Financials & Expenditures

The Fire Department requested approval to submit an application for a new Fire Prevention Grant, which requires a 5% match from the town (approximately $10,766 for a $215,000 grant). The previous grant, totaling $215,000, was successfully used to serve 385 homes and replace 2,357 smoke/CO alarms. Miss McGee abstained from the vote as she was a recipient of one of the visits. The motion passed with a majority vote.

Miss McGee questioned the $800 quarterly fee for earth removal permits, suggesting it might be too low and that the town might be losing revenue. Mr. Don Berlaque (Burns Sand and Gravel) clarified that the fee is a quarterly inspection fee, not a tax on material removal, and is a standard practice.

Zoning & Planning

The Select Board discussed two water issues in Carver: a 240-unit development that may require Middleboro water and the expiration of the current water supply contract on October 30, 2026. An update on the Bridgewater water connection, which is off on July 12th, was also requested.

The Select Board decided to take no action on changing the Centre Street 15-minute parking spots at this time but will continue to monitor the situation. Mr. Givanoni suggested a broader downtown parking study by SRPED to assess all parking needs.

The Select Board approved a street name update from “Country Way” to “Rowland’s Way” for the 911 system, as the name does not conflict with existing street names. The developer had requested the name change.

The Select Board approved a Secondhand Junk Old Metals License for Costello Dismantling Co. Inc. located at 695-701 Wareham Street. The business deals with dismantling and salvaging reusable steel, copper wire, and pipe.

Resident Action & Public Hearings

A special Town Meeting is scheduled for June 16th at 7:00 PM at the High School, where a quorum of 150 people is needed to address financial matters, including paying bills and small charter items.

The Select Board appointed Richard Young to the OCES (Old Colony Elder Services) Board of Directors for a term from July 1, 2026, through June 30, 2027.

The Select Board approved the Interim Fire Chief contract.

The Select Board approved the Interim Town Manager contract.

The Select Board approved the Select Board Administrative Assistant contract.

The Hidden News

Mr. Mike Loshaw (Skate Park Committee President) reported that the Skate Park was built using donations and grants, totaling $215,000, without taxpayer money. The ribbon cutting ceremony is on Saturday, June 27th, from 12:00 PM to 6:00 PM.

Mr. Bill Madden (GAF Engineering) requested a one-year extension on an existing earth removal permit for Burns Sand and Gravel’s cranberry bog project, noting all operations are compliant and no violations have occurred.

The Health Director position cannot remain unfilled, and the Select Board voted to authorize posting the position internally and externally. Miss Gail Blake will serve as the interim Health Director.

An area of isolated wetlands was discovered on Lot 4, Campus 44, not initially reflected in the WRPD plan. The Conservation Commission was consulted, frog eggs were relocated, and the area will be certified as a vernal pool.

A letter from Robert Sullivan (Chair, Middleboro Finance Committee) was read into the record, recommending that the Select Board consider authorizing and funding an independent forensic review of selected financial reporting practices for FY22 through FY26. This includes municipal credit card usage, enterprise funds, snow and ice expenditures, grant reporting, payroll-related payouts, and related internal controls.