Town of Hanson - Board of Selectmen
Meeting Minutes – Hanson Town Hall
April 2, 2013
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~ 7:30 p.m. Chairman Amico called the meeting to order and read the announcements and upcoming meeting schedule.
II TOWN ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT – Mr. Read suggested that the Board take the agenda out of order to accommodate Chief Parker and Dollars for Scholars Chairman Mike Ganshirt.
Chief Parker was present to recommend the appointment of Sarah Fantasia as a police officer to fill the vacancy created by the retirement of Sargeant Peter W. Daley. Chief Parker explained the recruiting process from which Ms. Fantasia was selected. The Chief indicated they received 18 applications. He created an internal committee from the Hanson Police Department consisting of all levels of the force. The internal committee ranked the applicants and developed a list of seven to interview and ultimately forwarded three names to the Chief for consideration. Officer Fantasia is a 1997 graduates of Fontbonne Academy in Milton, has an Associates Degree in Law Enforcement and a Bachelors Degree in Criminal Justice from UMass Boston. She is an eight year veteran of Boston College
police department. She graduated from the MBTA Transit Police Academy in 2004. Chief Parker requested that she be appointed effective April 17th.
MOTION by Flynn, second by Egan to appoint Sarah Fantasia as a police officer effective
April 17, 2013. Voted 5 – 0
Resident from John Orpen of 156 Jerrold Street asked how the number of police officers is determined. Chief Parker indicated that force is based on the size of the community, Hanson is probably understaffed by five officers.
Declare April 14 – 20 as National Public Safety Telecommunications week – Chief Parker requested that the Board declare April 14 – 20 as National Public Safety Telecommunication week which was initially dedicated in 1981 in recognition of dispatchers and their support for police, fire and highway personnel.
MOTION by Howard, second by Egan to declare April 14 – 20 as National Public Safety Telecommunications week. Voted 5 - 0
Declare April as Dollars for Scholars Month– Chairman Amico read a letter dated March 24, 2013 from Michael Ganshirt requesting the Board declare April as Dollars for Scholars Month and letter dated March 20, 2013 requesting permission to erect the annual fundraising thermometer on Town Hall green.
MOTION by Howard, second by Egan to declare April as Dollars for Scholars Month. Voted 5 – 0
MOTION by Howard to amend motion to include erection of the sign, second by Egan. So voted 5 - 0
Chairman Amico read the Declaration.
Whereas Dollars for Scholars of Whitman and Hanson has been awarding scholarships to deserving students from Whitman and Hanson for fifty years; and
Whereas, Dollars for Scholars of Whitman and Hanson has awarded nearly $1.9 million to over 2,700 students; and
Whereas, Dollars for Scholars of Whitman and Hanson is a community-based, non profit organization which receives support from residents, businesses, and community organizations; and
Whereas, Dollars for Scholars of Whitman and Hanson offers non-restricted scholarships open to qualified secondary school graduates from both private and public schools living in the towns of Whitman and Hanson; and
Whereas, Dollars for Scholars is currently appealing to Whitman and Hanson residents through their annual fundraising campaign.
Now, therefore, We, Board of Selectmen for the Town of Hanson, hereby proclaim the month of April as Dollars for Scholars month and urge all residents and businesses to recognize and support Dollars for Scholars of Whitman and Hanson and the work that they do.
Budget Presentation - Budget article
Mr. Read reviewed the FY14 Budget Snapshot and the use of Free Cash which will be used at the May 2013 Special Town Meeting warrant listed as 2a, 2b, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 using $377,500 Using $259,500 of free cash for Annual articles 5, 8, 9
Restoration of positions – The first position is a Senior Heavy Equipment operator at Highway Department. Mr. Read explained that he is filling public safety positions first and to wants be sure that funding of the positions are sustainable. He recommended filing two part-time custodian positions at the library senior center at 17.5 hours with no benefits. The object is to assist the staff at both facilities. The Town will save the cost of benefits and provide flexibility in hours by hiring two part-time employees.
Mr. Read has included in the budget an increase in hours for the Assistant Town Clerk from 15 hours to 30 hours. The salary will be $37,600 which is an increase of $18,000.
Mr. Read has added a part time transfer station attendant. Should have three full time positions but can’t afford that yet. The part time 19 hours position does not require benefits.
The sixth position which Mr. Read has not been able to fill is at the Library. He hopes to possibly fill the position in October. Mr. Amico wants to reduce one of the part time custodians to fill the library position.
Mr. Read reported that the Snow and Ice deficit continues to increase with each event. To date the deficit is $380,000.
Page 12 - legal line - $140,000 level
Page 13 – IT line – Detail is included
Page 14 – Restoration of hours for Assist. Town Clerk
Page 41 – School budget is balance budget with a 3% increase for the School Assessment. He has dropped his recommendation of 4% to 3% because of the large snow and ice deficit. The School is looking for 6% Mr. Read indicated that the difference would have to be through an override vote. Mr. Read indicated that he reduced the Capital project for Town Hall.
Mr. Santalucia asked why we are deviating from the method of paying for snow and ice in the Spring instead of having the amount taking from State aid. Mr. Read said that he has tried to pay in the current fiscal year to reduce the deficit for the following year.
Page 42 – SSVT – The original budget included a 28% increase but has subsequently been reduced to a 20% increase. Mr. Amico explained that Hanson has been charged less than its fair share and it is an adjustment. Four other communities were being overcharged.
David Soper asked how Norfolk Aggie is calculated – School Committee member, Bob Hayes indicated that the total cost of budget is divided by number of students attending.
Steven McKinnon – was not under the impression that this is a one time correction but the base will be higher for next year. Hanson’s increases will be different than other communities. SSVT had a drop in enrollment. Consequently, the budget must be allocated amongst the communities.
Page 46 – Snow & Ice line - Mr. Read pointed out that he is trying to gradually increase the line.
Page 49 – Transfer Station – Mr. Read indicated that the line includes the additional part time attendant.
Page 57 – Recreation – Line only funds the part time administrative assistant. Mr. Read informed the Board that he is recommending an Enterprise Fund for Recreation so that they will eventually be self supporting.
Page 68 – Group Health Insurance – Mr. Read had budgeted for an anticipated 15% increase, then decreased to 10% and has subsequently been informed there will be no increase.
Page 69 – Capital Improvement – Mr. Read explained that CIC articles will be handled differently in a matrix. Mr. Read reviewed that CIC projects. He recommended funding the article $236,500 using Free Cash.
Page 6 of ATM warrant – Mr. Read recommended transferring $10,000 into the Stabilization. Mr. Read explained that it is critical because the School will be looking to bonding shortly.
STM Article 2 – Warrant – Article two the supplement appropriation article. Mr. Read explained that the lines are adjustments within the current fiscal year.
Finance Chairman Mr.Santalucia asked about what the State budget figures. Mr. Read indicated that he is using the Governor’s budget and it has worked in the past. Local receipts have increased, debt exclusions have come down. He will be using a small amount from overlay reserves and a sizeable amount of the ambulance fees.
MOTION by Howard, second by Egan to approve the budget as presented Voted 4 – 1 (Soper)
III NEW BUSINESS
Open Annual Town Meeting warrant –
MOTION by Howard, second by Soper to open the Annual Town Meeting Warrant Voted 5 - 0
Mr. Read explained that the Board needs to include new article 6 for the purpose of an override. Chairman Amico read the article for the additional 3% for the school budget.
ARTICLE 6: To determine whether the Town will appropriate and raise by taxation or transfer from other available funds the additional sum of $210,411.00 for paying the Town’s assessed share of the Fiscal Year 2014 operating budget of the Whitman Hanson Regional School District; provided, however, that the amounts raised and appropriated hereunder shall be expressly contingent upon approval by the voters at an election of a so-called Proposition 2 ½ override question in accordance with the provisions of Chapter 59, Section 21C(g) of the General Laws or take any other action in relation thereto
Proposed by the Board of Selectmen
Explanation: This article also requires the voter approval of the ballot question at the May 18, 2013 Annual Town Election. If so approved, the funds will be added to the Whitman Hanson Regional School budget.
MOTION by Howard, second by Howard to place Article 6 for the override on the May 2013 Annual Town Meeting warrant. Voted 5 - 0
Chairman Amico read question on for the ballot
1. Shall the Town of Hanson be allowed to assess an additional $210,411 in real estate and personal property taxes for the purposes of paying the Town’s assessed share of the Fiscal Year 2014 operating budget of the Whitman Hanson Regional School District for the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2013? Yes____ No____
MOTION by Howard, second Egan to include the ballot question on the May 2013 Annual Town Meeting warrant. Voted 5 - 0
Mr. Egan asked what happens with the extra money if the ballot questions passes but the school doesn’t need the entire amount. Mr. Read will check with town counsel.
Article 21 – Acceptance of easement 948 Winter Street – Mr. Read explained that a part of the McGovern settlement, the Town Meeting must vote to accept the easement relative to the Winter Street bridge replacement project. Consequently, an article must be added to the warrant.
MOTION by Egan, second by Flynn to place article 21 on the warrant May 2013 Annual Town Meeting warrant. Voted 4 – 0 – 1 Howard
MOTION by Flynn, second by Howard to close the warrant. Voted 5 – 0
Article Review – May 2013 Special Town Meeting Warrant
Article 1 – Selectmen – Unpaid Bills
MOTION by Flynn, second by Soper to place on the warrant. Voted 5 - 0
MOTION by Flynn, second by Soper to recommend. Voted 5 – 0
Article 2 – Selectmen – Supplemental Budget
MOTION by Flynn, second by Soper to place on the warrant. Voted 5 - 0
MOTION by Flynn, second by Soper to recommend. Voted 5 - 0
Article 3 – Selectmen – Transfer Station Site Assessment - $15,000
MOTION by Flynn, second by Soper to place on the warrant. Voted 5 - 0
MOTION by Flynn, second by Soper to recommend. Voted 5 - 0
Article 4 – Highway – Grade Private Ways - $3,000
MOTION by Flynn, second by Soper to place on the warrant. Voted 5 - 0
MOTION by Flynn, second by Soper to recommend. Voted 5 - 0
Article 5 – Conservation – Factory Pond Dam - $17,000
MOTION by Flynn, second by Soper to place on the warrant. Voted 5 - 0
MOTION by Flynn, second by Soper to recommend. Voted 5 - 0
Article 6 – Conservation – Phragmites removal - $12,000
MOTION by Flynn, second by Soper to place on the warrant. Voted 5 - 0
MOTION by Flynn, second by Soper to recommend. Voted 5 – 0
Article 7 – School Committee – Maquan Boiler – $35,000 - Mr. Egan had concerns about sending funds for a short term period if the school was going to be replaced. Mr. Amico indicated that the new school would not open for two to three years.
MOTION by Flynn, second by Soper to place on the warrant. Voted 5 - 0
MOTION by Flynn, second by Soper to recommend. Voted 5 - 0
Article 8 – Selectmen – Wage & Personnel By-law
MOTION by Flynn, second by Soper to place on the warrant. Voted 5 - 0
MOTION by Flynn, second by Soper to recommend. Voted 5 – 0
Article 9 – Patriotic Observance – Name Train Station
MOTION by Flynn, second by Soper to place on the warrant. Voted 5 - 0
MOTION by Flynn, second by Soper to recommend. Voted 5 - 0
Article 10 – Highway – Stormwater Management by-law
MOTION by Flynn, second by Soper to place on the warrant. Voted 5 - 0
MOTION by Flynn, second by Soper to recommend. Voted 5 - 0
Article 11 – Highway – Stormwater Drainage
MOTION by Flynn, second by Soper to place on the warrant. Voted 5 - 0
MOTION by Flynn, second by Soper to recommend. Voted 5 – 0
Article 12 – Police – Junk Dealers By-law
MOTION by Flynn, second by Soper to place on the warrant. Voted 5 - 0
MOTION by Flynn, second by Soper to recommend. Voted 5 - 0
Article 13 – Zoning by-law – Flood Plain by-law – Mr. Flynn inquired how many residents are impacted by the new regulations. He would like more information.
MOTION by Flynn, second by Soper to place on the warrant. Voted 5 - 0
MOTION by Howard, second by Soper to recommend. Voted 4 – 0 – 1 (Flynn)
Article 14 – Planning – Adding an associate member
MOTION by Flynn, second by Soper to place on the warrant. Voted 5 - 0
MOTION by Flynn, second by Soper to recommend. Voted 5 - 0
Article 15 – Selectmen – Accept Deer Hill Ext.
MOTION by Flynn, second by Soper to place on the warrant. Voted 5 - 0
MOTION by Flynn, second by Soper to recommend. Voted 5 - 0
Article 16 – Selectmen – Accept Fawn Lane
MOTION by Flynn, second by Soper to place on the warrant. Voted 5 - 0
MOTION by Flynn, second by Soper to recommend. Voted 5 - 0
Review and Recommend Annual Town Meeting Articles
Article 1 – Selectmen – Accept Town Report –
MOTION by Flynn, second by Egan to place on the warrant. Voted 5 – 0
MOTION by Flynn, second by Egan to recommend. Voted 5 - 0
Article 2 – Treasurer – Compensating Balance
MOTION by Flynn, second by Egan to place on the warrant. Voted 5 – 0
MOTION by Flynn, second by Egan to recommend. Voted 5 - 0
Article 3 – Treasurer – Tax Title - $20,000
MOTION by Flynn, second by Egan to place on the warrant. Voted 5 – 0
MOTION by Flynn, second by Egan to recommend. Voted 5 - 0
Article 4 – Selectmen – Set Elected Officials Salaries
MOTION by Flynn, second by Egan to place on the warrant. Voted 5 – 0
MOTION by Flynn, second by Egan to recommend. Voted 5 - 0
Article 5 – Selectmen – Budget
MOTION by Flynn, second by Egan to place on the warrant. Voted 5 – 0
MOTION by Flynn, second by Egan to recommend. Voted 4 – 1 (Soper)
Article 6 – Selectmen – Prop. 2 ½ Override
Previously placed on the warrant
MOTION by Howard, second by Egan to recommend. Voted 2 – 3 Amico, Flynn & Soper
Article 7 – Selectmen – Union Contracts
MOTION by Flynn, second by Egan to place on the warrant. Voted 5 – 0
MOTION by Flynn, second by Egan to Hold Voted 5 – 0
Article 8 – Police – Cruiser Lease Purchase – $23,000
MOTION by Flynn, second by Egan to place on the warrant. Voted 5 – 0
MOTION by Flynn, second by Egan to recommend. Voted 4 – 1 (Soper)
Article 9 – Capital Improvement – Matrix & Projects - $299,500
MOTION by Flynn, second by Egan to place on the warrant. Voted 5 – 0
MOTION by Flynn, second by Egan to recommend. Voted 5 – 0
Mr. Soper indicated that his was on the wrong article and request that Article 8 be revoted.
MOTION by Flynn, second by Egan to recommend article 8 Cruiser Lease – Voted 5 - 0
MOTION by Flynn, second by Egan to recommend Article 9 Capital Improvement Matrix & Projects Voted 4 – 1 (Soper)
Article 10 – Selectmen/Recreation – Enterprise Fund
MOTION by Flynn, second by Egan to place on the warrant. Voted 5 – 0
MOTION by Flynn, second by Egan to recommend. Voted 5 - 0
Article 11 – Selectmen/Recreation – Fund the Recreation Enterprise fund - $198,000
MOTION by Flynn, second by Egan to place on the warrant. Voted 5 – 0
MOTION by Flynn, second by Egan to recommend. Voted 5 - 0
Article 12 – Selectmen – Stablization $10,000
MOTION by Flynn, second by Egan to place on the warrant. Voted 5 – 0
MOTION by Flynn, second by Egan to recommend. Voted 5 - 0
Article 13 – Community Preservation – Set up budget - $200,000
MOTION by Flynn, second by Egan to place on the warrant. Voted 5 – 0
MOTION by Flynn, second by Egan to recommend. Voted 5 - 0
Article 14 – Community Preservation – Scanner - $2,000
MOTION by Flynn, second by Egan to place on the warrant. Voted 5 – 0
MOTION by Flynn, second by Egan to recommend. Voted 5 - 0
Article 15 – Community Preservation – Recreation area at WHRHS - $50,000
MOTION by Flynn, second by Egan to place on the warrant. Voted 5 – 0
MOTION by Flynn, second by Egan to recommend. Voted 4 – 1 (Soper)
Article 16 – Water – Purchase truck - $30,000
MOTION by Flynn, second by Egan to place on the warrant. Voted 5 – 0
MOTION by Flynn, second by Egan to recommend. Voted 5 - 0
Article 17 – Water – Emergency Generator - $50,000
MOTION by Flynn, second by Egan to place on the warrant. Voted 5 – 0
MOTION by Flynn, second by Egan to recommend. Voted 5 - 0
Article 18 – Water – Replenish Emergency Fund - $10,000
MOTION by Flynn, second by Egan to place on the warrant. Voted 5 – 0
MOTION by Flynn, second by Egan to recommend. Voted 5 - 0
Article 19 – Water – Meter Program
MOTION by Flynn, second by Egan to place on the warrant. Voted 5 – 0
MOTION by Flynn, second by Egan to recommend. Voted 5 - 0
Article 20 – Highway – Chapter 90 Funding
MOTION by Flynn, second by Egan to place on the warrant. Voted 5 – 0
MOTION by Flynn, second by Egan to recommend. Voted 5 - 0
Article 21 – Selectmen – Accept easement 948 Winter Street
Previously placed on the warrant
MOTION by Flynn, second by Egan to recommend. Voted 5 – 0
Article 22 – Assessors – Increase STAP amount
MOTION by Flynn, second by Egan to place on the warrant. Voted 5 – 0
MOTION by Flynn, second by Egan to recommend. Voted 5 - 0
Article 23 – Selectmen – Revolving Accounts
MOTION by Flynn, second by Egan to place on the warrant. Voted 5 – 0
MOTION by Flynn, second by Egan to recommend. Voted 5 - 0
Article 24 – Agricultural Commission – Right to Farm By-law.
MOTION by Flynn, second by Egan to place on the warrant. Voted 5 – 0
MOTION by Egan second by Howard to recommend for discussion. The Board has a lengthy discussion regarding the by-law. Mr. Flynn was concerned residents could start a pig farm. Mr. Egan explained that rules and regulations will be established. The by-law puts residents on notice that Hanson is a farm friendly community. Mr. Flynn was concerned about set backs and covenants. Voted 2 – 3 (Amico, Flynn & Soper)
Article 25 – Petition – Reduce CPA
Article automatically appears on the warrant.
MOTION by Flynn, o recommend – no second heard.
MOTION by Egan, second by Howard not to recommend. Voted 3 – 2 (Flynn & Soper)
Article 26 – Town Clerk – Election article.
MOTION by Flynn, second by Egan to place on the warrant. Voted 5 – 0
MOTION by Flynn, second by Egan to recommend. Voted 5 - 0
Requests:
Release from 61A – Lester Wyman 86 Tavern Way – Mr. Wyman submitted a letter dated January 28, 2013 requesting the Board approve the release of 1.039 acres from Chapter 61A and offer the Town the option of first refusal. Mr. Wyman has received an offer of $140,000 for the property.
MOTION by Howard, second by Egan to not to exercise option under Chapter 61A
Voted 5 - 0
Hanson Little League – Opening Day Parade Sat., April 13th Noon - The Board received an e-mail request from Rob O’Brien on behalf of Hanson Little League to hold their opening day parade on Saturday, April 13th at Noon. The parade will start at Town Hall and proceed to Botieri Field.
MOTION by Howard, second by Flynn to approve Hanson Little League’s Opening Day parade on Saturday, April 13, 2013 at noon. Voted 5 - 0
IV OLD BUSINESS – None heard
V APPROVE MINUTES
March 19, 2013
MOTION by Flynn, second by Howard Voted 5 - 0
VI COMMITTEE REPORTS
Police Chief Search Committee – Committee Chairman Ken Mitchell reported that the committee has narrowed the field of candidates down to 5 and the assessment center is scheduled for Saturday, April 6th. He acknowledged the hard work of the committee. They will meet next week to make a recommendation to the Selectmen on April 16th . Mr. Amico explained the hiring process once the Search Committee makes a recommendation.
Town Administrator Search – Mr. Read indicated that thirty applications were received. Mr. Flynn indicated that he wants to have input in the next Town Administrator. Mr. Egan suggested the Board members submit a list of qualities and methods they would like to have in the next Town Administrator.
VII Executive Session – No need for Executive Session
VIII ADJOURNMENT
MOTION by Howard, second by Flynn to adjourn. Voted 5 - 0
9:55 p.m. Meeting Adjourned
Respectfully submitted,
Meredith Marini,
Executive Assistant
Approved and Voted 5 – 0
October 1, 2013
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