Town of Hanson - Board of Selectmen
Meeting Minutes – Hanson Town Hall
March 4, 2014
Members Present: Stephen Amico, James Egan, Donald Howard and David Soper
Members Absent: Richard Flynn
Others Present: Town Administrator Ronald San Angelo and
Executive Assistant Meredith Marini
I~ 7:31 p.m. Chairman Egan called the meeting to order, led the Pledge Allegiance, announcements, and upcoming meeting schedule.
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II TOWN ADMINISTRATORS REPORT
Mr. San Angelo informed the Board that he received his certification as procurement officer. He found the training very beneficial.
He recently attended a budget meeting with the School Committee. They reported that Hanson assessment has been reduced by $112,000 due to student enrollment.
Mr. San Angelo attended the South Shore Managers meeting. The group meets on a quarterly basis to discuss a variety issues on the area. The group discussed training in various municipal concerns.
Mr. San Angelo reported that Town Clerk Elizabeth Sloan received certification as a Municipal Clerk. Ms. Sloan is fully certified. Mr. San Angelo joined the Board in congratulating Ms. Sloan.
Mr. San Angelo informed the Board that he has recommended the appointment of Kimberly Brown as the new Town Accountant. She comes highly recommended by the interim Town Accountant Todd Hassett. Ms. Brown will be working 32 hours per week with a flexible work schedule. He is looking forward to having an accountant several days per week.
Mr. San Angelo reported that the Town has been approved for a District Local Technical Assistance grant for the development of the Plymouth County Hospital site. The Old Colony Planning Council will provide the staff which will put together a feasibility plan to identify the best uses for the redevelopment of the hospital property.
Town Budget – Mr. San Angelo indicated that while the school and health care costs for next fiscal year have been reduced, the snow and ice deficit has grown to $400,000. Mr. San Angelo explained that the Town needs to start funding more money to snow and ice to offset the deficit.
Transfer Station – Mr. San Angelo had serious concerns at the Transfer Station and safety for the staff and residents using the facility. He has been informed that several organizations solicit at the facility. He pointed out that the staff members wear safety vests, but the Town allows residents to walk freely throughout the facility. Mr. San Angelo is not trying to stop groups from soliciting, but trying to set up some guidelines for the safe activities. Mr. San Angelo has met with the Board of Health and requested that they designate a safe area to conduct these types of activities. Mr. San Angelo along with resident Mark Vess will be working with the Board of Health to establish a policy.
Mr. Howard pointed out that it is dangerous to have only one staff person working at the facility. Mr. San Angelo agreed and noted that the supervisor has been out on extended sick leave and hopes to have him back soon.
Interviews for Town Counsel will be conducted on Wednesday, March 5th. Four firms will be interviewed. Mr. San Angelo provided the Board with a list of questions and a ranking sheet for the interview process. Upon completion of the interviews, Mr. San Angelo will tally the scores to determine the best firm for the Town. Most of the firms have a wide range of experience.
III NEW BUSINESS
Vote & Sign Memorandum of Agreement relative to Police Promotion process - Chief Miksch was present and explained that the promotion process is a negotiated item with the union. The Chief met with the union and the union agreed to the change in the process, which consists of using an outside assessment center. Previously the assessment center had been comprised of local chiefs put together by the Hanson Chief.
MOTION by Amico, second by Soper to accept the memorandum of agreement as presented for discussion.
The Board asked whether the agreement was drafted by Town Counsel. Chief Miksch indicated that it has not. He used the existing Memorandum of Agreement, which was provided in the Board’s packet, and revised it to meet the changes. Mr. Soper thanked Chief Miksch for taking the initiative without requesting Town Counsel draft the agreement. Chairman Egan asked how the Assessment will be selected. Chief Miksch indicated that he has put out a Request for Proposals on February 14th and the responses are due on March 14th. The Chief anticipated that the cost will be approximately $7,000. He has spoken with the Finance Committee and will use drug seizure money to pay for the Assessment Center.
So voted 4 – 0
Requests –
Green Hanson – Request use of Town Hall for the 7th Annual Earth Day Festival, Saturday,
April 26th from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Rain date to be Sunday, April 27th.
MOTION by Amico, second by Howard to approve the Green Hanson’s 7th Annual Earth on Saturday, April 26th from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. with a rain date of Sunday, April 27th.
Voted 4 – 0
Appointments/Reappointments –
Kimberly Brown, Bellingham, MA – Town Accountant
MOTION by Amico, second by Don Howard to appoint Kimberly Brown as Town Accountant. Voted 4 – 0.
Ms. Brown was present and gave a brief history. She indicated that she is excited to move from auditing to the “other side” of accounting and was looking forward to joining Hanson on
March 24th.
Sean Joanis 604 Brook Street – Board of Appeals regular member to fill Ron Herlet’s vacancy June 30, 2016
MOTION by Amico, second by Howard to appoint Sean Joanis as a regular member of the Zoning Board of Appeals. Term to expire June 30, 2016. Vote 4 - 0
Joanne Miniutti 524 Gorwin Drive as Board of Appeals alternate. Term to expire June 30, 2015
MOTION by Amico, second by Soper to appoint Joan Miniutti as the Board of Appeals Alternate. Term to expire June 30, 2015. Voted 4 - 0
Marion Elms – Reappointment to Board of Registrars Term to Expire 3/31/17
MOTION by Amico, second by Howard to re-appoint Marion Elm to the Board of Registrars with a term to expire March 31, 2017. Voted 4 – 0
IV OLD BUSINESS – None Heard
V ONE DAY LIQUOR LICENSES – Camp Kiwanee
Professional Bartending Service – Fri & Sat. March 14 & 15 6:00 to 11:00 p.m. – Play
Cory King, Hanson Friday, March 28th 6:00 p.m. to 11:30 p.m. – Deployment party
MOTION by Amico, second by Soper to approve one day liquor license as presented.
Voted 4 – 0
VI COMMITTEE REPORTS
Hanson Elementary School Building Comm. – None Heard
Monponsett Pond – Mr. Howard indicated that they are still working on the Monponsett Pond. The next meeting is March 13th in Halifax. Mr. Howard encouraged residents to attend.
Activities Committee – Mr. San Angelo indicated that the group is trying to organize all the groups in town to hold a Hanson Day Sunday, June 8th from 1:00 to 6:00 p.m. Dollar for Scholar, 4-H, Soccer, Line dancing etc. Mr. San Angelo recommended that organizations contact Nicole Campbell at Camp Kiwanee. He feels this will become an annual event. They are looking for donations. The event is co-sponsored by the Recreation Commission.
VII ADJOURNMENT
MOTION by Amico, second by Soper to adjourn. Voted 4 – 0
Meeting Adjourned 8:10 p.m.
Meredith Marini,
Executive Assistant
Approved and Voted 4 – 0 – 1 (Flynn)
March 18, 2014
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