Back to Board of Selectmen Meeting Minutes
February 5, 2008
Regular Session 7:05 pm
Ms. Tully, Mr. Riley, Ms. Burns
Ms. Tully said that the Board had voted last week to submit a debt exclusion ballot question for a March 8 town election provided that Counsel to the Town and the School Building Authority could reach an agreement on language. An agreement was reached on to the wording of the questions.
Voted - to call a special town meeting on March 3, 2008 and to open the warrant for the March 3, 2008 special town meeting.
Voted - to insert two articles, Article 1 and Article 2, on the warrant for the March 3, 2008 special town meeting and to close the warrant for the March 3, 2008 special town meeting.
Voted - to sign the warrant for the March 3, 2008 special town meeting.
Mr. Riley asked if there was language in the agreement that clearly states the length of time allowed for construction. The School Building Committee has included language in the proposed agreement that provides for substantial completion by July 2009 and liquidated damages of $2,000 per day for failure to complete on time.
Ms. Burns noted that Town Meeting approved money to begin this process during a time when the state was not accepting or approving projects. The result of this process was a master plan. Unfortunately, not all the all elements of the master plan were eligible under the state process this year. Because of the number of projects across the state Hingham had to choose one school project for submission to the MSBA. The state officials who reviewed the schools throughout the state said that Hingham does not meet state standards for square footage per elementary school child. This validated the work of the feasibility study.
Mr. Riley said he had asked for a tour of the schools because he was skeptical about the need for the project. He aid he arrived at the conclusion that the project is needed, the Town can afford it and he supports it.
Ms. Tully thanked the Building Committee, the School Committee and the School Department noting that this it is not by chance that this is one of the first projects picked by the MSBA. There is a long-term, sustained increase in population that requires another school. The master plan shows needs at Foster and Plymouth River Schools as well as the Middle School. Foster and Plymouth River have been in the capital plan for years. These repairs, however, do not solve the overcrowding. The proposed $700,000 for modular classrooms allows relief for the Middle School. Ms. Tully said this entire plan, the new school, the capital improvements and the modulars, should be considered one package since they are intricately intertwined. She said this request is not greater than what has been asked of other generations. This generation has to do what is necessary for the future.
Voted - to support Article 1 in the amount of $25,160,000 and to support Article 2 in the amount of $7, 700,000.
Police Promotions
Chief Mills recommended that the Board appoint Kris Phillips a lieutenant and Steven Dearth a sergeant Police Department. He noted that both men are long time employees and have made major contributions to the mission of the department over the years. They have both demonstrated initiative and commitment and have the skills important in future leaders.
Voted - to appoint Kris Phillips a lieutenant in the Hingham Police Department.
Voted - to appoint Steven Dearth a sergeant in the Hingham Police Department.
The members of the Advisory Committee joined the meeting and a joint session was convened.
The School Committee presented the proposed FY2009 school budget.
The Advisory Committee left the meeting.
The Selectmen reviewed a letter from John Bibby relative to the donation of equipment to the department.
Voted - to accept the donation to the Public Works Department of an eight horsepower Spray Rig with reels and hoses from Peter Comrack.
Voted - to send a letter regarding the bill to extend a Drinking Water Grant to Senator Steven Panagiotakos.
Voted - to send a letter to Thomas Hastings regarding the size of the proposed units at the Hersey House property.
Voted - by roll call vote, to adjourn to executive session for the purpose of discussing legal matters and contract negotiations and not to return to open session.
Mr. Riley – yes
Ms. Burns – yes
Ms. Tully – yes
Open Session adjourned 9:20 pm.
Betty Foley, Clerk