By Beth David, Editor
The Acushnet Selectboard met for more than three hours in executive session on 12/5/23, but still failed to agree to the terms worked out by negotiators for the police contract.
Police have been working without a contract for more than two years. SB member David Wojnar was assigned as the board’s liaison in the negotiations. At some point, the negotiations went to the labor board which assigned mediators to work out a deal.
The two sides finally agreed to terms and the union has voted to approve the contract.
No details were provided as the board has not voted. It is all still an executive session matter.
Before going into executive session to discuss the contract, SB Chairperson Kevin Gaspar warned everyone in the room that it would be a long time. About 10 members of the police department were at the meeting and planned to wait it out
After about three hours, the board took a break and Mr. Wojnar announced that they were not going to vote on the contract that night. He said they were still going over details and had some questions for the finance department.
The matter will be taken up at a future meeting.
In open session, the board discussed the property at 7 Eileen Street. Mr. Gaspar read three letters, one from the building inspector, one from the health agent, and one from the conservation/stormwater agent.
The letters detailed ongoing issues at the property with work being done without permits and possibly in wetlands or bordering wetlands.
Conservation/Stormwater Agent Patrick Hannon issued a cease and desist order on 11/21 for work done on the property including filling and grading; any activities in the wetlands or buffer zone; any work at all until wetlands have been delineated.
Building Commissioner Andrew Bobola declared the property unsafe and required the owner, Joshua Barriball, to get permits for plumbing, gas, electrical and building.
Health Agent Joe Correia wrote on 12/1 that no correction orders were necessary. The only outstanding issue was a Title V inspection needed to be completed.
Mr. Gaspar said he did go by the site and it looked like it was getting cleaned up.
But a woman from the neighborhood, who did not identify herself, told the board that the property was “still a garbage dump.”
Mr. Gaspar suggested she speak with the health agent. He said he would ask the fire chief to take a look at the electric because it was “iffy.”
“We’re figurig this out one step at a time,” said Mr. Gaspar.
The board voted to place the matter on file to hear back from other officials.
The board also introduced Jennifer Grant as the new Treasurer/Collector. The appointment was made official at the previous meeting, but Mr. Gaspar was not present.
“This is more of a courtesy,” said Mr. Wojnar, to allow Mr. Gaspar to ask any questions.
Mr. Gaspar said he knew she came “highly recommended,” and welcomed her aboard.
The board also announced that the town still needs 8–10 snow plow drivers for this season. Call Kathleen at the DPW, 508-998-0233 for more information. The town offers a $1,000 perfect attendance bonus.
The board passed over two items that were on the agenda. The recognition of Eagle Scout Matthew Tripp, Jr., was postponed because he could not make it to the meeting.
A presentation of $80K in grant money to the Council on Aging also was postponed because state representatives Paul Schmid and William Straus were unable to attend.
The next meeting of the SB is Tuesday, 12/19.
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