Selectmen’s Meeting Minutes of March 10, 1998
Selectmen Present: Chairman Charles Flynn, Judith Murdoch, Catherine Kuchinski, Daniel Webster, Peter Jones and Executive Secretary Joseph Nugent.
I. Chairman Flynn called the meeting to order at 7:35p.m. by announcing The Visiting Nurses Association Spring Celebration of Music on Sunday, March 29, 1998 at 1:30p.m. at the Rockland Sons of Italy Hall.
II. Jim Kauffman, Director of Public Safety Services - Mr. Kauffman was here to discuss a new 911 Plus System. He explained that Massachusetts is 100% protected by the enhanced 911 System which automatically displays the Location Identification and Phone Number of an incoming 911 call. What Mr. Kauffman would like to propose is that the Town of Hanson sign a contract to allow the 911 Plus system which also provides supplementary information automatically such as: Presence of Hazardous Materials, Special directions to the house, any allergies in the household and any special medications someone might be on etc. Kauffman went on to explain that these things would help the 911 operator who only has about 20 seconds to get all the pertinent information from the
person on the other end. Another feature to this plus system is that it automatically will notify the next of kin when a 911 call has been made. This is great piece of mind for those of us who are responsible for someone such as an elderly person. Rockland was the first Town in New England to sign up for this program. The price is $4.95 per month added to the phone bill or credit card. Kuchinski questioned the confidentiality of the system. Mr. Kauffman assured the Board that this computer system is on a dedicated line and no one else would have access to this information. Flynn asked how this system would be marketed, he did not want to adopt this system for the Town of Hanson and have the citizens in turn be harassed by dinner time phone calls to sell the product. Kauffman explained that it will be marketed through direct mail, print etc. Fire Chief Huska was present to say that he supports this system and believes it could prove to
be the difference in someone’s life. Lt. Willey was also present and stated that he also supports this 911 plus system. Jones asked if the Town votes to allow this 911 plus system, would there be a need for a critical mass to sign up, and if so if this did not occur would Hanson be pulled out of the program. Kauffman let the Board know that although they would like a critical mass, once they have made the commitment they will install the system for a minimal number of people. Jones also asked if there would be any price benefit to the citizens of the Town if we signed a contract for more years. Kauffman answered no.
III. Mark Vess - to discuss the proposed Plymouth County Advisory Committee. Vess is proposing that a committee be appointed by the Board of Selectmen that would be answerable to the Board of Selectmen also. Vess proposes that this committee be very proactive in what will become of the Plymouth County Property on High Street. Present also with Vess were some High Street, Pierce Street and Reed Street residents who are interested in working on this Committee. Vess read a list of proposed members: Joanne Re, Gail Cavichi, Mark Vess, Stephen Vey, Stefani McSweeney, Tom McSweeney, Bob and Jinny Sweeney. Vess explained that they would like to see this property become an assisted living elderly care project and not some sort of drug rehabilitation site etc. Jones
asked where the Moderator stands on this committee since he was the original appointing authority. Flynn stated that he had spoken with Charlie Mann and he apologizes for not being here this evening, but he is attempting to contact all of the other members of the past committee to see what their desire is as far as continuing. Flynn asked the interested members to please fill out the application for appointment forms to become part of this committee, Flynn also would like to see some other interested parties other than High Street area residents as part of this committee. Webster asked if the appointing authority is the moderator, Flynn answered that yes he is. Flynn would like a copy of the original article that started this committee. Ms. McSweeney who is a proposed new member of the committee, wanted to stress that she lives directly across the street from the county property and has come into this committee with an open mind and is very willing to
get involved. They do have a goal to get this property to become assisted living for the elderly.
Flynn wanted to remind everyone that the Town does not own this property it is still owned by the County. He reminded Mr. Vess to have everyone fill out there applications and bring them to the Selectmen’s Office. Kuchinski asked that the Board make a decision at the Selectmen’s Meeting on March 24, 1998 to get this committee moving.
IV. Don Ellis - To discuss the Building inspector: Mr. Ellis explained that he had received a letter signed by concerned citizens who are concerned with the certification of the Building Inspector. Ellis wanted to state that he is concerned with the liability for the Town because Mr. Germaine does not have the proper certification and he would like to know what the Board of Selectmen has done to rectify this situation. Flynn explained that inquiries have been made to the State through a written request, they are waiting for the State to meet before they will respond to the request. Also, Mr. Germaine has filed the application to take the proper test to get the proper certification for his position. Ellis asked when the test is. Kuchinski had a
phone number that you can call 205-299-9794 she had called and found out that the next test is March 28th but the deadline was February 24, 1998 so he will not make that, the next written test is September 12,1998. She also went on to say that there are computer tests in Boston available May 1, 1998 with an April deadline to register. This is new for Massachusetts. Flynn wanted to add that the letter written was not signed by anyone and this makes it hard for the Board of Selectmen to act on any of the allegations. Jones reiterated that the Board will be sure to make sure the Building Inspector will get the necessary certification. Ellis questioned the liability issue for the Town. Nugent explained there are many Towns in this situation, we have written to the State asking for an extension. If the State denies this extension then the Board will have to deal with that. The inspections are ongoing, the office has received about 17 letters from
local builders who feel as though Mr. Germaine is a credit to the Town. Flynn also added that David Lewick has also spoken very highly of the Building Inspector and his abilities. Ellis requested that the Board look into the liability issue. Webster explained that he is also concerned with the liability issue, but we are waiting to hear from the State. There have never been any serious issues and we need to give him the opportunity to get the extension and take the necessary test. Webster also wanted to say that there were some serious allegations in the letter and if someone has these concerns they should come forward to discuss these issues with the Board Members because it is important that we know about any problems. Mrs. Sutter from the audience asked the Board Members what the difference is between a Building Inspector and a Building Commissioner. Kuchinski answered that they mean the exact same thing, however there is also the title
of the Local Inspector who is allowed to inspect as long as he is working under a Building Inspector. Nugent explained that a Town can hire a Local Inspector with the stipulation that he has 18 months to take the test - the Town was unaware of this deadline. Kuchinski asked that we check with Town Counsel to make sure we are covered for liability purposes.
V. Flynn recognized Representative Francis Marini in attendance. Marini apologized he had meant to make it to the meeting earlier for the Plymouth County Advisory Committee discussion. Marini announced the Grant the Town has just been granted for the Town Hall Shoreline for $10,000. The Board updated Rep.Marini on the Plymouth County Advisory Committee issue. Jones would like to come up with a clear charter for the Committee before they are in place. Marini discussed the Plymouth County Property stating that it is deteriorating as we speak and it is time to get the County to do something with it. Marini also discussed a recent bill passed by the House which provides maximum flexibility in zoning for cellular towers. He suggested that the
Town look into zoning for towers, otherwise we will run a risk of getting one somewhere that the Town may feel is inappropriate.
VI. Marylou Sutter, Capital Improvement Committee: Marylou went over the Capital Improvement requests for FY99 as follows:
Selectmen: GIS System- $15,000, Sidewalk Program- $30,000, Community Playground- $7,500.
Recreation(Kiwanee): Driveway Reconstruction - $ 18,000
Library: Computers for Able System- $9,000
Senior Center: Senior Van- $7,000
Fire: Exhaust System $15,000, 4x4 pickup truck- $31,500
Highway: Drainage- $15,000, Snowplow 10’- $6,000, replace sander- $10,000, seal roof of repair shop - $6,000, replace 1983 truck cab & chassis - $70,000, paint Highway bldg & repair shop- $10,000
School Committee: Maquan Cafeteria Tables- $10,000, Indian Head Cafeteria Tables- $10,000, Maquan sports field - $6,000, Indian Head playing field - $10,000, Maquan parking and path to library - $10,000.
Memorial Field Trustees: Next phase- $95,000
Discussions regarding the Capital Improvement Requests:
The Board discussed the GIS System which was requested by the Board of Selectmen. This is a computerized mapping system which uses overlay maps to help departments make determinations. Marylou explained the Senior Van, Kathy Dyer, Director of Elder Affairs did a tremendous amount of research and came up with a mini school bus being sold by a nursery school it will cost $7,000 to purchase this and recondition the bus. Sutter went on to explain the Fire Department requests (1) exhaust system, we are one of the last Town’s in the County to put this system in. (2) Pickup truck - will need this to go to the dump, plowing fire hydrants, plowing the driveway of fire station etc. There was some discussion as to whether or not the Highway Department already takes care of the plowing.
Sutter stated that the Capital Improvement Committee has not made any determinations, they are hoping for $130,000 to put into capital items. Webster asked if the Committee has ever discussed creative ways to raise money, Marylou stated that they are not in the business of fundraising. Flynn suggested for the Fire Department’s request for the pickup truck that they look into a used truck maybe from the Water Department. Jones asked how many computers the Library is looking for, Sutter answered they are looking for 5.
Marylou brought up the issue of the playgrounds, and believes that no one has gotten together with a plan and the fields have really been let go. Flynn believes we need some sort of plan of the maintenance and upkeep and maybe there should be an overall committee for all of the playgrounds to simplify this issue. Flynn is also concerned with the drainage request by the Highway Department. Is this construction of new drainage? Do we have a drainage plan? Sutter explained that Mr. Harris has identified the streets where there needs to be drainage. Webster was asked why Chapter 90 money is not used for this?
VII. Vote to allow Hanson Youth Baseball Parade on April 25, 1998 at 12:00- The Parade will assemble at the Town Hall and March up to the Field. Motion by Kuchinski to allow the Baseball Parade, second by Murdoch. 5-0 Vote.
VIII. Request for appointment- Jeanine Adams to the Education Fund Committee to expire 6/30/00. Motion by Jones to appoint Jeanine Adams to the Education Fund Committee, second by Webster. 5-0 Vote.
IX. West Washington Street traffic signs- a letter was written to the office requesting warning signs on West Washington Street (Rt.14). The Police Chief has recommended warning children signs. Motion by Webster, second by Jones. 5-0 Vote.
X. Vote to accept minutes of 1/13/98, 1/27/98, 2/4/98, 2/10/98, and Executive Session Minutes of 1/13/98, 1/27/98, 2/4/98. Motion by Kuchinski to accept the minutes noting that corrections were made on the minutes of 2/4/98, second by Jones. 5-0 Vote.
XI. Action Requests:
Kuchinski: (1) Would like to see that we note the Town Meeting on March 21st. also Motion by Kuchinski to recommend the Water Department Article for the Special Town Meeting in March, second by Webster. 5-0 Vote. (2) Announcement: there will be a Drainage Committee Meeting on Saturday, March 14, 1998 at 9:00 a.m. for anyone who is interested. (3) Requests that the Board write a letter to Media One to ask that they hire a program director for the Town of Hanson instead of sharing Whitman’s. (4) Street Acceptance Committee - is there a date in mind to begin work on Rollercoaster Road. Nugent explained that he is looking into the legal aspect of a betterment tax at this point
Jones: (1) Follow up on the development of a Web Site for the Town. Nugent explained that he has met with Toni Leverone and Tom Mosher to begin this process.
XII. Executive Secretary Report:
- The Board needs to set elected Salaries at the next meeting.
- The Board should be aware there will be an issue coming up regarding salary for the Planning Board.
- There will be an article coming in for funding of Memorial Field, Nugent is concerned with the use of the Stabilization fund. The Board should sit with the Finance Committee to discuss Stabilization Fund spending.
- Nugent discussed the many requests for funding for recreation uses. The Board should begin to consolidate all of these issues. Webster suggested a government study group be formed by the Board of Selectmen to discuss these issues.
- The Town Hall Building Committee discussed interesting concepts to create a mini studio in the Selectmen’s Chambers of the new addition. Nugent asked the Board to appoint Selectmen Webster and himself to the Cable Advisory Committee to help with Media One negotiations. Motion by Murdoch to appoint Nugent and Webster to the Cable Advisory Committee, second by Kuchinski. 5-0 Vote.
Webster encouraged the citizens of Hanson to come to the Special Town Meeting on March 21, 1998 at 1:00p.m.
Jones asked the citizens of Hanson to come forward to join the Cable Advisory Committee.
XIII. Adjournment - Motion to adjourn by Murdoch, second by Jones. 5-0 Vote. Meeting adjourned at 10:05 p.m.
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