Selectmen’s Minutes
November 4, 2003
Present: Present were Catherine Kuchinski, Peter Jones, Robert Forte and Jesse McSweeney. Mark Gallivan absent. Also present Acting Executive Secretary Meredith Scozzari.
7:42 p.m. Chairman Jones called the meeting to order and read the announcements and up coming meeting schedule.
I. Close Classification Hearing – Assessors Susan Thornton, Kathy Marini, Dan Ward and Cindy Long were present. Mrs. Long informed the Board that there is $1,042.36 in excess levy capacity.
MOTION by McSweeney, second by Forte to sign the Excess Levy Capacity notification. Voted 4 – 0.
Mrs. Long announced the FY04 Tax rate of $11.14 and the tax bills to be mailed on November 14th . Mr. Ward thanked the staff for a great job.
MOTION by McSweeney, second by Forte to close the Classification Hearing. Voted 4 – 0.
II. Hanson Lions Carnival Location Request – Mr. Diegan of the Hanson Lions and School Committee members Jim Haggerty, Jim Armstrong and Bob Hayes as well as Parks and Fields member Bill Clay were present to discuss options for locations for annual carnival. Mr. Diegan explained to the Boards that it takes several months to coordinate the carnival and a definitive location is necessary. Mr. Haggerty informed the Board that due the CORI requirements, holding the carnival at the school would be prohibitive. Mr. Hayes suggested the parking lot next to the Police Station. After a lengthy discussion, Mr. Haggerty agreed to request a subcommittee be formed by the School Committee to review the matter with the Lions. Mr. McSweeney requested he be
notified of subcommittee meetings.
III. Carole McCormack – Discuss HIPPA – Mrs. McCormack was present to discuss the status of a public records request for names of elected officials receiving health insurance benefits. Mrs. McCormack reviewed the procedures she followed upon receiving the request. Public records has not given an opinion but suggested getting an opinion from Town Counsel. Mrs. McCormack met with the Southeast Health Group to discuss the matter. Mr. Frank Savani of SE Health Group did not recommend releasing the information due to HIPPA restrictions. Mr. Jones reviewed HIPPA information on line and was not in favor of releasing the information at this time.
MOTION by McSweeney, second by Forte to get an opinion from Town Counsel regarding the release of the names.
Ms. Kuchinski recommended getting free advice from Health Care Financing Agency. Mr. McSweeney withdrew his motion.
MOTION by Kuchinski, second by Forte to have the Chairman work with the Treasurer/Collector to form a suitable question to be forwarded to the HHS website with Kopelman & Paige as a back-up solution. Voted 4 – 0. Matter tabled until November 25th.
IV. Award Drainage Contract – Two bids were received for the drainage installation at the Library/Senior Center. Crystal Construction of Kingston was the low bidder at $7,500 for base project and $5,000 for contingency work.
MOTION by Forte, second by McSweeney to award the drainage contract to Crystal Construction of Kingston in the amount of $12,500.00. Voted 4 – 0.
V. Request from Whitman Hanson School for a bonfire November 25th. – Whitman Hanson High School principal, Pam Gould has requested permission to hold a bonfire on Tuesday November 25th. Chief Hoyt has been notified and supports the event.
MOTION by McSweeney, second by Forte to grant permission for the bonfire at the High School. Voted 4 – 0.
VI. Committee Report – Cable T.V. Committee: Mr. Jones informed the Board that the CATV Committee has met and is planning site visits to other towns’ studios. The Committee is seeking 4 additional members. SSVT: – Mr. Forte informed the Board that he attended a meeting at the South Shore Vocational School where selectmen from area towns voted to appoint Scituate Selectmen Joseph Norton to the collective bargaining committee. Mr. Jones informed the Board that he would be attended a Finance Seminar at Holy Cross where they discussed regional schools and additional assessments. High School Building Committee: Mr. Jones indicated that the building committee will be meeting with neighbors to discuss concerns
about the wind turbine to be located at the school.
VII. Executive Secretary Report – Hanson Community Christmas has requested permission to put up a tree at the Town Hall to display ornaments with wishes from local families.
MOTION by Kuchinski, second by Forte to grant Hanson Committee Christmas permission to put up their tree. Voted 4 – 0.
Mrs. Scozzari informed the Board that the Capital Improvement Plan is due November 17th and requesting any additional capital items be forwarded as soon as possible. The Police Union President Paul O’Brien has sent notification that the Union is ready to start contract negotiations. Veteran’s Day ceremonies will be at the Town Hall on Tuesday, November 11th at 11:00 a.m.
Ms. Kuchinski requested a letter welcoming Mr. Arsenault back from the his tour of duty.
MOTION by Forte, second by McSweeney to adjourn. Voted 4 – 0.
9:04 p.m. Meeting adjourned.
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