Selectmen’s Meeting Minutes
January 22, 2008
Present: Jesse McSweeney, James Egan and Christopher Colclough. James Armstrong absent. Also present Town Administrator Michael Finglas and Executive Assistant Meredith Marini
7:34 p.m. Chairman Egan called the meeting to order, lead the Pledge Alliegence and read the announcements and upcoming meeting schedule.
Item I Hanson Housing Authority Appointment - Two applications have been received to fill the vacancy created by Stephanie McSweeney’s resignation. Applications were received from Thomas Powers of 15C Meeting House Lane and Michael Jones of 38 Holmes Terrace. Housing Authority members Paul Taber and Robert Sears were present along with Housing Director Mary Frances Allen.
Mr. Powers informed the Board that he is a resident of Meeting House Lane. He has lived in Hanson for 45 years and retired from the school system as head custodian. He likes the housing facility and feels he has a lot to offer the authority as a resident.
Mr. Jones informed the Board that his has lived in Hanson for 20 years. He has been in the construction field for many years as a sheet metal worker. He now works are a foreman. He is currently pursuing a Real Estate License.
Mr. Taber thanked both candidates for applying. Mr. Taber indicated that he has known Mr. Powers for several years and appreciates his experience. However, Mr. Taber felt that in light of upcoming projects he feels that Mr. Jones experience I the construction field would be helpful to the Housing Authority.
Mr. McSweeney commended both of the candidates for wanting to get involved. Mr. McSweeney likes to see young people come forward. Both candidates express willingness to run for the position.
Mr. Colclough inquired as to the time commitment required for the position. Mr. Sears pointed out that the position is a commitment of time. They need someone to attend meetings once a month. Quorums have been a problem. Mr. Sears estimated about 10 hours per month. Mr. Powers indicated that he is retired and available anytime. Mr. Jones indicated he can meet the time commitment.
MOTION by McSweeney, second by Colclough to appoint Michael Jones to the housing authority term to expire May 17, 2008 at which time he must be elected to the position.
Voted 3 – 0.
Item II Class II Used Car License Hearing - Guy Thompson of 30 Auburn Street, Whitman submitted an application for a Class II Used Car license for Route 58 LLC at
712 Monponsett Street. The Zoning Board of Appeals has approved a used car sales business at that location. The decision allows for 12 vehicles for sale on the lot.
MOTION by McSweeney, second by Colclough to approve a Class II used Car license to Guy Thompson Route 58 LLC at 712 Monponsett Street for 12 vehicles. Voted 3 – 0
Item III Vote Class II License Renewal - Clean Car Auto – 1665 Main Street annual renewal.
MOTION by McSweeney, second by Colclough to approve the renewal of a Class II license to Clean Car Auto at 1665 Main Street. Voted 3 – 0
Item IV Appointments – Special Police Officers – Chief Savage requested that the Board appoint Whitman Police Officers, Eric M. Campbell and Kevin J. Harrington as special Police Officers in the Town of Hanson. The appointments will assist in mutual aid at the high school.
MOTION by McSweeney, second by Colclough to appoint Eric M. Campbell and Kevin J. Harrington as Special Police Officers. Terms expire June 30, 2008. Voted 3 – 0
Item V Town Administrator’s Report – Mr. Finglas reported that he signed Payroll Warrant #25 in the amount of $112,819.52; Expense 25 - $167,489.61; Expense 25A $22,318.36; Expense 25B $21,780.25. Payroll Warrant 27 in the amount of $99,629.24; Expense 27 - $116,895.50 and Expense 27A - $19,600.77. Payroll Warrant 28 $114,881.77; Expense 28 - $51,854.68; Expense 28A - $3,264.19; Expense 28B - $22,205.36 and Expense 28C - $14,093.91. Payroll Warrant 29 - $99,230.44; Expense 29 - $258,936.22; Expense 29A - $18,613.55 and Expense 29B - $27,008.00.
Mr. Finglas informed that Board that he distributed his proposed budget to the Department Heads last Thursday and presented the budget to the Finance Committee last Tuesday.
Mr. Finglas reported that the Plymouth County Commissioners have voted to change the management of the Plymouth County Group Health from Chapter 32B, Section 11 to Chapter 32B, Section 12. This change will allow each member unit have a direct vote in the administration of the Health Plan.
Mr. Finglas read the Assent:
Whereas, the Board of Selectmen of the Town of Hanson, have determined it would be in the best interest of the Town to procure group hospital, surgical, medical, dental and other health care coverage as authorized by Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 32B pursuant to Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 32B, Section 12, we hereby order the withdrawal of the Town of Hanson from the Plymouth County Health Group and further authorize the Town of Hanson to enter into a MGL 32B, Section 12 trust or joint purchase agreement with other cities, towns, counties, and districts, that will form the trust or joint purchase agreement for the purposes of negotiating and purchasing insurance policies providing group hospital, surgical, medical, dental and other health care coverage for the employees, dependents and retirees of the Town of
Hanson. The implementation of this order shall be administered by the office responsible for handling health insurance for the Town of Hanson.
MOTION by McSweeney, second by Colclough to authorize the change. Voted 3 – 0
School Committee Budget Meeting – Mr. Finglas reported that the School Committee will be holding a budget meeting on Saturday, February 2nd at 8:00 a.m. to review its budget. The Board recommended posting the meeting in the event three members attend.
Item VI Policy Review: - The Board reviewed the following policies:
Policy 1- 1 Complaint Policy – The Board recommended changing the reference to Board of Selectmen to Town administrator and deleting the entire second paragraph. The Board agreed that complaint and responses should be in writing.
Policy 2 – 1 Housing – Local Initiative – Mrs. Marini explained that the Local Initiative Policy has been replaced by the implementation of Chapter 40B.
MOTION by McSweeney, second by Colclough to revoke Policy 2 -1 Local Initiative in lieu of Chapter 40B.
Policy 3 – 1 Land – Chapter 61 – 61B – The Board agreed all reference to Executive Secretary shall be changed to Town Administrator. Section 4, sentence 6, should include Town Administrator with the input from the Town Accountant, treasurer….
Policy 3 – 2 Land – Land Sale Protocol – The Board asked who served as the Tax Custodian. The Treasurer serves as the Tax Custodian as she is the person who places the properties in tax title once they have defaulted. The Board requested a definition of Tax Custodian be included in the policy.
Policy 4 – 1 Miscellaneous – Rabies Policy - The Board referred the policy to the Board of Health with the suggestions that individual personalities be deleted and replaced with positions.
Policy 8 – 3 Building – Snow Policy - The Board agreed that all references to Executive Secretary should be replaced with Town Administrator. Mrs. Marini recommended that departments be required to change the voicemail messages indicating their office is closed due to weather.
MOTION by McSweeney, second by Colclough to adjourn. Voted 3 – 0
8:35 p.m. Meeting Adjourn
Respectfully submitted,
Meredith Marini
Executive Assistant
Approved and Voted 3 - 0
February 12, 2008
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