Hanson Faces Zoning Board Membership Crisis, Prepares for Special Town Meeting

Shortage of members could impede crucial decisions, as town readies for October vote on financial matters

HANSON, MA - August 27 - The Town of Hanson is grappling with a critical shortage of members on its Zoning Board of Appeals while preparing for a special town meeting to address various financial and zoning matters.

At the Aug. 27 Select Board meeting, it was revealed that the Zoning Board of Appeals is down to just two members, falling short of the three required for certain crucial decisions.

"For certain hearings, we need to have three members and we don't," said Select Board Chair Laura FitzGerald-Kemmett. "And it may impede and disadvantage the town in rendering an opinion about somebody who may be applying to the Board of Appeals."

Town Counsel Matt Provencher explained the legal implications of the shortage. "Even if you have a board that has a quorum, which is two out of the three, a majority, and thus capable of acting on some business before it, it cannot provide the relief that people are seeking," Provencher said.

In response, Select Board member Ed Heal volunteered to temporarily join the Zoning Board, pending ethical clearance and formal application. "I will volunteer as long as we press for a long-term solution," Heal said.

Meanwhile, the town is preparing for a special town meeting set for Oct. 7. Town Administrator Lisa Green presented a draft warrant for the meeting, which includes articles on transferring funds from free cash for unpaid bills, supplementing previously voted appropriations, and capital equipment purchases.

One notable item on the warrant is the potential restoration of the conservation agent to full-time status. "This was in response to the impassioned plea of the Conservation Commission that they are down two extremely talented individuals and they really need the conservation agent to be back, his hours restored," FitzGerald-Kemmett explained.

The board also discussed proposals for override outreach and education, with Green mentioning ongoing meetings with potential service providers. "Hopefully I will have actual dollar proposals at our next meeting," she said.

In other business, the board announced that the town's transfer station will no longer be open on Sundays starting Sept. 8. This change is a result of the June 17 town meeting vote to balance the budget by cutting town positions and hours.

"This Sunday is the swan song, until such time as we get funding, if we ever get funding," FitzGerald-Kemmett said.

The board also conditionally offered the position of highway director to Richard Jasmine, pending background checks and successful contract negotiations.