March 1, 2005
Regular Session 7:30 PM
Ms. Tully, Mr. Edmundson, Mr. MacIver
The Board convened in joint session with the Advisory Committee for the purpose of discussing the ice rink article.
Ms. Burns reviewed the questions that surfaced from prior Advisory Committee meetings on the issue of the ice rink. The two overriding issues were (1) should the Town build a rink and (2) if so, should it be at the South Shore Country Club?
Discussion on the first question revolved around competition from other area rinks such as Rockland, Marshfield and Weymouth as well as Pilgrim Arena and the shortage of ice time experienced by the High School hockey teams. If a rink were to be built at the country club traffic and safety issues would be addressed by police presence when necessary as is currently done at Pilgrim Arena. The Committee felt that parking issues related to the country club location are not insurmountable but would require some thoughtful deliberation by the Conservation Commission. The maximum parking capacity situation would be in the summer if there were golfers, a banquet event, some bowling, skating and swimming.
The water demand for an ice rink is somewhere between 800,000 and 1,000,000 gallons a year. Water for the new irrigation system is being drawn from wells along New Bridge and Fort Hill Streets. These are surface wells that will be pumped up to a small pond and the irrigation systems will pump it onto certain parts of the course. Mr. Walsh explained that the irrigation system is blown out in the winter. The system for the rink would be much deeper and would require a separate pump.
The Country Club Management Committee reviewed what might be potential impacts on the current country club operation: (1) Appearance – the committee expressed concern that a typical ice rink is a substantial building; (2) Golf business – there are outings every Monday from mid-April through September. There are 295 adult permit holders, 150 junior permit holders and 850 people on the waiting list. The country club was purchased for $7 million, financing it cost $14 million. To date $5,150,000 has been received and put into general operation revenues; (3) Effect on Banquet Business - this has been the most difficult aspect of the overall operation. This business has been a struggle and does not contribute very much. The CCMC is trying to reinvigorate the banquet business.
The Rink Committee believes there could be positive synergies. Mr. O’Meara noted that the usual Monday golf outings are at a time of least demand. Mr. Walsh noted that the catering business is an integral part of the golf outings. In order for the caterer to be viable there must be another draw – the wedding business. An ice rink dominating the property would affect this business. A number of residents spoke for and against the proposed siting of a rink on the country club parcel. Mr. Edmundson remarked that he had done an online search and found there are several facilities that have ice rinks and golf clubs in close proximity.
Fire Station Building Committee Report
Ms. Sherwood explained that previously the Committee had considered two schemes for the Central Fire Station. The Committee this year reconsidered those options and came up with three new schemes: (1) a new building, (2) a rear addition or (3) a side bay addition. These new schemes reduced the cost of the project. The three alternatives were reviewed with attention to program requirements, costs, firefighters’ concerns, traffic implications and the historic district. In January the committee voted unanimously to go forward with the side bay scheme. This preserves the existing historic building as well as the open parcel in the back of the building. While it will be necessary for the firefighters to continue to maneuver the vehicles, the overall plan was felt to be the best option. The architect from Tappe Associates explained that the plan is to have dual uses for as many of the spaces as possible. The two existing bays will be reused for storage and the two new bays will be 17 feet high inside and will house the quint and command vehicle. The existing attic space over the present building could be made more habitable. Smaller vehicles such as the boat, brush fire vehicle in back lower bays. The plan is to preserve integrity of existing building and minimize the impact of the building on Main Street. Ms. Comrack said that it is the general consensus of the neighborhood that the side bays are intrusive and there would be a strong preference for a rear addition. She also noted that there is a real problem with vehicles maneuvering on Main Street. Chief Johnson explained that the program would serve the needs of the community and the current and future needs of the department. The direct access to Main Street is a much preferred alternative to the rear bay scenario which would require emergency vehicles to make a left turn onto the access road and then approach Main Street.
Central Fire Station Sewer Connection Article
The regulatory procedure requires that in order to connect to the MWRA the Town must have a master plan. The process to access the force main would also require the passage of legislation. Hingham is the only town that is a “half town” belonging to the MWRA. The warrant article would authorize the Board of Selectmen to petition the enactment of the necessary special legislation.
Voted - to support the warrant article to enact special legislation to enable the fire station to be connected to the MWRA sewer.
Bare Cove Park /Project Turnabout Article
Mr. Edmundson has been meeting with Tom Hastings the developer of the Project Turnabout land which is roughly a seven-acre parcel. Mr. Hastings has advocated for changing the zoning on that parcel to be housing related. Mr. Hastings asked that the Board consider putting an article before the Town Meeting. The Bare Cove Park Committee had approached Mr. Hastings about the possibility of a land swap. Mr. Swanson explained that the Bare Cove Park Committee was concerned about any structures going deep into the park. Due to the dagger-shaped plot plan there might be some visible structures. The Committee was willing to relocate access to the park from the left side of the property to the right side of the parcel on Beal Street. If the property lines were to be realigned there could be an upgraded parking lot to be shared with the youth athletic fields. Bare Cove Park would end up with a better buffer, better road access and better parking. It appears the property lines were established on the basis of some old roadways. There are possible adjustments that could benefit the football fields. Subject to coming up with a development agreement that makes sense the proposed warrant articles could benefit the park, the football fields and create a development that makes sense for the town. One article would deal with the conveyance of land from Official and Open Space to Residence E. Land that is currently zoned Office Park would become Official and Open Space. Meetings on the proposed articles have included Tod McGrath representing the Planning Board. Mr. McGrath made an analysis that the zoning change proposed would give a benefit that would total many millions of dollars. Mr. Edmundson explained that Mr. Hastings said he would expand from one football field to two and the baseball fields to four. He has been asked to make a concrete proposal to the Town. What is planned for the housing is not a 40B project but a more expensive project. If these articles are submitted, a committee of five members would be appointed and a 30 day limit given for recommendations. The Board does know that the zoning change, which is precedent setting, does grant substantial increased value. Mr. Hastings was approached by the Bare Cove Park Committee asked the Board to submit the articles. Mr. Edmundson explained that the Board has heard about what could be done but there was no particular agreement. Ms. Tully noted that if the Board said the articles could be put in the warrant this would move forward the discussion. Mr. Edmundson noted that two of the reserved spots could be used so that the process could go forward. The negotiations could go on and would certainly affect recommendations. Mr. MacIver said that now that there is the ability to link these deliberations with a zoning change it has to done in a way that is expeditious but has accountability with it. Mr. Cristello suggested a shorter time frame of 21 days after which the Board would decide if the proposal was worth bringing before town meeting. If it is determined to not
be worth consideration by the town meeting it would be pulled off the warrant. You could decide if the proposal is worth bringing before town meeting or not. If it were not, then the articles would be pulled from the warrant. The Board agreed to create an ad hoc committee to work this out and report back by the meeting of March 22nd.
Voted - to send a zoning article to the Planning Board regarding the Project Turnabout and Bare Cove Park land.
Voted - to create an ad hoc committee for the examination of the land swap at the Project Turnabout property such committee with the purpose of coming to the Board of Selectmen with a recommendation in the next 21 days.
Ms Tully announced that Treasurer/Collector Ruth Beck handed in her resignation effective April 30. It is up to the Board of Selectmen to make an appointment to have someone serve in her stead. Mr. MacIver spoke to Ms. Beck and she recognizes the need to appoint someone. She is in agreement that Jean Montgomery is the most qualified person given her position within the department.
Voted - to appoint Jean Montgomery temporary Treasurer/Collector effective May 1, 2005.
Warrant articles
The Board discussed the petition article to increase the Board of Selectmen from three to five members. The Board noted that a similar article was presented last year and it was not recommended then and the Board saw no reason to change.
Voted - to recommend no action on the warrant article to increase the Board of Selectmen from three members to five.
Real Estate Tax Exemption
It appears that all sections of the law are flexible. It was the recommendation of the Assessors that the income and exemption amount be raised to the maximum allowable under the statute and the age remain the same.
Voted - to grant request for counsel as submitted by the Sewer Commission.
Voted - to grant the South Shore Conservatory of Music a one-day liquor license for a fundraiser on March 5, 2005.
Voted - to grant a one-day liquor license to St. Paul Parish for a St. Patrick’s Day party on March 12, 2005.
Voted - to grant a one-day entertainment license to the Hingham Bay Club for light background music to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day on March 17 and March 19, 2005 from 4:00 P.M. till midnight.
Voted - to appoint Mary Ellen Holt and Sherry Westleman to the Fourth of July Parade Committee
Voted - to continue the public hearing on the alteration of a grant of location for Verizon until March 3, 2005
Voted - to accept the minutes of December 7, 9, and 14, 2004.
Voted - to accept the minutes of January 6. 2005.
Adjourned 11:10 PM.
Betty Foley, Clerk