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Town of Hanson - Board of Selectmen
Meeting Minutes – Hanson Town Hall
August 13, 2013
Members Present: Steven Amico, James Egan, Richard Flynn, Donald Howard and David Soper
Members Absent:
Others Present: Town Administrator Ronald San Angelo and Executive Assistant Meredith Marini
I~ 7:30 p.m. Chairman Egan called the meeting to order, led the pledge of allegiance, and read the announcements and upcoming meeting schedule.
II TOWN ADMINISTRATORS REPORT Mr. San Angelo reported that he received an inquiry from Board of Health Chairman Gil Amado whether the Town will be closing Town fields due to EEE and West Nile Virus. Some area communities have had positive testing results. However, only Town of Hanover closed fields. No mosquitoes carrying EEE or West Nile Virus have been trapped in Hanson. Mr. San Angelo indicated that he issued the following press release on August 7, 2013 reminding residents of the dangers of mosquitoes and proper protection:
PRESS RELEASE
For immediate release
August 7, 2013
Mosquito Protection Reminder
The Hanson Board of Selectmen would like to remind residents to use appropriate precautions and protection against mosquitoes when venturing out of doors during dusk and dawn. While no mosquitoes carrying West Nile Virus or EEE have been trapped in Hanson, some area communities have had positive results. The Department of Public Health recommends the following:
Be Aware of Peak Activity Times: The hours from dusk to dawn are peak biting time for many mosquitoes.
Clothing Can Help Reduce Bites: Wearing long-sleeves, long pants and socks when outdoors will help keep mosquitoes and ticks away from your skin.
Use Insect Repellent: Use a repellent with DEET or Permethrin according to instructions.
Reduce Breeding Grounds: Mosquitoes breed in standing water. Remove all standing water from around your property. Water which collects in old tires, tarps, kiddie pools etc., are prime locations for mosquitoes to breed.
Mr. San Angelo reviewed his report for the past two weeks, which included meetings with Whitman and Abington regarding regionalization of services. He met with the Finance Committee regarding funding the boarding of abandon property. He attended the Planning Board Meeting and had discussion relative to release of bonds prior to the completion of a subdivision. He attended the Maquan School Building meeting.
Mr. San Angelo attended the Monponsett Pond Working Group meeting in Halifax with Don Howard. They discussed several issues regarding the pond from algae to water levels of East and West Monponsett Pond. The City of Brockton did agree to open the gates six inches to release some of the water and lower the pond levels.
He visited the Rainbow Camp with the Fire Department and found it was a positive community activity.
He held the regular monthly Department Head meeting, which gives all the departments an opportunity to discuss various issues. He also requested that they bring to his attention employees who have done exceptional work so that they can be properly recognized.
Planning Board – Mr. San Angelo spoke with Town Counsel prior to the meeting regarding his concern of releasing bonds too early. The Planning Board agreed that the bonds should be release in an appropriate fashion. Hemlock Hills subdivision bond has $32,000 remaining but the work will cost more than the balance. The Planning Board decided to take the remainder of the bond and complete the road as the developer has been unresponsive. Mr. Egan asked what happens when the $32,000 is depleted. Mr. San Angelo indicated that the Planning Board will prioritize the work and complete as much works as the funds will allow. Consequently, the street lights and sidewalks may not be installed.
Mr. San Angelo explained that the developer of Hemlock Hills had a contract with the Town in which the Town plowed and sanded the development and then billed the developer for the work. However, the developer has not paid and has a significant balance. Mr. San Angelo does not feel it is in the Town’s best interest to be subsidizing developers. He recommended that the Town continue plowing the current private roads in which the Town has contracted in the past, but recommended that the Town not get into contracts with future developers. Mr. San Angelo will discuss collection of the plowing fees with Town Counsel.
Mr. Flynn, a former Planning Board member, indicated that in some cases, developers have abandoned projects leaving the Town to complete the road with the remaining bond. However, when Town is required complete the work, pay prevailing wages must be paid and sometimes there isn’t enough left in the Bond.
Maquan Building Committee – Mr. San Angelo indicated that the Maquan School Project has been approved MBSA for $58,484,000. They anticipate a reimbursement rate is 59.17%, however, some components of the project are not reimbursable. Consequently, the reimbursement rate could be closer to 51 to 52%. The project manager calculated the borrowing amount of $29,000,000 will be rated at 51% for 20 years at 4.5% interest and average home owner will pay $736.46 annually which results in $184.00 quarterly. The amount will decrease over the term of the loan. Mr. San Angelo indicated that this is the best time to be borrowing money for this type of project as rates are very low.
Mr. Amico provided several comparative costs of repairing and renovation the Maquan School and repairs at Indian Head pointing out that the costs are approximately the same as construction of a new combined school. He feels is makes good sense construct a new school rather than rehab two old schools.
Mr. Amico indicated that Veterans Memorials may actually stay in the new school and have a veterans hall way. The flag pole will be moved to the front of the new school. He pointed out that the town has been working on the project since 2007.
Mr. Egan inquired as to whether the Town or the School determines the term of the bond. Mr. San Angelo indicated that the School determines the term and will be bonding through the MSBA program. He also indicated that the Town works with the same bond counsel and the Treasurer is confident the school will get the best rate. It was also noted that a 25 year bond will cost the Town an additional $11 Million.
Library/Senior Center custodian – Mr. San Angelo informed the Board that interviews have been completed for the part time library/senior center custodian. He was pleased with the quality of candidates. A candidate has been selected and he is waiting to hear if the candidate will accept the position. The candidate must be flexible to accommodate the needs of the building and assist the Town Hall custodian.
Veterans Agent – Mr. San Angelo met with Veteran Agent, Robert Arsenault. Mr. Arsenault who works 20 hours per week, will now be in the office ten hours per week Monday 12 – 5 p.m. and Tuesday 3 – 8 p.m. to provide residents more access to veterans services. Mr. San Angelo requested that the Veterans Agent send out a press release notifying residents of his new hours and what services he offers.
Town Properties – Mr. San Angelo indicated that when he toured the Town he found many properties which need to be cleaned up. However, he also found several Town owned properties which needed attention. Prior to asking residents to clean their homes, he wants to work to clean up Town properties. During his tour he found several areas which needed trimming and brush clearing and found the Skateboard park embarrassing. He also toured with Dave Hanlon of Highway Department and will be working with Highway to set a plan for maintaining these areas. Mr. Amico indicated that he will notify Mr. San Angelo of the next meeting of Parks and Fields. Clean-up has already occurred around Town Hall and he will be bidding out the repairs of the Town Hall.
Mr. San Angelo will schedule a clean up day in October to clear out some surplus furniture and records which can be destroyed. Mr. San Angelo feels that a facilities manager will be something he would like the Board to consider in the future.
Open meeting with Town Administrator – Mr. San Angelo will be holding a meeting with residents to see what residents want in town and start a process in open communication. The meeting will be held on Thursday August 22nd from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. and is open to all residents. He is working on establishing a list of local businesses and e-mails contacts in order to start a relationship and network between the Town and local business owners
III NEW BUSINESS
Requests:
Pam Carpenter of Whitman – Request for a 6K Road Race for the Ruthie Carpenter Memorial Scholarship Fund on Saturday, October. 5th starting and ending at the Hanson A.A. The Police and Fire Departments are aware of the event and have no problem with it.
MOTION by Amico, second by Howard to approve the Ruthie Carpenter Memorial Scholarship Fund Road Race on Saturday, October 5th. Voted 5 - 0
Paul Clark – Hanson Little League – Request for 5K Road Race Sunday, October 20th starting at 10:00 a.m. at Damien’s Pub. This is their annual Road Race. The Police and Fire Departments have no issues with the event.
MOTION by Amico, second by Howard to approve Hanson Little League Road Race on Sunday, October 20th at Damien’s Pub. Voted 5 - 0
Discuss a Pay As You Throw committee – Mr. San Angelo will be putting together a committee to look at PAYT options and solid waste disposal. The group will be comprised of a Board of Health member, Gil Amado, Selectmen Don Howard, Planner/Conservation Agent Laurie Muncy, Recycling Committee member Joe Pelligra and Transfer Station Attendant Chris Callahan.
Discuss Town Accountant Position – Mr. San Angelo feels that the Town needs to explore a part time accountant who will be available three to four days a week. He acknowledged that the interim Town Accountant has worked out well and has done a fine job but was contracted on a temporary basis. Mr. San Angelo proposes advertising the position and review the applicant pool. If he is not able to find a qualified applicant he will continue to use the interim Town Accountant.
MOTION by Amico, second by Howard to allow the Town Administrator to advertise for a part time accountant for 3 to 4 days per week. Voted 5 - 0
Rob O’Brien requesting support for Community Preservation Committee application for Ball Fields & Town Forest survey – Mr. O’Brien was present and explained that he has submitted a grant or application to the Community Preservation Committee for $95,000 for the repair of the baseball fields. He indicated the major league field needs a total renovation. The work will also include improvement to the parking area, but will not involve paving. The application provides for maintenance to the minor league field and as well as surveying and setting bounds at the Town Forest, giving access to the Town Forest. The CPC will be submitting an article for the October STM.
Mr. O’Brien is looking for support from the Board for the project. Mr. Soper asked where the money is coming from. Mr. O’Brien indicated the will come from CPC funds through the recreation and parks and fields component of Community Preservation.
Mr. O’Brien indicated that all the work at Memorial Fields had been from donations from private organizations.
MOTION by Amico, second by Flynn to support the application for funding for the ball fields and the project. For discussion, Mr. Soper inquired whether any money will be for other town or building projects. Mr. O’Brien explained that someone actually has to write the request and submit it to CPC. Mr. Amico pointed out that funding has been expanded to include recreation.
Mr. Egan explained how CPC funds are utilized. Mr. Soper is not sure if this is the best use of the funds and feels that some Town buildings need work. Mr. Egan indicated that when he reviewed the application he was not in favor of the project, but after hearing the merits, he is in favor.
So voted: Voted 4 – 1 (soper)
Appointments:
Election workers – Terms expire August 31, 2014
Amado, Ernest B. Jr. |
Po Box 152, Hanson |
Blight, Georgene |
758 Winter Street, Hanson |
Bouzan, Annmarie |
95 Woodbrook Lane, Hanson |
Brunsell, Barbara A |
55 Spring Street, Hanson |
Scott Francis Cheney |
855 High St-Hanson |
Clemons, Deborah D |
399 High St, Hanson |
Dias, Arlene |
48 Briggs St P.O. Box 224 Monponsett, Ma 02350 |
Dimascio, Marianne |
552 Indian Head St-Hanson |
Duffy, Joseph Michael |
12 A Meeting House Lane Hanson |
Ellis, Kathleen |
3d Meeting House Ln,-Hanson |
Ferrara, Kathleen |
424 High St.-Hanson |
Fleming, Ruth Anne |
22 Foster St Ext. Hanson |
Foley, Mary |
80 Indian Head St Po Box 113, Hanson |
Forte, Frances |
109 Thayer Drive- Hanson |
Gaffey, Nancy |
57 Indian Trail - Hanson |
Gomez, Barbara |
6002 Island Drive, Middleboro, Ma 02346 |
Goodwin, Judy-Ann |
304 Lakeside Rd, Hanson 02341 |
Guercio-Paiva, Leah |
164 Reed St P.O. Box 174 Hanson, Ma |
Harris, Sandra |
P.O. Box 13, Hanson, Ma 02341 |
Hillstrom, Diane |
961 Monponsett St, Po Box 237-Monponsett 02350 |
Johnson, Marie E. |
169 Bay State Circle, Hanson |
Kitchenham, Peg |
75 Fairwood Drive, Hanson |
Larsen, Barbara |
437 High St, Hanson |
Lyon, Mary |
83 Carriage Rd.-Hanson |
Mann, Jennifer |
10 Kings Landing Way, Hanson |
Mann, Leanne M |
727 E Washington St, P. O. Box 1017 Hanson, Ma 02341 |
Mcgivney, Marlene |
211 Cross St- Hanson |
Merlin, Anne T |
21 Arrowhead Drive, Hanson |
Murphy, Barbara |
235 Capt. Nathaniel Dr - Hanson |
Nadeau, Jeanne |
50 Dwight St., P.O. Box 128 Monponsett 02350 |
Norton, John |
31 Indian Path, Hanson, |
Norton, Patty |
31 Indian Path, Hanson, |
O'neil, Maureen |
335 High St, Hanson |
Osso, Elvira |
24 Indian Path, Hanson |
Pendleton, Marilyn |
871 E Washington St - Hanson |
Robinson, Sue |
227 Winter Street-Hanson |
Rodick, James R. |
20 Kathy Lane-Hanson |
Spencer, Donna |
31 West St., P.O. Box 806-Hanson |
Strait, Patricia |
469 Indian Head Sst Hanson |
Walsh, Rachel |
458 Brook St.-Hanson |
Weeks, Joseph R. |
83 Hancock St P.O. Box 114 Monponsett 02350 |
MOTION by Amico, second by Flynn to appoint the election workers as submitted. Voted 5 - 0
Parks & Fields - Robert O’Brien 1003 Monponsett St., to fill the vacancy created by Bill Clay. Term to Expire June 30, 2014
MOTION by Amico, second by Howard to appoint Robert O’Brien to the Parks & Fields Commission term to expire June 30, 2014. Voted 5 - 0
V LICENSES:
One Day Liquor License – Camp Kiwanee
Janet Kent, Hanson, Sunday, Sept. 1st 6:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. – Surprise Party
Sarah Santos, West Bridgewater, Sun. Sept. 1 5:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. – Wedding
Meghan Feeley, Brockton, Fri, Sept. 6th 5:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. – Wedding
Eileen Walling, Halifax, Fri., Sept. 6th 6:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. – Birthday
Sinead Manning, Rockland, Sat., Sept. 7th 3:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. – Wedding
Colleen Donnelly, Mechanicville, NY, Sun, Sept. 8th 5:00 to 10:00 p.m. – Wedding
Ashley Grace, Plymouth, Sat., Sept. 14th 5:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. – Wedding
Laura Scheffler, Stoughton, Sun., Sept. 15th 5:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. – Wedding
Claire Bletz, Brighton, Fri., Sept. 20th 5:00 p.m .to 11:00 p.m. – Wedding
Andrea Petrella, North Attleboro, Sat., Sept. 21st 5:00 p.m. – 11:00 p.m. – Wedding
Elyse Smith, North Weymouth, Sun, Sept. 22nd 3:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. Wedding
Lisa Rhuda, Holbrook, Sun., Sept. 27th 6:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. – Wedding
Nancy Kowalski, Sat., Sept. 28th 5:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. – Weddings
MOTION by Amico, second by Howard to approve the one day liquor licenses as submitted.
Voted 5 - 0
VI COMMITTEE REPORTS
Maquan School Building – Previously discussed
VII EXECUTIVE SESSION
Chairman Egan announced that the Board would be going into Executive Session for the purpose of discussing strategy relative to contract negations with Covanta for Solid Waste Removal since an open meeting may have a detrimental effect on the bargaining position of the Town. The Board will come out of Executive Session only to adjourn.
So Moved by Amico, second by Flynn Roll Call Flynn Aye, Howard Aye, Amico Aye, Egan Aye and Soper Aye. Voted 5 – 0.
8:45 p.m. Brief Recess
9:21 p.m. Returned to open session
VIII ADJOURNMENT
MOTION by Howard, second by Amico to adjourn. Voted 5 – 0
9:22 p.m. Meeting Adjourned.
Respectfully submitted,
Meredith Marini
Executive Assistant
Approved and Voted 5 - 0
September 10, 2013
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