June 4, 2007
Special Session 7:45 pm
Ms. Tully, Mr. Riley, Ms. Burns
The Board resumed open session.
Mr. Falvey asked the Board to reconsider the muddy area around Foster School. Mr. Stigliani has suggested that summer, after school ended, would be a better time to replant the area. Ms. Tully said she would be back to Mr. Falvey within two weeks.
Mr. Hersey presented materials to members of the Board for their later review.
Appointment for Police Officers
Chief Carlson explained that the department had done extensive interviews and checks on the applicants for the position of police patrolman. Based upon those interviews and background checks the Chief recommended that the Board offer employment to Daniel Galvin and David Orlandi.
Voted - that the Board of Selectmen, while acting in the capacity of Appointing Authority for the Town of Hingham extends to Daniel Galvin and David Orlandi a conditional offer of employment as a permanent police officer for the Town of Hingham. This offer is contingent upon the successful passing of all required medical and psychological screening examinations and all other requirements related to, but not necessarily limited to the following:
A. Successful passing of the required medical examination;
B. Successful passing of the required physical abilities test (PAT);
C. Successful passing of the required psychological screening process;
D. Successful passing of all other requirement for entrance into the police academy;
E. Entering into a satisfactory agreement with the Town of Hingham relative to payment of the $2,300 recruit training fee;
F. Any and all other requirements as mandated by law or regulation.
The first day of employment will coincide with the next available police academy as determined by the Police Chief
Quarterly Budget Report
Mr. Alexiades presented the Board with a budget report through May 2007. Revenues are meeting or exceeding projections and expenses, for the most part, are within budget. He advised the Board that there is a preliminary statement on the street today for six month notes. Bids will be taken on the sixth of June. A second series of 1 year notes will also be put out. Mr. Alexiades explained that the intention is to enter the bond market on a long-term basis between September and December; principal payments will not be due until FY09 and rates should still be below 4 percent. The long-term debt will be a combination of 14, 19 and 20 years notes.
Voted - to recommend a transfer from the Reserve Fund to the Veterans' Services Salary Account in the amount of $323.
Voted - to recommend a transfer from the Reserve Fund to the Weights and Measures Salary Account in the amount of $122.
Voted - to recommend a transfer from the Reserve Fund to the Legal Services Account in the amount of $25,000.
Voted - to recommend a transfer from the Reserve Fund to the Sewer Commission MWRA Assessment Account in the amount of $35,697.
Voted - to recommend a transfer from the Reserve Fund to the Trustees of the Bathing Beach Expenses Account in the amount of $8,500.
Voted - to recommend a transfer from the Reserve Fund to the Historical Commission Salary Account in the amount of $861.
Voted - to recommend a transfer from the Reserve Fund to the Emergency Management Salaries Account in the amount of $56.
Voted - to recommend a transfer from the Reserve Fund to the Department of Public Works in the amount of $17,500
Lincoln Maritime
Mr. Murray explained that the Maritime Center is proposing to add approximately 2600 square feet of float space in the harbor as well as a platform on the wharf itself. There will be a gangway from the platform to the floating dock. There is a natural walkway going through steamboat wharf and it will be used as is with the possible removal of scrub growth. The asphalt walkway from the roadway will be used and there will be some repairs made to the wharf itself. There are many stanchions already on the wharf that appear to be part of an old railing system. It is Lincoln Maritime's intention to replace that railing.
The permitting process for the proposed work would include filing a Notice of Intent with the Conservation Commission and getting the approval of the Harbor Development Committee and the Harbormaster. The new configuration would have the sailing operation on the first wharf and the rowing operation on Steamboat Wharf. Some on the shells may be stored on the wharf rather than on the deck. Mr. Murray said the floats might displace three or four moorings. Ms. Tully expressed concerned about the program expansion and the effect on the area. Mr. Amdur requested a confirmation from the Harbormaster as to the number of moorings to be displaced. He also expressed concern regarding access issues since it was part of the original agreement and that the accessibility to the general public is preserved. Mr. Murray said an engineer determined that the seawall in its present condition is safe with the exception of one washout area that would be repaired. Mr. Riley asked about the promised landscaping and improvements to Barnes and Steamboat Wharves. Mr. Murray advised that the improvements should be coming in the next month. Ms. Tully said she had difficulty in approving this without some indication as to the changing uses of the wharves. In particular, the storing of shells on Steamboat Wharf was not expected. The parking issue also must be considered. Mr. Murray said a parking study shows a need for 29 parking spaces - 10 for employees, the remainder for participants. Any expansion of the adult programs would require relocation of the staff parking to inside the gate. Mooring questions and the use of Steamboat Wharf must be addressed prior to the Board considering the project. Mr. Riley also requested a 2005 and 2006 financial statement for Lincoln Maritime.
Energy Committee Update
Mr. Phillips explained that the mission of the Committee is to serve the residents by establishing policies for the efficient use of energy, increasing awareness and reducing environmental impact. The Committee's recommendations included engaging a consultant to perform a carbon footprint benchmarking study for the Town, adoption of a carbon footprint action plan, adoption of LEED standards for all new municipal projects, encouragement of the voluntary use of LEED standards by private developers, increasing the average fuel efficiency of town vehicle fleet, replacement of diesel fuel with biodiesel and increase recycling. The Energy Committee also encouraged the Light Plant to maintain or increase the current percentage of renewable energy in its total power-purchasing portfolio and to develop alternative sources of energy such as solar power, co-generation and wind turbines.
Ms. Tully commended the committee for a wonderful job and coordination with the Light Plant. She noted that the Green RFP Committee found that people in the industry
suggested that LEED-certifiable may be desirable instead of LEED certification. There are different tiers of LEEDS certification and the committee will investigate. On June 13 the MAPC is doing a presentation about power generation. The town goal to increase fuel economy by 50% would require changing the fleet so this would be a gradual process. The Board has set investigating "Pay as You Throw" as a part of this year's goals. Ms. Burns noted that the City of Cambridge is having a study paid for by the Kendall Foundation. This is about encouraging energy efficiency in public and private buildings. She noted that in all likelihood towns would have to participate regionally in the programs and she is anxious to have a group of towns in the area prepared to take advantage of this plan. The Light Board would have to act on the goal of maintaining a certain percentage of renewable energy. Ms. Burns suggested the committee look into zoning by-laws that would allow the construction of large wind turbines. The Town of Hull is considering a bank of wind turbines offshore and it might be worthwhile for the Light Board to look into investing part of the portfolio in this. Mr. Riley agreed with Ms. Burns on the regional approach. A turbine may contribute only 28% of our energy needs and it costs millions - the regional approach will help.
Torrent Crossing Greenbush
Mr. Tocchio explained that he represented the owners of 223 and 211 South Street. The property transfers connected to the closing of Torrent Crossing are one of the last steps in the Memorandum of Agreement with the T. The plan will culminate with the moving of the house. The 2004 Annual Town Meeting authorized the transfer of this land to the successful bidders. The Form A plan has been endorsed by the Planning Board and the Town will retain a utility easement.
72 Sharp Street Sewer Connection
The property in question is very close to the Weymouth line. It is a commercial building with a private septic system that is functioning at a very low level. Mr. Biggins has looked at the wetlands that were part of the old Swamp River and looked the possibility of replacing the system where it is now or closer to the street. There is little ability to put a conventional system on the property. Any septic system would require considerable Title V variances. A few years ago there were two properties with failed systems were able to obtain permission to tie into the MWRA system. Weymouth has been very receptive to allowing properties over the town line to tie in. This plan would require an easement in the public right of way.
Mr. Tocchio said that Sewer Commission has agreed to the plan, the Town of Weymouth has sent a letter of no opposition and the applicant is seeking a similar letter from the Selectmen. This will be a private line that is located in the public way. The owners would assume maintenance and repair responsibility. It would be 711 feet in the shoulder, which is not paved but it does abut the wetlands so it would require conservation approvals. The line would remain a private utility in Weymouth. Mr. Biggins explained that they would convert the existing tank to a pump chamber with duplex pumps and then pump through a pipe to the Weymouth system.
Mr. Riley said that because of his experience on the Planning Board and the Long Range Wastewater Committee he is aware that the MWRA does not want to allow any connection unless there is a full plan in place. This is not a town-wide solution. We are unique because we get our water supply from our own town. The connection to the sewer pipe means less water to the water supply. He said that he did not believe this is in the best interest of the Town. Mr. Tocchio pointed out that this is failing and they are trying to reach a solution. A solution is seven to ten years away and systems are failing now. Mr. Tocchio suggested that the Board could condition the vote on "because it is an existing building, because it is a failing system, etc." On site solutions other than a tight tank are cost prohibitive and not long-term solution. Mr. Riley said any expansion of the sewer should be voted on by the town at a town meeting. Ms. Tully said the Board would take this under advisement.
Affordable Housing Trust
Ms. Burns noted that there are things to solve in order to get this program off the ground. State approval will probably be received by August. The Board must decide how many trustees there shall be (5-9, one must be a selectman), what skill set should be represented on the board of trustees and the recruiting process. Another question is should there be a Housing Partnership and an Affordable Housing Trust or could the Trust and Partnership be meshed without losing anything. The Board will continue the matter at the next meeting.
Voted - to approve the minutes of May 7, 2007.
Selectmen/Town Administrator's Reports
Ms. Burns noted that Tom O'Donnell had been recognized by the state legislature for his 40 years of continuous service to the town as Moderator. The Hingham Historic House Tour will be held on June 10. Mr. Cristello reported that the hearing on the Verizon legislation is scheduled for June 5 and June 6 is the recognition of the No Place for Hate communities.
Meeting adjourned 10:25 pm.
Betty Foley, clerk