Back to Board of Selectmen Meeting Minutes 2008
Regular Meeting
August 19, 2008 – 7:00 P.M.
Mr. Riley, Ms. Burns, Mr. Rabuffo
Grant of Location/Public Hearing on the petition of Aquarion Water Company. Mary Mahoney, Project Manager for the School Department was present representing Aquarion Water Company and the School Department. Ms. Mahoney explained this request would allow Aquarion Water Company to tap into an existing tap connection to supply water for domestic and fire protection use for the new elementary school that is being built at the former site of the East School. There should be no interruption of water service to the abutters.
Voted - to approve a Grant of Location to Aquarion Water Company to install and maintain approximately 250 feet of 8-inch ductile iron water main in Collins Street, originating in the intersection with Eastgate Lane, proceeding in a southwesterly direction in Collins Street to the new East School site. This Grant of Location is subject to the Special Provisions of the Department of PublicWorks.
Grant of Location/Public Hearing on the petition of Aquarion Water Company to install and maintain a 12-inch water main in Lazell Street. This proposed main would originate from house #230, connecting to an existing 12-inch main in the north side of the traveled way, continuing for approximately 650 feet to completion about 150 feet short of the South Pleasant Street intersection. Since no one appeared to represent the Aquarion Water Company, the Selectmen announced this hearing would have to be continued. However, the Selectmen afforded the abutters an opportunity to voice their concerns. Peter Healey and Dr. Flanagan explained that there are long-standing water problems and drainage issues. They are concerned about this proposed new construction adding to the water problems. Mr. Healey advised the land is much higher in elevation and would shed more water to their homes. Mr. Riley advised that this Grant of Location Hearing is strictly to permit the installation of a water service line, not to prevent construction. Mr. Riley pointed out that the law is clear, as the developer has an approved Form A from the Planning Board, allowing him the right to build homes on this property. Dr. Flanagan wanted assurance that the town boards would monitor the developer. The residents asked if the Town could do anything to alleviate some of the flooding, such as, cleaning out the brook, installing a catch basin, and see that a berm is constructed during the construction. Mr. Rabuffo commented that he had visited the site and that some of the homes built in this area were built in wetlands, not by today’s standards, and mother nature is reclaiming the land. The Selectmen agreed to Mr. Rabuffo investigating this matter further and discuss some of the issues raised tonight with the Department of PublicWorks.
Voted - to continue the Grant of Location petition of Aquarion Water Company to extend the water main on Lazell Street to September 23, 2008, at 7:35 PM.
Zero Based Budgeting – Ted Alexiades advised that he and Betty Foley started meetings yesterday and plan to wrap up next Wednesday. Last year five departments were chosen. This year all departments will need to justify the why of numbers of dollars needed. The town will have to look at each department individually and take benchmarks compared to 20 other towns, and come up with goals. Each department will introduce performance measures and bench marking and tell the town as a whole what they do. Performance and measurement requires much more dialogue than the regular budget process and is unique to each department. The workload has to be qualified and measured. Mr. Rabuffo mentioned that then every department would be calculating in the same way.
Waiver Policy for Ambulance Charges. Ted Alexiades, Town Accountant presented a draft of a policy that he recommends that the Selectmen formalize. Mr. Alexiades explained that this policy is widely used by many communities, commercial insurers and hospitals. Ambulance users that check the box for hardship will receive a Hardship Page Application, which is returned to the billing company. The billing company will forward all Hardship Applications to the Accounting Office for processing. A sliding scale listed on the application is set by federal guidelines. The Fire Chief and the Town Accountant will jointly review and approve/disapprove all Hardship Applications. Ms.Burns thanked Mr. Alexiades for assembling this information and Mr. Falvey for bringing this issue to the Board’s attention. In the past, people were not aware of this informal policy, and it was not applied evenly.
Mr. Falvey advised he is strongly and violently opposed to charging uninsured or not fully insured users for this service. He felt that citizens already pay for this service through their taxes. He also expressed concern that residents who do not qualify for hardship waivers could still be hurting financially and unable to pay this fee. Mr. Alexiades informed the meeting that a considerable amount of users are not citizens. FY 2007 revenue from Hingham residents amounted to $871,828. Non-resident revenue through community sharing amounted to $510,236. The town collects a very small percentage of its total collections from users. Ms. Burns announced that different services are provided now including Advanced Life Support. A second Hingham ambulance would not have been put into service without the promise of resulting revenue Mr. Falvey said he was disappointed and would take this issue to Town Meeting and let the voters decide.
Voted - to adopt the Ambulance Waiver Policy as presented by Town Account Ted Alexiades.
DPW Building Project Update – presented by Robert Garrity and Roger Fernandes. Mr. Garrity announced that the contract for the cold storage building has been awarded and is nearly 100% complete. The entire project includes a two-story office building, a cold storage building, which is mainly an unheated garage, sand and salt shed, athletic fields, and a skateboard park. Mr. Fernandes advised that the main road from Fort Hill Street is roughly graded and the athletic fields grading is finished. It is hoped that all the fields will be completed before winter and trees can be planted in the spring. Mr. Fernandes advised many sports groups have contacted him about use of the fields. Mr. Garrity said there is a projected surplus from the project slightly more than $250,000. The savings are contributable, in part, to having some of the work done in house. A resident complained about the condition of the School Department Warehouse Building. He was told it would not be demolished. There will be some landscaping with 21 Austrian Pine tree plantings and the building will be painted. Mr. Garrity stated that after seven years we could finally see a light at the end of the tunnel. Ms. Burns would like to see a permanent building committee established and would like some research as to what other towns do. Mr. Riley asked he could see a copy of the original signed contract with Gale Associates. He wanted to see if it contained a clause that protects the town from over designing.
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. 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.
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 sign a contract with Tetra Tech Rizzo for Environmental Services at the Department of Public Works Stockyard at a price of $74,694.
Voted - to appoint Kellem and Kellem as special counsel to the Town for real estate matter at 109R Hersey Street.
Voted - to grant request for counsel as submitted by the Harbor Parking Task Force.
Voted - to grant a temporary liquor license to Sergio Pugnitore for the Holy Mary of the Light Festival to be held on August 31, 2008, rain date of September 1, 2008, at Oak Grove.
Voted - to appoint Stephen Wigmore as an Alternate Wire Inspector for the ensuing year.
Voted - to appoint Julianne Mehegan to the 375th Anniversary Committee.
Beal Street Corridor/Proposed Layout consisting of 2,300 feet of Beal Street from Sgt. Wm. B. Terry Drive to Fottler Road. Roger Fernandes, Project Manager explained that an island with landscaping on it has been recommended by the traffic study consultants. An island would narrow the road, create a traffic calming method, discourage speeding and cut thru’s. Mr. Riley felt it would take the industrial look out of the street and give it a more residential feeling. Mr. Rabuffo suggested that the Board take a look at the traffic study before the islands are put in and see where there would be breaks. Ms. Burns concurred that it is a good idea to review where the businesses would be entering and also check on the sidewalk layout all the way down on both sides. Dot Galo, School Superintendent, announced she would also like to review the plans to make sure there is sufficient width to accommodate school busses. Originally raised crosswalks were proposed, Mr. Fernandes advised he is not in favor of them and would like them put on hold until he sees how the rest of the plans work out. The Selectmen agreed with Mr. Fernandes on this issue. Mr. Fernandes advised he would talk again tomorrow to the MBTA, more forcefully, to encourage them to finish the work on North/West Beal street reconfiguration.
Lower North Street – Roger Fernandes and Joseph Stigiliani, DPW Superintendent present. It was explained that the reconstruction of the section of North Street between Settles Glass and Harbor has been delayed. The town is not in a position to start scheduling this project due to placing the utility poles underground. Included will be reconstruction of the sidewalk, repaving of the road, and street lighting. The PWED Grant will pay reconstruction from start to finish. Station Street parking lot will receive a topcoat with any left over funds. Mr. Riley pointed out that there would be wider curb cuts to allow residents easy maneuvering to back out of their driveways.
Ms. Burns Laura mentioned that the sidewalks should be constructed so that it would be easy to navigate and push a stroller. The Historical Commission had recommended brick sidewalk vs. concrete. Concern was expressed about tree roots, heaving and grates. Mr. Stigliani pointed out that the trees could be pruned to discourage root growing. There are seven trees, four on the north side and three on the south side. Mr. Fernandes advised he will be reviewing the ADA requirements and will come back for a hearing on this matter at a later date.
Discussion on Outreach Meetings – Ms. Burns felt it is a good idea to offer more informal ways to meet with residents to hear what is on their minds and schedule these
items for discussion. Meetings could be scheduled in different settings where people gather. It could be the Library, Farmer’s market, soccer fields or other public places.
Mr. Rabuffo pointed out that this matter was raised while he was campaigning. Mr. Riley concurred and thought it was a great idea, as it would allow citizens an opportunity to tell the Selectmen what is on their minds. Ms. Burns announced that the Hingham Journal would publish a question from time to time. It was decided to hold the first meeting at the Hingham Public Library to seek input from the citizens as to what they would like done in the Harbor area. The date will be announced at a future meeting.
Selectmen’s Reports – Ms. Burns and Mr. Rabuffo reported they had participated in the Selectmen’s Regatta sponsored by the Lincoln Maritime Sailing Club. Ms. Burns attended an informative meeting in Cambridge regarding climate change issues at local levels. She requested the MMA to notify the Town when other workshops are scheduled.
Voted - by roll call vote, to adjourn to Executive Session for the purpose of discussion collective bargaining issues and not to return to open session this evening.
Mr. John Riley - yes
Laura Burns - yes
Mr. Rabuffo – yes
Open Session adjourned 10:05 PM
Marilyn Harrington
Clerk pro tem