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Debating budget compromise

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WHITMAN — The Board of Selectmen after a joint meeting with the Finance Committee on Tuesday, May 5, voted 4-1 to reaffirm the statutory method for school budgeting this year. Later in the meeting, however, Selectman Randy LaMattina argued for a reconsideration that, while not approved, left the door open to hearing out any Hanson compromise.

Selectman Justin Evans, who represents Whitman on the regional agreement amendment panel, dissented from the vote to reaffirm the statutory formula.

“I can’t see this as anything but punishing the schools for a disagreement with another town,” he said. “I’d like the opportunity to continue and present something to this board before we vote it down.”

“To now paint the town of Hanson as the enemy is wrong,” LaMattina said.

The meeting was conducted via Zoom meeting and recorded for playback on the Whitman-Hanson Community Access TV YouTube cannel.

Finance Committee Chairman Richard Anderson advocated the end of negotiations for a compromise as a way to move other business forward.

Finance Committee member Kathleen Ottina, who has extensively researched the assessment formula issue according to Anderson, said the statutory method was never properly enforced.

“People … never took the time to do the math,” she said. “Over the course of the last six fiscal years, Whitman has already paid $4.1 million that would have been paid by our partner town had the statutory method been enforced.”

She said that she has tried to “nicely inform” to finance committee chairmen in both towns that the real problem is the loss of $3 million in Chapter 70 money for Hanson, which has increased their minimum local contribution to the school district.

“We can’t go back in terms of suing, or trying to recapture, that money apparently, but we certainly can’t go forward and continuing to subsidize Hanson’s bill,” Ottina said. “Whitman people should be paying Whitman’s bills and Hanson people should be paying Hanson’s bills.”

She said she is not convinced that any type of compromise is in the best interests of the Whitman taxpayers.

“We don’t get aid we don’t need, so we don’t have aid we can give away,” agreed Finance Committee member Rosemary Connelly. “The aid is very specific to the need of the town.”

She said paying Hanson’s bills was part of the reason Whitman can’t provide cost of living increases to its town employees.

Evans said Hanson has made it clear that they do not plan to fully fund the school budget.

“They’ve given numbers that they say they can afford, and they don’t plan on exceeding those numbers,” he said. “In trying to find our way out of this situation we can either let Hanson underfund the school system and meet our statutory obligation [by laying] off teachers in that scenario, forcing a 1/12 budget by voting down the budget or letting Hanson vote the budget down, or we can make up the difference and protect the schools and the students from a dispute between the towns.”

He has been seeking one-time relief that includes the four teachers in the elementary schools cut from the budget last year as his conditions to move the towns forward.

“The town of Whitman is being taken for a ride with this entire charade,” Anderson said, arguing that the regional agreement amendment panel does the work it was formed to do — amending the agreement that are in the best interests of the students, faculty and both towns that serve the district. He asked what kind of figures Hanson has provided.

“It took a very long time to even getting a number from the Town Administrator for what they were able to afford this year — or willing to afford, or however you want to say it — and I only got that number this past week,” Evans said.

“That’s part of the charade that I grow increasingly tired of every single day,” Anderson said. “It’s time for them to educate their citizens about how they need to pay their bills. We’re not going to pay Hanson’s bills.”

Evans said, if the statutory method is where the district will end up, there shouldn’t be a need to lay off teachers to get there. Connelly said such a move is already unnecessary.

“We are willing to fund,” she said. “So it’s not us.”

She said that she has watched a video of a September 2017 Hanson Selectmen meeting that proved the board knew about the assessment formula then.

Anderson said information on what Hanson can afford, coming from the town administration gives no indication about the taxpayers’ willingness or ability to pay. Evans agreed that the Mass. Association of Regional Schools assessment last year showed Hanson has the capacity to afford an override, but have not formed an override committee.

“This is a big deal to the Whitman taxpayer,” Anderson said of the $500,000 difference in Hanson’s favor. “We’re going to tell the fire chief that line items from the Fire Department [are] going to be reduced in order for us to fund the fire department in Hanson. That’s what we’re talking about. It’s $500,000 we don’t have.”

Selectmen Chairman Dr. Carl Kowalski said he had been supportive of a compromise, but after Evans was rebuffed at a recent meeting by Hanson’s Selectmen Chairman Laura FitzGerald-Kemmett, he changed his mind.

“I think we need to say, ‘No, it stops here,’” Kowalski said. “Whitman has always come through.”

Connelly argued that Hanson voters are being misinformed.

“We’ve been the victims of fake news from Hanson, and it’s hurtful,” Kowalski agreed.

Whitman’s budget

During the discussion of Whitman’s Article 2 preparations for Town Meeting, Anderson noted that anticipated local receipts are down due to the coronavirus pandemic.

“You’re forecasting how much we’re taking in in things like motor vehicle excise tax in a very difficult economy, meals tax in a situation where the restaurants are on the edge,” he said. “It’s reflected in the fiscal ’21 revenue summary.”

Assuming the town funds everything sought in the Town Meeting warrant, Whitman would “certainly maximize our levy to the point where we’ve spent $582,000 more” and would have to adjust the ambulance fund — among other accounts — to keep the town out of the red, Town Administrator Frank Lynam said. Free cash would have to be used for other expenditures because other available funds would be used for the larger numbers.

“People should know that this is a very bare-bones budget,” Lynam said.

Connelly asked if the budget reflects new realities such as a town pool that may not open for the summer or a library that remains closed to walk-in patrons. She asked if funds from such relatively dormant facilities could be transferred to public safety and other accounts where there is greater need.

“Could we rethink how we’re using our money?” she asked.

Lynam said the funds are essential to the operation of departments, noting there is little savings to be realized. Some, like the Recreation Department, are funded by revolving accounts.

“We’re certainly in uncharted waters,” Anderson said as the discussion moved to municipal salaries. “We have been talking about reining in salaries for while, and I would hope that the sacrifices the town departments are making is recognized throughout all of the departments.” No cost of living adjustments are being considered in the new budget.

He said the Finance Committee has opened up a “really interesting dialog” with the regional school district.

“I think it’s really time that we talk about what kind of commitments they can make in this particular aspect of the budget,” he said.

The Building Facilities and Capital Improvements Committee has not competed its work, either. Anderson said the Finance Committee is working with that panel in order to provide time for them to formulate a complete recommendation on all the capital articles on its matrix.

Outright purchase rather than lease/purchase as well as contracting for replacement value insurance on town-owned vehicles are also being viewed as a way to save money in the long-run.

Should the town approve a Whitman Middle School feasibility study, Lynam said, it makes more sense to borrow the $850,000 than to used free cash — as the state reimburses a portion of that amount. It is also consistent with the recommendations of the Collins Center Capital Improvement Plan recommendations, according to Selectman Justin Evans.

“The regional school budget is really holding us hostage,” Anderson said.

Lynam agreed that the schools and certain fixed costs are the only areas of the budget where Selectmen and the Finance Committee have no control.

The veteran’s benefits account, for example — already in the red — is expected to increase by $48,000.

“Even though we are generally curtailing expenses, Article 2 and our borrowing costs, all of the things that represent raise and appropriate, are going up $1.3 million this year,” Lynam said. “It’s a big number.”

Selectman Dan Salvucci asked why Whitman Library costs are up 18 percent when the library is closed, prompting Lynam to observe that two area towns have furloughed library staff — except for the library director — until September, signaling an intent to remain closed all summer.

“We haven’t addressed that yet, and it’s probably something that should be discussed,” he said.

Anderson suggested the cost of accreditation renewal for the library could be partly responsible for the increase. Connelly also suggested that electronic books being made available as well as use of library WiFi from the parking lot could have an effect.

“People are continuing to borrow books electronically,” Lynam said. “That has no impact on us.”

Voting safety eyed

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WHITMAN — COVID-19’s effect on the annual Town Meeting and Election process, was discussed by the Board of Selectmen Tuesday, May 5.

Town Administrator Frank Lynam said a question has arisen concerning employees working on alternate schedules being brought back in to work together.

“So long as we could ensure social distancing in safe environments … we could bring more of the staff back to work on a regular work week basis,” Lynam said about a letter he sent to department managers, copied to the Board of Selectmen. “I have to see how that goes over the next few days [and] who is looking to make what adjustments.”

He said how the process works will not be clear until “more and more people return to the open market” over the next several weeks.

Coronavirus will also have an effect on how Town Meeting is operated as well as when it convenes. The board voted to schedule the annual Town Meeting on Monday, June 22, with the possibility that it could be pushed back again.

Should social distancing regulations force the spacing of Town Meeting participants to keep six feet from each other the entire seating area of the Town Hall auditorium would only fit 100 people, Lynam said. He has reached out to Superintendent of School Jeffrey Szymaniak about the possibility of holding Whitman’s Town Meeting at either the high school gym or the Performing Arts Center.

“The only wrinkle in that is that the school is located in Hanson and state law requires that the meeting be held in Whitman,” Lynam said. “I would argue that the mailing address for the school is 600 Franklin St., Whitman.”

He asked for a legal opinion about it from Town Counsel, adding that Senate Bill 2680 was filed, which, if passed — and indications are that it will be, according to Lynam — would allow Whitman to hold Town Meeting at the school or other out-of-town facility.

Szymaniak said Whitman could use the high school if needed.

Finance Committee member John Galvin asked if, in view of Baker’s statement that limits on public gatherings could be increased on May 18 back to 50 from the 10 persons now permitted, raises the question of whether that allows for town meetings to be held.

“I believe not, because it involves voting rights,” Lynam said, noting that residents must be given 20 days’ notice for registering to vote at a town meeting. “The state is adamant about not depriving people of the opportunity to vote.”

He said the attendance limit may not apply to government meetings, either.

Selectmen also discussed a feasibility study for Whitman Middle School, with Selectman Brian Bzanson suggesting it be expanded to include the possibility of a junior-senior high school in case Hanson pushes to de-regionalize. Selectmen Chairman Dr. Carl Kowalski said the same thought had occurred to him.

Lynam said bidding guidelines would require a separate study for such a scenario.

“I like the idea, I just don’t think it’s practical,” Lynam said.

De-regionalization, if it were to happen, would be a long process, selectmen noted.

Hanson to encourage early voting

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HANSON — The Board of Selectmen on Tuesday, May 5 discussed voter registration and absentee ballot procedures in an effort to reassure voters of their safety during the upcoming town Election.

Absentee and early ballot requirements and procedures are outlined on the town website at hanson-ma.gov.

“The governor has said we can do early voting for Town Election, which they usually don’t do,” said Town Clerk Elizabeth Sloan. “That does not mean people come into the Town Hall and actually vote. It’s just basically absentee voting again, but with no excuses needed. … Early voting is I just want to vote [before Election Day.”

Absentee ballots require voters to attest inability to go to the polls on Election Day due to illness, travel or religious obligation. Early voting ballots must be returned before Election Day and can be deposited in the Town Hall Drop Box.

She said the Town Election cannot be extended beyond June 27. Ballot, however, had not been printed yet and people were still able to return nomination papers until Friday, May 8. The last day to withdraw is Wednesday, May 27.

Town Moderator Sean Kealy discussed a definitive date for the annual Town Meeting, noting there has, as yet, been no advice from health officials on when that might be.

“My main priority is to have a meeting where people aren’t getting sick and we’re not transmitting [coronavirus],” he said. “We’ll do everything that we can.”

Selectmen have already postponed the date to June 15.

“But the closer we’re getting to that date, the less certain I am that people are going to feel comfortable — at the best of times, we have difficulty getting a quorum, let alone when people are still extremely nervous about being out in public, and in an area where it will be incredibly difficult to socially distance if we actually do get a quorum — I get very insecure about the date of June 15,” said Selectmen Chairman Laura FitzGerald-Kemmett.

She said Town Planner Deborah Pettey has suggested that classrooms throughout Hanson Middle School could be used for breakout rooms with a designated teller, combined with some form of video conferencing, could be used to ensure safety.

“It sounded incredibly complicated, but I think it would meet some of the needs,” FitzGerald-Kemmett said, expressing confidence that, before the decision needs to be made, more guidance will be available. Town Meeting has had to use the gym for overflow in the past, but Kealy said it gave him concern that some residents were not able to be heard the way they should have been.

Kealy said there are issues on the warrant for which people will be interested in showing up, so lowering the quorum figure would not be beneficial.

‘It seems early to me, too,” said Kealy, noting that Gov. Baker has set a date of Monday, May 18 as the date state businesses begin re-opening. “I would not be surprised to see that extended out.”

His concern was what happens if a Town Meeting does not occur before the June 30 end of the fiscal year.

Town Administrator John Stanbrook said some transfers of funds must be done by June 30, but indicated state officials could approve delays.

“[Lt. Gov.] Karyn Polito was pretty clear at the press conference [May 4] in saying that’s the date we’ve been given as the advisory group to start issuing guidance, but that is not going to be the date everything opens up,” FitzGerald-Kemmett said. “She was pretty clear about that.”

Select Boards are permitted to postpone town meetings for 30 days at a time, but must permit 20 days for voter registration before a town meeting. That means Selectmen must take a vote on the matter by Tuesday, May 19.

FitzGerald-Kemmett said the board would have Kealy attend the May 19 meeting to continue the discussion.

Of birthdays, thanks and hope

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Vanessa Healey, of Whitman,  turned 8 years old this past week.  She had a birthday parade with lots of pizzazz from … across the street — social distanced Covid-19 birthday. Her family, like so many others with younger ones who may be missing their friends and social connections, helps make these celebrations meaningful.  Led by the Whitman Police and Fire, many of Vanessa’s friends and family members drove by, with honking horns, with signs and balloons for the birthday girl as they waved. Sisters from left clockwise Samantha, Mellissa, Vanessa and Tabitha Healey reacted as the cars passed by. A friend dressed like Elsa from the Disney movie Frozen waved from the back seat.See more photos, Page 6.

Hanson woman perishes in fire

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HANSON — A mother of three lost her life in a house fire Monday night May 4.

Margaret O’Toole-Driscoll, 58, known as Peggy, perished along with the family’s dog in the fatal blaze. The home located at the end of a cal-du-sac is part of a small neighborhood off West Washington Street.   

Two of her three children are currently students at Whitman-Hanson Regional High School confirmed in a press release by Superintendent Jeff Szymaniak. Driscoll was employed as an instructional support aide for East Bridgewater schools, according to media reports.

The family has resided in the neighborhood for approximately 20 years, according to neighbors.

In a press release through Plymouth County District Attorney’s Timothy J. Cruz’s office, who confirmed the name of the victim, also said the cause of the fire was under investigation by the State Fire Marshal Peter J. Ostroskey.

Hanson Fire Chief Jerome Thompson released a written statement early on Tuesday morning and later confirmed by phone that the fire at 165 Pennsylvania Ave. had been fatal.

Thompson called the conditions untenable as heavy fire and heat caused deteriorating circumstances for the four initial firefighters who responded to the call.

He commended the efforts of the firefighters who performed a secondary search of the home along with continued fire suppression before locating Driscoll.

The flames took nearly an hour to get under control.

There were three other occupants living in the single family, cape-style log cabin home at the time of the fire and they were able to safely escape, according to the press release through the D.A’s Office.

Neighbor Alyssa Aghajanian and her family, who live with her parents, share a side yard with trees separating their home from the Driscoll’s. They could see the flames through the trees, she said

Aghajanian, 29, who babysat for many of the families on the street, was consoled by her young daughter and family as she became tearful and saddened talking about times she recalled as a youngster braiding her hair with Peggy. She estimated they have known the family at least 20 years.

They originally heard noise coming from the yard that sounded of people yelling, but they soon realized the home was engulfed.

“We had the window open … we went to look, and saw the fire from the front window,” said Aghajanian.

She said they were screaming “bloody murder, ‘Is everyone out of the house?’” from their front porch.

They had later learned that wasn’t the case.

All three of the Driscoll children were W-H students with two of them current students, according to Szymaniak, who released information on counseling services during the pandemic.

“Counseling services will be made available to all students by email or using Google voice/text,” he stated. “To schedule an appointment to speak with a counselor, please call one of the phone numbers listed on the district’s website:  https://www.whrsd.org/central_administration/district_departments/student_services.

“While we are not currently able to be in school, we will all be there to support the family with whatever they need and encourage other members of the school community to do so as well,” said Szymaniak.

Thompson commended the efforts of the firefighters although the outcome was not a positive one.

He said their thoughts were with the family and that losing a member of the small, Hanson community affects everyone.

Firefighters immediately conducted a primary search on arrival at the scene. After nearly an hour and the bulk of the fire being brought under control, firefighters were able to re-enter the building to complete a secondary search, which is when they discovered the deceased victim.

A neighbor had given the family refuge at the scene and they were there early Tuesday morning, according to Aghajanian.

The family is being assisted currently by the Red Cross, said Thompson. The home is uninhabitable due to the extensive damage. The fire is not considered suspicious and the cause is still undetermined as late Tuesday, said Thompson.

Hanson was assisted at the scene by Hanson police, Hanson water department, and the towns of Whitman, Pembroke, Halifax, and the Whitman CERT team.

Hanover fire also covered the Hanson headquarters.

Virus poses Memorial Day challenge

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The divide between Whitman and Hanson select boards concerning the school assessment formula remains even as talks continue.

Whitman Selectmen on Tuesday, May 5, reaffirmed their commitment to the statutory formula even as they left the door open to a compromise proposal from Hanson.

The towns also opted to find alternative ways to honor those who served on Memorial Day this year. Whitman Selectmen canceled parade plans with no announced plans for an alternative observation yet, while Hanson Selectmen are looking toward a scaled-down ceremony to be televised on local cable access television as well as possible citizen participation.

At the end of a lengthy a joint session with the Finance Committee, which devolved into a heated debate on a possible compromise vs. staying the course, Whitman Selectmen voted 4-1 to stick by an earlier vote to base the school budget on the statutory assessment formula. Whitman Selectman Justin Evans, who is on the negotiating subcommittee voted no.

Later in the meeting, however, Selectman Randy LaMattina argued for a reconsideration that, while not approved, left the door open to hearing out any Hanson compromise. Selectmen Chairman Dr. Carl Kowalski made that motion initially suggesting replacement with wording expressing the board’s willingness to continue discussion about how the current budget is funded, but moving to the full statutory formula next year.

LaMattina suggested the language be changed again to commit Whitman to acknowledge any offer from Hanson in a public meeting for discussion “at a minimum.” He argued that such a move puts the ball back in Hanson’s court.

“I think we’ve drawn a line in the sand tonight,” LaMattina said. “By principle, I think, [it’s a situation] where we’re absolutely right. It’s just one of those things where we may be cutting off our nose to spite our face.”

He said there was a lot of negativity expressed in the meeting that was cast at the wrong group of people, which he found frustrating.

“If [Hanson] came to us, we would be doing the same thing, we would be in the same position,” LaMattina said, arguing that the source of the divide is evident in the recordings of the previous regional agreement meetings, viewable on WHCA-TV’s YouTube Channel.

“[School] Administration, at that time, knew there was an issue,” he said. “They did not tell the towns, plain and simple.”

He argued it would be wrong to paint the town of Hanson as they enemy now. While he said he believes Whitman is in the right, LaMattina questioned whether it was worth risking the regional partnership over it.

“This is crunch time,” he said. “My vote came tonight because we need a path forward.”

Whitman Town Administrator Frank Lynam said if there was a way to keep the door open to Hanson, it is to Whitman’s mutual benefit.

Whitman Selectman Brian Bezanson asked how long Whitman’s kindness would be taken advantage of, reminding the board that their fiduciary responsibility is to Whitman residents.

“The stakes are pretty high on this and I think it’s at least worth trying,” said Selectman Justin Evans.

Hanson Selectmen Chairman Laura FitzGerald-Kemmett noted to her board the same evening, that Whitman officials seemed divided.

“One camp in Whitman is proposing that we split the difference between what would be the statutory method and the per pupil method,” she said. “Some have suggested that they’d be willing to transition after that to fully statutory at some point in the regional agreement, and some have suggested that they would want it to be statutory immediately after this year.”

Other Hanson board members expressed cautious interest in compromise talks.

In Whitman, Selectman Dan Salvucci said he did not see what reconsideration in favor of a compromise could accomplish. “Closing the window to negotiation is not a good idea, in my opinion, however, I do agree that there should be a limit on what we are willing to pay,” said Whitman Finance Committee member John Galvin.

The towns were more in accord with their approach to alternatives to a Memorial Day Parade. Whitman Town Administrator Frank Lynam suggested postponing a parade until either July 4 or combining it with the Veterans Day parade.

“Are we cancelling it?” LaMattina asked.

“If we don’t have a Memorial Day parade on Memorial Day, it’s considered cancelled,” Kowalski said.

Hanson has also been considering the alternatives.

“I’ve been thinking about this for awhile,” said Veterans’ Agent Timothy White. “It’s really all unknown and it’s kind of hitting the period between Mothers Day and Memorial Day.”

He suggested three options — cancellation, as 90-percent of towns are said to be doing; postpone it until the fall in combination with the planned 200th Anniversary parade; or coming up with an alternative observation akin to a rolling rally in their cars under escort.

“It doesn’t necessarily satisfy everyone,” White said of the latter option, noting that not all veterans drive. “The older generation is at severe risk for coronavirus and we don’t have a clue who is a carrier.”

He also said there is a contingent of folks who would insist on Memorial Day be observed on the actual holiday, but FitzGerald-Kemmett said she did not feel right subjecting vulnerable veterans to possible coronavirus exposure.

“If we really respect these folks who have served our country — which we do — and we really want to honor them, we don’t want to be exposing them unnecessarily,” said FitzGerald-Kemmett. “If you really care about them, perhaps this is not the year we’re going to push the envelope and … I, for one would think it heartbreaking that something that we did would unwittingly cause a veteran to get infected with COVID.”

Selectman Matt Dyer suggested a call to action throughout the town, like the display of a flag or asking families to individually plant flowers on a veterans’ grave. FitzGerald-Kemmett said the latter idea might provide the PTO with an opportunity to involve the town’s children in the observation by sharing home projects with the community.

White indicated he was concerned about maintaining social distancing at the cemetery.

Selectman Kenny Mitchell said he felt the best option would be to cancel the parade. Selectman Jim Hickey suggested that WHCA-TV televise a small ceremony at which a prayer, wreath-laying and “Taps” could be featured, and Selectman Wes Blauss agreed that it was a good idea, volunteering to assisting any way he was needed. Executive Director Eric Dresser said he would be willing to discuss the logistics of that proposal.

Signs of support

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WHITMAN — Eighth-grader Clare LaMattina, 14, and her mom Michelle delivered the latest proceeds from her “Whitman Strong” lawn sign sales to the town’s food pantry Sunday afternoon.

The $5,525 check brought the total of donations — with $1,280 in  Venmo donations still to come — to about $12,605.

A previous donation toward the total was in the amount of $5,800.

More funds are still coming in for a total of 890 signs.

The family had just decided to order another 100 signs, after more requests came in past the original cutoff, and 35 of those are already gone, Michelle LaMattina said.

The project has also inspired similar efforts in East Bridgewater, where the Kiwanis Club and Boy Scouts teamed up to run it, and in Abington, where state Rep. Alyson Sullivan, R-Abington, and the Scouts have joined together with some of Michelle’s relatives to conduct the fundraiser.

“It’s phenomenal,” said Jim Davidson, a volunteer at the Whitman Food Pantry. “It’s just great. … you have started a trend.”

“You hear the people come and talk to us … they feel like they are contributing in some way, even if it’s a little thing,” Michelle LaMattina said, noting that the project has inspired some good-natured neighborhood competition. “They’re having competitions [through Facebook challenges] of how many they can get on their street.”

She said that, while not everyone can afford to write a check for $50 to send to a charity, they feel they can contribute the $15 for an 18X24 Whitman Strong lawn signs, Clare LaMattina designed to benefit the Whitman Food Pantry. She is a member of the Girls in Action Club at Thayer Academy.

“The kids are getting excited to have a sign on their lawn,” Michelle LaMattina said. “My neighborhood’s never seen so much traffic.”

About 200 people drove by to pick up their signs on Friday, May 1 alone.

“You’ve inspired a lot of people with one thought,” Davidson said, noting one woman in Belmont saw a TV news story about Clare’s project and called the pantry to make a donation. “She said ‘It’s phenomenal, what you’re doing, and I want to help,’ and gave $50.”

Clare said the project has taken over the family’s dining room table.

Pantry President Bruce Perry described the need as sad, but said the response has been uplifting.

“I’ve never seen anything come close to this,” he said.

“There’s been times I’ve been choked up with pride for her,” Michelle LaMattina said. “We’re hoping it brings more awareness for next year and for the holidays.”

Davidson said the pantry has received six or eight new calls for assistance in the past week.

Perry said the restaurant gift certificates the donations also made possible were received with joy and surprise by clients.

“This will cover food purchases for several months, depending on the demand,” Davidson said of the $12,605.

Taking a pass on the budget

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As they await the outcome of ongoing talks between town officials and information on the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on the school budget, the School Committee on Wednesday, April 29 opted to pass over setting a budget figure.

The committee will meet again on May 13.

The discussion and votes followed an executive session at the beginning of the meeting, conducted remotely on the Zoom platform. The executive session was to discuss negotiating strategy or possible litigation concerning collective bargaining with the WHEA teachers’ Union.

Superintendent of Schools Jeffrey Szymaniak sought to pass over discussion and action on the fiscal 2021 budget and local assessment because he is awaiting information on any revenue the district can expect from the early school closure forced by COVID-19.

The committee also voted to pass over a discussion about rescinding an earlier vote on the establishment of the statutory assessment method.

School Committee Vice Chairman Christopher Scriven of Whitman said he has heard that some “significant progress” has been made in compromise talks between the two towns.

“If we wait another week, it’s best to hold off and look to set the budget next week,” he said.

Member Dan Cullity, also of Whitman advocated waiting as town officials were slated to meet the next day.

“We’re not going to get anywhere talking about this budget because there’s no new information,” he said. “We’re just going to have the same fights … until we can get over this hurdle.”

If the district does not have a budget in place by June 1, school officials have to inform the Commissioner of Education. Since town meetings are not scheduled until June 15 in Hanson and late June for Whitman, Szymaniak said he will be drafting a letter advising him of that situation so the commissioner can start preparing a 1/12 budget for the district based on the FY 2020 and projected FY 2021 budgets and minimum local contributions and anticipated Chapter 70 funds set by the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) for FY ’21.

“Right now we’re looking at every regional school district in the commonwealth not having a budget by July 1,” Szymaniak said. “I don’t know the process or the formula the commissioner is going to use for every district.”

Committee member Dawn Byers of Whitman argued the district should at least discuss athletics user fees in an effort to put academics first in a school budget.

Member Michael Jones of Hanson asked why she keeps bringing up the subject, when changes in such fees could cost the district students.

“If we lose more students to school choice, that’s a total loss,” he said.

Byers asked for more data on why families make the decision to take advantage of school choice. Small said that would have to go before the Policy Subcommittee for a decision before a decision on user fees is made.

Whitman member Alezandria Taylor also said user fees were not a good idea when a lot of families cannot even afford school lunches.

Revenues from preschool and extended day kindergarten tuitions have “taken a substantial hit,” according to Szymaniak.

“Before we can roll any revenues or money that we’re saving from the closure, [we need to] make sure we can cover the cost of providing salaries for paraprofessionals and teachers due to the loss of tuition that we either couldn’t process because we’re not in school, and all the tuition we have to refund because of the closure,” he said.

State Rep. Josh Cutler, D-Pembroke, has advised the district about federal grants administered by the states to municipalities covering any losses related to COVID-19 and the district is compiling as much information as possible for the application. Areas covered would include cleaning and technology.

Hanson member Robert O’Brien Jr., a deputy chief on the Hanson Fire Department, said FEMA also has funding opportunities for recouping salaries and other costs lost due to COVID-19.

Deregionalization study delayed

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HANSON — The Board of Selectmen on Tuesday, April 28 — via GoToMeeting teleconference viewable on Whitman-Hanson Community Access TV — discussed the potential formation of a deregionalization study panel and reviewed the economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.

“I’ve had a couple of people reach out to me and ask when are we going to be forming a deregionalization feasibility study committee,” said Selectmen Chairman Laura FitzGerald-Kemmett.

She said it was her recollection that selectmen wanted to give the voters a say on the issue.

“I think we knew, financially, it probably wouldn’t be in our best interests, at least initially,” she said. “Also, we knew it would be a two-to-three year process, conservatively, to deregionalize.”

They had supported a Town Meeting warrant in the past, but she wanted to touch base with the board on whether it needs to be done now.

“I think, right now, we can put this on the back burner,” Selectman Matt Dyer said. “I don’t think forming a committee would be productive in our talks with regional assessment at this time.”

He argued that the issue could be considered for the October Town Meeting, if necessary.

Selectmen Kenny Mitchell, noting the School Committee was slated to discuss whether it should rescind the statutory assessment methodology at its Wednesday, April 29 meeting, agreed that Hanson could hold off on the issue. Selectmen Jim Hickey and Wes Blauss agreed.

FitzGerald-Kemmett also stressed that she and Dyer are still working as part of the regional agreement committee.

“Forming a deregionaization committee in the middle of while we’re trying to have diplomatic talks is probably not going to sent the right message,” she said. “There’s a time and place for everything and now just might not be the time.”

COVID response

State Rep. Josh Cutler, D-Pembroke, also attended the virtual meeting to report on state developments regarding coronavirus and its potential economic effects on the state.

Aside from noting Gov. Charlie Baker’s extension of the stay-at-home order and closure of non-essential businesses through May 18, Cutler briefly discussed the reopening advisory board chaired by Lt. Gov. Karen Polito.

“The governor did stress this is really going to be guided by the [public health] data at the end of the day,” he said. “If that continues to trend in the right directions then I think we’ll see some reopenings after May 18. If that takes a sudden departure in any direction, then obviously that could change.”

Gov. Baker has also signed a virtual notarization law to help process legal documents, and a law to protect homeowners and tenants from foreclosures and evictions as well as credit reporting non-payments.

Cutler also reminded selectmen that town meetings may be postponed for 30 days at a time, if needed.

The Legislature is scheduled to hold its first virtual session on Thursday, April 30 to cast roll-call votes on bond legislation that requires a vote in formal session. The session could also lay the groundwork for meeting processed for work on the budget.

“We’ve heard from some economists and budget experts on what we call our consensus revenue forecast last week, and we heard some fairly dire predictions, ranging from a potential hole from anywhere from $3 billion to $6 billion for the next fiscal year,” Cutler said. “Obviously, it’s hard to pinpoint that because we’re still in the middle of the acute period here.”

He said economic recovery trends can be summarized in four letters — V, L, U and W. The V would mean a steep, rapid recovery after the economic decline during the pandemic. The L, would illustrate no immediate recovery, the U would mean a recovery after a plateau and the W, would mean a secondary downturn after a quick recovery.

“Those are the different scenarios we’re looking at, based on what’s happening on the ground and revenues,” he said. “[There’s] a lot of fluid activity, but I think Thursday’s formal process will help us on the path toward hopefully getting some form of consensus around this.”

He said a specific timeframe on budget numbers is not yet possible.

In other business, selectmen approved a placeholder article for a potential Proposition 2 ½ override.

“With no budget in place and no idea of what assessment number might come our way, I thought it was prudent to at least talk about it,” Stanbrook said. “It is not forced upon us or a reality yet.”

State reopening delayed to May 18

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Gov. Charlie Baker announced Tuesday, April 28 that his emergency order requiring that all businesses and organizations that do not provide “COVID-19 Essential Services” close their physical workplaces and facilities to workers, customers and the public will be extended until May 18.

Businesses and organizations not on the list of essential services are encouraged to continue operations through remote means that do not require workers, customers, or the public to enter or appear at the brick-and-mortar premises closed by the order. This order also extends the existing ban on gatherings of more than 10 people until May 18.

Whitman and Hanson have expanded requirements for physical distancing to include boards of health orders to mandate the wearing of protective masks by all residents entering essential businesses.

“In the past 10 days, the number of residents testing positive for COVID-19 has doubled,” Whitman Town Administrator Frank Lynam advised residents in a weekend reverse-911 call. “It is this condition that prompted the Board of Health to issue the following order: effective immediately, all persons entering any essential business premise must wear a face mask for the protection of the public.”

Business failing to follow the order will be subject to a closure order by the Board of Health.

“On a personal level, Whitman residents are advised to avoid gathering in groups and to wear a mask anytime they are in a public setting exposed to other people,” Lynam said. He also said there was great concern about the number of people walking dogs in Whitman Park without cleaning up after their pets.

“If this continues, the town will have to consider closing the park to all dog walking,” Lynam said. “We sincerely hope this will not be necessary.”

Residents age 2 and older entering essential businesses, including but not limited to grocery stores, pharmacies, home improvement stores and the like must wear a cloth face covering, such as a fabric mask, scarf or bandana, over his or her nose and mouth. Face coverings can be made out of household fabrics and materials and should ideally have multiple layers.

An employee of the retailer shall be designated to ensure that members of the public ages 2 years of age and older are entering the establishment wearing a cloth face covering, according to Hanson’s Board of Health order. Whitman’s Board of Health issued the same order, effective at 6 a.m., Monday, April 27.

“By taking common-sense precautions — not going on unnecessary outings, wearing a mask in public and avoiding gatherings — we can get through this pandemic until it is safe t ease restrictions,” Lynam said.

The Department of Public Health’s stay-at-home advisory will remain in effect. Residents are strongly urged to stay home and avoid unnecessary travel and other unnecessary person-to person contact during this time period.