Selectmen’s Meeting Minutes
February 12, 2002
Present: Judy Murdoch, Catherine Kuchinski, Daniel Webster, Stephanie McSweeney and Peter Jones. Also present, Executive Secretary E. Winn Davis and Management Assistant, Meredith Scozzari.
8:20 p.m. The Chairman Webster called the meeting to order. Chairman clarified some facts, which were incorrectly reported in the Enterprise. He informed the public that the Board had not entered into any contract with Baran Partners as negotiations are on going relative to a deposit. The newspaper also referenced a bond issue, in which Chairman Webster clarified that a bond would not be required until just prior to construction.
BARAN Partners Agreement – Mrs. McSweeney stepped away from the table and sat in the audience during the discussion. Town Counsel Illana Quirk, VHB’s Al Hanscom and MassDevelopment representative Rosemary Heard were present. Attorney Quirk indicated that she spoke with Baran’s attorney and he indicated that Baran will not be putting up funds for a deposit. They have their cash tied up in other projects. Ms. Heard reviewed the Town’s options and indicated that while deposits are customary in the private sector, municipal projects are different and deposits are received and accepted using other methods. She pointed out that Baran will be expending approximately $100,000 within the next month for Geo Technical work. She suggested that if Baran shows good
faith expending money, the Town could release any deposited funds. The Board cited concerns regarding Baran’s financial health. After lengthy discussion, the Board requested the Executive Secretary obtain all Baran’s financial information for review next week and discussion on February 26th. The Board requested that the Executive Secretary, Ms. Heard and Mr. Hanscom reconvene their meetings on a regular basis to establish deadlines and milestones for Baran. The Board also requested that Baran up date the Board at their meetings on a regular basis. The Board discussed the zoning issue and necessity for additional land. Attorney Quirk pointed out that the independent units and the assisted living facility would probably be applying for permits under separate ownership and maintain separate septic systems. Separating the facilities would avoid the necessity of installing a waste-water treatment plant.
9:20 p.m. Mrs. McSweeney returned to the table
Interviews with Sealer Applicants – Applicants Bill Lonergan and Donald Ferguson were present. Mr. Lonergan did not make an opening statement and the Board proceeded to questions. Mr. Lonergan informed that Board that he is a full time postal employee in Boston. He would be available during business hours when necessary. He previously worked in the oil delivery business and is familiar with the weighing requirement for oil trucks. Mrs. McSweeney inquired as to his experience regarding organizational skills and scheduling. Mr. Lonergan explained that he is required to keep a schedule in his present position.
Mr. Ferguson stated that since he is retired, he is available anytime. He did some research last time he had the position and found the job to be more than he expected. Mr. Ferguson explained that the position is approximately 30 to 40 hours per week He indicated the reason he was not certified was because the State hadn’t acknowledged his appointment until December. Mrs. McSweeney inquired whether he worked with Mr. Shea during the last six month and Mr. Ferguson indicated that he had not, but he had worked with Herbert Roper of East Bridgewater. Ms. Kuchinski inquired whether he could follow Mr. Shea’s plan if he were appointed and he indicated he wasn’t sure. Mr. Davis explained the training process. The Board thanked the individuals and deliberated the
appointment. Mr. Webster acknowledged the Mr. Ferguson has done a lot for the town in many capacities but feels Mr. Lonergan appears more ready, willing and able to take on the position. Ms. Kuchinski agreed. Mr. Jones feels that Mr. Ferguson may have not been given the proper opportunity to perform the job previously and should be reconsidered. Mrs. Murdoch agreed. Mrs. McSweeney agreed that Mr. Ferguson may not have had enough time to get certified but hasn’t done anything in the interim to be certified.
MOTION by Kuchinski, second by McSweeney to appoint William Lonergan as Sealer of Weights & Measures. Voted 3 – 2.(Jones & Murdoch)
8:50 p.m. Carole McCormack – Treasurer/Collector Monthly Report – Mrs. McCormack updated the Board on the Trip tickets. Since taking them over in October, the office has issued 427 trip tickets, netting $3631, an average of $217 per week. Ten dollar trip tickets were effective February 1, 2002 . New $10.00 per item tickets will be issued in March. The second half real estate taxes will be mailed in March and 9,000 motor vehicle excise bills will be mailed on Thursday. She also pointed out that this is the first year in 17 in which she was not written up in the audit report.
Sealer – Mr. Lonergan returned and indicated that he did not want to split the Board. The Board assured him the vote was not a problem. Mr. Jones suggested reaffirming the vote.
MOTION by Jones, second by Kuchinski to appoint William Lonergan as Sealer of Weights & Measures. Voted 5 – 0. Mr. Lonergan thanked the Board.
Vote Contract w/ AKRO Architects – Senior Center Renovation/Reconstruction – Mr. Davis informed the Board that the Senior Center Renovation. Committee did not have a quorum and would be sending their recommendation next meeting. Matter tabled until February 26th.
Police Station Feasibility Study – Ms. Kuchinski informed the Board that the Police Station Feasibility Study Committee has chosen an architect and will be signing a contract shortly.
VFW Buddy Poppy Drive – Whitman VFW Post requested permission to conduct a Buddy Poppy Drive Weds. – Sat. May 1st – 4th
MOTION by McSweeney, second by Kuchinski to grant permission to the VFW for their Buddy Poppy Drive from May 1st to May 4th.
ANNOUNCEMENTS : Chairman Webster read the announcement and up coming meeting dates.
Executive Secretary’s Report – Mr. Davis reported that a grievance at Step 2 has been received from Dorothy Thomas. Attorney Wilson has been contacted and the matter has been placed on the agenda for February 26th. He has asked the Treasurer/Collector look into the enhanced employee cafeteria program in which employees set aside pre-tax dollars for upcoming expenses. Congressman Stephen Lynch will be in Hanson and available to Selectmen on Wednesday, February 20th. The Union has agreed to the reclassification of the Assistant to the Appraiser position. Mrs. Brown will move from a grade 5 to a grade 6 and the position formerly held by Gail Gronlund will move from a grade 6 to a grade 5.
Concert – Mrs. Murdoch reported that she and Mrs. McSweeney attended the Grade V concert at the Indian Head School and the Selectmen were honored as local heroes.
Transportation Breakfast – Mr. Jones updated the Board regarding the Breakfast in Plymouth earlier in the day. The Plymouth/Kingston commuter rail is 40% over capacity of the 2010 estimates. Also discussed the East Bridgewater section of Rt. 27 by the High School.
Zoning By-law committee – Mrs. Murdoch will be submitting her letter of resignation from the zoning by-law committee. The Board will need to elect a new representative.
Executive Session – Chairman Webster announced that the Board would be entering Executive Session under reason #3 negotiations with non-union personnel – Director of Elder Affairs.
MOTION by Murdoch, second by McSweeney to go into Executive Session under reason #3. Roll Call – Kuchinski aye; Murdoch aye; Webster aye; McSweeney aye, Jones aye. Voted 5 – 0.
10:20 p.m. Brief Recess
10:40 p.m. Returned to open session.
MOTION by McSweeney, second by Murdoch to adjourn. Voted 5 – 0.
10:41 p.m. Meeting Adjourned.
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