MassVoter.com← Swansea Board of SelectmenSwansea Board of Selectmen · 2021–2022 Board · Regular meeting
March 8, 2022
28 recorded votes, 2 with disagreement.
Sources: Official minutes (PDF)
A monthly email on what it voted on, starting in November.
Attendance
Present: Steven H. Kitchin, Christopher R. Carreiro, Derek W. Heim
Absent: None
Every vote, in order
Approve $4,329,018.25 for personnel services, $405,048.98 in expenses, $91,983.36 in equipment, $1,500.00 in special investigations, and $1,000.00 for travel. Budget 210 - Police Department, and recom
To approve $4,329,018.25 for personnel services, $405,048.98 in expenses, $91,983.36 in equipment, $1,500.00 in special investigations, and $1,000.00 for travel. Budget 210 - Police Department, and recommend to Advisory and Finance
From the minutes
“MOTION made by Mr. Kitchin, seconded by Mr. Carreiro to approve $4,329,018.25 for personnel services, $405,048.98 in expenses, $91,983.36 in equipment, $1,500.00 in special investigations, and $1,000.00 for travel. Budget 210 - Police Department, and recommend to Advisory and Finance. ALL IN FAVOR -- UNANIMOUS Vote to Reaffirm American Rescue Plan Projects MOTION made by Mr.” (Motion: Kitchin, second: Carreiro)
Remove the mask mandate in Town-owned buildings
To remove the mask mandate in Town-owned buildings
From the minutes
“MOTION made by Mr. Kitchin, seconded by Mr. Carreiro to remove the mask mandate in Town-owned buildings. ALL IN FAVOR - UNANIMOUS Vote to overspend Snow and Ice Budget Mrs.” (Motion: Kitchin, second: Carreiro)
Deficit spend in the snow budget account
To deficit spend in the snow budget account
From the minutes
“MOTION made by Mr. Kitchin, seconded by Mr. Carreiro, to deficit spend in the snow budget account. ALL IN FAVOR ~ UNANIMOUS Appointment - Conservation Commission Mr.” (Motion: Kitchin, second: Carreiro)
Appoint Sean Moffi of 3 Cole Street, Swansea, MA as a member of the Conservation Commission, with a term to expire June 30, 2023
To appoint Sean Moffi of 3 Cole Street, Swansea, MA as a member of the Conservation Commission, with a term to expire June 30, 2023
From the minutes
“MOTION made by Mr. Kitchin, seconded by Mr. Carreiro, to appoint Sean Moffi of 3 Cole Street, Swansea, MA as a member of the Conservation Commission, with a term to expire June 30, 2023. ALL IN FAVOR - UNANIMOUS Appointment - Acknowledge Appointment to Community Preservation Com.” (Motion: Kitchin, second: Carreiro)
Acknowledge the appointment of Mr. Charles Applegate of Pearse Road, as the Conservation Commission's representative to serve on the Community Preservation Commission, with a term to expire June 30, 2
To acknowledge the appointment of Mr. Charles Applegate of Pearse Road, as the Conservation Commission's representative to serve on the Community Preservation Commission, with a term to expire June 30, 2024
From the minutes
“MOTION made by Mr. Kitchin, seconded by Mr. Carreiro to acknowledge the appointment of Mr. Charles Applegate of Pearse Road, as the Conservation Commission's representative to serve on the Community Preservation Commission, with a term to expire June 30, 2024. ALL IN FAVOR - UNANIMOUS Appointment - Board of Health Melissa Afonso, 234 Cummings Road, re.” (Motion: Kitchin, second: Carreiro)
Appoint Melissa Afonso of 234 Cummings Road, as a member of the Board of Health, with a term to expire June 30, 2023
To appoint Melissa Afonso of 234 Cummings Road, as a member of the Board of Health, with a term to expire June 30, 2023
From the minutes
“MOTION made by Mr. Kitchin, seconded by Mr. Heim, to appoint Melissa Afonso of 234 Cummings Road, as a member of the Board of Health, with a term to expire June 30, 2023. ALL IN FAVOR - TWO IN FAVOR, ONE ABSTENTION.” (Motion: Kitchin, second: Heim)
Appoint Timothy Cabral of 222 Baker Road, as an alternate member of the Board of Health, with a term to expire June 30, 2023
To appoint Timothy Cabral of 222 Baker Road, as an alternate member of the Board of Health, with a term to expire June 30, 2023
From the minutes
“MOTION made by Mr. Kitchin, seconded by Mr. Heim, to appoint Timothy Cabral of 222 Baker Road, as an alternate member of the Board of Health, with a term to expire June 30, 2023. ALL IN FAVOR - TWO IN FAVOR, ONE ABSTENTION.” (Motion: Kitchin, second: Heim)
Approve the February 8, 2022 minutes, as submitted
To approve the February 8, 2022 minutes, as submitted
From the minutes
“MOTION made by Mr. Kitchin, seconded by Mr. Carreiro to approve the February 8, 2022 minutes, as submitted. ALL IN FAVOR -- UNANIMOUS MOTION made by Mr.” (Motion: Kitchin, second: Carreiro)
Approve the February 15, 2022 minutes, as submitted
To approve the February 15, 2022 minutes, as submitted
From the minutes
“MOTION made by Mr. Kitchin, seconded by Mr. Carreiro to approve the February 15, 2022 minutes, as submitted. ALL IN FAVOR - UNANIMOUS MOTION made by Mr.” (Motion: Kitchin, second: Carreiro)
Recess at 6:27 p.m
To recess at 6:27 p.m
From the minutes
“MOTION made by Mr. Kitchin, seconded by Mr. Carreiro to recess at 6:27 p.m. ALL IN FAVOR - UNANIMOUS MOTION made by Mr.” (Motion: Kitchin, second: Carreiro)
Reconvene at 6:32 p.m
To reconvene at 6:32 p.m
From the minutes
“MOTION made by Mr. Kitchin, seconded by Mr. Carreiro to reconvene at 6:32 p.m. ALL IN FAVOR -- UNANIMOUS 6:30 p.” (Motion: Kitchin, second: Carreiro)
Enter into the dangerousness dog hearing. 2
To enter into the dangerousness dog hearing. 2
From the minutes
“MOTION made by Mr. Kitchin, seconded by Mr. Carreiro to enter into the dangerousness dog hearing. 2 ALL IN FAVOR -- UNANIMOUS Ms.” (Motion: Kitchin, second: Carreiro)
Deem Jack dangerous
To deem Jack dangerous
From the minutes
“MOTION made by Mr. Kitchin, seconded by Mr. Carreiro to deem Jack dangerous. ALL IN FAVOR -- UNANIMOUS MOTION made by Mr.” (Motion: Kitchin, second: Carreiro)
That the following provisions be ordered for Jack: 1. Animal Control Officer Lisa White will make a site visit to inspect the property and make other recommendations for safety precautions to avoid Ja
That the following provisions be ordered for Jack: 1. Animal Control Officer Lisa White will make a site visit to inspect the property and make other recommendations for safety precautions to avoid Jack getting out from the yard. 2. Whenever Jack leaves the property, he must be basket muzzled, on a secure collar, on a leash, under the control of an adult at all times. 3. When on the property, Jack must be confined to the backyard in a fenced in area and on his run. 4. Ifan electric fence is installed in addition to the physical fence, Jack does not need to be confined to his run. Training on the electric fence with a reputable company approved by Animal Control Officer Lisa White is mandatory if an electric fence is installed by the homeowner. 5. Jack shall never be left outside when no one is home. 6. A copy of the homeowners' insurance showing the coverage for the dog shall be submitte
From the minutes
“MOTION made by Mr. Kitchin, seconded by Mr. Carreiro, that the following provisions be ordered for Jack: 1. Animal Control Officer Lisa White will make a site visit to inspect the property and make other recommendations for safety precautions to avoid Jack getting out from the yard. 2. Whenever Jack leaves the property, he must be basket muzzled, on a secure collar, on a leash, under the control of an adult at all times. 3. When on the property, Jack must be confined to the backyard in a fenced in area and on his run. 4. Ifan electric fence is installed in addition to the physical fence, Jack does not need to be confined to his run. Training on the electric fence with a reputable company approved by Animal Control Officer Lisa White is mandatory if an electric fence is installed by the homeowner. 5. Jack shall never be left outside when no one is home. 6. A copy of the homeowners' insurance showing the coverage for the dog shall be submitted to the Board of Selectmen's Office. 7. A gate installed on the front porch. ALL IN FAVOR -- UNANIMOUS Mr.” (Motion: Kitchin, second: Carreiro)
Close the hearing
To close the hearing
From the minutes
“MOTION made by Mr. Kitchin, seconded by Mr. Carreiro to close the hearing. ALL IN FAVOR - UNANIMOUS MOTION made by Mr.” (Motion: Kitchin, second: Carreiro)
Recess at 7:43 p.m
To recess at 7:43 p.m
From the minutes
“MOTION made by Mr. Kitchin, seconded by Mr. Carreiro to recess at 7:43 p.m. ALL IN FAVOR - UNANIMOUS 7 MOTION made by Mr.” (Motion: Kitchin, second: Carreiro)
Reconvene at 7:51 p.m. 7:00 p.m. - Host Community Agreement, Sears Farm Wellness, 215 Sears Farm Road Attorney Ted Grourke stated that MBL Development will move forward with permitting and planning an
To reconvene at 7:51 p.m. 7:00 p.m. - Host Community Agreement, Sears Farm Wellness, 215 Sears Farm Road Attorney Ted Grourke stated that MBL Development will move forward with permitting and planning and they've had one meeting with department heads and one scheduled for tomorrow. The traffic study has been submitted and they're continuing to move forward and would like to move ahead with the Host Community Agreement. Will Sherry and Maggie Brownell, Sears Farm Wellness, were also present. Mrs. Aronstein stated that the Host Community Agreement had one significant change and Attorney Grourke was correct with everything he stated. A discussion followed regarding the roadway. Mrs. Aronstein stated the departments involved with this are Police, Fire, Highway, Planning and Conservation. The Water Department is also involved. Mr. Kitchin stated that he would like clarification from the Polic
The minutes do not record a vote for this motion.
From the minutes
“MOTION made by Mr. Kitchin, seconded by Mr. Carreiro to reconvene at 7:51 p.m. 7:00 p.m. - Host Community Agreement, Sears Farm Wellness, 215 Sears Farm Road Attorney Ted Grourke stated that MBL Development will move forward with permitting and planning and they've had one meeting with department heads and one scheduled for tomorrow. The traffic study has been submitted and they're continuing to move forward and would like to move ahead with the Host Community Agreement. Will Sherry and Maggie Brownell, Sears Farm Wellness, were also present. Mrs. Aronstein stated that the Host Community Agreement had one significant change and Attorney Grourke was correct with everything he stated. A discussion followed regarding the roadway. Mrs. Aronstein stated the departments involved with this are Police, Fire, Highway, Planning and Conservation. The Water Department is also involved. Mr. Kitchin stated that he would like clarification from the Police Chief and William Anderson that the traffic study is valid. Mr. Kitchin stated that Sears Farm Road has to be brought up to a standard that the Highway Department feels is acceptable and the provision in the agreement where the company is paying for the improvements to the road, but crediting the 3% Community Impact Fee (CIF) should be open to negotiation. Mr. Carreiro stated that he feels everything is in order regarding the Town Departments and the petitioners. He also stated that the language should be changed in the Host Community Agreement regarding the Town reimburse the petitioners anything paid over 3% and state that the petitioners will not pay the Town anything over 3%. Mr. Heim inquired about the festivals and outside activities, etc. Mr. Sherry stated that the Police Chief asked for that language to be included. Mr. Heim stated that he is in agreement regarding Sears Farm Road be made acceptable. Mrs. Aronstein stated that she would get feedback from the departments and meet with Attorney Grourke on behalf of the Board. Mr. Heim stated they would ratify the Host Community Agreement at the next meeting. 7:15 p.m. - Host Community Agreement Northeast Cann - 610 GAR Highway Attorney Nicholas Gomes and Attorney Sean Coleman were present on behalf of Northeast Cann, Inc. Attorney Gomes stated that they have obtained the special permit from the previous applicant and met with the Zoning Board. Attorney Gomes discussed the business plan for Northeast Cann. Mr. Kitchin stated that he is more comfortable using the current Host Community Agreement template we have, which was drafted by Town Counsel. Mr. Kitchin inquired if there would be a traffic study at this location. 8 Mrs. Aronstein said that it is appropriate to require a traffic study. A discussion followed regarding signage. Attorney Gomes stated he doesn't have an issue working with the Town's current Host Community Agreement and his client is eager to move this project forward..” (Motion: Kitchin, second: Carreiro)
Enter into negotiations with Northeast Cann, Inc. and its representatives regarding a Host Community Agreement
To enter into negotiations with Northeast Cann, Inc. and its representatives regarding a Host Community Agreement
From the minutes
“MOTION made by Mr. Kitchin, seconded by Mr. Carreiro to enter into negotiations with Northeast Cann, Inc. and its representatives regarding a Host Community Agreement. ALL IN FAVOR -- UNANIMOUS Budget Review 220 - Fire Department Fire Chief Eric Hajder reviewe.” (Motion: Kitchin, second: Carreiro)
Approve $705,579.71 for personnel services, $252,900.00 in expenses, and $20,000.00 for equipment, Budget 220 - Fire Department and recommend to Advisory and Finance
To approve $705,579.71 for personnel services, $252,900.00 in expenses, and $20,000.00 for equipment, Budget 220 - Fire Department and recommend to Advisory and Finance
From the minutes
“MOTION made by Mr. Kitchin, seconded by Mr. Carreiro to approve $705,579.71 for personnel services, $252,900.00 in expenses, and $20,000.00 for equipment, Budget 220 - Fire Department and recommend to Advisory and Finance, ALL IN FAVOR - UNANIMOUS 291 - Emergency Management Chief Hajder stated the additional expen.” (Motion: Kitchin, second: Carreiro)
Approve $2,000.00 for personnel services, and $18,150 in expenses, Budget 291 - Emergency Management and recommend to Advisory and Finance
To approve $2,000.00 for personnel services, and $18,150 in expenses, Budget 291 - Emergency Management and recommend to Advisory and Finance
From the minutes
“MOTION made by Mr. Kitchin, seconded by Mr. Carreiro to approve $2,000.00 for personnel services, and $18,150 in expenses, Budget 291 - Emergency Management and recommend to Advisory and Finance. ALL IN FAVOR - UNANIMOUS 141 Assessors Mrs.” (Motion: Kitchin, second: Carreiro)
Table Budget 141, Assessors
To table Budget 141, Assessors
From the minutes
“MOTION made by Mr. Carreiro, seconded by Mr. Kitchin to table Budget 141, Assessors. ALL IN FAVOR-UNANIMOUS 300 Education Mr.” (Motion: Carreiro, second: Kitchin)
Approve $1,606,518 in expenses, Budget 390 ~ Vocational Schools and recommend to Advisory and Finance
To approve $1,606,518 in expenses, Budget 390 ~ Vocational Schools and recommend to Advisory and Finance
From the minutes
“MOTION made by Mr. Kitchin, seconded by Mr. Carreiro to approve $1,606,518 in expenses, Budget 390 ~ Vocational Schools and recommend to Advisory and Finance. ALL IN FAVOR - UNANIMOUS 9 MOTION made by Mr.” (Motion: Kitchin, second: Carreiro)
Approve $97,218 in debt service, and recommend to Advisory and Finance
To approve $97,218 in debt service, and recommend to Advisory and Finance
From the minutes
“MOTION made by Mr. Kitchin, seconded by Mr. Carreiro to approve $97,218 in debt service, and recommend to Advisory and Finance. ALL IN FAVOR -- UNANIMOUS 910 Insurance Mrs.” (Motion: Kitchin, second: Carreiro)
Approve $7,146,992 in expenses, Budget 910 - Insurance and recommend to Advisory and Finance
To approve $7,146,992 in expenses, Budget 910 - Insurance and recommend to Advisory and Finance
From the minutes
“MOTION made by Mr. Kitchin, seconded by Mr. Carreiro to approve $7,146,992 in expenses, Budget 910 - Insurance and recommend to Advisory and Finance. ALL IN FAVOR - UNANIMOUS 91] Liability MOTION made by Mr.” (Motion: Kitchin, second: Carreiro)
Approve a second-hand permit for ecoATM
To approve a second-hand permit for ecoATM
From the minutes
“MOTION made by Mr. Kitchin, seconded by Mr. Carreiro to approve a second-hand permit for ecoATM. ALL IN FAVOR - UNANIMOUS Correspondence Open Meeting Law Complaint.” (Motion: Kitchin, second: Carreiro)
Direct Mallory Aronstein to reply on behalf of the Board of Selectmen to the open meeting law complaint. Mr. Heim stated he received correspondence from Swansea Cable Access regarding Meet the Candida
To direct Mallory Aronstein to reply on behalf of the Board of Selectmen to the open meeting law complaint. Mr. Heim stated he received correspondence from Swansea Cable Access regarding Meet the Candidates Night, scheduled for March 31, 2022 at the Police Department and it will also be broadcast live on Swansea Cable Access. Mr. Heim stated there is a need for an Executive Session pursuant to M.G.L.c30A,§21(a)(3): To discuss strategy with respect to collective bargaining if an open meeting may have a detrimental effect on the bargaining position of the public body: Superior Officers Union, Patrolman's Union, Highway Union and M.G.L.c30A, §21(a)(7): To comply with, or act under the authority of, any general or special law or federal grant-in-aid requirements: Review Executive Session Minutes - February 15, 2022 The Board will not reconvene into open session
The minutes do not record a vote for this motion.
From the minutes
“MOTION made by Mr. Kitchin, seconded by Mr. Carreiro to direct Mallory Aronstein to reply on behalf of the Board of Selectmen to the open meeting law complaint. Mr. Heim stated he received correspondence from Swansea Cable Access regarding Meet the Candidates Night, scheduled for March 31, 2022 at the Police Department and it will also be broadcast live on Swansea Cable Access. Mr. Heim stated there is a need for an Executive Session pursuant to M.G.L.c30A,§21(a)(3): To discuss strategy with respect to collective bargaining if an open meeting may have a detrimental effect on the bargaining position of the public body: Superior Officers Union, Patrolman's Union, Highway Union and M.G.L.c30A, §21(a)(7): To comply with, or act under the authority of, any general or special law or federal grant-in-aid requirements: Review Executive Session Minutes - February 15, 2022 The Board will not reconvene into open session..” (Motion: Kitchin, second: Carreiro)
Enter into executive session
To enter into executive session
From the minutes
“MOTION made by Mr. Kitchin and seconded by Mr. Carreiro to enter into executive session. ROLL CALL VOTE: Mr. Kitchin - Aye, Mr. Carreiro - Aye, Mr. Heim - Aye ALL IN FAVOR -- UNANIMOUS MOTION made by Mr. Kitchin and seconded by Mr. Heim to recess to clear the room at 9:18 p.m. ALL IN FAVOR - UNANIMOUS a.” (Motion: Kitchin, second: Carreiro)
Recess to clear the room at 9:18 p.m
To recess to clear the room at 9:18 p.m
From the minutes
“MOTION made by Mr. Kitchin and seconded by Mr. Heim to recess to clear the room at 9:18 p.m. ALL IN FAVOR - UNANIMOUS ay submitted, “Janet Helley 4 Document List: FY2023 Budgets: Police.” (Motion: Kitchin, second: Heim)
From the Swansea Board of Selectmen’s official minutes, posted on the town’s website. We check every vote against the Selectmen present and quote the exact wording. MassVoter never grades officials; votes and attendance are shown exactly as the minutes record them. Photos: Alanna Solitro, a still from her Swansea Cable Access Television candidate video (2026); Robert Medeiros, from his campaign Facebook page (Robert Medeiros Swansea Selectman).
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