Selectmen’s Meeting Minutes
October 24, 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 schedule.
Item I New Business – Discuss Fire Chief hiring process – Chief Hoyt was present to discuss the hiring process for the new fire chief. Chairman McSweeney read Chief Hoyt’s letter informing the Board of his intention to retire on May 29, 2007. The Board thanked Chief Hoyt for his service. Chairman McSweeney pointed out that the appointment of the Fire Chief is under the Board’s jurisdiction not the Town Administrator. He also explained the various options for filling the position, from hiring from within to advertising publicly. Chief Hoyt indicated that there are four qualified candidates in the department and he recommended the Board hire from within. He would like to
see someone appointed in February, which would give him an opportunity to work with the individual during the budget process.
MOTION by Egan to open the position to in house and outside, second by McSweeney for discussion.
Mr. Egan explained that it is the Board’s responsibility to the residents of Hanson that they look at everyone and choose the most qualified candidate for the position.
Mr. Colclough feels choosing from within the department will build a stronger force. This process will offer advancement opportunities and promotion abilities, which will be good for moral. He feels there are a lot of great candidates on the department.
Mr. Armstrong has worked with many of the fire fighters during safety day and finds a high level of professionalism. He pointed out that most of the potential candidates are long time Hanson residents.
Chief Hoyt reminded that Board that when he was hired, then Chairman, Dan Webster instructed him to groom a successor. The Chief indicated that he has four candidates who can do the job.
Chairman McSweeney feels the Board needs to serve the community by looking at everyone.
Mrs. Marini noted that hiring a new chief in February would cause funding issues because no monies have been appropriated for salaries for two chiefs. She also indicated that the cost of the previous assessment center was in excess of $4,200 and the advertising was over $1,000.00. No funding has been appropriated for either the assessment center or advertising.
Mr. Egan felt the Board should do a complete and thorough search.
Move to the vote – Voted 2 – 2 Armstrong and Colclough Motion did not carry.
Additional discussion ensued regarding restricting applications to in house candidates.
MOTION by Armstrong, second by Colclough to open the process to in-house candidates prior to anything else. Voted 3 – 1 McSweeney
The Board discussed whether to create a search committee or engage an assessment center. Mrs. Marini pointed out when Chief Hoyt was hired there was both a search committee and an assessment center. The Search Committee included a member on the Board of Selectmen, Finance Committee, Wage & Personnel member, police chief and a citizen at large. Chief Hoyt indicated that an assessment center may not be necessary.
MOTION by Egan, second by Armstrong that the Board of Selectmen act as the selection committee for hiring the Fire Chief.
The Board brief discussed the pros and cons have serving as the selection committee.
Moved to the vote - Voted 2 – 2 McSweeney and Colclough Motion did not carry.
Mr. Armstrong was concerned the Board does not have the expertise relative to the fire fighting field. Mr. Egan pointed out that Chief Hoyt has assured the Board all the candidates were qualified in the fire fighting field. The Board’s responsibility is to pick a manager.
Chairman McSweeney indicated that he is in favor of a search committee.
MOTION by Colclough, second by Egan to create a search committee for the Fire Chief. Voted 4 – 0.
The Board discussed the composition of the search committee.
MOTION by Colclough, second by Egan that the search committee be comprised of five members including one member from the Board of Selectmen, finance committee, police chief, fire chief and one citizen at large. Voted 4 – 0.
The Board requested all applications for appointment to the Search Committee be submitted to the Selectmen’s office by Thursday, November 9th. The appointment will be made at the Board’s next meeting on Tuesday, November 14th.
Chief Hoyt informed the Board that the new ambulance will arrive on Friday.
Item II Old Business - Department of Agricultural land acquisition -– The matter was tabled on September 26, 2006 for more information. Mrs. Marini informed the Board that the Department of Agricultural will be acquiring the development rights from the current owners. These rights will ensure that the property will remain in its present state.
MOTION by Armstrong, second by Egan to authorize the Clerk of the Board to sign the Confirmation of Notice. Voted 4 – 0
Item III Licenses – One Day Liquor – Camp Kiwanee
Emily Billings of Weymouth for Saturday, Nov. 4th from 12:00 to 5:00 p.m. for a wedding.
MOTION by Armstrong, second by Colclough to approve the one-day liquor license to Emily Billings. Voted 4 – 0
Cara Cahill of Whitman for Saturday, Nov. 11th from 5:00 to Midnight for a wedding
MOTION by Armstrong, second by Colclough to approve the one-day liquor license to Cara Cahill. Voted 4 – 0
Kathy DiPasqua Egan of Hanson for Thursday, Nov. 16th from 5:00 – 10:00 p.m. for a Dinner Auction
MOTION by Egan, second by Armstrong to approve a one-day liquor license to Kathy DiPasqua Egan. Voted 4 – 0
Chuck Kantos of Hanson for Saturday, Nov. 18th from 7:00 to Midnight for a surprise party
Ronald Gagna of Hanson for Sunday, Nov. 19th from 12:00 to 5:00 p.m. for surprise party
MOTION by Armstrong, second by Colclough to approve the one-day liquor licenses for the surprise parties. Voted 4 – 0
Item III Accept Minute:
Reg. Session 9/26/06 – Mr. Egan requested that minutes be amended under Item V- Old Business – Article 18 he voted against the article. Mr. Colclough requested under Item V, Article 7 be amended by replacing in the last line the word “the” before acquisition with “this” and deleting “is always” with “would be”.
MOTION by Armstrong, second by Colclough to accept the regular session minutes of September 26, 2006 as amended. Voted 4 – 0
Reg. and Executive Session 10/16/06
MOTION by Armstrong, second by Colclough to accept the regular session minutes of
October 17, 2006 as printed. Voted 4 – 0
MOTION by Egan, second by Colclough to accept but hold the executive session minutes of October 17, 2006 as printed. Voted 4 – 0
Item IV Committee Reports – Mr. Egan reported that the Phoenix Group has several action items upcoming. He will give a full report at the next meeting.
MOTION by Egan, second by Colclough to adjourn. Voted 4 – 0
8:50 p.m. Meeting adjourned.
Respectfully submitted,
Meredith Marini
Approved 11/28/06 Voted 4 – 0 – 1
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