Seekonk public meetings in 2022

Select Board

The Seekonk Select Board will hold a public hearing on opting out of early in-person voting for municipal annual town elections while maintaining early mail-in voting. The board will also consider appropriating $9,000 in ARPA funds for a police union payment, discuss speed zone studies for three streets, and receive updates on the Pond Street Bridge design and the South End Fire Station project. Several resignations from the police department and dispatcher positions are on the agenda for acceptance.

• Public hearing on opting out of early in-person voting for municipal annual town elections per MGL C 54 § 25B
• Consider appropriation of $9,000 from ARPA funds for a one-time payment to Fraternal Order of Police MASSCOP Local 215
• Discussion on Speed Zone Studies and Speed Regulations for Prospect Street, Arcade Avenue and County Street
• Update on the Pond Street Bridge Design including discussion on sidewalk(s)
• Consider awarding contract for DPW Owner's Project Manager to Compass Group Architects

The Board awarded a project management contract to Compass Group Architects and approved several speed zone studies. They also voted to maintain early in-person voting for the April 2023 municipal election and approved a sidewalk design for the Pond Street Bridge.

• Awarded DPW Owner’s Project Manager contract to Compass Group Architects for $725,000 (4-0)
• Voted to keep early in-person voting for April 3, 2023 election (3-1)
• Approved Pond Street Bridge design option 1 for sidewalk on south side only (3-1)
• Approved three speed zone study contracts for Prospect Street, Arcade Avenue, and County Street (4-0)
• Appropriated $9,000 in ARPA funds for a one-time payment to FOP MASSCOP Local 215 (4-0)
• Amended Administrative Policy #37 regarding final payments to exiting employees (4-0)
• Accepted resignations of Katherine Cardoza, Detective Brad Lucke, and Officer Eric Schoonmaker (4-0)
• Renewed various 2023 business licenses including motor vehicle, entertainment, and alcohol (4-0)

South End Fire Station Building Committee

The committee updated the South End Fire Station project by moving specific items from the alternates list to the base building price. They also tabled a project management invoice pending review by the Town Administrator.

• Tabled CGA invoice SFS-010 for $5,000 (All in favor)
• Moved pre-action fire suppression system to base price (All in favor)
• Moved epoxy floors to base price and removed from alternates list (All in favor)
• Removed additional HVAC zones in fire bunk rooms from alternates list
• Removed apparatus bay radiant floor from alternates list
• Removed apparatus bay fan from alternates list

Board of Assessors

The Board of Assessors approved meeting minutes from October and November and signed several FY23 warrants and commitments. The board also entered an executive session to review statutory exemptions and motor vehicle excise reports.

• Approved October 27, 2022 regular session minutes (3-0)
• Approved November 16, 2022 regular session minutes (2-0)
• Signed FY23 Warrants & Commitments for Real Property, Personal Property, Community Preservation Act & Septic Betterments
• Signed Warrant and Commitment for 2022 Motor Vehicle Excise Commitment #6
• Signed two FY23 Payment in Lieu of Taxes (P.I.L.O.T) warrants for City of Attleboro and Seekonk Housing Authority

Planning Board

The Planning Board approved three Acts No. 40 (ANR) applications for lot divisions and reconfigurations. The board also received a comprehensive Town Planner update on various subdivision projects and municipal grants.

• Approved ANR application to divide 1636 Fall River Avenue into two lots (6-0-0)
• Approved ANR application to subdivide 135 Hope Street into six lots (5-1-0)
• Approved ANR application to extend rear lot line at 18 Richard Banna Way (6-0-0)
• Approved October 11, 2022 minutes (7-0-0)
• Approved November 10, 2022 minutes with one correction (6-0-0)

Select Board

The Select Board will consider and vote on annual license renewals for 2023 for a wide range of businesses in Seekonk, including motor vehicle dealers, amusement facilities, entertainment venues, and alcohol-serving establishments. The agenda lists specific applicants and addresses for each license type.

• Herb Chambers Honda of Seekonk, 185 Taunton Ave
• Tasca Automotive Group, 200 Fall River Ave
• Dublin Rose, 940 Fall River Ave
• Outback Steakhouse, 1301 Fall River Ave
• Regency Liquors of Seekonk, 301 Taunton Ave

The Board awarded a project manager contract for the DPW complex and approved a $96,000 ARPA payment for police. They also issued several entertainment licenses and renewed various business licenses. The Board deferred a decision on library repair estimates to the next meeting.

• Awarded DPW Owner’s Project Manager bid to Compass Group Architects (5-0)
• Approved $96,000 ARPA one-time payment for FOP MASSCOP Local 215 (5-0)
• Appointed Ryan Brennan as DPW Truck Driver/Laborer (5-0)
• Approved indoor/outdoor entertainment license for Toti’s (5-0)
• Approved indoor entertainment license for Old Grist Mill Tavern (5-0)
• Accepted donations: $1,000 and $30 to Human Services, $100 to Veterans Council (5-0)
• Renewed 13 categories of business and alcohol licenses (5-0)
• Approved meeting minutes from Sept 28, Oct 12, Oct 26, and Nov 9 (5-0)

Conservation Commission

The Commission approved a Negative 3 determination for a deck expansion at 11 Carter’s Way. Members also voted to accept amended language for policies regarding application deadlines, agenda item deadlines, and extensions. Several other project requests and enforcement cases were continued to January 2023.

• Approved Negative 3 for deck expansion at 11 Carter’s Way (5-0-0)
• Approved amended policies for submittal deadlines and extensions (5-0-0)
• Approved November 7, 2022 meeting minutes (5-0-0)
• Continued pool and fencing request at 9 Jacoby Way to Jan 9, 2023 (5-0-0)
• Continued commercial building project at 100, 108 & 110 Old Fall River Rd to Jan 9, 2023 (5-0-0)
• Continued wetland verification at 1530 Fall River Ave to Jan 9, 2023 (5-0-0)
• Continued septic replacement and subdivision requests at 355 Elm St to Jan 9, 2023 (5-0-0)
• Continued material lay-down area project at 0 Allen Ave to Jan 9, 2023 (5-0-0)

Zoning Board of Appeals

The Zoning Board of Appeals denied three petitions regarding a proposed dwelling addition and yard depth variances at 5 Colfall Street because the petitioner did not respond. The denials were without prejudice, meaning the petitioner may refile without a two-year waiting period.

• Denied petitions 2022-28, 2022-29, and 2022-30 for 5 Colfall Street without prejudice (5-0-0)
• Approved minutes from September 12, 2022 and October 13, 2022 (5-0-0)
• Approved 2023 meeting dates (5-0-0)
• Approved request to change S. Halajko's status from regular to alternate board member (5-0-0)
• Approved motion to resubmit a letter requesting an increase in stipend (5-0-0)

Human Services Council

The Council agreed to decorate the Veterans Memorial Christmas tree on December 4. The meeting included reports on holiday programs, facility construction progress, and staffing updates.

• Agreed to decorate Veterans Memorial tree December 4 at 11am
• Moved approval of October 24, 2022 minutes to January meeting
• Adjourned meeting at 4:17pm (unanimous)

South End Fire Station Building Committee

The committee approved the continuation of the Construction Documents phase for the South End Fire Station. Members also approved several invoices and a contract amendment for security design. Current project cost estimates have increased to approximately $7.6 million, with a total estimated budget of $9.5 million including contingencies.

• Approved continuation of Construction Documents phase (4-0)
• Approved TGAS invoice 2208-05 for $87,893.40 (4-0)
• Approved CGA invoice SFS-009 for $5,000.00 (4-0)
• Approved $16,700.00 for TGAS Contract Amendment 2 for Security Design (4-0)
• Approved June 29, 2022 meeting minutes (4-0)
• Approved June 24, 2022 meeting minutes (3-0, 1 abstain)
• Scheduled joint meeting with Board of Selectmen for Dec 21 at 6:00pm (4-0)

Select Board

The Seekonk Board of Selectmen will hold public hearings on a transfer of an all-alcohol license for the Ramada Inn and on the Fiscal Year 2023 tax classification. They will also consider accepting a $250,000 MassDevelopment Brownfields Redevelopment Fund grant and discuss the Fall Town Meeting. The agenda includes numerous license renewals for motor vehicle dealers, amusement facilities, and alcohol sellers.

• Public hearing on transfer of Inn-holder's All-Alcohol On-Premise License for Ramada Inn at 213 Taunton Avenue
• Fiscal Year 2023 Tax Classification Hearing
• Consider accepting $250,000 MassDevelopment Brownfields Redevelopment Fund grant
• Discussion of Fall Town Meeting
• License renewals for Class I, II, III motor vehicles, amusement facilities, go-kart, mini golf, and alcohol licenses

The Board approved a 1.75 commercial, industrial, and personal property shift for FY23 and accepted a $250,000 grant for brownfields redevelopment. They also renewed various business licenses and approved a contract for the Assistant Superintendent of Public Works.

• Approved CIP shift of 1.75 with residential factor .8034 and 10% small commercial exemption (4-0)
• Accepted $250,000 MassDevelopment Brownfields Redevelopment Fund grant (3-0)
• Approved liquor license transfer and pledge of collateral for Seekonk Lodging, LLC d/b/a Ramada Inn (3-0)
• Renewed Class I, II, and III Motor Vehicle licenses (3-0)
• Renewed Amusement Facility and Amusement Machine licenses (3-0)
• Renewed Go-Kart and Miniature Golf licenses (3-0)
• Renewed Antique and Second-Hand licenses (3-0)
• Renewed Wine and Malt Alcohol On-Premise and Package Store licenses (3-0)

Board of Assessors

The Board reviewed a presentation for the FY’23 Classification Tax Hearing. Members signed the FY’23 Boat Excise Commitment and Warrant. The Board also entered executive session to review various tax exemptions and abatement applications.

• Signed FY’23 Boat Excise Commitment and Warrant for $1,427.00
• Entered executive session to review statutory exemption, boat abatement, and motor vehicle excise applications
• Entered executive session to review FY’24 Chapter Land Applications
• Entered executive session to review Appellate Tax Board (ATB) Motion to Dismiss Letter

Finance Committee

The Finance Committee reviewed three articles for the Fall Town Meeting warrant. It recommended approval for Article 5 and issued no recommendation for Article 19. Article 18 was deemed no longer applicable because a related library project failed to pass at a previous meeting.

• Recommended approval of Article 5 (5-0-1)
• Determined Article 18 no longer applicable
• Issued no recommendation for Article 19 (5-0-1)
• Approved minutes of October 18, 2022 (5-0-1)

Planning Board

The Board approved a packet of proposed amendments to the Subdivision Control Law to be sent to state representatives. A public hearing for local Rules and Regulation amendments was scheduled for December 13, and the 2023 meeting calendar was approved.

• Approved sending proposed Subdivision Control Law amendments to state representatives (6-0-0)
• Scheduled public hearing for Rules and Regulation Amendments on December 13 (6-0-0)
• Approved proposed 2023 Planning Board meeting dates (6-0-0)
• Tabled approval of October 11, 2022 minutes until next meeting (6-0-0)
• Approved moving Town Planner Update to the first item on the agenda

Veterans Council

The council approved the meeting minutes from October 10, 2022. Members discussed logistics for the Veterans Day ceremony and the upcoming Holiday Festival, including tree purchases and lighting.

• Approved October 10, 2022 meeting minutes

Select Board

The Seekonk Select Board will hold a public hearing on a new all-alcohol license for Plaza Mexico Cocina Mexicana & Cantina at 821 Fall River Ave, and consider setting a fee for mattress collection/recycling due to a state ban. The board will also vote on conditional offers of employment for an Assistant Superintendent of Public Works and two truck driver/laborers, plus a new police policy on overdose and naloxone use.

• Conditional offer of employment for James Halpin as Assistant Superintendent of Public Works
• Conditional offers for Ryan Wilcox and Michael Saucier as Truck Driver/Laborers in Public Works
• Public hearing on new All-Alcohol On-Premise License for Plaza Mexico Cocina Mexicana & Cantina at 821 Fall River Avenue
• Public hearing on establishing a fee for mattress collection and recycling due to the statewide mattress waste ban
• Consideration of Police Department Order GO 3.25: Overdoses and Nasal Naloxone

The Board approved a new all-alcohol license for Plaza Mexico and established a $65 fee for mattress collection. Several Department of Public Works appointments were made, and two police department orders were accepted. The Board also held a discussion regarding noise and dust complaints at J.H. Lynch.

• Appointed James Halpin as Assistant Superintendent of Public Works (5-0)
• Appointed Ryan Wilcox as Truck Driver/Laborer with DPW (5-0)
• Appointed Michael Saucier as Truck Driver/Laborer with DPW (5-0)
• Approved all-alcohol on-premise license for Los Cantaritos Inc. d/b/a Plaza Mexico (5-0)
• Established $65 fee for mattress removal (5-0)
• Approved Police Department Order GO 3.25 regarding Overdoses and Nasal Naloxone (5-0)
• Approved Police Department Order GO 3.26 regarding Comfort Dog Team (5-0)
• Accepted $100 donation from Phoenix, Inc. for Veterans Memorial gift account (5-0)

South End Fire Station Building Committee

The committee discussed exterior finishes, electrical transformer placement, and apparatus bay features. No formal votes were taken on design changes, and no bills or invoices were approved during this session.

• Decided against a heated apparatus floor at an estimated cost of $75,000 to $100,000
• Proposed pad-mounted transformer preferred over pole-mounted to allow buried cables
• Discussed using concrete for the apparatus parking apron to prevent asphalt compaction
• Reviewed exterior color scheme featuring red brick and light/dark gray for the communications side
• Discussed adding an exhaust fan to the break room for cooking mishaps
• Scheduled geotech borings for November 14th

Board of Assessors

The Board of Assessors voted to keep the existing department fee schedule. Members also approved previous meeting minutes and discussed updates to the Taxation Aid Fund check-off list and property photo records.

• Approved September 22, 2022 Regular Session Minutes (3-0)
• Approved September 29, 2022 Regular Session Minutes (2-1)
• Voted to keep the Fee Schedule as is (3-0)
• Approved motion to enter Executive Session (3-0)

Select Board

The Seekonk Board of Selectmen will consider several items including a public hearing to layout Lannister Lane, contracts for dam removal analysis and fire station commissioning, and requests to use Bristol County ARPA funds for stormwater mapping, testing, and a street sweeper. The board will also discuss a statewide mattress waste ban, the town charter, and a special town election. Executive sessions are planned for negotiations with the Parks and Recreation Coordinator and the Fraternal Order of Police.

• Public hearing to layout Lannister Lane roadway
• Request to use $200,000 in ARPA funds for MS4 stormwater mapping
• Request to use $222,000 in ARPA funds for MS4 outfall and catch basin testing
• Request to use $281,680 in ARPA funds to purchase a street sweeper
• Consider contract with Innovative Engineering Services as commissioning agent for South End Fire Station

The Board authorized the use of Bristol County ARPA funds for stormwater mapping, testing, and the purchase of a street sweeper. Other key actions included the layout of Lannister Lane and the appointment of a new Human Services Outreach Case Worker.

• Appointed Jacqueline Gress as Outreach Case Worker for Human Services (5-0)
• Accepted resignation of Joseph Albuquerque from DPW (5-0)
• Approved the layout of roadway 'Lannister Lane' (5-0)
• Authorized Town Administrator to sign GPI contract for Attleboro Dye Works Dam Removal Analysis & Permitting (5-0)
• Approved $422,000 in ARPA funds for MS4 stormwater mapping and testing (5-0)
• Approved $281,680 in ARPA funds to purchase a DPW street sweeper (5-0)
• Awarded $27,700 contract to Innovative Engineering Services for South End Fire Station project (5-0)
• Approved language change for Town Charter regarding Board presence in Collective Bargaining Agreement negotiations (5-0)

Finance Committee

The Seekonk Finance Committee special meeting on October 24, 2022, was held but no quorum was present. As a result, no substantive decisions or votes occurred.

• No decisions made due to lack of quorum

Human Services Council

The council approved the meeting minutes from June 27 and September 26, 2022. Members discussed holiday programming, including the 'Sponsor a Senior' program and a partnership with Aitken School for family gifts.

• Approved June 27, 2022 minutes (unanimous)
• Approved September 26, 2022 minutes (unanimous)

South End Fire Station Building Committee

The South End Fire Station Building Committee approved several invoices and contract amendments for the new fire station project. The committee approved a $43,796.70 invoice for 50% design development, a $13,790 geotechnical services contract amendment, and recommended a $27,700 building commissioning firm. All votes were unanimous.

• Approved TGAS Invoice 2208-04 for $43,796.70 for 50% Design Development phase (unanimous)
• Approved TGAS Contract Amendment #01 for geotechnical services at $13,790 (unanimous)
• Recommended Innovative Engineering Services (IES) for building commissioning at $27,700 (unanimous)
• Approved CGA Invoice SFS-008 for $5,000 for preconstruction phase (unanimous)

Select Board

The Select Board will review and sign the Fall Town Meeting Warrant and discuss Town Charter amendments. The body is also considering several personnel promotions and the transfer of an alcohol license.

• Transfer of All-Alcohol on-premise License to MP Milling Company (Old Grist Mill Tavern) at 390 Fall River Avenue
• Request to use $50,269.59 in ARPA funds for Animal Control radios
• Acceptance of $35,460 State Formula Grant for the Senior Center
• Acceptance of $20,567.26 Municipal Road Safety Program Grant
• Request from National Grid to relocate poles on Progress Street

Select Board

The Board of Selectmen, School Committee, Finance Committee, and Capital Improvement Committee will meet to discuss budget updates and planning. The Select Board will also consider equipment purchases and the potential sale of town properties.

• Potential sale of town properties at 0 Howland Street and 170 County Street
• Purchase of 5 Safe Pace Radar Signs for $17,995
• Purchase of 1 Wanco Traffic with Radar Message Board for $19,201.85
• Request to hold a Special Town Meeting
• Executive session regarding security strategy and real property at 2 North Street and 320 Pleasant Street

Select Board

The Select Board will review contracts for the Burr's Pond Dam and Attleboro Dye Works Dam projects. Members will also consider using American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds for town website upgrades and evaluate the Town Administrator's performance goals.

• Contract for Burr's Pond Dam analysis project
• Contract for Attleboro Dye Works Dam project using ARPA funds and Capital Appropriations
• Appropriation of ARPA funds to upgrade the Town's website
• Mobile Food Cart Permit for KB’s Poppin Perfection at 1710 Fall River Avenue
• Place of Public Amusement License for Fear Town Productions LLC at 1710 Fall River Avenue

Select Board

The Board of Selectmen will review several employment offers for police and fire personnel and appointments to town boards. The meeting includes a license hearing for a motor vehicle license and the opening of the Fall Town Meeting warrant.

• License hearing for new Class II Motor Vehicle license for Modern Equipment Leasing, Inc. at 45E Woodland Avenue
• Opening of the Warrant for Fall Town Meeting
• Mutual Aid Agreement for the Pawtucket Police Department
• Donations including $650 for a Human Services bench and $1,180 for the K-9 fund
• Discussion of Attorney General findings regarding an Open Meeting Law Complaint

Select Board

The Select Board will discuss a property purchase for Assessor's Plat 16 and a request from National Grid to install a pole at 390 Read Street. The board will also review the fourth quarter budget update and a mutual aid agreement with East Providence Police Department.

• Request from National Grid to install Pole #3348-50 at 390 Read Street
• Purchase and Sales agreement for property at Assessor's Plat 16, Lots 10, 51, 54 and 55
• Mutual aid agreement with East Providence Police Department
• Fourth Quarter Budget Update and Fiscal Year 2022 Year-End transfers
• Vacancies on Board of Health, Zoning Board of Appeals, and other committees

Select Board

The Select Board will hold a public hearing regarding a change of stock interest for Seekonk Liquors, Inc. at 98 Highland Avenue. The meeting includes a joint session with the Planning Board to discuss the Attleboro Dyeworks reuse analysis and brownfields cleanup alternatives.

• Public Hearing: Change of stock interest for Seekonk Liquors, Inc. (Chris Gasbarro’s Fine Wine and Spirits) at 98 Highland Avenue
• Joint meeting with Planning Board regarding Attleboro Dyeworks Preliminary Reuse Analysis
• Discussion of Brownfields Cleanup Alternatives for former Attleboro Dye Works wastewater lagoons
• Consideration of a letter of support for Save the Bay’s 2022 grant
• Consideration of contract renewal with KP Law

Select Board

The Select Board will meet to discuss public safety staffing, road improvements, and the appropriation of ARPA funds. The board will also hold license hearings for local businesses and a joint session with the Planning Board.

• Awarding the architectural and engineering contract for the South End Fire Station to The Galante Architecture Studio
• Appropriation of ARPA Funds for recommended projects
• License name change requests for Tasca Automotive Group at 135-155 Taunton Avenue and 200 Fall River Avenue
• Request for Gas on the Run to relocate a Class II Motor Vehicle license to 1075 Newman Avenue
• Conditional employment offers for two Third-Class Firefighter/Paramedics

Select Board

The Select Board will consider several employment offers, committee appointments, and donations. The meeting includes a public hearing regarding a nuisance dog and discussions on the South End Fire Station and ARPA funds.

• Public Hearing: Nuisance Dog for Carolyn Carbone at 42 Pamden Lane
• Contract award: Architectural and Engineering Services for South End Fire Station to The Galante Architecture Studio
• Donation: $500 from Emma Rego for the Animal Shelter gift account
• Donation: $1,000 from Town Fair Tire to the Animal Shelter gift account
• Executive Session: Real property discussion regarding Assessor's Plat 16, Lots 10, 51, 54 and 55

Select Board

The Select Board will consider various appointments, grant authorizations for dam projects, and a contract for a Route 6 assessment. The meeting also includes discussions on the Town Charter and potential affordable housing initiatives.

• Authorization of MVP Action Grant submittals for Burr’s Pond Dam maintenance and Attleboro Dye Works (ADW) Dam removal
• Contract approval with Greenman-Pedersen, Inc for a Route 6 assessment
• Employment offer for Stephanie Iagatta as Senior Secretary for the Planning Board and Zoning Board of Appeals
• Discussion of affordable housing initiatives with Old Colony Habitat for Humanity
• Executive session regarding real property at Assessor’s Plat 16, Lots 10, 51, 54 and 55

Select Board

The Select Board will consider several conditional employment offers for a Finance Director and Fire Department personnel. The meeting includes a joint public hearing with the Finance Committee regarding the Fiscal Year 2023 Budget.

• Conditional employment of Jennifer Argo as Finance Director
• Conditional employment of five 3rd class Firefighter/Paramedics
• License transfer for Araujo Liquors, Ltd. at 301 Taunton Avenue
• Mobile Food Cart permit request for Seekonk Speedway Flea Market at 1782 Fall River Avenue
• Fiscal Year 2023 Budget Hearing with the Finance Committee

Select Board

The Board of Selectmen will consider setting the date for the Annual Spring Town Meeting and opening its warrant. The agenda also includes several personnel appointments, retirements, and resignations, as well as public hearings regarding liquor licenses and roadway layouts.

• Public hearing for the layout of roadway 'Patriot Way'
• License hearing for transfer of off-premise all alcohol license for Regency Liquors at 301 Taunton Avenue
• License hearing for change of officers/directors for Longhorn Steakhouse at 80 Highland Avenue
• Setting the date for the Annual Spring Town Meeting for May 9, 2022
• Opening the warrant for the Spring Town Meeting with a closing date of March 4, 2022

Select Board

The Select Board will meet to consider several financial items including a $200,000 bond anticipation note renewal for the Aitken School Project. The meeting also includes discussions on tree mitigation and potential executive sessions regarding personnel negotiations.

• Renewal of Bond Anticipation Note for the Aitken School Project ($200,000)
• Acceptance of the E-citation grant program (up to $11,000)
• Acceptance of a donation from Rocky’s ACE Hardware to the Seekonk Animal Shelter ($694.41)
• Discussion regarding National Grid Tree Mitigation
• Strategy sessions for negotiations with several town employees

Select Board

The Select Board will hold a joint meeting with the Energy Committee regarding a proposed solar photovoltaic project at the landfill. The agenda also includes several personnel promotions, committee appointments, and the acceptance of multiple grant funds.

• Solar Photovoltaic project proposal at 0 Fall River Avenue
• Acceptance of $12,244.79 Firefighter Safety Equipment Grant
• Acceptance of $798,000.00 Massachusetts Comprehensive Opioid, Stimulant, and Substance Abuse Program Grant
• Acceptance of $1,650,623.10 in American Rescue Plan Act Funds
• One Day Special Event Permit for road races at 472 Taunton Avenue