Town of Hanson - Board of Selectmen
Meeting Minutes – Hanson Town Hall
January 25, 2011 – 7:30 p.m.
Members Present: Stephen Amico, Christopher Colclough, James Egan, Donald Howard and David Soper
Members Absent:
Others Present: Rene’ J. Read, Town Administrator and Executive Assistant Meredith Marini
I 7:32 p.m.~~~~~~~Chairman Colclough called the meeting to order. Chairman Colclough lead the Pledge Allegiance and read the announcements and upcoming meeting schedule.
II TOWN ADMINISTRATOR REPORT – Hanson Senior Center – Mr. Read read the following:
The Hanson Senior Center maintains a list of persons who may be seniors, elderly, infirmed, homebound and/or frail to help the Town provide assistance to them during various emergencies, including snowstorms, to ensure that services may still provided to them as needed. This information becomes crucial during power outages where the need to have back up or emergency electricity may be required (such as in-home dialysis, etc.) or other needs medical needs (such as oxygen or other medicinal needs).
Thus, as a result of this seasons storms, and in an effort to assist the Senior Center’s public outreach campaign, we are in the process of ensuring that our efforts with regard to providing assistance to these residents are met. Therefore, we are asking that if any resident who may fall into one of these categories (or if people know of Hanson residents that may need this type of assistance) could contact the Senior Center with their current contact information we would be most appreciative. Please contact Mary Collins at 781-293-2683.
Any of the information provided is used for the sole purpose of making our Fire and Police personnel aware of potential needs that could arise in emergency situations.
This information will be posted on the town’s website as well.
BAT - Brockton Area Transit – Mr. Read indicated that earlier this month he met with members of the Planning Department staff, Council on Aging Staff and representatives from Old Colony Planning Council to discuss the possibility of expending limited transportation services to the Town of Hanson,
The Planning Board and Council on Aging met last night to discuss a proposal with the Old Colony Planning Council to see if this program may be of benefit to the Town of Hanson. Once the members of those organizations have decided whether or not this program is favorable to us, the Old Colony Planning Council and BAT representatives will meet with the Board of Selectmen at a later date to make a presentation to the Board for their consideration with regard to inclusion into the program.
Both Noreen O’Toole and Mary Collins were present for the meeting and the comments about that meeting are as follows:
Planning Board Meeting
January 24, 2011
Ray Ledoux, Brockton Area Transit, presented information to Planning Board and four members of the Council for Elder Affairs. He highlighted the following:
Changes in legislation presently allows for communities to utilize annual MBTA assessment money to pay for BAT services. He discussed how this is accomplished and the time frame involved. Explained transportation will be used by seniors and disabled for medical appointments, shopping trips…will not replace programs currently in place…a set fee per ride (no means testing).
BAT and OCPC will conduct a study to identify unmet needs of Hanson residents. They will then apply for a Pilot Grant (Federal) to cover a 2-3 year period…half of the funding will be from the grant, the other half will come from MBTA. Usually takes a year to eighteen months for the process to take place and the services to begin.
I think Ray’s presentation was well received by the seniors present. They were concerned that this might replace existing transportation…Ray reassured them that this was not the plan. Ray also informed them that all drivers are C.O.R.I.’ed. Overall, I think seniors were in favor as their responses were quite positive.
Department Head Quarterly Reports – Mr. Read informed the Board that following the last Department head meeting, he requested that all department heads submit reports of their departmental activity on a quarterly basis to this office. The reports would be one page with bullet points or brief statements about the various projects or activities in their departments highlighting number of calls, fees received, citations, trends etc. Mr. Read will then forward the information to the Selectmen. Reports will be due April 1, July 1, October 1 and January 1.
Plymouth County Hospital – Mr. Read indicated that he has been working with the Town’s Engineer regarding obtaining an estimate on the demolition and removal costs associated with the Plymouth County Hospital and read the following statement from Mr. Hanscom.
As discussed, significant work has been undertaken on the PCH Site prior to and subsequent to acquisition of the property~by the Town in 1999.~ I was involved with the Town to help identify environmental liabilities prior to~acquisition of the property.~ That included a preliminary environmental audit of~the abandoned buildings by Smith & Wessel (not including BCI and the County Extension Service Buildings) for the presence of asbestos containing and other regulated building materials.~ At that time, the estimate for the hazardous materials was approximately $500,000. ~Once you factor in the (likely) presence of PCBs and/or asbestos in window glazing and other building surfaces, along with~regulated building materials in the other buildings, the cost for hazmat management is anticipated to be on the order of
$750,000.~ The extent of additional hazmat and an updated cost estimate~can be determined with~a supplement to the hazmat audit for approximately $7,500+/-.~
In addition, we estimate that demolition of the remaining buildings, assuming on-site reuse of crushed asphalt, brick and concrete, would cost approximately~ $450,000, based upon our experience with similar projects.~ With environmental controls,~permitting, engineering and periodic oversight estimated at approximately $100,000, the total project cost is estimated at approximately $1.3 Million.
A copy of the previous hazmat survey performed by S&W (1999) has been requested and we should have it soon.~ We will also provide you with an estimate for updating the survey and providing a more precise cost estimate.
Mr. Read indicated that he is still considering the Board’s recommendation with regard to the possible establishment of a committee to seek the funding for the removal of the hospital and hopes to offer something once he has a better sense of the town’s financial situation. Mr. Read informed the Board that a debt exclusion in the amount of $1.3 Million would cost the average home owner $350.00 per year.
Chairman Colclough asked if additional quotes could be obtained. Mr. Amico indicated he pick up some information at the MMA meeting which could be helpful.
Indian Head School – Mr. Read reported that on Wednesday, January 19, 2011, he met with Building Inspector Bob Curran, Facilities Manager Ernie Sandland, Superintendent Ruth Whitner and Principal Elaine White, to discuss temporary safety measures at the Indian Head School to prevent potential falling slate from causing harm to anyone. Mr. Sandland is getting quotes for the rental of scaffolding and Mr. Read received a quote for the rental of fencing. They are also considering installation of temporary concrete jersey barriers in the driveway
Bob Curran is working with the Superintendent, Principal, Fire and Police departments to make sure the safety of the students, parents and staff are adequately addressed.
Mr. Read explained that according to the town engineer and a follow up conversation this evening, the town’s engineer he does not view this as an emergency situation.
Mr. Amico expressed his concern about the leaks and potential mold issues. Mr. Sandland explained that leaking has been a problem in various locations. He has been treating the mold aggressively and air quality testing is done regularly. He indicated that several slate tiles have been replaced.
Mr. Soper feels that roof should be replaced as soon as possible and strong measures must be taken to resolve the matter.
School Committee Chairman Robert Hayes informed the Board that the School Committee met in emergency session on Monday, January 24th and voted as follow:
The Whitman-Hanson Regional School Committee in the towns of Whitman and Hanson, in accordance with its charter, by-laws, and ordinances, has voted to authorize the Superintendent to submit to the Massachusetts School Building Authority the Statement of Interest dated January 25, 2011 for the Indian Head School located at 726 Indian Head Street, Hanson, which describes and explains the following deficiencies and the priority category for which the Whitman Hanson Regional School District may be invited to apply to the Massachusetts School Building Authority in the future repair to its leaking roofing system under Priority 5; and hereby further specifically acknowledges that by submitting this Statement of Interest, the Massachusetts School Building Authority in no way guarantees the acceptance or the
approval of an application, the awarding of a grant or any other funding commitment from the Massachusetts School Building Authority, or commits the Whitman Hanson Regional School District to filing an application for funding with the Massachusetts School Building Authority
Mr. Hayes indicated that the Town would be eligible for 56% reimbursement up to $165,000 from SBA. They do not know when the project will be approved as the project will be considered with other school projects throughout the State.
There was lengthy discussion as to the cost and merits of fencing and scaffolding. Mr. Sandland estimated the cost of fencing and scaffolding is in excess of $14,500. Building Commission Bob Curran recommended the fencing and scaffolding and indicated that he received a quote in the amount of $2,000 for rental of the fencing for one year. Mr. Curran also recommended proposing the roof replacement project to Town meeting in May. He indicated that the roof needs to be repaired but can wait until Town Meeting.
There was discussion relative to the Green Projects. The application deadline has passed, but the Town cannot make a commitment of $300,000 without the approval of Town Meeting.
MOTION by Amico, second by Howard pursuant to the recommendation of the building commissioner and town engineering to move forward with an article to replace the Indian Head School roof.
Voted 5 - 0
III Reappointment
Jeanne Sullivan – Treasurer/Collector – Term to Expire 2/28/14
Mr. Soper inquired as to the need for the reappointment. Mrs. Marini explained that the Treasurer/Collector is bonded in three year terms.
MOTION by Amico, second by Egan to reappoint Jeanne Sullivan. Term to expire 2/28/14.
Voted 5 - 0
IV NEW BUSINESS - Award the contract for Fire Safety Trailer – Mr. Read informed the Board that the Fire Safety Trailer is a portable mock up for training purposes. Hanson acts as the host community and does not pay for the trailer. Mr. Read indicated that two bids were received. After review of the bids, Fire Chief Thompson recommended awarding the bid to Mobile Concepts by Scotty Inc.
MOTION by Amico, second by Howard to award the bid to Mobile Concepts as recommended by the Fire Chief. Voted 5 - 0
V ONE DAY LIQUOR LICENSES - Camp Kiwanee
Nicole Phillips, Middleboro, Fri., Feb. 11th 6:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. – 25th Anniversary
Lenna Sweeney, Hanson Sunday, Feb. 13th 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. – Bridal Shower
Deana Taylor, Quincy, Saturday, Feb. 19th 7:00 p.m. to 12:00 a.m. – Surprise Birthday
MOTION by Amico, second by Egan to approve the one day liquor licenses as presented. Voted 5 - 0
VI OLD/UNFINISHED BUSINESS - Vote order of taking – Deer Hill Road – Mrs. Marini explained that Town Meeting has approved the acceptance of Deer Hill Road, but a taking was necessary as all the residents own to the center of the road and the developer no longer owns the street. The taking will be recorded on Wednesday, January 26th.
MOTION by Amico, second by Howard to approve and sign the Order of Taking of Deer Hill Road. Voted 5 - 0
VII APPROVE MINUTES
January 4, 2011
MOTION by Amico, second by Egan to approve the minutes of January 4, 2011 as presented.
Voted 5 - 0
VIII COMMITTEE REPORTS- - Maquan School – Mr. Amico reported that the committee is putting out bids for Project Managers to 3 to 5 groups. Once the bids are received they are sent to the SBA for selection. The SBA determined whether the school will be renovated or replaced. MMA Meeting – Mr. Amico reported that the meeting was very informative. The Ways and Means Chairman has suggested a 10% reduction in State Aid. Mr. Soper reiterated Mr. Amico’s comments regarding the meeting. Mr. Soper attended an economic development seminar as his goal is to revitalize the Route 27 area.
IX EXECUTIVE SESSION – Chairman Colclough announced the board would be going into Executive Session for the purpose of conducting strategy sessions in preparation for contract negotiations with non-union personnel and to discuss strategy with respect to pending litigation since an open meeting may have a detrimental effect on the litigating position of the Town.
So moved by Egan, second by Amico. Roll Call Howard Aye, Amico Aye, Colclough Aye, Egan Aye and Soper Aye. Voted 5 – 0.
8:50 p.m. Brief Recess
9:20 p.m. Returned to open session
X ADJOURNMENT
MOTION by Howard, second by Egan to adjourn. Voted 5 - 0
9:21 p.m. Meeting Adjourn
Respectfully submitted,
Meredith Marini,
Executive Assistant
Approved and Voted 5 - 0
March 1, 2011
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