Selectmen’s Meeting Minutes
October 17, 2006
Present: Christopher Colclough, Jesse McSweeney, James Egan and James Armstrong. Mark Gallivan absent. Also present Executive Assistant Meredith Marini. Town Administrator Michael Finglas absent.
7:30 p.m. Chairman McSweeney called the meeting to order, lead the Pledge Allegiance and read the announcements and upcoming meeting
Item I Sullivan Dog Hearing Decision – Mrs. Marini reviewed the hearing process indicating that the Board heard testimony on September 26, 2006. Following the testimony the Board took the matter under advisement for a decision to be rendered on October 17, 2006. Chairman McSweeney explained that the Board was required to take two votes, one to determine if the dogs were a nuisance and the other to determine the Board’s action.
MOTION by Armstrong to declare the dogs a nuisance, second by Colclough for discussion.
Mr. Colclough indicated that he appreciated the Sullivan’s efforts to restrain the dogs. Mr. McSweeney pointed out that the incidents were serious, on one occasion drawing blood.
Voted 4 – 0 to find the dogs a nuisance.
MOTION by Armstrong that the dogs be required to leave the Town of Hanson and be remanded to a kennel and not be allowed back into town, second by Colclough for discussion.
Mr. Colclough felt the Mr. Sullivan has the means to kennel the dogs. Mr. Colclough was not comfortable just ordering the dogs out of town, moving Hanson’s problem to another Town.
Mr. Armstrong clarified that the dogs be relocated to a professional private kennel outside Hanson. Mr. Armstrong commended the Sullivans for their efforts, but feels it was too late. He was concerned that the dogs could jump the fence.
Voted 4 – 0 that the dogs be required to leave the Town of Hanson and be remanded to a professional private kennel and not be allowed back into town.
Chairman McSweeney informed the parties that there is an appeal process and cited the Mass. General Law.
Mr. Sullivan indicated that he would like to review the testimony. Chairman McSweeney indicated that the minutes would be available next week.
Item II Library Trustees - Announcement of new foundation – Library Director Nancy Capellini was present with Library Trustees Jennifer Hickey, Linda Wall, Mary Lozeau and Leslie Prario. Mrs. Wall informed the Board that they have created a new foundation for the library, which will raise funds for capital projects, sponsor cultural events and to promote literacy to name a few. The Foundation is conducting its membership drive. There will be an open house on Saturday, November 4th from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at the library. The public is invited.
Item III Veteran’s Agent – Assist a local Veteran – Veteran’s Agent, Robert Arsenault updated the Board on the activities in the Veteran’s office. The workload is growing by leaps and bounds. He indicated that at some time in the near future the Board may have to increase the hours for the office. New federal regulations have increased the workload. Mr. Arsenault informed the Board that Hanson resident Sgt. Brian Fontaine is currently recovering at Walter Reed Hospital after loosing both his legs overseas. Mr. Arsenault is working with the Hanson American Legion, Congressman Lynch and the local carpenters union on fund raising and labor efforts to assist with the renovation of
Sgt. Fontaine’s mother’s house. The house needs to be handicapped accessible in order for Sgt. Fontaine to come home following his release from the hospital. Mr. Arsenault will keep the Board apprised of the status of Sgt. Fontaine and the renovations.
Mr. Arsenault also noted that the Veterans’ Day ceremony will be held at the Legion Post on Saturday, November 11th at 10:00 a.m. He will forward the Board more information shortly. The Board thanked Mr. Arsenault and his assistant Dana Larsen for the dedication to their veterans and residents of Hanson.
Item IV Town Administrator’s Report – Mrs. Marini provided a report in Mr. Finglas’ absence. She reported that there are several vacancies on the following Boards: Finance Committee (1), Recreation (1), Capital Improvement (1); Parks & Fields (1), Housing Authority (1), Insurance Comm. (3) and Thomas Mill (4). She indicated applications for appointment are in the Selectmen’s Office and on the website. Official Acknowledgement of Mass. Fisheries & Wildlife purchase of the Mrs. Stillman’s property is Friday, Oct. 20th at 10:00 a.m. at Hudson & Elm Streets. The Board is invited. Complaint of Political signs ~ The office has received a few complaints from residents about political signs
on Town Property. Mr. McSweeney recommended the office call the various camps to have them removed by dusk on Wednesday otherwise they will be at the Highway Department. Whitman Hanson Education Foundation – The Board has been invited to a reception sponsored by the Hanson Education Foundation on Wed., October 25th from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the Black Road Country Club in Hingham. National Grid Easements ~ National Grid has provided an easement for the Boards signature. The easement relates to the construction of the Police Station. Brian Gurney d/b/a Concert Limousine – The Board approved the license for four vehicles, but he only had two on the road at the time of the license approval. The two additional vehicle are now on the road. The new license is ready for signatures.
Item V New Business Stingers’ Change of Name to Woody’s – Mrs. Marini indicated that the paper work has been completed to change the name of the Lodge Bar & Grill to Woody’s. No other changes to the corporation have been made. Stringers Family Restaurant, Inc. remains as the license holder with David Hatch Sr. as the manager.
MOTION by Egan, second by Armstrong to approve the change of d/b/a from The Lodge Bar and Grille to Woody’s. Voted 4 – 0
Item VI Old Business – None at this time.
Item V II Appointments – Bill Schmidt of Meeting House Lane has submitted an application for appointment to the to Council of Elder Affairs to fill Arlene Caswell’s term. Term to Expire 6/30/07
MOTION by Colclough, second by Armstrong to appointment Bill Schmidt to the Counsel of Elder Affairs. Term to expire June 30, 2007. Voted 4 – 0
Item VII Executive Session – Chairman McSweeney announced that the Board would be going into Executive Session under Exemption #3 Litigation. No votes are expected to be taken.
MOTION by Colclough, second by Egan to go into Executive Session under Exemption #3, Litigation. Roll Call – Colclough aye, McSweeney aye, Egan aye and Armstrong aye. Voted 4 – 0.
8:17 p.m. Brief Recess
8:55 p.m. Back in Session
MOTION by Egan, second by Armstrong to adjourn. Voted 4 – 0.
8:55 p.m. Meeting Adjourned.
Respectfully Submitted by
Meredith Marini
Approved 10/24/06 Voted 4 - 0
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