Board of Selectmen - Minutes

September 4, 2007

Regular Session 7:30 pm

Ms. Tully, Mr. Riley, Ms. Burns

Questions from the Public

Mr. Hersey presented the Board with pictures of a tree limb that fell on a car on Main Street. Mr. Hersey also presented the Board with pictures of tree in front of 67 Leavitt Street that was removed by the DPW. He opined that the tree was healthy and asked why it was removed. The Board said they would write to Mr. Hersey to explain the reason for removal of that tree.

Mr. Riley recused himself.

Grant of Location - Central Street

Mr. Dow explained that the request covers a small distance of approximately 750 linear feet in Central Street between Elm and South Streets. This will allow access to the sewer system to interested abutting properties. The sewer line installation is expected to take about two weeks and it is likely that one side of the street will remain open during construction. Greg McKee of Central spoke in favor of the installation of the sewer line. No one spoke in opposition.

Voted - to approve a Grant of Location to the Hingham Sewer Commission to install an 8-inch PVC pipe sewer line, approximately 750 linear feet, in Central Street between Elm Street and South Street.

M.r Riley rejoined the meeting.

Grant of Location - Fottler Road

Mr. Bregnard explained that as part of the plan to supply additional power to the Shipyard there is an upgrade of infrastructure planned on Fottler Road. There are some very short and some very long spans between poles. The plan is to move poles in order to more evenly space the poles along Fottler Road. Additionally, three new poles will be added to have the poles spaced. The work would begin within two weeks. The intention is to reset all poles.

Voted - to approve the joint petition of the Hingham Municipal Lighting Plant and Verizon New England Inc. for the following Grants of Location on Fottler Road:

Relocate Pole #7 approximately thirty-five feet in the northeasterly direction towards Lincoln Street, according to Plan No. 06E, dated

6/25/07.

Install Pole #8A approximately one hundred feet in the northeasterly direction from Pole #9, and one hundred feet in the southwesterly direction from Pole #8, according to Plan No. 06D, dated 6/25/ 07.

Install Pole #9A approximately one hundred and five feet in the northeasterly direction from Pole #10 and one hundred feet in the southwesterly direction from Pole #9, according to Plan No. 06C, dated 6/25/07.

Install Pole #11A approximately sixty five feet in the northwesterly direction from Pole #12 and one hundred and fifteen feet in the southwesterly direction from Pole #11, according to Plan No.06B, dated 6/25/07.

Grant of Location - Beal St at Fottler Road

Mr. Bregnard explained that a new pole is required to bring the span lengths to a better spacing. The Light Plant studied the matter carefully and this seemed to be the best way to locate the pole. There are many trees in this area so it is preferable to have two circuits on varied poles.

Voted - to approve the request of the Hingham Municipal Lighting Plant to locate one new pole #14/1 approximately one hundred and forty eight feet in the northeasterly direction from Pole #28 Beal Street and one hundred and forty eight feet in the southwesterly direction from Pole #13 Fottler Road, according to Plan #6A, dated 6/25/07.

Downtown Discussion

Mr. Rabuffo explained that the tunnel cap lease is under discussion with the T. The T has requested security and safety from the police and fire departments. The tunnel cap covering providing by the T will be stone. The suggested treatment is a brick path with a granite edge. Between the property line and path there will likely be some sort of planting. The section of Main Street between North and South Streets will be a festival area. There will be designated delivery zones on South and Central Streets. The maintenance of this entire tunnel cap area will impose another job on DPW and that is something that will have to be considered. Mr. Fernandes explained that the 11' wide brick walkway over the tunnel would be capable of supporting emergency vehicle traffic if needed. The proposed brick walkway is most cost effective and has a historical feel. He also suggested historical narratives along the meandering walkway. The number of panels and information to be included would be decided in collaboration with the Historical Commission. The walkway could also include a town seal in the center of Main Street in the "festival area". There are sitting areas proposed with benches, etc. along the walkway as well as in the festival and park areas. The curb cuts are "mountable" Ms. Burns suggested recalling the bucket and rope history of the town. Outside the walkways the plantings will be low maintenance or stone. Mr. Riley asked about the delivery zones. South Street will have a zone were an 18 wheeler can pull up and do deliveries to the back of North Street businesses. The dumpsters are still under discussion.

The park at the intersection of North and South Streets is designed to complement the proposed park on South Street. The Hingham England carved market sign could be relocated this park. New cherry and linden trees will be planted and there will be a wood chip path from North to South Streets. The location of the market sign donated to the Town from the residents of Hingham, England will be discussed further at some future time.

Mr. Rabuffo said the trees planted downtown are struggling and there is some professional disagreement as to the cause. There is some discussion as to whether to proceed with planting based on the ability to water and maintain. There are some things that have been learned about the trees, maintenance, water, the types of grates, etc. Mr. Fernandes explained that the grates around the trees can be cut as the tree grows; they can also be removed. Mr. Rabuffo noted that there have been installation issues and maintenance issues surrounding the trees in the Downtown. The issues include mites, disease, watering, etc. This is an additional burden to the DPW. There is more to happen on this subject but Mr. Rabuffo felt it important to relay this information.

According to recent studies Hingham seems to have enough parking spaces for the current business mix. A change of business, such as a 100 seat restaurant, changes parking needs. The Planning Board needs to preserve integrity of law while dealing with the issues of permitting. The short term guidelines recommended are consistency in performance and consistency in enforcement. Mr. Rabuffo noted that the City of Portland allows one free ticket in six months, after that the offender pays. He suggested that the first step is to talk to businesses and property owners face to face regarding parking issues, etc. The Station Street and Merchants Lots should be completed before any parking policy implemented. All day parking sould be in the Merchants Lot and Station Street lot. Monday through Saturday on street parking would be limited to two hours with the exception of a few fifteen minute parking spaces around post office and across the street. Mr. Riley remarked that he sees the same cars in the same spots every day and this is an all day phenomenon. Mr. Rabuffo said that they are still investigating a parking facility for longer term. The cost and who pays for it is still an issue. There will be a total of four 15 minute and two handicap spaces.

The possibility of removing poles in the downtown area is being investigated. A group is being formed to investigate the cost of removal of the Verizon, Comcast and Hingham Light wires from six poles on North Street. The group will meet on September 13. A town-wide policy will be investigated for next meeting.

Voted - to approve the tunnel cap plan as submitted by the Development and Industrial Commission at the September 4, 2007 meeting consisting of a brick walk, granite edging, peastone or comparable material and to investigate the historical sign concept for the walkway.

Voted - to approve the design for the park at the intersection of North and South Streets as proposed by the Beautification Commission and to authorize the Commission to continue to investigate moving the market sign from the present location.

Mr. Fernandes explained that the South Shore Regional Purchasing Consortium had arranged for an extension of the contract for bituminous concrete. This extension is for the current construction year.

Voted - to sign contract extension letter for the following contract with Aggregate Industries - Northeast Region, Inc. Saugus, MA:

#1A - Bituminous Concrete, Type I-1 (Machine laid in place)

Farmers Market

Mr. Cullings advised the Board that there are currently 15 slots available at the Farmers Market and most of them are filled. The group would like to promote the market and comply with the zoning by-law, etc. They are seeking permission for seasonal signs that would be aesthetically pleasing. The signs would be located in various areas throughout the town from June to October. Mr. Cullings suggested Routes 3A and 228, the front of Town Hall, the Hingham Center Common, the rotary, and the Bathing Beach as possible locations. He noted that the sign by-law speaks to signs with respect to private businesses. The by-law does allow the Selectmen to make exceptions with regard to town owned property. Mr. Riley suggested that the matter be taken under advisement and to try to come up with appropriate locations. Ms. Burns remarked that she loves the sign, the idea and the Farmers Market. However, she feels a need to think carefully about the guidelines and what is the precedent being set. Ms. Tully agreed that the Farmers Market is a great asset. Mr. Cullings noted that while this does provide revenues for individual vendors it also creates a street festival atmosphere. Ms. Tully said the Board would take the request under advisement.

Interview for Police Chief

Deputy Chief Mills advised the Board that he had joined the force in 1977 along with Charlie Souther, John Souther and Brad Durant. He came through ranks as a patrolman, detective, sergeant, lieutenant, captain, and deputy chief and was an active participant in process in 2000. His short-term goals are to solve a difficult manpower situation. There are 51 members authorized and 42 presently available. It is extremely difficult to get people hired and on the street - it takes 12-18 months. Deputy Chief Mills said he might revisit the permanent intermittent structure. There are safety issues with Greenbush and additional trainings have been scheduled. Improvement is needed in communications and data collection as well as better communication with neighbors and greater radio interoperability. Long-term goals include employee development where people are capable of stepping in and taking over and training prior to promotion that will make people comfortable when they do take over.

Deputy Chief Mills said that community policing has been a part of the plan since the early 90s. He foresees stepping further into it with the creation of a problem solving/mediation role. This approach is particularly useful for neighborhood issues.

He also noted that the embrace of community policing is personal.

When asked about a move to alternative energy vehicles, he replied that he hasn't seen anything that exists that would be capable of replacing the line fleet for rapid response. Mr. Riley asked what process he would recommend for recruitment of a deputy chief. Deputy Chief Mills he would think about best process for the department. There are many names that come to mind of people who could step in and do a very good job. He said the most important function of the police chief is to maintain the effective operation and order of those in his charge. Ms. Tully remarked that it is a credit to Chief Carlson that he created a system that could carry on without him here. Ms. Burns said she had same thoughts about Chief Carlson's leadership that when tragedy struck the Town was able to carry on but it was also that Deputy Chief Mills was there.

Voted - to appoint Taylor A. B. Mills Police Chief of Hingham.

Two weeks ago the Board interviewed for the position of zoning administrator. Althought the Selectmen do not make the appointment, they do make a recommendation to the Zoning Board of Appeals.

Voted - to recommend the appointment of Sue Letizia-Eddy to the position of Administrator for the Zoning Board of Appeals.

Voted - to appoint the following residents to the Town of Hingham 375th Anniversary Committee:

Susan Haley Ellen Whalen

Deborah Ludwig Elizabeth Eldredge

Joan Snowber Lucinda Day

Henry Day Amy Whorf McGuiggan

Justine L. W. Thurston Thomas Bright

Reports

Mr. Riley advised that he had addressed the new teachers at the South School as well as a larger group of teachers at the high school.

Voted, by roll call vote to adjourn to executive session, not to return to open session, for purpose of discussing pending litigation.

Ms. Burns - yes

Mr. Riley - yes

Ms. Tully - yes

Open session adjourned at 10:00 pm.

Betty Foley, Clerk