By Mike Melanson
Express Correspondent

HANSON — Town Administrator Ronald San Angelo said he plans to offer selectmen monthly written and verbal reports on the town’s finances, at the request of board members.

On Tuesday Sept. 9, Selectmen Chairman David Soper said board members want more financial information and data in a more timely and succinct manner.

San Angelo said monthly financial statements have not been presented to selectmen as routine business in years, since before his time as town administrator. Selectmen sign warrants and see bills. San Angelo said he provides audits to the board and budget information during budget season.

“We do provide a lot of information at times as needed, but there hasn’t been a monthly report,” he said.

San Angelo said he gives monthly expense reports to the finance board, and said he would provide the report to selectmen too. The reports include spending on capital items, he said.

“If any board member ever has a question about a particular finance item, my office door is always open. It is never closed,” he said. “We’re willing to give you what you want.”

San Angelo said his concern now is for the town’s free cash amount to be certified by the state Department of Revenue in time for the Oct. 6 Special Town Meeting, which includes warrant articles that draw on free cash.

Interim Town Accountant Todd Hassett said he has filed balance sheets and schedules with the DOR to be certified as free cash.

Hanson is in the top 25-percent of communities in getting their balance sheets in. The DOR guideline is for them to be in by Sept. 15, and the town is ahead of that by a week, he said.

Hassett said Hanson has approximately $1.8-million in free cash.

San Angelo said he plans to submit expense reports to selectmen once a month, during the second selectmen meeting of the month.

Selectman Bruce Young asked if San Angelo could also present information on receivables that could affect free cash in his reports, and the town administrator said he would do so.

Selectman William Scott said he would like for San Angelo to offer a verbal report and synopsis of what is going on in the town that selectmen should know about to go along with the written financial reports.

“I think we should do something once a month. If that’s what we’re going to do, I’m OK with it,” he said.

Remote participation

In other action Tuesday, selectmen voted, 5-0, to allow remote participation by board, committee and commission members at town government meetings.

Members of boards who cannot attend meetings because of illness or business out of state may now participate in meetings, and deliberate and vote by telephone or video conference.

Under state law, selectmen may vote to allow remote participation, but it must be allowed for all town boards, committees and commissions, San Angelo said.

The board chairman must notify those in attendance at the beginning of a meeting if a member plans to participate remotely, and it should be included in meeting postings and agendas if the board knows about the need for it ahead of time, he said.

The law requires that a clear communication device must be used and that all board and audience members must be able to hear what is being said, he said.

San Angelo said most of the town hall meeting rooms have phones, and would allow for remote participation. Other meetings might be more complicated, such as Hanson boards meeting jointly with boards from other towns in meeting rooms in other towns.

“Ninety-nine percent of our meetings, I don’t think it’s going to be an issue,” he said.

Soper said remote participation is not an opportunity for townspeople to call into meetings.

He said there must still be a quorum of board members present in the meeting room in order to allow remote participation, and that the policy would be posted on the town website.

“I think it’s a good idea,” he said.

San Angelo said remote participation is not for board members who simply do not feel like going to town hall to attend a meeting.

“There must be a legitimate reason. That’s in the regulations,” he said.

If there is remote participation in a meeting, all votes must be roll call votes. If participating remotely in an executive session, a board member may have no one else in the room where the call is made from, he said.

Selectman James McGahan said he believes allowing remote participation makes sense.

Town Meeting recommendations

Selectmen Tuesday also voted board recommendations on a series of more than 40 warrant articles to be presented to voters at Special Town Meeting on Oct. 6.

Selectmen voted to recommend requests by the police chief for $17,750 for technology upgrades for police, $4,400 for protective and safety clothing for officers, $4,500 for tire deflation devices known as Stop Sticks, and $11,000 for rifles.

The board also recommended requests by the fire chief for $16,000 for Main Street fire station maintenance, $240,000 for a Mini-Pumper, $36,500 for protective clothing, and $10,000 for relocation of floor drains in connection with a fire station septic repair project.

Selectmen are recommending articles to name the playground on Hancock Street in honor of Army Sergeant James Francis “Red” Harrington, who was killed on April 8, 1951 while serving in Korea, and for $1,200 to provide a marker for the memorial park.

Also recommended was a request for $83,000 to reimburse the Whitman-Hanson Regional School District for emergency repairs to the Indian Head and Maquan schools.

Selectmen held a recommendation on a request for funds to replace locks, keys and corridor doors at the Maquan School until building repair committee and school administrators determine costs.

The board held on a request for $55,000 to install an indoor ventilator in the Maquan School offices until they get the results of an air quality study.

Also held were requests to fund the development of public bid documentation and rehabilitation or replacement of the slate roof, and the repair or replacement of the cafeteria and office floors at the Indian Head School. There were no cost estimates Tuesday, selectmen said.

Selectmen placed and recommended a request to create a regional schools capital stabilization fund for capital projects at the Hanson school buildings and the regional high school. Funds would be expended by Town Meeting. The board also recommended that Town Meeting voters on May 6 put $10,000 into the fund.

Selectmen placed an article to repair Indian Head School roof, and another article that would replace the roof, but held on making recommendations on the proposals.

The board also placed an article to replace window lintels at the Indian Head School, but held recommendation because there is no cost estimate.

San Angelo said all warrant articles are subject to the availability of free cash. If free cash is limited or not available, selectmen would need to re-prioritize recommendations on articles, he said.

Soper said the free cash figure is important.

“If we don’t get the money, we won’t be able to make it happen,” he said. “Here’s hoping to hope that we have enough free cash to cover the bills.”

Selectmen approved a Historical Society request for a common victuallers license in connection with the annual Harvest Festival, to be held Sept. 20, with a Sept. 21 rain date.

By Tracy F. Seelye, Express editor
editor@whitmanhanson express.com

In a state primary election noted mainly for low voter participation, there was little by way of surprises in the outcome Tuesday.
Democrat Martha Coakley and Republican Charlie Baker, as expected, carried their respective nominations for governor in the Nov. 4 general election. For lieutenant governor, Democrats statewide also tapped Maura Healy over Warren Tolman for attorney general. Locally, it was not a day of heightened activity at the polls. Less than 20 percent of registered voters cast ballots.
From the start, local town clerks were not certain that percentage would make it out of the single digits.
“I don’t think you’ll see 20 percent — not in Whitman,” said Town Clerk Dawn Varley Tuesday morning. “I can’t speak for the state.”
She said primaries don’t generally bring out the voters.
The reasons suggested by local observers ranged from the timing of the election so early in September, a lack of local contests or general apathy.
Neither state Rep. Geoff Diehl, R-Whitman, or Rep. Josh Cutler, D-Duxbury, faced primary challenges. There was a 15-percent turnout in Whitman during the 2010 primary.
“I think November will be busy, but I think we’ll be lucky to get 3 percent,” Varley said. “I could be wrong.” When all the votes were counted, a total of 13% of Whitman registered voters cast their ballots.
Only a handful of residents were in line when polls opened at 7 a.m., according to Varley who said, “usually we have half a dozen people out there.”
There are 9,795 registered voters in Whitman — 2,356 Democrats and 1,138 Republicans. There are 6,253 unenrolled and a scattering of several minor parties.
There are 6,975 registered voters in Hanson, including 1,466 Democrats, 1,053 Republicans and 4,427 unenrolled.
“It’s going to be a very low turnout,” agreed Whitman School Committee member Dan Culity, holding a sign for Republican Register of Probate candidate Andrew Burbine outside the polls. “People don’t care, unfortunately. They should, because it’s a big decision. It’s just a shame.”
Selectman Dan Salvucci, also holding a Burbine sign, said voting is vital.
“You have to vote,” he said.
In Hanson, it took about two hours before they reached 200 voters, said Town Clerk Beth Sloan.
“I don’t think we’ll get 12 percent,” she said. “I don’t have many absentees this time, either.” Only 35 absentee ballots had been cast.
“If that’s an indication of your turnout …” she said. “I don’t think people are paying attention yet.”

Local vote totals for Whitman in the Democrat primary election were:

• Senator in Congress — Edward J. Markey (D) 598
• Governor — Donald M. Berwick (D) 139
Martha Coakley (D) 347
Steven Grossman 345
• Lt. Governor — Leland Cheung (D) 132
Stephen J. Kerrigan (D) 422
Michael E. Lake (D) 154
• Attorney General — Maura Healy (D) 480
Warren E. Tolman (D) 329
• Secretary of State — William F. Galvin (D) 664
• Treasurer — Thomas P. Conroy (D) 184
Barry Finegold (D) 251
Deborah B. Goldberg (D) 336
• Auditor — Suzanne M. Bump (D) 639
• Representative in Congress — Stephen F. Lynch (D) 681
• Councillor [Fourth District] — Christopher Iannella (D) 609
• Senator in General Court [2nd Plymouth & Bristol] —Thomas P. Kennedy (D) 650
• Register of Probate [Plymouth County] — Mark E. Linde (D) 212
Matthew J. McDonough (D) 485
• County Treasurer — Thomas J. O’Brien (D) 618
• County Commissioner — Scott M. Vecchi (D) 606

Local vote totals for Whitman in the Republican primary election were:

• Senator in Congress — Brian J. Herr (R) 356
• Governor — Charles D. Baker (R) 341
Mark R. Fisher (R) 113
• Lt. Governor — Karyn E. Polito (R) 389
• Attorney General — John B. Miller (R) 375
• Secretary of State — David D’Arcangelo (R) 364
• Treasurer — Michael J. Heffernan (R) 360
• Auditor — Patricia S. Saint Aubin (R) 347
• Senator in General Court [2nd Plymouth & Bristol] — Viola A. Ryerson (R) 345
• Representative in General Court [7th Plymouth] — Geoff Diehl (R) 418
• District Attorney — Timothy J. Cruz (R) 401
• Register of Probate [Plymouth County] — R. Andrew Burbine (R) 283
Anthony T. O’Brien Sr. (R) 103
Joseph M. Truschelli (R) 46
• County Commissioner — Sandra M. Wright (R) 354

In Hanson’s Democrat primary election:

• Senator in Congress — Edward J. Markey (D) 376
• Governor — Donald M. Berwick (D) 88
Martha Coakley (D) 223
Steven Grossman 246
• Lt. Governor — Leland Cheung (D) 94
Stephen J. Kerrigan (D) 290
Michael E. Lake (D) 81
• Attorney General — Maura Healy (D) 300
Warren E. Tolman (D) 241
• Secretary of State — William F. Galvin (D) 446
• Treasurer — Thomas P. Conroy (D) 106
Barry Finegold (D) -171
Deborah B. Goldberg (D) 236
• Auditor — Suzanne M. Bump (D) 404
• Representative in Congress [9th District] — William Keating (D) 399
• Senator in General Court [2nd Plymouth & Bristol] Thomas P. Kennedy (D) — 429
• Representative in General Court [6th Plymouth, Hanson ballots] — Josh S. Cutler (D) 418
• Register of Probate [Plymouth County] — Mark E. Linde (D) 103
Matthew J. McDonough (D) 349
• County Treasurer — Thomas J. O’Brien (D) 406
• County Commissioner — Scott M. Vecchi (D) 395

In Hanson’s Republican primary election:

• Senator in Congress — Brian J. Herr (R) 382
• Governor — Charles D. Baker (R) 364
Mark R. Fisher (R) 111
• Lt. Governor — Karyn E. Polito (R) 415
• Attorney General — John B. Miller (R) 386
• Secretary of State — David D’Arcangelo (R) 379
• Treasurer — Michael J. Heffernan (R) 382
• Auditor — Patricia S. Saint Aubin (R) 369
• Representative in Congress [9th District] — Mark C. Alliegro (R) 73
John C. Chapman (R) 73
Vincent A. Cogliano Jr. (R) 180
Daniel L. Shores (R) 119
• Representative in General Court [2nd Plymouth & Bristol District] — Viola A. Ryerson (R) 377
• District Attorney — Timothy J. Cruz (R) 411
• Register of Probate [Plymouth County] — R. Andrew Burbine (R) 163
Anthony T. O’Brien Sr. (R) 231
Joseph M. Truschelli (R) 38
• County Commissioner — Sandra M. Wright (R) 375.

Correction:

Hanson results in the Sept. 9 primary for state representative in the 6th Plymouth District were misreported in the Sept. 11 Whitman-Hanson Express. Joseph Sheehan of Pembroke received 125 votes in precinct one, 136 votes in precinct two, 131 votes in precinct three for a total of 392 votes. There were no write-in votes and 92 blanks cast — 26 in precinct one, 38 in precinct two and 28 in precinct three. Candidate for state senate in the 2nd Plymouth & Bristol District Viola Ryerson received 377 votes in the Hanson Republican Primary, with no write-in votes and 107 blanks. The Express apologizes for the omission

By Tracy F. Seelye, Express editor
editor@whitmanhansonexpress

HANSON — The Chimney Chap, which has done business — in Bridgewater and Duxbury, where the firm was founded — for 34 years, will open the doors to a new location at 1127 Main St. this fall.

While owners Scott and Rania Sarras are proud of the family business’ success and longevity, they are more pleased with the solid reputation they’ve achieved. Nothing makes them angrier than the scams some out-of-state companies have perpetrated in Massachusetts.

“These poor customers, one or two years later, have real problems,” Rania said. “We’ve called the attorney general’s office and we’ve discussed problems that these companies are creating in the state.”

A common scam is to quote a low figure such as $69 for a chimney sweep, only to “discover” CO2 coming back into the house because a new liner system is needed. Usually, no problem exists or, if one does, it is made worse by shoddy workmanship offered at a “discount” price. Some offending companies even make cold calls.

Another problem with fraudulent companies is they often will change their names after a year or two, making it harder to challenge poor workmanship, according to Rania.

“It was happening a lot on the North Shore where you have a lot of out-of-state scam companies,” Rania said as the wiring was being upgraded in the new location. “They do a lot of advertising on Groupon, Angie’s List, Amazon.”

Angie’s List has since removed companies not properly licensed in Massachusetts.

The Chimney Chap has earned an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau, is an A-rated Super Service on Angie’ List and is certified by the Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA) as well as a member of the National Chimney Sweep Guild. The company holds state Construction Supervisor and Home Improvement Contractor’s licenses, which can be verified on its Website.

“It’s to protect the homeowner,” she said. “If something is installed improperly, the customer can go through the state for the refund.”

The Sarras and the state Office of Consumer Affairs and Business Regulation agree that the best way to obtain reliable chimney cleaning, or any home improvement service is summed up in two words: Think twice.

“You don’t ever hire anyone or sign anything on the spot,” Rania said. “You want to make sure they are CSIA-certified. You want to do your research on the company. Always get two estimates.”

The CSIA Website can provide a list of certified firms in an area when consumers enter their ZIP Code.

“Social media can be a valuable tool,” she said. “People will tell you about their bad experiences, their good experiences.”

The couple did their research in finding a retail space when the company outgrew their Bridgewater home office. Hanson is centrally located to many of their clients in Hanson, Halifax, Bridgewater and Pembroke so the location was ideal.

“I like the town of Hanson,” she added.

They have been working to build floor-display fireplaces in materials ranging from traditional masonry to wood frame-and-ceramic-tile, mantles, gas inserts and stoves.

About a month after their planned opening in late September or early October, the Sarras will hold a grand opening barbecue, which will include raffles for T-shirts and some of their goods and services.

“We want to get settled and then have our opening day,” she said.

The best time to get a chimney sweep? Traditionally, people wait until fall when the demand is highest because that nip in the air is a reminder of cold weather to come, but Rania has a better suggestion.      

“Do it in the summer,” she said. “Do it the minute winter’s over and you know you’re not burning anymore — April, May. You get it out of the way and don’t have to worry about having to wait.”

Off-season sweeps can also save customers 25 percent.

The Chimney Chap’s services include: Inspections, cleaning, crown repair, cap and liner installations, chimney repointing and rebuilds, chimney restoration, masonry work, dryer vent cleaning, drafting problems and weatherproofing.

 

By Tracy F. Seelye, Express editor
[email protected]

WHITMAN — For those who were growing up in the 1930s and ’40s, memories are filled with families making do during the Great Depression and World War II.

But for every time mothers had to make “Cape Cod Turkey” — desalinated and boiled salt cod and fried salt pork served up over mashed potatoes — there are memories of plentiful Concord grapes growing by within easy reach of the road, and roadside tables selling strawberries everywhere.

The gift of a bicycle during wartime, when shortages made them hard to get, was priceless.

For Whitman resident Ed Leadbetter, sharing such memories is a gift to the future. As he writes on the flyleaf of his self-published book, “South Shore Potpourri,” “Nothing is ever really lost to us as long as we remember it.

“I started out writing some stories about my experiences in Pembroke High School and some about Whitman,” he said. He sent the stories to a former teacher who was very encouraging about his work and urged him to write a book.

“I had a lot of fun doing it and I’m thinking of doing another one,” he said.

He grew up in Brockton’s Campello section during WWII and went to school there until 1947, when he moved to Pembroke. During the war he was a member of Brockton’s Junior Police.

“We took our jobs seriously,” Leadbetter recalls.

Leadbetter moved to Whitman from Halifax in 1959, and operated a service station and body shop at 333 South Ave. for more than 50 years before he retired.

“Some of the years were really hard,” he said. “But I miss my customers.”

From memories of Howard Johnson’s restaurants, to the work and reflections of local artists, the book recaptures a bygone era on a score of South Shore cities and towns.

“So many memories, so little time,” Leadbetter said with a chuckle. “There’s stories in here that I wrote and some that were contributed. It’s a book written by people that have lived or are still living on the South Shore — and we love the South Shore.”

Contributors include Janice Melanson Ford, John Reddie, Ray Freden, Althea Page Magoun, H.B. Jones, Mike Zaccilli, Roger Anttila, Stella Howard Young courtesy of Marie Young Combs, Kathy Peters and Dana Rodman.

“I included whatever I thought would be interesting and some that I really liked,” he said. “There’s a little bit in here for everybody.”

He arranged for permission from Stonehill College to use some of the late Brockton Enterprise photographer Stanley Bauman that were left to the college. Bauman’s black and white photos are interspersed with full-color pictures from private collections of Leadbetter and other contributors.

He’s sold about 200 copies of the spiral-bound volume published by Harding Printers in Whitman — mostly at his cost of $20. Leadbetter is hoping to obtain a copyright on the work in order to sell it online for a bit more.

By Tracy F. Seelye, Express staff
[email protected]

HANSON — The Police and Fire departments are seeking a combined  $341,150 in budget transfers at the October special Town Meeting to fund upgrades in technology, equipment, uniform needs and a vehicle to better serve the town’s public safety needs.

Four warrant articles proposed by Police Chief Michael Miksch and three proposed by Fire Chief Jerome Thompson Jr., were placed on the warrant by unanimous votes of 4-0 during the Tuesday, Aug. 26 Board of Selectmen’s meeting. Votes on warrant article recommendations have not yet been made as firm dollar amounts were not yet available for some of the warrant’s 40 articles, but selectmen voiced some support for the public safety requests.

“We have plenty of time, we might as well wait for more concrete numbers,” said Town Administrator Ron San Angelo.

Selectman Bruce Young was absent due to illness.

The board meets at 8 p.m., Tuesday, Sept. 9 — the late start due to poll hours for the state primary election.

Miksch’s requests include $17,750 to replace at least five desktop computers and a network switch as well as the purchase of backup services, hardware and software; $4,400 for protective and safety clothing; $4,500 to tire deflation devices such as Stop Sticks and $11,000 for new AR-based patrol rifles compatible with academy training weapons.

Thompson is requesting $16,000 for upgrades and maintenance at the Main Street Fire Station; $240,000 from the ambulance account to purchase and equip a mini-pumper truck and $36,500 for protective clothing.

The police computers and hardware in question are outdated.

“When the Police Station was completed, they all got new computers — that’s a good thing — the bad thing is they all got old at the same time,” San Angelo said. “All of these items from free cash are going to have to be evaluated and prioritized, but this is another one of those ‘wish-list items’ that make sense.”

Miksch is working to develop a plan to replace them on a staggered basis, but he said the network switch and data backup are needed now.

The Stop Sticks are needed in view of recent pursuit incidents in the region, including one last year that began with a Brockton armed robbery, skirted Hanson and ended with shots fired on Route 27 in East Bridgewater on the Brockton line.

“In this case they attempted to deploy the Stop Sticks, but I think if there were more units with those available they could have brought that to an end sooner and, hopefully more peacefully than it ended,” Miksch said. “Chases aren’t as common as they used to be, but given our proximity where we’ve got some major roadways that somebody’s going to use … I think it’s short money.”

The rifles would make Hanson’s department more consistent with training and surrounding communities.

Selectman Chairman David Soper asked how often rifles are used, when do they become outdated and why the old ones can’t be adapted.

Miksch said the current rifles (mini 14s), while good weapons, have not been used much due to training compatibility and cruiser storage issues and optics require a special kit to attach them.

“The continuum on training with the AR-style rifles, where so many other departments have them, makes the training a bit easier … plus a lot of the young folks that are coming on have military experience and are extremely familiar with the AR-style rifle,” said Selectman Bill Scott, a retired police chief.

A mini-pumper truck sought by the Fire Department would reduce stress on, and extend the life of, larger vehicles. Two engines, on the capital plan for replacement could be used for another three to four years with the purchase of a mini-pumper, according to Thompson.

“It’s a smaller apparatus that we could use for ambulance calls and calls that aren’t actually building fires,” Thompson said. “We have the funds we’re able to use this year as well as the funds to put toward operational costs over time.”

The maintenance article for the Main Street Fire Station would pay for replacement windows to reduce energy costs on the building, which is more than 100 years old, Thompson said. The uniform article replaces turnout gear that are nearing the point where they would not be sanctioned by the National Fire Protection Association and, unless replaced, Hanson firefighters without new gear would not be permitted to take part in live fire training.

Other public safety articles — sought by the Highway Department — deal with funds to purchase supplies for grading private ways; to pay for street sweeping to support that budget in the wake of last winter’s heavy snowfall, to remove the existing damaged danger sign on Route 27/Franklin Street with an LED sign and to continue drainage work.

Articles proposed by the library director and director of elder affairs are aimed at replacing defective windows and for a needs assessment for redesigning the roof of the building the agencies share.

“As many people know, the roof continues to leak even though they have tried to patch it and do different repairs,” San Angelo said. A facilities management report has pointed to a design flaw is the cause for the problem which is centered in the library side of the building.

The windows are estimated to cost $5,200.

“I think it’s time to do all the windows at once and fix that issue,” San Angelo said.

Preliminary election to set  Nov. ballot

Now that Labor Day has come and gone, the 2014 campaign season has officially kicked into high gear in advance of the Tuesday, Sept. 9 state primary election.

Television commercials that had appeared only sporadically over the summer are now broadcast in blocks, most notably during local news programs.

Polls are open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. in both Whitman and Hanson with absentee balloting already open to those who qualify [see page 12]. Whitman voters cast ballots in all precincts at the Town Hall Auditorium and all Hanson precincts vote in the cafeteria at Maquan Elementary School.

Secretary of State William Galvin’s office expressed concern this week that less than 20 percent of voters will turnout Tuesday.

The contested races center on statewide offices with Democrats facing a three-way race for governor, lieutenant governor and treasurer and two-candidate contests for attorney general and

Plymouth County register of probate. Republicans in both towns will choose between two candidates seeking the governor’s office and a three-way race for Plymouth County register of probate.

Hanson Republicans will also see a four-man contest for the nomination to face Democratic incumbent Rep. Bill Keating for the 9th Congressional District seat in November. Whitman is in the 8th District where no candidates are listed on the primary ballot.

There are candidates listed for the towns’ representation on Beacon Hill, but no primary contests for the nomination in either party.

Candidates on the Democratic primary ballots are:

• Senator in Congress — Edward J. Markey

• Governor — Donald M. Berwick of Newton, current Attorney General Martha Coakley of Medford and current State Treasurer Steven Grossman of Newton.

• Lt. Governor — Cambridge City Councilor Leland Cheung, Stephen J. Kerrigan of Lancaster and Michael E. Lake of Boston.

• Attorney General — Former Asst. AG Maura Healy of Boston and former state Sen. Warren E. Tolman of Watertown.

• Secretary of State — Incumbent William F. Galvin of Boston.

• Treasurer — State Rep. Thomas P. Conroy of Wayland, state Sen. Barry Finegold of Andover and Deborah B. Goldberg of Brookline.

• Auditor — Incumbent Suzanne M. Bump of Great Barrington.

• Representative in Congress [8th District, Whitman ballots] —Incumbent Stephen F. Lynch of Boston. [9th District, Hanson ballots] — Incumbent William R. Keating of Bourne.

• Councillor [Fourth District] — Incumbent Christopher Iannella of Boston.

• Senator in General Court [2nd Plymouth & Bristol] — Incumbent Thomas P. Kennedy of Brockton.

• Representative in General Court [6th Plymouth, Hanson ballots] — Incumbent Josh S. Cutler of Duxbury. [7th Plymouth, Whitman ballots] no candidate listed.

• Register of Probate [Plymouth County] — Mark E. Linde of Brockton and Matthew J. McDonough of Marshfield.

• County Treasurer — Incumbent Thomas J. O’Brien of Kingston.

• County Commissioner — Scott M. Vecchi of Plymouth.

Candidates on the Republican primary ballots are:

• Senator in Congress — Brian J. Herr of Hopkinton.

• Governor — Charles D. Baker of Swampscott and Mark R. Fisher of Shrewsbury.

• Lt. Governor — Karyn E. Polito of Shrewsbury.

• Attorney General — John B. Miller of Winchester.

• Secretary of State — Malden City Councilor David D’Arcangelo.

• Treasurer — Michael J. Heffernan of Wellesley.

• Auditor — Patricia S. Saint Aubin of Norfolk.

• Representative in Congress — Mark C. Alliegro of Falmouth, John C. Chapman of Chatham, Vincent A. Cogliano Jr., of Pembroke and Daniel L. Shores of Sandwich.

• Senator in General Court [2nd Plymouth & Bristol] — Viola A. Ryerson of Hanover.

• Representative in General Court [6th Plymouth, Hanson ballots] — Joseph Sheehan of Pembroke. [7th Plymouth, Whitman ballots] — Incumbent Geoff Diehl of Whitman.

• District Attorney — Incumbent Timothy J. Cruz of Marshfield.

• Register of Probate [Plymouth County] — R. Andrew Burbine of Abington, Anthony T. O’Brien Sr., of Pembroke and Joseph M. Truschelli of Plymouth.

• County Commissioner — Sandra M. Wright of Bridgewater.

By Tracy F. Seelye, Express editor
[email protected]

WHITMAN — A continuing problem with rats in an East Avenue neighborhood — and the possibility that two vacant houses on the street could be housing the vermin — brought about two dozen area residents to a Board of Health meeting Tuesday evening.

While there was doubt in some quarters if rats are, indeed, living inside 35 and 36 East Ave., there is evidence that raccoons are nesting in one of the houses.

A similar rat problem was dealt with in the West Street area two years ago.

“That has been a thorn in everybody’s side, to include ours,” said Health Board Chairman Eric Joubert, RN. “If we had our druthers, we’d tear the damn place [36 East Ave] down … the wheels are in motion to resolve those issues.”

Selectmen Dan Salvucci and Scott Lambiase also attended the meeting.

Small Animal Control Officer Robert Hammond said he has not seen rats on the properties, but has received reports of rats and raccoons from neighboring residents.

Town officials, meanwhile, say there are legal and financial limits to what can be done about the problem posed by the decaying houses and the two issues, of that danger and of the rats, have to be dealt with separately.

The town has foreclosed on 35 East Ave., and must wait until November [the end of a one-year waiting period] before it can do anything with it, including trying to sell the property to developer who would raze the house and build there, according to Town Administrator Frank Lynam.

“I can’t tell you with any certainty that the source of the rodents are these two houses,” he said, noting he has been to both houses in the past. “I took note of the conditions and they are horrible, but there was no evidence of wildlife in the houses.”

The house at 36 East Ave., had been in tax title but was redeemed by “one of the stakeholders of the property,” according to Lynam. One of the beneficiaries of the trust that holds it had been living there until condemnation proceedings began.

The properties face each other on opposite sides of the street.

“From an ownership standpoint, there are some things we can and some things we can’t do,” Lynam said.

To get rid of 36 East Ave., which Lynam termed the worst of the two, the town must begin an adverse taking process involving an inspection committee comprised of at least the building inspector, an engineer and a member of the Board of Health. Lynam indicated after hearing residents’ concerns that a member of the police and fire departments might also be included in that inspection committee.

Residents noted the boarded-up 35 East Ave., may have been broken into at the rear and that discarded propane tanks at 36 East Ave., are a source of safety concerns.

“There’s a lot of machines that have gas in them,” said Leo Dauksevicz of 44 East Ave. “There’s just a lot of safety concerns.”

He also raised a concern over what he described as a 36 East Ave. property owner burying asbestos shingles on the site.

A petition in the courts would follow a report supporting that action by the inspection committee.

“We will not move forward without a judicial order, because it puts the town in a liability position,” Lynam said. “The biggest question then becomes funding because we have to have funds have to pay someone to take the house down.”

That involves a Town Meeting vote.

Another option is to petition the Department of Revenue for permission to deficit spend and later transfer the money from the recap sheet as a bill to be paid by tax dollars next year.

The food source for the rats was also a topic for discussion as well as possible solutions to the problem.

“I had to get rid of my son’s rabbits,” said Steven Green of 28 East Ave., who also had to tear out his garden. “I looked in the cage and there was a rat staring at me — they’re going in and out of my basement.”

Green, whose son is 7 years old, lives next door to 36 East Ave.

Residents, including Patricia McKay of 26 East Ave., have been trapping rats to protect their homes. She asked if is possible to obtain state funding for baiting and trapping.

“I haven’t sat out in my yard for 14 months,” she said. “If they get into my home — it’s over.”

Another area resident suggested they work together on some fundraising to help pay for bait and traps, donating the funds to the town as a gift. The town is not permitted to conduct fund-raising.

Food source?

Some residents also believe dumpsters behind the Rosen Realty office and the condominiums next door to it on Temple Street are serving as food sources for rodents.

“The two biggest food sources for these rats are the two dumpsters,” said Stephen Capachione of 16 East Ave. “I’ve seen these rats run rampant around those dumpsters.”

He alleged Rosen’s tenants at 53 Temple St., are placing household trash and garbage in the business office dumpster and that the condo’s dumpster also overflows because it is not big enough. While Rosen built the condos, he no longer owns that property.

Contacted after the meeting, Richard Rosen called the assertions “absurd,” though he said he has found other people’s trash in his dumpster.

He said his dumpster, which has been in the same spot for 23 years, has been inspected by the board of health chairman as well as Health Agent Lou D’Arpino and Hammond.

“It’s on asphalt and it s absolutely spotless around that dumpster,” he said. “There is no garbage in my dumpster … we do not generate garbage in my office.” He suggested the abandoned houses on East Avenue and debris in neighborhood backyards was more likely to blame for the rat problem, s was the case on West Street.

“We all share your concerns and they will be addressed,” Joubert told those attending the meeting. “I think everyone is willing to work together to resolve this issue.”

Lynam told those at the meeting that municipalities cannot establish covenants on properties without violating individual rights.

“As much as we’d like to, we have no right to regulate neighbors who are slobs,” Lynam said.

The Health Department’s website will be updated regarding the inspection committee’s report and the owners of dumpsters at Rosen Realty and Temple Street Place will be asked to place bait and/or traps, to ensure no one off the properties uses the dumpster and that the receptacles are sealed and secure, Joubert said. Bird feeders should be put away until the problem is solved animal feed and trash cans must be secured.

With the permission of property owners, Lynam said he would ask the DPW about placing traps in the East Avenue area as well as policing town-owned land for debris.

Concerns on the matter should be directed to [email protected].

School repairs headed to voters

By Tracy F. Seelye, Express editor
[email protected]

HANSON — In a meeting marked by acrimony on the part of some residents over the resignation of a recently hired town accountant, the Board of Selectmen’s focus Tuesday, Aug. 26 was placement of nearly 40 articles on the warrant for the Monday, Oct. 6 special Town Meeting.

The board voted to close the warrant, but took no votes on whether or not to recommend the placed articles, which will be done at a September meeting after dollar amounts are nailed down.

Five of the articles center on needed repairs at the Maquan and Indian Head Elementary schools, as well as to reimburse the School District for repairs already completed as immediate needs.  Seven public safety articles deal with equipment and technology upgrade requests at the police and fire department along with financial housekeeping and articles from the highway and planning departments.

But the Indian Head roof and the process for determining and funding the project cost engendered the bulk of discussion.

Selectman Bruce Young, who spoke with fellow board members via speakerphone, said he wants to see a debt exclusion article to place the issue on a special election ballot. Young is recuperating at home from an illness.

“We’re looking for a separate election so the people can gear just on these particular issues,” said Young, adding he does not want to see the question lost amid the other votes on a general election ballot. “What I’m picturing is a possible roof, the [window] lintels and combined with the safety and security of the Maquan School.”

The Maquan security locks are already the focus of one of the articles proposed by the School Committee [see related story], but Young is aiming at a package approach to all three needs.

Town Administrator Ron San Angelo suggested that Young and School Committee Chairman Bob Hayes meet “to figure out how they want to move forward on this.”

Most residents attending the meeting, however, seemed more interested in the details surrounding the resignation of Town Accountant Kimberly Brown. Selectmen voted 4-0 to approve contracting with Financial Advisory Associates for accounting services to get the town through the October Town Meeting. The town has used the firm in the past.

While he did not object to the hiring of the temporary firm, resident Richard Hickey questioned, “how we arrived at this juncture.”

“The members of the town deserve to know exactly what’s been going on since February,” he said. “It’s quite reasonable for any slightly informed person to conclude that the town accountant was not the least bit qualified to begin with.”

Hickey said that, under the Town Administrator Act, San Angelo is responsible for reporting to Selectmen and the Finance Committee on the financial health of the town.

“You are 100-percent responsible for a bad hire,” Hickey said. “You failed in those responsibilities by not supervising … We’re talking about you, not her.”

San Angelo replied he does take responsibility for the hire, which he based on a résumé, interview and recommendation from another community where she also worked part time.

“That’s why we have a probation period,” he said. “I truly wish that I had a crystal ball and every time I hired an employee it’s going to be the greatest employee we ever had — it’s sad that is not the case.”

He explained the resignation was submitted after going over the results of an audit with the accountant, while declining to say whether one had to do with the other. He also stressed the town has sustained no financial harm.

San Angelo said Finance Committee Chairman Barbara Arena wrote a letter in support of Brown and the work she did.

Selectman Chairman David Soper said personnel regulations prohibit more being said on the matter.

“What’s the deal?” asked resident Iris Morway. “A little transparency — I think the community’s entitled to that.”

In other business, San Angelo read a report from state Rep. Josh Cutler, D-Duxbury, which included the announcement that weekend commuter rail service will likely be returning to the area in October.

“It looks like they got money into the [state] budget and it’s back,” San Angelo said. “They’re working on the details of that, but they’re expecting in October-ish to look at restoring that service.”

School repairs headed to voters

By Tracy F. Seelye, Express editor
[email protected]

The W-H School Committee has approved five warrant articles for Hanson’s October special Town Meeting to seek funds for several repairs deemed immediate needs at Maquan and Indian Head schools.

The articles fund repairs already made — Maquan cafeteria floor and asbestos abatement; Maquan boiler and heating plant repairs; Indian Head entry repairs, library carpet and cafeteria floor replacement.

“This is for items we are doing now,” said School Committee Chairman Bob Hayes, “This was also recommended by the Repair Committee.”

The articles also address upcoming projects such as replacing and rekeying Maquan classroom and office doors and corridor zoning doors as well an indoor ventilator for the Maquan offices to improve air quality.

The Town Meeting will also be asked to transfer funds to borrow toward developing a public bid document in the repair of the roof of the Indian Head School. Selectmen in the town would like them to write at least one more calling for a special election vote on a debt exclusion to pay for the roof repairs [see related story].

“This particular project is going to need an engineer … to come up with specifications so this job can be bid,” Hayes said. “When you build something of this caliber it has to have specifications and we cannot set specifications.”

A test roof section has already been installed for study.

Maquan’s cafeteria floor has been completed and passed post-asbestos abatement air-quality tests and carpet installation is done at the Indian Head library. Both were listed as emergency repairs after insurance inspections listed the floors as trip hazards and liability risks. Another trip hazard cited, on the sidewalk outside the Indian Head entrance, has also been repaired.

The Maquan door and lock article is aimed at putting locks on doors that may not have had them for more than 30 years.

“We’re also going to be replacing doors to bring it up to a little bit better code,” Hayes said. “The thought process was we can lock the building up if we do have a breach of the building.”

Assistant Superintendent of District Operations Craig Finley explained that some of the articles quote a sum of money, the lock article carries a figure that will become more accurate by Town Meeting as it is now in the bid process.

Hayes noted the maintenance of the two buildings impressed a state inspector this week.

“Her comments were the maintenance and cleanliness of the buildings was excellent,” he said. “The fact that the buildings are old and they have these issues, are the true facts.”

The inspection was part of the routine process for the district’s asbestos management plan, which passed. The full report will be received in 30 days.

In other business, Gilbert-Whitner announced the resignation of two district administrators who are moving to new opportunities. Finley is taking on a consulting opportunity in the private sector and Indian Head Assistant Principal Ryan Morgan, who has left to become the principal/director of Independence Academy. The school is part of a North River Collaborative program in conjunction with the district for students recovering from drug addiction.

“We wish Ryan well,” Gilbert-Whitner said. “He certainly was a top candidate and I’m not surprised he got the job.”

“Craig has been with us since he was very young, beginning as a paid person when he was 18,” she said.

She lauded his work as technology director and, for the past two years, as assistant superintendent of district operations, a job designed for his “unique skills and talents.” The job description will likely change going forward.

School Committee member Fred Small offered a salute to Finley’s service to the district and sought to induce him to stay.

“It’s been said Craig is a walking encyclopedia of the school district and I could not offer higher praise.” Small said. “He’s going to be sorely missed and I wanted to go on record as to saying, ‘Don’t go.’”

 

By Tracy F. Seelye, Express editor
[email protected]

WHITMAN — A combination of traffic speed, poor visibility and “skewed intersection geometry” has meant years of serious accidents with injuries at the intersection of Franklin and Pleasant streets and South Avenue.

Whitman officials, concerned that a fatal crash could happen there unless a solution is found, met with representatives of the Old Colony Planning Council (OCPC) and MassDOT’s District 5 Traffic Division at Town Hall Thursday, Aug. 21. The meeting was followed by a site visit by OCPC and MassDOT personnel.

“If you’re going to have a fatality in this town, this is a good candidate — unfortunately — for a fatality,” OCPC Senior Transportation Planner Raymond Guarino said during the site visit. “The decision to take action is ultimately up to the town.”

The OCPC can help Whitman line up funding, noting that a project at the intersection would be eligible for federal funding, based on the functional classification as urban arterial of Route 27, if the town opts for a reconstruction option.

Guarino said his office will write a technical memo for the town, updating one written in 2008, listing the intersection’s deficiencies and alternatives.

During the meeting, officials seemed to lean toward a four-way stop with flashing red light overhead, but the potential for traffic backups over the train tracks is a concern.

“One added benefit could be it also slows down the speed of cars on South Avenue,” Assistant Town Administrator Gregory Enos said of a four-way stop. “We’ve got our marching orders … to look at it and see what the possibilities are.”

Reconstructing the intersection to either realign the streets or add a traffic circle are other possibilities, but the impact on a subsurface culvert and homes and businesses near the intersection were a major concern.

Stricter speed control is also an option.

According to Guarino, 85 percent of motorists approaching the intersection from all four directions exceed posted speed limits, in at least one direction — west of the intersection on Route 27 — by an average of 10 miles per hour over the posted limit of 35 mph.

Based on figures from 2007, each day 11,000 vehicles approach the intersection from the west along South Avenue/Route 27; 5,350 from the east on the same road; 5,250 from Franklin Street/Route 27 and 1,700 from Pleasant Street. Most of the Pleasant Street traffic, however, veers off via a fork in the road to head east and merge onto South Avenue.

Over a seven-year study period, the intersection has averaged nearly seven crashes per year. Half of those involved left turns crossing traffic, according to Guarino’s research.

“They’re usually more on the severe side,” Police Chief Scott Benton noted. He stressed traffic enforcement has always been important at the department.

 Fire chief Timothy Grenno added that most accidents with injuries there involve rollovers.

Visibility, both advance warning of an intersection and drivers’ line of sight at the stop lines were cited as major shortcomings of the area.

Solar-powered “approaching intersection” signs recently approved at Town Meeting could be placed there to help, DPW Highway Superintendent Bruce Martin said.

“Even if we put up Stop signs and everybody stops … the stop line is way back so that you cannot see any approaching cars coming down South Avenue,” said Selectman Daniel Salvucci. “You’ve got to crawl your car up to the crosswalk, or even over the crosswalk.”

The double lane — for left turn and straight ahead — leaves cars jockeying for a clear line of sight.

“If they jump out, there’s no reaction time,” Guarino agreed.

One option Salvucci suggested the OCPC explore is changing the Franklin Street approach to a single lane.

“You’ve got to direct drivers what to do and when to do it,” Salvucci said. “Or they just do it.”

Intersection design shortcomings are hard to solve, argues MassDOT’s Richard Olivera.

“The geometry is what the geometry is,” he said.

DPW Water and Sewer Superintendent Aaron Richardson and MassDOT representatives Tom Rubello and Mike Martin also attended the meeting.

Richardson suggested a right-turn only lane for South Avenue traffic turning onto Franklin Street. But that, too, could run up against the geography of the corner.

“I’m looking for a ballpark figure on cost and a solution least destructive to the intersection,” Salvucci said. “But it’s a safety issue and we know it — we’ve known it and we’ve tried changing position of stop signs and changing things around. It’s helped  but it hasn’t [been] solved.”