News Notes – November 2016

Planning Board Member Offered Position as New Building Inspector

Neal Abelson, a member of the planning board, has been offered the position of building inspector. Abelson says he will resign from the planning board and zoning board of appeals, where he also serves, if he takes the building inspector position, according to the Sun Chronicle. He is expected to be appointed this month.

Assistant Superintendent of Public Works Position Offered

Michael Tyler, who has been Acting Superintendent of Public Works in Rehoboth for four years, has been offered the position of Assistant Superintendent of Public Works in Seekonk. No word on a start date.

Seekonk Schools Seeking Money to Repair School Roofs

The roofs at both Martin Elementary and Aitken Elementary Schools are in need of repair and the school department plans to put an article on the Nov. 28 town meeting warrant asking residents to fund the repairs according to an article in the Sun Chronicle. The expected cost is $907,000. Residents can reportedly pay for the roofs with money from the town’s budget or approve a temporary tax increase. If approved, the project will start next summer.

Selectmen Prevent Medical Marijuana Dispensary in Town

The Board of Selectmen voted 4 to 1 against approving a letter of non-opposition to a Scituate, MA company that wants to open a medical marijuana dispensary in town, according to a Sun Chronicle article. The company, Alternative Compassion Service, was seeking a state license to operate in Seekonk and needed a letter of support or a letter of non-opposition to move forward. Since ACS did not receive the letter from the board, it looks like the town will not be getting the medical marijuana dispensary.

New Head of RI YMCA Named

The Greater Providence YMCA has a new CEO – Colonel Steven O’Donnell, former superintendent of the Rhode Island State Police. The Newman YMCA in Seekonk is part of the Greater Providence system. O’Donnell, 56, worked in law enforcement for 30 years. He served as superintendent of the Rhode Island State Police for five years.