Town of Hanson - Board of Selectmen
Meeting Minutes – Hanson Town Hall
August 7, 2012 – 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 7:31 p.m.~~~~~~~Chairman Amico called the meeting to order. Chairman Amico led the Pledge Allegiance and read the announcements and upcoming meeting schedule. Mr. Read suggested that the Board take the agenda out of order.
II Swear in Fire Lieutenant Robert O’Brien – Chief Thompson introduced Firefighter Robert O’Brien indicating that Mr. O’Brien started with the fire department in 1997 as call firefighter. In 2000, he became a full-time member of the department. Firefighter O’Brien has taken on several roles including the diving team. He has written several successful grants for the town. The Chief explained the promotional process, which consisted of a consulting firm which administered a written and practical exam. The candidates were given 120 days to study for the exam. To move on in the process, the candidates were required to achieve a grade of 70 or better. The Chief feels the process has been beneficial to all the
candidates.
Town Clerk Beth Sloan sworn in Lt. O’Brien. Lt. O’Brien’s wife Debra and son Chris pinned on the Lt.’s badge. Lt. O’Brien thanked everyone for their support.
II TOWN ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT - Board of Health – Mr. Read reported that on
July 31, 2012, he, the Board of Health and Merry Marini interviewed 7 of the 10 applicants for the Health Agent’s position.~ Following the interviews, the Board of Health voted unanimously to offer the position to Matthew Tanis which he has accepted.~ Mr. Tanis’ start date will be Monday, August 20, 2012.~ As a result of the hiring, the Board of Health office will now be open Monday, Wednesday and Thursday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Tuesday 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. and Friday 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon and this will be the first time that the Board of Health office will be open on Fridays in many years.~
Transfer Station – Mr. Read indicated that as of August 1st, the disbursement of Transfer Station stickers and the sale of Trip Tickets have been moved from the Treasurer/Collector’s office to the Board of Health office and available during the new office hours.
Quarterly Tax Billing – Mr. Read indicated Treasurer/Collector Jeanne Sullivan has advised him that the first quarter tax bills (which were due on August 1st) are showing a 94% collection rate.~ He indicated that this is an excellent percentage for the first quarter.~ Mr. Read thanked Mrs. Sullivan and her staff (Fran Forte, Carol O’Brien and Stacy Reed) for their outstanding work during this transitional period from bi-annual collections to quarterly billing.
Update on Planner/Conservation Agent - Mr. Read reported that the deadline for receiving applications for the Town Planner/Conservation Agent was July 18th. The office received 36 applications for the Town Planner/Conservation Agent position.~ Interviews have been scheduled for later in the week with seven of the applicants.
Cable Contract renewal – Mr. Read indicated that over the past several weeks, he has been discussing the Town’s cable contract renewal process with Whitman Town Administrator, Frank Lynam.~ They are in the process of working on a joint process for the ascertainment and RFP issuance in advance of the 2014 contract expiration with Comcast. Mr. Read indicated that Verizon is no longer issuing licenses for Fios. However, an RFP will be sent to them in any event. Mr. Howard requested that Mr. Read consider requesting discounts for senior citizens.
Ambulance billing information to be discussed at August 21, 2012, meeting – Mr. Read provided the Board with copies of a report authored by Chief Thompson pertaining to a study the Chief performed on Hanson’s ambulance billing rates.~ Due to the volume of the report, Mr. Read requested the Board review the information for discussion at the next Board meeting. Mr. Read concurs with the report. Mr. Read requested the Board forward their questions to him in advance. Chief Thompson indicated that there is legislation relative to capping the rates.
III NEW BUSINESS
Resignations: - Patricia Strait – Board of Registrars. Chairman Amico read a letter dated July 24, 2012 citing medical reasons for Mrs. Strait resignation.
MOTION by Egan, second by Soper to accept with regret Mrs. Strait’s resignation. Voted 5 - 0
Kevin Arouca – Parks & Fields – Chairman Amico read Mr. Arouca’s letter dated June 14, 2012 citing work schedule as his reason for resigning.
MOTION by Egan, second by Howard to accept with regret Mr. Arouca’s resignation. Voted 5 - 0
Appointments:
Barbara Ferguson 1114 East Washington Street – Board of Registrars - Chairman Amico read a letter dated July 24, 2012 from the Hanson Democratic Town Committee recommending Barbara Ferguson to the Board of Registrars. Mr. Amico also read a letter from Town Clerk Elizabeth Sloan dated July 26, 2012 endorsing Mrs. Ferguson’s appointment.
MOTION by Flynn, second by Howard to appoint Barbara Ferguson to the Board of Registrars. Term to expire March 31, 2013. Voted 5 - 0
Highway Surveyor, Robert Brown – Parks & Fields – Term Expires 6-30-13 - Mr. Amico indicated that Mr. Brown always attends the Parks & Fields meetings as they are held at the highway office. Mr. Amico recommends Mr. Brown’s appointment.
MOTION by Howard, second by Egan to appoint Robert Brown to the Parks & Fields Commisstion. Term to expire June 30, 2013. Voted 5 - 0
Elections Workers – Terms to Expire August 31, 2013
Ernest Amado Frances Forte Jennifer Mann
Georgene Blight Nancy Gaffey Marlene McGivney
Annmarie Bouzan Barbara Gomez Barbara Murphy
Scott Cheney Judy Ann Goodwin John Norton
Deborah Clemons Leah Guercio-Paiva Patty Norton
Arlene Dias Sandra Harris Maureen O’Neil
Joseph Duffy Diane Hillstrom Elvira Osso
Marion Elms Jean Kelly Marilyn Pendleton
Kathleen Ferrara Ellen Lane Stacey Reed
Ruth Fleming Barbara Larsen Rachel Walsh
Mary Foley Mary Lyon Kathleen Whitman
MOTION by Egan, second by Flynn to appoint the election workers as presented. Voted 5 - 0
IV OLD/UNFINISHED BUSINESS – None Heard
V COMMITTEE REPORTS
Zoning By-law Committee – Mr. Flynn advised that Board that the Zoning By-Law committee has been discussing the new flood plain maps from the Federal Government. They need to determine if the new maps will have an adverse effect on residents. The committee is concerned about the requirements.
Oldham Pond Committee – Mr. Flynn indicated that the Committee has decided to address the algae issues by addressing the potential cause as it relates to problems at the Arlene Street beach and the street run-off. Mr. Flynn, Mr. Howard and Con Com members Frank Schellenger are reviewing options for a permanent solution. The Committee agreed that the funds allocated for the treatment will be better served in correcting the problem.
VI ADJOURNMENT
MOTION by Egan, second by Soper to adjourn. Voted 5 - 0
7:54 p.m. Meeting adjourned
Respectfully submitted,
Meredith Marini,
Executive Assistant
Approved and Voted 4 – 0
August 21, 2012
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