PRESENT: Daniel W. Trabucco (Chairman), Lewis W. Stone (Vice Chairman), Gregory Hanley (Clerk), Arthur P. Boyle, Jr. (Selectman), Edwin J. Thorne (Town Administrator), Sabrina Chilcott (Executive Assistant), John Mattinson (PMB Cable), Ann Shea, David Lopes, Pembroke Express reporter and others.

Mr. Hanley announced that the Pembroke Community Group is conducting its annual drive for the 2011 Holiday Season. Any Pembroke family, elder or person in need is given assistance for the holidays and is provided with food, gifts and clothing when funds permit. They are conducting a toy and clothing drive; anyone wishing to drop off new items only may do so during the day to the recreation department or weekends and evenings at the Center Fire Station. They are always in need of items and gift certificates for teens and adults. If you wish to make a financial contribution, checks are payable to Pembroke Community Group, P.O. Box 1387, Pembroke MA 02359 and may be dropped of in the Selectman’s Office at Town Hall. Any questions may be directed to Linda Porazzo, 781-243-1103 or Susan Roche, 781-293-3249.

Mr. Stone moved and Mr. Boyle seconded to accept the minutes of the meeting of December 12, 2011 as presented. The vote was four votes in favor with Mr. Hanley abstaining.

Mr. Thorne referred the BOS to the Salary and Benefits report; it represents data updated from the last two fiscal years. He also informed the Board that this week several more towns will be voting to adopt GL 32B s21-23, at least three or four. He also provided an update on the RFP that was put together by five towns for the health care consultant; it was opened Friday and the winning bid was Cooke and Company. They will be providing the technical assistance to Pembroke, Marshfield, Rockland, and Kingston.

Mr. Stone stated that a resident from Mattakeesett Street contacted him regarding service issues with Comcast and the lack of assistance or resolution by their local representatives. He requested help from the BOS. Mr. Stone has been in touch with the corporate office and they have promised to look into the matter and follow up with Mr. Stone regarding the issue. Mr. Thorne wanted to add that the office has been receiving phone calls and emails from residents who have erroneously been led to believe by Verizon representatives that they cannot receive FIOS service because of the Town is preventing Verizon from doing so. Mr. wanted to state that the Town, and specifically the Board of Selectmen, welcomes Verizon FIOS service and any competition for the residents. The representatives from Verizon have appeared before the Board several times to discuss this matter. Mr. Boyle stated that Richard Colon from Verizon has gone on the record on tape and television stating that Verizon does not have the capability to bring Pembroke online with FIOS. Parts of the Town are wired for fiber optics, parts are not and until the whole town is wired they will not active the service. That is Verizon’s decision according to Mr. Colon. Mr. Trabucco stated at his last meeting at the OCPC there was discussion of a new fiber optic highway that is being built coming from Brockton, down to Cape Cod and the islands, back to New Bedford and Fall River. It would run along Route 3 and Route 495 and is a federally funded project creating a massive fiber optic infrastructure but it will take a couple of years. The major utility companies may be waiting for this project to be finished.

Mr. Hanley made the request of the Chairman to invite the members of the Historical Society to explain their planned events for the Pembroke 300^th Anniversary. He stated that there are competing interests for regional money; the Pembroke 300^th Anniversary Committee is having difficulty finding access to funds as the regional representatives have told the committee there is no money available. Mr. Hanley stated his belief that the Pembroke Historical Society has requested and received grant money in the name of the Town of Pembroke and would like to discuss the possibility of the coordination of efforts for the 300^th and find out what their plans are for the Celebration year. Mr. Trabucco stated the request will be made to invite them and directed that task to Ms. Chilcott. Mr. Hanley motioned to adjourn; seconded by Mr. Boyle. The vote was unanimously in favor.

The meeting was adjourned at 7:20 pm.