Back to Board of Selectmen Meeting Minutes
September 28, 2010
7:00 PM North Hearing Room
Present: Bruce Rabuffo, Chairman, John A. Riley, Laura M. Burns, Betty Foley, Assistant Town Administrator, Ted Alexiades, Town Accountant/Finance Director and Interim Town Administrator
Absent: Kevin Paicos, Town Administrator
Regular Session
The Chairman called the meeting to order.
The Chairman offered his thanks to the staff for organizing the Town Hall Open House held earlier in the evening. It was led and organized by Barbara Farnsworth from Hingham's Department of Elder Services.
Information for Voters should have been received by all town residents. One of the 3 upcoming questions is regarding the potential roll back of the Massachusetts sales tax going from 6.25% to 3%. The Chairman encouraged everyone to read it, understand it and vote accordingly. It would have significant impact on the MBTA and schools. The Mass Tax Bureau Foundation has a website with some information as well as Mass Municipal Assoc regarding the impact this would have, if passed.
The budget season for 2012 has begun. The first forecast committee met this morning; Mr. Alexiades gave an update on the issues:
o 1.1 million dollar deficit (projecting state aid will decrease by 15%)
o This budget achieves the same goals as last year's budget, including funding capital expenditures from revenues rather than fund balance, making the full contribution to the post-retirement benefit fund, and contributing to fund balance.
Mr. Alexiades left the meeting at this time.
Public Hearing: Interview candidate for the job of patrol officer
THE FOLLOWING QUESTIONS WERE POSED TO EACH CANDIATE BY THE BOARD OF SELECTMEN:
a. Michael M. Rockoff- Grew up in Hingham and went to school here as well until leaving to attend Thayer Academy. He graduated from the University of Vermont with a degree in history. He dabbled in Real Estate but is now working at Children's Hospital. Currently enrolled in Northeastern's criminal justice program.
Q: What made you interested in police work and how does this position fit into your overall career path?
A: I grew up in Hingham and feel this is a way to give back to the community. I would like to be in Hingham for years to come but if an opportunity working for the FBI became available down the road that would interest me as well.
Q: What is the most difficult situation you have faced?
A: Overcoming dyslexia.
Q: What is the most important aspect of Community Policing in our community?
A: My understanding is that there are two aspects, the first being, as an officer, being out on foot patrols, interacting with the public and the second, community outreach programs.
Q: Can you give us an example of your demonstrating initiative?
A: As a captain of the Hingham Lacrosse team he took initiative to eliminate the underage drinking problems and make sure that his team mates were getting themselves into compromising situations.
Q: What quality do you believe is most important in a Police Officer?
A: Honesty and integrity.
Q: Would you consider furthering your education with a criminal justice degree?
A: (already stated in his opening comments that he was currently enrolled at Northeastern to pursue a degree in Criminal Justice)
b. Benjamin Zahner – Grew up in Hingham and went to school here until junior year of High School when he left to attend Tilden, NH but returned here as a senior and graduated from Hingham High School. Played Hockey for three years in Hingham as well as at Tilden.
Q: What made you interested in police work and how does this position fit into your overall career path?
A: In the spring of 2008 I took part in a citizen policy academy course which boosted my interest in becoming an officer. I feel I have what it takes to get through the academy and be a valued part of the department.
Q: What is the most difficult situation you have faced?
A: Dealing with the loss of my uncle, a four-star general, who inspired me to become an officer.
Q: Can you give us an example of your demonstrating initiative?
A: During my athletic career I had many opportunities to step in and resolve conflict teammates were having with one another.
Q: What quality do you believe is most important in a Police Officer?
A: Being able to relate to the community. Having members of the community be comfortable coming up with you - being accessible.
Q: Would you consider furthering your education with a criminal justice degree?
A: Yes, education is my main priority right now along with getting on the police force. I would use my spare/off duty time to further my education
c. Daniel P. Murphy – I grew up in Hingham and graduate Hingham High School. I then went to Curry College for two years but left to become a licensed plumber. I am currently employed at Burke Distributing as a merchandiser. I have a 2 year old daughter.
Q: What made you interested in police work and how does this position fit into your overall career path?
A: I'm enrolled in the Hingham Citizens Police Academy and I see this as a career and not just a stepping stone to something else. I consider it an honor to serve and give back to the community.
Q: What is the most difficult situation you have faced?
A: While on a job a fellow worker was severely injured. I was able to come to his aid and administered a tourniquet. Later an EMT commented that the stop of blood loss could have well saved his life.
Q: What is the most important aspect of Community Policing in our community?
A: Talking with citizens and business owners. Finding out what is important to them, what their issues/concerns are and then offering solutions.
Q: Can you give us an example of your demonstrating initiative?
A: I take the initiative to listen to a problem and come up with a solution.
Q: What quality do you believe is most important in a Police Officer?
A: Honesty and integrity. No one gets special treatment every gets treated equally and fairly.
Q: Would you consider furthering your education with a criminal justice degree?
A: Yes, I plan on finishing my Criminal Justice Degree at Curry College.
I feel my approach to teamwork, self discipline and integrity would make me an excellent candidate for the Hingham Police Academy.
d. Michael Gervasi – I've lived in Hingham for 20 years and graduated from Hingham High School in 2005. I attended Wentworth Institute of Technology for 2 years. After those two years I took a job working with the Plymouth County Sheriff as Deputy Sherriff so I enrolled in the reserves for the police academy and I have been working there for two years.
Q: What made you interested in police work and how does this position fit into your overall career path?
A: This is what I've wanted to do since I was a child and this is everything I've dreamed of becoming.
Q: Given a choice, what capacity within the Police Department would you like most to fill?
A: Ultimately maybe a detective but right now I'm focused on becoming a patrol officer.
Q: What is the most difficult situation you have faced?
A: My biological father died of drug use when I was 8 years old.
Q: Can you give us an example of your demonstrating initiative?
A: Helping my parents raise my younger siblings. By being their mentor and by giving them guidance – especially when the issues of drugs come in to play. I would like to do that for any citizen of Hingham.
Q: What quality do you believe is most important in a Police Officer?
A: Caring for the community, taking the time to listen and also honesty so the citizens know they can trust you.
Q: Would you consider furthering your education with a criminal justice degree?
A: Yes, I'm currently looking into classes. I stopped going to college so I could make more money and pay for my higher education himself.
e. Katelin McLaughlin – I've been in Hingham for 25 years. I graduated Sacred Heart University in Connecticut 2 years ago with a business degree.
Q: What made you interested in police work and how does this position fit into your overall career path?
A: My father is a police officer. Although I went to school and earned a business degree, I feel being a police officer would be a rewarding career.
Q: Given a choice, what capacity within the Police Department would you like most to fill?
A: I would be interested in becoming a DARE officer.
Q: What is the most difficult situation you have faced?
A: I went away to school when I was 16 years old. Having the support of my family and my school community was a great help.
Q: What is the most important aspect of Community Policing in our community?
A: Our community has a low crime rate in part because of community policing. Helping to prevent something from happening by being in the community first.
Q: Can you give us an example of your demonstrating initiative?
A: I played hockey for all 4 years of college, giving 100% to both school and hockey showing my ability to balance
Q: Would you consider furthering your education with a criminal justice degree?
A: Yes, I would like to get my Master's in Criminal Justice
f. Ryan Ross – I'm 23 years old, I have been a Hingham resident for four years. I attended Nausett High School where I played three 3 sports. I furthered my academic and sports career at Endicott College with a degree of Criminal Justice. I completed 3 internships; in the towns of Norwell, Hingham and Hull Police Departments. I've had Community Involvement with the student advisory committee and relay for life cancer benefit. While I was doing my internship in Hull, I joined the reserves in Plymouth. In additional to my education in criminal justice I've taken a firearms safety course and obtained my license to carry a weapon. I've been working at the Hull Police Department for the last 3 years. Community Outreach programs that I've been involved with are the Jimmy Fund/Muscular dystrophy benefit at the Red Parrot. I've attended every Memorial Day and Labor Day event and I'm a Varsity football coach in Scituate.
Q: How does this position fit into your overall career path?
A: When I interned in Hingham it solidified my desire to become an officer in Hingham
Q: What is the most difficult situation you have faced?
A: While on a snow mobile trip with my father this past year we came upon an accident where there was a severe injury. I administered first aid and CPR but the victim did not have a pulse. I did what my training had taught me to do in the middle of a difficult situation.
Q: What is the most important aspect of Community Policing in our community?
A: I've experienced Community Policing first hand while in Hull. I've been able to walk 1 of the 4 beats in Hull and go in and meet the people and bridge the gap between the community and the police department.
Q: Can you give us an example of your demonstrating initiative?
A: I've been an athlete my whole life. At the time I was in school the football team a bad reputation. While on the Student Advisory Committee I took a lead role in improving their reputation with community outreach.
Q: What quality do you believe is most important in a Police Officer?
A: Versatility; being able to work in many situations. Being an officer you are called to do many different things (i.e. a medical call one minute and a police call the next)
Q: Would you consider furthering your education with a criminal justice degree?
A: Yes.
Q: If selected, what would be your approach during your first 90 days?
A: I would like to complete the academy graduating in the top of the class academically and physically.
Discussion: Chief Mills will provide his recommendations for the Boards review tomorrow. He will be recommending 3 of the 6 for appointment. They have 4 vacancies but on this list he will be recommending 3.
2. Discussion - Cable TV Public Access By-Laws
Discussion: Mr. Riley feels he is ready to vote after final review of the information.
Vote: Mr. Riley moved to adopt the By-Laws for a Non-Profit Access Corporation to operate the Hingham public access television channel and to assist in the operation of the government and educational channels as needed, as submitted by the Cable TV Advisory Committee, dated August 31, 2010 plus any articles of corporation.
Second: Burns In Favor: All Opposed: None
Next step, to conclude a contract between the town and the public access corporation laying out how the corporation will perform the public access functions for the town. Ms. Burns requested bullet points of some of the language and range of options that might be considered in drafting this agreement. Mr. Dellot will provide some samples agreements from other towns as well as critical bullet points.
3. Permanent Building Committee Discussion
Discussion: Proposal by Jerry Seelen, Chair of the Advisory Committee and Hingham resident. This is an idea in process and he recommends a small study committee (2-3 people) to weigh all the pros and cons. The committee would recommend a course of action once they have engaged enough people in town to make sure they are going in the right direction. Mr. Riley asked how many people they would consider for the committee. Mr. Seelen advised that an odd number would be preferable, his suggestion is 3 but if the Board would like to see more then he would propose 5. The charge of the committee is to study the concept of a permanent building committee instead of ad hoc committees each time a building project came up. The study committee would suggest what depth and detail the charge of the actual committee would be. First, they would look at other towns to see what they do and how it is in practice. Mr. Riley asked if the committee would be made up of volunteer members or would they suggest an employee of the town? Mr. Seelen advised that voting members be citizens of the town and that employees of the town not be voting members but this is certainly open for discussion and research into what other towns are doing. The final authority would come from a town meeting vote, selectmen, Town Moderator and school committee. Frequently, appointments are for a 2-3 year term. The Chairman would like to suggest that they propose a study committee of 5; being made up of three members, (one nominated by each of the Board of Selectmen), and the other two committee members to be Mr. Seelen and the Town Engineer. Mr. Riley would like to see what the arguments are opposing a town employee being on the permanent committee.
Selectmen/Town Administrator's Report(s)
Mr. Riley advised that the Town Hall Open House today was a success despite the weather.
Mr. Rabuffo advised that 400K dollars would be coming to the Hingham Schools for use either this year or next. Dr. Galo may fill support positions this year and use the remaining money next year.
Votes to be considered
1. Adoption of computer use policy – continued to next week. Ms. Foley advised that this is an update to an existing policy but as technology changes the policy needs to be updated to contain new language that may not have been applicable in previous years. The new policy has been reviewed and approved by Town Counsel.
2. Anti-harassment policy – Continue to next week. Ms. Foley advised this policy has been modified to remove the schools/student language out completely as they will now have their own anti-harassment policy. Town Counsel has reviewed and approved it. Ms. Burns asked for the first two headings "general" and "sexual harassment" to be clarified.
3. Discuss with Town Counsel on how to handle executive session minutes.
4. Meeting Minutes - 8/10/10, 8/17/10, 9/7/10
Vote: Ms. Burns moved to approve the 8/10/10, 8/17/10 and 9/7/10 minutes
Second: Mr. Riley In Favor: All Opposed: None
Regular Session
The Board voted, by roll call vote, to adjourn to executive session for purpose of discussing pending litigation.
Mr. Riley – yes
Ms. Burns – yes
Mr. Rabuffo – yes
Open session adjourned at 8:33 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
_________________________
Betty Foley, Assistant Town Administrator
Approved as amended on ____________.