Selectmen’s Meeting Minutes
February 1, 2005
Present: Robert Forte, Mark Gallivan, Catherine Kuchinski, Jesse McSweeney and Rebecca Coletta (late). Also present Executive Secretary Michael Finglas and Executive Assistant Meredith Marini.
7:30 p.m. Chairman Kuchinski called the meeting to order, lead the Pledge Alliance and read the announcements and upcoming meeting schedule.
Item I Executive Secretary’s – Mr. Finglas informed the Board that the week of January 24th he signed Payroll Warrant #31 in the amount of $109,470.57, Expense Warrant 31 in the amount of $30,806.15; Expense Warrant 31A for $22,491.73 and Expense Warrant 31B in the amount o $46,997.10. This week he signed Payroll Warrant #32 in the amount of $100,028.96; Expense warrant 32 in the amounted $76,855.58 and Expense Warrant 32A in the amount $27,326.58. Mr. McSweeney inquired about the overtime due to the blizzard. Mr. Finglas indicated that the overtime and equipment for Police, Highway and Fire cost approximately $64,000.00. Chairman Kuchinski pointed out that a Snow Emergency was declared at 6:00 p.m. on
Saturday, January 22nd which ended at 4:00 p.m. on Monday, January 24th. The Town Accountant and Highway surveyor are working on figures for reimbursement from the State as a result of the State’s declaration of a State of Emergency. Mr. Finglas read a letter from the Police Chief commending the Highway Surveyor. The Board commended all the public safety personnel. Update on Computer services – Mr. Finglas informed the Board that he met with the Frank Lynam of Whitman and Dr. McEwan regarding computer maintenance services. The office is currently drafting a computer a needs assessment. The target start date is July 1st. Mr. Finglas will be meeting with the County Retirement Board regarding the Retirement Assessment on Wednesday, February 3rd. Community Preservation Act – Mr. Finglas informed the Board
that with the assistance of the Town Planner, he is compiling information regarding the Community Preservation Act and requested the matter be tabled. Matter tabled until Feb. 15th. Resignation - Chairman Kuchinski read a letter from James Haggerty announcing his intention to resign from the WH School Committee effective May 20, 2005. Chairman Kuchinski indicated that a vote must be taken to place the vacancy on the Annual Town Election Ballot.
MOTION by Gallivan, second by Forte to place the vacancy on the Whitman Hanson Regional School Committee on the May 21, 2005 Annual Election Ballot. Voted 4 – 0.
Mr. McSweeney requested the Executive Secretary write and call the MBTA about the sidewalks at the MBTA station which has not been shoveled.
8:00 p.m. Baran Partners – Mr. McSweeney recused himself from the discussion and stepped away from the table. Mr. Finglas updated the public on the status of the Plymouth County Hospital property indicating that Town Counsel filed motions, which were approved by the Court on Friday, January 28, 2005. He was informed by Town Counsel that Arbor House and Hanson Gardens filed bankruptcy in Federal Court on Friday as well. He indicated that the Town is doing everything in its power to protect the Town’s rights. Mr. Finglas suggested the Board go into Executive Session at the end of the meeting to discuss litigation strategies.
8:06 p.m. Mr. McSweeney returned to the table.
Item II Old Business - Snow Policy – Chairman Kuchinski read the snow policy. Pat Bailey, Chairman of the COA and Administrative Assistant Karen Kenn were present to discuss the policy. Mrs. Bailey believed that the Senior Center was considered a shelter and should remain open during emergencies. Chairman Kuchinski indicated that when the Town Hall is closed due to snow emergencies, the library and the senior center are closed as well.
MOTION by McSweeney, second by Gallivan to accept the snow policy. Voted 4 – 0.
8:20 p.m. Mrs. Coletta arrived.
Item III Approve Minutes – January11 & 18, 2005.
MOTION by Gallivan, second by Forte to approve the minutes of January 11, 2005. Voted 5 – 0
MOTION by McSweeney, second by Gallivan to approve the minutes of January 18, 2005. Voted 4 – 0 – 1 (Forte)
Item IV Committee Reports - Government Study – Mr. McSweeney reported that the Government is finalizing recommendations on the Executive Secretary/Town Administrator/Town Manager position, which should be available next Monday. The Committee will start meeting with department heads, boards and commissions to get their recommendations on the structure of town government. Police Station Building – Mr. Gallivan updated the Board on the status of the Police Station Building Committee. The committee recommendations construction of a new facility as opposed to renovations of the existing facility. The committee has toured potential sites. He recommended the public tour the present
facility. School Building Committee – Mr. Forte reported that the bids for furniture and fixtures are going out shortly. He discussed the synthetic materials being used for the ball fields. CATV – Mrs. Coletta indicated that the Board of Directors is scheduled to meet this week to organize and to complete the necessary paperwork for filing. Steve Ray is on board and ready to assist the communities with production. The $140,000.00 should be transferred from Comcast once the directors are set and the paperwork is filed. Monponsett Pond – Mr. McSweeney informed the Board that the committee will be meeting this Wednesday.
Item V Executive Session - Chairman Kuchinski indicated that the Board would be going into Executive Session under Item 3 litigation strategies. Mr. McSweeney indicated he would not be participating in Executive Session.
MOTION by Gallivan, second by Forte to go into Executive Session under Item #3 discuss litigation strategies. Roll Call – Gallivan aye, Forte aye, Kuchinski aye and Coletta aye. Voted 4 – 0 – 1 (McSweeney aye)
8:40 p.m. Brief Recess
9:38 p.m. Back in Open Session
MOTION by Forte, second by Gallivan to adjourn. Voted 4 – 0 (Mr. McSweeney left before Executive Session)
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