Selectmen’s Meeting Minutes of June 29, 1999
Present: Chairman Daniel Webster, Judy Murdoch, Cathy Kuchinski, Peter Jones , Charles Flynn and Executive Secretary Joseph Nugent.
I. Webster called the meeting to order at 7:30 p.m. announcing the new Selectmen’s Meeting Room which is being used for the first time. Webster welcomed everyone here tonight and updated the citizens to the status of the Town Hall Renovations: The Town Hall should be complete in about 6 weeks.
II. Robert and Marylou Sutter - present this evening to donate two items to the Town Hall: a mid 19th century picture of the Brass Band and 1856 map of Hanson which must be encased to keep preserved. The Board thanked Mr. & Mrs. Sutter for their very generous contribution to the Town of Hanson. Bruce Young asked if the Town would like to acquire a portrait of Alexander Conte Hanson.
III. Marylou Sutter present with concerns of the Building Committee regarding conditions of the property:
They would like a couple of signs place on the property with the following:
No skateboarding
no littering or household rubbish
rip rap is not stable do not walk on
do not feed the fowl
The ducks and geese have eaten all of the seed and there are droppings everywhere as well as pollution in the pond.
Young advised that they get ready for another “war” regarding the ducks.
Kuchinski asked that the Committee first check the cost and potential locations of the signs. Sutter explained that there are already skateboarders and rollerbladers on the property. Kuchinski told her to do a little more homework. Jones made a motion for two signs to be placed on the property in keeping with the decor of property and keep it to a minimum, second Flynn. Kuchinski would like to add WELCOME TO TOWN HALL BUT PLEASE DO NOT.... Jones added that to the motion. 3-2 Vote. (Murdoch, Kuchinski nay)
Discussion regarding a skateboard park- Bob Hayes of the Parks and Fields Committee stated that it is on the plan but is not yet funded.
Hearing: Eastern Utilities- Joint Pole location at P185-s on West Washington Street.
No one was present from Eastern Utilities for this hearing. The Abutters were notified via Certified Mail. No abutters were present either. Motion by Kuchinski to grant petition, second by Flynn. 5-0 Vote.
IV.. Webster read the press release announcing the new Town Hall Hours Mon - Fri. 8-4 and Tues Eves 6-9 p.m.
V. Vote Reappointments:
Motion by Kuchinski, second by Murdoch to appoint the following:
Robert O’Brien - Recreation Commission to expire 6/30/02
Dayna Pierce - Recreation Commission to expire 6/30/02
5-0 Vote Kuchinski noted that the Hanson Rotary honored Dayna Pierce as citizen of the year for her work on the Recreation Commission.
Motion by Murdoch, second by Jones to appoint:
Arthur West - Sealer of Weights & Measurers to expire 6/30/00
5-0 Vote.
Motion by Jones, second by Kuchinski to appoint the following:
Bernard DeLory - Special Police to expire 6/30/00
Robert Buotte - Special Police to expire 6/30/00
Donald Ferguson - Special Police to expire 6/30/00
August P. Silva - Special Police to expire 6/30/00
5-0 Vote.
Motion by Kuchinski, second by Flynn to appoint:
Edward Savage, Jr. - Wiring Inspector to expire 6/30/00
5-0 Vote.
VI. Request for One Day Liquor License - Scott Keene for a Wedding on July 23, 1999 for the hours of 6:30 p.m. - 12:00 a.m. Motion by Kuchinski, second by Flynn to grant Scott Keene the one day liquor license. 5-0 Vote
Request for One Day Liquor License - Hanson Kiwanis Steak Fry on August 2, 1999 from 5:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. . Motion by Jones, second by Kuchinski to grant the one day liquor license. 5-0 Vote.
VII. Betty Dahlberg- on the agenda to discuss the Executive Session for the June 22, 1999 meeting. Ms. Dahlberg handed over her time to Lila Coyle because her questions have been answered: Lila Coyle, acting as the Spokesperson for the Citizen Voices for Responsive Government which was formed in 1998, read a statement on behalf of CVRG
Lila explained that the CVRG is a Political Action Committee which believes the Local Government has not been responsive to the Citizens of Hanson. Coyle went on to discuss the recent article in the Globe concerning Mr. Nugent and asked that the Selectmen take the following action immediately:
A. Ask for the immediate resignation of Mr. Nugent, Sam Germaine, and Selectmen Charles Flynn.
B. Investigation of the allegations against all Town Officials should be conducted by the District Attorney’s Office or the Attorney General’s Office not by Town Counsel. Alleging that Town Counsel have issued questionable opinions due to the close contact with Mr. Nugent.
C. Direct all Town Boards not to take action on any issue involving Mr. Nugents lots as well as his immediate family or any trust which he is a trustee.
D. Nullify all appointments of the Professional Staff at Town Hall for Fiscal Year 2000.
E. Turn the land alluded to in the Globe article back to the Town.
F. A complete audit of the Town should be conducted by an outside firm not chosen by Mr. Nugent.
G. Investigate Mr. Nugent’s appointment as a Special Police Officer and his Gun Permit should be investigated.
H. Investigate Flynn’s vote in Executive Session on the issue of appointing Town Counsel to investigate allegations.
Webster explained that Flynn abstained from the vote during Executive Session regarding the land issue and Nugent’s name was removed from the list as to be appointed as an Auxiliary Police Officer.
Bruce Young addressed the Board explaining that the position of Executive Secretary in this Town was never intended to be a Town Manager stating that the violation of public trust and misuse of official positions demonstrates the danger of public corruption and its effect on public trust. Young went on to discuss the actions of the Building Inspector as well as the defense of the Building Inspector by some Selectmen and Executive Secretary. Young asked that the full Board act quickly and decisively to remove all offenders from their official positions, and all elected members of the Board directly or indirectly implicated resign from office.
Webster thanked Ms. Coyle and Mr. Young for their comments.
Board Comments:
Jones explained that an investigation has been started. There has been some materials discussed in Executive Session and there are factual inaccuracies in the newspaper report. Ms. Coyles concerns have been addressed and he believes that a person is innocent until proven guilty- The Board will vote at a later date after the investigation is complete. Jones also stated that there is no lack of leadership in this Town.
Webster does not want to turn this into a public debate. Young suggested an administrative hearing which could be within a short period of time. Kuchinski suggested we have the administrative hearing next week with Kopelman and Paige’s input. Webster stated that this would be contradicting the vote taken in Executive Session to have an investigation- He will be meeting with Town Counsel- the investigation should take from 2 weeks to 1 month.
Murdoch is not in favor of an independent review of this Board. She is disappointed that Executive Session material has been disregarded with regard to interviews and newspaper articles. Murdoch stated that the Board agreed to tell the press that an investigation will be done by Town Counsel and we shouldn’t be assuming guilt before the review is finished.
Kuchinski explained that she interviewed with the Globe last Monday before the Executive Session. She also explained that she tried hard to stick to the facts during the WATD Interview.
Webster explained that Executive Session matters are highly confidential and asked for cooperation of all Board Members.
Flynn- finds it interesting so many people have decided ahead of time when actually, his action was based solely on the advise of Counsel retained by the Treasurer/Collector and the letter is and has been public record and available to the public.
Webster briefly described the work that the Executive Secretary is expected to do and that many issues are delegated to him to handle on a day to day basis. Webster went on to explain that the Board immediately took action when hearing of the Globe’s article regarding the land purchased by Mr. Nugent. There was an Executive Session held and the Board agreed to have an investigation by Kopelman & Paige. Webster stated that public officials have the right to due process and a fair hearing and asked that the public be patient and let the Board do what they were elected to do. Webster then announced that discussion has ended on this matter.
Kathy Marini asked if something could be done regarding the officials that have been reappointed by the Board of Selectmen- Webster stated that if there was any impropriety appropriate action will be taken. Mark Vess asked to speak. Webster announced again that discussion has ended on this matter at this time.
VIII. Chief King - Sullivan Bros. would like to donate a 1999 Police Model Harley Davidson. Kuchinski asked if we have a trained officer to ride the Motorcycle. The Chief said yes they would take a motorcycle training course. The Motorcycle will have a three year warranty and Sullivan will pick up the cost of routine maintenance. The vehicle value is well over $20,000 when fully equipped. Motion by Flynn to accept the donation, second by Murdoch who also thanked them for their generosity. 5-0 Vote.
IX. Vote to appoint Bruce Humphries as Auxiliary Police Officer he is qualified and there is an opening. Kuchinski questioned the Chief as to why the 15 slots are not filled. The Chief replied that it was cost prohibitive and they cut back to 11. Motion by Jones, second by Kuchinski. 5-0 Vote.
Executive Secretary’s Report:
1. Contract of the Lt. to be signed by Board of Selectmen.
2. Letter from Chairman of Parks and Fields, Ed Bates asking the Board to consider transferring the land (lot 132, map 9) on Crooker Place which is 5.10 acres, to the Parks and Fields in order to develop some playing fields. The Board asked to have Parks and Fields in to the next meeting to present this to the Selectmen. Kuchinski also suggested they investigate the tax taking of the property. Kuchinski asked for handouts from Parks and Fields and for neighbors to be advised of the project.
3. VHB Contracts- Webster has concerns with the limited liability to $200,000- Should we re-negotiate this with VHB
Kuchinski believes VHB should increase the limit.
Webster would like to see at least 1Million.
Vote to accept the contract if they raise it to $1M. Nugent will call VHB and find out if they are willing to move this up. Motion by Kuchinski to accept the contact pending the change in liability to $1M and delegate the Chairman to sign for the Board, second by Murdoch. 5-0 Vote.
4. Dedication of the Town Hall- The Board should discuss and bring back to the Building Committee. Flynn commented that the Town should hold the dedication on a Saturday. The proposed date is September 18th and the Board agreed to invite Charles Mann to the next meeting to discuss the naming of the Selectmen’s Meeting Room. Webster added that we should make this a community day and try to get some type of concert.
Motion by Kuchinski to set the date for September 18th, 1999, second by Flynn 5-0 Vote.
Mrs. Merry of 631 Pleasant street asked to be put on the next agenda regarding invasion of privacy.
9:35 p.m. Motion by Murdoch to move into Executive Session under items #3(collective bargaining) and #6 Plymouth County Hospital Land, second by Jones. Murdoch, aye; Kuchinski, aye; Jones, aye; Flynn, aye; Webster, aye. 5-0 Roll call vote.
Upon reentering open session at 10:50 p.m. Motion to adjourn Murdoch, second Kuchinski 4-0 Vote. (Jones was out of the room)
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