Town of Hanson - Board of Selectmen
Meeting Minutes – Hanson Town Hall
August 26, 2014
Members Present: Donald Howard, James McGahan William Scott, David Soper
Members Absent: Bruce Young
Others Present: Town Administrator Ron San Angelo
7:30 p.m. Chairman Soper called the meeting to order, led the Pledge Allegiance. Chairman Soper read the announcements, and upcoming meeting schedule.
II TOWN ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT
Mr. Mr. San Angelo San Angelo reported that Plymouth County Mosquito Control is seeking volunteers to serve on the commission.
Mr. San Angelo reported that Craig Finley sent a letter to the board thanking the Hanson Fire Department for helping the school system make sure surveillance cameras were in place.
Mr. San Angelo highlighted the meetings that he attended such as a meeting to discuss economic development with Representative Josh Cutler and other state officials. He also met with Selectmen Howard and Scott along with Highway Supervisor David Hanlon to discuss current snow removal processes and about how we should move forward in the future.
Mr. San Angelo also read a letter from State Representative Josh Cutler outlining various funds the town will receive from the State of Massachusetts.
Mr. San Angelo discussed the Transfer Station noting that approximately 3300 citizens have signed up for transfer station stickers. The PAYT system seems to be working. Recycling is increasing dramatically and solid waste is being reduced. Citizens seem to be accepting the new program and employees are beginning to hear a lot of compliments on how things are progressing.
Mr. San Angelo reported that he and various department heads have met with the Long Term Capital Improvement Committee and the committee is going to move forward with updating the Matrix. Mr. San Angelo also noted that the largest concern was the Highway Department and that major improvements or replacement of the facility is going to have to be addressed by our community.
Mr. San Angelo also reported that the painting of Town Hall has been completed and that we are very happy with the contractors work. He updated the board on the latest status of the Plymouth County Hospital Feasibility Study, the new phone system at Town Hall, and the hiring of two part time employees at the library.
Chairman David Soper changed the order of the Agenda and held the warrant articles until the end of the meeting.
IV OLD BUSINESS
Update on Bean request for easement – 4 William Way
The Town Administrator reported that he discussed this issue with Town Counsel and that he was told that this would not establish a precedent and that each case was unique.
Approve and Vote easement for 604 Brook Street
MOVED by Selectmen McGahan and seconded by Selectmen Howard: That the Board vote to approve and authorize the grant of an easement as shown on the sketch plan at Exhibit A of the Easement, to Sean C. Joanis and Valerie J. Joanis of 604 Brook Street, said conveyance authorized by Article 15 of the Annual Town Meeting of the Town of Hanson held May 5, 2014.
Said easement shall be in the same form as that now presented to the Board and to direct all Board members to execute same.
Motion carried 4-0.
III NEW BUSINESS
Town Administrator Mr. San Angelo San Angelo notified the Board that the Town Accountant had resigned and that we needed a contract in place for a temporary Town Accountant.
Motion by Selectmen Howard and seconded by Selectmen Soper to allow the Town Administrator to sign a contract on behalf of the Board of Selectmen to hire the firm Financial Advisory Associates, Inc as outlined in the contract that has been presented to the board. Motion Held.
Resident Richard Hickey called a Point of Order and discussed the issue of hiring Financial Advisory Associates. He supports hiring the temporary Town Accountant. He discussed his concerns relating to the financial reporting by the town accountant. He wanted to know the process for hiring the Town Accountant. He did not believe the former Town Accountant was qualified for the position. He stated that in his opinion the Town Administrator was responsible for the failures of the Town Accountant and that he was responsible for a bad hire.
The Town Administrator responded by stating that he could not discuss employee matters in public according to state law and explained the hiring process and that good business practices were utilized. He explained that after reviewing the accountants resume, checking references and a formal interview he recommended to the Board of Selectmen that they hire the Town Accountant. He takes responsibility for his recommending to the Board of Selectmen that they hire the former Town Accountant, but advised the citizen that the Board of Selectmen does the formal hiring of the position. He stated that he wished he had a crystal ball that every time he recommended an employee that he would love to say that they were the greatest employee the town every had, but it is sad that this is not the case.
Mr. Hickey stated that in his opinion he believed the responsibility resides with the Town Administrator and that according to the Town Administrators Act he is required to give monthly reports to report monthly to the Board of Selectmen.
Town Administrator reiterated that while good business practices were utilized he does not have a crystal ball and cannot tell how an employee will work out after they are hired. He explained that this is the reason for a 6 month probationary period and while he wished every hire was a complete success he could not guarantee that.
Mr. Hickey stated he thinks that the Town Administrator should resign.
The Town Administrator stated that the Finance Committee Chairwoman sent him a letter stating how great the Town Accountant was in providing information to the Finance Committee and that she recommending keeping her in the position.
Mr. Vess of High Street – Asked for information as to what was going on. Selectmen Soper stated that the Town Accountant had resigned and that we were hiring a temporary Town Accountant and was not at liberty to discuss personnel issues in public.
The Chairman put further discussion of this issue on hold until after the scheduled 8:00 p.m. hearing.
8:00 p.m. Hearing – Hanson Fuel request to amend Liquid Propane Storage License
Town Clerk – Request to declare surplus equipment.
Selectman Soper read the Hearing Notice:
The Board of Selectmen will hold a hearing on Tuesday, August 26, 2014 at 8:00 p.m. in the Selectmen’s Meeting Room at the Hanson Town Hall on the application of James Lamparelli of Tom’s Energy, Hanson Fuel 1158 Main Street, Hanson, Massachusetts to amend the liquid propane storage license from 60,000 gallons to 100,551 gallons to include trucks and small cylinders. Premises to be licensed located at 1158 Main Street and further described as Assessor’s Map 43, Lot 50. Plans are on file for viewing at the Hanson Selectmen’s Office Hanson Town Hall 542 Liberty Street, Hanson, Massachusetts.
Bob Coluccio spoke on behalf of Hanson Fuel.
Mr. Howard asked if moving from 60,000 to 100,000 was going to include all the storage. He wanted to know if any new tanks not originally planned for were going to be added. Mr. Coluccio stated that no new additional tanks would be installed.
Lt. Smith stated that he was okay with the process and that it would be reviewed by the state Fire Marshalls office.
Mr. Edgehill asked if there were any issues with potential terrorism. Lt. Smith stated that the facility was secure.
Mr. Howard made a motion to amend the liquid propane license from 60,000 gallons to 100,551. The motion was seconded by Selectmen Scott. The premises to be licensed are located at 1158 Main Street and further described by Assessors Map 43 lot 50.
Chairman Soper closed discussion and called for a vote. The motion was passed on a 4-0 vote.
III NEW BUSINESS
Mr. Soper again opened the discussion regarding hiring of a temporary Town Accountant.
Ms. Morway 406 High Street also discussed the issue of the Town Accountant and what methods were used to hire the Town Accountant.
The Town Administrator explained the process that is used to hire all town employees. The position is posted, resumes are reviewed, interviewed are conducted and references are called. Mr. San Angelo made a recommendation to the Board of Selectmen and the Board of Selectmen hired the Town Accountant. He then examined the work of the Town Accountant as reviewed by the Auditors and made appropriate decisions.
The Chairman of the Board of Selectmen stated that we could not discuss employee matters publically.
Motion by Selectmen Soper and seconded by Selectmen McGahan to allow the Town Administrator to sign a contract on behalf of the Board of Selectmen to hire the firm Financial Advisory Associates, Inc as outlined in the contract that has been presented to the board.
Selectmen McGahan stated that we were trying to do the best we can and that we simply cannot explain some things regarding personnel matters publically.
Chairman Soper closed discussion and called for a vote. The motion was passed on a 4-0 vote.
Town Administrator explained that a contract was being worked on by the Board of Health and the Norwell VNA and that this contract was still being worked on. He stated that the Board could wait until the contract was finalized before voting on this issue.
Motion by Selectmen Howard and seconded by Selectmen McGahan to allow the Town Administrator to sign a contract on behalf of the Board of Selectmen to hire the Norwell VNA as providers of VNA service to the Department of Health. Motion was held.
Mr. Edgehill discussed this issue and stated that the Board of Health was working to keep these costs as low as possible.
Selectmen McGahan stated that he would like to wait until the contract was in final form before proceeding. Selectmen Scott agreed. Selectmen Soper also concurred.
After discussion the Board decided to hold this until a final contract was completed.
Barbara Arena Chair of the Finance Committee said the Finance Committee asked how much the final contract would cost.
Town Administrator San Angelo stated he believed it was less than $2,000 annually. The hourly wage was $75 for direct services and for nurses it would be $40 per hour.
Richard Edgehill again stated that the Board of Health was doing everything in its power to keep costs down.
Town Administrator San Angelo stated that this contract was on an hourly basis and not on a fixed yearly amount that would be significantly higher and that our Heath Agent was attempting to save the town money.
Town Clerk – Request to declare surplus equipment.
Motion by Selectmen Howard to declare old voting equipment as surplus equipment. Seconded by Selectmen Scott. Motion carried 4-0
Chairman Soper called for a motion to appoint James Hickey to the Recreation Commission.
Motion made by Selectmen Howard to appoint James Hickey of 66 Perry Street to the Recreation Commission. Seconded by Selectmen Scott. Term to expire 6/30/17. Motion carried 4-0.
V ONE DAY LIQUOR LICENSES - Camp Kiwanee
Emily Barboza, Fall River, Fri, September 5th 6:00 – 11:00 p.m. – Wedding
Joshua Teller, Pembroke, Sat., September 6th 5:00 – 10:00 p.m. – Wedding
Ann Foley, Halifax, Sun., September 7th 4:00 – 9:00 p.m. – Wedding
Meg Giddings, Rochester, Fri., September 12th 6:00 – 11:00 p.m. – Wedding
Kaci Laushway, Attleboro, Sat., September 13th 5:00 – 10:00 p.m. – Wedding
Mary Norkus, Hanover, Fri., September 26th 2:00 – 6:00 p.m. – Class Reunion
AaMr. San Angelo Church, Cherry Valley, Sat., September 27th 4:00 – 9:00 p.m. – Wedding
Julie Roberts, Walpole, Sun., September 28th 2:00 – 8:00 p.m. Wedding
Motion by Selectman Howard and seconded by Selectman Scott to approve all One Day Liquor Licenses as stated above. Motion carried 4-0.
VI COMMITTEE REPORTS
Indian Head & Maquan School Priority Repair Committee - Chairman Soper noted that Selectmen Young was out sick. Selectmen McGahan stated that he had toured both schools and that the floors looked good. Boiler repairs still need to be done. Brand new rug is in place at Indian Head. He stated for the record that he would like to see the lentils be fixed as well at Indian Head. He thinks an Article should be in place for October.
Monponsett Pond committee - Selectmen Howard gave a brief report on Monponsett Pond and stated that people could not swim in the pond at this time. He gave a brief history of the issues at the pond. He pointed out that everyone was trying to get the pond back to its natural state.
Vote to close Warrant- Review proposed Warrant Articles.
Article 1 – Unpaid Bills
MOTION by Howard, second by McGahan to place on warrant. Voted 4 – 0
Article 2 – Increase Stabilization
MOTION by Howard, second by McGahan to place on warrant. Voted 4 – 0
Article 3 – Re-imbursement from Recreation Commission to General Fund.
MOTION by Howard, second by McGahan to place on warrant. Voted 4 – 0
Article 4 – Amend Recreation Department Enterprise Fund.
MOTION by Howard, second by McGahan to place on warrant. Voted 4 – 0
Article 5 – Rescind Borrowing. Stone Property.
MOTION by Howard, second by McGahan to place on warrant. Voted 4 – 0
Article 6 – Removal of Phragmites, Maquan Pond.
MOTION by Howard, second by McGahan to place on warrant. Voted 4 – 0
Article 7 – Removal of Phragmites, Smitt’s Bog.
MOTION by Howard, second by McGahan to place on warrant. Voted 4 – 0
Article 8 – Easement 4 Williams Way.
MOTION by Howard, second by McGahan to place on warrant. Voted 4 – 0
Article 9 – Disposal Attendant at Transfer Station.
MOTION by Howard, second by McGahan to place on warrant. Hold 4 – 0
Article 10 – Amend Transfer Station Enterprise Fund.
MOTION by Howard, second by McGahan to place on warrant. Voted 4 – 0
Article 11 – Inter-municipal Agreement for Solid Waste and Recycling Services.
MOTION by Howard, second by McGahan to place on warrant. Voted 4 – 0
Article 12 – Library, Replacement of Windows.
MOTION by Howard, second by McGahan to place on warrant. Voted 4 – 0
Article 13 – Police Department, Technology Upgrades.
MOTION by Howard, second by McGahan to place on warrant. Voted 4 – 0
Article 14 – Police Department, Protective Clothing.
MOTION by Howard, second by McGahan to place on warrant. Voted 4 – 0
Article 15 – Police Department, Tire Deflation Devices.
MOTION by Howard, second by McGahan to place on warrant. Voted 4 – 0
Article 16 – Police Department, New Patrol Rifles.
MOTION by Howard, second by McGahan to place on warrant. Voted 4 – 0
Police Chief explained the need for the new rifles. They are consistent with other Police Departments. Officers with military training are more familiar with weapons.
Article 17 – Fire Department, Main Street Fire Station, Upgrades and Maintenance.
MOTION by Howard, second by McGahan to place on warrant. Voted 4 – 0
Article 18 – Fire Department, New Mini-Pumper.
MOTION by Howard, second by McGahan to place on warrant. Voted 4 – 0
Article 19 – Fire Department, Protective Clothing.
MOTION by Howard, second by McGahan to place on warrant. Voted 4 – 0
Article 20 – Town Clerk, To Remain Closed on Saturdays.
MOTION by Howard, second by McGahan to place on warrant. Voted 4 – 0
Article 21 – Name Playground on Hancock Street in honor of James Harrington.
MOTION by Howard, second by McGahan to place on warrant. Voted 4 – 0
Article 22 – Memorial Marker for James Harrington.
MOTION by Howard, second by McGahan to place on warrant. Voted 4 – 0
Article 23 – Assessors, Recertification of Valuations.
MOTION by Howard, second by McGahan to place on warrant. Voted 4 – 0
Article 24 – Accountant Salary Adjustment.
MOTION by Howard, second by McGahan to place on warrant. Voted 4 – 0
Article 25 – Highway, Storm Water Management.
MOTION by Howard, second by McGahan to place on warrant. Voted 4 – 0
Article 26 –Highway, Maintenance of Private Ways.
MOTION by Howard, second by McGahan to place on warrant. Voted 4 – 0
Article 27 – Highway, Street Sweeping.
Article 28 – Sign on Route 27.
MOTION by Howard, second by McGahan to place on warrant. Voted 4 – 0
Article 29 – Highway, Drainage Issues.
MOTION by Howard, second by McGahan to place on warrant. Voted 4 – 0
Article 30 – Planning Board, Creation of a Fund for Sidewalks.
MOTION by Howard, second by McGahan to place on warrant. Voted 4 – 0
Don Ellis Chairman of the Planning Commission explained why this was a good idea. Support from Bob Hayes Chairman of the School Committee. It would be good to have sidewalks near the schools.
Article 31 – Planning Board, Update Plan for Sidewalks on Main Street.
MOTION by Howard, second by McGahan to place on warrant. Voted 4 – 0
Article 32 – Zoning By Law Committee, Update Zoning By Laws.
MOTION by Howard, second by McGahan to place on warrant. Voted 4 – 0
Article 33 – School Committee, Emergency Repairs for Schools.
MOTION by Howard, second by McGahan to place on warrant. Voted 4 – 0
Mr. Hayes discussed insurance requirements.
Article 34 – School Committee, Maquan School Lock / Key/ Corridor Doors.
MOTION by Howard, second by McGahan to place on warrant. Voted 4 – 0
Mr. Hayes discussed issue of the safety of the buildings. Selectmen Scott discussed state safety regulations and the expenses associated with the project. He thought it would be a costly project. Mr. Hayes stated that once we start we have to do the entire project. We can’t do just some locks.
Article 35 – School Committee, Interior Ventilator for Maquan School.
MOTION by Howard, second by McGahan to place on warrant. Voted 4 – 0
Selectmen McGahan would like Air Quality Tests to be performed. He is questioning the priority of this project. Money could go for things like the lentils. Chairman Soper also asked about testing and wanted to know how they came up with the estimate. Mr. Hays will check with Mr. Sandland to see what tests have been performed.
Chairman Hayes assured the board that he would provide more information and asked them to place the article and he would update the board at a later date. If we need to we can take it off later if it is not needed.
Selectmen McGahan stated he would vote to place it for now and reconsider after all relevant information was provided.
Article 36 – School Committee, Public Bid Document for Indian Head Roof Replacement.
MOTION by Howard, second by McGahan to place on warrant. Voted 4 – 0
The Town Administrator wanted to discuss this with the Chairman of the Priority School Committee who was sick and could not be at the meeting. Mr. San Angelo explained the Invitation to Bid process. He thought the Chairman would like to do both the Bid Documents and have the cost of the project in one or more Articles. Mr. San Angelo explained the timing of this and the election process. He thought that it might make sense to first to the Bid Documents and then later do the cost of the project.
The Town Administrator stated that he thinks that it is two separate Articles. One for the Bid Documents and one for the Debt Exclusion for the roof repair and that the School Committee would have to give us and Article for the Debt Exclusion.
Mr. Hayes stated that the Town Administrator was hitting on all Articles and said that if you go to Indian Head School you will see a mock roof in place. They are looking to see if this type of repair will work. It is on Memorial Hall roof. These Articles are the only ones the School Committee has voted on so far. Over $35,000 any repair must have a bid specification so that all bidders are bidding on the same exact project. He stated that he supports fixing the roof as quickly as possible. He would like to be ready for May.
The Town Administrator stated that we can do the Bid Document now and the School Committee can get funding for the repair in May. The question he has is can we do both the funds for the Bid Document and also utilize the estimate that the Priority School Repair Committee comes up with for the October Town Meeting. Can we have the full cost put on now?
Can we do everything for October? The Town Administrator believes from what he was sent from the School Repair Committee that would like to do it all at the same time.
Selectmen Scott state he thinks that the estimates have already been done and he believes that Selectmen Young would want to do everything at the October Town Meeting.
The Town Administrator is supportive if we can find a way to do this all at one time.
Chairman Hayes talked about various repairs and was wondering if the estimates were old or not.
He was not sure what the appropriate repair is. Do you fix the slate roof or do you put on a asphalt roof.
Selectmen McGahan also supported what Selectmen Scott stated. He wanted to take all the numbers into account. He would like to see how we can move this forward as quickly as we can.
What is the best solution?
The Town Administrator agreed with Selectmen Scott and Selectmen McGahan.
He asked if the School Committee could put together an Article for a Debt Exclusion in some amount that the School Repair Committee comes up with from the estimates that they receive.
He believes that the School Committee would have to develop the Article.
Chairman Soper stated that Selectmen Young was contacting Selectmen McGahan by cell phone. He asked if the board does not object that he would like to get Selectmen Young on the phone. No one opposed the call.
Selectmen Young was contacted by Selectmen McGahan by cell phone and placed on speaker.
Town Administrator asked Selectmen Young to explain the committees thought process. He was in the process of getting estimates for various solutions. Mr. Young discussed various options for repair.
Town Administrator San Angelo asked Selectmen Young if his committee wanted to have a Debt Exclusion voted on at this October’s meeting and Selectmen Young stated that he did. The Town Administrator than stated he believed that the School Committee would then have to develop an Article for a Debt Exclusion. Selectmen Young said that he would be providing quality estimates for the roof repair. Selectmen Young is looking for a separate special election just for this issue.
He is picturing an exclusion that includes the roof repair, the lintels, and the security issues at Maquan School. He is looking at a package of items for the exclusion.
The Town Administrator will forward the proposed Article that Selectmen Young sent the Town Administrator to everyone involved.
Town Administrator asked Selectmen Young if he was okay with one Article for the Bid Document and a separate Article for the Debt Exclusion. Selectmen Young and the Town Administrator discussed the Invitation to Bid process. Selectmen Young did not understand why they did not have bid specifications in the past.
Chairman Soper stated that he believed that they did have someone develop Bid Specifications.
Chairman Hayes asked that we place the Article and then decide how to move forward.
The Phone call ended.
The Town Administrator attempted to add a place holder for a debt exclusion that would include the 3 items discussed. It was agreed that we could open the Warrant at a later date to add the Debt Exclusion Article.
Article 37 – School Committee, Indian Head School, Floor and Carpet Replacement.
MOTION by Howard, second by McGahan to place on warrant. Voted 4 – 0
Article 38 – Library/Senior Center. Needs Assessment of Roof.
MOTION by Howard, second by McGahan to place on warrant. Voted 4 – 0
The Town Administrator explained issues with the roof and that we needed someone to come in and evaluate the design of the roof.
Article 39 – Amend By-laws for Recreation Commission. Technical Adj.
MOTION by Howard, second by McGahan to place on warrant. Voted 4 – 0
Article 40 – Amend Hanson General By-laws, Junk Dealers.
MOTION by Howard, second by McGahan to place on warrant. Voted 4 – 0
Article 41 – Planning Board, Medical Marijuana
MOTION by Howard, second by McGahan to place on warrant. Voted 4 – 0
Planning Chairman Ellis explained that this just changed the language from temporary to permanent.
Selectmen McGahan asked about the lintels. Town Administrator San Angelo explained that he believed that there was going to be one Debt Exclusion Article for all three items. This includes the roof repair, lintels, and the locks.
The Town Administrator stated that he believed that the Chairman of the School Committee and the School Repair Committee needs to work together to come up with agreed upon Articles.
ADJOURNMENT
MOTION by Howard, second by McGahan to adjourn. Voted 4 – 0
10:37 p.m. Meeting adjourned.
Respectfully submitted,
Ron San Angelo,
Town Administrator
Approved and Voted 4 – 0 – 1(Young)
September 9, 2014
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