WHITMAN — A special permit and site plan approval application for a solar farm consisting of 3,940 panels and associated equipment has been granted leave to withdraw without prejudice by the Zoning Board of Appeals Monday, March 13.

The vote, necessitated by a clerical error on the part of one landowner and the petitioner, BrightEnergies of Los Angeles, will permit the company to re-apply when the error — which identified the wrong parcel address — is corrected.

The address had been identified as 81 Bedford St., instead of 0 Bedford St., which is the correct address, according to company managing partner Jon LoCascio. The error resulted in an incorrect or incomplete list of abutters notified about the 7 p.m. hearing.

ZBA Chairman John Goldrosen did allow members of the board and interested residents attending to ask general questions about the solar farm proposal.

LoCascio said the proposal would be brought back regarding 0 Bedford St., and that the address mistake had been brought to the company’s attention about 30 days ago.

Goldrosen noted that, once a hearing is advertised in the newspaper, a hearing must be held.

Member Wayne Andrews said the site plan as submitted as “no good” as it is not to scale and does not show any topographical contours or accurate abutters.

“Everything is missing from this site plan,” he said, advising that the company review Whitman’s zoning regulations.

Building Inspector Robert Curran said his impression was that the company planned to revise the site plan. He also reminded ZBA members that Whitman has become a Green Community and that he had forwarded a copy of the regulation revisions reflecting that status.

“There’s provisions for solar or alternative energy in our bylaw,” Curran said.

Goldrosen also read into the hearing record letters from the Planning Board, Conservation Commission and Fire Chief Timothy Grenno, listing concerns about the plan as submitted.

The Conservation Commission expressed concern over any wetlands impact on the site and planners noted questions about determination of the location of the Brockton water line and whether there would be an easement conflict before being able to approve the plan. Grenno requested engineered road access on three sides of the property; a solid surface, such as crushed stone, for ground cover; weed and overgrowth containment; gated access with a lock the fire department can open and training for public safety departments.

“It may turn out you can’t put everything there that you want,” Goldrosen said about the wetlands issue.

Board member Steven Cacciatore also asked about safety including whether the electricity can be turned off in an emergency and the potential for the solar panels to be hot enough to spark brush fires.

“We’re just asking because we don’t know,” he said. “This has not come up to us before. … We want to know if there’s going to be a problem.”

LoCascio said he is more often asked how it’s going to work in the snow, assuring the board that the farm would have a rapid shutdown system to control fire risk when panels reach a certain temperature.

Andrews sought information on how the project would benefit the town.

“The great thing about this project is all the energy is going to the town, so we would be discounting and saving the town money reducing the town’s overall cost for electricity,” LoCascio said. He said the output of about 1.9 megawatts would lock in energy costs for municipal buildings for 20 years.

Curran added that the town would have to enter into an energy-purchase agreement with BrightEnergies. The difficulty in gauging the effect of those savings stems from a recent change to LED lighting.

“We can’t take historical electric bills and use those in any way for this,” Curran said. “But by the time this all goes through, the town will know what its average monthly bill is.”

BrightEnergies would own the solar equipment, but lease the property.

Board members were also interested in learning of other area solar farms and any problems encountered with the facilities.

Abutter Jackie Alger, owner of Wag This Way dog daycare also had some questions for the board’s consideration — water runoff, wetlands, possible requirement of a retention pond, access during construction, how inspections would be handled, dust control plans during construction, work hours and temporary electrical power during construction, noise, tree removal, traffic and security fence plans.

HANSON — While town officials consider it too early for a vote on the pact, the Board of Selectmen discussed the status of the town’s contract talks with Whitman-Hanson Community Access Television at its Feb. 28 meeting.

Progress reports on building razing and raising projects [see related story, page 3] were also discussed.

“The general consensus that I want to pass along to the public is that we are working on this,” said Selectmen Chairman James McGahan about individual conversations he has had with other selectmen about the cable access contract. He stressed that none of the one-on-one conversations constituted Open Meeting Law violations.

“We have a contract that we are being asked to sign — and this is for another 10 years — and one of the sticking points on it is that we need to follow up on the financial reports that are owed to the town through the Board of Selectmen,” McGahan said.

WHCA TV Executive Director Eric Dresser said Monday, March 6 that he understands the selectmen’s concerns are reasonable, as there are several items in the contract still being worked out.

“I think there’s some things above and beyond the things that they mentioned that they’d like to see, in terms of the reporting, that we’ve got to get on the same page with — as you would in any negotiation,” Dresser said. “We are aware of the areas of the [financial] report that need to be updated and those projects are already in progress.”

He said one was submitted at the end of last week. Cable Access Board Chairman Arlene Dias has since supplied the rest, she said Wednesday. She had not attended the Feb. 28 meeting because she said she was told the issue had been removed from the agenda.

McGahan said Feb. 28 that, while some financial reports had been received, “We didn’t get everything that we need.” He has created a matrix of reports owed to them and a ballpark timetable of when they should be received by selectmen in both towns. He also wants to see audit reports — required every three years — and regular 501(c)3 status updates on the service’ nonprofit status and to require that meeting minutes be posted on the WHCA website, as well as annual reports.

Resident Laura FitzGerald-Kemmett, who has experience with 501(c)3 organizations such as the Hanson Food Pantry, said a copy of the WHCA tax returns could supply much of that information.

“We need more transparency with this group in terms of accountability,” McGahan said of the WHCA Board of Directors. “Otherwise we’re just rubber-stamping this contract.”

Town Administrator Michael McCue said a consensus of the board was all that was needed until its members are ready to ratify the contract.

McGahan said he, McCue and the cable board should meet again to discuss the issue. He also said he would like to invite the board chairman and/or WHCA executive director to selectmen’s meetings on a quarterly basis for updates on programs and services.

Selectman Bruce Young noted that a percentage of everyone’s cable bill supports the local cable access studio Cable rates, especially for seniors, was also a concern raised by Richard Edgehille, a resident and past volunteer videographer for WHCA.

“Seniors can’t get anything,” agreed Selectman Don Howard.

Edgehille suggested transparency could help hold Comcast accountable.

“If everybody in town understands that you’re doing your homework on it, as far as knowing how much it costs for that studio to run, there’s no waste,” he said.

McGahan agreed that it is in the cable board’s interest, as well, to show the money is being spent where it should be spent.

Edgehille also said the second contract should not be a mirror of the first one, because that initial contract was a start-up document.

“It should be tweaked,” he said, noting that much of the original contract language concerned the hiring and job function of the late WHCA Executive Director Steven Roy, who died last spring. “We wouldn’t be talking about this if Steve Roy didn’t leave us. He kept the ship going.”

Dresser said that, while he is a different person than Roy, he plans to brag about the “good stuff we’re doing here” and he wants town officials and the community to know about them.

“I think it’s a step in the right direction to remedy some of those things we’re concerned about,” McGahan said of the contract talks.

WHITMAN — Capital school projects and the status of plans for a new DPW building [see related story] were the focus of the first meeting of the town’s Buildings, Facilities and Capital Expenditures Committee since last spring.

WHRSD Business Services Director Christine Suckow, School Committee member Fred Small and Facilities Director Ernest Sandland attended the Feb. 16 meeting to review capital projects priorities for the fiscal 2018 budget cycle. Small is also chairman of the School Committee’s facilities subcommittee.

“The function of this committee is two-fold — to oversee and manage capital projects and to make recommendations about spending,” said Town Administrator Frank Lynam, who again chairs the Buildings panel. “The decision to spend that money is made by Town Meeting.”

The Buildings Committee makes recommendations on capital expenditures and the Finance Committee makes recommendations on whether they believe expenditures are appropriate and good for the town. The panel will be meeting again when it receives capital plans for other departments and will also meet with the Finance Committee.

“We will look at what we are willing to commit for funding this year,” Lynam said. “The only way whatever plan we come up with will work is if we have a united plan — we’re all on the same page.”

He does not see the town dipping into stabilization for capital projects this year.

“I’m more concerned with the budget itself,” he said. The per-school breakdown of the school budget for Whitman schools is: $1,631,000 for Whitman Middle School; $654,000 for Conley and $456,000, according to Suckow.

Whitman generates most of its revenue from local taxes, with the reserve for appropriation ambulance account coming in second, according to Lynam.

“When we look at purchases and our ability to fund them, we’re constrained by what we’re able to generate in revenue,” he said.

Lynam again explained that a recent windfall in personal property taxes from National Grid, having made significant improvements to the company’s property in Whitman. As that money is expected to go away within eight years, Lynam has advocated spending the tax receipts on nonrecurring capital expenses.

“If I build a budget on money that isn’t going to be there next year, were [in trouble],” he said. “We’re behind the eight-ball.”

School department capital requests, most of which have been on the list from previous years, include:

• An engineering study for the Duval School roof;

• Fire alarm and smoke detector replacement at all three of the town’s schools, $50,000 each;

• Repairing and relining the middle school gym, $25,000;

• Installation of a gym curtain at WMS, $14,000;

• A Green Communities program at all three schools, $335,000;

• Replacement of WMS rooftop units, $50,000;

• Installing and cleaning ceiling fans at all three schools, $25,000;

• Replacement of exterior doors with a card-reading system for added security, $16,000;

• Loop driveway at the rear of WMS, $16,000;

• Crack, seal and reline playgrounds, $13,000;

• Replacement of Conley and WMS kitchen equipment, $53,000;

• Uninvent replacement in five rooms at WMS, $35,000; and

• Sidewalk replacement at Duval, $20,000.

Other repairs have been prioritized for later years.

Lynam said one of the difficulties in funding repairs to facilities involves the fact that assessments for the regional schools are apportioned based on population. Whitman currently has 59.5 percent of the region’s school population.

“That number has been moving for at least the last eight years,” he said. “We are creating more of the expense and we are paying for more expense of operating the region.”

Savings from energy-saving updates would help, he said.

Sandland said that, with such programs, energy costs would be reduced and budgets will be more manageable.

“When you look at these repairs, you’ve got to keep in mind these buildings are not a lot different from what we do at home,” Lynam said. “What we’re looking at now are the things that need to be done.”

The door lock project, on the other hand, is part of the district’s program to improve school security as well as making any needed repairs, Small said.

Playground and sidewalk repairs are aimed at addressing trip hazards, which cause spikes in insurance premiums. Repairs needed to the roofs at Conley and Duval are to newer sections.

“We’ve complained to the state that [at Duval] here we are, we spend $80,000 on repairs to a roof that you guys funded,” Sandland said, noting a similar problem was encountered at Hanson Middle School. “They didn’t care.”

Salvucci asked that if the total of repairs prioritized for this year — estimated at about $500,000 — could be done, how much time could that buy the town before more work is needed.

Light units and rooftop units have to go out to bid before those details are known, Sandland said.

Whitman’s share ($451,389) of $758,000 repairs to the high school prioritized for the year include (cost estimates below are totals):

• Turf field at the high school, estimated at between $425,000 and $500,000;

• Roadway repairs, $210,000;

•  Industrial ceiling fans for heat distribution, $12,000;

• Traffic lighting for safety, $20,000;

• Exterior envelope repairs to composite wall system $25,000;

• Hot water heater replacement, $35,000 as well as

• Replacement of rooftop units, $100,000;

• Window glass replacement, $15,000;

• Energy upgrade, $111,000 for LED lighting in classrooms, $65,000 for LED lighting in computer labs, cafeteria, music suite and gym; and

• Second floor carpet replacement, $45,000.

In other business, the Buildings, Facilities and Capital Expenditures Committee reorganized, renaming Lynam as chairman. Lynam had stepped aside last year after his workload increased after his former assistant Greg Enos had resigned to take a position in Ashland, and a new Finance Committee required his assistance. Wayne Carroll, a DPW Commissioner who had been asked to chair the committee recently announced his decision to step down.

With the hiring of new Assistant Town Administrator Lisa Green, that situation has changed, Lynam said.

“You now have an assistant, that takes a lot of the pressure off your back, and you have the time,” Salvucci said in nominating Lynam for the chairmanship.

Committee member Patrick Fatyol was voted as vice chairman and Salvucci was elected clerk.

HANOVER — The South Shore Vocational High School Committee’s student of the month award usually celebrates purely scholastic or athletic achievement and student leadership, but an act of heroism also distinguished the selection for February.

James Dwyer of Hanson was honored for his courage outside of school — saving his father’s life by performing CPR. He went in to school the next day and brought his usual positivity according to a staff member. Dwyer is a junior automotive technology student.

“We’re lucky to have a student like James at South Shore Vocational High School,” said a member of the faculty.

The committee also heard an update on plans for a new horticulture program, which South Shore Tech is interested in adding  as soon as the next year.

According to Superintendent-Director Dr. Thomas Hickey, this would be a slow-building program, starting with a single instructional hire with a landscaping background. In addition to this, Hickey said that a member of the science faculty would contribute to this program by teaching plant science. This would only be temporary, as once the program grows a second faculty member would be hired and dedicated to the program.

To add a new program, state law requires that SSVT show a demand for jobs in a particular field.

There is a lot of optimism from Hickey that this will happen.

“I saw 23 different companies in a survey that they annually hire 98 to 106. That’s a pretty significant number,” said Hickey

In addition to looking at the labor demand, guidance counselors for incoming freshman asked about their interest in the program, since the program is not listed currently in the brochure.

“Sixty-five percent said they want that on their list” said Hickey

Guidance counselors also asked current freshman if they would have been interested in the program.
“We asked, if they could turn back time would they have explored this program? Over 50 percent of students would have been interested,” he said.

Hickey stated that the only agricultural high school in the area is Norfolk County Agricultural High School in Walpole — almost 30 miles away from SSVT. Hickey said he recognizes this discourages many South Shore students from pursuing agriculture.

Breakfast
for Students

In other business, Principal Margaret Dutch and members of the school committee are currently reviewing new ideas for the breakfast program.

“We want to assure breakfast is available to all students and that the breakfast they are receiving is appropriate for starting their school day,” she said adding that they are currently looking at data to support this initiative.

There are many varying perspectives on how to approach this issue. Dutch points out that students, parents, teachers and faculty view this very differently and that each perspective needs to be accounted for.

Timing, for example, is an issue. It is now unclear if breakfast would be available before classes or take place during classroom time.

Chairman Robert Molla questioned if this would interrupt class time.

“We don’t have enough time for educational purposes,” said Molla

Principal Dutch responded, “If you have someone who’s hungry, are they engaging in the education anyway?”

Dutch also posed an additional question, “Is just eating something a breakfast? Or does it need to be something specific and balanced?”

She said the meal would be required to meet the healthy food standards in the same capacity that the lunch program does.

There are many ways to approach this topic.

“We’ve talked about our bus schedules, if kids are getting off the bus with only a few minutes to spare they might not want to risk getting food,” Hickey said. “If kids are interested in getting food before class, we should consider rolling back our bus schedule.”

Dutch said that they did not expect a small idea like breakfast to grow into such a complex and nuanced issue.

Staff report

After a double whammy of wild winter weather, the region has seen just about every form of precipitation imaginable since Thursday, Feb. 9, forcing three straight school day cancellations and adding to the cost of snow removal efforts in Whitman and Hanson.

Whitman DPW’s Highway/Park Superintendent Bruce Martin said he is still calculating the cost since Feb. 9, but Town Administraror Frank Lynam said Tuesday that he has already authorized deficit spending for snow removal.

“We had contractors in Sunday night,” Martin said, noting a lot of salt was also used on the streets. “It’s expensive.”

“The slush is tough because the plows don’t scrape it as good, you almost need a squeegie,” he said. “It’s harder to push, it’s harder for the sidewalk snowblower to clean — everything is harder because it’s wet an slushy.”

“Ballpark cost of [cleanup has been] $30,000 not counting fuel, salaries  and material,” Hanson Town Administrator Michael McCue said Monday. The $30,000 paid for outside contractors, according to McCue.

Martin said he keeps an unofficial snowfall log for his own reference and the town is up to 55 inches of snow for the season, a figure that is slightly above average, which is in the “high 40s.”

“Even last year — people think last year was a down winter, but we were actually right above average with 51 inches,” Martin said.

On the roads, police and fire departments responded to numerous reports of accidents and stuck vehicles.

State officials also wanted people to take their time going to work Monday morning to allow crews a chance to clear the roads after the second round of snow, slush and ice hit the state Sunday.

On Sunday night, Gov. Charlie Baker called for an 11 a.m. start time for some state employees, as did the state Senate and House of Representatives.

On Sunday night, Baker said the two-part storm that was expected to stretch into midday Monday was “more unpredictable” than last Thursday’s storm and that he wanted to wait until the picture came into better view before deciding whether to delay or cancel work for state employees. The National Weather Service on Sunday issued a winter storm warning for most of Massachusetts and warned of strong, damaging winds and the possibility of power outages Monday.

The wind associated with the Feb. 9 storm had already proved damaging to the home of a Hanson family.
“Our East Washington Street house was hit by a large pine tree during the peak of the [Thursday, Feb. 9] storm,” said Express photographer Stephanie Spyropoulos. “There were a few loud booms at the time reported as thundersnow by the weather forecasters.”

She described the situation as “scary, loud and chaotic for a short period of time” as police and firefighters arrived assessing the damage and the downed wires. No injuries were reported.
One large limb and several smaller punctures occurred when the tree fell striking the front of the cape style home. A smaller tree which was also crushed may have absorbed some of the weight of the pine.

The roof was boarded up by Sunday afternoon and ready for the next round of snow.

Heavy winds returned on Monday afternoon as those not working or clearing snow headed out to play in it. Neon sleds, snow pants and matching hats were like brightly colored gum drops standing out in the snow banks at the Whitman Park on Monday. Still, the hill was not as busy as normal.

The wind was blowing in full force and picked up speed Monday at noon as a small crowd of teens braved the cold on a snow day to take a few runs down the hill at Whitman Park. However families with smaller children who were red faced and chilled to the bone were making the last few steps as parents began to pack sleds and wet jackets in the cars.

Carrying her infant Dylan in a baby carrier on her chest Tammy Bengin of Whitman walked her two dogs both Siberian Huskies along the Whitman Park.

Despite the cold she bundles up and heads out because the dogs need to get out and they love the cold, she said. She doesn’t love the winter weather but said that in spring you will see her walking and making tracks across Whitman.

Staff writers Tracy F. Seelye and Stephanie Spyropoulos and State House News Service writer Colin Young contributed to this report.

HANSON — A municipal park — perhaps including a common, walking and picnic areas or a gazebo bandstand — has been recommended by the Final Plymouth County Hospital Committee as a use for a portion of the property once the dilapidated hospital building is razed in April.

“Even though we have great resources like sports fields, a nice pond on either side of the Town Hall and Camp Kiwanee, Hanson has never in its history had an actual park,” Committee member, and Conservation Commission Chairman, Phil Clemons said.

Selectmen voted Tuesday, Feb. 7 to support the recommendation for designing a park on the site. Selectman Don Howard chairs the PCH Committee. The vote, not intended as a final approval, enables the PCH Committee to move forward with financing a park design.

Selectmen also approved a bid from Almar LLC of Medfield, as well as a change order, for the latest roof repair project at Maquan School.

The park project would be located in parcel two on the 55-acre property, in which three parcels with distinct features have been identified. Parcel two is where the food pantry, community garden, water tower and other buildings are located.

“It’s a sensible thing to do,” said Clemons. “We think we’ve answered questions regarding funding and the whole concept. The committee would be interested in feedback from this board.”

The board liked what they heard.

“You came to us with a potential solution,” said Selectmen Chairman James McGahan. “But, not only did you come to us with a solution, you came to us with a point on how to fund it, so I’m very impressed.”

He updated the Board of Selectmen on the PCH panel’s work. The committee has also proposed ways to fund the project.

Clemons’ PowerPoint presentation outlined the PCH Committee’s work over the course of more than 45 meetings, and indicated residents expressed a “strong desire” for a park at the site in a survey conducted last year.

“We need to make sure we set aside a way to fund the maintenance of the park,” McGahan said. “I’m sure that’s a big concern.”

Voters at the October 2016 Town Meeting authorized $1.8 million for razing the former hospital and outbuildings, with a bid of $1 million awarded to J. R. Vinagro. The balance of the unused funds reverts to the town and cannot be retained for maintenance.

The Committee has proposed the establishment of an account in which proceeds from the sale of the former hospital superintendent’s house “or a few other sources,” would be deposited to help fund maintenance. The panel also recommends an appraisal of the superintendent’s house.

The Committee has also applied to the Conway School of Landscape Design to plan a park on the site, estimated to cost about $7,000 and expects to hear that result soon. Clemons said feedback on the application has been “very positive.” The $7,000 price tag would encompass several site visits and a public meeting in Hanson for public input and ideas as they gather information. The cost would be paid over two installments at the beginning and end of the process.

Town Administrator Michael McCue said, at that price level, there is no need for competitive procurement.

Community Preservation funds are considered as a funding source for the design, but that process could delay the work. The town’s Open Space and Recreation Plan (OSRP) expected to be completed this month, would allow the committee to apply for several grants for the park. It also makes $4,000 in Conservation Commission funds immediately available for the park project, as well as more modest conservation funds that could be permitted for use by the state.

On Feb. 15 the Conservation Commission will discuss and vote on the possibility of going that route.

“Every previous version of that [OSRP] plan has included vague ideas about the county hospital — now it’s time to get specific,” Clemons said.

Besides a common, the plan could also include a low-maintenance playground, accessible walking trails, connection to the 200-mile Bay Circuit Trail and a possible dog park.

Other recommendations for the PCH property’s remaining parcels that are still under discussion, involve expanding the water tank easement to allow a second water tank, supporting the Bonney House as an historic education site, exploring the possibility of an unobtrusive cell tower and a solar array option for the south end of the property.

“There’s income for the town from [a solar facility],” Clemons said.

The PCH Committee is also investigating the use of online crowdfunding sites such as GoFundMe to help pay for the project and its maintenance.

“We seek not to increase, but to control tax burdens,” he said.

“From what I can see, it gives you some revenue from the solar and the only thing you’re missing is an adult driving range,” Selectman Bruce young said.

“We think the golfing public has other options,” Clemons said.

Maquan roof

The board’s vote on the bid for the repairs to a small section of the Maquan School roof followed a similar vote by the School Committee on Wednesday, Feb. 1.

The School Committee recommended awarding the contract to Almar LLC for a bid of $44,747 as well as an alternative of $9,500 for a total of $54,247 for the second phase of the roof’s repair. The Selectmen’s vote allows McCue and School Business Services Director Christine Suckow to sign the contract.

The work entails additional items found that were not part of the original roof repair contract for the flat part of the school’s roof. Flashing and brickwork found in need of repair will now be addressed.

A $7,600 change order with consultants Gale Engineering was also approved to appoint the firm as clerk of the works on the project.

WHITMAN — Popular Children’s Illustrator John Steven Gurney made lots of silly faces when he spoke to the students at Conley Elementary School Thursday, Jan. 26. They were just as pleased to give him the arched eyebrow and make cartoon-like expressions in return.

After all, they were envisioning how they would look as a character in one of his many books.

Having the perfect pout and eye expression is the goal when Gurney is sketching for publications, he told students. His well-known “A-Z Mysteries,” “Pet Hotel,” “The Bailey School Kids,” and more than 140 other books grace the shelves of libraries everywhere and Conley is no exception.

Many Conley students were engaged in drawing easy cartoon figures, and most gasped when the PowerPoint showed their favorite books, which were illustrated by Gurney.

He gave a detailed step-by-step description of the creative process which goes into illustrating — explaining that he works closely with the editor, and not the author, of a book — which can be a lengthy process to define the finished product.

During the PowerPoint presentation, his various stages of work were explained complete with using his son to capture a moving subject. He later compared the early sketches to the finished pages in the book.

Several second-grade students whispered across their row to one another about a book they were currently reading in class.  They giggled as if they had a kept secret for the ending but then realized Gurney would never reveal the ending of the book.

No spoiler alert needed.

HANSON — The Board of Selectmen discussed updates on the Maquan School repair project, as well as the Whitman Hanson Community Access contract during its Tuesday, Jan. 24 meeting.

With several issues arising over the conditions of Maquan Elementary School, real change needs to occur shortly, town and school district officials agree. The roof over the gym was recently repaired, but that is only a small accomplishment in comparison to many other problems with the building.

School Committee Chairman Bob Hayes updated the board on a rejected statement of interest in an accelerated repair. This will slow down repairs from February until sometime in the spring.

Next Monday, the School Committee’s Capital Improvements subcommittee will be meeting at Maquan to discuss the issues that have been brought forward. Hayes mentioned the town needs to “appropriate $15,000 to $25,000 to evaluate the entire system.”

Hayes listed electrical problems, an overhaul of the heating system, the lack of a sprinkler system, asbestos removal, and an upgrade of the fold-down lifts as some of the work still to be done at the school.

There is already difficulty in determining the priority of these problems, he noted.

“We have been operating without a sprinkler system since the 60s, I would think the sprinkler system may not be as big a priority as the heating system,” Hayes said. “You can’t be in the building with no heat.”

Selectman Bruce Young mentioned that the Massachusetts School Building Authority (MSBA) said that the building should have been replaced three or four years ago.

Depending on the evaluation of the school, there may need to be drastic steps taken moving forward according to Hayes.

“If [proposed repairs] reach 30 percent of the assessed value of the building then you need to bring the whole building under every code,” Hayes said.

The expectation is that Maquan will end up being over the 30-percent threshold.

“Every system should be replaced and that is why we will not qualify for the statement of interest (on the accelerated repair),” Young said. “It sets up a paradox between how many systems should we replace, when three or four years down the road you repurpose or you may not use the building.”

In other business, the board again placed the Whitman Hanson Community Access contract on hold.

As soon as the discussion started, W-H Community Access Board Chairman Arlene Dias, raised concerns over problematic language in the contract.

Section 3 Article J states: “The obligation to cablecast these meetings shall remain regardless of funding available to W-H Access.”

Dias and members of the board were confused as to how W-H Community Access could cover these meetings without having the funding to exist at all.

“We should take it back to the attorney to find out what the intent is,” said Selectmen Chairman James McGahan.

Town Administrator Michael McCue reported that discussions regarding the removal of the Plymouth County Hospital are still in the early stages. Much of the technical details appear to be in the works.

“They need to remove hazardous material before they start,” said Selectman Donald Howard, who chairs the Final Plymouth County Hospital Reuse Committee.

Howard also mentioned that the winter would be the ideal time to start this project, as it would prevent destruction related dust from contaminating the area.

Two structures are planned to remain after this process is over. The communication tower will be auctioned off rather than simply destroyed.

Prior to the Board of Selectmen’s meeting, the board’s Wage and Personnel Subcommittee discussed changes to the library director’s job description.

“This change comes from the library trustees, as they feel the current description has become outdated,” McCue said. The last change was made in 2004.

Some of the updates include additional duties such as increased oversight and attending various workshops. Additionally, there is a larger emphasis on education. Minimum qualifications list a “master’s degree in library science and five years of progressively responsible experience public library administrations.”

It also mentions an equivalent combination of education and experience will be adequate. Members of the board suggested that experience can be more valuable than education.

HANSON — While a group of Lakeside Road residents attended the Tuesday, Jan. 10 Board of Selectmen’s meeting to hear Conservation Commission concerns about the sale of two parcels on the road at public auction, they learned there were none. The conservation concern was confined to a narrow strip of land on Brook Street, which will not be sold.

Lakeside Road residents, however, voiced their own concerns about how — and to whom — public meeting notification letters on the matter were issued.

Conservation Commission Chairman Phil Clemons said he wanted to clear up any misunderstanding or confusion as his board’s part in the process is completed.

“There were two parcels that we thought would have value from the conservation standpoint,” Clemons said. “Lakeside Road was not one of those.”

Selectmen voted 5-0 to put aside the Brook Street parcel for protection from sale. Town Administrator Michael McCue reminded Selectmen of their vote in the fall against selling the Maquan Street parcel as well as to sell the two parcels on Lakeside Road.

Residents of the Lakeside Road were urged to provide contact information for notification of an auction date – most likely in the spring — for the parcels at 261 and 0 Lakeside Road.

“How many abutters were notified?” asked Lakeside Road resident Gail Joyce. “I’m at the end of Lakeside Road and I don’t know how many abutters are notified, because I didn’t even know about the meeting tonight until I heard it by word-of-mouth.”

“This meeting did not require notification,” McCue said. “The abutters that were notified were done out of courtesy, thinking they might be interested in attending this meeting.”

A man who lives next door to one of the parcels said he had never been notified of any meetings.

“For an auction of this type, they are not required to notify people,” said Selectmen Chairman James McGahan, noting that residents would have to be notified if construction was planned there.

The ConComm advised the town keep a parcel with an address of 0 Brook St., and another with an address of 308 Maquan St. — both small, watershed lands. The entire Maquan parcel is within the kind of buffer zone for which the Watershed Protection Act was intended to safeguard.

“We think the town will be well-served if we kept the shoreline and natural vegetation and restore the natural vegetation and kept it as a natural area to protect the shore of [Maquan] Pond and the water quality,” Clemons said.

The 1.9 acres on Brook Street is narrow with a long boundary on Indian Head Brook where native brook trout have been found, most of which is within the Watershed Protection Act.

Maquan school

School Committee Chairman Bob Hayes, who announced the statement of interest (SOI) to the Massachusetts School Building Authority (MSBA) for a Maquan/Hanson Middle schools project has been turned down for this year, stressed the decision had no connection to the town’s rejection of a new elementary school project a few years ago.

“There were other districts who have greater needs,” Hayes said, suggesting they ought to go for accelerated repair funds toward a long-term goal, such as fixing the heating system for the short term. “There’s more submissions being put in to do those types of repairs or replacements.”

McGahan noted one of those schools had a roof collapse, and was in more dire need. Selectman Bruce Young said the boilers in the building are original to the 1968 school construction.

The School Committee voted Wednesday, Jan. 11 to resubmit an SOI for a Maquan School replacement project. Selectmen are scheduled to vote on the new SOI at the Tuesday, Jan. 24 meeting.

Interim library
director

In other business, Selectmen voted to appoint interim Library Director Karen Stolfer as the Library’s Records Officer. Stolfer graduated with her MLS in 2005 from Simmons College and started working at the Hanson Public library in September of 2003.

“Karen was the first person Nancy hired,” the library’s Technical Services/Systems Director Antonia Leverone told McCue. “I remember still being the Acting Director when Nancy and I interviewed Karen. … She was a patron as a school kid before she went to Wheaton. Since she came into the reference position she has been a tremendous asset to the library with her computer and reference skills [as well as her] friendly way with the patrons. The staff all think very highly of her, both professionally and as a colleague.”

HANSON — The town has a new Recreation Commission — as soon as the seven members approved by Selectmen on Tuesday, Jan. 10 are sworn in.

Selectmen voted by paper ballot for the seven out of a field of 13 applicants and distributed the staggered terms of office according to the number of votes received. Eventually all commission members will serve staggered three-year terms, but to start two of the posts come up for reappointment on June 30, 2017.

“I want to say thank you to these folks who stepped up and volunteered,” McGahan said to a warm round of applause from the audience after the vote. “There’s been a lot of controversy, a lot of news on this issue and, frankly, I thought it was going to drive more people away, but we’ve brought in a good group and we’re looking forward to moving on this year.”

The appointments were made by a 4-1 vote with Selectman Bruce Young voting against the move.

Serving on the new commission will be: Brian Fruzetti (five votes, term through June 30, 2019); Rachel Gross (four votes, term through June 30, 2019); Brian Smith (four votes, term through June 30, 2019); John Zucco (four votes, term through June 30, 2018); Sondra Allen (four votes, term through June 30, 2018); Annmarie Bouzan (three votes, term through June 30, 2017) and Diane Cohen (three votes, term through June 30, 2017).

After the commission members are sworn in, Town Administrator Michael McCue said he would contact them to arrange a first meeting date and plans to attend that session.

Also applying were: Kevin Cameron of 205 Partridge Way, Theresa Cocio of 1211 Whitman St., Wilbur Danner of 445 State St., Audrey Flanagan of 43 Baker St., John Mahoney of 96 Main St., and Donna Tramontana of 591 High St.

“I heard a lot from people coming up to me … many people out there want more community events up there,” McGahan said. “We obviously want to see some income generated as well. It actually brings the community together.”

The ballots

Selectmen voted in the following manner: Don Howard voted for — Allen, Bouzan, Cameron, Cocio, Flanagan, Fruzetti and Mahoney; McGahan voted for — Allen, Bouzan, Cohen, Fruzetti, Gross, Smith and Zucco; Kenny Mitchell voted for — Allen, Bouzan, Cohen, Fruzetti, Gross, Smith and Zucco; Bill Scott voted for — Allen, Cohen, Danner, Fruzetti, Gross, Smith and Zucco; and Young  voted for— Cameron, Danner, Fruzetti, Gross, Mahoney, Smith and Zucco.

Young also read the commission’s responsibilities into the record.

“They’ve certainly got their work cut out for them,” McGahan said, noting the first order of business will be helping to interview candidates for recreation director so Selectmen could vote on hiring one of their recommendations.

The vote on commission members was preceded by a heated exchange between resident Richard Edgehille and Young on where the hiring power for hiring that position falls under the Town Administrator Act and Edgehille’s asking for an opinion from town counsel. Edgehille maintained that the town administrator does the hiring.

“He doesn’t hire anybody,” Young retorted. “Who told you that?”

“I’m not looking for an argument, I’d just like it investigated,” Edgehille said.

“I’m not arguing, I can tell you right off the top of my head,” Young said. “The town administrator posts any positions that are open in the town of Hanson and then he takes applications and he interviews the candidates for those positions. But the relevant body is responsible for the hiring and the firing of the individuals that work under them under the Town Administrator Act.”

“I would like to hear that from town counsel,” Edgehille said.

“This is insanity,” Young said of that request, as McGahan gaveled for order. “I know people enjoy hearing from me, but this is not the way it works. … There is no debate about it.”

McGahan told Edgehille he would look into his question and get back to him.

Once the process got back to the applicants, McGahan asked each present to rise and introduce their qualifications.

making their case

Allen of 188 Elm St., a lifelong resident active at the camp, was not present due to work commitments.

Bouzan of 95 Woodbrook Lane noted her experience at Kiwanee, which she described as an excellent place for residents of all ages to get together.

“I started my career off at Kiwanee for the town of Hanson,” she said. “I wrote grants for the camp, I put together Halloween parties for the camp, I organized fundraisers for the camp and I just saw potential for the camp and I just want to give back a little for what it gave to me.”

Cohen of 767 Pleasant St., is a new resident of Hanson, having moved to town 18 months ago.

“My son has taken swimming lessons there for about five years and I fell in love with the place because it is uniquely Hanson,” Cohen said. “I was hoping to bring a little collaboration and cooperation into the Recreation Commission.” She is a special needs teacher in Weymouth and serves on that town’s public safety committee.

Fruzetti of 370 Elm St., is an advertising consultant who has completed a Plymouth County online training program in the conflict of interest law and filed a disclosure form indicating he has an immediate family member with a financial interest — his son Christopher who has worked at Kiwanee as a caretaker.

“I didn’t take swimming lessons at the camp, but that doesn’t mean I don’t care,” he said. “I’d like to see us come together and help the camp move forward.”

Gross of 35 Katy-Did Lane, owns an event marketing company, which works both on weddings and with communities over the past 15 years.

“I find that background is helpful in where the camp’s finding itself right now,” Gross said. “There’s a lot of re-branding that needs to be done as well as restructuring … I think that would be an exciting project to be part of.”

Smith of 38 Sandy Terrace is a facilities supervisor for Eversource. He stressed the need for bringing best practices for long-term planning to Kiwanee to preserve the facility for future generations.

Zucco of 101 Glenwood Place is also an entertainment specialist, specializing in corporate and social events.

“My specialties would be more on the artistic end, generating more money for weddings … elevating the quality of the weddings, or any corporate events that come in, but also making sure that Hanson residents have special privileges in the camp for doing things that outside residents wouldn’t have,” he said.

not chosen

Health Agent Tramontana and Board of Health Administrative Assistant Cocio could not attend because the Board of Health was also meeting Tuesday night.

Cameron, a previous Recreation Commission member who resigned a couple of years ago due to work commitments, has been involved in the hospitality industry for 25 years and said he wanted to help balance recreation and revenue needs at Kiwanee.

Danner stressed his past work at Kiwanee and service on Hanson Little League, town and regional school committees, Board of Assessors and a past Plymouth County Hospital Committee. The owner of the Meadow Brook and other area restaurants said he is “in a retirement mode” and has the time and financial experience to help make Kiwanee “an income property to the town and not a liability.”

In her third request to re-join the commission, Audrey Flanagan said her knowledge of the history and operations of Camp Kiwanee will be valuable at this time. She was unable to attend the meeting.

Mahoney has been an active member of Hanson Recreation Drama since 2006 and has volunteered many times to help build, rebuild and clean Camp Kiwanee, which he called a tremendous resource for the town.