Firehouse vote could come Feb. 29

One member of the audience, Salisbury resident Paul Eiring, wondered aloud why the selectmen were not proposing a referendum on the proposal rather than a town meeting in which voters must appear at a designated time and place in order to weigh in on the proposal.

Town meetings votes are generally taken at Town Hall, often during an evening meeting. However, the Feb. 22 information meeting and the town meeting vote on the firehouse Feb. 29 at 7:30 p.m. will both be at the Salisbury Congregational Church. Votes are usually taken either by voice vote (aye or nay) or a show of hands, although in some cases (such as the firehouse vote) a paper ballot can be used.

A referendum generally requires voting machines; voters come in to Town Hall during a several-hour period, often noon to 8 p.m.

Eiring further questioned why relatively little warning was given to town residents about a decision on such an expensive project. He told the selectmen he would be out of town on Feb. 29 and unable to attend a town meeting and cast a vote, whereas a referendum would allow him to file an absentee ballot.

However, Rand said Wednesday morning that absentee ballots are not accepted in this type of referendum.

"It's like this is being thrown down everyone's throats," Eiring said.

Both Rand and Selectman Jim Dresser gave a variety of reasons for the selectmen's unanimous decision to call a paper-ballot town meeting rather than a referendum, including the fact that the latter process would take too long and entail an additional expense to the town.

They also emphasized that a town meeting would allow for discussion at the same time as the vote happens.

Furthermore, ITW needs an answer as soon as possible so that the company can start its own building project to take full advantage of the upcoming building season.

And a Friday evening town meeting would allow weekenders to vote. Rand added that paper-ballot town meetings are typical for such proposals, even when millions of dollars could be spent.

As for whether there was insufficient notice to taxpayers, Rand and Dresser noted that the firehouse committee's full report has been on the town Web site since last April and that town boards and commissions have been further considering the project in the last few weeks.

"I reject the idea that this is being stuffed down anyone's throats," Dresser said.

A firehouse committee, which was appointed in 2006 by the selectmen to advise the town on a solution to the Lakeville Hose Company's cramped firehouse, recommended last year that the town consider purchasing ITW's manufacturing plant .

After it sells its plant on Route 44, the company would like to consolidate all its operations into its other building at the rear of the property near the headquarters of the Skip Barber Racing School.

Mike Flint, a local radio host and Lakeville resident who has been critical of the way the firehouse matter has been handled, told The Journal he is filing a petition with the town clerk's office to subject the proposal to a referendum. State statutes require 200 signatures be filed at least 24 hours before the town meeting.

If the petition is determined to be valid, then the town meeting would still be held, but rather than holding a vote on the project, the meeting would be adjourned to a referendum to be held between seven and 14 days after the meeting.

Flint said Wednesday morning that his petition is in the formative stage but that it will "be on the streets by Saturday" and that he is "hopeful" he can collect the required number of signatures.

"It's bogus," he said in a brief interview. "We're being asked to vote on something prematurely."