Town of Hanson - Board of Selectmen
Meeting Minutes – Hanson Town Hall
September 13, 2011 – 7:30 p.m.
Members Present: Stephen Amico, James Egan, Richard Flynn, and Donald Howard
Members Absent: David Soper
Others Present: Town Administrator Rene’ J. Read and Executive Assistant Meredith Marini
I 7:30 p.m.~~~~~~~Chairman Amico called the meeting to order. Chairman Amico lead the Pledge Allegiance and read the announcements and upcoming meeting schedule. Mr. Amico thanked all the departments for their work during and after Hurricane Irene.
II NEW BUSINESS – Town Administrator Rene’ Read recommended taking a few agenda items out of order to accommodate applicants for the Planning Board and the representative from the Collins Center. Mr. Flynn left the Selectmen’s table and joined the Planning Board members.
Appointment to the Planning Board – Applications were received from Joseph Weeks of 83 Hancock Street, Patricia Glenn of 181 Union Street and Stephen Regan of 30 Alden Way. All the applicants were present as well as Planning Board members Donald Ellis, Kenneth Lawson and Richard Flynn.
Joseph Weeks informed the Boards that he has a history of serving on local boards. He had served on the Finance Committee in Rockland for a year. He is a quick learner. He has resources from Rockland and Duxbury which he could utilize in order to get up to speed. Mr. Weeks would be willing to run for the position in May.
Patricia Glenn disclosed that she is Meredith Marini’s step daughter. She’s lived in Hanson most of her life and is a graduate of Whitman Hanson Regional High School. Ms. Glenn informed the Board that she currently works as the construction supervisor for the Hanson Legion Housing and is also employed by a New York construction firm and as serves as the safety officer and overseers OSHA regulations. She is very familiar with reviewing plans. She would run for the position in May.
Stephen Regan informed the Boards that he has lived in Hanson for 11 years and his wife grew up in Hanson. He works for a utility company in the construction field. He is familiar with the Planning Board and has attended several meetings. He feels he can add to the Board. He also indicated that he would run for the position.
Chairman Amico opened the nominations:
MOTION by Flynn, second by Ellis to nominate Patricia Glenn and Stephen Regan.
MOTION by Egan, second by Howard to nominate Joseph Weeks.
Voted 3 – 3 (Flynn, Ellis & Lawson) to appoint Joseph Weeks.
Voted 6 – 0 to appoint Patricia Glenn
Voted 3 – 3 (Amico, Egan & Howard) to appoint Stephen Regan
Mr. Ellis pointed out that the Planning Board needs individuals who can read plans and feels Mr. Regan is most qualified. Mr. Flynn indicated the Mr. Regan is the best fit.
MOTION by Flynn, second by Ellis to reconsider Mr. Regan appointment. Voted 5 – 1 (Egan)
Chairman Amico thanked Mr. Weeks for his interest.
7:45 p.m. Mr. Howard left the meeting and Mr. Flynn returned to the Selectmen’s table.
Collins Center – Information on Study – Michael Ward from the Collins Center was present to discuss the upcoming government study. Mr. Ward informed the Board that all options are expandable. The Town directs them as to the type of work and process the Collins Center Staff will take. They will set up meetings to discuss parameters and scope of the study. Staff will interview personnel, elected officials and department heads. The Center will then compile the information and report on the findings. Mr. Read encouraged the Board members to provide a list of questions to the Center. Mr. Ward pointed out that the recommendations provided by the Collins Center will be achievable.
III TOWN ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT - EEE Update - Mr. Read read the following report:
The Massachusetts Department of Public Health (MDPH) announced on Friday, September 9, 2011, that EEE virus has been detected in mosquitoes collected from Hanson, Massachusetts.~ In 2010, 3,558 mosquito samples were tested for EEE virus, and 65 positive samples were identified in Massachusetts.~ Hanson has had two (2) EEE virus positive mosquito samples identified in 2011 posing a Moderate risk.~ EEE is a rare but serious illness spread by the bite of an infected mosquito. While EEE can infect people of all ages, people under 15 years of age or over 50 years of age are at greatest risk for serious illness.~
In July of last year, the Town experienced a similar event when the Town of Hanson had 2 confirmed trappings which occurred on July 30, 2010.~ At that time, the Town of Hanson was at High Risk Level as determined by the Massachusetts Department of Public Health.~ The Department recommended that as a result of a High Risk incident, outdoor activity should be adjusted to avoid peak mosquito hours (from dusk until dawn).~ As a result of this incident, on August 10, 2010, the Board of Selectmen voted to suspend all activities on town-owned property from dusk until dawn until further notice (which equated to the first hard frost).~ In this most recent case, the Massachusetts Department of Public Health has deemed this EEE incident as a Moderate risk which has a different set of guidelines.
Today Plymouth County Mosquito Control verified to our office that the following towns (all at a Level 3 for EEE) have no evening outdoor activity restrictions: Brockton, East Bridgewater, Halifax, Plympton, Lakeville, Carver
While the Town of Hanson continues to work closely with the MDPH and other agencies, locally we are actively undertaking the following steps:
In response to a number of calls made to both the WHRSD and our office and, as a precautionary measure similar to that being used at the Whitman-Hanson High School, I have spoken with Ernie Sandland and asked him to contact the Superintendant of Schools so that she may contact Plymouth County Mosquito Control in order to commence with spraying of Indian Head, Maquan and Hanson Middle School fields.~ After speaking with Dan Daly of Plymouth County Mosquito Control, it is my understanding that the process to be followed involves the Superintendent making such a request in order to allow the School District sufficient time (48 hours) to notify parents of this activity.~ Once facilitated by Dr. Whitner, the fields will be sprayed sometime next week which will provide for the proper climate (a temperature above 40 degrees)
in which to apply the chemical.~ Additionally, I will be recommending that the Board authorize me to contact Plymouth County Mosquito Control to proceed with the spraying of all town-owned fields as well.
By taking a few, common-sense precautions, people can help to protect themselves and their loved ones:
Avoid Mosquito Bites
•~~~~~~~~~~ Be Aware of Peak Mosquito Hours - The hours from dusk to dawn are peak biting times for many mosquitoes. Consider rescheduling outdoor activities that occur during evening or early morning. Otherwise, take extra care to use repellent and protective clothing.
•~~~~~~~~~~ Clothing Can Help reduce mosquito bites. Although it may be difficult to do when it’s hot, wearing long-sleeves, long pants and socks when outdoors will help keep mosquitoes away from your skin.
•~~~~~~~~~~ Apply Insect Repellent when you go outdoors. Use a repellent with DEET (N, N-diethyl-m-toluamide), permethrin, picaridin (KBR 3023), IR3535 or oil of lemon eucalyptus [p-methane 3, 8-diol (PMD)] according to the instructions on the product label.~ DEET products should not be used on infants under two months of age and should be used in concentrations of 30% or less on older children.~ Oil of lemon eucalyptus should not be used on children under three years of age.~ Permethrin products are intended for use on items such as clothing, shoes, bed nets and camping gear and should not be applied to skin.
Mosquito-Proof Your Home
•~~~~~~~~~~ Drain Standing Water - Mosquitoes lay their eggs in standing water. Limit the number of places around your home for mosquitoes to breed by either draining or getting rid of items that hold water. Check rain gutters and drains. Empty any unused flowerpots and wading pools, and change water in birdbaths frequently.~
•~~~~~~~~~~ Install or Repair Screens - Some mosquitoes like to come indoors. Keep them outside by having tightly-fitting screens on all of your windows and doors.
Information about EEE and reports of EEE virus activity in Massachusetts during 2010 can be found on the MDPH website at http://www.mass.gov/dph/wnv.~ Recorded information about EEE is also available by calling the MDPH Public Health Information Line at 1-866-MASS-WNV (1-866-627-7968).
There will be an informational meeting with The Massachusetts Department of Public Health, The Plymouth County Mosquito Control Program, state legislators, public safety officials, and the Hanson Board of Health on Thursday evening 15 September 2011 at 7:00PM at the Whitman Hanson Regional School regarding the presence of birds and mosquitoes that are infected with Eastern Equine Enchephalitis .
School Committee member Robert Hayes and Athletic Director Bob Rogers were present. They indicated that the prior Friday night football game had been rescheduled to Saturday due to the notice issued by the Board of Health. The High School is scheduled to be sprayed by Plymouth County Mosquito Control this week and the other schools will be scheduled next week.
Mr. Read requested the Board authorize him to contact Plymouth County Mosquito Control to order the spraying of all Town fields including Botieri, Memorial, Robinson, Indian Head, Maquan, Hancock and LZ Thomas.
MOTION by Egan, second by Flynn to authorize Mr. Read to request that PCMC spray the Town fields. Voted 3 – 0
Mr. Rogers indicated that he will request that a trap be placed in the area of the High School for next season. Mr. Hayes encouraged residents to attend the informational seminar on Thursday at the High School.
Health Department – Mr. Read thanked Board of Health members Dick Edgehille and Tom Constantine as well as Transfer Station Attendant Chris and Chief Savage for their assistance while distributing Transfer Station Stickers on September 1st – 3rd. Mr. Read reported that over 400 stickers were given out.
Tropical Storm Irene – Mr. Read thanked and praised the Fire, Police, Highway and Water Departments as well as the Director of Elder Affairs Mary Collins and her staff for their work during Hurricane Irene. The Senior Center Staff and Fire Dept. checked on seniors throughout the week and provided assistance when needed.
National Grid feedback – The Board discussed the response from National Grid. Mr. Read indicated that National Grids response was much different than what he experienced in Duxbury with NStar. The response was an improvement from the past winter storm. The restoration of power took much longer in some areas and Mr. Read has received complaints from residents. Chief Thompson pointed out that there is room for improvement. He acknowledged that having a National Grid representative on site was helpful.
IV NEW BUSINESS - Continued
Appointment – Cultural Council – Corinne Cafardo Winslow Dr. Term to Exp. 6/30/2013
MOTION by Flynn, second by Egan to appoint Corinne Cafardo to the Cultural Council. Term to expire on June 30, 2013. Voted 3 - 0
Vote Exemptions for Ethics Training – Town Clerk Elizabeth Sloan informed the Board that revisions to the Ethics Law now allow for specific positions to be exempt from the requirement of Ethics training. The positions include consultants, election poll workers, interns, seasonal employees, senior tax abatement program participants, vendors and volunteer positions. Ms. Sloan requested the Board vote the exemptions.
MOTION by Egan, second by Flynn to exempt consultants, election poll workers, interns, seasonal employees, senior tax abatement program participants, vendors and volunteers from Ethics training. Voted 3 - 0
Vote Public Works Mutual Aid Agreement – Mr. Read explained the Public Works Mutual Aid agreement which provides the Towns with additional resources in the event of disasters and for non-emergency operations.
MOTION by Egan, second by Amico to adopt and opt-in to the Public Works Mutual Aid agreement. Voted 3 - 0
Request from Margaret McLaughlin for annual Public Square Rosary on Sat. Oct. 15th - Chairman Amico read Mrs. McLaughlin’s letter:
Dear Selectmen of Hanson, I am Margaret (Bunny) McLaughlin and I have lived and paid taxes in Hanson for the past 46 years. I am asking permission to have a “Public Square Rosary’ in honor of Our Lady of Fatima to be taken place on the lawn of the town hall in Hanson on Saturday, October 15, 2011 from 12:00 – 1:00 p.m. Our group has done this with the permission of the Town Administrator & Selectmen on the lawn for the past four years, and this will be our fifth annual Rosary. This is a nation-wide event that has grown each year with the stipulation that it will take place on public land.
Thank you for your consideration of this event. Sincerely, Margaret (Bunny) McLaughlin
MOTION by Egan, second by Flynn to grant permission for the Public Square Rosary on October 15th. Voted 3 - 0
V OLD/UNFINISHED BUSINESS
Review Warrant Articles – Mrs. Marini informed the Board that the Water Department has requested the Board reconsider its vote to remove draft article “O” from the warrant. The article requested additional funding for the repairs to the Water Department roof. Water Superintendent Neal Merritt explained the original request in May 2011 was for $24,000. However, additional quotes and the procurement requirements have elevated to cost to within the Capital Improvement Plan limits. The project had not been on the Capital Improvement Plan Matrix. Mr. Merritt apologized and will be meeting with the Capital Improvement Committee next week to request that the project be placed on the matrix as an extraordinary circumstance.
MOTION by Flynn, second by Egan to open the October Special Town Meeting Warrant. Voted 3 – 0.
MOTION by Egan, second by Flynn to place the Water Department roof article on the warrant.
Voted 3 – 0
MOTION by Egan, second by Flynn to place the Water Department roof project on the Capital Improvement Matrix as an emergency. Voted 3 – 0
Mrs. Marini indicated that there are several other articles which need to added to the warrant. Mr. Read read the articles as follows:
ARTICLE 1: To see if the Town will vote to approve the cost items in the~ two year Contract,~ July 1, 2011 through June 30, 2013,~ with the Hanson Police Union,~ which calls for no salary increase in FY 12, a 1.5 % base salary increase effective July 1, 2012 and an additional~ 1.5 % base salary increase on June 30, 2013. The cost in FY 13 will be approximately $18,985.00. The incremental cost in FY 14 will be $19,275.00.~
Proposed by the Board of Selectmen
Explanation: The Board has reached a two year agreement with the Police Union with the terms as outlined above.
MOTION by Egan, second by Flynn to place article 1 on the warrant. Voted 3 - 0
ARTICLE 2: To see if the Town will vote to approve the cost items of a contract with the Administrative Professionals Union or take any other action in relation thereto.
Proposed by the Board of Selectmen
Explanation: It is anticipated that the Board of Selectmen and the Administrative Professionals Union will reach an agreement relative to the terms of a contract by October Special Town Meeting.
MOTION by Flynn, second by Egan to place article 2 on the warrant. Voted 3 - 0
ARTICLE 3: To see if the Town will vote to approve the cost items of a contract with the Highway Union or take any other action in relation thereto.
Proposed by the Board of Selectmen
Explanation: It is anticipated that the Board of Selectmen and the Highway Union will reach an agreement relative to the terms of a contract by October Special Town Meeting.
MOTION by Flynn, second by Egan to place article 3 on the warrant. Voted 3 - 0
ARTICLE 4: To see if the Town will vote to transfer the sum of money from Free Cash to be added to the amounts appropriated to Article 5, Line 71, Tree Department Expenses of the June 2011 Special Town Meeting or take any other action in relation thereto.
Proposed by the Highway Surveyor
Explanation: These funds are needed to remove and trim the trees damaged during Hurricane Irene. Approximately $8,000
MOTION by Flynn, second by Egan to place article 4 on the warrant. Voted 3 - 0
ARTICLE 5: To see if the Town will vote to transfer a sum of money from Free Cash to pay for the temporary fencing minor repairs to the Indian Head School or take any other action in relation thereto.
Proposed by the School Committee
Explanation: Temporary safety measures have been installed at the Indian Head School relative to the slate roofing tile. These funds are needed to pay for the fencings and minor repairs. Approximately $5,500
MOTION by Flynn, second by Egan to place article 6 on the warrant. Voted 3 - 0
ARTICLE 6: To see if the Town will vote to transfer a sum of money from Free Cash to pay for the boiler Repair at the Maquan School or take any other action in relation thereto.
Proposed by the School Committee
Explanation: Repairs are necessary for the boiler at Maquan School Approximately $16,000
MOTION by Flynn, second by Egan to place article 6 on the warrant. Voted 3 - 0
ARTICLE 7: To see if the Town will vote to transfer a sum of money from Free Cash to the amounts appropriated to Article 5, Line 12 Computers of the June 2011 Special Town Meeting to fund the purchase of transfer station sticker software or take any other action in relation thereto.
Proposed by the Town Administrator
Explanation: This software will provide access at several points of distribution for transfer station stickers and trip tickets. Approximately $7,000
Mr. Flynn questioned the need for the special program and suggested that Excel may meet the need.
MOTION by Egan, second by Amico to place article 7 on the warrant. Voted 2 – 1 (Flynn)
ARTICLE 8: To see if the Town will vote to transfer the sum of two thousand five hundred ($2,500.00) dollars from Article 21 of the May 2005 Annual Town Meeting – Highway Drainage Improvements to Article 8 of the May 2002 Annual Town Meeting (Storm Water Management) or take any other action in relation thereto.
Proposed by the Highway Surveyor
Explanation: This article will add funding require for consultant assistance in preparing workshops, storm water plan, 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.
MOTION by Flynn, second by Egan to place article 2 on the warrant. Voted 3 - 0
Additional Changes: -Mrs. Marini pointed out additional changes to the warrant. She explained that draft articles Article F - Repairs to Engine 2 $8,850 and Article H - Replenish Reserve Fund have been combined. The Chief received a reserve fund transfer from the Finance Committee in August and requested that Article F be pulled from the warrant. The Town Administrator recommends that we combine the amount in Article F with Article H to replenish the Reserve fund.
Article K – Capital Improvement amount. The Town Administrator recommends pulling Article N (Fiber Optic cabling) until the Town is in a better financial situation. Consequently, the amount in Article K will be reduced to $75,000 and Article N can be pulled.
Article T & U – The Planning Board did not recommend the acceptance Deer Hill Extension or Fawn Lane. Both articles should be pulled.
MOTION by Egan, second by Flynn to accept the revisions as presented. Voted 3 – 0
MOTION by Egan, second by Flynn to close the warrant. Voted 3 - 0
VI ONE DAY LIQUOR LICENSES ~ Camp Kiwanee
Samantha Ruemker, Plympton Fri., Oct. 7th 5:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. – Wedding
Carol Smith, Abington Sat., Oct., 8th 3:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. – Wedding
Rachel Seliber, Natick, Sat., Oct. 15th 12:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. – Reunion
Michelle Bristow, Merrimack, NH, Sun., Oct. 16th 1:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. – Wedding
Christy Donaghy, Hanson, Sat., Oct. 29th 6:00 p.m. to 12:00 a.m. – Wedding
MOTION by Flynn, second by Egan to approve the One Day liquor licenses as printed. Voted 3 - 0
VII COMMITTEE REPORTS - Maquan School – Mr. Amico reported that four candidates for the Owners Project Manager were interviewed. The MSBA representatives were in attendance and are currently negotiating with the Building Committee’s first choice. The committee also inquired with MSBA about the possibility of combining Indian Head and Maquan Schools, if MSBA determines that Maquan School should be replaced rather then renovated. MSBA are considering the options.
Chief Thompson publicly thanked all of the departments for their cooperation and assistance during Hurricane Irene. The Chief reported that Hanson was not on the FEMA reimbursement list as it did not reach the reimbursement threshold.
VIII EXECUTIVE SESSION – Chairman Amico indicated that the Board would be going into Executive Session for the purpose of conducting strategy sessions with regard to collective bargaining and to consider the dismissal of an employees where an open meeting may have a detrimental effect on the bargaining position.
So moved by Egan, second by Flynn. Roll Call Flynn Aye, Amico Aye, and Egan Aye Voted 3 – 0.
8:56 p.m. Brief Recess
9:17 p.m. Returned to open session
IX ADJOURNMENT
MOTION by Egan, second by Flynn to adjourn. Voted 3 – 0
9:17 p.m. Meeting Adjourned.
Respectfully submitted,
Meredith Marini,
Executive Assistant
Approved and Voted 4 – 0 – 1 (Soper)
September 27, 2011
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