Minutes of Selectmen’s Meeting of May 18, 1999
Present: Chairman Peter Jones, Judy Murdoch, Cathy Kuchinski, Daniel Webster, Charles Flynn.
I. Chairman Jones called the meeting to order at 7:30 p.m. by asking for a moment of silence for Rev. Heigham who recently passed away.
II. The Town Clerk, Sandra Harris was present to swear in Catherine Kuchinski and Judy Murdoch who had been re-elected as Selectmen on Saturday, May 15, 1999.
III. Public Hearing - Request for a Class II License by Robert Brault dba Bob’s Foreign and Domestic Auto. They have gone for site plan approval from the Board of Appeals and have been approved for 6 cars at 30 Monponsett Street.
Kuchinski would like to know if they are at 2 locations. Since no one was present from Bob’s Foreign Auto- Kuchinski would abstain from the vote. After some discussion a motion was made by Murdoch, 2nd by Flynn to approve the class II license for 6 cars. 4-0-1 Vote (Kuchinski abstained)
IV. Representative Francis Marini - present to discuss the MBTA assessments:
Marini updated the Board on the Assessments for the Town of Hanson. The State is trying to forward fund the MBTA instead of them coming in 18 months in arrears for extra money to keep the MBTA going. This will force the MBTA to act in a more businesslike manner. They will have a budget and will have to adhere to it.
The Board commented that they were promised no assessments and that they were disappointed in the outcome. Marini believes this is the best deal that they can get at this point. After much discussion regarding the MBTA. The Board thanked Representative Marini for the information and Marini will keep the Board informed of any changes.
V. Reorganization:
Motion by Murdoch to nominate Webster as Chairman, 2nd by Jones. 5-0 Vote.
Motion by Jones to nominate Charles Flynn as Vice-Chair, 2nd by Webster 5-0
Motion by Jones to nominate Cathy Kuchinski as Clerk, 2nd by Flynn 5-0 Vote
Webster thanked the Board for his nomination for Chairman and discussed many upcoming issues such as Street Safety Committee, Evaluations, 5 day work week, Plymouth County Hospital Property etc.
VI. Eagle Scout Candidates- discussed their projects
Thomas Bergeron - Will build a bridge across the river at Thomas Mill.
James Wassmouth- Will fix the slew sway at the Thomas Mill
Michael Drewniak- Benches for Town Hall grounds and also planting some flowers.
The candidates discussed their projects and the Board requested that the office send letters of support for each candidate. The Board thanked each candidate for coming and for their very hard work and dedication.
VII. Carole McCormack - to request that the Board sign a BAN at 3.5% interest for 1.7M it is one of the lowest rates we have had.
The Board signed the Ban
VIII. Request for Automatic Amusement Device License, Stingers Family Restaurant at 252 Main Street. One Pool Table to be used on Monday Nights. The Board requested that they be notified in writing if the pool table will be used any other nights. Motion by Jones to grant the license, second by Flynn. 5-0 Vote
IX. Attorney Wainwright was present to discuss a piece of town owned land on “Old Whitman Street”. He requested the Board sell this small piece of land to his client to make the lot a conforming lot. Wainwright explained the land was taken by the Town. The Board discussed this issue at length and Webster stated that the Board was not in the position to vote on this at this point.
X. Discussion regarding the Machine Gun Shoot at the Hanson Rod & Gun Club:
Mike Hulak, resident was present to express his concern over the recent Machine Gun Shoot. He was concerned with the Children shooting the guns and also with the issue of the Town owning property behind the Rod & Gun Club - could someone get shot? Kuchinski - explained that she is a member of the Rod & Gun Club and knows that the range is designed to shoot away from the conservation area. She also explained that Saturday’s Event was mostly Law Enforcement Officials and safety was the most important aspect of the day.
Charlie Albert of Andrew Lane asked if the Board had no control over this event.
Kuchinski mentioned that the Police are always notified as well as the abutters.
Webster explained that the Selectmen do not have a significant say these matters.
Lil Albert of Andrew Lane believes the newspaper reports encouraging children to come to this event was outrageous. She was ashamed of the reports.
Murdoch expressed her outrage at this type of event. This is a moral issue and the sensationalism of the event is disgusting. Flynn was not pleased with the timing and the publicity. Jones agrees they went over the line on this machine gun shoot and would ask that the Rod & Gun Club come in and explain. Webster believes in the right to bear arms but as a father this is sending the wrong message if we allow this type of activity in our community. We can take a stand as a Board and let them know we have a problem in this Country and need to ensure that type of conduct doesn’t continue. Motion by Murdoch to send letter asking them in the future to curtail machine gun shoots, 2nd by Jones. 4-0-1 (Kuchinski abstained)
X. Chief King discussed Grants for an Officer at the schools for safety reasons. The police are getting more involved at the schools now. There are no matching funds needed for this grant. Motion by Murdoch to support the Chief’s request for the grant, second by Jones. 5-0 Vote.
XI. Vote to accept the resignation of John Griffith from the Recreation Commission. Motion by Jones, second by Flynn. 5-0 Vote
XII. Accept the minutes of 4/13/99, 4/27/99 and Exec. Session Minutes of 4/13/99. The Board held these minutes.
XIII. Proposals for the Plymouth County Hospital Property Environmental Study-
VHB- $30,500
Coler and Colantonio- $34,000
Gale Associates- $32,000
All firms are experienced. Webster explained that all 3 identified potential hazards on the site. Test holes were recommended and borings in some areas. Motion by Jones to accept the proposal of VHB, second by Flynn. 5-0 Vote.
Action Requests:
Murdoch - expressed dismay at the lack of coverage for the Town Election on Saturday in the local papers.
Kuchinski- DEP Public Meeting Announcement for May 25th Fireworks Site
Kuchinski also mentioned the letter written by Wes Blaus commending the Wampatuck Lodge on Main Street and Mr. Sullivan’s building for their work on their property. The Board asked that the office send letters to the property owners. Motion by Kuchinski, second by Murdoch to send the letters. 5-0 Vote.
Kuchinski announced the Dollars and Sense of Open Space Summit on June 9 7-9 P.m.
Executive Secretary’s Report:
Nugent is looking for some direction from the Board regarding hours of operation for the Town Hall for when we go to a five day work week.
Webster would like to proceed to start July 1st. Flynn would like to keep Tuesday Nights open. Jones would like to have core hours established so that at certain times during the day anyone can be reached.
After some discussion Kuchinski would like a matrix of the proposed hours of operation. The Board decided to ask the Department heads to meet at 7:00 p.m. on June 1st.
Webster read the Memorial Day letter regarding the Parade at 9:00 a.m. on May 31st. Also, please call Bob Arsenault regarding the start at the Indian Head School.
Webster announced the evaluation committee will be meeting on June 2nd to hold a public forum regarding the evaluation tool.
Kuchinski displayed the Town Hall and Welcome to Hanson Sign that the Friendship Circle is selling now.
At 10:40 P.M. Motion by Murdoch to go into Executive Session for purpose of Clerical Union Five day week negotiations and Plymouth County Land Negotiation update, second by Flynn. Roll Call Vote: Murdoch, aye; Kuchinski, aye; Jones, aye; Flynn, aye; Webster, aye.
The Board returned to open session at 11:30 p.m. noting no votes were taken.
Motion to adjourn by Murdoch, second by Kuchinski. 5-0 Vote.
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