Select Board Meeting — October 28, 2026
1:00 These guys are on the job now.1:03 They just sit for support.1:04 Got it.1:06 Unless he's in the wrong spot.1:12 6, yep.1:13 Good evening, everyone.1:17 Good evening and welcome to the Wednesday, October 28th, 2026, SEACONC Select Board meeting.1:28 Would you all please rise and join me with a salute to the flag and a moment of silence?1:35 I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the Republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.1:58 Thank you.1:59 Massachusetts General Law Chapter 30A, Section 20F requires any person recording must notify the chair at the beginning of the meeting.2:09 All select board meetings are recorded via audio and video and are broadcast live on CCART Channel 96.2:17 Uh, board and committee openings.2:20 Who would like to read them?2:21 Volunteers are needed on the Capital Improvement Committee, 2 from the select board, 3 from the moderator.2:26 Commission on Disability, 5 from the select board.2:29 Department of Public Works Building Committee, 5 from Board of Selectmen.2:33 Economic Development Committee, 3 from the select board.2:36 Energy Committee, 3 from select board.2:38 Historical Commission, 3 from the select board.2:41 And the Recycling Committee, one from the select board.2:44 Okay, thank you.2:45 Before we get to the main focus of tonight with the fire department, we have one business item to take care of.2:54 At the request, uh, of the town moderator, would like to come forward and just talk briefly about the procedures he'd like to see follow the town meeting.3:03 So, Mr. Durkee, you have the floor.3:06 Thank you very much.3:08 Uh, Mike Durkee, Elm Street, and I just wanted to give you an update on where things stand right now as far as town meeting is concerned.3:15 First, we had a recording today with Mr. Qadim and 3 other members of the town that had direct involvement with articles that are coming before the board.3:26 So the educational recording that we do every town meeting is going to be up, I think, by Friday, definitely by Monday.3:33 So anyone in the community can see the explanation of all the articles.3:37 So that piece of business is behind us.3:40 The second thing is there will be 3 reports at the meeting.3:43 There's going to be one from the Library Building Committee, one from the Madeira's Farm Committee, and one from the Seekonk Library Trust.3:51 Third thing is, and I think this is a slight change but not much, people have spoken with me over the last 7 months about wanting to know when there are articles that come before the board— excuse me, before town meeting— and there are— there is, um, non-unanimous votes taken by either the select board, the FinCom, or the school committee, what the people who are in the minority, what their motivation, their rationale is for having a negative vote.4:24 And seemed like a good request for me as far as having those members of the board or members of the Seekonk School Committee stand up and explain why they voted in the negative, in the minority, with particular items that are on the docket for that night.4:42 So that's my intent, is to have— and I think right now with Board of Selectmen, the only article that that exists with is Article 13, and then there may be something on Article 9 and Article 17 depending upon what the vote is that night, because those are items that you were going to announce on town meeting floor.5:02 So I had mentioned that last time.5:06 I think last time there was more unanimity, so we didn't need to have that.5:09 But this time there are a couple articles, and so I'd just like to— and I don't need everybody, obviously.5:15 If there are 2 people opposed, I don't need both parties to speak unless they would like to.5:23 That's the reason for my being here.5:25 That and to invite the 2,000 people that are here tonight to come to the meeting on November 9th at 6 PM in the high school because then we would have community action in spades.5:38 Okay, thank you very much.5:39 Anybody have any questions for the moderator?5:42 No?5:43 Okay, thank you.5:44 Excellent, thank you.5:47 Okay, before I go to item 2, can anybody in here tell me what today is?5:57 That's right, it's Happy National Fire First Responders Day.6:02 So it's by our careful planning we were able to schedule it for tonight.6:09 Okay, so the agenda is, uh, basically, well, a lot to do with the fire department.6:16 So Chief Whalen, would you like to come to the podium?6:21 Deputy?6:22 Yep.6:24 And I'd also like to acknowledge we have Rep. Howarth and Senator Duna here.6:30 Okay.6:38 Yes.6:39 And before Chief Whalen starts, uh, when we're doing the swearing-in, if anybody wants to come up and take photos, you can come forward and wherever it's most advantageous for you.6:49 So Chief.6:56 Good evening, Mr. Chairman, members of the Select Board, and Mr. Cadime.7:01 Tonight is an important night for the Seekonk Fire Department.7:04 We have the opportunity to welcome new members to our department, officially recognize a lateral firefighter paramedic, and promote several of our members, and take an important step towards the future of our organization.7:16 First, items 2 through 7, the conditional offers of employment.7:19 I believe that was how the agenda was listed when I wrote this, so my apologies if it's not correct.7:28 2 through 7, these are to extend conditional offers of employment for positions of entry-level firefighter paramedics.7:37 These candidates have gone through a thorough hiring process.7:40 The process began with the submission of an application, a review of the resume, followed by a physical abilities test.7:47 Candidates then participated in an introductory interview conducted by a panel of active Seekonk firefighters.7:55 Those who advanced moved on to our formal interview panel, which consisted of 5 individuals including the town admin— town administrator and myself.8:03 This process gave our firefighters a voice into whom will ultimately work beside them, while also allowing the town and department leadership to evaluate each candidate.8:12 The 6 individuals before you here tonight successfully worked their way through the— that process and are being recommended for conditional offers of employment.8:21 I want to thank everyone who participated in this process, especially our firefighters who gave their time to serve on the initial interview panel and also the physical abilities test.8:30 And I look forward to welcoming these individuals and their families to the Seekonk Fire Department.8:35 So through you, I respectfully ask the board to extend a conditional offer of employment To Harold Parsons, Franco Baccaro, Kyle Donarama, Gavin Roberts, Caden Medias, and Trey Bigelow.8:52 Okay, Mr. Kadeem, do you have a recommendation?8:54 Mr. Chairman, I support the fire chief's recommendation.8:57 Okay, so we could make one motion and include all of them.9:02 Just enough.9:03 So anybody want to make a motion?9:04 Yes, move that the select board appoint They have all separate names.9:09 Appoint Harold Parsons, Franco Polcaro— trying not to destroy your name— Kyle Donarama, Gavin Roberts, Caden Medes, Trey Bigelow.9:28 We're going to add in— I'm not going to go into captains just for these temporary.9:32 Not captains, just the conditional offers at this point.9:34 To the position of 3rd class firefighter paramedic for the fire department, subject to and conditioned upon their successful passage, as determined by the town administrator, of the following: executed Attachment A and Attachment B documents, a pre-employment background inquiry check, physical examination with drug screening, psychological evaluation, Civil Service Commission's physical ability test, successful completion and passage from a Massachusetts firefighting academy, and completion of paramedic-level certification within 3 years from date of academy completion.10:12 Is there a second?10:14 Second.10:15 Moved and seconded.10:16 Any discussion?10:18 All those in favor?10:19 Aye.10:20 Opposed?10:21 So voted.10:22 Congratulations, gentlemen.10:23 Congratulations.10:37 Congratulations.10:38 Congratulations.10:39 Congratulations.10:40 Congratulations.10:41 Congratulations.10:43 Congratulations.10:44 Congratulations.10:46 Congratulations.10:46 Congratulations.10:47 And I will add that 2 of the 6 conditional officers extended are our hometown Seacong residents, born and bred, Seacong warriors through and through.10:58 It's just Just for the operational needs for the board, these 6 positions fill our current open vacancy.11:07 It is not the 4 additional funded mid-year hires.11:10 So that was just to get us to 10 level-funded positions as obligated in our salary lines.11:17 And then the additional 4 will be as of January 1st?11:20 Correct, sir.11:21 And you've got an active list?11:22 We have an active list for hiring.11:23 Perfect.11:24 Okay, thank you.11:26 Leslie?11:29 I'd like to remind anybody in the audience that came specific for firefighter paramedic Meyer, you can come up in front of the podium if you want to take pictures.11:38 And the person with his badge, once I say congratulations and welcome to the Seekonk Fire Department, you can come up and pin Wesley.11:52 Again, tonight we are here to have the opportunity to officially swear in Firefighter Paramedic Wesley Meyer, who is a lateral transfer.12:01 Wesley came to SEACOC with more than 23 years of EMS and fire service experience, including a long career with the Pawtucket Fire Department beginning in 2003.12:09 During his career, Wesley served as a member in a number of EMS and leadership roles, including EMS Battalion Chief.12:17 He brings considerable experience and leadership to our department.12:21 His career has also included several recognitions, including the 2021 EMS Medal of Merit, and being named the 2021 American Legion Rhode Island Firefighter of the Year.12:31 Although Wesley came to us with many years of experience, he came here ready to become a part of our department and our team.12:38 That has been evident since he's— since he has arrived and infused himself into our organization.12:45 So Wesley, congratulations and welcome to the Seacombe Fire Department.13:00 I think so, yeah.13:11 Leslie, I'm going to give you the oath of office.13:15 Raise your right hand.13:16 I— state your name.13:18 I, Weston Meyer.13:19 Do solemnly swear that I will bear faith and true allegiance to the United States of America and the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, and will support the Constitution thereof, so help me God.13:39 I, state your name, I, Wesley Meyer, do solemnly swear and sincerely swear and affirm that I will faithfully and impartially, that I will faithfully discharge and perform all duties incumbent upon me, all duties incumbent upon me, as a firefighter for the Town of Seekonk, as a firefighter for the Town of Seekonk, according to the best of my ability, according to the best of my ability.14:06 I will obey and be bound, I will obey and be bound, by department rules and regulations, by department rules and regulations, policies and procedures, policies and procedures, As are, as are, or may be established, so help me God.14:20 Or may be established, so help me God.14:21 Congratulations.15:02 And I'll invite anybody after the motion is made by the select board anybody that has a badge to come up, do the ceremonial pinning, and then that'll be followed by the swearing of oath of office.15:14 And anybody can feel free to come up and take pictures.15:17 Okay, the remaining items tonight represent something larger than the individual promotions.15:27 The promotional process began back in January with the promotional examination.15:32 Candidates who successfully moved forward would then participate in an independent interview panel conducted by a panel made up of members from outside departments.15:41 That process established the promotional list, and that brings us here this evening.15:46 These promotions also mark an important day in the history of the Seekonk Fire Department.15:50 For the first time, we are establishing a new rank and command structure that provides the department with a dedicated incident commander 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and Not only for the safety of our firefighters, but also for that of the community.16:06 This is an essential benchmark of achievement as our department continues to grow and the number and complexity of incidents we respond to continues to increase.16:14 Our command structure needed to grow with it.16:17 The captain serving as shift commander will provide the dedicated command presence, presence for all of our personnel and for our community.16:26 Each of these individuals has earned the opportunity to stand here tonight.16:30 Promotion is certainly something to celebrate, but it also comes with greater responsibility.16:35 Our members will look to these officers for leadership, guidance, and accountability.16:39 Our community will depend on them to make good decisions, sometimes under very difficult situations.16:46 I have confidence in each one of them and in what they bring to their new positions.16:52 I also want to recognize the families here tonight.16:55 The fire service asks a lot of these families.16:58 They deal with missed holidays, nights, weekends, overtime, training, interrupted plans, and phone calls that sometimes change everything.17:07 None of this— none of us do this job alone, and tonight belongs to them as well.17:13 Finally, I want to thank the Select Board and the Town Administration for the continued support of the Seacong Fire Department.17:20 Tonight represents a significant investment in our people and in the future of our department.17:25 We are welcoming the next generation of Seacong firefighters, recognizing the experience of a new member who chose to continue his career here, and promote our members into new leadership roles, and putting into place a command structure that will serve this department and this community well into the future.17:43 I'm extremely proud of where this department is going, and more importantly, I'm proud of the people who are going to take us there.17:50 Congratulations to everyone who is recognized here tonight, and congratulations to your families as well.17:58 So tonight, I respectfully recommend or ask through the Board of— tonight, I respectfully ask through the Board to officially promote to the rank of captain Matthew Bradford, Kyle LaPrade, Jonathan Martell, Timothy Goodwin, and Douglas Young, all to the rank of captain.18:21 Mr. Kadeem.18:22 Mr. Chairman, I support the fire chief's recommendation.18:25 Okay, uh, do we have a motion?18:28 Yes, moved that the select board promote Matthew Bradford, Kyle LaPrade, Jonathan Martell, Timothy Goodwin, Douglas Young to the rank of captain for the fire department.18:42 Second.18:42 Moved and seconded.18:43 Any discussion?18:45 All in favor?18:46 Aye.18:47 Opposed?18:47 So voted.18:48 Congratulations, gentlemen.19:01 Now, if anybody's in the audience, if you'd like to come up And the— more importantly, the people with the badges.19:36 Get in here.20:26 Did you raise your right hand?20:32 Aye.20:32 State your name.20:33 Aye.20:34 Do you solemnly swear?20:36 Do you solemnly swear?20:38 That I will bear faith.20:40 That I will bear faith.20:41 And true allegiance.20:42 And true allegiance.20:43 To the United States of America and the Constitution thereof.20:45 Of Massachusetts, to the United States of America, and will support the Constitution thereof, so help me God.20:53 And will support the Constitution thereof, so help me God.20:57 I, state your name, I, Matthew Brown, do solemnly swear, do solemnly swear, and sincerely swear, sincerely swear, and affirm, and affirm, that I will faithfully and impartially, faithfully and impartially, impartially, discharge and perform, discharge and perform all duties, all duties incumbent upon me, incumbent upon me as a firefighter for the Town of Seekonk, as a firefighter for the Town of Seekonk, according to the best of my ability, according to the best of my ability.21:28 I will obey and be bound, I will obey and be bound by department rules and regulations, by department rules and regulations, policies and procedures, Policies and procedures as are, as are, or may be established, or may be established, so help me God.21:45 So help me God.21:46 Congratulations.22:16 Congratulations.22:17 Congratulations.22:18 Congratulations.22:19 Congratulations.22:19 Congratulations.22:21 Congratulations.22:22 Thank you.22:22 Congratulations.22:23 Thank you.22:23 Congratulations.22:24 Congratulations.22:24 Congratulations.22:25 Congratulations.22:28 And Chief, for the record, these promotions are effective immediately today, correct?22:33 The promotions are effective immediately.22:35 The rank restructure will take place effective Sunday, November 15th.22:39 November 15th.22:40 We had by contract the availability to give them the time off and the leave, and that was the best date to start the implementation of that.22:47 So Sunday, November 15th, Shift Commander Vehicle will be in place.22:50 Very good, thank you.23:07 Last one.23:10 The same process holds true with the lieutenants.23:13 We opened the open interview process— or the open examination process back in January.23:19 They too were then ranked according to their scores after following an independent interview panel from outside organizations.23:28 They too are a part of our growing command structure, and they will take the seats of the captains that were just promoted from the rank of lieutenant.23:37 I ask tonight respectfully through the Select Board that we promote to the position of lieutenant Firefighter Russell Prey, Firefighter Edward Oliver, Firefighter Michael Puak, and Firefighter Adam Coliani.23:54 Mr. Chair— Mr. Chairman, I, uh, support the fire chief's recommendations.23:57 Okay, do we have a motion?24:00 Yes, move the select board promote Russell Prey, Edward Oliver III, Michael Puak, and Adam Coliani.24:12 To the rank of Lieutenant of the Fire Department.24:15 Second.24:15 Moved and seconded.24:16 Any discussion?24:18 All in favor?24:19 Aye.24:20 Opposed?24:21 So voted.24:22 Thank you.24:23 Okay, anyone— and as previously stated, if there's anybody in the audience that would come up and like to take pictures, and then also individuals doing the badge pinning.24:41 Come on up now.24:53 Kim, why do you have to stand that way?24:57 Kicking your butt.25:00 So proud of my son.25:13 I'm not gonna mess with you.25:16 All right, we're going this way.25:20 She's hiding.25:23 Who's the boss in that family?25:46 Nice job.25:48 You're at 5.25:50 Exactly.25:52 Nice smile.25:59 Big day for the family, you know.26:20 Took a while to get here, but we got here.26:26 Yep.26:27 We're going to— where are you?26:31 Joy.26:32 Everywhere.26:45 To the United States of America and the commonwealth, will support the Constitution thereof, so help me God.26:54 I say your name.26:58 I solemnly swear.27:00 Sincerely swear.27:03 And affirm that I will faithfully and impartially discharge and perform all duties incumbent upon me as a firefighter for the Town of Secaucus according to the best of my ability.27:24 I will obey and be bound by department rules and regulations, policies and procedures as are or may be established.27:39 So help me God.28:13 Congratulations.28:15 Congratulations.28:15 Congratulations.28:16 Congratulations.28:17 Congratulations.28:29 And the effective date of these, Chief, is tonight also?28:32 The effective date of these promotions is today.28:35 Correct.28:36 Okay.28:36 Yep.28:37 All right, that ends my promotional ceremony.28:40 I want to thank everybody from the Board of Selectmen, um, Senator DeJuto, Representative Howard, for coming out.28:47 Uh, the support is, uh, is very well acknowledged by myself, so thank you very much.28:54 And I will, uh, just extend an invitation to all the family members, uh, to please quietly exit the, uh, the hall, as there is still official business being conducted after this.29:06 And we have opened the doors of 500 Tawant Avenue.29:08 There's some cake and light refreshments and also a backdrop.29:11 So if you want to get some better pictures, feel free to come right next door to 500 Tawant Avenue.29:16 Okay.29:17 So with that, thank you very much.29:20 Thank you.29:28 Late refreshments.29:31 What's that?29:33 What happens if we have a bus go over there?29:40 Well, we'd be, uh, let me see, what would we call it?29:42 We'd be looking at a project.29:48 We could just move the building over there.29:52 Hey, how you doing?29:55 Paris, dude.29:56 Very good, sir.29:57 How's everything going?29:58 You got backed up, don't you, my friend?29:59 Yeah, doing all right?30:02 Yeah, that was some training, right?30:04 Uh, yeah, we were chilling, throwing the roof.30:07 Good, good, good.30:10 Feeling better now?30:10 Yeah, good, good.30:12 Excellent, excellent.30:15 Doc, it's not bad.30:17 What?30:19 It's good to see you though.30:20 You too, sir.30:20 You too.30:47 What's up with these, uh, resignations?30:51 Any background on these?30:56 Just normal, I guess.31:12 I think the priority, yeah.31:44 Together.31:45 I think this guy retired.31:51 I think I know her.31:55 I think she's a teacher.31:59 I'm not sure.32:00 I thought she was a teacher.32:04 Judge.32:06 You have a cool town meeting because they all stay.32:16 Hey, how you doing?32:22 How are you?32:22 Very good.32:23 Senator, good to see you.32:27 Oh yeah, a little bit.32:29 Good to see you.32:31 Good to see you.32:32 Nice to have you here.32:33 Thank you.32:33 Thank you.32:36 Thanks again.32:40 Thank you.32:45 I didn't see him in here.32:48 He was there.33:01 Okay, I think we're ready.33:04 Okay, item number 18, accept the resignation of school traffic constable Ted Dijak.33:12 So moved.33:14 Second.33:14 Moved and seconded.33:15 All in favor?33:16 Aye.33:16 Opposed?33:17 So voted.33:18 Number 19, accept the resignation of school traffic constable Kelly Machado.33:23 So moved.33:24 Second.33:24 Moved and seconded.33:25 All in favor?33:27 Aye.33:27 Opposed?33:27 So voted.33:29 Consider the appointment of Mark Rabello to the position of traffic— school traffic constable.33:35 Mr. Cadim.33:36 Mr. Chairman, at the request of Chief Ennis, he is looking to have Mr. Rabello appointed to the position of the school traffic constable, and I support his recommendation.33:47 Okay, Mr. Rabello isn't here tonight.33:49 No, no.33:50 Okay, all right, I'd entertain a motion to consider the appointment.34:00 So moved.34:01 Second.34:02 Second.34:03 Moved and seconded.34:03 All in favor?34:04 Aye.34:05 Opposed?34:05 So voted.34:07 Item 21, consider the appointment of Ashley Cartwright to the position of Americans Disability Act, ADA coordinator internal.34:17 Mr. Gadeem?34:20 Yeah, Mr. Chairman?34:21 Yes?34:22 I'd like to table that.34:24 Table it?34:25 Yes.34:25 Okay, so you have a motion to table.34:30 Do we need a motion?34:32 Yes.34:32 Okay, so your motion is to table.34:34 Is there a second?34:36 Second.34:37 Moved and seconded to table.34:38 Any discussion?34:41 Just ask the reason.34:42 Is there a reason?34:44 Yes, there is a reason.34:45 I've requested more information before I want an appointment.34:49 Okay.34:49 For Ms. Cartwright.34:50 Okay.34:51 Okay.34:52 All in favor?34:53 Aye.34:53 Opposed?34:54 So voted.34:56 Consider the appointment of William McDonough as Americans with Disabilities Act ADA Coordinator External.35:04 Thank you, Mr. Chairman.35:05 So One of the requirements that the state puts on us for internally and externally is the ADA coordinator.35:14 So I'm looking to appoint our current building commissioner, William McDonough, to serve as the Americans with Disabilities Act coordinator for the external purpose, which would handle all external concerns, so public requests and things of that nature.35:32 All right, so is there a motion?35:36 Yes, I'd like to make a motion to consider the appointment of William McDonough as Americans with Disabilities Act ADA coordinator for the external position.35:44 Second.35:45 Moved and seconded.35:46 All in favor?35:48 Aye.35:48 Opposed?35:50 Mr. Chairman, I need to open one of the doors.35:53 Okay.36:13 Okay, very good.36:16 Uh, next, community speaks.36:19 Is there anyone here from the community like to speak?36:21 Sir?36:22 Come forward.36:27 State your name and address, please.36:30 Good evening, my name is Greg Gauthier, 100 Chelsea Drive.36:34 Speak more into the mic, if you would, please.36:36 Go ahead.36:43 The issue that I have this evening dates back several months.36:49 Um, back in April of this year, um, actually, for the benefit of the board, I live on Chelsea Drive, and I am working with the other residents of Chelsea Drive to bring before the town to have Chelsea Drive accepted as a town road.37:16 So I'll preface what I'm going to say with that.37:20 On April 13th of this year, um, Attorney Eric Bransky contacted the town, um, David— Mr. David Cabral, um, to ask for a Lister report of what he would want done to the road prior to the town accepting it back in April.37:49 No communication was since forthcoming from Mr. Cabral.37:58 In the end of May, I followed up with a phone call.38:05 Never received a return phone call.38:09 I stopped by in person, was told that he was in a meeting and that someone would get back to me.38:18 I left my name, my cell phone, and my email address.38:26 On Tuesday, October 20th, I apologize.38:33 On August 20th of this year, I got on the town's website, and so that there's a record of it, and I sent an email to Sean Tadheim, and in the email I stated David Cabral was contacted by an attorney from Bransky Levinson on April 13th requesting what would be needed for the town to accept Chelsea Drive as an approved town road.39:08 After numerous phone calls, emails, and stopping by the DPW in person, this list report has never materialized.39:16 This is totally unacceptable.39:18 Your involvement is necessary and requested Please advise.39:26 And that was 60 days ago, more than 60 days ago, and I've never heard from anyone.39:34 And I just can't believe that this many attempts have been made to people that work for the town of Seekonk, and myself being a resident of the town of Seekonk for 15 years can't get a response.39:53 Totally unacceptable.39:55 And I'd like to know what the people in front of me this evening can do about it.40:01 Would you like to answer that?40:07 Um, so I'll get him a follow-up, uh, either email, call if you want to give me a call tomorrow.40:12 But the, uh, email was forward it over to Dave.40:15 Actually, at this point, I think you need to call me, don't you think?40:18 Wouldn't it be honest?40:20 I don't have your telephone number.40:21 I'll be happy to give it to you.40:22 It's 401-529-0965.40:30 401-529-0965.40:35 Yep.40:38 So I will give Mr. Garthia a call as So the emails were sent over to Dave Cabral, Chris Testa.40:43 I know there was communication between the two of them regarding the, you know, the road acceptance.40:47 So the documentation that was looking requiring some additional information.40:51 So I got to follow up to see where that's at.40:54 Okay.40:59 Thank you.41:00 Does anybody have any other comments they would like to make?41:03 No, we'll just have to see where it goes from here.41:06 Do you have an email address?41:07 Mine?41:08 Absolutely.41:09 It's— I'll give you my work.41:11 It's [email protected].41:26 Thank you.41:29 Okay.41:31 Is there anyone else for Community Speaks?41:37 Nope, seeing none.41:38 Okay, the next item on the agenda is a public hearing on the general business, and I will relinquish the chair and turn it over to the vice chairman because this matter, uh, involves me.41:51 Okay, thank you, Mr. Chairman.41:54 At this time, uh, under the general business item A, public hearing, I'd like to call the public We are now proceeding to order at 6:41 to consider a proposal and adoption of an order to lay out the roadway known as Mats Way within the Bridgeland Farm 3 subdivision in accordance with the as-built plan and legal description.42:12 So moved, Chris Zorra.42:15 Can I have a second?42:15 Second.42:16 Thank you.42:17 Um, we have before us the packet.42:21 Last night, I believe this item was heard by the planning board.42:24 Um, in their discussions.42:26 And I think there's only 2 outstanding issues relative to the final acceptances.42:31 One of them is noted in the GPI inspection report number 14, dated October 26th, 2026, which I think is in your packet.42:40 Um, some of it has to do with loom being placed along the asphalt berm.42:45 Stone needs to be near a guardrail.42:47 Uh, guardrails need to be installed, I believe.42:50 That the owner of the property has contacted the guide rail company to install that, if I stand corrected.43:00 There's a little bit— there's an issue with some runoff of a driveway.43:03 The paving company is going to correct that.43:05 And the flared end sections have not been installed at the end of pipes.43:10 That's going to be done, taken care of.43:11 I believe that might have been done today.43:15 So those are the Those are recommendations from the planning board at last night's meeting.43:18 Do I have anybody here to speak in favor of this, um, acceptance?43:26 On the record, Gary Sagar, from the president of Sagar Services Incorporated, the developer.43:32 Uh, these 5 items listed in Mr.— in GPI's report, um, I have done all the uh, LumenSeed up to the places necessary.43:45 All the stone has been installed as of yesterday.43:48 The guardrail termini, the delineators, are going to be installed, um, excuse me, within a few days by the, uh, guardrail company.43:59 Uh, yes, the, uh, the owner of Lot 8, we had a discussion with the paving company company, and they're taking care of that.44:08 And as noted in item number 5, the flared-in sections have not been installed, but it's the opinion of GPI that they are not necessary.44:16 So, okay, so everything has basically been, been done that needs to be done.44:23 Thank you.44:24 Okay, is there anybody else here to speak in favor of this, uh, roadway acceptance?44:30 Seeing none, anybody opposed?44:33 To this roadway acceptance?44:37 Seeing none, I will ask for a motion to end the public hearing at 6:43 for discussion of any board members.44:46 So I'll take a motion to— so moved, Chris Zorra.44:49 Close the public hearing.44:50 Second, Elizabeth Elmazian.44:52 Thank you.44:53 Uh, the public hearing is now closed at 6:43.44:56 Uh, any comments, any of the board members?44:58 I just have a question.44:59 Just the certificate of good standing is the only thing we're missing out of this packet.45:04 Other than that, everything else looks, looks great.45:11 That was issued.45:12 I forgot to include it, so I have a copy of it I can forward.45:19 It was issued, Mr. Sega?45:21 Okay, thank you.45:24 Um, any other questions?45:26 None.45:26 Bob, you have any?45:27 No, I do not.45:28 Okay.45:29 All right, so I'll entertain a motion to adopt an order of, uh, to lay out the roadway of Matsway within the Bridgeman Farm 3 subdivision in accordance with the as-built plan and legal description.45:40 So moved.45:42 Can I have a second?45:42 Second.45:44 All those in favor?45:46 Aye.45:46 Aye.45:48 Thank you.46:14 Item B, license hearing.46:16 Consider the request for a motor vehicle Class 2 license for Drive By Deals, LLC, doing business as Drive By Deals, 1143 Fore River Avenue.46:26 George Staffeldt-Gouian is manager.46:30 Are you present?46:32 Present.46:33 Would you come up to the podium, please?46:38 Hello, hi.46:44 So let me get to where I need to be.46:58 Yes, yes, yes.47:00 Okay, so tell us a little bit about you and, uh, and your operation that you want Used car deal.47:12 Okay.47:14 Is this your first venture as a used car?47:17 Actually, no.47:18 I've been selling cars for like 12 years in the state of Rhode Island and Florida.47:23 Okay.47:24 As an owner of this kind of business, yes, as an owner, but in the business for more than 10 years.47:36 Now, is this an existing car lot?47:39 So, Mr. Chairman, it was, uh, the dealership closed down, uh, so they're opening up in the existing.47:45 So what you'll see in the packet is the old license that will contain all the stipulations that were placed on the prior dealership.47:59 Oh yes, the old Hills Liquor.48:02 Oh yeah, right next to the other one.48:04 Yeah, yeah, yeah.48:06 Okay, all right.48:08 And yeah, you're aware of the limitations of car counts, how many cars you can have?48:13 I do.48:14 Okay, and it's acceptable?48:17 It's acceptable, yes.48:19 Okay, any questions by the board?48:21 No.48:24 None.48:25 No.48:25 I don't have any.48:28 No.48:29 Okay, so we're going to entertain a motion to approve the license as requested.48:33 So moved, Mr. Chairman, with the same stipulations that were placed on the prior license.48:37 Yes.48:38 Okay.48:38 Yep.48:39 All right, is there a second?48:41 Second.48:42 Moved and seconded.48:43 All in favor?48:44 Aye.48:44 Opposed?48:45 So voted.48:46 Okay, congratulations.48:49 Thank you.48:49 So that's it.48:52 I have to wait for any paper?48:53 No, you just got to go to the office, get the license.48:55 Thank you, guys.48:57 You're welcome.48:57 Thank you.48:58 Good luck.49:07 Okay, item C, discussion of an Open Meeting Law complaint filed against the Select Board by Joanne Perry, dated October 15th, 2026, received on October 15th, 2026.49:23 We should acknowledge receipt of the complaint, review and discuss response, and authorize submission of response by Town Council.49:31 Okay, so the complaint This is specifically against me, Ms. Almeida, and Mr. Archambault.49:46 And the alleged violation is all 3 select board members were given a tour of the new DPW location on September 18th.49:55 This meeting was not posted.49:57 This constitutes a quorum.50:00 I only became of this when Mr. Sagar said he took Liz and Bob there with Jim Halpin at the September 30th select board meeting.50:07 Okay, so we have a response from town council that I'd like to read into the record, and it's addressed to Elizabeth Carnes Flynn, Esquire, Director, Division of Open Government, Office of Attorney General, Ashburton Place in Mass.50:26 And it's Town of Seekonk Select Board response to complaint of Joanne Perry received October 15, 2026.50:34 Dear Attorney Flynn, this firm serves as town counsel to the town of Seekonk, and this letter is in response to an open meeting law complaint filed with the select board by Miss Joanne Perry on October 15, 2026.50:48 A copy of the complaint is here enclosed herewith.50:51 The complaint alleges that the select board violated the law by not providing a posted meeting notice when quorum of the board were given a tour of the location of a new Department of Public Works facility on September 18th, 2026.51:05 The select board reviewed the complaint and approved this response at its duly posted meeting on today.51:11 All right, the board submits that the fact stated in the complaint that 3 of the 5 members toured the site on September 18th, while accurate, did not constitute a violation of the law.51:21 While a meeting of a public body must be posted in accordance General Law Chapter 30A, Section 20, the attendance of a quorum of the Select Board at the stated location was not a meeting.51:33 The term meeting is defined in General Law 30A-18 in relevant part as follows: meeting is a deliberation by a public body with respect to any matter within the board's jurisdiction, provided, however, meetings shall not be included.51:47 And the exception is an onsite inspection of a project or program so long as the members do not deliberate.51:53 The Board members attended a site visit to view the location, but the members did not deliberate any matters within the Board's jurisdiction while on the site.52:01 Any discussion of the DPW site visit or related matters will take place at posted meetings of the Board.52:08 For example, the Board's October 14th agenda included discussion of authorizing the Board Chair and Building Commissioner to work with the DPW to assist in designing the new building campus.52:19 The complaint provides no evidence that such deliberations took place, and the board denies any such deliberation or other violation of the law.52:27 No further remedial action is necessary.52:32 And it's signed by our attorney, Brian W. Riley.52:37 You know, I concur 100% with Attorney Riley.52:40 I mean, we announced in advance that we were going to go there.52:44 And so knowing full well the exception in the law that allowed us to do it.52:49 So this to me is just a frivolous complaint, and I would fully support the response of Attorney Riley.52:59 So I'll turn to Bob.53:00 Do you have any questions on that?53:04 Uh, no, I just agree that In our board meeting, you announced that that was the intent for select board members to attend if they wished to view the site.53:19 So I, I think it was transparent what we were doing, and I have to agree that I think the complaint is frivolous because we were not deliberating.53:31 That's all I have.53:32 Okay, Liz.53:36 This, this is a little troublesome on top of being frivolous.53:41 It was— you asked if we had seen the inside of the building in open session.53:48 We both said no.53:49 You announced we were going to go.53:52 We walked through the building.53:53 I don't even know if we were in the same rooms at the same time.53:59 This kind of thing is just more work, unnecessary work.54:06 That's all I have to say.54:08 Okay.54:09 Michael, you have anything to say?54:10 I do not, Mr.54:11 Chair.54:12 Chris?54:13 No, I don't.54:14 Okay, so then the chair would entertain a motion that we adopt the findings and letters of Attorney Riley and forward it as our official response.54:21 So, a second?54:23 Second.54:24 All in favor?54:25 Aye.54:25 Opposed?54:27 So voted.54:29 Okay, item D, consider accepting the open session meeting minutes of September 30th, 2026 and October 14th, 2026.54:41 It's the pleasure of the board.54:44 Yes, make a motion that we accept the open meeting minutes from October 14th and September 30th.54:51 Second.54:52 Okay, all in favor?54:55 Aye.54:55 Opposed?54:57 So voted.55:01 We have another community speaks.55:03 Is there anyone in the community who'd like to speak?55:07 Happy Halloween.55:08 On the record, Mr. Alf said happy Halloween.55:10 Okay, how do you get your address, sir?55:16 All right, community speaks.55:18 Uh, we just did that.55:19 Other business, discuss other topics not reasonably anticipated by the chair 48 hours before the meeting.55:25 I don't know of any.55:26 None.55:27 None.55:29 Town Administrator's report?55:30 Uh, nothing at this time, Mr. Chairman.55:32 All right.55:34 Select Board liaison reports and comments?55:37 Accounts Payable warrant has been taken care of.55:41 TV9 liaison report?55:43 Nothing at this time.55:44 Okay.55:45 Bristol County Advisory Board.55:49 I have nothing for the board at this time.55:50 Okay.55:52 Madeira's Farm Committee report.55:54 We have a meeting November 5th.55:56 I'll be able to report back after that.55:59 Okay.56:00 Will that be televised?56:03 I'm not sure.56:04 It should be.56:06 They said— they said yes.56:07 I'm saying yes.56:08 Yes.56:11 Okay, board members, any comments you'd like to add?56:16 Chris, do you have anything?56:17 Nothing at this time.56:18 Michael?56:19 Nothing at this time, Mr.56:20 Chair.56:21 Liz?56:22 Nothing at this time.56:23 Bob?56:25 I'll just say it was a great day for the fire department, and from my reference point, it seemed like a long time coming to get to this point.56:35 I'm glad that it all worked out and the promotions took place.56:38 And I think it was a great day for the town fire department and obviously for their families.56:43 Um, just big, just big.56:45 I'm kind of excited about it, and it's just special day for them and for the town.56:51 Okay, yeah, go ahead.56:55 I just want to ask for the schedule for next week, uh, for the next meeting so people know.56:59 Okay, so We're going to have a meeting, it's scheduled, posted meeting, 5 o'clock at the high school for town meeting.57:08 And then probably 2 days later, because on the 11th is Veterans Day, which is right after— oh, that's right.57:13 Yeah, the next meeting is November 18th.57:15 That's right, November 18th.57:16 That's right, I did talk to you.57:17 That's why.57:19 Yes.57:21 And again, uh, well, I'll probably say something at town meeting about Veterans Day and the Purple Heart and everything.57:27 And so, you know, last week we had the court board meeting, and it was a long presentation and discussion with the school department and also with the fire station.57:39 So TV9 took and separated the 2 main items out of that, being the, the full meeting, and then they just did a separate program.57:50 If it was a 20-minute portion of the discussion with the fire station.57:54 So I'd encourage everybody to go on there and take a look at that and see what was discussed with the chairman of the building committee and the, uh, fire chief.58:06 And also, we have next Tuesday is the election ballot where question 10 is for the fire station, and I was asked to, uh, announce that if anybody needs rides to the polls, they could call 508-243-5611.58:26 That's 508-243-5611, and there's going to be people available to give rides back and forth to the polls.58:35 Oh, all right, so the next meeting is the 18th, and the only thing we have to do in executive to session is approved next, right?58:46 Uh, yeah, so we actually don't even have to go in there for— we can wait for the next time.58:49 Okay.58:49 Yeah.58:50 All right, does anybody else have anything?58:53 No?58:53 No.58:53 Do I entertain a motion we adjourn?58:56 So moved.58:57 Second.58:59 Moved and seconded.59:00 Adjourned at 6:57.
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