Selectmen’s Meeting Minutes
August 13, 2002
Present: Robert Forte, Cathy Kuchinski, Daniel Webster, Stephanie McSweeney and Peter Jones. Also present Executive Secretary Winn Davis and Management Assistant Meredith Scozzari.
7:40 p.m. Chairman Webster called the meeting to order and read the announcements and upcoming meeting schedule.
I. Carole McCormack, Treasurer/Collector Discussion – Mr. Forte excused himself from the discussion. Mrs. McCormack was present with her attorney, Patrick Costello and special counsel Attorney David Thomas was also present. Attorney Thomas briefly reiterated the proceedings of July 23, 2002. He also updated the Board on discussions he had had with Attorney Costello. Attorney Thomas indicated that the Board could suspend Mrs. McCormack without pay and cited a letter from Attorney Everett Marder from 1999 supporting same. He pointed out that if Mrs. McCormack were suspended without pay as a salaried employee, she would then be considered an hourly employee eligible for time and one half after 40 hours worked. Mr. Thomas gave possible
recommendations for reprimand from one day suspension, letter of reprimand, prepare protocols, work the Executive Secretary, assessors, conservation, and town clerk to establish an inventory, meet and report to the Executive Secretary monthly on basis regarding policies and procedures in Treasurer/Collector and as tax property custodian and meet with the Board of Selectmen no later than February 25, 2003 for a progress report. Attorney Costello agreed with requiring Mrs. McCormack to draft protocols and cooperate with other department regarding inventorying of town own land. He had a problem with Mrs. McCormack reporting to the Executive Secretary and Board of Selectmen on a monthly basis. Lengthy discussion regarding the policies and procedures in the Treasurer/Collector’s office. It was pointed out that Mrs. McCormack is being reprimanded in her capacity as Tax Possession Custodian. Board agreed to not require Mrs. McCormack to meet and report
to the Executive Secretary on policy concerning the Treasurer/Collector’s office.
MOTION by McSweeney, second by Jones to suspend Mrs. McCormack for one day, place a letter of reprimand in her personnel file and to prepare Standard operating procedures and protocols for the identification and disposition of real estate owned by the Town of Hanson and present to the Executive Secretary and Board of Selectmen; co-operate with the Executive Secretary and principal assessor, the consideration and the town clerk to public a complete inventory of town owned land and further to insure that all town records are reflected appropriately; meet and report to the Executive Secretary on a monthly basis on the progress of any auction; and meet with the Board of Selectmen no later than the 25th of February 2003 to determine the progress thereof. Voted 4 – 0.
Hearing over and Mr. Forte returned to the table.
8:20 p.m. Executive Session – Chairman Webster announced that the Board would be going into Executive Session under Item #3 litigation regarding the Simonelli and Sargeant properties.
MOTION by McSweeney, second by Jones to go into executive session under item #3. Roll Call –Forte aye; Kuchinski aye; Webster aye; McSweeney aye, Jones aye. Voted 5 – 0.
8:50 Back in open session no votes taken – brief recess.
8:55 Reconvened
II. Baran Partners Update – Mrs. McSweeney excused herself from the discussion. David Alexander, Paul Ferrara and Rosemary Heard. Mr. Davis updated the Board on the status of the negotiations and distributed a memo highlighting the agreement. Closing on the project will be before December 31, 2002 with construction to begin between November 2002 and August 2003. Construction of the assisted living facility is scheduled to be complete by August 2004. A signing of the purchase and sales is scheduled Tuesday, September 10, 2002. Paul Ferrara indicated that Baran has been meeting with various departments. The current sales price of the independent using will range from $240,000 to $270,000. Baran to be present on August 27, 2002 to
answer questions regarding the purchase and sales agreement.
9:12 p.m. – Baran left and Mrs. McSweeney returned to the table.
III. Auditor Contract – Contract for auditing services from Thevenin, O’Grady & Co. in the amount of $13,000 for 2002, $13,000 for 2003 and $13,500 for 2004. Ms. Kuchinski requested that the Auditors meet with the Board after the audit is complete.
MOTION by Kuchinski, second by McSweeney to authorize Chairman Webster to sign the agreement with Thevenin , O’Grady in the amount of $13,000 for 2002, $13,000 for 2003 and $13,500 for 2004. Voted 5 – 0.
IV. Appointment to Historical Commission
Michelle Mills 191 Capt. Nathaniel Drive – to fill vacancy - 3 year term - Term to expire 6/30/05
MOTION by Jones, second by McSweeney to appoint Michelle Mills to fill a vacancy on the Historical Commission with a term to expire on June 30, 2005. Voted 5 – 0.
V. Discuss 9-11 memorial events – The Board received a letter from Veteran’s Agent Robert Arsenault with recommendations for activities of 9-11. Mr. Arsenault suggested flying the memorial flag at half staff, local churches ring their chime, playing of taps and the police and fire departments sounding their sirens at 8:46 a.m. Mr. Arsenault also suggested flying all flags at all public building at half staff. The Board discussed having another vigil in the evening. Mr. Jones and Mrs. McSweeney in favor of all but the sounding of sirens. Matter table until August 27th for additional input from local churches and Mr. Arsenault
VI. Bill Lonergan – Update from Sealer – Mr. Lonergan presented the Board with a memo and list of fees. He requested the Board’s approval to test the pumps only and delay testing the blends until next year. Mr. Lonergan pointed out that due to the sizable increase in pump fees, the increase in blend fees may cause a burden on the business owners.
MOTION by Jones, second by McSweeney to approval the fees scheduled as printed in Mr. Lonergan memo and not test the blends these year but revisit them next year. Voted 5 – 0.
VII. One Day Liquor License Request
Joan Abrams – Wearguard Norwell Company outing Thurs. 8/15 10 – 3 pm
MOTION by Kuchinski, second by McSweeney to approve a one-day liquor license to Joan Abrams of Wearguard on Thursday, August 15, 2002. Voted 5 – 0.
VIII. Vote Minutes of April, May, June & July
MOTION by Kuchinski, second by Jones to approve minutes of January 26, 2002. Voted 4 – 1 (Forte)
MOTION by Kuchinski, second by Jones to approve regular and executive session minutes of April 9, 2002. Voted 3 – 0 – 2 (Forte & Webster)
Tabled remaining minutes until August 27th.
IX. Executive Secretary Report – Mr. Davis suggested the Board create a policy regarding the lowering of the flag at Town Hall. He indicated that someone lowered it for Ray Towne but Mr. Davis does not know who lowered it. He indicated that the alarm system is operating and everyone who comes in after hours must use their codes. IT services bids have been reviewed by the computer committee and a recommendation is forthcoming. He also indicated that the Board must go into executive session regarding union contract issues.
MOTION by McSweeney, second by Jones to go into Executive Session under Item #3 litigation and contract negotiations with unions. Roll Call –Forte aye; Kuchinski aye; Webster aye; McSweeney aye, Jones aye. Voted 5 – 0.
9:41 p.m. Brief Recess
9:53 p.m. Returned to open session – No votes taken
MOTION by Jones, second by McSweeney to adjourn. Voted 5 – 0.
9:54 p.m. Meeting adjourned.
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