Town of Hanson - Board of Selectmen
Meeting Minutes – Hanson Town Hall
January 20, 2015
Members Present: Donald Howard, James McGahan, Kenny Mitchell, 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. Chairman Young read the announcements and upcoming meeting schedule.
II TOWN ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT – Mr. San Angelo reported that he meet with representative of Old Colony Planning Council to discuss the feasibility report for the Plymouth County Hospital property. They are still gathering data. They expect to finish the draft report in the next two weeks to establish a public hearing in order to get input from Hanson residents. Mr. San Angelo recommended holding the hearing at the High School auditorium. The final report will include input from the residents.
Metro South Regional Roundtable was held last week. Town Administrators from area towns were there and discussed regional water issues and sewer. He noted Hanson wouldn’t need the water, but maybe interested in the sewerage. Mr. San Angelo noted that certain areas would be viable such as Main Street. Mr. Howard was concerned that all residents would have to pay for the sewerage. Mr. San Angelo indicated that the people who tie into the sewerage would be assessed.
Mr. McGahan asked about the hydrants which belong to Brockton. Mr. San Angelo explained that the discussion was not applicable to the meeting. Mr. Howard explained that Hanson can use the Brockton owned hydrants in the event of a fire. Mr. McGahan was concerned that the Brockton hydrants are not properly maintained or cleared.
Mr. San Angelo indicated the group discussed branding the region which may attract economic development.
Mr. San Angelo explained that he has provided a copy of the draft budget. A final budget cannot be complete because of outstanding figures such as schools, insurance, revenues.
MOTION by Howard, second by McGahan to give the draft budget to the Finance Committee. Voted 5 – 0
Regional School District Agreement relative to borrowing for school projects requiring a 2/3 vote of Town Meeting. The School Committee voted 6 – 2 against the amendment. The Whitman representatives did not want Hanson dictating how Whitman needs to vote.
Mr. San Angelo recommended that the agreement be amended to apply only to the Town of Hanson. Mr. San Angelo has passed the suggestion to the Town Counsel, School Superintendent, and chairman of the School Committee for consideration.
Mr. Young read Town Counsel Attorney Jay Talerman’s e-mail of January 15, 2015 into the minutes
In my opinion that it is entirely legal to add language to the Regional School Agreement that would impose additional requirements prior to incurring debt for capital projects.~ Such language would not conflict with State law but, rather would supplement state law.~ Stated differently, the requirements for a 2/3 vote of Town Meeting prior to incurring debt is in addition to State requirements.~ No State requirements would be rendered inapplicable.~ This is a perfectly legal exercise of the towns’ home rule authority.
Mr. Young feels it accomplishes two things it brings the region into sync with other Town Departments relative to borrowing long term debt. It would end the possibility of allowing the school committee sending projects to Selectmen who could move it directly to a ballot question instead of requiring Town Meeting approval. Mr. McGahan pointed out the Town Meeting allows residents to debate the pros and cons of an issue.
Mr. Howard feels that a majority vote is easier to achieve at Town Meeting.
Mr. McGahan noted that selling and buying land, easements, zoning by-laws, transferring to stabilization, appropriating from stabilization, borrowing of money, amendment to charter, establish a historic district all require 2/3rd votes.
Mr. Mitchell asked if eliminating the Selectmen’s authority to automatically send the matter to ballot, but keeping the vote as a majority.
Regional Brand – When Hanson is Home Everything is Within Reach – He asked Board members to consider the idea.
Hanson Day – Mr. San Angelo was seeking the Board’s support for the event. Recreation has set aside a date. By consensus the Board felt it was a great event and should continued.
Mike McLeod asked if there is an account which businesses made donations to the event. Mr. McLeod noted because of the event, his family became involved in Recreation.
Lite Control Review Committee – Mr. San Angelo noted that all members need to be sworn in prior to the first meeting. Mr. San Angelo indicated that he would be happy to work with Selectman Scott in setting up the initial meeting. Mr. San Angelo noted that he provided Mr. Scott with information regarding the parcel.
Chapter 90 funds – Mr. San Angelo reported that Local aid has been increased from $322,980 to $480,469.
Monthly Financial Report – Mr. San Angelo reviewed the monthly financial report indicating that all cash receipts have been posted.
Plymouth County Extension Service - Mr. McGahan asked about the condition of the former Plymouth County Extension Service. Mr. San Angelo indicated that he called the County but has not received a call back.
Chairman Young asked about the status Cell Tower. Mr. San Angelo is looking into the matter.
III NEW BUSINESS
Class II License Renewal – Upscale Auto 169A Franklin Street – 20 cars
MOTION by Howard, second by McGahan to table the license until a report from the Building Ispector. Voted 5 – 0
Discussion relative to testing of Wampatuck Pond – Mr. McGahan indicated that there was a high algae count in the summer when the Board of Health had the water tested. Mr. McGahan is concerned that residents use the pond for fishing. He would like an analysis of the pond to determine what could be done on the pond. He indicated a test was done in 1998. He would like to get three quotes for the testing and then put an article on the warrant to fund the testing. Once the test results are received, the Town can seek funds for clean-up.
Chairman Young asked if the funds for the pond clean up for Maquan and Monponsett Ponds could be used. Mr. San Angelo indicated that the funding has been cut by the Governor Patrick.
Chairman Young asked who owns the pond and who would be responsible for clean up. Mr. San Angelo is concerned that the Town may be liable if the test results determine there is a problem. Mr. McGahan has been told that the Town would not be responsible.
Lengthy discussion regarding the flow of the pond.
Mr. Scott reports that Jon Ridder had always claimed to have water rights to Wampatuck Pond and assumed that the new owner has the rights.
Mr. San Angelo indicated that he will check out another grant through the contractor who tested in the summer.
Kim King 87 Glenwood Place thanked the Board for looking into the matter. The DPH will provide funding for testing for free in the Spring. She noted that Hanover received a grant for testing of Factory Pond.
Aquatic Control quote is $7,000. Mr. San Angelo asked if the Board supports requesting testing quotes. Mr. McGahan wants to find out who owns the pond. He wants to provide options for the residents.
Mr. Howard explained that Halifax and Pembroke are getting grants because their ponds flow into Silver Lake which is a drinking water supply. Mr. San Angelo noted that Hanson has not supported the efforts of Oldham
Appointment to Lite Control Review Committee – Finance Committee Rep. Barbara Arena. Chairman Young noted that Mr. Brown asked the Dave Hanlon be appointed as an alternate
MOTION by Howard, second by McGahan to appoint Barbara Arena as a representative from Finance and Dave Hanlon as an alternate member. Voted 5 - 0
IV OLD BUSINESS
Vote Comcast Cable License Renewal -Tabled
Transfer Station Hours - Tabled
V APPROVE MINUTES
November 18, 2014
December 2, 2014
December 16, 2014
MOTION by Howard, second by McGahan to approve the minutes of November 18, 2014 and December 2, 2014 Voted 4 – 0 – 1 Mitchell
MOTION by Howard, second by Mitchell to approve the minutes of December 16, 2014
Voted 5 – 0
VI COMMITTEE REPORTS
Indian Head & Maquan School Priority Repair Committee - Mr. Young reported that the committee will meet next Wednesday. Mr. Young noted that the in accordance with the Inter-municipal agreement, the request for qualification will be published in the Central Register. They combined the roof repair with the lentil project. Once it is advertised, interested bidders will submit their proposal and the committee will hold interviews to narrow the proponents. At that point the proponents will be submitted to the Selectmen for consideration.
Monponsett Pond Committee – Mr. Howard reported that Brockton is not taking water for the last two and half weeks. The pond level is below 52’.
Whitman Hanson Facilities Committee – Mr. McGahan reported the committee met on January 14th for a quick meeting. They had met on Dec. 17th. He reported that he reviewed the work orders of Maquan and Indian Head Schools. He focused on repeated repairs on several rooms including room 115 has 3/15/10, 6/2014 and the work order closed in August 2014. In December the window was still leaking. He is concerned that they continue to hire the same company to do the repairs.
He has data back to 2013 showing that the gym roof was leaking and the roof continues to leak
Indian Head Roof had continued repairs but the leaks still occur. He has an issue with the record keeping and feels they would fail an audit. He would like to see a history of each room, but he is unable to get that information.
Mr. McGahan will bring the information to the facilities committee. He would like to see these issues addressed immediately.
On December 9th he went to all three schools and they all had leaks.
Septic systems have been an issue for several years. He found inconsistencies in what he had been told with respect to pumping of the systems. He checked with the Board of Health as to pumping records. On December 17th he was told pumping had been done in July 2007 and February 2014. He received additional information that two other pumping had taken place.
The Capital Improvement Plan – Mr. McGahan indicated that the Capital Improvement Plan lists the Maquan Septic Replacement 2020; Indian Head replacement to 2020 condition poor $250,000 for repair.
Computer replacement he had asked that they be staggered, but they appear on the Capital Improvement Plan has all the replacements on the same year. Mr. Mitchell noted that he believed the Superintendent indicated that she just updated the plan and would consider staggering them.
He feels there is a breakdown and that a new set of eyes should be looking at the repairs. They need to make sure the invoices are clearly defined.
Mr. McGahan has reviewed the Lease Agreement and it appears that the school is in default for not maintaining the buildings. He feels that kids should be in a dry clean environment.
Mr. McLeod thanked Mr. McGahan for his work. Mr. McLeod asked how many times one room had been reported. Mr. McGahan indicated that he stopped counting.
Mr. Scott feels that the schools have been reactive and not proactive toward repairs. Mr. Scott questions the integrity of the school committee. They need to stop stonewalling the Town.
VII ADJOURNMENT
MOTION by Howard, second by McGahan to adjourn. Voted 5 – 0
8:52 p.m. Meeting adjourned.
Respectfully submitted,
Meredith Marini,
Executive Assistant
Approved and Voted 5 – 0
September 15, 2015
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