Back to Board of Selectmen Meeting Minutes 2008
November 13, 2008
Regular Session – 7:00 PM
Mr. Riley, Ms. Burns, Mr. Rabuffo
Public Hearing/Grant of Location on the petition of Nationalgrid to install and maintain approximately 270 feet, more or less of 2 inch gas main in Jarvis Avenue. Mr. Harold Cooper a representative of Nationalgrid said that this petition was submitted to provide service to two homeowners who wish to convert to gas heat. The Board pointed out that the deadline for street opening permits is over on November 15th. Mr. Cooper said the DPW advised that subject to the Selectmen’s approval of this Grant of Location, and weather conditions, a street opening permit could be issued. Mr. Cooper said that the work would be done within a week and Nationalgrid would see to it that patches were kept in good condition throughout the winter and would be permanently repaired next Spring.
Voted - to approve the request of Nationalgrid for a Grant of Location to install and maintain approximately 270 feet, more or less of 2 inch gas main in Jarvis Avenue, from the existing 2 inch gas main in Jarvis Avenue at house #8 westerly to house #18, subject to the stipulations of the DPW.
Public Hearing/Grant of Location on the petition of Aquarion Water Company to install and maintain an 8 inch ductile iron water main tie-in and extension to be located in the public layout of Weir Street. Debra Willard representing Aquarion explained this petition is to provide domestic water service to a new home located at 85 Weir Street. Mr. Riley asked when this work would be started and completed as the deadline for issuing street opening permits is up in two days. He also noted that area has a lot of rock. Ms. Willard said she was not sure of the timetable and the delay in submitting this petition was due to that section of the street being closed off for construction. Aquarion was advised by the DPW that if it was allowed to proceed with this project, it is to be understood that if inclement weather materialized prior to completion, this job would be terminated and not allowed to continue until next spring.
Voted - to approve a Grant of Location to Aquarion Water Company to install and maintain approximately 400 feet of 8 inch ductile iron water main in Weir Street. This main will originate from an existing 8 inch water main in Weir Street at the intersection of Foundry Falls and continue to completion in a southwesterly direction to house #85. This request is subject to the stipulations of the DPW.
Voted - to award the contract to Moran Environmental Recovery of Randolph, MA for Building Foundation Demolition, Capping and Asbestos Soil Removal in Bare Cove Park at the base bid price of $497,212. (The add alteration of $150, 487 will not be implemented)
Town Management Audit Letter – Ted Alexiades, Finance Director was present to discuss the comments of the Auditors for the Town in their FY 2007 Management Letter. Mr. Alexiades advised the issue of the Municipal Light Plant interest has been resolved via approval of Town Meeting. Internal audits are planned for the Fuel Depot and the recycling operating at the Transfer Station. The comments on Fixed Assets were directed at the School Department. Mr. Alexiades reported that the School Department has been trained by the Accounting Department on the use of the town’s fixed asset reporting system and has entered all assets into the system as of June 30, 2008. The comments on Financial Policies and Procedures were due to the delay in some departments turning over cash. Mr. Alexiades noted that the Town has not been able to reconcile the general ledger cash accounts of the Light Plant on a monthly basis during FY 2008, due to the delayed reporting of the Light Board. The town’s original comment is that upon completion of the Light Plant’s conversion to a new computer system, the Town will consider adopting a new “chart of accounts” to mirror the Light Plant’s, and begin to reconcile all general ledger accounts until accurate. All in all, Mr. Alexiades remarked that there was not much substance to the Auditors comments as most of them were minor issues. The Selectmen requested Mr. Alexiades to send a copy of the Management Response Letter to each department requesting a reply as to what steps will be taken to address their issues.
Fuel Oil Savings - Mr. Alexiades suggested that when the town is purchasing new vehicles, serious efforts should be made to choose vehicles, not so much for comfort, but for job performance and fuel efficiency. The Selectmen discussed the idling of fire trucks and police cars. Mr. Alexiades said the Quint Truck has specific circumstances where they can reduce idling but was unsure if ambulances have any regulations. It was agreed to have the Police and Fire Chiefs come to a future meeting to see when idling would be appropriate. The Selectmen also plan to check with the DPW on the idling of their vehicles. Mr. Alexiades agreed to provide the Selectmen with a list of all town vehicles.
Fuel Energy Savings – Mr. Riley said that to save on heating oil cost, the burners should be operating efficiently by having annual inspections and cleanings. Most of the town buildings are heated with gas, but in a few instances, there are some building using oil. Mr. Alexiades suggested that switching to gas might pay off. Mr. Rabuffo mentioned setting standards for temperature settings. Betty Foley mentioned that thermostats are kept low and reset in meetings rooms one hour before the meeting is scheduled to begin.
Electricity Savings - Kevin Bulman of the Light Board advised that the Light Department had a recent Energy Audit that he would share with the Board. One of his recommendations was to install motion sensors. If no one was in a room or a classroom the detection sensors would shut the lights off. Mr. Bulman advised that this would result in a real cost savings. The Board thanked Mr. Bulman for his input and will review the Energy Audit.
George Ford/Development in South Hingham – Mr. Ford said he has deep rooted affection for the Town and is here to express his concerns and views from his perspective. Trammel Cove Development introduced a proposal last month to provide information to the Planning Board, the Selectmen, and the Affordable Housing Trust. Mr. Ford said he felt the Board would be doing a disservice to broker with and endorse this proposal for a 250 unit empire complex in South Hingham. He commented that if the Board participates with the developer it gives the perception that they endorse the project. Mr. Ford remarked that over the years Hingham has lost some of its character and that we don’t need to give any more away. Mr. Ford said an apartment complex of this size would erode the character of the town. Mr. Ford felt the developer could hold the town hostage, as there is a potential for 10% of the units to be under Chapter 40B. He said the town does not have to accept 40B applications, the court has ruled in favor of other towns who denied developers requests. Ms. Burns commented that if this is a LIP application, in exchange, the town would have the ability to influence the height and number of units. Mr. Ford said there is no influence with 40B applications as the town’s zoning rights are waived. He questioned the wisdom of this and urged the Board simply not to do it. Ms. Burns advised that the Board has not taken any vote in this matter. It is very preliminary and if it was decided that it did not fit in with the character of the town, the Board would not consider endorsing this development.
Selectmen’s Reports – Mr. Rabuffo reported that the Planning Board is communicating with the MAPC to update the Master Plan. The plans are to work more selectively to make a more valuable document. He also reported the tunnel cap is not finished yet but it is moving along nicely. Ms. Burns attended the Town Hall Veterans Day and the Linden Ponds ceremonies. Both were very moving services and she was pleased at the great number of attendees at both ceremonies. Ms. Burns also attended a workshop on the Green Community Act. She noted that there are funds available for energy projects. Ms. Burns thought the town might want to seek certification after a years reading is obtained from the new anemometer at the landfill and possible future changes in the zoning by-law concerning wind turbines. Mr. Riley mentioned he noticed several improvements in Hingham Square and thanked Mr. Rabuffo for all his work in implementing these improvements.
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
Adjourned Regular Session: 8:45 PM Clerk pro tem
Marilyn Harrington