Selectmen Approve Hiring a New Police Officer, Meet with Sen. Kerry Representative

Board of Selectmen members addressed town business during a Wednesday night meeting in Seekonk Town Hall, including a request from Police Chief Ronald Charron to hire a new police officer.

Captain Gary Jones will be retiring; he will be replaced with a lower ranking officer. According to the chief, the department will get a shake up as senior officers are anticipated to be promoted. There are 21 patrol officers, nine supervisors and the chief on staff. Because Jones' acquired raises through the years, the department will save money due to his retirement.

"Ultimately we'll be saving money," the chief said, noting a lower paid officer will take Jones' place. 

Selectmen were visited by Janet Label, a local relations representative for Sen. John Kerry. She asked members what sort of help was needed, noting many towns were concerned state funds to prop up public safety departments would be slashed. 

"We'd like to reach out to the citizens in state to hear their issues or concerns...If we're not aware, we can't intercede on your behalf," Label said.

McLintock said federal funds to repair a Woodward Avenue bridge is yet to be allocated.

'It would be helpful to get the check in from the Feds," he said.

Selectmen also accepted a $500 donation from the American Legion Post 311 to help fund a memorial garden to honor veterans. Janet Bowden contributed $100 in memory of her brother Douglas Spencer.

"My brother been gone 23 years - he was only 48 when he passed away. But he was a hero to me and a very courageous soldier and member of this community," Bowden said. "I'm really pleased he'll be included in the memorial."

Selectman Francis Cavaco also contributed $300 to the Save-a-Pet organization after Chairman David Parker won a bet to grow and maintain a mustache.

The room filled with tension after Department of Public Works Superintendent Bob Lamoureux asked board members to sign a contract authorizing the testing of a Lake Street ground well. The water source was acquired by imminent domain at the last town meeting. According to Lamoureax, the testing is the last step in a process to comply with Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) mandates. The series of testing costs about $13,000 which was anticipated and budgeted, said the superintendent. The DEP could fine the town if they did not comply, he said.

But member Bob McLintock was less than thrilled with the action; he said the project has cost the town over $500,000 in total.

"This thing keeps going on and on. The cash register is over half a million dollars and still counting," McLintock said, noting the well should have been cleaned years ago by an agency. "Enough is enough."

Town Administrator Pamela Nolan said there wasn't much of a choice not to approve the motion since the DEP would fine the town.

Parker eventually broke up the discussion. Four members voted yes to the motion to sign the contract. McLintock voted no.