November 18, 2003
Regular Session 7:40 PM
Mr. Edmundson, Mr. MacIver, Ms. Tully
Joan Chittick and Chris Smith addressed the subject of the lack of a teacher contract, presented a letter of concern signed by many residents and urged people to become involved in the process. Mr. Edmundson noted that it is typical of contract negotiations that there is no discussion of what is being considered. He also noted that the Town and most of the bargaining units are operating without contracts. In all cases there are positive attitudes and a willingness to work toward a solution. Similar to the conditions in 1992 and 1993, the Town has taken the position that they will do their best to keep people employed. Ms. Smith asked if there could be a “reshuffling of the deck” – taking money from capital and putting it into operating. Mr. Edmundson remarked that it is a complicated question as to whether the Town would want to trade off capital expenditures for operating. Ms. Tully explained that recurring revenue which is put toward operating expenses and non-recurring revenue funds capital expense. Mr. MacIver was optimistic about the town’s ability to cope with these issues noting that the biggest concern is the uncertainty regarding what will be happening on the state level as well as the Town’s own collections.
Tax Classification Hearing
Lane Partridge and Greg Hall advised the Board that 11.62% of the tax base is commercial/industrial property. The Town has historically taxed all classes of property at the same rate. If the Town were to split the rate and to increase the commercial to the maximum rate, the commercial properties tax bills would increase by an average of $5,000 and the average residential tax bill would be reduced by approximately $300.
Mr. Edmundson said that he believes that equity is the driving factor in the decision and that businesses should pay their fair share, no more or no less than the rest do. The percentage of commercial properties is going down because of residential development. It is likely that a split rate would cause that percentage to go down further.
Voted - to continue to tax all classes of property at the same rate.
Modification of Shipyard Drive
Dick Cook presented the layout plans for Shipyard Drive. He explained that these plans are somewhat altered from the plan that was presented three years ago. The original plan maintained the alignment of Shipyard Drive into the easterly portion of the site and there was a link at a “T” intersection. The new design will keep traffic out of the residential areas of the property.
Voted - to accept the minor modification to the layout of Shipyard Drive as shown on a plan titled “Shipyard Drive Relocation Plan”, dated November 4, 2003 prepared by BSC Group.
School Building Assistance Plan
All towns receiving assistance under the school building assistance plan received a cut in reimbursement. It is important to let elected officials know that this was noticed and that it presents a big problem as far as credibility with the state. At town meeting it was voted that the school building project would only go forward once the town was accepted into the SBA program. The state has reduced reimbursement from 61% to 60% and there is not way to be sure that this won’t again. The Town approached Moodys and argued for an improved bond rating citing that the state was behind the Town with the building assistance program and this cut belies that.
Hersey House
Mr. MacIver said there is an off chance that someone in his extended family may have an interest in Hersey House. He recused himself and left the meeting.
Mr. Edmundson noted that the 1997 annual town meeting authorized the Board of Selectmen to sell or lease Hersey House as a part of the financing for the renovation of the Central Junior High School into the present Town Hall. The purpose of the discussion is session is to solicit ideas for the design an RFP.
Judy Cole and John Davenport of the Community Preservation Committee offered the assistance of that committee. Bill Rogg ofNorth Street commented that the last RFP was very well written and is an excellent place to start. Gordon Hersey, 208 New Bridge Street, said that this property was left to the Town free of charge by Ira Hersey. He proposed that due to the pressing need for more housing (low income) like Thaxter Park, the Town should build elderly housing. Jane Callahan, owner of the day spa across the street, said she would like to renovate the interior of Hersey House to suit the day spa.
Clifford Hersey pastor of Faith Church of the Nazarene also recommended meeting the need for low income elderly housing. John McDowell, the back door abutter, said he would be interested in purchasing the property, preserving the barn and donating the main building to meet the need for a preschool. Mr. Edmundson said he was unaware of the proposal until it was made at his meeting. Should this proposal involve the Hingham Community Nursery School, Mr. Edmundson said he could have conflict because his wife works there. He explained that a public official who may have some involvement in a transaction has to recuse himself from the discussion. However, in a situation where a board would be unable to act on a matter because it lacks the number of members required to take a valid vote, it is permitted that the otherwise disqualified members invoke the “Rule of Necessity” and participate in the meeting.
Bob Falvey, Bel Air Road, noted that this process began in 1994. The annual town meetings of 1994, 1997 and and 1999 voted to sell or lease the buildings to help defray the cost of renovating the Town Hall. Mr. Falvey urged the board to act and not take it to another town meeting. Barbara Hood, Central Street, said there is other land for affordable housing and recommended the Hersey House not be changed. Tom Hastings observed that the property is deteriorating. His concern was the urgency of the matter. He said what he is looking forward to is something happening and the process moving forward whether it be for open space, historic preservation or community housing.
Mr. Edmundson agreed with Mr. Hastings and Mr. Falvey saying the legal issues have been cleaned up and it is his hope to lead a process to deal with this matter expeditiously. The Board hopes to announce a set of dates for project milestones - RFP availability, waiting period, and decision.
Greenbush
The MBTA has submitted a design package on the underground portion of the rail project. Captain Damstra has made some technical recommendations on the underpass.
Voted - to forward comments to the MBTA on Design Package 92B, Hingham Square Underpass.
Day after Thanksgiving
Mr. Edmundson noted that the demand for services is quite low on the day after Thanksgiving and closing that half day does thank hard working employees for their service during the year.
Voted - to close the Town Hall on the Friday immediately following Thanksgiving and to consider further closings on the Fridays after Christmas and New Years Day on another occasion.
Voted - to grant request for counsel as submitted by the Treasurer
Voted - to grant request for counsel as submitted by the Sewer Commission
Voted - to join with the School Committee and Advisory Committee in sending a letter to Governor Romney regarding under-funding the School Building Assistance Program.
November 18, 2003
Page 3
Voted- to appoint the following Special Officers for the ensuing year:
James Wells
Salvatore Amonte
Paul Wuori
Frank Allegra
John Ingrassia
Michael Mansfield
Robert Beal
Walter Reed
Howard Arkell
Michael Bradley
Donald Clark
Leo Fraser
Gerald Dicecca
Edward Jones
E. Gardner Jones
Raymond Campbell
David Jones
C. Warren Lincoln
Aaron Smith
Joan Sullivan
Ronald Lincoln
Leo Mahoney
Kevin J. Bulman
Thomas Steen
Richard Morgan
Joachim-Ingo Borowski
Kenneth R. Corson III
Joseph Mayer
Mr. Edmundson noted that there are two types of special police officers – those who have the rank as an honorarium and those who are actually trained and on call.
Selectmen/Town Administrator’s Reports
Mr. MacIver recently attended the Community Preservation Committee meeting. He also advised that there was finally some response on the litigation case at Massport. The modifications are not going to be extreme. There are still two other judgments pending. Mr. MacIver has also been meeting with the Housing Partnership. The committee has be crafting request for concept development. Katy Lacy has been of great help in this project. The Housing Partnership will further refine plans and make a recommendation to town meeting to allow the issuance of an RFP. Mrs. Tully attended the Fire Station Building Committee meeting. The committee will be getting pricing on using the old station as well as constructing an all-new station. The Main Street Traffic Study Committee continues to do great work and will likely come up with a preliminary recommendation for the Board of Selectmen in January. Ms. Tully also attended the recent meeting with Secretary Grabauskas and Michael Mulhern requested by Senator Hedlund. There was an opportunity to discuss concerns regarding four quadramt gates as well as the policy of median barriers. The definition of safety was broadened to include not just trains and cars but also pedestrians, public safety vehicles, etc. Mr. Edmundson noted that the veterans memorial fundraising is underway. This coming Saturday School Committee will be hosting a tour of the schools, starting at 8 am at the Middle School.
Mr. Cristello reminded everyone that nomination forms are available at the Selectmen’s Office for eleventh annual employee award program. The winners will be announced at the first meeting in December. Greenbush construction has begun and the Station Street area looks very different with all the trees down. Utility relocation is ongoing and work will begin on Town Brook December 1. It is expected to take about 5 months to go from Station Street to North Street by Talbots. It might be advisable for the Selectmen to discuss the possibility of a second shift in order to expedite the disruption of the Square.
Meeting adjourned 9:25 PM.
Betty Foley, Clerk