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March 17, 1992 Present: James R. Haggerty, Chairman
Judith Murdoch
Robert Crowley
Robert Andrews
Warren Ellis
Board addressed transfer of liquor license request from K Way, Inc. to Melville Wight and Steven Luke, Partners, dba 14-58 Liquors. Brd. members asked to comment. Mr. Ellis raised concern re the home addresses of the two business people being so far away and how they would get here in an emergency. Applicant stated he had a brotherin law in Whitman that would certainly be available and he is looking for a house in Hanson. Mr. Andrews moved, 2nd Murdoch, to transfer the license from K-Way, Inc. to 14-58 liquors. 5-0 vote.
Mr. Andrews removed himself from the Board and sat in the audience. Police Chief Search Committee met with the Board. The Chairman recognized Jim Cadres, Chairman. All 9 members present. Mr. Cadres gave overview of the committee and introduced each member and outlined the process the committee followed from the beginning of the search. He discussed the way the committee approached the task of analyzing resumes, of creating a questionnaire of 30 + questions in an effort to expose each candidate's abilities. Discussed fact that scheduled interviews for 16 candidates. Agreed unanimously as a committee to send 6 candidates through the assessment center which was approved by Board. Cadres pointed out that he called the 6 personally between Feb. 19 and 20. That Exec. Sec. and he
coordinated dates for MMA Assessment and after being given a choice of 5th or 6th, or 12th or 13th, he and Exec. Sec. chose 5th and 6th of March and that date was confirmed by the MMA the morning of Feb. 24th. From 2/24 to 3/2 all 6 candidates were contacted and told the dates of the Assessment. Unfortunately 3 candidates, for personal reasons, chose not to attend the assessment center. One candidate had scheduling and relocation concerns, 2nd candidate had problem with getting flights and cost of travel from out of state, 3rd candidate had a problem scheduling. 3 candidates went forward through assessment center and as a result of assessment, 2 of those candidates were presented as excellent candidates for the Town of Hanson. 3rd candidate was slightly behind them. Mr. Cadres discussed briefly the committee meeting of March 4 where the committee discussed some possible alternatives due to the fact that we were aware that perhaps only 3 and
maybe 4 would attend the assessment. After much debate and discussion, the committee agreed to go forward with the assessment of candidates as planned. On the 6th of March when the committee met, the MMA made its oral presentation and agreed to follow up with a report which has since been presented. At that point the committee agreed to send two names to the Board as finalists for the police chief position. Mr. Cadres then gave an overview of the resumes of each candidate. The candidates were listed in alphabetical order first being Eugene Berry of Rye N. Y., and Peter Paulousky, Franklin, Ma. He explained to the Board that they had received packets which outlined the entire process and included the resumes of the candidates for the Board's review. With that Mr. Haggerty asked the Board for comments. Selectman Crowley commented on what he considerd to be a thorough process and felt that he could live with the two names. Mr.
Ellis stated he had some concerns with the process pertaining to the notification of one of the candidates and stated he felt all six candidates names should be given to the Board of Selectmen. Mr. Ellis made a motion for the Board of Selectmen to get the list of six candidates that were chosen to go through the Assessment and that the Board set aside the Assessment Evaluation given by the Search Committee to the Board at this point. Mrs. Murdoch 2nd for discussion. Board members made various comments on Mr. Ellis motion. Mr. Haggerty addressed his concerns with some of the issues that came up re the POlice Chief Search Committee. He stated he could not vote for the motion, even though he and the candidate, Mr. Melia, were friendly. He believed in process and did not want to politicze the appointment. Board voted 1-3 for the motion. (Mr. Ellis in the affirmative) Mrs. Murdoch moved, 2nd Crowley, to accept the two
candidates. Board voted 3-0-1 (Ellis abstaining). After vote the Chairman thanked the Search Committee and informed them their task was not through yet. The Board may be seeking advice as a committee or on an indiviaudal basis as the material is reviewed. The Chairman commented that he had requestd the Exec. Sec. to check with the MMA to find out whether another assessment center was being held anywhere in the State. He felt that as a compromise measure to some of the concerns rasied that if Mr. Melia were given the opportunity to go through another assessment center and was able to pass, that the Board might be able to consider him in addition to the two candidates presented. Mr. Nugent will investigate and report back next week. Selectman Andrews returned to his seat.
Fire Chief met with the Board to discuss the purchase of protective clothing for the call firefighters. Chief outlined bid process and read the bid results. Estimated $12,000 to outfit 15 call firefighters. Stated had approximately $5,000 left unembumbered. Selectmen reiterated support for venture. Chairman addressed Finance Committee who were in attendance for this issue. Stated that it has been the Board's goal because of shortness of staff that the Chief increase the call force. Chief has done this by adding 15 people to the department and now it is imperative these people be trained and have proper uniforms. Mr. Ellis asked the Fire Chief if he had any equipment in stock that could be used in an effort to save money, he also asked if there was equipment in the possession of
inactive or retired call fire fighter which could be better utilized by the new men. The Chief stated that he did not have any equipment in stock which could be used and that there was no gear which could be picked up from inactive call fire fighters. Board supports this purchase unanimously and would request the transfer to the fire department from rserve account of approx. $6600. Urged the support of the finance committee even though they realize the constraints on the reserve fund. They would hope at the May Town Meeting to address any additional expense concerns the Chief has as well as if necessary replenish a little money back into the reserve fund. Mr. Currie outlined the finance committee's existing balance in the reserve fund. He stated the fund is currently between $11,000 and $15,000 and even though they supported the Board's position, they would have to look at this issue and discuss amongst their committee, but would take action that evening. Chairman thanked
Finance Committee for coming in. Fire Chief indicated would speak with Finance Committee immediately following their business with the Board.
Board began discussion with Finance Committee re the budget policy and specifcially referencing the Regional School Budget. Mr. Currie indicated tht the Finance Committee had developed a phiolsophy concerning the School budget process and was not prepared to speak directly to the numbers this evening. However, the Finance Committee could recommend the budget philosphy of one assessment, and 3 budgets. Chairman Haggerty outlined the Regional High School's position and basically concurred with the Regional School Committee's recommendation that the Town's vote one assessment, 3 budgets. Mr. Haggerty asked for comment from the Board. Mr. Crowley voiced his concerns by stating after attending the School Budget hearing that he felt his concerns were focussing on protecting a proportionate level of
reduction by all schools. He felt that the burden of any costs should be shared equally throughout the 4200 student population. Peter Jones of the Whitman-Hanson Regional School Commmittee informed the Board that traditionally the school commmttee has always tried to address the needs of the total student population and although there were no quanantees he felt strongly that this unwritten policy would continue to filter through the entire system. Selectman Andrews stated that he felt over the years Hanson has not sacrificed its school budget as much as Whitman has and feels that the Town of Hanson should not be subsidizing Whitman. Peter Jones replied that Whitman had recommended $114,000 in emergency funding to try to offset any inequities in the distributions of funds. Mrs. Murdoch had no comment as she agrees with the philosphy of the Chairman. Mr. Haggerty stated that in his relationship with the Regional School Committee and the people
involed, he feels the committee has always acted with the philosophy which has been in the best interest of the entire student body. He stated that it is up to the Regional administration to provide the educational services to all the students and even though there may appear to be some discrepancies, as we venture into this full regional system we have to keep in mind quality of education for all students. Whether the vote was for one or two lines, regional school committee will ultimately have to decide what is the best interest of the students. Even though we may argue about dollars and cents, the educational quality for the students is more important. Mrs. Murdoch moved, 2nd Andrews, to suport threee budgets, one assessment. 5-0 vote.
Board of Selectmen addressed a budget philosophy policy to be discussed with the finance committee. The Chairman asked the Finance Committee to attend the meeting of March 24 at 8:15 to address this issue. He apologized to the Board of Health who had been patiently waiting and asked if they could attend next week.
Board voted on motion by Andrews, Sunday entertainment license fo the Hanson Tavern. 2nd Ellis. 5-0 vote.
Exec. Secretary discussed briefly the issues of Cable Co. request for reduction in bond. After some questions raised by Mr. Crowley, pertaining to the commitment of the Cable Co. in fulfilling their obligations under the terms of the contract, it was agreed to have the Cable Co. here Mr. Andrews also asked if the Town had to be notified when the Cable Co. goes beyond the Town limits.
Chairman reminded the Board members of the Annual Town Meeting warrant closing next week. Articles any Board members wishes should be submitted.
Chairman asked Board to enter executive session under #3, negotiations with Acting Police Chief, Sergenat King. Mrs. Murdoch moved, 2 Ellis, 4-0-1 vote, Andrews abstained. Roll call vote.
In open session the Chairman announced that one vote was taken in exec. session which recommended that Sgt. King be paid $100 per week effective 3/4/92 as acting chief.
Mrs. Murdoch moved, 2 Andrews to adjourn. 5-0./ 9:15 p.m.
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Robert M. Crowley, Clerk
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