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Selectmen's Minute 12/09/03
Selectmen’s Meeting Minutes
December 9, 2003

Present:  Present were Catherine Kuchinski, Mark Gallivan, Robert Forte and Jesse McSweeney.  Peter Jones absent. Also present Acting Executive Secretary Meredith Scozzari.

7:39 p.m.       Vice-Chairman Forte called the meeting to order and read the announcements and up coming meeting schedule.

I.      Department Head Reports:

Senior Center Monthly Report - Jean Marie Smith was present and reviewed her monthly report.  She highlighted the value of the volunteer positions which totaled 6,346 hours with an estimated monetary value of $101,282.39.  She invited the Board to attend the TRAID (The right information and direction program on Thursday, January 22nd.  She updated the Board on the building maintenance and repair.  She thanked custodian Brian Clemons for all his assistance.

Fire Department Monthly Report - Chief Hoyt reviewed his monthly report with the Board.  He thanked the Highway Surveyor and his staff for the outstanding job they did during the weekend storm. The Chief urged residents to clear fire hydrants and catch basins in front of their houses.  Burning season opens on January 10th.  The burning permits are $20.00 for the season. The Chief also reviewed fire safety during the Christmas holiday.

Police Department Monthly Report - Chief Savage was present and updated that Board on the status of new hire, Dan Godwin who is 3rd in his class.  He informed the Board that the “Click it or Ticket” program will be in effect.  He thanked the highway crew for their assistance during the storm.  The Police Department received a block grant for $10,470 for the Student police academy.  Forty students will participate in the program.  Lojack has donated a piece of equipment for locating stolen vehicle with the Lojack security device.  The Chief acknowledged Sgt. Peter Daley for his assistance in a domestic relations matter.  The Braintree police chief forwarded a letter commending Sgt. Daley.

Treasurer/Collector Monthly Report - Carole McCormack reviewed her monthly report.  She indicated that 43% of the taxes have been collected in three weeks.   Mr. Forte stepped away from the table.  Mrs. McCormack informed the Board that her office will be understaffed the week of January 12th due to vacations by her and the Assistant Treasurer.  She requested extra help during those hours.  The Board discussed the matter at length.  They instructed Mrs. McCormack to make a recommendation for coverage and report back on December 16th.  The Board also discussed Mrs. McCormack request for December 26th off as a personal day.  After another lengthy discussion, Mrs. McCormack agreed to be open on December 26th.  Further she agreed to make arrangements for payment of taxes on Fridays during the month of January, by leaving messages on her voice mail and notices posted on the office window.  

Building Department Monthly Report  - Michael Kennedy updated the Board on the current building in town.  He reported that the BCAB found in his favor regarding the Nextel matter.  Ms. Kuchinski inquired about the status of his certification.  Mr. Kennedy informed the Board he has one test left to take.  Mr. Gallivan suggested that Mr. Kennedy take the necessary time to study for the exam and take it.  Ms. Kuchinski requested he take the exam within 60 days.  Mr. Gallivan recommended giving Mr. Kennedy 60 days to schedule the exam.

II.     Vote & Approve Private Way Plow list 2003 -2004

MOTION by McSweeney, second by Kuchinski to approve the following private ways to be plowed during the 2003 – 2004 season.  Alden Way, Arthur Avenue, Arthur Street Boston Avenue, Briggs Street, Captain Nathaniel Drive, Charles St., All Church parking lots, Commons Lane, Constitution Way, Cranberry Road, Cushman Street, Emory Street, Fallon Point Road, French Street, Gray Lane, Hanson Court, Hawthorne St., Hill Road, Holmes Terrace, Independence Avenue, Indian Head Pond Development, Joshua Lane, Lakeside Road, Ocean Avenue Ext., Pearl Street, Pennsylvania Avenue, Pine Grove Colony, Roller Coaster Road, Santos Court, Sydney Lane, Snow Street, Spofford Avenue, Station Street, Stringer Lane, Union Park Street, Village Road, Wilbur Avenue, Wilkie Terrace – entrances only, Woodbine Avenue Ext. Woodbrook Lane and Woodman Terrace.  Although a request was received to plow Audubon Estates and Stonewall Estates, the Highway Surveyor advised the office that these streets are still under construction.  Audubon Estate has raised catch basins.  The Highway Surveyor did not recommend plowing these streets as the pose a damage risk to the plows and operators.  Voted 4 – 0.

III.    Award Library/Senior Center Heating Contract – The Acting Executive Secretary informed the Board only one bid was received for the heating contract.  The bid was from HIM in the amount of $21,486.00 with a contingency bid of $8,559.00 for additional work.  Al Hanscom of BETA recommends awarding the bid.

MOTION by Kuchinski, second by McSweeney to award the Library/Senior Center Heating Contract to HIM.  Voted 4 – 0.
 
IV.     Executive Secretary’s Report – Mrs. Scozzari reminded the Board of the MMA Annual Meeting January 16th & 17th .  Mr. McSweeney indicated he would be attending.  She noted that the Board would need to designate a member to vote at the Annual Meeting.

MOTION by Gallivan, second by Forte to authorize Mr. McSweeney to vote on behalf of the Board.  Voted 4 – 0.
 
Mrs. Scozzari informed the Board that the Fire Union has a new acting president – Keith Wilson.  Union negotiation folders are available in the office.  The office received a letter from Town Counsel regarding the Public Records request for a list of elected officials receiving health insurance. Town Counsel’s recommendation was not to release the information. She read a letter from Richard Harris thanking Highway Staff, Police & Fire.  Attorney Wilson has been contacted regarding the status of the Fire Contract.   The Capital Improvement plan which was submitted to CIC was passed out.  

V.      Committee Reports – CATVMs. Kuchinski informed the Board that the CATV committee has 3 new members.  Executive Secretary Search – Mr. Gallivan updated the Board on the Search Committee’s activities.  Advertisements will be in the Boston Globe, Hanson Express and The Beacon.  The deadline for applications is January 23, 2004 with interviews expected around February 21, 2004.  Mr. Gallivan also pointed out that the salary survey reflected that the Executive Secretary’s salary is the lowest in the area which may limit the circle of qualified candidates.  Lion Carnival – Mr. McSweeney informed the Board that he will be meeting with the Lions and representatives from the School Committee on Thursday, December 11th.  A suggested location for the carnival is the parking lot next to the police station, subject to the baseball schedule.

VI.     Approve Licenses:

MOTION by Kuchinski, second by Gallivan to renew Automatic Amusement licenses for Hanson American Legion, Matilda’s, Hanson Tavern, Pina Inc. Cahill & Driscoll, Stinger’s Family Restaurant, Hanson AA & Outdoor Sportsman.  Voted 4 – 0.

MOTION by Kuchinski, second by Gallivan to renew Liquor Licenses for 14-58 Liquors, Cahill & Driscoll, Connies Restaurant, Elm Street Grill, Hanson AA, Hanson American Legion, Hanson Plymouth Liquors, Hanson Tavern, House of Pizza, Keeoffi, Inc. Matilda’s Inc., Myettes, Olde Hitching Post, Pina, Stinger’s and Village Mini Mart.  Voted 4 – 0.

MOTION by Kuchinski, second by McSweeney to renew Sunday Licenses for Cahill & Driscoll, Hanson AA, Hanson American Legion, Hanson Tavern and Pina Inc.  Voted 4 – 0.

MOTION by McSweeney, second by Gallivan to renew Live Entertainment Licenses for Cahill & Driscoll and Stinger’s Family Restaurant.  Voted 4 – 0.
  
 VII.   Executive Session – The Vice-Chairman announced that the Board would be going into Executive Session under Item # 6 purchase or sale of real estate. There may be a vote.  

MOTION by Gallivan, second by Kuchinski.  Roll Call:  Kuchinski aye, Gallivan aye, Forte aye and McSweeney nay.  Voted 3 – 1 McSweeney.  Mr. McSweeney announced he would not be participating in Executive Session and left the meeting.

9:41 p.m. Brief Recess.

11:07 p.m.      Returned to open Session one vote was taken.

MOTION by Gallivan, second by Kuchinski to adjourn.  Voted 3 – 0.

        11:08 p.m. Meeting Adjourned.