Selectmen’s Meeting Minutes
August 23, 2005
Present: Christopher Colclough, Rebecca Coletta, Mark Gallivan, Jesse McSweeney and James Egan. Also present Executive Secretary Michael Finglas.
7:30 p.m. Chairman Gallivan called the meeting to order, lead the Pledge Alliegence, read the announcements and upcoming meeting schedule.
Item A Non-agenda item Bruce Young representing the Historical Commission announced that the former District 7 School House (better known to all as old school house # 4) 565 Main Street in Hanson was officially listed on the National Register of Historic places effective August 11, 2005. After a discussion of the history of the property, the Board of Selectmen, thanked Mr. Young and his Commission for all their hard work.
Item I Ernest Stalker – SSVT student who placed (1) first in Massachusetts and 10 (tenth) in the country received a citation from the Board of Selectmen for his achievements. His parents along with his teacher were present and acknowledged how proud they were of Mr. Stalker.
Item II Assessors’ Classification Public Hearing-
MOTION by McSweeney, second by Egan to open the public hearing to determine the percentage of the tax levy to be borne by each class of property FY 2006. Voted 5 – 0
Chairman Gallivan read the following: “In accordance with Massachusetts General Laws, Chapter 40, Section 56, a public hearing will be held in the Selectmen’s Meeting Room, Town Hall, Hanson, Massachusetts on Tuesday, August 23, 2005 at 7:30 P.M. for the purpose of allocating the percentage of tax levy to be borne by each class of property for Fiscal 2006. All interested taxpayers are encouraged to present oral or written information on their views. This is a necessary hearing, which must be held prior to certification of the fiscal 2006 tax rate.”
The Chairman asked if anyone wanted to be heard or have written comments. No response.
The Principal Assessor, Cindy Long, then handed out an information package and gave an extensive overview and explanation of classification and the shifting of the tax rate from 1% thru 50%. After lengthy discussion and after recommendation from both the Board of Assessors and the Executive Secretary the Board move the matter.
MOTION by McSweeney, second by Colclough to go with a uniform rate (one tax rate). Voted 5 – 0
After discussion with the Principal Assessor and on the recommendation of the Board of Assessors the Board voted unanimously not to allow a small commercial exemption.
MOTION by McSweeney, second by Egan not to allow a small commercial exemption.
Voted 5 – 0
The Executive Secretary complimented the Principal Assessor, Cindy Long, and her staff along with the Board of Assessors on their timely submission on their way to State Certification of our tax rate. It was stated that Hanson is one of the first in the State to be this far ahead in the process.
MOTION by McSweeney, second by Egan to continue the Classification hearing until Tuesday, September 6 or 13, 2005 in the Selectmen’s Meeting Room, Hanson Town Hall. Voted 5 – 0
Item IIIA Government Study Committee - Peter Muise, Chairman – Mr. Muise handed out a draft organizational flow-chart and also a written narrative outlining their recommendations, the highlights of their report recommending the Town Administrator position, duties and responsibilities. After discussion Mr. Muise advised the Board that the flow chart is a roadmap and it is now up to the Selectmen on how to get there. The Chairman thanked the Government Study Committee for their work so far, but more needs to be done.
Item III Appointments to the Memorial Field Trustees: Applications for appointment were received from William Clay 47 Partridge Way, Kevin Arouca 103 Forest Trail and Stephen Rothwell 693 State Street.
MOTION by Egan, second by Colclough to appoint William Clay 47 Partridge Way, Kevin Arouca 103 Forest Trail and Stephen Rothwell 693 State Street to the Memorial Field Trustees until May 2006. Voted 5 – 0
Item IV Executive Secretary’s Report – The following warrants were signed and approved: Payroll #7- $95,021.62
Expense #7 - $37,093.60
Payroll #8 - $101,101.66
Expense #8 - $1,573,859.51
Mr. Finglas explained that the Whitman/Hanson Regional School Assessment (25%) was included in the amount of $1,428,970.
Expense #8A - $20,338.33
The Executive Secretary explained that most of his time since the last meeting was spent of union negotiations, which could not be discussed in open session, and the Police Station Building Committee. The Chairman acknowledged the work of the Executive Secretary with the Police Building Committee which has facilitated the process.
The Executive Secretary asked the Board if they had any questions on any matters – none were stated.
Item V Town Meeting Warrant –
MOTION by McSweeney, second by Egan to close the warrant for Special Town Meeting to be held on Monday, October 3, 2005. Voted 5 – 0
Mr. Finglas advised the Board that there are over 30 articles and a draft warrant should be ready by week’s end.
Item VI Minutes - MOTION by McSweeney, second by Colclough to approve the minutes of August 9, 2005 both regular and executive session as submitted. Voted 5 – 0
Item VII Committee Reports – Monponsett Pond Committee – Mr. Colclough advised the next meeting is August 29, 2005 at 7:00 p.m. in the Town Hall. Police Station Building Committee – Chairman Gallivan advised the next meeting is Wednesday, August 31, 2005 at 7:30 p.m. at Town Hall.
MOTION by McSweeney, second by Colclough to adjourn. Voted 5 – 0
9:00 p.m. Meeting Adjourned.
Respectfully submitted by
Michael W. Finglas, Sr.
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