Selectmen’s Meeting Minutes of November 10, 1998
Selectmen Present: Chairman Peter Jones, Judy Murdoch, Cathy Kuchinski, Charles Flynn and Daniel Webster arrived at 8:10pm. Also Executive Secretary, Joseph Nugent.
I. Chairman Jones called the meeting to order at 7:30 p.m. The Veteran’s Agent Bob Arsenault presented the Selectmen with a new POW MIA Flag for the Town of Hanson which will be put on the flag pole after the renovations are completed on the Town Hall. Arsenault also announced the Tri-Town Veteran’s Day parade for November 11, 1998 to commence at 9:00 a.m.
II. Vote to appoint Maureen Clifford to the Recreation Commission. Motion by Kuchinski to appoint Maureen Clifford to the Recreation Commission, second by Murdoch. 4-0 Vote ( Webster absent)
III. Announcement: The Great American Smoke Out Day. Chairman Jones read a letter from the Eight Town Tobacco Control Program requesting that the Town of Hanson designate November 19, 1998 as Great American Smokeout day. Motion by Kuchinski to proclaim November 19 as Great American Smokeout day, second by Murdoch. 4-0 Vote. (Webster absent)
IV. Vote to accept resignation of Marylou Sutter from the Cultural Council. Motion by Kuchinski to accept Marylou Sutter’s resignation, 2nd by Flynn. 4-0 Vote (Webster absent) Kuchinski asked that if someone is interested they should apply in the Selectmen’s Office to become a member of the cultural council.
V. Lila Coyle, Chairman Board of Appeals - to discuss request for Town Counsel.
Ms. Coyle handed the Board a handout regarding Section 3 Item E (municipal exemption) of the Zoning Bylaws. Coyle discussed the difficulty interpreting the Zoning bylaws and also pointed out that there was a misprint in some of the bylaws. Jones read a letter the Board of Appeals had already received from Town Counsel regarding the same bylaw. Coyle explained that the Board of Appeals needs a broad interpretation of this bylaw to use for other cases. Nugent explained this bylaw is used for the project not on the funding of the project for example the Radio Tower. If it is not a right of use you would have to ask for the exemption. Coyle explained that she needs Town Counsel to clarify this bylaw. Kuchinski asked how often you get a request for a Municipal Exemption, Coyle said 2 times
this year. After some discussion on the matter Kuchinski made a motion to allow the Board of Appeals to contact Town Counsel on this matter, 2nd by Murdoch who added that the Selectmen would like a copy of the answer. 4-0 Vote (Webster absent) Flynn would like a copy of the question and the answer.
VI. Barbara Gomez, Town Accountant to discuss Town finances. Jim Tuffo and Roger McGovern from the Finance Committee were present also for the discussion. After handing out some information to the Board of Selectmen Gomez began to discuss the analysis of the FY99 budget. Jones asked if she could show the percentage of the year that has gone by also. Flynn asked if she could add an explanations ie. high expenditure for Town Insurance and Computer Line.
(Webster arrived 8:10pm)
Gomez went on to explain the forecast form - new growth figure is an estimate and has not been very accurate in the past. The Cherry Sheet figure is higher because the last two years we have gotten extra money from the lottery receipts. Gomez interpreted the rest of the items on the forecast form such as the free cash figure, which is only the amount the Town is planning on using the next year. Webster asked why the Town had so much free cash Gomez explained that (1) Motor vehicle excise tax was more (2) there was about $165,000 taken in tax title (3) about $100,000 turned in from budgets (4) extra lottery aid from the State (5) $50,000 for Memorial Field.
There was some discussion regarding the budget process, Gomez had figured the budget with an overall increase of 3%, 3.5% and 4%. Tuffo explained that historically the budget has increased around 5%. Jones read that in another Town they are keeping their budget increase at 0%. The Board thanked Barbara Gomez for her presentation which was very insightful. Murdoch commented that the new sheet was much easier to understand.
Jim Tuffo, Finance Committee commented that the Finance Committee will be setting the stage to issue some type of policy as to when the departments can meet with the them regarding their budgets.
Kuchinski added that a budget may need to be started for the Thomas Mill and the Town Forest Committee.
VII. Goals and Objectives -
Police Chief - Jones asked the Board Members if they have any questions or comments on the police chief’s goals and objectives. Flynn commented that the new millennium is coming up and everyone should be sure that they are Year 2000 compliant and should add that to their Goals and Objectives.
Town Accountant - Jones would like to see a quarterly report added to the Goals.
Treasurer/Collector- No comments
Executive Secretary- Handed the Board Members new Goals and Objectives: redefined joint goals and made corrections. Nugent explained the web site is being worked on and it will be posted on the schools site, they have more access. Tom Mosher is currently receiving information and is working with Sue Moss. Planning sessions throughout the year, would like to begin a government study group. Jones explained that he and Nugent have begun working on a complaint process. Murdoch would like to get the signage issue squared away. Webster would like to emphasize the Government Study Committee. He believes this would be an enormous commitment for the Board of Selectmen and they should appoint a Committee. Motion to accept the Goals and Objectives by Webster, 2nd by
Murdoch. 5-0 Vote.
VIII Negotiation Teams: The Board discussed negotiation teams for the upcoming contracts. Fire Department - Webster and Jones with Flynn as backup, Dispatchers - Flynn and Murdoch. The Building Inspector, Town Accountant, Treasurer/Collector, Health Agent and Director of Elder Affairs will be approached as a set - Kuchinski, Flynn and Webster as backup.
IX. Building Inspector Fees - reduce minimum fee and change from $40 to $25 or $10 per $1,000 valuation. Motion by Murdoch to reduce minimum fee to $25 and $10/$1,000 valuation, 2nd by Kuchinski. 5-0 Vote.
Germaine also suggested in his letter to the Selectmen that an administration fee for renewal of expiring permits be established - The Board would like more information regarding this fee.
X. Kuchinski and Webster updated the Board on the evaluation tools they have been working on. They met 3 or 4 weeks ago and came to a consensus to tailor existing evaluations. They discussed having 4 instead of 5 choices . Also, would like to think about categories recognizing most employees fall in the middle or just above. The highest rate should be in very minimal instances. Kuchinksi and Webster will meet again.
XI. Vote to accept minutes of 7/28, 8/25, 9/8, 9/29, 10/5 and Executive Session minutes of 7/28, 9/29, 9/8. Kuchinski requested to hold these until the next meeting.
XII. Action Requests:
Webster discussed the third party settlement regarding the Firefighter Proudman. Webster requested a written detailed report regarding the status of the settlement.
Kuchinski requested the Board send a letter to Kathy Dyer, Director of Elder Affairs recognizing her efforts in coordinating Make a Difference Day. Kuchinski also announced that Eagle Scout Michael Hillstrom will be beginning a project of creating Numbers for Homes (particularly for senior citizens) so that the emergency personnel will be able to easily locate the home. Hillstrom’s phone # is 294-0998. Tomorrow is Matthew Westfield Walk from 9-3 at the Indian Head School. This walk will benefit the Children’s Happiness Foundation.
XIII. Executive Secretary’s Report :
Nugent informed the Board of a letter from the Assessor’s to support upgrading the position in the Office. Would like to invite the Assessors to one of our meetings before December 15.
Announced the resignation of Charles O’Donnell from the Wage and Personnel Board. The resignation will have to be accepted by the Moderator.
Request for Executive Session regarding Fire Department. Motion by Murdoch, 2nd by Webster to move into executive session under Item 3. Roll call vote: Murdoch, aye; Kuchinski, aye; Webster, aye; Flynn, aye; Jones, aye.
XIV. The Board moved into open session and Jones announced that the Playground at the Maquan School will be closed until it is repaired. Motion by Kuchinski to adjourn, second by Murdoch. 5-0 Vote. Meeting adjourned at 10:20pm
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