Selectmen’s Meeting Minutes
August 14, 2007
Present: James Armstrong, James Egan and Christopher Colclough. Mark Gallivan and Jesse McSweeney absent. Also present Town Administrator Michael Finglas and Executive Assistant Meredith Marini.
7:35 p.m. Chairman Egan called the meeting to order and read the announcements and upcoming meeting schedule.
Item I One Day Liquor Licenses – The Board received requests for one day liquor licenses from the following:
Laura Grindell of Halifax on Sat., Sept. 1st from 5 pm – 10 p.m. for a Wedding
Michelle Donnelly of Quincy on Sun., Sept. 2nd from 2 pm – 9 pm for a Wedding
Brianne Olson of Taunton on Sat., Sun., Sept. 8th from 5 pm – 11 pm for a Wedding
Alecia Mullen of Plymouth on Sat., Sept. 15th from 2 pm – 7 pm for a Wedding
Kelly Darling of Middleboro on Sat., Sept. 22nd from 12 pm – 5 pm for a Wedding
Ryan Petti of Somerville on Sat., Sept. 29th from 3 pm – 8 pm for a Wedding
MOTION by Armstrong, second by Colclough to approve the one-day liquor licenses as presented. Voted 3 – 0
Item II Town Administrator’s Report – Mr. Finglas reported that he signed warrants for period ending August 2, 2007 ~ Payroll Warrant 5 in the amount of $110,451.66; Expense Warrant 5 - $11,753.25; Expense 5A - $156,144.05; Expense 5B - $20,635.97. For period ending August 9, 2007 he signed Payroll Warrant 6 in the amount of $111,119.02; Expense Warrant 6 - $373.642.89; and Expense Warrant 6A - $21,013.31.
Mr. Finglas distributed a draft article for the Community Preservation Act to be proposed for the October Special Town Meeting. He also presented the Board with a copy of proposed by-law changes which resolve the conflicts between the by-laws and the Town Administrator Act. He requested that the Board review the documents for discussion at the August 28th meeting.
He also provided the Board with pictures of the Plymouth County Hospital property, which were provided by Mr. Armstrong.
Item III Classification Hearing w/ Assessors – Assessors Kathleen Marini and Dan Ward were present with Assessor Appraiser Cindy Long and Assistant Assessor Lee Standish.
MOTION by Armstrong, second by Colclough that in accordance with Massachusetts General Laws, Chapter 40, Section 56, a public hearing will be held in the Selectmen’s Meeting Room, Town Hall, Hanson, Massachusetts on Tuesday, August 14, 2007 at 7:30 P.M. for the purpose of allocating the percentage of tax levy to be borne by each class of property for Fiscal 2009. All interested taxpayers are encouraged to present oral or written information on their views. This is a necessary hearing, which must be held prior to certification of the fiscal 2009 tax rate.
Mrs. Marini pointed out there was in error in the notice and the Fiscal year should be 2008 not 2009. The correct notice was properly advertised.
MOTION by Armstrong, second by Colclough to amend the motion from FY 2009 to FY 2008. Voted 3 – 0
Move to the vote on the motion as amended. Voted 3 – 0
Mrs. Long presented the Board with a chart outlining the various classifications of real estate, residential, open space, commercial, industrial and personal property. She explained the impact on the taxes if there was a change in the uniform rate structure. The proposed tax rate is $10.06 per thousand. The Assessors are awaiting notification from the State regarding new growth figures. Mrs. Long informed the Board that the Assessors had voted earlier in the evening to recommend the uniform tax rate. Mr. Finglas concurred with the Assessors and complimented the Assessors and the staff on a great job.
MOTION by Armstrong, second by Colclough to maintain a uniform tax rate.
Voted 3 – 0
Mrs. Long explained the second part of the hearing which was the Small Business Exemption. She informed the Board that only three communities in the Commonwealth use the exemption. She pointed out that the exemption goes to the real estate owner who is not required to pass the savings along to the tenants. She indicated that the Assessors voted earlier not to recommend the Small Business Exemption.
MOTION by Armstrong, second by Colclough not to recommend the Small Business Exemption. Voted 3 – 0
Mrs. Long requested that the hearing be recessed until she receives notification from the State relative to a certified tax rate.
MOTION by Armstrong, second by Colclough to recess the hearing. Voted 4 – 0
Item IV Report from PCH Re-utilization Comm. Brian Clemons was present with several members of the PCH Re-Utilization Commission. Mr. Clemons addressed the various questions the Board had asked regarding the re-use of the property. Mr. Clemons explained that the Committee’s recommendation to lease certain portions of the property would allow the Town to maintain control of its use. Mr. Clemons indicated that the plans for the hospital building would be depend on the response to the R.F.P. issued by the Housing Authority. The Committee would recommend keeping the Bonney House for Historical purposes and possible a museum. Mr. Armstrong indicated that he evaluated several of the buildings and recommended that the electricity to many be
disconnected. The Committee was looking for the Board’s approval of the report. They would like to have plan drawn to distinguish the specific area uses. Mr. Finglas pointed out that the Selectmen had agreed to bring any changes to the parcel to Town Meeting. Mr. Sutter indicated that before an RFP be issued for an assisted living facility, that a new or updated needs assessment be conducted. He contact Lynn Sweet who drafted a report for Baran Partner. She indicated she would update the report for $2,500.00. Mr. Finglas will seek funding for the report.
MOTION by Armstrong, second by Colclough to accept the report of the PCH Re-utilization Committee and continue its efforts for development. Voted 3 – 0
The Board thanked the Committee for its work.
Item V New Business Robert Arsenault ~ Update Sgt. Fontaine – Mr. Arsenault informed the Board that Sgt. Fontaine will be discharged from the military in November. Mr. Arsenault has partnered with Homes for Troops who rehab homes for veterans returning home. The Group will be building a handicapped unit at Mr. Fontaine’s mother’s house on Main Street. They will be installing a handicapped bathroom, bedroom and living area. All the labor and materials have been donated by area craftsmen and businesses. Mr. Arsenault thanked the Town for waiving the building fees. He thanked the various departments for their
assistance.
Mr. Arsenault also informed the Board that he will be submitting an article for funds in order to erect a plaque and name a square after fallen serviceman, Sgt. William Callahan. The Board thanked and praised Mr. Arsenault for all his work.
Appointment to Recreation ~ The Board received two applications for appointment to fill Wes Blauss’ vacancy on the Recreation Commission ~ Applicants were David Blauss and Lenna Sweeney. The matter had been tabled at the previous meeting due to a tie vote.
MOTION by Armstrong, second by Colclough to appoint David Blauss to the Recreation Commission. Voted 3 – 0.
Resignation ~ The Board received a letter of resignation from David DeVito from the Historical Commission.
MOTION by Armstrong, second by Colclough to accept with regret Mr. DeVito’s resignation from the Historical Commission. Voted 3 – 0
Reappoint Election Workers – Terms to expire August 1, 2008
Ernest Amado Diane Hillstrom
Georgene Blight Ellen Lane
Elizabeth Botieri Barbara Larsen
Ann Marie Bouzan Mary Lyons
John Buckley Jennifer Mann
Jean Croghan Marlene McGivney
Joan DiLillo Faith Mosher
Marion Elms Marilyn Pendleton
Kathleen Ferrara Claire Riddell
Mary Foley Elaine Trudeau
Nancy Gaffey Rachel Walsh
Leah Guercio James Wildes
MOTION by Armstrong, second by Colclough to reappoint the election workers as presented. Voted 3 – 0.
Requests for Stop Signs ~ Highway Surveyor Richard Harris has requested STOP signs at Winter Terrace & Arrowhead Drive; Winter Terrace & Brook Bend Road and Brook Bend Road & Brook Street.
MOTION by Armstrong, second by Colclough in accordance with M.G.L. Chapter 89, Section 9 to authorize the installation of STOP signs as requested. Voted 3 – 0.
Item VI Committee Reports - Mr. Armstrong pointed out that the Maquan RFP Assessment committee will be meeting at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, August 28th. He will be participating in on-line training with the EPA for the Energy Challenge. Sustainable Hanson has changed its name to Green Hanson. Community Preservation Act – Mr. Egan indicated that he has been meeting with a group of interested citizens regarding CPA. He hoped that the Board would support and propose an article for the October Special Town Meeting. Mr. Egan explained that Town Meeting needs to approve the CPA than the votes must approve it in May. The group is proposing a 1 ½ percent contribution to the fund, which would be approximately $52.00
per average household. Mr. Colclough and Mr. Armstrong agreed with the CPA indicating it will provide the Town with funds to buy property it has otherwise had to by-pass.
MOTION by Armstrong, second by Colclough to propose an article for the Community Preservation Act at the October Special Town Meeting. Voted 3 – 0.
MOTION by Colclough, second by Armstrong to adjourn. Voted 3 – 0
8:44 p.m. Meeting Adjourned.
Respectfully submitted,
Meredith Marini
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