Town of Hanson - Board of Selectmen
Meeting Minutes – Hanson Town Hall
November 5, 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,
7:33 p.m. – Chairman Egan called the meeting to order, led the Pledge of Allegiance, read the announcements and upcoming meeting schedule.
II TOWN ADMINISTRATORS REPORT - Mr. San Angelo thanked the Board for their kindness during his recent family loss. Mr. San Angelo reviewed his report.
Maquan School Building – Mr. San Angelo reported that at a regular meeting of the School Building Committee the group discussed issues regarding the potential new school. The School Committee has recommended that the Board of Selectmen call for a Special Town Meeting to reconsider the new school issue on Saturday, January 25, 2014. This date would allow a subsequent ballot question on Saturday, March 1, 2014. These dates were recommended by the Town Clerk and have been approved by the MSBA. The Committee is continuing its efforts to inform the public about the new school. The issue will be discussed later in the agenda.
Procurement Training – Mr. San Angelo indicated that he attended three days of training in Boston regarding Massachusetts Purchasing Laws. He announced that he received a passing score on the Public Contracting Overview written exam. Training will continue for three additional days in December.~
Finance Committee Resignation – Mr. San Angelo announced that Finance Committee member Manuel DePina resigned after 15 years of service on the committee. Mr. San Angelo thanked Mr. DePina for his service to the town. Mr. San Angelo indicated that Mr. DePina has been a true gentleman who has always shown his love and dedication to the community, noting his tireless effort has been a true asset to the town and will always be appreciated. The Finance Committee has appointed two new members Michael Kelly and Stephen MacKinnon both former members of the Committee.
Sexual Harassment Policy - Mr. San Angelo indicated that the Sexual Harassment policy has been distributed to all employees. All Department Heads are in the process of online training.
Hanson Strategic Plan - Mr. San Angelo reported that the Goals and Objective Ranking Sheet has been posted to the website and sent to all employees. Mr. San Angelo reviewed the document with Whitman/Hanson Express and the Boston Globe and expects stories on the subject to be in both newspapers this week.
Meeting with Al Hanscom to discuss all Task Orders – Mr. San Angelo informed the Board that he met with Town Engineer Al Hanscom who reported on several ongoing projects. The Camp Kiwanee Outlet pipe, Chapter 91permit and Jetty construction along with improvements of drainage for the parking lot are expected to be completed by Thanksgiving. Kiwanee Tight Tank to be completed by March 2014. Landfill - Corrective Action Design to be completed by the end of December 2013 for review and approval by DEP. Factory Pond Dam - Mr. San Angelo has scheduled a meeting with the Hanover Town Administrator to discuss the plans for repair of the dam. Al Hanscom and the engineer for the project will be there.
Town Accountant Position - Mr. San Angelo indicated that the position has been reposted. The preferred applicant did not accept the position. Mr. San Angelo feels the salary may have been the reason to the preferred candidate did not take the position.
Town Audit – Mr. San Angelo reported that the town auditors have completed their audit. He met with the Town Accountant, Treasurer, and the auditors to review their draft report. Mr. San Angelo was pleased that the Town has done very well with no issues are being reported. All past issues have also been resolved and he thanked the Town Accountant, Treasurer, and all of the employees of the town for the work they have done. Mr. Egan thanked the staff for their work.
Town Budget Process – The Budget process has begun and all Department Heads have been notified to prepare their budgets and enter them into the accounting program, SoftRight. Department Heads will be submitting budgets that they believe reflect the needs of the department. The final budget will reflect both the needs of the departments and the resources that will be available. Mr. San Angelo has requested a modest budget as opposed to a current services budget from the departments to determine what the departments actually need now and in the future.
Mr. Amico thanked Mr. DePina for his years of service indicating that Mr. DePina always had the best interest of the Town in mind.
Discuss hiring process for Call Firefighters – Mr. San Angelo indicated that the Fire Chief Jerome Thompson is seeking to hire call firefighters. One of the candidates is Chief Thompson’s son. Chief Thompson had informed Mr. San Angelo of the issue indicating that he had discussed the matter with the previous Town Administrator. Additionally, the Chief obtained an opinion from the Ethics Commission. The Chief will step out of the process and he has requested that Mr. San Angelo and Fire Lieutenant Ralph Becker be appointed as the Selection Committee to interview the candidates. Mr. San Angelo commended the Chief for following this process in the correct manner.
MOTION by Amico, second by Soper to authorize Town Administrator Ron San Angelo and Lt. Ralph Becker to conduct the interviews and act as the appointing authority for the position of three call fire fighters. If the Chief’s son is selected, any problems with him will be directed through the Town Administrator. Voted 5 – 0.
III NEW BUSINESS
Classification Hearing – Set Tax Rate –
Chairman Egan read the hearing notice.
In accordance with Massachusetts General Laws, Chapter 40, Section 56, a public hearing will be held in the Selectmen’s Meeting Room, Town Hall, Hanson, Massachusetts on Tuesday, November 5, 2013 at 7:45 p.m. for the purpose of allocating the percentage of tax levy to be borne by each class of property for Fiscal 2014. All interested taxpayers are encouraged to present oral or written information on their views. This is a necessary hearing, which must be held prior to certification of the fiscal 2014 tax rate.
Board of Assessors
Board of Selectmen
October 17 & 24, 2013
MOTION by Amico, second by Soper to open the Classification hearing. Voted 5 – 0
Assessor/Appraiser Lee Gamache and Assessor Kathy Marini were presented. Ms. Gamache explained that the hearing is for the Selectmen to determine whether the Town will have a uniformed or split tax rate. Ms. Gamache indicated that a uniformed tax rate which is anticipated to be $15.48 per $1,000 would be assessed to residential properties as well as commercial & industrial properties. A split tax rate with a 1% shift would increase the commercial & industrial rate to $15.63 and only dropping the residential rate to $15.47. A 5% shift would increase the commercial & industrial rate to $16.25 which would reduce the residential rate to $15.41. The Assessors recommend a uniform tax rate.
MOTION by Amico, second by Soper to keep the uniformed tax rate. Voted 5 - 0
The second portion of the hearing was to determine whether the Town will accept the Small Commercial Exemption. Ms. Gamache reports there are 121 business and only 16 accounts qualify the exemption. The shift would go to the larger commercial business. The Assessors do not recommend accepting the exemption. She pointed out that the property owners benefit from the exemption not necessarily the business owners who may lease the properties
MOTION by Amico, second by Soper not to adopt the Small Business Exemption. Voted 5 – 0
Ms. Gamache indicated that the Excess Levy capacity of $9,106.00 has already been determined and the Selectmen can vote to close the hearing. She explained that the Excess levy capacity is the one half cent on each assessment which cannot be collected.
MOTION by Amico, second by Howard to close the Classification hearing. Voted 5 - 0
Transfer of Liquor License & Alteration of Premises – Olde Hitching Post 48 Spring St.
Chairman Egan read the hearing notice.
The Board of Selectmen will hold a hearing on November 5, 2013 at 8:00 p.m. in the Selectmen’s Meeting Room at the Hanson Town Hall on the application for a Transfer of License from Anastasios Kessaris d/b/a Olde Hitching Post Restaurant to Andreana Garnavos, of Hanson, MA for an All Alcoholic Beverage Restaurant License and an alteration of premises. Premises to be licensed and altered is located at 48 Spring Street and described as follows: four dining areas plus bar, tavern area, 160 seats, two offices upstairs, storage below. Both with separate exits. 26 x 24 outside dining deck with 20 seats. Total seating 180.
James Egan, Chairman, Board of Selectmen, October 24, 2014
MOTION by Soper, second by Flynn to open the hearing. Voted 5 – 0.
Mr. Kessaris indicated that he would like to transfer the license to his daughter, Andreana. She has been in the business all her life. She will do a good job. He thanked the Town of Hanson and has enjoyed serving the community. Ms. Garnavos indicated that she has received approval from the Zoning Board of Appeals and the building inspector for the outside deck which will be in the front of the building.
MOTION Amico, second by Howard to approve the transfer the liquor license and alteration of premises as requested. Voted 5 – 0
Class II License – Jeannite’s Capital – 1000 Main Street
Chairman Egan read the hearing notice.
The Hanson Board of Selectmen will hold a hearing on the request of Samuel Jeannite 18 Dacia Street., Apt. 3, Boston, MA for Jeannite’s Capital for a Class II License at 1000 Main Street, Hanson. Said hearing will be held on Tuesday, November 5, 2013 at 8:15 p.m. in the Selectmen’s Meeting Room, Hanson Town Hall 542 Liberty Street, Hanson. Hanson Board of Selectmen, October 17, 2013.
MOTION Soper, second by Flynn to open the hearing for a Class II license. Voted 5 - 0
Mr. Samuel Jeannite indicated they will be using office space for marketing vehicles. Vehicles requiring service will be sent to the gas station on Main Street. They will have only one vehicle. They will use a dealer plates to transport the vehicle to the location. Mr. Jeannite indicates that he has a license in Lawrence but they can only sell dealer to dealer. They will be selling the vehicles online. They could only handle two cars at a time. Mr. Soper is confused by the request. They have agreed to one vehicle. Mr. Jeannite indicated that they are looking for room to grow the business.
Mr. Bob Hayes is Vice President of the Mass. Independent Auto Dealers Association was present and he pointed out that the law requires a vehicle has to be on the premises. Internet sales have become a problem in many states called “curb stoning” The customer needs to know that they can come back to the dealer.
Mr. Jeannite indicated that they will have only one vehicle on the lot for sale. They will conduct business from the office at 1000 Main Street. Mr. Amico is concerned that the owners are coming all the way from Boston for one vehicle. Mr. Flynn doesn’t think it is practical for one vehicle. Mr. Jeannite appreciates the concern, but feels if he has a high end vehicle such as a Porche it is worth coming from Boston.
Mr. Jeannite indicated that since his business is restricted in Lawrence as a dealer to dealer sales, they want relocate to a location within Hanson. They found the office space on Craig’s List. If their business starts to grow they will find a larger more suitable location in Hanson. Mr. San Angelo asked if they have applied in any other communities. They have not.
MOTION by Amico, second by Flynn to deny the request – Mr. Amico not comfortable with the situation of one vehicle for sale and is concerned about the curb stoning issue. Mr. Soper suggested finding a more appropriate location. Voted 5 - 0
MOTION by Amico, second by Howard to close hearing. Voted 5 – 0.
David Blauss – Discuss Maquan Pond watercraft speed limit – Tabled until Nov. 19th
IV OLD BUSINESS
Maquan School Building Comm. – Request for a Special Town Meeting
Mr. San Angelo read a letter dated October 18, 2013 from the Whitman-Hanson Regional School Committee to Mary Pichetti, Director of Capital Planning, Massachusetts School Building Authority notifying MSBA of the failed vote for the new school and outlining the possible reasons for the vote and remedy and a letter dated October 29, 2013 from Superintendent Ruth Whitner to Mary Pichetti indicating a revised date plan for new dates for a Special Town Meeting on January 25, 2014 and ballot question on Saturday, March 1, 2014.
October 18, 2013
Dear Ms. Pichetti:
The proposal for the funding of the Whitman-Hanson Regional School District’s building project for a new elementary school in Hanson was approved by a majority of those present at the October 7, 2013 Town Meeting. However, the funding proposal was not approved by the required two-thirds majority of those present at the Town Meeting. In accordance with the requirements of the Massachusetts School Building Authority (MSBA), this purpose of this letter is (1) to present the vote results, (2) explain the school district’s understanding of the reason(s) for the failed vote, and (3) set forth the District’s plan to remedy the failed vote and a suggested timeline for such a remedy.
Vote Results
The results of the vote to approve the preferred design for a new elementary school in Hanson were 303 (57.8%) votes in favor of the proposed funding for the project and 221 (42.8 %) opposed. To achieve the required two-thirds approval, 349 of the 524 voters would have to vote in favor of the article.
Current Understanding of the Reasons for the Failed Vote
Following the failed vote on October 7, the Building Committee met on October 15 and October 18 to discuss the reasons why the vote failed to gain a two-thirds approval. In addition to the observations of the Building Committee, Hanson citizens who attended the Building Committee meetings have provided input. The reasons for the failed vote fall into three categories 1) Financial Concerns, 2) Logistical Issues with Town Meeting, and 3) Voter Education.
Financial Concerns:
- The impact of the increase in taxes to citizens, particularly those on fixed incomes, was cited as a reason the project did not pass.
- The current economic climate in the United States was given as a reason that the project did not pass. When the Town Meeting was held on October 7, the federal government was in partial shutdown, and Congress was at an impasse.
- The grant recovery for the 1999 Indian Head School Project or claw back ($794,473) was identified as a concern by voters because this lowers the MSBA reimbursement to the Town of Hanson to 50%.
Logistical Issues with Town Meeting:
- Due to the attendance at Town Meeting, the signing in of voters took longer than anticipated. The meeting, scheduled to begin at 7:30 PM, did not commence until 8:15 PM.
- The warrant article for the meeting was #25, out of 25 articles. Because the start of the meeting was delayed, the article was not voted on until after 11:00 PM.
- Because the attendance at Town Meeting surpassed the expectations of town officials, 450 voters were seated in the auditorium at the Hanson Middle School with the overflow of about 100 voters in the gym. The conditions in the gym were not conducive to active participation in the meeting.
- Due to the attendance at Town Meeting, the parking areas at Hanson Middle School were filled to capacity, and some voters were unable to park and consequently went home.
- Due to the late hour, some voters left the meeting. Although 554 voters were registered for the Town Meeting, 524 votes were counted when the school project warrant article was voted.
- Although no cost child care was available, parents left the Town Meeting with their children prior to the vote because of the late hour.
- Parents have indicated that a Monday evening Town Meeting poses child care problems and only one parent is able to attend.
Voter Education:
- Some voters expressed concerns that they were not given more options for addressing the facility issues at the Maquan and Indian Head Schools.
- Some voters questioned the inclusion and added expense of the Indian Head School in the project because the building was partially renovated in the late 1990s.
- In the Indian Head School project, the slate roof was not replaced. At this time, shingles are sliding off the roof, and a protective fence has been placed around the school. A debt exclusion for a roof replacement failed in 2011. There is a misconception that the roof replacement is the school district’s responsibility.
- Some voters were not aware that the Town of Hanson owns the schools, and is responsible for capital expenses exceeding $5,000.
- Some voters criticized the school district for poor building maintenance in spite of information from MSBA and project engineers that the buildings had been properly maintained.
- Some voters were unaware of the role of MSBA in the comprehensive selection of the preferred design, the reimbursement percentage, and the funding agreement.
- More information needs to be provided by the Building Committee in regard to the impact of the project on taxes, current Hanson debt, and timelines for tax increases.
- Although the Building Committee provided information about the project to voters through meetings with taxpayers (abutters, senior citizens, parents, Kiwanis, and community members), an informational booklet, a website, videos, television interviews, and articles in the local newspaper, some voters indicated that they needed more information from the Committee.
- With the funding agreement approved on July 31, 2013, the time available to educate the public was challenging. August is a vacation month, and September is the beginning of the school year. Because Town Meeting was on October 7, the actual amount of time to focus voter attention on the building project vote was four weeks.
- From the start, all Building Committee meetings have been posted and open to the public. Attendance by voters has been minimal with the exception of the well-attended meeting on October 15 that occurred after the failed vote.
The District’s Plan:
Since the failed vote on October 7, the Building Committee has been engaged in active discussions with supporters and non-supporters of the project. From these conversations and the reasons for the failed vote cited above, the Building Committee and the Whitman-Hanson Regional School Committee respectfully request that the MSBA allow us additional time to hold a Special Town Meeting that will give voters another opportunity to vote on the preferred design, the building of a new elementary school in Hanson. The project is supported by the town’s Finance Committee (6-0) and the Board of Selectmen (4-1). At their meeting on October 15, the Building Committee (12-0) approved moving forward with the preferred design because they believe that it is the most educationally sound and cost
effective solution for Hanson.
The Building Committee proposes to hold a Special Town Meeting on a Saturday in the Performing Arts Center at the Whitman-Hanson Regional High School where there is ample seating and parking available. They propose to hold the meeting at a time during the day that will avoid votes being taken late in the evening. At the Building Committee meeting on October 18, 2013, it was unanimously voted to request the Hanson Board of Selectmen to schedule a Special Town Meeting at the Whitman-Hanson Regional High School for Saturday, February 1, 2014 with a subsequent ballot question on February 8, 2014. This vote remedies the logistical issues, listed above, that were evident at the October 7, 2013 Town Meeting. The Building Committee and the District are aware that the 120 day period for the
funding agreement expires on November 29, 2013. With this vote, we respectfully request a 75 day extension to the funding agreement for the project.
Between now and a proposed Special Town meeting on February 1, the School Committee, district administrators, and the Building Committee will garner support for the project by addressing the voter education and financial issues described above. The turnout at the Town Meeting on October 7 indicates to us that Hanson taxpayers are aware of the project and are becoming informed about the issues involved in the maintenance of the school buildings they own.
The Whitman-Hanson Regional School District and the Building Committee value our partnership with the Massachusetts School Building Authority. The Whitman-Hanson Regional High School is a shining example of our collaboration. Throughout our work with MSBA, we have greatly appreciated your input, support, and guidance. We respectfully request that you consider an extension to the project scope and budget agreement to allow us the opportunity to garner additional support for the project and to present the preferred design to Hanson voters at a Special Town Meeting.
Sincerely,
Robert Hayes, Chair Ruth C. Gilbert-Whitner, Superintendent
Whitman-Hanson Regional School Committee Whitman-Hanson Regional School District
October 29, 2013
Dear Ms. Pichetti:
On October 18, the Whitman-Hanson Regional School Committee Chair, Robert Hayes, and I wrote to you about the failed Town Meeting vote to build a new elementary school in the Town of Hanson. In the letter, we provided (1) the vote results, (2) the District’s understanding of the reason(s) for the failed vote, and (3) the District’s plan to remedy the failed vote and a suggested timeline for such a remedy.
Since the letter was written, we have been communicating with the Hanson Town Administrator and the Board of Selectmen about the proposal to hold a Special Town Meeting.~ Although the Building Committee requested the Hanson Board of Selectmen to schedule a Special Town Meeting at the high school for Saturday, February 1, 2014 and a subsequent ballot question on Saturday, February 8, 2014. Hanson officials have expressed concerns with being able to support the original proposed timeframe and have requested to schedule the election for the ballot question after the outcome of the project vote at Town Meeting is determined. This would allow the town to avoid the cost of holding an election if the article is not supported at town meeting.~
Posting of the ballot vote requires a period of 35 days after the Town Meeting vote.~ Therefore, our requested revised plan would move the Special Town Meeting at the Regional High School to Saturday, January 25, 2014 and a subsequent ballot question on Saturday, March 1, 2014.~ This vote remedies the logistical issues that were evident at the October 7, 2013 town meeting and previously communicated to MSBA. Notice of the ballot vote outcome will be provided to MSBA on Monday March 3, 2014.
The Building Committee and the District are aware that the 120 day period for the funding agreement expires on November 29, 2013. With this planned timeline change, we respectfully request the funding agreement deadline be extended to Monday, March 3, 2014.
Please contact me if you have any questions or need additional information.
Sincerely,
Ruth C. Gilbert-Whitner, Ed.D.
Superintendent of Schools
MOTION by Amico, second by Howard to have the Selectmen hold a town meeting on Saturday,
January 25, 2014 at the high school for discussion
Mr. Soper pointed out that the residents of Hanson spoke on October 7th and the Board should be respectful of the voters. Mr. Soper disputed that education of the voters was an issue. He feels that the voters have spoken. He thanked the building committee for their work. Mr. Soper pointed out that the process is designed to be hard when tax payers are spending a significant amount of money. He feels the message is from the voters that they want a new plan. Mr. Soper does not feel the matter will pass on March 1st.
Mr. Flynn asked what the process was to get in on the agenda. Mr. Egan explained that the building committee has requested the Special Town Meeting and that the Board can call for a Special Town meeting. While a petition would require a Town Meeting, Mr. Egan knew the group would garner the necessary signatures.
Mr. Flynn feels the voters have spoken but is torn. He had been in favor of the school, but doesn’t feel having another town meeting is the way to go. Mr. Egan pointed out that the group will get the requisite signatures to call for a Town Meeting.
Mr. Egan feels that there was a lot of misinformation and clarification is necessary.
Mr. Amico, who has been on the building committee since 2006, pointed out that a majority of the voters supported the school.
Resident Mark Vess doesn’t feel there is citizen input. He wants citizens in the process. Feels it was a perfect town meeting, the voters were informed and educated. Mr. Vess disputed the logistic issues. Feels it is unfair to the people who were at town meeting. The Board is not listening to its constituents if it approves a new town meeting.
Resident Joseph Baker feels the Board should require a petition be submitted. Mr. Baker feels the voters were educated and doesn’t feel it is the Board’s responsibility to educate voters. He questioned whether the voters were educated enough to vote on any of the articles. Doesn’t think the Board should change the time. He recommends that the Board be transparent and require a petition.
Pepper Santalucia, Finance Committee member, reported that several parents had indicated to him holding town meeting at night was an issue. He feels that the group can get the requisite signatures to call for a Town Meeting. He does not have a problem calling for another town meeting.
Robert Hayes, chairman of School Committee, feels the town meeting was overwhelmed as to the venue where everyone can attend and vote in one location. While democracy is alive and well in Hanson, he doesn’t feel everyone had an opportunity to vote.
Resident Bob Wandell pointed out that the main issue is that the vote “failed”. He feels there was plenty of participation. Mr. Wandell noted that even if all the people who left the meeting early had voted in favor of the school, there still would not have had enough votes to pass. He encouraged the Board to support the voters’ decision and respect the will of the voters.
Jim Tuffo of the School Building Committee pointed out that there is a narrow window of opportunity to use MSBA funds for the project. He doesn’t feel that Town has the time to get back into the MSBA system.
Resident Bruce Young explained the Prop 2 ½ system explaining that it is a fail safe. The Town meeting is the first step in the funding through borrowing. He indicated that town meeting votes it as a debt exclusion.
Mr. Flynn feels the fairest way is to require a petition.
Mr. Vess questioned what would happen is another group call for a second town meeting if the article passes in January. He requested that the Board check with Town Counsel on a second petition.
Move to the Voted 3 – 2 (Soper & Flynn)
Discuss possibility of joining Plymouth County Solid Waste Management Cooperative - Mr. San Angelo reviewed a letter from the Plymouth County Commissioners received on October 21st in which they put together a new group of towns similar to the Cape Cod Commission. The County Commissioner want a commitment by November 15th. Mr. San Angelo indicated that there are a few proposals available to the Town. ABC Disposal has been approved by DEP. Mr. San Angelo feels the town should join as a tier one community with the County Commissioners. There is no lock in with ABC or Plymouth County. Mr. San Angelo had spoken with DEP a few weeks ago and they were supportive of ABC.
MOTION by Soper, second by Flynn to join the Plymouth County Cooperative. Voted 5 - 0
Pay As You Throw – Mr. San Angelo reported that the Town received a grant for Pay As You Throw. Mr. San Angelo will be looking at some other vendors for PAYT. Mr. Soper asked about curbside pickup. Mr. San Angelo indicated that the group is researching various components and options of the transfer station.
Kevin Crowley – Requesting re-consideration of Road Opening Permit – Mr. San Angelo met with Mr. Crowley, Highway Surveyor Robert Brown and Water Superintendent Richard Muncey. Mr. Crowley claims that he drove around the town and saw other roads that have been open which appear to have been recently paved.
Mr. San Angelo did not find a by-law or a policy relative to a five year moratorium of road openings. Mr. Brown said there is no formal written policy but it has been a practice. Crowley wants to be treated fairly as everyone else. Mr. Brown said that during his tenure no roads were cut which were not emergencies. Mr. San Angelo reviewed the matter with Town Counsel. Counsel noted that having a written policy would be best, however, he feels the Board’s decision to deny the permit would be upheld if court action was commenced.
During the meeting with Mr. San Angelo, Mr. Muncey suggested that a 4 foot by 6 foot cut in the center of the road would allow for a “bullet” to be shot underground to connect the water. This method would alleviate the need to cut across the entire street. Mr. San Angelo made it clear, that if approved, Mr. Crowley would be required to pay for all the costs of the work upfront.
Mr. San Angelo requested that Mr. Brown obtain formal policy or by-laws from other towns in order to establish a written policy in Hanson.
Mr. Amico noted that while Mr. Crowley had cleared the lot, the foundation was installed after the Board voted to deny the road opening permit.
Mr. Flynn doesn’t think a patch will work and feels resident should have the enjoyment of a good road.
Mr. Amico concerned that others will come and asked for road opening permits between now and the time Town Meeting approves an appropriate by-law. He is concerned it will “open a can of worms”.
Mr. Egan doesn’t feel this is an emergency.
By consensus the Board will not reconsider the vote and uphold the denial of the road opening permit.
V LICENSES:
One Day Liquor License – Camp Kiwanee
Bill Strait, Hanson, Thurs., Nov. 7th 5:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. - Dinner
Eric Johnson, Hanover, Fri., Nov. 8th – 7:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. - Retirement
Professional Bartending Services, Nov. 29 & 30, Dec. 6 & 7th 6:00 to 9:00 p.m.– Play
MOTION by Amico, second by Flynn to approve the licenses as printed. Voted 5 – 0
VI COMMITTEE REPORTS
Maquan School Building – already discussed
Holiday Committee – Mr. Amico reported that the committee met last Sunday. Fireworks will be on Dec. 14th 12 – 15 minutes in length. Santa will arrive at 4:00. There will be hayrides 6:30 – 8:00. Tree will be lit at 7:00 p.m. with fireworks at 7:10 p.m. Mr. Amico asked to put a donation stand in the Town Hall near the tax collector’s office. Mr. San Angelo wants to define what the Board will allow for donations. The donations are for Town events on Town property.
MOTION by Flynn, second by Howard to allow for a collection box at Town Hall Voted 4 – 0 – 1 (Amico)
Mr. San Angelo reported that an employee is out on extended sick leave and the Boards needs to appoint a designee to serve on the Board of Review.
MOTION by Amico, second by Soper to appoint Mr. San Angelo as Board’s designee to the Board of Review. Voted 5 – 0. The Board will have to address coverage at a later date.
Monponsett Pond - Mr. Howard indicated that the group is looking at revising the Acts from 1992. The original act was in 1962. Brockton is using more water than the pond can supply. There will be another meeting in December.
VII EXECUTIVE SESSION - Chairman Egan announced the Board would be going into executive for the purpose of discussing strategy with respect to collective bargaining since an open meeting may have a detrimental effect on the litigating and bargaining position of the Town – Highway and to discuss strategy with respect to contract negotiations with non-union personnel – Fire Chief
So Moved by Howard, second by Soper Roll Call Flynn Aye, Howard Aye, Amico Aye, Egan Aye and Soper Aye. Voted 5 – 0.
10:10 p.m. Brief Recess
11:05 p.m. Returned to open session.
VIII ADJOURNMENT
MOTION by Flynn, second by Amico to adjourn. Voted 5 – 0
11:05 p.m. Meeting Adjourned.
Respectfully submitted,
Meredith Marini,
Executive Assistant
Approved and Voted 4 - 0
November 19, 2013
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