The Kingston Foundation for Education (KFE), a parent-run, non-profit organization committed to enhancing the educational experience for Kingston students, presented their 10th annual check in the amount of $60,000 at the Sept. 16 school committee meeting. Since 2014, the KFE has raised nearly $1 million to directly support Kingston schools.
Over the last year, KFE has funded the repaving of the Kingston Elementary School recess yard and the new KES outdoor classroom project that just broke ground in August 2024. This outdoor classroom is a space designed for educational activities that takes place outside of a traditional indoor classroom. It can be used for a variety of purposes such as nature-based learning, physical education, art and creativity, team-building, science experiments, mindfulness, and exploring local history and cultures.
At Kingston Intermediate School, KFE funded the purchase of new camera and AV technology, as well as five TouchView Interactive displays. Having these new displays on carts gives teachers flexibility on how they structure their room layout vs the fixed projector. The adjustable height stand gives even the youngest students the ability to interact with the board. The built-in PC with wireless keyboard/mouse means all a teacher will need to do is plug the unit into power and have it all hooked up and ready to go!
Traditionally, KFE will raise money by planning several fun, charitable events including the Booster Fun Run and Parents’ Night Out fundraiser event called Back-to-School Brews at Mayflower Brewery. Back-to-School Brews took place this year on Friday, Sept. 20, with the. SLHS alumni band, The Rippers, back again with their musical talent, amazing raffle prizes donated by many of our Kingston business community members, and a thrilling pong tournament. It was such a success last year, that we plan on doing it year after year!
Our mission is simple: to help members of the Kingston community channel their positive energy into improving the already phenomenal public school system. As parents, we all love our kids, and we want to set them up for success. And we also want them to have the best opportunities and latest technology available when it comes
Plympton residents to decide on name change
The Plympton Board of Selectmen met on Tuesday, Sept. 9. Selectmen Chair John Traynor brought up a suggestion for a name change as he has done many times over the last few years. Traynor recommended using Select Board as opposed to Board of Selectmen. Traynor said that of 292 towns, not cities, in Massachusetts over half of them have changed from Board of Selectmen to Select Board. “Everything going forward is labeled Select Board… the towns that abut us, Pembroke, Middleborough, and Carver have all moved to Select Board as a title. Only Halifax, Kingston, and ourselves do not use that name. Plymouth has moved to Select Board as has Duxbury,” Traynor said. He said he isn’t motivated by being politically correct but rather by all the women they have serving in government from the local all the way to the federal level.
Selectman Mark Russo said, “I am dead set against the change… I particularly enjoy being connected to a tradition that goes back to 1707.” Russo said that he felt that the mere fact that there are so many women in leadership positions shows that the title itself doesn’t prohibit it.
Selectman Dana Smith said he felt it should be up to the town. “We were voted in by the town, I think it should be something the town should decide… I would think that there might be some costs associated,” Smith said. Town Administrator Liz Dennehy said that the path of least resistance would be to put it at Town Meeting as a warrant article. Dennehy also said, “the only thing that I would mention in conjunction with what Mr. Smith was saying is that there are certain cost implications. All of our bylaws are codified and we have to pay… for every single bylaw change that we make. Now I don’t know exactly how much that would be, but anywhere in our bylaws that states Board of Selectmen would have to be changed.” Traynor said, “I would be very surprised if there was any cost of any consequence.” Traynor made a motion that they put an article on the annual Town Meeting to change the name. Smith seconded. The motion passed with Smith and Traynor voting in favor of it and Russo voting against it.
Town Accountant Lisa Hart provided an end of year closeout update. Hart said she was looking to have everything submitted to the State by the end of September. She also said that she was hoping they could have free cash certified by the middle of October as well as have the tax rate set before Thanksgiving.
“I’d say I’m probably a week to ten days behind where I would like to have been due to the fact that I was waiting for the schools for some information… Silver Lake… it gets a little confusing because they pay their teachers, all the money that they pay through the summer is actually from their FY24 budget so they have to approve that into FY25 in order to pay them,” Hart said. She added, “they’re working hard over there but they were left with quite a mess over there to clean up… they’re struggling over there. They’re underemployed. They don’t have enough people.”
Traynor said that they had several one-day liquor license requests for Stellwagen Beer Company at Sauchuk Farm. The dates include 9/21, 9/22, 9/28, 9/29, 10/5, 10/6, 10/12, 10/13, 10/14, 10/19, 10/20, 10/26, 10/27, 11/2, and 11/3. The Selectmen noted that there would be a police detail present for each of the dates. The Selectmen voted to approve the requests.
Dennehy said that they have applied for and been awarded a Green Communities grant for work to the heating system at the library in the amount of just over $135,000. “That brings my individual total for grants that I’ve brought in over the last few years to well over $1 million.” She noted that she wouldn’t have been able to do so without the help of Ross MacPherson and the Old Colony Planning Council.
The Selectmen ended the meeting with raves. Russo said, “my raves are for questions that are useful and constructive. Despite personal opinion, preference, philosophy, or ego, despite past grievances, questions like what’s best for the town, most importantly, how do we be fair, how do we keep things moving… again, my rave is for those kinds of questions that are able to surmount obstacles and keep things moving.”
Traynor recalled his rave at the prior meeting for the life and legacy of Plympton resident Jacqueline Freitas who recently passed. He noted that well over 100 people attended her services. He spoke about her passion for various causes and the affection that was shown by the turnout at her services.
Halifax TRIAD meeting hosts CPA presentation
At the monthly TRIAD meeting on Tuesday, Sept. 10, the H.O.P.E. Committee (Halifax’s Opportunity to Preserve and Enhance) Committee did an informational presentation on the November ballot question (#6) to adopt the Community Preservation Act (CPA). The CPA allows cities and towns in Massachusetts to create a local fund specifically for open space acquisition, historic preservation, community housing and outdoor recreation projects. Cities and towns that adopt the CPA also receive funds from the State’s Community Preservation Trust Fund each year for these same purposes. Currently 196 cities and towns in Massachusetts have adopted the Community Preservation Act. The presentation highlighted several impressive projects completed by area towns.
Based on currently available figures, with a 1.5% surcharge and the exemptions for the first $100,000 of residential and commercial property value, in addition to the low/moderate income exemption, Halifax would generate approximately $238,000 per year. This figure does not include the annual disbursement Halifax would receive from the state’s CPA Trust Fund, which would be in addition to the local CPA revenue raised. The annual cost to the average Halifax homeowner would be approximately $84 annually payable in two installments of $42 each.
For more information see H.O.P.E.’s website: halifaxmahope.org, Facebook: Halifax’s Opportunity to Preserve & Enhance- HOPE.
Please send any questions to hopeforhalifax@gmail.com
Muratore wins endorsement from former Gov. Baker and Lt. Gov. Polito
PLYMOUTH—Monday, Sept. 16, State Representative Matt Muratore’s campaign for State Senate announced that it has been endorsed by former Governor Charlie Baker and former Lt. Governor Karyn Polito. “We can’t think of a better candidate for State Senate than our friend Rep. Matt Muratore. Matt has the public and private sector experience that makes him ready to work in the State Senate on day one,” Gov. Baker and Lt. Governor Polito said in a joint statement. “Whether it’s advocating for local aid for schools, bridges and roads; working to end the migrant shelter crisis; or providing superb constituent services, Matt was one of our favorite legislators to work with during our time in office—and a successful one, at that! We enthusiastically endorse his candidacy to bring his public service to the next level. He’ll bring an important, balanced voice to the State Senate, and he’ll deliver for his district just as he always has,” they added.
For much of his two terms as Governor, Baker consistently ranked as one of the most—or the most—popular Governors in the United States. His collaborative, bipartisan approach is sorely missed in the Commonwealth today.
“I’m very honored to have the support of Gov. Baker and Lt. Governor Polito,” Rep. Muratore, candidate for State Senate, said. “I look forward to bringing their same brand of competent, bipartisan, and balanced leadership with me to the State Senate. While national politics can seem so negative and divisive, our campaign will continue to focus on the issues that matter in our communities. It’s time that we come together and work for the betterment of all 8 communities in the Plymouth & Barnstable district.”
The Muratore for State Senate campaign has also been endorsed by the State Police Association of Massachusetts; the Retired State, County, and Municipal Employees Association of Massachusetts (Mass Retirees); and the Massachusetts Correction Officers Federated Union.
To learn more about Rep. Matt Muratore and his campaign, please visit www.MattMuratore.com.
Zoning changes top STM agenda
Alan Ingram
Express correspondent
HALIFAX – The town will hold a Special Town Meeting on December 16 to address zoning changes, including a proposed MBTA Communities overlay district.
The Zoning Bylaw Review Committee has completed its work after a year-long process, presenting two main recommendations for consideration.
Board of Selectmen Chairman John Bruno explained, “We’re making two recommendations. One is a revision and updating to the current zoning bylaw. It’s very detailed.”
The proposed changes include reorganized sections, combined definitions, and updates to the site plan review process. A new section on accessory dwelling units has been added to match recent state law changes.
“And we added in a section on blighted properties, which gives the town a little bit more ability to deal with properties that have become an eyesore, become dangerous, that type of thing,” Bruno said.
The most significant proposal addresses the MBTA Communities law, which requires towns to establish a zoning overlay district allowing multifamily dwellings within a half-mile radius of train stations.
After reading a brief statement explaining his concerns with the mandate for an overlay district, Bruno described the proposed solution: “What we are proposing then is to place an overlay zone on this area, identifying Twin Lakes development property and certain abutting property to more precisely describe what is already in place.”
The proposed overlay district largely encompasses the existing Twin Lakes Condominiums development, which already supports multifamily housing.
“Since the law does not require that anything new actually be built, and since Halifax already has an area supporting a multifamily development, putting the proposed zoning change in place resolves any issue about compliance with the state decree,” Bruno explained. “I liken what we are proposing to giving a fresh coat of paint to an existing wall. Nothing of substance changes except what it is being called.”
Town Administrator Cody Haddad noted that the state has preliminarily approved the town’s plan, with only minor adjustments requested.
The Board of Selectmen voted unanimously to submit the proposed zoning bylaw changes and the MBTA zoning bylaw changes to the Planning Board for a public hearing.
The Special Town Meeting on Dec. 16 will provide residents the opportunity to vote on these proposed changes.
Halifax is set to lose approximately $185,000 in annual revenue due to changes in state regulations regarding marijuana dispensaries. Haddad explained that the 3% impact fee the town had been collecting from two local dispensaries will no longer be allowed under new state regulations. “Between the two dispensaries for the last fiscal year was around $185,000,” Haddad said.
The Board voted unanimously to approve a new Host Community Agreement template for one of the dispensaries, Flower & Soul, which removes the 3% impact fee but maintains other aspects of the original agreement.
Haddad noted that the town believes the new regulations do not apply retroactively to existing agreements. “We feel as though the legislation and the regulations that change that 3% are not retroactively applied to host community agreements that were signed prior to that date,” he said.
In other business, the Board interviewed three candidates for a newly formed Town Government Study Committee.
The committee will review Halifax’s current governmental structure and potentially recommend changes.
Sandy Dolan, the recently retired town accountant with 15 years of experience, expressed her willingness to serve. “I have a lot of municipal knowledge, not just of the way municipalities run, but the way the town of Halifax runs,” Dolan said.
Mary Gravinese raised concerns about the committee’s potential time commitment. “Looking at two years of this, I could never commit to that,” Gravinese stated, emphasizing the need for efficiency. She had previously petitioned Town Meeting to increase the size of the Board of Selectmen to five members.
Jim Walters highlighted the importance of public input. “We need to have public meetings, talk to the people out in the town, send out surveys through whatever fashion we want to send out surveys, look for input and feedback from them,” Walters suggested.
Board member Jonathan Selig expressed enthusiasm for the diverse perspectives represented by the candidates. “I think some of the best committees don’t always agree on everything,” Selig noted.
The Board plans to keep the application process open until Sept. 18 and make appointments at their next meeting on September 24. One candidate is already scheduled to interview on the 24th.
Chairman John Bruno stressed the significance of the committee’s task. “This is a big effort. What we’re trying to do is consider reorganizing how government works in Halifax. And it’s not something that we can make a decision on quickly.”
Kingston veterans wanted for photo
KINGSTON – The editors and directors of Tales of Jones River Village: Kingston’s 300 Years are inviting Kingston veterans to be part of a photo that will be taken on Veterans Day in front of the new Memorial in front of the Town Hall at noon.
The book’s directors are looking to highlight the service that veterans have provided over the years and are seeking volunteers to be photographed and be part of this celebration of Kingston’s 300th anniversary in 2026 and will be including a group photograph of the men and women who served the country in the military.
“Tales of Jones River Village: Kingston’s 300 years” will celebrate and commemorate Kingston’s 300th anniversary and will be available for purchase in the fall of 2025, ahead of Kingston’s 300th anniversary in 2026. There has been strong support from the community in the way of articles and photographs.
This new illustrated history will feature short narratives and fresh accounts which will add to established town histories, chronicling the town and its people through different eras. Contributors to the book have come from the community. The publishers anticipate that the book will be approximately 250 pages in length, and approximately 9.5 by 12 inches in size.
In addition to the photograph, there are a few opportunities remaining if anyone has wants to prepare a short article pertaining to their military service, or the service of a loved one.
“Our veterans have given so much to the community and the country,” said Ken Brack, a director and the project’s Managing Editor, who added, “We believe it is fitting that in this book we honor the service and sacrifice that these individuals have made. Please get in touch with us and be part of our town’s history in this upcoming book.”
The publishers anticipate that the book will be approximately 250 pages in length, and approximately 9.5 by 12 inches in size.
The publishers of this book are not affiliated with the town’s 300th committee; this is a separate venture. To learn more about the book, please visit http://www.kingston300book.com). To inquire about being part of the photo, or a related story, please contact Ken Brack, managing editor, kenbrack5@gmail.com,
Halifax’s Holmes Library to host Author Series
Linda Redding
Special to the Express
The Holmes Public Library will be kicking off Authors at the Holmes on Monday, Sept. 16 at 6 p.m.. The featured author will be Anthony Sammarco highlighting his book The History of Howard Johnson’s.
Many of us can recall the days of visiting a Howard Johnson’s and enjoying one of the 28 flavors of ice cream, the ‘tendersweet” clams, or the Howard Johnson’s Frankforter.
Future authors include John F. Gallagher on October 21st discussing A Monument to Her Grief offering details on the Sturtevant murders in Halifax. Chronicle reporter Ted Reinstein will talk about his book New England Notebook on November 18th. He will reflect on some of the stories he has covered all over the New England area.
The Friends of the Holmes Public Library is sponsoring the author series. All author talks will begin at 6 p.m. Books will be available for purchase.
Stolen Days of September …
By Linda Ibbitson Hurd
Special to The Express
When we heard the peepers in August we knew Summer was coming to an end. September would bring Labor Day and the start of the school year which would replace our carefree days of fun and playing outside until it was so dark we couldn’t see. Then came the year things changed for a time. I always think of it as the golden, stolen days.
We were used to Hurricanes that came and went during the 1950’s but in September of 1960, along came Hurricane Donna. At the first mention of a bad storm, our dad had the Coleman stove, lanterns, kerosene and the sterno at the ready. Mom made sure there were enough baked and canned goods, candles, matches and other foods on hand that didn’t need much preparation. Laundry had been done and water frozen in the refrigerator for the cooler when needed. We were ready, now we wait.
Monday, Sept.12, no one went to work or school. Dad turned the radio on during breakfast while we still had power. The newscaster reported that Donna made landfall in Southern New England near Connecticut. and Rhode Island. The Blue Hill Observatory reported winds were 140 miles per hour and Donna was a category 4 storm. The four of us kids noticed the concerned look that passed between our parents.
A big expansive gravel and dirt driveway was between our house and the big two story, blue asphalt shingled house, where our dad’s parents lived. After a phone call from Grampa, we got ready and walked over to their house. Aunt Sam was already there with her kids.
The big old windows in Gram’s house shook and rattled as the whistling winds raised havoc. Trees fell before our eyes, landing in the side yard. Telephone wires came loose and thrashed about in the wind. At that point, Gram and Mom closed all the curtains, telling us kids to stay far away from the windows. Before darkness set in they turned their attention to lighting the lanterns. Aunt Sam took the kids into the dining room to play games. Fearing a tree might hit the house, I quietly retreated to the attic where I could look out at everything. Dad and Grampa were in the car listening to the radio. I saw them get out, hunching over to brace themselves in the wind as they made it to the kitchen door. I snuck back down before they came in.
To our surprise the news was good. The winds had been less ferocious in our area and Donna was on the way North to New Hampshire. The mood instantly lifted and there were hugs and smiles all around and a few tears of relief. Thanks to the old wood stove and Gram and Mom who made American chop suey and apple pie the day before, we had a good feast!
We woke the next morning to a beautiful day. My sister Penny and I were so happy there was no school. Dad was a bulldozer operator and was needed at his job. There was no damage to our house or yard except some debris scattered about which our younger brother and little sister helped us and mom clean up. After lunch, Penny and I went to see the trees that came down in the storm.
There were three good sized maple trees lying near one another about twenty feet from Gram’s and nearly the same distance from the house on the other side. We began climbing on the trunks and over the branches and leaves. Other kids in the neighborhood were drawn to the trees and soon there was a group of us walking and climbing all over them.
The September days after the hurricane were warm and golden. Where the trees lay became a haven for us kids in the neighborhood. Every day after breakfast we were there and we went back after lunch until it was time for supper. One of the boys was good at doing hand stands holding onto a branch that was close to the ground. Some of us liked balancing ourselves on the tree trunks while walking on them. The big leafy branches were good hiding places when we played hide and seek and they also became part of a tree house when we played the Robinson family from the book, Swiss Family Robinson. Another day we imagined we were in Sherwood Forest with Robin Hood hiding from the Sheriff of Nottingham.
The day we had to go back to school, we couldn’t wait to get home to the trees. When we got there, we stood and stared. Our hearts sank. Our haven was gone. It made us sad to see our trees cut up into piles of logs. We all turned away, no one talked on the way home.The stolen days in the September sun were a magical time that we all shared and reminisced about through the years.
Kingston AgCom to host fair
KINGSTON – Members of the Kingston Agricultural Commission are looking to build upon last year’s successful fair and announce that the Kingston Agricultural Fair will take place Sunday, Sept. 29, from 1 to 4 p.m. on the grounds of the Kingston Town Hall, 26 Evergreen St.
Admission to the event is free. Come and see what the fair has to offer; including 4-H members and local farmers with their animals, informational tables from regional organizations, the opportunity to see antique farm equipment, items for sale such as local flowers and eggs. Additionally, there will be live music, a variety of food and beverage trucks, and representation from a number of Kingston Town Departments. Attendees will have the chance to participate in a drawing for a free, handmade braided rug by Sandy O’Fihelly and see Kingston’s newly constructed Veterans’ Memorial.
The Silver Lake Regional High School Class of 2025 will benefit from the “Cow Plop” fundraiser which will be held during the fair. Grid tickets will be available for $20 through the school, and on the day of the fair. When a cow “goes plop” on a certain grid the winning prizes include a JBL speaker, $100 worth of gift cards, or $500 in cash. Monies raised will help with the cost of the senior picnic, dinner dance, and prom. The cows are provided courtesy of the 4-H Club.
“Last year’s event was a huge success and we’re hoping for another great turnout,” said Debra Mueller, the Town’s Animal Inspector. “There’s something for everyone. It’s a chance to see firsthand the importance of agriculture and aquaculture in our lives, and to have some fun at the same time.”
Admission is free. For additional information, please contact Agricultural Commissioner Jean Landis-Naumann, jln12@comcast.net or (339) 832-0782.
Vaughn named to school committee
The Kingston Board of Selectmen met on Tuesday, Aug. 27. The Kingston School Committee called a joint meeting with the Selectmen to interview candidates for a vacancy left by Timothy Lewis’ recent resignation. The seat would be filled by appointment until the May election.
Candidates Sheila Vaughn and Ronnie Litif took turns making statements. Vaughn, who has been a resident of Kingston for 20 years, said that she has three children ranging from six years old to a senior in high school. She noted that she served on the School Committee for nine years as well as having served as a Selectman for four. Additionally, she is currently active on the Affordable Housing Trust. Vaughn said that she felt her experience would come in handy, particularly as the town heads into budget season.
Litif told the Selectmen that he has four children with the youngest being just a year old and the oldest being in fifth grade. “Last year, all of the budget stuff was kind of alarming to me, and I started showing up to meetings,” Litif said. “I have probably too many ideas my wife would say.” He said that he is a baseball coach in town and his wife is on the PTO. “Whatever you guys decide is going to be best for the schools that’s what I hope,” he concluded.
The School Committee members and Selectmen then interviewed each of the candidates. Both were asked if they would run for the seat come the election. Litif said he would consider it, but not commit to it. Vaughn, on the other hand, said she probably would run for the three-year seat if she’s going to be on the Committee for the next several months. Vaughn also touted the fact that she was already accustomed to the time commitment, saying it was much more than once a month. Crone asked Litif if he has ever been involved in any kind of committee that followed parliamentary rules. He answered that he had not done anything beyond instructional baseball. Both were asked what their goals were and both answered that saving teachers’ jobs would be high on the priority list.
Selectman Kimberley Emberg said that it was a “tough” choice between new ideas versus experience. School Committee member Jeanne Coleman said that given the difficult budget season they were entering into, she felt that Vaughn’s experience would be invaluable. Both Crone and Coleman said that regardless of whether Litif was selected or not, they would hope that he would continue to be involved and share ideas.
Vaughn was voted in unanimously. Litif left everyone laughing after saying that he probably would have voted for her too. He did let everyone know that he would continue to share his myriads of ideas including potential solar on the roof of the school in exchange for a free, new roof. Many in the room echoed the sentiment that they hoped he would run for a different seat or one of the two available seats on the School Committee come election time.
Town Administrator Keith Hickey addressed some concerns about EEE. “I’ve heard a couple of comments about something the Board of Health may be doing or should be doing regarding EEE. I had a conversation with our Health Agent who has been communicating with the Board of Health. Our Health Agent is reviewing the current status of the EEE situation in Kingston as well as some of the neighboring communities. At this point, fields and outdoor town properties are still open for use. If there is a need to potentially close from dusk to dawn, like Plymouth has recently done, could be a recommendation. That will occur at a public Board of Health meeting,” Hickey said.
Hickey addressed some changes to their agreement with the business Elevated Roots due to changes in State law. State legislation has modified the three percent franchise fee that allowed three percent of the gross sales to be paid to the town. “The town would need to provide expenses that are eligible to be reimbursed by the organization to be refunded to the town… frankly, I believe there have been little to no costs associated with having Elevated Roots here in town… they’ve expanded their business from retail to now growing.” He called them a “good corporate neighbor.” He said they now get a percentage of the sales from growing as well as retail. “Our revenues have increased as a community because Elevated Roots has expanded their business as they said they would,” he explained.
There was a request for several one-day liquor licenses for Forty Second Brew Co. at the Weir Family Christmas Tree Farm for the dates of 11/29, 11/30, 12/1, 12/7, 12/8, 12/14, and 12/15 from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. “The application has been reviewed and signed by the Fire and Police Chiefs and all documentation has been received,” Crone said. The Selectmen voted unanimously to approve.
Hickey said that he met with the Police Chief, Fire Chief, Streets, Trees, and Parks, Superintendent, Planning Director, and school staff members to identify a school zone that they believe complies with State law. He said that it was submitted to a traffic consultant and engineer for their review and concurrence. A request to take the costs associated with the project, approximately $59k, from American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds will be made in coming week. Hickey noted that those funds plus just over $11,000 needed for fiber optic improvements would likely be the end of available ARPA money. The Board voted unanimously to approve the $11k and move the approval of the $59k to a meeting at a later date.
The Board also discussed the possibility of establishing a “no jake brake: area on a portion of Main St. He said that despite Mass DOT and Old Colony Planning’s hesitation that such a restriction can be enforced, the Police Chief feels that they could police it through a noise ordinance. Police Chief Brian Holmes read from the law that he believed enabled the Board to make a specific section of the road a no exhaust brake zone. He did note that “jake brake” is a specific brand and not a general type of brake. Selectman Donald Alcombright said that he was against the restriction saying that he believed that driver safety should supersede a noise complaint. Alcombright said, “These are implemented for truckers for a reason and if it’s not breaking noise levels, they should be allowed to use what’s in their vehicle to stop their vehicle.”
Crone said he was in favor of it. Hickey said that the hope was that it would become a “learned behavior” that using a jake brake would not “be acceptable behavior in Kingston.” Emberg recommended holding off on the vote until they had a “full Board” as she sensed that the vote might end up 2-2. The Board agreed to table the vote.
Hickey said that Governor Healey recently passed the Heroes Act that allows local control for communities for additional tax exemptions for veterans who are property owners. He said that the Board of Assessors would be reviewing the legislation and making a recommendation. “It’s important to understand that any monies that are shifted from veterans… its not a reduction in taxes, it’s being shifted to those who aren’t veterans,” Hickey said. He called it a “bit of a balancing act” noting that they would take into account “what the community can afford.”
Hickey said that the Water Commissioners decided not to bring a warrant article forth for the funding of a new well on the Kelleher property. He expressed dismay saying that a lack of new water connections would mean continuing the water ban which would have detrimental effects on residents.
Hickey also said that he and the Conservation Agent met with Brockton’s Mayor about the amount of water that’s being withdrawn from Silver Lake for the city of Brockton. He said that the Mayor said that Brockton had additional repair work that required that they withdraw more water than normal from the lake. Hickey said that the work is now done and the water being withdrawn should be back to acceptable levels.
Longtime Streets, Trees, and Parks Superintendent Paul Basler is retiring. Hickey said they are considering changes to the position, but said if there are no changes, they will post the position as-is soon.
During their meeting, the Selectmen also voted unanimously to declare September as Suicide Prevention Month.