Back to Board of Selectmen Meeting Minutes 2008
September 23, 2008
Regular Session 7:00 PM
Mr. Riley, Ms. Burns, Mr. Rabuffo
Fire Department Reserve Fund Transfer – Ambulance Supplies - Chief Duff, Deputy Chief Olsson, and Lt. Murphy. Chief Duff requested a transfer in the amount of $19,231.60 for a computerized Patient Transport Reporting System. The State Office of Emergency Medical Services has instituted new reporting requirements that require the department to track and report over 140 separate fields for each patient transport. The total cost of the system is $58,393.60. The majority of the purchase will be funded from FY 08 encumbered funds. Benefits from this system will provide a higher standard of patient care, patient tracking and medical history. Chief Duff said that the Federal Government is telling us that if we don’t speed up our system, there is a chance that we would lose grants.
Voted, to approve a transfer in the amount of $19, 231.60 from the Reserve Fund
to the Fire Department Ambulance Supplies Account.
Fire Department Reserve Fund Transfer – Vehicle Maintenance – Chief Duff requesting an emergency transfer of $21,475. 00 to fund an in-frame engine rebuild for Engine 1. Engine 1, a 1993 pumping engine has suffered a serious power loss, is burning a considerable amount of oil and fuels and is producing excessively black exhaust smoke. Chief Duff is concerned that if this vehicle is not repaired, there could be a total failure, resulting in considerable additional repair costs or a total engine replacement. Chief Duff further explained that Engine 1 is the primary back-up engine, used for mutual aid, used as a special response unit, and also for training exercises.
Voted - to approve the request of Fire Chief Duff in the amount of $21,475 from the Reserve Fund to the Fire Department Vehicle Maintenance Account.
Voted - to approve the request of Fire Chief Duff to consult counsel as submitted.
Public Hearing/Grant of Location on the petition of Verizon New England to locate 650 feet of 2-4 inch conduit from Pole #1 on Collins Street. Ms. Mary Mahoney, Project Engineer, for the construction of the former East School was present to explain that this petition resulted at the School Department’s request to provide telecommunication service to the new elementary school being built on that site.
Voted - to approve a Grant of Location to Verizon New England to install and maintain 650 feet of 2-4 inch conduit from Pole #1 on Collins Street to the interior of 2 Collins Street, according to Plan #09/08-15, dated 9/5/2008, subject to the stipulations of the Department of Public Works.
Public Hearing/Grant of Location - on the petition of Comcast of Massachusetts I, Inc. to install and maintain approximately 140 feet, more or less, of conduit from a pole located near the entrance of the new elementary school on Collins Street through the public way continuing to the new school site where an additional 550 feet, more or less, of conduit will be installed to go into the new school building under construction. Ms. Mary Mahoney, Project Engineer, explained that this request is necessary to provide internet service for the new school.
Voted - to approve a Grant of Location to Comcast of Massachusetts I, Inc. to
install and maintain approximately 140 fee, more or less, of conduit from Pole #1 on Collins Street through the public way continuing to the school site where and additional 550 feet, more or less, con conduit will be installed to provide internet service to the new elementary school, according to Plan marked New Hingham Elementary School prepared by Griffith & Vary, Inc. of Wareham. This approval is subject to the stipulation of the Department of Public Works
Continuation of Public Hearing/Grant of Location on the request of Aquarion Water Company to install a 12 inch water main tie-in and extension on Lazell Street. Robert Roland, Aquarion Director of Operations explained this request will provide domestic water service to the four house lots #240 to #246 Lazell Street. Originally this hearing was held August 19, 2008. The abutters expressed concern over drainage and flooding issues. They were advised that the builder had all his permits and the hearing was not to prevent construction but only permit the installation of a water service line. However, Mr. Rabuffo agreed to visit the site to see if anything could be done to alleviate some of their concerns. Mr. Rabuffo reported that since the last hearing, after consultation with the Department of Public Works, there will be a curb cut down to catch basin, tied into a 6 inch berm, incorporated into the paving for more structure. This work will be done after the construction so that it will be more productive. The Department of Public Works will also clean out the catch basin.
Voted - Approve a Grant of Location to Aquarion Water Company to install and
maintain 650 feet of 12-inch water main in Lazell Street to provide domestic water service to four new house lots on Lazell Street. This main will originate from #230, connect to an existing 12-inch main in the north side of the travel way, continuing for approximately 650 feet to completion about 150 feet short of South Pleasant Street intersection. This approval is subject to the stipulations of the Department of Public Works.
Voted - to approve a temporary liquor license to Hingham Girls Hockey c/o Susanna Hunt for a fundraiser, October 4, 2008, at the Community Center.
Joint Session with Advisory Committee to discuss the purchase of the Lincoln School Apartment Building. Ms. Burns presented an overview to the audience. On October 27, 2008, a Special Town Meeting has been called to decide whether or not to purchase the Lincoln School Apartment Building. The town voted, in 1979, to sell the former school building to the Glastonbury Abbey to build affordable housing for the elderly and disabled. There was an option clause that the town would have first right of refusal in the event of a future sale. There are 60 units and all of the units are affordable. The Abbey signed a purchase and sales agreement with Corcoran Management Co. in May for $6.4. The Selectmen have decided to exercise their option, to be able to guarantee survival of the 60 affordable units, and continue the same high standards as Corcoran Management who has been presently managing the apartments. The town has 180 days to exercise this option which expires in November requiring the Special Town Meeting to be called.
Ms. Burns explained the two main goals to purchase this property are:
1) maximize affordability at the Lincoln School Apartments for as long as possible.
2) continue the same high standards of maintenance which the property enjoys now.
Ms. Burns advised that once the property is sold the buyer could change their minds and the commitment could be lost. The town would not have another chance to buy the property as the first right of refusal option would be lost. Residents advised that they pleased with the present operation and wanted assurance that the units would continue as affordable. Special Counsel Steve Nolan pointed out that even though there are deed restrictions, there is a possibility of erosion of the affordable units. A new owner/developer could appeal to the State Housing Appeals Commission and argue change and hardships and the amount of affordable unit could be cut down. In some cases they have had success.
In answer to the question, should be Town be in the housing business. Ms. Burns replied, yes, because of the public impact. Mr. Rabuffo and Mr. Riley felt it is a risk to lose some of those units, we must move forward to retain affordable housing and not go backwards. Susan Murphy, Planning Board member said it a well fit with zoning and the
character of Hingham. The Planning Board would like to see the Town purchase and maintain as affordable for as long as possible.
John McCue a resident of the Lincoln Apartments pointed out that Corcoran has done an outstanding job and the Abbey has been terrific putting money back in to the apartments. He has talked to many of the residents over this issue; they would have liked to seen
Corcoran purchase the property because of their past performance. However, due to concern over the apartments remaining affordable, they would look forward to the Town acquiring the property, if the Town would maintain the high standards of the present management and provide assurance that the units will stay 100% affordable.
Ms. Burns advised that the Affordable Housing Trust has been diligently working in an advisory capacity, on the opportunity to purchase the Lincoln School Apartments. The Board introduced Mr. O’Brien who is looking into finances. He advised the property pays for itself and revenues would pay off loans while maintaining the same high standards. Initial funds for the purchase can be obtained through the CPC.
Mr. O’Brien advised that even if the property is deeded to the Town of Hingham, the town will be able to lease it to a separate LLC. Corcoran Management Company could even be a possibility. A specially created LLC representing the Hingham Affordable Housing Trust would lease the property from the Town and make loan payments to the Town from its federally subsidized, tenant rental payment revenue. The Town would use those LLC payments to make principal and interest payments to its bond holders. If the CPC funding is repealed there are options for refinancing. Ms. Burns said there is flexibility for refinancing allowing the town to take advantage of other options and government structure. Counsel James Toomey explained that the town also has an interim step of protection of borrowing due to our excellent bonding rating.
Advisory Committee member Laura Marwill questioned if the Abbey could put a restriction on the proposed sale. She was informed that the Abbey has signed a Purchase and Sales Agreement and is not legally bound to place any restrictions. Resident, Mary Thomas applauded the Selectmen efforts of maintaining the commitment to maximize affordable housing.
Mr. Rabuffo thanked the audience for their participation. He explained that the purpose of this meeting was to get information out to the citizens. The Selectmen announced they will continue to answer questions from the residents in order to keep citizens as informed as possible before voting at the Special Town Meeting.
Mr. Riley announced that the Advisory Committee will have two more public meetings on September 25, at 7:00 PM and September 30 at 8:30 PM, for further discussion on this purchase before taking a vote on the warrant article.
Adjourned 9:30 PM Marilyn A. Harrington
Clerk pro tem