Selectmen’s Meeting Minutes
February 8, 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 Department Head Reports – Police Chief Edward Savage – Chief Savage gave his monthly report highlighting the overtime expense due to the blizzard. In-service training for the full-time and auxiliary officers is ongoing and the DARE graduation is scheduled for February 17th at the Hanson Middle School.
7:44 p.m. Mrs. Coletta arrived.
Fire Chief Allen Hoyt -– Chief Hoyt reported an increase of calls during January. He thanked Mr. Harris and the Highway Department for their assistance during the blizzard. The Fire Department received a Federal Fire Act grant in the amount of $46,908 for new fire hose. Chief Hoyt recommended the public view the Fire Department website for safety tips.
Jeanne Sullivan, Treasurer/Collector – Mrs. Sullivan reported that the largest number of excise bills will be mailed out on February 17th in the amount of $851,366.00. Mr. Gallivan requested that Mrs. Sullivan provide a comparison of previous years indicating the rate of receipt. Chairman Kuchinski reviewed the appointment process, indicating that the position was posted in house in accordance with Wage & Personnel requirements. Chairman Kuchinski, Mr. Finglas and Mrs. Sullivan met earlier today to discuss a starting salary, which was $54,600. The amount will have to be approved by Wage & Personnel as it is above the minimum starting rate.
MOTION by Gallivan, second by McSweeney to appoint Jeanne Sullivan to a three year term effective February 28, 2005 with a salary of $54,600.00, (35 hours per week at $30.00 per hour). Mrs. Sullivan to pursue the necessary certification. Voted 4 – 0 – 1 (Forte)
Mrs. Sullivan thanked the Board, the Department Head and her staff. Mrs. Sullivan reported on the meeting with the Retirement Board.
Item II Executive Session - Chairman Kuchinski announced that the Board would be going into Executive Session under Item #3 litigation.
MOTION by Gallivan, second by Forte to go into Executive Session under Item #3 Litigation. Roll Call – Gallivan aye, Forte aye, Kuchinski aye, McSweeney abstain and Coletta aye. Voted 4 – 0 – 1. Mr. McSweeney will not be participating in Executive Session.
8:15 p.m. Brief Recess
9:19 p.m. Return to open session.
Mr. McSweeney returned to the table.
Chairman Kuchinski announced that the Board voted on February 1, 2005 to hire Attorney Steven Shamban as Special Counsel to represent the Town in the Bankruptcy matter with Baran. No votes were taken during this evening’s executive session.
Item III Executive Secretary’s Report – Mr. Finglas reported that he signed Payroll Warrant 33 in the amount of $83,979.28, Expense warrant 33 $1,591,027.80; Expense warrant 33A in the amount of $4,660.97; and Expense warrant 33B in the amount of $6,988.53. He has met with Chairman Kuchinski and labor counsel to discuss union contract strategies. Mr. Finglas indicated that he and Chairman Kuchinski met with the Capital Improvement Committee and revised the plan by deleting the GIS request. Capital Improvement suggesting a debt exclusion to complete the sidewalk project at one time instead of in stages.
Item IV Old Business - Comments on Internet Policy- The Board requested that discipline should be added to the Internet policy in the event employees fail to adhere to the policy. Tabled until February 15th.
Item V Appointments -Cultural Council - Margaret Westfield 666 State Street has applied to fill Laura Richter’s vacancy – Term to expire 6/30/05
MOTION by Gallivan, second by Forte to appoint Margaret Westfield to fill the unexpired term of Laura Richter. Term to expire June 30, 2005. Voted 5 – 0
Item V I Licenses – Lodging House License – Annual Renewal – Hanson Country Manor 748 Whitman Street.
MOTION by Gallivan, second by Forte to renew the Lodging House license to Hanson Country Manor. Voted 5 – 0.
One Day Liquor – Camp Kiwanee – Professional Bartending, Feb. 25, 26 & Mar. 4, 5 for a play “Toward Zero”.
MOTION by Gallivan, second by Forte to approve one day liquor license to Professional Bartending on February 25 & 26 and March 4 & 5, 2005. Voted 5 – 0.
Item VII Approve Minutes – Regular and Executive Session Minutes of February 1, 2005.
MOTION by Gallivan, second by Forte to approve the Regular session minutes of
February 1, 2005. Voted 5 – 0
MOTION by Gallivan, second by Forte to approve the Executive Session minutes of
February 1, 2005. Voted 4 – 0 – 1(McSweeney)
Item V III Committee Reports - Government Study – Mr. McSweeney reported that the Government Study Committee voted to recommend the position of Town Administrator. The committee will be meeting with all the Boards, Committees, and Commissions on February 23rd to seek their input. Monponsett Pond – Mr. McSweeney reported that the committee met on February 2nd and discussed water quality, the potential of dredging the pond as well as septic issues. They are scheduled to meet again on February 22nd.
Item IX Incoming Mail – Chairman Kuchinski noted that Representative Webster forwarded a letter outlining the Governor’s budget. Congressman Lynch has noted that Federal Appropriations are available for communities. Mr. Finglas informed that Board that he has prepared a request for Crooker Place clean-up which has been previously submitted. The Board briefly discussed other items. Chairman Kuchinski requested that Board prioritize their requests for the next meeting. Whitman Hanson Regional School District has forwarded a letter to all the legislators regarding the school budget.
Adjournment – MOTION by Gallivan, second by Forte to adjourn. Voted 5 – 0
9:45 p.m. Meeting Adjourned.
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