Hanson to Survey Citizens on Town Priorities, Debates Administrator Goals

Board seeks public input on projects, grapples with setting clear objectives

HANSON, MA - August 20 - The Select Board voted Tuesday to partner with Bridgewater State University on a comprehensive citizen survey to gauge public opinion on various town projects and priorities.

The decision came during a meeting where board members also debated the process of setting goals for the town administrator.

Dr. Melinda Tarsi from Bridgewater State presented the survey proposal, which aims to help guide decision-making on issues such as the Maquan School property, highway building, fire department, and a potential override.

"We utilize an online platform known as Qualtrics. We also have the ability to put out paper surveys for any residents who may be more comfortable filling out a paper version," Tarsi said.

The survey will be conducted at no cost to the town as part of a community service project.

Board Chair Laura FitzGerald-Kemmett expressed support for the initiative, stating, "We want to reach people where they're at, however they're comfortable. We wanna make sure we're getting a good cross section of everybody in the town."

The board also engaged in a lengthy discussion about setting goals for Town Administrator Lisa Green. Board member Joe Weeks raised concerns about the current list of goals, suggesting a need for more specific, achievable objectives.

"Are we over prescribing a job that already has a job description?" Weeks asked. He proposed focusing on "very specific doable tasks within a 12 month period" to avoid issues with changing board membership and shifting priorities.

The discussion highlighted challenges facing the town, including budget constraints and the potential need for an override. Green clarified the town's approach to providing override information, stating, "We cannot advocate for it, but yet we can provide information and education in financial impact."

Board member Ann Rein emphasized the necessity of the override, saying, "Whether we like it or not, we're looking at eating more money or we're gonna have to do severe cuts."

In other business, the board recognized Fire Chief O'Brien for saving two lives during an off-duty boating incident. Green reported, "Chief O'Brien and his brother basically saved two lives that day because one of the injuries on one of the folks that I understand is very severe."

The meeting also touched on updates to the town's housing production plan, open space and recreation plan, and economic development initiatives.