Town of Hanson - Board of Selectmen
Meeting Minutes – Hanson Town Hall
October 21, 2014
Members Present: Donald Howard, James McGahan, William Scott & Bruce Young
Members Absent:
Others Present: Town Administrator Ronald San Angelo
Executive Assistant Meredith Marini
7:30 p.m. Vice Chairman Young called the meeting to order, led the Pledge Allegiance. Vice Chairman Young requested a Moment of Silence for Water Commissioner Mike Duffy. Mr. Young noted the Mr. Duffy was a dedicated public servant and Mr. Howard concurred.
Swearing in of Police Sergeants Peter Daley and Michael Bearce
Chief Miksch gave a brief history of Sergeant Daley who accompanied by his wife, three children and parents. The Chief noted that Sgt. Daley is filling the vacancy, which was left when his father Sgt. Peter Dale retired earlier in the year. Sergeant Bearce, who has been on the department for six years, was accompanied by his wife, two children and his parents and in-laws.
Chief Miksch is confident the men will do a good job. He acknowledged all the officers who participated in the assessment process.
Town Clerk Elizabeth Sloan swore in Sergeant Daley. Sergeant Daley was pinned by his father Peter Daley and his son.
Sergeant Bearce was sworn in by Town Clerk Elizabeth Sloan. He was pinned by his wife and son Brady.
The Chief thanked the Board and wished the Sergeants the best of luck. Selectman Scott wished the sergeants well.
Vice Chairman Young read the announcements and upcoming meeting schedule.
7:45 p.m. Joint Pole Hearing – Petition 16479615 – Spring Street
MOTION by Howard, second by McGahan to open the hearing. Voted 4 - 0
David Terk of National Grid was present and explained that they are working on several poles to increase reliability of service. The poles will be located on West Washington to Spring Street and it is heavier wires. Currently the wires are attached to a tree. The poles and anchor will be in the public way. The pole will have a guide wire and a six foot lead.
Patricia Packard of 177 Spring Street indicated that the pole will be in front of her house and obstruct the view of the home. She suggested that National Grid use the pole that is on the left side of her house between her house and Wyman’s Nursery.
Mr. Terk indicated that there is a slight curve in the road and they will not be able to use the pole next to Wyman’s Nursery.
Mr. Terk reviewed a Google map with Mrs. Packard highlighting the where the pole would be located. After lengthy discussion relative to the location of the pole, the parties agreed to meet and determine an appropriate alternative location.
MOTION by Howard, second by McGahan to table the matter until November 18th. Voted 4 – 0
II TOWN ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT
Discussion regarding water testing of ponds – Mr. San Angelo indicated that a test of Wampatuck Pond has recently been conducted and as a result, an advisory sign has been posted at the pond that the fish should not be eaten. Mr. San Angelo handed out a report to the Board regarding his research on the Town ponds, lakes, rivers and streams. He suggested the members review the report for discussion at a later date. He noted the Mr. Howard has been working on pond issues at Monponsett Pond for several years. Pembroke has been working with Hanson relative to Oldham Pond.
He noted that Water Superintendent Richard Muncey will discuss Hanson’s water quality. Mr. San Angelo noted that there has been some concern about the safety of Hanson Water.
Mr. San Angelo reviewed his Town Administrator’s report. He noted that he met with Great Cedar Cattle Feeders and will be addressing the matter later in the agenda.
Mr. San Angelo has participated in several conference calls regarding the Ebola Virus relative to safety of health care providers, EMS, Boards of Health. The State is a long way from creating plans and protocols for the general public. Everyone is working hard to get a handle on the matter. The State has provided contact information for the communities.
Mr. San Angelo attended a meeting with Coleman Nee the Secretary of Veterans Services who was very informative regarding veterans services.
He met with the Director of Elder Affairs and the Fire Chief to secure windows for the library/senior center and the fire station.
Mr. San Angelo reported that the Transfer Station has changed considerably. ABC Disposal will be installing new containers next week. He expects little impact on the citizens during the transition.
Vice Chairman Young inquired as to the figures of PAYT. Mr. San Angelo indicated that he is gathering the figures and would like to have a full quarter completed before reporting.
Relative to procurement, Mr. San Angelo indicated that quotes have been requested for the interior painting of Town Hall. He hopes to select a contractor in the next few weeks. He worked with Rob O’Brien and an invitation to bid the replacement of the ball fields at Botieri Field has been advertised.
Chief Thompson has put out a bid for the Mini Pumper.
Mr. San Angelo indicated that he has set up a meeting with the State in the hopes of securing Brownsfields funds at Plymouth County Hospital.
Mr. San Angelo met with Selectmen Scott and Howard along with Highway Surveyor Robert Brown and Supervisor David Hanlon and reviewed the conflict of interest forms to insure that all the plow contractors are in compliance. Both Mr. Scott and Mr. Howard agreed the review was a good process.
Mr. San Angelo noted that DEP has granted up 60 hours of Technical Assistant from Janine Delaney. The Town has received the Technical Assistant grant for the last few years.
Electrical Energy Savings Improvements – Mr. San Angelo has been working with National Grid to replace fixtures at the Town Hall, Library/Senior Center, Police Station and Fire Station. It will cost approximately $1,500 per building but the long term saving will be worth the capital expenditure.
Mr. San Angelo will be signing the annual Cultural Council Grant in the amount of $4,300 from the State.
Letter of Support for Halifax Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) feasibility grant – Mr. San Angelo received a request from Halifax Health Agent Cathy Drinan for a letter of support for the SCADA grant. Due to a timing of the Selectmen’s meeting, Mr. San Angelo sent a letter of support as Town Administrator. Halifax would also like a letter from the Hanson Board of Selectmen.
MOTION by Scott, second by Howard, to send a letter in support of the SCADA grant for the Town of Halifax. Voted 4 - 0
III NEW BUSINESS
Reorganize the Board
Nomination from Scott, second by Howard to elect Bruce Young as Chairman. Voted 4 – 0
Nomination from McGahan, second by Howard to elect Bill Scott as Vice Chairman Voted 4 - 0
Nomination from Howard, second by Scott to elect Jim McGahan as Clerk Voted 4 – 0
Dept. Reports
Water Dept. – Water Superintendent Richard Muncey informed the Board that the work on the Water Tank on High Street will go out to bid in January with the work to commence the first week of April. The Water Commissioners expect the work to be completed by September. They will be off Hanson water from April to June and will be on Brockton Water during that period. The tank will be covered, vented and filtered. The Water Department will be working on a water main projects East Washington Street from Winter to State Streets. He noted that the project will be conducted simultaneously with the water tank project to reduce the bonding costs. They have $882,000 in water surplus.
Mr. Muncey reminded residents that water bills due on November 6th.
Mr. San Angelo wanted to assure the Board that the water coming from Brockton is safe. He noted the Brockton had a notice on their website about problems with some areas in Brockton at cul de sac. The water is 100% safe and guaranteed and approved by the DEP.
Kimberly King indicated that Brockton is in control of the fish ladder and it has been ignored for years. That is why Halifax has applied for the grant. Ms. King indicated that she was here to represent Paul Collis from Monponsett Pond Water Shed Association. Halifax and the Monponsett Pond Water Shed Association has asked Plymouth County Mosquito Control dredge the area. Plymouth County Mosquito Control has rules and regulations which prohibit them from dredging the whole stream. They are allowed to dredge 5,000 square feet. She suggested that Hanson and Halifax bring the matter to the Plymouth County Mosquito Control for its review. Ms. King acknowledged that Mr. Howard has been before the Commission and is very involved. She noted that Brockton is not doing
what they should be doing under the regulations such as upkeep of the hydrants and the fish ladder. She doesn’t feel the residents of Hanson should continue to pay when Brockton isn’t doing what is required in the agreement and legislation.
Continuation of Gravel Removal Permit - Great Cedar Cattle Feeders Inc. –
Bog 9 off Pierce Avenue and Robinson Street
MOTION by Howard, second by McGahan to reopen the Gravel Removal Hearing. Voted 4 – 0
Mr. San Angelo indicated that at the direction of the board, he met with Mr. Spera and the representatives of Great Cedar Cattle Feeders. Mr. San Angelo crafted a motion and feels it addresses several issues of the abutters.
MOTION by Howard, second by McGahan
- The Applicant shall provide a reasonable topographical plan that demonstrates the defined work area. It shall also show the location of all abutters of the area under consideration. The acceptance of this plan will be determined by the Board of Selectmen. The volume of excavation will be limited to 2600 cubic yards of material.
- The Applicant will provide a plan that shows storm water drainage, final grades, and any proposed vegetation and trees planted during restoration. These plans shall be signed by the Engineer of the Great Cattle Feeders Inc. The acceptance of this plan will be determined by the Board of Selectmen.
- The hours of operation for any removal of gravel shall be between the hours of 8:00 AM. and 3:00 PM. Monday through Friday.
- The Applicant will utilize a water truck to insure that any dust from the removal or material is controlled. This will be based on weather conditions and the dryness of the soil. Furthermore the Applicant agrees that all trucks shall be covered when material is removed.
- All material will be allowed to ingress and egress through Robinson Street or Main Street in order to provide safe passage by drivers of the tractor trailers. All drivers will travel at a slow rate of speed and utilize all reasonable efforts to provide the least amount of dust possible and for the safety for all area residents.
- The Applicant will provide a natural buffer of at least 100 feet on Pierce Avenue from the existing fence line.
- No more than 100 tractor trailer truckloads of material under this permit will be removed from the site and no more than 5 truckloads will be removed on a daily basis. The material will be removed only during the following time periods. From October 22nd 2014 through December 1, 2014 and between April 1, 2015 and July 1, 2015.
- The Applicant agrees that at the end of the gravel removal operation to slope and seed the area property (3 to 1 slope) to control erosion and settlement. Furthermore the Applicant will control all drainage runoff on his property.
Mr. Spera of 159 Pierce Avenue indicated that in his opinion the removal is an accessory use. He thanked the Board, Mr. San Angelo and the applicant for their consideration. He has no problem with access on to Robinson Street.
They request a 250’ buffer from the operation from the rear lot line of the Pierce Avenue abutters. Mr. Spera presented a proposed plan. He doesn’t feel it is necessary to move closer to Pierce Avenue as it will be disruptive to the residents.
The abutters also requested that the Board require a public hearing for any additional work and renewals. Mr. San Angelo indicated that he didn’t think it would be a problem as the applicant have been working with the Town.
Chaz Tyia of Great Cedar Cattle Feeders indicated that a farm plan has been submitted under the name of Great Cedar Cattle Feeders. They will incorporate the neighbors concerns within the Farm Plan. He pointed out that there is a 100 foot buffer. They are using Robinson Street access for safety. They will adhere to the times of bus traffic. They are willing to work with the neighbors and the Town.
Mr. Scott noted the Mr. Haseotes has opted not to use the agricultural exemption and recommended the Board not be too restrictive with the regulations. Mr. Scott noted that he has a CDL and operated trucks for years and feels that the drivers should be able to operate out onto Main Street.
Ron San Angelo suggested that the motion include or Main Street to accommodate
Resident asked what the objection is to the 250’ buffer. Mr. Tyia indicated that it will affect the ability to properly slope at 3 to 1 and grading would be an issue.
MOTION by Scott, second by Howard to amend the motion to add “or Main Street’ to number 5. Voted 4 – 0
Brief discussion relative to requiring a public hearing for any renewals. Mr. San Angelo indicates that the by-law gives the Board the ability to call for a public hearing in necessary.
Mr. Mitchell Hawthorne Street feels the Board should approve the permit and the applicant has worked with the Town.
Mr. McGahan indicated that the Board is doing its best and weighing all points in order to provide a fair decision for all parties involved.
So moved as amended. Voted 4 - 0
IV OLD BUSINESS
Vote to sign the Intermunicipal Agreement for South Shore Recycling Cooperative
MOTION by Howard, second by Scott to sign the Intermunicipal Agreement. Voted 4 – 0
Discussion relative to the Visiting Nurse Association Contract – Mr. San Angelo indicates that the services are $250. Town Counsel wanted to change the contract but the VNA would not make the adjustments to the contract. Town Counsel noted it is very little risk to the Town.
MOTION by Howard, second by McGahan to approve the contract and authorize the chairman to sign the contract with the Norwell Visiting Nurse Association. Voted 4 – 0
Returned to New Business
Appointment/Resignations:
Appointment – Raymond Slayton, 480 Birchbark Road – Recreation Commission
Fill the vacancy of Kevin Cameron - Term to expire 6/30/15
MOTION by Howard, second by McGahan to appoint Raymond Slayton to the Recreation Committee, term to expire June 30, 2015. Voted 4 -0
Resignation of John Murray from Conservation effective October 31, 2014
MOTION by Howard, second by Scott to accept with regret the resignation of John Murray. Voted 4 – 0
Resignation of Michele Mills from the Council of Elder Affairs Effective 10/8/14
MOTION by Howard, second by McGahan to accept with regret the resignation of Michele Mills. Voted 4 – 0
Representative to the Old Colony Metropolitan Planning Organization – Chairman Young volunteered to apply.
Requests
Village Mini Mart 911 Main Street – Change Sunday Hours from 12:00 p.m. to 10:00 a.m.
MOTION by Howard, second McGahan to approve the Sunday opens from 12:00 p.m. to 10:00 a.m. for Village Mini Mart. Voted 4 - 0
Acceptance of Gift of Gale Associates Indian Head Slate Roof evaluation – Mr. San Angelo read into the record a letter from Community for Common Sense Association dated October 14, 2014.
Dear Board Members and Mr. San Angelo:
The Community for Common Sean Association is an association concerned with local government and taxpayer issues in the Town of Hanson. We are pleased that we were able to raise funds that resulted in the “Slate Roof Evaluation at the Indian Head School” prepared by Gale Associates, Inc. This is the very first independent and complete evaluation (with resulting cost estimate) that we believe will be very helpful to the town, the school department and the Priority Repair Committee.
According to the Massachusetts Office of Campaign and Political Finance (OCPF), this type of contribution is an appropriate use of association funds that were raised for the purpose of benefiting the town.
Many of our members have watched the progress of the Indian Head and Maquan School Priority Repair Committee during the recent past and appreciated the long hours spent working on a logical plan for the Indian Head School slate roof. Many citizens who value the preservation of the Indian Head School contributed generously. A draft form of the report was received just prior to the October Town Meeting and made available to the Prior Repair Committee.
We hope that you will find this report helpful as you move ahead with the additional steps necessary to complete the replacement of the Indian Head School roof.
Respectfully yours,
Marjorie Young
Chairman
Community for Common Sense Association.
Mr. San Angelo noted that the value of the gift (the evaluation report) is $6,000.00.
MOTION by Howard, second by Scott to accept the gift of the Slate Roof evaluation of Indian Head School by Gale Associates from Community for Common Sense Association Voted 3 – 0 – 1 (Young)
Proclaim November as Pancreatic cancer month – Mr. San Angelo indicated that he received an e-mail from Brock N. Cordero dated Sunday, October 12, 2014 requesting that the Board vote to declare November as Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Month. Mr. San Angelo read a portion of the e-mail:
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Dear Town Administrator San Angelo:
I am writing on behalf of the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network and the estimated 39,590 Americans who will die of pancreatic cancer in 2014, approximately 920 of whom live in Massachusetts. In 2014, pancreatic cancer will afflict more than 46,420 Americans, 73% of whom will die within one year of their diagnosis, and 94% of whom will die within five years of diagnosis.
My father, Norman Cordeiro, was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer on September 18, 2013 and prior to then the disease was something about which I had really only heard of but had never directly affected me or my family. Unfortunately, despite an initial hopeful diagnosis his condition was different, and much worse, than had been expected. My father’s surgeon told me that my dad had an estimate of only six months to live. Norman Cordeiro passed away from pancreatic cancer on March 30, 2014.
To date, pancreatic cancer is the fourth leading cause of cancer death in the United States, and it is the only major cancer with a five-year relative survival rate in the single digits at just six percent. Furthermore, the incidence and death rate for pancreatic cancer are increasing, and pancreatic cancer is anticipated to move from the fourth to the second leading cause of cancer-related death in the U.S. by 2020. We need your help to shine a spotlight on this disease and finally make progress in developing treatments and early detection tools. By issuing a proclamation supporting the observance of November 2014 as Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Month in Hanson, you can help us to raise awareness in our community.
MOTION by Howard, second by Scott to declare November as Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Month as requested. Voted 4 – 0
Mr. San Angelo read the Proclamation.
Hanson, Massachusetts Proclamation
RESOLUTION
Declaring the month of November “Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Month” in the Town of Hanson, Massachusetts.
WHEREAS in 2014, an estimated 46,420 people will be diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in the United States and 39,590 will die from the disease;
WHEREAS pancreatic cancer is one of the deadliest cancers, is currently the fourth leading cause of cancer death in the United States and is projected to become the second by 2020;
WHEREAS pancreatic cancer is the only major cancer with a five-year relative survival rate in the single digits at just six percent;
WHEREAS when symptoms of pancreatic cancer present themselves, it is generally late stage, and 73 percent of pancreatic cancer patients die within the first year of their diagnosis while 94 percent of pancreatic cancer patients die within the first five years;
WHEREAS approximately 920 deaths will occur in Massachusetts in 2014;
WHEREAS the Recalcitrant Cancer Research Act was signed into law in 2013, which calls on the National Cancer Institute to develop a scientific framework, or strategic plans, for pancreatic cancer and other deadly cancers, which will help provide the strategic direction and guidance needed to make true progress against these diseases; and
WHEREAS, it will be very difficult to leverage the opportunities that come out of the scientific framework developed as a result of the Recalcitrant Cancer Research Act unless sustained and adequate funding is provided to the National Institutes of Health and National Cancer Institute; and
WHEREAS federal funding for medical research is critical to job protection and creation in Massachusetts; and
WHEREAS the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network is the national organization serving the pancreatic cancer community in Hanson and nationwide through a comprehensive approach that includes public policy, research funding, patient services, and public awareness and education related to developing effective treatments and a cure for pancreatic cancer;
WHEREAS the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network and its affiliates in Hanson support those patients currently battling pancreatic cancer, as well as to those who have lost their lives to the disease, and are committed to nothing less than a cure;
WHEREAS the good health and well-being of the residents of Hanson are enhanced as a direct result of increased awareness about pancreatic cancer and research into early detection, causes, and effective treatments; therefore be it
RESOLVED that the Board of Selectmen designate the month of November 2014 as “Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Month” in the Town of Hanson, Massachusetts.
Robert Arsenault - Discuss Veteran’s Agent salary – Chairman Young indicated that Mr. Arsenault requested the matter be tabled until the next meeting on November 4th.
V ONE DAY LIQUOR LICENSES - Camp Kiwanee
Tara Mistrette, Stoneham, Sat., Nov. 1st 4:30 – 10:30 p.m. – Wedding
New England Bartending Services, Fri & Sat., Nov. 21, 22, 28 & 29 6:00 – 9:30 p.m. – Play
New England Bartending Services, Sun., Nov. 23 & 30th 2:00 – 5:30 p.m. – Play
MOTION by Howard, second by McGahan to approve the one day liquor licenses as submitted.
Voted 4 – 0
VI APPROVE MINUTES
September 30, 2014
October 3, 2014
October 6, 2014
MOTION by Howard, second by Scott to accept the minutes of Sept. 30, Oct. 3 and Oct. 6. Voted 4 – 0
VII COMMITTEE REPORTS
Indian Head & Maquan School Priority Repair Committee – Chairman Young indicated that the committee met briefly last week. The committee will review the repairs with the School Committee and Facilities committee at a meeting on October 29th. They will also discuss the trigger points for the repairs to the schools. Mr. San Angelo indicated that the School Committee’s Counsel will be present because he will be attending for contractual purposes.
Monponsett Pond committee – Mr. Howard indicated that the committee will be meeting November 3rd and November 13th
Whitman Hanson Facilities Committee – Mr. McGahan indicated that the committee met on October 8th. The committee is seeking clarification on trigger points. He believes the numbers will be 30% over three year instead of 33% over five years. The Committee discussed the Gale Report. The Committee will meet again on October 29th.
VIII ADJOURNMENT
MOTION by Howard, second by McGahan to adjourn. Voted 4 – 0
9:30 p.m. Meeting adjourned.
Respectfully submitted,
Meredith Marini,
Executive Assistant
Approved and Voted 4 – 0
December 2, 2014 as amended
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