Town of Hanson - Board of Selectmen
Meeting Minutes – Hanson Town Hall
September 10, 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~ 7:35 p.m. Chairman Egan called the meeting to order, led the pledge allegiance, read the announcements & upcoming meeting schedule.
II TOWN ADMINISTRATORS REPORT - Mr. San Angelo thanked Eagle Scout Candidate Alex Stewart for painting Highway garage and indicated that a letter has been sent to Mr. Stewart. Mr. Amico indicated that Alex’s family was involved in the project. He conducted fund raising for the project by recycling scrap metal.
Historical Society Requesting letter of support for Bonney Exterior Renovation project. The Historical Society submitted an application for CPA funds to continue renovations on the exterior of the Bonney House. The labor will be provided by South Shore Vocational High School students.
MOTION by Amico, second by Howard to send a letter of support for the Bonney House Exterior Renovation Project. Voted 5 - 0
Mr. San Angelo provided the Board with a report highlighting the various meetings he attended during the last two weeks which included a meeting with Jane Linhares of Old Colony to discuss Septic Loan Program in an effort to understand Title 5 Septic program; meeting with Water Superintendent and Tax Collector to discuss financing of water connection of Woodbine Ave Ext. He met with Sheriff MacDonald to discuss programs available through the Sheriff’s office, which include landscaping of Police Department, Skateboarding Park, and potential of repairing wood and painting of Town Hall.
Plymouth County Hospital – Mr. San Angelo is beginning the process of evaluating potential uses of the property and working with a committee to find a solution to the long term problems involved with this site. The committee so far is made up of the Chairman of the Board of Selectmen, Town Planner, Town Engineer, Town Administrator, representatives from the Old Colony Planning Group, and we will be adding others including the Chairman of the Hanson Housing Authority.
School Building Committee – The Committee is continuing its efforts to inform the public with regard to the potential building of the new school.
Public Access T.V program - Mr. San Angelo’s next show is Wednesday, September 11th with the Police Chief and Fire Chief to discuss Public Safety Issues and Emergency management.
Negotiations of Police Union Contract – Ongoing negotiations are continuing and positive progress is being made.
Skating Board Park – Mr. San Angelo reported that the park has been cleaned up. The Plymouth County Sheriff will be sending a crew to remove the weeds and continue efforts to clean up the park.
Police Department - The Plymouth County Sherriff has provided his correctional inmates to clean up the police department and did a great job in landscaping the department.
Town Accountant Position – The position has been posted and applications close on
September 24th at which time interviews will be scheduled.
Highway Department Position – The application process in now closed and Mr. San Angelo will be scheduling interviews shortly. He noted that there will be an additional position available due to a retirement.
Recreation Commission – Mr. San Angelo will be meeting on September 24th at 6:30 pm to discuss expanding on current town activities such as the holiday celebration and looking at potential new town activities to benefit the citizens of Hanson.
Goals and Objectives – Mr. San Angelo has been working on developing a preliminary Goals and Objectives document in preparation for a Special Selectmen's Meeting in late October. The document will be given to the Board of Selectmen in early October for their review and for their additions. Selectmen will be asked to rank the importance of each goal and offer suggestions on how to reach a particular goal.
III NEW BUSINESS
Vote Power of Attorney – Authorize the Town Administrator to sign documents regarding the Alton J. Smith Reserve (Smitty’s Bog) property.
MOTION by Amico, second by Howard to authorize Ron San Angelo to sign all document relative to the Alton J. Smith Reserve. Voted 5 - 0
Appointment to Police Department – Elisha Sullivan – Chief Miksch was present and explained the hiring process. He indicated that former Chief Parker started the hiring process by advertising the position for qualified candidates and the pool was narrowed to seven candidates. Ms. Sullivan was one of the seven candidates. Chief Miksch reviewed Ms. Sullivan’s qualifications indicating that she is currently a police officer in the Town of Plympton. Ms. Sullivan is a resident of Hanson and she would like to work in her home town. Chief Miksch noted that he was on the panel which recommended her appointment in the Town of Plympton.
MOTION by Amico, second by Howard to appoint Elisha Sullivan as the police officer in Hanson effective September 30th. Mr. Amico feels she would be a great resource officer. Mr. Flynn indicated he knows Ms. Sullivan and highly recommends her, but will abstain from the vote. Voted 4 – 0 – 1 (Flynn)
Sign Purchase & Sales Agreement – Harris Stone property – Matter tabled.
Review Water Department Articles
MOTION by Amico, second by Flynn to open the October Special Town Meeting Warrant. Voted 5 – 0
Water Article – Monponsett Street water main repair - $75,000. The Board held the article for additional information. Superintendent Richard Muncey indicated the funds will come from Water Surplus.
MOTION by Flynn, second by Amico to place the article on the warrant. Voted 4 – 0 – 1 (Howard)
MOTION by Flynn, second by Amico, to recommend the Monponsett Street Water main repair article for discussion. Mr. Amico asked if this was the same area that has already been repaved. Water Superintendent Muncey indicated it is the same location and explained that the water line had not been replaced, only repaired. Voted 4 – 0 – 1 (Howard)
Water – Fund the Union Contract – The Board had previously held the article as it included an additional position. The article has been revised to address only the union contract.
MOTION by Flynn, second by Amico to place the article on the warrant. Voted 4 – 0 – 1 Howard
MOTION by Flynn, second by Amico to recommend to union contract article. Voted 4 – 0 – 1 Howard
Water – Creation of a new 25 hour administrative assistant position. This is a new article which had previously been included in the union contract article.
MOTION by Flynn, second by Amico to place on the warrant for discussion, Mr. Egan asked whether the position will be posted. Mr. Muncey indicated that the position will be posted.
Voted 4 – 0 – 1 Howard
MOTION by Flynn, second by Amico to recommend for discussion. Mr. Amico asked if there is a need for the position. Water Superintendent Muncey indicated that there is a need as a lot has changed in the water works. The current position started at 15 hours several years ago. The administrative assistant now works 35 hours but is at the office for 40 hours without pay. Mr. Muncey indicated that the conversion to the ICloud has created a lot of work. The union members are conducting backflow testing themselves, which requires additional clerical work. Mr. Amico asked whether 25 hours is necessary. Mr. Muncey feels 25 hours will definitely keep someone busy. Mr. Amico noted that many offices are busy. Mr. Egan pointed out that the Selectmen have no
jurisdiction and this would be a decision of the Water Commissioners.
Water Commissioner MaryLou Sutter indicated that the customer base has increased from 2500 accounts to 3500 accounts. The water billing is done in house twice a year. The office staff has to make appointments for all new water meters. There are more requirements from DEP. Mrs. Sutter feels that current administrative assistant’s position is a management position as she works closely with the Water Superintendent in creating reports. Mrs. Sutter pointed out that having an additional person in the office will provide a back-up and provide training in the event the current administrative assistant retires.
MOTION by Flynn withdrew his motion indicating that he doesn’t feel he is in a position to recommend the article, Mr. Amico withdrew his second.
MOTION by Flynn, second by Amico to refer to Town Meeting. Mr. Flynn explained that he doesn’t have enough information on the Water Department. Mr. Egan agreed with Mr. Flynn that the Board of Selectmen isn’t in a position to make a recommendation as it isn’t the Selectmen’s decision.
Voted 4 – 0 – 1 (Howard)
Mr. Muncey pointed out that other area towns have several staff members in the office citing that Whitman has three staff members.
MOTION by Amico, second by Soper to close the warrant. Voted 5 - 0
Discuss Selectmen Office Operations – Mr. Egan discussed agenda packets and picking them up prior to the meeting. Mr. Egan would like the information be available to the Board on Friday. Mr. San Angelo recommended scanning the information. Mr. Amico and Mr. Soper liked getting the packets via e-mail on Friday. Mrs. Marini explained that copies of the packet will be available on Tuesday evenings. Mr. Amico inquired about WiFi at Town Hall and suggested Ipads for the Board members to alleviate the need for hard copies.
Selectmen’s practices, procedures & responsibilities – Mr. Egan wanted to refresh the Board members that each member has specific responsibilities which are primarily is a policy making. The Board does not get involved in the day to day operations of the Town. Mr. Egan recommended folding these topics in with Mr. San Angelo’s Goals and Objectives of the Board and Town. Mr. San Angelo discussed his plans for the goals and objectives stating that the topic will be the only agenda item for meeting. Mr. Soper asked how many goals the Board is looking to achieve. Mr. San Angelo is looking for general goals and then set the time frames for completion.
Resignation – Robert Overholtzer from Zoning Board of Appeals and Zoning By-law committee effective Sept. 5th.
MOTION by Amico, second by Howard to accept with regret the resignation of Robert Overholtzer. Voted 5 – 0
Mr. San Angelo indicated that he was happy to see the Mr. Overholtzer is willing to serve in other capacities. Mr. San Angelo will be meeting with him shortly.
IV LICENSES:
One Day Liquor License – Camp Kiwanee
Jill Allington, Weymouth, Sun., Oct. 6th 4:00 to 9:00 p.m. – Wedding
Caitlin Manion, Watertown, Sat., Oct. 12th 5:00 to 10:00 p.m. – Wedding
Kathy Nee, North Attleboro, Sat., Oct. 19th 5:00 to 10:00 p.m. – Reception
Stacey Hamilton, East Bridgewater, Sat, Oct. 19th 5:00 to 11:00 p.m. – Wedding
MOTION by Amico, second by Howard to approve the liquor licenses as presented. Voted 5 - 0
V APPROVE MINUTES
October 1, 2, and 4, 2012
MOTION by Amico, second by Howard to approve the minutes of October 1, 2, 4, 2013
Vote 4 – 0 – 1 Flynn
October 16, 2012
MOTION by Amico, second by Howard to approve the minutes of October 16, 2012
Voted 3 – 0 – 2 Flynn, Soper
November 13 and 27, 2012
MOTION by Amico, second by Howard to approve the minutes of November 13 and 27, 2012 Voted 4 – 0 – 1 Flynn
July 16 and 30, 2013
MOTION by Amico, second by Howard to approve the minutes of July 16th Voted 5 - 0
MOTION by Howard, second by Soper approve the minutes of July 30th Voted 4 – 0 – 1 Amico
August 13 and 20, 2013
MOTION by Amico, second Flynn to approve the minutes of Aug. 13, 2013 Voted 5 - 0
MOTION by Amico, second Howard to approve the minutes of Aug. 20, 2013 Voted 4 – 0- 1 Flynn
VI COMMITTEE REPORTS
Oldham Pond Committee – Mr. Flynn indicated there was no report but he will be setting up a meeting shortly.
Maquan School Building Committee – Mr. Amico passed out an informational packet provided by the school regarding the building project. Mr. Amico indicated that the impact has been reduced to $153.70 per quarter. Mr. Amico indicated that he has received several inquires as to why the group did not vote to do renovations and repairs to the two school. Mr. Amico indicated that MSBA made the determination that a new project would be the best use of the state money. Renovations would be $32 Million and there would not be any reimbursement from the State. Mr. Amico indicated that the tax payers have already paid $404,000 toward the project. There will be a meeting on Sept. 18th at 7:00 p.m. the Maquan School to make
a presentation and a video and a tour of the school will be held. Mr. San Angelo pointed out the efficiency savings on custodial staff, administration, cafeteria staff etc. Mr. Amico indicated that the savings on maintenance is important to note. Mr. Egan feels that a new school is most beneficial to the Town. Mr. Amico indicated that following the tour a regular meeting of the school building committee will be held at the High School. Mr. Amico wants all the voters to be well informed on the project and be educated voters.
Parks and Fields – Mr. Amico indicated that the committee reorganized with Bob Hayes as chairman, Steve Amico Vice Chairman, Clerk Rob O’Brien. Mr. Amico indicated that a group of the members cleaned the Botieri field area cutting down brush. He pointed out that Mike Means and Chris Callahan assisted. They worked at the Robinson Field and mowed and trimmed the fields. The group received compliments for the work. Mr. Amico invited volunteers to join them this Sunday from 7:00 a.m. to 8:30 a.m. at Botieri Field. Inmates from the Plymouth County House of Correction worked at the Skateboard Park today. There were several kids utilizing the skateboard over the weekend and the kids were told to keep the park clean. The kids requested trash barrels.
Mr. San Angelo wants the kids to be responsible for keeping park clean and if they don’t the park will be closed. Mr. San Angelo inquired about the old street hockey area and whether it could be used for a small park for kid when school is in session. Mr. Amico said the Parks & Fields commission has considered a basketball court in the area.
VII EXECUTIVE SESSION - Chairman Egan announced that the Board will be going into Executive Session for the purpose of discussing strategy with respect to collective bargaining and conducting collective bargaining sessions with the Police Union since an open meeting may have a detrimental effect on the bargaining position of the Town. Chairman Egan indicated that the Board would return to open session only to adjourn.
So moved by Amico, second by Soper Roll Call Flynn Aye, Howard Aye, Amico Aye, Egan Aye and Soper Aye. Voted 5 – 0.
9:10 p.m. Brief Recess
9:30 p.m. Return to open session
VIII ADJOURNMENT
MOTION by Amico, second by Howard to adjourn. Voted 4 – 0
9:31 p.m. Meeting Adjourned
Respectfully submitted,
Meredith Marini,
Executive Assistant
Approved and Voted 4 - 0
October 22, 2013
| 
