Town of Hanson - Board of Selectmen
Meeting Minutes – Hanson Town Hall
May 19, 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.
II SWEAR IN NEWLY ELECTED OFFICIALS
Town Clerk Elizabeth Sloan was present and sworn in the newly elected officials, Mary Lou Sutter, Gilbert Amado, Donald Howard, James McGahan, Corrine Carfado, and Linda Wall
Re-organization of the Board – Chairman Young announced the Board will need to reorganize and took nomination for Chairman.
Mr. Scott nominated Mr. Young as Chairman, seconded by Mr. Howard.
MOTION by Scott, second by McGahan to close Nomination. Voted 5 - 0
So voted Mr. Young as Chairman. Voted 5 – 0
Mr. McGahan nominated Bill Scott as Vice Chairman, second by Mr. Howard
MOTION by Howard, second by McGahan to close nominations Voted 5 – 0
So voted Mr. Scott as Vice Chairman, Voted 5 – 0
MOTION by Mr. Scott, second by Mitchell to nominate Mr. McGahan as Clerk .
MOTION by Howard, second by McGahan to close nominations. Voted 5 - 0
So voted for Mr. McGahan as Clerk. Voted 5 – 0
III TOWN ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT
Mr. San Angelo congratulated the newly elected officials and welcomed Mr. Howard and Mr. McGahan back to the Board. He also acknowledged the candidates who ran unsuccessfully and thanked them for their efforts.
South Shore Town Administrator’s meeting regarding discrimination harassment laws.
Mr. San Angelo Attended a meeting regarding OPEB Other Post Employment benefits which was attended by Town Accountant, Treasurer/Collector and County Treasurer Tom O’Brien. Mr. San Angelo indicated that the Town does not currently set aside funds for the Post Employment benefits. The County is sponsoring a program for communities to invest funds to support the OPEB. He will have the additional information at a future meeting.
Old Colony Planning Council Meeting with Mr. Howard and Town Planner regarding work along Maquan Street to Pembroke and acquiring funding for Hanson’s section of Route 14th. The Town will need to invest time into the project.
Mr. San Angelo informed the Board that the Senate Budget update is $38 billion.
He indicated that the Energy program is moving along. The Library/Senior Center has been complete. They will start at Town Hall on Wednesday morning.
Plymouth County Hospital feasibility study has been complete. Chairman Young would like to hold a second public hearing to discuss the results of the study.
Town website redesign is ongoing. Departments have been asked to review their pages.
Library/Senior Center Roof – Mr. San Angelo is working on the invitation to bid. He hopes to have the project start in July with completion in September.
Hanson Day – Mr. San Angelo reminded the Board that Hanson Day will be held on June 7th. Most of the vendors will be returning and new vendors will be attending. Last year was a success and he expects this year to be even better.
Monthly Financial Update –
Mr. San Angelo read Financial Report. All cash receipts posted, journal entries posted, and cash has been reconciled through April 30th. The accounts are at 88% expended and expect all accounts to be on track.
Mr. San Angelo expects increase in revenues at the Transfer Station to achieve the anticipated $200,000 revenues.
Mr. Howard inquired about the balance in the Oldham Pond line. Mr. San Angelo explained that there are funds which have carried over from previous years. The funds can be used to address drainage issues.
IV NEW BUSINESS
Recognition of South Shore Vocational Tech Student - Shannon Arlin, Mass. State Gold Medal Award Skills Champion -Graphics Communications. ~Tabled until June.
Set meeting dates for July to December – Mrs. Marini presented the Board with a calendar of recommended meeting dates which included, July 7 and 21; August 4 and 18; September 1, 15 and 29; October 5, 6 and 20; November 3 and 17 and December 1 and 15.
MOTION by Howard, to accept as printed. Mr. Scott is comfortable meeting twice a month during the summer but feels the Board should be meeting on a weekly basis starting September.
MOTION by Mr. Scott, second by McGahan to meet every week from September to December. Vote 4 – 1 (Mitchell)
Accept donation from Newcomb Tree Service for the Police Department –
Chairman Young read the following letter dated May 11, 2015 from Chief Miksch
Dear Chairman Young,
Please be advised that Newcomb’s Tree Service has offered to supply the Police Department with mulch for the flowerbeds at the station. This will be the third year that Newcomb’s Tree Service has made this generous offer. The approximate value of the mulch is $400. I respectfully request the Board accept this donation on behalf of the Police Department.
Sincerely,
Michael R. Miksch
Chief of Police
MOTION by Howard, second by McGahan to accept the donation from Newcomb Tree Service for mulch valued at $400.00 for work at the police station. Voted 4 – 0 – 1 (Mitchell)
Vote amendment to Botieri Field Renovation project - Mr. San Angelo explained that the renovation project was delayed due to the severe winter. The adjustment to the contract addresses the delay.
MOTION by Howard, second by McGahan to approve the amendment to the contact.
Voted 5 – 0.
Vote to approve line transfers in accordance with Ch. 44, Sec. 33B – Chairman Young read the statute
Section 33B. (a) On recommendation of the mayor, the city council may, by majority vote, transfer any amount appropriated for the use of any department to another appropriation for the same department. In addition, the city council may, by majority vote, on recommendation of the mayor, transfer within the last 2 months of any fiscal year, or during the first 15 days of the new fiscal year to apply to the previous fiscal year, an amount appropriated for the use of any department other than a municipal light department or a school department to the appropriation for any other department, but the amount transferred from 1 department to another may not exceed, in the aggregate, 3 per cent of the annual budget of the department from which the transfer is made. Except as provided in the
preceding sentence, no transfer shall be made of any amount appropriated for the use of any city department to the appropriation for any other department except by a 2/3 vote of the city council on recommendation of the mayor and with the written approval of the amount of the transfer by the department having control of the appropriation from which the transfer is proposed to be made. No transfer involving a municipal light department or a school department shall be made under the previous sentence without the approval of the amount of the transfer by a vote of the municipal light department board or by a vote of the school committee, respectively.
(b) A town may, by majority vote at any meeting duly held, transfer any amount previously appropriated to any other use authorized by law. Alternatively, the selectmen, with the concurrence of the finance committee or other entity establish under section 16 of chapter 39, may transfer within the last 2 months of any fiscal year, or during the first 15 days of the new fiscal year to apply to the previous fiscal year, any amount appropriated for the use of any department other than a municipal light department or a school department to the appropriation for any other department or within a department, but the amount transferred from 1 department to another or within a department may not exceed, in the aggregate, 3 per cent of the annual budget of the department from or within which
the transfer is made or $5,000, whichever is greater.
MOTION by McGahan, second by Howard to authorize the Town Administrator to approve line transfers in accordance with Chapter 44, Section 33B.
Discuss possible approval to send letter to Governor, Lt. Governor, Dept. of Education, Rep. Cutler, and Senator Kennedy, the results of the Town Meeting Vote regarding Common Core.~
May 20, 2015
The Honorable Charles D. Baker, Governor
Office of the Governor
State House
Boston, MA 02133
Re: Common Core
Dear Governor Baker:
Please be advised that on Monday, May 4, 2015 the voters of Hanson affirmatively voted a non-binding referendum to discontinue the use of the Common Core State Standards (CCSS) and the associated testing known as PARCC within the Whitman Hanson Regional School District, and return to using the Pre-2009 Massachusetts
standards in ELA, Math, Science/Technology, History/Social Science and associated testing known as MCAS. A certified copy of the vote is attached.
On behalf of the residents of Hanson, the Board of Selectmen respectfully requests your support and that of your administration to discontinue the use of Common Core.
Thank you for your kind consideration of the actions of the citizens of Hanson.
Yours truly,
Ron San Angelo,
Town Administrator
cc: Lt. Governor Karyn Polito
Mitchell D. Chester, Commission – Mass. DESE
Senator Thomas Kennedy
Rep. Josh Cutler
Dr. Ruth Gilbert-Whitner, WHRSD
MOTION by Howard, second by Mitchell to send the letter signed by all members of the Board of Selectmen. Voted 5 – 0
Appointments:
Conservation Commission - Brenna Audette 39 Ocean Avenue – Term to Expire 6-30-18
MOTION by Howard, second by McGahan to appoint Brenna Audette to the Conservation Commission term to expire June 30, 2018. Voted 5 – 0
Community Emergency Response Coordinator – Chie Jerome Thompson requested that the Board vote to appoint him as the Community Emergency Response Coordinator and sign the following letter.
May 20, 2015
To Whom This May Concern,
Please be advised that the Hanson Board of Selectmen voted on Tuesday,
May 29, 2015 to appoint, Fire Chief Jerome A. Thompson, Jr. as Community Emergency Response Coordinator for the town of Hanson until further notice.
The Board of Selectmen fully endorses the town of Hanson Emergency Planning Committee and its efforts to:
Create a written response plan
The training of emergency responders
The exercising of a plan once a year
The collection and storage of data to meet public requests for the entire Region
This is in keeping with the guidelines of the Massachusetts Emergency Response
Commission.
Sincerely,
Bruce R. Young
Chairman, Board of Selectman
MOTION by Howard, second by McGahan to appoint Jerry Thompson and authorize the Chairman to send a letter. Voted 5 - 0
SSVT Representative – Christopher Amico – Term to Expire 6/30/18 – Chairman Young read a letter dated May 1, 2015 From South Shore Vocational Technical High School regarding the appointment of a representative to the SSVT committee.
Dear Chairman
Please be advised that the term of office of Christopher G. Amico, a member of the South Shore Regional School District Committee representing the town of Hanson, will expire on June 30, 2015.
According to Amendment No. 2 to the Agreement between the South Shore Regional School District and its member towns, member of the Committee shall be appointed by the Board of Selectmen not later than June 15th for a term of three years to commence on July 1st.
I would appreciate your letting me know what action has been (or will be) taken regarding Hanson’s representative to the South Shore Regional School District.
Sincerely yours,
James M. Coughlin
Secretary-Treasurer
MOTION by Howard, second by McGahan to reappoint Christopher Amico as the Town’s Representative to the SSVT School Committee term to expire June 30, 2018. Voted 5 – 0
Requests:
Hanson Rod & Gun Club request permission to hold a Youth Fishing Derby at
Wampatuck Pond on Sunday, June 7th from 7:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. Rain or Shine
MOTION by Howard, second by McGahan to approve the request of Hanson Rod & Gun Club Youth Fishing Derby on June 7th from 7:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. Voted 5 – 0
Rockland Hanson Rotary request permission for a Fishing Derby at Wampatuck Pond
on Saturday, June 20th from 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
MOTION by Howard, second by McGahan to grant the request of Rockland Hanson Rotary to conduct a fishing derby Voted 5 - 0
V OLD BUSINESS
Comcast License Tabled until June 2nd.
Lite Control Property – Potential Highway Department Headquarters – Mr. Scott requested the Board dissolve the Lite Control Committee and create a committee to address the needs of the Highway Department.
MOTION by Scott, second by Howard to dissolve the Lite Control committee as their work is completed. Voted 5 – 0.
MOTION by Scott, second by McGahan to appoint a Highway Building Committee.
Voted 5 – 0
MOTION by Howard, second by McGahan the Highway Building Committee consist of seven members, two selectmen, Highway representative, Finance Committee representative and three members at large. Voted 5 – 0
Discussion – Town Administrator Contract – Chairman Young discussed the options of the Town Administrator’s contract - take no action by June 30th and the contract will automatically renew until June 30, 2017, vote not to renew which would give him a year’s notice that he would not be reappointed, re-negotiate a contract or termination.
Chairman Young explained that there are other provisions under the termination clause of the contract. They could ask the Town Administrator to resign. If the board terminated the services, he will have 30 days to respond and termination would be effective after that date. He would get six month salary under the termination clause and receive nine weeks of benefits under the clause. If any board member wishes to make a complaint to the chairman, the board would need to hold an executive session to discuss the matter.
Chairman Young spoke with labor counsel regarding the contract in order to protect the interest of the Town and the Town Administrator. The Board could go into executive session to discuss this contract.
Ms. Bouzan asked if the Board was required to conduct a review process of the Town Administrator. Chairman Young indicated that it is separate from the contract and not being discussed as an agenda item.
Mr. Mitchell feels that the Board needs to meet and discuss the Board’s options.
Mr. Howard indicated that he has been here for seven years and three different Town Administrators and noted that he has had no qualms with Mr. San Angelo, who has done a good job balancing the budget. He is doing what the town hired him to do and he is doing his job.
MOTION by McGahan, to make a decision on the three options. – Mr. McGahan withdrew motion.
Chairman Young would like to discuss this with the Board at an executive session at the next meeting. Chairman Young is still working on the evaluation and the matter will be placed on the agenda.
Ms. Bouzan asked how the Board can go into contract negotiations without having the evaluations complete.
Mrs. Kemmett asked what the options of the board regarding the contract.
- Wait to June 30th and take no action and the contract renews automatically to June 2017.
Not renew the contract. Job will terminate in 2016
Renegotiate
Terminate.
Ms. Kemmett pointed out that it seems unfair to act on item 2 and 4 if no evaluation has been conducted.
Mr. Young said both items could be on the agenda. The evaluation would be on the agenda and then they would discuss in executive session the contract.
John asked what will the Board be discussing regarding the contract and what are the concerns. Mr. McGahan identification clause. Question on termination clause.
Mr. Sutter feels the Board has already made up their minds and feels that evaluation should be conducted prior to contract negotiations.
VI ONE DAY LIQUOR LICENSES - Camp Kiwanee
Eric Santos, Taunton, Fri. June 5th 6:00 – 11:00 p.m. – Family Party
Mary Carnes, Hingham, Sat., June 6th 4:00 – 10:00 p.m. – Wedding
Laura Dempsey, Boston, Sat., June 13th 4:00 – 11:00 p.m. – Wedding
Grace Kerr, Beverly, Fri., June 19th 6:00 – 11:00 p.m. – Wedding
Alison Wood, Quincy, Sat., June 20th 5:00 – 10:00 p.m. – Wedding
Julie Lockwood, Holbrook, Sun., June 21st 4:00 – 9:00 p.m. – Wedding
Scott Cappellini, Hanson Fri, June 26th 7:00 – 11:00 p.m. - Fundraiser
Leah Salamone, Rockland, Sat., June 27th 6:00 – 11:00 p.m. – Wedding
Sheela Harris, Plymouth, Sun., June 28th 4:00 – 10:00 p.m. - Wedding
MOTION by Howard, second by Mitchell to grant the licenses as presented. Voted 5 - 0
VII APPROVE MINUTES
May 4, 2015
MOTION by Howard, second by Mitchell to approve the minutes as presented. Voted 5 – 0
VIII COMMITTEE REPORTS
Monponsett Pond Committee – Treatment is currently running on schedule to start later in the month. Brockton has been taking water to fill Silver Lake and they should not have taken the water. If the elevation is below 52 feet Brockton cannot take the water.
Indian Head & Maquan Priority Repair Comm. – Mr. Young reported that the committee met last week and a report was submitted regarding utilization. June 10 a full report will be submitted by Ernie Sandland of all the schools. Discussing class room utilitization. North River Collaborative rents five classrooms three at Maquan and two at Indian Head.
School closing notice that the Park Avenue School in Whitman all pre-school children from Whitman and Hanson will be going to Maquan School
WHRDS Capital Repairs & Facilities Committee – Mr. McGahan reported that on
May 13th the committee met and discussed the air quality of Maquan School. The first test with the windows open. The second test revealed that the tests were similar and acceptable levels. The windows in Indian Head were being re-caulked. Indian Head hot water system is less then originally estimated.
Due to the flood from the sewer back up at Middle School, an air quality test was conducted.
The asbestos inspection at Maquan School came back negative.
The bids for the roof and lentils will be open on the May 27th
Lite Control Acquisition Review Comm. – previously discussed.
IX ADJOURMENT
MOTION by Mitchell, second by Howard to adjourn Voted 5 – 0
8:36 p.m. Meeting adjourned
Respectfully submitted,
Meredith Marini,
Executive Assistant
Approved and Voted 5 – 0 as amended
September 22, 2015
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