Selectmen’s Meeting Minutes
September 27, 2005
Present: Christopher Colclough, Mark Gallivan, Jesse McSweeney and James Egan. (Rebecca Coletta Absent) Also present Executive Secretary Michael Finglas and Executive Assistant Meredith Marini.
7:30 p.m. Chairman Gallivan called the meeting to order and lead the Pledge Alliegence. He read the announcements and upcoming meeting schedule.
Item I Hanson Playground Committee – Erin Fox from the Hanson Playground Committee informed the Board that the playground at the Maquan School was open and ready for business. She confirmed that the Whitman Hanson Regional School District will be responsible for the maintenance and eventually when the time come, the future removal and replacement of the playground. The Playground Committee will formally transfer the playground to the School District at the official opening on Saturday, October 1, 2005 at 11:00 a.m. Mrs. Fox thanked her committee members and the Hanson residents and business owners who contributed to the playground. Chairman Gallivan thanked Mrs. Fox for all her efforts.
MOTION by McSweeney, second by Colclough to support the Hanson Playground Committee’s transfer of ownership of the Maquan School Playground to the Whitman Hanson Regional School District. Voted 5 – 0
Item II Liquor License Transfer – Arthur Leanos, Olde Hitching Post Restaurant to Anastasois Kessaris of Marlboro, Massachusetts. Attorney Agoritsas introduced Mr. Kessaris to the Board and gave a brief history of Mr. Kessaris experience in the restaurant business. Mr. Kessaris owned and managed Sea Breeze Restaurant in Marlboro and Nicki in Wrentham.
MOTION by McSweeney, second by Egan to open the hearing for the Transfer of an all Acoholic Liquor License of the Olde Hitching Post Restaurant from Arthur Leanos to Anastasios Kessaris. Voted 4 – 0.
Chairman Gallivan inquired whether Mr. Kessaris ever had a liquor license suspended. Mr. Kessaris indicated that he did not and neither of his restaurants had any problems. Mr. Kessaris indicated he is looking forward to being part of the community. He is a hands on manager and will be in the restaurant “around the clock”. Chairman Gallivan ask if the Board had any additional questions and solicited questions from the audience. None were asked.
MOTION by Egan, second by McSweeney to close the hearing. Voted 4 – 0
MOTION by McSweeney, second by Colclough to approve the transfer of the All Alcoholic Liquor license at the Olde Hitching Post Restaurant from Arthur Leanos to Anastasios Kessaris of 48 Spring Street, Bridgewater, Massachusetts. Voted 4 – 0
MOTION by McSweeney, second by Colclough to allow Anastasios Kessaris to pledge the license to the Rockland Trust Company 288 Union Street, Rockland, Massachusetts.
Voted 4 – 0
Item III Housing Authority – Mary Frances Allen, Director of the Hanson Housing Authority was present to inform the public of the upcoming Housing Lottery for 13 of the 52 units at the Dunham Farms Adult Retirement Village. She indicated that the applications were due on Tuesday, October 11, 2005. She pointed out that 13 units will be sold for $199,000.00 to individuals who meet the maximum income limits. She encouraged Hanson residents to apply. The Board inquired what would happen if the Housing Authority does not sell all the units. According to Ms. Allen, if the units do not sell to qualified applicants, they will be sold at market rate of approximately $300,000 and the difference between the market rate and
low income units will be returned to the Town. Ms. Allen requested permission to hand out information at Town Meeting and possibly make a presentation. The Board approved the distribution of materials, but recommended that she speak with the Moderator regarding a presentation.
Item IV Executive Secretary – Mr. Finglas reported that on September 20th he signed Payroll warrant 12 in the amount of $92,658.09; Expense warrant 12 - $47,595.33; Expense warrant 12A - $16,152.39; Expense warrant 12B - $27,412.85. Today he signed Payroll warrant 13 - $93,437.87; Expense Warrant 13 - $144,976.34 and Expense warrant 13A - $16,972.20.
Town Hall Improvements – Mr. Finglas informed the Board that several maintenance projects will be taking place at the Town Hall including replacement of 37 windows in the old section, new gutters, vinyl sealant on the trim on the new section of the building and completion of the overhang at the front entrance. Crooker Place Update – The State has informed the Town that the gate at Crooker Place will be installed in the next two weeks. Treasurer/Collector Certification – Mr. Finglas has received confirmation from the Massachusetts Collectors and Treasurers Association that Treasurer/Collector Jean Sullivan has been certified and will receive her certification at a luncheon on December 14, 2005 at Holy Cross in Worcester. Massachusetts
Historical – School House #4 – The Massachusetts Historical Commission has announced the acceptance of School House #4 also known as District 7 School House on Main Street to the National Register of Historic Places.
8:15 p.m. Mr. Finglas left the meeting to meet with the Finance Committee.
Item V New Business – South Shore Housing – South Shore Housing has submitted its annual request for support of American Dream Down-payment Initiative (ADDI). There is no cost to the Town. The Board must vote to authorize the Chairman to sign the letter.
MOTION by McSweeney, second by Colclough to authorize Chairman Gallivan to sign the letter of support to South Shore Housing. Voted 4 – 0
Street Name Request – John Widdison of Cordwood Developers has requested the name “William Way” for the street in a new subdivision off Brook Street.
MOTION by McSweeney, second by Colclough to approve the name William Way as requested by John Widdison of Cordwood Developers. Voted 4 – 0
Item V I Old Business - The Board reviewed Articles 17 and 18 which were held for additional information. Article 17 – replace ambulance. The Capital Improvement plan calls for a new ambulance in 2007.
MOTION by McSweeney, second by Egan to Pass over Article 17. Voted 4 – 0
Article 18 – Fire Expense – The Board discussed the article. Mrs. Marini indicated the fire expense line was funded at $56,500.00 of which $8,000 is appropriated for apparatus repair. The apparatus repair line has been depleted. The Board recommended the Chief try to work within the constraints of the budget line. If additional monies are needed, the Chief can put an article in the May Special Town Meeting warrant.
MOTION by McSweeney, second by Egan to Pass over Article 18. Voted 4 – 0
Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE) – Chairman Gallivan reported on the closing of Town fields due to EEE. Plymouth County Mosquito control has sprayed all the Town fields and Schools and the areas are now open. Mr. Gallivan urged residents to use caution and to wear proper clothing while outside during dusk and dawn.
Item VII Committee Reports Police Station Building Committee – Mr. Gallivan reported that the committee would be meeting on Wednesday and will be reviewing floor plan designs. A perc test of the site is scheduled for October 5, 2005.
Item VIII Adjournment
MOTION by McSweeney, second by Egan to adjourn. Voted 4 – 0
8:29 p.m. Meeting Adjourned.
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