Town of Hanson - Board of Selectmen
Meeting Minutes – Hanson Town Hall
November 1, 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. Mr. Amico requested a moment of silence for Whitman Selectmen Peg McGilvery who passed away recently. Mr. Amico read the announcements and upcoming meeting schedule.
II TOWN ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT – Mr. Read recommended taking the agenda out of order to allow for the joint appointment to the Board of Assessor.
Assessors Kathleen Marini and Kathleen Keefe were present with Assessor Appraiser Lee Gamache and applicant Patricia O’Kane of South Street. Ms. O’Kane indicated that she has taken the requisite classes and works in the Hanover Assessor’s office.
MOTION by Flynn, second by Howard to appoint Patricia O’Kane to the Board of Assessors through May 2012. Voted 7 - 0
Veteran’s Day Event – Mr. Read informed the Board that they are invited to attend the Veteran’s day luncheon which will be held on Thursday, November 10th at 11:00 a.m. at the Hanson Senior Center.
Leaf and Yard Waste Area – Mr. Read reported that the Conservation Commission approved the RDA for the construction of the leaf and yard waste area on October 25, 2011.~ Mr. Read thanked Rich Vacca for shepherding this project through the Commission and helping to ensure that the Town has all of the requisite permits. The waste area will be ready for deposits in the next week to allow the area to settle.
Highway Department - Mr. Read read a letter from Richard Harris announcing his retirement effective November 25th.
Dear Ms. Sloan, This letter is my official notification to the Town of Hanson of my retirement from the elected positions of Highway Surveyor and Tree Warden, effective November 25, 2011. It has been a wonderful and challenging forty-six (46) years working for the Town of Hanson Highway Department, the last thirty-two (32) years as elected Highway Surveyor. I will always be sincerely grateful to all the good people of the Town of Hanson for their support in electing me to eleven (11) consecutive three (3) year terms as Highway Surveyor and allowing me to serve the Town of Hanson in that position. Sincerely Richard A. Harris, Highway Surveyor/Tree Warden
Mr. Read explained that the Board can make an appointment which will be effective through May 2012. Mr. Read will have a recommendation on how to proceed with the appointing of a replacement and the transitioning from elected to appointed at the November 15th meeting.
Planning Board – Mr. Read announced that Planning Board Administrative Assistant, Barbara Ferguson has announced her retirement. Due to the lack of staff in the office, Mrs. Ferguson is willing to help out after her retirement on a part-time basis until the Collins Center’s report is concluded.
Budget Update – Mr. Read indicated that the Budget materials were distributed to all department heads last week which included guidelines, the schedule for budget submittals, budget reviews, etc. The budgets are due to his office by Wednesday, November 23rd.
Free Cash: Mr. Read reviewed the balance of free cash following the October Town Meeting which is $439,488. Mr. Read indicated that $130,000 will be allocated for firefighter retirements, $50,000 for stabilization leaving a balance of $259,488 for the FY13 budget.
Chairman Amico thanked Mr. Harris and Mrs. Ferguson for their years of service.
III NEW BUSINESS
Oldham Pond Committee Appointment – An application for appointment was received from Mary Ellen Buckley of 236 Lakeside Road. Ms. Buckley abuts the pond and is on the Pembroke Watershed committee.
MOTION by Howard, second by Flynn to appoint Mary Ellen Buckley to the Oldham Pond Committee. Voted 5 - 0
Discuss Complaint Policy – Chairman Amico thanked Mr. Anderson for attending the meeting and informed him that the Board would not be engaging in a back-and-forth discussion nor did he anticipate taking any action this evening.~ His concerns would be heard and taken under advisement. Mr. Anderson was warned not to speak of individuals or personalities.
Mr. Anderson asked what the Complaint policy was and Mr. Read read the policy.
Citizens with inquiries or complaints shall first be directed to contact the appropriate department or committee in writing. The Committee shall answer the inquiries or complaints in writing within two weeks. If the inquirer isn’t satisfied with the response or has further questions, a dialogue at that time with the Town Administrator in accordance with the Town Administrator Special Act:
Section 3 Subsection (w). Receive and act on questions and/or complaints filed with the board of selectmen or the town administrator and report back to the board of selectmen regarding resolution of complaints or questions.
No official or town committee shall challenge another at a public meeting without giving the official or town committee the courtesy or time to gather any necessary materials to answer the challenge.
Accepted by the Board of Selectmen as a policy August 10, 1993.
Revised and Accepted by the Board of Selectmen on July 22, 2008.
Mr. Anderson questioned whether complaints must be in writing. Mr. Anderson does not feel that answers are given within the stated time of 14 days. Mr. Anderson inquired as to what happens when the response is not satisfactory. Chairman Amico informed him he could bring the matter to the Town Administrator. Mr. Anderson requested that he be able to go before the Board. Chairman Amico informed him that the Town Administrator acts on the Boards behalf and responds to complaints. Chairman Amico suggested that Mr. Anderson put in writing the circumstances to which he has doubt and the Town Administrator will review them.
Set Meeting Dates for January – June 2012 – Chairman Amico read the meeting dates as recommended by Mr. Read. January 10 & 24, February 7 & 21, March 6 & 20, April 3, 10 & 17, May 1, 7, 8 & 22, June 5 & 19.
MOTION by Howard, second by Soper to approve the meeting dates as presented. Voted 5 - 0
Vote Private Way Plow List – Mr. Read read the Private Way Plow list as recommended by Highway Surveyor, Richard Harris. Alden Way, Arthur Avenue, Arthur Street, Azalea Way, Boston Avenue, Briggs Street, Charles Street, Christopher Lane, Cushman Street, Deer Hill Ext., Emory Street, Fallon Point Road, French Street, Gray Lane, Hanson Court, Hawthorne Street, Hemlock Drive, Hill Road (Off Monponsett), Indian Head Pond Development, Lakeside Road, Leon Court, Ocean Avenue, Ext., Pearl Street, Pine Grove Colony, Rollercoaster Road, Santos Court, Snow Street, Spofford Avenue, Station Street, Stringer Lane, Union Park Street, Valley Forge Road, Village Road, Wilbur Avenue, Wilkie Terrace- entrances only, Woodbine Avenue Ext., Woodman Terrace.
MOTION by Howard, second by Soper to approve the Private Way Snow Plow list indicating that the highlighted streets will be plow and the developer will be billed. Voted 5 - 0
Hanson Food Pantry – Discuss leasing of former BCI building – Mr. Paul Nicol was present along with several members of local civic organizations Lions, Rotary Food Pantry and the Cub Scouts to request the possible lease of the former BCI Building on High Street. Mr. Nicol explained that the groups have funding and volunteers to rehab the building to meet their needs. They are also seeking grants for non-profit organizations and have received offers from the South Shore Vocational High School to have students work on the project in addition to fundraising. The Board discussed the concept. Mr. Amico felt it would be a good use of the building. Mr. Egan inquired if they have inspected the building noting the considerable amount of work necessary to accommodate their needs.
MOTION by Flynn, second by Howard to lease the property to the Food Pantry for discussion.
The group discussed the term of the lease. Mr. Nicol indicated they would be looking at a long term of ten years. Mr. Soper pointed out the proximity to the Community Garden. Mr. Nicol feels that it would be to their advantage as some of the community gardeners had donated their harvest. Mr. Amico suggested that the motion include that he lease negotiations be coordinated by the Town Administrator.
Mr. Flynn amended his motion and Mr. Howard amended his second to authorize Mr. Read to coordinator a lease and associated details with the Food Pantry. Voted 4 – 0 – 1.
Vote Surplus Vehicle/Equipment List – Mr. Read informed the Board that several departments has submitted the following vehicles and equipment to be deemed as surplus:
Animal Control |
1995 |
Chevy |
S10 Pick-up |
1GCDT14Z9SK262520 |
COA |
1999 |
Dodge |
RamVan |
2B6LB31Z0XK577290 |
Fire |
1996 |
Ford |
Explorer |
1FMDU34X6TUD59375 |
Police |
2003 |
Ford |
Crown Victoria |
2FAFP71W93X220427 |
Police |
2001 |
Chevy |
Impala |
2G1WF55K019351524 |
Police |
2002 |
Ford |
Explorer |
1FMZU73EO2ZAO2594 |
Recreation |
1991 |
Ford |
F-350 |
2FDHF38G6MCA96358 |
Town Hall |
2004 |
Ford |
Crown Victoria |
2FAFP71W54X109634 |
Water Department |
1998 |
Ford |
F-150 Pick Up |
1FTZF18WOWNC03812 |
Mr. Read indicated that the vehicles will be sold through a sealed bid process. Mr. Soper inquired about the grader at the highway department. Mr. Read believed it was still being used for parts, but would check with the Highway Surveyor.
MOTION by Howard, second by Egan to vote the vehicles and equipment as surplus. Voted 5 - 0
Vote Departmental Carry Over balances – Planning, Recreation and the Town Administrator presented articles which have remaining balances. The by-laws require balances of over two years require Selectmen’s approval to carry over. The accounts were the following:
Planning 01-175-5402-5780 $52.50
Planning 01-175-5401-5300 $2,660.00
Recreation: 01-630-5407-5840 $1,796.94
Recreation: 01-630-5400-5840 $943.52
Selectmen 01-123-5391 $3,721.82
MOTION by Howard, second by Egan to approve the carry over balances as requested. Voted 5 - 0
IV OLD/UNFINISHED BUSINESS – None Heard
V ONE DAY LIQUOR LICENSES ~ Camp Kiwanee
Carl McPhee, Pembroke – Fri., Nov. 11th 6:00 p.m. – 11:00 p.m. - Party
Bill Strait, Hanson – Thursday, Nov. 17th 6:00 p.m. – 11:00 p.m. – Dinner Meeting
Chris Colclough, Hanson – Fri.., Nov. 18th 7:00 p.m. to 12:00 a.m. – Surprise Party
Debbie Rawson, Brockton – Sat., Nov. 19th 4:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. - Wedding
Amanda Pearl, Whitman – Fri., Dec. 9th 7:00 p.m. – 12:00 a.m. – Wedding
MOTION by Egan, second by Howard to approve the one day liquor licenses as presented. Voted 5 - 0
VI APPROVE MINUTES
October 18, 2011
MOTION by Howard, second by Soper to approve the minutes as printed. Voted 4 – 0 – 1 (Flynn)
VII COMMITTEE REPORTS – Maquan School – The project is moving forward. The committee met with Mary Mahoney the Project Managers. Review will be conducted to determine if Indian Head can be included in the project. The group hopes to have an article prepared for the May Town Meeting. We are all in this Together – Mr. Egan reported that he attended the event at the Senior Center on Friday. It was well attended and representatives from various organizations provided information regarding job and assistance to residents.
VIII EXECUTIVE SESSION – Chairman Amico announced that the Board would be going into executive session for the purpose of conducting collective bargaining sessions and to discuss strategy with respect to pending litigation since an open meeting may have a detrimental effect on the litigating position of the Town.
So moved by Soper, second by Howard Roll Call Flynn aye, Howard aye, Amico aye, Egan aye and Soper aye. Voted 5 – 0
8:22 p.m. Brief Recess
8:35 p.m. Returned to Open Session
IX ADJOURNMENT
MOTION by Howard, second by Egan to adjourn. Voted 5 – 0
8:35 p.m. Meeting Adjourned.
Respectfully submitted,
Meredith Marini,
Executive Assistant
Approved and Voted 5 - 0
November 15, 2011
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