The Dennett Elementary School Committee met on Monday, April 24. Chair of the School Committee Jon Wilhelmsen provided an update on school safety. “Since last June, the event that happened in Uvalde, Texas, we’ve actually been holding with the Police Department, the Fire Department, the Town Administrator and myself representing the School Committee, and of course Mr. Veneto and others, have been meeting to talk about school safety and making sure that we are doing everything we can with respect to both the physical building and trying to make sure that we have the appropriate plans in place; those meetings happen every month, every two months,” Wilhelmsen explained. He further said that a large drill was held at Silver Lake in April and noted that both the Plympton Police and Fire Departments were present. A training was held at the Dennett over winter break as well. Wilhelmsen said that upgrades were made to the building’s security including the front entryway which now has additional security. “We are constantly looking at that,” he explained. According to Wilhelmsen the Police Department has put a request on the warrant for Town Meeting to fund a full-time school resource officer at the Dennett. A member in the audience asked, “as you can tell, we are surrounded by glass… are there additional considerations that are going into as far as swapping that kind of stuff out to bulletproof glass or putting some kind of protective film on that that is bullet resistant?” Wilhelmsen, who said that he didn’t want to go into too much detail, said that they were.
Dennett Roof
Wilhelmsen said a study was done on the Dennett roof. Of the results, he said, “it wasn’t awesome.” Wilhelmsen told the Committee that a follow-up meeting will have to be held with Facilities Director Matt Durkee. “There Dennett Roof
Wilhelmsen said a study was done on the Dennett roof. Of the results, he said, “it wasn’t awesome.” Wilhelmsen told the Committee that a follow-up meeting will have to be held with Facilities Director Matt Durkee. “There were some spots where there is significant moisture in the installation but I want to understand, can we repair that and then utilize the additional roofing treatment or is it just something we are stuck with having to do a complete redo,” Wilhelmsen explained.
Dog Droppings on Dennett Fields
Wilhelmsen noted that sports were starting back up again outdoors and said that it was his understanding that nothing was better with respect to owners not picking up after their pets on the Dennett Fields. He said that signage had been put up and trash bags provided. Committee member Jason Fraser asked what next steps would be and Wilhelmsen said that talking to the Board of Selectmen about enforcement, whether it be an animal control officer or other method. Wilhelmsen also said that an idea might potentially be to explore a dedicated dog park in Plympton. Wilhelmsen noted that it is standard practice for dogs not to be allowed on town sports fields.
Playground
Director of Business Services Christine Healy said that she has had initial conversations regarding the next steps for the removal of the mulch and the installation of the rubberized surfacing. She said they need to figure out where to put the mulch. She also said that they are working on securing updated pricing.
Solar Project
Regarding the solar project, Wilhelmsen said, “the panels are up, the electrical connection is done, the inspection is done, now they’re waiting on the connection piece of that. I have some documents that I have received that I have to sign.”
School Choice Hearing
The Committee held a school choice hearing to decide if they would allow school choice at the Dennett next year. They unanimously voted not to allow it citing concerns over already large class sizes.
Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) Working Group
Committee member Jason Fraser complimented Coordinator of Student Support Christine Marcolini on her efforts within the group. Marcolini said that they have looked at different models and what that would potentially look like at the Dennett. “We’re kind of at that point where we have a good framework of what we think this would look like at the Dennett… our vision is that we would be able to do some work over the summer and that would involve teachers, paras, specialists, so that we can really take a whole-school look at this and get together a model that is comprehensive… I did connect with a consultant,” Marcolini explained. Fraser said that ESSER funds were held back to be used for exactly this type of purpose.
Legislative Update
Fraser began, “So the House Ways and Means budget came out – ironically, Plympton, for schools, is down about $2,500 compared to the Governor’s budget which doesn’t typically happen but it’s all around the adjustments made for reimbursements for charter schools… After a student has been out of care for three years, 100 percent of our Chapter 70 funds goes towards that student; we’ve tried to balance out making it fair to the town and also making it fair to the school… so there’s constant readjustments to how much we’re being charged and how much the State reimburses us for.” He said that Representative Kathy LaNatra and her counterparts were debating the budget in the full House, noting there were still a number of steps for it go through before moving onto the Governor.
Principal’s Update
Principal Peter Veneto said that current enrollment stands at 241 students. He also said that on Good Friday, he received a call from Technology Director Steve Pellowe saying that water was coming from the water closet. “Upon further inspection, it was a lot of water… the issue was with the pressure relief valve,” Veneto told the Committee. ServePro was called in to dry everything out and eventually the dry wall was replaced. “Electricians and plumbers confirmed that things were running smoothly,” he said. Veneto said that the water issue was the same day as the power outage; he further said that no one could definitively say if the two things were connected. Veneto said that on a positive note there would be a number of fun events and field trips to come before the end of the school year.
Wilhelmsen’s Farewell
Fraser noted that it would be the final regular meeting for Wilhelmsen. “Appreciate over the eight years of you sitting in the Chair, the leadership that you’ve shown, and your presence is going to be deeply missed,” Fraser said. Wilhelmsen joked, “I was supposed to be gone three years ago.” He continued, “It has been a pleasure to do this, it’s been a pleasure to learn as much as I have with this and even though I won’t be sitting on this side, you’ll always have a supporter in the audience… I wish the Committee and the School and teachers and everything all the best of luck as you keep moving forward.”
Three multi-unit buildings proposed
The Halifax Board of Selectmen met on Tuesday, April 25. A representative from Thorndike Development had an appointment with the Selectmen to provide an update on a proposed 55+ development. Founder and President Lloyd Geisinger reminded the Selectmen that approximately a month ago they came before them, “talking about an alternate plan for 255 and 266 Monponsett St. in which we were discussing the possibility of doing an over 55 community as well as working with the town to build a senior center on a portion of the property; since then we’ve put a plan together and we’ve met with Cody and Darlene [COA Director Darlene Regan].”
Geisinger turned things over to his partner David Eastridge who went over the plans with those in attendance. He said that the residential buildings would include two buildings on 265 and one building at 266. He further said that 265 Monponsett would be divided into two lots, one of which would be deeded to the town for a senior center. All the buildings would be three stories tall. One building has 30 units and the other two units will have 36 units. Eastridge explained that Town Meeting would need to vote in favor of over 55 becoming an approved use in a commercial district. The other approval needed would be for 265 to be zoned commercial.
A member of the audience asked if Thorndike Development would be paying for the senior center. Eastridge, who called the presentation that day “preliminary” said, “we are contributing toward the construction of that senior center substantially based on current discussions.”
Eastridge told those in the audience that they asked a fiscal impact expert to do an analysis of this project’s impact on Halifax. “The impacts to the town budget… are quite positive and the bottom line here, is he expects that this would have a net positive, after costs, of about $450,000 a year in real estate taxes,” Eastridge explained.
Another member asked if any of the dwellings would be deemed affordable housing and were told that they would not be. “Affordable units with senior housing is very challenging in Massachusetts… it’s very, very hard to find qualified individuals to purchase over- 55 affordable units,” Eastridge said. He further said that affordability is usually not age- restricted.
Requests for
Town Events
Isabella Rose of Generations met with the Selectmen regarding use of the Town Green for Fur Festival on June 4 from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. She said that the fundraiser would be in support of the Council on Aging (COA). The charge will be $5 per dog. The Sheriff’s unit will be doing a K9 demo, there will be a costume parade, a blessing of the dogs by a pastor, and there will be dog ice cream available. The Selectmen approved the use of the Town Green.
A live entertainment permit request for Connecting Rods Cruise nights at Walmart on Friday evenings from May 5 to October 6 from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. also came before the Board. Both the Police Departments and the Board of Health had previously approved it. The Selectmen voted unanimously to also approve the request. The Selectmen also voted to approve the VFW Field of Flags on the Town Green from May 13 to June 3. They also approved a live entertainment request for a Farmer’s Market for multiple dates from May to October from 10 am to 3 pm. Police and Fire had previously approved the request. “We like to see these things in town… such positive things, I wish we could just talk about those,” Chair John Bruno said of the many events throughout town seeking approval.
MBTA Action
Plan Update
Regarding the MBTA Action Plan, Bruno reminded everyone that a letter was sent several weeks earlier to Halifax’s various elected officials stating their disapproval of the need for the plan. “I do not like being told that we are somehow discriminatory because we won’t put 750 units in the Town of Halifax – that’s ridiculous,” Bruno said. Since that time, Halifax has not heard from anyone regarding the letter. The Selectmen voted to resend the letter this time as an email attachment.
Morse Brothers Complaints
“We are being inundated with emails and so on about Morse Brothers,” Bruno said. He noted that they have taken every single complaint seriously and have investigated them. “So far nothing has come of it,” he said before getting into specifics including a site inspection. “I have spoken with the Water Department, the Water Superintendent, and have asked them specifically does the thing that they’re doing there have anything to do with the wells over at Lingan St… and the answer is no,” Bruno said of a specific concern. He also said that there is no effect to the Lakes either. “It just doesn’t affect the water,” Bruno reiterated. Regarding brown water, Bruno said that they are working with DEP on a water filtration system to deal with too much magnesium in the water. “It’s got nothing to do with the Pond or anything going on with Morse Brothers,” Bruno explained.
Regarding traffic, Bruno said that Morse Brothers have been “quite cooperative” notifying the Selectmen and the Police about when truck traffic would be picking up. “The only complaint that we’ve gotten from the Police Department… the truck was going too slow,” Bruno said. He concluded saying that the public is welcome to continue to send complaints to the Board but noted that there “is just nothing there.” Selectman Jonathan Selig thanked Bruno for all his work investigating the complaints saying, “you’ve checked all the boxes.”
Town Meeting Recommendations
The Selectmen went over their recommendations for Town Meeting. There was some discussion regarding a petition article to increase the membership on the Board of Selectmen from three to five members. The resident that brought forth the article spoke saying that she was unaware of what the Selectmen believed or ran on and she felt that there was a large portion of Halifax residents who did not have their beliefs or views represented. “My own personal opinion… I think that after Town Meeting… we don’t have a charter, I know we talked about it years ago and it might be time to revisit the government structure here, whatever that might be,” Bruno said. He called Halifax’s town government “archaic.” The Selectmen agreed that they would not support the article.
Bruno also expressed concern over another article that wished to change positions like the Town Clerk and Highway Surveyor from elected to appointed. A member of the audience pointed out that despite the rigors of the job, the only requirement to be Town Clerk is that the person be a resident and at least 18 years old. Bruno pointed out that the requested changes would likely require legislation to enact. Town Accountant Sandra Nolan said, “I think that these are professional positions; they’re not positions that can easily be filled by someone that just walks off the street… I also think that we could put in a policy where you have a search committee and with the search committee, you use two or three people from the public that are not already in the town government, members at large… citizens at large.” Bruno said he agreed but added, “assuming this passed, it would be probably a year or two before it went into effect… but we would need to address our form of government.” Selig said he saw both sides of the argument and agreed with the idea of a search committee. Ultimately, the Selectmen decided to recommend the article.
Bruno revisited the Selectmen’s desire to hold meetings in various municipal buildings across the town including the Library, Council on Aging, etc. The intent was to showcase the different buildings on local access television and YouTube. Town Administrator Cody Haddad said that in his meetings with various department heads, they were excited for the opportunity. He said that a schedule would be worked out.
Bouzan is Holy Cross Valedictorian
Plympton native and biology major will deliver the valedictory address at Commencement.
WORCESTER – Emily Bouzan a member of the Holy Cross class of ’23, has been selected to deliver the Class of 2023 valedictory address at the Commencement ceremony on Friday, May 26.
Bouzan, who is from Plympton, is a biology major and a member of both Phi Beta Kappa and Alpha Sigma Nu Honors Society, and is a 2022-2023 Dana Scholar.
While at Holy Cross, Bouzan has served as a member of both the College Choir and Chamber Singers ensembles, as well as co-chair of the Alternate College Theatre (ACT), where she facilitated mainstage productions and recreational theatre events.
For the past two years, she has been conducting biochemistry research in the lab of Christine Hagan, assistant professor of chemistry, with the work being submitted for publication in the book series “Methods in Molecular Biology.” Additionally, as part of her self-designed college honors thesis project titled “Examining the Intersections Between Weight Stigma and Food Insecurity,” Bouzan has been volunteering at a local food pantry, as well as observing a virtual disordered eating support group.
Since joining the Worcester community, Bouzan has been volunteering at several nursing homes and hospice facilities in the city, including St. Francis Rehabilitation and Nursing Center, in addition to the Pernet Family Health After-School Club, all in partnership with the College’s Student Programs for Urban Development (SPUD), for which she serves as an intern managing the senior and healthcare sites. She also sees patients nearing the end of their lives at various nursing homes in Worcester through Trinity Hospice.
Her time spent with seniors has led to an interest in the field of medicine, and specifically in geriatric medicine, a medical specialty focused on providing care for the unique health needs of older adults.
Currently, Bouzan works as a patient care technician at a local urgent care facility. Following graduation, she plans to pursue a year-long Clinical Research Coordinator position at Mass General Hospital Cancer Center in the neurology department, as well as apply to medical school in June.
Bouzan was selected as valedictorian from a group of academically outstanding members of the senior class, each of whom submitted speeches for consideration. The Valedictorian Selection Committee — composed of students from the senior class, faculty members and administrators — reviewed the submissions, and the final selection was made by Interim Provost Ann Marie Leshkowich.
The College of the Holy Cross in Worcester is among the nation’s leading liberal arts institutions. A highly selective, four-year, exclusively undergraduate college of 3,100 students, Holy Cross is renowned for offering a rigorous, personalized education in the Jesuit, Catholic tradition. Since its founding in 1843, Holy Cross has made a positive impact in society by graduating students who distinguish themselves as thoughtful leaders in business, professional and civic life.
Verizon FIOS is on its way to Plympton
Verizon trucks have been all over Plympton these past two weeks, bringing fiber optic cable to the town.
A FIOS cable installer told The Express that he expects the town will be fully wired for FIOS within the week. “Then, it’s just a matter of testing the cables to make sure it all works together before FIOS can be brought into residents’ homes.Many in Plympton have been waiting patiently for this advent, citing inconsistent cable and sattelite dish service as the main concerns, in addition to high prices.
BOS consider MBTA mandate mandate
At Monday night’s meeting, Plympton selectmen questioned whether there are any options for small towns without municipal water or sewerage who are attempting to comply with the new state MBTA housing mandate?
Town Administrator Elizabeth Dennehy told the board that OCPC – Old Colony Planning Council – is helping to design the area that Plympton must designate as multiple unit housing. The first phase of the plan is due June 30 and the person helping to devise the plan for Plympton is leaving OCPC employment May 31, so Plympton is under pressure to get the plan ready to submit by the end of May. Selectmen were all loath to put something together in a rush, fearing that it can’t be changed should situations change. The biggest concern was putting an overlay and map designating the area according to the rules, when Plympton doesn’t have enough town-owned land to designate and selectmen don’t feel they have the authority to designate privately owned land to be zoned as multiple housing unit property.
Selectman Mark Russo was outspoken saying that he didn’t think the state should lower the ax as Attorney General Andrea Campbell did ten days ago, declaring that this must be done and if towns didn’t do it, they would not only forfeit grant monies, there would be other penalties as well. Russo said he thought there should be alternatives that would account for differences in towns and their individual needs. He said he thought the “accessory houses” by-law came a long way to solving Plympton’s multiple units requirement.
Russo said that he didn’t have faith in the MBTA mandate citing Plymouth as an example. Plymouth built hundreds of apartments and condominiums on the Cordage site, and the MBTA closed the station! Should Plympton have to try to find land on which to build multiple unit housing when we can’t build within walking distance of the rail station in either Halifax of Kingston? The concept of being able to use public transportation within walking distance of your home is a good one, but does it work for Plympton?
Dennehy said she would get a small committee together to work on completing the necessary work to meet the state’s deadline.
The majority of the meeting prepared the articles for the Annual Town Meeting to deal with next year’s expenditures and the Special Town Meeting that deals with the current fiscal year’s budget.
Members of the Finance Committee met jointly with selectmen and discussed each of the articles on the warrant for both the Annual Town Meeting and the Special Town Meeting. Selectmen and Finance Committee agreed on almost all the articles they would support and the process went smoothly.
The wage increase proposed by the Wage and Personnel Board was 5% across the board for town employees not covered by union contracts. Highway Superintendent Rob Firlotte spoke in favor of a 16% increase for his Administrative Assistant who puts in a lot of extra hours that she doesn’t get paid for, he told selectmen, that she did above and beyond what is needed for her job. Selectmen and finance committee members agreed they wanted to keep a consistant number for everyone and they will take it up at Town Meeting if needed.
Police Chief Matt Ahl spoke to Article 7, to see if the town will vote $71,000 to cover the first-year salary and all associated benefits for a full-time police officer to be stationed at the Dennett Elementary School. Chief Ahl told the board he was excited about the possibility of having a suitably trained officer serving in the school, having children get to know the police officer as a friendly face, and a part of their school community. “What we do really well,” Ahl told selectmen, “ is community engagement.”
The chief told the board that he hopes to have as many as three officers trained for the position so when the school resource officer is out for any reason, or leaves the position, another officer is ready to take their place. When school isn’t in session, there are other ways we can utilize this officer, outside of Dennett Elementary.”
Selectmen and FinCom members agreed to support the position, and while excited for the opportunities it brings, were saddened by the fact that it is needed for optimum security in these unsettliing times.
Town Meeting is Wednesday, May 17, followed by the annual Town Election on Saturday, May 20.
For the close of the meeting selectmen gave their Raves for the positive things that have happened. Chairman Joy said she gives her rave to Liz and the Finance Committee whose work over the past several months made this meeting so seamless.
Russo said he would echo that and in addition his rave was a single word SPRING!
John Traynor said his rave was for the volunteers who turned out on Saturday to help in the Earth Day weekend annual cleanup. “Every road, except Routes 58 and 106, was signed up for.” Joy agreed, “It does look good.”
Holmes celebrates Library Week
Linda Redding
Special to the Express
The Holmes Public Library in Halifax celebrated National Library week last Friday, and also honored the last day of their popular Children’s Resource Librarian, Holly Ianucci Slawson, who has accepted the position of Children’s Librarian at the Kingston Public Library, in her home town.
The Friends of the Holmes treated library staff to cupcakes, cookies, and other goodies, in addition to giving each a lovely pink Kalanchoe plant, a breath of spring.
Below, Miss Holly was presented a favorite book, “Loud Mouse”, that will feature a bookplate noting that the book was given to the Library in her honor. Friends member Bob Hodge presented the book, that was signed by the two authors, sisters Cara and Idina Menzel from Frozen and Broadway fame, and the illustrator, Jaclyn Sinquett. Hodge was also Miss Holly’s high school assistant principal at Silver Lake Regional High.
At left, Miss Holly accepts a parting gift from the staff of the Holmes Public Library.
Kingston election has one contest
The position of Town Treasurer was the only contest on the ballot in Kingston’s Annual Town Election Saturday, April 22. Kenneth B. Moalli won with 360 votes to Jessica M. Kramer’s 258 votes. Only 631 people cast their ballots.
The results are as follows: Sean P. O’Brien, re-elected as Moderator for three years. Donald J. Alcombright, a candidate for re-election and Eric Crone were elected selectmen for three years. Stephen J. Dunn is Assessor for three years. Paul M. Gallagher was elected Town Clerk for another three years.
David W. Gavigan, Jr. will serve on the Planning Board for five years; Mark R. Guidoboni will serve a one-year term on the Silver Lake Regional School Committee. Jeanne M. Coleman was elected to a three-year term. Coleman was also re-elected to the Kingston Elementary School Committee, as was Tricia A. Arleta. Robert R. Koska will again serve as Water Commissioner for three years.
There were no candidates for the Housing Authority, but 24 people wrote someone in.
Dennis N. Randall and Heidi M. Whipple were both re-elected to three-year terms on the Board of Health. No candidates ran for the two Library Trustee positions, but there were 127 write-ins. Recreation Commission saw Ellen M. Moynihan elected to the one-year seat and Patrick F. Roney was brought back for another three-year term that he will serve with Suzanne B. Haggerty. William Watson was re-elected Sewer Commissioner for three years.
School Committee chops budget by $266K
The Kingston School Committee met on Monday, April 10. Superintendent Jill Proulx provided a budget update. She said that she, Christine Healy, Committee Chair Jeanne Coleman, and Committee member Mike Shekane met with the Finance Committee to discuss their request to reduce the budget by $300,000. Proulx said that they may be able to use ESSER funds to pay for the $60,000 required for furniture for additional classes at KES. She said they would also consider taking some of the technology items and moving them to ESSER. Proulx pointed out that if they take recurring costs out of the budget and move them to ESSER, there is likely to be a greater increase in the budget next year when they appear again. Since there were two placeholders for two out-of-district placements and only one was needed, there would be a $30,000 decrease there. Additionally, $10,000 from the Building Utilization Fund could be used to help offset the budget. These savings totaled $150,000.
Proulx pointed out that 80 percent of the budget is salary which is why they need to look at staffing for potential cuts. She said that the removal of a special education teacher would save $65,000. “There would be less scheduling flexibility for students who require co-teaching,” she said of the reduction. Proulx further said that $30,000 could be saved with the removal of a 0.4 music teacher. The third cut would be the full-time paraprofessional. Proulx said that this would mean that there would no longer be a full-time paraprofessional assigned to each classroom. These cuts would total $116,000. Proulx said that since this still lands them about $40,000 shy of the goal, they would then need to turn to cutting classroom teachers which would result in larger class sizes which was already noted as a problem.
There was discussion surrounding the fact that there were budgeted positions within the sub-separate programs that were unfilled and as a result money was being spent on contracted services. It was said that the positions were posted but unable to be filled. “What I’m hearing is if we were able to proceed with the adequate staffing in that program, you’re confident that we would have been able to keep some of those placements in,” Committee member Timothy Lewis said. He said that he was therefore hesitant to fill the behaviorist position and would prefer instead to fill the current vacancies. Grable said she agreed but noted the difficulty in filling the positions. “I would add that Mike [Bambery] brought to the table the amount of time that his adjustment counselor and his current behaviorist were dedicating themselves to the Silver Lake substantially separate program,” Proulx said. Bambery, Grable, and Proulx still advocated for the addition of the behaviorist position.
Lewis asked what could be done in the future to avoid large increases in the budget like what was being seen this year. “It was an unusual year in that we had a population increase in not only kindergarten but in Grade 1. The Committee has approved the addition of several positions which is adding to the increase in the budget. We’ve talked about the issues that are putting pressure on the special education budget; some of which were caused by the pressures of Covid, for example, transportation was increased because smaller transportation companies could not survive… we lost those competitive rates… I think there are some other drivers,” Proulx said. Healy said there was a 14 percent transportation increase. She said she hoped this year was not a precedent setting year.
Lewis made a motion that they reconsider their previously voted budget with the cuts as outlined by Proulx. Coleman said that she would not support a motion for a $300,000 cut since that would require an additional $44,000 being cut that had not been discussed. She said that she would entertain a motion to cut a total of $266,000 as discussed. Coleman said, “the data as well as the information is out there for any taxpayer who is questioning our budget.” She further said that as School Committee members she did believe it was their job to be at Town Meeting to answer any questions that members of the public may have. The updated budget represented a 10.4 percent increase, down from a 14 percent increase. The Committee voted to approve an elementary school operating budget of $10,239,747, a special education budget of $5,989,065, and an out-of-district vocational budget of $198,000.
Kingston Elementary School Principal Kerri Whipple provided an update. She said that they have been focusing on citizenship. Whipple said that they had their second visit, this time virtual, with author Beth Berry. The students are working with her on creating their own stories. Whipple noted that school pictures took place and due to an error, every student would be receiving a free class picture regardless of whether they ordered one. Whipple said that family surveys went out and that two concerns of note were class size and recess.
Kingston Intermediate School Principal Mike Bambery also provided an update. He said that the art mural event would be April 28. “We’re deep in MCAS… that’s our focus right now… the last day will be the twenty-sixth… things have been going very, very well,” Bambery said.
Fourth grade teacher Brette Blette provided an update for Teacher’s Corner. She said that MCAS testing was underway. “I know that myself included are very appreciative of the PTO donations to our classroom libraries from the book fair… a lot of the students were very excited to get new books,” Blette said. She noted that the grades that have not yet had their field trips were preparing for them. “Hopefully all of the sickness that many of the kids have had over the last few weeks will go out the window with those windows open as we head into the spring,” she told the Committee.
Director of Business Services Christine Healy also provided an update. She told the Committee that there was $300,000 in Circuit Breaker funds that will not be used this year that can be carried over for a reduction in the FY24 budget. They discussed the number of students in out-of-district special education at the K-6 level in Kingston and noted that they were up from a year ago. A Committee member asked if the addition of a behaviorist at Kingston Intermediate School could help keep some of those students in district and effectively save the district from the out-of-district costs. “When we get to the point where we get to an out-of-district placement, the kids, they aren’t accessing the curriculum and that’s the number one threshold for me,” Bambery said. He continued, “If we’ve tried everything possible and then the teacher says the kid is not accessing the curriculum regardless of what we do and what strategy we put in place, that’s when we look to move to an out-of-district placement.” Bambery said that to Administrator of Special Education Marie Grable’s credit, when she had the outside evaluators come in, they were not able to identify any strategies that had not been tried and concurred with the decision to move students.
BOS readies articles for ATM
Tuesday nights meeting of the Kingston Board of Selectmen, April 11, at the Kingston Town House, brought the board together to decide which articles they will recommend at the Annual Town Meeting next week, Saturday, April 29.
Before the regular business of the meeting, Town Administrator Keith Hickey presented retiring treasurer Carl L. Pike a plaque honoring his service to Kingston and commented “I’ve had the opportunity to work with Carl now for just over a couple of years and have found him to be a breath of fresh air, somebody who I can go to with a question and not worry about getting the answer I want to hear but giving me the answer I need to hear. Carl has been a great member of our team and has been an active member of the community volunteering on a number of boards over the years.” Applause and a standing ovation followed.
Selectman Chairman Kimberley Emberg presented a plaque to outgoing selectman Jessica Kramer. Emberg spoke to her service: “You ask questions that make me think about things in a different way and personally I have very much enjoyed being on this board with you and I can’t count the number of contributions you’ve made and the positive impact you’ve had on the town of Kingtson.” Kramer was also treated to applause and a standing ovation.
In a joint meeting with Selectmen, the Capital Planning Committee and the Finance Committee, the three boards and committees reviewed the list of projects they will support at Town Meeting.
1. $45,000 for the replacement of the flooring in the Town House, the Council on Aging and the Public Library.
2. $71,880 to acquire a pickup truck for the Sewage Dept, that will also help the higway with snow removal in the winter, and other uses.
3. $112,000 to replace turnout coats for the fire department. The coats had PFAFs which are known carcinogens and the replacement products will not.
4. $50,000 for engineering of a shared path along Lake St. that will go from the high school to the intersection of Grove St. The project itself is grant-funded over the course of two years.
5. $133,843 replacement of two Police Interceptor vehicles
6. $50,000 for engineering for various traffic safety improvements around the town. “We probably have $75 million in road work that needs to be done in order to bring it up to the condition that people would like to see . This will help us prioritize the road improvements around the town.
7. $320,100 to replace a dump truck with plow and sander for the Streets and Parks Dept.
8. $500,000 for the means to do a number of road and sidewalk improvements around the town.
The Capital Planning Committee voted these projects unanimously to bring to town meeting.
Proposed lease payments:
9. $87,770 to re-mount and refurbish ambulance numbers 1 and 2 – the first payment of five years.
10. $205,910 for the third-year payment of the seven-year lease of the purchased ladder truck.
11. Second-year payment of a five-year lease $155,307 for the replacement of engine 1.
12. Fifth year of a seven-year lease $18,995 for acquisition of a backhoe
13. $47,730 second year of a five-year lease on the replacement of a 1995 Mac Truck
14. $51,270 second-year on a five-year for the replacement of a dump truck.
These were unanimously voted to bring to town meeting.
The Capital Planning Committee turned down a number of requests by the school department as they were not capital projects according to the definition, including repairs to ceilings and walls in the middle school, material for playground surfacing, and $50,000 for repairs to the Middle School roof. Hickey agreed saying the items were maintenance items, not capital projects.
Hickey told the group that the two roofs, Intermediate School and Elementary School both need to be replaced. He advised that fixing the roof on the Middle School so that it can wait until the town can bid the replacement of the two roofs together, saving the town moneuy on a larger project.
The Main Street water main project was moved for favorable action with funding of $1.69 million from several sources. The sum was moved and moved to favorable action.
On a vote of 3 to 2,l the Financew Committee voted to approve Article 9 for the construction of new wasteater leaching fields at a cost of $1.6 million. Chairman os the Sewer Commission Elaine A Fiore spoke to the article that the town is in line potentially for an SRF – State Revolving Fund – in the sum of $11,622, and also have an earmark and bond bill for $71 million toward construction of new leaching fields. She selectmen that she should hear whether the funds have been approved by mid-July. If the are not approved, then the project would not go forward. Her project, she said, was “shovel ready”. “Our leaching fields are 20 years old. n This project is pro-active so that new leaching fields will be4 ready for use when the existing fields age out.
Chairman Emberg asked if sewer lines go by a house are they required to be connected? Fiori answered that Yes, it must be connected. “Everybody is connected. There isn’t a choice.
Kingston has had to turn down several housing developments because the sewerage capacity isn’t available, and Selectman Kramer asked if providing this additional sewerage capacity will encourage more housing. Fiori said that they want to connect existing homes tin order to mitigate the nitrogen effluent into Plymouth Bay, not to encourage new construction. Fiori pointed out that the new leaching fields would be for backup of the systems now in place that are 20 years old. She couldn’t guarantee that the system won’t fail tomorrow or in five years.
The plan, she continued, is to build out the Davis property to hold all four tanks. and the Country Club and Landfill properties will become backup leaching fields.
The nitrogen level is going to be prevalent in Kingston in the next few years. We want to pick up more houses on the sewerage lines to help alleviate that problem. The new leaching field will help alleviate the problem. We’ve been planning for this for a long time. It’s just that funding is available now, especially to help keep the additional nitrogen out of Plymouth “Bay. The vote was 3 to 2 in the affirmative.
The Capital Planning Committee and the Finance Committee adjourned at 6:33 and 6:30 respectively.
Selectmen then approved the transfer of an aquaculture license from lease 1 to lease 3. John Wheble spoke to his request saying that the swap would make it easier for him, even though the new license area was a bit smaller. Shellfish Constable Joe Zlogar, Jr., stepped to the mic in support of the swap. Wheble has 60 days to vacate his current lease and return it to the town. Zlogar said there is a waiting list for people who want an aquaculture license and would have no trouble finding a replacement.
ARPA funds requests
Hickey told selectmen he has two requests for ARPA funds, the first being a request from the school committee to fund the replacement of one of the HVAC rooftop units at the high school Rather than put it on the town meeting warrant, if ARPA funds could be used, the town could then deduct the $188,175 from their Silver Lake assessment.
The second request was from the Water Dept. to help defray costs of replacing the Main St. water main. They have previously received approval for $419,260 and are seeking an additional $503,349 of AROA funds making the total ARPA contribution for the project $922,609. The Water Dept. has other unexpended warrant articles from previous years that will make up the balance without having to borrow, Hickey told the board. There are sufficient funds left in ARPA, leaving just under a million dollars if the board approves these, available for any potential future needs. We have about a year and a half left to expend these funds. Kingston was awarded about $4 million in ARPA funds.
School budget shortfall
Jeanne M. Coleman, Chairman of the Kingston School Committee, asked selectmen to consider a request to withdraw funds from the Town of Kingston Special Education Reserve Account, that has a balance of $218,334, to help fund a budget shortfall of $700,000 caused by unforseen out-of-district tuitions and enrollment.
Coleman told the board that they were anticipating an additional $213,000 in extraordinary relief to help cover the shortfall. The board approved the request.
Rent Control Board
Selectman Donald Alcombright brought up the warrant article that would cede the authority of the Rent Control Board to the Board of Selectmen the authority to act in its stead. Town Administrator Hickey told selectmen that dealing with the current board has been challenging, through no fault of anyone, just that it was very difficult to get the town’s work Done in a timely basis.
Chairman Joseph F. Casna, Jr., told selectmen he hadn’t been aware that two of his board members had not renewed their terms of service and he couldn’t then get a quorum to meet. He then said the situation was solved when Selectman Donald Alcombright, a former member of the board, stepped up to fill one of the vacancies they were “back in business”. “The Rent Control Board has been in existence for as long as I can remember … it’s a great resource for tenants … and the people who live in the pre-manuafactured home communities, and … I think it speaks to the heart of the town. … We’re a non-political thing, it doesn’t cost the town a penny, They can come to us if there’s a dispute over fees or rents or anything along those lines.” Casna continued that he had spoken with some of the residents who have been actively in volved in this for years, and they said that they would like to see it continue as well. “So I don’t see the downside.”
Town Administrator Hickey spoke up, “No disrespect to the committee, … it took weeks to get a signature and I understand all the ins and outs and this guy resigned and that person resigned and we don’t understand. We could not do business and what we did, in my humble opinion, was harm the person who was looking for assistance because it took weeks to get it. When, if the board of selectmen had the authority to act, it would have been done as early as two weeks from the time they requested it.”
Casna said, “It came out exactly the way they wanted it to come out. The way it should have come out.” HIckey retorted, “It should have come out in January, not March.”
The board voted 3-2 to remove the article from the town meeting warrant and keep the Rent Control Board as is.
CPC Report
Joanne Cullen, Chairman of the Community Preservation Committee, told selectmen her committee had a difficult year this year because the Blackstone Swamp project last year left our funds somewhat depleted.” They grant money they got can’t be used until the next fiscal year. CPC funds must be used in three specific areas: Affordable Housing, Historic Preservation, and Open Space and Recreation. It was difficult to fund some projects when the funds weren’t available to spend until next fiscal year.
She did say that her committee voted to give the Affordable Housing portion of the CPC funding to the stewardship of the Kingston Affordable Housing Committee as they had no projects pending because they have no funds to begin them. Now they have the means to begin.
Regarding the equipment purchase projects, numbers 1-11 of Articles 20-24, Hickey said there is sufficient free cash to fund all of them to get these projects done now. If the town waits, the cost will only be higher. The board voted unanimously in favor.
Veterans’ Memorial
Bob Ketter, Chairman of the Veterans’ Memorial Committee asked selectmen to help fund the veteran’s memorial which will be a granite structure to be placed on the front lawn of the Town House.
Kingston has the highest percentage of veterans or veteran families in the country, other than those with military bases. “We really want to get started,” he said. Selectmen voted 4-0, with one abstaining, to approve the warrant article asking the town for $187,000 from free cash.
Treasurer/Collector
Article 24 would ask the consolidation and change for the elected Treasurer and Tax Collector positions to be consolidated into one Treasurer/Collector position that would be appointed by the Board of Selectmen. Selectmen voted to support the article 4-0 with Selectman Kramer recusing herself from the vote.
Cedar Street
Selectmen heard Patrick and Caitlin Sullivan of 16 Cedar St., ask Selectmen to support their Citizen’s Petition that asks for the town to accept Cedar St. as a public way. The couple were advised that acceptance of roads needs a specific procedure, beginning with the Planning Board, and submitting a survey of the road to be considered. The couple expressed concern that the drainage problems that are crumbling the asphalt and creating a pond in the road by their house will prevent emergency vehicles access to the area as it did last season.
Stop Signs
Selectmen were asked to support the placement of two stop signs near the Jones River to prevent speeding vehicles from hitting the old stone bridge and disrupting the neighborhood. Hickey told selectmen that he had contacted Old Colony Planning Council to study the traffic there and selectmen would look at the data. Selectmen agreed they could not support the stop signs without more data.
Country Club Way
David Fuller, 233 Country Club Way, asked selectmen to fund an as-built survey for his street and acceptance of it as a Kingston public way.. Fuller pointed out that there are funds left in the contractor performance bond that would fund the survey, but not enough to finish the street work. Town Counsel advised him that the selectmen actually have control of those funds and they are the ones to ask, not Town Meeting.
Fuller agreed he would ask the town meeting to pass over his Citizen’s Petition article.
Bruno argues against MBTA action plan
The Halifax Board of Selectmen met on Tuesday, April 11. Selectman Chair John Bruno said he wanted to provide an update on the MBTA Action Plan. “Just to refresh our memories, the State, about two years ago, passed a law regarding what they call MBTA communities, which lucky for us we are one, where they are trying to force us to change our zoning to add a significant amount of multi-family housing. I don’t have any problem with multi-family housing, and I do think we need to add some to Halifax. What I do have a problem with is overreach of the State government on this project,” Bruno said. He further said that he had drafted a letter stating his opinion which he would like to see sent to State representatives and surrounding towns. He then proceeded to read the letter which can be found in the recording of the Selectmen’s meeting on Area 58. “Glad to sign it and send it along,” Selectman Jonathan Selig said. “I think the only way we can really address this, other than crossing our arms and refusing to do it, which is going to cause problems, is to bring our representatives in – that’s what their job is. Their job is not to show up on Facebook every other day saying I went to a Needle Scout ceremony, I just got appointed to this community or that community – their job is to look out for us and I think we need to put the heat on a little bit… it’s time that they did their work,” Bruno said.
Bruno said that Police Chief Joao Chaves, Highway Surveyor Steve Hayward, and Fred Corrigan with the Traffic Safety Committee were all in attendance to discuss changing the speed limits on Route 106. “You can’t just go changing speed limits, especially on 106 or any numbered road. We might take care of it, but it is still a State road, so you have to have studies done,” Hayward said. He further said that the change would be to make the speed limit 25 mph throughout all of Halifax unless otherwise posted. Corrigan argued using excerpts from State law that you do not need a survey done to change the speed limit.
Chaves said that it was brought up at Town Meeting a few years ago and voted down. “The issue with asking the State to do a study is they could actually tell us, your street is too low,” Chaves said. He further said that 85 percent of the vehicles that travel that road do so at an average speed of 41 mph when the posted speed limit is 35. Corrigan noted that Old Colony Planning Council (OCPC) does these studies without additional cost to the town. Selig said, “I know there have been residents that have been concerned where 106 is getting built up with businesses so I wouldn’t be opposed to slowing things down in that business area but we just have to be sure we aren’t opening up a can of worms with setting a town-wide speed limit so I would be for the OCPC recommendation.” Corrigan asked if anyone asked why the Traffic Safety Committee was formed and Bruno said, “I absolutely do” and referenced a pedestrian that was struck. The Selectmen agreed to contact OCPC.
Appointment to Zoning By-Law Review Committee
The Selectmen had an appointment with Jeremy Gillespie to discuss his appointment to the Zoning By-Law Review Committee. “I just see a lot of things in there that could be simplified and then things that need to be addressed,” Gillespie said. “I know… you’re a very passionate guy especially about environmental things in the town… you’d be open to, I guess, other takes on different issues and other ideas and working together to come to some sort of consensus?” Selig asked. Gillespie said “absolutely.” Resident Alan Dias spoke up saying, “I did send a letter to the Board suggesting that they not appoint Mr. Gillespie based on his Facebook posts, his anonymous complaints to DEP, Conservation Commission and I don’t know that that type of action would be helpful to the town.” A Conservation Commission member disputed the claims saying that Gillespie never files anonymous complaints. Bruno said that he doesn’t have a problem with someone being passionate and unafraid to tell the town when they are wrong. The Selectmen voted unanimously to appoint Gillespie.
50k for Park Commission and Youth and Recreation
Bruno said that there was an issue of $50,000 that needs to be allocated between the Park Commission and the Youth and Recreation Commission. At a previous Selectmen’s meeting, the Board had gone over Youth and Rec Director Dick Steele’s proposals for using a share of the funds. Steele said that they were looking to take care of some of the more costly items in their small budgets. He noted that they were looking for approximately $16,000. The Selectmen agreed to submit the Youth and Rec request for the $16,000 of earmarked funds while allowing the Park Commission to take another week to finalize their requests for the remaining $34,000.
Open Seat on Board of Registrars
Haddad told the Selectmen that there was an opening for the Republican seat on the Board of Registrars. He said that the Board of Registrars would submit three recommendations or nominations and then the Selectmen would select one for a three-year term. The Selectmen had a brief discussion regarding whether to choose Gordon C. Andrews or Summer Schmaling. “I know they’re both passionate Republicans and I think both would, for that capacity, be fine – splitting hairs,” Selectman Selig said. Bruno moved that they appoint Schmaling and they all agreed unanimously. “And that’s just because I had to pick one,” Bruno explained.
Morse Brothers Update
Haddad said, “they did notify us that they would be moving a second pile of dirt with two trucks – they would be avoiding the school bus schedule. We obviously have had various discussions with counsel and engineers, we brought in our Water Commissioners, Water Superintendent to make sure that there was no negative impact on the water. We’ve been assured by everyone involved that there is not and at this point, they are not digging anything further.”
Review of Town Meeting Articles
Haddad said that Town Meeting would be held at 6:30 p.m. on May 8. “It’s only an annual town meeting, we do not have a special town meeting,” he explained. He said that the election would be on Saturday, May 13 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Haddad reviewed the articles with the Selectmen. “Many of the articles are housekeeping, annual articles,” Haddad said. There were no significant changes to salaries of town employees. He did note that they are recommending a part-time Conservation Agent. “The Wetlands Protection Act and our bylaws are very diverse and they require a professional who really understands this. If we get a call for enforcement, we are really limited in who can go out and make that assessment,” Haddad said. He noted that it was a recommendation of the Conservation Commission. The town also wishes to add a Deputy Chief to the Police Department.
Regarding the schools’ budgets, Haddad said that overall, they are at a 2.9 percent increase, and the Elementary School is at a 5 percent increase. “We’ve had discussions with our schools to voice our concerns that we cannot continue to sustain large increases like this,” Haddad said. There was an article for $38,000 to support the School Resource Officer.
“We have a total operating budget of $28,113,913 for this year,” Haddad said. “One million more than last year,” Bruno said. Haddad noted that despite the large increase, the budget is mostly level-funded.
Some of the larger expenses from the Capital Plan article included a wield excavator for the Highway Department for $150,080, ADA Compliance projects for $500,000, town hall portico repairs for $50,000, library window replacements for $45,000, A fire command vehicle for the Fire Department for $80,000, and two police cruisers for $110,000.
Article 22 allows the Board of Selectmen to lease a landfill for the purposes of solar for up to 30 years. Article 23 is a petition article to increase the size of the Board of Selectmen from 3 to 5 members. Article 24 is an article to change the Town Clerk, Highway Surveyor, and Treasurer/Collector from elected to appointed. Bruno noted that he was not in favor of either Articles 23 or 24. “I don’t see how it gets any more efficient by increasing the size,” Bruno said of increasing the members on the Board of Selectmen.
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