Town of Hanson - Board of Selectmen
Meeting Minutes – Hanson Town Hall
March 15, 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 7:36 p.m.~~~~~~~Chairman Colclough called the meeting to order. Chairman Colclough lead the Pledge Allegiance and read the announcements and upcoming meeting schedule.
II PRESENTATION TO FIREFIGHTER DONALD COLBY--- - The Board presented Firefighter Donald Colby with a Citation in recognition of his thirty six years of service on the Hanson Fire Department. Representative Webster also presented Firefighter Colby with a citation. Members of the fire department were on hand to congratulate Mr. Colby.
III REPRESENTATIVE WEBSTER - Legislative Update – Representative Webster introduced his new aide Rachel Michael. Rep. Webster indicated that unfortunately, he does not have much to report. The local aid resolution was not adopted. Consequently, no definitive numbers are available. The State is waiting on numbers from the Federal Government relative to Medicare. Rep. Webster anticipated a reduction in Chapter 70 money at approximately 3.5%. Rep. Webster will continue to fight against any additional cuts from local aid.
IV TOWN ADMINISTRATOR REPORT – Mr. Read indicated that Green Hanson has requested permission to use the Town Hall parking lot to assemble on June 9th for their Green Up Clean Up day.
MOTION by Egan, second by Amico to grant Green Hanson’s request to use Town Hall parking lot to assemble to Green Up Clean Up on June 9th. Voted 5 - 0
V NEW BUSINESS
Report from Energy Committee – Energy Committee Chairman was present and requested the Board revise the current policy be adjusting temperatures which were incorrectly reported. Temp. for 72 heating and 68 for cooling which were transposed. Additionally the energy efficient vehicle procurement. If the Town buys surplus vehicles it would be in violation of the policy. The Committee agreed to delete that section of the policy. Mr. Armstrong requested permission to get an unpaid intern to compile a database of mechanical equipment of the town buildings. The interns are usually college students studying engineering.
MOTION by Amico, second by Howard to get an intern during the summer to create a database. Voted 5 – 0
Mr. Armstrong indicated that the committee is working on a zoning by-law change to obtain the green community status. The committee is working with the Old Colony Planning Council to put together the appropriate by-law.
Mr. Armstrong provided that Board will a spreadsheet regarding energy saving retrofits of Town Buildings through National Grid. Most of the buildings were completed. However, Camp Kiwanee, the old Police Station and the Main Street Fire Station were not completed. The project cost is $11,000 but National Grid will pay $7,000 of the project. The Town will save over $3,000 in energy costs. The Town can pay for the project as a no-interest loan for two years and paid as part of the monthly bill.
Motion by Amico, second by Egan to authorize Mr. Read proceed with the retrofit project. Voted 5 – 0
Mr. Egan recommended that the Board accept the revision of the Energy Policy as the policy had previously been voted.
Motion by Howard, second by Amico to adopt the revisions of the Energy Policy as outlined by Mr. Armstrong. Voted.5 – 0
MBTA – Mr. Read read a letter from Mass. Department of Transportation relative to ties replacement project and crossing closures during the reconstruction of the rail lines. Hanson crossings will be closed on weekends starting in August. The information is on the MBTA website and the Town website. Also there will be no weekend rail service starting in May 30th.
Close Warrant & Review proposed articles – Mr. Read read each of the proposed articles for the Special Town Meeting:
ARTICLE 1: To see if the Town will vote to transfer a sum of money from free cash and/or the amounts appropriated in Article 5, Line Engineering of the May 2010 Annual Town Meeting to pay unpaid bills from FY 2010 or take any other action in relation thereto.
Proposed by the Board of Selectmen
Explanation: These funds are needed to pay for bills received after the close of fiscal year 2010. Requires a 9/10 vote.
MOTION by Amico, second by Egan to place on the warrant. Voted 5-0
MOTION by Amico, second by Egan to recommend Article 1. Voted 5-0
ARTICLE 2: To see if the Town will vote to transfer a sum of money from the amounts appropriated to Article 5, Line 8, Unemployment and Line 110, Other Tuition & Transportation of the May 2011 Annual Town Meeting and/or Free Cash to be added to the amounts appropriated to Article 5, Line 14, Legal Expense of the May 2011 Annual Town Meeting or take any other action in relation thereto.
Proposed by the Board of Selectmen
Explanation: These funds are needed to cover the Legal expense for the remainder of the fiscal year. Approx. $60,000
MOTION by Amico, second by Egan to place on the warrant. Voted 5-0
MOTION by Amico, second by Egan to recommend Article 2. Voted 5-0
ARTICLE 3: To see if the Town will vote to transfer a sum of money from free cash to fund the removal and replacement of the hot water heating tank and boiler at the Maquan Elementary School or take any other action in relation thereto.
Proposed by the Board of Selectmen
Explanation: The purpose of this article is to cover reimbursement costs owed by the Town which were incurred by the School District during the course of the year.~~ These outstanding obligations were related to repairs associated with the Maquan School heating systems specifically:
$10,725~~~~~~~~~~ Asbestos removal around the outer lining of both tanks
$14,204~~~~~~~~~~ A.O. Smith gas fired high recovery hot water heater
$17,335~~~~~~~~~~ Condensate tank/boiler water feed system
$42,264~~~~~~~~~~ TOTAL
MOTION by Amico, second by Egan to place on the warrant. Voted 5-0
MOTION by Amico, second by Howard to recommend Article 3. Voted 5-0
ARTICLE 4: To see if the Town will vote to transfer a sum of money from free cash and/or the amounts appropriated to Article 5, Line 109 South Shore Vo-Tec, and Line 110 Other Tuition & Transportation of the May 2010 Annual Town Meeting to be added to Article 7 of the May 2000 Annual Town Meeting or take any other action in relation thereto.
Proposed by the Board of Selectmen
Explanation: These funds are needed to fund sick time and vacation buy back of a retiring employees. Approx $25,000
MOTION by Amico, second by Egan to place on the warrant. Voted 5-0
MOTION by Amico, second by Egan to recommend Article 4. Voted 5-0
ARTICLE 5: To see if the Town will vote to transfer a sum of money from free cash to fund the repair the Town Hall roof or take any other action in relation thereto.
Proposed by the Board of Selectmen
Explanation: These funds necessary to repair the roof over the Treasurer/Collector’s office. . Approx $20,000
The Board suggested that the article include the word “replace”.
MOTION by Amico, second by Egan to place on the warrant as amended. Voted 5-0
MOTION by Amico, second by Egan to recommend Article 5 as amended. Voted 5-0
ARTICLE 6: To see if the Town will vote to transfer a sum of money from free cash to Article ?? of the May ????? Meeting Highway Drainage Improvements or take any other action in relation thereto.
Proposed by the Board of Selectmen
Explanation: These funds will restore the amounts used to repair the culvert at Camp Kiwanee. Approx. $9,000
MOTION by Amico, second by Egan to place on the warrant. Voted 5-0
MOTION by Amico, second by Egan to recommend Article 6. Voted 5-0
ARTICLE 7: To see if the Town will vote to transfer a sum of money from fire fines – MGL 148A section 5 to be added to the amounts appropriated in Article 5, Line 108 Fire Department Expenses take any action thereto.
Proposed by the Fire Chief
Explanation: These funds will be used to reimburse the Fire Department expense line for training attended by the Fire Prevention Officer as allowed by Massachusetts General Law. Approx. $300
MOTION by Amico, second by Egan to place on the warrant. Voted 5-0
MOTION by Amico, second by Egan to recommend Article 7. Voted 5-0
ARTICLE 8: To see if the Town will vote to transfer a sum of money from Free Cash and/or the amounts appropriated to Article 5, Lines 7 Town Insurance, 8 Unemployment, and 107 Firefighters part-time wages, of the May 2010 Annual Town Meeting to be added to the amounts appropriated in Article 5, Line 106 Firefighters Full-Time wages or take any other action thereto.
Proposed by the Fire Chief
Explanation: These funds are needed to cover the cost of sending a firefighter to recruit training prior to his start date and the sick-time buyback for a retired firefighter.
MOTION by Amico, second by Soper to place on the warrant. Voted 5-0
MOTION by Amico, second by Egan to recommend Article 8. Voted 5-0
ARTICLE 9: To see if the Town will vote to transfer $6,000.00 from free cash, to be added the amount appropriated in Article 5, Line 86 Veterans' Benefits, of the May 2010 Annual Town Meeting or take any other action thereto.
~
Proposed by the Veterans' Agent
Explanation: Money from this Article will be utilized to pay state mandated benefits to Veterans under Chapter 115, Mass General Laws. This money is needed to pay benefits for the months of May & June 2011. The amount of money spent on benefits are 75% reimbursable by the State to the Town
MOTION by Amico, second by Egan to place on the warrant. Voted 5-0
MOTION by Amico, second by Egan to recommend Article 9. Voted 5-0
ARTICLE 10: To see if the Town will vote to appropriate $11,500 from the~Community Preservation Fund's~Historic Resources Reserves account to be used by the Hanson Historical Commission to repair the town-owned property known as the “Bonney House” located~ on High Street or take any other action in relation thereto.
Proposed by the Community Preservation Committee
Explanation: The~ October 2010 warrant article passed by Town Meeting allocated funds to be used by the Hanson Historic Commission for the repair and replacement of the roof~ on the “Bonney House” and the roofs of the two-holer and the Hearse House. During the course of making reparations to the roof~ of the Bonney House it was noted that there were additional repairs that needed to be made~in order to mitigate further weather-related damage.~ These repairs include, but are not limited to: the repair or replacement of some of the rafters, the repair or replacement of some clapboards and the repointing of the chimney, followed by an application of masonry sealer.
Mr. Egan had questions regarding the repair work. Mr. Soper also questioned the cost the original work on the roof. The Board had several questions regarding the project.
MOTION by Amico, second by Egan to place on the warrant. Voted 5-0
MOTION by Amico, second by Egan to HOLD. Voted 5-0
ARTICLE 11: To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate by taxation and/or transfer from free cash and/or transfer from the Stabilization Fund the sum of five-thousand ($5,000.00) dollars to be added to Article 8 of the 2002 May 6, Annual Town Meeting, for the purpose of Storm Water Management Planning or take any other action in relation thereto.
Proposed by the Highway Surveyor
Explanation: This article will continue funding consultant assistance in preparing workshops for Storm Water Planning, regulatory review, financial advocacy (loans/grants) and preliminary culvert mapping, to address the Environmental Protection Agency requirements for Phase II Storm Water Management, which is a Federal Mandate.
Mr. Egan asked why the money isn’t part of the budget instead of an article. Mr. Read indicated he would speak the Mr. Harris.
MOTION by Amico, second by Soper to place on the warrant. Voted 5-0
MOTION by Amico, second by Egan to HOLD. Voted 5-0
ARTICLE 12: To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate by taxation and/or transfer from free cash and/or transfer from the Stabilization Fund the sum of $32,000.00 to be added to the amounts appropriated in Article 5, Line 10A, Town Gasoline of the May 2010 Annual Town Meeting or take any other action in relation thereto.
Proposed by the Highway Surveyor
Explanation: These funds are needed as a result of the increase in gasoline and diesel fuel prices and the excess amount of snow removal. The estimated amount of $32,000.00 will cover the costs fuel for all Town owned vehicles.
MOTION by Amico, second by Egan to place on the warrant. Voted 5-0
MOTION by Amico, second by Egan to recommend Article 12. Voted 5-0
ARTICLE 13: To see if the Town will vote to raise through borrowing a sum of money in anticipation of reimbursement from the State under Chapter ---, of the Acts of 20--, for continuing State Aid construction of public highways approved by the Board of Selectmen and the Massachusetts Department of Transportation or take any other action in relation thereto.
Proposed by the Highway Surveyor
Explanation: State aid chapter 90 monies to be received from the Commonwealth of Massachusetts for road paving and reconstruction that have now become available from the Massachusetts Highway Department and must be expended.
MOTION by Amico, second by Egan to place on the warrant. Voted 5-0
MOTION by Amico, second by Egan to recommend Article 13. Voted 5-0
ARTICLE 14: To see if the Town will vote to transfer a sum of money from Free Cash and/or from the amounts appropriated at Article 5, Line 75 Disposal Operations of the May 2010 Annual Town Meeting to be added to Article 9 of the May 2007 Special Town Meeting or take any other action in relation thereto.
Proposed by the Board of Health
And Board of Selectmen
Explanation: These funds are needed to complete the Comprehensive Site Assessment of the Transfer Station. The Town has been under an order of the DEP to bring the transfer station into compliance with State solid waste management regulations.
Mr. Read explained that he had a meeting with the Town Engineer regarding the project. The Town is under an administrative order from DEP to complete an assessment and remediation at the Transfer Station. The funds are needed to be in compliance and to avoid further enforcement orders. Mr. Read will provide additional information at the next meeting. These funds are for engineering and additional funds will be required for the remediation. The Town Engineer will be research grant funding.
MOTION by Amico, second by Egan to place on the warrant. Voted 5-0
MOTION by Amico, second by Egan to recommend Article 14. Voted 5-0
ARTICLE 15: To see if the Town will vote to transfer $414.05 from Free Cash to be added to the amount appropriated to Article 5, Line 77, Board of Health Expenses, of the May 2010 Annual Town Meeting or take any other action in relation thereto.
Proposed by Richard Edgehille and
128 others
Explanation: To pay the Health Agent’s mileage for March, April, May and June 2010
Petition articles are automatically included on warrant
MOTION by Amico, second by Egan NOT to recommend Article 15. Voted 5-0
ARTICLE 16: To see if the Town will vote to authorize the Board of Selectmen to lease a portion or portions of the Hanson Fire Department property at 571 Liberty Street, Hanson, Massachusetts, which property is shown on Assessors Plan 81 as Lot 81-15, described in a deed recorded with the Plymouth Registry of Deeds in Book 4338, Page 24, and further depicted on a sketch plan entitled “Fire Station, Hanson, Massachusetts, As-Built Sewage Disposal Plan,” prepared by Whitman and Howard, Inc., last revised February 17, 1978, on file with the Town Clerk, for telecommunications purposes, on such terms and conditions and for such consideration as the Board of Selectmen shall determine to be appropriate, such lease to be
for a term of up to twenty (20) years; and further to grant such access and utility easements on said property as the Board of Selectmen deems appropriate to serve the telecommunications tower and other facilities installed pursuant to said lease; or take any action relative thereto.
Proposed by Board of Selectman
and Planning Board
~
Explanation: At the October 2010 Town Meeting, the voters were presented with a similar article for the purpose of authorizing the Board of Selectmen to enter into a lease agreement with (a wireless telecommunications provider to be named following procurement process) for the use of a portion of the Hanson Town Hall property on which would have been located a cellular tower up to 175’ feet in height. That article did not pass but the voters indicated their desire for the Town to seek alternative town-owned locations. The article as presented herein is a response to that consensus. The purpose of this article is to allow the construction of a tower which would result in greater cellular coverage in Hanson in addition to providing additional revenue to the Town.
Further, the passage of said article may assist in resolving pending litigation (an appeal of a Board of Appeals decision) against the Town.
Mr. Vess asked whether the Tower would be within the business zone. He also asked if the Conservation Commission has approved the placement. Mr. Read indicated that he had a site visit with the Conservation Agent. The actual location will be determined after the bids are received.
MOTION by Amico, second by Egan to place on the warrant. Voted 5-0
MOTION by Amico, second by Egan to recommend Article 16. Voted 5-0
ARTICLE 17: To see if the Town will vote to amend the Wage and personnel By-Laws, Article 2-12, Classification and Compensation by deleting Sections 11A through 11E in its entirety and inserting the new Sections 11A through 11E as printed below:
Explanation: Salary ranges have been increased to accommodate 3% increases. The increases are not guaranteed. The funding for the positions will be voted at Article 5 of the Annual Town Meeting. New positions have been added to Section 11A which were previously contract positions. Section C Line J Senior Center Support Staff had previously been on Line Y. It has been grouped with other Senior Center Positions. Line U, previously Finance Committee Secretary has been renamed Committee Clerical/Administrative Support Staff to allow
for more flexibility for staffing for boards and committees. Line Y, previously on Line J titled Recreation Coordinator has been renamed Camp Kiwanee Event Planner. Section 11E has been revised by eliminating unused categories and accurately reflect reality.
MOTION by Amico, second by Egan to place on the warrant. Voted 5 – 0
MOTION by Amico, second by Egan to recommend Article 17. Voted 4 – 1 Soper
ARTICLE 18: To see if the Town will vote amend the Wage and Personnel By-Laws, Article 2-12, Classification and Compensation, Section 1C by deleting the following sections: d. Library Director; f. Assessor, g. Town Planner and i. Conservation Agent or take any other action in relation thereto.
Proposed by the Personnel Director
Explanation: This amendment reflects the changes made in the preceding article.
MOTION by Amico, second by Egan to place on the warrant. Voted 5-0
MOTION by Amico, second by Egan to recommend Article 18. Voted 5-0
ARTICLE 19: To see if the Town will vote to ratify the contact with the Hanson Police Union or take any other action in relation thereto.
Proposed by the Board of Selectmen
Explanation: The Town and the Police Union have negotiated a ?????-year contract. The funding has been included in the FY2012 Annual Budget which will be voted as Warrant Article 5 of the Annual Town Meeting and includes a ????% increase.
Mr. Read explained that he hoped to have contract negotiations completed by Town Meeting. Articles 19 through 24 relate the contracts for Police, Fire, Highway, Dispatch, Administrative Professionals and Water respectively.
MOTION by Amico, second by Egan to place articles 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, and 24 on the warrant.
Voted 5 - 0
MOTION by Amico, second by Egan to HOLD Articles 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, and 24. Voted 5-0
Annual Town Meeting Warrant
ARTICLE 1: To hear reports of the various Town Officers, Committees, Special Committees, and act thereon.
Proposed by the Board of Selectmen
Explanation: The Reports voted on are those published in the 2010 Town Report.
MOTION by Amico, second by Egan to place on the warrant. Voted 5-0
MOTION by Amico, second by Egan to recommend Article 1. Voted 5-0
ARTICLE 2: To see if the Town will authorize the Treasurer/Collector to enter into compensating balance agreements during Fiscal 2012 as permitted by Mass. General Laws, Chapter 44, Section 53F or take any other action in relation thereto.
Proposed by the Treasurer/Collector
Explanation: Every year this article is voted. It simply allows the Treasurer/Collector to maintain accounts using credits instead of money to pay for banking charges.
MOTION by Amico, second by Egan to place on the warrant. Voted 5-0
MOTION by Amico, second by Egan to recommend Article 2. Voted 5-0
ARTICLE 3: To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate through taxation and/or transfer from free cash and/or stabilization a sum of $5,000 for the Treasurer/Collectors tax title account or take any other action in relation thereto.
Proposed by the Treasurer/Collector
Explanation: This money will be used to cover the costs incurred for filing and advertising properties with delinquent taxes, and also to pay any legal fees resulting from this process.
Mr. Amico inquired whether these funds are recovered when residents come out of Tax Title. Mr. Read to check with the Treasurer.
MOTION by Amico, second by Egan to place on the warrant. Voted 5-0
MOTION by Amico, second by Egan to HOLD Article 3. Voted 5-0
ARTICLE 4: To see if the Town will vote to fix the Salary and Compensation of all paid Elected Officers and Committees of the Town as follows:
FY10 FY11
Town Clerk $58,525.00 $58,525.00
Tree Warden $2,609.00 $2,609.00
Highway Surveyor $71,052.00 $71,052.00
or take any other action in relation thereto.
Proposed by the Town Administrator
Explanation: This article sets the salaries limits for the elected officials.
Article 5 funds the salaries.
Mr. Amico inquired about the amounts. Mrs. Marini explained that the amount includes a three percent increase and are subject to funding at the Annual Town Meeting. The amount in this article set the ceiling.
MOTION by Amico, second by Egan to place on the warrant. Voted 5 - 0
MOTION by Amico, second by Egan to recommend Article 4. Voted 4 – 1 Soper
ARTICLE 5 : To determine what sums of money the Town will appropriate and raise by taxation, transfer from free cash, transfer from Town Ambulance Funds, Water Department Revenue, Water Surplus, Title V Special Revenue Fund, MWPAT Loan Repayments Receipts Reserved for Appropriation, Conservation Notice of Intent Fund, Overlay Surplus, Stabilization Fund, Fund Balance Reserved for Reduction of Future Excluded Debt, Election Fund Ch. 503, Acts of 1983, and Proceeds from MTBE Settlement to defray charges and expenses of the Town, including Debt and Interest, and to provide for a reserve fund for the 2011 Fiscal Year or take any other action in relation thereto.
Proposed by the Board of Selectmen
Explanation: This article refers to the FY 2012 Annual Budget Lines
MOTION by Amico, second by Egan to place on the warrant. Voted 5-0
MOTION by Amico, second by Egan to recommend Article 5. Voted 5-0
ARTICLE 6: To see if the Town will vote to appropriate or reserve from Fiscal Year 2012 Community Preservation Fund estimated annual revenues in the amounts recommended by the Community Preservation Committee for committee administrative expenses, community preservation projects and other expenses in fiscal year 2011, with each item to be considered a separate appropriation:
Appropriations:
From FY 2012 estimated revenues for Committee Administrative Expenses~~~~ $ 8,900.00
~
Reserves:
From FY 2012 estimated revenues for Historic Resource Reserve~~~~~~~~ ~~~~~~~~ $17,814
From FY 2012 estimated revenues for Community Housing Reserve~~~~~~~ ~ $17,814
From FY 2012 estimated revenues for Open Space Reserve~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ ~~~~~~~~~ $17,814
From FY 2012 estimated revenues for Budgeted Reserve~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ ~~~~~~~~~ $39,644
~
or take any other action in relation thereto.
~
Proposed by the
Community Preservation Committee
MOTION by Amico, second by Egan to place on the warrant. Voted 5-0
MOTION by Amico, second by Egan to recommend Article 6. Voted 5-0
ARTICLE 7: To see if the Town will vote to approve the Capital Improvement Program as presented to the Board of Selectmen by the Capital Improvement Committee or take any other action in relation thereto.
Proposed by the Board of Selectmen and the Capital Improvement Committee
Explanation: This article accepts the six-year capital improvement plan and matrix submitted by the Capital Improvement Committee.
MOTION by Amico, second by Egan to place on the warrant. Voted 5-0
MOTION by Amico, second by Egan to recommend Article 7. Voted 5-0
ARTICLE 8: To see if the Town will vote to transfer from the Capital Improvement fund $25,000 for drainage projects throughout the town under the direction of the Highway Surveyor or take any other action in relation thereto.
Proposed by the Capital Improvement Committee
MOTION by Amico, second by Egan to place on the warrant. Voted 5-0
MOTION by Amico, to HOLD Mr. Egan pointed out that historically the Capital Improvement has passed over their articles if funding is not available. Mr. Amico withdrew is motion to hold.
MOTION by Amico, second by Egan to recommend Article 8. Voted 5-0
~~~~~
ARTICLE 9: To see if the Town will vote to transfer from the Capital Improvement fund $50,000 for the purchase of a jet rodder to be operated under direction of the Highway Surveyor or take any other action in relation thereto.
Proposed by the Capital Improvement Committee
MOTION by Amico, second by Egan to place on the warrant. Voted 5-0
MOTION by Amico, second by Egan to recommend Article 9 pending funding. Voted 5-0
~
ARTICLE 10: To see if the Town will vote to transfer from the Capital Improvement fund $75,000 as the first of a three year purchase totaling $225,000 for installation of fiber optic cabling, related serves and connecting equipment to link all Town facilities or take any other action in relation thereto.
Proposed by the Capital Improvement Committee
Explanation: The installation of fiber optic cabling and all related servers and connecting equipment is necessary to link all of the towns offices and facilities and serve as a platform for future software/hardware technological upgrades.
Mr. Read explained that the project would save money on phone lines by connecting all of the departments together. He will provide a more in-depth explanation at the next meeting. Mr. Egan inquired about maintenance of the lines. Mr. Read will investigate same.
MOTION by Amico, second by Egan to place on the warrant. Voted 5-0
MOTION by Amico, second by Egan to recommend Article 10 pending funding. Voted 5-0
ARTICLE 11: To see if the Town will vote to transfer from the Capital Improvement fund $67,000 to repave the Fire Department parking lot/driveways under the direction of the Fire Chief or take any other action in relation thereto.
Proposed by the Capital Improvement Committee
Mr. Amico asked whether the project could be done in conjunction with the Tower installation. Mr. Read indicated there is a possibility and he will check when the time comes.
MOTION by Amico, second by Egan to place on the warrant. Voted 5-0
MOTION by Amico, second by Egan to recommend Article 11 pending funding. Voted 5-0
ARTICLE 12: To see if the Town will vote to approve the borrowing of $450,000 authorized by vote of the Whitman Hanson Regional School District, for the purpose of paying costs of repairing and/or replacing the roof at the Indian Head School located at Indian Head Street, Hanson, Massachusetts, said sum to be expended at the direction of the Whitman Hanson Regional School District. The Massachusetts School Building Authority’s grant program is a non-entitlement, discretionary program based on need, as determined by the MSBA, and any costs of the Project that the District incurs in excess of any grant approved by and received from the MSBA shall be the sole responsibility of the District, and that the total
amount of the borrowing authorized by this vote shall be reduced by any grant amount and contingent upon a Town vote to exempt the amounts required to pay such debt from the provisions of Proposition two and one half, or take any other action relative thereto.
Proposed by the Whitman Hanson Regional School Committee
Explanation: Funding requires an affirmative vote on a ballot question which will appear on the May 21, 2011 Annual Town Election Ballot.
Mr. Amico questioned the cost of the project. The Town Engineer confirmed that amount. These funds will only replace the slate roofs. The entire cost of the project will be borne by the Town. Mrs. Marini indicated that the verbiage of the article will likely change after it has been sent to bond counsel.
MOTION by Amico, second by Egan to place on the warrant. Voted 5-0
MOTION by Amico, second by Egan to recommend Article 12. Voted 5-0
ARTICLE 13: To see if the Town will vote to appropriate a sum of money for the demolition and associated clean up of the former Plymouth County Hospital Building including all costs incidental or directly related thereto; to determine whether this appropriation shall be raised by borrowing or other or take any other action in relation thereto.
Proposed by the Board of Selectmen
Explanation: These funds are necessary for the removal of the Plymouth County Hospital building and will be subject to the approval of a vote exempting from the limitations of Proposition 2 ½.
MOTION by Amico, second by Egan to place the article on the warrant for discussion.
The amount of the project is estimated at $1.3 million for the demolition. Mr. Read informed the Board that he met with the Town Engineering Al Hanscom earlier in the day. Mr. Hanscom believes that grant money maybe available for the demolition of the building now that Hanson is in the ETA. Mr. Read recommended that the Board table the matter for a year and seek grant funding. Mr. Young asked if any other options have been considered for the property similar to the uses town meeting approved. Mr. Soper feels that the seven or eight years ago the building was viable and now the building needs to be torn down. Mr. Soper indicated that he has reviewed the plans and believe the building it should be marketed or any real estate sites. Mr. Colclough reminded Mr. Soper that as an abutter
he should recuse himself. Mr. Soper recused himself.
Mr. Amico indicated that nobody wants the building in the condition that it is in. He feels that the building continues to deteriorate and should be taken down. Mr. Amico would like to see a sports facility on the property. He also acknowledged that if grants are available, another year might not make a difference. Mr. Read indicated that the cost to the average taxpayer would be $346.08.
Mr. Amico withdrew his motion and Mr. Egan withdrew is second.
MOTION by Amico, second by Egan to remove the article 13 from the warrant. Voted 4 – 0 – 1 Soper
ARTICLE 14: To see if the Town will vote to transfer $24,000 from Water Department Surplus to install a new roof and wall system repair to the Water Department office building located at 1073 West Washington Street or take any other action thereto.
Proposed by the Board of Water Commissioners
Explanation: The northern portion of the Water Department building is over twenty years old and in need of repair. The exterior wall on the eastern side of the Water Department building was damaged several years ago and is also in need of repair.
MOTION by Amico, second by Egan to place on the warrant. Voted 5-0
MOTION by Amico, second by Egan to recommend Article 14. Voted 5-0
ARTICLE 15: To see if the Town will vote to transfer $50,000 from Water Department Surplus to be added to Article 16, Water Meters of the October 6, 1997 Special Town Meeting , for the purpose of buying new water meters and related equipment for the Water Department or take any other action thereto.
Proposed by the Board of Water Commissioners
Explanation: The meter replacement is a continuing program designed to maintain accurate reading.
MOTION by Amico, second by Egan to place on the warrant. Voted 5-0
MOTION by Amico, second by Egan to recommend Article 15. Voted 5-0
ARTICLE 16: To see if the Town will vote to transfer $100,000 from Water Department Surplus to be added to Article 27 of the May 7, 2007 Annual Town Meeting to fund further installation of water mains town wide or take any other action thereto.
Proposed by the Board of Water Commissioners
Explanation: Water main replacement is a continuing program designed to improve the water distribution system.
MOTION by Amico, second by Egan to place on the warrant. Voted 5-0
MOTION by Amico, second by Egan to recommend Article 16. Voted 5-0
ARTICLE 17: To see if the Town will vote to raise through borrowing the sum of monies for the construction of a partial dechlorination facility at the Water Department’s Crystal Spring Well Field or take any other action in relation thereto.
Proposed by the Board of Water Commissioners
Explanation: Hanson’s water supply consists of four wells located in the Crystal Spring Well Field. In addition, the department has the capability to tie into the Brockton water system through two interconnections located at the intersection of Rte 58 and 27. The department has tried to develop additional sources of water throughout town, however all these efforts have proven unsuccessful. Therefore, during periods of high demand it is not unusual for the department to open one of the Brockton interconnections in order to meet customer demand. Unfortunately, the water from the Brockton system is heavily chlorinated and taking this water typically results in numerous water complaints from Hanson residents. The Water Department is proposing to create a
new interconnection to the Brockton system near the Crystal Spring Well Field and to construct a treatment facility that will reduce the incoming chlorine levels to a more palatable level.
MOTION by Amico, second by Egan to place on the warrant. Voted 5-0
Mr. Soper asked if this was an emergency or just a matter of residents no liking the taste of the water. Mr.Young indicated that the water affected comes from Brockton and the dechlorination would be seen by residents on Brockton water. The Board asked Water Commissioner Bruce Young if the project will have an affect on the water rate. Mr. Young indicated he would not anticipate a rate hike as the Commissioner raised rates last year.
MOTION by Amico, second by Egan to HOLD Article 17. Voted 4 – 1 Colclough
ARTICLE 18: To see if the Town will vote to transfer from Overlay Surplus a sum of money ($5,000) to be added to Article 13 of the May 2010 Annual Town Meeting, or take any other action in relation thereto.
Proposed by the Board of Assessors
Explanation The Department of Revenue has mandated that all cities and Towns adjust values to 100% of market, as of January 1, each year. Although we adjust values on an annual basis, all classes of property must be within 5% of the main class. Assistance may be required with the statistical analysis for residential, commercial and industrial parcels. This article will assist with all costs related to the interim year adjustments.
MOTION by Amico, second by Egan to place on the warrant. Voted 5-0
MOTION by Amico, second by Egan to recommend Article 18. Voted 5-0
ARTICLE 19 : To see if the town will vote to name, in perpetuity, the intersection of Brook Street and State Street as PFC Joseph William Wirth Square or take any other action in relation thereto.
Proposed by Hanson Patriotic Observance Committee
Explanation: Private First Class Joseph William Wirth was born and raised on Brook Street, Hanson , MA and attended Hanson schools. On 2nd March 1970 PFC Wirth, United States Army was killed in action in Quang Ngai Province, Republic of South Vietnam. It is fitting and proper that his memory be memorialized. *There will be no cost to the town
MOTION by Amico, second by Egan to place on the warrant. Voted 5-0
MOTION by Amico, second by Egan to recommend Article 19. Voted 5-0
ARTICLE 20: To see if the Town will vote to reauthorize the following revolving accounts pursuant to Massachusetts General Laws, Chapter 44, Section 53E ½, which shall be kept separate and apart from other monies by the Treasurer, and which shall be deposited receipts received that may be spent only from those sources identified below under “Source of Funds” without further appropriation during Fiscal Year 2012 and as identified below under “Use of Funds”, and shall be expended under the direction of those so indicated. Said annual amount expended from each revolving account shall not exceed the amount indicated below under “Annual Expenditure”
Source of Funds Use of Funds Expended Under FY 12 Limit
Direction of:
Assessors Purchase and Maintenance Board of Assessors $1,500
Counter Sales of Maps of maps including GIS
Parks & Fields Park & Field Maintenance Parks & Fields $20,000
Recycling, rental fees and equipment
Repair reimbursement &
Donations
Library Library Operations, Copier Board of Library $7,000
Fines, Fees and Purchase, maintenance,
Copier Charges Repair & supplies. Printer
Supplies. Replacement of
Lost or damaged books
Senior Center Senior Center Operations Director of $5,000 ??
Events, programs and Events, programs, Seminars Elder Affairs
Education Seminars Training & Reimbursements
Senior Center Supportive Day Care Director of $120,000??
Program Fees Program Elder Affairs
or take any other action in relation thereto.
Proposed by the Board of Selectmen
Explanation: There are the annual revolving accounts which have been consolidated into one article to streamline the warrant process.
Mrs. Marini explained that at Town Counsel’s recommendation, the revolving fund have been incorporated into one revolving account article.
MOTION by Amico, second by Egan to place on the warrant. Voted 5-0
MOTION by Amico, second by Egan to recommend Article 20. Voted 5-0
ARTICLE 21: To see if the Town will vote to submit a home rule petition for the purpose of authorizing the Town of Hanson to Restore the applicability of civil service law and rules to its police force.
Proposed by Kevin McCarthy and ????others
MOTION by Amico, second by Egan to place on the warrant as require by petition. Voted 5-0
MOTION by Amico, second by Egan to HOLD Article 21. Voted 5-0
ARTICLE 22 : To bring in their votes for the following offices: A Moderator for one year, two Selectmen for three years, an Assessor for three years, a Board of Health member for three years, a Cemetery Commissioner for three years, a Cemetery Commissioner for two years, a member of the Planning Board for three years, a member of the Planning Board for five years, two Trustee of Memorial Field for three years, one Trustee of the Public Library for one year, two Trustees of the Public Library for three years, one member of the Whitman- Hanson Regional School District Committee PreK-12 for three years, Water Commissioners for three years.
MOTION by Amico, second by Egan to place on the warrant. Voted 5-0
MOTION by Amico, second by Egan to recommend Article 22. Voted 5-0
Renewal Class II license – Clean Car Auto 1665 Main Street
MOTION by Amico, second by Howard to approve the renewal of the Class II licenses for Clean Car Auto. Voted 5 – 0
MOTION by Amico, second by Egan to close the Special Town Meeting Warrant. Voted 5 - 0
MOTION by Amico, second by Egan to close the Annual Town Meeting Warrant. Voted 5 - 0
VI OLD/UNFINISHED BUSINESS
Updated on Main Street Project – Mr. Soper reported that he met with developer Joseph Marangiello and his architect from Woburn. Mr. Soper informed him that he could be eligible for Economic Target Areas funding. The group met with Bruce Hughes of Old Colony Planning Council, Noreen O’Toole and Phil Lindquist at Venus III. They discussed what would be happening at the old Ocean Spray facility and a list of the buildings that would be torn down. Noreen O’Toole provided plans. The also spoke about the phases of the project and anticipated revitalization of the old down town of Hanson. The developer is excited about working in Hanson. He is an artesian and has done a lot of restoration work. The Town
Planner will be forward information on the project. Mr. Marangiello will be looking for a TIF from the Town at some point. Mr. Soper also spoke with Mr. Martin, the new owner of the Arco Millwork building and explained to Mr. Martin that he may be eligible for funding through the Economic Target Program.
VII REAPPOINTMENTS
Animal Control Officer – Bernard Delory Term to Expire 3/31/12
MOTION by Amico, second by Egan to reappoint Bernard Delory term to expire 3/31/12. Voted 5 - 0
VIII ONE DAY LIQUOR LICENSES - Camp Kiwanee
Professional Bartending Services, Middleboro, Sat. April 2nd 7:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m.
John Burrow, Hanson, Sat., April 16th 7:00 p.m. to 12:00 a.m.
MOTION by Amico, second by Egan to approve the one day liquor licenses as printed. Voted 5 - 0
IX APPROVE MINUTES
March 1, 2011
MOTION by Amico, second by Soper to approve the minutes of March 1, 2011 as printed. Voted 5 - 0
X COMMITTEE REPORTS – Maquan School Building – Mr. Amico reported that the MSBA has requested additional information on the project. The next meeting will be April 25th. Mr. Amico attended the School Committee meeting. The Region is looking for a 6% increase. Mr. Read is recommending a 3% increase. Mr. Egan attending the meeting as well.
XI EXECUTIVE SESSION- - Chairman Colclough announced that the Board would be going into executive session to discuss strategies in preparation for negotiations with non-union personnel and to conduct collective bargaining and litigation where an open meeting could have a detrimental effect on the outcome. The Board will return to open session only to adjourn. So Moved by Amico, second by Egan. Roll Call Howard Aye, Amico Aye, Colclough Aye, Egan Aye and Soper Aye. Voted 5 – 0.
9:35 p.m. Brief Recess
10:03 p.m. Returned to open session
XII ADJOURNMENT
MOTION by Howard, second by Egan to adjourn. Voted 5 - 0
10:04 p.m. Meeting Adjourned.
Respectfully submitted,
Meredith Marini,
Executive Assistant
Approved and Voted 4 – 0 – 1 (Flynn)
June 7, 2011
| 
