Back to Board of Selectmen Meeting Minutes 2008
April 1, 2008
Regular Meeting @ 7:30 PM
Ms. Tully and Ms. Burns. Mr. Riley absent
Report on planned MBTA Disaster Drill – Fire Chief Duff explained he was approached by the MBTA to stage a mass casualty drill. Both the Fire Chief and the Police Chief readily agreed, as this would be a great tool for learning and another raised level of service to have Hingham’s public safety officials trained in hands on experience in the event of a real emergency. The date has been set for April 27, 2008 from 8:30 AM to approximately 11:00 AM. The drill is scheduled to take place at the Water Street grade crossing. It will involve a car, a school bus, and a train. Public safety officials from surrounding Towns, the State police, MBTA police and a police helicopter will take part in the drill. Fifteen to twenty patients will be transported to local hospitals and there will be some walking wounded also. There will be between 12 to 14 ambulances. Police Chief Mills mentioned that it is important to let people know it is a drill and not a real disaster. He will consider using reverse 911 to inform residents. Members of the alumni of the Citizens Police Academy will volunteer as patients.
Chief Duff pointed out that this drill would allow safety officials an opportunity to go down into the tunnel and see the complexity of it. There is an S curve, which does not allow you to look straight through. Chief Duff advised they are prepared for a large gathering of spectators and will have a safe viewing area set up. After the drill, a debriefing session will be held. Ms. Tully announced that holding such a drill exemplifies the dedication of Hingham public safety officials to always prepare for whatever should come their way.
Farmer’s Market - Mark Cullings explained that this is the fifth year they have operated from the Bathing Beach parking lot. This location has worked out well. This year they are expecting Dave Freitas of Middleboro who is a major fruit and vegetable grower to be involved. They are also expecting more crafts, which will help the community come together. Mr. Cullings advised the purpose of this meeting tonight is to request that the Farmer’s Market be allowed to use the harbor parking lot on September 27, 2007 as the Nursery School Touch a Truck event will be held at the bathing beach parking lot that day.
Voted - to approve the request of the Farmer’s Market to use the harbor parking lot on September 27, 2008, on a one-day basis, the day that the Nursery School has use of the Bathing Beach parking lot.
Public Hearing- Transfer of Liquor License. Ms. Jacqueline Smith owner and manger of Hingham Market Deli, Inc. reported she plans to retire and would like to transfer the license. Ms. Viktoria Patel, representing Purshottambha Patel, her father in-law, the proposed transferee, explained that if this transfer were approved, Mr. Patel would buy the building. Ms. Patel plans to attend an alcohol servers awareness program.
Voted - to approve the application for transfer of the Retail Package Store Wines & Malt Beverages License of Hingham Market & Deli, Inc., d/b/a Main Street Market & Deli, Jacqueline Smith, Manager to Manaba, Inc., d/b/a Main Street Market & Deli, Viktoria Patel, manager, 484 Main Street, subject to the approval of the ABCC.
Boat Ramp – Harbormaster John Souther explained that the ramp qualifies for state funding for repairs and improvements. Mr. Souther presented preliminary plans showing additional floats on one side of the dock where the boaters could tie up their boats for a short time while they park their trailers after unloading their boats. Mr. Souther noted that this plan has good schematics and would be much better for launching. This project could take up to a year and a half to obtain permits. The Board thanked Mr. Souther for this update.
Voted - to grant the request of the Police Department to consult counsel for the town as submitted.
Voted - to grant the request of the Hingham Public Library to consult counsel for the town as submitted.
Voted - to appoint Daniel B. Walsh to the 375th Anniversary Committee.
Reports – Ms. Burns attended the MA Municipal Legislative Breakfast in Duxbury where there was a great deal of discussion about the GIC Insurance Plan which towns can join. There are great money savings plans but it may not be right for every town. It was also discussed that the State is going to change its guidelines for State Construction details to allow flag men instead of police officers on small streets. This would open doors for towns to discuss. Ms. Burns also reported she talked to the CEO of Aquarion Water Company. It was very informative as she learned the size of the company, where their properties are located, and some of their philosophy on working with towns.
Mr. Cristello - met with MAPC Regional Consortium, which is working together with member towns to organize assessment centers so that towns can train their own staff to do work through the consortium. Mr. Cristello also met with the Plymouth County Health Group, Steering Finance Committee, and advised that the rates are ratified and off and running.
Adjourned: 8:27 PM Clerk pro-tem
Marilyn A. Harrington