Back to Board of Selectmen Meeting Minutes 2008
August 5, 2008
Regular Meeting 8:30 PM
Mr. Riley, Ms. Burns, Mr. Rabuffo
Questions from the Public
John Hersey presented several pictures of trees that he considers impaired or fractured. He remarked that the condition of three of these trees located in the vicinity of 63 School Street, 31 Free Street and 149 Lazell Street are a danger public safety.
Steven Kelsch, from the Farm Hills Association, questioned why his area did not receive any communication relative to the new voting precinct at Linden Ponds. It was agreed to notify his Association if any future redistricting issues should occur in his neighborhood.
Voted - to approve the minutes of June 3, 2008.
Reserve Fund Transfer Request/Planning Board - Katy Lacy, Planning Board Administrator, requesting a transfer from the Reserve Fund in the amount of $17,258. Ms. Lacy explained that the Planning Board voted to reduce the hours of the Administrative Secretary from 35 hours to 20 hours, effective July 1, 2008. The need for clerical work has diminished. However, the increasingly technical nature of the projects undertaken has resulted in a need for additional technical and consultant services. In exchange for the $17,258 surplus that is being returned to the General Fund, the Planning Board is requesting a Reserve Fund Transfer of $17,258 to the Board’s operating budget for consulting and engineering services and that this change be reflected in their budget.
Voted - to recommend a transfer from the Reserve Fund to the Planning Board Expense budget for consulting and engineering services in the amount of $17,258.
Shared Parking Analysis - Ms. Lacy advised that the RFP for a qualified traffic engineer to conduct a Shared Parking Analysis Study for the Hingham’s Downtown Business District which includes the Downtown Overlay and Waterfront Business Zoning Districts has been awarded to Vanasse Associates. The Waterfront Business Zoning Districts were included at the request of the Selectmen. However, the parking lots at the Bathing Beach and the Harbor Ramp are not included as they are technically subject to restrictions relative to state-mandated public access to the water. The short term goal is to provide a factual base of information from which to measure requests for waivers from the off-street parking regulations set forth in the Hingham Zoning By-Law so that when a new construction is proposed, or one type of business is replaced with another, the Planning Board can better determine whether there is sufficient parking capacity to accommodate the use, without creating a burden for surrounding businesses and homeowners. The long-term goal is to provide background information with which to assess the adequacy of current parking regulations in the study area, and identify proposed changes to the By-Law for consideration by the Planning Board and Town Meeting. It is anticipated that the study will take about six weeks. After completion, Ms. Lacey will report back to the Board of Selectmen.
Farmer’s Market – Mark Cullings asked the Selectmen to proclaim August 23, 2008 as Farmer’s Market Day. A ceremony is planned at the Market on August 23, 2008.
Voted - to proclaim August 23, 2008 Hingham Farmers Market Day
Six Station Street LLC – Proposed Biergarten Restaurant – The rule of necessity was invoked for Mr. Riley and Mr. Rabuffo. M. J. Shultz, Permit Consultant, Owners Hans Dietrich, Margaret Walker, and Bonnie Hobbs, Architect Designer presented conceptual plans as required as part of the Purchase and Sales Agreement with the Town. Mr. Dietrich advised they would be getting rid of the current eyesore and replacing it with an upscale casual 200 seat restaurant that will beautify the area and draw people. The restaurant design will be “green” with clean air dining. A Ratskeller lounge will be located in the basement and in deference to the neighbors there would be no entertainment on the outdoor patio. Ms. Hobbs announced that there would be a greenhouse, a winter garden, and a beer garden. She also advised the building would be brick, of Bavarian Design incorporating some elements of Hingham’s historic buildings, with rich warm colors. There will be two stories plus a basement.
The Board questioned how they plan to meet the parking requirements, as this was of major concern. Ms. Shultz advised that upon approval of the Selectmen of this conceptual plan, they could start scheduling meetings with the ZBA, the Planning Board, and the Historic Districts Commission. Mr. Dietrich reported that 50 parking spaces are needed. There are 14 spaces on site. He is planning valet service and is presently working out an agreement with a local church for parking spaces. Ms. Forrester mentioned that presently there is not enough depth for trucks to park at the existing businesses and when there is snow, they park on the opposite side of the street. Ms. Forrester was informed that this was an enforcement issue that would be dealt with. Mr. Ramsey, an abutter on North Street was concerned about the planned widening of the sidewalk on North Street in front of the proposed restaurant. He commented it would be extremely difficult and dangerous to exit his driveway. Roger Fernandes advised he would re-examine this issue as it was felt that the sidewalk at that location might not need to be that wide. Mr. Ramsey will check in two weeks with Mr. Fernandes.
Voted - to approve the conceptual plans for Six Station Street LLC.
Correspondence Policy - Ms. Burns felt that response time was lacking and would like to institute a policy instituted that all correspondence to the Selectmen’s Office be answered within two weeks. In the case where correspondence has been forwarded to another department for response, the sender should be acknowledged within three days, informing them that their letter has been sent to the appropriate person for response.
Ms. Burns would like to see, if possible, a unified computerized system in one central spot showing that correspondence gets assigned to one person. She would also like to look at this issue beyond the Selectmen’s Office to see how other departments handle their correspondence.
Voted - to sign a contract with Aggregate Industries for bituminous concrete small paves and sidewalks
Voted - to sign a contract with Capone Brothers for cement concrete sidewalks construction, reconstruction and repair.
Voted - to sign a contract with Highway Safety Systems for pavement markings.
Voted - to sign a contract with American Sweeping Company for street sweeping services.
Voted - to amend the Traffic Rules and Orders of the Town of Hingham adopted by the Board of Selectmen on May 31, 1939, and subsequent amendments thereto as follows:
ARTICLE V. SECTION 7-TIME LIMITED IN DESIGNATED PLACES
ADJACENT LOT TO TOWN BOAT RAMP
RECREATIONAL PARKING
TWO HOUR COMMERCIAL LIMIT (Subject to $25.00 Fine)
ARTICLE V. PARKING, STANDING, STOPPING
ARTICLE V. SECTION 2, PROHIBITED ON CERTAIN STREETS
Parking on any public property not designated as a parking space under areas controlled and subject to the Town of Hingham Traffic Rules and Orders is prohibited.
Selectmen’s Reports - The Selectmen commended Mike Cunningham, Veterans Agent for sponsoring the fourth annual fishing trip for disabled veterans. It was well attended and appreciated. Everyone had a great day fishing.
Voted by roll call vote to go into Executive Session re: pending real estate and not return to Open Session
Mr. Riley, yes
Ms. Burns, yes
Mr. Rabuffo, Yes
Adjourn: Regular Session 9:30 PM Marilyn A. Harrington
Clerk pro tem