Selectmen’s Meeting Minutes
February 6, 2007
Present: Christopher Colclough, Mark Gallivan, Jesse McSweeney, James Egan and James Armstrong. Also present Town Administrator Michael Finglas and Executive Assistant Meredith Marini.
Chairman McSweeney called the meeting to order, lead the Pledge Allegiance, read the announcements and upcoming meetings.
Item I Town Administrator’s Report - Mr. Finglas introduced the new Water Superintendent Neal Merritt. Mr. Finglas informed the Board that Mr. Merritt comes to us from Norwell Water Department. Mr. Armstrong informed the Board that the Emergency Communication Committee includes the Water Superintendent. Mr. Armstrong recommended that the Board appoint Mr. Merritt to his first committee.
MOTION by Armstrong, second by Gallivan to appoint Neal Merritt to the Emergency Communication Center Committee. Voted 5 – 0
Mr. Finglas pointed out that the hiring process for the Water Superintendent went very smoothly under the Town Administrator Act.
Item II Citation - Old Hitching Post – Mr. Anastasios Kesseras of the Olde Hitching Post was present to receive a citation from the Board for his generosity of serving 300 holiday dinners for the Hanson Seniors.
Mr. Finglas reported that for period ending January 25th he signed Payroll Warrant 30 in the amount of $104,294.50; Expense 30 - $53,889.82, Expense 30A - $17,798.46. Period ending February 1st he signed Payroll Warrant 31 - $98,181.69, Expense 31 $36,471.81, Expense 31A - $17,502.57 and Expense 31B - $4,492.03. MBTA – Mr. Finglas reported that he had received a letter from the MBTA requesting input from the communities regarding the addition of a later train. Mr. Finglas indicated that the calls have come in five to one against adding a train. The major concern is the horns and whistles. Mr. McSweeney recommended putting the matter on the agenda for February 27th for public discussion and comment. Dog hearing – Mr.
Finglas reported that the dog hearing has been set for Thursday, March 29th at 10:00 a.m. Mr. McSweeney indicated that he would be attending that hearing.
Item III Police Patrolman Appointment – Mr. Finglas reported that an assessment panel was convened to review five candidates for patrolman. Based on the panel’s review, Chief Savage and Mr. Finglas recommend the Board appoint Brian Kenny as a patrolman. Chief Savage explained how the vacancy was created. He provided the Board with background information on Mr. Kenny, specifically that Mr. Kenny has completed the police academy thereby saving the Town money. Mr. Kenny is currently a full time police officer in Oaks Bluff, consequently he will have to give proper notice. He is a resident of Hanson and has a bachelor’s degree. The Board commented on the quality of the candidates and the efficiency of the hiring
process.
MOTION by Armstrong, second by Colclough to appoint Brian Kenny as patrolman. Voted 5 – 0
Chief Savage requested that the appointment date be effective March 5th to coincide with a payroll.
Item IV -Hanson Baseball - Mike Josselyn from Hanson Baseball reported that dugouts have been installed at the Robinson Street fields through a donation from Melonoma Foundation and Little League baseball. The Foundation provided dugouts to three communities through an essay contest. Mr. Josselyn submitted an essay on behalf of Hanson Baseball. The Foundation is promoting skin cancer awareness. Mr. Josselyn indicated that the dug outs have been a great improvement. The Board thanked Mr. Josselyn and Hanson Baseball for their efforts.
Item V Parks & Fields – Discuss new ball fields – Bill Clay and Ed Bates were present from Parks & Fields and Alan and Phil Clemons were present on behalf of the Town Forest Committee. Mr. Clay presented the Board with a proposed plan for two additional ball fields at Boteri Field. The plan moves the current skate board park to the upper level of the parking area. Mr. Clay indicated that Parks & Fields scaled back their original plans as the new fields would interfere with the Bay Circuit Trail. Phil Clemons pointed out the concerns of wetlands and topography. Chairman McSweeney recommended that the two groups meet and discuss the plan. The Board recommended that they seek out
comments from the Highway Surveyor as well.
Item V I New Business - Set Meeting Dates for April, May & June – The Board agreed to meet on March 13th and 27th, April 3rd and 10th, May 1st, 7th and 22nd and
June 5th and June 19th.
Item VII Appointments – Council of Elder Affairs Alternates – Mrs. Marini indicated that the new by-law, which was recently approved by the Attorney General, allows for a minimum of three alternate members with three year terms. The terms must be staggered for the first appointees. Three individuals have applied George Ruxton 984 Monponsett Street, Ellen Lane 534 Maquan Street, Paul Cameron 25 Jerrold Street. Mrs. Marini recommended the George Ruxton’s term expire June 30, 2007, Ellen Lane’s term to expire June 30, 2008 and Paul Cameron’s to expire on June 30, 2009.
MOTION by Gallivan, second by Colclough to appoint George Ruxton, Ellen Lane, and Paul Cameron as alternates to the Council of Elder Affairs, terms to expire June 2007, June 2008 and June 2009 respectively as outlined. Voted 5 – 0
Item VIII Approve Minutes Regular and Executive Session minutes for
January 23, 2007
MOTION by Armstrong, second by Egan to approve the regular and executive session minutes of January 23, 2007. Executive session minutes to be held until the matter is resolved. Voted 5 – 0
Item IX Committee Reports – Emergency Communication Center – Mr. Armstrong reported that the committee recommended to the Town Administrator the appointment of a part-time dispatcher. Mr. Armstrong withheld the individual’s name as notification has just gone out today. Traffic Signals -– Mr. Armstrong indicated that the LED traffic light signals project has been completed. The cost of the project was approximately $8500, with $5,500 in rebates from Mass Electric. The project will pay for
itself in about eight months. Energy – He has also been working on energy savings projects with the Town Administrator. Plymouth County Selectmen - Mr. Armstrong attended their meeting in which they discussed the Whitman Hanson Regional High School. School Budget – He also attended the school committee budget meeting. The figures don’t look good. They are expecting a net 4% increase. They discussed the number of students per class room. Phoenix Committee – Mr. McSweeney reported that the committee is working on ways to educate the voters for Town Meeting and effects to keep the public informed.
MOTION by Gallivan, second by Colclough to adjourn. Voted 5 – 0
8:45 p.m. Meeting adjourned.
Respectfully submitted,
Meredith Marini
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