Selectmen’s Meeting Minutes
December 17, 2002
Present: Cathy Kuchinski, Robert Forte, Daniel Webster, Stephanie McSweeney and Peter Jones. Also present Executive Secretary E. Winn Davis and Management Assistant Meredith Scozzari.
7:40 p.m. Chairman Daniel Webster called the meeting to order and read the announcements.
I. Carol McCormack – Discussed Septic System Abatement program and requested authorization to sign documents. Mrs. McCormack informed the board that Town Counsel has reviewed the contract information. She will also forward it to Bond Counsel. The first loan payment is due February 2006.
MOTION by Kuchinski, second by McSweeney to authorize Carol McCormack to sign appropriate documents for the Septic System Abatement subject to the approval of Town Counsel and Bond Counsel. Voted 5 – 0.
II. Concerts on the Green – Ms. Kuchinski displayed tee-shirts, which are available through the Rotary. The proceeds will be use for the summer concerts on the green. Tee-shirts available through Ms. Kuchinski and Kathleen Ferrera.
III. Common Victualler’s Licenses for 2003 – The Board voted to renew the following Common Victualler’s licenses for 2003: Cahill & Driscoll, Connie’s Restaurant, Dunkin Donuts 487 Liberty Street, Dunkin Donuts 1120 Main Street, Elm Street Grill, Expresso’s Pizza, Hanson American Legion Post, Hanson Athletic Association, Hanson Bowladrome, Hanson Tavern, Heidi’s Hollow Farms, Hess Corporation, House of Pizza, Keeoffi, Inc., Matilda’s Inc., McDonalds, Myette’s Country Store, Olde Hitching Post, Pina Inc., Sandy’s Coffee Corner, Shaw’s, Spiro’s II, Stingers, Tedeschi Food Shop, Café Deli, Golden Roll and Village Mini Mart.
MOTION by McSweeney, second by Kuchinski to renew the Common Victualler’s licenses as read. Voted 5 – 0.
IV. Renew Livery License – Dennis Chick Hanson Livery 36 Lantz Avenue, Whitman
MOTION by Kuchinski, second by McSweeney to renew a livery license for Hanson Livery. Voted 5 – 0.
V. Automatic Amusement License – Hanson Bowladrome Reed St.
MOTION by Kuchinski, second by McSweeney to approve Hanson Bowladrome Automatic Amusement license for 2003. Voted 5– 0.
VI. Receive Evaluations – Schedule January meeting for discussion during the Department Head Reports on January 14th.
VII. Review Budget – Mr. Davis presented the Board with a draft budget for the Selectmen’s lines. Explained that the supplies line (copier) has been reduced, printing line level funded, increase insurance line, combined the harvester and sweeper lines. Mr. Davis reviewed the Capital Improvement plan and issued presented by the Senior Center and Library Trustees. Board agreed to propose siding replacement and drainage improvements. Mr. Davis informed the Board that there maybe little money available for Capital Improvements. The Board agreed the Capital improvement funds should be used for building preservation. Board further agreed to insert preliminary figures for salary increases at 3%. Mr. Davis indicated that the Town Accountant is
planning for a 10% cut in the budget figures and state aid could be reduced by 15%.
VIII. Set Meeting Schedule for January, February, March & April. Board agreed to meeting on January 7, 14, & 21; February 4, 11 & 25, March 4, 11 & 18 and April 1, 8, 15 & 29.
IX. Easement of Lot 3 Anne Marie Lane from C&R Doolittle to Town – Mr. Davis informed the Board that the Planning Board requested the Town accept the easement as it is contiguous to the Plymouth County Hospital property. The easement would allow for a walking trail. The Board discussed acceptance the easement subject to Town Meeting approval.
MOTION by Kuchinski, second by McSweeney to accept the easement for recording purposes pending Town Meeting Vote. Voted 5 – 0.
X. Executive Secretary’s Report – Mr. Davis reminded the Board that the Annual MMA meeting is coming up. The Auditors have been working on the annual Town Audit. The network committee will be meeting next month to set up guidelines for networking the departments. The Committee consists of the Executive Secretary, Police Chief, Fire Chief, Water Superintendent, Assessor and Global Data systems as Ex Officio.
MOTION by McSweeney, second by Forte to create a Network ad hoc committee to review the Town’s Network needs and report to the Board by the end of February. Voted 5 – 0.
XI. Roller Coaster Road – Ms. Kuchinski inquired about the documents for the Roller Coaster Road project. Mr. Davis indicated that he is awaiting the paperwork from one of the landowners.
XII. MMA Meeting – Mr. Forte may be able to attend. None of the other Board members are available. By consensus, if Mr. Forte attends, he will be the Boards designated proxy.
XIII. Executive Session – Mr. Webster indicated that the Board would be going into Executive Session to discuss the Plymouth County Hospital Property transfer.
MOTION by Forte, second by Jones to enter Executive Session under Item #6, sale or transfer of real estate.
Roll Call Forte aye, Kuchinski aye, Webster aye, McSweeney aye & Jones aye. Vote 5 – 0. Mrs. McSweeney indicated that she would not be participating in the Executive Session.
8:44 p.m. Brief Recess.
9:20 p.m. Back in open session – Chairman Webster announced that one vote was taken in Executive Session regarding negotiations with Baran. As the negotiations have not yet been finalized, the vote and results of the vote will not be made public.
Mr. Davis informed the Board that the Water Department will be meeting on December 18th at 7:30 p.m. to discuss the Baran project.
Mr. Davis, at the request of the clerical union, requested to close the Town Hall for one hour on December 23rd for a luncheon. After very brief discussion, the Board denied the request.
IXX. Reorganize the Board - Chairman Webster announced the he would be submitting his resignation from the Board of Selectmen to the Town Clerk effective January 1, 2003. He suggested that the Board reorganize, as the Chairmanship would become vacant upon his departure.
Chairman Webster opened the nominations. Mrs. McSweeney nominated Catherine Kuchinski as Chairman until May 2003. Mr. Jones seconded the nomination and inquired about Ms. Kuchinski support of the Baran Project. Ms. Kuchinski indicated that she feels she has supported the development of the Hospital property and has started attending meetings with Baran. Chairman Webster closed the nominations. Voted 5 – 0 to elect Ms. Kuchinski Chairman.
All other offices will remain status quo. Mr. Webster thanked the Board and the residents of Hanson for their support.
MOTION by Jones, second by McSweeney to adjourn. Voted 5 – 0.
9:33 p.m. Meeting adjourned to a brief reception for Mr. Webster
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