January 25, 2005
Regular Session 7:00 PM
Ms. Tully, Mr. Edmundson
Ms. Tully requested that residents shovel out the fire hydrants near their homes.
Mr. MacIver will join the meeting later this evening; he is currently at the CPC meeting.
Ice Rink Development Committee
Ms. Ferrante reported that the Committee is recommending a single sheet of ice at the South Shore Country Club. It was originally proposed that the rink be constructed near the DPW facility site in the School Tract II parcel adjacent to Bare Cove Park. The BSC report indicates that it is feasible to construct a rink in the present tennis court location and have an increase of 76 parking spaces. BSC is currently reviewing the possibility of locating a rink in the area of the maintenance facility at the country club. The ice rink pro forma shows that a rink would make money from year one. Ms. Ferrante noted that location of the rink at the South Shore Country Club would create a year round full service recreational facility for the townspeople including golf, bowling and ice-skating. The Committee investigated a variety of possible sites before making this recommendation. The locations considered included the Ward Street Field, Pal Field, the Driving Range on Union Street and private property behind the Sons of Italy as well as the Country Club. Ms. Ferrante noted that sites with existing fields are very difficult to develop. The Committee has submitted an article for the Town Meeting Warrant. If approved, the schedule would be for construction to occur from October to June, a limited use opening in July of 2006 and full use by the Fall of 2006. The cost of construction has gone up $200,000 in the past year due to increase in cost of steel.
The Committee conducted a survey of area rinks. The price per hour is averaged to $202. The average increase in ice price is 3 -4% per year. The Committee also surveyed likely users. The biggest season would be October 1 through April 30.. Much of the summer revenue would come from camps such as figure skating and hockey camps. There is a lot of excess demand for ice time so the rink should have little or no impact on Pilgrim Arena. The committee reviewed of various league contracts with rinks as well as the Hingham High School and Youth Hockey Programs. Mr. O’Meara said there is a proposed supplemental parking area down below that could be used if necessary. Mr. Edmundson said he was heartened by the positive cash flow and the fact that this would be self-financing. Ms. Tully expressed appreciation of the conservative nature of the numbers. One of the Committee’s next steps is to make a similar formal presentation to the Country Club Management Committee. The warrant article will be discussed at a February Selectmen’s meeting. A number of residents expressed concerns on issues ranging from location to traffic and parking. Residents also noted the possibility of lost Country Club revenue due to the negative impact on weddings and golf and the issue of water for the facility. Mr. Edmundson noted that additional meetings would be scheduled to discuss the warrant article but that the best way to have opinions heard would be to send a letter or an email.
Mr. MacIver rejoined the meeting.
Police Candidate Interviews
Jeffrey Kilroy informed the Board that he is currently employed at the Bridgewater State College police department and working on his masters degree. Bridgewater State is a full service police department where the majority of the calls are service oriented and medical related. He has also served as a summer police officer in Oak Bluffs for two years and has an EMT background. Mr. Kilroy has completed the municipal police officer training course and is very supportive of the community-policing concept. Although he enjoys the street work and camaraderie his long-term goal is to work up to patrol supervisor or sergeant. Mr. Kilroy sees his strengths as being dependable, caring, a team player and goal oriented.
David Langill advised the Board that he is a lifelong resident of the Town and wants to give back to the community. An auxiliary police officer in Rockland, with an Associates’ Degree in law enforcement, he currently works full time in security at the State House. Mr. Langill advised that he has always wanted to be a police officer because it is a career not just another job. An alumnus of Citizens Police Academy, he would be interested in DARE of School Resources Officer position eventually. He said his strengths are that he is a great problem solver, a quick learner and works well with others. Mr.Langill said he has shown dedication to law enforcement and this community.
Erin Nally, a Stonehill graduate, said she currently works for the State Treasurer’s Office and is attending law school, which she said would help her as a police officer. She explained that she is interested in police officers position because people would depend on her “24/7” and it is a position that would allow her to use skills and intellect on a daily basis. Ms. Nally would be interested in prosecution or detective work. She listed her strengths as time management and the ability to multi-task. It is her opinion that community policing is important to the town mostly for purposes of trust. If bonds can form between an officer and community members it allows community members to trust the system more and not be intimidated by it.
Heather Mendes graduated from Curry College in May with a degree in criminal justice. She had initially planned on working with juveniles but the detective work really struck a chord with her during her experience working with the courts. She had at one time worked at Colonial Nursing Home but left there to work in her field. This work provided experience dealing with elderly and she would eventually like to protect the elderly in town. Ms. Mendes advised the Board that working with the ADL program in Hingham High School was one of her first leadership roles. She views her strengths as being hard working and making sure something she does is her absolute best. Her goals include working closely with community policing, getting to know people through the program and serving as a detective.
John Welsh is a graduate of UMass Lowell. He did a practicum in the DYS facility in Braintree and also completed the intermittent reserve academy. He is currently working as a carpenter’s helper. Mr. Welsh became interested in police work in his senior year of college and would be interested in the DARE officer position, particularly since he enjoyed a college assignment as an aide in a 4th grade classroom in Lowell. He feels his strengths are that he is a hardworking team player.
Brad Mills, a recent graduate of Merrimack College, is currently employed by State Street Corporation in Quincy. He first became interested in the police department when he began working as an assistant harbormaster. That, in combination with community service programs through college and outside experience, made everything come together for him. Mr. Mills is interested in the more general aspects of police work. He said his strengths include approachability, diligence, competitiveness and good communication and interpersonal skills. His goals include community involvement, making a difference and being able to help others.
Voted - to sign a Mutual Aid Agreement with the towns of Weymouth, Scituate, Rockland, Norwell, Hull, and Cohasset.
Voted - to approve the request of South Shore Catering Group, Inc., 274 South Street to change the manager of the Restaurant All Alcoholic Beverages License from Donna Sampson to Dale Allen-Lawlor, subject to the approval of the Alcoholic Beverages Control Commission.
Voted - to renew the Used Car Dealer’s License - Class II to buy and sell second-hand motor vehicles of Wayne F. Chevrier, Wayco Sales, Inc., 40 Sharp Street, with the restriction that cars and parts would never be sold at this location
Voted - to appoint Sean Papich to the Historic Districts Commission for a term expiring in 2007.
Selectmen/Town Administrator’s Reports
Mr. Edmundson advised that he had been spending a lot of time at meetings concerning the skating rink, fields, etc. Mr. MacIver said that he also had been involved with some of the items that would be coming forward at this year’s annual town meeting. In particular he has been attending meetings of the Central Fire Station Building Committee and the Community Preservation Committee. Ms. Tully reported that she had been working with the Green RFP Taskforce and attending Planning Board meetings. She suggested a series of three joint meetings in March, June and September with a focus on master planning for the town.
Voted - by roll call vote, to adjourn to executive session for purpose of contract negotiations. The Board announced they would not resume open session this evening.
Mr. MacIver – yes
Mr. Edmundson – yes
Ms. Tully – yes
Open session adjourned 9:40 PM.
Betty Foley
Clerk