Selectmen’s Meeting Minutes
August 19, 2003
Present: Catherine Kuchinski, Mark Gallivan, Peter Jones, Robert Forte and Jesse McSweeney. Also present were Executive Secretary E. Winn Davis and Executive Assistant Meredith Scozzari
7:43 p.m. Chairman Jones called the meeting to order and read the announcements and upcoming meeting schedule.
I. Swearing in of new police patrolman, Daniel Godwin – Chief Savage introduced Daniel Godwin and requested the effective date of his appointment to be Monday, August 25, 2003. Town Clerk Sandra Harris performed the swearing in. Officer Godwin thanked the Chief, the Board, his family and friends for their support.
II. Legislative Update – State Representative Daniel Webster was present and updated the Board on the State Budget.
III. Release from 61A Request – Zella 203 Elm Street – A few departments still have not responded to that 3 requests for input. Matter tabled until September 2, 2003.
IV. Appointment:
Capital Improvement James Egan 263 Main Street to fill vacancy of Robert Cioffi. Term to expire June 30, 2006.
MOTION by Kuchinski, second by McSweeney to appoint James Egan to the Capital Improvement Committee. Term to expire June 30, 2006. Voted 5 – 0.
General By-Law Committee – Judy Murdoch 313 Adams Circle to fill vacancy of Michael Reagan. Term to expire June 30, 2006.
MOTION by Forte, second by Kuchinski to appoint Judy Murdoch to the General By-Law Committee. Term to expire June 30, 2006. Voted 5 – 0.
Ms. Kuchinski requested that a thank letter be sent to Mr. Regan for his years of service.
V. Request to use Town Hall Green – Bonnie Jolly of Hanson Cadet Girl Scout Troop 439 has requested permission to use the Town Hall green during the dedication ceremony of the patriot mural at Ferry’s on Saturday, September 6th at 3:00 p.m.
MOTION by Gallivan, second by Kuchinski to grant the Hanson Cadet Girls Scouts permission to use the Town Hall green on September 6, 2003. Voted 5 – 0.
VI. Request for Hope for the Holidays, Jingle Bell Fun Run – Patty Ryan of the Hanson Girl Scouts requesting permission to conduct a “Fun Run” on Saturday, December 6th at 12:00 noon starting a Indian Head School.
MOTION by Forte, second Gallivan to approve the Jingle Bell Fun Run for the Hanson Girl Scouts on December 6, 2003. Voted 5 – 0.
VII. 9/11 Remembrance – Chief Hoyt offered to organize the event in front of the Town Hall
MOTION by Kuchinski, second Gallivan to organize a 9/11 remembrance at Town Hall. Voted 5 – 0.
VIII. Set Meeting Schedule for September, October, November & December – The Board agreed to me on the following dates. September 2, 9, 16 & 30 October 6, 7, 14, 21 November 4, 18, 25 and December 2, 9, 16 and December 30 tentatively.
MOTION by Kuchinski, second by Forte to post meeting dates as discussed. Voted 5 – 0.
IX. Gilbert Grabowski – Tax Title Property - Mr. Grabowski is having a problem with a neighbor on Phillips Street with respect to easement rights, etc. He requested the Board move to foreclosure on the tax title property in which his easement crosses. Mr. Davis and Treasurer/Collector Carole McCormack recommended against for closing due to the excessive financial cost of $5,000 to $8,000. Mrs. McCormack indicated that the currently outstanding taxes are $2,887.91. Mrs. McCormack has been informed that the property is under agreement to be sold. All the outstanding taxes and fees will be paid prior to sale. After lengthy discussion the Board determined not to proceed to foreclosure on the property. Ms. Kuchinski suggested that Mr. Davis write a letter
to Mr. Grabowski’s neighbors in an effort to calm the situation.
X. Executive Secretary Report – Mr. Davis presented his report to the Board. He indicated he received a recommendation from Carole McCormack to appoint Carol O’Brien as Assistant Treasurer. Mrs. McCormack was present and informed the Board that Mrs. O’Brien feels she is ready to be appointed. Mrs. O’Brien has taken a few courses during the past two years.
MOTION by McSweeney, second by Gallivan to appoint Carol T. O’Brien as the Assistant Treasurer. Voted 4 – 0 – 1 (Forte).
XI. Committee Reports – Open Space Committee – Ms. Kuchinski indicated that the Open Space Committee should be forwarding a letter regarding the Zella 61A Land request. Drainage – Ms. Kuchinski informed the Board she is waiting on Mr. Harris to post a meeting. Plymouth County Hospital – Mr. Jones informed the Board the he, Mr. Forte and Mr. Davis met with Baran the progress with the project. HUD has requested a scaled down application. Congressman Delahunt’s office is assisting the Town and Baran through the application process. Mr. Jones indicated that the question was raised at the last Baran meeting regarding the potential conflict of Board of Health member Terrence McSweeney. Mr. Jones and Mr. Forte
instructed the Executive Secretary to speak with Mr. McSweeney to ensure that he check with the Ethic Commission to avoid any conflict. Mr. Jones further explained that neither Mr. McSweeney’s character or integrity was in question. The Board discussed at great lengthy the recent newspaper articles. Jesse McSweeney reiterated that his uncle only has the best interest in the Town. Stephanie and Tom McSweeney were present and questioned the tardiness of the notice of potential conflict. Jesse McSweeney indicated he would a written opinion from the Ethics Commission.
XII. Executive Secretary’s report continued - Mr. Davis review his proposed Invitations to Bid for general legal counsel, labor counsel, tax title attorney, engineering and legal advertisement. The Board requested that an advertisement be placed in the MMA Beacon and extending the deadline for responses. Mr. Davis noted that the Fire Chief will be out of Town until Saturday, August 23, 2003. The office has received a request from the Secretary of States office to set up a meeting with the Town regarding public records and open meeting issues. Mr. Davis will arrange a date. Mr. Jones and Ms. Kuchinski to attend.
XIII. Vote to approve Family and Medical Leave Policy – The Board reviewed the revised policy.
MOTION by Forte, second by Gallivan to approve the Family and Medical Leave Policy. Voted 5 – 0.
IVX. Executive Session – Chairman Jones announced the Board would be going into Executive Session under exemptions 3 & 4.
MOTION by McSweeney, second by Forte to go into Executive Session under exemptions 3 & 4. Roll Call: Kuchinski aye, Gallivan aye, Jones aye, Forte aye and McSweeney aye. Vote 5 – 0.
9:28 p.m – Brief Recess
10:30 p.m. Back in open session. Chairman Jones announced no votes were taken.
MOTION by McSweeney, second by Forte to adjourn. Voted 5 – 0.
10:31 p.m. Meeting adjourned.
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