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Members Present: Nick Amdur, David Beal, Warren Nottleson and Adrienne Ramsey
Members Not Present: Chris Daly, Alan Perrault, Robert Mosher
I. Call to Order: The meeting was called to order at 7:30 PM.
II. July 08 Minutes: The board voted unanimously to approve the minutes from the July 2008 meeting.
III. New Members: Nick Amdur stated that the two new members, Alan Perrault and Robert Mosher, could not be in attendance due to previous plans. They plan to attend future meetings.
IV. Dredging Update: Nick Amdur updated the committee on harbor dredging. The funds for the dredging have been inserted into the Environmental Bond Bill , were approved by the Legislature and currently on Governor Patrick’s desk. No action has been taken yet. Both Betty Foley, Acting Town Administrator, and John Souther, Harbormaster, have been following its progress. If the bond is signed by Governor Patrick soon, the Harbormaster will give instructions to get all boats off the moorings by September 30 so that the moorings can be pulled in the first two weeks of October.
V. Parking Committee: Nick Amdur has been sitting in on the Parking Committee meetings. He reported that the committee received input from that state that clarifies the town’s responsibilities to continue to qualify for state maintenance of the boat ramp area. The Parking Committee will be issuing a report of it’s findings and then plans to refer the balance of issues to the committees already established.
VI. Planning Board/HDIC: Nick Amdur mentioned that the Planning Board invited Harbor Committee input for a new municipal harbor plan. The conclusion was reached that it made sense for the various committees (Harbor, Planning, HDIC, etc.) to work together for a unified plan. The work already done on the 1007 Master Plan for Hingham Harbor was seen as a good starting point. Further joint and combined meetings will be held.
VII. Dock Policy: Nick Amdur update for Chris Daly. At the suggestion of various parties, Mr. Daly plans to draft a policy and then proceed with Conservation Committee. Warren Nettlesome moved that another letter be sent to the Selectmen recommending a moratorium on new docks until the policy was in place; the motion did not carry.
VIII. Engineering Study: David Beal updated the HDC regarding the engineering study for a pedestrian bridge for safer access along Route 3A at the signal box/utility pole. The HDC was impressed by the thoughtfulness of the report, but thought further clarification was necessary. Dave Beal will work with the firm over the next month and hopes to have an update for the next meeting. We will keep Community Preservation Committee informed as to our progress.
IX. Coastal Sweep: Adrienne Ramsey will be the coordinator for the Coastal Sweep to be held on Saturday, September 13. She has contacted Dennis Leigh of the state to confirm our participation on this date, and has made initial outreach to the high school. It was suggested the she contact the Gardening Club and Lincoln Maritime to ask for their groups’ involvement.X. Memorial Bench Policy: The HDC has decided to adopt the downtown policy for memorial benches that may be requested for the harbor. Adrienne Ramsey will contact Betty Foley to get the policy for the downtown and update it as it pertains to the harbor area.
XI. Old Business: Warren Nottleson asked whether or not any action had been taking on the Houseboat at Hewitt’s Marina. Nick Amdur replied that understands the selectmen had not yet taken a position.
XII. New Business: The town council has sent a letter to Vine and Associates regarding the fence at Whitney Wharf. Grant Hansel, former HDC member, is looking into getting specifics regarding the initial negotiations.
XIII. The meeting was adjourned at 9:00 P.M.