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Voted -to accept the minutes of May 18, 2004.Voted -to accept the minutes of June 1, 2004.
Public Hearing – Water Street Grant of Location to Keyspan
Mr. O'Leary explained that the gas company would like to replace a length of main in Water Street. The work is expected to take approximately two weeks. Water Street will no longer be used as a detour in mid-September and at that time work could be accomplished.Voted -approve a Grant of Location to Keyspan Energy Delivery to install and maintain approximately 380 feet, more or less, of 4 inch gas main in Water Street, from the existing 1 ½ inch gas main in Water Street @ house #14 in a northerly direction to house #29. All of which is to replace the existing 2 inch gas main which is to be abandoned. It is understood that the stipulations listed in the Department of PublicWorks letter of Special Provisions must be adhered to.
Quincy Community Action Programs
Kory Eng explained that Quincy Community Action Program offers a variety of services including pre-purchase and post-purchase mortgage counseling, reverse mortgages, etc. The American Dream Downpayment Initiative Program was developed to assist low and moderate first time purchasers of a new home. The first time homebuyer who makes no more than 80% of the HUD Median Income is eligible. The selling price of the property cannot exceed certain limits. There has been a contract to administer a similar program for the past three years, during which time they have helped dozens of families until the program ended. The program costs the town nothing. QCAP is a non profit multi-service agency with state and federal contracts who would, if the Board so voted, be authorized to be the exclusive administrator of this program for the town. There is a marketing strategy that consists of public announcements in newspapers, cable access, planning boards, website, etc. There are first time homebuyer workshops are full every month. If someone is going to pursue the funding, completes the homebuyers seminar, and sends in paper work it is first come, first serve. There is approximately $250,000 worth of funds to be split up over 8 towns.
Voted -to authorize Quincy Community Action Programs to apply to the Department of Housing and Community Development to administer the American Dream Downpayment Initiative program in Hingham.
Voted -to sign a contract with Massachusetts Pavement reclamation Inc. for construction of three cast in place concrete pads for the Transfer Station Recycling Area in the amount of $78,800.
Country Club Management Committee
Ms. Berard introduced Jack Gamache the newest member of the Country Club Management Committee. The new irrigation system installation will begin in September along the sides of the fairways and it will be extended in October. There will be as little disruption as possible. The creek that traverses four holes has made things more challenging and serves to help drainage on the course. Ms. Berard advised the Board that the signature garden has been a tremendous success. A landscape architect donated his services and the Garden Club donated the funds for the gardens which include over 750 individual plants. There has been a considerable amount of tree work, especially around the fifth hole. Other changes at the Country Club include a significant improvement in the purchase of a point of sale system for the pro shop, an upgraded telephone system and improvements in the restaurant. The bowling alley continues to have a number of regular groups. There is a new tennis pro who has taught at the Hanover YMCA and Hatherly Country Club. Ms. Berard said that last year was not the finest year financially. The August 10, 2004Page 2weather was poor in April and May but July revenues were well above last year. The catering group has requested additional one-day liquor licenses for a serving area on the course during tournaments. There is an area roped off with tables, etc. on the course where people can sit down and have a beer, etc.
Voted -to sign a Mutual Aid Agreement with the Town of Hull for provision of law enforcement mutual aid for the period ending August 2007.
Voted -to sign a Mutual Aid Agreement with the Town of Rockland for provision of law enforcement mutual aid for the period ending August 2007.
Voted -to sign a Mutual Aid Agreement with the Town of Norwell for provision of law enforcement mutual aid for the period ending August 2007.
Voted -to sign a Mutual Aid Agreement with the Town of Scituate for provision of law enforcement mutual aid for the period ending August 2007.
Voted -to sign a Mutual Aid Agreement with the Town of Cohasset for provision of law enforcement mutual aid for the period ending August 2007.
Voted -to sign a Mutual Aid Agreement with the Town of Weymouth for provision of law enforcement mutual aid for the period ending August 2007.
Voted -to grant Request for Counsel as submitted by the Building Commissioner.
Voted -to grant Request for Counsel as submitted by the Board of Appeals.
Voted -to grant a one-day liquor license to Jay Tolman, for the Annual MDA Telethon to be held at the Hingham Community Center, on September 5 and September 6, 2004.
Voted -to grant the following one day liquor licenses to South Shore Catering, Inc. for Special Golf Events, from 10 A.M. to 5:00 P.M. on the following dates:
August 20, 2004
August 27, 2004
September 4, September 5, and September 6, 2004
September 11, September 12, and September 13, 2004
September 15, 2004
September 18, September 19, and September 20, 2004
September 24, 2004
September 25, September 26, and September 27, 2004
Mr. Edmundson advised the Board of that there were many people with relevant experience who were interested in serving on the Light Plant Planning Committee>
Voted -to appoint the following members of the Hingham Light Plant Strategic Planning Committee:Walter FoskettNicole RaphaelsonJohn RyanRobert WhitneyRussell HeissnerJohn QuinnPat Granahan
August 10, 2004Page 3Mr. Cristello explained that once these new slabs are in at the transfer facility the Department of Public Works will be able to operate as planned. The work is to be done this fall. The compactors are in place for the paper, the roll offs for the glass are there, etc. The swap area will be open once the work is done.
Correspondence
Tim Cobb on Gardner Street sent in a letter commending Ken Corson for his instruction to Troop 1. A letter was also received from Ken Gilbert thanking John Souther for helping him out when his boat was sinking.
Selectmen/Town Administrator Reports
Mr. MacIver reported that the DHCD housing grant looks good. The Town expects an award in the amount of $39,500 to do survey work on the Selectmen's parcel and the Housing Authority parcel. The Selectmen's regatta is scheduled for this coming Friday. Mr. Edmundson said he had received a letter from the Kennedy School regarding courses for Selectmen that feature some outstanding speakers. Ms. Tully reminded everyone that the Veterans Memorial Committee clambake would be held next weekend at Bel Air Beach. The diagnostic team met to make recommendations to the FRA. The MBTA has concurred that four-quadrant gates will be at Hersey and South Streets and Fort Hill & West Streets. The Board appreciates all the help from Senator Hedlund, Representative Bradley and Secretary Grabauskas.
Mr. Cristello reported that the Greenbush project is just about through intersection of North and South Streets and no additional blasting is needed at this time. It is hoped that North Street will be fully re-opened in both directions in the next week or two. The Town will do its best to keep a lane of traffic always flowing on North Street.
Meeting adjourned 9:30 PM.
Betty Foley, Clerk