Town of Hanson - Board of Selectmen
Meeting Minutes – Hanson Town Hall
November 18, 2014
Members Present: Donald Howard, James McGahan, William Scott & Bruce Young
Members Absent:
Others Present: Town Administrator Ronald San Angelo
Executive Assistant Meredith Marini
7:00 p.m. Chairman Young called the meeting to order, led the Pledge Allegiance and requested a Moment of Silence for Peter Jones former Selectmen, School Committee member and member of various committees. Chairman Young read the announcements and upcoming meeting schedule.
Mr. San Angelo suggested the Chairman take the agenda out of order to accommodate Boy Scout
Troop 34 under New Business – Requests.
Requests
Troop 34 has requested permission to use the Town Hall Green for the annual Christmas Tree Sale on Saturday and Sunday, December 6 & 7 from 9 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
MOTION by Howard, second by McGahan to approve the request of Troup 34 for an Annual Christmas Tree Sale on Saturday and Sunday December 6th and 7th . Voted 4 - 0
The Troop requested permission to camp out over night and have a camp fire. By consensus the Board granted permission for a camp out.
II TOWN ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT
Mr. San Angelo indicated that he has been referred to another division at Mass. Development in order to seek funds for clean up at the Plymouth County Hospital.
Mr. San Angelo continues participating in the Ebola conference. The State is gaining more knowledge and getting out more information to the municipalities.
He participated in a Table Top exercise at the Police Station with the Emergency Management team.
He hosted the monthly the South Shore Managers at one of the local restaurants. He finds the meetings is beneficial.
Mr. San Angelo informed the Board that the transition has been completed at the Transfer Station. The new containers from ABC Disposal containers are in place.
Award Bid for Interior Painting of Town Hall
Interior Painting of Town Hall – Mr. San Angelo reported that the painting bids have been reviewed and the low bidder was Roumbakis Contracting Inc. of Fitchburg at $23,600.00. The Town received several bids. Mr. San Angelo called eight references. All the references gave rave reviews of the Roumbakis Contracting. He indicated that work is slated to start on December 1st. The funding for the project was $40,000. The extra funds will be used to fix the exterior doors. The Building Inspector is getting quotes.
MOTION by Howard, second by Scott to award the interior painting of Town Hall and to authorize the Selectmen to sign the contract. Voted 4 – 0
Award Bid for Botieri Field Replacement
Mr. San Angelo indicated that the low bidder for the Botieri Field Project was Aqua Turf of Orange, Connecticut with a bid of $65,870. He indicated that a total of three bids were received for the project.
MOTION by Howard, second by McGahan to award the Botieri Field replacement bid to Aqua Turf, Inc. in the amount of $65,870 and to authorize the Selectmen to sign the contract. Voted 4 – 0
Award Bid for Fire Dept. Mini Pumper
Mr. San Angelo indicated that only one bid was submitted for the Fire Mini Pumper. The bid was from Lakes Region Fire Apparatus of Tamworth, New Hampshire in the amount of $203,900.00.
MOTION by Howard, second by Scott to award the Mini Pumper bid to Lakes Region Fire Apparatus in the amount of $203,900.00 and to authorize the Selectmen to sign the contract. Voted 4 – 0
Mr. San Angelo reported that the windows at the Library/Senior Center has been replaced. The Seniors were very happy with the new windows. Hanover Glass did the work. Mr. San Angelo noted that after the work started, Hanover Glass realized there was more work than they expected and requested that they be reimbursed $850.00 for the additional work. Mr. San Angelo informed Hanson Glass the Town could only pay the contracted amount.
Mr. San Angelo attended the annual Open House at the Library. The event was very well done. He complimented the Library Director for a great job.
Mr. San Angelo reported that the budget packets have been distributed to the Departments. Budgets are due on December 2, 2014.
Review Monthly Financial Report – Mr. San Angelo reviewed the Financial Report indicating that all the financial reporting is up to date. He noted that the auditors are in the building and working on completion on the FY 2014 audit. Mr. San Angelo will forward the audit when it is filed.
III NEW BUSINESS
Vote Private Way Plow List –
MOTION by Howard, second by McGahan to approve the following streets on the private way plow list: Alden Way, Arthur Avenue, Arthur Street, Audubon Lane, Azalea Way, Beckett Street, Boston Avenue, Briggs Street, Charles Street, Christopher Lane, Cranberry Lane, Cushman Street, Depot Street, Emory Street, Equus Drive, Fallon Point Road, Ferris Street, French Street, Gray Lane, Hanson Court, Hawthorne Street, Hemlock Drive, Hill Road (Off Monponsett), Independence Avenue, Indian Head Pond Development, Kiwanee Road, Lakeside Road, Leon Court, Litchfield Lane, Ocean Avenue Ext., Pearl Street, Pennsylvania Avenue, Pine Grove Colony, Proud Foot Way, Rollercoaster Road, Santos Court, Snow Street, Spofford Avenue, Station Street, Stringer Lane, Union Park
Street, Upton Street, Valley Forge Road, Village Road, Wilbur Avenue, Wilkie Terrace- entrances only, Woodbine Avenue Ext., Woodman Terrace.
So Voted 4 – 0
7:30 p.m. Hearing - Comcast Cable License Renewal
MOTION by Howard, second by Scott to open the Comcast Cable License Hearing.
Roll Call Howard aye, McGahan aye, Young aye, Scott aye. Voted 4 – 0
Chairman Young read the hearing notice.
NOTICE OF CABLE TELEVISION PUBLIC HEARING
REGARDING
THE RENEWAL OF THE CABLE LICENSE
HELD BY COMCAST OF MASSACHUSETTS I, INC.
(Tuesday, November 18, 2014 at 7:30 P.M. at Hanson Town Hall)
Notice is hereby given that the Hanson Board of Selectmen, as Issuing Authority for a cable television license under M.G.L. c. 166A, will hold a public hearing on Tuesday, November 18, 2014 at 7:30 P.M. regarding the renewal of the Cable Television License held by Comcast of Massachusetts I, Inc. The public hearing will be held in the Selectmen’s Meeting Room at the Hanson Town Hall, 542 Liberty, Hanson, MA. All applications, reports, statements and license drafts, if any, to be considered at the hearing that constitute public records under state law are available for public inspection during regular Town Hall business hours and for reproduction at
a reasonable fee.
BOARD OF SELECTMEN
TOWN OF HANSON
Chairman Young introduced Cathy Maloney of Comcast Cable. She indicated that rates are not included in the hearing. She will be present during the hearing and will assist if necessary. Chairman Young introduced Steve Roy from Whitman Hanson Community Access. Mr. Roy indicated that he has been doing programming for the last 10 years. They broadcast over three channels. He has been in the business for several years. He indicated that their work would not be possible without the license with Comcast. He supports the proposed license. He indicated that changes have been occurring from coax cable to fiber. This gives them the ability to provide programming to the residents. Chairman Young thanked Mr. Roy for his work noting that they have worked together for
over 30 years.
Mr. Howard indicated that his bill is $90.00 per month with standard basic with no phone or internet. He feels that there should be a discount for the seniors. He requested a program be designed for seniors.
Ms. Maloney indicated that she didn’t feel the discussion was appropriate to the hearing and declined to comment.
Mr. Howard noted that he took the bill to one of the branches in Marshfield and they offered to give him a 10% discount. Ms. Maloney indicated that there is a 10% discount for residents with eligibility which also includes a lower tier.
Bruce Jefferson a resident from Meeting House Lane noted that 70 of the residents can only have Comcast and have no options. He feels that $98.00 is an outrageous amount for seniors to pay for cable. He doesn’t want the Selectmen to grant the contract.
Mr. San Angelo noted that the license cannot be tied to rates. He noted that while the license cannot dictate rates, it does not prevent the residents from contacting Comcast individually. Ms. Maloney noted there is a basic level that is available to residents who qualify. She would be happy to address the discounts with individuals.
Mr. Andrews asked if the Board looked at other companies. Mr. Howard indicated that Verizon did not want to come to Town, and they are no longer installing fiber.
Mr. Jefferson indicated that the residents at Meeting House Lane have no options, because they can’t have Dish. Chairman Young suggested setting up a meeting with Comcast and Meeting House Lane residents.
Mr. San Angelo noted that the Board will not be voting on the contract tonight as the Town is waiting for additional information from Comcast.
MOTION by Howard, second by McGahan to close the hearing. Roll Call Howard aye, McGahan aye, Young aye and Scott aye. Voted 4 – 0
8:00 p.m. Hearing - Classification Hearing – Set 2015 Tax Rate – Meeting tabled until December 2,
Dept. Reports
Police – Chief Michael Miksch informed the Board that the department has been conducting firearms training. He has increased the training from once per year to twice and hopes to increase training to three times per year. The Hanson Rod and Gun club has offered the use of their facilities.
Officers have been trained with Electronic Control Weapons, (tasers). They have all been certified and are now carrying the tasers. The Chief indicated the tasers reduce the use of force. There has been ongoing training in the Department including two courses for the Lieutenant as well as a LEADS course. The new sergeants have been trained in the suicide prevention. All four sergeants have attended First Line Supervisors training.
The Chief has offered the use of the police station for training by other agencies. The benefits include reduction in travel costs and overtime. Also they receive free training for Hanson officers.
Chief Miksch reported that Officer Billy Frazer has been assigned as the School Resource Officer and he is doing an excellent job. He attended several training programs for DARE and Resource Officers. Officer Frazer and Lt. Yakavonis attended an ALICE (Alert Lockdown Inform Counter Evacuate) training course. It provides options for the schools. Representatives from the Police Department will be meeting with the School Committee in December to discuss the program. The instruction is age appropriate.
He indicated that State Police Stop Team trained at the Indian Head School recently.
Chief Miksch noted some personnel changes in the department which included the retirements of Sgt. Peter Daley and Officer Richard Nawazelski. He has posted the position and hopes to get academy trained applicants. Academy trained officers save the town money as they are not required to attend 22 weeks of schooling. He can work officers for 220 days prior to going to the academy.
The Chief noted that the individuals promoted to Sergeants who are doing well. There is one officer is out on injury leave. The Chief anticipates their return shortly.
Equipment – Tire deflation devices – Chief Miksch attended a trade show and ordered the equipment. The officers will be trained on the use of the devices. He is evaluating his computers and will be replacing several with the funds acquired at Town Meeting. He is hoping to get more computers than originally anticipated because of a drop in computer pricing. He is looking into off site back-up of computer data. With respect to the purchase of patrol rifles, Chief Miksch spoke with a representative from Colt and Wyndmah and he is getting some information from both companies.
Budget – Chief Miksch indicated that his budget is on track but his building maintenance line has taken a hit due to HVAC issue. He had to change internet plans for a new modem in order to use the State system.
CJIS - Criminal Justice Information System – They has been audited and did fairly well with only a few short comings. The Chief will be addressing the issues. Other issues were computer based because the operating systems could not be upgraded. Mobile Data Terminals have been an issue. Several are not working properly. IT is working on the equipment. He received five devices from Plymouth Police and thanked Chief Botieri for transferring the equipment to Hanson.
Chief Miksch reported at as of 3:00 p.m. today the department has responded to 13,754 calls for service. He said there has been discussion as to what constitutes a call for service. Chief Miksch explained that whenever an employee needs to do some work, then it should be considered a call. There have been 104 arrests, 132 motor vehicles accidents, 522 citations have been issued resulting in $26,405 in fines. The Department is doing traffic enforcement.
Chief Miksch indicated that in June the Union agreed to begin carrying Narcan and using AEDs. The officers have had the proper training. The officers had their first save using the Narcan.
Mr. Scott noted that he is the liaison to the Police Department. He is hopeful that it will be a positive relationship.
8:13 p.m. Brief Recess
8:15 p.m. Return to open session
IV OLD BUSINESS
Joint Pole Hearing – Petition 16479615 Spring St.– continued from Oct. 21st - Matter tabled to a later date.
Review/Extend Contract with Financial Advisory Associates - Mr. San Angelo indicated that copies of the contract were in the Board’s packets. Mr. Scott requested that the current contract with FFA be reviewed and updated to be extended.
Mr. McGahan asked if the Town Accountant is able to complete all the duties that needs to be done. Mr. San Angelo indicated that he would like to have the accountant meet with the Finance Committee, have the accountant review and setup a capital plan, and work on special projects. The Finance Committee indicated that it would be willing to approve a transfer to provide funding for additional work. Mr. McGahan asked if the someone else could do the work. Mr. San Angelo indicated that the office is staffed with a part-time clerical employee who doesn’t have the time for the additional work.
Chairman Young suggested updating the Wage & Personnel by-law to accommodate the part-time or interim Town Accountant. He also recommended that a thorough analysis of other communities at to the salary be compared with respect to benefits such as group health insurance. He also noted that the comparison should take into consideration the school system and whether they are included in the Town’s responsibility. The Towns used for the comparison should be comparable with total budget, population and schools.
Chairman Young indicated that the Town has always had a full time accountant and the residents have been used to having more than eight to ten hours.
It was noted that Article 14 Confidentiality section of the contract needs to be revised as it references West Boylston.
Mr. San Angelo completely agrees with the Chairman in that the Town needs someone here more than 10 hours per week. He noted that we did not get qualified candidates. The marketing of the position will need to be revised.
Mr. McGahan wants to add page numbers, correct the reference to West Boylston. Mr. Scott feels we are in violation of the by-law if we don’t have a full time Town Accountant. He doesn’t feel that we are addressing the issue of the Town Accountant.
Mr. San Angelo indicated that the Finance Committee is in favor of keeping the current situation with the Town Accountant.
The Board discussed advertising of the full-time position prior to Town Meeting. After lengthy discussion regarding the number of hours it was agreed that Chairman Young and Mr. San Angelo will revise the job description and job posting prior to advertising the position.
MOTION by Howard, second McGahan to extend the contract with Financial Advisory Associates to June 30, 2015 with minor changes of the Town name and to work on a job description and posting by June 1, 2015 Voted 3 – 0 – 1 (Scott)
V ONE DAY LIQUOR LICENSES - Camp Kiwanee
Gail Fusco, Hanson, Sat., December 6th 6:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. – Christmas Party
MOTION by Howard, second by McGahan to approve the One day Liquor license as presented
Voted 4 – 0
VI APPROVE MINUTES
October 21, 2014
November 4, 2014 – Reg. & Exec. Sess.
Mr. McGahan requested the minutes of October 21st and November 4th be tabled.
MOTION by Howard, second by McGahan to approve the November 4th Executive Session Voted 4 – 0
Intermunicipal Agreement with the School – Mr. San Angelo pointed out amendments to the agreement. He noted that in Professional Liability Insurance section the word “Minimum” will be inserted before Liability. He noted that the Other Insurance Requirements gives the School District what they are looking for with respect to coverage.
Number 3 Construction section c the following line has been inserted after the first sentence.
“When the bids are received, both the School Committee and the Board of Selectmen shall both vote to approve the qualifying contractor”.
School Committee Member Robert Hayes will present the agreement to the School Committee.
MOTION by Howard, second by Scott to approve the Intermunicipal Agreement for school construction between the Town of Hanson and the Whitman-Hanson Regional School District for discussion.
Mr. San Angelo explained that a committee has been established to develop a Schematic Design Submission for the replacement of the Indian Head Roof. The Design Engineer will draft up the bid documents in accordance with the State procurement law. The project will be placed in the central register and properly advertised. Construction administration phase will be overseen by the Design Engineer. Mr. San Angelo indicated that the School Department was concerned that they would have to do all the work. The Design Engineer will handle the work. The Design Engineer will be selected after the election.
So voted 4 – 0
VII COMMITTEE REPORTS
Indian Head & Maquan School Priority Repair Committee – Mr. Young indicated that the committee will be meeting on Wednesday, November 19th. They will review the Intermunicipal Agreement and hold a discussion regarding the solar panels.
Monponsett Pond Committee – Mr. Howard indicated that Brockton is not diverting water to Silver Lake due to the algae in Monponsett Pond. Silver Lake is down four feet.
Whitman Hanson Facilities Committee – Mr. McGahan indicated the committee will be meeting on Wednesday. The Maquan floor had to be repaired again.
VIII ADJOURNMENT
MOTION by Howard, second by McGahan to adjourn. Voted 4 – 0
9:09 p.m. Meeting adjourned.
Respectfully submitted
Meredith Marini,
Executive Assistant
Approved and Voted 4 – 0 – 1 (Mitchell)
January 20, 2015
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