MassVoter.com← Seekonk Select BoardSeekonk Select Board · 2023–2024 Board · Regular meeting
October 25, 2023
18 recorded votes, 1 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
A Consider the conditional offer of employment for Timothy G. Greves for the position of full- time Emergency Telecommunications Dispatcher
To appoint Timothy Greves to the position of full-time Emergency Telecommunications Dispatcher subject to and conditioned upon his successful passage, as determined by the Town Administrator, of a pre-employment background and CORI check, physical examination, drug screening, psychological evaluation, completion of all pre-employment paperwork, and successful completion of all required certifications to be a 911 telecommunicator for the Town
From the minutes
“M. Hines made a motion to appoint Timothy Greves to the position of full-time Emergency Telecommunications Dispatcher subject to and conditioned upon his successful passage, as determined by the Town Administrator, of a pre-employment background and CORI check, physical examination, drug screening, psychological evaluation, completion of all pre-employment paperwork, and successful completion of all required certifications to be a 911 telecommunicator for the Town; it was seconded by J. Sullivan, and it was unanimously approved. Vote: 5-0 all in favor.” (Motion: Hines, second: Sullivan)
B Consider the Conditional Offer of Employment for Joshua King for the position of Firefighter
To the Board of Selectmen appoint Joshua King to the position of 3rd Class Firefighter Paramedic for the Fire department subject to and conditioned upon his successful passage, as determined by the Town Administrator, of the following: 1) executed Attachment A and Attachment B documents; 2) pre-employment background and CORI check; 3) physical examination with drug screening; 4) psychological evaluation; 5) Civil Service Commission's physical ability test; 6) successful completion and passage from a Massachusetts Firefighting Academy; 7) completion of Paramedic level certification within 3 years from date of academy completion
From the minutes
“M. Hines made a motion the Board of Selectmen appoint Joshua King to the position of 3rd Class Firefighter Paramedic for the Fire department subject to and conditioned upon his successful passage, as determined by the Town Administrator, of the following: 1) executed Attachment A and Attachment B documents; 2) pre-employment background and CORI check; 3) physical examination with drug screening; 4) psychological evaluation; 5) Civil Service Commission's physical ability test; 6) successful completion and passage from a Massachusetts Firefighting Academy; 7) completion of Paramedic level certification within 3 years from date of academy completion; it was seconded by J. Sullivan, and it was unanimously approved. Vote: 5-0 all in favo.” (Motion: Hines, second: Sullivan)
C Consider the Conditional Offer of Employment for Michael Olson for the position of Firefighter
To the Board of Selectmen appoint Michael Olson to the position of 3rd Class Firefighter Paramedic for the Fire department subject to and conditioned upon his successful passage, as determined by the Town Administrator, of the following: 1) executed Attachment A and Attachment B documents; 2) pre-employment background and CORI check; 3) physical examination with drug screening; 4) psychological evaluation; 5) Civil Service Commission's physical ability test; 6) successful completion and passage from a Massachusetts Firefighting Academy; 7) completion of Paramedic level certification within 3 years from date of academy completion
From the minutes
“M. Hines made a motion the Board of Selectmen appoint Michael Olson to the position of 3rd Class Firefighter Paramedic for the Fire department subject to and conditioned upon his successful passage, as determined by the Town Administrator, of the following: 1) executed Attachment A and Attachment B documents; 2) pre-employment background and CORI check; 3) physical examination with drug screening; 4) psychological evaluation; 5) Civil Service Commission's physical ability test; 6) successful completion and passage from a Massachusetts Firefighting Academy; 7) completion of Paramedic level certification within 3 years from date of academy completion; it was seconded by J. Sullivan, and it was unanimously approved. Vote: 5-0 all in favor.” (Motion: Hines, second: Sullivan)
D Consider the Conditional Offer of Employment for Samantha Spatola for the position of Firefighter
To the Board of Selectmen appoint Samantha Spatola to the position of 3rd Class Firefighter Paramedic for the Fire department subject to and conditioned upon her successful passage, as determined by the Town Administrator, of the following: 1) executed Attachment A and Attachment B documents; 2) pre-employment background and CORI check; 3) physical examination with drug screening; 4) psychological evaluation; 5) Civil Service Commission's physical ability test; 6) successful completion and passage from a Massachusetts Firefighting Academy; 7) completion of Paramedic level certification within 3 years from date of academy completion
From the minutes
“M. Hines made a motion the Board of Selectmen appoint Samantha Spatola to the position of 3rd Class Firefighter Paramedic for the Fire department subject to and conditioned upon her successful passage, as determined by the Town Administrator, of the following: 1) executed Attachment A and Attachment B documents; 2) pre-employment background and CORI check; 3) physical examination with drug screening; 4) psychological evaluation; 5) Civil Service Commission's physical ability test; 6) successful completion and passage from a Massachusetts Firefighting Academy; 7) completion of Paramedic level certification within 3 years from date of academy completion; it was seconded by J. Sullivan, and it was unanimously approved. Vote: 5-0 all in favo.” (Motion: Hines, second: Sullivan)
E Consider the Conditional Offer of Employment for Justin Silva for the position of Firefighter
To the Board of Selectmen appoint Justin Silva to the position of 3rd Class Firefighter Paramedic for the Fire department subject to and conditioned upon his successful passage, as determined by the Town Administrator, of the following: 1) executed Attachment A and Attachment B documents; 2) pre-employment background and CORI check; 3) physical examination with drug screening; 4) psychological evaluation; 5) Civil Service Commission's physical ability test; 6) successful completion and passage from a Massachusetts Firefighting Academy; 7) completion of Paramedic level certification within 3 years from date of academy completion
From the minutes
“M. Hines made a motion the Board of Selectmen appoint Justin Silva to the position of 3rd Class Firefighter Paramedic for the Fire department subject to and conditioned upon his successful passage, as determined by the Town Administrator, of the following: 1) executed Attachment A and Attachment B documents; 2) pre-employment background and CORI check; 3) physical examination with drug screening; 4) psychological evaluation; 5) Civil Service Commission's physical ability test; 6) successful completion and passage from a Massachusetts Firefighting Academy; 7) completion of Paramedic level certification within 3 years from date of academy completion; it was seconded by J. Sullivan, and it was unanimously approved. Vote: 5-0 all in favo.” (Motion: Hines, second: Sullivan)
S Cadime and the Health Agent, Brian Darling, met with Dr. Khan. He has recently relocated to
To appoint Dr. Shawn Khan to the Board of Health
From the minutes
“M. Hines made a motion to appoint Dr. Shawn Khan to the Board of Health; it was seconded by J. Sullivan, and it was unanimously approved. Vote: 5-0 all in favo.” (Motion: Hines, second: Sullivan)
G Consider the appointment of William Kirchmann to the Recycling Committee
To appoint William Kirchmann to the Recycling Committee
From the minutes
“C. Zorra made a motion to appoint William Kirchmann to the Recycling Committee; it was seconded by P. Pozzi, and it was unanimously approved. Vote: 5-0 all in favo.” (Motion: Zorra, second: Pozzi)
J License Hearing: Consider the request for an entertainment license for Los Cantaritos Inc., d/b/a Plaza Mexico Cocina Mexicana & Cantina, 821 Fall River Avenue, Seekonk, MA
To approve the entertainment license for Los Cantaritos, Inc. The entertainment license will be for indoor and outdoor entertainment. Police detail is not required, at this time, but will be monitored
From the minutes
“M. Hines made a motion to approve the entertainment license for Los Cantaritos, Inc. The entertainment license will be for indoor and outdoor entertainment. Police detail is not required, at this time, but will be monitored; it was seconded by C. Zorra, and unanimously approved. VOTE: 5-0 all in favor H. JOINT MEETING WITH PLANNING BOARD: Interview candidates Kenneth Klang and Rene Gagnon for the vacant Planning Board seat Chair D. Sulliva.” (Motion: Hines, second: Zorra)
I Public Hearing – Consider the proposal and adoption of an order to layout the roadways "Stone Ridge Drive and Brady Lane" in accordance with the as-built plan and legal
To open the public hearing at 6:45 p.m.
From the minutes
“M. Hines made a motion to open the public hearing at 6:45 p.m.; it was seconded by J. Sullivan, and it was unanimously approved. Roll Call Vote: 5-0 all in favor Justin Sullivan-Aye; Pam Pozzi-Aye; Chris Zorra-Aye; Michelle Hines-Aye; Michael Healy-Aye Chair Healy said the Planning Board provided them their recommendation. If approved by the Select Board, it will go before Town Meeting. Chris Andrade from InSite Engineering, 1539 Fall River Avenue, Seekonk was present on behalf of the applicant. Ch. Healy as.” (Motion: Hines, second: Sullivan)
C Andrade (unable to hear/no microphone).
To close the public hearings at 6:58 p.m.
From the minutes
“M. Hines made a motion to close the public hearings at 6:58 p.m.; it was seconded by J. Sullivan, and it was unanimously approved. Roll Call Vote: 5-0 all in favor Justin Sullivan-Aye; Pam Pozzi-Aye; Chris Zorra-Aye; Michelle Hines-Aye; Michael Healy-Aye Mr. Cadime asked Mr. Aubin to work with the Conservation Agent. K. First Quarter Budget presentation S. Cadime provided the first quarter budget presentation. The presentation is provided on the website. In summary: FY24 Budget-no major issued identified F.” (Motion: Hines, second: Sullivan)
L Consider the request to rescind the Conditional Offer of Employment extended to Manuel Pina for the position of Police Officer
To rescind the conditional offer of employment to Manual Pina for the position of Police Officer
From the minutes
“M. Hines made a motion to rescind the conditional offer of employment to Manual Pina for the position of Police Officer; it was seconded by J. Sullivan, and unanimously approved. Vote: 5-0 all in favo.” (Motion: Hines, second: Sullivan)
M Accept the retirement from Sandra Lowery as Fire Chief effective February 1, 2024
To accept the letter of retirement of Sandra Lowery as Fire Chief as of February 1, 2024
From the minutes
“M. Hines made a motion to accept the letter of retirement of Sandra Lowery as Fire Chief as of February 1, 2024; it was seconded by J. Sullivan, and unanimously approved.” (Motion: Hines, second: Sullivan)
S Cadime answered approximately $10,000-$15,000.
To not hire a consultant for the hiring process and do it within the Town personnel
Yes: Healy, Hines, Pozzi, ZorraNo: SullivanThe minutes give the count as 4–0, but the roll call in the minutes lists 4 Yes and 1 No; the roll call is shown.
From the minutes
“M. Hines made a motion to not hire a consultant for the hiring process and do it within the Town personnel; it was seconded by P. Pozzi; and it was voted: C. Zorra asked for clarification of motion. M. Hines said the motion is not to hire a consultant and the Town would do the hiring process for a new Fire Chief within our own Town personnel. Roll Call Vote: 4 in favor/1 not in favor Justin Sullivan-Nay; Pam Pozzi-Aye; Chris Zorra-Aye; Michelle Hines-Aye; Michael Healy-Aye S. Cadime asked if the Board wanted to proceed with an interim chief. M. Hin.” (Motion: Hines, second: Pozzi)
That they move forward with having an interim Fire Chief
From the minutes
“M. Hines made a motion that they move forward with having an interim Fire Chief; J. Sullivan seconded; and it was unanimously approved. Vote: 5-0 all in favo.” (Motion: Hines, second: Sullivan)
O Consider accepting various donations in the amount of $1,031 for the Seekonk Animal Shelter.
To accept the various donations in the amount of $1,031 for the Animal Shelter
From the minutes
“M. Hines made the motion to accept the various donations in the amount of $1,031 for the Animal Shelter; P. Pozzi seconded the motion, and it was unanimously approved. Vote: 5-0 all in favo.” (Motion: Hines, second: Pozzi)
P Consider accepting the open session meeting minutes of September 20, 2023, September 27, 2023, and October 11, 2023
To approve the open meeting minutes of September 27, 2023 with an amendment
From the minutes
“M. Hines made a motion to approve the open meeting minutes of September 27, 2023 with an amendment; it was seconded by J. Sullivan, and it was unanimously approved. Vote: 5-0 all in favor M. Hine.” (Motion: Hines, second: Sullivan)
To approve the open meeting minutes of September 20, 2023 and October 11, 2023
From the minutes
“M. Hines made a motion to approve the open meeting minutes of September 20, 2023 and October 11, 2023; it was seconded by J. Sullivan, and it was unanimously approved. Vote: 5-0 all in favor.” (Motion: Hines, second: Sullivan)
E Seekonk Public Library Feasibility Study/Building Assessment (P. Pozzi) – The engineering team
To enter into Executive Session at 8:00 p.m. to reconvene into open session for potential contract negotiations to A) 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; B) 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 Page 11 of 11 Board of Selectmen October 25, 2023 detrimental to the litigation or bargaining position of the town; C) to discuss the reputation, character, physical condition or mental health, rather than professional competence, of an individual, or discuss the discipline or dismissal of, or complaints or charges against, a public officer, employee, staff me
From the minutes
“M. Hines made a motion to enter into Executive Session at 8:00 p.m. to reconvene into open session for potential contract negotiations to A) 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; B) 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.” (Motion: Hines, second: Sullivan)
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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