Town of Hanson - Board of Selectmen
Meeting Minutes – Hanson Town Hall
October 1, 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,
7:35 p.m. – Chairman Egan called the meeting to order, led the Pledge of Allegiance. Chairman Egan requested a Moment of Silence for Mary Puleio who passed away last week. Mrs. Puleio was the Chairman of the Board of Registrars, a former Recreation Commissioner, Conservation Commission member and had served on several other Boards and committees. Chairman Egan read the public announcements and upcoming meeting schedule.
II SWEAR IN PATROLMAN ELISHA SULLIVAN- Town Clerk Elizabeth Sloan, swore in Patrolman Elisha Sullivan. Chief Miksch welcomed Officer Sullivan. Chief Miksch indicated that Officer Sullivan started in Scituate, Boston Housing and subsequently moved to Plympton Police Department. Several members of the Hanson Police Department were present. Patrolman Sullivan thanked everyone for coming.
III TOWN ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT - Mr. San Angelo read e-mail from Mary Collins regarding Lorraine Lentini and George Copeland who were recognized and presented with the Presidential Lifetime of Volunteer Service award at the Waverly Oaks Country Club . The Board congratulated Mrs. Lentini and Mr. Copeland on their years of service.
Mr. San Angelo reviewed the Town Administrator’s report noting that he attended school building meetings. The police negotiations are complete and will be addressed in Executive Session. He has worked on the Sexual Harassment policy for the Board’s review for adoption at the next Selectmen’s meeting. Mr. San Angelo indicated that the insurance company provides on line training to staff. Mr. San Angelo provided the Board with the Hanson Strategic Plan. He requested that the Board members review the plan and be prepared to discuss the plan at an upcoming selectmen’s meeting. He suggested sharing the plan with the public to get input from the residents.
Mr. San Angelo reported that he conducted interviews for the Town Accountant position. He has selected one of the two candidates. He is waiting to hear back from the candidate. Mr. San Angelo informed the Board that two new employees have been hire at the Highway Department. The employees will be starting on October 15, 2013.
Mr. San Angelo has meet with the Recreation Commission and they are discussing some Town wide events and activities. Currently there is one event for scheduled for June 8th. They are looking for volunteers.
Chairman Egan indicated that the agenda will be taken out of order to accommodate the Hanson Boy Scouts.
Boy Scouts pumpkin sales Oct 19th & 20th at Town Hall
Tyler Kindy of Hanson Troop 34 was present and requested permission to use the Town Hall Green for a pumpkin sale on Saturday and Sunday October 19th and 20th. He indicated that this is a great fundraiser for the Troop 34.
MOTION by Amico, second by Flynn to allow Troop 34 to use the Town Hall Green for a pumpkin sale on October 19 & 20th. Voted 5 – 0
IV NEW BUSINESS
Vote to declare 270 High Street Surplus – The property is part of the former Plymouth County Hospital parcel and had formerly been used by the Plymouth County Superintendent’s staff. They have vacated the premises.
MOTION by Amico, second by Howard to declare 270 high Street as surplus. Voted 4 – 0 – 1 Soper.
Vote Recommendations for Article 2 and 5 Mrs. Marini indicated that Article 2 the police union contact and Article 5 Superintendent’s house at Plymouth County Hospital property had been held for consideration.
MOTION by Amico, second by Howard to recommend Article 2 – Police Union contract.
Voted 5 – 0
MOTION by Amico, second by Howard to recommend Article 5- Sell 270 High Street -
Voted 4 – 0 – 1 Soper
Vote to place the Fire Station Septic System on the Capital Improvement Plan – Mrs. Marini explained that the septic system had not been on the Capital Improvement Plan as it was an unforeseen project.. The by-law provides for extraordinary circumstances which allows for projects to be added to the plan after Town Meeting has approved the plan.
MOTION by Amico, second by Soper to place the fire station system in the Capital Improvement Plan. Voted 5 – 0
Town Meeting Run Through – Chairman Egan announced that the article proponents will move their articles. Mr. Kealy requested that a Selectman or Fin Com member announce the Free cash and Stabilization balances before the start of the meeting. Town Clerk Elizabeth Sloan and Town Counsel John Goldrosen were present along with several department heads and committee member to participate in the exercise. Each proponent moved and explained their articles.
Article 5 – Discussed the process for selling the property at 270 High Street, which could be through an auction or bid process. Mr. Flynn asked if there is a starting price. Mr. San Angelo indicated that a realtor could be contacted to give an appraisal.
Article 6 – Emergency Management – Chief Thompson indicated that the shelter would be at the High School. The funds would be used to pay for staffing to prepare food. If the event is a federal emergency, the town will be reimbursed.
Article 9 – Stabilization – The Town Accountant recommended that $25,000 is a sufficient amount. The Free Cash will needed for capital projects in May. Requires 2/3s vote
Article 10 – Botieri Field – Mrs. Kemmett explained that the law has changed and allows for funding of recreational facilities and ball fields.
Article 11 – Bonney House – Mrs. Kemmett explained that the majority of the labor work will be completed by South Shore Vocational High School students. Mr. Amico asked if additional work will be needed on the Bonney House. Mrs. Kemmett indicated that the Historical Society and Commissions are working to get the Bonney House in a position to storage and display the historical artifacts of the Town. Mr. Amico asked how historical is the Bonney House. Mrs. Kemmett indicated that she would defer to the Historical Commission.
Article 12 – Purchase of the Harris Stone property. Town Counsel John Goldrosen noted that a 2/3’s vote is required. Phil Clemons will address the article on Town Meeting floor and provide a hand out.
Article 15 – Revolving fund Nathaniel Thomas Mill – Finance Committee member Manny Depina asked if there are any projects that need to be addressed at the Mill. Mr. Kemmett indicated that there are several project, but they don’t have any funding.
Article 16 – Marijuana By-law – Mrs. Kemmett asked if June 30, 2014, is the latest date to set the moratorium. Town Counsel indicated that the Attorney General has reviewed other by-laws and
June 30, 2014 is a viable date. Planning Board member Don Ellis indicated that the State will issue five licenses within Plymouth County. Towns that do not have area designated sections will be required to approved applications in any area of the Town as long as it is not within 500 feet of a school or church.
Article 18 – Water Emergency Fund – Funds will come from Water Surplus.
Article 19 – Water union – Mr. Muncey indicated that there is no contact and the article will be passed over.
Article 20 – Monponsett Water Main – Mr. Muncey indicated that the project will cost $100,000. He asked if the amount of the article could be increased at Town Meeting. Attorney Goldrosen indicated that an amount cannot be increased as it is beyond the scope of the article.
Article 21 – Water additional position – Mr. San Angelo asked if filling the position can wait until next year. Mr. Muncey indicated the office needs the help now. How does the Board plan to pay for the benefits. Mr. Muncey indicated there is extra money in the salary line.
Article 23 – Traffic line striper – Mr. San Angelo indicated that he has spoken at length with the Highway Surveyor as to the advantages of the purchase of this item. Mr. San Angelo supports the purchase. Mr. Amico pointed out that the equipment will be used by the Highway Department staff.
Article 25 – Maquan School – Moderator Sean Kealy pointed out that the explanation is rather lengthy and did not want the presentation to reiterate the explanation. Mr. Kealy indicated that he plans to hold a secret ballot. He has several requests for a secret ballot and he feels it is appropriate time to have a secret ballot. There was lengthy discussion as to whether there should be a secret ballot. Mr. Amico is opposed to the secret ballot. Attorney Goldrosen will seek clarification from his firm.
Acceptance Gifts – Photo from William Scott, Gift card from Alex Stewart
Mr. Soper indicated the he received the photo from William Scott, whose father operated Scott’s Hayrides for several years.
MOTION by Soper, second by Amico to accept the gift of photograph from Mr. Scott. Voted 5 – 0
Mrs. Marini explained that Eagle Scout candidate Alex Stewart had funds left over from his highway barn painting project and used the funds to purchase a gift card for the Highway Department.
MOTION by Amico, second by Howard to accept the gift card from Alex Stewart. Voted 5 – 0
V REQUESTS
St. Joseph the Worker – Annual Public Square Rosary – Oct. 12th
MOTION by Amico, second by Flynn to approve the request for an Annual Public Square Rosary. Voted 5 – 0
VI LICENSES:
One Day Liquor License – Camp Kiwanee
Frances Zaro, Hanson, Mon. Oct. 14th 4:00 – 9:00 p.m. – Wedding
MOTION by Amico, second by Howard to approve the one day liquor license as presented.
Voted 5 – 0
VII APPROVE MINUTES
April 2, 9, 16, 23, 30
May 6, 14 & 21
MOTION by Amico, second by Howard to approve the minutes of April 2, 9, 16 and 23 and May 6, 14 and 21. Voted 5 – 0
MOTION by Amico, second by Flynn to approve the minutes of April 30, 2013. Voted 4-0-1 Howard
VIII COMMITTEE REPORTS
Maquan School Building Comm. – Mr. Amico indicated that the committee is preparing for
Town meeting. Mr. Tuffo will be making the presentation and request that the architect and project manage be allowed to speak. The approximate cost for the new school is approximately $618.00 per year. This tax increase will not take effect until January 2018.
IX EXECUTIVE SESSION Chairman Egan announced that the Board will be going into Executive Session to discuss strategies with respect to collective bargaining with the Police Union and litigation Shaulis v. Town of Hanson, since an open meeting may have a detrimental effect on the bargaining position of the Town and to discuss the discipline or dismissal of, or complaints or charges brought against, a public officer, employee, staff member or individual.
So moved by Amico, second by Flynn to go into Executive Session. Roll Call Flynn aye, Howard aye, Amico Aye, Egan Aye and Soper Aye. Voted 5 – 0.
9:48 p.m. Brief recess
9:57 p.m. Returned to open session
X ADJOURNMENT
MOTION by Amico, second by Howard to adjourn. Voted 5 – 0.
9:57 p.m. Meeting Adjourned
Respectfully Submitted,
Meredith Marini,
Executive Assistant
Approved and Voted 4 - 0
October 22, 2013
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