Selectmen’s Meeting Minutes
December 5, 2006
Present: Christopher Colclough, Mark Gallivan , Jesse McSweeney, James Egan and James Armstrong. Also present Town Administrator Michael Finglas and Executive Assistant Meredith Marini.
7:32 p.m. Chairman McSweeney called the meeting to order, lead the Pledge Allegiance, read the announcements and upcoming meetings.
Item I Executive Session – Chairman McSweeney announced that the Board would be going into Executive Session under Exemption #3 union negotiations.
MOTION by Egan, second by Armstrong to go into Executive Session under exemption #3, union negotiations. Roll Call – Colclough aye, Gallivan aye, McSweeney aye, Egan aye and Armstrong aye. Voted 5 – 0.
7:35 p.m. Brief Recess
7:44 p.m. Return to open session
Item II Sullivan Dog Hearing - Chairman McSweeney announced that the Board has been required by the Clerk Magistrate to hear an offer from Sullivan’s attorney. Mr. Gallivan recused himself from the discussion, as he was not present for the dog hearing. Mr. Gallivan stepped away from the table. Chairman McSweeney reviewed the process in which the Board held a hearing on September 26, 2006. On October 17, 2006, the Board voted to remove the dogs from town due to their proximity to two elementary schools, which are within 100 to 200 yards of where the dogs are housed. Chairman McSweeney reiterated the fact that the dogs have bitten two people and other dogs. The delay by the Clerk Magistrate has posed potential harm to the citizens. Chairman
McSweeney indicated that the Board followed the law and the Clerk Magistrate should hear the matter. Mr. Finglas indicated that on November 28th, the day before the hearing, an offer was made to him which he rejected. He does not feel the Clerk Magistrate has the authority to order the Board to hear an offer. The Court set the hearing date of November 29th and witnesses were at court for the hearing. Mr. Finglas feels swift action should be taken and the matter should be reverted by the to the Court as required by law.
Mrs. Sullivan’s attorney, David Nagle was present and asked to be heard. Mr. McSweeney indicated that the matter was closed and there would be no further discussion.
Mr. Gallivan returned to the table.
Item III Town Administrator’s Report – Mr. Finglas provide the Board with a list of warrants he has signed from September 28, 2006 through November 29, 2006. Mr. Finglas reported that the curbing replacement project at the Senior Center has been completed. Pre-construction meetings have been set for Friday for the Crooker Place and School Street Drainage projects. A meeting regarding the Pilot Wetlands Bank is scheduled for Thursday, December 14th. Al Hanscom, the Town Engineer will be present. Mr. Colclough and Mr. Egan indicated that they would attend as well. Mr. Finglas indicated that budgets are due on December 17th. Mr. Finglas reported that through department head
meetings, the department heads have been reminded of the fiscal constraints for a conservative budget season. Mr. Finglas’ goal is to increase the Stabilization Line. School Superintendent John McEwan has requested representatives from the Board of Selectmen meet with Capital Improvement members and facilities sub-committee members to view the needs of the Maquan School. Mr. McSweeney and Mr. Egan will attend the meeting on December 11th.
Item IV Citation Kevin Mossman – Hanson Community Christmas – The Board recognized Kevin Mossman for his work with Hanson Community Christmas. Chairman McSweeney presented Mr. Mossman with a citation. Chief Hoyt, Administrative Assistant Barbara Murphy and several members of the Fire Department were present. Mr. Mossman thanked everyone involved with Hanson Community Christmas, as it is a group of people who participate and work hard to make the project a success.
Item V PCH Reuse Committee Report – Committee Chairman Brian Clemons was present to discuss the committee’s findings. Mr. McSweeney recused himself from the discussion and left the table. Mr. Clemons reported that the committee was reduced from 15 to 9 members. The nine members divided into three subgroups, which investigated Open Space, Municipal Use and the Hospital Building. The section of the parcel behind Bonney Hill Road would work well for passive recreation and a continuation of the Bay Circuit Trail. The Committee is keeping on open mind of the recreation area. The Committee recommends the mid section of the property, in the area of the BCI building, be used for municipal buildings, such as a
library or senior center. The Library Trustees are working to secure feasibility study grant funds for a library. Mr. Clemons expects to have a final report in February or late winter. The plan does not include independent (over 55) housing, but recommends an assisted living facility at the hospital site. Mr. Gallivan requested that the Committee contact someone regarding economic development, as he would like to see specifics on each of the components. Mr. Gallivan indicated that gathering the information is time consuming and the final report should be submitted upon completion of the task.
8:25 p.m. Mr. McSweeney returned to the table.
Item V I Old Business - The Finance Committee’s representative on the Fire Chief Search Committee is Robert Coletta. Mr. Gallivan requested that the Town Administrator and Chief Hoyt compile job descriptions from area towns. The first meeting of the committee will be in January.
Item VII Accept Minutes: Executive Session Minutes of November 14, 2006 and Regular Session minutes of November 28, 2006
MOTION by Gallivan, second by Egan to approve the Executive Session minutes of November 14, 2006 Voted 3 – 0 – 2 (Colclough & Armstrong)
MOTION by Armstrong, second by Egan to approve the regular session minutes of November 28, 2006. Voted 5 – 0
Item VIII Committee Reports – Phoenix Committee – Mr. McSweeney reported that approximately 70 people attended the meeting. The next meeting of the committee will be after the first of the year.
Mr. Egan reported that on Friday, December 1st he met with Hanson resident Kimberly King, Board of Health members Terry McSweeney and Richard Edgehille and two members from Plymouth County Mosquito Control. The group walked and viewed many areas of Town, which are nesting grounds for mosquitoes. Mrs. King is trying to bring awareness to the problem of the lack of communication among State and local agencies relative EEE. The agencies need to make a cooperative effort to heighten awareness of the issue and needs in which to reduce risk. Mr. Egan pointed out that mosquitoes can “winter over”. He recommended residents police their properties and empty any containers collecting water, which is the breeding ground for mosquitoes. Mr. Egan reported that he is still
reviewing the material Mrs. King has provided him.
MOTION by Colclough, second by Armstrong to adjourn. Voted 5 – 0
8:45 p.m. Meeting adjourned.
Respectfully submitted,
Meredith Marini
Approved and Voted 5 – 0
January 23, 2007
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