Town of Hanson - Board of Selectmen
Meeting Minutes – Hanson Town Hall
March 5, 2013
Members Present: Stephen Amico, James Egan, Richard Flynn, Donald Howard and David Soper
Members Absent:
Others Present: Town Administrator Rene’ J. Read and Executive Assistant Meredith Marini
I~ 7:32 p.m. Chairman Amico called the meeting to order and lead the allegiance, read the announcements and upcoming meeting schedule. Chairman Amico congratulated Mr. Read on his acceptance of the position as Town Manager in the Town of Duxbury. Chairman Amico is confident that Mr. Read will do a great job in Duxbury. Mr. Read thanked everyone for their support.
II TOWN ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT
Hanson Water Department – Mr. Read reported that the Water Superintendant Neal Merritt has resigned from his position to pursue another opportunity in the Town of Hanover. Mr. Read indicated that during Mr. Merritt’s tenure in Hanson, he has always been a valuable employee and has made significant contributions to the Water Department. Mr. Read extended his sincerest congratulations and best wishes to Mr. Merritt. Mr. Read will be working with the Water Commission to assist them in the hiring process for their next Superintendant.
Health Department – Mr. Read informed the Board that on Friday, March 1, 2013, he along with members of the Board of Health interviewed the one internal candidate who applied for the position of Health Agent. Mr. Read was pleased to announce that Donna Tramontana has been hired as full-time Health Agent as of tomorrow, Wednesday, March 6, 2013.
III NEW BUSINESS
Re-Appointments
Board of Registrars – Barbara Ferguson – Term to Expire 3/31/16
Veterans Agent – Robert Arsenault – Term to Expire 3/31/14
Veteran Burial Agent – Robert Arsenault – Term to Expire 3/31/14
Veterans Service Officer – Robert Arsenault – Term to Expire 3/31/14
Animal Control Officer – Bernard Delory – Term to Expire 3/31/14
MOTION by Howard, second by Egan to approve the reappointments as printed. Voted 5 - 0
Green Hanson - Request to Use Town Hall Green – 6th Annual Earth Day Sat. April 27, 2013. Chairman Amico read the following letter from Green Hanson.
Dear Board of Selectmen,
We request permission to use the Town Hall Green for the 6th Annual Earth Day Festival on Saturday, April 27th from 10am to 6pm. The event will be co-sponsored by Hanson Children’s Museum and will take place from 1-4pm. The extra hours are for set-up and clean up. In the case of rain, we would like to reserve for the same time on Sunday, April 28th. We do not plan to request the use of indoor facilities and instead will have portable toilets available for attendees.
Thank you for your consideration.
Marianne DiMascio
Chairman Green Hanson
MOTION by Egan, second by Soper to grant permission to Green Hanson to use the Town Hall Green for the Earth Day event on April 27th . Voted 5 - 0
Discussion pertaining to Town Administrator position – Mr. Read reviewed his suggested timeline for the Town Administrator Search process which would have the Search Committee appointed on March 19th and applications for the position due by March 29th. Based on the schedule, the position could be filled by June or July depending on the candidate’s current obligations or commitments. Mr. Read recommended that the Board seek applications for appointment to the committee which would be comprised of one member of the Board of Selectmen, an elected official and two or three citizens at large. Mr. Read reviewed the advertisement which is the same as the one used in 2009.
Mr. Read explained the process he experienced in Duxbury in which the Town department heads met with each of the Town Manager finalist. He feels it is important for the department heads have an opportunity to meet with the candidates.
Mr. Amico reminded the Board that during the last search process, Pembroke Town Administrator Ed Thorne was on the committee and suggested that Mr. Read assist the new committee. Mr. Read agreed to work with the committee during the preliminary stage of reviewing the applicants.
MOTION by Howard, second by Flynn to advertise the Town Administrator for discussion.
Mr. Soper suggested that the reference to strong computer skills should be changed from desired to required. The Board agreed. Voted 5 – 0
The position will be advertised on the Massachusetts Municipal Association and the Massachusetts Municipal Managers Association websites as well as the Town website.
MOTION by Soper, second by Howard to create a Search Committee of five members. Voted 5 - 0
Applications for appointment will be available in the Selectmen’s office and online.
Update on the Police Chief Search Committee – Chairman Kenny Mitchell indicated that the committee has narrowed the pool of candidates from 49 to 14. The second phase of the process has started and an extensive application and questionnaire has been sent to the candidates. Badgequest expects that 10% wil1 not respond. They hope to narrow the pool down to four to six candidates. Those four to six candidates will take part in an assessment center which is an all day exercise. At the conclusion of the assessment center, Badgequest will present a report to the Board. Mr. Mitchell indicated the Steve Unsworth of Badgequest has been very helpful and professional guiding the Search Committee through the process. The Search Committee expects to present three or four
candidates to the Board of Selectmen by the middle of April.
Mr. Mitchell clarified that Interim Chief Parker has not been involved in the hiring process. Mr. Flynn indicated that he would prefer to have Chief Parker’s input on the candidates since Chief Parker has been dealing with the department. Mr. Mitchell indicated that early in the search process, Badgequest distributed a questionnaire to all members of the police department and the dispatchers to get their input on the functioning of the police department. The response was poor.
Class II License – John J. Perry – Affordable Auto 169A Franklin Street
MOTION by Howard, second by Egan to open a hearing for a Class II Used Car License at 169A Franklin Street Voted 5 – 0.
Mr. Perry was present and indicated that they will be selling used vehicles with a price range of $1,500 to $4,000. The service of the vehicles will be done on site.
Mr. Amico inquired about the distance from his home in Woburn. Mr. Perry indicated that he had previously owned a business in Quincy and found many of the customers had come from this area.
Mr. Soper inquired as to how long Mr. Perry has been in the car business. Mr. Perry indicated approximately three years, but has dabbled in cars for years.
Chairman Amico inquired about Better Business status. Mr. Perry indicated he has not had any complaints filed against him. They stand behind their vehicles.
MOTION by Howard, second by Egan to grant the license to John J. Perry Affordable Auto at 169A Franklin Street. Voted 5 – 0
MOTION by Egan, second by Soper to close the hearing. Voted 5 - 0
Close May 2013 Special & Annual Town Meeting Warrants
MOTION by Soper, second by Egan to close the May Special and Annual Town Meeting Warrants Voted 5 - 0
IV ONE DAY LIQUOR LICENSES – Camp Kiwanee
Professional Bartending Services – March 15, 16, 22, 23 7 – 9 – Play The Last Laugh
MOTION by Howard, second by Soper to grant the one day liquor license. Voted 5 - 0
V OLD BUSINESS – None Heard
VI APPROVE MINUTES
January 8, 2013
January 22, 2013
February 5, 2013
MOTION by Howard, second by Egan to approve the minutes of January 8, 2013 as printed Voted 4 – 0 – 1 (Flynn)
MOTION by Howard, second by Soper to approve the minutes of January 22, 2012 and February 5, 2013 as printed. Voted 5 - 0
VII COMMITTEE REPORTS
Zoning By-law Committee – Mr. Flynn indicated that the committee discussed the sign by-law and political signs. They reviewed by-laws from other communities. The committee decided to focus on one particular section of the by-law. According to committee member David Nagle, who also serves on the Board of Appeals, the sign by-law works as designed. The Town cannot have a specific by-law about political signs. They are researching case law on the matter. The Committee feels that the by-law may need more definitions and descriptions. The committee does not want to restrict freedom of speech. Mr. Egan says there is conflicting case law on the matter.
Maquan/Indian Head School Committee – Mr. Amico indicate that MSBA approved floor plans. The committee reviewed roof plans and the committee chose Option “B”. There will be skylights in the roof similar to the library building. The buses will no longer enter School Street, but rather use the current Indian Head Street entrance. Front parking will be for visitors. None of the buses will be on School Street. The school will be located in the area of the track. The vote will go to the October Special Town Meeting. The committee will be making a presentation at the May Town Meeting. The next meeting is March 18th at 5:30 at the High School.
Finance Committee member, Manny Depina asked about the capacity and how will it accommodate growth. Mr. Amico indicated will not be at capacity and will accommodate growth. The pre-kindergarten and kindergarten will be in one area; grades one and two will be located in another section and grades 3, 4 and 5 will be on a separate level. Mr. Depina inquired about the useful life of the building. Mr. Amico indicated a school will be built with an approximate life of 50 years with an asphalt roof. Mr. Amico indicated that the staff will be reduced as all the grades will be housed at one location, reducing the need for two principals and administrative staff.
Mr. Amico reported that both schools will be in use during construction. Once the new building is constructed the old buildings will be taken down. Mr. Amico anticipates that there will be asbestos issues, but they will address those when demolition takes place.
The State will fund 56% reimbursement of $53,000,000 construction costs. The cost to the Town will be $28,000,000. There will be an adjustment due to the increased size of the gym. MSBA reviews studies on projected demographic growth over the next 10 years. Mr. Depina asked what warrants the increase in the size of the gym. Mr. Amico indicated the determine was based on community needs. The town currently uses both the Maquan and Indian Head gyms. Once the new school is constructed, there will only be one gym. Mr. Amico explained there will be an adjustment to the funding known as a “clawback” because the Indian Head School renovations were within the last 20 years.
Mr. Depina asked when the ball fields will be available. Mr. Amico indicated that once the old buildings are removed, the ball fields will be constructed. Memorial Hall will be taken down and all the plaques will be relocated to the Hanson Middle School where Town Meeting takes place. Mr. Depina inquired where will people be voting. Mr. Amico indicated that voting will take place at the new school. Accommodations have been made for the Town Clerk and election equipment.
VIII EXECUTIVE SESSION
Chairman Amico announced that the Board will be going into Executive Session for the purpose of discussing strategy with respect to collective bargaining or litigation and conducting collective bargaining sessions since an open meeting may have a detrimental effect on the bargaining position of the Town. Board will return to open session only to adjourn.
So Moved by Howard, second by Soper. Roll Call Flynn Aye, Howard Aye, Amico Aye, Egan Aye and Soper Aye. Voted 5 – 0.
8: 26 p.m. Brief Recess
8:50 p.m. Returned to open session
IX ADJOURNMENT
MOTION by Howard, second by Flynn to adjourn. Voted 5 - 0
8:50 p.m. Meeting Adjourned
Respectfully submitted,
Meredith Marini,
Executive Assistant
Approved and Voted 5 - 0
March 19, 2013
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