Selectmen’s Meeting Minutes
January 18, 2005
Present: Mark Gallivan (late), Catherine Kuchinski, Jesse McSweeney and Rebecca Coletta. (Robert Forte absent.) Also present Executive Secretary Michael Finglas and Executive Assistant Meredith Marini.
7:46 p.m. Chairman Kuchinski called the meeting to order.
Item I Executive Secretary’s - Treasurer/Collector update – Mr. Finglas read a memo to the Board recommending Jeanne Sullivan’s appointment as Treasurer/Collector based on her experience, work ethic and education and knowledge in the field. The Board tabled the discussion until Mr. Gallivan arrived. Warrants – Mr. Finglas indicated that he signed Payroll Warrant 30 in the amount of $87,469.98; Expense Warrant 30 - $205,903.078; Expense Warrant 30B - $9,841.00 and Expense warrant 30C - $7,307.78. Recycling Grant – Composting Bins – Mr. Finglas informed the Board that the Town received a grant in the amount of $1,780 for composting bins. Additional information will be
coming from DEP regarding the composting bins. Fire Union – Mr. Finglas has received notification from the Fire Union that they wish to commence negotiations. Baran – Attorney Holland has forwarded a draft complaint and will be contacting some of the Board members directly for additional information. Police Neg. – The next police union negotiation is set for February 14th.
Item II Department Head Report: - Jean Sullivan, Treasurer/Collector – Mrs. Sullivan updated the Board on the status of the health insurance and retirement assessment increases from the county. Mr. Finglas pointed out that an article will be in the Special Town Meeting warrant for a transfer of $110,000 to the health insurance line. Michael Kennedy, Building Inspector – Mr. Kennedy indicated that building permits are down slightly. Assembly permit letters will be going out shortly. He has been doing inspections with Lt. Smith from the fire department. Mr. McSweeney inquired about the Zoning Board referrals. Mr. Kennedy indicated that there had been no referrals in December. Communications have improved with Zoning.
8:02 p.m. Mark Gallivan arrived.
Chief Ed Savage, Police Chief – Chief Savage reviewed his monthly report highlighting the need to rent a storage container for evidence. Mr. Gallivan informed the Board that the Police Station Building Committee toured other police facilities and the staff expressed a strong need for storage of evidence. The Building Committee will keep storage as a priority during the building process. Chief Savage indicated that the department did not receive the LLEBG grant in the amount $10,470.00. The Chief spoke with Congressman Lynch regarding other types of funding. The Chief reminded the Board that the DARE graduation is February 17th and Chairman Kuchinski will be speaking. The Chief reviewed the various arrest, court and accident statistics. Chief Allen Hoyt,
Fire Chief – Chief Hoyt informed the Board that the December snowstorms have added to his call volume. He thanked the CPU Guys of Hanson for setting up the fire department website. hansonfire.com. Open burning started on January 15th and permits are available that the Fire Station for $20.00 and must be paid by check. Chief Hoyt thanked Mrs. Marini for her assistance in setting up the voicemail for the burning permits. He indicated that Lt. Smith has been doing inspections at the new high school with the Building Inspector. Training has been set for February regarding the Chapter 304 requirements. He also informed the public that there is no safe ice in Hanson and cautioned everyone about ice safety.
Announcements – Chairman Kuchinski read the announcements and upcoming meeting schedule. She indicated that she received an invitation to the Cub Scouts Blue and Gold Banquet on Sunday, February 13th. She will not be able to attend. Mr. Gallivan indicated he would check his schedule.
Treasurer/Collector’s Position – The Board revisited the discussion regarding the Treasurer/Collector’s position. Mr. Gallivan indicated that he spoke with Mr. Finglas earlier in the day and cited his concerns about certification requirements. Mr. Finglas explained certification is based on a point system. Individuals need 100 points and Mrs. Sullivan has already earned several points due to her years of experience and educational background including a bachelors degree. Mrs. Sullivan had committed to obtaining her certification. The Board discussed the necessity of advertising the position.
MOTION by Gallivan, second by McSweeney that the Town not advertise the position and to fill it internally. Voted 4 – 0.
MOTION by Gallivan, second by McSweeney to accept the Executive Secretary’s recommendation to appoint Jeanne Sullivan and that she will be undertaking the necessary actions to get certified and the Chairman and Executive Secretary will finalize the details relative to timeframe, salary and internal postings. Voted 4 – 0.
Item III Old Business - Vote Policies – Tabled voting the policies until the Snow policy is revised. Mrs. Marini to get samples of an internet policy.
Discuss Evaluation process – Chairman Kuchinski reminded the Board members to complete their evaluations by next week. Mrs. Marini provided the Board with a list of evaluations teams.
Item IV New Business - Water Department – Mr. Gallivan inquired about the status of the Water Department and the wireless communications. Chairman Kuchinski will speak with Mrs. Bickford to arrange a time for the Water Commissioners to meet with the Board of Selectmen.
Item V Appointment/Resignations: -Council of Elder Affairs - Doris Grindle of Ocean Avenue applied to fill Ellen Lane’s unexpired term. The term will expire on June 30, 2006.
MOTION by Gallivan, second by McSweeney to appoint Doris Grindle of Ocean Avenue to the Council of Elder Affairs. Voted 4 – 0.
High School Budget Committee – Dr. McEwan has requested a Board member attend the budget meeting on Saturday, January 29th from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon. Chairman Kuchinski indicated that she would attend. Mr. McSweeney also volunteered to attend.
Item V I Committee Reports – Police Station Building Committee – Mr. Gallivan indicated that the committee has toured other facilities as well as possible site locations with the architect. The Committee has validated the previous needs assessment. The Committee will be meeting next week. Monponsett Pond Committee – Mr. McSweeney informed the Board that he attended the third meeting in a series of meetings in Halifax regarding waste water treatment around the ponds. Representatives from DEP and US Agriculture department were present to discuss low interest grants. An environmental impact study is required prior to applying for the grants. The next Monponsett Pond
Committee meeting is Feb. 2nd.
Adjournment – MOTION by McSweeney, second by Gallivan to adjourn. Voted 4 – 0
9:04 p.m. Meeting adjourned
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