Town of Hanson - Board of Selectmen
Meeting Minutes – Hanson Town Hall
March 1, 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 7:30 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
Affordable Housing Unit – Mr. Read deferred to Mrs. Marini. Mrs. Marini informed the Board that Richard Pretti of 902 Main Street, Unit 3, which is one of the affordable units at the Dunham Farms 40B over 55 housing development, has notified the Board of his intent to sell his unit. In accordance with the provisions of the deed rider on the affordable unit, the seller is required to notify the Board of his intent to sell and the Town has the option of first refusal to purchase the property. Mrs. Marini explained that the sale price of the unit to qualified candidates is $219,204.00. The Hanson Housing Authority has advertised the unit, but none of potential buyers have met the eligibility requirements. Consequently, the unit can be sold at market rate, which removes
the unit from the affordable status. This will reduce the number of affordable units in the Town. The Town has the option to purchase the unit in order to maintain its affordable status. There was brief discussion regarding the purchase of the unit and the loss of an affordable unit. The Board agreed the Town is not in a position to purchase the property. Mrs. Marini explained any proceeds over the affordable rate sale price of $219,204.00 will go to the Town for future housing purposes. Mrs. Marini informed the Board that the seller has requested that the Board pay any realtor’s commission from the Town’s proceeds of the sale of the unit.
MOTION by Amico, second by Egan to authorize the sale of the unit and waive the Town’s right to first refusal. Voted 5 - 0
MOTION by Amico, second by Egan not to pay the realtor’s commission from the Town’s proceeds of the sale. Voted 5 - 0
Maquan Elementary School – Mr. Read read a letter of invitation from Donna Murphy, vice-principal of the Maquan Elementary School inviting him to participate in “Read Across America Week”
March 8th through March 11th. In honor of Dr. Seuss’ birthday, participants will read Dr. Seuss books to the students. Mr. Read has accepted the invitation and extended same to the Board members.
Technology Update – Mr. Read indicated that he is continuing technological upgrades and changes to make the town more user-friendly. He has completed the first series of computer changes for employees in a number of departments which will be part of annual replacement schedule. Technolony has recently installed a new terminal near the Treasurer Collectors office to provide citizens with the ability to transact online bill payments in town hall. A terminal has also been set up in the building department to allow patrons to file building permit applications electronically. E-mail links for all town departments have been established on the town’s website.
CPC meeting – Mr. Read reported that he attended the Community Preservation Committee meeting last week.~ The committee is considering signage to be placed on the sites where CPC projects have been completed. The committee is also considering a ribbon cutting ceremony to occur sometime after Town Meeting for the Nathaniel Thomas Mill property.
Draft Transfer Station Regulations – Mr. Read reported, that the Board of health has concluded its review of the draft transfer station regulations, draft Permit Application and draft Fee Schedule.~ The Board of Health had a few, minor revisions. Once the revisions have been incorporated into the document. Mr. Read will forward the revised documents to Board of Health so that they may hold a public hearing prior to formally adopting the regulations.~ Mr. Read will forward copies of the draft regulations to Board of Selectmen upon completion.
Union Negotiations – Mr. Read reported that he has set up meetings with all of the collective bargaining units which will begin next week.~ He will present a brief budget overview, establish ground rules and set dates for future meetings.~ Respective Department Heads have all been notified.
Moody’s – Mr. Read indicated that he and the members of the Financial Team will be meeting with representatives from Moody’s next week to discuss the town’s bond rating.
1101 Main Street – Mr. Read informed the Board that the Building Commissioner has issued an Order to Remove or Make Safe the building at 1101 Main Street, which is located on the south side of the railroad tracks, formerly the Cape Cod Cranberry Building. The new owner has applied for a building permit and the Conservation Commission has signed off on the permit. Mr. Read indicated that there are wetlands on the property which will be reviewed at commencement of demolition to ensure wetlands are not disturbed. The demolition is expected within the next two weeks and the estimated cost for the removal is $1,000,000. The owner will be applying to the Zoning Board of Appeals for a Special Permit. The property will maintain the commercial industrial use in keeping
with current uses in the area. According to the Building Commissioner, the developer’s architect is working on the front building located on Main Street to develop 12 residential units and eventually rebuild the entire structure.
III NEW BUSINESS
Resignation – Arthur Stetson resigning from Council of Elder Affairs
MOTION by Amico, second by Egan to accept with regret the resignation of Arthur Stetson.
Voted 5 – 0
Arlene Street – Mr. Soper indicated that he has been contacted by a resident from Pembroke regarding the snow and sand that has been dumped at the end of Arlene Street at the edge of Oldham Pond. The resident is concerned about the Oldham Pond as Pembroke and Hanson have been trying to clean the pond. Mr. Read will contact the Highway Department.
IV OLD/UNFINISHED BUSINESS - None Heard
V ONE DAY LIQUOR LICENSES – Camp Kiwanee
Friend of Camp Kiwanee March 18, 19, 25, 26, 7:00 to 10:00 p.m. play
Friend of Camp Kiwanee March 20 & 27, 3:00 to 6:00 p.m. play
MOTION by Egan, second by Amico to approve the one day liquor licenses as presented. Voted 5 - 0
VI APPROVE MINUTES
January 25, 2011
February 8, 2011
MOTION by Amico, second by Howard to approve the minutes of January 25, 2011 and February 8, 2011 as presented. Voted 5 - 0
VII COMMITTEE REPORTS – Energy Committee – Mr. Howard reported that the Energy Committee met on Monday night and will be meeting again on March 7th. He will have a full report at the next Selectmen’s meeting.
VIII EXECUTIVE SESSION - - Chairman Colclough announced that the Board would be going into Executive Session regarding litigation as open discussion of the matter will have a detrimental effect on the outcome.
So moved by Amico, second by Howard. Roll Call Howard Aye, Amico Aye, Colclough Aye, Egan Aye and Soper Aye. Voted 5 – 0.
7:55 p.m. Brief Recess
8:09 p.m. Returned to open session
IX ADJOURNMENT
MOTION by Amico, second by Soper to adjourn. Voted 5 – 0
8:09 p.m. Meeting Adjourned
Respectfully submitted,
Meredith Marini,
Executive Assistant
Approved and Voted 5 - 0
March 15, 2011
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