Selectmen’s Meeting Minutes
August 8, 2006
Present: Christopher Colclough, Jesse McSweeney, James Egan and James Armstrong. (Mark Gallivan absent). Also present Town Administrator Michael Finglas and Executive Assistant Meredith Marini.
7:30 p.m. Chairman McSweeney called the meeting to order, lead the Pledge Allegiance and read the announcements and upcoming meeting schedule.
Item I Recreation Commission - Waterfront Project – Recreation Executive Assistant Ann Marie Bouzan introduced Peter Jackson of Park Planning who designed the waterfront plan. Commission members Audrey Flanagan, Bill Strait, Sue Lonergan and Wes Blauss were also present. The Conservation Commission and agent were also in attendance. Mr. Jackson explained the plan indicating that ramping would be installed to afford handicapped accessibly to the waterfront. The elevation change is 30 feet, which requires an extensive amount of ramping. The ramp would be constructed with pressure treated posts and the decking would be a recycled material or a Treks type product. The estimated cost of the
project is $184,000.00. Mr. Jackson fielded questions from the Board and Conservation Agent. Mr. Blauss informed the Board that the presentation was for informational purposes only. The Commission will be working to funding from grants, fund raising and the Town.
Chairman Flanagan passed out, for the Board’s review, information relative to a full-time Recreation Director as recommended by the Government Study Committee.
Item II Licenses – One-Day Liquor – Camp Kiwanee - Professional Bartending – Sat., August 26th 7:00 p.m. to 12:00 a.m. – Luau for the Recreation Commission.
MOTION by Armstrong, second by Colclough to approve a One-Day Liquor License to Professional Bartending for Saturday, August 26th from 7:00 p.m. to 12:00 a.m. for a Luau for the Recreation Commission. Voted 4 – 0.
Item III Resignations – The Board received three letters of resignation. Mr. Robert O’Brien and Mrs. Leslie Prario resigned from the PCH Utilization Committee and Mr. Robert Forte resigned from the High School Building Committee.
MOTION by Egan, second by Colclough to accept with regret the resignations from Mr. O’Brien, Mrs. Prario and Mr. Forte. Voted 4 – 0.
Mr. Armstrong informed the Board that the School Building Committee held it last meeting last week and the School Committee will be discharging the Building Committee on August 23rd.
Item IV Approve Minutes – Regular sessions of May 30th, June 10th, June 13th,
June 26th, and July 18th.
MOTION by Colclough, second by Armstrong to approve the minutes of May 30, 2006 and June 13, 2006. Voted 4 – 0.
MOTION by Armstrong, second by Egan to approve the minutes of June 10, 2006.
Voted 3 – 0 – 1 (Colclough).
MOTION by Colclough, second by Egan to approve the minutes of June 26, 2006 and July 18, 2006. Voted 3 – 0 – 1 (Armstrong).
Item V Police Lt. Appointment – Chief Edward Savage and Sgt. Yakavonis were present to review the Lieutenant’s Assessment. Chief Savage pointed out the Lt. Gredler had officially retired on Friday, August 4th. The Chief reviewed the assessment process indicating that the three-member assessment panel recommended the promotion of Sgt. Joseph Yakavonis to Lieutenant. Chief Savage concurred with the Panel’s finding. Town Administrator Michael Finglas informed the Board that he reviewed the Assessment Panel’s recommendation and based on Mr. Finglas’ personal and professional knowledge of Sgt. Yakavonis, he recommended the Board appoint Sgt. Yakavonis to Lieutenant effective the first shift on Wednesday,
August 9, 2006.
MOTION by Egan, second by Armstrong for discussion to appoint Sgt. Yakavonis as Lieutenant effective Wednesday, August 9, 2006.
Each of the Board members commended the process and had positive praise for all the candidates.
Move to the vote - Voted 4 – 0 to appoint Sgt. Yakavonis as Lieutenant effective Wednesday, August 9, 2006.
Mr. Finglas indicated that he will meet with Lt. Yakavonis in order to draft a contract. Mr. Finglas also informed the Board there will be a ceremonial swearing in on Tuesday, August 22nd.
Chief Savage indicated that with Mr. Yakavonis’ promotion, an opening is available for a Sergeant. The Sergeant’s exam is scheduled for September 26th. Candidates receiving a 70% or above will move to the next phase which is an Assessment Center.
Item VI Town Administrator’s Report – Prior to discussion, Chairman McSweeney recused himself at 8:05 p.m. Update on Invite to Bid – removal of PCH – Mr. Finglas informed the Board that he is still gathering information on the removal of the hospital. The original quote for $35,000 did not include the removal of any asbestos. The Board of Health has had an assessment of the asbestos completed and will be getting a price for removal. PCH Utilization Committee – The Committee requested that the size of the membership be reduced from 15 to 9 as they have been having difficulty achieving a quorum. In light of the resignations of Rob O’Brien and Leslie Prario, eleven members remain.
MOTION by Colclough, second by Armstrong to reduce the size of the Plymouth County Hospital Utilization Committee from 15 to 9. Voted 3 – 0
Mr. Finglas recommended removing two members who have missed the most meetings. The Board discuss the individuals. Mr. Armstrong suggested the two members be made alternates. This would allow the members to still participate in the event a quorum of regular members is not achieved.
MOTION by Colclough, second by Armstrong to appoint Thomas Costley and Wilbur Danner as alternate members of the PCH Utilization Committee. Voted 3 – 0.
8:20 p.m. Chairman McSweeney back at the Table.
Item VII New Business
Open October Special Town Meeting Warrant
MOTION by Colclough, second by Armstrong to open the October 2006 Special Town Meeting Warrant. Voted 4 – 0.
Set Polling hours for State Primary
MOTION by Colclough, second by Egan to set the polling hours for the State Primary on Tuesday, September 19th from 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the Maquan Elementary.
Voted 4 – 0 .
Phoenix Group Discussion – Chairman McSweeney reported that he and Mr. Egan attended an informational meeting. He explained the purpose of the group. Mr. McSweeney indicated that he would like to be the Board’s designee on the Committee. He also suggested that Mr. Egan participate as an alternate member in the event Mr. McSweeney is unavailable.
MOTION by Armstrong, second by Colclough to appoint Jesse McSweeney as the Board’s designee on the Phoenix Group. Voted 4 – 0
MOTION by Colclough, second by Armstrong to appoint James Egan as the alternate to the Phoenix Group. Voted 3 – 0 – 1 (Egan).
Offer from the Grange – Mr. Finglas reported that the Massachusetts State Grange has forwarded the Town a bona fide offer to purchase the Grange in the amount of $150,000.00. The Town has 90 days to respond to the offer. Mr. Finglas indicated that there is no funding available for the purchase and the building will needs a lot of maintenance. He did not recommend the Town purchasing the property.
Mr. Armstrong recommended the Board put the decision to the voters at the October Special Town meeting. After brief discussion, the Board will revisit the matter on August 22nd.
Vote Town Administrator’s Contract – The Board members reviewed the Town Administrator’s Contract. There was no discussion.
MOTION by Egan, second by Colclough to sign the Town Administrator’s contract effective May 30, 2006 through June 30, 2009. Voted 4 – 0
Item VIII Old Business – Creation of DPW Discussion – Chairman McSweeney explained the he and Mr. Finglas have worked on the Special Act. He was looking for direction from the Board on a few specific issues. Mr. Finglas handed out additional information on various Special Acts.
Professional Engineer v. Non-professional – The Board discussed the pros and cons of a professional engineer. After lengthy discussion the Board concurred that the position should be posted as a PE preferred but not required.
Commission v. No Commission – Mr. Armstrong recommended that the entity other than the Commission should set the water rates. Mr. Egan was in favor of an elected commission, which would give the voters a say in the process.
Elected v. Appointed – Mr. Colclough was in favor of an appointed commission as elections are generally based on popularity. Mr. Egan reiterated the importance of allowing the citizen to take part.
Membership – Mr. McSweeney pointed out the various options with the membership from three to five elected; staggered elected positions with the one year being appointed and then a two year and a three year position. Upon the expiration of the term, each position would become a three- year term. Mr. Colclough and Mr. Armstrong were in favor of a five-member commission. Mr. McSweeney recommended a 3-member committee with the one-year term appointed.
Town Administrator Report Continued – Mr. Finglas reported that he signed warrants for period July 27, 2006 as follows Payroll #4 - $102,238.76; Expense #4 - $138,955.69; Expense 4A - $17,700.32; Expense 4B - $47,171.00. Warrants for period August 3, 2006 – Payroll #5 - $107,037.57; Expense 5 - $32,894.86; Expense 5A - $25,485.79 and Expense 5B - $18,915.77. Mr. Finglas informed the Board that Woodbine Ave. resident Barbara Watts has requested the Board place an article on the warrant to sell the parcel next to her property. Her house encroaches on the Town parcel. Mr. Finglas informed the Board that there are no plans for mosquito spraying in Hanson. Chairman McSweeney pointed out all regulations regarding mosquitoes should go through the Board of Health. Mr. Finglas announced that there are vacancies on the Recreation Committee and the Thomas Mill Committee.
Item IX Appointments ~ Election Workers –
MOTION by Egan, second by Colclough to appoint the following: Ernest Amado, Georgene Blight, Elizabeth Botieri, Ann Marie Bouzan, John Buckley, Bernard DeLory, Marion Elms, Kathleen Ferrara, Mary Foley, Nancy Gaffey, Diane Hillstrom, Barbatra Larsen, Mary Lyons, Katherine MacDonald, Marlene McGivney, Faith Mosher, Audrey O’Brien, Marilyn Pendleton, Claire Riddell, Elaine Trudeau, Rachel Walsh, Alice Wildes, James Wildes and Linda Wyman all terms to expire on August 1, 2007.
Voted 4 – 0
Item X Committee Reports - School Building Comm. – Mr. Armstrong reiterated that the school building committee will be discharged on August 23rd. Plymouth County Selectmen’s Assoc. – Mr. Egan reported that the committee is dealing with common issues and the next meeting is August 28th.
MOTION by Colclough, second by Egan to adjourn. Voted 4 – 0
9:22 p.m. Meeting adjourned.
Respectfully submitted,
Meredith Marini
Approved 11/28/06 Voted 4 – 0 - 1
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