Selectmen’s Meeting Minutes
February 3, 2004
Present: Catherine Kuchinski, Mark Gallivan, Peter Jones, Robert Forte and Jesse McSweeney. Also present was Acting Executive Secretary Meredith Scozzari.
7:45 p.m. Chairman Jones called the meeting to order and read the announcements and upcoming meeting schedule.
I. Discussion of the Maquan School Playground – Al Hanscom of VHB and Jim Armstrong of the School Committee were present to discuss the status of the Maquan School playground. Chairman Jones updated the Board and audience on the closing of the playground. The office received notification from Dr. McEwan that the playground would be closed due to revisions in the acceptable level of arsenic in the wood. Mr. Hanscom informed the Board that based on previous testing at a Wakefield playground, proper sealants would virtually eliminate any potential hazard. Mr. Hanscom explained that testing process and State and Federal levels. Mr. Armstrong informed the Board that the playground is sealed and maintained on a regular basis. The School Committee
appropriates $2,000 annually for the sanding and sealing of the playground. Mr. Hanscom estimated that cost to demolish and dispose of the playground debris would be in excess of $20,000.00. He suggested testing the facility at a cost of approximately $700.00. The Board inquired whether the school committee would pay for the testing. Mr. Armstrong indicated he would check with the school committee about the funding and let the Board know on February 24th.
MOTION by Kuchinski, second by Gallivan to table the matter until February 24th to determine whether the school committee would pay for testing. Voted 5 – 0.
II. Executive Session - Union Grievance – Chairman Jones announced that the Board would be going into Executive Session under Exemption #3 Union negotiations.
MOTION by McSweeney second by Gallivan to go into Executive Session under Item #3. Roll Call: Kuchinski aye, Gallivan aye, Jones aye, Forte aye and McSweeney aye. Voted 5 – 0.
8:25 p.m. – Brief Recess
9:15 p.m. – Back in Open session – No votes taken.
III. Committee Reports – Executive Secretary Search – Mr. Gallivan informed the Board that the Committee is continuing to screen candidates and will be meeting on February 12th. Street Safety Committee - Jones and Mr. McSweeney updated the Board on the Street light policy. Mr. McSweeney also indicated that there will be no parking directly in front of the Town Hall due to safety concerns. The Committee is also considering either eliminating all the parking in front of the Town Hall or considerably reducing the number of spaces. Employees should be parking behind the building or in the lower level. The committee also discussed a second access to the MBTA parking lot. A representative from the MBTA will be
present at the next meeting. The Highway surveyor is looking into possible signage at Winter and Whitman Streets warning drivers of a dangerous intersection.
IV. Request from Sheila Niksa – Tag Way on Private Way Plow List – Ms. Niska requested the Board include Tag Way on the Private Way Plow List. She points out that on or before February 27th there will be 2 families living on the street. She also notes that there is no ongoing construction and the street is cleared of debris. The Highway Surveyor indicates that he has already completed his plow routes. The Board discussed setting a policy for accepting streets to the list. The Street Safety committee to will draft guidelines. By consensus of the Board, Tag Way will not be added to the list.
V. Executive Secretary’s Report – Ms. Scozzari informed the Board that the Mass. Electric’s 5 year Right of Way Vegetation Management Plan is on file at Selectmen’s office. The office received a letter from Attorney Shanley representing the McDonald Family Trust, owners of the parcel next to the Main Street Fire Station. The McDonalds are offering the parcel for sale to the Town. Input from the Fire Chief has been requested. The Treasurer has submitted a proposed vacation schedule for the remainder of the year. The Board tabled the matter. MMA Bulletin – House One budget is out. Rep. Webster has informed Ms. Scozzari that local aid has been level funded, Hanson’s lottery funds will remain the same and
Hanson has received a slight decrease in the Ch. 70 funds from $30,000.00 to $28,500.00. Mr. Ray McAndrews has expressed interest in renting one of the garage bays at the Plymouth County Hospital for a welding business. After brief discussion, the Board did not recommend leasing the garage.
MOTION by Gallivan, second by Forte to adjourn. Voted 5 – 0.
9:45 p.m. Meeting Adjourned.
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