Selectmen’s Meeting Minutes
October 12, 2004
Present: Mark Gallivan, Catherine Kuchinski, Jesse McSweeney and Rebecca Coletta. (Robert Forte absent) Also present Executive Secretary Michael Finglas and executive assistant Meredith Marini.
7:34 p.m. Chairman Kuchinski called the meeting to order and lead the Pledge of Allegiance. She read the announcements and upcoming meeting schedule.
Item I Executive Secretary Report – Mr. Finglas reported that he signed payroll warrant #16, and expense warrants 16, 16A & 16B. He informed the Board that the Roller Coaster Road project is on schedule and he has signed the Bid award. The bids for the replacement of the BCI furnace are available and will close on October 20th. The Historical Commission will be seeking the Board’s support for placing Camp Kiwanee and School House #4 on the Historic Register. The Commission will be forwarding a formal request. Mr. Finglas continues to meet with the clerical union to review job descriptions and classifications. He has met with some of the Open Space Committee members regarding
several sites for possible Town acquisition. The Police negotiations are scheduled for October 20th. The Planning Board did not change its recommendation for membership on the Government Study Committee. Mr. Coyle will be its designee.
Item II Old Business – Chief Savage was present to discuss the Catherine Road parking situation. He reviewed the history of the signage on the street. Four parking tickets have been issued since the signs were erected. Last year 42 tickets had been issued by this time. A few Whitman residents are contesting their tickets with the Whitman Executive Secretary. Chief Savage was adamant that his officers are aware of the location of the Town line and the tickets were issued properly. The Board and Chief discussed their disappointment and concerns relative to Whitman Board of Selectmen’s vote to rescind it’s previous vote to erect “No Parking” signs on the Northerly side of Catherine Road. The Whitman Fire Chief cited safety concerns
with vehicles parking at the entrance of the street. Mr. Gallivan pointed out that Whitman’s vote will continue to allow vehicle parking at the entrance which creates a safety issue for Hanson’s residents. The Board requested the Mr. Finglas and Chief Savage arrange a meeting with the Mr. Kowalski Chairman of the Whitman Board of Selectmen.
Item III New Business -- Discuss Police Station Building Comm. – Chief Savage informed the Board that his department is still in need of a new or renovated facility. The Feasability Study Committee received a set of plans from the architect, Carrel Group. Chief Savage indicated that he his been approached by members of both the Finance and Capital Improvement committee encouraging him to move forward with the project. He recommended the Board form a Police Station Building Committee to explore the construction of new quarters. The Building Committee could prepare an article for May 2005 Town meeting and a ballot question for the May 2005 annual elections in the event a debt exclusion is
necessary.
MOTION by Gallivan, second by McSweeney to establish a Police Station Study Committee. Voted 4 – 0
The Board and the Chief discussed the composition of the building committee. Chief Savage suggested the committee could consist of the Chief, a member of the Board of Selectmen, Finance Committee and Capital Improvement and three citizens at large. Mr. Gallivan volunteered to act as the Board’s designee. Completion of the composition of the committee was tabled until October 19th.
Item V I Appointments - Strategic Planning for School Comm. – The School Committee is requesting one member of the Board of Selectmen and Finance Committee to be appointed to the Strategic Planning Committee. Three meeting dates have been set for Wednesday, November 3rd, Friday, November 5th and Saturday, Nov. 6th.
MOTION by Gallivan, second by McSweeney to appoint Robert Forte to the Strategic Planning Committee. Voted 4 – 0
Teacher Unions Neg. Team – The School Committee is also seeking a Selectmen representative from either Whitman or Hanson to serve on the Teacher Union Negotiation Team. Whitman Chairman Kowalski has offered to serve. Chairman Kuchinski indicated she would be willing to serve depending on the meeting dates and ifthe School Committee would allow a representative from each of the Towns.
MOTION by Gallivan, second by McSweeney to appoint Chairman Kuchinski as the Board’s representative on the Teacher Union Negotiation Team if needed. Voted 4 – 0.
Item VII Committee Reports – Mr. McSweeney reported that he hosted an assembly at the High School with Representatives Webster and Teagan to encourage juniors and seniors to register to vote. He will be meeting with students on November 1st to discuss political issues. Government Study – Mr. McSweeney set a meeting date of Monday, October 25th for the first Government Study meeting. Monponsett Pond Committee – Mrs. Coletta indicated that the committee have been broken in to sub-groups to investigate various issues concerning water quality, historic water levels and treatment options. She gave a brief description of the weekend canoe trip down the Snakey
River. Open Space Committee – Chairman Kuchinski indicated that the Open Space Committee will be meeting on Wednesday, October 13th and requested a complete copy of the Purchase and Sales agreement for the Main Street 61A release request.
MOTION by Gallivan, second by McSweeney to adjourn. Voted 4 – 0
8:30 p.m. Meeting adjourned
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