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Saturday, April 11, 2009

Cheap Seat Revisited After The Election

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Steven Spataro said:
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Take out the nomination papers. Run and see if you get elected.

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How'd that work out for you, Steve?

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There is no word if Mr. Spataro is available for the starring role in Cheap seats - the musical

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In the aftermath of the disrespectful comments by 3 members of the Board of Selectmen: Steven Spataro, Marsha Brunelle, Patrick Rogers, I hand-delivered a letter to the Board requesting that they publicly apologize for their offensive comments.

(Incidentally, Mrs. "Gavel Queen" Brunelle is incorrect about what the law says about meeting minutes.)

Instead of an apology, Mr. Spataro, at Candidates' Night launched into another attack, labelling those who raised issues and asked questions as "Rabid Followers," whatever that means.

How'd that work out for you, Steve?

Voters appreciate all of the work Mr. Spataro did to elect Steve McKinnon to the Board. Thanks Mr. Spataro for all the work you did helping to change the tone of the Town and the tone of the Board!

In the aftermath of the close elections, voters have expressed unsolicited comments to me about the conduct of the remaining incumbent members of the Board of Selectmen, in particular, our very own Gavel Queen, Marsha Brunelle seen in the video commenting about being Sick and Tired of This Crap, and Patrick Rogers referring to people of a certain caliber.

Note to Patrick Rogers: Those PEOPLE OF A CERTAIN CALIBER? Might you be referring to voters?

The arrogance of the 3 Selectmen in the Cheap Seats video defines how the few have run the Town and treated voters they were elected to represent. Apparently, they decided that they only represented those with whom they agreed.

Voters seem to have decided that it's not the way it works.

On a separate related note, it needs to be noted that Wayne Perkins, historically assured of re-election based on generous contracts he negotiated that put the Town in this hole (36% pay raises, anyone? A secretary making $86K a year?*), was elected as Town Moderator by a narrow margin, in spite of vigorous campaigning, against a relative newcomer. Mr. Perkins, unaccustomed to campaigning for re-election, was planning to run for Board of Selectmen next year. Think again, Wayne!

Can anyone even imagine such a close contest for Town Moderator?

It needs to be reiterated that Wayne Perkins, as Chairman of the Board of Selectmen thought nothing of ignoring those who stood at the microphone wanting to address the BOS.

Wayne, we hope you will conduct yourself in a different fashion as Town Moderator. It is a position that can be subject to Recall. You wouldn't want that now, would you, Wayne?

*Newcomer to the BOS, Mr. Rullo noted during his first BOS Meeting that the Fire Department has "Quinn Bill" benefits. That is, the state program that is partially reimbursed by the state for educational incentives for the Police Department ONLY that is known as the Quinn Bill, was negotiated by Wayne Perkins and extended to the Fire Department. Not to worry! It only costs you, the taxpayer $100K plus per year. Want to know why fire stations are closed?

Kudos to Mr. Rullo for publicly asking the right questions! Please keep it up and explain to the viewing public what these little goodies mean and what they cost. That's how we got in this mess!

Annual Town Reports are available in the Town Clerk's Office. They're worth owning and saving to review. They're worth reading and provide some interesting information if you take the time and want to know where your tax dollars go.

Wednesday, April 22, 2009

Thank you, Mr. Perkins!

Brockton Enterprise reported --

Middleboro official blasts state for Quinn bill mess
Towns must still fund benefit for police officers
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By Alice C. Elwell
ENTERPRISE CORRESPONDENT
Posted Apr 21, 2009 @ 03:00 AM
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MIDDLEBORO — Finance Committee Chairman Richard J. Pavadore greeted the House budget’s $1 million cut in state aid to Middleboro with one word, “Wow.”

Pavadore said reports the state isn’t going to fund the Quinn Bill provisions don’t sit well with him.

“If the state doesn’t fund it, why do we have to,” he said.But he says it’s not that simple, because Middleboro taxpayers are contractually obligated to the provisions.

Pavadore said last year nearly $300,000 was paid to 23 police officers as a career incentive under the Quinn Bill, with the state picking up 50 percent of the cost.

In addition 30 firefighters were paid $92,800.95 in educational incentives.

He said the Police Department budget is already down to the bare bones, and he doesn’t see where $300,000 can come out of that budget, because the town is under contract for minimum manning requirements through selectmen’s negotiations.

Pavadore said other departments will have to make up the difference, unless a one-time revenue can be found to make up for it.

He said taxpayers are funding the cost of the higher education and then paying the employee annually for having a degree. He said in many cases, degrees are not necessary for the position.

“I think we’re in good shape, based on what the town manager has forecast in state aid for 2010,” said Middleboro Assessor/Appraiser Barbara Erickson.

Town Manager Charles J. Cristello instructed a town-wide budget reduction of 31/2 percent to close a $1.3 million deficit. Cristello estimated the town would get $19,437,628 in state aid. The proposed House budget released on Friday is $19,678,743 in state aid for Middleboro.

Of that amount, the School Department will get the lion’s share, $17,290,908.
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Mr. Pavadore, always politically correct and professional, doesn't tell you that Wayne Perkins negotiated the contract that included the provision that provides that the Town will fully fund the Quinn Bill if the state doesn't.

That was the contract that Mr. Perkins kept insisting was 3%, 3%, 3%, when in fact, I finally got him to acknowledge at Candidates' Night the he had negotiated

36%, 3%, 3%

Do you ever wonder what Mr. Perkins told you that is incorrect?

Mr. Perkins also negotiated the contract that extended the Quinn Bill to the Fire Department. How many other towns do that? Find one and post it in the comments section, please.

Mr. Perkins might have done so believing that it ensured his re-election.

Judging from the election results, Mr. Perkins had to actively campaign for a nominal position of Town Moderator against a relatively unknown new comer and only won by a narrow margin.

How'd that work out for you, Wayne? Are you still planning to run for Selectman next year?

Putting the contracts in perspective, Wayne negotiated 36% pay raises along with a continuation of employees only contributing 10% of the health care premiums with a $5 co-pay.

Find other municipalities that do so and post in the comment section.

Collective bargaining contracts are public record if you care to do your own research.

Prop. 2 1/2 allows basically for a 2 1/2% increase in revenue.

How could Mr. Perkins justify this kind of legacy? Please say thank you next time you see him.

You still think town government is unimportant?
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And BTW, we're still using one time revenues to balance the budget.
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That's like selling your furniture to buy food.

Wednesday, April 23, 2008

Middleboro: Impressive Choices!

The Middleboro Town Manager Search Committee has released their FINAL choices and judging from early comments, one must wonder .......

The Brockton Enterprise reports:

Former Brockton Mayor John T. Yunits Jr. is one of four finalists for town manager in Middleboro, a job advertised at $130,000 a year.

The three other finalists are James P. Purcell, Norton town manager; John O. D’Agostino, Mansfield town manager; and Charles J. Cristello, Hingham town administrator.

Yunits is also a consultant for the Liberty Square Group, the firm that handles public relations for the Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe and their bid to open a casino in Middleboro.

Media Nation reports:

Oh, but not to worry, says search committee member Wayne Perkins, a former selectman and casino backer. Yunits may be taking money from a firm funded in part by the Mashpee Wampanoag tribe and the South African casino moguls who are behind all this, but his work with Liberty Square is "strictly" limited to lobbying for a power plant in Brockton.

But despite Mr. Perkins' assurances, that does not appear to be quite so, as a review of the additional articles indicates. It seems, yet again, Mr. Perkins has not done his due diligence.

Some may remember that Mr. Perkins was forced to resign as BOS Rep. to Plymouth County Commissioners because he had taken a job with the County. BOS

Mr. Perkins said this of casinos in March 5, 2007:

Chairman Perkins noted that towns in Connecticut that have casinos don’t pay taxes. BOS

We're still waiting, Mr. Perkins.

Mr. Perkins' arms are still sore from patting himself on his back for single-handedly negotiating union contracts that awarded 36% pay raises that put Middleboro in its current position.

One truly must question the logic of considering an applicant employed by casino investors. Where will his loyalties lie? Should we even trust the assurances? Will he present impartial information the BOS and townspeople require to garner additional funding for the Town?

One of the other choices is Mansfield Town Manager, John D'Agostino.

A quick google search, for those who weren't paying attention last fall, reveals the Sun Chronicle article,

Boston Globe:

[the recall began]....after a US District Court jury awarded damages to two former Municipal Electric Department employees who alleged unfair treatment by D'Agostino. Those damages may eventually top $3 million.
The jury concluded that D'Agostino, who oversees the Electric Department, had indulged in retaliatory behavior against Director John Beliveau and Chief Financial Officer Kimberly Stoyle, after Stoyle filed a sexual harassment complaint against D'Agostino and Beliveau supported her action. The complaint, filed with the Massachusetts Commission Against Discrimination, never went forward.
D'Agostino fired Beliveau in 2004. Stoyle quit in 2005, claiming D'Agostino's retaliatory behavior drove her out.
Amoruso and McCarter were linked to the issue because both were selectmen at the time of the alleged retaliation and selectmen oversee D'Agostino.

The town recently settled with Beliveau for $1.6 million. The money was taken from the Electric Department's rainy day fund.
Meanwhile, a judge ruled last month that D'Agostino was personally responsible for about $1 million in damages and attorney's fees to Stoyle, and the town has appealed that ruling.

Mansfield Politics

Middleboro, it might seem, doesn't have enough law suits to satisfy some. Do we need more for your tax dollars? That's the information that's contained in those EXECUTIVE SESSIONS the BOS doesn't want you to see.

The Cape Cod Times offered the following: LINK

Friday, May 8, 2009

Middleboro Board of Clowns

When the presence of ghosts in the Middleboro Town Hall was discussed, our very own Gavel Queen, Marsha Brunelle, recognized far and wide for stifling debate and squashing the democratic process, and currently for re-writing history, said --

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“I don’t want the ghost to go away,” Brunelle said, after Ventosi suggested the building be cleansed. She’s admitted she found the whole adventure fascinating, but other people are more skeptical.
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Middleboro's newly elected Town Moderator, veteran politician who was elected by the wide margin of .... was it 50 votes, Wayne? said ..

“I’m still not a believer, but I’m intrigued....”

That's the same Wayne Perkins who said that Towns in CT with casinos, don't pay taxes and who believed that the 36% pay raises he negotiated guaranteed him re-election. And we can't wait for him to ignore voters waiting at the podium, much as he did when he was Chairman of the Board of Selectmen. You might have noticed if you were paying attention to those little details.
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It's been established that Cheap Seats pretty accurately represents the Middleboro Board of Clowns, but in case you were wondering about the Annual Town Meeting ???? Maybe you were wondering because first it was going to be June whatever, but our new super duper Town Moderator, Wayne Perkins was going on vacation and unavailable, so it was changed to June Whatever. And now, it's going to be Tuesday, May 26.

Well, if you think you're confused, don't count on looking for the information on the PTWS previously located here -- Town of Middleborough -- it comes up that the link is broken.

You can find both the Special Town Meeting Warrant and the Annual Town Meeting Warrant here --- Town of Middleborough.org. (This is a site maintained by a private citizen.)

So, if you missed a BOC Meeting and wanted to review the meeting minutes? Don't!

If you wanted to review the Executive Sessions that Town Manager Cristello opined could be released annually? Don't!

If you wanted to see who your elected officials were? Pay a bill? Review the Vision Appraisal information? Review the BOS Agenda for their next meeting?

Just don't bother!

The Board of Clowns finally sets yet another date for Town Meeting even though the Warrants have been available since March, but don't look for details!

When the Board of Clowns can't set a date for Town Meeting or even decide if they really need rules, don't wonder why there's no quorum!

And don't look for things to improve!

It's Same Old! Same Old! Until we elect a whole new competent Board of Selectmen!

Look around you. No other Town operates like this.

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Note to Charter Committee: This needs to be changed!

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Is it something in the water?

Friday, May 26, 2017

Mr. Frawley: It's time for Middleboro Selectmen to behave like adults!

In the past, Middleboro has violated the OPEN MEETING LAW - there is no excuse and we're not going to split the fine hairs to justify Mr. Frawley's interpretation of the statute to call a 'MEETING' and EXCLUDE OTHERS.

Life is simple!

When in doubt...POST THE PUBLIC MEETING!

Those present at the 'MEETING' are each aware of the statute....there is simply no excuse...no sputtering....no consideration or justification.

It has long been conspicuous that Mr. Frawley is incapable of acting professionally at times.
It has long been conspicuous that Mr. Frawley is pigheaded and defiant, frequently misunderstanding the law. [For instance, counting vehicles on the property of a used car dealer and much else.]

It is known that others not involved or public have been fanning the flames of petty gossip, venom and dissension, maybe scheming for their own childish ends.

That needs to cease as well!

It's time to behave like ADULTS!

The MEETING should have been PUBLIC, POSTED and TELEVISED with all invited to attend, not merely a select few.

Folks, You are managing a TOWN, not a kindergarten!
Please behave as such....Mr. Frawley!

Rule violation accusations fly at Middleboro board meeting

Thursday Posted May 25, 2017

During tense exchange, one selectmen accused another of holding an informal meeting which she felt could be viewed as a violation of the open meeting law

By Eileen Reece, Enterprise Correspondent

MIDDLEBORO – Tension between members of the Board of Selectmen became apparent this week when one member accused another of holding an informal meeting which she felt could be viewed as a violation of the open meeting law.

In question was a meeting on May 16 requested by Selectmen Chairman Allin Frawley who invited Selectmen Vice Chairman Stephen McKinnon, Town Manager Robert Nunes, Assistant to the Town Manager Evan Melillo, Police Chief Joseph Perkins, Town Moderator Wayne Perkins, and Selectmen Executive Assistant Coleen Lieb to discuss issue relative to the Oliver Estates.

Selectmen Leilani Dalpe, chairman of the town’s Oliver Estate Advisory Committee, said she learned of the meeting ‘after the fact’ and questioned why other selectmen were not aware of the meeting in which she understood that certain issues concerning the Oliver Estate was discussed but no member of the Oliver Estate Advisory committee was invited.

“It seems highly inappropriate to me,” said Dalpe, noting it was based on “sketchy information” regarding the Oliver House and “no one called me or a member of the advisory board”.

“It’s no secret there is tension between us,” said Dalpe referring to Frawley.

“I’m not naive,” said Dalpe, adding that she is aware that private meetings are held.

When Dalpe brought the matter up under the “unanticipated” portion of the selectmen’s meeting, Frawley responded, saying, “I am not going to discuss it tonight. I am not prepared to discuss it at length.”

Frawley had asked the agenda item be postponed due to the absence of selectmen Stephen McKinnon, saying he wanted a full board present when discussing policy.

“It was a 100 percent legal meeting,” said Frawley.

“I had some items I wanted to discuss with some people,” said Frawley, adding that no votes were taken, no policy set. “There was no violation of any sort,” said Frawley who noted that he invited people who had insight to issues regarding security and safety at the Oliver House.

Frawley said the meeting lasted between 20 minutes to a half hour and included a discussion on adding two agenda items, the first on whether a town employee should be present during the ghost tours for liability reasons and whether volunteers fill out a Cori form for background checks because they act as “agents of the town.” Both items appeared on the agenda under item 9 “Oliver Estate Business.”

“This sounds like a deliberation” said Selectman John Knowlton in regards to the two items discussed at the meeting, having a town employee present for the ghost tours and a Cori check on Oliver Estate Volunteers.

Former selectmen chairman Diane Stewart said she found the discussion “very dramatic” and said it is not unusual for the chairman of the selectmen to call informal meetings.

Dalpe said “it was a disrespectful situation. I want to bring it up so it would be out in the open.”

Knowlton took issue with Frawley’s request to postpone the Oliver Estate discussion because of McKinnon’s absence.

Knowlton urged discussion, saying, “Apparently a lot of people have come here tonight and have an opinion,” in reference to those in attendance to the nearly full selectmen’s meeting.

Frawley said he would take statements from those in attendance but the matter would be placed on the agenda of the June 12 selectmen’s meeting.

Former selectmen Neil Rosenthal said that “any deliberation is an illegal meeting.” He added that “sometimes the best way to go with this is a compromise” and added that it was “reasonable to have a custodian there.” Rosenthal suggested the town help raise the money to offset the cost.

Stephen DelSignore, chairman of the non-profit group the Oliver Estate Historical Society, said volunteers at the Oliver Estate should not be singled out by being required to fill out Cori Forms. If it is a policy of the board, DelSignore said, then “it should be for every town volunteer.”

Ghost Tour volunteer Christy Parrish said the volunteers “are willing to step forth and do whatever it is the town feels is necessary,” adding that the “true goal” of the revenue from the ghost tours “is to restore the Oliver Estate.”

“Please don’t take that revenue away,” said Parrish.

“The tours brought in about $12,000 last year and are projected to bring in around $17,000 this year. Every dime of that money goes directly back into the house to maintain, restore and improve the property,” Dalpe told the Enterprise in a May 23 email.

“The issue that concerns me the most is the proposal to pay a town employee to open and close at every tour which I have been told would be $150 per 4 hour tour. Some tour evenings run longer and would be an additional $31 per hour. At this rate we would be paying the maintenance person 42 percent of the proceeds,” Dalpe told the Enterprise.

The Peter Oliver Jr. House, 455 Plymouth Street, was built in 1769 by Judge Peter Oliver for his son. The family were loyalists and escaped to Canada and settled in England during the early days of the American Revolution. Town Meeting voted funds to purchase the historic property in April 2015.

http://www.wickedlocal.com/news/20170525/rule-violation-accusations-fly-at-middleboro-board-meeting

Saturday, August 9, 2008

$189,000 Better Spent

The long awaited Spectrum Report is finally available. As predicted, it overstates job creation that was previously discredited and understates impacts in the Executive Summary. Because of the report's length, some time will be required to digest the additional details, but the summary itself seems to render the details worthless.

Governor, $189,000 could have been better spent.

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The report also misstates the inevitability of the Mashpee Wampanoag Bingo Hall in Middleboro.

Those who have followed the legal intricacies are aware that Carcieri v Kempthorne will be heard this fall and will likely render this a non-issue.

And fellow bloggers have raised other pertinent issues, like those new little pesky BIA regulations that prohibit casinos more than 25 miles from the initial reservation because it's called Casino Shopping (a practice employed by wealthy casino investors to construct a profitable casino in an area in which the Tribe has no historical ties) or the minor little detail that the Mashpee Wamponoag have no historical ties to Middleboro, nor did they claim as much in the application for recognition. And that's before we even mention that casino gambling is NOT legal in the Commonwealth and was recently defeated. The list of obstacles is impressive: 1. The Tribe doesn't own the land. Is it because the investors don't trust the Tribe? 2. That silly environmental review? 3. The casino investors may file bankruptcy in Rhode Island where they own Twin Rivers. How does that work? 4. And my friend, Gladys gave you some more The Top Ten Wheew! Just too much to include for $189,000!

Then there are those silly controversies about nasty little criminal charges, spousal abuse, steroid abuse, Contempt of Congress, that Stolen Valor thing, the legal challenges by those SHUNNED members about the missing $10 million, Tribal finances and other gossipy issues that must make the wealthy investors gasp.

The failure of the Middleboro Board of Selectmen or CRAC (Casino Resort Advisory Committee), even at this late date, to retain experts to present accurate cost projections of the potential impacts to the Town speaks for itself. So Middleboro doesn't even have any REAL numbers to throw into the discussion. What are they waiting for? To demand recompense in a state compact for figures they're too lazy to prepare in more than a year?

Middleboro's sham of an Agreement that locks Middleboro into $7 million IF the Mega Casino ever opens its doors, over repeated threats about the INEVITABILITY, is loosing value as we speak. The flaws of the Agreement, negotiated by our CRAC Selectman Adam Bond, as Chairman Wayne Perkins continued to nod his head, praise the venture and proclaim that towns in Connecticut with casinos don't pay taxes, have been addressed by others.

Hhhmm! Towns in Connecticut with casinos don't pay taxes? Sounds like a great epitaph, Wayne!

For Spectrum to lump the phony proclamations of INEVITABILITY of a Tribal Casino into the Commercial Casino discussion/report is to deliberately mislead.

Hopefully, the media will get their facts correct this time!

The Middleboro Casino is NOT inevitable. The Middleboro Casino is UNLIKELY.

And get those calculators out and run some numbers to calculate what the additional state employees will cost, and maybe run some of the education costs.

And while you're at it, take a look at the current fiscal problems of states that have casino gambling. When the un-involved tell us that for every $2 that casino gambling contributes to state coffers cost $3, maybe they're right.
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These are some of the comments of fellow bloggers:
From Media Nation:
Casino study fails laugh test
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From Ryan Adams:
My Nickname for the Spectrum Casino Report:
The BS Report

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From Truth to Power
Monson (or your town)
Spectrum Gaming Consulting Report Released
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From Bellicose Bumpkin:
First look at the Spectrum Gaming Report

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From Gladys Kravitz:

Rhymes with Spectrum

From Carver Chick:

Amicus Briefly

Thursday, August 28, 2008

Middleboro Board of Selectmen and Progress

A number of comments have been made to me about the most recent Selectmen's Meeting and offering opinions about what is transpiring.

Recently, when discussions about Rockland Industries finally appear to have reached a potential resolution, I have reminded others that previous Boards have nodded their heads, instructed those who have kept this issue alive for 40 years to "Keep us posted," and escaped any involvement.

In essence, each successive Board has passed along the MESS, the toxic waste that seems to be causing inexplicable neurological problems and elevated cancer risks.

Each successive Board has ignored this, until finally forced into action by a committee created by Victor Sylvia. Vic continuously reminded everyone "I won't live forever." Praise and standing ovations are deserved for those responsible for what appears to be a forthcoming successful resolution, but I would also point out that at last year's committee meeting that Victor Sylvia helped organize, no single incumbent Selectmen attended. Mrs. Duphily, who has since been elected to the Board did not attend.

Consideration of the Rockland Industries MESS is raised only to point out that, for whatever reason, the Middleboro Board of Selectmen apparently has an unwritten policy that is distributed in secrecy cautioning against taking any concrete action or future planning or showing any positive leadership or resolving any issue. Said policy indicates that, by postponing action successfully creates the muck and mire of continuously dealing with past problems and prevents future planning.

Such is the case of the mobile home park issues.

I won't dabble in the details and legalities, but point out that the Commonwealth overwhelmingly voted to rescind rent control housing in 1994 with a complex history (LINK) and Middleboro instituted rent control in 1985, but failed to enact regulations.

The Middleboro Board of Selectmen has allowed a simmering issue to percolate, tempers to flare beyond reason by its inaction.

At his wife's funeral, I spoke with Wayne Williams, owner of Edgeway Mobile Home Park, unaware that he had signed himself out of the hospital AMA (Against Medical Advice) to attend. During our conversation, his last words to me were "The tenants are going to kill me."

Any who have watched the ComCast broadcasts over the years are probably as tired and worn about the issue as the tenants of both Hillcrest and Edgeway. Clearly, it's time for a resolution.

Instead, the Board tossed the issue to the new Town Manager to resolve what 23 years' worth of inaction has caused.

Jeff Stevens offered a great presentation of the proposed expansion of the Soule Homestead projects that would include photovoltaics, SIPs, solar collectors, composting toilets, and much other GREEN TECHNOLOGY.

Selectman Patrick Rogers' sticking point was a review of the lease signed by the group.

Not to get mired in this issue, but Pat, maybe if that lease was posted on the Town's Web Site, you could access it at home, prior to the meeting and not postpone endorsement of the proposal. Just maybe voters might like to have the details available for their review in an attempt at transparency. Have you reviewed the Middleborough Web Site recently? LINK And how about the Selectmen's Agendas? LINK Has anyone noticed the dizzying array of formats in which the Agendas are posted and how user unfriendly the site is?

The Dead Horse of the Middleborough Town Web Site will not be beaten again, but maybe a few Selectpersons need to review what other towns have accomplished, offered by MMA: LINK

At one point, Selectwoman Brunelle indicated the something should be posted on the Town's Web Site. Marsha, dear, pleeaaze! Have you looked at the SITE?

At another point, Selectwoman Brunelle commented about the Board's prior discussions regarding Town Policies and the need to accumulate them in one collection. Weren't you Chairwoman when some of these policies went into effect? Weren't you Chairwoman when the Town's Vehicle Use Policy was amended? And by the way, where can the Town's Vehicle Use Policy be found? Is it on the Town's Web Site? Shouldn't Town Policy be available for public scrutiny?

And Marsha, dear, how about that NEW Town of Carver customer who received water on an emergency basis? According to the IMA, wasn't that supposed to be approved by Town Meeting Vote? Weren't you Chairwoman at the time?

And the Town's Bylaws? Zoning Regs? Planning Board Stuff? That WRPD Stuff the Selectmen talk about? The Board acts on regulations that are not available to the public for review.

At a recent meeting, the Town's by-law governing signs was discussed. Where on the Town's Web Site are those posted? The Chairman criticized the vagueness of the by-law which forces one to wonder where his proposed amendments are. Or was the criticism just intended to defend the erection of banners which his wife, Victoria was promoting?

OKAY, so I don't buy razzle dazzle superficial 'now you have an opportunity to speak' that other towns have offered for years.

I'm looking for substance that I'm not seeing.

Yeah, voters aren't being ignored as they stand at the podium, as Wayne Perkins did.

Yeah, voters aren't being gavelled to silence as Chairwoman Brunelle did.

But where's the substance of change?

To me, it's SAME OLD SAME OLD until proven otherwise.

Wednesday, September 13, 2017

Well Scripted Destruction of Middleboro

Begin your PR recruiting at Oak Point where few have historical community ties and a gated community where individual residents don't pay real estate property taxes.

A dependable voting block that turns out to vote....because the polling place is on the property....

Convince yourselves that a shiny new building will compensate for poor performance scores and a failed administration.

Convince yourselves that a shiny new building will compensate for parental involvement.
Convince yourselves that a shiney new building will compensate for demographics.

Convince yourselves that the COSTLY OVERRIDES won't scare away potential businesses.

Convince yourselves that the COSTLY OVERRIDES won't force many out of the community

Does anyone remember when Lincoln Andrews stood up and opposed the COMMUNITY PRESERVATION ACT because he argued that folks in Middleboro couldn't afford the projected $18 to $25 annual cost even as the Town was investing MILLIONS in LOTTERY PRODUCTS?

Middleboro students deserve a high school that will prepare them properly for the future....

YES! Cost needs to be considered since ....is the Nichols Middle School override paid for?

And how much is the new Police Station override costing?

The Town was aware for many years of these needs.

Did the Town plan or save?

And a triumvirate including Wayne Perkins included ringers in Town Contracts that built in staggering costs.

MARK YOUR CALENDAR and gather your FACTS about the costs.

Two Middleboro boards OK new school's $103M

price tag

A special town election will be held on November 4 from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.,

asking voters to approve a proposition 2-1/2 debt exclusion ballot question

MIDDLEBOROUGH.WICKEDLOCAL.COM

A special town election will be held on November 4 from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., asking voters to approve a proposition 2-1/2 debt exclusion ballot question to fund the new high school and to demolish and remove the existing high school.

MIDDLEBORO – Selectmen held a joint meeting with the school committee this week and learned the cost of the proposed new high school is $103,571,622 and the town’s share of $60 million would cost an additional $533.18 a year in taxes for the average Middleboro home assessed at $297,300.

The state is paying about 42 percent of the project or $42,677,512.

After a power-point presentation on the design plans for the new high school and a breakdown of the costs, the selectmen and school committee voted unanimously Wednesday to support the new high school building project to be located adjacent to the current high school, 71 East Grove Street.

Features of the 165,000 square-foot building include two separate wings, one wing includes two, three-story buildings referred to as the ‘academic wing’ and the second referred to as the “athletic and performing arts side” that includes a gymnasium, fitness and weight room, and an auditorium which will have a separate entrance for town functions.

“I feel this is the best project we can put forward,” said Robert Desrosiers, chairman of the School Building Committee, who noted that the committee had voted prior to the selectmen’s meeting to unanimously support the design plans.

The new high school will address the town’s needs for the next 50-plus years, said Desrosiers.

Asked by Selectman Leilani Dalpe how many students the school will accommodate, Desrosiers said it will accommodate the current student population of 720 which was the amount authorized by the Massachusetts School Building Authority. According to MSBA projections, the town’s student population will shrink to 688 over the next 10 years.

According to the power-point presentation, a home valued at $200,000 would pay an additional $261 a year; a home valued at $300,000 would pay an additional $392 a year; and a home valued at $400,000 would pay an additional $522 a year. These figures are based on a yearly average for borrowing $60 million over a 30-year loan at 4 percent.

Tim Bonfatti, President and CEO of Compass Project Management, said the funding would be based on a declining debt schedule with the initial tax increase declining over the 30-year period.

The Special Town Meeting on October 2 will be asked to vote to approve article 7 authorizing the town to raise money to fund the new high school including demolition of the old high school.

If the taxpayers approve the project, it would take a year to finish the schematic drawings which would include working with the Massachusetts School Building Authority. Once the plans are finalized the project would go out to bid in October 2018; Construction would begin in January 2019 and take two years to complete; the new high school would open in January 2021; demolition of the old high school would take place from January 2021 to July 2021.

Selectmen Chairman Allin Frawley commended the committee for their work. “The committee did a very good job at getting the public involved,” said Frawley in reference to the three public forums held by the school building committee.

“This is a lot of work, you did a great job,” said selectmen vice-chairman Stephen McKinnon, adding “I am on a fixed income, and it doesn’t bother me at all.”

“I think this would be a great thing for the town,” said McKinnon adding that a new school increases the real estate values, makes homes more saleable, and encourages people to move into the town.

HUH?

“There’s not a member on the school committee that does not view it as a high price tag but we are willing to do everything we possibly can to drop that number down even further if we can find ways to do that. That’s our mission but we want to make it an excellent school for the town,” School Committee Chairman Rich Young told selectmen.

Lincoln Andrews 45 years ago Middleboro residents invested in a high school so that we could have a place of learning. It is now our responsibility to provide a modern school for future generations.

Yesterday at 6:29pm

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Bob Smith Why didn't we take care of it?

September 8 at 8:24pm

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Jaime Meserve Exactly, Bob!!

ReplySeptember 8 at 8:44pm

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Carly Proctor Its been falling apart since the early 90's...it really was poorly maintained.

ReplySeptember 8 at 8:56pm

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Lincoln Andrews That issue has been covered for many years. It is very natural it arises again as the reality sets in. Myself or a multitude of other people would welcome speaking with you one on one. My number is 508-947-7071. Feel free to call. Expect up to an hour of explanation, time permitting.

The school building committee has also had many community out reach meetings and public meetings on the topic. All of those meetings are still available on MCCAM or in their recorded minutes.

My best piece of advice is to attend town meeting and ask the question. It will force those in favor to provide a public, on the record cogent (learned that word at MHS) reply.

Also public buildings of that era were not well designed. A well known example is Boston City Hall, the concrete monstrosity that won a design awards.

September 8 at 9:26pmEdited

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Jonathan White Who is responsible for maintenance?

ReplySeptember 8 at 9:19pm

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Lincoln Andrews Jonathan White ultimately Town Meeting, the vote of residents

ReplySeptember 8 at 9:25pmEdited

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Jonathan White And whose budget is it in? School or town?

ReplySeptember 8 at 9:38pmEdited

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Lincoln Andrews Town meeting approves both budgets.

ReplySeptember 8 at 10:05pm

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Write a reply...

Teresa Kelly Farley We could fix the current building to bring it up to current standards and codes....and spend more money doing that. Or we can build the new high school for less money.

Yesterday at 6:57pmEdited

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Paul Blanchard I was a graduate of MHS many many years ago. The first class that spent 4 years in the current high school.

I had not been back in town for many years, and when I went back for a reunion, I was appalled at the condition of the grounds and the building...See More

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1 Reply

David F Souza I was born and raised in Middleboro. Now live on the cape. When the T came down it ruined the calm rural place Middleboro once was. Now it's a bedroom community. Too bad.

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Bob Smith So sad a 43year old building has to be destroyed. Are we going to take care of the new one?

Yesterday at 6:30pm

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Jeannie Martin This is the time to invest in tbe future generations of Middleboro.

Yesterday at 7:59pm

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Thomas M. Azar Jr. Does anyone know who the Architect is? Huge impact on how the building will perform.

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Evan Monaghan They did this in Plymouth x's two.

Yesterday at 9:16pm

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Jeremy Beaudoin Falls on the taxpayers as usual. Didn't we just do an override for the police station ?

Yesterday at 10:05pmEdited

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Patrick Mills High School is already being done online teachers will be obsolete in 10 to 20 years they will be known as monitors why waste taxpayers money .

Reply15 hrs

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