Hanson Select Board Appoints Kevin Donovan Interim Town Administrator
Duration unknown as Town Administrator is on medical leave
HANSON - October 14 - The Hanson Select Board voted Tuesday night to formally ratify employment contracts for two newly promoted police lieutenants and appointed Kevin Donovan as interim town administrator during a brief but action-packed meeting that addressed several significant personnel decisions.
The Full Story
In the most significant business of the evening, the Select Board publicly ratified contracts for Police Lieutenants Daley and Durgan, both of whom were promoted through what Chair Laura FitzGerald-Kemmett described as “a rigorous process.” The contracts had previously been approved in executive session but required public ratification during the October 14th meeting. Both votes passed unanimously with no discussion.
The board also unanimously voted to ratify the appointment of Kevin Donovan as Interim Town Administrator, effective immediately. Donovan will serve in the position for an end date to be determined while Town Administrator Lisa Green is out on medical leave. The appointment had been initially approved in executive session the previous week but required formal ratification in open session.
In an unusual matter involving potential conflicts of interest, the board addressed legal disclosures from Lan Woodward and Carol Svizzero. The situation arose because Lan Woodward’s son, Svizzero’s grandon, will be working as an intern for the town accountant, who manages other towns along with Hanson. Woodward works for the town’s treasure collector’s office, while Svizzero works for the water department. The family voluntarily disclosed the potential appearance of conflict “out of an abundance of caution,” according to the chair.
Town counsel had reviewed the matter and determined there was no actual conflict of interest, though they suggested the board could, if desired, request that the intern not work on matters specifically related to the Town of Hanson. The board chair questioned the sustainability of such a restriction, and board member Joe Weeks indicated he was “fine with the way it is now.” The board voted unanimously to accept the disclosures without imposing additional restrictions.
The board also accepted a library gift totaling $2,240.23, approving the donation unanimously without discussion. Additionally, they approved a one-day liquor license for Elizabeth Meshau for November 30, 2025, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
The meeting began with extensive community announcements, including details about the upcoming Quad Town Veterans Day celebration scheduled for November 9th from noon to 3 p.m. at the Whitman VFW. The event will bring together veterans and families from Whitman, Abington, Rockland, and Hanson, with veterans agents available to answer benefit questions. The celebration will include food, bouncy houses, outdoor games, and music.
The board chair also reminded residents about the Indian Head School’s Trunk or Treat event scheduled for October 18th from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., with a rain date the following Saturday. The event serves as a fundraiser for the town’s holiday festival and fireworks display, featuring trucks from various businesses, highway departments, police, and fire departments.
The Hanson Public Library Foundation is sponsoring a music event on October 21st at 6:30 p.m., featuring Indian Elementary School teacher Gordon Engelgau and his jazz trio. The Foundation will also hold its annual holiday gift sale on October 25th from 9 a.m. to noon, with proceeds supporting library programs.
The board also noted ongoing recruitment efforts for citizens at large to serve on several committees, including the Bylaw Committee, Cable and Internet Committee, Capital Improvement Committee, Energy Committee, Historical Commission, and Memorial Day and Patriotic Observance Committee. Volunteer applications are available on the town website or by calling the Select Board’s office at 781-293-2131.
The board approved open session minutes from August 26, 2025, before adjourning to executive session to review and approve executive session minutes from the same date, which will not be released. The board did not return to open session after the executive session.
Why It Matters
The ratification of the two police lieutenant promotions represents a significant leadership transition within the Hanson Police Department, ensuring continuity in law enforcement services for residents. The appointment of an interim town administrator ensures that municipal operations continue smoothly during the regular administrator’s medical leave, maintaining essential services and government functions. The board’s transparent handling of the potential conflict of interest disclosure, while ultimately finding no actual conflict, demonstrates the town’s commitment to ethical governance and protecting taxpayer interests.
Meeting Minutes
Key Motions & Votes
Motion: Accept library gift of $2,240.23. Outcome: Approved. Vote: Unanimous. (Timestamp: 0:09:05)
Motion: Ratify Lieutenant Daley’s contract. Outcome: Approved. Vote: Unanimous. (Timestamp: 0:09:20)
Motion: Ratify Lieutenant Durgan’s contract. Outcome: Approved. Vote: Unanimous. (Timestamp: 0:09:28)
Motion: Ratify Kevin Donovan’s contract as interim town administrator beginning October 14, 2025. Outcome: Approved. Vote: Unanimous. (Timestamp: 0:09:42)
Motion: Accept legal disclosure of appearance of conflict by Woodward and Svizzero without additional restrictions. Outcome: Approved. Vote: Unanimous. (Timestamp: 0:10:50)
Motion: Approve one-day liquor license for Elizabeth Meshau for November 30, 2025, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Outcome: Approved. Vote: Unanimous. (Timestamp: 0:11:05)
Motion: Approve open session minutes from August 26, 2025. Outcome: Approved. Vote: Unanimous. (Timestamp: 0:11:20)
Motion: Adjourn to executive session to review and approve executive session minutes from August 26, 2025, not to be released. Outcome: Approved. Vote: Unanimous by roll call. (Timestamp: 0:11:32)
What’s Next
The Select Board will hold its next meetings on October 28, 2025, November 18, 2025, and December 2, 2025. Second quarter fiscal year 2026 taxes are due November 3, 2025. The Quad Town Veterans Day celebration will take place November 9, 2025. No other specific action items were identified.
Full meeting available via Whitman Hanson Community Access Television.