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Halifax new Quint Tower

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On Saturday, Oct. 29, the moment finally arrived when the pristine black and crimson Quint Tower pulled onto the apron of the Halifax Fire Department.

With the bay doors open the engine was turned around to face busy route 106 where residents and passersby honked and waved as they drove by.  Many families stopped in to try out the seat, hold the steering wheel and take selfies in the back of the cab.

The 2016 Rosenbauer Quint Tower was bought with a FEMA Grant ‘Assistance to Firefighters’ for $714,200.

The state of the art tower can hold 500 gallons of water has 1000 feet of large diameter hose, pumps 1500 gallons per minute and the aerial deck gun can be operated remotely from the ground, according to Halifax Fire Chief Jason Viveiros.

In the instance of limited manpower, the aerial can be operated without having someone in the bucket, he said.

The grant was received in July 2015 and the awarded bid went to Rosenbauer where the quint was manufactured and constructed at one of their plants in South Dakota.  It was then driven to Nebraska and then to Attleboro.

The 55,300 pound body of aluminum and galvanized steel ladder and frame was driven to Nebraska for a UL (Underwriter’s Laboratory) inspection, an independent company to properly accredit and certify that the engine was made as specified.

It then was moved for the last of its testing to check the fluids in Attleboro where it received a last once-over and tune up and complete detailing.

  Viveiros and LT. Billy Palma had taken two trips to the plant in South Dakota to check on the progress of the tower as it was being constructed and were able to address some issues that were corrected before it was shipped. In keeping with the colors of the existing fleet Halifax has had black over red starting around 2001, Viveiros told the Express.

The graphics and hues harmonize with the existing fleet.

Five firefighters can travel in the cab of the truck, two in the front and three in the back jump seats.

The technology in comparison with the old ladder from 1989 is tremendous.  The old engine will now go up for bid and no longer meets today’s safety standards.  It can never be used as a working fire apparatus again.

“It didn’t have a pump and didn’t carry water it took approximately eight to ten minutes to set up. The new tower is set up in two minutes, “ Viveiros said.

This week, staff will be transferring the equipment; new radios were installed, and an outside company will begin training us, said Viveiros.

“Everyone in town has been really happy – seeing a shiny, new fire truck.  We have received a lot of positive feedback. People have been stopping in and looking it over, he said.

  All three selectman welcomed the truck on Saturday.

“We are extremely happy,” he said.

There is a sealed bid starting at $100 for the old engine until Nov. 14 said Chief Viveiros. . For more information contact the selectman’s office.

Lakers top W-H

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Regardless of what happened, neither team was going to win the Patriot League Keenan Division Championship, nor would either be eliminated from playoff contention. Perhaps the biggest takeaway was playoff seeding.

And if playoff seeding was the most important aspect of the game, then consider the Silver Lake high school football team (6-1, 4-1 Patriot League Keenan Division) winners — twice.

On Friday, the Lakers task was to try to defeat the Whitman-Hanson Panthers (4-3, 2-3 Patriot League Keenan Division). In that, they were successful. They came away with an 18-7 win at home. But seeing how they entered the weekend projected as the No. 3 seed in the Division 2A South Sectional tournament, the real win for them might have been securing a home playoff game.

Early on in, it was the Lakers who had momentum. In the first quarter, they had a pair of scores. Driving down field, the Lakers scored first — on a 10-yard touchdown pass from senior quarterback Alec Snell. He threw it to his twin brother, Carson, a wide receiver, for the score. The 2-point conversion attempt was no good.

As the quarter progressed, the Lakers found themselves on another scoring drive. And this scoring drive was capped off by senior running back Josh Chapman. He ran it six yards into the end zone, putting the Lakers up, 12-0, late in the first quarter. The conversion attempt was no good.

Defensively, the Lakers did what they had to do and made stops when needed. Regardless, they allowed Panthers quarterback Ethan Phelps to throw for over 100 yards and run for over 100 yards. In all, the Lakers allowed over 200 rushing yards. That might sound like a team struggling on defense but for every big play they allowed, there was a big stop preventing the Panthers from scoring later in the drive.

The Lakers let up a touchdown in the second quarter, despite not scoring one themselves. Phelps reached the end zone on a 15-yard run. The extra point attempt was good. But the Lakers still led, 12-7.

While the Lakers held momentum in the first half, it really came on their side in the second. They shut the Panthers out in those two quarters and while their offense did not score, Chapman returned the second-half opening kickoff for a 90-yard touchdown. And the Lakers 2-point conversion attempt was unsuccessful.

Halifax overnight parking ban

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The Halifax Board of Selectmen has sent out the Town’s annual notice concerning the overnight parking ban in Halifax from November 1, 2016 to March 31, 2017 (see attached).

In addition, the Board has reiterated that the Halifax Highway Department is not responsible for damage to property placed on Town property or within the rights-of-way for streets plowed by the Town.

This includes but is not limited to mailboxes sprinkler systems, trees, shrubs or landscaping, fences, lightpoles, etc.

In most cases, the Town owns 10 feet beyond the asphalt surface for roads accepted by the Town. Mailboxes should be installed at least four feet from the edge of the asphalt to the front of the mailbox.

Many of the plows that are used have a wing that extends two feet or more beyond the cutting edge.

This, combined with the snow coming off the plow, is what causes most of the damage. It is impossible for the driver to see the edge of the asphalt under the snow; therefore, the plow may be off the edge of the road at times.

In heavy snow conditions, the Department tries to push the snow at least a foot off the road.

There is a parking ban during the winter from November 1, 2016 to March 31, 2017.

Halifax finance ballot question Nov. 8

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In Halifax, included on the election ballot for the November 8 election, along with the four state-wide referenda (additional slot-machine parlor, charter schools, regulation for raising farm animals, marijuana legalization), is one specific to Halifax. It reads as follows:

Shall the Town of Halifax be allowed to exempt from the provisions of proposition two and one-half, so-called, the amounts required to pay for the bond issued in order to pay for the repairs, renovations and expansion of the Council on Aging Center/Pope’s Tavern including the payment of all costs incidental or related thereto?

The Halifax Board of Selectmen placed this question on the ballot in case a future Town Meeting approves borrowing money for the renovation and addition to the Council on Aging Center/Pope’s Tavern but makes funding for the project contingent upon approval of a debt exclusion (an approved debt exclusion allows the Town to pay a particular debt with an increase in taxes above and beyond the normal levy limit).

If this question was not placed on the November 8 ballot and a future Town Meeting approved borrowing the money contingent upon the debt exclusion, another election, at additional cost, would have had to be held.

The approval or disapproval of this question is not the same as approving or disapproving this project.

That will be a decision made by a future Town Meeting.

That Town Meeting will have several options for funding including other sources of funding along with borrowing and can decide to have the borrowing contingent on a debt exclusion or to have the borrowing paid for within the levy limit.

1) If I vote “yes” on Question 5, does that mean I am approving the project?

“No”

2) If I vote “no” on Question 5, does that mean I am disapproving the project?

“No”

3) If Question 5 is approved, does that mean that the project is approved?

“No”

4) If Question 5 is disapproved, does that mean that the project is disapproved? “No”

The approval or disapproval of Question 5 simply provides or eliminates an option for funding the project.         Approval or disapproval of the project will be subject to a vote at a Special Town Meeting late this fall or early this winter.

If you have any questions about Question 5, please contact the Halifax Selectmen’s Office at 781-294-1316.

Early Voting sees success

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Town Clerks throughout the area are seeing a large turnout of early and absentee ballots for the upcoming presidential election Tuesday, Nov. 8.

Halifax Town Clerk Barbara Gaynor said has just over 5% of her town’s registered voters have come in for early voting and absentee ballot requests.  “I see that the elderly are finding it easier – they don’t have to wait in long lines.”  In the first two days, Monday and Tuesday, Halifax has had 145 people in for early voting and 140 absentee ballot requests, for a total of 285.  “The first day we saw 75 early voters in eight hours.  That’s about 10 voters per hour. “

Plympton’s Town Clerk Tara Shaw said that in the first two days 86 early voters cast their ballots, and 60 absentee ballots were mailed.  “I was hoping this would be a success because of all the hard work we have all put into it for the past couple of weeks,” she said.  With the 146 ballots between early and absentee, morer than 2% of the registered voters have already cast their ballots.

Gaynor said she is glad she is working in a smaller town, “Some larger towns have seen a huge increase in early voting.”  “We have our closed facebook page and communicate with one another,” she said.   

Whitman’s early voting total in the first two days was almost 600, more than the entire voting total for the primary election in September which was only 347, according to Whitman’s Town Clerk Dawn Varley.

Early voting will continue through Friday, Nov. 4, throughout the Commonwealth.

In Halifax, it will be available during normal business hours for the Town Clerk at the Town Clerk’s office: Monday through Thursday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. and on Friday, Nov. 4, from 8 a.m. to 12 noon.  In Plympton, it will be Monday, Oct. 31, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. and 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., and Tuesday through Thursday, Nov. 1 to Nov. 3, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Also, registered voters have the option to request an early voting ballot through the mail.  Simply fill out an application and mail it to Town Clerk, Town of Plympton, 5 Palmer Rd., Plympton, MA 02367.  In Halifax, mail your early voting  ballot request to Town Clerk’s Office, 499 Plymouth St., Halifax, MA 02338.

You can find the application on the Secretary of the Commonwealth’s website: http://www.sec.state.ma.us/ele or call the Town Clerk’s office – 781-293-7970 for Halifax or 781-585-3220 for Plympton.

Please note, however, once a voter has cast an early voting ballot, the voter may no longer vote at the polls on Election Day.

Secretary of State William F. Galvin says,, “For the first time in Massachusetts, the first choice all voters will make is which day to vote.

“Early voting will make the most fundamental right of our citizens more convenient than ever to exercise.

“We encourage all of our citizens to exercise that right and take advantage of the opportunity to vote on their schedules.”

Walmart gives HFD $2,000 donation

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The Halifax Fire Department would like to graciously thank the Halifax Walmart for their generous donation of $2000.

Every year the fire department applies for local, state and federal grants and puts the money to good use in purchasing state of the art equipment, protective gear and training.

Like anything else the purchase of advanced equipment and gear weighs heavily on department budgets and we rely on the grant process to supplement our capital and operating budgets.

This money will be used in purchasing a new SCBA mask with a built-in Thermal Imager camera.  The SCBA mask (Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus) is what we use to enter hostile and hazardous environments.  The Thermal Imaging component of it further enhances our operational capability by giving us the ability to see radiant heat signatures in a smoke filled environment.

These heat signatures are used to detect other people or firefighters who may be in danger or in need of a rescue.  This mask will be put to use right away on our front line piece of apparatus and will help give us another cutting edge that we need to effectively do our jobs.

Captain Jeffrey Cuozzo, Halifax Fire Department

Plympton selectmen introduced to new Area 58 Media System

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Plympton selectmen were treated Monday night to an introduction to the workings of the new recording equipment which will be installed in both Plympton and Halifax meeting rooms for HD broadcast either through the Area 58 web site or on local channels through Comcast subscriptions.

Area 58 general manager Richard Goulart showed the board where the main “brains” of the operation would be set up, and how one person would be able to operate three robotic cameras, for wide shots and closer for head and shoulders type shots, and also man the microphones.  The installation would take place in the main assembly room.

Goulart said other meetings which need to be held in other Town House rooms would be served just as they always have.

“This is one of the things they promised to do for the towns of Halifax and Plympton and we will be able to better control the sound as well.”

“We are really excited about it. … Installation is scheduled for Monday Nov. 21st and Nov. 22nd, with a carryover day of the 23rd,” Goulart told the board.

Area58.net or area58.tv web site was displayed, and is “very user friendly,” he said.  “We got that done at about half the cost that we budgeted.”

Goulart invited all to come to the Open House at the studio which has been constructed in the plaza right next to Cornerstone’s Pizza, 96 Main St., Rte. 58, Carver.  Area 58 Community Access Media is open Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Silver Lake    negotiations

The Silver Lake negotiations representative was going to be the chairman of the Kingston Finance Committee.  Now it appears, according to Chairman Colleen Thompson, that the representative will be a member of the Kingston Board of Selectmen.  Selectperson Christine Joy said that she would like to propose that the negotiations person be a member of one of the smaller towns, Halifax or Plympton, and would volunteer that her name “be put into the hat” for consideration of that position.

Legislation change

Thompson also asked Town Co-ordinator Dale Pleau to draft a letter to Rep. Thomas Calter and request that the legislature consider a change to the language of the legislation to sell the land in Kingston owned by the Silver Lake Regional School District, to amend the language to include town meeting votes by the towns as necessary to the sale approval.

Selectman John Traynor told the board that he had met with Calter at his Village Coffee Shop coffee hour last Saturday at which time Calter told him that no legislation of any contentious nature is being considered until after the first of the year.  “So we have time,” Traynor said.  Thompson said that she would like to contact Charlie Seelig, Halifax Town Administrator, to discuss the letter with him and to begin the process so that the smaller towns of Halifax and Plympton will have their voices heard.

Halifax has expressed its displeasure at seemingly being left out of the process and has said it would support such a measure.

Carver Urban      Renewal

A copy of the most recent plan for the access roads and how they might mitigate heavy truck traffic will be sent to Plympton Town Counsel Ilana Quirk of Koppelman & Paige as well as to Plympton Highway Superintendent Jim Mulcahy for their input.

Aggregation Plan

Selectmen voted to go forward with the Aggregation Plan for energy cost reduction.  Pleau will get back to the selectmen with details about how to now proceed.

License renewals

Selectmen will review license renewal applications and make site visits to confirm that the businesses are within their stated parameters and will be prepared to issue their recommendations for the January 1, 2017 date.

Chairman Thompson noted that there is one gravel removal permit which needs to be renewed by the end of October and despite several emails and mailings from the Board of Selectmen, they have had no response from the permit holder.

Planning Board

member needed

Thompson also noted the immediate need for a person to fill one position on the Planning Board that would finish out a term until election in May, 2017.

It is an ideal situation for someone to serve and see how they like it for a little more than six months.  Anyone interested should contact the Board of Selectmen’s secretary, at the Town House, 781-585-2700.

Thanks, LiteControl

Selectmen read a letter  into the minutes from Fire Chief Warren Borsari thanking LiteControl on Spring Street for their generous donation of $1500 in light fixtures and equipment and that their electrician replaced all the broken fixtures in the Fire Station.

Selectmen will draft a letter of thanks to LiteControl.

South St. Halifax crash claims 25-year-old East Bridgewater man, formerly of Halifax

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Funeral services will be held Monday, Oct. 24, for Kevin Michael Reed, Jr., 25, of East Bridgewater formerly of Halifax, who died in a tragic automobile accident Sunday, Oct. 16, on South St., Halifax. The passenger in Reed’s vehicle, Michael Ambrose, was transported to South Shore Hospital.  The driver of the other vehicle was Daniel Norvish of Halifax.  He was transported to Brockton Hospital.

The  two-car accident remains under investigation, according to Chief Ted Broderick.

Born in Brockton in 1991, Kevin was the first son of Kevin Reed, Sr. and Karen (Reid) Reed of Halifax, and graduated from Silver Lake High School with the Class of 2009.

Kevin spent the next seven years working at the Reed HVAC business with his father and brothers.

Kevin was the fiance for eight years to Violet Vargas and the future brother-in-law of Vinny Vargas of Halifax. Kevin and Violet together lived in East Bridgewater. They enjoyed concerts and trips together, with their favorite destination being Maine with family. Kevin also enjoyed watching endless Bruins and Cowboys games with his father and brothers and had many heartfelt moments fishing with his Mom, Karen. These are just some examples of the things that made Kevin the “Giant Teddy Bear” that everyone loved.

In addition to his parents Kevin and Karen and his fiancé Violet, he is survived by his siblings Austin and Kyle Reed of Halifax and Paul Francis Hart, Jr., of Holbrook; his maternal grandparents, Janet Reid of East Bridgewater and the late Harry Reid; his paternal grandparents, Kenneth and Barbara Jones “love you squeaks” of East Bridgewater; his aunts and uncles, Harry and Sharon Reid of Palm Coast, FL, Kim Ferranti of Holbrook, Robert Reid of Randolph, Kristen Reid Pauze (KeKe) of Carver, Kerry Reid of East Bridgewater, John Pauze of Hanson, Brenda Ambrose of West Bridgewater, Kenneth and Susan Reed of East Bridgewater, Brent and Susan Bratti of East Bridgewater, Kenneth and Ann Jones of Abington, and Michael J. (Mikey) Forni, Jr of Halifax; his cousins, Daniel Ambrose, Jr., Michael Ambrose, Allyson Arseneau, Meghan Bratti, Emma Bratti, Haleigh Reed, Sherry Cotnoir, Harry Vangelist, Daniel Bushi, Cody Pauze, Kayla Ferranti, Macy Reid, McKenzie Pauze, Samantha Reid and Brent VonMagnus. He is also survived by many loving friends, including the “Four Quarters,” Vinny Vargas, Danny Ambrose, Paul Hart and Chief.

His funeral service will be held Monday, Oct. 24, at 10 a.m. in the Blanchard Funeral Chapel, Plymouth St., Rte. 58 at the rotary circle, Whitman. Burial will follow in St. James Cemetery, Whitman. Visitation will be held Sunday Oct. 23, from 2 -6 p.m.

Lawsuit filed against Halifax : ZBA cited for not properly notifying Tarawood Kennel abutters

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The Town of Halifax Zoning Board of Appeals members and Jennifer R. Harmon, also known as Jennifer R. Choate, have been named in a lawsuit brought by neighbor Scott M. Clawson citing improper notification regarding special permit changes and increases, at the dog breeding kennel operated by Harmon, Tarawood Kennels, 7 Plymouth St., Halifax.

ZBA members Robert Gaynor, Kozhaya Nessralla, Peter Parcellin, Robert Durgin, and Gerald Joy were named in the suit, not personally, but as members of the Board of Appeals. Also named is Jennifer R. Harmon, who is also known as Jennifer Choate, Tarawood Kennel owner.

According to Clawson’s suit, on the many occasions since mid-2010 up to this year, the ZBA did not notify parties in interest about hearings that were scheduled to change or substantially modify the terms of the kennel license and neighbors were denied their chance to appeal or to be heard on the permit renewal. 

The first license application approved by the ZBA on or about July 20, 2010, was for a special permit for a kennel for the breeding or boarding of dogs at 7 Plymouth St., Halifax with conditions, according to the filing.  The special permit was granted to allow “a kennel for the breeding or boarding of dogs.”  The permit cited nine conditions in addition to all the rules and regulations and codes of the Town of Halifax.  These conditions included no boarding of outside animals.  The dogs must all be licensed to Jennifer R. Harmon. No breeding of outside animals allowed on the premises.  The special permit is not transferrable.  Puppies not sold within six months must be removed from the property.  Only two (2) litters allowed per year per breed. Only 15 adult dogs on the property.  Applicant must provide and maintain soundproofing, and dogs must stay within the property line.  The applicant must license all adult dogs.

The special permit in 2010 was granted based on the presentation and plans presented at the hearing.  Any changes from what was presented and approved must be brought back before the Zoning Board of Appeals.

The special permit also required that once the decision has been without appeal for 20 days, it be recorded with the Plymouth County Registry of Deeds, or with the Assistant Registrar of the Land Court for Plymouth County, and a certified copy indicating such registry recording has been done be filed with the board.

Feb. 15, 2012, Harmon (Choate) met with the Zoning Board of Appeals at Harmon’s request to revisit conditions, asking that the number of dogs be increased to 23 adult dogs and the number of litters allowed be increased to three per year per breed, in addition to the original conditions set forth  in 2010.  That permit will not take effect until it is registered with the Plymouth County Registry of  Deeds and a  receipt for that filing is at the Registry is filed with the Zoning Board of Appeals.

In April, 2013, Harmon (Choate) was back before the ZBA requesting that her special permit be amended to allow up to a maximum of 50 dogs, and 26 litters of puppies, 20 litters for the German Shepherds and six litters for the Pomeranian breed.  This amendment was granted May 1, 2013.

In May 2014, the permit was amended to allow a maximum of 26 litters of puppies among three breeds: German shepherd, Pomeranian, and Jack Russell terrier, keeping to a maximum of 50 adult dogs on the premises.

In the 2015 permit renewal application, the total number of adult dogs was still 50, and litters of puppies still at 26, although now spread between only two breeds, German shepherd and the Pomeranian.

In short, in five years, the number of dogs allowed at Harmon’s (Choate’s) Tarawood kennel has grown from 15 adult dogs and two litters of puppies per year to 50 adult dogs and 26 litters of puppies.   In September of this year, there was before the ZBA a revision which would allow 100 adult dogs and unlimited litters of puppies.  That application has since been withdrawn, it was announced at last week’s Halifax Board of Selectmen’s meeting.

Clawson alleges in his filing that concerned parties were not notified by the Zoning Board of Appeals or by Tarawood Kennels about the special permit applications or their modifications allowing as many as 50 adult dogs and 26 litters of puppies. 

Clawson contends that the ZBA granted Harmon’s special permits and revisions without notice to parties-in-interest and seeks to have the special permit annulled and if not annulled, to ask the court to order further relief deemed just and proper.

Clawson has been before selectmen and the ZBA on many occasions with concerns of dogs barking at all hours of the day and night, seeking relief from the noise.  Selectman Kim Roy has investigated the charges on behalf of the board and found noise to be substantial.

At the Sept. 27 selectmen’s hearing, Choate was ordered to reduce the number of dogs in her kennel to 25 in order to help keep the noise to a minimum.  Roy also found that soundproofing which has been one of the conditions of her permit since the first permit given in 2010 has not been done. 

Clawson, who was a member of the audience Sept. 27, appeared dissatisfied at the ruling, saying that he (and others in the area) have been waiting for something to be done for years and expected something more substantial to solve the problem.   

Two undefeated Patriot League teams. One winner.

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Facing the No. 1 ranked team in the state, the Duxbury Dragons, the Silver Lake High School football team had an opportunity to prove themselves as the top team on the South Shore. And while it was tightly contested for much of the first half, the Lakers unraveled late and fell, 55-14. With the loss, they fall to 4-1 while the Dragons improve to 5-0.

After fumbling, the Lakers surrendered the first score of the game. But they responded quickly. Quarterback Alex Snell’s 5-yard touchdown rush lit the scoreboard on the Lakers side, making it a 7-6 game (the Lakers’ extra point attempt was blocked).

With 4:51 remaining in the first half, a 7-yard touchdown run by Phil Lashley  put the Lakers a field goal away from taking the lead. They trailed, 14-12 at the time.

After Lashley’s touchdown, the Dragons began pulling away. Their potent air raiding offense clicked as they threw 45-yard and 70-yard touchdown passes before the end of the half, going into the locker room with a 16-point lead.

The Dragons played stout defense in the second half, preventing the Lakers offense from scoring again. The Lakers only second half score came on special teams — a blocked PAT attempt returned for two points, cutting the Dragons lead to 34-14.

Towards the end of the second half, both teams got their second units on the field.

With the win, it appears as though the Dragons will likely win the league title, although both sides do have two league games remaining. To win the league title, the Lakers would need the Dragons to lose both of their next two league games. This includes one against a winless Quincy Presidents squad next Friday night, who has allowed over 40 points per game this season and has scored just two touchdowns in five games — and zero against opposing team’s first units. The Lakers beat the Presidents, 40-7, earlier this season.

While a league title now appears unlikely, the Lakers are still in position for a high playoff seeding — which would likely result in home playoff games.

Their next game, a home game, is this Saturday at 3:00 p.m. against Plymouth North, a team who has yet to win a league game this season.

And the following Friday, the Lakers close out their league action at home against the Whitman-Hanson Panthers (7:00 p.m. start time). Like the Lakers, the Panthers lone defeat this season came against Duxbury.