Flock cameras, blighted properties among Special Town Meeting issues

LAKEVILLE -- A possible ban on Flock cameras and whether to place fines on property in blighted condition are two of the issues that Lakeville Special Town Meeting voters will decide on.

The meeting will be held at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 18 at Apponequet Regional High School.

Resident Maureen Candito proposed a ban on Flock cameras, which are able to read license plate information. She raised concerns about information being gathered from a private company that the Lakeville Police Department is contracted with. 

Police Chief Matthew Perkins disagrees, arguing that the system has helped to solve crimes and has warded off a potential large financial scam.

Resident Tony Chiuppi wants the town to be able to set fines on owners of properties determined to be in blighted condition. Questions were raised at a meeting of the Select Board and Finance Committee about how blight would be defined and how the fines would be carried out.

Another article would allow the town to sell small portions of land it currently owns on the Clark Shores area to neighbors. These pieces of property would be valued at $35,000 or less, Town Administrator Andrew Sukeforth said.

Voters would also look at where potential battery storage units, which stores energy for future use, could be located. The proposal would allow small units anywhere in town, but would limit larger facilities to industrial areas.

Another item would add $157,298 to the town’s funds. This includes money earned from the meals tax and investment income.

Voters will be asked whether to spend $30,000 which was previously approved for a different purpose to fund an engineering plan for Ted Williams camp improvements.

They will also decide whether to add two members to an affordable housing trust board that is mandated by the state. The group hasn’t met yet and would need Select Board approval to become active.