Selectmen’s Meeting Minutes
November 27, 2007
Present: James Armstrong, Jesse McSweeney, James Egan and Christopher Colclough. Also present Town Administrator Michael Finglas and Executive Assistant Meredith Marini
7:35 p.m. Chairman Egan called the meeting to order, lead the Pledge Alliegence and read the announcements and upcoming meeting schedule.
Item I Bob Hayes – School Committee – Mr. Hayes reported that the Whitman Hanson School District is in good order. He presented the Board with a refund check in the amount of $31,811.30. Chapter 70 funds were more than anticipated. The $31,811.30 represents the excess amount. Mr. Hayes explained that in the past the extra monies would be applied the future years’ assessment, but the School Committee felt it would be appropriate to refund the town in light of the current fiscal constraints.
Mr. Armstrong inquired about the status of classroom sizes. Mr. Hayes indicated that the committee is keeping a close watch on the matter. He praised Superintendent John McEwan and Sharon Andrew for their work.
Mr. Hayes indicated that the School Committee just started their budget process. They are scheduling their budget meetings for January. He pointed out that utility costs continue to rise and adversely affecting the budget.
Mr. Finglas inquired about the letter from Dr. McEwan regarding the cost of the lift at the Maquan School. Mr. Hayes explained that while the cost of a boiler in a Whitman School may offset the cost of the lift, Dr. McEwan was obligated to notify and bill the Town for the lift. They hope to have the matter resolved shortly.
Item II Town Administrator’s Report - Mr. Finglas reported that he signed the following warrants: Period November 8th – Payroll Warrant 19 in the amount of $112,042.47; Expense 19 - $1,807,566.66; Expense 19A - $21,241.83 and Expense 19B - $25,359.11. Period November 15th – Payroll Warrant 20 in the amount of $101,851.32; Expense 20 - $16,044.59 and Expense 20A - $19,180.20; Period November 21st – Payroll Warrant 21 - $102,320.37; Expense 21 - $5,054,255.00; Expense 21A - $19,342.28 and Expense 21B - $552,240.00
Thank you to Brownie Troup 219 – Mr. Finglas informed the Board that Brownie Troup 219 along with Troop Leaders Theresa Dever and Mary Wood delivered a goodie basket to him on Wednesday, November 21st. He thanked the girls for their thoughtfulness.
Review the Budget Process – Mr. Finglas read the letter he sent to the Finance Committee on November 6th following his meeting with them. Mr. Finglas indicated that the budget process is moving along nicely. He anticipated getting his recommended budget to the Board at the next meeting on December 11th for discussion and questions on December 18th. Once the Board reviews the budget, it will be forwarded to the Finance Committee in January.
Mr. McSweeney inquired whether the Board would be meeting with the Finance Committee during the budget process. Mr. Finglas explained that he would be meeting with them at least four times, but a meeting with both boards would be in order.
Set Christmas Schedule – Mr. Finglas recommended that the Town Hall close at Noon on both Christmas Eve and New Years Eve. The Board concurred.
Item III New Business The Treasurer/Collector forwarded bonds to be signed for the Title V septic loan program. Mrs. Marini indicated that the documents were in the “To Be Signed” folder.
Item IV Old Business . Vacancies on Housing Authority and Finance Committee. Mrs. Marini reminder the Board and the residents that the vacancy on the Housing Authority is an elected position. There is also one vacancy on the Finance Committee. She anticipates a vacancy on the Recreation Commission, but has not yet received a letter of resignation.
Policies – Mr. Egan noted the packet of policies and requested the Board set a timeframe or deadline for the completion of the review. Mrs. Marini pointed out that some of the policies need to be updated from Executive Secretary to Town Administrator. Other needs to be revised to reflect the acceptance of the Town Administrator Special Act. After brief discussion, the Board requested Mrs. Marini group the policies and schedule them for review.
Open Meeting Law Seminar – Mr. McSweeney requested that an Open Meeting Law Seminar be scheduled after the holidays for all departments and committees.
Item V Minutes – Regular Session Sept. 25th, Oct 1st, Oct. 16th , Nov. 7th
MOTION by McSweeney, second by Colclough to approve the regular session minutes of September 25, 2007, October 16, 2007 and November 7, 2007 as printed. Voted 4 – 0
MOTION by McSweeney, second by Colclough to approve the regular session minutes of October 1, 2007 as printed. Voted 3 – 0 – 1 (Armstrong)
Item VI Committee Reports – Maquan Feasibility – Mr. Armstrong indicated that Gene Raymond of RDA Architect was selected for the project assessment. The Committee’s goal is to have a report completed into for presentation at the May Town Meeting.
Mr. Egan read an invitation from Caritas Medical Center for Thursday, November 29th from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. He referenced a letter from the Old Colony Planning Council regarding plans for Regional Bike and Pedestrian Trails. Mr. Finglas indicated that there is one in his region.
Mr. McSweeney thanked Veteran’s Agent Robert Arsenault for putting together the Veterans’ Day Ceremony. The event was very well attended to honor of Sgt. Callahan.
Mr. Egan read an invitation from the Hanson Rotary inviting the Board to attend a discussion with Private Peter Damon who has served in Iraq. The event is schedule for Thursday, November 29th at 6:30 p.m. at the High School.
Monponsett Pond – Mr. Colclough indicated that he is putting together the grant for the study of Monponsett Pond. The grant must be filed by December 14th.
MOTION by McSweeney, second by Colclough to adjourn.
8:35 p.m. Meeting Adjourned.
Respectfully submitted,
Meredith Marini
Approved and Voted 4 – 0
December 11, 2007
| 
