Town of Hanson - Board of Selectmen
Meeting Minutes – Hanson Town Hall
September 27, 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 7:34 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- Free Cash – Mr. Read announced that Massachusetts Department of Revenue Division of Local Services has certified the amount of available funds or "free cash" as of July 1, 2011 for the Town of Hanson which is $590,788. Mr. Read indicated that if revenues can cover the FY13 budget expenses, he will be recommending that the prospective uses for Free Cash in FY13 be for capital budgeting, funding stabilization, fund pending fire department retirement buyouts and a small portion could be used toward operating budget.
Civil Service Article -– Mr. Read reminded the Board that its recommendation at the May 2011 Town Meeting relative to the Civil Service article was Not to recommend. Mr. Read suggested, for consistency sake and to avoid possible confusion, the Board of Selectmen vote to NOT recommend the article for the October Town Meeting. On September 20th the Board voted to Refer to Town Meeting.
MOTION by Howard, second by Soper not to recommend the Civil Service article. Voted 5 - 0
MMA Essay Contest – Mr. Read informed the Board that the Hanson 6th graders will be participating in the annual MMA Essay Contest by completing “If I were elected leader of my community, I would make a difference by…” Mr. Soper volunteered to speak to the students.
III NEW BUSINESS -
Review and vote Investment Policy – Chairman Amico asked if there were any questions regarding the investment policy. None were heard.
MOTION by Egan, second by Howard to adopt the Investment Policy. Voted 5 - 0
IV OLD/UNFINISHED BUSINESS
Discussion relative to Selectmen’s E-mails – Mr. Read read an e-mail from Craig Finley, Director of IT.
On your call regarding creation of town email accounts for key elected town officials, I would strongly recommend you take this approach. This enables the town to have records of correspondence and comply with the appropriate MGL surrounding e-mails as a public record document.
The technical setup is simple as we would add accounts for each listed person into the towns current directory structure. These accounts would be setup for e-mail only, and would access the mail via a town specific web site. I would not recommend setting up auto forwards to personal home addresses as any reply would come from the personal home account, thus loosing the record trail.~ Posting these town addresses to the web comes with pros and cons. While the pros are obvious with improved community > official communications, but this does expose addresses for SPAM and "farming" by external web sites. In Whitman they have taken the approach of a single "info@" account which is monitored by the board of selectman administrative staff. Again, this route is truly personal preference.
Please let us know if you wish to create the individual accounts, and the names of those who will need them. We will follow the standard town naming format (first initial + last name) provided there are no duplicates.
-Craig
The Board discussed the merits of members receiving e-mails from residents. Mr. Soper feels providing e-mail informed will give resident an alternative to making a phone call. Mr. Egan was concerned about the idea. He pointed out that a member alone has no power. Every e-mail must be considered as public record. Chairman Amico indicated if a resident’s issue involved a complaint, they should follow the process outlined in the complaint policy. Chairman Amico felt that the Town Administrator and Executive Assistant should be linked to all inquires and responses. Mr. Flynn indicated that he received approximately five e-mails during his term on the Planning Board. Mr. Soper inquired whether all the members needed to participate. Mr. Read said is it personal preference. He can arrange for the e-mail links as soon as he receives a request.
Vote Public Safety Mutual Aid Agreement – Mrs. Marini indicated on September 13th the Board voted to approve Public Works Mutual Aid Agreement. Mr. Flynn inquired whether the Police and Fire Chiefs approve the agreement. Mr. Read indicated that both Chiefs recommend approval.
MOTION by Flynn, second by Howard to approve the Public Safety Mutual Aid Agreement.
Voted 5 - 0
V ONE DAY LIQUOR LICENSES ~ Camp Kiwanee
Melissa Barber, Rockland, Sunday, Oct. 2nd 12:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. – Wedding
Dawn Butler, Brockton, Saturday, Oct. 15th 2:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. - Wedding
James Flanagan, Hanson, Fri., Oct. 28th 7:00 p.m. to 12:00 a.m. – Halloween Party
MOTION by Egan, second by Howard to approve the One Day Liquor licenses as presented.
Voted 5 - 0
VI APPROVE MINUTES
August 23, 2011
September 13, 2011
September 20, 2011
MOTION by Flynn, second by Howard to approve the minutes of September 13, 2011.
Voted 4 – 0 – 1 Soper
MOTION by Flynn, second by Howard to approve the minutes of August 23, 2011 Voted 5 - 0
MOTION by Flynn, second by Soper to approve the minutes of September 20, 2011 Voted 5 - 0
VII COMMITTEE REPORTS- – Maquan School Building – Mr. Amico reported that the matter is hold awaiting approval from MSBA.
Mr. Anderson wished to discuss the complaint policy. Chairman Amico informed him that he is not on the agenda and the matter cannot be discussed. Chairman Amico suggested Mr. Anderson speak with the Town Administrator. Mr. Anderson indicated he did not want to speak to the Town Administrator. He wanted to meet with the Board. Chairman Amico told Mr. Anderson to speak to the Town Administrator to schedule an appointment.
VIII EXECUTIVE SESSION - None
IX ADJOURNMENT
MOTION by Soper, second by Egan to adjourn. Voted 5 - 0
7:58 p.m. Meeting Adjourned.
Respectfully submitted,
Meredith Marini,
Executive Assistant
Approved and Voted 4 – 0
October 18, 2011
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