Town of Hanson - Board of Selectmen
Meeting Minutes – Hanson Town Hall
November 4, 2014
Members Present: Donald Howard, James McGahan, William Scott & Bruce Young
Members Absent:
Others Present: Town Administrator Ronald San Angelo
Executive Assistant Meredith Marini
8:00 p.m. Chairman Young called the meeting to order, led the Pledge Allegiance. Chairman Young read the announcements and upcoming meeting schedule.
II TOWN ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT
Review proposed Capital Improvement Plan – Mr. San Angelo reviewed the Selectmen’s Capital Improvement Plan. He noted that that Priority 1 is the technology upgrade. This will include a fiber network throughout the town departments. The money will be used along with money received through the Cable Television Contract. Mr. San Angelo noted that the amount was reduced from last year’s plan due to the installation of a new telephone system which occurred this Fall.
The second priority is to repave the parking area and handicapped ramp at Town Hall. The third priority is the Plymouth County Hospital needs for a possible RFP, annual drainage is the fourth priority, with sidewalks being the fifth item. Mr. San Angelo requested the Board review the plan and let him know if there are other projects they would like to add to the plan.
Pre-employment medical provider – Mr. San Angelo recommended that the Board appoint Health Express of Pembroke, Mass. as one of the Town’s providers for Pre-employment exams and drug testing. Mr. San Angelo indicated that the Town currently uses Beth Israel Deaconness in Plymouth. Mr. San Angelo indicated this would give the Town options for pre-employment physical and drug testing. Chairman Young asked if other facilities were considered. Mr. San Angelo indicated that Health Express solicited the Town. They have several offices in the area which would be more convenient than sending employees to Plymouth.
MOTION by Howard, second by McGahan to appoint Health Express as one of the Town Facilities for physicals and drug testing. Voted 4 – 0
Mr. San Angelo reported that he had a meeting with Jim Walsh of Mass Development and Gerard Martin from Mass. DEP to view the Plymouth County Hospital in order to secure funding for clean up. Mr. San Angelo noted that unfortunately the funds available were for underground contamination. He noted that all the contamination at the site has been remediated. There are no grants available for demolition. Mr. Walsh will direct the Town to the real estate division of Mass. Development relative to development of the property.
Mr. San Angelo indicated that the quotes for the interior painting of Town Hall are due on Wednesday, November 5th at 1:00 p.m. and the bids for the Botieri field are due at 2:00 p.m.
Mr. San Angelo reported that Hanover Glass has been contracted to repair and replace the windows at the Library/Senior Center.
Budget season is upon us and the budget message will be going out on Monday, November 10th.
III NEW BUSINESS
Update on Comcast Cable License Renewal – Mr. San Angelo introduced Attorney William Solomon who was has been negotiating the contract over the last few years. He negotiated Whitman’s contract recently.
Attorney Solomon noted that he worked with Hanson during the last negotiation session. The license provided good funding which brought forward Whitman Hanson Public Access Corporation.
They improved upon the current license. He indicated that the process started with former Town Administrator Rene’ Read. Mrs. Marini attended some of the negotiations during the interim period and Mr. San Angelo has been part of the process since his arrival.
This is a ten year license which is the maximum allowed by law. Verizon is no longer in the cable business. Comcast makes cable available to all resident in Hanson.
PEG Access 4.75 % has increased from 4% of the company’s gross revenues. This amount provides a cushion. Mr. San Angelo explained that PEG Access is the public broadcasting of programming which includes 3 television stations. The public has the ability to produce programming. This includes all the governmental meeting and activities including the Whitman Hanson Regional School District.
Capital support is $140,000 which is paid in three payments. This is excellent capital funding
Comcast provides cable service to public buildings. The PEG Access video return. This provides broadcasting from various town buildings, Town Hall, Library, Maquan and Middle Schools.
The license provides the Town the ability to broadcast over its own network instead of Comcast building the system. At that point the Town will be responsible of maintenance of the fiber system. Mr. San Angelo noted that the $40,000 from the Capital Improvement Plan would come into play with the Comcast funding.
Attorney Solomon indicated that the $2.00 senior discount would be agreed upon in a side letter, but not be part in the final license. The senior discount will be based on eligibility.
Mr. Howard indicated that he is paying over $90.00 per month for cable for basic expanded. He feels the $2.00 discount is too low. Attorney Solomon noted that Comcast is not required to provide a discount and many other cable companies do not offer a senior discount. He noted that $2.00 is the maximum amount given in the Commonwealth. The Town has no leverage on the license.
Mike McLeod of Highland Terrace asked why Comcast can’t provide an introductory rate for seniors. Attorney Solomon feels that if residents reach out to Comcast they maybe able to get an introductory rate.
Attorney Solomon indicated that the contract is $2.5Million over 5 years going into Hanson and Hanson institutions.
The hearing for the license will be held on November 18th at which time the Board will vote to sign the license. Attorney Solomon is still working on the final contract with Comcast but will have it available on November 18th.
Attorney Solomon indicated that there is no competition among cable companies. After Verizon came to Massachusetts and set up in some communities, they decided to sell wireless to Comcast and will no longer build FIOS in Massachusetts. Attorney Solomon indicated that Hanson has looked at other options, but none are available.
Discussion possible action relative to Intermunicipal Agreement with Whitman Hanson Regional School District – Mr. San Angelo indicated that there had been a joint meeting with the Regional School and Town. The School Committee is still in the process of reviewing the agreement. They met with their counsel and have some questions. Mr. San Angelo may set up a meeting with some of the representatives of both groups. He recommended tabling the matter. Chairman Young noted that there were some questions about who is responsible for handling the bidding of the project.
School Committee Chairman Robert Hayes indicated that they are working with counsel and expects to have it resolved shortly. Mr. San Angelo feels that the design company hired to oversee the project will be drafting the bid documents. The design engineer could draw up the specs for both the roof and lentil projects.
Vote to Release 1993 Lien - 43 Elm Street - Mrs. Marini explained that the Treasurer is purging files and came across the lien for 43 Elm Street and 957 Winter Street. The taxes for both properties were paid years ago, but the liens had not been released. This is a housekeeping matter.
MOTION by Howard, second by Scott to release lien at 43 Elm Street. Voted 4 – 0
Vote to Release 1994 Lien – 957 Winter Street
MOTION by Howard, second by Scott to release lien 957 Winter Street. Voted 4 – 0
Department Reports
Fire Chief Jerome Thompson – Chief Thompson reported that since January the fire department has received 1305 calls of service of which 857 were EMS calls. The department has seen some personnel changes due to retirement and two resignations. In July, Hanson Call Firefighter Chris Harris and Tyler Bryant a career Firefighter from Halifax Fire were hired. Both are currently assigned to shifts and will attend the Mass Fire Academy recruit training in December. In October, Jodi Corrigan a career Firefighter from Marshfield Fire was hired. Firefighter Corrigan is currently assigned to a shift and has already successfully completed recruit training. These members will be sworn in once probation is complete which is one year from date of hire.
Currently four members have signed up for a Lieutenants exam which will take place in January. That list will be active for two years. In anticipation of another retirement in the near future the Chief has scheduled an entrance exam for December 20th which will establish a list of candidates of call and career firefighters. The list will be good for 2 years.
Budget Personnel- The Chief reported that currently, spending is below average but due to some injuries as well as a long term injury the department has been short staffed on some shifts. The Chief noted that he will have two short shifts when Firefighters Harris and Bryant attend the academy for nine weeks starting in December. Chief Thompson is always aware of his budget, monitors it weekly, but it is too early to know whether he will have sufficient funds through the end of the year as injuries and significant events impact the budget.
Apparatus – Chief Thompson reported the new ambulance will arrive in the next week to 10 days. The bids for the mini pumper are due on November 10th. The arrival of the pumper could be 100 to 270 days, depending on the successful bidder. The Chief noted that both of the ambulance and mini pumper were purchased using only revenues generated through ambulance billing. He reported that Tower-1 is currently out being repaired and is awaiting the cost for the repair. The repairs will have an impact on the equipment repair and maintenance budget. He noted all other apparatus is in good shape.
Chief Thompson reported all members will be getting their new protective clothing fitted next week and the order will be placed. The funding for the protective clothing was approved by voters at the October Special Town Meeting.
Buildings – The Chief reported that Headquarters is in good shape with respect to the building. Funds were received at the May Town Meeting to refurbish the alarm room and all labor was provided by the firefighters. Al Hanscom continues to work on the septic as well as the relocation of the tank for the floor drains. The Chief continues to have major concerns relative to the parking lot. Repaving of the parking lot is on the capital plan. He hopes to have the project addressed in the near future.
The Chief reported that Main Street station is in decent shape. The replacement of the windows which were funded at the October Town Meeting should be completed in December.
EMS- The Department has reviewed the protocols on infectious diseases and worked with their medical control doctor, Dr. Dan Muse, to address any concerns for preparedness with Ebola. The have received a modem from Signature Healthcare that allows the EMTs to transmit EKGs directly to the hospital. To date, four patients were brought directly to the catheterization lab and stabilized. Five patients were in cardiac arrests of those five patients , three of those patients were saved and returned home to their families.
Emergency Management- The Chief reported that quarterly meetings are held with the executive group to discuss preparedness. He continues to participate in REPC in regards to regional sheltering for a long duration event. He also continues to meet with core group of shelter volunteers so that they will be prepared to provide for the community if the need arises.
The department recently met with residents of Meeting House Lane to discuss preparedness. The Chief continues to work with Mary Collins the Director of Elder Affairs to be able to assist seniors at risk during significant weather events.
Chief Thompson reported they have received grant money which will be utilized to have an intern from Mass Maritime Academy update the comprehensive emergency management plan.
Public Education - The Fire Department recently held its annual open house which had a great turnout.
The department continues to offer CPR classes to residents free of charge throughout the year. A class coming up on November 17th.
This year will mark the 20th year of providing instruction in key fire safety behaviors to students. The program is funded with grant money from the SAFE program. The target group is pre school students through grade 5.
This year the Fire Department received additional grant money for Senior SAFE. Senior SAFE is used to educate Seniors on fire prevention, general home safety and how to be better prepared in the event of a fire. They have conducted 2 classes, one at All American Assisted Living and one at the Senior Center. The department will hold a joint program in December at All American Assisted Living for both their residents as well as other seniors in town. The program titled “Remember When” is being coordinated by Lt. O’Brien, Mary Collins at the Senior Center and All American Assisted Living staff, and will take place in early December.
The Chief informed that Board that the Division of Fisheries and Wildlife may be conducting prescribed burn in the Burrage Pond Wildlife management area in mid November. They have spoken with Conservation and have assure the Chief that they will notify him and place notice in the Hanson Express so residents are aware.
Mr. McGahan informed the Board that on October 19th a group from the school performed work at Indian Head and Town Hall. He thanked the group for coming down. Boy Scout Troop 34 has been working at the Thomas Mill.
Mr. McGahan informed the Board that on Sunday, October 19th that athletic teams from WHRSD performed outdoor clean-up work at Indian Head and Town Hall. He thanked the group, Mr. Rogers and other volunteers for coming down. He also acknowledged that the Boy Scout - Troop 34 has been working at the Thomas Mill, for the past year and that they are doing a great job and should be recognized.
Requests
Robert Arsenault - Discuss Veteran’s Agent salary – Tabled
Discuss possible assignment of Selectmen as liaisons to Fire, Police & Highway –
MOTION by Scott that the Chairman shall appoint members of the Board of Selectmen to act in a liaison role with departments, boards and committees. The responsibility of the liaison is to maintain communication with his/her assigned departments on behalf of the Board of Selectmen. The liaison and Town Administrator should periodically call upon the chairman of the committee or the department supervisor to review goals and objectives. The liaison should carry back to the Board concerns or requests that the department may have. A liaison acts on behalf of the Board of Selectmen and will not interject personal opinions or requests. A liaison shall refrain from giving direction on administrative or procedural matters, second by Howard for discussion.
Mr. San Angelo indicated that he respects Selectman Scott’s option. He pointed out that the Town voted to create the Town Administrator Act which indicates the Town Administrator’s role is to conduct the day to day operation of the Town. The Town Administrator does act as the liaison to the Board. Mr. San Angelo explained the process he experienced in his previous position in Connecticut.
Mr. San Angelo indicated that there is a role and process for the departments. He would be happy to bring the department head to the Selectmen’s meetings.
Chairman Young read Section 1 of the TA Act.
SECTION 1. There shall be an administrative officer in the town of Hanson known as the town administrator. The town administrator, reporting directly to and supervised by the board of selectmen, shall be the chief administrative and operating officer of the town of Hanson . The town administrator shall not set town policy, but shall ensure that there is appropriate coordination in the implementation of town policy, working with the board of selectmen and all elected and appointed boards and commissions.
The town administrator shall supervise, manage, and coordinate the day-to-day activities of all town departments and employees under the jurisdiction of the board of selectmen and coordinate all activities of these town departments with the activities of other departments under the jurisdiction of other elected town officials, boards and commissions
Chairman Young questions how the appointment of a liaison would take away the powers of the Town Administrator or come in conflict with the Act. Mr. Howard asked is the liaison of for emergencies. Mr. Scott it is not.
Mr. San Angelo feels it allows the department head go around the Town Administrator and feels it undercuts the powers of the Town Administrator.
Mr. McGahan indicated in the corporate world if he isn’t happy with his supervisor he can go above.
Chairman Young suggested that the appointment of a liaison is not intended in any way to circumvent to Town Administrator Act. Mr. Howard feels that the Town Administrator handles the Department Heads and the Town Administrator works for and reports to the Board of Selectmen.
Mr. McGahan doesn’t see any harm in a liaison. Mr. Scott would not champion any particular department or committee.
Resident Mary Ellen Folsom of Main Street feels that adding in a liaison would add another level to the discussion. She noted that the current system has always been working the way it is set up.
Board of Health member Richard Edgehille noted he has been involved in Town affairs for 14 year and feels it is a checks and balance.
Kim King 97 Glenwood Place wondered whether the creation of a liaison was a way of checking on a job performance of the Town Administrator or is it to just help.
Mr. Scott indicated that the role of the liaison is not to double check on the Town Administrator.
Mr. Young indicated that the last time he was a liaison was when he was on the Finance Committee.
Mr. Young ask Mr. Scott if budgeting was part of the duties of the liaison. Mr. Scott said it was an effort only to communicate between the Town Administrator and the Department heads.
Dean Anderson asked if this is just for department heads or for the general public. Mr. Anderson was informed the liaison would be for departments not the public.
Mr. San Angelo noted that three departments will have direct access to the Selectmen. He inquired what happens with the other departments. Mr. Scott doesn’t feel that the liaison will be a cheerleader for a department head. He recommended only dealing with three departments at this point.
Mr. Howard feels it is putting another person in place, doing the same thing as the Town Administrator.
Mr. Young is having a problem of seeing what the liaison is doing is different from the Town Administrator
MOTION by Mr. McGahan amend the motion to set a three month trial period for the assignment of a liaison for the Police, Highway & Fire, second by Scott.
Mr. Howard reiterated that he doesn’t see why a liaison is needed. Mr. Scott wants to open up dialogue with the Department Heads for some communications.
Mr. San Angelo has no problem with setting up meetings of the department heads to the full board. Mr. Scott would like to see monthly reports from the department heads. Mr. San Angelo could get the monthly reports from the department.
Moved to the vote on the amendment for a three month trial. Voted 3 – 1 (Howard)
Moved to the vote on the Amended Motion 3 – 1 (Howard)
Chairman Young asked for volunteers for the liaison positions
Mr. Scott liaison to police.
Mr. McGahan to fire
Chairman Young volunteered to be the liaison for highway. Mr. Howard suggested that due to his years of experience, he would be willing to serve as liaison.
Discuss increasing number of Selectmen’s meetings from 2 to 3 per month –
MOTION by Howard, second by McGahan to set three meeting per month. After brief discussion, Mr. San Angelo suggested changing the starting of the meetings to 7:00 p.m. Mr. Howard withdrew is motion and Mr. McGahan withdrew second.
MOTION by Howard, second McGahan second to change the start time of the meeting to
7:00 p.m. Voted 4 - 0
Holiday Committee – Request to use Town Hall Green for Annual Tree Lighting & Festival
December 13th
MOTION by Howard, second by Scott to conduct the Annual Tree Lighting & Festival. Voted 4 - 0.
Bob Hayes of the Hanson Holiday committee indicated that the committee has invited several area restaurants which will donate food for this free event. Santa will arrive and photos are free. Hanson Fire, Police and Highway will be participating. There will be small bon fire and fireworks. There is a lot of support for the event. Hours will be 5:30 to 8:00 p.m.
Mr. Edgehille requested that the Town Hall be open for use of the restrooms. Mr. San Angelo indicated that the Town Hall was open last year and will be open this year.
Change Sunday Hours for Liquor Sales from 12:00 p.m. to 10:00 a.m.
AMDC, Inc. Tedeschi 12 Monponsett Street
Cranberry Deli & Convenience 911 Main Street –
Myette’s General Store 156 Liberty Street
14 58 Liquors 470 Liberty Street
MOTION by Howard, second by McGahan to approve the 10:00 a.m. Sunday opens for Tedeschi’s, Cranberry Deli, Myette General Store and 14 58 Liquors. Voted 4 – 0 .
IV OLD BUSINESS
Reconsideration of letter of support for Kimberly King to the Mosquito District Commission.
Mr. Howard was concerned that Ms. King has been saying publicly that Hanson water is contaminated and has been misrepresenting herself regarding water and pond issues. He asked why she would make such a statement. There was a brief interchange between Ms. King and Mr. Howard.
Mr. Howard read a letter from Paul Collis of the Monponsett Watershed Association Committee dated October 23, 2014
To Whom It May Concern:
Recently I have learned that an individual has appeared before public agencies and state that they represent the Monponsett Watershed Association or that their opinions are those of the Monponsett Watershed Association (MWA). Additionally, this individual has stated on social media that they represent the MWA. I am writing this letter to clarify what constitutes an authorized communication from the MWA.
The bylaws of the MWA specify that only members of the Executive Board may make an opinion or statement representing the Association. The members of the Executive Board are:
Paul Collis, Don Barrows, Marianne Moore, Suzanne Lillie, Jim Wright, Mike Driscoll, Chuck Rogers.
Any statement made by persons other than those listed above are personal statements and not statements from the Monponsett Watershed Association. Thank you for your attention to this matter.
For the Association,
Paul Collis
President
Kim King indicated that her concern is that ponds are too high with algae. She feels the Town is overlooking important issues regarding water. She also recommended that testing should be conducted in specific areas regarding mosquitoes.
Mr. McGahan noted that he is attempting to be a peacemaker. Mr. McGahan feels that Mr. Howard is asking that Ms. King does not make statements that Hanson’s water is contaminated. Mr. McGahan feels that Ms. King is trying to do a responsible job in bring issues the to the residents attention. Mr. McGahan just asked that Ms. King be more responsible on what she says publicly and on social media.
Mr. Howard feels that Kim King can get the support of another community relative to her appointment to the Mosquito Commission and she doesn’t need the support from Hanson.
Kim King read a lengthy statement to the Board explaining her concerns of the ponds and town’s water quality, her experience with mosquitoes and ticks and their effects on humans, particularly her deceased daughter. She noted that she has conducted seminars on mosquitoes and is very knowledgeable in the field. She asked that the Board consider her work as a commissioner and not by statements she made as a resident. Main Street resident Mary Ellen Folsom was present in support of Kim King.
Resident Michael McLeod forwarded an e-mail dated November 4th in support of Kim King. Chairman Young read the letter into the minutes.
Dear Sirs ~Of the Board of Selectmen and Administators thereto,
~In regards to tonight's Reconsideration of your letter of support for Kimberly King to the Mosquito District Commission, I would like to say that Ms. King , although outspoken at times, has the best interest of the public at large at heart. Her life changing experience started with the loss of her daughter Adrianna 9 years ago to EEE virus, caused by 1 mosquito bite. Since that time, she has become an educator, advocate, a true person of action, and a person who will do all the things neccesary and within her power to insure the public health. Every citizen of Hanson would be as equally outspoken had this happened to them. I am grateful to Ms King for her tireless efforts~to inform the public and take corrective action wherever possible, and for improving the quality of life in Hanson.
It is for these reasons, that I, and other citizens of Hanson feel she is a valuable asset to the town, and the right person for the job as a Mosquito District Commissioner, and urge the board ~to continue supporting her in this role.
I request that this letter be read into the record at tonights meeting.
~
Thank You
Michael McLeod
27 Highland Terrace
MOTION by Howard, second by Young to retract the letter of support for Kimberly King to the Mass. Reclamation Board Voted 1 – 3 (Young, McGahan & Scott)
Mr. McGahan feels that Ms. King made a mistake and doesn’t think she should be punished for it.
Ms. King asked that the Chairman and Mr. San Angelo meet to discuss specific quadrants relative to mosquito control.
V ONE DAY LIQUOR LICENSES - Camp Kiwanee
Donna Anderlionis, Quincy, Sunday, Dec. 14th 12:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.– Christmas Party
MOTION by Howard, second by McGahan to approve the one day liquor as presented.
Voted 4 - 0
VI COMMITTEE REPORTS
Indian Head & Maquan School Priority Repair Committee – Chairman Young indicated a meeting will be held tomorrow evening and discussion will include solar options for the roof. The previous meeting they discussed the intermunicipal agreement.
Monponsett Pond committee – Nothing at this time.
Whitman Hanson Facilities Committee – Nothing at this time.
VII EXECUTIVE SESSION
Chairman Young announced that the Board would be going into Executive Session to discuss strategy with respect to collective bargaining or litigation if an open meeting may have a detrimental effect on the bargaining or litigating position of the public body and the chair so declares – Fire Department.
So moved by Howard, second by McGahan Roll call, Howard aye, McGahan aye, Young Aye, Scott Aye. Voted 4 – 0
10:35 p.m. Brief Recess
10:50 p.m. Returned to open Session.
VIII ADJOURNMENT
MOTION by Howard, second by McGahan to adjourn. Voted 4 – 0
10:51p.m. Meeting adjourned.
Respectfully submitted,
Meredith Marini,
Executive Assistant
Approved and Voted 4 – 0
December 2, 2014 as amended
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