HANSON — The town’s Recreation Commission is continuing its review of a business plan as well as policies and procedures. Discussion of increasing revenue was the focus of the panel’s work on its draft policies on Tuesday, Aug. 13.

Member Juvelyn Hartwig said the changes are important, not only to increase revenue, “which is huge for us,” but also for increasing community and business partnerships, while being mindful of the nonprofit status of Camp Kiwanee.

Improving facilities was also cited as an important goal.

Hartwig suggested a 10-percent annual increase in revenue was the short-term goal for which the commission should strive.

The financial plan includes a forecast budget of more than $300,000 for the next fiscal year, including a $53,000 debt payment on septic repairs, that the commission hopes will be resolved at the October Town Meeting. But Hartwig suggested the commission’s goal should be $300,000 in revenue next year.

Recreation Director William Boyle pointed out that, if 10-percent growth was maintained over five years, in the final year revenue would be close to $250,000.

But Committee member Brian Fruzzetti argued for a more conservative goal of, perhaps 3 percent a year and build up from there over time.

“I think if you set yourself up for 10 percent right out of the gate … revenue could fall off a cliff,” he said. “I don’t want it to be overpromised.”

Selectman Matt Dyer, the board’s liaison to the Recreation Commission agreed that, in the event of a shortfall at a 10-percent goal, the town would be hesitant to bail them out again.

Boosting Kayak rentals at Cranberry Cove, such as including it in a family membership for $125, was also suggested by Hartwig.

“If people see the kayaks out there, they’ll start to ask questions,” she said. “Then the Cove experience becomes swimming and kayaking, so you’re getting more for your money.”

Dyer also said that the kayaks are not advertised as they should be.

Installation of broadband WiFi was pointed to as a key component in attracting bookings of Needles Lodge for corporate meetings or team-building outings.

While she cautioned that such rentals should not be the main goal, Hartwig said they could be an important part of meeting revenue goals.

“We really need to have a real plan, where it’s not just talking about, ‘Oh, we should be doing this,’” she said about getting the word out about programs like the upcoming Fun Day.

“I think it’s good that we’ve identified a shortcoming in our advertising,” Dyer said. “I think it might be really useful to start breaking those down tonight and start talking about how we should advertise the camp for a wedding. … But, also, we need to look at the hanging fruit — why aren’t there any fliers in the foyer saying, ‘Rent the Lodge!’”

When there are other events there, he said a flier should be available to outline the amenities of the lodge for those who are attending and looking for a venue for other events.

Rental policies were also discussed in connection with a request from St. Joseph the Worker Church for free passes to the Cove for the church’s vacation Bible school counselors. Current policy requires an overnight cabin rental to obtain such free passes and nonprofits already pay a minimum hourly rate when voted on by the Recreation commission and Board of Selectmen, member Joan Fruzzetti said.

“We are supposed to be a benefit for the town,” Hartwig said. “This facility is supposed to benefit the community.”

She noted that the Boy and Girl Scouts receive such benefits when they request to use Kiwanee, suggesting that the commission look into why they receive that benefit and others do not — while recognizing the work the Scout organizations do for Camp Kiwanee in terms of volunteer work at the facility.

“My thought was that we have a better way to communicate for next year,” Hartwig said.

The policies and procedures are still under revision

“St. Joe’s Church is great, their VBS is great, but we have to remember, they’re charging families to utilize their services and they’re asking to come here for free,” Dyer said. “I think this is a hiccough year, and we’re hitting the reset button with this commission.”

He suggested meeting with the church’s vacation Bible school organizers to arrive at an agreement on what would be fair to both organizations.

Hartwig argued that the cost for renting facilities, coupled with the policies and procedures gives nonprofit organizations reason to question why they should try to use Camp Kiwanee.

“We have to create a path to make it easier for some of these folks to come in,” she said.

Joan Fruzzetti said posting photos of the facility on social media could help advertise the camp might be helpful.

“Pictures do a lot,” she said.

Procedures and policies on the lodge rental cost for birthday parties;  for smoking — and e-cigarette/vaping use — on Kiwanee property; as well as camp employees’ clocking in without interrupting wedding function use of the office, is also under review. Brian Fruzzetti argued that any changes to the procedures keep in mind that requiring employees to clock in before doing any work provides protection for the commission and the town in the event that a worker is injured on the job.

By Drew Sullivan
Express intern

HANSON — A small turnout for Impressed LLC’s latest public outreach meeting took place on Thursday, Aug. 8 at the Hanson Senior Center, as they continue their process toward opening a cannabis grow facility in town.

Local supporter Amanda Rubins was the lone person in attendance, as she talked about the possible benefits of CBD, the non-psychoactive chemical in the marijuana plant.

Co-owners and father-daughter team Ralph and Alli Greenberg talked about their positive impact plan, and the importance of community in their process.

“I think corporate social responsibility is instilled in us,” said Alli. “We founded a family nonprofit and I couldn’t think of being in this position and not trying to do more.

“We even hired someone to come up with our positive impact plan to then see what we could do beyond it.” said Ms. Greenberg

Alli then went into further detail about their nonprofit, Key for Hope.

“If we could find two local food pantries, we’ll do an annual donation, and I’d like to match that via our nonprofit as well.”

The donations would be an expression of community support, according to the Greenbergs.

“The end goal is to eliminate food insecurity,” said Ralph. “By utilizing the metal from spare keys, that can be turned into money to buy food.

“It’s not just the sheer economic value,” said Mr. Greenberg, “but a community program that provides awareness.”

Hanson resident Amanda Rubins appeared pleased with the steps that Impressed LLC has taken thus far.

“I’m a non-consumer, but I think all of their outreach and all they’ll do for Hanson will be great,” she said. “I’m glad they’re here doing great things for us.”

As for the hopeful company’s next steps, the Greenbergs have a plan.

“We still have to get through the licensing process,” said Alli, “then marketing and building our team will be our next big component. We’re hoping to be in business by spring of 2020.”

By Drew Sullivan
Express intern

HANSON — The Zoning Board of Appeals discuss a proposed cell tower behind Hanson Middle School during a joint meeting with Selectmen on Tuesday, Aug. 8.

Representatives of Verizon, including an engineer, attorney, and acoustic scientist were on hand to field any questions from the board and the public. The board received a handout of the proposed plan itself, as Verizon attorney Mike Giaimo went into greater detail.

The tower would be 150 feet tall, and would help with a cellular coverage gap in North Hanson said Giaimo, noting that carrier T-Mobile has also shown interest. This single tower would be able to provide space for up to four cell phone carriers.

Building Inspector Robert Curran was not present at the meeting but passed on a message stating that while he had no objections, the tower’s access road would need to be maintained as a condition of approval.

Giaimo continued his presentation by mentioning the tower site’s lack of hazardous materials and the relatively infrequent maintenance that would be required.

One of the main concerns laid out by Verizon was a height restriction found in the town’s bylaws. Due to this, a variance would need to be requested to override it, as the proposed height is directly related to how well the coverage gap can be filled.

Giaimo also highlighted Verizon’s willingness to abide by if not exceed regulations set forth by the town.

“The dense tree growth provides a year round buffer,” he said, adding that there would be zero promotion, and signage would be limited to the FCC, a ‘No Trespassing’ sign, and any others applicable by local, state or federal law.

Later in the meeting, ZBA Chairman William Cushing brought up some concerns surrounding site security. These were immediately echoed by Hanson Selectman Kenneth Mitchell, who asked about the size and scope of the fencing.

“Eight feet tall approximately” said Giaimo, responding to Mitchell’s question. “I think we should make it as tall as possible, since it’s near a school.” Mitchell added. In an attempt to alleviate these concerns, site acquisition specialist Sean Mahoney alongside Verzion engineering consultants made it a point to emphasize that the fence would be barbed wire, therefore decreasing the chance of a break-in.

Sound concerns were also a topic of discussion during the evening’s meeting. Facing questions from the board, Verizon acoustic scientist Doug Sheadel summed it up concisely by stating that there will be no noise pollution from the site, and furthermore, any noise generated would only come from the on-site generator, to be used in emergency situations only (i.e loss of power).

Cushing’s final main concern was emergency access to the site, especially after a storm. Attorney Giaimo said he believed that it won’t be a problem, pointing to the number of treacherous and storm-prone locations that Verizon has functional and accessible cell towers.

A final statement was brought forth by Interim Town Administrator Meredith Marini on behalf of an email sent by Hanson Police Chief Michael Miksch. The email stated that Chief Miksch has no objections to the tower and finds the lack of cellular coverage to be a public safety concern, especially since many no longer have landlines.

HANOVER — South Shore Regional Technical School will be using a $78,000 Executive Office of Public Safety and Security grant to purchase the hardware to replace nine doors at the school with new doors including security access fobs. The School Committee encumbered an additional $594,000 from surplus revenue for safety and security expenses at the school, much of it for the security doors.

“The expectation is that we would be able to set staff [key] fobs for certain windows of time,” Superintendent-Director Thomas J. Hickey said, offering the example of outer gym doors to allow access for weekend practices or games, during the Wednesday, July 17 meeting. “We can tailor it based on the employee and the window of time — and it’s all tracked, of course.”

“That’s essential,” said member Robert Mahoney of Rockland. “You need to know who’s in the building.”

The committee also heard Paul Varley of Whitman speak during the meeting’s public forum on several concerns including; how the school handles bullying complaints, why the school mandates uniforms for shops and sports when a full range of sizes is not available, safety of vehicles in the school parking lot when cameras can’t provide full coverage to detect vandalism and how inclusive the school’s athletic teams are. He also alleges that he has seen fight videos involving students at the school.

“Kids are forced to wear uncomfortable, unsafe and demeaning uniforms or get yelled at for not wearing the proper uniform,” Varley said on behalf of his younger brother, who is a student at the school and stood next to him as he spoke.

Varley said when he was showing a friend the photo of the ill-fitting uniform his brother had to wear to play, the friend said the school mascot — a Viking character nearly identical to that of East Bridgewater High — seemed to be racially insensitive, especially in view of the presence of the school letters SS, for South Shore, on the jerseys.

Committee Chairman Chris Amico said they would note the concerns. He said Varley, who was reading his questions from his phone, could forward them and any photos of uniforms he was concerned about, as well.

No action can be taken by the committee on items brought to members’ attention during public forum, which is intended to bring up items not on the agenda.

“The school district and administration take feedback and concerns very seriously,” Hickey said in a prepared statement Friday, July 19. “Additional information will be gathered, further communication will take place and appropriate actions will be taken in the best interest of our students.”

In other business, the school committee honored Director of Buildings and Grounds Robert Morehead for his work in overseeing the maintenance of the aging school building.

“South Shore is a growing school that wants the best educational environment for its students and staff,” Amico said. “Bob and his staff are a huge reason why we are able to achieve the goal every day.”

Morehead said he felt lucky to have the position for the past 15 years as the school’s administration and school committee have been more supportive of his staff than some of his peers have experienced.

School Committee members, once again, gave Hickey an exemplary rating on his annual evaluation.

By Drew Sullivan
Express intern

HANOVER — If automation is the future, South Shore Regional Vocational Technical High School is working to prepare students to meet that challenge — even during the summer.

The school hosted its Engineering and Robotics Camp last week, as middle school students learned how to make and compete with their own robotic creations.

Teacher Jerry Shaw ran the camp for its second consecutive year, this time alongside Greg Stevens, both of whom teach at the SST. “When I started teaching, I saw robots as a good vehicle to teach various means of engineering in an exciting way.” said Shaw.

Both Shaw and Stevens agreed that engineering and robotics camps like these help teach students invaluable skills in problem solving, key skills for future careers.

“A lot of learning happens when things fail,” said Stevens. “Learning how to take failure, learn from it and improve. That’s engineering. I think teaching them how to fail and learn is important.”

On Wednesday, July 10 the finals of a friendly competition between student teams and their robots concluded. Participants used their robotic designs to earn points by picking up objects scattered around the playing field and placing them in a box. This competition tested the campers dexterity and creativity.

Afterwards, students logged onto laptops as they began to learn how to further program their robots.

“Who here knows anything about coding?” asked Shaw, as a few students sheepishly raised their hands. They worked with a simple software called Easy C, that would give their creations more range of movement. Shaw talked them through the process, as he occasionally walked around to answer questions and offer assistance.

Controlled chaos ensued as the campers switched on their robots, some spinning wildly while others remained stationary. Shaw continued his lesson, talking about different types of computer languages and how they can be used. Many of the students, like Rockland eighth-grader Owen Maher, were simply excited a camp like this existed. “Since elementary school I’ve wanted to be an engineer. This is an awesome program. I wish there were more available.”

The idea for this camp was the brainchild of Superintendent-Director Dr. Thomas J. Hickey, who originally approached Shaw about the position, due to his prior experience creating related curriculum and engineering camps for other schools.

“I’ve been doing this since I started teaching. Writing curriculum and teaching junior high kids in the summer,” said Shaw. “Junior high curriculum doesn’t leave room for a lot of exploration.”

Greg Stevens, who teaches physics at the school, spoke briefly on the differences between instructing middle schoolers and high schoolers.

“They’re on different levels. Some sixth graders are at one level, some at others. There’s a wide range of development, so it’s more challenging.”

SST Assistant Principal Sandra Baldner touched on the importance of these camps for prospective students. She noted that her favorite part was “the opportunity for the students to see the instructional tools that they’ll have access to as students here, and the potential for career pathway development.”

The students themselves enjoyed the challenges involved and their ability to modify the robots at will.

“You can do whatever you want with it,” said Marshfield middle schooler Benny Barber. “No two are the same. I like the customization.”

While working, student Joe Catto of Weymouth agreed. “It’s fun to do the coding part of it. To build it up and figure out how it works, different technologies and stuff.”

A concerted effort is also being undertaken to include and attract more girls to the STEM fields.

“This has been a huge push, especially with engineering education at the school level,” Shaw noted. “The younger you get them interested, the easier it is to kind of pull them in later on. Ideally though, there would be more female engineering teachers, science teachers, and mentors coming to work in the classrooms.”

Lastly, Shaw highlighted Boston’s special importance in the field of robotics while addressing the future of robotics in the classroom.

“The Boston area in particular is one of the strongest areas in robotics in recent years, especially with Boston Dynamics and iRobot and other companies.” said Shaw. “In the classroom, I see robotics taking on multifaceted realms. Trying to get teachers and students involved with robotics, to understand what’s going on with them and have exposure, as well as getting robotics to more underfunded areas.”

HANSON — The Board of Selectmen, Tuesday, July 9 discussed concerns and questions over water and electricity use, odor and wastewater management as well as security of the building, and  product and plant waste disposal at the proposed Cannabis grow facility planned for Commercial Street in Hanson.

“Tonight’s discussion is the first that the Board of Selectmen has had with Impressed LLC,” said Selectmen Chairman Laura FitzGerald-Kemmett. “The purpose of our discussion tonight is to hear from the applicant about their overall business plan, as well as to discuss some of the areas of concern.”

Impressed LLC owners Ralph and Alli Greenberg of Pembroke and Weymouth dentist Dr. Shahram Mogghadam, the company’s lawyer Christopher Ray, who works for national cannabis-related law firm, Hoban Law Group, and HVAC design engineer Paul Dean fielded Selectmen’s questions before those of residents were taken. [See related story, page 5.]

“Odor mitigation is the big concern for people,” FitzGerald-Kemmett said. “[Residents] don’t want the skunk smell.”

Dean said the HVAC system will use a heap-15 filter, carbon filter and ionized air to eliminate odors as a way to control smell while sterilizing ductwork. A back-up generator, run on diesel and timed to start within 90 seconds of a power failure is also planned to control odor as well as keep plants alive.

The town’s current general and zoning bylaws ban retail marijuana sales in Hanson, but zoning bylaws permit other marijuana businesses such as cultivation and testing facilities to locate in the zoned area that includes the industrial park. Impressed LLC must meet all local and state Cannabis Control Commission (CCC) regulations, including the execution of a host community agreement (HCA), FitzGerald-Kemmett reminded those in attendance.

A final draft version of the HCA will be discussed in a public meeting at 6 p.m., Tuesday, July 16 to hear residents’ feedback before the agreement comes up for approval and signing at the Tuesday, July 23 Selectmen’s meeting.

FitzGerald-Kemmett said the board has not yet seen the host agreement, but she said it has never been discussed as part of the town’s tax incentive finance (TIF) program and is not in the designated TIF zone.

“My background is used lab and scientific equipment,” Ralph Greenberg said. “I’m pretty involved with biotechnology and the understanding of how facilities should work with cleanliness and odor management.”

While he said he hopes to apply for a cannabis product manufacturing license at a later date, Ralph Greenberg stressed the current HCA only concerns a growing operation.

He said he will be the company’s operations manager and sales manager when product becomes ready for sale to in-state retail businesses. Local water supply company Indian Head Water has been contracted to supply water to the company. A tanker will be located at Impressed LLC and changed out every seven to 10 days, Ralph Greenberg said. No town water will be used for cultivation, only for bathroom services at the building, he stressed.

Ray, who now serves as general counsel to Impressed LLC during HCA negotiations and CCC application, said he would likely continue to serve the company in that capacity to help them keep compliant. Alli Greenberg will be the company’s cultivation director, responsible for all day-to-day management as well as licensing and regulation compliance as well as overseeing sales goals and hiring.

Hanson residents applying to work at the company would receive first priority, she said.

“Our commitment is to ensure the state-of-the-art facility is properly installed, that we’ll remove any odor that may otherwise escape our facility,” she said. “Furthermore, it is of the utmost importance [to us] to properly run a discreet location.”

Dean, the owner-operator of ICG — a design engineering firm and HVAC contractor — said he has worked on 16 cultivation sites in the state. Most of the board’s questions were directed to Dean.

Dean said hydrogen peroxide will be the only chemical used for cleaning, with the waste solution stored in a separate holding tank which will be tracked by a logbook when it is removed by a licensed contractor.

Disposal of plant waste will also be tracked and stored until it can be removed from the site for chemical treatment — rendering it unusable — before incineration off-site, owners have said.

Everything that enters or leaves the building, including plants that have died, will be tracked and reported to the CCC, Dean said. No pesticides will be used, per CCC regulations.

“It’s tested, so if we’re using it, they’ll find it — even heavy metals,” Dan said. Any batches where pesticides, or other chemicals are found to have been used, will be tracked and destroyed.

The building will use a nitogen-CO2 fire suppression system in the grow rooms along with an alarm connection to the fire department. There will be 64 internal cameras, many with high-resolution lenses to enable reading faces and badge photos, to enable proper access to secure areas, with only bathrooms not under camera surveillance.

“That’s your only safe spot in the building,” Dean said of bathroom privacy. Breaks and loitering outside the building are not permitted. State regulations also prohibit employees from using cannabis on, or within 10 miles of the property.

Selectman Matt Dyer asked about the company’s maintenance plan.

“What I don’t want to see is, the facility gets up and running if we approve it, and five years later we have a problem with the HVAC system because you didn’t do preventive maintenance.”

While Dean said his firm is not seeking that contract, he recommends a service plan to replace filters and clean coils every month.

Ralph Greenberg said he would be acting as the facilities manager to deal with that kind of service need.

Town attorney Kate Feodoroff said the town can use the HCA as a tool through which those conditions are enforced under threat of revocation, through Selectmen, the Planning Board or Board of Health.

Residents were advised to ask only questions about the business plan, odor and waste removal, security and other issues raised by the board.

“I want to make it clear tonight that we will not be discussing the legality, morality or safety of marijuana useage,” FitzGerald-Kemmett said. “Those are issues beyond the scope of the Hanson Board of Selectmen and would be more appropriately directed to your legislator or the Cannabis Control Commission.”

The first two questions — about why there is an “impression we have to sign this host agreement” and who pays for legal advice to fight if the town “wants to fight something” — skirted that admonition, and FitzGerald-Kemmett cut off that discussion, after allowing it for a time.

Feodoroff had advised that court rulings thus far have centered on municipal efforts to control the number of facilities. Hanson’s votes at town meetings, she said have led to bylaws allowing grow facilities in town.

“The Board of Selectmen is essentially negotiating with a seemingly responsible party to execute what the town meetings told them to do,” she said. “That’s the best answer I can give you.”

Hanson taxpayers ultimately pay town counsel fees for legal services required of town counsel.

Other questions centered on fire safety and the handling of cleaning chemicals, as well as the benefits of signing a host agreement.

Dean said chemical storage would be in a secure area segregated from other materials on-site.

Feodoroff said the HCA places “a lot of risk” on the marijuana establishments, ensures compliance and generates revenue from the 3-percent of gross sales community impact payment. Paid for five years, the impact fees could be used for any purpose, Feodoroff said, from training police in detecting whether people are driving under the influence of marijuana, to school drug awareness programs, or street improvements.

“You do need backup [information on the impact], and the backup is to all be documented in the public record, but the way you use the money is unrestricted,” Feodoroff said.

HANSON — Selectmen welcomed new Recreation Director William Boyle, who started work June 3, and the new business plan for Camp Kiwanee on Tuesday, June 18.

“I know the topic of Camp Kiwanee to be an emotional one,” said Selectmen Chairman Laura FitzGerald-Kemmett. “Before we get into this discussion, I want to let you know that we will not be discussing the enterprise account in any depth tonight.”

She said the Finance Committee has proposed eliminating the account and discussions between that board, Selectmen and the Recreation Commission to address the future of the fund will happen soon.

“It would be premature and unproductive to discuss them tonight,” FitzGerald-Kemmett said. “This board is supportive of the work the Recreation Commission is doing and we recognize that there have been some obstacles along the way that have hindered them from making the kind of progress they would have liked to have made.”

She said it is time to come together for the greater good and put past issues behind them, to that end she asked Boyle to meet with Selectmen to focus on the future of Camp Kiwanee.

A Pembroke native, Boyle said he has volunteered on Pembroke Recreation, Community Preservation, and was elected to the housing authority and has some background in the public sector, although this is his first time working in the public sector. His father has been a longtime selectmen in that community.

Boyle also ran his own financial services business for six years and has worked as branch manager for an Irish whiskey company.

“I’m looking forward to the future — to everything that the camp has to offer,” he said. “In order for everything to work successfully, you need to work together.”

He said he looks forward to be “just another team member.”

Boyle also spoke on behalf of the commission about Camp Kiwanee goals.

He said the five-year capital plan would be revamped and have discussed that goal with the Collins Center at UMass, Boston. That project, estimated to cost $10,000 would not be looked to for a start date until next spring.

Coupling capital priorities with grant opportunities is another goal, as is increasing recreational programming.

The Dept. of Housing and Development (HUD) is changing the way the Hanson Housing Authority is supported, from a public housing funding program to one using tenant-based vouchers.

Hanson Housing CEO Thomas G. Thibeault briefed the board of Selectmen on how the change would be made and what it means for residents.

Consultation with local government and community is part of the process, Thibeault said.

“The [former] LZ Thomas School, back in 1995 became a public housing complex consisting of six units — two two-bedrooms, two three bedrooms and two four-bedrooms — it’s federally funded through HUD,” he said. The federal housing program works on an income-based scale to determine the amount of subsidies offered.

“I believe you taught there at one time,” Thibeault teased. Selectman Wes Blauss, a retired middle school teacher, about the school-turned-apartments building.

Most federal HUD authorities over see 50 to 100 apartments, with more being better to be able to take care of the capital needs.

“So we’ve been struggling to take care of LZ Thomas and now, in recognition of that, they’ve given us the opportunity to change the funding stream,” Thibeault said. “What it would basically do is double the amount of income that the Hanson Housing Authority would get.”

The funding would increase funding by about $54,000 per year to support the complex, but nothing changes for the town’s operations. Hanson Housing authority would be the owner with a deed restriction on affordability and residents would remain.

“[HUD] asks that you authorize the town administrator to approve supporting the change,” he said. “It’s not guaranteed. It is a real estate transaction, so the transaction would take off the declaration of trust that HUD has on the property now and would give complete ownership to the Hanson Housing Authority.”

The board voted to support authorizing interim Town Administrator Meredith Marini to approve the change.

FitzGerald-Kemmett asked if Hanson residents do, and would they continue to receive housing preference for the Thomas facility.

“They are and they will be,” Thibeault said. “This was going to be part of the state public housing program back in 1995, and something went wrong.”

Sen. Edward M. Kennedy’s office stepped in and they made it a federal public housing property, he explained.

“I’m sure it solved a short-term problem, but it created a long-term problem because of the scale,” Thibeault said. “But I believe this would get us a long way to solving the problem.”

The board also voted to award bids for the Wednesday, June 12 tax possession auction. Nine parcels, most were abutting the property of residents who bought them for $500, but a parcel on Monponsett Street sold for $63,000; another on Rollercoaster Road went for $61,000; a Baker Street parcel was sold for $3,500; and another on Monponsett Street brought in $1,000.

Two parcels, on Monponsett Street and Whitman Street were not sold.

Marini said closings on sold properties are expected to be complete by the end of July.

HANSON — In a meeting featuring several legal issues — and lawyers — Hanson Selectmen on Tuesday, June 18 announced a mutual agreement between the board and Town Administrator Michael McCue to dissolve his employment contract.

Selectmen also reviewed and approved licensure rules and regulations for marijuana cultivation firms as well as the board’s role in the process of permitting such facilities — and announced findings of an ethics complaint by former labor counsel Leo Peloquin against two selectmen during the process that led to the board hiring a new law firm.

Selectman Kenny Mitchell read from a prepared statement concerning McCue after an hour-long executive session opened the meeting, which began an hour early for that purpose. In that session, Selectmen also conducted contract negotiations with interim Town Administrator Meredith Marini as well as one regarding the Hanson Police Relief Association.

“The Town Administrator had a four-year employment agreement that was set to run until 2022,” said labor counsel Jamie Kenny of Clifford & Kenny in Pembroke. “Tonight, the board has approved a separation agreement, which allows those contractual obligations to fall away and the agreement now between us is a separation agreement, which will end [the] employment relationship on July 1.”

She explained that these types of agreements have a seven-day revocation agreement before it becomes completely binding and effective. It is not a public document until that time.

“My understanding is, at that time, the board will release that as a public document along with a town statement,” Kenny said.

Selectmen Chairman Laura FitzGerald-Kemmett made a statement on behalf of the board.

“This board is committed to complete transparency in all matters to the extent permitted by law, that being said, in compliance with state law, it is the policy of the town  not to comment on confidential personnel matters and/or ongoing investigations into personnel matters,” FitzGerald-Kemmett said. “Because of these constrictions, we have not commented on any action with respect to the town administrator. Mr. McCue had an employment agreement with the town. There were three years left on the existing agreement. At this point, we have a tentative mutual agreement to separate Mr. McCue from employment, effective July 1, 2019.”

She said that once the seven-day revocation window expires, the board will release the agreement as a public document.

“The board looks forward to moving quickly to finding a new town administrator and to beginning the next chapter for the town,” FitzGerald-Kemmett said.

The board then voted to enter into an interim town administrator contract with Marini. Both votes were unanimous.

Marijuana facilities

Town Counsel Katherine Feodoroff then discussed with Selectmen the issues surrounding the board’s role in licensure of marijuana cultivation, manufacturing and testing facilities.

Questions about that role have surfaced during community meetings held by owners of a cannabis grow facility planned for the Hanson Industrial Park on Commercial Way in compliance with the process of in negotiating the host community agreement (HCA) required by the state’s Cannabis Control Commission.

“I’ve asked out counsel to attend tonight’s meeting to clarify the Selectmen’s role and responsibilities with respect to the licensing of a proposed marijuana cultivation facility in Hanson,” FitzGerald-Kemmett said. “This discussion is the first discussion we have had as a board regarding the proposed cultivation facility since learning about their attempt to locate here.”

FitzGerald-Kemmett cautioned those attending the Selectmen’s meeting that, after the board’s questions were addressed that, while the audience would have the opportunity to ask questions, “We will only entertain questions that relate to the topics we have proposed in our meeting agenda.”

“While I realize that people may feel strongly for and against the legalization of marijuana and recreational use of marijuana, that falls outside the scope of our discussion tonight,” she said. “It is something that has been decided at a state level. … We will have future discussions, which we will open up to the public and that will be more detailed about things you may be interested in that we are not discussing tonight.”

Feodoroff outlined the licensing structure of the town’s general by-law, which has similar licensing authority as by-laws regulating alcohol licenses, which are renewable annually.

She also presented a draft application for the process, which Selectmen voted 5-0 to adopt.

The board also has the authority to negotiate HCAs with any marijuana establishment trying to site in Hanson.

“Because there is a [town] prohibition of retailers, this just applies to your cultivators, the manufacturers — the folks that convert the marijuana flower to products — and the testing facilities,” Feodoroff said.

The regulations also define types of facilities included in and allowed by the license procedure. Police inspection, prompted by resident complaints, would be permitted.

When a facility is licensed, the regulations must be kept on-site with employees required to read, understand and abide by the posted regulations as well as attesting they have done so. Admission to the facilities would be strictly limited for members of the public and the town can establish hours of operation, including closure for inventory or other reasons — which the Selectmen must be advised about for security concerns. Without an HCA, a marijuana facility is not permitted to open.

Changes to the premises — as well as any change of ownership or license transfer — would have to be approved by the Board of Selectmen.

“Violations of local or state law, violations of other [governing] bodies’ regulations — like the Board of Health — violations of the Host Community Agreement, fraud, all these kinds of things could bring an entity that’s operating in town back before the Board of Selectmen to have a discussion,” Feodoroff said.

FitzGerald-Kemmett asked about the steps and timeline involved.

Feodoroff said an application of intent must be filed with the CCC. A provisional license can be issued following a community outreach meeting and a signed certified document stating a HCA has been reached with the town.

“They haven’t gotten there, yet,” Feodoroff said of the current applicants Ralph Greenberg and his daughter Alli of Randolph, whose company is called Impressed LLC.

FitzGerald-Kemmett also asked if language requiring most efficient use of water or restricting use of agricultural chemicals can be included in the HCA. Feodoroff said some towns include those regulations in the special permit-granting process, but she said concerns about water use could be points of negotiations in an HCA. Odor control concerns can also be raised.

“For cultivators, odor control and smell are the big issues that special permit authorities tackle,” Feodoroff said. “That requires a whole host of documents which will have engineering relative to what their HVAC system’s going to look like.”

Selectman Matt Dyer asked what responsibilities the town had for the proper posting of the community outreach meetings.

Feodoroff said that is not the Selectmen’s responsibility at all.

“You can facilitate the process, because you obviously know this is an important issue to your constituents … but it’s not your obligation,” she said. “They [the applicants] won’t get through the CCC unless they properly host in accordance with the CCC regulations.”

“We’ve gotten potentially different feedback on that, so it’s good to know,” FitzGerald-Kemmett said. “It’s not an approval process.”

She said the meetings were intended to offer residents an opportunity to make their concerns known. The Greenbergs will be hosting two more outreach meetings, at the Hanson Library on Thursday, June 27 and in the Selectmen’s meeting room at Town Hall Tuesday, July 2.

Two have been already held, but posting issues with the first have led the applicants to decide not to submit it to the CCC, according to Feodoroff.

A resident asked if, since retail facilities can be limited to 20 percent of the number of alcohol-sales establishments in a town, are there similar restrictions for cultivators, manufacturers or testing facilities.