Back to Board of Selectmen Meeting Minutes
October 5, 2010
7:00 PM North Hearing Room
Present: Bruce Rabuffo, Chairman, Laura M. Burns, Betty Foley, Assistant Town Administrator, Ted Alexiades, Town Accountant/Finance Director and Interim Town Administrator
Absent: Kevin Paicos, Town Administrator and John A. Riley
Regular Session
The Chairman called the meeting to order.
1. The Chairman read the resignation letter, dated 10/5/10, from the current Town Administrator, Kevin Paicos. His last day in office will be Friday 10/8/10.
2. The Chairman advised that Aquarion Water Department has notified them via letter that the water restrictions have been lifted.
Public Hearing
1. Memorandum of Agreement with the SEIU Local 888, AFL CIO
Discussion: Bill McGillvary, from the Personnel Board, advised that they have come to an agreement with the library for a one year contract written in a Memorandum of Agreement. Among other things, the new MOA has stipulations that include:
• No salary increase for one year
• Changes in sick time policy
• Definition of what a sickness is
• A provision allowing 3 personal days off each year
Approximately 17 revisions were made in all.
The Chairman commented on Article XIV, relative to the new "Sick Time Buy Back" provision. Mr. McGillvray advised that the provision in the MOA states for every 6 month period with no sick time used the employee will earn merit time of one half day.
The Chairman asked about addition of educational leave. Mr. McGillvary indicated that under Article XV, there is new language that allows for a professional development payment in the amount of a $500 bonus after completion of 10 hours of coursework that has been pre-approved by the Library Director in advance.
Vote: Ms. Burns moved to approve the MOA between the Town of Hingham and the SEIU Local 888, AFL CIO
Second: Mr. Rabuffo In Favor: All Opposed: None
2. Harbor Maintenance Dredging Project Amendments 3 & 4 – K. Corson
Discussion: Amendments to the current proposal of work regarding the dredging project. No town dollars will be spent as a result of these 2 amendments. Ken Corson, Harbormaster advised that amendment 3 will allow them to do hydraulic surveys in the Back River and update their waterways permits. Amendment 4 will allow CLE Engineering to do a full condition survey, topographic, property line compilation and condition survey in the inner harbor.
Ms. Burns asked what the involvement of the Lincoln Maritime Center would be, since it is mentioned in the amendments. Mr. Corson indicated that the study would compile finding of what Barnes Wharf might be able to be used for. Such as:
• Restrooms
• Restaurant
• Pump-out facility
• Public dock
Payment for this work will be from monies awarded to the town. Additionally, an additional $55,000 was just awarded from the DCR Waterways. No money will be coming from the town of Hingham.
Vote: Ms. Burns moved to approve the amendments 3 & 4 to the dredging agreement as presented by the Harbor Master.
Second: Mr. Rabuffo In Favor: All Opposed: None
Mr. Alexiades left the meeting at this time to attend another meeting.
3. Expansion of the tax work-off program
Discussion: Mr. Alexiades met with Barbara Farnsworth, Director of Elder Services, to discuss the feasibility of expanding the tax work-off program. Ms. Farnsworth outlined an extensive expansion of the program hoping to extend it to 50 new participants. The pool would consist of both seniors and to expand the pool of non-seniors based on income threshold requirements. She will be presenting that as part of her budget package.
4. Plymouth County Advisory Board meeting
Discussion: Mr. Rabuffo advised that the Plymouth County Advisory Board meeting was held last week while the BOS was in session. Mr. Rabuffo had asked Carl Harris to attend. The results of that meeting are detailed in a letter with most items being administrative in nature. The next Plymouth County Advisory Board meeting is scheduled for December.
5. Lease Amendment for South Shore Country Club – Country Club Management Committee
Discussion: William Friend, member of the Country Club Management Committee advised that they are installing golf simulators at the Country Club and would like to serve food and beverages in that area. To be able to serve food and beverages, they have amended the lease agreement with Raffael's to service the area with food and beverages subject to approval of licensing authorities.
Mr. Rabuffo asked about the plans. Mr. Friend indicated that two computerized golf simulators would allow someone to play golf year round. A memo was sent out to all members and 75-80% of all members said they would take advantage of the service.
The financial arrangement is similar to that of a vending machine. The Country Club will pay a deposit to guarantee that they will protect the equipment. The vendor installs the 2 machines and they will have revenue sharing.
Ms. Burns asked about the fee to the players. Mr. Friend advised it will be average about $30 per hour, for a foursome that would only be $7 an hour.
The timeframe to have this up and running is mid November. Ms. Burns asked if Raffael's will be involved in planning. Mr. Friend said they are involved as they will be putting in some of the money. A local architect volunteered the architectural drawing which is in the Pro Shop at the country club.
Vote: Ms. Burns moved to approve the signing of the second amendment to the lease between the Town of Hingham and the Country Club Management Committee and Vista Verde Corporation.
Second: Mr. Rabuffo In Favor: All Opposed: None
6. Discussion of Guidance for the Long Range Waste Disposal Planning and Recycling Committee (LRWDPR)
Discussion: In May 2010 the BOS had asked the LRWDPR Committee to research possible models for waste disposal and recycling operations that could help generate revenues for the Town. Brenda Black, Chair of the WDPRC, was present to discuss the committees findings.
Ms. Black advised they have looked at benchmark and neighboring towns to see what models they were using to reduce municipal waste. The compiled data and have it narrowed down to 6 models. Mr. Rabuffo indicated that they should organize a public meeting and if the deadline needs to be moved back it can be. Ms. Black advised that they have ruled out 3 models as being applicable to Hingham. Ms. Black advised that they will rate all the models as to raising low, medium to high revenue. Ms. Black asked if a member or all members of the Board could write a letter advising that they would attend the public meeting. Ms. Burns asked what the six models are. Ms. Black advised:
• Curb side pickup
• Flat fee
• Sticker fee
• Pay as you throw
• Closing the transfer station and have everyone go private
• General Enterprise Fund – separate accounting system
A member of the public asked what is meant by "municipal." No waste from businesses or schools goes to the Hingham Transfer System. Just their recycling goes to the transfer system.
7. Appointments
a. Veterans' Council
Discussion: This Thursday the Veteran's council will be meeting with Father Bill's to finalize the arrangements for the Fort Hill Street veterans' home project. The term used to be a one year committee but now the terms are staggered.
Vote: Ms. Burns moved to appoint the following to the Veterans' Council:
Term Expires
Robert Beal, Jr. 2011
Maureen DeMenna 2011
Stephen Kelsch 2011
James Claypoole 2012
Keith Jermyn 2012
John Chapin 2012
Ernest Sofis 2012
Daniel Evarts 2013
Arthur Smith 2013
William Ramsey 2013
The following are members of the Veterans' Council but are exempt
from appoint by virtue of their position.
Veterans' Agent (Michael Cunningham)
Commander of American Legion Post (Scott McMillan)
Commander of Veterans of Foreign Wars (Herman Messmer)
Chaplain (John McHugh)
Second: Mr. Rabuffo In Favor: All Opposed: None
b. Permanent Building Study Committee
Discussion: Mr. Seelen and Mr. Fernandes would be on the committee and that each member of the BOS would recommend an appointment. Ms. Burns has not been able to reach her candidate yet nor has Mr. Riley. This will be moved to next week's agenda.
c. Shade Tree Committee
Discussion: A private citizen proposal by Ms. Rydell. A proposal has been submitted to the BOS. Ms. Rydell would like to propose a 5 member committee, for a one year time period. They would focus on Main Street between Queen Anne's Corner and Jackass Park, including those two locations. Ms. Rydell, Randy Sylvester from the DPW, and Ted Alexiades met to discuss the proposal. They propose to move forward having the design done by a Professional landscape designer. At the end of the year they would have a plan that people could look at, changes from what is there now. The finances for the trees and shrubs would come from the DPW's budget (already exists in the budget).
Mr. Rabuffo advised that if they agree with the concept the next step would be to form a committee. Mr. Rabuffo asked for the evaluative criteria being used to determine if the work is successful.
The public will be able to provide input into the plans. The Superintendent of the Tree and Parks department used to make the decisions without public input. Ultimately the BOS would have to agree to the plan but nothing would be done without the DPW's approval.
A vote for the 5 member committee will be on the agenda for the next BOS meeting.
Mr. Alexiades returned to the meeting.
Selectmen/Town Administrator's Report(s)
• Ms. Burns reported back on the paving at Eastgate Lane. Betty Foley did a search of the grants of location to see if there was an agreement made by one of the utilities to repave the road. None was found. Ms. Burns spoke with Alan MacDonald, Chair of the Building Committee, to inquire if they would have funds to complete the project. They have 2 outstanding invoices to approve on the project but they expect to have a surplus. They may be able to use the surplus to pave East Gate Lane. It would not be able to be done during this paving season. But over the next month they should hear back from the state and at that time they would know specifically what the surplus would be.
• Ms. Burns has drafted an article for the newspaper on the stabilization fund. When Mr. Riley returns they will be able to review and proceed with submission to the newspaper.
• Ms. Burns spoke with a citizen who had been hunting geese at Hingham Harbor. He described that he went to great lengths to notify the authorities of what he would be doing and making sure it was legal. He was told that it was. Hingham Police is at this point is stating that it is not lawful to do so.
Ms. Burns proposes to authorize the town counsel and the environmental police to meet with this citizen to make a decision on the matter.
Vote: Ms. Burns moved to authorize town counsel to review the incident and the laws related to it and advise the board on the legality of hunting in public areas.
Second: Mr. Riley In Favor: All Opposed: None
• Mr. Rabuffo advised that Sue Nickerson, staff accountant has produced a report on historical trend in unemployment rates. There was a public meeting last week with the Advisory Committee to begin the 2012 budget process. Before this recession Hingham was in the 2-3% range. For the 2nd quarter 2010 that has risen to 7%. In a town with 22,000 people, approximately 800 citizens have lost their jobs.
• The BOS have been invited to a meeting this Thursday at the Typhoon Bistro by the Hingham Business Council and they will give mention to the award given Hingham by the South Shore Chamber of Commerce.
• Mr. Alexiades advised that new ratings from Moody's, Standard and Poor and Fitch will be released later this week.
• Mr. Alexiades advised that next Tuesday, he, the Treasurer and the Chairman will authorize the refunding award.
• Mr. Alexiades advised that the lights at the intersection of Beal Street and Sgt. Terry Drive will be done in 60 days. They will be blinking yellow until the intersection warrants something different.
• Mr. Alexiades commented that the Advisory Committee is in the process of voting on their subcommittee recommendations for benchmarking data and would like the BOS' input.
• Mr. Alexiades advised that electronic copies of everything discussed at the meeting will be available to the press.
Votes to be considered
1. To grant a temporary liquor license to the Hingham Community Center for the Annual Cabaret Fundraiser to be held on January 27, 28 and 29, 2011
Vote: Ms. Burns moved to approve the temporary liquor license to the Hingham Community Center for the fundraiser to be held on January 27, 28 and 29, 2011.
Second: Mr. Rabuffo In Favor: All Opposed: None
Regular Session
Open session adjourned at 8:39 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
_________________________
Betty Foley, Assistant Town Administrator
Approved as amended on ____________.