The Kingston Observer: May News & Updates

THE LATEST POLYGRAPH NEWS
(Friday, June 14) Ballfield Chairman Ted Alexiades says he has taken and passed a polygraph test at the Middleborough State Police Barracks but says he doesn't remember the date he took the test. "It could have been last Friday or the Friday before, I don't recall. I don't remember because I travel a lot and don't have my book with me," Mr. Alexiades told the Observer in a telephone interview earlier this afternoon.

As a matter of policy, the state police will not revel the names of individuals asked to take polygraph tests, nor will they release the results of any tests conducted.

The embattled Ballfield Chairman told the Observer he also wanted to clarify the record relative to his committee's relationship with the Davis family. "We've been accused of being unsympathetic towards the Davis'. I feel bad that the lady lost her stuff and heirlooms and trinkets, but it is hard to be sympathetic when the finger is pointing at you," Alexiades said.

Ted told the Observer that, "the Davis' have no reason to be mad at us. We have worked with the Davis' more than anyone else in town has. The Davis' are doing nothing to stop the project. The project may lose a field, but, oh well. There are four other soccer fields that can be used if need be."

"I'll be the first one to say that if the property is the Davis', that the Committee will allocate any money we have left to restore the property to the way it was. If it's theirs and if they don't want to sell it and have us a build a field there, then that is fine."

Alexiades predicted that if the specifications for the ballfields change because of the disputed ownership of land it will cost the town more money. He also said he didn't want his committee to get embroiled in the land dispute. "We are not going to get involved with the property issue. The Town and the Selectman can hash that one out. It doesn't involve the committee," Alexiades said.

POLYGRAPH REQUESTS WIDEN

(Wednesday, June 6) The Observer has confirmed that at least one Selectman has been asked if he would be willing to take a polygraph with regard to the Pottle Street arson fire. When asked the specific question, Olly DeMacedo, also a member of the Ballfield Committee, said "any time, any place. I believe it is imperative that the perpetrator be identified. I don't care if it comes to the front door of the Town Hall, everything should be fair game" said DeMacedo, who like others, were questioned by the State Police. DeMacedo's cooperation was in stark contrast to reports that at least three other individuals have refused to take the test.

Property owner Sharon Davis took and passed the test last Friday. Polygraphs are not admissible in a court of law, but may be utilized for purposes of a Grand Jury process.

SELECTMEN & DAVIS' TO MEET NEXT WEEK

(Wednesday, June 6) The Observer has learned that the long awaited sit down between the Town and its attorney and Glenn and Sharon Davis and their counsel, will take place at the Faunce School on Thursday, June 13 at 9:00 am. This will mark the first time that all parties in the Pottle Street land dispute will meet at the conference table. Earlier attempts were canceled when the Selectmen decided to be represented by Special Counsel rather than Town Counsel Kopelman & Paige.

The Observer will be there and report any major developments later that same day. It is expected that the meeting will occur in open session.

ZBA NOTEBOOK

(Wednesday, June 6) EXECUTIVE BULL SESSION: The Observer filed a protest with the Zoning Board of Appeals when it began its Wednesday, June 5 meeting with an unlawful Executive Session. They never stated the purpose of the session nor did they provide Zoning Enforcement Officer Paul Armstrong with the proper 48 hour notice to be present and prepared. Apparently the board was unhappy about something Paul did or didn't do and wanted to hash it out in private. Discussion of job performance is not a reason to go behind closed doors. If the inquiry was more serious than that, notice must be given. By notice, that means the presence of counsel, if desired, and an accounting as to the nature of the complaint or potential discipline. The ZBA is perhaps remiss in remembering that Armstrong is employed by the Selectmen, who through Town Administrator Kevin Donovan, refused to become involved in the meeting (although requested) and did not attend. The Board voted to release the minutes of the session that same evening. Such a bizarre move in unheard of and carries no explanation. One member said they were "only volunteers, doing the best they could." Bologna! These folks hear requests sometimes involving million dollar operations. We would hope they are performing beyond a "best they could" level. The interesting aspect of the closed door session was that we were tipped off to it before it happened. The members were more interested in how we knew, then what they did.

And what, among other things, did they decide:

- To approve a restaurant for the old railroad station thereby paving the way for renovations to begin for John Cataldi of Brook Street.

- To approve a motorcycle repair and sales shop at the Auto Mall on Main Street. In response to neighbor concerns, hours were limited to 7:00 in the evenings during the week, and earlier on the weekends. No testing of cycles will be allowed. The conditions are intended to keep noise to a minimum.

-Approve the ability for a cell tower to be built on the new water tower on Silver Lake Regional School property. Although there are no companies seeking this use, the allowed use will surely spur interest which in turn will produce income for the town.

(Wednesday, June 5) Fire Chief Jon Alberghini reported to the Selectmen Tuesday night (June 4) that the nuclear evacuation plan is woefully ineffective. He said that the boilerplate plan put together in 1988 was inadequate then. It remains even more unworkable now considering increased population and traffic. His overview and the discussion that followed took almost an hour of the light agenda. Alberghini's full report will be made available on this site later today or tomorrow.

One area of the Chief's recommendations that drew some conflict was the request that a part time 18 hour a week consulting position be offered to ex-Plymouth Selectman Roger Silva at a rate of $40.00 per hour. Silva was the only name submitted by Alberghini. Silva has recently retired as Regional Planner for the Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency and worked in the same capacity for over 10 years for Boston Edison from 1977 to 1987. He served as a Plymouth Selectman from 1974-1985 and again from 1995-1998.

Selectman Vice-Chair George Cravenho succeeded in delaying the appointment for at least two weeks and felt other names or a consulting firm should be submitted for consideration. Richard Kenney was obviously concerned that Silva had already drawn up a contract which he signed. The document only lacked Selectmen's approval.

OBSERVER REACTION: Cravenho and Kenney were right in seeking other choices for a position which would pay at least $35,000 on a part time basis. Cravenho pointed out that if the evacuation plan is unworkable, it was the work product of Silva's former position. We note that Silva's resume refers to several engineering positions he held at Stone & Webster Engineering in Boston. A bit disingenuous considering Silva only took courses at several local colleges and junior colleges. Taking a course or two does not make someone an engineer, or a college graduate. We're not educational snobs, but at least an Associate's Degree would help. Being well connected doesn't make one qualified. Even though the money will actually come from Entergy and not the town coffers, we could do better than an ex-Plymouth Poll looking for a cushy retirement nest egg.

CLOSE BUT NO CIGAR: Selectman Olly DeMacedo succeeded in getting his fellow chums to support his motion to add $15,000 to the reward pool for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the Pottle Street barn arson. They became chumps when Cravenho added an amendment: "Subject to town meeting approval". Now that terrific. Think about it. The only time the money would be spent is if there is a conviction. That is certainly worth the money. What if the voters said no to the expenditure? We have been known to make some quirky decisions. Where would that leave our informant? Hey, if it takes $15,000 from the town, with another $5,000 from the State Arson Fund to nail somebody for that atrocity, it's money well spent. DeMacedo was clearly frustrated with the amendment but took what he could get. After the meeting he told the Observer that he will try to find an available capital resource and bring the matter back for reconsideration.

(Tuesday, June 4) We are able to report back the results of information received relative to the Pottle Street fields issues. You, our readers, have asked questions... here is where we stand:

- TRUTH OR DARE: With regard to polygraph testing being, or attempting to be conducted, at least three individuals have refused to take it according to our information. Sources tell us that only the landowner, Sharon Davis, took the test last Friday... and passed... and was not present with a lawyer. Are these other folk refusing to take the test as an individual or collective decision? We'll find out.

- GALE & HARDY: Gale Associates, the engineer of record for the project has not gone out of business or been sold or reorganized. We spoke with a Gale representative Tuesday, who briefed us on their status. The company was housed in Weymouth and required a lot more room than the building allowed. While a three story was under construction in Weymouth, the company rented larger quarters in Pembroke. When the new building was complete, Gale returned to Weymouth. We put stock in this information, since it turns out that we are acquainted with the source of the information. Small world.

- SENIOR PROMISE: The Ballfield Committee says they will be turning their attention to a senior center once the issues of the playing fields are completed. We spoke with Tony Borrelli about this matter and he says he will work to see that it happens. We believe Tony's sincerity, but it will take more than him to see it happen.

- STAND BY: We are still awaiting a response from the Inspector General's Office relative to bidding practices. Things must be busy there at Ashburton Place in Boston.

- THERE'S MORE: There are some other interesting developments to analyze that are too early in the fact finding stage to report... but we will.

(Monday, June 3) The Pottle Street Ballfield Committee met at 8:00 Monday evening with 9 of the 11 members present. Although much of the discussion was the result of the ownership issues concerning the Davis property and the effect this could have on the 11th field, there were two notables left un-discussed. Neither the committee as a body or as individuals offered any sympathy for the Davis Family with regard to their fire, nor did the committee get a report of the fact that their chair and vice-chair met, in executive closed door session with the Selectmen two weeks ago.

What was discussed was:

- Plans are underway to relocate the access road to the complex if the town's claim to the property is overturned.

- The relocation of well components currently situated within the disputed land.

- The removal of all the chain link fencing currently being stored on the Davis claimed property.

- Seeding of the fields which is expected to begin as early as June 11 at the farthest end of the complex.

- To wait and get past critical ballfield issues before encouraging a youngster to start working with the committee.

- The first discussion of what would be on the table after the fields are being completed; a senior complex. Committee Vice-Chairman Tony Borrelli told the Observer that he feels a sense of commitment to assisting seniors toward that end.

The meeting was not attended by any of the contractors working the project.

Selectman Olly DeMacedo told the Observer that tomorrow nights Selectmen's meeting will discuss the use of Special Counsel in the land dispute issue in open session. It was felt that the board would opt for a closed door meeting.

We will have to wait and see if they go public. DeMacedo spoke of potential surprise proposals which could put an end to the land standoff. Watch for a lot of posturing and individual airtime on this one.

We will be reporting shortly on the list of issues list of issues published on-line Sunday evening.

(Saturday - June 1) Partly as a result of citizen outrage at recent events the Observer continues to receive a steady stream of information from various sources. This weekend has been especially productive. As a result of citizen phone calls there are several tips and key items we'll be taking a closer look, beginning on Monday. Some of the matters we have been asked to examine include:

- BUSINESS CHANGES: That there have been some business changes at the engineering company conducting the day-to-day operations at the construction site. We will ask Gale Associates that directly. We do know they went through a location change from Marshfield to Weymouth.

- BIDDING RULES: Can a company draw up specifications for services that will go out for bid, and be a bidder themselves? We'll check with the Inspector General on Monday.

- EARLY WARNING: Did the Town have early warning signals that the property designated for an 11th field was not town owned? Are there documents(s) that would shed light on this very issue? Could such correspondence on ownership and other intriguing issues be available by request under the Public Records Law...even though they are stamped "Confidential"? Simply stamping them such doesn't make them so.

- SPECIAL COUNSEL: Why are the Selectmen going to (on Tuesday evening) engage Special Counsel on the Davis matter? They have received advisories from Kopelman & Paige on this matter since at least May 21 of this year.

- OVERSIGHT: Why is it that the Selectman don't want an oversight role over the Ballfield Committee? Don't even want to get a Committee Report twice a month when they meet. After all, they have two of their own sitting as members. By the way, who is actually in charge of the project?

- SENIOR CITIZENS: When will our senior citizens finally realize that they have been duped into thinking that this project will include a Senior Center? Have they seen the bumper stickers reading, "Kingston Youth Sports Complex, Catch the Spirit"? The only thing seniors will catch, are the short hairs; no spirit there. When do you get mad? There are enough of you to change this!

Answers as they become available.

Threats and Intimidation
New Excavating Off Ballfield Proper

(Wednesday, May 29) An Observer reporter and photographer were threatened by an employee for Kevin's Landscaping, the Worcester contractor doing the lions share of the ballfield site work. The journalists were informed of excavating going on behind the Davis property and investigated the matter at approximately 5:00 this afternoon. The property was not posted and the staffers kept a distance from the work area.

The loader operator/trucker threatened to "smash" their camera, claiming he had not given permission to take his picture. He said that the entire area would be posted if that was what it took to keep journalists off the site. Plans of the project show no construction site in the area being worked. A large hole has been created just off the old dirt road that separates the ballfields from a wetland area. The operator was removing sand from the pit and trucking it to the fields further away.

The purpose of the excavating is not known at this time nor has it been questioned. What is disturbing is the level of hostility and aggression by the worker who said he would call the police. Instead, he called Ballfield Committee member Tony Borrelli and others. Nobody appeared, a photo shoot was conducted and the journalists left completely confused by the bizarre behavior of the worker.

The Observer spoke with Ballfield Committee Vice-Chair Tony Borrelli this evening (Wednesday, May 29) relative to the incident. Borrelli said he spoke with the individual who is Kevin Leone's son, also named Kevin (of Kevin's Landscaping). He requested that the matter not escalate into a major issue and advised Leone to let the issue lie. Borrelli said the area in question involves a drainage pit and a retention basin. Further, he indicated that the excavated material was of sufficient quality for use in the roadbed layout. The Observer has requested to view the plans in order to adequately report the findings.

Borrelli responded positively to a request that the Ballfield Committee consider the request of ex-Selectman Skip Farrington for updates every two weeks at the Selectmen's meeting. He indicated he would take the matter back to his Committee.

HOME OF THE BRAVE: Over the Memorial Day weekend the Davis family adorned the remains of their torched barn with an American flag as a symbol of patriotism and defiance.

(Wednesday, May 29) The meeting between Selectman and Town Counsel and the Davis Family and their attorney Michael Pieroni, scheduled for this Tuesday morning has been postponed. The Observer learned that instead, the Selectmen will discuss the matter, in Executive Session, at their regular meeting on Tuesday evening. It is expected that they will opt for Special Counsel and not utilize Kopelman & Paige for this particular matter. After selecting an attorney, the Selectmen will let the Davis' know when they are ready to meet.

The move caught political insiders off guard and they are left wondering when all these events occurred since no Selectmen's meeting has been held for such maneuvering to take place. Stay tuned.

No Kidding, They Have a Plan!

(Wednesday, May 29) It's not hard to imagine that the Ballfield Committee could not muster a quorum Tuesday evening. From mining operations lacking documented justification, to land ownership issues that the Town should have been aware of... and maybe, just maybe, was, to the destruction by fire of the barn which sits on that disputed land... the committee could use a good PR firm.

What does one do to repair a tarnished image? Bring in new blood. Not just new blood, but how about a youngster. Yea. That sounds good doesn't it. Bring in the innocence...I mean, how bad can the crew be with a kid on board. The more high profile the kid the better. There must be a well spoken, well meaning kid out there the committee can snare. Someone to stand between them and some justifiable criticism. A symbol who can serve an adult purpose. Think we're kidding? Watch.

Tax Break Billy?

(Wednesday, May 29) We had to chuckle to see that local trucker Billy Lyons is looking for a letter from the Selectmen acknowledging an in-kind contribution of...hold on now, $34,300. Lyons claims that the value of his two month mining operation down at the fields was being done as a good doobie. The Ballfield Committee already voted 8-0 to accept his "gift" to the town. Now it's up to the Selectmen. Got any doubts as to what they will do? Here is our challenge to them: Produce the Minutes which document the entire purpose of Lyons' involvement. Show us the dates of the meetings and the votes taken. Find out how it was that the Highway Department was buying Pottle Street sand from Billy Lyons. Determine why no Minutes exist at this point in time (not to say they could not suddenly materialize) which deal with the "before" issues. We see evidence of repair work "after" the fact. You may recall that it was Lyons selling sand by the 18 wheel load from his private "plant" down on Pottle Street. It's great work if you can get it...and apparently there are those who can.

(Friday, May 24 11:31PM) A tentative agreement has been reached by the negotiating parties represented by counsel for both Pembroke and the new Tri-Town Region. Despite recently published stories that a stalemate existed, such was not the case this afternoon (Friday, May 24) when a teleconference was held with bond counsel and attorneys representing Tri-Town and Pembroke.

The sides reached a mutual agreement on language relative to the final phases of the withdrawal. At the heart of the issue was building usage. Tri-Town sought sole jurisdiction over the Pembroke Middle School construction even though they no longer hold ownership. Bond Counsel determined that by providing language acceptable to each side, construction may commence so long as both superintendents are in agreement with the construction phases.

The tentative agreement will be presented by counsel to the Regional School Committee on Tuesday evening, 6:30 at the High School. The agreement is expected to be finalized and endorsed thereby solidifying Pembroke's withdrawal from the Region.

A Special Message to Our Town House Friends
(Thursday, May 23) Good morning to all our on-line readers at Town Hall. We endeavor to bring the community all the relevant breaking news in the shortest time possible. Some stories you are aware we are covering, others we keep close to the vest. We hear more than can be imagined from sources that cannot be imagined. Kingston presents a wealth of news and we are anxious to hear it all. Contact us from your own personal computer at home with any information you think is newsworthy...point us in a direction...we'll do the rest.

We have always believed that the town employees are the heart and soul of what makes the town run, not the politicians. You are the unsung heros and you don't make enough for what you do. From Union employees to those under Wage and Personnel...we love ya!

Oh, those little things your bosses don't want us to know? I think we already do.

A Pottle Street 'Deal' May be Brewing
The Observer has learned that a surveying company was working at the Pottle Street site yesterday (Wednesday). The company, AABerg out of Marshfield, indicated to sources that they were conducting a survey involving the disputed Davis land in order to locate the granite corner bound markers destroyed previously through the excavation of what constitutes an 11th field on what very well may be the Davis land.

The markers had been placed at the four corners of land allegedly purchased by Sharon Davis' father Tony Bettencourt back in 1975. At least one Selectman, also a member of the Ballfield Committee, was unaware of the surveying or how it came to be. Olly DeMacedo said he would secure more information on this development. This would indicate that the issue of surveying was never discussed the evening prior when Selectmen and members of the Committee met in Executive Session.

Other Sources tell the Observer that a "deal" is in the offing. The Davis' are not aware of what that deal may be. A Selectmen's meeting has been posted for 9:00 am tomorrow (Friday) morning. If council for Sharon and Glenn Davis is available, that meeting will take place, otherwise it will occur next week. We have reason to believe that the Town wants each side to give a little on this matter and arrive at a compromise that will "work" for each side. What must be determined is if that will "work" for the Davis Family.

Town to Meet With Davis Family
(Wednesday, May 22 - 10:17AM)Town Administrator Kevin Donovan, contacted the Davis family at 8:00 AM this morning asking for a special meeting to be held this Friday with them, their attorney, and town entities. That meeting will be posted if the Davis' attorney is available. The Observer believes unequivocally, seeing that all parties will be present, that the meeting should be held in open session. There is no exception in the Open Meeting Law that would allow a closed door session.

Pottle Pot Boils into Legal Realm

(Wednesday, May 22 - 8:57AM) It looked like a CIA conference last evening when, during the Selectmen's meeting, Pottle Field guru Chairman Ted Alexiades entered the hallowed chambers. Bedecked in a double breasted suit that would have made Aristotle Onassis envious, he was accompanied by committee member Peter Borrelli seeming more relaxed in jeans. Alexiades' presence had to be expected because Selectmen Executive Secretary Nancy Howlett passed over a blizzard of paperwork from the Law Firm of Koppleman and Paige which had been faxed over earlier in the day.

Obviously, there is a strategy being processed with regard to the recent revelations over land ownership. There is strong evidence that a one acre parcel, now being considered a part of the ballfield complex, actually belongs to Sharon and Glenn Davis, the lone residential abutters to the future fields.

Alexiades and Borrelli reviewed the correspondence at the rear outside deck of the Faunce School before being called in to an Executive Session closed door meeting with the Selectmen. We can only hope that the Davis Family will be treated fairly by this crew. Since we have already heard that if they get undisputed control of the land they will be assessed taxes back to 1975, we hold little hope of fairness (sounds like punitive taxation -- such a tactic is a double edged sword -- the Davis family could use a "punitive taxation" figure as a base for a suite against the town for triple "punitive" damages).

We would be pleasantly surprised to see Ted take an open minded position in this matter rather than an all or nothing attitude. This acre should not be regarded as a loss to anyone. The town should correct the problem, give the Davis' their proper due, and move on. There are no personal affronts here...no loss of face...nobody trying to "stop the fields" as was articulated by Cretinon during the open portion of the meeting. Why, when any legitimate issue surfaces it's immediately construed as trying to "stop the project." That nonsense is getting old and is no longer playing in Peoria... or Kingston

All we learned after the hush hush session is that the Davis' will be hearing from the town shortly. Now there's a revelation.

By the way, former Selectman Skip Farrington spoke elegantly during the Open Forum which precedes the meeting. He asked for reports on the $1.25 million project every two weeks so the public could remain informed via the televised meetings. He never got a definitive answer from any of the 5. They talked all around the issue and never directly to the request. Typical. Skip looked sharp and waxed elegantly during his presentation. It was the Skip of old. He sure looks like he has plenty of juice left in the tank. We could use you Skipper!

DeMacedo Named Selectmen Chairman

(Tuesday, May 21) In a move far from mundane, veteran Selectman Olly DeMacedo was named on a 3-2 vote to chair his board for the next year. George Cravenho was voted Vice-Chair when Richard Kenney removed his own name from consideration.

The process began with George Cravenho nominating Kenney and Richard Cretinon nominating DeMacedo. The vote was 2-2 with Mark Beaton abstaining. It became clear after some discussion that Beaton wanted to open up the process for some discussion along with statements from the two candidate hopefuls. Kenney and DeMacedo discussed why they deserved the honor. Kenney said he still had issues he wished to complete and cited what he believed was a tradition that chairs serve for two years. DeMacedo said the chair's role in basically to guide the meeting and that every board member has the opportunity to achieve goals by virtue of their position.

A new vote was taken and DeMacedo got it 3-2. We had predicted earlier on this web site that Cravenho would get the top seat; he got Vice Chair. We also said that Beaton would nominate Olly. Cretinon did that. We said Olly would vote for Olly; which he did. Beaton turned out to be the deciding factor...and we were pretty close in our predictions and came within a vote of the cigar. Needless to say, Kenney is not a happy camper...such is life in the fishbowl.

(Monday, May 20) Developments are occurring rapidly in the Davis land issue on Pottle Street. Article 45 of the 1975 Annual Town Meeting unanimously gave Selectmen the authority to sell off 38,500 sq. Ft. of tax titled land in the Blackwater Park area also known as the Bates Property. The property is in the same location that Anthony Bettencourt purchased in 1975.

Article 45. On the motion of Norman E. Thomas voted unanimously that the Selectmen be authorized to sell at private sale, a portion of the land known as the former Bates property, being a portion of Block 6, Plat A, as shown on the Assessors’ Plan on file in the Town House, consisting of approximately 38,500 square feet and bounded by Pottle Street on the northerly side and by Washburn Street.

Source: 1975 Town Report - Page 36

Despite an August 1976 letter to Bettencourt suggesting he had not submitted a plan of the land, a new document, unearthed by Midge Cronin, widow of former Town Counsel Phil Cronin would show otherwise. This latest document bolsters the claim of Sharon Davis that her family has owned one acre of land scheduled for a ballfield. Sources tell us that this was the only document found in the Bettencourt folder among Cronin's records.

The town has made no official statement on the matter but Town Administrator, Kevin Donovan told the Observer the latest document certainly increases the Davis' claim. The real question now, is where is the Deed? Was it ever written? Was it ever recorded? Why? Certainly the town must stop and revisit all the land activity that occurred since the 1975 Town Meeting vote. In any case, there will be more on this matter as the days pass. We will give it all to you as we receive it.

Selectmen to Reorganize Tuesday Evening

You can bet the phones are ringing off the walls at the Selectmen's houses... three of them, that is. The chairmanship is up for grabs. It's a big plum and highly sought... a power kind of thing. George Cravenho, Richard Kenney and Richard Cretinon are all in the mix. Olly DeMacedo will stay away from the three (even though he would like to be chair; which wouldn't be a bad idea).

Nobody calls Mark Beaton about these matters...he wouldn't take part. It does constitute a violation of the Open Meeting Law you know.

Kenney wants to keep the chair; an ego thing for him. He doesn't have the tools to do an effective job. Neither does Cretinon. Richard is too wrapped up with his complicated life to do the chairmanship justice. Cretinon should concentrate more on getting that rectory placed on a foundation and off the street.

That seems to leave Cravenho... Mr. Facilitator. It would appear that George will be the choice. Beaton will probably support DeMacedo, DeMacedo will support DeMacedo, and George and the two Richards will have to strike a deal. Advantage, Cravenho. Watch all the moves on Tuesday night, 7:30 on cable. Choice programming.

(Sunday - May 19) Little by little the missing pieces of the Pottle Street 'Land Mystery' are beginning to fall into place. Harley Cadenhead, selectman during the mid 70's and currently a seated Sewer Commissioner, has passed us some interesting information. Harley says that the Annual Town Report from 1974 shows that Town Meeting gave Selectmen the authority to sell tax titled land (described as the Bates property) up at Blackwater Park. Blackwater Park was an old sub-division which predated the 1900's and is essentially the property at the far end of Pottle Street. Not only could this explain how the Selectmen 1n 1975 had the authority to sell land to Anthony Bettencourt, but could involve other landowners in the vicinity. Bettencourt's daughter, Sharon Davis is making the town proove that the $4,000 her father paid back in 1975 is not her land. More on this Monday when Town Hall opens. (see main story).