Minutes - Selectmen’s Meeting of January 13, 1998
Selectmen Present: Chairman, Charles Flynn, Judy Murdoch, Catherine Kuchinski, Daniel Webster, Peter Jones and Executive Secretary Joseph Nugent.
I. Chairman Flynn called the meeting to order at 7:35 p.m. by introducing two Hanson Cheerleaders, Cindi Medico and Christine Tyler. They were chosen to perform at the Pro-Bowl in Hawaii on February 1st. There were 16,000 competitors and only 20 people were chosen in their age group. They have been raising funds for this trip but have come up a little short if anyone is interested in donating they may do so at The Hanson branch of Rockland Trust Bank. Flynn also asked that the office recognize these girls using the Town Hall Sign.
II. Flynn read an announcement regarding an open house for the Homework Center at the Hanson Public Library on January 24th at 12:00 - 3:00p.m. The homework center was brought to the library through a federal LSTA grant awarded to the library by the Mass. Board of Library Commissioners and the Hanson Board of Library Trustees commitment of Thomas Hall Trust Fund money to further equip the center with computer technology.
III. Annual Town Report bids. Nugent read the bids from Fairmount Print, Rockland ; China Printing, New York and The Imaging Center, Pembroke. Motion by Murdoch to accept Fairmount Print bid at $2,133.75, second by Jones. 5-0 Vote.
IV. Vote and sign Class II. license renewal, Ken Mangano, Ken’s B.P. - Motion by Kuchinski to vote and sign, second by Murdoch. 5-0 Vote.
V. Announcement - The selectmen are invited to attend the 6th annual D.A.R.E. Culmination for the sixth grade on Thursday, February 12, 1998 at 7:00pm at the Indian Head School Auditorium. All selectmen will be able to attend. The office will inform DARE Officer Nawaselski.
VI. Open Annual Town Meeting warrant to close on March 24, 1998. Motion by Murdoch to open the warrant, second by Kuchinski. 5-0 Vote.
VII. Set time for May 16 Annual Election at Maquan Cafetorium. Town Clerk suggests 10:00 am to 7:00 pm. Motion by Kuchinski to set Annual Election on May 16th at 10:00 am to 7:00 pm. second by Jones. 5-0 Vote.
VIII. Accept minutes of 9/23/97; 9/30/97; 10/6/97; 10/7/97; 10/21/97; 11/4/97 and Executive Session Minutes of 9/23/97; 10/7/97. Motion by Kuchinski to accept minutes of ; 9/30/97; 10/6/97; 10/7/97; 10/21/97; 11/4/97 and Executive Session Minutes of 9/23/97; 10/7/97, (corrections are needed on 9/23/97) second by Webster. 5-0 Vote.
IX. Town Report Cover - After some discussion by the Board there was a Motion by Kuchinski to use the Town’s picture of the Old Colony Railroad Train as the Town Report Cover for 1997, second by Murdoch. 5-0 Vote.
Action Requests:
Kuchinski - (1)could the office draft a letter to designate herself as the voting member at the MMA conference on January 23 & 24. (2) Announced the change of meeting night for the Board of Appeals to Thursday Nights. (3) Announced new recycling of white paper at the Town Hall. (4) mentioned a letter written by Stanley Troupe complaining of a nuisance sound coming from a MediaOne green box outside of his home . She will continue to speak with MediaOne regarding this issue but also asked that the office please give a copy of the letter to the Cable Advisory Committee. (5) Could the Fire Chief please give the Board of Selectmen a time frame on removing this Fire Truck behind Main Street Station. (6) Would like to bring up the issue of Street Lights in Hanson as there was a death on East
Washington Street over the weekend. (7) Please invite Troop 97, a new boy scout troop in Town, to a meeting to introduce themselves. (8) Announcement - there will be a meeting of the Joint Sub-Committee for water issues on January 14, 1998 to discuss the former Byrne property.
Webster - (1) Concerned about the crosswalks on Route 58 & 27. Mr. Nugent informed the Board we are awaiting a reply from the State.
Jones - (1) Still waiting for a legal cost for the Ridder case.
Executive Secretary Report:
- Request for release of land from 61a status off Hillcrest Road, it is 14 acres.
- There will be a meeting of the Pembroke Town Government Study Committee “ A Region in Transit: The New Old Colony” The Office will call and let them know who will be attending.
IX. Public Hearing Continued from November 18, 1997. re: excessive barking and vicious dogs complaint. Present: Michael Kelly, Jean Kelly, Sean Nally and Dog Officer Bernard Delorey. Flynn gave a brief update as follows: The Kelly’s had complained of excessive barking and viciousness of 2 Rotweiller dogs at the Nally’s home on East Washington Street. At the last hearing all parties were heard and they were to report back on the situation tonight.
The Dog Officer read a report regarding the situation, since November 18, 1997 he has not heard any barking during any of his visits.
Michael Kelly spoke saying the barking seems to have gotten much better. He is concerned that in the summer this will still be the case. He is also concerned with the safety of the height of the fence and would also like the Nally’s to take a look at a gap in the fence as well. Otherwise it seems the Nally’s have been trying very hard to keep the dogs controlled. Mrs. Kelly spoke and asked that the fence be inspected to be sure it is safe. Mr. Nugent stated that this is out of the jurisdiction of the Town.
Mr. Nally replied that he has secured the fence since the last meeting. Chairman Flynn asked that the Nally’s monitor the safety of the fence periodically.
Chairman Flynn closed the hearing at 8:10 p.m.
X. The Animal Officer Bernie Delorey spoke to the Board and the Citizens of Hanson regarding the Copeland Foundation who donated $2,500 for renovations to the Pound. Kuchinski suggested he put together a wish list to get some service groups to help out. He stated that he is always in need of blankets and towels and that citizens can leave these at the dump with Roger.
XI. Request for appointment: Judith Collins, Alternate member Board of Appeals. Motion by Kuchinski to appoint Judy Collins as alternate member Board of Appeals, second by Webster. 5-0 Vote.
Action Requests (Cont’d)
Kuchinski (9) Kuchinski will hold office hours for those citizens who are interested in proposing a Zoning By-Law change regarding the zoning issue of having a business truck on residential property. The Office hours will be on January 15, 1998 from 6:30pm-7:30pm. and also Saturday January 17, 1998 from 3:00-4:00pm. She will be here to listen for input and help in drafting a proposed bylaw.
Executive Secretary Report (Cont’d)
Nugent introduced Jesse McSweeney, a student at Westfield State College. McSweeney would like to work as an intern in the office during the summer. Jesse introduced himself and explained that he would like to get a better understanding of State & Local Gov’t by hands on training.
Nugent had given the various budgets to the Selectmen and proceeded to go through the Selectmen’s budget:
1 Town Insurance - reflects a cut with minimal increase and workers comp insurance.
2 Town Vehicles (line 10)- reflects a small inflationary figure but is level funded otherwise.
3 Printing Line- Level funded
4 Computer line- decreased slightly
5 Copy Supplies- level funded
6 Engineering line- level funded
7 Demolition line- level funded
8 Utility Line- Increased by $5,000 (street lights)
9 Town Buildings- reflects staffing- would like to increase the custodian hours by 15hrs also reflects cleaning, maintenance, repairs and miscellaneous items.
10 Selectmen’s - level funded at this point
11 Executive Secretary- level funded
In addition to these budgets there have been many staffing increase requests.
1. Building Department Secretary requested to be increased to full time.
2. Planning Board requested 3 additional clerical hours.
3. Library Director requested additional 20 hours and also a reference librarian.
4. Health Agent request the position to become full time.
There may be some more requests coming in the near future.
Nugent asked that the Board look into the budgets they have received.
Murdoch asked that the departments asking for staffing increases come before the Board to discuss the increases.
XII. Chief King to discuss Auxiliary Police - Request for appointment to auxiliary police, Joseph O’Brien. O’Brien graduated from Basic Reserve Intermittent Class and has been through the Department Training. He has met all requirements is a resident of Hanson, has a degree from Boston College and is finishing his Masters degree. Appointing O’Brien would put the force back up to 14 auxiliary police. Motion by Jones to appoint Joseph O’Brien, second by Webster 5-0 Vote.
Chief King explained the Domestic Violence Policy to the Board. Motion by Murdoch to accept as policy of the Town the Domestic Violence Policy, second by Webster. 5-0 Vote.
Kuchinski inquired about the Keno License for Alfred & Paul’s. King sees no reason not to allow but wants to go on record saying he is not a proponent of this.
King would like to discuss the status of his Goals & Objectives at the next Selectmen’s Meeting.
XIII. Flynn discussed the fatal accident on East Washington Street over the weekend. He also wanted to let the Chief know how impressed he was with the way Lt. Wiley handled the situation in the absence of Chief King.
King added that the Program Hanson has been enforcing in conjunction with the Sheriff’s Department has ended and was extremely successful. 139 cases were cleared and these also had additional warrants in other towns raising the total to 589 warrants cleared. $6,500 were collected for Hanson. Chief King thanked the Sheriff’s Office for their assistance .
XIV. Board of Health- To introduce Vincent Flaherty, Health Agent.
Gilbert Amado, Chairman introduced the newest Health Agent to the Board. Mr. Flaherty is the Chairman of the Board of Health in Pembroke.
Recycling- Mr. Amado explained that the Town is still under contract with SEMASS. BFI takes care of the hauling. The Town needs to improve in its efforts for recycling. The most important aspect of this is to establish a by-law for the Town.
Kuchinski asked Flaherty if he had any long term plans, Flaherty did not have any yet.
Nugent mentioned there is a request for a full time agent. Jones mentioned grants for buckets for the Town for recycling purposes. Amado stated that a bylaw is needed before receiving these grants.
XV. Motion to go into Executive Session under Item 3, Grievances. No votes anticipated will announce when return into open session. Motion by Jones, second by Webster. Roll call Vote. Murdoch, aye; Kuchinski, aye; Webster, aye; Jones, aye; Flynn, aye. 5-0 Vote.
XVI. The Board returned to open session at 9:45 p.m. There was one vote taken in executive session. 5-0 vote to deny a grievance on its merits.
XVII. Motion to adjourn by Jones, second by Kuchinski. 5-0 Vote. Meeting adjourned at 10:00 pm.
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