Selectmen’s Meeting Minutes
September 9, 2003
Present: Catherine Kuchinski, Mark Gallivan, Peter Jones and Jesse McSweeney. Robert Forte absent. Also present Executive Assistant Meredith Scozzari. Executive Secretary E. Winn Davis absent.
7:40 p.m. – Chairman Jones read the announcements and upcoming meeting schedule.
I. Historical Society – Bruce Young of the Hanson Historical Society announced that the History of Hanson Books were available. He presented the Board with a copy for the Selectmen’s Office.
II. Committee Report – Drainage – Ms. Kuchinski announced the Drainage Committee had a scheduled meeting earlier in the evening but could not obtain a quorum. The committee needs members. School Building Committee – Mr. Jones announced that the contractor is having problems with citizens going onto the construction site. Mr. Jones requested everyone stay away from the construction area.
III. Assessors – Classification Hearing - Assessors Cindy Long, Kathy Marini, Dan Ward and Susan Thornton were present.
MOTION by Kuchinski, second by McSweeney to open the classification hearing. Voted 4 – 0.
Mrs. Long explained to the Board that the hearing would have to be continued to a later date as the re-certification figures are not complete due to new computer conversion and problems with Internet access. The approximate value of the town is $1.5 billion. The assessors are anticipating a tax rate of approximately $11.25. The Assessors distributed a packet from DOR regarding supplemental tax assessment on new construction for the Board review and vote on September 30th
MOTION by Kuchinski, second by Gallivan to continue the hearing until September 30th. Roll Call: Kuchinski aye, Gallivan aye, Jones aye and McSweeney aye. Vote 4 – 0.
IV. Dan Ward – Petition Article – Mr. Ward sponsored a petition article for the October Special Town Meeting. He explained to the Board that the Lions have in the past requested permission to conduct a carnival on school property, but the School Committee won’t meet with them. He indicated by authorizing the Selectmen to negotiate with the school district they maybe able to hold the carnival on the school grounds. The Board took the matter under advisement.
8:10 p.m. Mr. Gallivan excused himself from the meeting to attend a meeting with the Board of Health.
V. Cadet Girl Scout Troop 439 – Troop leader Bonnie Jolly and the troop were presented with a citation from the Board acknowledging their work on the patriotic mural at Ferry’s Sunoco. The artist Siobhan Ohmart was also presented a citation. Ed Jordan of the Hanson American Legion presented Mrs. Jolly with a citation as well.
VI. Chief Hoyt – Monthly Report – Chief Hoyt referred the Board to his monthly report. The Chief reviewed the fee increase with the Board. He had compiled fee information from surrounding towns. He requested the Board vote on the fee increase by the end of the month so that the new fees will become effective October 1st. He also informed the Board he would be seeking a revolving account at the May 2004 Town Meeting for the fire safety program. The Board discussed the warrant articles for the fire department. The Chief informed them that he would be delaying the roof article until May. Mutual aid was discussed. The Chief informed the Board that he does not send the second ambulance out to mutual aid if the first
ambulance is already on a call.
VII. John Kosko – South Shore Vocational Technical High Recalculation – Dr. Kosko, Bob Kelly and Hanson Representative Jim Rodick were present to discuss the increase in assessment to Hanson. Dr. Kosko informed the Board that the Budget from House 1 has changed and the school was required to recalculate their assessments based on the guidelines set by Education Reform. All the towns have 45 days to act on the new calculations. If three Towns reject the figures the school committee will have to create a new budget. Dr. Kosko explained that the assessments are not driven on a per pupil bases, but on a formula created through Ed Reform.
VIII. Carole McCormack – Monthly Report – Mrs. McCormack informed the Board that her office is back to full staff. She is sending out warrants for late water, real estate tax and property tax bills. The fees have increase by $12.00 to $22.00. She indicated that the excise tax bills are sent out in waives. She estimated the revenue from excise bills to be $1 Million. She indicated that if the statewide petition to abolish the excise tax is passed, it would create an enormous hardship on all cities and towns.
IX. Review Warrant Articles
9:18 p.m. Mr. Gallivan returned to the meeting, but stepped away from the table due to a conflict regarding the conservation article.
Conservation Article – Phil Lindquist addressed the Board regarding the article. He presented them with a map highlighting the lot. Mrs. McCormack informed the Board that the lot was assessed for over $155,000.00. The Board was informed that the matter was discussed at the Department Head meeting. The Conservation Agent indicated that there was a stream through the property and she would conduct a site visit and report back. During the department head meeting Mr. Davis recommended tabling the article until May for further information. Subdividing the parcel was also suggested leaving access for conservation purposes and selling the remaining portion. Ms. Kuchinski and Mr. McSweeney recommended leaving the article on the warrant. Mr. Jones favored tabling the matter
until May.
MOTION by Kuchinski, second by McSweeney to accept article on the warrant. Voted 2 – 1 (Jones)
9:30 p.m. Mr. Gallivan returned to the table.
Water Conservation Article – Mrs. Gomez informed the Board that she spoke with the Water Superintendent. Mrs. Gomez feels that Phase 1 of the Water Conservation Program does not fall within the parameters of the Water Surplus Account. She is still waiting for Town Counsel’s opinion. She recommended that the Water Commissioners use funds from their expense line and if a contractor reimburses the Town, the funds will be deposited into the expense line. The Board discussed the matter. Mr. Jones suggested passing over. Ms. Kuchinski recommended leaving on.
MOTION by Kuchinski, second by Gallivan to put the Water Conservation Article on the warrant without a recommendation. Voted 4 – 0.
Fire Building Maintenance – The Chief had informed the Board the roof portion of the article has been deleted. Some of the funds would be used to replenish funds already spent and fix some of the other items.
MOTION by Kuchinski, second by McSweeney to accept the article as revised. Voted 4 – 0.
Fire Hose Replacement – The Board discussed the issue of replacing hose. The Chief indicated that the testing has not been completed to date.
MOTION by Kuchinski, second by McSweeney to put on the Warrant. Voted 2 – 2 Jones & Gallivan. Motion failed
Further discussion. Mrs. Gomes indicated a reserve fund transfer from the Finance Committee would be an alternative. She also pointed out that if the warrant article failed at Town Meeting, the Chief would not qualify for a Reserve Fund Transfer. The Chief withdrew the article.
Dan Ward Petition Article – MOTION by McSweeney, second by Kuchinski to recommend the article. Voted 4 – 0.
MOTION by Kuchinski, second by McSweeney to open the October Special Town Meeting Warrant. Voted 4 – 0.
MOTION by Kuchinski, second by Gallivan to include an article to fund the $39,746.00 for the South Shore VoTech line. Voted 4 – 0.
Chairman Jones announced that Mr. Davis has verbally accepted a position as County Manager in Dukes County. The Board will need funds to advertise the position.
MOTION by Kuchinski, second by Gallivan to include an article for $2,000 for advertising expenses for the Executive Secretary’s position. Voted 4 – 0.
X. Accept Richard Harris’ disclosure as Tree Warden – Pursuant to the Board’s request, Mr. Harris has submitted a Disclosure.
MOTION by McSweeney second by Gallivan to accept Mr. Harris’ disclosure for his position as Tree Warden. Voted 4 – 0.
XI. Vote to Accept Minutes – Regular & Executive Session minutes of August 5th & 19th.
MOTION by McSweeney, second by Kuchinski to accept the regular and executive session minutes of August 5th and 19th. Voted 4 – 0.
XII. Request from Senior Steppers – Senior Steppers requesting permission to conduct a yard sale on the Town Hall green on Saturday, October 11th . Voted 4 – 0.
MOTION by McSweeney, second by Kuchinski to grant permission to the Senior Steppers to use the Town Hall green on Saturday, October 11th.
XIII. Approve Limo License – Dream Limousine & Coach 1139 Main Street – Robert Nickerson. The Executive Assistant informed the Board that the Zoning Board of Appeals is currently reviewing a Special Permit Application. They will not make a final decision until all his licenses are in order. Mr. Davis forwarded a recommendation that the license be granted subject to a favorable vote of the ZBA and the license not be released until the expiration of the appeal period. Mr. Gallivan recommended the Mr. Nickerson come before the Board. Matter until September 16th.
XIV Approve Lodging House License – Hanson Country Manor 748 Whitman Street – Kenneth Norton. All matters regarding the Board of Health have been resolved.
MOTION by McSweeney, second by Gallivan to grant the Lodging House License to Kenneth Norton. Voted 4 – 0.
XV. Dean Anderson – Mr. Anderson wanted to address the Board regarding problems with the Board of Health. The Board of Health will not put him on their agenda. Chairman Jones explained that the Board of Selectmen has no jurisdiction over the Board of Health. Mr. Anderson indicated that the previous arrangement he had made with Mr. Gallivan and Mr. McSweeney was off. Mr. Gallivan encouraged Mr. Anderson to continue with the process in an effort to rectify the situation. Mr. Anderson indicated he wanted a by-law requiring all Boards to hear the public.
MOTION by Gallivan, second by McSweeney to adjourn. Voted 4 – 0.
10:17 p.m. Meeting Adjourned.
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