Raynham Select Board 07/14/2026

(Episode Description is AI generated and may be errors in accuracy)

The fastest way to understand what a town values is to listen to what it measures and what it votes on. This Raynham Select Board meeting moves from raw public safety numbers to the quieter decisions that shape daily life, with clear takeaways for anyone following Raynham Massachusetts local government, municipal budgeting, and community services. 

We start with department head reports that put real context behind the headlines: the Police Department’s June activity totals, a notable South Street East crash investigation with a tragic outcome, and the department’s continued community service work supporting the Special Olympics and Boston Children’s Hospital. The Fire Department follows with call volume, inspections, staffing updates, and a candid look at how much end-of-year payroll and budget work it takes to keep emergency services running smoothly. 

Then the conversation shifts to community infrastructure that often gets overlooked until it is gone: the Raynham Public Library. We talk staffing coverage, a new youth services librarian, and a summer reading program funded by the Friends of the Library, including the “Plant A Seed Read” theme and a seed library that connects learning with hands-on community fun. The Board also tackles a full slate of votes, including the FY27 library holiday closing calendar, actions supporting the South Street East bridge replacement, routine approvals, and a meaningful affordability decision to raise the maximum benefit for the SAVE program to better support seniors on fixed incomes. We close with community announcements, local events, and early discussion of a potential tax title auction and what that could mean for town revenue and long-range public safety building planning. 

If you care about public safety, town infrastructure, senior tax relief, and what’s happening around Rainham, subscribe, share this with a neighbor, and leave a review so more residents can find the conversation.

Transcript

Call To Order And Minutes

SPEAKER_07 0:01

All right, good evening, everybody. Call the meeting to order at 7 p.m. Inform the public we're being both broadcast live and recorded by the Rainham channel. Uh and I would ask those with us to join us in the pledge of the pledge of allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the Republic for which it stands one nation under God indivisible liberty and justice.

unknown 0:26

Thank you.

SPEAKER_07 0:27

I will entertain a motion to accept the minutes, both regular session and executive session, with which are withheld from our last meeting of June 30th.

SPEAKER_01 0:36

Motion to accept as printed.

SPEAKER_08 0:38

Seconded.

SPEAKER_07 0:38

All in favor. Aye. Those are approved.

Police Calls Crash And Community Work

SPEAKER_07 0:41

Next step is department heads are police chief Dave Will Plan.

SPEAKER_00 0:45

Good evening. So the monthly activity report for June for the police department. Last month we had 2,566 calls. 486 of those were emergency 911 calls, and of those, 79 were emergency dispatch calls. We had 15 arrests and several criminal summonses. There was one notable incident. On June 5th, members of the Ford of 12 ship, along with the fire department, responded to a 911 call for a motorcycle versus uh uh SUV at the intersection of South Street East and Hill Street. Uh the investigation determined that a Ford Explorer operated by a 22-year-old Avon man collided with a Harley Davidson motorcycle uh driven straight on South Street East by a 52-year-old Bedford man. Uh Rainham Fire responded uh and requested a medical helicopter for the motorcyclist upon the helicopter's arrival. It was determined that a 52-year-old would be transported uh by Rainham Rescue along with flight medics to Morton, where he was pronounced deceased. As a result of that investigation, the Avon man was arrested and charged with operation uh operation with a suspended license and OUI, uh failure to yield and vehicular homicide by negligent operation. Um for community service in June. Uh I want to thank uh Patrol Woman Carrie Mello and uh Heather Career for participating in the Massachusetts Special Olympics annual cruiser convoy uh on June 6th, which began in Braintree and they ended at Harvard University. Um we do that event every year. Um this is their first year doing it, those two. Um I thank them for that. On June 20th, uh Patrol Woman Mellow and Heather again they attended a touch a truck event at Walmart on Paramount Drive for Boston Children's Hospital. The event raised $900. I want to thank them for their participation. And then on June 28th, Sergeant uh Joshua O'Brien, uh Patrol Woman Mellow, S.R.O. Lang, and Patrolman Savali volunteered their time at Walmart on Broadway to help raise money for Boston Children's Hospital, and they raised over $900 for the charity. Um I want to thank them for volunteering uh their time as well. That's all. Thank you. Any questions, Ms. Riley?

SPEAKER_01 3:30

No questions. Thank you, Chief, for the report and for all your efforts and the members of your department.

SPEAKER_00 3:35

Thank you.

SPEAKER_08 3:37

With all the amount of calls, it's amazing that you guys still squeeze in the time to volunteer. You know, it's it's great work.

SPEAKER_00 3:44

Thank you. Thank you because they do a good job. Thanks. Proud of them.

SPEAKER_07 3:47

Thank you.

SPEAKER_00 3:47

Thank

Fire Calls New Hire And Thanks

SPEAKER_00 3:48

you.

SPEAKER_07 3:48

Right, next up, Ryan Simon, our fire chief. Good evening.

SPEAKER_05 3:52

Uh, this is the report for June. Uh we had 107 fire calls, 202 uh ambulance calls, and 106 uh fire inspectional calls. Uh last year at this time we were at 1,910. Uh, this year we're at 1,928, so 18 uh difference. We do have uh we had a new firefighter start this. Well, started last week with his two-week orientation. Eric Dolloff, he is a uh Rainham resident, uh, also lives across the street from Fire Station. Now he bought the house there. Um so we're happy to have him on board and uh and get him acclimated to the fire department. I would just echo everything Dave said. Uh we did participate in the in the Walmart thing and then uh up there, and the guys are always willing to vote uh to volunteer that time, so that's great. And I have to thank Sally, uh my executive assistant. Uh the the end of June or the month of June is not an easy month uh when you're doing payroll and you're doing budget stuff, and uh Sally is always keeping me on the right track, and she watches those numbers like a hawk. So uh I appreciate everything she does, and it like I said, it's not not really a difficult, it's a difficult time uh this time of year, and that's all I have.

SPEAKER_07 4:53

Thank you, Brian.

SPEAKER_01 4:55

Thank you, Chief, for your the report and for your efforts and uh members of your department. Thank you. Thank you.

SPEAKER_08 5:00

Thanks for all the hard work. That's that's great. I mean, nothing more can be said about that. It's awesome.

SPEAKER_07 5:07

Thank you.

SPEAKER_08 5:08

Thank you.

SPEAKER_07 5:08

All

Library Staffing Summer Reading Seed Library

SPEAKER_07 5:09

right, next up is our library director, Karen O'Brien. Karen.

SPEAKER_02 5:15

Hi everybody. Hello, evening. So much is happening at the library at some reading time. Um let's start off with the staff since they're the backbone of our lovely building. As you all well know, we are interviewing for a circulation supervisor position. I think I updated Greg this afternoon. We have nine or ten applicants, and I'm running about five interviews next week, so I hope to have that um resolved soon. The staff coverage has been extreme with her missing, and um I just want to shout out to our staff. I think we covered 17 shifts in July and probably around 17 or 18 in August, so kudos to them for filling in so much. Our new children's librarian, or should I say, youth services librarian, Brooke, is working out fantastically. We love her. Miss Brooke has been introduced to the community at different schools and preschools, and it's her first summer reading program, and I have to say she really smashed the park preparation. Um, I also want to thank our um library assistant Jolene, who's been helping me with all the social media for the town. I hope you have all followed us on social media and you're seeing the posts for various things, such as job postings and cable notices and such. So Jolene's been a huge help in helping me get those out. We have a second Save volunteer. Um I know Erin had mentioned in the department head meeting she's looking to potentially increase hours, which I would happily take on. Both Jeannie and Joan, our two Save volunteers, are doing an outstanding job. They're so helpful. Um, we just love them to pieces. And if those of you who are out and about and happen to notice our lovely new flowers in front of the library, that was our teen advisory group that spent the month of June planting flowers out front for us. So that was nice, so we don't have to pay the landscaper to do it. Tag's always looking for new members, so they'll be launching in a new season in September with a big welcome party. And for our big news, the Friends of the Library have generously donated thousands of dollars to cover all of the summer reading program. They are funding all the programming for adults and children, all the prizes, all the materials, all the supplies. It was incredibly generous of them to do it. The summer eating program is going to run for six weeks. We have already kicked off, and it will end with our traditional visit from the ice cream truck for all the kids for those who participate. So I just want to mention that summer eating is not just the children. We do have summer eating prizes, raffles, and what have you for teens as well, and also for adults. We have the theme of plant a seed read. So we have set out a free seed library on top of our card catalog that we restored and is on display in the fiction area. So everybody should come by and take a look. So teens, adults, and kids come by and sign up for summer reading, and as always, follow us on social media Facebook, Instagram, and don't forget to subscribe to the eNewsletter, which will come to your email every month and tell you everything exciting that's happening at the Renum Public Library. I think that's it.

SPEAKER_04 8:32

Great, thank you, Gary. Ms.

SPEAKER_02 8:34

Radio.

SPEAKER_01 8:34

Sounds great. Rainham Library is the place to be. It is the place to be. Great work. Thank you.

SPEAKER_02 8:39

I will say I just was finishing the compiling the statistics for uh my annual report to the state, and um I saw the door count as that last this fiscal year 44,000 people to the Rainham Public Library. That's an average of like 3,700 people a month. It's crazy. We're so happy. So it's a very busy time and we're happy to have everybody in the building. Yeah, thank you.

SPEAKER_08 9:02

I see all the uh informative posts all the time coming through. It's awesome. I'm sure you guys are extra busy now that kids are out on school break, so we love it. I'm sure you're keeping them busy.

SPEAKER_02 9:11

The place is hopping, we love it.

SPEAKER_08 9:13

Yeah, awesome. That's all I have.

SPEAKER_02 9:15

Thank you, Garrett.

SPEAKER_08 9:16

Sure. Thank you. You're very welcome.

Routine Votes Bridge Actions And Licenses

SPEAKER_07 9:18

Great appointments we have to uh the reappointment of Lewis Barassa as a constable signed by the chief. Motion to uh reappoint, second, all in favor, aye that it's approved and a reappointment of another constable in daily, also signed by the chief. Motion to reappoint, second, all in favor, aye it's approved unanimously. We have no public hearings. Old business, uh Miss Riley. I have none. Mr. Andre? None. Okay, new business discussion and vote on FY27 library holiday closing calendar. It's in our packets that uh essentially aligns with what town Powell's doing around the holidays. Do I have a motion?

SPEAKER_01 9:57

Motion to approve, seconded.

SPEAKER_07 9:59

All in favor. Aye is approved. Uh next is a discussion and vote uh on an order of taking, and the vote should be as follows.

SPEAKER_01 10:10

Uh vote to adopt the combined order of taking and the order of layout alteration for South Street East Bridge replacement and to authorize any related action necessary to execute, record, and implement the orders. Then I make that motion. Thank you.

SPEAKER_07 10:25

Seconded. All in favor, aye is approved unanimously. 9C discussion and vote to donate temporary and permanent easements on town owned property for South Street East. Old call on the Ash Bridge replacement project.

SPEAKER_01 10:37

So moved.

SPEAKER_07 10:38

Second. All in favor. Aye. Approved unanimously. Uh 9D, new class one day list license. Belize T, which is Toyota 44 Incorporated 1154 Route 44. Uh, counsel, I see you here. Did you want to say anything or not if not uh if not needed, no.

SPEAKER_03 10:55

Just let the board know that there is a representative here from the applicant for the two licenses. If there are any questions, we'll be happy to address the board. If there aren't any, we'll be happy to sit down and be quiet.

SPEAKER_07 11:06

Thank you.

SPEAKER_03 11:07

Ms. Riley.

SPEAKER_01 11:08

This is just a transfer of the license.

SPEAKER_03 11:09

Yes, new ownership.

SPEAKER_01 11:10

Yes, so I'll make a motion to approve. Okay.

SPEAKER_07 11:12

Second it. All in favor. That is approved. And then 9E. Thank you very much. Thank you.

SPEAKER_01 11:18

Motion motion to approve.

SPEAKER_07 11:20

Thank you. Seconded. All in favor. Approved unanimously as well. 9F, tag day request, Cubscope Pack 49 for September 17 and October 26.

SPEAKER_01 11:32

Motion to approve.

SPEAKER_07 11:34

Yeah, we voted on two. Yeah, they're all done. Thank you. Yep. Do I have a second on that? Seconded. Thank you. All in favor? Aye. That's approved. 9G, tag day request, Operation Dance, August 21, September 4, September 11, September 25, October 9th, October 16, and October 23rd.

SPEAKER_01 11:55

Motion to approve.

SPEAKER_07 11:57

Seconded. All in favor? Aye. That is approved. We have a vacancy for the position of work informant for parking grounds at the highway department as a result of a resignation, and the highway superintendent is requesting the ability to recruit for that position.

SPEAKER_01 12:11

Motion to approve.

SPEAKER_07 12:12

Seconded. All in favor. Aye. Approved. Discussion and vote on the renewal of our property and liability insurance. This is just a simple renewal of the terms of our policies that protect the town from liability with the town administrator's recommendation.

SPEAKER_01 12:27

Motion to approve.

SPEAKER_07 12:28

Seconded. All in favor. Aye. That is

Raising The SAVE Benefit Cap

SPEAKER_07 12:31

approved. Discussion and vote to increase the maximum benefit for the save program. Right now it's $1,000 cap, which limits a volunteer to 67 hours. The Save Committee is recommending an increase to $1,350. I fully support this, and I think this aligns with some of the work the board has done over the last few years. By way of background, we had an article at town meeting that passed that increased the hourly rate of pay to what minimum wage is because for a long time it was under minimum wage, and that article now allows the rate to automatically increase when minimum wage increases. We created the elderly and disabled tax fund and we expanded the save program. We used to have about two or three people, we're up to 13. We're trying to get up to 15, and now this is another piece, all uh in an effort to try to make our town a little bit more affordable for us uh for everybody, but rarely our seniors on fixed incomes.

SPEAKER_01 13:29

And um I'll make make a motion to approve and Mr. Chairman. I think everybody's in favor that the Board of Assessors supports it. Aaron Madeiras, who coordinates the program, supports it, and obviously it sounds like the department heads do as well. Yes. So I'll make that motion. Okay.

SPEAKER_07 13:44

Second it. All in favor? Aye. That is approved unanimously. Uh and discussion and vote on a 26 state primary warrant that is before us.

SPEAKER_01 13:52

Motion to approve.

unknown 13:53

Okay.

SPEAKER_07 13:54

Seconded. All in favor. Aye.

Town Administrator Plans And Timing

SPEAKER_07 13:56

That is approved. Town administrators report, Mr. Barnes.

SPEAKER_06 14:01

Our hope is to have uh a joint meeting of the planning board at our next meeting. Uh, we also have uh a few contracts we need to uh approve. Um and uh also just uh remind the board I will be going on vacation for a week um starting tomorrow.

SPEAKER_07 14:21

Okay, thank you. Any questions?

SPEAKER_06 14:23

I will be available uh by sell. Any questions for Mr. Barnes?

SPEAKER_01 14:27

No question, but also um Mr. Barnes, if we can see if our um the honoree in our uh town report is available for next week since the planning board will be coming in, that would be great. I have no other questions.

SPEAKER_07 14:43

No, enjoying vacation there. Hey.

Community Events COA Updates Local Wins

SPEAKER_07 14:46

Uh select board report, Miss Riley.

SPEAKER_01 14:49

The Friends of the Rainhead Council on Aging held their monthly meeting earlier this month. As you know, the group reorganized earlier this year. They now have their own email at Rainham.4coa at gmail.com. They have a new website. Their motto is honor yesterday, support today, and protect tomorrow. Their stated purpose is to support the Rainham Council on Aging and the 55 plus population of Rainham through fundraising, advocacy, and volunteering, and membership is open to the public. You do not have to be a senior to join the group. They have set their first fundraising goal. They hope to raise the funds needed to purchase a new refrigerator for the senior center. Their next meeting is Thursday, August 6th at 2 p.m. at the senior center, and they will be one of the exhibitors at Rainham Community Celebration Day on September 27th. Speaking of which, the second planning meeting for the annual Rainham Community Celebration Day was held last evening. Confirmed entertainment at this part includes the Bridgewater and Tiffany O'Brass Society, led by Rainham resident Mike Palmery, which will kick off the event with a band concert, ponies for parties, which is a great hit with the children. We'll provide pony rides from 12 noon until 3 p.m. Child's Play Alpacas and More Petting Zoo will be there from 12 noon until 4 p.m. And Joe's Crazy Critters Reptile Show will take place between 3 and 4 p.m. Face painting with Pam Benoit and Friends will take place for the entire event, and performances by the Bridgewater Rhenium Regional High School cheerleaders and drama kids have already confirmed, and we're just getting started. So much more to come. Open house will be held at the Senior Center where Rave's famous bake sale and pie baking contest will take place. That all happens on Sunday, September 27th, from 12 noon until 4 p.m. at the Gazebo Park area at the Borden Colony Comics. The next planning meeting, and anyone who wants to help out is invited to come. Will be Monday, August 3rd at 6:30 p.m. here at Town Hall. Anyone who wants to participate, volunteer to help, or just wants more invitation more information is cordially invited to attend. Other upcoming events, to be aware, include the Park and Recreation Department Summer Concert Series continues on Tuesday evenings in July at the gazebo park. And the summer concert series at the Stone Church takes place on Wednesday evenings, beginning beginning at 7 through August 5th. Also, this Sunday, the Thai Buddhist Temple on South Street East is holding its annual Thai Cultural and Food Festival from 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. It is open to the public. Admittance is free. Food and gift items will be available for purchase, and parking will be available for a $5 donation in the lot next to the temple. Lastly, just sending out congratulations to two of our hometown athletic stars. 2020 16 Bishop Fiend Graduate and superstar Brody Bomilla has been drafted by the Texas Rangers. And 2023, Bridgewater Rainham graduate and star athlete Casey Wensley has just signed as an undrafted free agent with the Los Angeles Angels. So baseball is gonna be have a real special interest for Rainham going forward. So congratulations to them and their families.

Tax Title Auction Idea And Closing

SPEAKER_07 18:20

Thank you. I just have one item I talked to the town administrator today, and I asked him to begin some conversations with our town treasurer and finance director around exploring the potential for us to hold another tax title auction. We had done that back in, I believe, 2018-2019. It generated significant revenue. For those at home, what happens is when a community takes property by tax title, that is, for lack of payment on taxes, we hold the property either for municipal use or to auction it off in a public auction where people can bid on it. They present opportunities for us not only to generate the immediate one-time stream of revenue, but then also put these properties back on the tax row, producing annual revenue for the town. Should we determine that we have property appropriate to hold an auction and it's successful, I would want to bring back to the board my proposal to have those proceeds go to the public safety building stabilization fund to make sure that we have the adequate funds to continue to advance that project. So Mr. Bond will get to work on then Ernest when he returns and keep us apprised of the conversations. Correspondence, we have two letters from students at Bristol Plymouth. Madeline McNamara, who is against the new public safety building, and Emily Emma Geria, who is uh concerned around potholes in town, and we certainly appreciate the correspondence from both of them around those issues. Uh emergency business, we have none. We have no members of the public this evening with us. Performance of administrative duties. Let the board know that the finance director and I have approved the uh town of reign invoice and payroll warrants with no other business to come before us. I'll entertain a motion of adjournment.

SPEAKER_01 20:05

We'll make that motion.

SPEAKER_07 20:06

Seconded. All in favor? Aye. We are adjourned. Have a good evening.