June 21, 2005
Regular Session 7:10 PM
Mr. MacIver, Mr. Edmundson, Ms. Tully
Construction-related Noise
Ms. Murray of Plymouth River Road advised the Board that she has had numerous problems with the construction projects in her area. Police had found 40 workers on a Saturday morning before the approved starting time. The Board of Health made arrangements for a decibel-reader from state and indications are that both the Black Rock and Linden Ponds projects violated the standard of 10 decibels above the ambient noise level. According to Ms. Murray the dust levels created by the Linden Ponds project were so high that the project had to be closed down. Ms. Murray submitted a petition requesting that noise be considered in the granting of building permits for any future construction projects. Mr. MacIver said he would be interested in consulting with Zoning and Planning about an appropriate by-law that could be implemented by town meeting.
Mr. Morgan said the police have been monitoring Saturday work and he follows up on any weekday calls. He also noted that permitting denials on the basis on simultaneous construction are not allowed. Mr. Edmundson asked Mr. Morgan to explain the decibel limitations. Mr. Morgan said that the Building Department does not have the equipment to monitor the sound. The DEP sets noise limits and the Board of Health is regulatory agency. Mr. Hayward of Erickson expressed concern about negative impacts on abutters and asked for some time to fix the problems. A cowling was built around generator to direct sound upwards and right now the tests show 2 decibels above ambient noise. Site work on Phase Two began in March of this year and Erickson issued directives regarding noise to contractors. The police detail at the site will keep track of noise issues and blasting, etc. and Mr. Cristello will keep the Board updated.
Long Range Waste Disposal & Recycling Committee
Mr. White explained that the Committee is planning to hand out flyers on recycling at the transfer station this weekend. The flyers will explain what is recyclable. There is a direct financial relationship between recycling and benefit to Town since it costs about $80 per ton to get rid of materials. Hingham is currently at about 46% compliance. Any one interested in volunteering to assist in the distribution of flyers can call the Selectmen's Office. Mr. Edmundson noted that the hazardous waste collection day great service to the town and that the swap area is doing well and has a dozen spaces dedicated to it.
Beautification Committee Update
Ms. Hansel and Ms. Rydell representing the Beautification Committee explained that the committee is waiting for shrubs to be removed from the islands by the library. The barrels at Hingham Center will be planted within the next week. The Committee is trying to get Main St and the entrance to Hingham done. The ability to keep things watered is what is holding things back. The Committee started with no money and now has about $1,500 in the treasury. One group of neighbors got together and bought the materials, etc. Maintenance is key. Ms. Rydell explained that they would like signs on the islands or gardens done by the Committee to encourage people to contribute time or talent. Sgt. Peraino and Ms. Tully will be traveling around town to look at signage issues.
Housing Authority
Ms. Neibauer, Executive Director of the Hingham Housing Authority, advised the Board that approximately 30 applications per day are received from people seeking affordable housing. There is a particular need for rental family housing. The Housing Authority applied for priority development funds and, in so doing, discovered a critical need for technical assistance. Susan Connelly, Associate Director of Community Housing Initiatives, explained that Mass Housing Parternship is financially self sufficient and provides technical assistance to municipalities, etc. Mass Housing Partnership is assisting the Housing Authority by providing initial technical assistance on pre-development issues. Two things need to be ironed out - coordination with town parcel and the 100 Beal Street project needs to be subdivided off the property in order for the Housing Authority property to move forward as a separate property. Once this is done, Mass Housing Partnership will help facilitate a community process, help choose an architect, etc. run numbers, and identify affordable housing financing sources. The Housing Authority does not have a formal requirement that it come to town meeting but they will be looking for Town support and cooperation. Funding may be available for linkage money or the Selectmen's parcel may move forward simultaneously with access to Community Preservation Funds. Ms. Neibauer said this would enhance Beal Street and create a new neighborhood.
Appointment of Fire Chief
The Board expressed thanks to the impressive professionals who interviewed for the position of Fire Chief.
Voted - to appoint Mark Duff Fire Chief effective June 23, 2005
Appointment of Police Sergeant
Capt. Mills read Chief Carlson's recommendation for the promotion of Darren McAdams. This recommendation was heavily based upon the results of an assessment center. Officer McAdams has served as a bicycle patrol officer, a firearms licensing officer, simunitions training instructor and domestic violence investigation specialist. Mr. Edmundson commended the chief and his staff for the bringing in outside experts for evaluation of the candidates. Mr. MacIver said that he had personally reviewed the results of the assessment center.
Voted - to appoint Darren McAdams a sergeant in the Hingham Police Department, effective July 1, 2005.
Police Officer Interviews
Erin Nally, a Stonehill graduate, advised the Board the she currently works full time for the Massachusetts Treasurers Office and has just completed her third year of law school. She would like to be an integral part of the town and keep everyone in town safe and comfortable. Ms. Nally characterized herself as bringing a little of everything to the job - she said very strong mentally and physically, her working style is "heavy load" and the legal background is key. She said she likes to be challenged and will seek out projects if one isn't given to her. Ms. Nally said her weakness might be that she pays too much attention to little things and might not always look at the big picture. In five years she would like to see herself as detective or DARE officer. When not in school and work (2 full time occupations) Ms. Nally enjoys community activities like road race, Taste of Hingham, etc. She is currently attending night school for law and has one year to go. Ms. Nally feels that the correlation of the law with police work "seemed appropriate."
Heather Mendes moved to Town 14 years ago, was a criminal justice major and graduated from Curry College and had several criminal justice courses one of which included an internship at Stoughton District Court. Her ultimate goals is to become a detective. Ms. Mendes is currently employed by State Street Bank and recently did a background checks for her employer on the possible new hires. Ms. Medes characterized herself as a multi-tasker who tends to procrastinate because she works better under pressure. She noted that she works on that everyday. In 5-10 years she would envision herself working with younger students because if this could help the community work better together. Community policing is very important because the police officer, by being involved, can solve issues he or she is not aware of. Ms. Mendes said that although it can be difficult to live in the town you work in, this would not an issue for her because anyone who knows her would understand that she has to uphold the law. Ms. Mendes is also fluent in Cape Verdean.
Jessica Biggins, a Billerica native, explained that after high school she took a year off, got a job with Verizon and was activated with the 1058th National Guard unit. She said her experiences in Iraq prepared her to deal with change. She characterized herself as having a good work ethic and being great with people. She said she honestly didn't know of any big challenges that she had faced in her work. Her longer-term goals would include working with community in general, possibly as a DARE Officer. Ms. Biggins said she enjoys playing in women's softball league and doesn't take things for granted after Iraq.
Residents addressed the Board regarding snow plowing in the Brewer Way and Olmsted Drive area. This past winter the residents spent a substantial amount of money on plowing. The Board explained that these roads were not deemed acceptable as public ways. Mr. Murphy noted that there are roads that have always been plowed before there was a street acceptance procedure. Mr. Cristello explained that there is a snow plowing policy which was established in the mid 90s. The Board said the best way to approach this may be to have Mr. Stigliani and Mr. Cristello meet with the residents and try to put it in context of the current policy. Mr. Edmundson expressed concern about the implications of reopening the Town's policy on snow plowing. How many other roads would be involved. The Board said it would continue this matter until such time as Mr. Cristello and Mr. Stigliani could meet with any residents who wish to discuss the matter.
The Board will be discussing the accidents at High, Free and Main Streets at the July 14 meeting. Accidents, many of which happen between 2 and 5 in the afternoon, appear to involve a disproportionate number of 17-21 year olds. The results of the improvements at Cushing and South Pleasant Streets look better.
Voted - to recommend a transfer from the Reserve Fund to the Legal Expense Account in the amount of $25,000.
Voted - to recommend a transfer from the Reserve Fund to the Debt Service - Interest Account in the amount of $2,633.
Voted - to recommend a transfer from the Reserve Fund to the DPW Expense Account in the amount of $18,665.
Voted - to recommend a transfer from the Reserve Fund to the Bathing Beach Expense Account in the amount of $6,067.
Voted - to recommend a transfer from the Reserve Fund to the Police Salaries Account in the amount of $9,000.
Voted - to recommend a transfer from the Reserve Fund to the Dispatch Salaries Account in the amount of $13,500.
Voted - to grant Request for Counsel as submitted by the Board of Assessors
Voted - to appoint the following members of the School Facility Study Committee:
Amy Happ
Clement McCarey
The School Committee voted to appoint three members to the School Facility Study Committee at its most recent meeting.
Correspondence
The Selectmen's Golf Tournament was outstanding thanks to the hardwork of the Committee and the great weather. The Fourth of July celebration will be coming up. The fireworks will be on the 2nd with a raindate of the 3rd. Mr. Cristello said the next step for Greenbush would be the reconstruction of the Fort Hill Street intersection and grade crossings.
Voted - by roll call vote to adjourn to executive session for purpose of discussing real property transactions.
Mr. MacIver - yes; Mr. Edmundson - yes; Ms. Tully - yes
Open session adjourned 9:55 PM. Betty Foley, Clerk