Back to Board of Selectmen Meeting Minutes 2008
October 21, 2008
Regular Session @ 7:30 PM
Mr. Riley, Ms. Burns, Mr. Rabuffo
DPW Contracts Randy Sylvester, Acting DPW Superintendent requesting the Board to sign Contract Agreements with Schmidt Equipment, Inc. for the following purchases that were approved in the Transfer Station FY 09 Capital Budget:
Voted - to sign a contract with Schmidt Equipment, Inc, No. Oxford, MA for one used 2005 John Deere Loader 410 G Loader Backhoe 4x4 Ext NOE, Pilot Controls in the amount of $58,000.
Voted - to sign a contract with Schmidt Equipment, Inc., No. Oxford, MA for one
New 2008 John Deere Mini-Front End Loader Model 244J, with 1 Cubic Yard Bucket & Pallet Forks in the amount of $63,284 less $11,000 after trade in, total due $52,284
SEMASS Service Agreement Amendment. Mr. Sylvester advised that SEMASS is entitled to payments from the communities to recover increased operating and capital costs attributable to compliance by SEMASS with Changes in the Law arising from regulations issued by the DEP. Mr. Sylvester informed the Board that the change for the 2005 CIL’s will be $1.37 per ton to be charged only for the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2008 and ending June 30, 2009. Mr. Sylvester advised there is enough money in the budget to fund this cost increase.
Voted - sign an Amendment to the Service Agreement with SEMASS Partnership dated February 23, 1999, as amended by Addendum dated January 10, 2000.
Voted - to sign a contract with Eastern Minerals, Inc., Lowell, MA for:
Rock Salt, Solar D’LVD, at $70.20 per ton
Rock Salt, CC D’LVS, at $70.20 per ton
to sign a contract with Eastern Salt Co., North Chelmsford, MA for:
Rock Salt, Solar D’LVD, at $75.00 per ton
Rock Salt, CC D’LVD, at $75.00 per ton
Voted - to approve the Management Response to the FY 07 Management Letter.
Voted - to approve the request for assistance of legal counsel from the Bare Cove Park Committee.
Voted - to appoint Patricia L. LaLiberte to the Council on Aging to fill an unexpired term ending in 2009.
Voted - to grant a temporary liquor license to the Silent Chef for a church dinner at Congregation Sha-Aray on November 1, 2008.
World’s End Association: Mr. Riley announced that this meeting is to address the petition of World’s End Association and other concerned citizens requesting that the culvert be removed and replaced with an open channel and bridge. In a recent tragic accident, Leon Granahan and his wife Barbara were caught in a dangerous current and forced through the culvert. Ms. Granahan survived but Mr. Granahan did not survive. Mr. Riley on behalf of the Board of Selectmen offered condolences to the Granahan family. Resident Mr. Englehardt read excerpts from Maggie Merrill’s letter to the Board that accompanied the petition signed by 500 residents. Ms. Merrill expressed her concern that this was not just a freak accident that on the outgoing tide, there is so much force created by the water that foam is generated and blown about. She understood the need for the culvert for the marsh restoration project to protect wildlife but questioned the wisdom of the design. Ms. Merrill also pointed out there is also a much steeper drop off at the entrance to the culvert and the forces in and out of the culvert has changed the profile of the surrounding beach and marsh significantly.
Mr. Riley said this culvert is not on town land, it is a state agency, under the jurisdiction of the Trustees of Reservations. The Selectmen were not sure about what authority, if any they had. Mr. Corson, Assistant Harbormaster said that his department has increased patrols on the land and water, and posted two signs on the fence over the culvert facing into the harbor for the boaters to easily see. He will ask the Trustees to put a sign further out on the pilings, printed on both sides, to be visible before the culvert. Several residents are concerned about the safety of their families in the water, especially their children who swim in the channel. At high tide, the culvert is completely covered by water. Concern was also expressed for people who were not familiar with this situation. Mrs. Pat Granahan expressed gratitude for the signs but there are still no warnings for anyone who is in the water. She remarked that her son died a violent death, six weeks ago, and it amazes me that the area hasn’t been cordoned off yet. Ms. Granahan said she wrote to the Trustees of Reservation but has received no response. She also called the U.S. Department of Agriculture in Washington who advised that the Trustees had not reported anything to them. The residents agreed with Ms. Granahan that the culvert should be replaced with a much larger open air culvert with a bridge over it.
Many residents informed the Selectmen that they live in fear that another tragedy will happen. They are worried as most of the residents use the beach and small children can’t read signs, and would not have the strength to push back. Ms. Burns asked about how far is it safe. She was advised that it depends on the tide how far it is safe. There is a ten foot drop off so far, away from the culvert. The residents felt since it is a beach in Hingham the Selectmen should have some authority and responsibility to take corrective measures.
Mr. Riley told the residents he shares their concerns but he wants to be effective. He will contact counsel for the town and the State to see what the Board could do. Ms. Burns said then Selectmen, will know if they have any authority or power, and another meeting will be scheduled with the residents and the Trustees of Reservations. In the mean time, in the interest of public safety, Mr. Corson agreed to Mr. Rabuffo’s suggestion to wall off the culvert area with multiple buoys to keep boaters and bathers away.
Public Hearing/Grant of Location on the petition of Nationalgrid to install and maintain an Anode Bed and rectifier in Scotland Street from the existing 2 inch gas main in Scotland Street at Pole #1 east to the proposed rectifier at house #80 to provide corrosion
protection to the existing 2 inch gas main in Scotland Street.
Public Hearing/Grant of Location on the petition of Nationalgrid to install and maintain an Anode Bed and Rectifer in Gardner Street, from the existing 8 inch gas main in Gardner Street at Pole #32 south to the proposed rectifier at house #285 to provide corrosion protection to the existing 8 inch gas main in Gardner Street.
Michael Hill, Engineer for Nationalgrid explained that the purpose of the above mentioned Public Hearing/ Grant of Locations is to install rectifers to detect gas leaks, as federally mandated. Their rectifers are typically installed on a 6’x 6’ pressure treated post. The post is installed in a safe but convenient location to AC power. The anode headers cable is attached to the rectifier along with a cable that has been attached to the gas main. An AC power line is dropped down from a nearby utility pole and is metered to their rectifier.
Mr. Riley said he understands the need for them but is bothered by the pedestals, as they are blight to the eye. The Board informed Mr. Hill that they would like to have underground or flush to the ground structures installed. Mr. Hill explained that Nationalgrid does not recommend this practice since they are dealing with electric current and they didn’t want to put the rectifer’s internal components in a situation where flooding could short out the unit. Mr. Riley felt they could be installed in a waterproof box. Mr. Hill pointed out that the box would have to be inspected every two months for proper operation and it could compromise the safety of their technicians and/or the public. Mr. Hill pointed out that if Hingham Light Company would allow the meters to be installed on their existing utility poles, the rectifer’s pole heights could be lowered, and disguised by vegetation. Last year the same petition for Scotland Street was heard by the Board. It was not acted on as the representative did not have their engineers report back to the Selectmen as requested. The Board still wants more details and informed Mr. Hill that in order for the Selectmen to consider these Grants of Locations it will be necessary for Nationalgrid officials to meet with the Selectmen along with the Department of Public Works, and the Hingham Light Company. Mr. Riley also told asked Mr. Hill he wanted to find out the actual numbers of rectifers that were planned for the Town. Mr. Hill thought this was a reasonable request and the Board would hear from Nationalgrid within a month.
Voted, to take the petitions of Nationalgrid to install rectifers on Scotland and Gardner Street under advisement.
Voted, by roll call vote to go into Executive Session to discuss pending litigation and not return to open session.
Mr. Riley, yes
Ms. Burns, yes
Mr. Rabuffo, yes
Open Session adjourned: 8:50 PM
Clerk pro tem
Marilyn Harrington