Back to Board of Selectmen Meeting Minutes
January 22, 2009
Special Session @ 7:00 PM
Mr. Riley, Ms. Burns, Mr. Rabuffo
Voted - to approve the minutes, as amended of the regular session meeting, August 19, 2008 and the special meeting of September 5, 2008.
Lincoln Day - Mr. William Salisbury of the Historical Society explained that this year 2009 marks the 200th anniversary of President Abraham Lincoln’s birth. This year’s Lincoln Day will focus on the life and legacy of President Lincoln and Hingham’s John Albion Andrew who served as Governor during the Civil War Years.
Voted - to issue a Proclamation officially proclaiming February 7, 2009, as “Lincoln Day”.
Bathing Beach Budget – Peter Fee, Chairman of the Bathing Beach Trustees advised that
this budget is pretty well level funded. He presented a level services budget of $23,627,
a level funded budget of $23,105, and a 5% reduction budget of $21,949. Mr. Fee explained the reduction will be made in salaries, as recommended by the Finance Director, by closing the beach August 30, a week earlier than usual. The impact would be that there would be no lifeguard services that week.
Board of Health Budget - Ms. Burns asked Mr. Capman, Executive Health Officer if he had requested a change in his budget. The budget book is showing a budget of $298,745 and the spread sheet shows the amounts of $300, 078. Mr. Capman said he did not request any changes and thought his level services budget should be $299,240. Ms. Burns pointed out that figure is not reflected anywhere, but if that is the case, the level funded budget would be $289, 643 and the 5% reduction would be a cut of $17,389. Mr. Alexiades, the Finance Director’s recommendation had suggested a reduction of overtime and several small reductions in various expenses in an FY 2010 budget that is funded at the FY 2009 level. Mr. Capman said that he would manage a level funded budget by taking money from advertising, printing, and stationery. His major concern is the possibility of the State stopping or limiting the amount of flu vaccine. The Selectmen informed Mr. Capman, that since the numbers were not adding up, Mr. Alexiades would be consulted to clear up this misunderstanding and this budget would be revisited.
Elder Services Budget – The budget book showed a different figure than the spread sheet. Ms. Barbara Farnsworth said the amount is $2l5,199 for level services and $250,049 for level funded and a 5% budget reduction of $9,155. The Finance Director’s recommendation is $244,524 and a reduction in expenses by shifting $5,000 to the department’s gift account. Ms. Farnsworth would absorb this cut by seeking more volunteers to help out. This budget will be revisited when Mr. Alexiades returns.
Veterans Services - Michael Cunningham, Veterans Agent, presented a level services budget of $237,845 and a level funded budget of $234,264. There was no suggested 5% cut, since a full time agent is mandated by law and the benefits provided to eligible veterans are also mandated by state law. Mr. Cunningham pointed out that 75% of expenditures are reimbursed by the state.
GAR Hall Budget – Scott Macmillan, Trustee was present and his budget showed the amount of $12,37l, which is level funded from last year. Ms. Burns remarked that it is a small budget but wanted to know the impact should it become necessary to make further cuts in the future. Mr. Macmillan advised that all of the expenditures are to pay the utility bills and that this budget allows only the basic essentials to keep the building going.
Recreation Budget – Mark Thorell, Recreation Director was present: The level services budget is $163,266, the level funded budget is $152,568, and the 5% reduction budget is $129,288. The recommendation of the Finance Director is $56, 870 which reads as a 54% cut from funds provided by the town. Mr. Thorell explained that the number he came up with is more of a 29% increase in reimbursement to the town from the revolving fund. Mr.Thorell said that in spite of these tough times, he was hoping for a compromise, to come up with a way to still decrease $106,000 from the operating budget but decrease their reimbursement to the town. He asked the Board if the town would be able to cover the health benefits for two current employees which would roughly amount to $14,000 and also for permission for the Recreation Commission to control the rental income from the revolving fund. The Rental Income in the Revolving Fund showed a profit of $5600 and the net rentals income to the Gift Fund doesn’t go back to pay their reimbursements, it just goes right to the General Fund. Mr. Thorell pointed out that if this request was granted, programs would not have to be cut and he would then be able to reduce the operating budget, by the number the Finance Director recommended. Ms. Burns remarked that at this point all of the budgets have been taken under advisement and presumably by the time it has to be cast in stone this request could be discussed when the Town will have a better idea of what is coming from the State.
Public Works Highway Budget - Randy Sylvester, Interim Highway Superintendent presented a level services budget of $2,800,605, and a level funded budget of $2,766, 947. The Finance Director’s recommended budget is $2,604,187, a salary reduction of $100,000 in salaries and $96,000 in resurfacing. Ms. Burns pointed out these figures would reduce the level services budget the Superintendent presented. Mr. Sylvester said he could easily reduce the payroll budget to $96,835 by filling an open position with a part time employee and not filling the position of a retiree. The impact would affect the services being provided, but he would try to compensate, by running the department efficiently. Mr. Sylvester advised he is still working on resurfacing cuts, the Selectmen agreed that the budget has been inadequate. He averaged out the last three years expenditures for road building. The materials and the pavement costs increased 263% even with the cost saving consortium bids. The new figures from the consortium should be arriving new month. Mr. Sylvester also pointed out that to-date $632,864 has been spent on snow removal and his budget is $200,000. The price of salt has greatly increased and he has been mixing it with sand to save money. Mr. Rabuffo asked about the five year plan that was created. Mr. Sylvester did not have it with him tonight and Ms. Burns said she understands that things could change too, depending on the funding, but when it is finalized she requested that it be put on the web site so that people will be able to grasp it. This budget will be followed up on when all the contracts and figures are received.
Landfill /Recycling Budget – The level services budget recommended is $1,509,120 and a level funded budget if $1,624,377. The Finance Director’s recommendation is $1,434,120 and a reduction budget of $75,000. Mr. Sylvester felt he could manage that but he would be cutting it very close. He is looking at renegotiating the contract with SEMASS and hasn’t heard back yet. Bourne is going up from $70 a ton to $75 a ton. Ms. Burns mentioned she has attended south shore regional meetings where she heard that Plymouth County is considering a site for amassing solid waste and they would bid out in huge bulk. Mr. Sylvester said he was aware of that and there are several options coming up. He also heard that there is a site in Taunton that is being proposed. Bourne is also looking into a long term waste to energy facility. If we go with SEMASS our contract including shipping, which we pay $98 a ton, which is really a very good price. He is trying to get SEMASS to extend that contract or at least find out what they will do for the town. The other options mentioned, Mr. Sylvester advised, will not be available until after 2015.
Mr. Riley asked about setting up a scale at the landfill for building and small construction disposal. Mr. Sylvester reported he is looking into it and put in a request for one in the Capital Budget this year. Mr. Rabuffo questioned if an analysis was done on the cost of trucking the materials. Mr. Riley advised it will be a revenue generating operation. Mr. Sylvester reported that the installation would be about $75,000 and a conservative payoff within 3 years would be a little bit over 2,000 tons to pay off totally and after that it would be consistent revenue generating at market rate. Ms. Burns would like to see the numbers.
Gardner Street - The Traffic Committee recommended the posting of no parking signs, at the intersection of Whiting and Gardner Streets, from the property line of Dunkin Donuts past 218 Gardner Street on both sides of the street. Large trucks and customers from Dunkin Donuts parking along this section of the roadway have created a public safety issue, forcing students to walk around or in between trucks to get to their school bus.
Voted - to amend the Traffic Rules and Regulations adopted by the Board of Selectmen on May 31, 1939, and subsequent amendments thereto as follows:
ARTICLE V: PARKING, STANDING, STOPPING
SECTION 2, PROHIBITED ON CERTAIN STREETS
Upon the following streets or parts thereof parking is hereby prohibited:
GARDNER STREET: On both sides of the street from the intersection of Whiting Street in a northerly direction for a distance of four hundred forty-six feet.
Mooring Fees - Mr. Riley wanted to continue this discussion from a previous meeting. Mr. Rabuffo reported that neighboring communities were charging a $5.00 to $7.00 range. Hingham’s current rates are $2.00 for residents and $4.00 for non-residents. He felt that more money would be needed for dredging which will be burdened by fuel costs. Mr. Rabuffo also pointed out that Hingham has not raised the fee in a considerable amount of time and recommended that the town raise the fee to be consistent with other towns. Mr. Riley has been keeping in touch with legislators concerning dredging issues. He also reported that Hingham’s dredging is scheduled to start between October and January. Ms. Burns agreed that it is time to raise the fees.
Voted - to establish mooring fees of $7.00 per linear foot for all boats subject to excise tax.
Voted - to grant a temporary liquor license to Hingham Sports Partnership, c/o Tom Hoffman, for a fundraiser, to be held at Loring Theater, Sunday March 29, 2009.
Voted - to renew the Used Car Dealer License-Class II of Wayne Chevrier, Wayco Sales, 40 Sharp Street.
Voted - to appoint Keith Kosierowski to the Hingham 375th Anniversary Committee.
Voted - to approve the request of Fire Chief Duff to consult counsel for the town as submitted.
Selectmen’s Reports - Mr. Riley spoke at the South Shore Chamber of Commerce meeting with the Hingham Business Council of the parking changes at the Harbor. He also attended a meeting with the Planning Board and Harbor Development Committee regarding rezoning the Harbor area. Ms. Burns had a meeting with Leslie Badger, Animal Control Officer to discuss proposed changes to the existing by-law. There will be a town meeting article to strengthen the leash law. Mr. Rabuffo had a conversation with the Weymouth Dispatch Center to help ensure staying abreast of other towns.
Voted – by roll call vote to adjourn to Executive Session too discuss collective bargaining and pending litigation, and not return to open session.
Mr. Riley – yes
Ms. Burns – yes
Mr. Rabuffo – yes
Marilyn A. Harrington
Adjourned Open Session: 9:35 PM Clerk pro tem