Selectmen’s Meeting Minutes
October 1, 2002
Present: Robert Forte, Cathy Kuchinski, Daniel Webster, Stephanie McSweeney and Peter Jones. Also present Executive Secretary Winn Davis and Management Assistant Meredith Scozzari.
7:41 p.m. Chairman Webster called the meeting to order and read the announcements and upcoming meeting schedule.
I. Request for Automatic Amusement License – Bruce Johnson of Outdoor Sportsman 1019 Main Street has requested an automatic amusement license for four video games. Mrs. Johnson was present to address the Board. The building inspector provided a memo to the Board with his comments and concerns. The Building Inspector will re-inspect the facility when the machines are in place. The Fire Chief has inspected the facility and has no concerns. Mrs. Johnson informed the Board that the machines are for the customers waiting to use the paintball facility. The machines will be accessible during the hours of operation of the paintball facility.
MOTION by Kuchinski, second by McSweeney to grant an automatic Amusement License to Bruce Johnson of Outdoor Sportsman. Voted 5 – 0.
II. Discuss Open Space Committee Article – Phil Clemons was present to discuss the open space committee article. He explained his vision and purpose of the committee. The Board discussed the composition of the committee and membership of 5 or 7 people. After a lengthy discussion, Mr. Clemons indicated that he accept the Board’s recommendation on the number of members, composition and staggering of terms.
III. Request for Road Closing - Mark Valentine of Halifax was present to request the closing of Dwight St. on October 19th 2 – 5 p.m. to move a portion of the Myles Standish monument. The move will require a large crane, which will impede traffic. The road will be open and residents will be able to access their homes, but the road will be blocked to through traffic. He presented the Board with a letter from the residents supporting the effort. Mr. Valentine gave the Board a brief history of the monument.
MOTION by Kuchinski, second by McSweeney to authorize the closing of Dwight Street to through traffic on Saturday, October 19, 2002 from 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. Voted 5 – 0.
IV. Request for Road Race – Patty Ryan of Hanson Girl Scouts requested permission to conduct a road race on Saturday, December 7th at 1:00 p.m. starting at Indian Head School. Mrs. Ryan informed the Board that she has spoken with the police who recommended a change in the route for safety reasons.
MOTION by McSweeney, second by Jones to grants the Hanson Girl Scouts request for a road race on Saturday, December 7, 2002 at 1:00 p.m. Voted 5 – 0.
V. Hanson Rod & Gun Club – Mr. Bouldry of the Hanson Road and Gun Club was present to request permission for an early start time on Sunday, October 6, 2002 for the club’s annual Turkey Shoot. Mr. Bouldry explained the event has always been on a Saturday. However, scheduling conflicts have made it necessary to hold the event on Sunday.
MOTION by Kuchinski, second by McSweeney to grant an early start time of 9:00 a.m. on Sunday, October 6, 2002 for the Hanson Rod & Gun Club’s Annual Turkey Shoot.
Voted 4 – 0 – 1 (Jones)
VI. Assessors Revised Excess Levy Capacity – Assessor Cindy Long informed the Board that additional figures were received after the Board voted the Excess Levy Capacity last week. One of the utility companies reported additional growth increasing the figures. The new excess levy capacity is $10,353.09. The tax rate of $13.97 will stay the same.
MOTION by Kuchinski, second by McSweeney to approve the revised excess levy capacity limit of $10,353.09 and sign the necessary documentation. Voted 5 – 0.
VII. Snow Street complaint – Mr. And Mrs. Robert Andrews of 915 Monponsett Street were present to discuss the status of the contempt issued against Allen Dias who continues to use Snow Street. Mr. Davis informed the Board the he has spoken with Attorney Lane of Kopelman and Paige who indicated that the Town could pursue the contempt issue but it would be costly. In the past, Mr. Dias has filed several appeals and subsequently filed bankruptcy. As a result, Mr. Dias has never paid the Town. Mr. Andrews indicated that he has maintained a log indicating the number of times Mr. Dias has passed on Snow Street. After lengthy discussion, the Board directed Mr. Davis to contact Town Counsel regarding the contempt and possible criminal complaints against Mr.
Dias. Mr. Davis was also instructed to contact the police regarding the issue. Ms. Kuchinski inquired whether the Town could refuse to issue licenses and permits to Mr. Dias until the matter is resolved. Mr. Davis will provide a report in two weeks.
VIII. Library Press Release – Chairman Webster read a press release from the library regarding the $20,000 federal grant from the Library Services & Technology Act for serving people with disabilities.
IX. Vote & Approve minutes of July 2, 16 & 23
MOTION by Kuchinski, second by McSweeney to approve the minutes of July 2, 2002. Voted 4 – 0 – 1(Forte).
MOTION by Kuchinski, second by Forte to approve the minutes of July 16, 2002 and July 23, 2002. Voted 5 – 0.
X. Use of Town Hall Green for Yard Sale – Joanne Croghan on behalf of the Erin Croghan Scholarship Committee has requested permission to conduct a yard sale on Saturday, October 26, 2002. The Board requested the Croghans be notified that there are no toilet facilities, as the Town Hall will be closed.
MOTION by Kuchinski, second by Jones to grant permission for the use of the Town Hall green for a yard sale for the Erin Croghan Scholarship Fund on Saturday, October 26, 2002.
Voted 5 – 0.
XI. Vote Polling hours for State Election – Tuesday, November 5, 2002 from 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the Maquan School.
MOTION by McSweeney, second by Kuchinski to set the polling hours for the State General Election from 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the Maquan School. Voted 5 – 0.
XII. One Day Liquor License Requests at Camp Kiwanee:
ó Nicole Jouhart, Kingston – Wedding – Saturday, Oct. 5th 6 – 11 p.m.
ó Debbie Sayce, Pembroke – Wedding – Saturday, Oct. 12th 1 – 7 p.m.
ó Kathy Murray, Ocean Bluff – Wedding – Saturday, Oct 19th 5 – 11 p.m.
MOTION by McSweeney, second by Forte to grant a one-day liquor license to Nicole Jouhart on Saturday, October 5, 2002. Voted 5 – 0.
MOTION by Jones, second by Kuchinski to grant a one-day liquor license to Debbie Sayce on Saturday, October 12, 2002. Voted 5 – 0.
MOTION by McSweeney, second by Forte to grant a one-day liquor license to Kathy Murray on Saturday, October 19, 2002. Voted 5 – 0.
XIII. Vote Recommendations for October Special Town Meeting – Reviewed the warrant recommendations with the Finance Committee. Roger McGovern, Arthur Brasill, Jim Tuffo and Kate Gallivan were present. Ms. Kuchinski explained the negotiation process and indicated the clerical contract included a 3% increase for each year of the contract and the Selectmen would request funds for a reclassification study at the May 2003 Town Meeting. The Boards discussed the lengthy negotiations and the five-day workweek. Mr. Brasill felt the clerical union should work on Fridays. Mr. Jones indicated that he did not vote in favor of the contract because he felt the clerical union employees should be working on Fridays.
MOTION by McSweeney, second by Kuchinski to recommend Article 7 – Clerical Retro pay. Voted 3 – 0 – 2 (Forte & Jones).
MOTION by Kuchinski, second by McSweeney to recommend Article 8 – Clerical salary. Voted 3 – 0 – 2 (Forte & Jones).
Article 13 – COA/Library Van – Neither the Director of Elder Affairs nor the Librarian have heard whether the grant has been awarded.
MOTION by Kuchinski, second by Jones to refer Article 13 to Town Meeting. Voted 4 – 1 (Webster).
Articles 17 & 18 – Betterment Articles – Mr. Forte updated the Board on the Betterment Committee meeting. A representative from Kingston was at the meeting and explained the program. Through the program the Town receives $200,000 at 0% interest. Residents borrow the money from the Town and pay it back through their taxes at an interest rate to be determined by a committee. The Betterment committee has requested that a sub-committee be established to set the guidelines and administer the program.
MOTION by Forte, second by Jones to recommend Articles 17 & 18. Voted 5 – 0.
XIV. Executive Secretary’s Report – Mr. Davis informed the Board that the computer committee met and recommends Global Data Systems for IT services. The Board discussed the capabilities of GDS and the transition period.
MOTION by McSweeney, second by Forte to accept the Computer Committee’s recommendation to contract with Global Data Systems for IT services. Voted 5 – 0.
Mr. Davis presented that Board with a flag protocol. After lengthy discussion the matter was tabled. Mr. Davis met with the Water Commissioners and DEP to discuss the water moratorium. DEP suggested buying more water from Brockton, hooking up with East Bridgewater and pursuing pending permits. A hearing for DEP motion to dismiss the Kingston suit is scheduled for Oct 2nd in Suffolk Superior Court. Mr. Davis reviewed the energy audit conducted by Mass Electric. South Shore Housing has requested support for the Soft Second Loan Program. Complaints against a contractor have been received from Glenwood Place residents, which Mr. Davis is addressing with Conservation. Reviewed Mrs. McCormack memo regarding implication of the betterment program. A hearing is scheduled for October
21st at DHDC regarding revisions to the 40B regulations. The utility pole at Pierce Avenue has been secured.
XV. Street Safety – Mr. Jones updated that Board on the progress of the Street Safety Committee and establishment of a street light policy. He requested that the Board forward a letter to Mass. Electric requesting a comprehensive list of streetlights.
MOTION by Jones, second by McSweeney to forward a letter to Mass. Electric requesting a comprehensive streetlight list. Voted 5 – 0.
MOTION by Jones, second by McSweeney to authorize Chairman Webster to sign a letter of support to South Shore Housing. Voted 5 – 0.
XVI. Executive Session – Police Chief’s Contract
MOTION by McSweeney, second by Jones to enter into Executive Session under Item #3 negotiations with non-union personnel. Roll Call –Forte aye; Kuchinski aye; Webster aye; McSweeney aye, Jones aye. Voted 5 – 0.
9:50 p.m. Brief Recess
10:09 p.m. Back in open session – no votes taken.
MOTION by McSweeney, second by Jones to adjourn. Voted 5 – 0.
10:09 p.m. Meeting adjourned.
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