Town of Hanson - Board of Selectmen
Meeting Minutes – Hanson Town Hall
April 14, 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. He read the announcements and upcoming meeting schedule.
Chairman Young announced that the agenda will be taken out of order to discuss the Fiscal Year 2016 Budget. Town Accountant Todd Hassett was present to discuss the budget. Mr. San Angelo reviewed the Sources & Uses sheet which highlights the anticipated revenues and expenditures including the capital plan funds. He noted that snow and ice deficit is $762,000.00 with $385,000 coming for next year’s budget.
Mr. San Angelo reviewed the FY2015 Budget highlighted some of the changes.
He noted that all the salaries for Wage & Personnel employees have been budgeted with a 2.5% increase. Mr. San Angelo informed the Board that the Finance Committee is only recommending a 2% increase. Mr. McGahan asked what the savings would be between 2.5% and 2%. Mr. San Angelo reported approximately $9,000.
Chairman Young noted that the salary lines include all employees within the department. He pointed out that several unions receive a 2% with the Fire Union receiving 2.5%. Chairman Young noted that if the Board wants to change the Finance Committee recommendation it will have to occur on Town Meeting floor.
MOTION by Howard, second by Mitchell to keep the Board of Selectmen’s recommendation at 2.5% increase.
Mr. San Angelo noted that last year the same issue arose and he informed the Department Heads who decided to take the 2% increase instead of fighting for the 2.5%. Mr. San Angelo suggested meeting with the Department Heads for their input.
Voted 5 – 0
Mr. San Angelo reviewed some of the adjustments to the budget.
Line 2 – Selectmen expense includes an additional $1,000 for Hanson Days.
Line 15 – Expenses - $4,000 disaster recovery services
Line 33 – Utilities – Increase $11,290 for the energy conservation program.
Line 35 – Public Safety – Police Computer services increased for training service
and additional four hours per week for maintenance
Line 36 - Capital Outlay – purchasing the new cruisers instead of leasing.
Line 40 – Fire - $4,000 for utilities
Line 42 – Building Expense – the inspectors are submitting for mileage.
Line 56 – Education – Operating assessment – lowered to 3% and change in student population
Line 63 – Public works – expense - $2,000 for vehicle repairs. Highway drainage is now in the general fund budget instead of an annual article.
Line 64 – Snow & Ice – increased by $50,000 to get closer to the annual average.
Mr. Mitchell feels that he Highway Surveyor assistant needs to be at 40 hours. Chairman Young recommended amending the line at Town Meeting floor.
Line 72 – COA – restored a clerical union position at 19 hours.
Line 75 - Veteran Agent – increased the salary to $17,800
Line 80 - Library expense – increased for utilities.
Line 86 - Plymouth County Retirement – increase
Line 88 - Health Insurance – Rate increase from 2 – 4% in a change in number of employees.
Recreation Enterprise –- $9,000 for indirect costs for benefits for the Administrative Assistant
Solid Waste Enterprise - $90,000 to $112,000 changing from part time employee to full time employee and the indirect costs for employee benefits
Mr. San Angelo noted it is a balanced budget at 22,376,854.00
Chairman Young pointed out that this is a consolidated budget. The Finance Committee reviews a detailed budget. Mrs. Marini pointed out that all the Board members received the detailed budget in a binder earlier in the year.
MOTION by Mitchell, second by Howard to approve the fiscal year 2015 budget as presented. Voted 5 – 0
Mr. San Angelo reviewed the use of Free Cash of which $600,200 will be used in the Special Town Meeting and $166,000 in the Annual Town Meeting.
Mr. Hassett explained that the amounts listed on the Sources and Uses Sheets in the category listed as less and how it effects to next fiscal year.
Mr. San Angelo reviewed the current snow and ice deficit over the last ten years.
Mr. San Angelo thanked Mr. Hassett for his hard work on the budget.
II TOWN ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT
Mr. San Angelo noted that Hanson Day is progressing well. Most of the people who participated last year are returning to the event.
Mayflower Municipal Health Group set the increase from 2 – 4%. The final number will be determined at the end of open enrollment.
Mr. San Angelo received notification from the State that $322,364 is guaranteed Chapter 90 Funds.
The energy program is nearly complete at the Library/Senior Center and will be working at Town Hall be the end of next week.
Old Colony Planning Council’s final feasibility study on the Plymouth County Hospital Property is complete and includes input from local officials and residents.
Mr. San Angelo informed the Board the City View is interested in doing a show in Hanson. Mr. San Angelo indicated that it would cost $19,800 to participate. He noted that it may be more appropriate tourist communities. By consensus of the Board, they are not interested in the program at this time.
Financial Report – Mr. San Angelo provided the monthly expenditures reports period ending March 31, 2015.
III NEW BUSINESS
Discuss Warrant Articles – Maquan Roof repair article – Chairman Young explained that the School articles for the fire alarms and the Maquan Roof repair will be passed over by the School Committee. Mr. Sandland stated that in December they used a different method for repair and the roof has not leaked since. Consequently, they will not be repairing the roof as originally planned.
Chairman Young noted that a letter from Superintendent Gilbert-Whitner letter dated April 10, 2015 was received to withdraw the warrant articles for the fire alarms and Maquan Roof repair.
Mr. McGahan would like to keep the articles on the warrant so that the residents can discuss them and decide on the long term solution of the school and the roof. Mr. McGahan feels the cost to repair the roof could be between $200,000 and $230,000.
Mr. McGahan indicated that the repairs are only temporary. He feels that the repairs should have been completed in a timely manner. They need to get a firm estimate on the cost for a permanent fix. The building will most likely be used for another five to seven years until an alternative solution is decided.
Ms. Lentini indicated that both the schools have had problems for 29 years. She questioned the mold at the schools. Chairman Young noted that the Regional School District is responsible for maintaining the building.
Mr. McGahan indicated that he has been pressing people at the School District to get estimates for the various repairs.
Chairman Young gave a brief history of the regionalization of the schools from 1961 and 1992. Noting that he was not on the Board of Selectmen during the regionalization of the schools.
No major renovations to have been made to Maquan School since 1989 when it became part of the Regional School District.
Recommendations of May Special
Article 5 – Wampatuck Pond –
Mr. McGahan would like to move forward with researching the study. He doesn’t want to have to close the pond to the public.
MOTION by McGahan, second by Scott to recommend Article 5.
Mr. Mitchell is concerned about the results and where the money would come from to abate any problems which might be detected. Mr. Howard gave a brief history of the pond when it was used for the annual boat races. He is unsure what the testing will uncover.
Laura Kemmett noted that while the engineering firm can’t force the town to clean up the pond, the Town maybe opening up the potential of a class action from Hanson residents. Mrs. Kemmett wants a balanced discussion on the matter. Mr. McGahan would like to know rather than not know. Mr. McGahan wants the residents to decide.
Mr. Dahlberg believes that there are three inlets leading to Wampatuck pond and two are from the Plymouth County Hospital property.
Moved to the vote - Vote 5 – 0
Article 14 – School Stabilization fund.
MOTION by Howard, second by Mitchell to recommend Article 14. Voted 5 – 0
Article 17 – Accept Lite Control Property. Mr. Scott and Mr. Mitchell anticipate have additional information by Town Meeting.
MOTION by Scott, second by Howard to recommend Article 17.
Mrs. Kemmett noted that when the representative from Lite Control indicated that the land will be donated to the Town the buildings should also be included.
Voted 5 – 0
Annual Town Meeting Warrant
Article 6 – Recreation enterprise fund.
MOTION by Howard, second by Mitchell to recommend Article 6. Voted 5 - 0.
Article 7 – Board of Health Enterprise Fund
MOTION by Howard, second by Mitchell to recommend Article 7. Voted 5 – 0
Article 8 – Capital improvement matrix –
MOTION by Howard, second by Mitchell to recommend Article 8. Voted 5 – 0
Article 11 –Police Cruisers
MOTION by Howard, second by Scott to recommend Article 11 Voted 5 – 0
Article 20 – Water Tank additional borrowing
MOTION by Howard, second by Mitchell to recommend Article 20. Voted 5 – 0
Article 25 – Computer replacement.
MOTION by Mitchell, second by McGahan to recommend Article 25 Voted 5 – 0
Mr. McGahan suggested staggering the purchase between the schools, but was informed it would not be feasible.
Article 27 – Amend Special Act to give contract to Highway Surveyor – Chairman Young read the article.
MOTION by Howard, second by Mitchell to recommend Article 27. Voted 5 – 0
Article 24 – Water Mains
MOTION by Howard, second by McGahan to recommend Article 24. Voted 5 – 0
Article 29 – Change Board of Health from 3 to 5 members.
MOTION by McGahan, second by Scott to recommend article 29
Mr. Howard noted that he was on the Board in the late 1960s and the three members got along well. Board of Health member Richard Edgehille is in favor increasing the board membership. Mr. McGahan asked about the attendance with the Board. Mr. Edgehille indicated that they only meet monthly. On several occasions there were only two members present.
So voted 5 – 0
Article 30 – Remove the elementary schools from the region.
MOTION by Mitchell, second by Howard not to recommend
Mr. McGahan understands why the petition was set forth and that residents are frustrated that the schools district is not properly maintaining the school buildings.
Mrs. Lentini inquired about starting a petition to demand the school district properly maintain the school. Lengthy discussion on the merits of regionalization. Chairman Young indicated that the Town can hold the district to the contact.
Voted 5 – 0 not to recommend
Article 31 – Common Core –
MOTION by Mitchell, second by Howard to recommend Article 31. Voted 5 – 0
Chairman Young explained that there are two articles on the ballot. Question 1 is for the borrowing for the purchase of the school computers. Question 2 assuming the Article 26 passes to petition the legislature to require a two thirds vote for all school borrowing.
MOTION by Howard, second by McGahan to sign the annual and special town meeting warrants. Voted 5 – 0
Update on former Ocean Spray Cranberry Building project – Mr. McGahan noted bringing more business to the community is important. He met with a local businessman who plans to put in several units at the old Ocean Spray Cranberry Building. Mr. McGahan meets with him on a bi-weekly basis to follow the progress. Mr. McGahan requested that the Building Inspector help guide the property owner through the process. Mr. McGahan feels it is a worthy project and will bring other business to the community. The property owner will be meeting with the Zoning Board of Appeals on April 28th.
Mr. Howard explained that several years ago the property owner came to the Board of Selectmen with a plan. The owner was instructed to bring a drainage plan back to the Board, but he never came back.
Chairman Young noted that the Board of Selectmen have no jurisdiction in the process but agrees that the project would improve the area. He pointed out that the developers need to go to the proper boards.
Mr. Weeks pointed out that the Planning Board reviewed the plans last night and the plans are incomplete. The property owner has been before the Board several times.
Mr. McGahan expects the boards and committees to do their jobs and feels the fact that there is a lack of business due to some of the boards.
Status on Department Head evaluation comments from Relevant Body – Mr. San Angelo noted that there was previously a lengthy discussion regarding the evaluation process. He only received comments from the Board of Assessors. The next step is to sit down with the relevant body and employee to contact the evaluation.
Requests:
J&R Indian Head Pub – Request to open early on Sunday, April 19th for annual Motorcycle Run.
MOTION by Howard, second by Mitchell to grant the request of J&R Indian Head Pub to open at 10:00 a.m. on Sunday, April 19th for a motorcycle run. Voted 5 - 0
Renewal of Junk Dealers licenses
DMW Industries 1282 Main Street
King’s Ransom 156 Liberty Street
MOTION by Howard, second by Mitchell to renew Junk Dealer License for DMW Industries. Voted 5 – 0
MOTION by Howard, second by Mitchell to renew Junk Dealer’s License for Kings Ransom – Voted 5 - 0
IV OLD BUSINESS
Review and Revise Use of Internet and Social Media Policy – Mr. San Angelo indicated that additional samples were added to the Boards packet. Matter tabled.
Status Cable contract – Mr. San Angelo reported he is still negotiating with Comcast.
V ONE DAY LIQUOR LICENSES - Camp Kiwanee
Amanda Miller, Hanson Sat., May 2nd 6:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. – Wedding
MOTION by Howard, second McGahan to grant one day liquor license to Amanda Miller
Voted 5 – 0
Kara Malone, Roslindale, Sat., May 16th 4:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. – Wedding
MOTION by Howard, second by Mitchell to grant a one day liquor license to Kara Malone Voted 5 – 0
Amy Cornetta, Hanson, Sun., May 17th 12:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. – Wedding
MOTION by Howard, second by McGahan to grant a one day liquor license to Amy Cornetta Voted 5 – 0
Michelle Leonard, Middleboro, Sun., May 24th 3:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. – Shower
MOTION by Howard, second by McGahan to grant a one day liquor license to Michelle Leonard Voted 5 - 0
VI COMMITTEE REPORTS
Monponsett Pond Committee – Mr. Howard reported that Halifax will be treating West Monponsett Pond in April. Brockton took some water to lower the pond to alleviate flooding on Ocean Avenue. The sluice way has been opened. The current elevation of the dam is 53 feet.
Rt. 36 is below 52 feet which means Brockton cannot take water from the pond because it needs to be above 53 feet. Mr. Howard informed the Board of Health to contact the Town Administrator to request the levels of Monponsett Pond be reduced.
Indian Head & Maquan Priority Repair Comm. – Chairman Young indicated the committee will be meeting on Wednesday. They will be reviewing the articles which the School asked to withdraw from the warrant.
WHRDS Capital Repairs & Facilities Committee – Mr. McGahan reported the last meeting was canceled and will meet in May. He had received several calls about the Hanson Middle School regarding a back-up of the septic system. Board of Health Chairman Amado requested that when a similar instance occurs that the Board of Health be called immediately.
Lite Control Acquisition Review Comm. – Mr. Scott reported that the committee hasn’t met recently. They are waiting for a pro bono construction superintendent report. One of the buildings could be used as a salt shed utilizing in a protected containment system. Lite Control is working on the asbestos abatement. The committee is looking at some estimated costs to bring the building to the standards for a highway facility.
VII EXECUTIVE SESSION
Chairman Young announced that the Board would be going into executive session to discuss the reputation, character, physical condition or mental health, rather than the professional competence, of an individual, or discuss the discipline or dismissal of, or complaints or charges against, the public officer, employee, staff member or individual.
So moved by Howard, second by McGahan Roll Call Howard aye, McGahan aye, Young aye, Scott aye and Mitchell aye. Voted 5 – 0
9:43 p.m. Brief Recess
10:33 p.m. Returned to open session
VIII ADJOURMENT
MOTION by Howard, second by Scott to adjourned. Voted 5 – 0
10:34 p.m. Meeting Adjourned.
Respectfully submitted,
Meredith Marini,
Executive Assistant
Approved and Voted 5 – 0
September 22, 2015
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