Selectmen’s Meeting Minutes
October 14, 2003
Present: Present were Mark Gallivan, Peter Jones and Jesse McSweeney. Catherine Kuchinski and Robert Forte Absent. Also present was Executive Assistant Meredith Scozzari
7:37 p.m. Chairman Jones called the meeting to order.
I. Department Head Reports
Town Accountant – Barbara Gomez presented her monthly report. She indicated that the police overtime line was high due to an injured officer and the insurance line is depleted. The Highway Surveyor Dick Harris had placed an article on the October Special Town Meeting warrant. Due to lack of quorum, Mr. Harris has requested a reserve fund transfer from the Finance Committee to cover the cost of new tires. Free cash has been certified at $703,000. Ms. Gomez recommended that the Board pay off the Plymouth County Hospital bond with a portion of the free cash. She also recommended other smaller debts be paid off to avoid the bond costs. Mr. Gallivan requested an analysis of alternative uses with free cash.
Treasurer/Collector – Carol McCormack presented her monthly report. She indicated that she has advertised 45 tax taking properties. She indicated that the tax bills will be going out late due to computer upgrades in the assessors office. She estimated they would go out about November 14th. She updated the Board on the Betterment program.
Building Inspector – Michael Kennedy gave his monthly update. He indicated that September was an average month. The office brought in $895,160 in permit fees.
Fire Chief - Chief Hoyt reminded the Board and the public that October is Fire Safety month and the Fire Department is conducting their annual fire prevention week. He reminded residents to clean their chimney and heating system and check the batteries in smoke detectors. He also reviewed some Halloween safety tips.
Police Chief – Chief Savage reviewed his monthly report with the Board. He highlighted training and school activities. The Chief requested the Board appointed Whitman police officers Christopher Lee and Sean Reynolds as Special Police Officers until June 30, 2003. Both officers work with Hanson Safety officers at the Whitman Hanson Regional High School.
MOTION by Gallivan, second by McSweeney to appoint Christopher Lee and Sean Reynolds as special police officers. Terms to expire 6/30/03. Voted 3 – 0.
The Chief explained the new Special Operations Trailer he acquired through a grant. He also informed the Board he would be requesting three police cruisers be declared surplus.
II. Announcement – Chairman Jones read the announcements and upcoming meeting schedule.
III. Discuss Board of Health Vacancy – The Board discussed the Board of Health vacancy. The executive assistant informed the Board that the office received verbal notification that the Board of Health wished to fill the vacancy. The Board of Selectmen requested the Board of Health attend the meeting on October 21st to discuss the matter.
IV. Vote agreement with Acting Executive Secretary – The Board reviewed the agreement with Meredith Scozzari who would be Acting Executive Secretary until a new Executive Secretary is appointed.
MOTION by Gallivan, second by McSweeney to sign the agreement with Meredith Scozzari as Acting Executive Secretary effective October 7th as discussed. Voted 3 – 0.
V. Request from Hanson Cub Scouts – Pack 34 requesting permission to use the Town Hall green to sell Christmas wreaths on Saturday, November 29th from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
MOTION by McSweeney, second by Gallivan to grant permission to the Hanson Cub Scouts Pack 34 to use the Town Hall green on November 29th. Voted 3 – 0.
VI. Appointment: Sandra Harris to the General By-law committee to fill vacancy. Term to expire 6/30/05
MOTION by Gallivan, second by McSweeney to appoint Sandra Harris to the General By-law Committee. Term to expire 6/30/05. Voted 3 – 0.
VII. Resignation: Received letter of resignation from Arthur Gelsi from the Conservation Commission.
MOTION by McSweeney, second by Gallivan to accept the resignation of Arthur Gelsi from Conservation. Voted 3 – 0.
VIII. One-Day Liquor License Request at Camp Kiwanee
Kate McAndrews, Pembroke, November 1st 2 pm – 7 pm - Wedding
Todd Junkins, East Bridgewater, November 8th 12 pm – 5 pm - Christening
Kathy Egan, Hanson, November 20th 5pm to 11 pm – Political party
Jason Myette Hanson, November 29th 6pm to 11p.m. – Wedding
MOTION by Gallivan, second by McSweeney to grant a one day liquor license to Kate McAndrews of Pembroke on November 1st 2 pm – 7 pm for a Wedding. Voted 3 – 0.
MOTION by McSweeney, second by Gallivan to grant a one day liquor license to Todd Junkins of East Bridgewater on November 8th 12 pm – 5 pm for a Christening. Voted 3 – 0.
MOTION by Jones, second by Gallivan to grant a one day liquor license to Kathy Egan of Hanson on November 20th 5pm to 11 pm for a Political party. Voted 3 – 0.
MOTION by Gallivan, second by McSweeney to grant a one day liquor license to Jason Myette of Hanson on November 29th 6 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. for a wedding. Voted 3 – 0.
IX. Committee Reports – Executive Secretary Search Committee – Mr. Gallivan reviewed the composition of the committee and indicated he is waiting notification from the Finance Committee and Wage & Personnel of their representatives. Ms. Scozzari informed the Board only two applications for appointment have been received. The Board agreed to accept applications until the end of the week. School Building Committee – Mr. Jones informed that Board that the building project is moving along. CATV Committee – Mr. Jones requested volunteers from the public to serve as members. Comcast has informed the Town that it will no longer be able to use the Whitman Studio and residents will have to go to Easton. Mr.
Jones indicated that Easton will not be one of the Town’s options and will be meeting with a Comcast representative on October 30th.
X. Executive Secretary’s Report – Ms. Scozzari updated the Board on the networking and installation of the e-mail server. She informed the Board that the Veteran’s Agent Bob Arsenault has returned from his tour of duty and will commence his work in the Veteran’s office. Mrs. McCormack has been renewed by the Board of Certification until 12/31/08. OCPC is looking for two selectmen from Plymouth County for serve on the Old Colony Metropolitan Planning Organization. Association of Finance Committees will be hosting a financing seminar on Saturday November 1st at Holy Cross. Metrogard Insurance is sponsoring Mold Seminar on 10/22 in Dedham. Joan DiLillio custodian of the Library/Senior Center will be attending. The
office received a thank you from Girls Scouts.
XI. Executive Session – Chairman Jones announced that the Board would be going into Executive Session under item #3 Litigation. Chairman Jones was unsure whether a vote would be taken.
MOTION by Gallivan, second by McSweeney to go into Executive Session under Item #3 Litigation. Roll Call: Gallivan aye, Jones aye and McSweeney aye. Vote 3 – 0.
9:15 p.m. Brief Recess
9:55 p .m. Back in open session – Chairman Jones announced that one vote was taken in Executive Session regarding litigation on a pending matter.
MOTION by Gallivan, second by McSweeney to adjourn. Voted 3 – 0.
9:56 p.m. Meeting Adjourned.
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