March 29, 2024

News Notes

Posted

Seekonk Voters Approve Public Safety Radio System
Voters at the Special Town Election on August 8 approved a ballot question for a debt exclusion, or temporary override of Proposition 2 ½, for the design, purchase and installation of a new Public Safety radio system. The vote was 471 to 288. The cost for the new radio system is approximately $3 million and includes replacement of the outdated dispatch console, all Police and Fire portable radios and related wiring and equipment. Communications Director Chris Campbell thanked voters for supporting “this critical public safety project.” Turnout for the election was low, at about seven percent.

State Primary Election Being Held Sept. 19
The Special State Primary Election for the Bristol & Norfolk Senate seat previously held by James Timilty will be held on Tuesday, September 19, 2017. Voting will be at Seekonk High School.

West Nile Virus Found in Seekonk
West Nile Virus has been detected in mosquitoes collected in Seekonk, according to a report from the Massachusetts Dept. of Public Health. West Nile Virus can affect people of all ages, but people over the age of 50 are at higher risk for severe infections, according to a town press release. It is recommended that people protect themselves by avoiding peak mosquito hours from dusk to dawn, wearing long-sleeved shirts, pants and socks when outdoors and applying insect repellent. It is also recommended to remove standing water from your property and installing or repairing window screens. Seekonk residents can contact the Bristol County Mosquito Control to have their property sprayed at 508-823-5253. For more information about West Nile Virus activity in Massachusetts, visit www.mass.gov/dph/wnv.

Animal Shelter Project Moving Forward
The architectural design contract for the new animal shelter was recently awarded to Brewster Thornton Group of Providence for $125,000 according to an article in the Sun Chronicle. The cost of the new shelter is expected to be between $750,000 and $950,000 for design, construction and furnishing.

The proposed design includes offices, dog kennels, cat area, waiting room, exam room, laundry room, food prep room, quarantine area, and rest rooms. In April, voters approved a temporary tax increase to fund the project.

Selectmen Discuss Zoning Change for Former Showcase Lot
The town is considering a zoning change for the former Showcase Cinema property on Fall River Avenue to increase the chances of it being sold or developed. The property is currently designated as “split-zone” because part of it is “highway business” and part is “residential” Town Planner John Aubin is proposing to rezone the residential section as “highway business” because the split-zone designation of the site may be impeding its development. The zoning change would eventually have to be approved at town meeting, after a public hearing by the planning board and other reviews.

Seekonk High Grad Comes in 10th in London Track Championship
Former Seekonk High School running great John Gregorek finished 10th out of 12 runners in the 1,500 meter at the IAAF World Track and Field Championship in London earlier this month according to an article in the Sun Chronicle. Gregorek, who graduated in the Class of 2010 at Seekonk High, was the fastest American runner in the event, posting a time of 3:37.56. Gregorek was the only U.S. runner to qualify for the finals. Elijah Motonei of Kenya took first place with a time of 3:33.61.

Save the Date for Fall Town Meeting Nov. 13
The town’s fall town meeting is scheduled for Monday, November 13 at 7 p.m. at Seekonk High School.

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