September 21, 2004
Regular Session 7:38 PM
Ms. Tully, Mr. MacIver, Mr. Edmundson
Voted - to approve the minutes of the meeting of June 15, 2004
Development & Industrial Commission
Mr. Rabuffo said that he felt there short term issues in need of consideration in order to maintain the downtown area in the post-Greenbush environment. These include a way to sustain the current base; to grow the base in a way that promotes revenue; and sustain the appearance. The proposed engineering plan for downtown was only part of the solution. Local businesses need additional help. Toward that end, the town engaged Sue Sullivan of STB Solution to recommend a marketing plan.
Ms. Sullivan explained that the marketing of the downtown would require attention to the area traffic and parking problems due to construction. Customers have heard or read that downtown Hingham parking is difficult or non-existent. A comprehensive and cohesive public relations efforts are necessary to counter that impression. Equally challenging is the opening of Derby Street Shoppes. Ms. Sullivan recommended that a comprehensive look be taken at historic downtown Hingham from harbor to square to determine how to make it work cohesively and continue to grow. Rather than have multiple shopping areas competing with each other they should complement each other. An emphasis needs to be placed on promoting the downtown merchants during the next two year construction period. Intense marketing of downtown should begin immediately and continue through the end of the year. Ms. Sullivan suggested there should be one person or entity to pull things together for the duration of the construction period. The downtown needs to be marketed as a single entity with special events, coupons, and advertising. She recommended that the Town allocate a sum of $7,000 toward this effort, two-thirds of which would go to actual advertising cost during the next three months. Ms. Sullivan recommended a group ad in the Journal and Ledger every week since the cost of advertising in the Ledger is prohibitive for the single store. The stores could advertise activities that might attract new customers, etc. Mr. McManus, president of the Hingham Downtown Association, said the group agrees with Sue’s findings and wants to build the businesses. This is a point of transformation for the downtown. From here to Christmas is a crucial time. Ms. Sullivan also mentioned that the merchants have requested help with the illumination of the streets during the coming months. The Board will take the requests under consideration.
The Cecil Group has been asked to bring the plan to the next level of detail. They will develop a timeline with as much input as possible. The group will meet on first Tuesday of each month at 6:30 PM. State aid is tight but there are may be some funds available in the federal area so the Cecil Group work closely with representatives on the state and federal level. Mr. Rabuffo explained that Cecil Group has up to date information on the various options for streets, crosswalks etc. The Town is making sure that the Master Plan meets the requirement of a “Master Plan” by the federal definition. Mr. MacIver noted that the downtown has some major community activities – post office, community center, churches, banks, etc. Due to the extraordinary events of Greenbush, the advertising campaign has potential in the short term. In the long term the public/private mix needs to be investigated.
Weathervane Development
The proposed Weathervane Development would consist of a 9,000 sq. ft office building and 4,200 sq ft of warehouse. Currently there is no sewer or water available to the property. The sewer commission has indicated that the Rockland Sewer Commission would be agreeable to providing sewer to the property. The sewer line would enter from the Rockland side of the property. It is understood that the Town of Hingham would have no responsibility now or in the future to construct or maintain the sewer line for the property. Mr. MacIver noted that there have had a couple of similar projects. The application of Weathervane is due back to the Zoning Board of Appeals on September 30.
It was mentioned that when there was an agreement regarding sewer with the Town of Hull there was an intermunicipal agreement signed. The question arose as to why has there not been a similar agreement with Rockland. Mr. MacIver explained that with the Weir River Sewer Project the difference was that there was the purchase and sale of capacity , a separate pumping system, etc. Mr. Cristello advised that there had been discussions to try to set up a policy with Rockland. The two towns have reached an understanding that the projects first get routed through the Hingham rather than have everything approved in Rockland and then sent to Hingham.
Voted - to support the recommendation of the Sewer Commission to authorize the extension of sewer to Weathervane Construction Company at 2 Sharp Street.
Year end Financial Report
Mr. Alexiades reviewed collections for FY 04 noting that several categories were at all time highs and that investment income was below projections. The budgets were as projected with the exception of snow and ice. Mr. Edmundson questioned why the personal property tax was up significantly. Mr. Alexiades explained that the Water Company is now being assessed more thoroughly. Maturing debt and interest numbers are very different from those forecast. Mr. Alexiades said that this is an item the Town has been struggling with over the past several years and that different reports are necessary.
Mr. Cristello noted that Mr. Alexiades has become a certified financial officer. GFOA has begun a professional development promotion that would designate government accountants in a way which would mirror a CPA.
Mr. Alexiades informed the Board that the IRS had increased the mileage rate allowed under the tax code and recommended that the Board incrase the rate paid to reimburse employees for use on their private vehicles on town business.
Voted - to increase the mileage reimbursement rate for employees’ use of their personal vehicles on town business to $.35 per mile effective October 1, 2004.
Update on Goals
Ms. Tully explained that she met with Katy Lacy, Sgt. Corcoran and Chief Carlson regarding traffic issues. The plan is to mark roads as arterial or collectors and evaluate signs there. The work on the Route 228 intersections has begun. The Coler and Colantonio plan is back and work should begin with the next couple of weeks. French and High Streets have been re-marked. Ward and High will be re-marked. Mr. Cristello and Mr. Caputo will meet with Mass Highway staff to see what they want for design for the Route 228 project.
The State of the Town Forum will be held on October 24. The purpose of the forum, a letter from the board, and an outline of the report is being sent to each town board and committee. A flyer on the forum is being distributed. There will be a mailer a week before the first hour is presentation and the remaining time will be spent brainstorming and in discussion. The committee has been doing an outstanding job, they have been asked to do the same format for town meeting. The new residents packet is ready for review by the board.
Long Range Plan for Downtown Hingham was covered in this evening’s presentation. The Community Preservation Committee is a potential source of funding to meet the goal of new sports fields by 2006. The “recreation” part of CPC has not been funded significantly by the committee. Mr. Cristello attended a recent CPC meeting and the application should be completed and submitted well before the deadline.
The Central Fire Station Committee had presented three designs with three price tags to the Board some time ago. Mr. MacIver will be in touch with Mr. Gentry to go over the options.
Mr. Stigliani will be at the October 19 meeting to explain the changes in the transfer station. The Long Range Waste Disposal and Recycling Committee will put in some time at the compactors pointing out articles that could be recycled in an effort to assist in reaching the goal of a greater percentage of recycling.
Mr. Becker sill be revising the website to make it more useful and to provide an easier way to keep information updated on the site. This will be address the goal of customer service and internet accessibility..
The Housing Partnership and ex officio members are very active in pursuing the goal of housing on the School Tract. Their goal was to distribute an RFP by November and it is still on track. The Town was fortunate to receive a grant from MassHousing to aid in this project. The Housing Authority discussed the proposal for a common road into the Housing Authority property as well as the Selectmen’s parcel. There is the possibility of using some of the inclusionary zoning monies for some of the studies. The RFP will be coming out of the Selectmen’s Office so there should be ample time allowed.
Voted - to sign a Technical Assistance Program Contract with MassHousing Finance Agency in the amount of $39,500.
The 6 month review of the streamlining of the building permit process was discussed with the Building Commissioner last week. Mr. Morgan is reviewing the applications as they come in to identify any major deficiency in applications. Last spring there were a couple of evening open houses with the development staff to allow the public an opportunity to ask questions
Voted - to sign a contract with Woodco Machinery, Inc. for one four wheel drive Volvo Articulating wheel loader in the amount of $77,500.
Mr. Edmundson recused himself.
Mr. Cristello explained that an error was found in the legislation to allow Blue Cross Blue Shield to connect to the Town of Rockland Water and Sewer system. The Governor had no choice but to veto it because of that error.
Voted - to support the revised legislation to allow Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts to connect to the Town of Rockland Water and Sewer System.
Mr. Edmundson rejoined the meeting.
Voted - to request a time extension for construction under the Hingham GAR Hall Construction under the FY2003 CDF-2 Grant #5522 to December 31, 2004.
Voted - to extend the contract with Breezeway Farm Consulting to administer the Small Cities Grant for the GAR Hall Project until January 2005 contingent upon approval of a time extension request from DHCD.
Voted - to extend the contract with William Thayer and Associates for the GAR Hall Project until December 31, 2005, contingent upon approval of a time extension request from DHCD.
Voted - to submit the Greenbush Diagnostic Team Report to the Federal Railroad Administration.
Voted - to recommend a transfer from the Reserve Fund to the Printing Services Account in the amount of $5,000.
Voted - to grant Request for Counsel as submitted by the Board of Assessors
Voted - to appoint Thomas Hall a member of the Hingham Contributory Retirement Board for a term ending in 2007.
Voted - to appoint Victor Popp a member of the Zoning Board of Appeals for a term ending in 2007.
Voted - to appoint Jane Conrad a member of the Bare Cove Park Committee for a term ending in 2007.
Voted - to appoint Peter Barlow a member of the Historic Districts for a term ending in 2007.
Voted - to appoint Kenneth Buntrock and Frederick Hussey members of the Scholarship Fund Committee for a term ending in 2007.
Selectmen/Town Administrator’s Report
Mr. Edmundson reported that he had gone down to look at Steamboat Wharf and it looked to be in pretty good shape. The access is a bit of challenge but access across the high beach from Lincoln Sailing could be simple. Mr. MacIver attended a regional planning exercise sponsored by MAPC. Lennar Partners will be hosting a meeting for the South Weymouth Naval Air Station later this week. Ms. Tully attended a workshop at the Rappaport Institute at the Kennedy School. Mr. Cristello reported the downtown Town Brook is proceeding smoothly and the work crews may be out of the way before the Christmas season. There is still curbing and sidewalk to install. Mr. Cristello remarked that on numerous occasions the town has been promised green tarps to cover the fencing but that has not happened as yet.
Meeting adjourned 10:05 PM
Betty Foley, Clerk