Town of Hanson - Board of Selectmen
Meeting Minutes – Hanson Town Hall
April 8, 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~ 7:34 p.m. Chairman Egan called the meeting to order, led the Pledge Allegiance. Mr. Egan read the announcements, and upcoming meeting schedule.
Mr. Amico announced that it was a great year for Hanson Youth Basketball. The Fifth Grade Boys are the Coast Prep League Champions. Mr. Amico introduced all the players and their coaches; Avery Fernandez, Jason Murphy, Brendan Nehiley, Zach Standish, Patrick Hughes, Nate Amado, Peyton Collins, Danny Kent, Tim Leahy, Coaches Joe Kent and Kevin Leahy. The Board congratulated the team.
Mr. Amico announced that the Whitman Hanson High School Cheerleaders won the Regional, States, National Championship and Grand Championship. Chairman Egan requested that a Board send a letter congratulating the team.
II TOWN ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT
Mr. San Angelo reported that Clean Up Green Up Day was a great event. Several organizations participated. Botieri Field was cleaned. He thanked Kenny Mitchell and Newcomb tree for their assistance.
Mr. San Angelo informed the Board that the Building Commissioner held delinquent tax hearings for property owners who have open building permits and whose taxes are delinquent over twelve month. He indicated that two permits were pulled, one set up a payment plan and another is still under consideration. Mr. San Angelo commended the Building Commissioner on a great job following.
Sergeant Position Assessment Center – Mr. San Angelo reported that at the request of the Police Chief he advertized a Request for Proposals for companies to conduct a sergeant assessment center to fill a vacancy. He indicated that three companies submitted proposals. The review committee which consist of Mr. San Angelo, Executive Assistant Meredith Marini and East Bridgewater Police Chief John Cowen are reviewing the companies.
III NEW BUSINESS
Call for Special Election for Recall –
Mr. Amico recused himself from the discussion. Mr. San Angelo indicated that while Mr. Amico is not required to recuse himself, it is a requirement of the Board to set the election date.
7:41 p.m. Mr. Amico left the table.
Town Clerk Elizabeth Sloan reviewed the process and the potential dates for the election. She noted that according to statute she is required to conduct a special voter registration for each election. The earliest date the election could be held is June 14th. She did not recommend June 14th as the special voter registration would take place on Saturday May 24th which is Memorial Day weekend. Ms. Sloan recommended June 28th which would give her enough time to complete her work from Town Meeting and the annual town election.
MOTION by Howard, second by Soper to set June 28th at the Special Election date for the Recall.
Voted 3 – 0
7:47 Mr. Amico returned to the table.
Release Town Counsel Legal Opinion – Mr. San Angelo reported that he has received several requests for copies of Attorney Talerman’s opinion relative to the school building process town meeting votes. The letter had been sent as a confidential communication. Attorney Talerman has indicated that the Board may vote release the letter as he had discussed most of the contents during an open meeting.
MOTION by Amico, second Soper to release the letter to the public. Voted 4 - 0
Appointments/Resignations
Re-appointments – Terms to Expire 3/31/15
Veteran’s Agent – Robert Arsenault
Veteran’s Graves Officer – Robert Arsenault
Veteran’s Service Officer – Robert Arsenault
Animal Control – Bernard Delory
MOTION by Amico, second Soper to reappoint Robert Arsenault Veterans’ Agent, Veteran’s Graves Officer and Veteran’s Services Officer. Term to expire March 31, 2015. Voted 4 – 0
MOTION by Amico, second Howard to reappoint Bernard Delory as Animal Control Officer. Term to expire March 31, 2015. Voted 4 – 0
IV OLD BUSINESS
Discuss Proposed Articles: Annual Town Meeting Warrant Article 23 Planning Revolving Account and Article 28 sign by-law.
After discussion with both Town Counsel and Town Accountant Mr. San Angelo recommended that Article 23, relative to the Planning Board’s revolving, be removed from the warrant.
MOTION by Amico, second by Howard to open the warrant for discussion
Mr. Soper would like to see if something could be done to accept the article because the Planning Board has put a lot of work on the project. Mr. San Angelo noted that Town Counsel was concerned about the legality of the article and the Town Accountant indicated the by-law does not meet the application of the statute.
So voted to open the Warrant 4 – 0
MOTION by Amico, second by Howard to remove proposed articled 23 from the Annual Town Meeting warrant. Voted 4 – 0
Mr. San Angelo indicated that Town Counsel recommended holding the sign by-law article to a later town meeting as several adjustments need to be made to it.
MOTION by Amico, second by Soper to removed article 28 Sign By-law from the annual Town Meeting Warrant. Voted 4 – 0
Mr. Amico thanked the Zoning By-law committee for all their work.
MOTION by Amico, second by Howard to close the Annual Town Meeting warrant. Voted 4 - 0
Update on the Landfill Capping at Transfer Station – Town Engineer, Al Hanscom was present and updated that Board on the status of the landfill capping. He indicated that in January 2008 DEP informed the Board that the landfill was never properly closed in 1978 and did not get proper approval for a transfer station.
Mr. Hanson reviewed the history of the work which included an Administrator Consent Order between the Town and Mass. DEP in early 2008. The initial site assessment was completed in 2008. The Comprehensive Site Assessment was partially completed in 2008, but due to lack of funding the project was dormant and extensions to the Administrative Consent Order were requested in late 2008 and again in April 2010, and in June 2011 an amended Consent Order was submitted.
The Town received a draft Amendment to the Administrative Consent Order with new deadline. In July 2013 BETA submitted a Corrective Action Alternative Analysis (CAAA) report to DEP. In September 2013 BETA received notice that the report was administratively completed. However, to date, DEP has not authorized the Town to proceed with the Corrective Action Design.
Mr. Hanscom wants to set up a meeting with DEP to review the CAAA report. The report evaluates the options for capping a landfill. Alternative cap is more appropriate for an ash landfill. There is no ground water impact. The Town is waiting for DEP approval for an alternative cap.
Mr. San Angelo asked if there are any impacts on the current facilities by moving forward with the Alternative Cap. Mr. Hanscom reviewed the map. A variance may be an option for the Town. The Board of Health would have to hold a public hearing on the variance and receive public comments relative to the setbacks of the equipment on the site. The green area is the 100’ set back according to the wetlands protection. There is some waste on East Bridgewater property. The Town will have to pull the waste back onto Hanson land and cap it. There is also waste material on property owned by Mr. Parker which is contiguous to the Town. The Town could also pull that waste back to Hanson property.
Mr. Hanscom will need to meet with Mr. San Angelo to review his proposals for reconfiguring the layout of the transfer station.
Mr. Hanscom noted that the landfill is within Zone 2 of a drinking water supply and all testing results relative to contamination have been negative. Several next steps were provided on a sheet dated April 8, 2014. The most expensive cost is in the capping which is estimated at $150,000.00. A post closure use application will be required.
Mr. Amico asked if any grants are available to the Town. Mr. Hanscom indicated that they are very competitive, but isn’t sure whether the Town will qualify. Mr. San Angelo asked about the feasibility of placing a solar farm on the area behind the facility. Mr. Hanscom indicated that the area is not large enough.
Mr. Egan asked when the capping will be complete. Mr. Hanscom indicated that completion is determined by DEP. Mr. Hanscom anticipates completion by the summer of 2015. Mr. Egan asked if the facility can continued to be used in its current state. Mr. Hanscom indicated that it could continue to operate.
V ONE DAY LIQUOR LICENSES - Camp Kiwanee
Lauren Bortolami, Bridgewater, Fri., May 2nd 6:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. – Medium Event
Kyle Cortis, Millbury, Sat., May 3rd 3:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. – Wedding
Jolienne Antonio, Dedham, Fri., May 16th 6:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. – Wedding
Dana & Marilyn Shaw, Hanson, Sat., May 17th 4:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. – Wedding
Glen Daniels, Arlington, Sun. May 18th 11:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. – Wedding
Toni Montagano, Hanson, May 23rd, 5:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. – Wedding
Angela Geloran, West Wareham, Sat., May 24th 4:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. – Wedding
Melanie Wolfgang, Takoma Park, MD, Sun., May 25th 5:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. – Wedding
Allyson Woodford, Stoughton, Fri., May 30th 6:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. – Wedding
Patricia Sheehan, Quincy, Sat., May 31st, 3:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. – Wedding
MOTION by Amico, second by Howard to approve the one day liquor licenses as submitted.
Voted 5 – 0
VI COMMITTEE REPORTS
Monponsett Pond – Mr. Howard - Nothing at this time
School Building Committee – Mr. Amico reported that the committee will be meeting on April 10th at 5:30. The committee will be discussing the votes of the School Committee and the Selectmen
Mr. Vertity asked whether it is financially responsible to tear down a building which was just paid for. Mr. Amico explained that the Town will have to pay back $750,000 for the clawback. Mr. Vertity asked what the cost was to the Indian Head. Mr. Egan explained that the amount paid to repair the Indian Head was to keep it running for an additional 15 years. Mr. Egan explained how the costs of the renovations are determined by a square foot basis for Maquan. Indian Head costs were determined for bringing the building up to code using a targeted list.
Activities Committee – Mr. San Angelo reported that Hanson Day has 20 different organizations which have signed up to participate. It is shaping up to be a positive event. The will be inviting WATD to participate. He noted the biggest obstacle is transportation. They will be bussing attendees from Indian Head and Botieri Field. Mr. Amico will contact the company who donated a bus for the Holiday Event. Kiwanis Safety Day will happen at Camp Kiwanee. Shaw’s had co-sponsored the Safety Day and will be willing to participate in Hanson Day.
VII EXECUTIVE SESSION
Chairman Egan announced that the Board will be going into Executive Session to consider the purchase, exchange, lease or value of real estate if the chair declares that an open meeting may have a detrimental effect on the negotiating position of the public body. Harris Stone Property West Washington & Holmes Street
MOTION by Howard, second by Soper as moved. Roll Call Howard aye, Amico aye, Egan Aye, Soper aye. Voted 4 – 0
8:35 p.m. Brief recess
9:21 p.m. Returned to open session
VIII ADJOURNMENT
MOTION by Amico, second by Howard to adjourn. Voted 4 – 0
9:22 p.m. Meeting Adjourned
Respectfully submitted,
Meredith Marini,
Executive Assistant
Approved and Voted 3 – 0
May 13, 2014
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