November 27, 2007
Regular Session 7:00 P.M.
Ms. Tully, Mr. Riley, Ms. Burns
Joan Newell announced the winners of this years Donna Mayberry Greenberg Employee Recognition Awards. The Customer's Service Award was awarded to Doreen Newcomb of the Employees Lunch Room. The Product/Efficiency Award winner is Sue Nickerson, Staff Accountant, of the Accountant's Office.
The Board heard the following budgets:
Building Department
Fire Emergency Management Budget/Fire Department
Police/Dispatch/Animal Control/Harbormaster Budgets
Ms. Tully reminded everyone that the funds are very tight this year. The State overestimated lottery revenues for $200 million and shortfalls always trickle down to municipalities. Hingham tends to lose out when state aid is reformulated.
Police Lieutenant and Police Sergeant Appointments
Chief Mills recommended Sergeant Glenn Olsson and Officer Sean Cavanaugh with great pleasure as he felt they were ready to take the next step. The Selectmen agreed with the Chief's recommendation that these candidates have set themselves apart.
Voted - to appoint Sergeant Glenn Olsson a permanent full time Lieutenant to the Hingham Police Department effective immediately.
Voted - to appoint Officer Sean Cavanaugh a permanent full time Sergeant to the Hingham Police Department effective immediately.
40R Zoning/Smart Growth - Ms. Burns advised that the attorney for the Affordable Housing Trust thought that it might be worthwhile for the developers developing the Selectmen's parcel on Beal Street to pursue 40R Zoning. This type of zoning could be a replacement of 40B, for the Town. There could be an appeal of 40B on the ballot in the fall of 2008. 40R would be an overlay district with different densities and it seems that the only condition is that some part of the parcel be within ½ mile of public transportation. Ms. Burns further explained that the town would still have control, as this statue would not override zoning. Ms. Burns suggested that the Selectmen place a zoning article in the warrant to change the Selectmen's parcel to Residence E, in the event that 40R is not an option for the town. It was also noted that not only the Selectmen's parcel, but the Hingham Shipyard, and the proposed down town parking garage would qualify under 40R. The Board was in favor of attending training sessions to determine if 40R would benefit the Town. The Board will discuss placing zoning articles in the warrant at their next meeting.
Request for Additional Voting Precinct - Linden Ponds has requested that a precinct be added at their location. After talking to the Town Clerk about their request, a committee was formed consisting of Ms. Tully, Eileen McCracken, Town Clerk, Ginny Gray, Mona Gross and George Alexakos to see how many more precincts would be needed to suffice. It was questioned whether or not a precinct should be established at Linden Ponds, and if so, should it be an exclusive precinct for Linden Ponds, or should there also be an additional precinct there for non-residents. Since all precincts redistricting changes must be approved by the State, it was decided to wait until after the 2010 census is established to see how it is divided. The Board does not want to approach the State until they can have a proactive choice.
Selectmen's/Town Administrators Reports - Mr. Riley reported he and Mr. Cristello attended a legislative breakfast and that Governor Deval Patrick commented that his previous comments about reducing details were over-emphasized. Ms. Burns attended the Open House at GAR Hall and found it interesting as the architect reported the history of the restoration project. Mr. Cristello reported that he had attended a very informative seminar at Serono's Inc. The CEO advised the company has a strategy for growth and is here to stay and hopes to lead a stampede of Bio Science Companies to the South Shore. Mr. Cristello also attended the 24th graduation of the Hingham Police Citizens Academy.
Adjourned: 10:10 PM Clerk pro tem