MassVoter.com← Seekonk Select BoardSeekonk Select Board · 2023–2024 Board · Regular meeting
April 12, 2023
15 recorded votes, 2 with disagreement.
Sources: Official minutes (PDF) · Agenda
A monthly email on what it voted on, starting in November.
Attendance
Present: Justin Sullivan, Christopher Zorra, Michael P. Healy, Michelle A. Hines, Pamela Pozzi
Absent: None
Every vote, in order
To move community speaks after agenda item E
From the minutes
“M. Hines made a motion to move community speaks after agenda item E; it was seconded by J. Sullivan, and it was unanimously approved. VOTE: 5-0 all in favor A. Swearing in and badge pinning ceremony for Firefighters Elizabeth Santoro, Aaron Bento, and Hayden Gallagher Chief Lowery presented Firefighter Santoro who was sworn in with the Town Clerk, Florice Craig Chief Lowery presented Firefighter Bento who was sworn in with the Town Clerk, Florice Craig Chief Lowery presented Firefighter Gallagher who was sworn in.” (Motion: Hines, second: Sullivan)
E Consider the conditional offer of employment for Adeline Bellesheim for the position of Conservation Agent
To appoint Move that the Board of Selectmen appoint Adeline Bellesheim to the position of Conservation Agent, subject to and conditioned upon her successful passage, as determined by the Town Administrator, of a pre-employment background and CORI check, physical examination, drug screening, and completion of all pre-employment paperwork
From the minutes
“M. Hines made a motion to appoint Move that the Board of Selectmen appoint Adeline Bellesheim to the position of Conservation Agent, subject to and conditioned upon her successful passage, as determined by the Town Administrator, of a pre-employment background and CORI check, physical examination, drug screening, and completion of all pre-employment paperwork; it was seconded by J. Sullivan, and it was unanimously approved. Vote: 5-0 all in favor Adeline Bellesheim was present and thanked the Board for the opportunity. Community Speaks School Committee member Emily Field, 100 Fairway Drive, stated the school department received more Chapter 70 money for FY24 due to the change in demographics. She feels with the budget presented, the schools will have budget cuts in programs and staff. Jackie Glum, Ait.” (Motion: Hines, second: Sullivan)
F Public Hearing: To consider whether the Town will exercise the Town's right of first refusal pursuant to G.L. c. 61B, §9 to purchase six (6) parcels of land in Seekonk, located at 34
To open the public hearing 6:50 p.m.
From the minutes
“C. Zorra made a motion to open the public hearing 6:50 p.m.; it was seconded by J. Sullivan, and it was unanimously approved. Vote: 5-0 all in favor Chair Healy asked if anyone was present to speak in favor or opposition of the applicant. Brian Trendell, 42 Hammond Street, an abutter to the property, stated he was concerned with the impact to the wetlands and conservation land. Scott Harris, 12 Alice Drive, said the proposed area will affect surface water, as well as the water table. The land would also e.” (Motion: Zorra, second: Sullivan)
To close the public hearing 6:58
From the minutes
“C. Zorra made a motion to close the public hearing 6:58; it was seconded by J. Sullivan; and it was and it was unanimously approved. Vote: 5-0 all in favor C. Zorra asked if the CPC would be funding the purchase of the land. S. Cadime said the recommendation at Town Meeting will come from the CPC. M. Hines said if the Board votes on the approval, there will be an article on the Town Meeting Warrant and it will require a vote at Town Meeting.” (Motion: Zorra, second: Sullivan)
To exercise the Town's right of first refusal pursuant to G.L. c. 61B, §9 to purchase six (6) parcels of land in Seekonk, located at 34 Hammond Street (Map 10, Lot 305); 0 Hammond Street (Map 10, Lot 306); 291 Chestnut Street (Map 10, Lot 307); 297 Chestnut Street (Map 10, Lot 308); 303 Chestnut Street (Map 10, Lot 309) and 0 Chestnut Street (Map 10, Lot 310), containing 6.46 acres
From the minutes
“J. Sullivan made a motion to exercise the Town's right of first refusal pursuant to G.L. c. 61B, §9 to purchase six (6) parcels of land in Seekonk, located at 34 Hammond Street (Map 10, Lot 305); 0 Hammond Street (Map 10, Lot 306); 291 Chestnut Street (Map 10, Lot 307); 297 Chestnut Street (Map 10, Lot 308); 303 Chestnut Street (Map 10, Lot 309) and 0 Chestnut Street (Map 10, Lot 310), containing 6.46 acres; it was seconded by C. Zorra, and it was unanimously approved. Vote: 5-0 all in favo.” (Motion: Sullivan, second: Zorra)
G Consider the request from the Holy Ghost Brotherhood of Charity to waive the strict compliance of the requirements from the "One Day Special Event" Bylaw and to conduct the
To approve the request from the Holy Ghost Brotherhood of Charity to waive the strict compliance of the requirements from the "One Day Special Event" By-law and to conduct the Annual Procession from Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Church to the Holy Ghose club in Rehoboth, MA in August
From the minutes
“M. Hines made a motion to approve the request from the Holy Ghost Brotherhood of Charity to waive the strict compliance of the requirements from the "One Day Special Event" By-law and to conduct the Annual Procession from Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Church to the Holy Ghose club in Rehoboth, MA in August; it was seconded by J. Sullivan, and it was unanimously approved. Vote: 5-0 all in favo.” (Motion: Hines, second: Sullivan)
H Consider the request for a Place of Public Amusement License for Seekonk Lodging, LLC, d/b/a Ramada Inn, 213 Taunton Avenue
To approve the request from the Seekonk Lodging, LLC, d/b/a Ramada Inn for a Place of Public Amusement License
From the minutes
“J. Sullivan made a motion to approve the request from the Seekonk Lodging, LLC, d/b/a Ramada Inn for a Place of Public Amusement License; it was seconded by M. Hines, and it was unanimously approved. Vote: 5-0 all in favor.” (Motion: Sullivan, second: Hines)
I Consider the request from Farm Fresh R.I., for a One Day "Special License" under M.G.L. c. 138 § 14 to pour liquor at the "Asparagus Fest" to be held on May 7, 2023 at 4 Town Farm, 90
To approve the request from Farm Fresh RI for a One-Day Special License to pour liquor at the "Asparagus Fest" to be held on May 7, 2023 at Four Town Farm with certificate of insurance provided
From the minutes
“M. Hines made a motion to approve the request from Farm Fresh RI for a One-Day Special License to pour liquor at the "Asparagus Fest" to be held on May 7, 2023 at Four Town Farm with certificate of insurance provided; it was seconded by C. Zorra, and it was unanimously approved. Vote: 5-0 all in favo.” (Motion: Hines, second: Zorra)
J Approval of the Fiscal Year 2024 Budget
To approve the FY24 Town Operating Budget
From the minutes
“J. Sullivan made a motion to approve the FY24 Town Operating Budget; it was seconded by C. Zorra, and it was unanimously approved. Vote: 5-0 all in favor.” (Motion: Sullivan, second: Zorra)
M Make Recommendations on Warrant Articles
To approve the Warrant for Spring Town Meeting with the recommendation to the following: withdraw Article 14, amend Article 15 to include CPC, Article 4 HVAC/ventilation, and Article 10 adding clarification of "committee,"
From the minutes
“J. Sullivan made a motion to approve the Warrant for Spring Town Meeting with the recommendation to the following: withdraw Article 14, amend Article 15 to include CPC, Article 4 HVAC/ventilation, and Article 10 adding clarification of "committee," it was seconded by M. Hines, and it was unanimously approved. Vote: 5-0 all in favor N. Sign the Warrant Once the corrections/amendments are made to the Warrant, the Board will sign it.” (Motion: Sullivan, second: Hines)
O Consider renaming Field 5 on Water Lane
To withdraw rename Field 5 on Water Lane
From the minutes
“J. Sullivan made a motion to withdraw rename Field 5 on Water Lane; it was seconded by C. Zorra, and it was unanimously approved. Vote: 5-0 all in favo.” (Motion: Sullivan, second: Zorra)
S Cadime answered for over twenty years.
To accept the resignation of Lisa Parker
From the minutes
“J. Sullivan made a motion to accept the resignation of Lisa Parker; C. Zorra seconded it, and it was unanimously approved. Vote: 5-0 all in favo.” (Motion: Sullivan, second: Zorra)
Q Consider the approval of minutes from March 29, 2023
To accept the March 29, 2023 as presented
Yes: Healy, ZorraAbstained: Hines, Pozzi, SullivanThe minutes say this was unanimously approved, but record the vote as 2 in favor and 3 abstentions (Hines and Pozzi were newly elected; Sullivan was absent from the March 29 meeting).
From the minutes
“C. Zorra made a motion to accept the March 29, 2023 as presented; it was seconded by M. Healy, and it was unanimously approved. Vote: 2 in favor, 3 abstentions (M. Hines and P. Pozzi (newly elected officials) J. Sullivan (absent from meeting) P. Pozzi mentioned the Board and Committees openings were not read at the beginning of the meeting. She also asked if someone from each committee could attend a meeting to provide information about the committee. M. Hines read the Board and Committee openings: Board of.” (Motion: Zorra, second: Healy)
P Pozzi suggest maintaining the safety of the fields and not to have the fields go backwards.
To not reconsider Article 14 for the Spring Town Meeting Warrant
Yes: Healy, Hines, Sullivan, ZorraAbstained: Pozzi
From the minutes
“M. Hines made a motion to not reconsider Article 14 for the Spring Town Meeting Warrant; it was seconded by J. Sullivan, and it was voted: 4 approved/1abstention (P. Pozzi). TOWN ADMINISTRATOR'S REPORT: A. South End Fire Station Building Committee – They met today to discuss the IT design. B. Department of Public Works Building Committee – The next meeting is April 18th. BOARD OF SELECTMEN LIAISON REPORTS AND COMMENTS A. Accounts Payable Warrant - signed B. Bristol County Advisory Board (M. Healy) – There was nothing new to report.” (Motion: Hines, second: Sullivan)
E TV9 Liaison Report (M. Healy) – attended the April 10th meeting. Five members were present along with the executive director, Kevin. They have recorded thirty-seven productions. An executive
To enter into executive session and reconvene to open session for contract approval at 8:42 p.m.; A) to conduct a strategy session with respect to negotiations with the United Steelworkers Supervisors Unit Local 9517-09 per MGL c 30A § 21(a) (3) as having the discussion in open session would be detrimental to the litigation or bargaining position of the town; B) to conduct a strategy session with respect to negotiations with the United Steelworkers Clerical Unit Local 9517-10 per MGL c 30A § 21(a) (3) as having the discussion in open session would be detrimental to the litigation or bargaining position of the town; C) to conduct a strategy session with respect to negotiations with the Seekonk Public Library Employee Association, MLSA, AFT Massachusetts, AFL-CIO per MGL c 30A § 21(a) (3) as having the discussion in open session would be detrimental to the litigation or bargaining position
From the minutes
“J. Sullivan made a motion to enter into executive session and reconvene to open session for contract approval at 8:42 p.m.; A) to conduct a strategy session with respect to negotiations with the United Steelworkers Supervisors Unit Local 9517-09 per MGL c 30A § 21(a) (3) as having the discussion in open session would be detrimental to the litigation or bargaining position of the town; B) to conduct a strategy session with respect to negotiations with the United Steelworkers Clerical Unit Local 9517-10 per MGL c 30A § 21(a) (3) as having the discussion in open session would be detrimental to the litigation or bargaining position of the town; C) to conduct a strategy session with respect to negotiations with the Seekonk Public Library Employee Association, MLSA, AFT Massachusetts, AFL-CIO per MGL c 30A § 21(a) (3) as having the discussion in open session would be detrimental to the litigation or bargaining position of the town; D) to conduct a strategy session with respect to negotiations with DPW AFSCME Council 93 per MGL c 30A § 21(a) (3) as having the discussion in open session would be detrimental to the litigation or bargaining position of the town; and E) consider approving the Executive S.” (Motion: Sullivan, second: Hines)
From the Seekonk Select Board’s official minutes, posted in the town’s Agenda Center. Every vote in these minutes has a count, and most name anyone who voted no or abstained. We check every count against the members named and quote the exact wording. MassVoter never grades officials; votes and attendance are shown exactly as the minutes record them. Photos of current members: Town of Seekonk Select Board page (seekonk-ma.gov). Former members show initials.
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