Town of Hanson - Board of Selectmen
Meeting Minutes – Hanson Town Hall
August 21, 2012 – 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 7:31 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
Annual MMA Essay contest – Mr. Read read a letter from the Massachusetts Municipal Association dated July 26, 2012 regarding the Annual MMA Essay contest. The letter invites 6th grade students to participate in an essay contest entitled “If I were elected leader of my community, I would make a difference by”. The winner of the contest is invited to deliver their essay at the MMA’s annual meeting and trade show in January 2013.
Harbor to Bay Charity Bike Run – Sat. Sept. 15th 8:00 am to 11:00 am – Mr. Read read a letter from Jim Morgrage dated July 5, 2012 regarding the details of the ride which will come through Hanson on Sept. 15th between 8:00 a.m. and 11:00 a.m. Harbor to the Bay is a 501(C) 3 non-profit organization. The 2012 bike ride will benefit four organizations, AIDS action Committee of Mass. AIDS Support Group of Campe Cod, community Research Initiative and Fenway Community Health Center. The police have been notified of the event.
Update on Health Agent – Mr. Read announced that the Town’s new Health Agent, Matthew Tanis, started work yesterday, Monday, August 20, 2012. Mr. Read welcomed Mr. Tanis to town.
Planner/Conservation Agent – Mr. Read indicated he received 36 applications for the Town Planner/Conservation Agent position.~ Seven applicants were interviewed and at the conclusion of the process, the interview committee unanimously agreed to offer the position to Ms. Laurie Muncy.~ Ms. Muncy currently serves as the planner/conservation agent in the town of Freetown and has accepted the position.~ Ms. Muncy will begin in her new position in Hanson on Monday, October 1st.
Mr. Read thanked the interview Committee – Merry Marini, John Kemmett, Don Ellis and Trish Glenn for their participation in this process.
III NEW BUSINESS
Close October Special Town Meeting Warrant
MOTION by Howard, second by Flynn to close the October Special Town Meeting Warrant
Voted 4 - 0
Review Proposed Warrant Articles – Mr. Read suggested the Board review the articles for discussion at the next meeting. Mr. Read highlighted the following articles from the document titled Proposed Articles 8/21/12.
Article 2 – School assessment – The school’s calculation for the annual assessment was incorrect and needs to be increased.
Article 4 - Engineering articles – There are several projects which require more funding than for current $4,000 appropriate will allow.
Article 5 – Remove of the underground storage tank from Maquan School. Mrs. Marini reminded the Board that two years ago an initial appropriation was set aside for the removal of the tanks. The time has come to remove the tanks.
Article 11 – Highway Radios – The funds are requested for new radios to meet FCC compliance.
Article 12 - Stormwater – Federal Mandate requires that Town come into compliance with stormwater regulations.
Article 14 - Sand & dump truck – Mr. Read recommended a partial funding of the truck now so that the Town will be not be hit with the full amount when purchasing the vehicle next year. The funds will sit in the article until the truck is purchased.
Article 18 – Place a small amount in Stabilization. Mr. Read feels it is important to keep putting something into Stabilization.
Article 21 – Mr. Flynn asked about the Conservation Commission article which places a portion of the Plymouth County Hospital property in Conservation care and custody. Chairman Amico indicated that a similar article was defeated a few years ago because a final plan for the property had not been established. Mr. Egan explained that the Re-use committee had recommended placement of this parcel with Conservation as it is back land and will be used for recreation and open space purposes.
Article 27 – Zoning By-law article for As of Right – Mr. Flynn asked if the by-law was available. Mrs. Marini indicated that the by-law has not been submitted and Article 27 is a placeholder only. She has inquired of the Energy Committee the status of the by-law. She indicated that the article may likely be taken off the warrant.
Hanson Food Pantry – Discuss lease of the BCI Building – Mr. Read explained that the May 2012 Town Meeting authorized the lease of the BCI building. He indicated that Town Counsel is currently working on the RFP. Specific information is required for the RFP which includes how much of the building will be leased, the term of the lease and amount of the lease. James Bevilacqua representative of that Hanson Food Pantry indicated that the Food Pantry would like to use the entire first floor and asked about the timeline for the RFP. Mr. Read indicated that the successful respondent could be in by mid-October. Mr. A asked who would be responsible for removing the property inside the building. Mr. Read indicated that he would inspect the building again and indicated that items
will be declared surplus and sold via auction. Mr. Read indicated that the Plymouth County Bee Keepers are currently using a portion of the building and will remain in the building. Sharon Kennedy, Food Pantry coordinator, indicated that they have been asked to move out of their current location at the First Baptist Church by Sept. 14th. She inquired as to how to improve communication with the Town. She indicated that the Food Pantry didn’t realize they had to submit a bid in order to use the building. They thought based on the Town Meeting vote that they could move in. Mr. Flynn asked who decides the successful bidder. Mr. Read indicated that he would make a recommendation to the Board as the procurement officer. Mr. Read informed Ms. Kennedy and Mr. A, that they will be notified when the RFP is available and the deadlines for the bid process.
Discussion regarding Mosquito Spraying – Chairman Amico indicated that he spoke with Board of Health Chairman, Tom Constantine, who is not recommending field closures at this time. The Board of Health reminds residents to use caution when venturing outside between dusk and dawn.
Appointments – Election Workers – The Democratic Town Committee in a letter dated August 3, 2012 has recommended the following individuals for consideration as election workers. Terms to Expire 8/31/13
Patricia Strait 469 Indian Head Street
Joseph Weeks 83 Hancock Street
James Rodick 20 Kathy Lane
MOTION by Howard, second by Flynn to appoint the election workers as printed. Voted 4 - 0
Resignation – Bruce Young – Water Commissioners, Historical Commission and Memorial Day Patriotic Observance Committee – Chairman Amico read a portion of a letter from Bruce Young dated August 16, 2012 noticing his resignation from the Water Commissioners, Historical Commission and Memorial Day Patriot Observance Committee. In his letter, Mr. Young indicated it was time for others to assume the positions and he wished to spend time with his family.
MOTION by Egan, second by Flynn to accept with regret Mr. Young’s resignation. Voted 4 – 0
Mr. Flynn thanked Mr. Young for his inspiration and dedication to the Town.
IV OLD/UNFINISHED BUSINESS
Review the Ambulance Rate Study – Mr. Read asked the Board if they had any questions, regarding Chief Thompson’s Ambulance Rate Study dated July 30, 2012. Several of the Board members indicated that they had spoken with Chief Thompson.
MOTION by Flynn, second by Egan to accept the report and recommendation of new rates for discussion.
Mr. Egan asked about the billing process and the use of two different billing programs. The Chief said it is a complicated process and one program bills to the insurance company and the other bills to individuals. Chief Thompson indicated that after research, the option of outsourcing the billing is not feasible. The billing company indicated that they could not beat the current return rate that the Administrative Assistant receives. The Chief feels the Town should keep with the current in-house billing system.
So Voted 4 – 0.
V ONE DAY LIQUOR LICENSES – Camp Kiwanee
Jennifer Freeling, Boston, Sat., Sept. 1st 1:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. – Wedding
Diane D’Souza, Milton, Sun., Sept. 2nd 3:00 pm to 10:00 pm – Wedding
Kelley Gately, Berkley, Fri., Sept. 7th 6:00 pm to 10:00 pm – Rehearsal
Kelley Gately, Berkley, Sat., Sept. 8th 2:00 pm to 7:00 pm – Wedding
Jessica Jordan, Quincy, Sun., Sept. 9th 3:30 pm to 9:30 pm – Wedding
Emily Pallo, Cambridge, Fri., Sept. 14th 4:00 pm to 9:00 pm – Wedding
Jessica Arena, Abington, Sat., Sept. 15th 4:00 pm to 10:00 pm – Wedding
Lorna Hatch, Pembroke, Sun., Sept. 16th 4:00 pm to 9:00 pm – Wedding
Jason Tibbitts, Hanson, Fri., Sept. 21st 5:00 pm to 11:00 pm – Wedding
Christopher Theberge, Rockland, Sat., Sept. 22nd 7:00 pm to 12:00 am - Wedding
Lorraine Lentini, Hanson, Sun., Sept. 23rd 1:00 pm to 6:00 pm – Wedding
Jason Astle, Woburn, Sat., Sept. 29th 3:00 pm to 10:00 pm – Wedding
Nichole Rodriques, Braintree, Sun., Sept. 30th 3:00 pm to 10:00 pm – Wedding
MOTION by Egan, second by Howard to approve the one day liquor licenses as presented. Voted 4 - 0
VII APPOVE MINUTES
August 7, 2012
MOTION by Howard, second by Flynn to accept the minutes as presented. Voted 4 - 0
VIII COMMITTEE REPORTS - Parks & Fields – Chairman Amico indicate there is no report as they did not have a quorum at their meeting. Maquan School Building – Chairman Amico indicated that on August 29th some of the members will be going into Boston to meeting with MSBA. He will have a report at the next meeting.
IX EXECUTIVE SESSION – Chairman Amico announced that the Board would be going into Executive Session for the purpose of discussing strategy with respect to litigation in regards to McGovern vs. the Town since open meeting may have a detrimental effect on the litigating position of the Town and to consider the purchase, exchange, lease or value of real estate at 264 High Street, since an open meeting may have a detrimental effect on the negotiating position of the Town.
So moved by Egan, second by Howard Roll Call Flynn Aye, Howard Aye, Amico Aye, and Egan Aye Voted 4 – 0.
8:08 p.m. – Brief Recess
9:22 p.m. – Returned to open session
X ADJOURNMENT
MOTION by Howard, second Egan to adjourn. Voted 5 – 0
9:22 p.m. Meeting Adjourned.
Respectfully submitted,
Meredith Marini,
Executive Assistant
Approved and Voted 4 – 0 – 1 (Soper)
September 4, 2012
| 
