Board of Selectmen - Minutes

Regular Session 6:30pm

October 30, 2007

Ms. Tully, Ms. Burns

The Board voted, by roll call vote, to adjourn to executive session for the purpose of discussing real estate and contract negotiations. The Board announced the intention to return to open session at approximately 7:30 pm.

Ms. Burns - yes

Ms. Tully - yes

7:30 pm. The Board resumed open session.

Voted - to grant request for counsel as submitted by the School Department.

Ms. Tully noted that it in recent years it had become the practice to close the Town Hall Offices on the day after Thanksgiving.

Voted - to close to Town Hall Offices on Friday November 23, 2007.

Voted - to close Town Hall Offices at 1:00 pm on Monday December 24, 2007.

Voted - to appoint Judy Graham and Joan Getto to the Town of Hingham 375^th Anniversary Committee.

North, Beal and West Street Intersection

Ms. Burns suggested that the plans outlined at the last meeting move forward. If this does not work then future action may be taken.

Voted - to approve the Vanasse & Associates plan entitled Alternative 2B for the Beal/West/North Street intersection and to approve the Alternative B plan for that section of Beal Street from Route 3A to Fottler Road modified to include a planting strip between the sidewalk and the bicycle lane.

Public Hearing on the Transfer of Retail Wine and Malt License

Mr. LeBlanc explained that he is in the process of purchasing the real estate and business at 613 Main Street known as the Cracker Barrel Mr. LeBlanc is a long term resident of the town and a former vice president of Coca Cola. No one spoke in opposition to the application.

Voted - to approve the application for transfer of the Retail Packages Goods Store License to sell Wines and Malt Beverages from Patricia M. McDonald d/b/a The Cracker Barrel to Hat Trick Six, Inc. d/b/a The Cracker Barrel, Paul LeBlanc, Manager, 613 Main Street, subject to approval of the Alcoholic Beverages Control Commission.

Voted - to approve the request of Hat Trick Six, Inc. d/b/a The Cracker Barrel, Paul LeBlanc, Manager, to pledge their Retail Package Goods Store License to Weymouth Bank, subject to the approval of the Alcoholic Beverages Control Commission.

Energy Policy Committee Update

Mr. Heissner said the long-term recommendations of the Committee are based upon the creation of a green energy action plan beginning with a carbon footprint study of the town. The committee would like the Town to join ICLIE because joining this group is a good first step.

Short-term recommendations included asking that the Light Plant immediately consider holding the line on the renewable portfolio at its current percentage which is about 12%;

Considering the use of biofuels such as bio diesel (a minimum of 5% blend) and a 10% blend for heating oil; and mandating an increase in the fuel economy of town vehicles to an average of 15mpg as opposed to the current 10 mpg.

The Committee noted that an action plan requires the carbon footprint study and that will require a consultant and cost about $18,000-$20,000. Mr. Heissner said the Light Plant seems amenable to footing all or a portion of the cost of this study. It is not necessarily the town structures that are the source of greenhouse gas emissions; in Hull it was the residential component. Ms. Burns noted that the plan would be fore the whole town. She remarked that Cambridge has a plan to address every kind of use in town. Mr. Heissner said that this would be an ongoing, multi-year kind of effort. Ms. Burns mentioned Source One and Jim Shipsky as possible carbon footprint consultants. She suggested that the once the initial study is funded and performed by a consultant the material could then be put into the ICLIE data base to be updated and monitored with volunteers. Ms. Burns said if the Town joins ICLIE the information can be maintained but it may ultimately need a formal town meeting committee.

Mr. Heissner said that one of the long-term recommendations is the creation of a green energy fund for the purpose of subsidizing green energy projects. These funds would assist local residents with partial funding or subsidies for installation of items such as solar panels. There is currently a bill in the legislature that would establish such a fund. This is an energy rebate program. He also suggested creating zoning incentives for private residences and businesses to build green. The Committee also recommended collaboration with contiguous communities. He noted that HMLP is looking at regional renewable energy plans. Mr. Cristello said that for a number of years Central Vermont Public Power has offered an option to purchase renewable energy at a slightly higher rate. Nstar has just started offering that option. Mr. Heissner asked if it would be worthwhile having some type of town referendum to see if people would be interested in paying more for renewable energy.

Ms. Burns noted that the Capital Outlay Committee is beginning its season and there are issues surrounding energy use. The Committee has the list of vehicles that we are working with and can make recommendations for replacement vehicles. Mr. Killory suggested that it might be useful to research other communities and how they deal with these energy issues. He noted that the solar installation and demonstration project at the high school has been completed and there is a great deal of interest and enthusiasm about recycling and green energy.

Voted - to authorize the expenditure of $600 by the Energy Policy Committee for Hingham to become a member of ICLIE Local Governments for Climate Sustainability.

Under other business, Mr. Cristello advised the Board that the agreement with the MBTA

for use of the tunnel cap is ready for signature.

Voted - to sign a lease with the MBTA for the Hingham Square underpass roof.

Selectmen/Town Administrator's Reports

Ms. Burns reported that she had attended last week's legislative breakfast met with representatives from South Shore area and selectmen from other towns. Topics included a discussion of the option of communities joining the state GIC. Ms. Burns also noted that the 375^th Anniversary Committee held the first meeting and Justine Thurston was elected chair. There are two professional event planners on the committee. This Saturday there is a climate action rally in Hull as part of a nationwide day of action and rally and there will be a large representation of elected officials.

There was a letter received from Linden Ponds regarding the possibility of a voting precinct up there. Ms. Tully said she had spoken to Eileen McCracken about this and she suggests a study committee be created to look at this issue. Ms. Burns expressed concern that the residents of Linden Ponds be brought into the community rather than setting them apart for the community and questioned the best way to do that.

Mr. Cristello remarked that with the fires in the San Diego the reverse 911 was very helpful. He suggested that it would be prudent to have our own and Chief Duff would look into it this year. The State of the Town Forum is scheduled for next Sunday from

1-4. Mr. Cristello advised that he would be meeting next Thursday with abutters to Town Brook on North and South Streets to discuss ways to alleviate flooding problems.

Meeting adjourned 8:45 pm.

Betty Foley, Clerk