East Bridgewater Sets Special Town Meeting, Honors Local Heroes
Board recognizes lifeguards and police officers for life-saving actions
EAST BRIDGEWATER, MA - August 12 - The East Bridgewater Select Board set Oct. 7 at 7 p.m. as the date for a Special Town Meeting to vote on zoning bylaw changes required by the MBTA Communities Act during their Aug. 12 meeting.
Town Administrator Charlie Seelig explained the purpose: "The primary reason for the special town meeting is going to be that give the townspeople an opportunity to vote on changes of the town zoning bylaws to bring the town into compliance with the MBTA community zoning."
The planning board has been working on the language and zoning maps for over a year. The changes would create an overlay district in parts of East Bridgewater to allow for greater density in housing units per acre.
The board also recognized two YMCA lifeguards, Dylan Falset and Lillian Wade, for saving a young drowning victim on July 7. The lifeguards received certificates of commendation from both the Select Board and the Fire Department.
Lauren, representing the YMCA, praised the lifeguards' actions: "My two lifeguards here, Dylan and Lily, on a Sunday saved a little boy's life at our pool and acted on an emergency, which they're trained to do."
Select Board Chair David Sheedy commended the lifeguards, saying, "Everyone thinks they just sit around, walk around the pool and have fun, but Dylan, you showed us what it's all about, and I'm sure a lot of the other lifeguards at that pool are looking up to you and saying, this is what we should be doing."
Police Sgt. Dennis Andre and Officer Matthew Monteiro received Lifesaver Awards for reviving a retired police sergeant. The incident occurred on April 2 around 12:50 a.m., when the officers responded to a call about an unconscious male with heart issues.
Chief Jenkins recounted the officers' actions: "Upon arrival, they found an unconscious and unresponsive male body that wasn't breathing. The officer began CPR and administered a shot via the AED. The male body began breathing as EMS arrived and took over care and transported the male body."
The retired sergeant, Larry Davis, expressed his gratitude at the meeting: "I'm just happy I'm here because of these guys. I thank you for honoring them."
In other business, the board:
- Voted to open the warrant for the Special Town Meeting
- Approved waiving insurance requirements for certain event permits
- Approved a new event policy permit application
- Appointed new members to the Patriotic Activities Committee and Historical Commission
- Finalized an agreement with Little Discoveries, LLC regarding a sewer line construction easement