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The Raynham Channel
Board of Selectmen 05/27/2025
(Episode Description is AI generated and may be errors in accuracy)
Democracy thrives in Raynham as the Select Board tackles critical decisions affecting the community's future. At the heart of this meeting lies a pivotal financial crossroads: voters will decide on June 24th whether to approve a $3.9 million Proposition 2.5 override to fully fund the town's share of the regional school district budget. The Board unanimously approved the special election date, with plans to provide comprehensive information to residents about the override's implications, including available tax abatements for seniors and veterans.
Department updates painted a picture of a busy municipal government serving its citizens. Fire Chief LaCivita proudly announced the graduation of three recruits from their training program, with special recognition for Justin who received the outstanding recruit award. Meanwhile, Highway Superintendent Sturtevant detailed progress on multiple road projects despite May being historically rainy, with completed work on Elm Street East and ongoing projects throughout town. A significant Mill Street project is scheduled to begin in early June, promising improved infrastructure but temporary inconvenience for residents.
The Board demonstrated its commitment to public safety by unanimously denying a request for a rodeo with alcohol service at Rosina's Field. Despite assurances from the organizer about enhanced security measures following a previous incident where bulls escaped during their event in another town, both police and fire chiefs expressed concerns about potential risks, particularly given the venue's proximity to Route 495 and residential areas.
The meeting closed with heartfelt appreciation for the tremendously successful town meeting—described as the largest in two decades—and the recent Memorial Day Parade. These events showcased the strength of community engagement in Raynham and the collaborative spirit between town departments, volunteers, and residents. Have questions about the upcoming school budget override? Join us on June 10th when school officials and the finance director will present detailed information about what this important decision means for our town's future.
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Good evening and welcome. I hereby call to order at 7 o'clock pm the meeting of the Rainham Select Board on both Comcast channel 98 and Verizon channel 34. It is also being recorded by Raycam for replay on the Rainham channel. Please join us for the Pledge of Allegiance. I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the Republic for which it stands one nation, god, and to His Holy Liberty and Justice for all. Thank you. Our next agenda item is the acceptance of the minutes as printed of the regular session of May 19, 2025, and the minutes of the executive session of may 13th 2025, with the executive session minutes withheld from public release. Do I have a motion so moved? Second any discussion, hearing them all in favor, any opposed? It is so voted for. Department heads reports. We have our fire chief, brian the civeter. Welcome chief, thank.
Speaker 2:This is the activity port for april 79 fire calls, 213 medical emergencies, motor vehicle crashes and 139 inspectional services. Last year we had 304 runs. Uh, this time of year we're at three, oh two, so we're right on track. Uh, just a quick. Uh, I know the board has been invited, but fireman Sunday this year is June 1st, 845, in front of the fire station. And I'd like to congratulate three recruits that graduated at the beginning of May Joe Gill, thomas Kelleher and Justin Bernaskevich. It's a 10-week program For a couple of those guys. It's been a long time coming. They've had a lot of requirements to get to that point, so congratulations to them. Been a long time coming. They've had a lot of requirements to get to that point. So congratulations to them. And a big shout out to justin bernaskevich who, um uh, was awarded the outstanding recruit award at the at the fire academy not a small undertaking. So quite well, academically and practically. So we're proud of him for that and for representing us in the best possible way.
Speaker 3:Excellent, excellent mr the chief. No, mr Chief, no questions. Thank you.
Speaker 1:No questions.
Speaker 3:Thank you.
Speaker 1:It's excellent. Chief. I do want to thank you and the members of your department for all the support and participation in our Memorial Day Parade, especially with Jason Carnes, who coordinated efforts for us with the fire engines, the ambulance, the fire department float, the honor guard and that with Mr Smith for the memorial float in honor of our Congressional Medal of Honor recipient, sergeant Jared Monti. So he was a great help in all of the departments. So thank you so much.
Speaker 2:Thank you, jason's a good guy.
Speaker 1:Yes, thank you, thank you. Thank you, yes, sir, good guy thank you, and next we have our highway superintendent norm sturdivant. Welcome, mr sturdivant.
Speaker 5:Thank you good evening. There's some updates from the highway department for the month of May. A brush pile and transfer station remained steady, busy as always and we're anticipating the first mowing in the season. And that service is provided by the solar panel company and their subcontractor, so that's no cost to the town. No issues finally to report at this time with the methane gas system all up and running good.
Speaker 5:The parks and grounds crew have been busy with the annual spruce up to the Johnson's Pond Park ahead of the annual fishing derby that took place two Saturdays ago. I understand they had a good turnout and good weather. They've been busy trying to keep up with mowing all the areas around town, especially with all the rain. I just heard that we were the fifth. It was the fifth rainiest month of May in history. I guess Spced up the anchor pocket, gazebo pocket ahead of last Saturday's parade and the road crew has been busy with continued streets weeping when they can. They've been pulled off due to some patching around town that holes have opened up on different roads around town from the heavy rains that we've had. They also kind of got watered down the last couple weeks they worked with the contractors on the Elm Street and Ann and Hall area road work that we had done for resurfacing. They set up the flags ahead of the Memorial Day parade again ahead of last weekend's parade and holiday.
Speaker 5:I just wanted to give a quick update on some road projects. Elm Street East, the mill and overlay project was complete. We're just waiting on the striping contract to come out and lay that striping out for the new road Hall Street I'm sorry Ann Street, robinson Street and part of Hall was done last Wednesday. That's a resurfacing from chip stone. That was a two-part process. They shimmed it and leveled it last month and then they come in and lay down the chip stone. That was a two-part process. They shimmed it and leveled it last month and then they come in and lay down the chip stone again. They did a last Wednesday and they'll finish up Hall Street and Thrasher Street tomorrow. For the folks over there in that area if they have any questions, there is some loose stones. We're going to be sweeping again tomorrow and then we'll let that sit for about a week, let the Sun hit it and then we'll sweep again as needed to clean those up.
Speaker 5:Mill Street the project from the culvert to King Phillip Street is expected to start first or second week of June. The last polls were moved about three or four weeks ago thanks to TMLP, and we're just waiting for some final wires to be done by Verizon. We thank all of our utilities for staying on top. On top of that for us. When that road work starts, I'll keep the board and the residents informed as much as I can. There might be some closures with that road, at least during the day. We anticipate that opening up at night, but it's going to be a mess there for a little while. I just wanted folks to know that we have a reclaimed situation going on in that road, so it's going to go down to gravel and it's going to be a mess for a little bit. We do have the paving contractor scheduled to come in right after that, so we'll try not to leave that in gravel for more than four or five days. I hope so.
Speaker 1:That's the plan that's all I got and thank you and the members of your crew for doing everything to make our town look so amazing for the parade and the ceremony.
Speaker 1:We'll try to get a truck in next year okay, under appointments, have a 2025-2026 CERPED Commission member representing the Board of Selectmen. We have a nomination of Calvus Sullivan to serve as the CERPED Commission member representing our Board. Mrs Sullivan has served in this capacity for many years and she is willing to continue serving. Do I have a motion? So moved? Second Motion is made and seconded any discussion hearing and all in favor. Any opposed. You just so voted and we thank Carol for that. All right, continuing. We have no public hearings scheduled this evening. Completion of old continuing business. Do you have anything for us, mr Piccadilly?
Speaker 6:None, Madam Chair.
Speaker 1:Mr Collins, under new business we have discussion and vote on special town election for a proposition. Two and a half override the warrant which stated to see if the town will vote to raise and appropriate the additional sum of three million nine hundred thirty eight thousand seventeen dollars required to fully fund the assessed share of the Bridgewater Rainham Regional School District's operating budget for FY 2026 and thereby approve the district's operating budget for the year, provided that the additional appropriation be contingent on the approval of a proposition. Two and a half levy limit override under Massachusetts general laws. That was step one for step two. It now comes back to this board which has the authority to schedule a special town election. Step three, of course, would be the vote at a special town election. Do we have any discussion or a motion at this?
Speaker 6:time. Yes, I would have a three-part motion for you. I would first part one motion to set the election from on June 24th from 10 am to 8 pm, with all polling at the middle school. Part B would be to have the question be displayed as followed Shall the town of Rainham be allowed to assess an additional $3,938,017 in real estate and personal property taxes for the purposes of fully funding the assessed share of the Bridgewater-Rainham Regional School District operating budget for the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2025? And part three would be to direct the administrator and finance director within two weeks to completely update the website with all relevant information related to the override for folks to have that in place prior to voting.
Speaker 1:That was a mouthful.
Speaker 6:Yes.
Speaker 1:Do we have a second? I will second all three parts.
Speaker 1:All three parts One, b and three. Do we have any further discussion Hearing none all in favor. Aye, any opposed. It is a unanimous vote. I would suggest that at our next meeting, which will be we go on the summer schedule, so our next meeting will be June 10th, tuesday, june 10th that we place on the agenda an item for discussion of the special town election and we invite our Bridgewater A&M superintendent, ryan Powers, to make a presentation, as he did at the annual town meeting. We invite our finance director, mr Chris Lavalette, to attend and give a perspective, financial perspective, what it means, what the override means, and also someone from the Board of Assessors to come and, because we've had a request, come and explain the senior abatements that are possible on property taxes and also for veterans and anyone else that.
Speaker 6:I think that covers the different aspects
Speaker 1:of that sure, and hopefully during that presentation, all of the questions, will you know, be answered. So okay, well, we're all in agreement about that. Next on the agenda we have discussion and vote on extension of Complete Streets grant contract shared use path at Borden Colony. Mr Mr Greg Barnes, can you explain to us a little bit of what this is all about?
Speaker 4:years ago, a grant for 400,000 to create a shared use path at Borden colony. This would be on the senior center side of the road. This would allow for walking and bike path. The grant is expiring in June 30th. However, the state is allowing us to extend it for another three years. So I'm just asking permission to extend the grant for three years.
Speaker 1:Do we have a motion?
Speaker 4:Motion to approve.
Speaker 1:Second, any further discussion Hearing. None all in favor, aye Any opposed. It is so voted, moving on. Next on our agenda we have Rancho El Milagro Entertainment LLC. A request for a rodeo and one-day permit for alcohol. Rosina's Field, 571 Elm Street East.
Speaker 1:We have a letter here to the members of the select board. It says I hope this letter finds you well. My name is Anthony Gonzalez and I am writing to formally propose hosting a family-friendly rodeo event at Rosina's Field, located at 571 Elm Street East in Rainham. This event is envisioned as a safe, exciting and culturally enriching experience that will bring the community together while supporting local businesses and offering wholesome entertainment to all ages. We also have two letters as well one from our police chief, david LaPlante, which states this letter is in response to the application for a one day alcohol license for Rancho El Milagro Entertainment LLC's Festival Rodeo celebrating Father's Day, scheduled for June 15th at 619 Elm Street East, also known as Rosina's Field.
Speaker 1:I oppose this event due to the potential risks to our community and the significant adverse publicity it could generate. Rancho El Milagro is the same company that held the rodeo at the Emerald Square Mall in North Attleboro last fall. During that rodeo, eight bulls escaped from their pen and caused havoc in the town. It appears the same company applied for a permit to return to the same venue in North Attleboro and that was denied. Okay, we also have a letter from our fire chief basically echoing the police chief's concerns. Chief LeCiviter is here.
Speaker 1:Do you want to add anything Chief?
Speaker 2:The only thing that I would add is just, obviously the incident in North Attleboro was found. They weren't at Fallport but North Attleboro did not renew their, their request. I would say to if, if the board chooses to approve it, we would obviously work with the, with them. I know a truthful plan.
Speaker 2:I kind of expanded that saying that he would like a meeting with them and to discuss emergency preparedness and stuff like that, and I would like to be involved in that meeting too, if the board decides to approve that. Other than that, we had an incident with a bull not too long ago last year and it did not bring great attention to the town, so that would be my only concern. That's route 495, and if that was one bull, let alone eight. But again, I know that from what I have read that they weren't really found at fault for what happened okay, thank you thanks to anyone here from the petitioner that wants to address the board.
Speaker 1:So just please state your name and address for our minutes.
Speaker 7:I want to apologize about that, but yeah, we have taken up more measures. We have secured our panels better, added chains and vaults and obviously we've done many rodeos around the east coast that this was the only incident we've had in many road roads that we've done and we didn't apply for up in North Alabama. We didn't apply. We went to speak with the Town Council but we never applied for it. So it was never denied. We just didn't want to move forward.
Speaker 1:But yeah, thank you for clarifying that.
Speaker 7:If there's any questions or anything, we'll answer.
Speaker 1:Thank you, anthony, mr Buccepa.
Speaker 6:No, no questions. I think, based upon the input of our public safety chiefs, it's not a gamble. That's worth it in my eyes. Coupled with the location, I think that failed us. Fine for casual horse shows, but it's different when you get into this type of entertainment. We have neighborhoods brought strewn about there and it runs parallel to 195 and to me the any benefits we might realize. They're gonna be far away by the potential issues it could cause and the strain it's gonna put on our staff. So I'd motion to deny.
Speaker 1:Thank you, mr Pacheco. Do we have a second?
Speaker 3:I always have reservations. I think in two and a half years of doing this, this is the second or third request for alcohol to be served in that area and similar to what mr Pacheco stated. I just I don't think that's the area to get into serving alcohol and any further discussion hearing on all in favor, any opposed.
Speaker 1:It is so voted and it is denied. Thank you appreciate it. You have a good one, you too. All right, continuing, we have our town administrators report.
Speaker 6:I just see a town clerk. Yeah, I didn't know if she oh yes, oh what I'm sorry this is Sylvia. I think you wanted to address us yes thank you the podium is in a tough spot.
Speaker 1:It is yeah, but that's not June 24th and also we approve the language for the ballot.
Speaker 8:Oh good, okay, so I'll get that. I just wanted to say that the Board of Registrars will be holding a special meeting next Wednesday at 5 o'clock to discuss the option of recommending to the Board of Selectmen about in-person early voting for this election and if the Board of Registrars I'm on the board votes to recommend it, it would be to the Board of Selectmen to authorize us holding in-person early voting for a week before the election.
Speaker 1:There will be regardless of that vote. There will be absentee ballots available. Vote by mail ballots.
Speaker 8:The applications are online on our website, on the town clerk's page. I can also put it on the front page of the of the website. I know mr Barnes won't won't push me out, but though and they're also. They're online at the Secretary of State's office. They can get them from our office. They can email our office and we'll send them out. We'll have them here.
Speaker 1:There's every option that for this election.
Speaker 6:If you're amenable to it. I think under 9a we could take this up and I would motion to Approve whatever action the board of registrar's deems fit. Regarding APPROVE WHATEVER ACTION THE BOARD OF REGISTERED OUTS DEEMS FIT. Regarding EARLY VOTING FOR THE SINGULAR PURPOSE OF MAKING SURE THAT THE dates, if available, are out as soon as they can, as opposed to waiting for our next time that we're in session we have a second to that any further discussion hearing.
Speaker 1:None all in favor. Any opposed so voted. Opposed so voted.
Speaker 8:Thank you, marsha.
Speaker 1:Now we go to our town administrator, mr Barnes.
Speaker 4:Yes, I received word last week that the MassHealth Officers Association is expecting grant monies to allow for tobacco sensation and prevention program. This will allow us to do certain inspectional services in town. This will be done through the MHOA at no cost to the town. I just like to have the board's permission to enter into this agreement at my discretion, so moved.
Speaker 1:We have a motion Second. Second Any further discussion Hearing none all in favor, aye Any opposed, so voted. Do you have anything else for us, mr Barnes?
Speaker 4:I will be starting to take some vacation time. I don't expect to be in on Friday through next Wednesday. I'll be back at least in the afternoon of next Thursday.
Speaker 1:Okay, thank you. Selectmen's report, Mr Pacheco.
Speaker 6:Thank you, madam Chair. Just one item on my end. I just want to offer appreciation to our town clerk and her staff and the town moderator and everybody else who was responsible for putting on with a lot of contingency planning in my opinion a very successful town meeting, and most certainly to those who attended the meeting to vote. It was, I think, the biggest I've ever been a part of in about 20 years, so it was great to see. I think I can speak for all of us when I say we hope that type of participation and engagement continues. But I was would have been remiss if I didn't recognize masher and John, and their team is for the enormous effort that they put forward. I know John was, in particular, at the school the entire day making sure the setup was in place, so excellent mr Collins.
Speaker 3:In regards to the town meeting, I thought it went very well. There's a lot of work behind the scenes. Also the parade I forgot to acknowledge you and thank you for all your efforts at the parade. It was, like always, very good. The weather was out. It was nice that people showed up with the threat of the weather. But to you and all, the volunteers that put that together. It was a good event. Thank you and thank you for participating.
Speaker 1:I want to certainly echo what's been said about our town meeting. Congratulations to our town moderator and town clerk in her office, to our town administrator, to Mr Barnes, our finance director, chris Lavalette, the finance committee and everyone who was involved in the planning and preparations. And it does take an awful lot of planning and preparations involved in the planning and preparations. And it does take an awful lot of planning and preparations and, as you mentioned, mr Pacheco, a lot of planning that day too. I think also mr Donahue mentioned Mike Halen. Our Ray Kahn, director spent the entire day there as well setting up the technology. They even had an over route over, run, over, run, overflow area in the gymnasium if the overflow area in the cafeteria overflowed.
Speaker 1:So a lot of effort and just everyone that participated and came. It was an excellent town meeting. People discussed, respectful, none of the negativity that sometimes creeps into the Facebook. It was excellent. I'm just proud of everybody that attended and participated in that. And secondly, again just want to thank everyone who participated in the planning and preparation for our 11th Annual Memorial Day Parade. Thank you to everyone who walked or rode in the three-mile parade route, in spite of a few raindrops here and there. We had five divisions with bands and floats and the trolley with veterans riding in it and walking around it, including one of our older veterans, mr norm porrier, who was in his late 80s and insisted on walking the entire route, along with our interim veterans agent chris buckley. I mentioned our fire department earlier. Also I have to mention our police chief d LaPlante, captain Peter Beatrice. They attended all of our planning meetings and were hugely helpful. Also, our CERT team was there on site and everybody that participated in the ceremony. Of course, special thanks to our rave volunteers, becky George, our coordinator, and everyone who participated, and also American Legion Post 405, and all of our veterans, because they are the reason for the parade, for the ceremony and for the occasion. So thank you to everyone involved.
Speaker 1:On that Correspondence, we have no correspondence. That's come to the selectman's office Press time. Do we have anyone from the press? We do not see anyone. Emergency business. Mr Pichigli, I'm in Madam.
Speaker 1:Chair Mr Collins. No emergency business, citizen and community input. Anyone wishing to address us at this time? Performance of administrative duties. Just want to report that I've reviewed and signed the uranium invoice and payroll warrants, both for last week those dated May 20th because it actually was after last week's meeting, and those dated May 27th this week, and with that, at 724 pm, I'm looking for a motion to adjourn so moved second all in favor, any opposed.
Speaker 1:We are adjourned. Thank you all for joining us. We will see you in two weeks because our summer schedule starts next week. So our next meeting will be Tuesday, june 10th. Same time, same place. Good night, chairperson WONG. Thank you.