Town of Hanson - Board of Selectmen
Meeting Minutes – Hanson Town Hall
August 24, 2010 – 7:30 p.m.
Members Present: Christopher Colclough, Stephen Amico, James Egan, Donald Howard and David Soper
Members Absent:
Others Present: Rene’ J. Read, Town Administrator and Executive Assistant Meredith Marini
I 7:35 p.m.~~~~~~~Chairman Colclough called the meeting to order. Chairman Colclough lead the Pledge Allegiance and read the announcements and upcoming meeting schedule.
II MINUTES
August 10, 2010
MOTION by Amico, second by Howard to approve as presented. Voted 4 – 0 – 1 (Soper)
III TOWN ADMINISTRATOR REPORT
Utility Pole Hearing Process - Mr. Read informed the Board that he will be implementing a change to the Utility Pole Hearing process which is one that he has used for the past 8 years in previous job experiences.~ The hearings will be conducted by Mr. Read and will be held during the day at Town Hall.~ In addition to the statutory obligation of notifying abutters to the project area, notification of the hearing will also be sent to the Highway Surveyor and Water Superintendent with a request for their written recommendation(s) on each application.~ Final decisions will still remain with the Board of Selectmen and will be based on a recommendation from Mr. Read, the Highway Surveyor and Water Superintendent
Factors for FY11 Budget – Mr. Read read the August 17, 2010 e-mail which was sent to the Board of Selectmen and Finance Committee outlining his plans for the FY11 budget.
Dear Members,
I am anticipating three expenditures coming our way in this fiscal year which will make this a very financially tight year.
- In March 2011, firefighter Donald Colby will be retiring from the Fire Department.~ When he leaves, he will be entitled to approximately $28,000 in sick time buy back as a result of contractual obligations.
- Earlier this month, the Superintendent of Schools wrote to inform us of the leaking tanks at the Maquan Elementary School – a project which could approach the $25,000 mark.
- Finally, our Health Agent, Vincent Flaherty, is recovering from surgery and is not expected back until mid to late October.~ We have hired a temporary, part-time replacement.~ At this point it appears that we may have sufficient funds to cover this for that time period.
As you may recall, the voters at Town Meeting appropriated $50,000 to the Reserve Fund.~ As you can see, these expenditures could easily total beyond the appropriated Reserve Fund amount.~ In order to defer the costs at the Maquan School, I spoke with Sharon Andrew about the idea of having WHRSD paying for the repairs at the time of completion and the Town could reimburse the school department at the Special Town Meeting in May (possibly using Free Cash), to which she agreed.
These events occurring this early in the fiscal year do concern me since we have not yet concluded the end of the first quarter.~ As a result, we are monitoring all of our expenses very carefully.
Factors for FY12 Budget
There is a great need to let the School Department know of these variables early and I will be setting up a meeting with the Superintendent shortly.
Although the budget message won’t be completed for another month, I have been compiling a list of factors to be considered when developing the budget.~ Specifically:
Department Head increases – they have not had a raise in the last 2 years (2%)
Union negotiations (Police currently at 4th year of 0% increase)
Restore positions lost as a result of layoffs
Restore reduced departmental hours
No use of Stabilization
5% reduction in state aid
Cost implications associated with impending retirements
Discussion regarding an Override
There is another staff member of the Hanson Fire Department who could chose to retire at any time.~ That individual will be entitled to 100 days of sick time buy back which will equate to over $30,000
Additionally, three other staff members in the Hanson Fire Department will be eligible for retirement in FY 15 (March 2014, May 2014, and October 2014).~ These individuals would also be entitled to 100 days of sick time buy back which will equate to over $30,000 each.
Hanson Transfer Station – Mr. Read reported that on Tuesday of last week, he received the following update from Chris Callahan at the Transfer Station:
Monday August 16th Approximately 3:00 pm I was at the recycle area cycling the machines when I finished cycling the plastic commingled container I noticed Smoke coming out of one of the bags with a strong odor. I then got a rake to see if something in the bag was on fire. When I opened the bag I saw several chemical bottles smoking in the bag, not knowing the type of chemicals, quantity or reaction that was taking place I felt that this was a risk to public safety. I closed off the area and notified the fire department of a possible chemical fire. When the fire department arrived they then took control of the scene instructing me to cone off a large area of the recycle area while they investigated the smoke. While they investigated the scene I was told to instruct everyone not to use the
recycle area. After the cause was determined to be, left over pool chemicals and the reaction had stopped the containers were removed (2 1gal muriatic acid, 2 9lb containers of Sodium Hydrogen Carbonate, 2 4lb containers of cyanuric acid, 2 1gal containers of sodium hypochlorite). All of these containers had small amounts of residue that started some sort of reaction most likely it was the muriatic acid. This incident was caused by failure of a person to wash out all the residues before disposing of their chemical containers. All of these chemicals are available to the general public at hardware and pool stores
After the fire department removed the items and determined that the incident was over I was instructed to leave the recycle area coned and closed off for the remainder of the day.
Mr. Read stressed that the transfer station is for use by Hanson residents only.~ Additionally, no one will be permitted to drop off their trash or bulky items without a sticker or a trip ticket, respectively.
Recommendation for Appointment - Interim Health Agent – Mr. Read reminded the Board that Health Agent, Vincent Flaherty is out on leave for the next several weeks.~ At the last meeting he mentioned that Mr. Eric Badger, the Health Inspector for the Town of Whitman Health Department, offered to provide us with temporary, part-time assistance to cover for that office.~ Mr. Read recommended that the Hanson Board of Health appoint Mr. Badger as the Interim Health Agent for the Town of Hanson until further notice. The Board of Health was expected to make the appointment this evening.
Mr. Read noted that the Selectmen’s office will be closed on Monday, august 30th and Tuesday, August 31st
IV NEW BUSINESS
Review Warrant Articles – Chairman Colclough indicated that the deadline for submission of warrant articles was Friday, August 20th at 11:00 a.m.
MOTION by Amico, second by Egan to close the October 2010 Special Town Meeting Warrant.
Voted 5 - 0
The Board reviewed each of the Articles. Mr. Read read each of the proposed articles using a page number as an article reference.
Page 1 Selectmen Unpaid Bills $415.00 Mr. Read explain this is an unpaid bill from last year. It was for work at the library senior center. Mrs. Marini informed the Board that the source of funding was from a article for roof repairs at the Library/Senior Center. Mr. Egan inquired whether the roof has been fixed. He was informed it is still on going and the Building Inspector would be making a recommendation.
MOTION by Amico, second by Howard to place the Page 1 article on the warrant. Voted 5 - 0
MOTION by Amico, second by Howard to recommend the Page 1 article. Voted 5 – 0
Page 2 Selectmen/Planning Board Lease for cell tower – Mr. Read indicated that he is working with the Town Planner on the matter. Mr. Amico was concerned that tower may be too tall for Town Hall. He inquired whether the Fire Station would be more appropriate. Mr. Read pointed out that the Town Hall has fewer abutters. Mr. Soper was concerned about the aesthetics.
MOTION by Egan, second by Amico to place Page 2 article on the warrant. Voted 5 - 0
MOTION by Egan, second by Howard to recommend Page 2 article. Voted 4 – 1 (Soper)
Page 3 Fire Chief Lease/Purchase Ambulance $180,000 – Mr. Read indicated that the Chief is working specs.
MOTION by Amico, second Howard to place Page 3 article on the warrant. Voted 5 - 0
MOTION by Amico, second by Howard to Recommend Page 3 Article for discussion.
Mr. Egan asked whether the ambulance has been recommended by the Capital Improvement Committee. From the audience, Highway Surveyor Richard Harris indicated it should not be a problem as the funding is coming from a source other than capital Improvement. Mr. Read will investigate.
Mr. Amico withdrew his motion and Mr. Howard withdrew his second.
Page 4 Selectmen Surplus By-law - Mr. Read indicated that the threshold in the current by-law is too low. The amended by-law would mirror the current Mass. General Law, provide flexibility and reduce confusion. Mr. Read indicated that a policy would need to be drafted.
MOTION by Amico, second by Howard to place the Page 4 article on the warrant. Voted 5 - 0
MOTION by Amico, second by Howard to recommend the Page 4 article. Voted 5 – 0
Page 5 Selectmen Thomas Mill Property – Mr. Read explained that the Board wants to bring the matter back to Town Meeting to ensure that residents know what they are buying. Laura Kemmett, Chairman of the Community Preservation Committee feels that it is the CPC who should bring the article and that the vote from 2009 should be rescinded. Mr. Read indicated the Town Counsel is working on the article and this particular article is a placeholder.
MOTION by Amico, second by Howard to place the Page 5 article on the warrant. Voted 5 - 0
MOTION by Amico, second by Howard to recommend the Page 5 article. Voted 5 – 0
Page 6 School Comm. Maquan School Borrowing – Mr. Read explained that the article was prepared by Bond Counsel. Mr. Egan was concerned that there was not reference to a ballot question. Mr. Read indicated an explanation will be added to the article. Mrs. Marini indicated that the reference to the ballot question will be in the form of a motion, which Bond Counsel also drafted.
MOTION by Amico, second by Howard to place the Page 6 article on the warrant. Voted 5 - 0
MOTION by Amico, second by Howard to recommend the Page 6 article. Voted 3 – 2 (Egan & Soper)
Page 7 Highway Surveyor Reinstate Laid Off Employee – Mr. Read does not recommend the article. Mr. Amico was not in favor of using stabilization as it will effect the bond rating. Mr. Harris indicated stabilization is one of the funding sources available. Mr. Harris felt it was his job as a department head to support the article.
MOTION by Amico, second by Egan not to place the Page 7 article on the warrant. Voted 5 – 0
Page 8 Energy Committee Stretch Code – Energy Committee Member James Armstrong indicated this code has been adopted in other area communities. He affects residential homes over 3,000 square feet. The article is part of the process for the green communities.
MOTION by Amico, second by Howard to place the Page 8 article on the warrant. Voted 5 - 0
MOTION by Amico, second by Howard to recommend the Page 8 article. Voted 5 – 0
Page 9 Community Preservation Purchase Poor Meadow Brook – $37,000 Mrs. Kemmett indicated that the property is near Crystal Springs and will benefit the water department. The CPC and Water department are sharing the cost of the acquisition.
MOTION by Amico, second by Howard to place the Page 9 article on the warrant. Voted 5 - 0
MOTION by Amico, second by Howard to recommend the Page 9 article. Voted 5 – 0
Page 10 Community Preservation Bonney House Roof $25,000
MOTION by Amico, second by Howard to place the Page 10 article on the warrant. Voted 5 - 0
MOTION by Amico, second by Howard to recommend the Page 10 article. Voted 5 – 0
Page 11 Community Preservation Historical Buildings $6,000 – Mrs. Kemmett indicated that the article needed to be adjusted as the Hearse House is no longer located at the Fern Hill Cemetary.
MOTION by Amico, second by Howard to place the Page 11 article on the warrant. Voted 5 - 0
MOTION by Amico, second by Howard to recommend the Page 11 article. Voted 5 – 0
Page 12 Community Preservation Fire House at Camp Kiwanee $8,000 Mrs. Kemmett indicated the project is much larger. These fund are for a engineering feasibility study.
MOTION by Amico, second by Howard to place the Page 12 article on the warrant. Voted 5 - 0
MOTION by Amico, second by Howard to recommend the Page 12 article. Voted 5 – 0
Page 13 Community Preservation Assessors Maps $4,752.00
MOTION by Amico, second by Howard to place the Page 13 article on the warrant. Voted 5 - 0
MOTION by Amico, second by Howard to recommend the Page 13 article. Voted 5 – 0
Page 14 Selectmen Accept Deer Hill Road –
Highway Surveyor, Richard Harris indicated that the acceptance should only be first portion of Deer Hill and the second half of the street is still under construction by a different developer.
MOTION by Amico, second by Howard to place the Page 14 article on the warrant. Voted 5 - 0
MOTION by Amico, second by Howard to recommend the Page 14 article. Voted 5 – 0
Page 15 Patriotic Observance Name a Square after Gary Thurston Porter
MOTION by Amico, second by Howard to place the Page 15 article on the warrant. Voted 5 - 0
MOTION by Amico, second by Howard to recommend the Page 15 article. Voted 5 – 0
Page 16 Water Department Generator Unknown amount.
MOTION by Amico, second by Howard to place the Page 16 article on the warrant. Voted 5 - 0
MOTION by Amico, second by Howard to recommend the Page 16 article.
Mr. Egan inquired whether the matter should be addressed by Capital Improvement.
Mr. Amico withdrew his motion and Mr. Howard withdrew his second to recommend.
Page 17 Petition Article Reinstate Highway staff
Petition articles are automatically included in the warrant
MOTION by Amico, second by Howard to refer to Town Meeting. Voted 4 – 1 (Egan)
Jim Armstrong of the Energy Committee inquired why the zoning by-law article was not on the warrant. Mrs. Marini explained that a hard copy of the article had been delivered to the office. However, when an electronic version was requested, she was informed that the article is not going to be submitted.
8:38 p.m. Brief Recess
8:40 p.m. Returned to open session
Vote Maquan School Hot Water Tank – Emergency Repair – Mr. Read advised the Board that in accordance with the Capital Improvement By-law the repairs must be voted by the Finance Committee, Selectmen and Capital Improvement Committee as the project was not on the CIC matrix. The repairs are an emergency. Mr. Read reiterated to the Board that the district will pay for the repairs and bill the Town.
MOTION by Amico, second by Egan to declare the hot water tank repair at the Maquan School an emergency. Voted 5 - 0
MMA Statewide Essay Contest for 6th Graders – Mrs. Marini explained the annual essay contest which is conducted by the MMA. The 2010 Theme is “If I were elected leader of my community, I would make a difference by…” The MMA requests that Town Officials visit the 6th grade class rooms to explain the duties of elected officials.
MOTION by Amico second by Egan to have the Hanson 6th grade classes participate in the essay contest. Voted 5 - 0
Appointment to Recreation Commission – Application from Tina Siereveld 19 Sandy Terrace to fill the vacancy on the recreation commission. Term to expire 6/30/13.
MOTION by Amico, second by Egan to appoint Tina Siereveld. Term to expire June 30, 2013.
Voted 5 - 0
Carry over Balances – Mr. Read reviewed and recommended that the Board approve the carry over balances for the following accounts:
Account 01-123-5391 Lib./Senior Center Roof $3,721.83
Account 01-123-5395 Bldg. Repairs to Senior Center $3,374.56
Account 25-198-5589 Asbestos Grant – PCH $1,077.45
Account 29-126-5361 200th Anniversary $4,264.46
Account 29-126-5802 Selectmen state compost gifts $1,474.30
MOTION by Egan, second by Amico to authorize the Town Accountant to carry of the accounts as recommended by the Town Administrator. Voted 5 – 0
V ONE DAY LIQUOR LICENSE
Rebecca Sharpe, Somerville Sat., Aug. 28th 5 – 10 p.m. – Wedding
Kristen Baggs, Kingston, Sat., Sept. 4th 5 – 11 p.m. – Wedding
Caitlin McCartan, Brighton, Sun., Sept. 5th 5 – 10 p.m. – Wedding
Kristen Good, Hanson, Thurs., Sept. 9th 6 – 11 p.m. – Party
Tina Reardon, Chatham, Fri., Sept. 10th 5:30 – 11:30 p.m. – Wedding
Jeanine Kavka, Pembroke, Sat., Sept. 11th 3 – 8 p.m. – Wedding
Bonnie Lyons, Columbus, OH, Sun., Sept. 12th 3:30 – 8:30 p.m. – Wedding
Emily Derby, Pembroke, Friday, Sept. 17th 6 – 11 p.m. – Wedding
Jason Sourdiffe, Norwood, Sat., Sept. 18th 5 – 12 p.m. – Wedding
Elizabeth Duggan, Abington, Sun., Sept. 19th 1 – 6 p.m. – Class Reunion
Jillian Norgueira, Pembroke, Sat., Sept. 25th 12:30 – 5:30 p.m. – Wedding
David Goldberg, Cambridge, Sun., Sept. 26th 11:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. – Wedding
MOTION by Amico, second by Egan approve the one day liquor licenses as presented. Voted 5 – 0
VI OLD/UNFINISHED BUSINESS
Discussion & Update on Thomas Mill ~ Mr. Read reviewed Town Counsel’s response to his inquiry regarding the Thomas Mill. Mr. Young indicated that the Supreme Court determined the water rights are directly tied to the mill land. Laura Kemmett, Chairman of the Community Preservation Committee inquired as to the value of the property. She also expressed her concern for the length of time it has taken for the matter to be resolved. Mr. Read pointed out the length of time is a result of Town Counsel’s due diligence on the Town’s behalf. Mr. Amico explained that Town Counsel is working on behalf of the Town and Mr. Ellis’ attorney is working for him.
VII COMMITTEE REPORTS – Mr. Howard reported that the Winter Street bridge project is on schedule. The concrete should be completed this week. Maquan School Building - Mr. Amico reported that the committee met last Tuesday and will be going forward at town meeting. The next meetings are September 7 & 21. Mr. Read is now a member of the committee.
VIII EXECUTIVE SESSION - No executive session
IX ADJOURNMENT
MOTION by Amico, second by Howard to adjourn. Voted 5 - 0
9:12 p.m. Meeting Adjourned.
Respectfully submitted,
Meredith Marini,
Executive Assistant
Approved and Voted 5 – 0
September 28, 2010
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