January 18, 2005
Regular Session 7:40 PM
Ms. Tully, Mr. Edmundson, Mr. MacIver
Continuation of a Public Hearing re: Altering Grant of Location for Verizon
Rick Colon advised that progress continues on the Central Street project. There is a meeting scheduled this Thursday with CBB and Verizon at Verizon Engineering headquarters in Braintree to review five possible solutions to the problem. There will be a continuation of the hearing until next Tuesday to review the engineered solution and the pros and cons of the solution.
Police Patrolmen Interviews
Chief Carlson advised that Lt. Norkaitis conducted background checks on each of the various candidates. The Chief advised that he is seeking “civic-minded, experienced individuals”. The police panel consisting of a lieutenant, sergeant and detective has interviewed the candidates.
Robert Stockbridge, a veteran on the Iraqi war, advised that he has been a member of the Mass National Guard since 1999 and that he worked security in the theater of operations. Mr. Stockbridge said he has aspirations to become a detective eventually. He sees himself as an independent thinker who is easy to talk to and would be able to fit into a leadership role in the chain of command. He explained that he had learned how to think on his feet while in Iraq and felt this would be useful in dealing with the instant decisions a police officer would have to make. He felt his weakness was that he did not push himself as hard as he should have in school and wishes to pursue higher education in the near future.
Joseph Regan advised the Board that he had worked as a personal trainer but did not feel fulfilled with that position. However, while in the position he got to know many people in the community and how to read the situations from minute to minute. The DARE program and working with youth is of interest to him as is moving up in rank. Mr. Regan said his strength is the realization that you are being observed - “fishbowl mentality”.
Joshua Wilcox, a 15 year resident of the town, who graduated from BC High and Suffolk University said he would like to give back to the community. He characterized himself as very open with people. He has functioned on a team for several years and is currently working for a construction company. Mr. Wilcox attended the Citizens’ Police Academy and is very supportive of the community policing concept. Mr. Wilcox worked with youth in college talking about being a student athlete. Would like to advance and move up the ranks and make a positive impact on the community.
Michael Bizzozero, a lifelong resident of the town, graduated from Bridgewater College and is currently working as a member of the Webster permanent intermittent police force. He also served as a harbormaster and a special police officer in Duxbury. In Webster he works, on average, three days a week filling in for full time officers. Working as a Duxbury harbormaster he filled the shellfish constable role. These have been a good learning experiences. Mr. Bizzozero characterized himself as approachable and a good problem solver who exercises discretion. He has been interested a in police officer position since before he went to college.
Brian Norton, a Citizens Police Academy alumnus, grew up in town and has wanted to be a police officer since he was five years old. He explained that he has a great personality, great common sense and can think of feet. Policing in the Community was a terrific course he took that really convinced him that he wanted police work. Mr. Norton is currently employed in landscape construction and plowing and has been bartending for three years. He would be particularly interested being a canine or DARE officer and
eventually moving up in rank. Mr. Norton said he has a willingness to learn, is not afraid to work hard and will do whatever it takes to get the job done.
Justin Burns also attended the Citizens Police Academy and works at Quirk Auto. He plans to complete his associates’ degree within the next year or two. Mr. Burns characterized his leadership style as strong but fair. He has always wanted to be an officer and would like to be a detective eventually. Mr. Burns said he is proud of his hardworking style and likes that in police work things are changing constantly with new things to respond to. He is also very supportive of the community-policing concept because it makes people less apprehensive about speaking to a police officer.
Ms. Tully reviewed the new resident package.
Selectmen/Town Administrator’s Reports
Mr. MacIver attended the breakfast sponsored by Hingham-Hull Interfaith Association No Place for Hate at the Glastonbury Abbey Conference Center. Mr. Edmundson commented that the Town is starting to get some response on the state level as to what the budget will look like this year. It will not be a repeat of 2003. The budget picture seems better but it is prudent to remain cautious. Ms. Tully will be speaking at the Senior Center on Monday with Kate Mahony and Edna English. Their topic will be “Women in Politics”. The Board is proceeding with plans to arrange for a date to display the Red Sox World Series Trophy. Mr. Cristello noted that the Army Corps of Engineers permit will allow for more clearing along the route and the contractors are more likely to work out of the downtown area. The Town has asked for a good long-range schedule. Office of Economic Development will be at the February 1 meeting. The Planning Board and HDIC will also be present.
Meeting adjourned 9:30 PM.
Betty Foley, Clerk