MassVoter.com← Seekonk Select BoardSeekonk Select Board · 2024–2025 Board · Regular meeting
April 24, 2024
18 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, Pamela Pozzi, Michelle A. Hines, Christopher Zorra, Michael P. Healy
Absent: None
Every vote, in order
S Cadime's recommendation was as stated by Chief Enos.
That the Board of Selectmen appoint William Dillingham to the position of full-time Police Officer for the Police Department subject to and conditioned upon his successful passage, as determined by the Town Administrator, of the following: completion of a satisfactory background check; physical examination, with drug screening; psychological screening; MPTC Physical Fitness test; obtain and maintain a Massachusetts License to Carry; fulfillment of all statutory requirements set forth by the Peace Officer Standards and Training Commission to become a Certified Law Enforcement Officer; successful verification of the National Decertification Index; successful passage of the civil service physical ability test; completion and passage of an MPTC or approved ROC Police Academy
From the minutes
“C. Zorra made a motion that the Board of Selectmen appoint William Dillingham to the position of full-time Police Officer for the Police Department subject to and conditioned upon his successful passage, as determined by the Town Administrator, of the following: completion of a satisfactory background check; physical examination, with drug screening; psychological screening; MPTC Physical Fitness test; obtain and maintain a Massachusetts License to Carry; fulfillment of all statutory requirements set forth by the Peace Officer Standards and Training Commission to become a Certified Law Enforcement Officer; successful verification of the National Decertification Index; successful passage of the civil service physical ability test; completion and passage of an MPTC or approved ROC Police Academy; it was seconded by J. Sullivan, and it was unanimously approved. Vote: 5-0 all in favo.” (Motion: Zorra, second: Sullivan)
S Cadime's recommendation was as stated by Chief Whalen
That the Board of Selectmen appoint David McGovern to the position of Firefighter Paramedic for the Fire Department subject to and conditioned upon his successful passage, as determined by the Town Administrator, of the following: 1) successful pre- employment background check; 2) satisfactory CORI check; 3) physical examination with drug screening
From the minutes
“C. Zorra made a motion that the Board of Selectmen appoint David McGovern to the position of Firefighter Paramedic for the Fire Department subject to and conditioned upon his successful passage, as determined by the Town Administrator, of the following: 1) successful pre- employment background check; 2) satisfactory CORI check; 3) physical examination with drug screening; it was seconded by J. Sullivan, and it was unanimously approved. Vote: 5-0 all in favor Community Speaks – No one was present to speak.” (Motion: Zorra, second: Sullivan)
A License Hearing: Consider the request for a Change of Manager for Blazin Wings, Inc., d/b/a Buffalo Wild Wings, 120 Highland Avenue, Seekonk, MA., Colin Ahern to be
To approve a Change of Manager for Blazin Wings, Inc., d/b/a Buffalo Wild Wings, 120 Highland Avenue, Seekonk, MA., Colin Ahern to be manager
From the minutes
“J. Sullivan made a motion to approve a Change of Manager for Blazin Wings, Inc., d/b/a Buffalo Wild Wings, 120 Highland Avenue, Seekonk, MA., Colin Ahern to be manager; it was seconded by P. Pozzi, and it was unanimously approved Vote: 5-0 all in favo.” (Motion: Sullivan, second: Pozzi)
B Consider the request for Farm Fresh RI to waive their strict compliance for the requirements of the one-day special event bylaw and to conduct the Asparagus Fest at
To waive their strict compliance for the requirements of the one-day special event bylaw and to conduct the Asparagus Fest at Fourtown Farm on 90 George Street, Seekonk, MA., on May 5, 2024
From the minutes
“J. Sullivan made a motion to waive their strict compliance for the requirements of the one-day special event bylaw and to conduct the Asparagus Fest at Fourtown Farm on 90 George Street, Seekonk, MA., on May 5, 2024; it was seconded by M. Healy and it was unanimously approved Vote: 5-0 all in favor.” (Motion: Sullivan)
C Consider the request for Farm Fresh RI for a one-day special license under Massachusetts General Law, c130 ss14 to pour liquor at the Asparagus Fest at Fourtown Farm on 90
To approve the request for Farm Fresh RI for a one-day special license under Massachusetts General Law, c130 ss14 to pour liquor at the Asparagus Fest at Fourtown Farm on 90 George Street, Seekonk, MA., on May 5, 2024
From the minutes
“C. Zorra made a motion to approve the request for Farm Fresh RI for a one-day special license under Massachusetts General Law, c130 ss14 to pour liquor at the Asparagus Fest at Fourtown Farm on 90 George Street, Seekonk, MA., on May 5, 2024; it was seconded by M. Healy, and it was unanimously approved. Votes: 5-0 all in favo.” (Motion: Zorra, second: Healy)
D Consider the request for a second extension of time for Cannaverse's Host Community Agreement
To extend the HCA for Cannaverse until December 31, 2024
From the minutes
“J. Sullivan made a motion to extend the HCA for Cannaverse until December 31, 2024; it was seconded by P. Pozzi, and it was unanimously approved. Vote: 5-0 all in favo.” (Motion: Sullivan, second: Pozzi)
F Consider authorizing the Town Planner to submit an application to the Massachusetts Housing Partnership (MHP) for technical assistance through the Southeast Regional Planning and
To authorize the Town Planner to submit the application to the MHP as discussed
From the minutes
“J. Sullivan made a motion to authorize the Town Planner to submit the application to the MHP as discussed; it was seconded by M. Healy, and it was unanimously approved Vote: 5-0 all in favo.” (Motion: Sullivan, second: Healy)
M Healy believed that there is some confusion regarding the overall costs. He understands that the cost is phased in over a few years; however, after this, a nearly $1,000,000 tab will be coming out of
To put the ballot question back out for next April so that people can make better-informed decisions
Yes: Healy, Sullivan, ZorraNo: Hines, Pozzi
From the minutes
“C. Zorra made a motion to put the ballot question back out for next April so that people can make better-informed decisions; it was seconded by M. Healy, and it was approved 3-2 Roll call vote: Michael Healy – Aye; Pam Pozzi – Nay; Justin Sullivan – Aye; Chris Zorra – Aye; Michelle Hines - Nay Vote: 3-.” (Motion: Zorra, second: Healy)
M Hines encouraged residents to compost more; this should offset some of the expenses (especially reducing tipping fees through the "pay as you throw" program).
To award the Solid Waste Bid to Mega Transportation Group
From the minutes
“J. Sullivan made a motion to award the Solid Waste Bid to Mega Transportation Group; it was seconded by M. Healy, and it was unanimously approved Vote: 5-0 all in favo.” (Motion: Sullivan, second: Healy)
J Consider awarding the Medeiros Farm master plan bid to Clough, Harbour & Associates, LLP, (CHA)
To award the bid for the Medeiros Farm masterplan to CHA Clough Harbour and Associates, LLP, (CHA)
From the minutes
“J. Sullivan made a motion to award the bid for the Medeiros Farm masterplan to CHA Clough Harbour and Associates, LLP, (CHA); it was seconded by P. Pozzi, and it was unanimously approved Vote: 5-0 all in favor K. Third quarter budget presentation for FY24 S. Cadime summarized the budget. The FY24 Year to Date (YTD) balance had no changes with no significant issues. The following were noted: - Salaries are below budget forecast - Expenses for Quarter Three (Q3) are below target.” (Motion: Sullivan, second: Pozzi)
L Consider accepting the donation in the amount of $500 from the Friends of the Seekonk Veterans Memorial Park to be used by the Veterans Agent and the Veterans Council to defray
To accept the donation in the amount of $500 from the Friends of the Seekonk Veterans Memorial Park to be used by the Veterans Agent and the Veterans Council to defray the cost of maintenance of the Vietnam Veterans memorial located on Fall River Avenue
From the minutes
“M. Healy made a motion to accept the donation in the amount of $500 from the Friends of the Seekonk Veterans Memorial Park to be used by the Veterans Agent and the Veterans Council to defray the cost of maintenance of the Vietnam Veterans memorial located on Fall River Avenue; it was seconded by P. Pozzi, and it was unanimously approved S. Cadime noted that the Vietnam Memorial sits on property owned by the Seekonk Housing Authority (SHA). Unfortunately, it has been neglected for quite some time; the Town asked the Housing Authority if DPW could perform maintenance but the SHA declined the offer. Mr. Cadime proposed that, perhaps there may be a willingness to relocate the memorial; he is not okay with the lack of m.” (Motion: Healy, second: Pozzi)
M Consider authorizing the Town Administrator to sign an authorization form to accept a donation in the amount of $1,000.00 to the Seekonk Animal Shelter from the estate of
To authorize the Town Administrator to sign an authorization form to accept a donation in the amount of $1,000.00 to the Seekonk animal shelter from the estate of Elizabeth Shepard
From the minutes
“J. Sullivan made a motion to authorize the Town Administrator to sign an authorization form to accept a donation in the amount of $1,000.00 to the Seekonk animal shelter from the estate of Elizabeth Shepard; it was seconded by M. Healy, and it was unanimously approve.” (Motion: Sullivan, second: Healy)
N Consider the resignation of Nicole Ferrara from the position of Assistant Animal Control Officer effective April 27, 2024
To accept the resignation of Nicole Ferrara from the position of Assistant Animal Control Officer effective April 27, 2024
From the minutes
“J. Sullivan made a motion to accept the resignation of Nicole Ferrara from the position of Assistant Animal Control Officer effective April 27, 2024; it was seconded by C. Zorra, and it was unanimously approved Vote: 5-0 all in favor.” (Motion: Sullivan, second: Zorra)
O Consider accepting the open session meeting minutes of March 27, 2024
To accept the open meeting minutes of March 27, 2024 with one adjustment under J (a change to P. Pozzi as seconding the motion)
Yes: Hines, Pozzi, Sullivan, ZorraAbstained: Healy
From the minutes
“M. Hines made a motion to accept the open meeting minutes of March 27, 2024 with one adjustment under J (a change to P. Pozzi as seconding the motion); it was seconded by C. Zorra, and it was voted: 4 in favor/1 abstention (M. Healy not present) OTHER BUSINESS – Nothing at this time. TOWN ADMINISTRATOR'S REPORT: A. Department of Public Works Building Committee – no new updates. BOARD OF SELECTMEN LIAISON REPORTS AND COMMENTS A. Accounts Payable Warrant – Has been signed B. 540 Arcade Avenue Building Committee Report (M. Hines) – The state inspection for the elevator will be conducted on May.” (Motion: Hines, second: Zorra)
M Hines notified residents that there will be upcoming holiday conflicts with the Select Board meetings
To adjourn open session to enter into executive session to reconvene in open session for potential contract approval. A) To conduct strategy sessions with respect to negotiations with the Fire Chief, per MGL c 30A, 21(a)(2) as having the discussion in open session would be detrimental to the litigation or bargaining position of the town. B) To conduct strategy sessions with respect to negotiations with the Deputy Fire Chief, per MGL c 30A, 21(a)(2) as having the discussion in open session would be detrimental to the litigation or bargaining position of the town
From the minutes
“J. Sullivan made a motion to adjourn open session to enter into executive session to reconvene in open session for potential contract approval. A) To conduct strategy sessions with respect to negotiations with the Fire Chief, per MGL c 30A, 21(a)(2) as having the discussion in open session would be detrimental to the litigation or bargaining position of the town. B) To conduct strategy sessions with respect to negotiations with the Deputy Fire Chief, per MGL c 30A, 21(a)(2) as having the discussion in open session would be detrimental to the litigation or bargaining position of the town; it was seconded by P. Pozzi, and it was unanimously approved. Roll Call Vote: 5-0 all in favor Justin Sullivan-Aye; Pam Pozzi-Aye; Michelle Hines-Aye; Chris Zorra-Aye; Michael Healy-Aye P. Pozz.” (Motion: Sullivan, second: Pozzi)
To enter into open session at 8:15 p.m.
From the minutes
“P. Pozzi made a motion to enter into open session at 8:15 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; Michelle Hines-Aye; Chris Zorra-Aye; Michael Healy – Aye M. Heal.” (Motion: Pozzi, second: Sullivan)
To approve and sign the Fire Chief's contract effective April 10, 2024 to April 10, 2027
From the minutes
“M. Healy made a motion to approve and sign the Fire Chief's contract effective April 10, 2024 to April 10, 2027; it was seconded by Justin Sullivan, and it was unanimously approved.” (Motion: Healy, second: Sullivan)
To adjourn open session at 8:18 p.m.
From the minutes
“P. Pozzi made a motion to adjourn open session at 8:18 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; Michelle Hines-Aye; Chris Zorra-Aye; Michael Healy – Aye Respectfully submitted, Chris Zorra, Clerk Prepared by: Catherine Testa Items Distributed at the April 24, 2024 Board of Selectmen Meeting • Memo from Chief Enos in support of new hire William Dillingham • Memo from Chief Whalen in support of new hire David.” (Motion: Pozzi, 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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