Selectmen’s Meeting Minutes
November 16, 2004
Present: Robert Forte, Mark Gallivan, Catherine Kuchinski, Jesse McSweeney and Rebecca Coletta. Also present Executive Secretary Michael Finglas and executive assistant Meredith Marini.
7:30 p.m. Chairman Kuchinski called the meeting to order and requested a moment of silence for William A. Hammond who was fatally injured during the Veterans’ Day parade in Whitman. The pledge of allegiance was conducted in Mr. Hammond’s memory.
Item I Joint Pole Relocation – Roller Coaster Road & Crescent –
MOTION by McSweeney, second Forte to open the hearing. Voted 5 – 0
Massachusetts Electric representative Paul Brewer was present along with Town Engineer Al Hanscom and abutter Paul Williamson. Mr. Brewer explained that Pole 1 will be relocated requiring the need for the installation of Pole 12 and Pole 1-1. The Board discussed the lighting of the intersection. Mr. Hanscom suggested installing a light on Pole 12. Mr. Brewer and Mr. Williamson concurred. Mr. McSweeney indicated the Street Safety Committee will review the lighting needs of the intersection on November 22nd and make a recommendation. Mr. Hanscom updated that Board on the status of the entire project with paving expected early next week.
MOTION by Gallivan, second by Forte to approve Massachusetts Electric and Verizon Petitions 24028, 24029 and 24030. Voted 5 – 0
MOTION by Forte, second by Gallivan to close the hearing. Voted 5 – 0
Item II Executive Secretary Report – Mr. Finglas informed the Board he signed Payroll warrant 21 in the amount of $88,276.17; Expense Warrants 21 in the amount of $84,847.22 and 21A in the amount of $15,486.96. He indicated that the heating replacement at the BCI building is complete with final inspections scheduled for Friday. The siding project at the Library/Senior Center is 75% complete and the staff is very pleased with the results. Mr. Finglas has confirmed that the Group Health Insurance line will have $112,000 deficit due to additional enrollees and the increase in health costs. The County anticipated a 15% increase. The final numbers indicated a 25% increase. Mr. Finglas continues to meet with the clerical union regarding classifications
and job descriptions. Police union negotiations are scheduled for next week and he is waiting for the Highway union proposals. Mr. Finglas read a thank you letter from Whitman Fire Chief Timothy Travers thanking Hanson Fire for coverage on November 1, 2004
Mr. Finglas prepared, for the Chairman’s signature, a letter of support for designation of Camp Kiwanee on the National Register of Historic places. The Board concurred with the letter. Mr. Finglas requested the Board go into a brief executive session at the end of the meeting to discuss contract negotiations with non-union personnel. He also requested the 61 Release Request for 1460 Main Street be tabled for further information.
Item III New Business - Cub Scouts – Julie Nihan of Scout packs 430 & 34 has requested permission for the Cub Scouts to sell wreaths at the Town Hall Parking Lot on Friday, November 26th from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. There was brief discussion regarding the necessity for a detail officer. The Board agreed the traffic generated from the event would not require a detail.
MOTION by Gallivan, second by McSweeney to grant the Scouts permission to use the Town Hall Parking Lot on November 26th between 9:00 and 2:00 p.m. Voted 5 – 0
Election Workers – Chairman Kuchinski read a letter from Town Clerk Sandra Harris commending all the election workers, registrars and Assistant Town Clerk on their outstanding performance on election day, November 2, 2004. The Board publicly thanked and congratulated the dedication of all the workers.
Item IV Appointments & Resignations – Joan Malone – Mrs. Malone has tendered her resignation from the Board of Registrars effective November 9, 2004. Town Clerk Sandra Harris requested that in addition to names submitted by the Democratic Town Committee, the Board of Selectmen consider Bill Strait to fill Mrs. Malone’s vacancy due to his experience as an assistant registrar.
MOTION by Gallivan, second by Forte to accept with regret Joan Malone’s resignation from the Board of Registrars. Voted 5 – 0
Item V Approve Minutes – Regular Session minutes of November 2nd
MOTION by McSweeney, second by Gallivan to accept the minutes of November 2, 2004. Voted 5 – 0.
Item VI Committee Reports – Government Study – Mr. McSweeney informed the Board that the Committee is moving forward with it charge. The next meeting is Monday, November 29th at 6:00 at which time Victor DeSantis is scheduled to meet with the Board regarding his report to the Town of Mattapoisett. CATV – Mrs. Coletta indicated that the committee is in the process of forming the Non-profit committee and is looking to the Board of Selectmen to appointment four citizens to act as Board of Directors members. The Town of Whitman will also appoint four citizens. Mrs. Coletta requested the application deadline be Monday, November 29th at 10:00 a.m. in order to allow the Board of act on the appointments on
Tuesday, November 30th.
Item VII Executive Session – Chairman Kuchinski announced the Board would be going into Executive Session under Item #3 – contract negotiations with non-union personnel.
MOTION by Gallivan, second by Forte to enter Executive Session under Item 3 – contract negotiations with non-union personnel. Roll Call – Gallivan aye, Forte aye, Kuchinski aye, McSweeney aye and Coletta aye. Voted 5 – 0.
8:24 p.m. Brief Recess
9:07 p.m. Back in Open session
MOTION by Gallivan, second by Forte to adjourn. Voted 5 – 0
9:08 p.m. Meeting adjourned.
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