Town of West Bridgewater

The board conducted a public hearing regarding the installation of stop signs at the N. Elm Street and Crescent Street intersection, resulting in a decision to create a 4-way stop. Additional business included awarding the annual municipal purpose loan, managing license applications for local automotive businesses, and ratifying several employment contracts for town roles. The board discussed special permits and site plans, made appointments to various boards and committees, and awarded supply contracts for water, sewer, and public works. Furthermore, they approved specific liquor and entertainment licenses, discussed financial agreements regarding the Lincoln Street project, and addressed administrative updates regarding appointments and meeting scheduling.

The board meeting covered several topics, including an executive session regarding police union collective bargaining and the ratification of the collective bargaining agreement. Key approvals included the employment of a kitchen assistant for the Council on Aging, an interim license for National Grid for power line installation, and a new mission statement and policies for the MBNC committee. The board also addressed a DBA name change for a local business, made various appointments to town committees, approved a time extension for the Lincoln Street project, and discussed permitting requirements for small clean energy projects. Finally, the board deliberated on conceptual design options for intersection improvements at West Street and Crescent Street.

The meeting included an update on current water department projects, specifically the Manley Street plant inspection and start-up, as well as construction progress at Seir Norman. The board discussed the ongoing water ban, emphasizing the need for water conservation and addressing the challenges of managing water usage during high-demand periods. Additionally, the commission explored long-term solutions for water sources, the potential for connection with neighboring municipalities, and technical issues related to maintenance of equipment and VFD cooling systems. The board also established a protocol for handling reported violations of the water ban.

The board held a public hearing regarding a modification to a previously filed special permit and site plan application for a contractor's storage yard at zero Matfield Street. Key discussion topics included the proposed site layout, stormwater management design, access route through Oak Hill Way in Brockton, and the potential for a conflict of interest regarding the chairperson's professional history with the engineering firm involved. The board moved to continue the hearing to a future date to allow the applicant to address peer review comments and finalize plan revisions.

The Board of Assessors reviewed and approved a vacation carryover request for a staff member. They also discussed and voted to amend the assessor's signatory policy to define the role by the clerk position rather than by a specific individual's name. Additionally, the Board decided to remove the provision that allowed a single board member to sign invoices under $5,000, confirming that at least two board members must sign invoices to ensure oversight.