Dighton public meetings in 2022
45 substantive meetings from 2022, with official agendas or minutes and plain-English summaries.
Board of Selectmen
The Board of Selectmen approved Common Victualler, Dealer, and Entertainment licenses contingent upon payment of taxes and fees. The board also approved six payment warrants totaling $1,051,044.42. The meeting concluded with an executive session regarding the Town Clerical Union and session minutes.
- Approved Common Victualler licenses for 9 businesses contingent on taxes and fees (2-0)
- Approved Dealer and Entertainment licenses contingent on taxes and fees (2-0)
- Approved Warrants #25A-23 ($122,998.44), #25B-23 ($676,459.45), and #25C-23 ($2,562.75) (2-0)
- Approved Warrants #26A-23 ($144,037.73), #26B-23 ($19,874.18), and #26C-23 ($75,311.37) (2-0)
- Voted to enter Executive Session to discuss Dighton Town Clerical Union and Executive Session Minutes (2-0)
Board of Assessors
The meeting was called to order at 10:00 a.m. and adjourned at 10:05 a.m. No substantive decisions were made.
- Voted unanimously to adjourn at 10:05 a.m.
Board of Assessors
The board reached an agreement to remove the word 'individually' from a wall repair contract, with the trustee providing a $450 check to be held until repairs are complete. Additionally, the board granted an extension to a resident to secure a surveyor.
- Agreed to remove 'individually' from McKeon and Kane contract
- Approved holding a $450 check from Mrs. Quirk until stonewall repairs are completed
- Voted unanimously to give Mr. Kuchenbaur until January 18, 2023 to secure a surveyor
Conservation Commission
The Commission unanimously voted to appeal a DEP Superseding Order of Conditions that allowed a 40B development by Strawberry Fields off Somerset Ave. The Commission had previously denied the proposal due to a lack of critical information. Town Administrator Mike Mullen will coordinate the appeal with the Town Counsel's office.
- Approved motion to appeal DEP's Superseding Order of Conditions for Strawberry Fields (Unanimous)
Community Preservation Committee
The committee voted to recommend that the Board of Selectmen revoke Tom Bourquin's appointment due to five consecutive absences. The committee also proposed a 14-day application period for the seat if the removal is approved. Additionally, the committee approved a flyer for the January 19, 2023, public hearing.
- Approved flyer for Jan 19, 2023 public hearing (unanimous)
- Voted to recommend Board of Selectmen revoke Tom Bourquin's appointment (6-0)
- Approved motion to request a 14-day application period for the open seat if removal is approved (unanimous)
- Approved meeting minutes from 11/17/22 (unanimous)
Board of Selectmen
The Board of Selectmen approved several municipal appointments, renewed multiple liquor and dealer licenses, and authorized a grant for consolidation efforts with the Dighton Water District. The board also scheduled a public hearing regarding the town's potential opt-out of vote-by-mail.
- Authorized Town Administrator to execute grant for consolidation with Dighton Water District (3-0)
- Scheduled public hearing for vote-by-mail opt-out for January 11 (2-1)
- Appointed Leonard Hull and Paul Reynolds to Fire Station Building Committee (3-0)
- Appointed Patrick McGovern to the Board of Health (3-0)
- Approved renewal of 8 liquor licenses and 7 dealer licenses (3-0)
- Approved $25 rental fee for Fathers House Family Church use of Old Town Hall (3-0)
- Appointed Matthew Tanis as part-time Communications Dispatcher (3-0)
- Approved Warrants #23A-23, #23B-23, #24A-23, and #24B-23 (3-0)
Sewer Commission
The Board approved a quote for repairs to the generator at the Park Street station. The Commission also approved the minutes from the November 14, 2022 meeting.
- Approved $936.71 quote for Park Street station generator repair
- Approved minutes for 11/14/22
- Reviewed and signed Commissioners Payroll
Board of Selectmen
The Board of Selectmen and Board of Health discussed restructuring the transfer station and solid waste supervision but tabled a final decision. The board authorized the creation of a new job description for the Board of Health Office Manager. Previous meeting minutes from October and November were approved.
- Authorized Ken Pacheco to work with Building, Highway, and Board of Health to design the Board of Health Office Manager job description (3-0)
- Approved minutes of October 3, 2022 joint meeting (3-0)
- Approved minutes of October 17, 2022 joint meeting (3-0)
- Approved minutes of November 2, 2022 joint meeting (3-0)
- Approved minutes of November 14, 2022 joint meeting (3-0)
- Tabled decision on hiring a second transfer station attendant
- Tabled decision on moving Solid Waste under Highway Department supervision
- Tabled discussion on Title V and Inspections until next meeting
Electric Light District
The Board unanimously approved the minutes from three November meetings and authorized vendor and payroll payments. A proposal regarding East Coast Renewable Energy was tabled pending further information.
- Approved minutes of November 16 monthly meeting, November 16 Special meeting, and November 30 Classification meeting (Unanimous)
- Approved vendor and payroll warrants for payment (Unanimous)
- Tabled East Coast Renewable Energy (Unanimous)
Planning Board
The Board approved a Form A application for 0 Williams Street and a minor site plan review for office space at 210 Williams Street. It also approved a definitive subdivision plan for 1624 Old Williams Street. Additionally, the Board set its 2023 meeting schedule and start time.
- Approved 2023 meeting schedule and 7:00 PM start time (5-0)
- Approved Form A Application for 0 Williams Street to divide a 12.401-acre parcel (5-0)
- Determined 210 Williams Street application is a minor site plan review (5-0)
- Determined not to require a peer review for 210 Williams Street (4-0, 1 abstained)
- Approved minor site plan review for 210 Williams Street (5-0)
- Approved waivers for 1624 Old Williams Street including erosion and dust control condition (5-0)
- Approved Definitive Subdivision Plan for 1624 Old Williams Street (5-0)
- Approved meeting minutes from November 16, 2022 (5-0)
Trails Committee
The committee approved the October Regular and November Special meeting minutes. Members discussed the status of a feasibility study and potential trail terminus designs based on a Harwich area example. No other substantive actions were taken.
- Approved October Regular and November Special meeting minutes
Library Board of Trustees
The Board approved the November 3 meeting minutes and signed off on prepared bills. Trustees discussed potential updates to the Acceptable Use and Computer and Internet Use policies, but no formal changes were decided.
- Approved November 3 minutes (2-0)
- Approved and signed bills (2-0)
Library Board of Trustees
The Board approved the minutes from October 5 and November 16. Members discussed the execution of a contract with Plan B Construction and reviewed the timeline and eligibility for a Community Preservation Committee (CPC) application.
- Approved October 5 minutes (unanimous)
- Approved November 16 minutes with one paragraph stricken (unanimous)
Board of Assessors
The Board of Assessors approved a motor vehicle commitment and several motor vehicle abatements. Members also reviewed materials for the evening's Tax Classification hearings and discussed a property affidavit regarding Grasshopper Solar.
- Approved WB Mason invoice for $27.76 (Unanimous)
- Approved 2022 Motor Vehicle Abatement of $4,439.67 (Unanimous)
- Approved 2021 Motor Vehicle Abatement of $100.90 (Unanimous)
- Approved 2020 Motor Vehicle Abatement of $84.00 (Unanimous)
- Approved Warrant and Commitment for Motor Vehicle Commitment 6 for $20,626.20 (Unanimous)
- Voted to enter Executive Session under MGL Chapter 30A, Section 21(a)(7) (Unanimous)
Electric Light District
The Dighton Electric Light District held a classification hearing to determine the tax rate. The board voted to approve a single tax rate of .10 cents.
- Approved a single tax rate of .10 cents (3-0)
Board of Selectmen
The board adopted a tax classification shift of 1.67 and approved a $248,232 contract for library exterior renovations. They also updated transfer station fees and appointed a new full-time police officer.
- Adopted CIP of 1.67 and residential factor of .9079 (3-0)
- Approved $248,232 contract with Plan B Construction for library exterior renovations (3-0)
- Appointed Nicholas Faria as a full-time police officer (3-0)
- Approved transfer station sticker price to remain at $15.00 (3-0)
- Voted that stickers are required for all transfer station items except textiles and books (3-0)
- Changed flat rate cruiser fee from $15.00/hour to $65.00/day (3-0)
- Appointed Dalton Johnson to the Cable Committee (3-0)
- Approved $7,300 Dighton Cultural Allocation contract (3-0)
Dighton Economic Development Committee
The committee voted to create a Town Local Business Directory on the town website for registered Dighton-based businesses. Members also adopted a formal mission statement to be posted online. The commission decided against holding another public forum following a poorly attended event on November 7th.
- Approved creation of Town Local Business Directory (unanimous)
- Adopted mission statement for posting on town website (unanimous)
- Denied request for another public forum regarding Town Business Survey
- Approved October 24, 2022 meeting minutes (unanimous)
- Set next meeting date for January 23, 2023 (unanimous)
Waste Reduction Committee
The committee voted to maintain the current $15 transfer station sticker fee for the next calendar year and mandated that all users must have a sticker for access. Other proposals, including a swap table and compost bins, were tabled for future discussion.
- Voted to keep the $15 transfer station sticker fee in effect for the next calendar year (8-0)
- Voted that all users require a sticker for access to the transfer station (8-0)
- Tabled the proposal for a transfer station swap table (8-0)
- Tabled the compost bin discussion until the next meeting (9-0)
Community Preservation Committee
The committee scheduled its annual public hearing for January 19, 2023, at 6 PM. Members reviewed financial reports, including a $39,034.00 first-round state matching funds distribution. The committee also approved the meeting minutes from October 20, 2022.
- Scheduled annual public hearing for January 19, 2023, at 6 PM (unanimous)
- Approved meeting minutes from 10/20/22 (unanimous)
Conservation Commission
The Commission approved several development projects and resource area delineations. It also issued an enforcement order for wetland alterations at 1566 Cedar Street and granted multiple hearing continuances.
- Approved Order of Conditions for Hunters Hill Subdivision (unanimous)
- Issued Order of Resource Area Delineation for Zeneca Inc (unanimous)
- Issued Order of Conditions for house addition and Enforcement Order for wetland alterations at 1566 Cedar Street (unanimous)
- Approved Order of Conditions for single-family dwelling at 2878 Elm St (unanimous)
- Approved Order of Conditions for Dighton Water District new well off Cedar St (unanimous)
- Approved Order of Conditions for septic system at 2631 Park St (unanimous)
- Issued Certificate of Compliance for Taunton Yacht Club (unanimous)
- Approved Beta invoices for $449.90 and $1,468.52 (unanimous)
Planning Board
The Board approved a $5,000 contract with Green International Affiliates, Inc. for the engineering review of a proposed subdivision at 1624 Old Williams St. Several other development matters were continued to future dates. The Board also approved the meeting minutes from November 2, 2022.
- Approved $5,000 proposal for engineering review services from Green International Affiliates, Inc. (3-0)
- Continued public hearing for 1624 Old Williams St subdivision to December 7, 2022 (3-0)
- Continued Wellington Acres Homeowners Assoc. matter to January 4, 2023 (3-0)
- Continued Forest Hills Estates public hearing to January 4, 2023 (3-0)
- Approved November 2, 2022 meeting minutes (3-0)
Stormwater Committee
The committee approved the revised plan and stormwater permit #04-22 for the Hunter's Hill Development. Members also discussed drainage basin concerns at Wellington Acres and tabled a budget discussion regarding office management.
- Approved Hunter's Hill Development revised plan dated October 31, 2022 (Unanimous)
- Approved stormwater permit #04-22 with nine conditions (Unanimous)
- Tabled stormwater budget discussion regarding Board of Health restructuring
- Tabled approval of previous meeting minutes (Unanimous)
Library Building Committee
The committee unanimously voted to accept Plan B Construction's bid for carpentry services at 207 Main and recommended it for Board of Selectmen approval. The committee also unanimously approved the use and purchase of red cedar shingles for the building's siding to maintain historic integrity.
- Recommended Plan B Construction bid for carpentry services to Board of Selectmen (Unanimous)
- Approved selection and purchase of red cedar shingles for siding (Unanimous)
Electric Light District
The District voted to use free cash to lower the tax rate and updated its by-laws regarding the location of Town Hall. Article 5 was not acted upon due to a lack of motion.
- Transferred $50,000 from free cash to reduce the tax rate (3-0)
- Updated District By Laws to replace Fire Station #1 on Main Street with Town Hall (3-0)
- Appointed Leeanne Kerwin as Moderator
SRPEDD
The Southeastern Massachusetts Metropolitan Planning Organization (SMMPO) will consider and vote on a proposed adjustment to the FFY 2023-2027 Transportation Improvement Program (TIP) to add a new Airport Express Bus Service from the Mansfield MBTA Station to Logan Airport. The meeting also includes updates on the Title VI/Language Assistance Plan, the FFY24-28 TIP development, the FFY2023 Unified Planning Work Program (UPWP), and the Regional Transportation Plan. Public comments will be accepted.
- Vote on FFY 2023-2027 TIP Proposed Adjustment #1: New Airport Express Bus Service from Mansfield MBTA Station to Logan Airport
- Approval of minutes from August 9, 2022
- Public comment period
- Title VI/Language Assistance Plan (LAP) update
- FFY24-28 TIP and FFY2023 UPWP development updates
Board of Selectmen
The Board of Selectmen and Board of Health discussed the lack of administrative leadership and oversight within the Board of Health, specifically regarding stormwater management and Title V inspections. The boards decided that the Board of Health must establish clear parameters for the Health Agent's involvement in stormwater and prioritize office duties.
- Voted to require Board of Health to establish perimeters for Health Agent involvement with Stormwater and prioritize office duties (2-0)
- Scheduled next joint meeting for December 12 at 6:00 p.m.
- Adjourned meeting at 9:17 p.m. (3-0)
Sewer Commission
The Commission approved the minutes from the October 17, 2022 meeting. Members discussed using ARPA funds for Power Plant station upgrades and reviewed the FY 2024 budget without making adjustments.
- Approved minutes for 10/17/22
- Tabled FY 2024 budget adjustments pending instructions from Town Administrator or Board of Selectmen
Board of Assessors
The Board discussed a boundary dispute between the Kane and McKeon properties regarding a corner marker and wall location. The Board voted to postpone further action to allow for legal clarification of the Kane Family Trust documents.
- Voted unanimously to postpone action on 2298 and 2308 Pleasant Street until November 30
- Voted unanimously to accept the minutes of September 12, 2022
Board of Assessors
The Board of Assessors approved a rollback tax warrant for a Cedar Street property and signed Chapter Land liens for a Williams Street property. The board also approved a small administrative invoice and the previous meeting's minutes.
- Approved WB Mason Bill for $171.60 (Unanimous)
- Approved signing Chapter Land liens for 0 Williams St Map 16 Lot 20-1 (Unanimous)
- Approved Warrant and Commitment for 2410 Cedar St M 14 L 44 & 47 in the amount of $960.04 (Unanimous)
- Approved minutes for 10/19/22 (Unanimous)
Board of Selectmen
The Board of Selectmen authorized a $200,000 library building grant and established a Fire Station Building Committee. The board also appointed new members to the Board of Health, Cable Committee, and Cultural Council. Additionally, the town joined a regional salt bid for the 2022-2023 season.
- Authorized Town Administrator to sign $200,000 Library Building Grant Agreement
- Approved establishment of Fire Station Building Committee
- Voted to join 2022-2023 Medfield salt bid (Primary: Eastern Minerals, Secondary: Morton Salt)
- Appointed Paul Pacheco to the Board of Health (2-1)
- Appointed Andrew Lapointe to the Cable Committee
- Appointed Caryle Stonstrom to the Dighton Cultural Council
- Voted to draft letters of commendation for Officer Barros and Officer Almedia
- Approved Warrants #18A-23, #18B-23, #18C-23, #19A-23, and #19B-23
Council on Aging
The Council on Aging reported receiving a $10,000 FY 23 earmark and a $21,036 FY 2023 Formula Grant from the Executive Office of Elder Affairs. The board approved the minutes from the previous meeting. The Director provided updates on staffing, program enrollment, and community outreach.
- Approved previous meeting minutes (unanimous)
Trails Committee
The committee approved the purchase of a brass bench dedication plaque and refill rolls for pet waste bag dispensers at the Broad Cove Nature Trail. A member will coordinate with the Taunton Pathways Committee to schedule a meeting.
- Approved purchase of brass bench dedication plaque not to exceed $100 (4-0)
- Approved purchase of pet waste bag refill rolls for Broad Cove Nature Trail not to exceed $150 (4-0)
Library Board of Trustees
The Board of Trustees approved payroll and bills, as well as a $304.44 reimbursement for the library director's project management course. A proposed laptop borrowing policy was discussed, but the motion to approve it was withdrawn for further revisions. The board also established the holiday operating schedule for November and December.
- Approved September 8 minutes (3-0)
- Approved October 20 minutes (2-0, 1 abstain)
- Withdrew motion to approve Laptop Borrowing policy for revisions
- Approved payroll and bills
- Approved $304.44 reimbursement for Project Management for Librarians course
- Set holiday schedule: Children's Room closes 1 p.m. Nov 12; closed Saturdays for December holiday eves
Board of Selectmen
The Board of Selectmen and Board of Health approved several waste management agreements and updated transfer station pricing. The board also recommended a new member for the Solid Waste Committee.
- Recommended Tom Pires to the Solid Waste Committee (3-0)
- Voted to end the Simple Recycling Contract (3-0)
- Approved memorandum of Agreement with CMRK (3-0)
- Authorized Michael Mullen to sign the CMRK agreement (3-0)
- Approved service agreement with ACE Mattress Recycling (3-0)
- Authorized Michael Mullen to sign the ACE Mattress and Recycling agreement (3-0)
- Increased disposal fees for box springs and mattresses from $15 to $40, and crib mattresses from $10 to $20 (3-0)
- Allowed Board of Health to take over Conex Box rental for mattress storage (3-0)
Zoning Board of Appeals
The Zoning Board of Appeals agreed to retain $25,000 of a development bond for Stoney Ridge Estates. This action is conditional upon the developer providing two specific payments to the Affordable Housing Trust Fund and the Homeowners Association.
- Approved retaining $25,000 from the Stoney Ridge Estates bond conditional on payments of $3,360 to the Affordable Housing Trust Fund and $7,000 to the Homeowners Association (3-0)
- Approved September 22, 2022 meeting minutes (5-0)
Board of Selectmen
The Board of Selectmen ratified a Memorandum of Understanding with the Dighton Dispatchers Union and approved a winter moratorium exception for the Main Street Road Construction Project. Other actions included appointing a part-time dispatcher and authorizing a grant proposal for district efficiency.
- Approved Memorandum of Understanding with Dighton Dispatchers Union (3-0)
- Granted exception to use CDF for trench backfill on Main Street project (3-0)
- Appointed Dalton Johnson as part-time communications dispatcher (3-0)
- Approved wage increase to $20.00/hour for Cable Committee staff (3-0)
- Authorized grant proposal for district structure assessment (3-0)
- Waived first right of refusal for property at 2410 Cedar Street (3-0)
- Granted three-month occupancy extension to Father's House Family Church (3-0)
- Approved one-day liquor license and fee waiver for Lions Club Arts Festival (2-1)
Board of Selectmen
The Board of Selectmen approved a Memorandum of Understanding with the Dighton Dispatchers Union and authorized a grant proposal for district efficiency. They also granted a winter moratorium exception for the Main Street road construction project and approved several facility use requests.
- Approved Memorandum of Understanding with Dighton Dispatchers Union (3-0)
- Appointed Dalton Johnson as part-time communications dispatcher (3-0)
- Granted exception for CDF trench backfill for Main Street construction (3-0)
- Approved $20.00/hour wage increase for Cable Committee staff (3-0)
- Authorized grant proposal for district efficiency with Water, Electric, and Fire districts (3-0)
- Waived first right of refusal for property at 2410 Cedar Street (3-0)
- Approved audit engagement letter from Roselli and Clark for FY 2022-2024 (3-0)
- Approved one-day liquor license and fee waiver for Lions Club Arts Festival (2-1)
Trails Committee
The committee approved the minutes from the September meeting. Members discussed plans for a bench dedication and a proposed boardwalk for the Broad Cove Nature Trail, which requires a feasibility study before construction.
- Approved September Minutes
- Scheduled next meeting for December 6, 2022
Dighton Economic Development Committee
The committee tabled a draft mission statement for the town website for future discussion. Members noted that 1Connection has passed state hurdles to begin cannabis processing on site. A payment authorization form was signed, and the September 26 meeting minutes were approved.
- Tabled draft mission statement for town website (unanimous)
- Signed Payment Designation Authorization Form for invoice processing
- Approved September 26, 2022 meeting minutes (unanimous)
Conservation Commission
The Dighton Conservation Commission continued several hearings to November 17, 2022, including the Hunters Hill Subdivision and DI Trust Comprehensive Conservation Subdivision. They closed hearings and issued Orders of Conditions for the Taunton River Trail soil evaluations, Dighton Water District well, and Dighton Highway Dept. culvert repair. The commission also approved unpaid invoices totaling over $10,000 and issued Certificates of Compliance for two properties.
- Continued Hunters Hill Subdivision hearing to 11/17/22 (unanimous)
- Continued DI Trust Comprehensive Conservation Subdivision hearing to 11/17/22 (unanimous)
- Closed hearing and issued Order of Conditions for Taunton River Trail soil evaluations (unanimous)
- Closed hearing and issued Order of Conditions for Dighton Water District well (unanimous)
- Approved payment of past due Nitsch Engineering invoices totaling $4,720.50 (unanimous)
- Approved payment of Beta invoices totaling $6,999.47 (unanimous)
- Issued Certificate of Compliance for 634 Sesame St. (unanimous)
- Issued Certificate of Compliance for 899 Williams St. (unanimous)
Capital Outlay Committee
The committee will review the status of FY23 Capital Plan Special Town Meeting articles. Members will also discuss the FY24 and 5-year Capital Planning update and an Open Meeting Law complaint from Patrick Higgins.
- Status of FY23 Capital Plan Special Town Meeting Articles
- FY24 and 5-year Capital Planning Update
- Open Meeting Law Complaint, Patrick Higgins (dated April 27, 2022)
- Approval of February 15, 2022 meeting minutes
- Approval of March 29, 2022 meeting minutes
Capital Outlay Committee
The committee will meet to review and rate departmental capital priorities. Members will also review the meeting minutes from January 18, 2022, and February 1, 2022.
- Discussion and rating of departmental capital priorities
- Approval of meeting minutes from January 18, 2022, and February 1, 2022
Capital Outlay Committee
The Capital Outlay Committee will review and rate capital projects for the Dighton Rehoboth Regional School District. The committee will also vote to approve the meeting minutes from January 18, 2022.
- Review of Dighton Rehoboth Regional School District Capital Projects
- Discussion and rating of projects
- Approval of January 18, 2022 meeting minutes
Capital Outlay Committee
The Capital Outlay Committee will meet to discuss and review capital requests from several town departments. The body will also consider the approval of meeting minutes from January 18, 2022.
- Review of Sewer capital requests
- Review of Historical capital requests
- Review of Fire capital requests
- Review of Highway capital requests
- Review of Police capital requests
Capital Outlay Committee
The Capital Outlay Committee will meet to discuss capital requests from several town departments. The body will also review meeting minutes from April through December 2021.
- Review of capital requests for Assessors
- Review of capital requests for Board of Health
- Review of capital requests for Parks and Recreation
- Review of capital requests for Information Technology
- Review of capital requests for Library