Halifax selectmen agreed Tuesday night that the best part of their job is to help recognize outstanding work by Halifax residents.
John and Patrick McCarthy, twin Eagle Scouts, were each awarded certificates by the selectmen for their projects in service to the town. John helped build a shed for the Halifax Historical Society to house an antique horse-drawn carriage at the town’s blacksmith shop on South Street. His brother Patrick refurbished trails and water crossings on the Striar Conservancy off Thompson Street.
While Halifax has one of the smallest Boy Scout groups in the country, it has one of the highest percentages of scouts who go all the way to earn the designation of Eagle Scout, selectman Kim Roy told the group.
And the accolades didn’t stop there. David Walsh, commander of Halifax Post 6258, and David Warmsley, quartermaster, came before selectmen to present their nomination for Law Enforcement Officer of the Year, Police Chief Edward “Ted” Broderick, in a competition sponsored by the VFW. “It’s quite something for him to be nominated,” Walsh told selectmen. “We consider him an outstanding first responder of our community. Chief Broderick has served the town with the utmost compassion and professionalism, throughout his career.”
Broderick began his career as a police officer in Plympton, then went to Halifax to work as a police officer, and earned his way up through the ranks, eventually becoming Halifax Police Chief.
“He has been a friend of the veterans for years,” Walsh told selectmen, “and has assisted whenever needed … he was chosen on the basis of what he has done for our community,” Walsh said. “As a first responder, he has been fantastic. He has served our community well.”
Broderick’s nomination now proceeds to Boston where it will compete against others at the state level. If lucky enough to win there, the competition continues nationally.
In other business, selectmen signed a contract with Winslow Architects to commence work on the Pope’s Tavern Senior Center.
Selectmen received notice that 280 South St., a Chapter 61A parcel, will be put up for sale. As part of the agreement for so-called “Chapter Land”, the town has first refusal on the sale of the property. After a considering the parcel, selectmen agreed that they would “pass” on the offer. They did not think that the parcel would benefit the town of Halifax.
Joseph Murray, of Gen II, asked selectmen to consider his application for a Common Victualler’s License for the new Dunkin Donuts, a restaurant in the early stages of construction on Route 106, next to the 7-11 (formerly Tedeschi’s), which will seat 20, as well as have room for the usual take-out trade.
Murray brought architect’s renderings of the proposed building, a single story construction with about 1500 square feet for the Dunkin Donuts operation, leaving room for possibly two tenants in the back.
He said he also owns franchises in Bridgewater and Middleboro, among others.
Selectman Troy Garron asked when they expected to complete construction, Murray answered “By May 1,” and invited selectmen to attend the ribbon cutting.
Selectmen considered the list of show dates for Fieldstone Farm, noting that they would advise the owner he cannot use the Gazebo built on the property as it was built without being signed off on by an architect.
Selectmen affirmed an agreement with the Lakeville Animal Shelter to house dogs for Halifax.
Town Administrator Charlie Seelig advised selectmen that the Division of Fisheries and Wildlife has asked Halifax to purchase some 10 acres of land near the back of Burgess Pond, or purchase the conservation restriction.
The third option, Seelig told selectmen, was to purchase the entire parcel for $250,000. He advised a public forum to discuss and explain the proposal in detail to the town to get a sense of what the town wants before bringing it to Town Meeting for a vote.
Selectmen will consider the plan to construct a large solar array on the proposed marijuana grow property, which will cover 200+ acres. Seelig suggested another informational meeting to make the public aware – perhaps sometime in February.