Back to Board of Selectmen Meeting Minutes 2008
May 2, 2008
Special Session 9:00 am
Ms. Tully, Mr. Riley, Ms. Burns
Hingham Town Homes
Ms. Tully called the meeting to order and asked Mr. Kablack to present the Declaration of Covenants which had been drafted to address any remaining issues regarding the Hingham Town Homes Project. Mr. Kablack explained that the application includes a Declaration of Covenants and Restrictions which would insure the view from the street in perpetuity. Provision 4 which was recently added is a commitment to maintain the stone wall. All utility work will done is such a way as to preserve the root system of the large beech tree on the front lawn which may necessitate the removal and reconstruction of the wall to allow for utility work. The final paragraph of the document notes that these restrictions are part of the consideration for the property. The Declaration will be recorded with the deed. Mr. Riley requested additional language saying that any changes or plan modifications would require coming back to the Board of Selectmen. Mr. Kablack said that under the terms of the permit any changes would require approval of the Zoning Board of Appeals. Mr. Cristello noted that under the comprehensive permit process the Zoning Board of Appeals stands in for all other permitting boards and it is the ZBA who determines if a modification is major or minor.
All agreed that the Historic District includes the Hersey House and anything going forward after the initial project would be subject to the Historic District regulations. Mr. Riley asked if it is the developer’s intention to carve out a single family home in the front and, if so, it would be subject to the Historic District regulations.
Voted - that upon the execution of the Declaration of Covenants and Restrictions Hersey House the Board of Selectmen gives its approval to the Hersey House project as permitted by the Zoning Board of Appeals the understanding that said Declaration given to the Board of Selectmen on May 2, 2008 be recorded with the deed.
Mr. Riley recused himself.
Voted - to grant Request for Counsel as submitted by the Planning Board.
Mr. Riley rejoined the meeting.
Founders Park
Ms. Burns advised the Board that the Garden Club asked for an agreement covering the park on South Street adjacent to the Hingham Cemetery. The orginal proposal was vague as to term. The revised agreement has a 15 year initial term to allow for protection of the Garden Club’s investment and renews for five year increments thereafter. Ms. Burns also noted that there is a provision for the Town to take action if the Garden Club fails to do so within a 60 day period. Ms. Tully remarked that the agreement provided a number of continuing rights over town property. Mr. Cristello said it is similar to the agreement covering the tunnel cap.
Voted - to sign an Agreement dated February 11, 2008 with the Garden Club of Hingham.
Selectmen and Town Administrator’s Report
Ms. Burns commented that the Annual Town Meeting concluded its business in two nights. She also congratulated Mr. Cristello on being selected to be the new Town Manager in Middleboro. Mr. Cristello thanked the Board and said that Mr. Basler would be giving them a recommended recruitment schedule for a new Town Administrator. The possible make up of a screening committee was discussed. The Board will discuss the matter at a future meeting.
Meeting adjourned 9:20 am.
Betty Foley, Clerk