Selectmen’s Meeting Minutes
May 10, 2005
Present: Robert Forte, Mark Gallivan, Catherine Kuchinski and Jesse McSweeney. (Rebecca Coletta - absent). Also present Executive Secretary Michael Finglas and Executive Assistant Meredith Marini.
7:32 p.m. Chairman Kuchinski called the meeting to order, lead the Pledge Alliance and read the announcements and upcoming meeting schedule.
Item I Building Inspector Interview -
Brian Keith Bourque of Carver – Chairman Kuchinski welcomed Mr. Bourque and asked why he was interested in the position in Hanson. Mr. Bourque introduced himself indicating that he is 33 years old. He lives in a small town and would like to work in a small town.
Mr. McSweeney – Ask him to elaborate on his interest in the Town. Mr. Bourque explained that currently he is a part-time building inspector in Duxbury. He is looking for a full-time position. He is looking long term and would like to retire from the position.
Mr. Forte – Inquired about potential conflicts with Mr. Bourque’s construction business. Mr. Bourque explained that he is changing gears and is working on design instead of construction. He didn’t feel there would be a conflict. Mr. Forte asked about code enforcement. Mr. Bourque has no problem with code enforcement and is comfortable enforcing the code.
Mr. Gallivan – Ask Mr. Bourque to explain the relationship between the Building Inspector and other boards including Planning, ZBA, Board of Health. Mr. Bourque responded at that strong working relationship is very important. With respect to follow up regarding zoning enforcement, he would meet personally with ZBA and in serious matters he would follow up in writing so everything is documented.
Chairman Kuchinski – Request Mr. Bourque explain the process of becoming a Building Commissioner. Mr. Bourque indicated that he has been studying and feel he will be in a position to take the Commissioner’s exam within six months.
Mr. McSweeney - Inquired about his knowledge regarding large municipal projects such as the school and the police station. Mr. Bourque explained that he has worked personally and while at Duxbury in controlled construction and is knowledgeable and comfortable with the process.
Mr. Finglas – Asked whether he knew either of the other candidates and why Hanson should hire him over the others. Mr. Bourque knows Mr. Silva. Mr. Bourque indicated that he is highly motivated and committed and plans to be here until he retires. Mr. Finglas also inquired as to the long hours. Mr. Bourque has no problem with long hours or meeting nights.
Chairman Kuchinski thanked Mr. Bourque and told him the Board would be making a decision shortly.
Jason Silva – Mr. Silva personally appeared and notified the Board that he is withdrawing his application for consideration. The Board thanked him for his candor and wished him well.
While waiting for the final candidate, Mr. Forte asked whether there were any other candidates the selection committee would recommend for consideration by the Board. Mr. Gallivan indicated that there were no other candidates which the selection committee would recommend. The Board discussed the pros and cons of a part-time building inspector .
Robert Curran – Chairman Kuchinski welcomed Mr. Curran and asked why he is interested in the position. Mr. Curran indicated that he currently works part-time in Whitman and runs his own construction company. He would like to get out of the construction business and make building inspecting a career.
Mr. McSweeney – Inquired whether he attended ZBA meeting. Mr. Curran attends all the ZBA meetings in Whitman on Monday evenings. He would attend the Hanson ZBA meetings as well. If there were a conflict he would prioritize. He would try to resolve any conflicts in advance.
Mr. Curran indicated that he works 25 to 28 hours per week in Whitman and gets the job done. He would do the same in Hanson. He will work until he completes the job. He indicated that he is very strong on code and is appointed a Special Police Officer in Whitman. He is very comfortable enforcing code.
Mr. Gallivan - Inquired about compensation. Mr. Curran would be looking for $43,000 per year. He pointed out the advantages of sharing with Whitman, as Whitman would cover his health benefits, cell phone, continuing education. Arrangements would have to be made relative to his transportation. Whitman is aware of Mr. Curran’s aspirations.
Mr. Finglas – Asked whether Mr. Curran knew the other applicants. He did not. Mr. Finglas asked why we should hire him. Mr. Curran highlighted his experience in Whitman as a building commissioner.
Mr. McSweeney – Inquired as to any on going construction jobs in Hanson. Mr. Curran did not have any jobs in Hanson. He is currently working on a project in Whitman, which the Rockland Building Inspector will be inspecting.
Mr. Curran requested that the Board keep an open mind on the part-time position. He will get the job done within the hours allotted.
The Board discussed the candidates at length. The Board concluded that while Mr. Curran is the most qualified a shared part-time positions posed many challenges. Mr. Curran’s salary expectations were greater than the Town could afford. Mr. McSweeney sited his concern of Mr. Bourque’s lack of a building commissioner’s certificate, but preferred him over Mr. Curran due to the part-time status.
MOTION by Gallivan, second by McSweeney to offer Mr. Brian Bourque of Carver the position of building inspector. Voted 4 – 0
Mr. Finglas to contact Mr. Bourque and discuss specifics regarding salary. The Board discussed the a probationary period. Wage and Personal by-law provides for a three-month probationary period.
Item II Executive Secretary’s Report – Mr. Finglas reported that on May 5th he signed Payroll Warrant 45 in the amount of $93,006.98, Expense Warrant 45 in the amount of $166,119.30, Expense Warrant 45A in the amount of $67,490.45 and Expense Warrant 45B in the amount of $15,538.47. This week he signed Payroll Warrant 46 in the amount of $91,235.54, Expense Warrant 46 in the amount of 38,785.67 and Expense warrant 46A $25,175.26. Mr. Finglas reported that on June 9th he will be meeting with the school and Mr. Lynam of Whitman regarding computer services. He requested the Board’s signature on a Hazardous Waste Agreement Addendum. The Board of Health spent an additional $2,000 over the original contract during Hazardous Waste
Day in April. Town Counsel has prepared the addendum. Mr. Finglas reported that he will be off on May 13, 14 & 16 and May 31, June 1, 2 & 3.
Item III Old Business/New Business - Conservation Commission – Commissioners Phil Lindquist, David Harris and Sean Chrisman were present along with administrative assistant Rebecca Nehiley to discuss the Conservation Agent’s position. Mr. Lindquist presented the Board with a letter outlining the Conservation Commission request. They requested that $28,500 be transferred from the Notice of Intent line to supplement the current salary line of $21,000 for the agent. The Board discussed the related costs of increasing the hours and the effects the increase will have on the benefits line as well as unemployment costs if Town Meeting does not fund the position next May. The group discussed the matter at length.
The Board agreed there is a need and support the additional hours if it does not negatively effect the financial burden of the Town. Mr. Finglas will investigate whether the benefits can be paid through the notice of intent line and the cost of unemployment. Mr. Gallivan requested a copy of the salary survey.
Item IV Licenses – One Day Liquor – Camp Kiwanee –
William Clay, Hanson – Retirement Party – Sat., May 14th 6:00 p.m. – 10:00
Linda Bandini, Rockland – College Graduation – Sun. May 29th 12:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Debbie Decoste, Halifax – College Graduation – Mon. May 30th 1:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Rick Covino, Hanover – Family Party - Sat. May 21st 3:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
MOTION by McSweeney, second by Gallivan to approve the one-day liquor licenses as printed in the agenda. Voted 4 – 0
Item V Police Station Presentation – Power Point Presentation – Chief Savage was present with High School intern James Aspressi of Reed Street to make a presentation relative to the construction of a new police station. The presentation highlighted all the deficiencies at the current facility as well as the benefits of a new station.
Item VI Continued Executive Secretary Report – Chairman Kuchinski reminded the Board of the Memorial Day parade is May 30th at Indian Head. Mr. Gallivan and Mr. McSweeney will be present. The Board received an invitation to an Eagle Scout Court of Honor for Russell Monroe, Wednesday, May 18th at Camp Kiwanee. Chairman Kuchinski to attend. The Plymouth Area Chamber of Commerce will hold a Roundtable Discussion Thursday, May 26th 7:30 a.m. in Plymouth
Item VII Committee Reports - School Building – Mr. Forte reported that he toured the high school after the fire and there was a lot of smoke and soot damage. There was fire damage to a storage closet. The school will be ready for graduation. Government Study Committee – Mr. McSweeney reported that the committee is currently discussing the procedures relative to the creation of a DPW. Emergency Communications Center – Chairman Kuchinski announced that the Committee interviewed candidates for three part-time dispatcher positions. 40B Project – Chairman Kuchinski announced that she toured the site of the South Shore Housing project. The
40B meeting is scheduled for Thursday.
Item VIII Executive Session – Chairman Kuchinski announced that the Board would be going into Executive Session under Item #3 litigation and contract negotiations.
MOTION by Gallivan, second by McSweeney to go into Executive Session under item #3. Roll Call – Gallivan aye, Forte aye, Kuchinski aye, and McSweeney aye. Voted 4 – 0.
Presentation – Mr. Gallivan presented Mr. Forte and Chairman Kuchinski a plague in recognition of their years of service to the Town. The Board took a brief recess for refreshments.
10:15 p.m. Brief Recess.
10:40 p.m. Returned to open session.
MOTION by Gallivan, second by McSweeney to adjourn. Voted 4 – 0
10:42 p.m. Meeting adjourned
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