Seekonk News Notes – Jan. 2016

Annual Town Election Scheduled for April 4
Nomination papers are available for the annual town election on April 4. There are 10 available seats: selectman (3-year), two school committee (3-year), planning board (5-year), water commission (3-year), board of assessors (3-year), housing authority (5-year), and three library board of trustees (3-year). Papers can be picked up in the town clerk’s office and must be returned by 5 p.m. on Feb. 16 with 50 signatures.

Pond Street Bridge Needs Repairs
The Pond Street Bridge is in need of repairs although it is safe to drive over, according to Town Administrator Shawn Cadime. Some structural repairs are needed, including new guard rails. The cost for the repairs, according to an article in the Sun Chronicle, is about $1.3 million and a new bridge could cost as much as $2 million. The town is considering whether to make the repairs or replace the bridge and is looking into possible state and federal funding sources. The project may come up at a future town meeting.

Volunteers Needed for Town Boards/Committees
The town is in need of volunteers for several committees including the following: board of health, conservation commission, economic development committee, energy committee, historical commission, property tax work-off committee, zoning board of appeals, permanent building committee, finance committee, veterans memorial park committee. If interested, visit the town website at www.seekonk-ma.gov for a talent bank form.

Fire Department Has New Fire Truck
The Fire Department held a ceremony last month to celebrate the town’s new ladder truck. The ceremony included a blessing of the new ladder truck and the retirement of the old ladder truck. The new truck, which cost approximately $725,000, is a 110 ft. 2015 Emergency One. The old ladder truck was from 1985. As the town has grown, there are taller buildings and more houses that are further off the road, says Fire Chief Michael Healy, and the new truck will help the department gain access to those buildings.

Animal Shelter Gets Grant
The Seekonk Animal Shelter was recently awarded a $3,000 grant from the Massachusetts Animal Coalition which is used to help low-income residents get spay/neuter services for pets. Funds are derived from the sale of the Massachusetts “I’m Animal Friendly” license plates. The more plates that are sold, the more that is available for the spay/neuter program. The plates cost $40 in addition to any registration fees. This is the third time that the Seekonk shelter has received a grant from the program. The funds can only be used for spay/neuter services, says Animal Control Officer Sharon Hall. The grant has already paid for about 15 animals to be spayed/neutered and is almost expended.

Residential Tax Rate Increased
The residential tax rate in Seekonk is increasing to $13.41 per $1,000 assessed valuation. Last year’s rate was $13.23. The typical homeowner will pay approximately $154 more in property taxes, according to an article in the Sun Chronicle. For example, taxes for an average $305,800 home will increase from last year’s $3,947 to about $4,101 this year. The estimated commercial/industrial tax rate will also be increased, to $27.33, with a 10 percent exemption for businesses, from last year’s $26.97.

Firefighter May Run Against Howitt for State Rep.
Paul Jacques, a firefighter and Iraq War veteran, is talking about challenging incumbent Steven Howitt for state representative in the 4th Bristol District in November, according to an article in the Sun Chronicle. Jacques, 44, of Rehoboth, has been an Attleboro firefighter for twenty years. He is a Democrat who has been politically active for several years, but this would be his first run for office. Jacques reportedly plans to formally announce his candidacy soon. Howitt, a Republican from Seekonk, is in his third term as state representative.

Cabral Appointed as New DPW Superintendent
David Cabral is the town’s new Superintendent of Public Works. Cabral has been serving as interim DPW chief since Robert Lamoureux left the position a few months ago. Cabral has served as town engineer for more than eight years. Prior to that, Cabral worked in engineering in the private sector.

Old Town Hall Will Soon Be in Hands of Seaconke Wampanoags
Selectmen voted last month to sign a purchase-and-sales agreement with the Seaconke Wampanoags for the Old Town Hall. The purchase price is $55. The agreement is expected to be signed this month. The town has been in discussions with the tribe about the building, built in 1898, for several years. The tribe signed an agreement with the town in December 2013 to lease the property. Last November, voters at town meeting approved transferring the building outright to the Wampanoags. The building will be used as a cultural and community center.