Chief Copper introduced Officer Justin Melo, highlighting his academic achievements, including a 4.0 GPA in criminal justice from Bridgewater State University, and his completion of training at the Plymouth Police Academy. Melo expressed gratitude for the opportunity to join the Acushnet Police Department, citing both professional and personal reasons for his transfer. He mentioned that the higher call volume in Acushnet would aid his professional development, as the low call volume in Rochester had hindered his growth. Additionally, Melo noted concerns about potential conflicts of interest in Rochester due to familiar individuals from his past.

The Board of Selectmen unanimously approved Melo’s appointment, highlighting the cost-saving benefits of lateral transfers. Chief Copper explained that hiring officers who have already undergone training can save the town substantial expenses, potentially exceeding $75,000 per officer. The discussion then turned to the department’s future staffing needs, with Chief Copper warning of potential losses to the state police and retirements. He advocated for more lateral transfers to mitigate these potential shortages, noting that strategic planning would be important to maintaining adequate staffing levels.

The board also discussed the implications of hiring officers outside the civil service list. Concerns were raised about adhering to the “50/50 rule,” which requires hiring one officer from the civil service list for every officer hired outside of it. This was emphasized as a crucial consideration as the board navigates future staffing decisions.

Following the officer appointment, the board addressed the selection of an energy contract for the town’s schools. Alan Giles of Select Energy provided an update on the contract, which was in its final negotiation stages with KP Law, the town’s legal representation. However, the absence of a town administrator led to uncertainty regarding the signing process, prompting deliberations on whether the entire board or a representative should sign the contract. The urgency of finalizing the contract was acknowledged, with work anticipated to begin during the school break in June. The board decided to place the approval on the agenda for the next meeting to allow ample time for review.

In addition to these discussions, the meeting addressed a resident’s request for street lights on Five Scots Way. The board acknowledged the infrequency of such requests but emphasized the importance of addressing taxpayer concerns. They discussed developing a checklist of best practices from other towns and involving relevant officials to evaluate requests systematically. The motion to table the discussion for further consideration was passed.

The agenda also included a proposal for sewer connections involving properties on Taber and Lambert Streets. A representative for property owner Noah Gomes outlined plans to extend sewer lines, bearing all associated costs. The board discussed the complexities of the town’s sewer bylaws and the legal clarifications needed regarding connection and betterment fees. They agreed to proceed with granting permission for the sewer connection, pending further legal guidance on the fees.

Further, the board discussed personnel changes in the Water Department following the resignation of Eric Abrew, a long-serving employee. They recommended Matt Golda as his successor and expressed confidence in his abilities. The discussion also covered the need for backup support for water licenses, leading to the appointment of MP Water Systems Management.