Back to Naming Policy Development Committee Meeting Minutes
December 15, 2009, Hingham Town Hall
Present:
James Costello, Philip Edmundson, Alexander Macmillan, Jane Malme, Edward Siegfried
The meeting was called to order at 7:30 pm by Chairman Jim Costello.
The minutes of the previous meeting on November 24, 2009 were approved by Costello, Macmillan, Malme and Siegfried who were present when the vote was taken.
The Chairman invited comments from the public. Observers Marisa Costello, Hingham League of Women Voters and Andy Mooradian, Hingham Advisory Committee, introduced themselves. Two other members of the public, Sandy Asher and Barbara Hood, were present.
Phil Edmundson presented a revised grid for continuing discussion of issues related to Naming Policy, with some additions made to the types of property and possible granting authorities. He added a category to consider the process to be followed. For naming facilities and assets other than land and buildings that would follow the regular process for a Town Meeting article, the Town Board or Department considering a name would be required to place its recommendation on the agenda for two meetings before voting for its adoption.
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A general discussion followed concerning the wide range of naming opportunities, and distinctions that might be made concerning plaques on exterior and interior locations of buildings, and naming for fund-raising purposes. Greater flexibility might be permitted in interior building spaces for honoring living persons, but not persons currently serving in town, state or federal offices.
Alex Macmillan suggested that a two-thirds vote for naming town land and buildings subject to Town Meeting approval might be appropriate, and provided a sample by-law to committee members for their review and discussion. Discussion about what should be included in the bylaw for Town Meeting concerned the need for clarity and simplicity, for accuracy in regard to the authority of a bylaw over entities such as the Library, Country Club and Bathing Beach, and the extent of authority of Town department’s that have care and custody of certain facilities, i.e.¸ DPW, Fire, School Departments. The assistance of Town Counsel should be requested for these determinations.
Before drafting a bylaw, the committee agreed that it would be appropriate and useful to have a preliminary discussion with the Selectman about their authority and role in the naming process, and the Chairman agreed to request such a meeting as soon as possible.
The Chairman adjourned the meeting at 9 p.m.
The next meeting will be on Tuesday, January 12th, at 7:30 pm in the Hingham Town Hall.
Respectfully submitted,
Jane Malme, Clerk.