July 3, 2006
Regular Meeting 7:35 PM
Mr. Edmundson, Ms. Tully, and Mr. Riley
Questions from the Public - Michael McPherson asked if the Board had reviewed the correspondence and photographs his wife, Mary Ann Frye, had sent in last Friday relative to the dune and public way at the end of Wompatuck Road that abuts their property. Ms. Frye thought this information would clarify a lot of comments that have been made concerning her current request to the Conservation Commission to construct a gravel dune. Since this subject is a matter of controversy Mr. McPherson was asked to call the Selectmen's Office and request a formal appointment on a Selectmen's agenda, in August, when all three Selectmen and other interested parties could attend.
Appointment of Permanent Police Lieutenant - Chief Carlson recommended that Sgt. Michael Peraino be appointed to this position. The Chief advised that Sgt. Peraino scored overwhelmingly superior to the other candidates in all components of the assessment panel. His poise and presentation demanded respect and his communication skills were excellent and he fully understands the philosophy of the Hingham Police Department. The Selectmen concurred with the Chief's recommendation that Sgt. Peraino is the superior candidate and requested the Chief to express their gratitude and thanks to the other two candidates.
Voted - to appoint Michael J. Peraino, a permanent Lieutenant to the Hingham Police Department.
Appointment of Permanent Police Sergeant - Chief Carlson recommended that David Horte be elevated to this position as he has been serving as Temporary Sergeant since May 15, 2006 and he has proven himself very capable in this position.
Voted - to appoint David A. Horte, a permanent Sergeant to the Hingham Police Department.
Memorandum of Agreement - Superior Officers Union Contract - Mr. Cristello explained this agreement is straightforward. The Superior Officers requested this contract amendment regarding the position of Deputy Chief. It will ensure that should one or both Deputies leave this position they could return to a bargaining unit position. Also should the need arise to fill in this position temporarily, the Superior Officer will be only temporarily excluded from the bargaining unit and would be paid a differential of $60.00 per shift.
Voted - to sign the Memorandum of Agreement between the Town of Hingham and the Hingham Police Superior Officers Union.
Development Agreement between Thomas Hasting and the Town of Hingham pertaining to the land transfer of Bare Cove Park granting authority to Philip Edmundson and Jim Toomey to sign any necessary closing documents.
Voted - that the Board of Selectmen of the Town of Hingham herewith votes to execute a deed conveying Lot A on a plan entitled "Proposed Zoning Plan of Land" prepared by Coler and Colantonio dated March 14, 2005 and revised on March 28, 2005, as authorized by the vote of the Town under Article 33 of the warrant of the 2005 Annual Town Meeting and further to authorize all actions necessary to effectuate the Development Agreement between the Town and Thomas J. Hastings Co., LLC dated April 25, 2005, including, but not limited to, authorizing Philip J. Edmundson, as chairman of the Board of Selectmen, to execute any further documents on behalf of the Board and the Town and James A. Toomey, legal counsel to the Town, to execute such documents as may be necessary in accordance with said Development Agreement to complete the transaction in the Town's behalf all with the same force and effect as if such execution was completed by the Board of Selectmen.
Voted - to appoint Sandra Cleary and Stephan Vogelmann as members of the 2006 School Building Committee.
Voted - to appoint Joan Sullivan as a Special Police Officer for the ensuing year.
Voted - to appoint Daniel Galvin as a Special Police Officer for the ensuing year.
Voted - to appoint John Kelleher to the Community Preservation Committee for a three-year term expiring in 2009.
Voted - to appoint James Morrison to the Cable TV Advisory Committee for a three-year term expiring in 2009.
Voted - to appoint Cynthia Thaxter to the Bare Cove Park Committee for a three-year term expiring in 2009.
Voted - to recommend a transfer, from the Reserve Fund to the Town Hall Salaries Account, in the amount of $346.00.
Voted- to grant the two requests for Counsel as submitted the DPW Superintendent.
Shipyard Utility Agreements between the Town of Hingham and Sea Chain, LLC and the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and the Town of Hingham. These agreements pertain to the traffic control signals and roadway safety improvements on Lincoln Street, Route 3A. The Board will review these agreements and discuss them at a future meeting.
Hingham Shipyard Construction - Robert Keyes expressed concern about the danger of particles of asbestos circulating the air. He was informed that the Building Inspector would not issue a permit unless the developer had met the requirement of the State, submitted an engineering design method, and proof that a certified asbestos removal company will remove the asbestos. The Board brought up their concerns about monitoring the construction of this project as some changes have already been proposed. They would like to be able to respond efficiently to citizen's questions and ensure that the developers do not move in a different direction. Due to the nature of this project, the Board plans to be proactive and have further discussions to determine ways to have good coordination and communication between the Town and the developer, so that it will be a positive experience. The possibility of having a liaison to this project will also be considered.
Selectmen/Town Administrator Reports - Mr. Riley met with residents of Lincoln Street who own a small firm that has vast experience dealing with dispute resolutions. They would be available if needed for the Shipyard Project. Mr. Riley advised them the Town doesn't play a role unless needed and in that case they would be welcome to submit a RFP. Ms. Tully mentioned the Country Club Management Committee does not plan to extend the contract with Johnson Golf Management for an additional two-year period. Plans are being considered to hire an in-house greens keeper next season. Mr. Edmundson advised that a bill calling for higher state aid for towns has been passed by the House and Senate and is waiting for the Governor's approval. Mr. Cristello reported that money ear marked for dredging Hingham Harbor has gotten through conference. He also attended a TIP meeting, with hours of discussion considering pushing the start of the Phase II reconstruction of Route 228 to 2007. However, it was reconsidered and is now in draft form, which means it, has a good chance.
Intersection of Main/Cushing/South Pleasant Streets - Mr. Riley recommended that the traffic issues of this intersection be addressed before too long. He is in favor of a small roundabout as he is familiar with a small one on Rte 14 in Duxbury that works quite well. Ms. Tully explained that the Board had previously looked into that idea but the architects and traffic engineer didn't support that concept. The traffic committee was also not in favor of a roundabout. Mr. Riley thought it would slow traffic down. Mr. Edmundson was originally in favor of this concept but didn't pursue it due to the recommendation of the engineers. Mr. Riley will ask the engineers for more specific details for their reasoning. Bob Fournier thought we should see the impact of Traffic lights at High Free & Main Streets before planning to install lights at that intersection. The Board positively agreed with Mr. Fournier.
Recreation Commission Legal Bills - Robert Keyes objecting to the Town paying the legal bills for the Recreation Commissioners pertaining to the charges he filed with the District Attorney's Office, accusing them of violating the Open Meeting Law. Counsel for the Town is preparing a letter to the District Attorney's Office addressing these charges with accurate facts. Mr. Keyes was informed, contrary to his belief, that the town by-laws do not prevent the town from paying these legal fees.
Adjourned: 8:45 PM Marilyn Harrington
Clerk pro-tem