Rehoboth Monthly News Notes...

Barrett Loses School Board Seat & Incumbents Win Water Commission

After four terms on the Dighton-Rehoboth Regional School Committee, Richard Barrett was defeated in the local election by newcomer Melissa Enos by 11 votes, 184 to 173. In the other contested race, for two seats on the water commission, incumbents Kathleen Conti and Tish Vadnais won over challenger William Costa, Sr. Conti received the most votes, 249; Vadnais had 222 and Costa received 185 votes. Turnout was about 5 percent, according to Town Clerk Laura Schwall.

Other Election Results

The following candidates ran unopposed: Moderator – William J. Cute; Selectman: Frederick “Skip” Vadnais; Assessor: Eugene Campbell; Planning Board five-year: Robert Moitozo; Planning Board three-year: William Costa, Sr.; Treasurer: Cheryl Gouveia; Park Commission: Robert D. McKim; Housing Authority five year: Robert D. McKim; Housing Authority three-year: George Cardono; Constable (3 seats): Kenneth Abrams, William Dalpe, Michael Deignan.

New D-R School Committee Member Criticized for Owing Taxes; Pays in Full

After Melissa Enos defeated incumbent Richard Barrett by 11 votes for a seat on the Dighton-Rehoboth Regional School Committee, it came to light that Enos owed more than $10,000 in back property taxes. Many residents complained to selectmen about the situation. Enos told the Sun Chronicle that she had been trying to make payments on the bill. She also promised to pay her taxes in full and she did.

D-R Teachers Union Reaches Settlement on Contract

The Dighton-Rehoboth Regional Teachers Association reached a tentative contract agreement with the school district. Teachers have been working without a contract since August. In December, both sides agreed to mediation, but an agreement was not reached. A statement was issued saying negotiations were at an impasse and teachers began informational picketing and started “working to the rule of the contract.” Terms of the agreement were not disclosed.

Vadnais Elected Selectmen Chairman

Skip Vadnais will again be heading up the board of selectmen. He was named chairman last month. Gerry Schwall was elected vice chairman and Sue Pimental will serve as clerk.

Rehoboth Police Hire New Patrolman

The Rehoboth Police Department has hired Nicholas Barros, a lifelong Rehoboth resident, as a new patrolman. Barros was a 2007 graduate of Dighton-Rehoboth Regional High school and has been serving as a reserve officer for about a year.

Rehoboth Water Commission Will Map Town’s Water Supply

The water commission announced that in the fall they will begin mapping out the town’s water supply in order to determine water capacity and usage. Students from Roger Williams University will assist in the project. There are reportedly about 4,000 wells in the town. The project could take up to a year and the commission will hold public hearings on the results.

Residents Can Drop-off Old Meds at Rehoboth Police

The Rehoboth Police Department now has a drug collection bin where residents can deposit unwanted or expired medication. Medicine can be dropped off in the police station lobby at 334 Anawan Street 24 hours day, 7 days a week. The project was made possible through a grant from CVS.

Energy Companies Plan Construction of Compressor Station in Rehoboth & Residents Oppose Project

A project is planned by Spectra Energy, Eversource Energy and National Grid to expand natural gas pipelines and build compressor stations along the Algonguin Gas Transmission pipeline which runs through Rehoboth and other area towns, according to articles in the Sun Chronicle. A group of local residents is opposed to the project (see letter elsewhere in this issue) and have scheduled an informational meeting on May 17 at 6 pm at Dighton-Rehoboth Regional High School. Part of the $3 billion Access Northeast pipeline expansion project is construction of a natural gas compressor station in Rehoboth. The company reportedly says that the pipeline expansion is needed to bring additional supplies of natural gas to power generating stations in New England. Opponents contend that the additional pipelines are not needed and they are concerned about possible environmental hazards from emissions. Also, electric customers will be paying for the project through additional utility charges, opponents say. The project is currently under review by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC). The Massachusetts Energy Facilities Siting Board has scheduled four hearings this month, but none are nearby. The closest is May 9 at 7 pm at Walpole High School. For more information: www.ferc.gov, www.accessnortheastenergy.com and www.scnu.us and on Facebook: BC Cares.