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Selectmen choose Community Paradigm to help hire new TA

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Plympton Selectmen chose Community Paradigm Associates as the firm to help the town hire its first town administrator. After interviewing three different firms since getting the funds appropriated for the position at May’s Annual Town Meeting, the Board settled on a firm at its meeting Monday, July 10, 2017.

Community Paradigm Associates is Bernard Lynch’s private practice for hiring consulting. The Board interviewed him at their meeting Monday, June 26, 2017.

Lynch, whose practice has only existed for three years, sold himself to the Board by citing his 30 years of experience in municipal government, most notably as the city manager for Lowell, eight years as well as Chelmsford for 20 years.

Selectmen were impressed by this experience, and all three members cited this as a reason for choosing his firm. Selectmen Clerk Mark Russo checked all the references for Community Paradigm, as well as the Collins’ Center and Municipal Resources and came away impressed with all three, but the enthusiasm surrounding Community Paradigm was particularly impressive to him.

Russo said that Community Paradigm’s references referred to Bernard Lynch as “a match-maker who knows the state so well.”  Selectmen Chair Christine Joy said she gravitated towards Community Paradigm because of his experience, approach, and low cost.

Originally, Selectman John Traynor named Municipal Resources as his first choice. Traynor said, “We need to professionalize how we go forward and they can help with that.” Russo said that Municipal Resources’ references cited the organization’s professionalism as a strength.

Traynor also liked Community Paradigm and said he was convinced by the opinions of Russo and Joy to make it a unanimous vote. Former Selectman Colleen Thompson, who was still a board member for the interview with the Collin’s group and sat in on the meetings with Municipal Resources and Community Paradigm,  also preferred Community Paradigm because of how much they wanted to involve the community. Thompson said, “That’s important to us.” Selectmen unanimously voted to begin negotiations with Community Paradigm Associates.

Potholes and dust    on Montello Street

Selectmen scheduled an appointment with Highway Surveyor Jim Mulcahy to discuss the ongoing issues with potholes and dust on Montello Street. Discussions about potentially paving the road were discussed in a preliminary way.

A group of citizens who live on and around Montello Street were led by Kristin Fichtenmayer to discuss the road conditions at the open meeting. Fitchenmayer said the potholes are a major concern and that on average, there are 56 potholes at a time. She described the ones at 6 and 15 Montello Street as completely unavoidable.

Other concerns of hers was the amount of dust picking up since Montello is a dirt road. She said she had environmental concerns over the larger pickups. She also said the width of the road is problematic because cars cannot get by if a school bus is on the street.

Fitchenmayer said she’s understanding of Plympton’s being a small rural town, but wanted to know how the town will go forward. She said, “We want to know what’s the plan?” Fitchenmayer said that her husband Eric, also in attendance, is an EMS for Carver, and all of these factors make getting out on calls difficult.

Highway Surveyor Jim Mulcahy said he’s aware of Fitchenmayer’s concerns and agrees the Highway Department can spray the road more often in order to limit some of the dust pickup. Right now the department, is grading the road three times per year.

Mulcahy said they can grade the road five to seven times per year without stretching thin a small crew. He said, “We’re very aware and trying to stay on track of what’s happening in Carver. The town does want to eventually pave the road he said, but that discussion was agreed to be tabled until the Carver Urban Renewal Plan finishes its permitting process.

Selectmen Chair Christine Joy said she will try to reach out to Carver for more information for Fitchenmayer and the other residents. Joy said traffic studies are currently being done and the area of the study has been expanded. She said, “The Old Colony Planning Council has been very active.”

Potential dog      hearing soon

A recent complaint surfaced about a German Sheppard biting an individual at 73 Mayflower Road. According to Christine Joy, the bite looks serious and warrants a dog hearing.

Selectman Mark Russo said that allegedly the victim was on the dog owner’s property for real estate purposes and was taking pictures. However, the report is still inconclusive. The owner has three dogs and its unclear which dog bit the victim.

Selectmen John Traynor said the owner is claiming none of his dogs were the one who bit the victim and right now, there isn’t any evidence at this time. Findings and recommendations are needed from the Animal Control Officer before the Board of Selectmen will proceed.

Other News

An employment section has been added to the town website. The Fire Department plans to post their open clerical help position here as well as around the Town House.

The next Board of Selectmen’s meeting is Monday, July 17. Open session starts at 6 p.m.

Barking Dogs at it again!

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The Halifax Board of Selectmen received noise complaints from neighbors about dogs barking in the early morning at the Tarawood Kennel. Town Administrator Charles Seelig informed the Board of these complaints at the selectmen’s meeting on Tuesday, July 11, 2017.

Selectmen Vice Chair Kim Roy said there haven’t been any other complaints about noise this year. Roy did however visit the area and verified with other neighbors that they could hear dogs barking in the early hours of the morning. Those neighbors had no complaints though because they recently installed new air conditioning and no longer keep the windows open at night.

According to the Board, Tarawood Kennel is due for a random inspection with the town’s animal control officer Noreen Callahan, a requirement before recertifying a kennel’s permit.

ACO Callahan told selectmen she had attempted inspections on two separate occasions this year, but both times failed to get access to the property. Both times, the gate was closed without anyone there to let Callahan in. All members of the Board expressed concern about the gate preventing the kennel’s inspections from being random as they are required to be.

The board is taking the issue seriously and is looking at a potential hearing  to exploring all options before any licensing reissuance can be done. Selectmen Vice Chair Kim Roy said that there are questions that need to be answered first. She said, “What means is she (the Tarawood Kennel owner) taking to deal with noise?”

Selectmen Chair Thomas Millias said he is concerned about access keeping a random inspection from happening. He said, “We aren’t trying to do these inspections at two in the morning.” Millias said they want to do it at a reasonable work hour.

Kim Roy said that Bobbi Harmon of Tarawood Kennels claims she tried reaching out to Callahan by phone on a couple of occasions, but never heard a response. However, according to the Board, Callahan attempted to contact Harmon several times and claimed her message box was full.

The Board members all said they’d like to get this taken care of with an inspection this week and a future hearing, but are exploring other measures if necessary. Chair Millias mentioned the possibility of a search warrant, but the board does not want to take this step if they do not have to.

Senior Tax

Work off Program

The Board of Selectmen voted to increase the maximum married couple income for the Senior Tax Work off Program from $50,000-60,000. Council on Aging Director Barbara Brenton met with the Board to make this proposal.

Brenton did surveys of other towns who use the tax program including Duxbury and Bourne. The surveys showed that the maximum allowed income was up and down throughout the state.

Brenton said the town has two unused slots for this program that gives tax relief to seniors in need. She admitted that advertising the program has been a challenge and are hoping this will help some people qualify who may not have previously.

Selectmen Vice-chair Kim Roy suggested putting a slip with details about the program in seniors’ tax bill, which the rest of the Board as well as Brenton thought was a good idea. However, Selectmen Clerk Troy Garron said that they would have to check with town tax collector before doing so. The Board also suggested Area 58 Community Access as an opportunity for better promotion.

Electrical Aggregation Update

Chairman Thomas Millias said the electrical aggregation agreement with Colonial Powers goes into effect on September 1, 2017. The aggregation gives residents of Halifax an option for lower rates outside of National Grid.

The rates will be 9.3 cents per kilowatt hour until November 17, 2017. After that, rates are expected to go up to 10.87 cents per kilowatt hour for around three to four months. According to Town Administrator Charles Seelig, this increased rate will still be less than what National Grid raises their rates to during the winter months.

Citizens will be allowed to opt out of the aggregation program if they like. Information will be mailed and will include a post card that residents can check off and send if they wish to opt out of the program.

Other News

The Board of Selectmen received requests asking if the town could hire someone to weed the Margaret Fitzgerald Garden located on the Town Green this summer. These requests are being explored in a preliminary manner.

Town Administrator Charles Seelig said he plan to speak with the Finance Committee about using a contractor for this service rather than creating a new position. Seelig said that temporary hiring can be difficult because of pay grading.

Thomas Millias and Kim Roy also brought up there are complications with paying for unemployment when it comes to temporary positions.  Kim Roy also wants committee input. She said, “I would suggest that the beautification committee be involved with this.”

The HOPS Playground grant was scheduled to be completed for Wednesday July, 12, 2017. Town Administrator Charles Seelig said that things are on schedule with the grant.

Halifax Time Capsule 1984

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Susan Basile,

Halifax Historian

On July 15, 1984 the residents of Halifax buried a time capsule. It’s been said the site would be recorded in Plymouth and mentioned in the next year’s Town Report as well as in the Town Clerk’s Records of 1984. (No one remembers where the last time capsule, buried on July 5, 1934, was buried. Everyone had learned a lesson from that.)

The big question back then, as it is today is, “What happened to the 1934 records?” Some say they were buried in the front of the Town Hall. Some say they were buried at the base of the chimney at the United Church of Christ/Congregational Church. There are those that said they were never buried. Much search with Geiger counters and divinity rods was undertaken to no avail.

The Highway Surveyor at the time was Ralph Hayward and he was to see that the capsule’s cap was cemented in place. What everyone thought would take but a few minutes took an hour. The bottom of the cement case had water in it. The Fire Department came equipped with a generator and a pump, but it was not long enough so the next step the Fire Department took was to use a mop – it worked! The water was removed and finally the patient, hot and thirsty groups were rewarded with the capsule being lowered but up it came again – a rope was needed to lower it with ease. A bag of various items was also put in on top of the capsule which had such items as: Town Report; a letter from the White House; Telegram from Halifax, Nova Scotia; a program for the week’s activities; 1984 calendar; a tax bill; letter to citizens of 2034 to name a few. The cover was sealed with cement and now we wait until July 2034 when the town will celebrate it’s 300th Anniversary.

Family Fun Day and Fireworks ‘17 go off without a hitch

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On Saturday, July 1, Halifax celebrated Independence Day with a family fun day and fireworks display. The event was made possible by donations and sponsors only.

Family fun day lasted from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., with many events for all ages. Volunteers, many students, helped staff the events. Fishing for rubber ducks, a corn hole toss, sack races, egg and spoon races, crafts, hula hoops, bounce houses, face painting, tie dying t-shirts, and a petting zoo were all activities that appealed to the large crowd.

Meanwhile, several contests were underway as well, including a bicycle decorating contest, a patriotic cake contest, a pie eating contest for several age groups and a patriotic baby contest (where everyone was a winner) for ages 0-2 were all popular.

Following the family fun day, crowds started gathering on the hill behind Halifax Elementary School, with children playing on the playground and running around everywhere beginning at around 6 p.m. Long lines began to develop at the various food vendors as people waited in excited anticipation of the fireworks at 9 p.m.

Before the evening got dark, pyrotechnic technicians were checking and double checking their equipment. Police wandered the crowd and helped people cross busy streets. The Halifax Fire Department prepared for any emergency.

Shortly after nine, to the strains of “The Star-Spangled Banner,” under cloudy skies and amongst fireflies, the fireworks spectacular began. As the show wore on, the bursts of light in the sky became larger and larger, ending in a mighty finale.

The only downside? Traffic getting home. But, the night was well worth the small inconvenience.

Biting back against tick threats

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He started off by saying that even the Dalai Lama hates ticks. While that is difficult to verify, it could be true — but Buddhist teaching frowns on the killing of any living thing.

By the end of entomologist Larry Dapsis’ talk “One Bite Can Change Your Life,” at the WHRHS Performing Arts Center Wednesday, June 28, one could assume few came away with a Buddhist outlook on the issue of ticks and the infectious diseases they help spread, but they had some advice on how to prevent being bitten.

“This is a beautiful summer evening, and I can’t think of a better way to spend it than by having a very robust discussion of infectious diseases,” he said.

The talk, sponsored by the Plymouth County Beekeepers Association focused on protecting oneself, one’s yard and pets from pathogens that cause Lyme disease, babesiosis, anaplasmosis relapsing fever and Powassan virus carried by ticks found in the region. Dapsis holds degrees in environmental science from Fitchburg State University and in entomology from UMass, Amherst. He has worked with the Cape Cod Cooperative Extension Service for six years and 24 years in the cranberry industry with Ocean Spray before that. He stressed that, prior to joining the Cooperative Extension Service, he had little experience with ticks.

“I had a very vertical learning curve,” he said. “To address that, I read everything I could get my paws on, and talked with a ton of people. I had to figure out what the landscape really looked like.”

Even the word “tick” elicits a visceral response from people.

“When I say people hate them, I mean everybody hates them,” he said invoking the Dalai Lama. “When a gentle soul like the Dalai Lama turns his back on a form of life on this planet, that is a headline.”

Dapsis said the Dalai Lama had tweeted out his disdain for ticks a few years ago. True or not, who could blame him?

The six New England states rank in the top spots on most lists for the incidence of Lyme disease in the United States over several three-year average studies.

“If there is any question that we are living at Ground Zero with this problem, this should take it off the table right away,” he said.

While Barnstable County used to regularly rank at the top for Lyme in the state, Plymouth County has overtaken Barnstable in that statistic.

Part of the credit for Barnstable’s improvement has been its aggressive work against the Lyme vector.

He has advocated the hiring of an entomologist for Plymouth County, and that position has been budgeted with the expectation that one should be hired by this fall.

During a question session after his talk, Dapsis was careful to point out he is not qualified to answer medical questions, but focused on how the insects spread diseases. While he focused on deer ticks, Dapsis noted that climate change has brought more aggressive pests such as the Lone Star tick — which hails from Texas as the name implies — and the illnesses they carry.

“We’re seeing plants and animals where we never used to see them before,” he said, noting that three years ago, the first established population of Lone Star ticks was found on the Massachusetts mainland at Sandy Neck Beach Park in West Barnstable.

Samples from the six-mile stretch revealed that Lone Star ticks “own that area” which is in a migratory bird flyway.

The concern with the Lone Star ticks is that they can see prey and run toward it, unlike the blind deer tick that has to “quest” for hosts on the end of vegetation.

“This is an aggressive biter,” Dapsis said of the Lone Star, known for laying eggs in clusters of thousands which hatch into hard-to-see nymphs that stick together. “Within minutes you can get overwhelmed with hundreds of bites and the older stages are also very aggressive. … They can run with spider-like speed. If they can see you, they’re going to chase you.”

The main danger of the Lone Star tick is that it spreads diseases such as erlichiosis and other illnesses, an http://www.tickencounter.org/images/Amblyomma_americanum.jpg can trigger a red meat allergy.

That includes any foods, including marshmallows, made with red meat or its components.

“This can range from hives to anaphylactic shock,” he said.

Once attached to a host, all ticks secrete a glue-like material to hold themselves in place until its feeding cycle, which can last for days if not detected and removed, is complete.

That cycle includes the secretion of anticoagulants into the host to ease feeding on blood as well as agents to deaden nerves to help prevent detection.

Some animals like mice, rabbits and birds known as competent hosts can harbor the Lyme disease bacteria and transfer it back into the tick population. People are among the incompetent hosts that cannot infect a tick, but are a food source for the insects.

How to protect yourself?

Dapsis advocates the liberal use of insect repellent since the highest rate of Lyme is among children ages 5 to 9 and in the senior population, who have the time to be outside. New England winters are not harsh enough to harm ticks in the winter and synthesize glycerol, a natural anti-freeze, to protect them from the cold.

Repellants are the first line of defense.

Dapsis is not a fan of all-natural products because they are not always EPA-registered. Products with DEET, eucalyptus oil or, to his preference — permethrin — which is used for treating fabric and footwear.

“It’s a real attitude adjuster,” he said. “This is the most effective tool in the box.”

Products like K-9 Advantix or Frontline or tick repellent collars can help protect your pet from the vectors. Check with your vet to determine what is best for cats.

Removing a tick should be done with pointed tweezers, grasping the insect at the head easing it out backwards.

“If you crush that tick, you just might give yourself a nasty infection,” Dapsis said. “A tick gut is full of microbes.”

Most people flush the tick down the toilet.

Instead, keep the tick, date it, and if possible send it to a lab such as the entomology department at UMass, Amherst (see tickreport.com) to determine what microbes it might be carrying. You may not test positive for an illness a tick carries, he said, but it is a “starting point for a conversation with your doctor.”

18-year old hurt in fireworks accident

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Jared Alden, an 18-year-old from Halifax underwent medical treatment at Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston after a firecracker exploded in his hand Saturday night around 11:30 p.m.

Halifax Fire and EMS responded to the 911 call on Carver Street to find the young man with extensive hand injuries sustained when picking up the device, according to Fire Chief Jason Viveiros.

The firework was ignited but did not go off immediately. Alden picked it up and it exploded in his hand, the chief said.

Boston Med flight was called but they could not fly, due to the severe weather near Boston.

Halifax EMS transported the victim by ambulance to Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston.

The surrounding hospitals do not have the resources for the type of injury the young man sustained, said Viveiros.

“The Halifax Fire Department is keeping the family and victim in our thoughts and prayers. We also would like to use this as a teachable moment that fireworks should be left to the professionals,” said Viveiros.

In a recent press release through the Mass.Gov website there are numerous examples of life altering injuries caused by fireworks.

Peter J. Ostroskey of the Massachusetts State Fire Marshal’s Office reminded all of the many dangers associated with fireworks.

“Already this year people have lost fingers lighting off illegal fireworks in Massachusetts,” said State Fire Marshal Peter J. Ostroskey. “Have a fun but safe Fourth of July and leave the fireworks to the professionals,” he added

In a recent press release through the Mass.Gov website there are numerous examples of life altering injuries caused by fireworks.

Peter J. Ostroskey of the Massachusetts State Fire Marshal’s Office reminded all of the many dangers associated with fireworks.

“Already this year people have lost fingers lighting off illegal fireworks in Massachusetts,” said State Fire Marshal Peter J. Ostroskey. “Have a fun but safe Fourth of July and leave the fireworks to the professionals,” he added.

4th of July in Halifax begins July 1

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The town of Halifax will kick off the 4th of July extended weekend with a family fun day, Saturday, July 1, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on the Town Hall Green, Rte. 106, at the Town Hall. 

There will be bike decorating contests, games, music, baby contests, make your own tie dye shirts, food, and much, much more. 

There are still opportunities to volunteer; email Theresa Levenson: Theresa.Levenson@HalifaxFireworks.org.

Mac & Cheese with a Twist

The Halifax Congregational Church will host a Mac & Cheese Supper from 5 to 6 p.m at the church, next to the Town Hall.  They will serve mac & cheese with a twist – a variety of add-ins so diners can customize mac & cheese to their liking, choosing from bacon, sausage, hot dogs, various vegetables, chives, olives, onion rings, and such.  Or just enjoy it as it is. 

Supper begins at 5 p.m. and will be served right up to 6 p.m. Tickets are only $5.  To reserve a ticket in advance, call Susan Mahan at 781-293-0422.  Tickets are also available at the door. 

Enjoy a fun supper out, before you watch the famous Halifax fireworks display.

Fireworks

Halifax Fire Chief Jason Viveiros reminds everyone to leave the fireworks to the professionals!

The Halifax Fireworks Committee will hold evening events including the annual fireworks display from 6 to 9 p.m. on Saturday, July 1 at the Halifax Elementary School, across from the Halifax Town Hall.

Fireworks will light up the sky beginning at 9 p.m.

Bring your lawn chair, blanket, bug spray, sit back, and enjoy!

For all you fireworks aficionados, continue the experience on Sunday, July 2, at 10 p.m. in Middleboro at Battis Field/Pierce Playground on Jackson Street; in Freetown, Monday, July 3, at 8 p.m. in Hathaway Park, Carleys Way; or in Sandwich at 9 p.m. at the Ridge Country Club, 70 Country Club Road.

And on the day itself, Tuesday, July 4, go to Bridgewater at 9:30 p.m.  at Legion Field, 200 South St. to see their fireworks extravaganza; or of course to Plymouth, at 9:30 p.m. on the Town Wharf, Plymouth Harbor, rain date July 5.

Happy 4th of July to everyone!  Warm up the grille, toast those rolls, beef up the burgers and smile!

Nathan Campbell heads to Scotland to compete with his bagpipes

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A local boy and his family are looking forward to a trip abroad to Scotland this August as the adventure of a lifetime begins for a boy who simply loves to make music.

Nathan Campbell, 8, of Halifax, will be competing in the World Pipe Band Championships before an international audience in Glassgow, Scotland in mid-August.

Nathan has been studying music for years and his instrument of choice is the bagpipes. As a member of the Colum Cille Pipes and Drums, he has played for many area events and his ability to play so well, at such a young age has impressed many.

Why the bagpipes? He saw a Highland festival and decided he would like to give the bagpipes a try.

Kim Campbell is mom to Nathan and his brother Evan, 11.  Evan is a drummer for the Colum Cille Pipes and Drums and is likewise learning the bagpipes –indirectly- she joked. She assists with cleaning and tuning the instrument with Nathan as well as driving to events and practices. The boys perform for various events and most recently Nathan performed at a cookout for residents at The Woodlands in Plympton.

The boys believe they get their musical talents from their father, Mathew, who is a Chief Engineer in the Merchant Marines. Their Scottish family history includes an heirloom kilt,  over 100 years old and dating back to their paternal great-great-grandfather in Edinburgh. The three Campbell men have had portraits done at various times in the kilt.

Nathan and his brother have been recognized by locals on the South Shore as they perform while marching along the Cape Cod Canal in Bourne where the family likes to camp.

He is learning to read and write music, clean the bagpipes, properly tune it in various temperatures and environmental influences and to always look sharp in his Highland attire.

Both boys belong to Colum Cille Pipes and Drums, located on Cape Cod, which currently has about 30 members. They wear the Cunningham Tartan in honor of their benefactor Harold Cunningham.

One of the most emotional and heartfelt moments for the Campbell family was attending the one-year memorial for the SS El Faro in Jacksonville, Fl. Nathan played Amazing Grace at services in honor of those who perished when the ship was lost.

Mathew Campbell, a chief engineer who ships out for several months or more at a time, had at one time been stationed on the SS El Faro. He knew several of the 33 shipmates who perished when the ship was lost during the 2015 Hurricane Joaquin.

During the tribute Nathan played his pipes before nearly 500 people, said mom Kim.  If he was nervous performing before the crowd it didn’t show. Both boys agreed with their mom that it was a special time for all the families to attend.

The Campbells are enthusiastic about the trip to Scotland with Nathan as it is the pinnacle of Pipe Band competiton.

Evan will be traveling to Glasgow to support his younger brother, assisting in shining and cleaning the instruments, which he is wholeheartedly looking forward to doing.

Nathan also considers himself an adventurer and having seen a special on Antarctica, he hopes one day to visit –  as long as he can bring his bagpipes.   

Selectmen hear third hiring firm

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The Plympton Board of Selectmen interviewed Bernard Lynch from the consulting firm Community Paradigm Associates at their meeting on Monday, June 26. Lynch’s private practice services are being considered for assisting in hiring Plympton’s first town administrator.

Lynch told the Board that although he’s only been in the consulting business for three years, he’s been involved with municipal government for 30 years. Lynch served as Lowell’s city manager for eight years and was the city manager in Chelmsford for 20 years.

Where this is a new position for Plympton, selectmen have asked each of the three consulting firms they’ve considered to explain their hiring process in detail. The first firm they interviewed, the Collins Center’s approach relied heavily on input from screening committees made up of the community’s citizens.

Municipal Resources focused more on their “expertise hiring the right candidate.” Although they use town input, they do reserve a veto power to put a candidate through to the next round that the town’s board might not have otherwise done.

Community Paradigm’s approach lies in the middle of these two philosophies.  Lynch described his process as “flexible to what the town wants.” Lynch said, “I’m comfortable narrowing down (the hiring pool), not choosing.”

He also said that there have been times he’s interjected his own opinion when appropriate. Lynch added, “I’ll give you advice, but I won’t tell you what to do.”

Unlike Municipal Resources, Community Paradigm Associates believes municipal management experience is important for Plympton’s opening, since it will be their first time having a town administrator. At the Plympton Selectmen’s meeting on Monday, June 12, representatives from Municipal Resources described Plympton’s open position as “entry-level.”

Municipal representatives said that based on the town’s population, they made an inference that the town would not be paying a salary of $140,000-150,000 that Town Administrators make in some larger cities and towns.

Lynch said it does make finding an experienced administrator challenging, but not impossible. Selectman John Traynor asked Lynch about what the town should expect to pay a town administrator. Lynch said he’d have to run some estimation calculations, but his educated guess was about $90,000 annually.

Others in the audience asked questions as well. Former Selectman Colleen Thompson attended the meeting and asked Lynch about his experience, since his firm has only been around for three years. Thompson wanted to know why the town would choose Community Paradigm Associates over a larger consulting firm with more years of experience.

Lynch cited his 30 years working as a town manager as relevant experience for hiring for municipalities. He said that he hired 11 or 12 assistants over the years who went on to be municipal managers. Lynch also said he hired five police chiefs.

Selectman Mark Russo said he will call Community Paradigm’s references before a decision is made. The Board will decide which consulting firm they will use at the next selectmen’s meeting on Monday, July 10.

Pictometry Demo with Assistant Assessor Deb Stuart

Assistant Assessor Deb Stuart met with the Board to discuss a pictometry project for Plympton using aerial photography. Stuart said, “It uses oblique images which allows users to look from all compass directions.” The view gives 45 degree angles from all directions on the compass.

Stuart said the project cost $19,900, but can be paid with payments over a three year period. There’s also a $500 maintenance fee.

Originally, Stuart and the Board thought this project could be covered under the IT grant Plympton received. However, Traynor said there’s a new wrinkle and the town may not be able to use the IT grant for things outside of the exchange serve/public records software.

Money was appropriated for these things at Annual Town Meeting, so the Board needs to look into the eligibility of what the grant can be used for further before proceeding. If the grant cannot be used to cover the pictometry cost, other means may need to be explored or the project could get delayed until it can be brought to  a vote at the next Annual Town Meeting.

Fire Department Update

Selectmen approved the final draft of the job description for the open clerical position with the Fire Department. The job description was created via a collaboration with Police Chief Patrick Dillon and Selectman John Traynor.

Selectmen Mark Russo said he thinks the job description is great. He liked how the language included the importance of being able to handle the changing of tasks in times of stress/crisis. The positions is part time at 15 hours per week and pays $15 per hour.

Richard Bowen as

Co-counsel

Selectmen Chair Christine Joy gave an update on the Board’s meeting with Richard Bowen, who the Board considered for the position of Co-town Counsel at last week’s selectmen’s meeting Monday, June 19. Joy met with Bowen to go over the nature of how their contractual relationship could work.

Joy said, “The meeting with Bowen was productive.” Bowen will work alongside the town’s co-counsel, the firm Kopelman and Paige.  Selectmen will meet with Kopelman and Paige next week to discuss specifics.

Selectmen approve Eagle Scout project

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Nate Coombe from Boy Scout Troop 39 met with the Halifax Board of Selectmen on Tuesday, June 27, to present his Eagle Scout Project. Coombe wants to build two benches at the veteran’s memorial across the street from the Town Hall. He also wanted to plant some sort of shrubbery around the memorial and flag pole.

All members of the Board of Selectmen support the project and thanked Coombe for his future efforts, but want a focus on simplicity when it comes to the memorial. One version of the plan had three benches instead of two. Selectmen Vice-chair Kim Roy said she thinks three is too many. Selectmen Chair Thomas Millias agreed with Roy. He said, I like the simplicity of two benches.”

Selectmen Clerk Troy Garron said he thinks it’s a great idea to put a couple of benches near the memorial, but said shrubbery/ flowers may take away from the focus of the memorial being on the memorial itself. Roy also said, “I want it to be something that can be maintained in a beautiful way.” She said other great Eagle Scout projects around town have sadly not been maintained after the fact the way they should.

Garron, who is a veteran said, “I think your ideas are good, but the main reason for the monument itself is to attract people to the memorial.” Garron had concern about people loitering and hanging out at the memorial for the wrong reasons if too much is done there.

Nate Coombe was open and understanding to the Board’s suggestions. He said that two benches is fine and said they would match the benches on the hill. Selectmen Chair Thomas Millias suggested mahogany as a possible material because it doesn’t involve much maintenance.

Troy Garron made a shrubbery suggestion in case Nate still wanted to plant something for the project. He said he couldn’t speak for the whole board, but suggested Hosta as a potential plant because it is relatively low maintenance.

The Board of Selectmen approved Nate Coombe’s project barring comments from the Veteran’s Agent and the Beautification Committee. This makes Nate the seventh current Eagle Scout candidate in Troop 39.

Fire Department Update

Town Administrator Charles Seelig informed the Board of Selectmen that the fire station garage door repairs went out to bid. However, there was only one bid and that landed above the $19,000 appropriated at this year’s Annual Town Meeting. The one bid was for $23,994.

Seelig said, “This is more than what was appropriated at town meeting, but the Fire Chief feels he has sufficient money.” This money would come from the station’s maintenance account.

Chairman Thomas Millias asked if there was a problem with this, but Seelig said he checked in with the Town Accountant and that there is no issue. The Board of Selectmen approved this request to use the fire station’s maintenance account to offset the rest of the costs of the repairs.

Wage and Personnel Update

Erika Rossini was appointed to Halifax’s Wage and Personnel Board via a joint vote between the Board of Selectmen and the Finance Committee Chair Gordon Andrews.

Rossini said she’s been a resident of Halifax since the early 90s and has served on the PTO with the schools for many years. She said that getting involved with her kid’s education was important to her and drove her being on the PTO for so many years.

The Board of Selectmen asked Rossini why she wanted to be on this board specifically. Rossini said she heard the plea at Annual Town Meeting since there currently isn’t a Wage and Personnel Board in town. She hopes this will inspire others to join. Rossini said, “We need to try to recruit people to this board.”

Selectmen Vice Chair Kim Roy asked Erika for a commitment to attending all Annual Town Meetings and that it’s something they ask all volunteers to do because it’s where decisions are made on fund allocations and tax dollars. Rossini committed without reservation.

Rossini is excited to start this role. She says she thinks she’ll enjoy it and learn a lot about the roles and responsibilities of the other boards and committees. Rossini’s term runs until June 30, 2020.

Other News

After July 10, 2017, Town Adminstrator Charles Seelig said much of Halifax Elementary School parking lot will have parking restrictions because of the school roof construction project. The ban will be within the working hours of 6AM-4PM.

This will not affect parking for the annual Halifax Fireworks scheduled for Saturday, July 1. Fireworks will start at 9 p.m

Selectman Vice chair Kim Roy commended the work done by this year’s Firework’s Committee. She said that a lot of the members of this year’s committee are new, but are certainly committed. She praised their work on events around the family fun day going on before the fireworks.

Family Fun Day starts at 11 a.m. on the Town Hall Green. The event includes fun activities such as a pie eating contest and a cake decorating contest. More details can be found on the town website.

The next selectmen’s meeting is Tuesday, July 11. Open session starts at 7:30 p.m.