Regular Meeting
August 21, 2007
Ms. Tully, Mr. Riley, Ms. Burns
Steamboat Wharf - Robert Murray and Mike Cataldo of Lincoln Maritime Center seeking approval for their rowing plans to be included in their lease for the use of Steamboat Wharf. Mr. Murray and Mr. Cataldo met with the Harbor Development Committee and abutters to address issues that had been raised at the Selectmen's meeting in June. Mr. Murray advised that in the summer, having both sailing and rowing at Barnes Wharf gets much too busy and crowded. All the parking would continue to be at Barnes Wharf. Parking would be tight, if it should become a problem, a cap would be put on. Access to Steamboat Wharf would be via the existing walkway and path. The Selectmen requested that signage be erected stating that it is non-exclusive use. Mr. Cataldo said he would absolutely emphasize the fact that the wharves are town property and open to the public, and give the public a feeling of welcome. A 15 ft x 60 ft deck would be constructed and installed above the sea level at the end of Steamboat Wharf. Pilings will be sunk into the wharf, not the water. A ramp and floating dock would be attached to the deck and removed in the off-season. Mr. Ware, an abutter, expressed concern over a utility pole that could be a danger to sailors, due to the height of the masts. Mr. Catlado was not aware of this but promised to look into it. Ms. Wagner was concerned about the numbers of trees that would have to be felled to accommodate traffic. Mr. Murray advised that only poison ivy and low shrubs would be removed. If trees should become an issue they will re-evaluate next year with the Conservation Officer. There will be shells for seasonal storage. Mr. Reardon had no objection of this plan being attached to the lease but wanted to know if there was a process in place to capture this understanding. Mr. Cataldo explained that the original lease calls for an annual review process to preserve the format. The Harbor Development Committee supports the proposed deck and float construction and non-exclusive use of Barnes and Steamboat Wharves for Lincoln Maritime rowing activities as outlined in their letter of August 2, 2007.
Voted - to approve the plans of Lincoln Maritime Center for Steamboat Wharf, as presented by the Harbor Development Committee.
Train Safety
Police Sgt. Olsson reported that the police have been focusing on educating the public. He attended a safety program sponsored by the MBTA. His department has put a great deal of time into planning for the Greenbush restoration and has actively been working on problems all along. A great number of safety issues have already been resolved. He said it is a three prong process, education, enforcement, and monitoring. The police department has adopted a zero tolerance policy. Anyone caught on the tracks, in the tunnel, or inside the fences will be arrested and possibly fined $100.00. The police are also addressing parking issues, no commuter parking signs will be posted on the streets by the train stations. Sgt. Olsson mentioned that Operation Lifesaver is an MBTA sponsored program that has already played a major role in the schools educating students, driver education classes, and bus drivers. This training will continue throughout the school year and will be available to the general public. He would like to see parents and children communicating about rail safety. He requested citizens to please call the police department to address any issues or concerns.
Deputy Fire Chief Olsson, in response to the Selectmen's concerns in case an emergency occurs in the tunnel, pointed out that a fire protection system has been installed inside the tunnel. There are access gates and laddering locations and even in the confined space they will be able to maneuver a stretcher. There is backup equipment on the Quint to supply additional water in the event of a train derailment that damages the tunnel water system. The MBTA owns the tunnel and to avoid trespassing issues, the town plans to coordinate with them to conduct a safety drill. Future employees could be trained at the Scituate rail station. A full-scale safety drill involving multiple town agencies and the South Shore Hospital will be held in the spring. The fire department will be able to override the traffic lights at South and Hersey Streets in the event of an emergency. However, if the train and the fire department override the light at the same time, the train coming down the track has precedence. Deputy Chief Olsson believes that certain response moves will have to be modified or changed so that the fastest routes around the tracks can be found.
DPW/Athletic Fields Building Committee Update
Robert Garrity, Chairman of the Committee advised that the building of this facility has been stalled for years for 6 years due to a lawsuit and funding shortfall. An abutter challenged the Zoning Board of Appeals decision to issue the Special Permit. There is a significant shortfall of funds. Mr. Garrity explained he and the committee were shocked and mystified by the revised high estimate of Gale Associates. He believes Gale Associates, Inc. had dropped the ball by designing a complicated facility. They did not place enough emphasis on the budget set forth in the contract. Gale Associates had been previously requested to check into a modular facility. The Committee was now seeking approval of the Selectmen for a modular building. He had visited and done a lot of research and found that a number of modular facilities were built in the last ten years and are working out well. Mr. Stigliani advised a modular building was not his first choice but felt it would work well, and would like the project to move forward, due to his present working conditions. Mr. Garrity questioned if Chapter 90 funds could be used to build a salt shed and cold storage roadway to service the new facility. Mr. Cristello and Mr. Stigliani agreed, under state law, the funds could be used for this purpose. The Selectmen mentioned that not the entire shortfall is due to Gale Associates estimates. Construction costs escalated during the delays over the years. The Board of Selectmen voiced their support of a modular constructed facility. Mr. Garrity indicated that as soon as the lawsuit is settled he is ready to move forward.
Voted, to authorize the use of Chapter 90 funds for the DPW/Fields project.
Interviews to fill the Zoning Board of Appeals Administrator position.
Sue Letiza Eddy presently is serving as Administrative Secretary to the Board of Appeals for the past 13 years. During the past two years she has, on two separate occasions, covered both her present position and the Administrators position during periods of the Administrator's absence. She is comfortable with case law, understands the necessity of meeting deadlines and has worked on Chapter 40B applications. Ms. Eddy would like to see this position become full time. She felt her years of experience would bring a wealth of knowledge and continuity to this position.
Andrea Sangrey has in past employment obtained federal, state and local grants by working closely with residents, businesses and legislators. She has been a consultant in planning, economic development and real estate in Massachusetts and Connecticut. Ms. Sangrey is experienced in coordinating efforts with communities, town planner, economic development, consultants and local and state agencies. Ms. Sangrey believes she would be an asset to the Town due to her ability to be able to interact and communicate with the residents and town boards.
3 Otis Street - Chapter 91 License - Mr. Riley expressed concern that the Harbor Development Committee notified the State of their support for this application. He thought it was a violation of the Selectmen's code of ethics, with total disregard for the Selectmen, as the Board was appealing this decision. He felt the Committee should be asked to rescind their vote. Ms. Tully mentioned that this notification has not come before the Board yet. Although it certainly was not within the scope of what the Board wanted, Ms. Tully and Ms. Burns didn't see it as a violation of the code of conduct. They would not be comfortable taking away their authority. Mr. Riley expressed interest in having the Committee attend a Selectmen's meeting so the Board could explain their stand on this issue and suggest that they reconsider their support of this Chapter 91 Application.
Selection Process for Police Chief - Ms. Tully advised this is not the position that we thought we would be in at this time. If Chief Carlson had finished his contract and retired
in a couple of years we would most certainly followed the normal recruitment and selection process as we have done in the past. Ms. Tully requested that in view of the current circumstances a more abbreviated process be conducted and look only at internal candidates. The Superior Officers union have urged for a permanent Chief appointment without delay. At the present time only one person has expressed interest but there could be others. Mr. Riley and Ms. Burns agreed that an abbreviated process is a good idea so that the leadership could carry on in a speedy fashion.
Voted - to post the Chief of Police position internally tomorrow and interview candidates on September 4, 2007 and appoint a new Chief at the following Selectmen's meeting.
Voted, to appoint Matthew Watsky special counsel for an appeal of a Conservation Commission decision.
Voted, to grant a Special Liquor License to Holy Mary of the Light Festival, c/o Sergio Pungitore, for their annual picnic to be held at Oak Grove on September 3, with a rain date of September 4, 2007.
Voted, to grant a Special Liquor License to South Shore Habitat, c/o Jack Linsky,
For a fundraiser to be held at the Hingham Armory September 22, 2007.
Voted, to grant a Special Liquor License to the Hingham Historical Society, for their Vintage Baseball Game to be held at Derby Academy Playing Fields September 15, 2007.
Voted, to grant a Special Liquor License to Hingham Youth Football, Inc. for a parent/coach social to be held at the Beal Street Field house September 14, 2007.
Voted, to grant a Special Liquor License to the House of Prayer, Lutheran Church for their annual Oktoberfest for September 29 and September 30, 2007.
Voted, to grant Chili's Restaurant a One Day Entertainment License for a fundraiser to be held for the St. Jude Foundation in September 2007.
Voted, to grant Richard C. Fraher, d/b/a SMA Transportation Inc. a Limousine License expiring January 1, 2008.
Voted, to send a letter to Verizon New England Inc., requesting a meeting, to enter into discussions to enable Verizon to potentially provide cable service to the Town of Hingham.
Voted, to dissolve the Hingham Housing Partnership and vest its responsibilities in the Hingham Affordable Housing Trust.
Voted, to designate the Canterbury Estate affordable housing funds for use by the Affordable Housing Trust.
Voted, to amend the Traffic Rules and Orders of the Town of Hingham, adopted by the Board of Selectmen on May 31, 1939, and subsequent amendments thereto, at ARTICLE V. Parking, Standing, Stopping - ARTICLE V, Section 2, Prohibited on Certain Streets - Upon the following streets or highways or parts thereof parking is hereby prohibited:
Fort Hill Street - Both sides, no parking within 500 feet in each direction of the MBTA Train Station.
Summer Street - Both Sides, no parking within 500 feet in each direction of the MBTA Train Station.
To designate the following streets as No Commuter Parking Areas:
Kilby Street at Justice Cushing Way (Route 3A)
Kilby Street at Rockland Street
Roc Fall Road at Kilby Street
Old Colony Road at Summer Street
Manor Drive at Summer Street - Windsor Drive and Tudor Circle
West Street at Fort Hill Street
West Street at Beal Street
South Shore Country Club - South Street
#19 Fort Hill Street - Bare Cove Park and Annex
Voted, to authorize the Chairman to sign the application to the Federal Transit Administration for establishment of a quiet zone for the Greenbush Line.
Selectmen/Town Administrator Reports - Ms. Burns reported she had a meeting of the Bare Cove Park Corridor Committee. Some good suggestions and general agreements were made concerning plantings, sight lines, and screening development for Bare Cove Park. Mr. Cristello noted that the town would receive $16,000 to replenish sand after a recent storm. Thanks to the efforts of Joe Stiglinani, DPW Superintendent.
Marilyn A. Harrington
Adjourned 10:35 PM Clerk Pro-Tem