Selectmen’s Minutes
May 21, 2002
Present: Robert Forte, Cathy Kuchinski, Daniel Webster, Stephanie McSweeney and Peter Jones. Also present were Executive Secretary, E. Winn Davis and Management Assistant Meredith Scozzari
7:37 p.m. Chairman Webster called the meeting to order and read the announcements and noted vacancies on the Zoning Board of Appeals and Zoning By-law committee. Welcomed new member, Robert Forte.
I. Re-organize Board
Peter Jones nominated Daniel Webster as Chairman, second McSweeney. Mrs. McSweeney read statement regarding Ms. Kuchinski who did not wish to be nominated for Chairman or Vice-Chairman. Nominations closed.
Voted Daniel Webster as Chairman 4 – 0 – 1(Kuchinski)
Daniel Webster nominated Stephanie McSweeney as Vice-Chairman, second Kuchinski. Nominations closed.
Voted Stephanie McSweeney as Vice-Chairman 4 – 0 – 1 (McSweeney)
Stephanie McSweeney nominated Cathy Kuchinski as Clerk. Daniel Webster nominated Peter Jones as Clerk. Nominations closed.
Vote Kuchinski as Clerk 2 – 3 (Jones, Webster & Forte)
Vote Jones as Clerk 3 – 2 (McSweeney & Kuchinski) Jones elected Clerk.
II. John Aiello – Disciplinary Hearing - Mr. Aiello was present and Chairman Webster asked if he wished to have the hearing in open session or executive session. Mr. Aiello requested an open session. Ms. Kuchinski excused herself from the discussion and left the room.
MOTION by McSweeney, second by Jones to open hearing. Voted 4 – 0.
Mr. Aiello presented the Board with a letter regarding Attorney Thomas’ report, which Chairman Webster read. Attorney Thomas and Mr. Davis responded to Mr. Aiello allegations. Board inquired whether all appropriate documents have been provided to Mr. Aiello. Attorney Thomas indicated that the only documents not released to Mr. Aiello were his handwritten notes, which he does not believe are considered public documents. After a lengthy discussion the Board took a brief recess.
8:17 p.m. Brief Recess
8:21 p.m. Returned to open session. Chairman Webster announced that after conferring with Attorney Thomas, Attorney Thomas will check with public records to determine whether the handwritten notes are considered public records. Attorney Thomas and Mr. Davis will review all Mr. Aiello’s public records requests to insure that responses have sent. Chairman Webster instructed Mr. Aiello to get his requests for additional public records to the Selectmen’s Office by Thursday, May 23rd and responses will be provided on Tuesday 29th . The hearing will be continued until June 4th. Chairman Webster informed Mr. Aiello that under no circumstances will the hearing be continued again. Mr. Aiello then presented the Board with another letter. The Board reviewed
the letter, which was Mr. Aiello’s formal resignation from the Conservation Commission.
MOTION by McSweeney, second by Jones to close hearing. Voted 4 – 0 (Kuchinski out of room).
III. Carol McCormack – Discuss Report findings. Chairman Webster asked Mrs. McCormack if she wished to have the discussion in open session or executive session. Mrs. McCormack requested open session. Attorney Thomas reviewed his findings pointing out various inadequacies in Mrs. McCormack record keeping. Attorney Thomas reiterated that at no time has Mrs. McCormack’s integrity or character has been in question and that she has been extremely cooperative. Attorney Thomas made recommendations relative to disposal of tax title property. Mrs. McCormack presented the Board with memorandum from Kopelman and Paige dated
November 1990 and November 1997 outlining auction procedures, which she followed. Mrs. McCormack reviewed her auction procedures. The Board had concerns that Mrs. McCormack did not follow up on the Boards request of 1995 to review specific lots prior to the auction. Mrs. McCormack did not recall receiving a request.
Joseph Barretto of Woodbine Avenue addressed the Board regarding Mrs. McCormack. Chairman Webster informed Mr. Barretto he that he cannot attack Mrs. McCormack’s character and must stay on the subject of the auction issue. Mr. Webster suggested that Mr. Barretto meet with Mr. Davis relative to being placed on the agenda. Board discussed holding a hearing regarding Mrs. McCormack’s performance.
MOTION by McSweeney, second by Jones to conduct a hearing regarding Mrs. McCormack. land auction procedures. Voted 4 – 0 – 1 (Kuchinski)
IV. One Day Liquor Licenses
Steven Blake of 100 Quarry Street, Quincy – Saturday, May 25th 1 -7 p.m.
Carol Ayer 40 Katydid Ln, Hanson – Mon., May 27th 2 – 7 p.m. Graduation
MOTION by Kuchinski, second by Jones to grant a one-day liquor license to Steven Blake of 100 Quarry Street, Quincy on Saturday, May 25th . Voted 5 – 0.
MOTION by Jones, second by McSweeney to grant a one-day liquor license to Carol Ayer 40 Katydid Ln, Hanson – Mon., May 27th. Voted 5 – 0.
V. Discuss Early Retirement Initiative – Mr. Davis provided the Board with information regarding the early retirement initiative which was signed by the Governor. The Board can vote its recommendation after July 1, 2002. Discussed having the elected official return on a consulting basis. Board tabled the matter and requested additional cost estimates.
VI. Review AT&T merger with ComCast – Board discussed the approval of the merger with the assurance that the Whitman Studio be available and continued access to the production van.
MOTION by Kuchinski, second by Jones to support the merger with the assurance of continued access to the local studio and production van. Voted 5 – 0.
VII. Betterment Committee – Committee to be comprised of 7 members – Currently a selectman, water department member and 3 citizens at large, one from each precinct. Mr. Davis suggested that the Highway Surveyor and a member of the Street Safety Committee be added to the committee.
MOTION by McSweeney, second by Jones to create the Betterment/Assessment Committee to consist of the Highway Surveyor, a member of the Board of Selectmen, Water Commissioners and Street Safety along with one citizen from each precinct. Voted 5 – 0.
VIII. Resignation of Water Commissioner – Chairman Webster announced the resignation of Thomas Dahlberg and indicated that there is a vacancy on the Commission. Interested parties should submit an application for appointment to the Board of Selectmen’s office.
IX. Executive Secretary’s Report – Mr. Davis updated the Board on the status of the Northland property. Rep. Marini is trying to get a copy of the environmental study. Negotiations with the State as status quo. Board discussed acceptance of land in lieu of cash payment. Chairman Webster suggested entering an agreement with the State for a portion of the land after receiving a satisfactory environmental report. Further discussion to be held in Executive Session
MOTION by Jones, second by McSweeney to go into Executive Session under reason number 6 negotiations relative to the purchase or sale of real property and reason number 3 negotiations with the Police and Fire unions. Roll Call – Forte aye; Kuchinski aye; Webster aye; McSweeney aye, Jones aye. Voted 5 – 0.
10:15 p.m. Brief Recess
11:07 p.m. Returned to open session
X. Police contract – Mr. Jones announced the terms of the police contract with salary increase of 3%, 2% and 2% with retroactive pay to January 1, 2002.
MOTION by Jones, second by McSweeney to approve police union contract. Voted 4 – 1 (Webster)
MOTION by McSweeney, second by Kuchinski to adjourn. Voted 5 – 0.
11:10 p.m. Meeting adjourned.
| 
