Town of Hanson - Board of Selectmen
Meeting Minutes – Hanson Town Hall
February 4, 2014
Members Present: Stephen 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 allegiance, read the announcements & upcoming meeting schedule
II TOWN ADMINISTRATORS REPORT
Resignation from Administrative Assessor – Mr. San Angelo announced that Administrative Assessor Karen Trudeau will be leaving to take a position as the Principal Assessor in Halifax. Mr. San Angelo indicated that Ms. Trudeau has done a wonderful job and will be a loss to the Town. He wished her well in Halifax.
Mr. San Angelo read the following letter dated January 29, 2014 from Sandra MacKory of Pembroke regarding the Senior Day Care program.
Town of Hanson Administrator,
1/29/2014
Dear Mr. Ronald San Angelo,
I want to share our experience at the Hanson Senior Supportive Day Program with you.
My Friend of 30+ years, Dianne Hatch, has been attending the Support Day program 5 days a week for the past 18 months. Without the trusted support of the Hanson Senior day program, her life would have been bleak and lonely. Instead she has an active loving place to go. The experience she is having at the Hanson Senior day program has surpassed all our hopes. The staff is exemplarily and they have patience far beyond what is expected of any one. They are cohesive small staff of 6 who is willing to chip in and help each other. They really know what “having each other’s backs” means.
Mary Collins is the respected leader who sets the tone with her wonderful example of clear, kind, thoughtful leadership. Mary is very approachable and involved with the staff, clients and families. You will find her at all functions. Also you can rely on her for advice, help, talks and guidance.
Marianne Fernandez exudes friendliness with her genuine smile and attitude. She can be found dancing and singing with clients when she is not busy at her desk. I have seen her calm Dianne and other with music and singing in an instant.
Sandy Campbell has contributed so much to the center with her hard work ethic and amazing talent for attracting the best volunteers who interact on a daily basis with the clientele. There are 2 – 3 volunteers each and every day at the center, plus other volunteers who take clients to doctors’ appointments.
Donna Baker exhibits incredible patience with the clients. She is extraordinary with the crafts and activities that she does ach day. It takes a very special ability and person to perform the duties she does with such ease.
Leah Guerico is someone you feel instantly comfortable with. She is supportive and loving and treats everyone with respect. She has experience and knowledge that makes her invaluable to the senior program.
Sue King is a reliable and safe driver who transports physically challenged and ambulatory clients to and from their homes. She has incredible energy and many skills which she uses to fill her various duties at the senior day program. She never refuses any request for help that is needed in any way, and graciously accomplishes it all.
The senior program is a valuable asset to the Town of Hanson and the people it serves. Families rely on the program and the dedicated staff, to provide a safe, caring and supportive environment for their loved ones.
The reason I am writing this letter is because I feel that it is important to commend and acknowledge everyone who works at the center for their capabilities and dedication.
Sincerely,
Sandra Mackrory (Trustee, POA, caregiver and close friend) for Dianne Hatch.
264 Plymouth Street, Pembroke, MA
Mr. San Angelo wanted the Board to be aware of the job the staff at the Senior Center is doing.
Mr. San Angelo informed that Board that the discussion regarding the Goals and Objectives survey will be held at the next meeting. Mr. San Angelo is disappointed with the response to the survey. He requested that the Board review the list and prioritize their goals and needs of the Town.
Mass. Municipal Association Meeting. – Mr. San Angelo found the meeting to be very informative and productive. He attended a seminar on Five Year Capital Planning.
Mr. San Angelo indicated that he had a meeting earlier today with the School Facility Manager Ernie Sandland, Assistant School Superintendent Craig Finlay, Capital Improvement Chairman John Norton, Town Engineer Al Hanscom, Selectmen Jim Egan to discuss the capital needs of the schools.
Update on the Activities Committee – Mr. San Angelo announced the Hanson Day event will be held on June 8, 2014 from 1:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at Camp Kiwanee. The event will include civic and youth organizations who have been invited to put up tables and distribute information relative to their groups. The event is co-sponsored by the Recreation Commission and the Town. He suggested contacting Nicole Campbell at Camp Kiwanee for more information. Donations will be accepted. Sponsors are needed for bounce houses or rock climbing walls.
III COMMITTEE REPORTS
MMA meeting – Mr. Amico attended the opening ceremony at which time the Governor’s budget was unveiled. The Speaker of the House was confident that additional money will be provided for Chapter 70 and Chapter 90. He attended an economic and state budget seminar. Mr. Amico met with Matt Donovan from MSBA who indicated that the Town can apply for additional funds, which would require another feasibility study. Mr. Amico is unsure of the process with respect several repairs and funding.
Mr. San Angelo met with representatives from MIAA relative to liability insurance. He had an opportunity to meet with law firms, engineering and software companies. He found the event to be very beneficial for networking.
Monponsett Pond – Mr. Howard indicated that the meeting scheduled for tomorrow, February 5th, has been postponed due to the anticipated inclement weather.
Hanson Elementary Building Committee – Mr. Amico indicated that the group had planned to meet on Wednesday February 12th which has been rescheduled to Monday, February 10th. The School Committee and building committee will be present to explain the votes of the
January 25th Town Meeting and discuss the next steps for the school.
IV NEW BUSINESS
Review Draft Budget – Mr. San Angelo informed the Board that he has reviewed the budgets with all the department heads. The budget distributed is a preliminary budget. Mr. San Angelo is waiting for the School Budget and final numbers for the Mayflower Health insurance.
Town Accountant Todd Hassett was present to review the preliminary budget. He explained the revenue sources which include Property Taxes, State aid, Local Receipts and PAYT program, pointing out that the Town relies 80% on property taxes. New Growth is estimated at $155,000 which is an average of the last 3 years. Cherry Sheet (State aid) is 5% of the Town’s revenue. The Governor’s budget includes a slight increase of $9,000.
Local Receipts – Are revenues from various departments, excise taxes, licenses permits etc.
Pay As You Throw Program estimated revenue from fees which would start in July are included at $200,000.00 Mr. Hassett pointed out the costs for the tipping fees will increase in January 2015.
Mr. Hassett reviewed the various uses of Funds –
Fixed costs employee benefits:
Pension assessment will increase $58,700, Group Health insurance increase at $118,700, liability insurance $25,300. Total increase to fixed cost is $202,700.
Snow Deficit – Historically the Town has had to come up with the deficit in snow removal.
Education which includes Whitman Hanson, South Shore Vocational and Norfolk Agricultural. Mr. Hassett indicated that all these figures are estimates until the actual figures are received. Mr. Hassett explained that a 3% increase has been added to the Whitman Hanson budget.
All other department increases are $402,284. The Water and Recreation departments have their own enterprise funds.
Mr. San Angelo noted that the biggest increase is in the Police Department as it was seriously under budgeted.
Mr. Flynn noted that there was nothing on the sheets for Capital Improvement. Mr. Hassett indicated that he has set aside $235,000 for capital improvements. Free Cash is currently earmarked for the Capital Improvement items.
Mr. San Angelo and Mr. Hassett will work closely with the Board of the Health to budget for Pay As You Throw and the solid waste budget.
Re-Appointment – Jeanne Sullivan – Treasurer/Collector
Term to expire February 28, 2017
MOTION by Amico, second by Soper to reappoint Jeanne Sullivan as Treasurer/Collector with a term to expire February 28, 2017. Voted 5 - 0
V OLD BUSINESS
Discuss and possible vote to implement Pay As You Throw
MOTION by Amico, second by Howard that the Board of Selectmen approve the Pay As You Throw program as outlined by Town Administrator Ron San Angelo and further to give him the authorization to sign the contract as provided to the Board of Selectmen between the Town of Hanson and Waste Zero. This contract has been reviewed by Town Counsel and has term of three years. For discussion.
Mr. San Angelo explained the need for implementing the Pay As You Throw program citing the increase cost for tipping fees which could be more than double.
Mr. San Angelo informed the Board the Plymouth County Pension fund is underfunded and the amount is significant to hundreds of millions of dollars. He noted this in not uncommon, but it is a problem for the communities in the Plymouth County. Mr. San Angelo has been informed that Hanson’s portion of the pension fund is underfunded by $13 Million. He noted that the $58,000 in the pension line is an attempt to reduce the underfunded pension.
Mr. San Angelo noted that the PAYT program is not only to support the Transfer Station but is needed for all the departments.
Snow removal is a major cost to the Town. Education has been an important component of the Town which has been funding increases at 3%.
PAYT is a feasible option for the Town. If PAYT is not implemented some of the options could include layoffs, cuts in some departments or close the transfer station. The Transfer Station is not a required or essential service for the Town. Residents could get curbside pick-up which would cost approximately $420 annually. Mr. San Angelo noted that residents seem to like to go to the Transfer Station.
Mr. San Angelo recommends PAYT as it addresses the issues of the time. Recycling could reduce the solid waste stream by 30% which is good for the environment. 40% of the communities in Massachusetts currently use PAYT. He recommends starting the program in July. Residents pay as they use the facility based on their disposal habits.
The State recommends a sticker fee for the Transfer Station. Mr. San Angelo is not in favor of a sticker fee. The PAYT program will not completely cover the costs of the operations of the Transfer Station. Waste Zero has guaranteed a $200,000 revenue stream from PAYT. If the Town only brings in $180,000, Waste Zero will make up the difference of the $20,000.00.
The Transfer Station will have an enterprise fund which will be generated through the PAYT.
Mr. San Angelo noted that the Board had previously received a draft contract. The contract has been reviewed by Town Counsel. Town Counsel made a few changes which Waste Zero has approved.
Mr. San Angelo explained how the funds are collected for the bags. A large 30 gallon bag will cost $2.00, of which $1.70 goes to the Town of Hanson. The retailer makes no money on the bags. Mr. San Angelo will provide Waste Zero with a list of local retailers and Waste Zero will meet with the retailers and explain the sale process.
Mr. Soper asked about the rescin costs. According to WasteZero representative, John Craig it is a rare situation, which as only happened twice in twenty years. The costs of the bags could be increased if necessary.
There is no Start-up fee. Waste Zero will provide a toll free number and website assistance for the residents.
Mr. Egan points out that recycling is free. The solid waste is what costs that Town money.
Mr. San Angelo indicated that when the hauling contract expires in November the transfer station will be re-designed to have recycling up front. The long term contract for solid waste will include discussion about recycling.
Mr. Soper asked at what point will the Town be at a break even cost. Mr. San Angelo indicated that the bags will not cover all the operating costs. Mr. San Angelo explained that as residents increase their recycling, the amount of solid waste is reduced, thereby reducing the numbers of bags being sold. He noted that when the solid waste is reduced, however, the hauling and tipping fees are also reduced.
Janine Delaney of Mass. DEP informed that Board that throughout Massachusetts, 40 towns have gotten out of the trash business; 20 towns fully fund trash and 141 towns have PAYT.
Pepper Santalucia asked about illegal dumping. Mr. San Angelo does not expect it to be a problem. Ms. Delaney indicated that illegal dumping has not been a problem with PAYT communities. Mr. San Angelo noted that the Transfer Station staff will have to check that all the bags are PAYT bags. Mr. San Angelo would like to see additional hours at the Transfer Station, which would include Sunday operations.
John Craig from Waste Zero indicated that he has implemented PAYT in 45 communities during the last seven years.
Mr. Flynn asked how the Town will handle residents who arrive at the transfer station who show up without the proper bags. Mr. Craig indicated the residents need to be educated and he does not recommend selling bags at the transfer station.
Mr. Vess asked about cross contamination with the recycling. Mr. San Angelo indicated that training of the staff is important. The Town will have to work with the recyclable hauler.
Mr. Young asked if there will be an article for an enterprise fund on the Town Meeting warrant. Mr. San Angelo indicated that an article will be on the warrant.
An unidentified resident asked if the price of the bags will go up and will the bags get smaller. Mr. Craig said there are specifications for the bags and they are not made smaller. No Towns have reduced the cost of the bags. There are two sizes of bags. The 30 gallon bags hold 25 lbs and the 15 gallon bags hold 15 lbs. Mr. Craig noted that Halifax reduced their bag price because they ordered from a different vendor and the bags were smaller.
Arthur Brasil asked about bailing the recycling and saving them when the price of goes up. Mr. San Angelo indicated that storage would be a problem.
Mr. Young wants to know what statute allows the Selectmen to set the fees for bags.
Finance Committee Chairman Kevin Sullivan inquired as to the cost of curbside pickup for the entire town. According to Janine Delaney that cost would be an estimated $500,000. Ron San Angelo indicated there is no simple answer but they will be reviewing the options during the next year. His research revealed approximately $276 per household noting that several factors involved.
Resident asked if a bid had gone out for the tipping fees. Mr. San Angelo informed him that the matter has been negotiated over the last several years. The fees have dropped from $72.00 to $58.00. Mr. San Angelo expects to see a final contract in March.
Moved to the vote – 5 – 0
VI ACCEPT MINUTES
November 19, 2013
January 7, 2014
MOTION by Amico, second by Howard to approve the minutes of November 19, 2013 and January 7, 2014. Voted 4 – 0 – 1 Soper
VII ADJOURNMENT
MOTION by Amico, second by Flynn to adjourn. Voted 5 – 0
9:35 p.m. Meeting Adjourned
Respectfully submitted,
Meredith Marini,
Executive Assistant
Approved and Voted 5 – 0
February 18, 2014
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