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Meeting was called to order at 7:30 pm; a quorum was confirmed.
Committee Members Present: Nick Amdur, Dave Beal, Chris Daly, Adrienne Ramsey, Alan Perrault, Robert Mosher, Warren Nottleson
Members Not Present:
Other Speakers: Jim Clarke, Nick Bonn, Grant Hansel, Ben Matthews, Doug McCaig, Betsey Harling
Previous Meeting Minutes: Minutes from meeting of September 10, 2008 were reviewed. A. Perrault made a motion for approval of the minutes, seconded by A. Ramsey. The vote to approve the minutes was unanimous.
Dredging Update:
N. Amdur advised that there is no news and no update. The dredging is on hold to due to funding issues with the Commonwealth. It was discussed that it has been 12 years since the inner harbor has been dredged. The topic of maintenance dredging was also discussed. Interim Town Administrator, Betty Foley, continues to talk with Representatives Bradley and Hedlund, Harbormaster Souther and Selectmen Rabuffo on the issue. . Dock Policy:
C. Daly advised that he is still working on a draft of the policy. C. Daly to attend the next Conservation Commission meeting on October 20th, update the Commission on our progress and plans and ensure that we are all on the same page with this project.
C. Daly advised that the 7 Howard Road pier application has been rejected by the Conservation Commission due to incomplete information in their application. It is expected that the applicants will return with a new application, potentially with a scaled down pier.
Whitney Wharf Fence:
N. Amdur advised that settlement discussions between Town Counsel and the insurance company for Vine Associates continue. If a settlement is not agreed upon then the Town may resort to further legal action. Grant Hansel is working to obtain cost estimates to replace with a hot dipped galvanized fence.
Whitney Wharf Maintenance:
A. Ramsey advised that the Hingham Garden Club cannot help with maintenance of Whitney Wharf as they do not have the resources to take on another project. It was suggested that contact be made with the High School Student Council and determine if there would be student interest in helping with the maintenance (Community service requirements). It was also suggested that someone contact the Boy Scouts, Derby Academy and Notre Dame Academy. A. Ramsey to take the lead on this initiative. The DPW has recently done some work on the Wharf but regular maintenance beyond grass cutting and garbage removal must be provided by another resource.
Jim Clarke asked why there are signs at the Whitney Wharf parking spaces that read “Use at your own risk”.
Coast Sweep 2008:
A. Ramsey advised that the Coastsweep was again successful this year and the event on Saturday, September 13th was well attended.
Pedestrian Bridge over the Mill Pond Outfall:
D. Beal provided a current update on the Pedestrian Bridge project.
About half of the cost estimates are due to the associated traffic impacts costs.
D. Beal to complete the CPC funds application and frame it around positioning the bridge midway down Whitney Wharf and landing seaward of the 3 Otis Street property and NOT affixed to the current traffic barrier.
Nick Bonn, owner of 3 Otis Street/Bare Cove Marina, reconfirmed his support for the project.
Jim Clarke commented that he remembered some issues with the strength of the seawall behind 3 Otis Street. D. Beal commented the bridge would be supported by its own pilings and not reliant upon the strength of the sea wall.
Selectmen’s Town Forum:
Betty Foley to forward her meeting notes from the recent forum held to gain the opinions and ideas from town residents on the harbor.
Geese Update: Ben Matthews reviewed the different methods to manage/eliminate the geese from Iron Horse Park and the area by the gazebo on the waterfront. Ben recommended a product called Flight Control which is a spray that can be applied by Watchall Pest Control. The cost is estimated to be $3500 for the area from Iron Horse Park to the end of the Bathing Beach property. Ben to send information to the Trustees of the Bathing Beach, Conservation Commission and the Department of Public Works. He advised that there may be some concern with runoff into the harbor. Ben provided a packet of information on the Flight Control product. C. Daly to make copies and distribute to HDC members.
Hingham School Rowing Program: Doug McCaig spoke on behalf of the Hingham High Rowing program. He asked for support of their intention to set up their winter training program in the 3 Otis Street building. Nick Bonn, owner of 3 Otis Street, voiced his support. D. Beal made a motion to send a letter to the Selectmen in support. C. Daly seconded the motion and the committee’s vote on the motion was unanimous.
D. Beal made a motion to adjourn the meeting, seconded by R. Mosher. The motion was unanimously approved the meeting was adjourned at 8:38 pm.
The meeting was adjourned at 8:50 pm. The next meeting is scheduled for November 12, 2008; 7:30 pm, Town Hall.