March 29, 2024

From the Town Clerk

Posted

Summer is in full swing, and so is the Town Clerk’s office. It’s been a busy summer with marriage intentions, yard sale permits, dog licensing, census gathering and three elections to prepare for.

As I stated it’s been busy with couples applying for marriage certificates and many marriage’s being performed right here on the town hall back lawn. For those who did not know the Assistant Town Clerk and myself are Justices of the Peace and can perform small marriage ceremonies here at town hall. We also have a list of Justices of the Peace in Seekonk who can perform weddings. For more information please call our office.

Just a reminder to those people who are thinking about having a yard sale please be advised that you need a yard sale permit. You can get them online at the www.seekonk-ma.gov under Departments/Town Clerk /downloadable forms. It is $5.00 a day with a maximum of four per year. There is also a page outlining the bylaw concerning yard sale signage. Please be advised that it’s not permissible to post yard sale signs on telephone poles. If you are going to have a yard sale please read the rules governing yard sales.

The three elections we are preparing for are:
Special Town Election - August 8, 2017 – Ballot Question for the Public Safety Radio Project.
State Primary – September 19, 2017 – To fill the vacancy for Bristol & Norfolk Senate Seat caused by the resignation of Senator Timilty
Special State Election – October 17, 2017
To date the Candidates running in the Primary are:
Michael Berry – Republican, of Walpole, a former selectman and school committee member.
Paul Feeney – Democrat, of Foxboro, a former selectman.
Dr. Tim Hempton – Republican, of Walpole, presently serves as a Representative Town Meeting and is a member of the Capital Budget Committee.
Ted Philips – Democrat, of Sharon, an aide to state Rep Louis Kafka.
Joe Shortsleeve – Independent, of Medfield, a former TV reporter.
Jacob Ventura – Republican, of Attleboro, a lawyer who has worked as a legislative aide for State Rep. Steven S. Howitt.

Community Information
Often times in the Town Clerk’s office we get many phones that start out with “I don’t know if this is the right department but…” and we are always happy to direct the person to the correct department. I would like to take this time to give an alphabetical list of the departments in Town Hall and a brief description what they take care of.

Assessor’s Office 508-336-2980 – Questions regarding how a property is assessed. Real estate, personal property, vehicle, boat excise tax and farm animal tax. Assess values to commercial, industrial, residential, personal property. Process exemptions for veterans and elderly. Abatements for personal property, real estate and motor vehicles. Measurements of parcels maintained on maps. Maintains deeds from 1966 to present.

Building Department 508-336-2990 – Questions regarding obtaining building, electrical, gas, plumbing and pool permits. Investigates zoning by-law questions and/or violations.

Collector’s Office 508- 336 2930 – Questions regarding bills and payment of: Real estate and personal property tax bills. Motor vehicle excise tax bills, disposal/trash bills, Municipal Lien and Certificate of Good Standing issued..

Conservation Department 508 -336-2944 – Responsible for protection of Seekonk’s natural resources. Wetland and Water Resource permits. Questions regarding, development near wetlands and streams, passive recreation. Investigates wetland violations and illegal discharges into storm drains, water bodies and streams. Accepts donations of land for preservation.

Council on Aging/Human Services 508–336-8772 – 540 Arcade Ave. Responsible for GATRA Dial-A Ride Service, senior activities, events and trips. Meals on Wheels, food and fuel assistance

Health Department 508-336-2950 - Oversees all aspects of Title 5, licenses septic installers, engineers, food service facilities, piggeries. Inspects food service facilities, pools, motels, tanning salons, health spas. Investigates tenant-landlord disputes. Investigates potential illegal dumping.

Planning Department 508– 336-2962 – Questions concerning subdivisions, re-zone requests, site plans, zoning by-law revisions, Form A plans.

Parks & Recreation 508–336-2942 – Field use permits, building use permits, seasonal and family programs.
Public Works 508–336-7407 – Questions concerning trash pick-up, recycling, landfill passes. Maintains town roads and municipal facilities. Tree Warden.

Selectmen/Town Administrator 508-336-2910 – Budget information and purchasing information. Alcoholic beverage licenses, amusement, antique / second-hand, entertainment, selling motor vehicles, vending machine licenses. Personnel/employment information. Town by-law information.

Town Clerk’s Office 508-336-2920 Questions concerning business certificates, dog licensing, voter registration/ election information. Yard sale permits, marriage licenses, census/new resident information. Notary service, Justice of the Peace, raffle and bazaar permits. Seekonk Cemetery, records and deeds. Vital records: marriage, death, birth, genealogical records.

Treasurer’s Office 508–336-2970 – Departmental receipts, tax titles, employee payroll and benefits. Town/School retiree health insurance.

Veteran’s services 508–336-2940 – Compensation, pension, insurance for veterans. Discharge difficulties. Employment, educational, vocational training. Help with alcoholic/drug treatment, hospitalization and domicile care. At-risk homeless and housing. Gold Star parents. Loan information- SBA and VA. Care of Graves. Advocacy with other government agencies.

Water District 508–761-8170- Questions concerning drinking water usage, quality and bills.
Zoning Board of Appeals 508–336-2961 Appeal of a decision made by building inspector or town official. Special permits and variances.

In other news...
I would just like to remind the people who have been appointed or re-appointed to be on a Board or Committee you need to be sworn in at the Town Clerk’s office. It is important to do so to be able to participate and vote at your meeting. If you are newly appointed you must take the conflict of interest training. If you have questions about this please do not hesitate to call the Town Clerk’s office.

It’s that time of year when the inevitable and sad return of back-to school supplies are making their way onto local store shelves. Happy back to school shopping. I hope everyone has a wonderful and safe August.

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