Back to Board of Selectmen Meeting Minutes 2008
January 8, 2008
Regular Meeting 7:00 PM
Ms. Tully, Mr. Riley, Ms. Burns
Voted - to approve the minutes of November 13, December 4, December 11, and December 17, 2007.
Budgets – Ms. Tully noted the Board agreed with Mr. Cristello’s recommendation that the budgets with the exception of fuel and energy costs, step raises, and contract negotiations, should be funded with no additional requests at all. This is the first time in her twelve years serving the Town that this action is necessary, as the revenues don’t match the expenditures. The Board realized that the Town has a lot of good workers and their requests for additional funding is to be able to provide better service, however, due to the possibility that further cuts might have to be made, these requests could not approved.
Mr. Cristello pointed out that there were changes in three budgets. Veterans Services by $43,000 as the costs have significantly risen and it is an obligation. The State will reimburse the Town 75% of Veterans Services benefits. Sewer Department by $9.600. this budget is funded by the ratepayers. Town Hall budget by $20,000 for wireless phones. Board of Appeals and Dispatch Service budgets budget to correct the salary figures, the expenses remain the same. A reduction of $1,000 in overtime funding in the Board of Health budget.
Voted - to approve the town budgets as follows:
GENERAL GOVERNMENT
Recommended
122 SELECTMEN
Payroll 391,255
Expenses 38,310
New Equipment 0
Total 429,565
132 RESERVE FUND 432,858
135 TOWN ACCOUNTANT
Payroll 354,205
Expenses 66,890
New Equipment 0
Audit 45,000
Information Technology 89,920
Total 556,015
141 ASSESSORS
Payroll 276,056
Expenses 10,870
New Equipment 0
Consulting 7,500
Map Maintenance 6,000
Total 300,426
145 TREASURER/COLLECTOR
Payroll 263,308
Expenses 43,813
Tax Titles 10,000
Total 317,121
151 LEGAL SERVICES 168,000
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January 8, 2008
159 TOWN MEETINGS
Payroll 2,692
Expenses 26,833
Total 29,525
161 TOWN CLERK
Payroll 153,499
Expenses 6,061
Total 159,560
162 ELECTIONS
Payroll 17,680
Expenses 14,250
New Equipment 0
Total 31,930
171 CONSERVATION
Payroll (30,468 from Wetlands 174,613
Expenses 13,000
Total 187,613
175 PLANNING BOARD
Payroll 114,785
Expenses 12,145
Total 126,930
176 BOARD OF APPEALS
Payroll 86,286
Expenses 7,160
Total 93,446
177 BARE COVE PARK
Payroll 14,711
Expenses 7,160
New Equipment 0
Total 21,777
191 HERSEY HOUSE
Expenses 7,123
Total 7,123
192 TOWN HALL
Payroll 160,918
Expenses 401,727
New Equipment 0
Total 562,645
193 GRAND ARMY MEMORIAL HALL 12, 371
210 POLICE DEPARTMENT
Payroll (Overtime $282,331) 3,886,819
Expenses 311,562
New Equipment 0
Total 4,198,381
220 FIRE DEPARTMENT
Payroll 3,734,014
Expenses 332,642
New Equipment 0
Total 4,066,656
240 DISPATCH SERVICES
Payroll (Overtime $26,428) 442,601
Expenses 5,600
New Equipment 0
Total 448,201
241 BUILDING COMMISSIONER
Payroll (Includes Deputy Comm) 261,581
Expenses 4,664
Total 266,245
244 WEIGHTS AND MEASURES
Payroll 10,221
Expenses 1,072
Total 11,293
291 EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT
Payroll 5,830
Expenses 3,193
Total 8,993
292 ANIMAL CONTROL
Payroll 45,538
Expenses 8,750
New Equipment 0
Total 54,288
295 HARBORMASTER
Payroll 112,560
Expenses 31,230
New Equipment 0
Total 143,880
299 PUBLIC SAFETY
Emergency Water 297,300
Street Lighting 140,000
Total 437,300
410 ENGINEERING
Payroll 91,394
Expenses 20,000
Total 111,394
420 HIGHWAY/RECREATION/TREE & PARK
Payroll (Overtime $25,161) 1,678,921
Expenses 322,026
New Equipment 0
Snow Renewal 250,000
Resurfacing 306,500
Total 2,557,447
434 LANDFILL/RECYCLING
Payroll (Overtime $15,914) 409,021
Expenses 1,092,356
New Equipment 0
Hazardous Waste Collection 0
Total 1,501,377
440 SEWER COMMISSION
Payroll (Overtime $11,956) 287,044
Expenses 197,620
New Equipment 0
Engineering 10,000
MWRA Charges 1,486,219
Debt Service 59,157
Hull Intermunicipal Agreement 75,000
Total 2,115,040
The total sum of $l, 940,354 shall be
Funded from Sewer Revenue
510 HEALTH DEPARTMENT
Payroll 270,823
Expenses 18,820
Total 289,643
540 ELDER SERVICES
Payroll 168,513
Expenses 59,536
New Equipment 0
Tax Work-Off Program 12,000
Total 240,049
543 VETERANS’ SERVICES
Payroll 43,464
Expenses 6,800
Benefits 184,000
Total 234,264
545 WOMANSPLACE CRISIS CENTER 2,500
546 SOUTH SHORE WOMEN’S CENTER 3,500
610 LIBRARY
Payroll 1,079,284
Expenses 249,962
New Equipment 0
Total 1,329,246
630 RECREATION COMMISSION
Payroll 152,568
Expenses 0
Total 152,568
650 TRUSTEES OF BATHING BEACH
Payroll 17,280
Expenses 5,825
New Equipment 0
Total 23,105
691 HISTORICAL COMMISSION
Payroll 33,566
Expenses 5,585
New Equipment 0
Total 39,151
692 CELEBRATIONS 9,500
720 COUNTRY CLUB 1,802,510
The total sum of $1,802,510 shall be
funded from Country Club revenue
710 MATURING DEBT 5,034,802
Includes $4,543,452 from debt exclusions
and $655,299 within the tax levy
900 GROUP INSURANCE 4,325,425
910 CONTRIBUTORY RETIREMENT 2,865,529
911 NON-CONTRIBUTORY PENSION 14,603
912 WORKERS COMPENSATION 210,000
913 UNEMPLOYMENT 25,000
914 MANDATORY MEDICARE 508,200
915 INSURANCE 469,680
940 CLAIMS AND INCIDENTIALS 13,250
940 GREENBUSH 0
Grant of Location/Public Hearing on the petition of the Hingham Municipal Light Plant to locate one new Pole on Union Street. Panos Tokadjian, representing the Light Plant felt this request was necessary to support pole #9 on Union Street which has lateral wires going to Fontainbleau Drive. He explained that the wires have been pulling causing the pole to lean, creating a hazardous situation, as there is not enough clearance for trucks. Mr. Riley asked if there was another alternative as he was not in favor of an additional pole because he didn’t want the pole to ruin the view over the fields. Mr. Tokadjian explained that a push brace could be used but the preferred method is to locate another pole, as push brace poles could bend over time and crack. However, he was uncertain as to the number of years this could happen. No one appeared in support or opposition to this petition. The Board agreed with Mr. Riley and recommended a push brace pole.
Voted - Not to approve the petition, dated November 26, 2007, for the installation of new Pole #9 S on Union Street to support Pole #9 on Union Street.
Grant of Location/Public Hearing - on the petition of the Hingham Municipal Lighting Plant to locate one new Pole #15S on Gardner Street. Panos Tokadjian representing the Hingham Light Plant explained this proposed pole is necessary to support Pole #15. The wires are leaning against a huge tree which will seriously damage the tree. He further explained that in this instance there was no room for a push brace pole. No one appeared in support or opposition.
Voted - to approve the Grant of Location petition, dated November 27, 2008, of the Hingham Municipal Light Plant to locate one new Pole #15S on Gardner Street to support Pole #15.
Grant of Location/Public Hearing on the petition of Keyspan Energy Delivery to install and maintain an anode bed and rectifier near house #285 Gardner Street at utility pole #32. Francis X. O’Leary representing Keyspan explained that it was an anti corrosion device with an electric meter to monitor the gas mains and thus extending the life of the mains. The system consists of a meter panel attached to a six foot above ground installed next to a utility pole in the shoulder of the road. A 3-inch conduit would be connected from the meter post to the utility pole for a power supply. A set of anode leads will run from the meter post (rectifier) and travel underground to a connection point on the gas main. As this was the first request for a Grant of Location for this type of structure the Selectmen advised they would need additional information before granting this petition. Mr. O’Leary asked if he could come back to the Board with Keyspan’s engineer who could give a more detailed explanation of this system and the reason for necessary for it.
Voted - to continue this Grant of Location Request in order that Mr. O’ Leary may return before the Board with Keyspan’s engineer to supply more information, so that a Board can make an informed decision.
Grant of Location/Public Hearing on the petition of Keyspan Energy Deliver to relocate and maintain an anode bed and rectifier at utility Pole #1 in the vicinity of House #80, Scotland Street. This request is to relocate the anode bed and rectifier that was placed, without a Grant of Location, due to a misunderstanding regarding a street opening permit and was subsequently installed on private property. This petition is to relocate the structures from private property to within the town layout. The question was raised if a manhole could be used as an alternative. Mr. O’ Leary replied no. Ms. Tully announced that she will visit the site of the present system and recommended that this hearing be continued.
Voted - to continue this Grant of Location Request in order that Mr. O’Leary may return before the Board with Keyspan’s engineer to supply more information, so that a Board can make an informed decision.
Public Hearing on the Application to establish a Ch. 40R Smart Growth Overlay District. The Selectmen explained that this hearing was an opportunity for comment and to determine whether or not the Town should apply to the Department of Housing and Community Development for approval of a Smart Growth Overlay District under Chapter 40 R. Chapter 40R is a brand new opportunity that the State has offered for Smart Growth and housing production. James O’Brien representing the Affordable Housing Trust submitted a draft application for the consideration of the Board. The proposed area consists of approximately 27.70 acres of land along Beal Street and Lincoln Street, being a portion of Assessors’ Map 58, Lot(s) 23, Assessors’ Map 69, Lot 44 and Assessors’ Map 36, Lot 160. Ms. Burns advised that the Town of Hingham presently has two projects going forward that meet the criteria for Ch. 40R, the Selectmen’s Parcel in Bare Cove Park and the Hingham Shipyard Project. The Shipyard is within walking distance of the commuter boat and the Selectmen’s parcel is within walking distance of a transit station. 40R works differently from other zoning changes, as the project is created first and then the Board of Selectmen must submit an application to the DHCD for approval. Ms. Burns explained that the permitted uses approved by the ZBA and the Planning Board to the
Shipyard Project would not have to be changed at all, as everything fits in with what was already planned.
Mr. O’Brien has been in contact with the DHCD and felt that they were pleased that Hingham was interested. The first step is approval from the Board of Selectmen and then the application can be filed as normal zoning change with the Planning Board. Ms. Burns advised if the State were not receptive to this project, we wouldn’t be discussing them now. The Selectmen felt adoption of this chapter would be a win-win situation as it would help the State in their attempts to create housing and encourage Smart Growth and the town would receive Zoning Incentive Payments and/or Density Bonus Payments.
Also the town could receive additional Chapter 70 aid in accordance with G.L. Chapter 40S arising from the development of housing in the Hingham Smart Growth Overlay District. Resident Gary Tondorf-Dick questioned if there could be density changes and he was informed that changes could only be made by a town meeting vote. He was also concerned about receiving payments from the State. Mr. O’Brien pointed out that payment issues seem to be resolved as the town of Kingston just received $600,000. The Board was in agreement that Chapter 40R would be a benefit to the Town. The Board thanked Ms. Burns for all her research work on Chapter 40R.
Voted - to file the application pursuant to MGL Chapter 40R for smart growth overlay district with the Department of Housing and Community Development.
Shipyard Proposal for Local Action LIP Approval – David Gillespie and Steven Schwartz
representing Avalon Bay Communities Inc. seeking endorsement of the Board for 91 apartments of their project under the LIP/Local Action Units. If approval is received from the Board of Selectmen and from the DHCD, all 91 units in this building would be
eligible for inclusion in DHCD’s Subsidized Housing Inventory. These units will also be eligible for inclusion as part of the anticipated 40R proposal. Mr. Gillespie explained that Avalon has been in contact with the ZBA to apply for a minor amendment to their Comprehensive Permit. It was conditioned that it be an LIP 40B units only. Mr. Gillespie advised that they plan to start the marketing process in the Spring. Ms. Burns requested that an effort be made in their marketing strategy to encourage town employees to try for this lottery. Avalon has committed to put a 70% local preference requirement into their application to DHCD. Mr. Gillespie and Mr. Schwartz agreed this would be done. It was pointed out that Gail Neibaur of the Housing Authority is trained as a monitoring agent and did an excellent job with prior lotteries.
Voted - to approve the Avalon Bay Local Action Units LIP Application on the condition that the applicant returns to the ZBA for a modification of their permit.
Request for a Special Town Meeting and Special Town Election. Present: Superintendent Dot Gallo, members of the School Committee and members of the School Building Committee. Chrisanne Gregoire explained that last night the School Committee voted to accept the updated cost estimates of their building committee. She reported that $7 million is needed for the repairs and renovations of the Plymouth River and Foster Schools. These repairs would help energy costs. $26,565 million is needed for a new elementary school. Ms. Gregoire mentioned that costs have already risen by 3% since last fall and will keep escalating with further delays. This is why she felt they could not wait for the April Annual Town Meeting. The School Committee would like the proposed new school ready for September 2009. Waiting for the April Annual Town Meeting could delay this opening date. The question was raised if this would be one or two warrant articles. Ms. Galo advised that Counsel for the Town is working on the language. The Selectmen asked if the State had made a commitment for any reimbursement to the Town. Ms. Galo reported that the consultants felt confident of receiving a reimbursement as the Mass. School Building Authority agreed with the Town that the elementary schools are overcrowded. Reimbursement could be from 37.3% to 40 or 42%. They are awaiting calculation of added points.
The Selectmen advised that without a commitment from the State, they could not commit to a date for a Special Town Meeting. There is a certain time frame, once a date is set, that the Special Town Meeting would have to be held. Allan McDowell of the School Building Committee advised that he expects to hear from the State on January 22, 2008. The Selectmen informed all interested parties that if a preliminary agreement were in place by January 22, 2008, they would revisit the matter at the Selectmen’s meeting on January 22, 2008.
Voted - to waive the building permit fees for the installation of an anemometer at the landfill.
Voted - to sign a contract with Griffin Engineering Group in the amount of $236,885 for the design and permitting of the landfill closure and engineering services associated with the Landfill Consent Order.
Voted - to renew the Class II License of Bay State Car Locators, Leon Arbeene, 63 Kimball Beach Road with the restriction that no vehicles will be sold from this address.
Voted - to renew the Class II License of Wayco Inc, 40 Sharp Street, Wayne Chevrier, with the restriction that cars would never be sold from this location.
Voted - to renew the Entertainment License of Kay’s Harborside Inc. d/b/a Stars for acoustical music between the hours of 8 PM to 12:00 AM for 2 –3 nights per week excluding Sundays.
Voted - to renew the Entertainment License of Eat Well Inc, d/b/a Tosca for acoustical music between the hours of 8 PM to 12:00 AM for 2-3 nights per week excluding Sundays.
Quarterly Financial Report/Ted Alexiades. Mr. Alexiades advised this report was actually through November 2007. Revenues – Property tax collections remain strong and within the forecasted amounts. Building permit revenue continues to remain strong, which is consistent with the growth in real estate tax revenues. Even though short term interest rates have begun to moderate as the Federal Reserve has started to lower rates, the rise in short term interest rates over the past 18 months continues to buoy investment income, which can in at the robust amount of $512,726 for the period, and projects to an annual revenue of slightly more than $1,250,000. Expenditures – police and fire department overtime has exceeded their budgets through the period due to the number of vacancies within each department. However, in both departments these overtime deficits are more than offset by a corresponding surplus in the permanent salaries area of their respective budgets. All other expenditures are reasonably within forecasted amounts.
Selectmen/Town Administrator Reports – Ms. Burns attended the Energy Policy Committee meeting last Wednesday. It is clear this is a long-term process and the committee expressed a desire to become a permanent meeting at the next annual town meeting. She also met with the town administrator, town assessor, and town accountant to discuss implementation issues involved in considering a residential property exemption. Ms. Burns has been talking with the Hingham Journal concerning a press release to notify interested residents to attend a general hearing at the end of the month. Ms. Tully is concerned that nothing has been done to change the traffic lights at the Hersey Street/South Street intersection lights. She suggested writing the MBTA that in the interest of public to implement the Board’s requested changes ASAP. She also took a tour of the newly renovated Central Fire Station and announced it was spectacular. Ms.
Tully announced that she was not going to run for re-election and that it has been a great pleasure to serve the town and hoped that she has been a help to the citizens of Hingham.
Mr. Cristello reported he met with residents and developers of the two streets that have petitioned for acceptance. There is a stone wall in the layout of both streets. However, the homeowners seemed willing to remove the stonewalls as they realized having their street accepted as a public way is a huge benefit.
The Board voted, by roll call vote, to adjourn to executive session for the purpose of discussing a real property matter and not return to open session this evening.
Mr. Riley – yes
Ms. Burns – yes
Ms. Tully - yes
Open Session adjourned 9:45 P.M.
Marilyn Harrington
Clerk pro tem