferry said the department is in trouble and as time goes on, it is getting worse. Chairman Caron said he is aware of the aging equipment. He said even if the debt exclusion doesn't pass, it doesn't mean we are not going to spend money. Mr. Ferry said there are five that are in poor condition. There was discussion about repairs to all town vehicles and that there is only one mechanic in town. Selectman Pacheco said he was happy that they were talking about Capital Outlay. He informed Mr. Ferry that it is in the bylaw and he had two days to submit a Capital Outlay request. Chairman Caron asked when they meet. Mr. Vitacco said as needed. Announcements Announcements were read by Selectman Mello. Public Input Jonathan Gale, Waterford Circle, said under the ADA and EEO act it is extremely important that the language be there. He said it was a requirement of the law and he was happy to assist with that. Selectmen's Reports Chairman Caron said that the Highway Department has done a fabulous job on the roads during the recent storm. Town Administrator's Report Town Administrator Debt Exclusion Report Town Administrator Ralph Vitacco gave a presentation on the debt exclusion. He reported that he will be doing some outreach events. Mr. Vitacco also wanted to let the public know about the debt exclusion mailer that will be going out to the voters. He said that the mailer and the ballots will be going out separately. Selectman Pacheco said he thought it made sense for the Town Clerk to have the mailer available at the voting location. Mr. Vitacco outlined Levy limits, budget cuts. He explained what a yes and no vote would mean on the Debt exclusion. Mr. Vitacco also went over the effect on the town tax rate. He outlined existing debt exclusions in the town and noted that the current debt exclusion for Dighton Elementary School would be dropping off. Mr. Vitacco also explained absorbing costs without the debt exclusion and mentioned the last day to receive absentee ballots/vote by mail applications. Selectman Pacheco thought the timing on the mailer made sense. He would like to see them as soon as possible. Selectman Pacheco said we had a presentation from the financial advisor and asked if that could be put on website. Chairman Caron asked for the savings that would be realized when the debt exclusion for Dighton Elementary School roof falls off. 4 Old Business: Dighton Swap Shed.” (Motion: Mark Pacheco, second: Mello)
Table the Swap Shed Agenda item
To table the Swap Shed Agenda item
The minutes say the motion was voted but do not list a roll call for it.
From the minutes
“Selectman Mello motioned to table, Selectman Pacheco seconded and it was VOTED to table the Swap Shed Agenda item. Roll call Vote: Chairman Caron, aye. Selectman Pacheco, aye. Selectman Mello, aye. ; Sick Time Donations Mr. Vitacco outlined the request for donation of sick time and his initial recommendation to approve donation of 100 hours. He explained that he had since reviewed the requests and was asking the board to approve the additional 138 hours. Selectman Pacheco.” (Motion: Mello, second: Mark Pacheco)
Approve the donation in its entirety
To approve the donation in its entirety
The minutes say the motion was voted but do not list a roll call for it.
From the minutes
“Selectman Pacheco motioned, Selectman Mello seconded and it was VOTED to approve the donation in its entirety. Roll call Vote: Chairman Caron, aye. Selectman Pacheco, aye. Selectman Mello, aye. Selectman Pacheco had some comments on how to improve future requests. He said since the meeting the Town Administrator reached out to ask if the board would approve the additional request. Selectman Pacheco said asked for a clear request and a response from both the Town Administrator as to what the Town Administrator and Human Resources person recommended. Selectman Pacheco said he sent an email and had not received a response from Human Resources so he wanted to read it into the record: "Hello Ralph & Karin, wanted to follow up on some of my comments at the last bos meeting in regards to both the FMLA transfer for Ashley, and the Assistant Foreman Position for Tom. Some questions will always have for these Human Resources Questions that incure a cost are: Full Scope of Question: Known Precident? Contract Language? Town Administrator review? Comments? Recommend? Human Resources Coordinator Review? Comments ? Recommend? Town Accountant Review? What is the financial impact in simple terms? Fully funded ? Funding Source? Reviewed by Department Head? Comment? Recommend? 5 Reviewed by Union ? Union Comments/Concerns? Labor attorney - Comments if necessary. Other For the FMLA transfer would have liked to have seen more information included in the packet believe we would have a different outcome. In the follow up would like to see if there is any info in the Union contract, what the law says/industry best practice says on the subject and answers to the questions above. believe if we had that same check off list for the job description for assistant foreman (or assistant "to the" foreman) believe the job descriptions final product would have looked different than what was presented. If you could implement something along these lines for Human Resource and other non routine requests would really appreciate it. am just looking for the BOS to be as informed as possible on requests coming from the Town, think there is progress to be made in this area. Thank you, have a great week, Mark" Selectman Pacheco said he expected those questions to be answered. For the FMLA transfer, he would like to see follow up and he would like to see a checklist with regard to future requests implemented going forward. He was disappointed that nothing was put in writing from Human Resources. Justin Daigneault (via Zoom), said he wanted to advise on HIPPA violations with regard to the FMLA matter and the employee's name being mentioned for future reference. New Business Acceptance of Road Layout for Muddy Cove Lane Town Administrator Vitacco said that the Muddy Cove Lane project would go out to bid and is targeted for next September. He said the total project was 6.2 million dollars with assistance from the state in the amount of 3 million dollars. Mr. Vitacco said that you cannot expend money on a private road. He said part of the acceptance process is that the selectmen have to vote on their intent to accept the road and the project is forwarded to the Planning Board who will have hearings and then it will be presented at town meeting for final acceptance. Chairman Caron wanted to know if there would be any reimbursement for this project. Mr. Vitacco said that we are looking to the state to get the 3 million additional dollars. He said that State Representative Auchincloss' office is fully aware of the status of Dighton finances..” (Motion: Mark Pacheco, second: Mello)
Forward the acceptance of Muddy Cove Lane to the Planning Board. 6 Roll call Vote: Chairman Caron, aye
To Forward the acceptance of Muddy Cove Lane to the Planning Board. 6 Roll call Vote: Chairman Caron, aye
The minutes say the motion was voted but do not list a roll call for it.
From the minutes
“Selectman Pacheco motioned, Selectman Mello seconded and it was VOTED to Forward the acceptance of Muddy Cove Lane to the Planning Board. 6 Roll call Vote: Chairman Caron, aye. Selectman Pacheco, aye. Selectman Mello, aye. Request to Appoint Kenneth Fredette as a Member of the Open Space Committee Jonathan Gale, Open Space Committee Member, let the board know that the Open Space Committee confirmed Kenneth Fredette and recommended his appointment. Jonathan Gale said that all of the Open Space Committee members have been filled and are getting up to speed on everything. Mr. Fredette outlined his background and said he was interse.” (Motion: Mark Pacheco, second: Mello)
Appoint Kenneth Fredette to the Open Space Committee
To appoint Kenneth Fredette to the Open Space Committee
The minutes say the motion was voted but do not list a roll call for it.
From the minutes
“Selectman Pacheco motioned, Selectman Mello seconded and it was VOTED to appoint Kenneth Fredette to the Open Space Committee. Roll call Vote: Chairman Caron, aye. Selectman Pacheco, aye. Selectman Mello, aye. Letter Requesting Legislature to Accept an Act Relative to the Appointment of Retired Police Officers in the Town of Dighton. Mr. Vitacco said we need to send a letter from the Chair of the Board of Selectmen to Senator Dooner advising that the Act was approved at town meeting..” (Motion: Mark Pacheco, second: Mello)
Approve and send the letter to the legislature regarding the Home Rule Petition as written
To approve and send the letter to the legislature regarding the Home Rule Petition as written
The minutes say the motion was voted but do not list a roll call for it.
From the minutes
“Selectman Pacheco motioned, Selectman Mello seconded and it was VOTED to approve and send the letter to the legislature regarding the Home Rule Petition as written. Roll call Vote: Chairman Caron, aye. Selectman Pacheco, aye. Selectman Mello, aye. Approval of Warrants.” (Motion: Mark Pacheco, second: Mello)
Approve Warrant #30A- 26 in the amount of $114,088.30, Warrant 30B-26 in the amount of $1,189,110.58, both dated January 22, 2026
To approve Warrant #30A- 26 in the amount of $114,088.30, Warrant 30B-26 in the amount of $1,189,110.58, both dated January 22, 2026
The minutes say the motion was voted but do not list a roll call for it.
From the minutes
“Selectman Pacheco motioned, Selectman Mello seconded and it was VOTED to approve Warrant #30A- 26 in the amount of $114,088.30, Warrant 30B-26 in the amount of $1,189,110.58, both dated January 22, 2026. Roll call Vote: Chairman Caron, aye. Selectman Pacheco, aye. Selectman Mello, aye..” (Motion: Mark Pacheco, second: Mello)
Approve Warrant #31A- 26 in the amount of $143,433.95 and Warrant 31B-26 in the amount of $258,533.87 both dated January 29, 2026. 7 Roll call Vote: Chairman Caron, aye
To approve Warrant #31A- 26 in the amount of $143,433.95 and Warrant 31B-26 in the amount of $258,533.87 both dated January 29, 2026. 7 Roll call Vote: Chairman Caron, aye
The minutes say the motion was voted but do not list a roll call for it.
From the minutes
“Selectman Pacheco motioned, Selectman Mello seconded and it was VOTED to approve Warrant #31A- 26 in the amount of $143,433.95 and Warrant 31B-26 in the amount of $258,533.87 both dated January 29, 2026. 7 Roll call Vote: Chairman Caron, aye. Selectman Pacheco, aye. Selectman Mello, aye. Correspondence/Acknowledgements Borges Brothers Disposal Rates Mr. Vitacco said the letter is giving notice of an increase in rates. Selectman Pacheco said this is a 10% increase and asked how often they review rates. Mr. Vitacco said that they review each year. He said it was high and he had figured on about 7%, but disposal costs had gone up. Minutes.” (Motion: Mark Pacheco, second: Mello)
Adjourn at 8:17 p.m
To adjourn at 8:17 p.m
The minutes say the motion was voted but do not list a roll call for it.
From the minutes
“Selectman Mello motioned, Selectman Pacheco seconded and it was VOTED to adjourn at 8:17 p.m. Roll call Vote: Chairman Caron, aye. Selectman Pacheco, aye. Selectman Mello, aye. Respectfully submitted, Karin L. Brady Executive Assistant 8 Documents Reviewed: Dighton Public Library Presentation Letter to Justin Thurber regarding Route 138 Safety Concerns Annual Parking Ban Notice Southeast New England Conference and Trade Show Annual Town Election Notice Debt Exclusion Presentation Letter to Senator Kelly Dooner Regarding Approval of Town Meeting Article Sick Time Donation Information Letter from Members of the Clerical Union Regarding Sick Time Donation Map of Muddy Cove Road Acceptance Project Open Space Recommendation to Appoint Kenneth Fredette Letter from Borges Trucking Regarding Increase in Diposal Rates Letter from Harvey Industries Regarding Rate Increases Minutes from the Board of Selectmen Regular Meeting of January 14, 2026 Minutes 9.” (Motion: Mello, second: Mark Pacheco)
From the Dighton Board of Selectmen’s official minutes, posted in the town’s Agenda Center. Nearly every vote is a roll call with each Selectman named; we check every roll call against the members present and quote the exact wording. MassVoter never grades officials; votes and attendance are shown exactly as the minutes record them. Member photos: Mark Pacheco and Peter Caron from the Taunton Daily Gazette; Glen Cabbage from the Town of Dighton video of the September 23, 2026 Board of Selectmen meeting (identified by the nameplate in front of each member).
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