Selectmen’s Meeting Minutes
April 29, 2008
Present: James Armstrong, James Egan and Christopher Colclough. Also present Town Administrator Michael Finglas and Executive Assistant Meredith Marini
7:32 p.m. Chairman Egan called the meeting to order, lead the Pledge Allegiance, read the announcements and upcoming meeting schedule.
Item I Town Administrator’s Report – Mr. Finglas reported that for period ending April 10th he signed Payroll Warrant 41 in the amount of $103,847.13; Expense 41 - $213,525.89; Expense 41A - $19,467.18; Expense 41B - $130,559.50. For period ending April 17th he signed Payroll Warrant 42 in the amount of $104,771.88; Expense 42 - $43,752.48; Expense 42A - $20,865.84; and Expense 42B - $31,728.30. For period ending April 24th he signed Payroll Warrant 43 - $106,992.23; Expense 43 - $24,376.64 and Expense 43A - $20,371.94; For period ending May 1st he signed Payroll Warrant 44 - $113,207.68; Expense 44 - $1,653,692.68; Expense 44A - $21,665.87; Expense 44B -
$31,271.46 and Expense 44C - $6,664.07.
Mr. Finglas announced that the Annual Reports are available at the Town Hall, Senior Center and Library. Copies will be available at Town Meeting.
Mr. Finglas informed the Board that the $125,000 grant for the ball fields has been received and the amount has been deposited. He thanked the Department of Conservation and Recreation for their assistance and releasing the funds in advance.
Mr. Finglas reported that in light of the current fiscal constraints, he has forwarded a memo to all departments requesting that they curb spending through the end of the year. He recommended that only essential items be purchased. If all departments spend down their budgets, there will be very little Free Cash in October.
Whitman VFW for Annual Poppy Drive – Mr. Finglas informed the Board that he received Whitman VFW’s annual request for their Buddy Poppy Drive from May 15th through May 17th at Shaws.
MOTION by Armstrong, second by Colclough to approve the request of the Whitman VFW for their annual Buddy Poppy Drive from May 15th – May 17th. Voted 3 – 0
Item II National Grid – Pole Hearing- - Request from National Grid for a Joint Pole relocation at 1300 Main Street, Pole 125-S, Petition Number 4256921.
MOTION by Colclough, second by Armstrong to open the Pole hearing. Voted 3 – 0
Mr. Wie Pong Wong, representative from National Grid, was present. Mrs. Marini informed the Board that all the abutters had been notified of the hearing. Mr. Wong informed the Board that the relocation was necessary because the tree that the guy wire was attached to will be removed. The Board briefly discussed the location of the new pole to ensure that it will not be impeding any driveways.
MOTION by Armstrong, second by Colclough to close the Pole Hearing. Voted 3 – 0
MOTION by Armstrong, second by Colclough to approve the request for a joint pole location as printed. Voted 3 – 0
Item III Finalize Town Meeting Articles & Budget – The Board discussed the budget. Mr. Finglas informed the Board that the Finance Committee has reduced the salaries increases for the department heads to 2.5%. Mr. Finglas had recommended increases from 1 ½% to 3%. He expressed his concerned that the evaluation process is diminished, if his recommendations are revised by the Finance Committee. Mr. Finglas indicated that other than the salary increase issue, the budget is a good working budget. The Board discussed whether the Town Administrator recommendations or the Finance Committee recommendations should be read during Town Meeting. Mr. Finglas would discuss the matter with the Moderator and the Finance
Committee.
MOTION by Colclough, second by Armstrong to recommend Article 5 of the Annual Town Meeting Warrant and recommended that the Town Administrator’s recommendations be read by the Moderator. Voted 3 – 0
Item IV Appointment ~ Capital Improvement Committee - An application has been received from Donna Terrell of 4 Joshua Lane to fill a vacancy on the Capital Improvement Committee. The term is set to expire on June 30, 2009.
MOTION by Armstrong, second by Colclough to appoint Donna Terrell of 4 Joshua Lane to the Capital Improvement Committee. Term to Expire June 30, 2009. Voted 3 – 0
Item V Approve Minutes ~ Regular session minutes of April 8, 2008.
MOTION by Armstrong, second by Colclough to accept the minutes of April 8th as printed. Voted 3 – 0
Item VI One Day Liquor License ~ Camp Kiwanee
Bea Reynolds of Hanson on Sunday, May 25th from 1:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. for a family party
Jen Faucette of Worcester on Saturday, May 31st from 3:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. for a wedding
Jennifer Harvey of Hanson on June 1st from 12:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. for a graduation party
Danielle Nunzio of Halifax on Saturday, June 21st from 4:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. for a wedding
MOTION by Armstrong, second by Colclough to approve the One Day Liquor Licenses as printed. Voted 3 – 0
Item VII Committee Reports ~ Earth Day Celebration -~ Mr. Armstrong thanked Green Hanson for the very successful event. Mr. Egan concurred the event was well attended and was pleased with the number of town departments which participated.
Mr. Armstrong informed the Board that he met with John Seamans regarding the Community Gardens which were proposed behind the BCI Building at the Plymouth County Hospital site. Mr. Armstrong thanked Finance Committee member Michael Kelly for donating seeds for the Town Hall gardens and the community gardens.
Mr. Armstrong also informed the Board that Hanson has been selected by EPA to be highlighted on the EPA website.
MOTION by Colclough, second by Armstrong to adjourn. Voted 3 – 0.
8:25 p.m. Meeting Adjourned.
Respectfully submitted,
Meredith Marini
Executive Assistant
Approved and Voted 3 – 0 – 2
May 20, 2008
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