Minutes of Selectmen’s Meeting
November 24, 1998
Selectmen Present: Chairman, Peter Jones, Judy Murdoch, Cathy Kuchinski, Daniel Webster (arrived at 7:55 p.m.), Charles Flynn and Executive Secretary Joseph Nugent.
I. Chairman Jones called the meeting to order at 7:30 p.m. by introducing the Treasurer/Collector Carole McCormack. McCormack had a State Aid Anticipation Note to be signed by the Board of Selectmen. The Board discussed the SAN and by consensus signed the paperwork. McCormack also presented the Board with an update of outstanding notes which are $84K at 3.6% until 6/1/99.
II. The Board of Assessors came before the Board to ask for their support to upgrade the position of Assistant Appraiser which is currently a grade 5. The position is very involved and has many of the same qualities of the Assistant Assessor which is a grade 6. The Assessors asked that the position be moved from a grade 5 to a grade 8. They explained that the current Assistant Appraiser has completed two of the courses designed for assessing personnel. The position is a very important position and there have been many people that have been trained for this position and have left for other jobs that pay better. The Assessors hope that by offering a better wage for this position they will be able to keep an outstanding employee to ensure stability in the
Assessing Department. The Board clarified which position they were looking to upgrade and thanked the Board of Assessors for coming. They will review all of the information and get back to the Board of Assessors.
III. Brian O’Neill, Superintendent of Fern Hill Cemetery- The Fern Hill Cemetery Corporation Board of Trustees reported to him that the Town owned tomb at Fern Hill has been evaluated and declared unsafe. The Building Inspector and Registered Architect John English inspected the tomb and informed the Commissioners that the ancient structure has such severe rusting in the roof supports that the roof might fail. Children have been seen playing on this tomb on occasion. Mr. Germaine reiterated to the Board that the structure is unsafe. Mr. O’Neill agreed that the structure is a hazard. The Board would like to ask the Historical Commission what they would like to do regarding the tearing down of the tomb. Jones discussed the demolition
committee but would also like input from the Historical Commission. Someone should start to get bids on the project in the meantime and report to the Board. Germaine suggested that the Highway or Water Department take down the structure. Germaine also suggested that for now the structure should be fenced in so that no one can get on the roof.
IV. Building Inspector, Samuel Germaine - To discuss permit renewal fee. Germaine explained that this has been past practice to charge this fee but he stopped because he realized it had never been voted on by the Selectmen. This fee would be for someone who transfers a permit to another builder or has let their permit lapse for a period of time. Kuchinski asked what amount of time this procedure takes. Germaine explained that it sometimes take about an hour of office time. Motion by Flynn to authorize the fee for renewals and extensions for $25.00, second by Murdoch. 4-1 Vote. ( Kuchinski, nay)
Germaine also wanted to verify with the Board of Selectmen that our bylaws require a permit to put up a shed. He explained the setbacks of 20 feet from the rear, 50 feet from the street, 20 feet from any other structure. The Board confirmed that the Bylaws do include Sheds.
V. Request for appointment to the Cultural Council - August Silva to expire 6/30/99. Motion by Webster to appoint August Silva to the Cultural Council, second by Kuchinski. 4-0 Vote. (Flynn was out of the room)
VI. Vote renewal of Taxi License, Patricia Cabral, Cabbie Taxi, inc. for year thru December 1999. Motion by Murdoch, second by Kuchinski. 4-0 Vote (Flynn was out of the room)
VII. Action Requests:
Kuchinski asked for a copy of the Kopelman and Paige survey regarding their Client evaluations. Kuchinski also reminded those who are interested in attending the South Shore Vo-Tech or the Norfolk County School that the application cut off date is April 1, 1999. Kuchinski would like to meet with the Board of Health and get information on the paperwork that has been coming in regarding SEMASS. Jones reported that he had attended the 90th Birthday Party for John Dias at the Senior Center. Flynn explained he was unable to attend Firefighter Goodrow’s retirement party this weekend. The Board discussed inviting Mr. Goodrow in to the Selectmen’s Meeting to accept the citation from the Board.
VIII. Executive Secretary’s Report:
Nugent announced the Web Site can be accessed now- the address is www.ci.hanson.ma.us it is not completed at this point but is being worked on by the High School.
Flynn added that he had to go to a few other towns this weekend and by looking on their web sites he was able to print up directions to important places in those towns. This might be an idea we would like to pursue.
Jones announced that the Town has received its check for $5,000 from MediaOne for Internet Access.
Nugent announced that a letter has come in from Representative Marini, that the Town has received a $28,997.50 grant for reimbursement for an Underground Storage Tank Petroleum Product Cleanup. Nugent also announced that Jesse McSweeney (intern) is back for Christmas break to work in the office.
Request for Executive Session at 8:55 p.m. to discuss negotiations Motion by Flynn to enter Executive Session under Item 3, second by Webster. Roll Call vote: Murdoch, aye, Kuchinski, aye; Webster, aye; Flynn, aye; Jones, aye. 5-0 Roll Call Vote.
No votes are expected in executive session.
IX. Adjournment: Motion by Murdoch to adjourn, second by Flynn. Meeting adjourned at 9:40p.m.
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