Back to Board of Selectmen Meeting Minutes
October 12, 2010
7:00 PM North Hearing Room
MEETING MINUTES
Present: Bruce Rabuffo, Chairman, Laura M. Burns, John A. Riley, Betty Foley, Assistant Town Administrator, Ted Alexiades, Town Accountant/Finance Director and Interim Town Administrator
Absent:
Regular Session
The Chairman called the meeting to order.
Questions from the Public
Mr. John Hersey wanted to thank the Selectmen for their recent appointment to the DPW, Jeff Handrahan and Mike Mullen. His question tonight is regarding the layout of the down town sidewalks – the bump-out areas. Mr. Hersey feels it is hazardous to cars. After addressing it to the town engineer he feels it necessary to bring it to the Board of Selectmen's attention. He feels that, at the very least, barrels or reflectors should be there to warn drivers about the bump out area. The Chairman asked Mr. Alexiades to look into the situation.
Introduction of three newly appointed Police Officers.
Discussion: The Chairman introduced the three newly appointed Police Officers as:
• Michael Rockoff
• Katelyn McLaughlin
• Ryan Ross
League of Women Voters – Update on Town Meeting Procedure and Proposals – Kate Boland, et al
Discussion: The League of Women Voters (LWV) has been studying successful Town Meeting practices employed by other communities. Ms. Boland, representing the LWV Hingham, would like to submit an article for consideration to help disseminate information concerning warrant articles for annual and special Town meeting to the public.
Ms. Boland advised that they went to 20 communities and 12 of them use the same system of town government. The Best Practices they found from those communities, to encourage citizens to attend town meetings, were developed by means of interviews and questionnaires From those they concluded 2 ways to look at town meeting – (1) education (2) conduct at town meeting
Tonight's focus will be on education. The initial action items they took were:
• To put a link to Town Meeting on the left hand side of the website a "quick link".
• To add a Citizen's Guide to Town Meeting, accessible through that quick link, to give directions for the public to know how to go to town meeting.
• To put together a one page "What is Town Meeting" simply stated.
• To look at the calendar and close the warrant more firmly, so every article is available to the public shortly after that date.
• To put forward an article. They would like to delete sections 6, 8a and 8b and replace it with new language. A highlight of the new language is:
o Section 6 – the name of the town board, department or other town entity or the first person signing the petition to the Selectmen be on the article
o Section 8 (a) – title and the language of what that article does
o Section 8 (b) – a complete copy of each submission be available 10 days after the close of the warrant.
The benefits to the town are:
• Clarity - who is sponsoring an article
• Consistent submission – establishing a clear path for article sponsors
• Earlier access to the public
• Improvement in the process will result in the better use of Town meeting time
Mr. Riley asked if they foresee this being the first of a working dialogue every year. Ms. Boland feels this is the first of two parts (education and conduct as stated earlier) and can't comment if there will be more after that. Mr. Riley asked if this was discussed with the advisory board. Mr. Boland advised that they discussed the close of warrant and the disclosure to the public and they are in support of the article. Ms. Boland advised that they have had positive feedback. Mr. Riley asked if the January 20th deadline was okay with the Advisory Board. Ms. Boland reiterated that the 20th is in the town by-laws that the warrant closes on 1/20. The Selectmen do have the ability to open the warrant again.
Ms. Burns thanked the women on the League of Women Voters for their hard work. She asked if they have any feedback from the Town Moderator. Ms. Boland advised that the LWV have talked with him several times and his feedback has been noted.
Ms. Burns advised that if they bring a petition article they could accept it for the warrant and weigh in well before Town Meeting.
Ms. Burns asked about another part of their proposal; the calendar that included public hearing dates. Ms. Boland advised that the proposed dates are the final hearing dates. Further clarification/discussion is needed on phase 2 of the article that includes the calendar.
Mr. Rabuffo introduced Mr. Bob Falvey who is proposing that the Town By-laws limiting opening comments, at Town Meeting be limited to 6 minutes (currently 10 minutes), and additional comments to 3 minutes (currently 6 minutes). Mr. Falvey was present and advised that his proposal is to remove section 6 in its entirety and replace it with language that limits opening comments to 6 minutes and limits additional comments to 3 minutes.
Permanent Building and Facilities Management Study Committee, Discussion on Definition, Scope, and Membership – Jerry Seelen
Discussion: Mr. Rabuffo advised that the Board of Selectmen have nominated the following three residents to be on the Permanent Building and Facilities Management Study Committee:
John Manley,
DJ MacKinnon
Benedict Wilcox
Vote: Ms. Burns moved to appoint John Manley, DJ MacKinnon and Benedict Wilcox to the Permanent Building and Facilities Management Study Committee
Second: Mr. Riley In Favor: All Opposed: None
Shade Tree Committee – Discussion on Membership Candidates
Discussion: Mr. Alexiades advised a question came up asking if a member of the committee could bid on the work proposed by the committee. Mr. Alexiades advised a member of the committee would be prohibited from bidding on any proposed work made by the committee. Ms. Rydell asked if they were paid by someone else could they bid on the work? Ms. Foley advised that there could be a conflict of interest if a landscape architect was on the committee and then bid on the work. Mr. Alexiades concurred. Anyone who is doing work for the town, even if a volunteer/committee member, they would be treated as an employee of the town and therefore could not bid on the work.
Mr. Riley wanted to confirm what the test section of Main Street would be. Ms. Rydell advised that it would be from Queen Anne's Corner to Jackass Park (including both of those). Ms. Rydell would like a landscape architect to offer a drawing of the Park. Mr. Riley asked if there has been any discussion with prospective landscape architects? Ms. Rydell advised that she has talked with a resident of Hingham, who is a landscape architect, and he was very interested in the project but she has not discussed that he would not be able to be paid for his design nor do the work.
Ms. Burns wanted to emphasize that the town uses professional plans all the time for various work. Following the drawings/recommendations that are submitted it is open for public comments. Ms. Rydell feels initiating a PR campaign before this gets started would allow the public to be part of the solution. When they get specific plans they would welcome public input.
Mr. Rabuffo asked that they finalize their appointments and Ms. Rydell will speak with the proposed landscape architects.
Mr. John Hersey asked if Ms. Rydell is part of the Beautification Committee, Ms. Rydell confirmed they are. Mr. Hersey commended the Beautification Committee on the work they are doing. Mr. Hersey advised that he has a letter from John Tzimorangas from the light department that he would offer to replace or donate all the requested trees to the town - providing that they aren't planting a tree that will grow to affect the lines. Also, Mr. Hersey feels that Mr. Handrahan from the DPW should be on the committee.
Mr. Rydell emphasized that the committee's focus wouldn't be on maintenance since the DPW is aware of the issues but that it would be part of their recommendations.
Appointment of Interim Town Accountant & Hiring of Temporary Staff Accountant
Discussion: The Chairman asked Mr. Alexiades how they are going to address covering the duties of the CFO now that he is Interim Town Administrator. Mr. Alexiades is recommending the promotion of the current staff account, Sue Nickerson, to Interim Town Accountant. In addition he proposes the hiring of a temporary staff accountant.
Vote: Ms. Riley moved to approve the appointment of Sue Nickerson to the position of Interim Town accountant.
Second: Mr. Rabuffo In Favor: All Opposed: None
A question from the Hingham Journal; what will the cost to the town be. Mr. Alexiades advised there would be a compensation adjustment, in the range of $10K per fiscal year (we are part way through the fiscal year) for the promotion. Additionally about $20 - $25 per hour using a temporary agency works out to be approximately $45K - $50K per year based on a 35 hour work week. Because the promotion would be an increase in salary but the Account Temp would be a decrease in salary it would have little impact overall.
Selectmen/Town Administrator's Report(s)
1. Mr. Alexiades commented that they went through rating presentation with Moody's, Standard and Poor's and Fitch and the Town has retained their AAA rating. One item to highlight is that Moody's ratings confirmation no longer has a negative outlook for the Town.
2. Mr. Rabuffo advised that there will be a discussion tomorrow on bond offerings for the town.
3. Mr. Riley wanted to congratulate the Board on the hard financial decisions they had to make for the benefit of the town.
4. Mr. Rabuffo advised that a memo from the Massachusetts Collector's and Treasurer's Association was received advising that our town treasurer, Jean Montgomery, has been reaffirmed as a certified Mass municipal treasurer.
5. Mr. Alexiades advised that Michael Cunningham, Veteran's Agent has resigned effective 10/29/10 to accept another opportunity. He would like to begin the hiring process as soon as possible. A Screening committee comprised of himself, the HR director and a member of the Veterans Council. Mr. Rabuffo asked if there is a plan to cover the period following Mr. Cunningham's departure. Mr. Alexiades advised that he is working on that.
6. Mr. Alexiades advised that there was a report of a possible gas leak in the Cushing/Main street area. Mr. Fernandes and National Grid are aware of the leak and are taking emergency action.
7. Ms. Burns and the Interim Town Administrator attended a meeting last week for the Municipal Officials for Sustainability. They will be bringing those ideas to the BOS at a later date.
8. Ms. Burns had asked Town Counsel to look into the question of fowling at Town Beach. His opinion is that the general by-law regarding the discharge of firearms prohibits doing so at Town Beach.
9. Mr. Rabuffo received a letter from the 375th Anniversary Committee expressing their thanks for participating in the closing events of 9/11.
10. Mr. Rabuffo advised that the Ward Street Fields project have been going through the various town committees and at some point they would be coming before the Board of Selectmen. In addition a skate board park is being discussed. The recreation commission will discus and come back to the BOS in November.
11. Mr. Riley indicated that the bridge from Hingham to Hull will be inaugurated tomorrow at 3:00.
Committee Appointments
1. Conservation Commission appointment
Vote: Mr. Riley moved to appoint Alan E. McKenna to the Conservation Commission to fill an unexpired term ending in 2012.
Second: Ms. Burns In Favor: All Opposed: None
2. Cable TV Advisory Committee appointment
Vote: Ms. Burns moved to appoint Joshua Gates to the Cable TV Advisory Committee to fill an unexpired term ending in 2012.
Second: Mr. Riley In Favor: All Opposed: None
3. Community Preservation Committee appointment
Vote: Mr. Riley moved to appoint Christopher F. Burns to the Community Preservation Committee to fill an unexpired term ending in 2012.
Second: Ms. Burns In Favor: All Opposed: None
Votes to be considered
4. Approve the minutes of September 23, 2010
Vote: Ms. Burns moved to approve the minutes of September 23, 2010
Second: Mr. Riley In Favor: All Opposed: None
5. Request of South Shore Art Center for a temporary Liquor License
Vote: Ms. Burns moved to grant a one day liquor license to the South Shore Arts Center c/o Alice Sloan for a fundraiser to be held November 3, 2010, at 18 Shipyard Drive, Suite 1A.
Second: Mr. Riley In Favor: All Opposed: None
Regular Session
The Board voted, by roll call vote, to adjourn to executive session.
Mr. Riley – yes
Ms. Burns – yes
Mr. Rabuffo – yes
Open session adjourned at 8:41 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
_________________________
Betty Foley, Assistant Town Administrator
Approved as amended on ____________.
The following pages are documents submitted directly to the Hingham Board of Selectmen's office and referenced during the 10/12/10 Board of Selectmen Meeting. These documents were not created or edited by Town Recording Services.
League of Women Voter's – Warrant Article Talking Points
THE LWVH ARTICLE FOR 2011 TOWN MEETING
How are these articles in the best interest of the Town?
During the past two and a half years, the League of Women Voters of Hingham has studied successful Town Meeting practices employed by the communities Hingham uses for benchmarking purposes. Research has shown that when Boards and voters have earlier access to the Warrant, they are better informed and make better decisions. This conclusion, supported by responses from our Hingham Citizen Questionnaire, confirms that early access to clear information lays the foundation for a more effective and collaborative review process for all Open Town Meeting participants—Board of Selectmen, Advisory Board, town boards, staff and voters.
The benefits from this article are:
• Clarity about who is sponsoring an article allows all concerned parties to seek better understanding and clarification from sponsors.
• Consistent submission and preparation for the review process offers a clearly established path for all article sponsors, strengthening the legislative branch of Open Town Meeting.
• Earlier access to all articles, achieved by posting the Warrant in February instead of early April, allows citizens and boards optimal opportunity to research the facts, observe the review process, and ask questions in preparation for voting at Town Meeting. Boards also benefit from earlier voter input.
• Improvements to the process will result in more efficient use of Town Meeting time and decision-making that is based upon a greater understanding of the facts and issues.
Why a warrant article?
While the membership of the League of Women Voters of Hingham has received favorable feedback from many Town boards, committees, staff, and citizens, we feel that a bylaw will ensure a consistent process for the long term.
League of Women Voter's – Warrant Article
THE LWVH ARTICLE FOR 2011 TOWN MEETING
Article________. Will the Town for the purpose of better disseminating to citizens information concerning warrant articles for annual and special Town meetings, amend the General By-Laws of the Town of Hingham as heretofore amended as follows:
1. Delete entirely the current text of Section 6, Article 2 and substitute the following:
" SECTION 6- In connection with each article made a part of the warrant for a town meeting, there shall be inserted in the warrant, the name of the town board, department or other town entity proposing the article, and in the case of an article inserted pursuant to a petition to the Selectmen, the name of the first person signing such petition and the words "and others";" and,
2. Delete entirely the current text of Section 8 of Article 2 and substitute the following:
"SECTION 8 – (a) Each matter produced for insertion in a warrant for an annual or special town meeting, whether by a Town board or by petition, shall be submitted to the Selectmen in the form of the complete text of the proposed article accompanied by the full name and contact information of a knowledgeable representative of the proponent. In the case of an article submitted by petition, the submission also shall include the required signatures of at least ten registered voters of the Town.
"SECTION 8- (b) The Selectmen no later than ten days after any of the following: the January 20th date described in SECTION 7, the closing date of a re-opened warrant described in SECTION 7 or the closing date of the warrant for a special town meeting shall: (i) cause to be posted in a clearly identified position on the Town's website, a complete copy of each submission described in 8(a) above; and, (ii) transmit a copy of such submissions to the Advisory Committee; and (iii) make available for viewing or purchase a paper copy of such submissions ", or act on anything related thereto?"
(Inserted at the request of Mary Boland and other members of the League of Women Voters of Hingham)
Interim Town Administrator's Report
Date: Tuesday, October 12, 2010
To: Board of Selectmen
From: Ted C. Alexiades, Interim Town Administrator
RE: Town Administrator Report
• I have received confirmation that the Town has retained its AAA rating from Moody's Investor Services, Standard and Poor's and Fitch Ratings pursuant to the Town's pending debt refinancing. Of particular note is the Moody's ratings confirmation, which no longer has a negative outlook for the Town. The following is an excerpt from the Moody's rating:
Outlook:
The stable outlook represents Moody's expectation that Hingham's financial position will remain sound despite ongoing pressure from limited tax base growth and state support. Additionally the stable outlook acknowledges the town's recent strengthening of financial management policies and significant progress toward funding long-term liabilities, including funding its full OPEB ARC. Critical to maintaining Hingham's credit strength will be effective long-range planning and expenditure management as well as the maintenance of structural balance in the short-term coupled with augmentation of reserves in the medium term.
What could move the rating—DOWN:
"Failure to grow reserves as a percentage of revenues, specifically, failure to follow long- range budget projections for reserves.
"Adoption of structurally imbalanced budgets
"Less conservative assumptions for revenue and expenditure growth
"Significant appropriations of free cash without replenishment
"Persistent voter disapproval for overrides and exclusions from Proposition 2 ½
I will forward you copies of all the rating analysis as soon as they are available. As you know we will be taking bids on the bonds on Wednesday, October 13th.
• I regret to inform you that Michael Cunningham has resigned his position as the Town's Veterans' Agent in order to pursue an opportunity with another community. His last date of employment is Friday, October 29, 2010. The position has been posted, and with your consent, I would like to begin advertising for the position. Further, I would like input on a screening committee, and would suggest a committee of three, myself, the Human Resources Director, and a member of the Veterans' Council. Also, now would be a very opportune time to consider a regional approach to Veterans' services. To that end I have spoken with Phil Lemnios, Hull Town Manager, and he expressed an interest to explore a Hingham-Hull partnership.
• A resident brought to our attention that there was an odor of a gas leak in the Cushing-Main Street area. Roger Fernandes, Projects Engineer has confirmed that National Grid is aware of the leak, and is taking appropriate action. It is expected that they will be replacing a section of the gas main in that area, which dates to 1913 under an emergency repair, and work should be underway shortly.