Town of Hanson - Board of Selectmen
Meeting Minutes – Hanson Town Hall
September 20, 2011 – 7:30 p.m.
Members Present: Stephen Amico, James Egan, Richard Flynn, Donald Howard and David Soper
Members Absent:
Others Present: Town Administrator Rene’ J. Read and Executive Assistant Meredith Marini
I 7:32 p.m.~~~~~~~Chairman Amico called the meeting to order. Chairman Amico led the Pledge Allegiance and read the announcements and upcoming meeting schedule.
II TOWN ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT – Investment Policy - Mr. Read distributed a copy of the draft investment policy he and the Treasurer/Collector crafted. He requested that the Board review it for discussion at the next meeting. Transfer Station – Mr. Read reported that stickers are now required for all patrons of the Hanson Transfer Station.~ Members of the Board of Health will be distributing Transfer Station stickers at the facility on Saturday, October 1st from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. ~Proof of Hanson residency (valid registration) is required to obtain a Transfer Station sticker.~ The gate closes at 4:45 p.m. to incoming cars.
III NEW BUSINESS
Request from Boy Scout Troop 34 to conduct Pumpkin Sale ~ Senior Patrol Leader Brendan Keane of Troop 34 requested permission for a pumpkin sale at Town Hall on Saturday and Sunday October 1st and 2nd from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Mr. Keane explained that there will be events for the younger set such as pumpkin painting and carving.
MOTION by Howard, second by Egan to approve the pumpkin sale for Boy Scout Troop 34 on
October 1st and 2nd. Voted 5 - 0
IV OLD/UNFINISHED BUSINESS
Vote Warrant Article Recommendations ~ Mr. Read read each article.
ARTICLE 1: To see if the Town will vote to transfer a sum of money from Free Cash and/or Stabilization to pay unpaid bills from Fiscal Year 2011 or take any other action in relation thereto.
Proposed by the Board of Selectmen
Explanation: There are a few unpaid bills from various departments, which were received after the end of fiscal year 2011. Requires a 9/10 vote.
MOTION by Egan, second by Howard to recommend Article 1. Voted 5 - 0
ARTICLE 2: To see if the Town will vote to transfer $46,891 from the ambulance receipts reserved account to be added to the amounts appropriated under Article 5, Line 108B at the June 2011 Special Town Meeting for lease purchase expenses of or take any other action in relation thereto.
Proposed by the Fire Chief
Explanation: This transfer is necessary to fund an obligated lease payment
MOTION by Egan, second by Howard 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 be added to the amounts appropriated under Article 5, Line 71, of the June 2011 Special Town Meeting for Tree Department Expenses 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 Howard, second by Egan to recommend Article 3. Voted 5 - 0
ARTICLE 4: To see if the Town will vote to transfer the sum of two thousand five hundred ($2,500.00) dollars from the amounts appropriated under Article 21 of the May 2005 Annual Town Meeting for Highway Drainage Improvements to Article 8 of the May 2002 Annual Town Meeting for 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 Howard, second by Egan to recommend Article 4. Voted 5 - 0
ARTICLE 5: To see if the Town will vote to transfer from any available source of funds and/or confirm a previous appropriation of funding under Article 5 of the June 2011 Special Town Meeting, of an amount sufficient to fund the first year of a two-year collective bargaining agreement between the Town of Hanson and the Hanson Police Union covering the term of
July 1, 2011 through June 30, 2013 as on file it the Town Clerk, which included, 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 or take any other action in relation thereto.
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. .The cost in FY 13 will be approximately $18,985.00. The incremental cost in FY 14 will be $19,275.00
MOTION by Egan, second by Howard to recommend Article 5. Voted 5 - 0
ARTICLE 6: To see if the Town will vote transfer from any available source of funds and/or confirm a previous appropriation of funding under Article 5 of the June 2011 Special Town Meeting, of an amount sufficient to fund the first year of a contract between the Town of Hanson and the Hanson 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 Howard, second by Egan to recommend Article 6. Voted 5 - 0
ARTICLE 7: To see if the Town will vote to transfer from any available source of funds and/or confirm a previous appropriation of funding under Article 5 of the June 2011 Special Town Meeting, of an amount sufficient to fund the first year of a contract between the Town of Hanson and the Hanson 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 Howard, 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 to the amounts appropriated under Article 5, Line 12 of the June 2011 Special Town Meeting for computers 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. Read recommended that the Board Passover Article 8 as he still needs time to research the software.
MOTION by Flynn, second by Soper to Passover Article 8. Voted 5 - 0
ARTICLE 9: To see if the Town will vote to transfer the sum of $12,000 from the amounts appropriated under Article 5, Line 55, of the June 2011 Special Town Meeting for Town Planner Wages and $8,000 from Free Cash to the amounts appropriated under said Article 5, Line 9 for the Reserve Fund or take any other action in relation thereto.
Proposed by the Town Administrator
Explanation: These funds are needed to replenish the Reserve Fund for repairs made to Fire Engine 2 and to fund an operational assessment of the Town of Hanson.
MOTION by Egan, second by Howard to recommend Article 9. Voted 5 - 0
ARTICLE 10: To see if the Town will vote to transfer a sum of money from Free Cash to pay for the temporary fencing and minor repairs to the Indian Head School at 720 Indian Head Street, Hanson, including all expenses incidental or related thereto 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 tiles. These funds are needed to pay for the fencing and minor repairs. Approximately $5,500
MOTION by Howard, second by Flynn to recommend Article 10. Voted 5 - 0
ARTICLE 11: To see if the Town will vote to transfer a sum of money from Free Cash to pay for the boiler repairs at the Maquan School located at 38 School Street, Hanson including all costs incidental and related thereto 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 Howard, second by Flynn to recommend Article 11. Voted 5 - 0
ARTICLE 12: To see if the Town will vote to transfer a sum of money from Free Cash for the replacement of the lift at the Maquan Elementary School located at 38 School Street, Hanson, including all expenses incidental and related thereto or take any other action in relation thereto.
Proposed by the School Committee
Explanation: These funds are needed to replace the 1992 chair lift at Maquan Elementary School. The current lift will not be certified by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts for use after March 12, 2012. Approx. $22,000
MOTION by Flynn, second by Howard to recommend Article 12. Voted 5 - 0
ARTICLE 13: To see if the Town will vote to transfer the sum of money from Free Cash and from the amounts appropriated under Article 5, Line 84 of the June 2011 Special Town Meeting for Veterans Clerical to the amounts appropriated under said Article 5, Line 86, Veterans Benefits or take any other action in relation thereto.
Proposed by the Veterans Agent
Explanation: These funds are necessary to pay for veterans benefits for the current fiscal year. Each year the line is under funded requiring the Veterans Agent to request Reserve Fund transfers at the end of the year. $20,000 ($4000.00 Veteran Line & $16,000 Free Cash)
MOTION by Howard, second by Egan to recommend Article 13. Voted 5 - 0
ARTICLE 14: To see if the Town will vote to transfer $75,000 from Free Cash to be added to the amounts appropriated under Article 5, Line 120 of the June 2011 Special Town Meeting for capital improvement for Fiscal Year 2012 Capital Improvement Budget or take any other action in relation thereto.
Proposed by the Capital Improvement Committee
Explanation: These funds will set up the budget line for the Capital Improvement Plan from which the following two articles will draw.
MOTION by Howard, second by Egan to recommend Article 14. Voted 5 - 0
ARTICLE 15: To see if the Town will vote to transfer $25,000 from the amounts appropriated under Article 5, Line 120, of the June 2011 Special Town Meeting for capital improvement 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
Mr. Flynn requested a list of streets in which the drainage work would be performed. Mrs. Marini indicated that the list would be on the Capital Improvement Plan and will have the information for the next meeting.
~~~~~
MOTION by Egan, second by Howard to recommend Article 15. Voted 5 - 0
ARTICLE 16: To see if the Town will vote to transfer $50,000 from the amounts appropriated under Article 5, Line 120, of the June 2011 Special Town Meeting for capital improvements 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 Egan, second by Howard to recommend Article 16. Voted 5 - 0
~
ARTICLE 17: To see if the Town will vote to transfer a sum of money from Water Department Surplus to supplement the amount appropriated under Article 13 of the
May 2, 2011 Annual Town Meeting for the repair of the roof and section of exterior wall at the Water Department Office located at 1073 West Washington Street, or take any other action in relation thereto.
Proposed by the Board of Water Commissioners
Explanation: Article 13 (2011 Annual Town Meeting) was intended for repair of the roof and a section of the exterior wall at the Water Department Office located at 1073 West Washington Street. It is anticipated that bid results will exceed the amount in Article 13. Therefore, this article will cover that added cost. Approximate $16,000
MOTION by Howard, second by Soper to recommend Article 17. Voted 5 - 0
ARTICLE 18: To see if the Town will vote to transfer a sum of money from the amounts appropriated under Article 5 Line 118A of the June 2011 Special Town Meeting for legal expense to be added to the amounts appropriated under Article 5, Line 116 Water Other Wages for the purpose of funding and implementing the cost item of a collective bargaining agreement between the Town of Hanson Water Department and the AFSCME Local -1700 Water Union for the period beginning July 1, 2011 and ending June 30, 2012 or take any other action in relation thereto.
Proposed by the Board of Water Commissioners
Explanation: This is to fund the line for the settlement of the Water Department’s Union contract. It represents a 3% increase for Fiscal Year 2012. Approximate $7,537
Mr. Flynn indicated that he would vote against the article as he did not feel the economic climate is conducive for a 3% increase.
MOTION by Egan, second by Soper to recommend Article 18. Voted 4 – 1 (Flynn)
ARTICLE 19: To see if the Town will vote to transfer from Water Department Surplus, a sum of money to rehabilitate two wells at the Crystal Spring Well Field located off Main Street or take any other action in relation thereto.
Proposed by the Board of Water Commissioners
Explanation: This will cover the necessary rehabilitation work on these wells to keep them functioning properly and supplying water to Hanson water users. Approximate $14,000
MOTION by Egan, second by Howard to recommend Article 19. Voted 5 - 0
ARTICLE 20: To see if the Town will vote to transfer from Water Department Surplus a sum of money to develop a Technology Master Plan/Asset Management program to help improve system maintenance or take any other action in relation thereto.
Proposed by the Board of Water Commissioners
Explanation: The Hanson Water Department has approximately 450 hydrants and 900 valves. The initial plan is to develop an Asset Inspection System for these assets which would be in accordance with the American Water Works Assoc. standards. It would also allow us in the future to include future assets such as pipes; meters, backflow devices, etc. Approximate $32,000
MOTION by Howard, second by Egan to recommend Article 20. Voted 5 - 0
ARTICLE 21: To see if the Town will vote to accept the provisions of Massachusetts General Laws, Chapter 40, Sections 42G, 42H, and 42I or take any other action in relation thereto.
Proposed by the Board of Water Commissioners
Explanation: The acceptance of these General Laws will enable the Town of behalf of its Water Department to:
- Levy Special Assessments (Betterments) for the cost of laying pipes in public and private ways for the distribution of water to its inhabitants; and that an owner which receives benefit from the laying of such pipes in those ways in which his/her land abuts; shall pay a proportionate part of the cost of extending such water supply to his/her property.
- Base the individual Betterment Assessments according to the frontage at such land on any way in which a water pipe is laid, or according to the area of such land within a fixed depth from such way, or according to valuation for purposes of taxation in the last assessment or according to two or all of such measures; and
- Allows the Water Commissioners to record a lien on the effected properties covered under the Betterment Assessments at the Registry of Deeds.
MOTION by Flynn, second by Howard to recommend Article 21. Voted 5 - 0
ARTICLE 22: To see if the Town will vote to accept the provisions of the third sentence of Massachusetts General Law Chapter 59 Section 2A, effective for Fiscal Year 2013, or take any other action in relation thereto.
Proposed by the Board of Assessors
Explanation: Acceptance of this local option statute will allow the Town to value and assess new growth (new construction or other physical additions to real estate) occurring from January 1 through June 30 for the fiscal year beginning July 1. This local option law, commonly referred to as “Chapter 653”, allows the community to timely assess improved parcels, which in turn ensures the property owner is paying his/her fair share of the cost of government operations for the fiscal year beginning July 1 rather than a year later. Implementation of this statute in conjunction with quarterly tax billing makes good fiscal sense.
MOTION by Egan, second by Howard to recommend Article 22. Voted 5 - 0
ARTICLE 23: To see if the Town will vote to accept Massachusetts General Law Chapter 59, Section 5, Clause 37A effective for Fiscal Year 2013 or take any other action in relation thereto.
Proposed by the Board of Assessors
Explanation: Acceptance of Clause 37A increases the annual exemption amount for a legally blind taxpayer from $437.50 to $500.00. Acceptance of Clause 37A will become effective in fiscal 2013. The Commonwealth of Massachusetts currently reimburses the Town $87.50 for each Clause 37 exemption filed. There is no additional reimbursement from the Commonwealth if Clause 37A is adopted.
MOTION by Egan, second by Howard to recommend Article 23. Voted 5 - 0
ARTICLE 24: To see if the Town will vote to authorize the sale of Transfer Station trip tickets at the Town Hall and Transfer Station or take any other action in relation thereto.
Proposed by the Town Administrator
Explanation: Article 9 of the October 2001 Special Town Meeting transferred responsibility for issuing Transfer Station Trip Tickets from the Board of Health to the Treasurer/Collector’s Office. With the advent of the New Transfer Station regulations effective September 1, 2011, this article will allow for more flexibility of the point of sale of the Trip Tickets with sales at Town Hall and the Transfer Station.
Mr. Flynn asked if the Transfer Station would be accepting cash and how checks will be handled. Mr. Read explained that no cash or checks will be accepted at the Transfer Station at this time. Mr. Read pointed out that the article only broadens the scope of the point of sale. If approved, procedures will be set up and discussed with the various staff members prior to implementing trip ticket sales at the Transfer Station.
MOTION by Egan, second by Howard to recommend Article 24. Voted 5 - 0
ARTICLE 25: To see if the Town will vote to amend the Wage and Personnel By-Laws, Article 2-12, Classification and Compensation Section 8D – Probationary Period by deleting in the first sentence the words, “three months”, and inserting in place thereof the words, “six months” or take any other action in relation thereto.
Proposed by the Personnel Director
Explanation: This change will provide the department heads and supervisors more time to accurately evaluate the new employee’s performance, ability and aptitude for the position.
MOTION by Flynn, second by Egan to recommend Article 25. Voted 5 - 0
ARTICLE 26: To see if the Town will petition the General Court to enact the following special act restoring civil service rules and regulations to the Hanson Police Department, except the rank of Chief.
SECTION 1. Notwithstanding any General Law to the contrary, the position of regular or permanent member of the police department in the town of Hanson, except the rank of Chief, shall be exempted from the provision of Chapter 255 of the Acts of 1981 and are hereafter subject to Chapter 31 of the General Laws. The tenure of any incumbent shall be unlimited, subject to said chapter 31.
SECTION 2. The position of Chief of the Hanson Police Department shall continue to be subject to the provision of Chapter 255 of the Acts of 1981.
SECTION 3. Police personnel of the police department of the town of Hanson hired during the 6 month period preceding the effective date of this act shall be included as civil service employees under chapter 31 of the General Laws, subject to any applicable probationary period.
SECTION 4. Incumbents of the police department of the town of Hanson shall not be required to pass a qualifying examination for their current position, but shall be required to pass a competitive examination under chapter 31 of the General Laws to obtain a higher rank.
SECTION 5. This act shall take effect upon its passage.
Proposed by Eugene Andrews
MOTION by Egan, second by Howard to Refer Article 16 to Town Meeting. Voted 5 - 0
V ONE DAY LIQUOR LICENSES ~ Camp Kiwanee – None received
VI COMMITTEE REPORTS – Retro Fitting buildings – Mr. Howard reported that the energy saving retro fits have been completed in the Main Street Fire Station and at the Old Police Station. He is checking to see if Camp Kiwanee has been completed. Mr. Soper requested to bring up old business. Mr. Soper inquired as to the status of having e-mail for Board members on the website. Chairman Amico recommended that the matter be discussed at the next meeting under old business. Mr. Read will check with IT regarding set up
VII EXECUTIVE SESSION – Chairman Amico announced that the Board would be going into Executive Session for the purpose of discussing strategy with respect to collective bargaining sessions and will come out of executive session only to adjourn.
So moved by Egan, second by Howard. Roll Call Flynn Aye, Howard Aye, Amico Aye, Egan Aye and Soper Aye. Voted 5 – 0.
8:20 p.m. Brief Recess
9:00 p.m. Returned to open session
VIII ADJOURNMENT
MOTION by Howard, second by Egan to adjourn. Voted 5 - 0
9:00 p.m. Meeting Adjourned.
Respectfully submitted,
Meredith Marini,
Executive Assistant
Approved and Voted 5 – 0
September 27, 2011
| 
