Minutes Selectmen’s Meeting on September 9, 1997
Selectmen Present: Cathy Kuchinski, Daniel Webster, Joseph Nugent, Executive Secretary. Judith Murdoch arrived at 7:50 pm, Peter Jones arrived at 8:10 pm and Chairman, Charles Flynn arrived at 8:45 pm.
I. The Selectmen did not have a quorum at 7:30 Kuchinski announced they would be expecting a quorum in about 15 minutes. Until that time Kuchinski made a few announcements. (1) Arts Lottery Council is accepting applications.(2) On Saturday September 27 Bridgewater State College is hosting a 2020 Vision Forum for Southeastern Massachusetts. (3) Announced that the MBTA is expected to commence regular services on September 29,1997. Kuchinski also announced the times of the rush hour trains. 6:02 am, 6:42 am, 7:22am, 8:02 am and 4:20 pm, 5:00 pm, 5:42 pm and 6:30pm. (4) Kuchinski announced that the Selectmen were invited to attend the first meeting of the Cub Scout
Pack at the Hanson AA to speak with the scouts regarding the position of Selectmen.
II. At 7:55 Kuchinski called the meeting to order (Judy Murdoch arrived ).
III. Request for appointment Arts Council, Richard Powers. Motion by Murdoch to appoint Richard Powers to the Arts Council term to expire 6/30/99 , Second by Webster 3-0 Vote.
IV. Request for appointment Cable TV Committee, Pamela Garcia. Pamela explained her goal eventually would be to get Internet service to the schools and all municipalities in the Town. Motion by Murdoch to appoint Pamela Garcia to the Cable TV Committee to expire 6/30/98. Second by Webster. 3-0 Vote.
V. Doris Grindle introduce Kathleen Dyer as Director of Elder Affairs. Kathy has worked at the Multi Service Center in Brockton. She is very knowledgeable with all of the State rules and regulations and has experience with Grants. Doris explained that Kathy is very innovative and will be a great asset to the Elder Affairs. Kathy Dyer spoke about the recent newsletter dedicated to Angela Erban, she also handed the Board a few extra purple ribbons to wear in memory of Angela. Motion was made by Murdoch to appoint Kathy Dyer as the Town’s Rep to Old Colony Elderly Services to Expire 6/30/98. Second by Webster. 3-0 Vote.
VI. The Board closed the Warrant for the October 6, 1997 Special Town Meeting at 8:10 pm. (Peter Jones arrived at this time.) Motion by Murdoch to close the Warrant for the October Special Town Meeting. Second by Webster 4-0. Warrant closed at 8:10 pm.
VII. Request for early shooting times Hanson Rod and Gun Club. ( Kuchinski announced that she is a life member of the Rod and Gun Club. Peter Jones announced that he would abstain from voting as he is opposed to the 9:00 Sunday morning shooting time.) There were 2 dates the club requested (1) October 5, 1997 for the Annual Turkey Shoot to begin at 9:00 am. Motion by Webster to allow The Hanson Rod and Gun Club to commence the Annual Turkey shoot at 9:00 am on 10/5/97. Second by Murdoch. 3-0 vote. (Jones abstained) (2) The second request was to begin at 10:00 am on November 23, 1997 for the Police Shotgun Slug Shoot. The Board decided to hold this vote until there is more information.
VIII. Reappointment - Phil Wyman, Superintendent of Insect and Pest Control. Motion to reappoint Mr. Wyman by Webster, second by Kuchinski. 4-0 Vote.
IX. Vote United Nations Day. Jones read a letter from the State asking the Town to recognize October 24 as United Nations Day. Motion by Kuchinski, second by Murdoch. 4-0 vote. Peter asked that the office send copies of the letter to the schools so that they may celebrate the day also. Letter to ask if school personnel would volunteer to promote U.N. day celebration.
X. Classification Hearing was announced. Public Notice Read. Assessor/Appraiser Cyndi Long handed the Board classification hearing materials to look over. After Long’s presentation Kuchinski made a motion to adopt the uniform tax rate, second by Webster. 4-0 vote.
Part II of the Classification Hearing - small commercial exemption. The Board of assessors recommends bypassing this exemption. Motion to bypass this exemption by Murdoch, second by Kuchinski. 4-0 vote. Motion by Kuchinski to continue classification hearing until the Board of Selectmen’s next meeting on September 23, 1997 at 8:00pm, second by Murdoch. 4-0 vote.
XI. Robert Sutter to discuss reserve fund. Mr. Sutter read a prepared letter written by himself regarding the Finance Committee. Sutter also read from the Finance Committee handbook. Kuchinski commented that the residents should be fully informed as to what the Finance Committee is doing. (Chairman, Charles flynn arrived at 8:45pm) Sutter explained to the Board that they are more than welcome to request any information at any time. There was much discussion regarding this issue.
XII. Vote release 61A land. The Board is waiting for additional information before voting on the release.
XIII. Vote to layout Lexington St., Greenbriar Lane, Forest Trail and Acorn Road and refer to Planning Board. Motion by Kuchinski to layout and refer to the Planning Board the above Streets, second by Jones 5-0 vote.
XVI. The Chairman read a resignation of Lauren Clapp resigning from the Capital Improvement Committee. Motion to accept the resignation by Kuchinski, second by Jones. 5-0 vote.
XV. Action requests:
Kuchinski, (1) Would like to put on the air that any Tax Exemption paperwork should go to the Assessors Office as soon as possible for FY98 tax bills to be adjusted. (2) Kuchinski let the citizens know the First Congregational Church had their kick off dinner for the friendship circle. Brochures are available at the Town Clerk’s Office.
Webster: Would like the Boards feeling on formulating a committee to discuss the issues regarding the Water Department. Jones and Murdoch both support the idea. Motion by Webster to formulate a committee consisting of 2 Selectmen, 2 Members of the Water Department, and 2 Members of the Conservation Commission, second by Kuchinski. 5-0 vote. Webster and Kuchinski volunteered to join the Committee. Kuchinski is looking for the citizen who called requesting information from the Building Code regarding pools to please contact her, she has gotten the information and does not know who to give it to. Flynn: Wanted to update the Townspeople that clearing has started for the new Middle School so the project is underway. Flynn also gave an update on the MBTA, Trains will begin
revenue operations shortly and he has spoken to MBTA representatives regarding safety issues. They have assured him that the crossing gates are now working. Kuchinski announced that the proper process for any complaints is to call the police dispatcher and within a short time will dispatch a maintainer to check out the problem. The MBTA would like this process to be followed with all complaints. Flynn asked the Executive Secretary to be in touch with the dispatcher as a follow up.
XVI. Executive Secretary Report
Mr. Nugent let the Board know that he had contacted Sally Zalinski regarding the Conservation monies to be used for extra clerical hours (this was brought up at the August 5, 1997 Selectmen’s Meeting.) Ms. Zalinski confirmed that the funds are available for clerical expenditures. Mr. Nugent requests that the Board vote on the additional 6 hours to be added to the 20 hours per week. 8-12 four days per week and Tuesday night meetings. Motion by Murdoch to allow use of the Conservation funds to be used for 6 extra clerical hours per week second by Kuchinski. 5-0 vote.
Drug and Alcohol policy: Nugent requested the Board vote to accept this policy. Jones requested the Board pass over the issue until the next meeting to get the Water Department input. The Board voted to pass over the Drug and Alcohol Policy until the next meeting.
XVII. Accept Articles for Special Town Meeting: Flynn announced that accepting these articles is in no way a recommendation of the Board.
ARTICLE 1 : To see if the Town will vote to transfer from Article 5, line 7, Town Insurance of the May 1997 Annual Town Meeting the sum of $8,000 to be added to Article 5, line 94, Other Tuition and Transportation, of the May 1997 Annual Town Meeting or take any other action in relation thereto. Proposed by the Board of
Selectmen
Explanation: Students enrolled after the May Annual Town Meeting. Motion by Jones to accept, second by Webster. 5-0 vote.
ARTICLE 2 : To see if the Town will vote to allow the Board of Selectmen to negotiate a water easement off E. Washington Street into the new Middle School property or take any other action in relation thereto. Proposed by the Board of Selectmen Motion by Jones to accept, second by Webster 5-0 vote.
ARTICLE 3 : To see if the Town will vote to allow the Board of Selectmen to enter into negotiations to purchase a piece of property adjacent to the Police Department and to transfer a sum of money from Article 5, line 7, Town Insurance of the May 1997 Annual Town Meeting or take any other action in relation thereto. Proposed by the Board of Selectmen Motion by Jones to accept second by Webster 5-0 vote.
ARTICLE 4 : To see if the Town will vote to transfer a sum of money from Article 5, Line 7, Town Insurance to Article 5, Line 101 Fire Chief Wages of the May 1997 Annual Town Meeting, or take any other action in relation thereto. Proposed by the Board of Selectmen Motion by Jones to accept second by Webster 5-0 vote.
ARTICLE 5 : To see if the Town will vote to transfer $1,000. from Article 5, Line 7 Town Insurance,of the May 1997 Annual Town Meeting to Article 5, Line 107 Highway Expenses of the May 1997 Annual Town Meeting or take any other action in relation thereto. Proposed by the Board of Selectmen Explanation: This Article will fund the federal regulations requiring A Drug Testing Program for those employees holding specific types of licenses. Motion by Jones to accept, second by Webster 5-0 vote.
ARTICLE 6 : To see if the Town will vote to transfer from Article 5, Line 7, Town Insurance of the May 1997 Annual Town Meeting the sum of $3,500.00 to carry out the intentions of the Self-Help Program, and to provide outreach services for the Town, to be administered by the Council for Elder Affairs, or take any other action in relation thereto. Proposed by the Council for Elder Affairs Motion by Jones to accept second by Webster 5-0 vote.
ARTICLE 7 : To see if the Town will vote to transfer from Article 5 Line 7 of the May 1997 Annual Town Meeting the sum of $300.00 for the purpose of placement of Veteran’s Memorial Markers or take any other action in relation thereto. Proposed by the Veteran’s Agent Explanation: Replacement of Memorial Marker at the corner of Pleasant and South Streets. Motion by Jones to accept second by Webster.
ARTICLE 8 : To see if the Town will vote to transfer from the Stabilization Fund a sum of money to replace the flat roof area at the Liberty Street Fire Headquarters or take any other action in relation thereto. Proposed by the Fire Chief Motion by Jones to accept second by Webster 5-0 vote.
ARTICLE 9 : To See if the Town will vote to transfer a sum of money from Article 5 Line 3 interest to Article 5 Line 1 Debt, or take any action in relation thereto. Proposed by Treasurer/Collector Motion by Jones to accept second by Webster 5-0 vote.
ARTICLE 10: To see if the Town will vote to transfer the sum of $4,000. from Article 5 Line 7 Town Insurance of the May 1997 Annual Town Meeting to the Park and Field Committee or take any other action in relation thereto. Proposed by The Parks and Fields Committee. Explanation: These funds will be utilized to build a basketball court, parking and redo fencing at Hancock Field. Motion by Jones to accept second by Webster 5-0 vote.
ARTICLE 11: To see if the Town will vote to transfer from Article 5, Line 74, Disposal area Operations, a sum of money to be added to the May 1997 Annual Town Meeting, Article 5 Line 76, Board of Health Other Salary & Wages, or take any other action in relation thereto. Explanation: Additional funds needed for retired Health Agent’s sick time buy back and vacation pay. Proposed by the Board of Health. Motion by Jones to accept second by Webster 5-0 vote.
ARTICLE 12: To see if the Town will vote to transfer $6,000. from Article 5, Line 7 Town Insurance of the May 1997 Annual Town Meeting to Article 5, Line 112 Street Sweeping of the May 1997 Annual Town Meeting or take any other action in relation thereto. Proposed by the Highway Surveyor. Motion by Jones to accept second by Webster 5-0 vote.
ARTICLE 13: To see if the Town will vote to transfer $8960.30 from free cash or the May 1997 Annual Town Meeting, Article 5, line 7, Town Insurance, to be added to the May 1997 Annual Town Meeting, Article 5, line 30, Selectmen Clerical Wages, or take any other action in relation thereto. Proposed by the Planning Board. Motion by Jones to accept second by Webster 4-1 vote. (Flynn)
ARTICLE 14: To see if the Town will vote to transfer the sum of $10,000.00 from the Water Surplus account to fund the meter replacement program or take any other action in relation thereto. Proposed by the Board of Water Commissioners. Motion by Jones to accept second by Webster 5-0 vote.
ARTICLE 15 : To see if the Town will vote to direct the Board of Selectmen, all Town Boards, Agencies, Officials, and employees not to enter into any commitments on desalinization without prior approval of the Town acting through the Town Meeting or take any other action in relation thereto. Proposed by the Water Department. Motion by Jones with Second by Webster. Motion failed 1-4 (Murdoch, Flynn, Jones, Webster)
ARTICLE 16: To see if the Town will vote to transfer from available free cash a sum of money to be added to the stabilization fund or take any other action in relation thereto.
Proposed by the Finance Committee. Motion by Jones to accept second by Webster 5-0 vote.
ARTICLE 17: To see if the Town will vote to amend the Hanson General By-Laws by adding a new section (4) to Article 3-1 “Regulations of the Board of Health” as follows: To require mandatory recycling in accordance with the Hanson Board of Health Recycling Program. Proposed by the Board of Health. Motion by Jones to accept second by Webster 5-0 vote.
ARTICLE 18 : To see if the Town will vote to transfer a sum of money from Article 5 Line 79, Elder Affairs Wages, of the May Annual Town Meeting to be added to Article 5 Line 24 Elder Affairs Building Maintenance of the May 1997 Annual Town Meeting or take any other action in relation thereto. Proposed by the Council on Elder Affairs Motion by Jones to accept second by Webster 5-0 vote.
Kuchinski stated she was displeased with the defeat of the Water Commissioners Article. She believes it goes against past practice of the Selectmen since Articles submitted by elected officials have been placed on the Warrant in prior years.
XVIII. Executive Session: Motion by Webster to move into executive session under exemption 1 & 3. to discuss Contract Negotiations Strategy and Physical Condition second by Jones. Roll call vote Murdoch, aye; Kuchinski, aye; Webster, aye; Jones, aye; Flynn, aye. Move into executive session with no votes anticipated at 9:40 pm.
XIV. The Board entered back into open session at 11:25. Flynn announced there were no votes taken during the executive session.
XV. Adjournment: Motion by Jones to adjourn second by Kuchinski. 5-0 vote. Meeting adjourned at 11:25pm.
| 
