Minutes of Selectmen Meeting
March 28, 2000
Present: Judy Murdoch, Cathy Kuchinski, Daniel Webster, Stephanie McSweeney and Peter Jones. Executive Secretary Winn Davis also present.
7:37 p.m. Chairman Webster called the meeting to order.
I. Census - Chairman Webster read a letter from Census 2000 requesting residents to return their census. Also read a memo from the Town Clerk notifying residents that Post Office Box holders will not receive a census form and someone will come to the house.
II. Veteran’s Agent - Bob Arsenault announced that Operation Recognition will be held on May 12, 2000 at the Whitman Town Hall for W.W.II vets to receive their diplomas
III. Hanson Youth Baseball - request permission to conduct a parade on Sat. April 29, 2000 at 12:00 noon from the Town Hall to the Police Station
MOTION by Cathy Kuchinski, second by Peter Jones to approve Hanson Youth Baseball’s request for parade. Voted 5 - 0.
IV. Hanson Athletic Association Neighbors - Gail Costa and other residents of Reed Street were present to express their concerns and displeasure about the activities at the Hanson AA over the past few years. They cited issues regarding excessive noise, motorcycles, inappropriate behavior in the parking lot and in the pavilion area, safety issues regarding traffic. After a lengthy discussion and input from the neighbors and the Board members, the Board agreed to request Hanson AA officials to attend the next meeting on April 4, 2000. The Board would request input from the Police Department regarding a report and request for details.
V. Public Record Request - Chairman Webster explained that a request for the remaining two candidates for Executive Secretary were denied and the process in which the executive secretary was hired. He feels that confidentiality is an issue and has spoken to Public Records a number of times trying to resolve the matter. He spoke with Town Counsel and John Walsh at Public Records and Mr. Walsh is reviewing the matter. Discussion ensued including questions and comments from the audience. Webster, Jones and Murdoch do not want to jeopardize the confidentiality of the two candidates until clarification is received from Public Records. Cathy Kuchinski explained her experience on the Conservation Commission and believes the information should be released at
this time. Mrs. McSweeney requested that a Public Records file be easily accessible to the Board and the public to track public records requests.
MOTION by Peter Jones, second by Cathy Kuchinski to further communicate with Public Records and request clarification on the issue. Voted 3 - 2 (Kuchinski & McSweeney) Public comments on issue also given (referenced in previous paragraph)
VI. Parks and Fields - Ed Bates, Tony Trigler and Bob Hayes were present to discuss the Town Forest and the Skateboard Park. The Executive Secretary indicated that we are still waiting for a letter from Town Counsel. Parks & Fields has changed the direction of the Park and Land Planning has staked out the area. Peter Jones cited liabilities issues and would like more information. Matter tabled until April 4, 2000 when the information is on hand and Town Forest representative is present.
VII. Library Senior Center HVAC - Mr. Davis indicated that the Library Senior Center HVAC is still not working properly. Through Capital Improvements a study has been done. They now need permission to obtain a design for repair at a cost of $7,500 with the cost of actual construction at $75,000.00. An RFP will be sent out for design plan. The funding for such design and repair will be contingent upon Town Meeting Approval. Mr. Davis explained by authorizing the RFP process now, bids can be submitted and reviewed prior to Town Meeting and once the funds are appropriated, the work can begin.
MOTION by Cathy Kuchinski, second by Peter Jones to authorize the Executive Secretary to go forward with the RFP process contingent upon Town Meeting appropriating the funding for the HVAC design and construction. The cost of the design will be tied to the cost of the construction. Voted 5 - 0.
VIII. Minutes - Prior to reviewing the minutes, Mrs. McSweeney indicated that she would not be voting on the minutes as she was not a member of the Board at the time. Board reviewed the minutes of July and August. After discussion, changes were made in July 13 regular and executive session minutes and Executive Session minutes of August 17 and Regular session minutes of August 24th were held.
MOTION by Peter Jones, second by Cathy Kuchinski to approve the regular meeting minutes of July 13 as amended. Voted 4 - 0 - 1 (McSweeney)
MOTION by Peter Jones, second by Cathy Kuchinski to approve Executive Session Minutes of July 13 as amended. Voted 4 - 0 - 1 (McSweeney)
MOTION by Peter Jones, second by Cathy Kuchinski to approve minutes of 7/19/99, 7/27/99 regular and executive session, 8/3/99 regular and executive session, 8/10/99 regular and executive session, (Deleted R&E 8/17/99) 8/31/1999 regular and executive session. Voted 4 - 0 - 1 (McSweeney)
IX. Treasurer/Collector Appointment - Discuss reappointment of Carole McCormack as Treasurer/Collector. Discussed changing appointment from three to two years. Members voiced their opinion and concerns. Recommendation that appointment be for three years with condition that Mrs. McCormack work with Executive Secretary to formulate goals and objects and get management training.
MOTION by Cathy Kuchinski, second by Judy Murdoch to re-appointment Carole McCormack as Treasurer/Collector for a three year term to expire on March 31, 2003. Voted 5 - 0.
X. Re-appointment of Animal Control Officer - Bernard Delory term to expire on 3/31/2001. Discussed having regular reports from Mr. Delory and address various issues such as leash law etc.
MOTION by Judy Murdoch, second by Peter Jones to approve appointment of Bernard Delory as Animal Control Officer. Voted 5 - 0.
XI. Executive Secretary’s Report - Mr. Davis indicated that he has looked into the surplus issue for the County Hospital property. Town Departments can take any items prior to the Town Meeting authorizing the Selectmen to declare surplus. Explained guidelines regarding disposing of surplus after declaration. Recommended setting a date to have departments tag the items they want and then disposing of remainder. Reported that he has had further conversation with MDFA and they would be willing to work with the Town on the Hospital Property.
MOTION by Peter Jones, second by Judy Murdoch to authorize the Executive Secretary to draft a letter to MDFA and to proceed to get their support for the Plymouth County Hospital Property and the Executive Secretary will act as the liaison between MDFA and the Board. Voted 5 - 0.
South Shore Housing would like to proceed with their project on Pleasant Street. Mr. Davis indicated that he made recommendations to South Shore Housing. Cathy Kuchinski indicated that they need to revise their plan and comply with the Planning Board and Conservation Commission. MEGA representative met with Mr. Davis and review various training courses they offer regarding office safety and right to know information about hazardous materials in the work place. Mr. Davis will set up some training sessions. Library request for additional staffing. Mr. Davis pointed out that there is some confusion regarding Jackie Rafferty’s requests. The Finance Committee will be reviewing it. Suggested tabling matter until next week. Warrants are
currently being reviewed by Town Counsel. Will be on agenda for April 4th for signing. Will discuss Executive Secretary’s Goals and Objectives first item on agenda for April 4th.
XII. Open Meeting Law - Mr. Jones pointed out that there had been an article in one of the newspapers stating the Board violated to Open Meeting Law while attending the Attorney General’s hearing on the furnaces. He explained more Board members attended than had originally been planned. In an effort not to violate the Open Meeting Law, two Board members left and Mr. Webster and Mrs. McSweeney attended the hearing.
XIII. Ridder Property - Cathy Kuchinski expressed concern regarding the work being performed a the Ridder Property and wants to make sure the new owner has the appropriate permits. Suggested having the Con Com. agent at the April 4th meeting.
Executive Session - Chairman Webster indicated that the Board would be entering Executive Session under Item #3 - Litigation and Negotiations with the Fire Chief, Police Department and Clerical union.
MOTION by Peter Jones, second by Judy Murdoch to go into Executive Session. Roll call Murdoch aye, Kuchinski aye, Webster aye, McSweeney aye and Jones aye. Voted 5 - 0.
11:30 p.m. Reconvened. No votes were taken in Executive Session.
MOTION by Judy Murdoch, second by Stephanie McSweeney to adjourn. Voted 5 - 0.
Meeting adjourned at 11:32 p.m.
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