Whitman-Hanson Express

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One is the loneliest number

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HALIFAX — Selectman Jonathan Selig, the town’s only remaining member of the board, conducted a regularly scheduled selectmen’s meeting in the Great Hall at Halifax Town Hall, to deal with town business in an emergency meeting on Tuesday, Aug. 30. 

After the shocking resignation of his two other board members, as well as Town Administrator Marty Golightly, Selig put out a notice taking charge and requesting calm from the townspeople.  

“I want the people of Halifax to know this — we will be following the proper procedures going forward and we will get through this,” he said.

Thursday’s emergency meeting, Aug. 25, at 2:30 p.m. was convened with the sole purpose on the agenda to accept the resignation of town administrator, after only five weeks on the job.   

Chair Ashley DiSesa began the meeting.

“We got an email this morning from Mr. Golightly saying that his intention is to move on as planned; he did reconsider but feels the town is not the right fit for him.” DiSesa said to Golightly, “I thank you. I think you’re an amazing human being and I’m sorry that our town is very toxic and the way that you’ve been treated by residents and some town employees, so I apologize too on behalf of us because the whole town is not like that, so I’m sorry.” 

Golightly previously served as the Director of Public Health in Abington during much of the pandemic. Regarding his resignation from that position, he said, “it just wasn’t the time to live and work in the same community.” It had been reported that Golightly had received “personal attacks and threats” during his time in the position. 

DiSesa then read a statement regarding her own position within the town. She began, “When I was elected, I was told this would be a thankless job. What I didn’t realize was that thankless would be the least of my worries. I’ve weathered the storm of misogyny, sexual harassment, underestimation, and doubts about my abilities to perform the expected duties. Nonetheless, I believed that my becoming a selectwoman would allow me to make a difference in a town I consider myself fortunate enough to call home with my 7-year-old daughter and 9-year-old son.”

She continued, “Over the past 16 months, I have dedicated countless hours to this town, taking away from my children and have withstood multiple personal attacks without retribution.” DiSesa noted that she was not perfect but said that she “maintained an optimistic belief” that doing the right thing would be worthwhile all while losing people she considered friends. She continued with her statement saying, “I’ve seen our small town be torn apart by personal vendettas — a group of officials and some town employees who live by the mentality “rules for thee and not for me.

“I wanted to believe Halifax was better than this. That we could work together for a common cause, compromise, and be able to disagree without being so disagreeable.” DiSesa noted that it was an “honor” to work with Halifax’s Police and Fire Departments saying that they were the heart of the town. She then said that her resignation would be effective that day at 3 pm. 

Selectman Alex Meade began his own statement by saying, “Idiotic, disgraceful, shameful, and embarrassing are just a handful of the adjectives that have been used to describe me and my conduct after taking my Select Board position.” Meade, who began as Selectman in May, had unseated Gordon Andrews for a three-year term on the Board during the most recent town election. He continued, “Since the election, I have been threatened, I have been verbally attacked, and I have had lies and rumors about my private life thrust into the public spotlight for reasons unknown. Despite all of that… I have continued to do what I believe is in the best interest of the town.” 

Meade said that after a recent meeting, the Selectmen were encouraged to use a separate exit because of the commotion surrounding the outcome of the meeting. 

“Quite frankly, I have enough self-respect to take the high road and not engage when misplaced negative rhetoric and a mob mentality emerges, but I know, too, that I deserve better treatment by other members of my community,” he said. 

Meade said that despite working with good members of the community on other boards and committees, he would be resigning immediately following the meeting in the interest of the health and safety of his family especially his children. 

The Selectmen then voted unanimously to accept the resignations of Marty Golightly, Ashley DiSesa, and Alex Meade. Jonathan Selig, who has been serving since May and was elected to the one-year term that was previously filled by Troy Garron, is now the only remaining Selectman in town. 

To fill the vacancies on the board, Town Clerk Susan Lawless worked put out the election calendar that would best suit the town.  It was decided in the interest of cost efficiency, the election would be held alongside the town’s state election Tuesday, Nov. 8.  Polls will be open from 7 a.m. until 8 p.m.

Nomination papers are available now at the Office of the Town Clerk until Sept. 20. They must be returned with signatures by Oct. 4.  Those wishing to vote in the special election must register by Saturday, Oct. 29.  Nov. 1 is the deadline to post the warrant.

After adjourning the meeting, the audience of about 50 residents stood in applause for Selectman Jonathan Selig for stepping up.

Hanson BOS votes to open Cranberry Cove

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The Hanson Board of Selectmen met on August 11 for their first in-person meeting since March.

Cranberry Cove

Recreation Director William Boyle was on hand to discuss the possibility of opening Cranberry Cove despite staffing shortages. Boyle explained that they don’t have enough staff, including lifeguards, to run the Cove as they normally would. At their last meeting, the Recreation Commission voted in favor of opening the beach to the public with appropriate signage indicating that there are no lifeguards and swimming would be at your own risk. Boyle was seeking a vote from the Selectmen as well. General Counsel Kate Feodoroff, who attended the meeting over the phone, cited the recreational use statute which protects property owners from liability if people are using their land for free. The water has also been tested regularly and is safe for swimming.

The selectmen engaged in some debate as to whether it would be in the best interest of the town to open the Cove. Selectmen Clerk Laura FitzGerald-Kemmett pointed out that some youth sports such as baseball have proceeded with their seasons this summer and suggested it would be inconsistent and unfair to allow one form of recreation to proceed while prohibiting another. She said, “We’re at a place where people need to be responsible for their actions and their children’s actions and they need to monitor them and do whatever is best for them, society, and their little family… I don’t want to be into trying to decide if kids should be going down to swim or not.” Selectmen Chairman Kenny Mitchell agreed saying, “Accountability needs to start at home.” Selectman Matt Dyer said he believed the Board should have a uniform approach in their decision-making regarding recreation during the pandemic.

Selectman Jim Hickey saw things differently saying, “It’s not about being consistent, it’s about not repeating a mistake.” Selectman Wes Blauss made a point to publicly state that there would be no social distancing on the docks. Hickey concurred saying, “There’s not 6 inches, let alone 6 feet on those docks.” Blauss stressed that the priority should be on getting children back into school, a feat complicated by a lack of social distancing and potential spread of the virus. Despite some objection from other members of the Board that the issues were separate, Blauss said he felt that they really weren’t. He also referenced the loss of the Whitman-Hanson graduation due to the actions of a couple of seniors.   

Following deliberation, the Board voted 3-2 in favor of opening Cranberry Cove with proper signage and in compliance with Governor Baker’s orders. Blauss and Hickey were the dissenting votes. The Board also took a vote to extend the FY 2021 to FY 2022 camping season at Camp Kiwanee from May 9, 2021 to October 31, 2021. It passed unanimously.

Marijuana Cultivation

Mitchell told the Board that they would need to select a peer review firm for the marijuana cultivation special permit application that was submitted by Impress LLC on August 6. Feodoroff as well as Town Planner Deb Pettey were available to answer questions and make recommendations to the Board. Federoff explained the need for the peer review saying it was necessary to have engineers who are engaged with the town analyze the plans submitted by Impress LLC to ensure that they are consistent with the neighborhood. Of greatest concern is the mechanical plans which will include odor control as that was the type of concern most voiced during the town’s hearing. Pettey offered that the town could handle the review of the site plans but would not be able to properly review the mechanical plans. According to her, the firm Trinity would be able to handle the bulk of the needed review.

FitzGerald-Kemmett said, “I don’t want us doing anything in house, they are on the hook to pay for this. I want to make sure it is thoroughly peer reviewed… if we need to get two engineering firms – one to look at mechanical and one to look at site and the rest of the stuff, then I think that’s what we do.” Federoff agreed saying that the town did not need to limit itself to one engineer but noted that they would want to be sure not to duplicate efforts if choosing to go with more than one firm. The Board voted to allow Town Administrator John Stanbrook to select the firm or firms.

Committee Openings

The Board decided to elect Blauss and FitzGerald-Kemmett to the task of interviewing candidates to fill the at-large vacancies on the new De-Regionalization Feasibility Committee. Hickey will serve on the committee to represent the Board of Selectmen and Kevin Sullivan will represent the Finance Committee. Blauss and FitzGerald-Kemmett will interview 11 candidates before making their recommendations to the Board of Selectmen during the August 25 meeting.

FitzGerald-Kemmett read from a lengthy list of town committees in need of volunteers. They included the Facebook Upkeep Committee, 200th Anniversary Committee, Conservation Commission (associate members), Cultural Council, Disabilities, Economic Development, Finance, Highway Building Committee, Historical Commission, Memorial Day and Patriotic Observance, Memorial Field Trustees, North River Commission, and an alternate for the Zoning Board. Applications for appointment as well as information on the committees are available on the town website.

Voter Registration and Early Voting

A voter registration session will be held on Saturday, August 22 from 2 pm to 4 pm and 7 pm to 8 pm at the town hall. It will be the last chance to register to vote for the September primary. The town will offer in-person early voting for the September primary on Saturday, August 22 and Sunday, August 23 at the town hall from 8 am until 12 pm. Early voting will also be available during regular working hours from Monday, August 24 through Friday, August 28.

Town Finances

The Board voted to accept the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act reimbursement money. According to Stanbrook, the town is eligible to receive over $900,000 through the Act.

Stanbrook told the Board that the state has announced the much-anticipated numbers for Chapter 70 funding and Unrestricted General Government Aid (UGGA). Hanson will receive $14,658 in Chapter 70 funding – just under the amount of $14,955 budgeted at town meeting. The actual numbers for UGGA came in at $1,359,810 which represented an increase of $176,700 over what was budgeted and approved at town meeting.

The Department of Conservation and Recreation announced $4 million in mass trails grants. Hanson was on the list for the Bay Circuit Trail relocation and will be receiving $100,000. FitzGerald-Kemmett thanked Dyer and Chairman of the Conservation Commission Phil Clemons for their hard work. “That was some bright and lovely news in the middle of an otherwise dismal year,” she said.

Roadwork

In other news, Stanbrook told the Board that the construction at the Liberty St. and County Rd. intersection will begin on August 24. The work will be paid for out of the state’s Complete Streets Funding Program. Road paving, which is paid for through the town’s Ch 90 allotment, will be finished in the next few weeks on Rte. 14, County Rd., and West Washington St. Stanbrook said, “Please slow down while in the work zone to enhance safety for you and for the town’s employees and contractors. I would like to thank everyone for their patience while this needed work is completed.”

EEE

Finally, Mitchell said that the EEE level in Hanson is currently moderate. If it is increased to high, fields in town will automatically get shut down. Mitchell noted that it is not decided through a vote of the Board of Selectmen, but rather is a decision made by the Board of Health.

State’s EEE, WNV precautions are urged in Whitman

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While Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE) and West Nile virus (WNV) still pose a threat to many communities in Massachusetts, local officials have not yet recommended changes to outdoor event schedules.

EEE levels as categorized by The Mass. Department of Public Health include remote, low, moderate, high, and critical designations. Whitman is considered high while Hanson is in the moderate category.

Test samples of mosquitos in Whitman have tested positive for EEE over the summer and the risk level is high for EEE while low for WNV, according to the Mass. Department of Public Health. Hanson is listed as at moderate risk for EEE and low for WNV.

After consulting with the Whitman Board of Health, the Hanson Board of Health, Whitman Fire Chief Timothy Grenno and Hanson Deputy Fire Chief Rob O’Brien, on Thursday, Sept. 5, Superintendent of Schools Jeffrey Szymaniak recommended that there be no change to current outdoor evening activities in either town, including school activities and sports for the Whitman-Hanson Regional School District.

If any changes or modifications to after school outdoors activities is warranted, parents and residents will be notified immediately, Szymaniak said.

During this time of year, Szymaniak is recommending that families follow DPH guidelines in regard to wearing bug spray, long sleeved shirts and long pants while outdoors.

So far this season, 379 mosquito populations have tested positive for EEE and nine animals and four humans have been infected. A 59-year-old Bristol County woman has died from the virus while a man over 60 fell into a coma. Barnstable, Bristol, Essex, Franklin, Hampden, Hampshire, Middlesex, Norfolk, Plymouth and Worcester counties all have mosquito populations that have tested positive.

The threat of WNV is less with 61 mosquito populations testing positive and no animal or human cases to date. Risk categories for WNV are low, moderate, high, and critical. Both Whitman and Hanson are at low risk while neighboring Halifax and other South Shore communities are considered to be at moderate risk.

Aerial spraying to reduce mosquito populations was conducted in parts of Bristol and Plymouth Counties on Aug. 8 through12 and Aug. 22 through 25. The pesticide used is Anvil 10+10 which contains two ingredients: Sumithrin and Piperonyl butoxide.

“It should be noted that although the aerial spraying is considered necessary to reduce human risk, it will not eliminate risk,” the DPH stated on its website.

Preventive measures for those communities at critical risk include the recommendation that recreational outdoor activities held between dusk and dawn be canceled. For the week starting Sept. 8, dawn is considered 5:45 a.m. and dusk is considered 7:15 p.m.

With no existing vaccines or specific antiviral treatments for either EEE or WNV, the best preventative measures are those that decrease the likelihood of getting bit by mosquitos. Recommendations include wearing long pants and shirts, eliminating any standing water on your property, and wearing an EPA registered repellant with at least one of the following ingredients: DEET, Picaridin, IR3535, Oil of lemon eucalyptus (OLE), Para-menthane-diol (PMD), and 2-undecanone. Repellants are not recommended for infants under two months of age.

While rare, Massachusetts was second only to Florida in the number of EEE cases between 2009 and 2018. The incubation period for the disease is 4-10 days with some of those infected remaining asymptomatic. The systemic infection has an abrupt onset with some of the signs and symptoms including chills, fever, malaise, arthralgia, and myalgia.  In infants, onset of encephalitis is abrupt while in older children and adults, encephalitis starts within a few days of systemic illness. Signs and symptoms of encephalitis include fever, headache, irritability, restlessness, drowsiness, anorexia, vomiting, diarrhea, cyanosis, convulsions, and coma.

A third of those diagnosed with EEE will die while many that survive are left with secondary mental and physical impairments that are often disabling and progressive.

Residents with questions or concerns can contact their local boards of health — 781-618-9754  for Whitman and 781-293-3138 for Hanson.

Whitman board salutes Benton

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WHITMAN — The Board of Selectmen honored police chief Scott Benton Tuesday, Aug. 20 ahead of his retirement on Sept. 16.

Chairman Dr. Carl Kowalski read a proclamation signed by the Board of Selectmen in recognition of the many achievements and honors that had been bestowed upon Benton in his nearly 33-year career including becoming the town’s first DARE officer and receiving the Medal of Valor in 1992.

Benton began his career in 1986 as an auxiliary police officer before becoming a full-time officer in 1990. From there, he was promoted to sergeant in 1994, detective sergeant in 1997, deputy chief in 2008 and finally chief of police in 2013.

“The Board of Selectmen on behalf of a grateful community does hereby commend Scott D. Benton for services rendered to the town and now therefore the Board of Selectmen of the town of Whitman does proudly proclaim Monday, Sept. 16 Scott D. Benton day in the town of Whitman,”  Kowalski read from the proclamation.

Selectman Randy LaMattina, who chairs the Budget Override Committee, gave a brief update saying that the committee had not met again since the last Selectmen meeting. They are scheduled to meet again on Monday, Aug. 26 at 5 p.m. LaMattina said he had locked down a consultant who would be coming to the meeting to make a brief presentation and answer questions from committee members. The only other update from LaMattina was that he had received an email from one of the committee members inquiring about the Old Colony Planning Council. From their website, “The Old Colony Planning Council (OCPC) is a governmental entity that was established under state statute in 1967 as a comprehensive regional agency to “prepare plans for the physical, social and economic development of the District”. The Council was formed in response to a growing need of local communities to be able to address the multitude of problems that cross over local boundaries such as air and water pollution, transportation deficiencies and economic distress.”

LaMattina said it is certainly something Town Administrator Frank Lynam can look into as it may provide yet another building block toward a solution. Additionally, Lynam is attempting to set up a meeting between the Selectmen, the Budget Override Evaluation Committee and the Capital Improvements Committee to hear a report from the Collins Group on the work that they’ve been doing. The tentative date for that meeting is September 10.

The Board approved a change in date for the Whitman Area Toy Drive’s tollbooth fundraiser to from Aug. 31 to from  9 a.m. to 1 p.m., Saturday,  Sept. 7. The rain date for the event will be Sept. 14. The Board also approved the Whitman Youth Soccer opening day parade for 8:30 a.m., Saturday, Sept. 7.

Kowalski also discussed a number of existing vacancies on the various Boards and Committees in town.

The Board also voted unanimously to rescind two appointments to the Cultural Council. One was due to a resignation and the other due to a member never having been sworn in and never attending any meetings. Oliver Amado was appointed to a three-year term through June 30, 2021 on the Cultural Council. Kowalski described the Cultural Council as being wide open and said if any residents are interested in joining, they should contact the Selectmen’s office.

Other vacancies include a regular member and an alternate delegate vacancy on the Triple A Advisory Committee. The Building Facilities and Capital Spending Committee have two vacancies. The Conservation Committee has two vacancies, both with terms ending in 2022. Additionally, two alternate member vacancies with terms ending in 2020 and 2021 also exist on the Conservation Committee. The Economic Development Committee and the Fair Housing Committee both have one vacancy each with both terms ending in 2020. The Historical Commission has two associate member vacancies with terms expiring in 2022.

The Board voted to approve a request from Bruce Perry on behalf of the St. Vincent de Paul Society doing business with the Whitman Food Pantry at Holy Ghost Parish for a one-day liquor license on Saturday Sept. 21. The Board also unanimously voted to waive the fee for the aforementioned permit.

The Board also addressed Environmental Pickup Corp.’s application for a junk collector’s license. The company is purchasing Conway Scrap Metal Inc. from Michael Conway. The current license held by Conway Scrap Metal Inc. will be rescinded upon the issuance of the license to the new owner. The Board asked the new owner what street they planned to use for their business. The new owner said he planned to use 36 Vincent St. as the previous owner had done. The Board asked that the new owner work with residents on neighboring Paul St. as damage had been inflicted on the road from the trucks pertaining to the business and the DPW is unable to fix it as it is not an approved street.  The new owner said, “I did speak to the neighbors and introduce myself. I did tell them I’m going to help fix the street as best I can.”