November 14, 2006
Regular Session 7:00 PM
Mr. Edmundson, Ms. Tully, Mr. Riley
The Board voted, by roll call vote, to adjourn to executive session to discuss collective bargaining and return to open session at approximately 7:30 pm:
Ms. Tully - yes
Mr. Riley - yes
Mr. Edmundson - yes
Open Session resumed 7:58 PM.
Mr. Hersey presented the Board with pictures taken at Brewer Reservation today.
Public Hearing/Grant of Location Miles Road
Mr. Dow explained that a short section of Lincoln Street would be disrupted in order to connect the Miles Road sewer line to the existing line in Lincoln Street. Ms. Fisher spoke in favor of the petition saying that she lives at 17 Miles Road and would like to be able to connect to the sewer.
Voted - to approve a Grant of Location to the Hingham Sewer Commission to install and maintain a 2-inch pressure sewer line, approximately 420 feet, in Miles Road to allow house #17 to connect to the Town Sewer System. This request is granted subject to the "Special Provisions" listed in the Public Works Department letter, dated November 3, 2006.
Mr. Riley recused himself.
Public Hearing/Grant of Location Beal Street at Hockley Drive
There is a 12" water main that goes down Beal Street that will connect to the proposed Aquarion water main to service the Weathervane at Chestnut Gardens development. The street will be open for approximately a day. The water balance plan for the project is in process.
Voted - to approve a Grant of Location to Aquarion Water Company to install and maintain approximately 35 feet of 8-inch iron water main in Beal Street at Hockley Drive, to supply Weathervane at Chestnut Gardens development with potable water. This water main will originate from the southbound travel lane; continue in an easterly direction across Beal Street where it will proceed into the Weathervane At Chestnut Gardens property. This request is granted subject to the "Special Provisions" listed in the Public Works Department letter, dated November 3, 2006
Mr. Riley rejoined the meeting.
Public Hearing - Tax Classification
Mr. Partridge explained that the Town has the option of having a uniform tax rate or a two tier rate - one for commercial property and a second for residential property. The town presently has 12% industrial commercial property, which is slightly up from last year. The legislation that allows a split rate is geared for communities with a large percentage of commercial and industrial property. Mr. Partridge explained that Hingham has always had a single tax rate due to the small percentage of commercial/industrial property.
Voted - to continue to tax all classes of property at a single rate.
Public Hearing/Grant of Location Beal Street
Mr. Cooper explained that Keyspan would like to install and maintain approximately 1500 feet of gas main in Beal Street to service the Back River Town Homes project.
Voted - to approve a Grant of Location to Keyspan Energy Delivery to install and maintain approximately 1,500 feet, more or less of 6-inch gas main in Beal Street. It is understood this main will be installed in the half way point of the south bound line, originating from an existing 8-inch gas main near Lincoln Street, and continue to completion to a point where it will enter the Back River Town Homes development. This request is granted subject to the "Special Provisions listed in the Public Works Department letter, dated November 3, 2006.
Report of the Long Range Planning Committee for the South Shore Country Club
Mr. Welch explained that the committee had looked at the current operations of the country club as well as the facility itself and also met with the management committee. The golf operations supply 85% of the revenue. He said that the current facilities are old, tired and in need of significant upgrading and repair. There is a need to plan for replacement and upgrading in the near future. There are a number of "legacy" operations at the Country Club. The golf operation is under competitive pressure; the current pool will need replacement within five years if the pool is to continue as an offering; and the function restaurant is old and continually in need of repair. The committee identified questions that need to be addressed: Should the Town be in the function/restaurant business? If so, are two function rooms needed? Are there better uses for the space? What will be the impact of the train?
The committee felt the immediate needs to be addressed are the facilities, the pool and stabilizing or improving the golf operations. Mr. Welch said bringing other uses into the facility has potential but the committee was of the opinion that the immediate needs should be addressed before taking on anything additional. Recreation activities should be looked at in total. The committee investigated various community pools. Lexington, Concord and Duxbury all have indoor year-round pools. Other uses to be considered include a fitness center, paddle tennis courts and a youth recreation room.
Mr. Riley asked if consideration had been given to swimming for the high school. Mr. Welch said there had been quite a bit of discussion about an indoor facility but this represents a quantum leap from the two-month seasonal outdoor pool. There was evidence of significant interest in an indoor pool. There is also room for other activities such as a teen center but the issue is the structures or buildings. What is the long-term plan for the buildings? Who would staff it and how would it work? Mr. Riley asked if the current buildings were demolished and something else was built would it be a money making concern. It was the committee's opinion it would not. The Long Range Planning Committee noted that as the Country Club Management Committee looks ahead it should look at the operations because the capital needs will follow from that.
Ms. Tully agreed that the number one priority is stabilizing the golf operations and remarked that this can be done without addressing the facilities. She said there is a need to set priorities and have a broad based discussion as to where to go from here. Mr. Edmundson asked if a big function facility was needed to support the golf. Quarry Hills in Quincy had a tent for two years and ran the functions from the tent. Mr. Walsh said that the Town has maintained the legacy operations and that must be re-evaluated. If a swim and fitness center were located at the site parking could very well be an issue on golf outing days. Mr. Edmundson agreed that the recommendations seem sensible in supporting golf functions should be primary. There is interest in some of the other proposals including swimming or fitness facility at the Country Club.
Mr. Walsh agreed that there should be a lot of discussion about long range plans - the activities that occur and the Town's expectation. Ms. Loomis asked if anyone had looked into the possibility of putting a tent over the pool. It was explained that the dome requires quite a bit of space around the pool to locate it and the cost could not be justified. The pool is not presently a moneymaking operation. Mr. Watson asked about the house located on the property as a possible affordable unit.
Hingham Housing Partnership Committee
Mr. O'Brien explained that the Committee had been approved for a grant and has issued a request for proposals. The Housing Trust Fund bill was adopted and signed by the Governor on January 7 of this year. The trust was created to fast track the creation of housing. It is important that the Town engage in a housing trust that things can be moved along in terms of state grants, etc. The Selectmen can appoint the trustees for a two-year term. The Committee is concerned about the open-endedness of the trust and is looking for feedback. The Housing Partnership feels they could be ready for an article for the next town meeting. Mr. Riley asked if there were any CPC money available that would be able to go directly into the trust fund. The housing trust could move more swiftly to apply for grants, etc. The difference between a Housing Trust and the Housing Authority is that the Housing Authority is independent. The Housing Trust would bring matters to town meeting and the Selectmen would appoint the trustees.
RFP for Nokomis Road
Mr. Cristello reported that the Town had received a decision from the judge saying that the Town is allowed to go forward with a Request for Proposals for a public purpose. Affordable housing is a public purpose. A long-term lease is recommended for this property. Mr. Linsky encouraged the Board to issue an RFP for a unit of affordable housing on this property.
Voted - to issue a Request for Proposals for a parcel of land on Nokomis Road known as "The Old Nite Soil Facility" as shown on Assessors' Map 37, Lot 54, for development of one unit of affordable low and or moderate income housing.
Ms. Tully recused herself.
RFP for Torrent Crossing
Mr. Cristello noted that several years ago Town Meeting authorized the conveyance of the land in what has been called Torrent Crossing. This property is what had been the town's right of way that was closed as a part of the Greenbush project.
Voted - to accept the of proposal of 223 South Street LLC, Alex Boyd Manager for a parcel of land consisting of 6,042 Square Feet abutting and occupying the public way adjacent to 223 South Street in an area known as Torrent Crossing. The subject parcel does not constitute a buildable lot.
Voted - to accept the of proposal of Carey S. Whitman for a parcel of land consisting of 2,951 Square Feet abutting and occupying the public way adjacent to 211 South Street in an area known as Torrent Crossing. The subject parcel does not constitute a buildable lot.
Ms. Tully rejoined the meeting.
Parking Waiver for 3 Otis Street
Mr. Tocchio explained that he represents the owner of Pirate's Cove Marina. The tenants in the building have been changed to include a chandlery and a business selling marine antiques. There are also five main floats that go out into the harbor and these are bottom anchored. At the time the permission was sought for pilings to connect these floats a question arose about the slips that were authorized under the Chapter 91, Section 10A permit. When Mr. Kehoe was running the business there were approximately 230-240 moorings in the inner harbor area. There has been an attrition to 170 -180 moorings and a transition from moorings to the slips that were authorized under the 10A permit. This means a launch is not necessary to take boaters out, etc. There are currently 38 slips under the 10A permit. There is a long-standing recognition of the use of the public parking spaces by the iron horse and the Station Street parking lot. The overwhelming evidence in front of the Planning Board and the Zoning Board is that the people who use these slips, the boat ramp, etc. say that parking might be tight on Memorial Day weekend or the Fourth of July but what is currently there works. The iron horse lot contains 130 spaces for cars plus 31 for trailers and the bathing beach lot has over 100 parking spaces. Both are on filled land. Mr. Tocchio explained that the property is currently under agreement to a local group who is seeking to maintain the current activities with the exception of the large trucks that were considered unacceptable.
Mr. Amdur advised that the Harbor Development Committee is very much in favor of the Board granting a Chapter 91, 10A. There is revenue and good business that comes to Hingham as a result of this boat business. He said that, in the aggregate, there is more than enough parking. Approximately four times a year the iron horse lot is full. The Trustees of the Bathing Beach indicated a willingness to allow parking in the bathing beach lot on those occasions. The current restriction is that no boat over 30 feet in length is allowed in the harbor.
Ms. Murphy said there is a lot of information on the topic. She said she does not disagree with anything that has been said. The reason this is coming up with respect to Mr. Perrette's property is that he has a unique problem. Under the zoning by-law if you have a marina you are required to provide parking. He currently is operating under a waiver. If this matter is not resolved it will eventually result in a variance. If after all the information is gathered it is determined that it makes sense to reduce the number of spaces required then an amendment to the by-law would be brought forward. If the docks are secured on his land it is fine, but if they are secured to tidelands owned by the Town of Hingham, then there must be a lease or agreement to authorize this arrangement. It was felt that these are valid questions and relevant. Mr. Cataldo also noted that Mr. Perrette seems to work well servicing the people he works with and recommended that the temporary waiver be extended to him. Mr. Martin said that Mr. Perrette represents a working resource to the harbor that is not available elsewhere in the harbor area. Ms. Loomis said she has never seen an issue with parking down in the harbor area. Mr. Corson said there is sufficient trailer parking for a state funded boat ramp. The slips are vital to the inner harbor and the people who use them. Mr. Edmundson said the question has been raised whether the lands are public lands. The permanent license is for the floats. The slips are 10A but project over commonwealth tidelands. And eventually it is the plan to have these slips permanently permitted under Chapter 91. It was noted that a civil engineer, not a surveyor, drew the maps. A map produced by a surveyor would show whose tidelands these really are. Mr. Riley said he had no problem in extending the 10A permit for a year however he expressed concern for the disregard for parking regulations with trucks parked in illegal spots saying that this is a warning that this will not be tolerated.
Ms. Tully said there appears to be almost unanimous agreement that there are no parking issues and that there is more than an adequate amount of parking to accommodate the parking at this time. The Planning Board is correct that there needs to be a policy. The Board has always had a policy of having an active and vibrant waterfront. Whether there is money that may be owed to the town is a separate issue. Mr. Edmundson said he would support the waiver with a strong concern that the Planning Board process be continued with great vigor. He is particularly interested in the matter of ownership since if the Town has a property interest then the Town should be properly compensated.
Voted - to support a one-year parking waiver for 2007 the 38-slip marina at 3 Otis Street for the purpose of obtaining a Chapter 91 Section 10A annual float permit from the Hingham Harbormaster. This vote is not an endorsement of a 30-year Chapter 91 Waterways License proposed by the current owner.
Mr. Rabuffo updated the Board on the Development and Industrial Commission activities. The banner suggested for the downtown melds together the compass under the spire of the Old Ship Church and the winning slogan from a contest that was held about a year ago. The slogan was shortened from See What Hingham Harbors to Discover Hingham. Ms. Wahle presented the banner design. The banners, which are removable and washable are 24 x 36 and would be suspended 9.5 over the sidewalk. These would hang during the warmer months and be replaced with seasonal decorations in the holiday season. Mr. Rabuffo noted that outdoor dining is another issue to consider concerning the downtown. He has compiled a list of questions and found some documents that were created to address issues in the City of Boston. The Board recommended that the Light Board and the Historic Districts Commission should be consulted regarding the banners and there should be a definite number of banners determined.
Proposed Zoning Amendment
Mr. Cristello said Ms. Santosuosso drafted the proposed amendment and the Planning Board has been involved in preliminary discussions. This would allow for a distributed number of multi-directional whip antennas on telephone poles. No new towers would be permitted if these were found to be sufficient. Mr. Cristello said he was still trying to get feedback on the height necessary for the whip antenna. Mr. Riley said his only concern was that he had hopes that wires would be coming out of the air and put under the ground. Mr. Cristello said the areas in question are those where telephone poles will not be disappearing anytime soon.
Voted - to sign a contract with Coler & Colantonio for engineering and design services for the second phase of the reconstruction of Route 228 in the amount of 125,900.
Voted - to grant permission to the Sons of Italy, 39 Kilby Street, permission to extend their hours to serve alcoholic beverages from midnight to 1:00 AM, Wednesday, November 22, 2006, for their annual reunion party.
Voted - to grant Request for Counsel as submitted by the Board of Appeals
Voted - to grant Request for Counsel as submitted by the Library Trustees
Voted - to appoint Joan Newell to the Employee Recognition Committee
Voted - to appoint James Drew and Susan Drew to the Fourth of July Parade Committee.
Voted - to appoint JoAnn Mitchell a Trustee of the Hingham Public Library for a three-year term.
Voted - to appoint the following members of the Town Green Energy Policy Committee:
Russell Heissner, Chairman
Robert Baynes
Pamela Hardy
Brian Phillips
Reports
Mr. Riley reported that flu shots would be held here once again this year. Ms. Tully advised that Mr. Draisen put together a Metro future presentation for the South Shore. The greater Boston area is going to grow and there are impacts for planning issues. She suggested that a presentation like this might be of value at the Town Forum. Ms. Tully also reported that she had met with Samuels to discuss what they are looking for in retailers for the Shipyard project. The Veterans Day ceremony was wonderful. Ms. Tully remarked that although the manufacturer of the globe has an acknowledgement inside, it does not mention the design by Stefan Vogelman and perhaps it should. She asked the Board to think about this. Mr. Edmundson reminded everyone there is the possibility of a special town meeting on December 11. Mr. Cristello attended the Brownfields conference in Boston this week.
Meeting adjourned 11:30 p.m.
Betty Foley, Clerk