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Board of Selectmen - Meeting Minutes

October 26, 2010
7:00 PM North Hearing Room

           

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:  

Mr. Riley called the meeting to order.  Mr. Rabuffo is due to arrive at 8:00.                 

• Approval of minutes

Vote: Ms. Burns moved to approve the minutes of October 12, 2010.
Second: Mr. Riley               In Favor: All             Opposed: None

Mr. John Hersey was present and commented on how well the DPW was doing on tree trimming and mowing.  He provided some pictures to the Board.

Discussion:  Jim Dow, Supervisor of Hingham Sewer, requested a Grant of Location to install and maintain approximately 325 feet of 2 inch sewer main in Miles Road. This main will originate from an existing manhole in front of 17 Miles Road and continue under the paved portion of the travel way in an easterly direction, through the intersection of Fearing Road to completion at a manhole in an easement in the front lawn of 69 Fearing Road. This approval is subject to the special provision of the Department of Public Works. 
Ms. Burns asked how it would be paid for.  Mr. Dow advised that there is no charge to the town; it is being done solely by private homeowners.  Ms. Burns asked Mr. Fernandes if there is any other utilities work that needs to be done in this area before the roads get repaved next year.  Mr. Fernandes advised that are making those inquiries. 
Mr. Riley asked how Cole Road and Fearing Road will be serviced in the future without being on private property.  Mr. Dow advised that a manhole will be installed in the middle of the road so in the future, if there is any servicing that needs to be done, there will be access.  Is the existing pipe in the street big enough to handle the new houses?   Per Mr. Dow, it is. 
A memo will be going out to all residents on the street to alert them of the work being done and to advise that once the road is repaired there is a moratorium in place for 5 years.
Vote: Mr. Burns moved to approve the Grant of Location to the Hingham Sewer Department to install and maintain approximately 325 feet of 2 inch sewer main in Miles Road. This main will originate from an existing manhole in front of 17 Miles Road and continue under the paved portion of the travel way in an easterly direction, through the intersection of Fearing Road to completion at a manhole in an easement in the front lawn of 69 Fearing Road. This approval is subject to the special provision of the Department of Public Works.
Second: Ms. Riley               In Favor: All             Opposed: None

Discussion:  Mr. Fernandes gave an update on the square construction.  The original project estimate was put together by the Cecil Group 5 or 6 years ago.  The project came under budget by just over $508,000.  This number doesn’t include the $407,000 construction contingency. 

The funding sources utilized were:

• Cost sharing Green Bush project             $          45,000
• PWED                                                            $    1,400,000
• Chapter 90 funds                                         $       696,000
• Road Building monies                                $         50,000
• CPC Planning Design                                $         25,000
• Chapter 90 Design                                      $         35,000

The project is just about done.  Still have the right to purchase and the RFP will be written by the end of the week for the street lighting.

Ms. Burns asked what the construction timeline is.  Mr. Fernandes advised that the utility companies have been contacted.  Most of the service connections have been completed.  In his estimate, by this time next year, the service lines will be under ground and poles removed.

Mr. Riley asked if the electrical service has been done.  Mr. Fernandes stated that one residential and one business remains to be done.

Mr. Riley asked if the $508,000 was available.  Mr. Fernandes advised that it was simply money the town didn’t have to pay.

Mr. Riley asked if there was a timeframe for the light fixtures to be installed.  Mr. Fernandes indicated that they are likely to be in place by December / January.  Mr. Riley asked about the sidewalk area around the old Settles Glass building.  Mr. Fernandes advised once the building is completed they will go back and make sure the sidewalk is constructed.  A substantial length of sidewalk will be our responsibility once the work is done.  Reclaimed sidewalk is in place temporarily.  Mr. Riley asked about the trees.  Mr. Fernandes will have the 4 or 5 tree pits filled in since it is late in the season.  He will be in discussion with the DPW regarding what type of trees will be planted in the spring.  

Mr. Riley asked about the underground utilities.  Mr. Fernandes advised that there are two locations requiring rebuilding since the structures are in conflict with the sidewalk in terms of ventilation and height.  Hingham still owes them some switch boxes and transformer pads which are expected within a few days.  Mr. Riley asked if there is a possibility that Comcast and Verizon can start pulling wires sooner than later.  Mr. Fernandes advised that they have been notified that Hingham is ready to start their work. 

Ms. Burns asked if they have heard from the restaurant owners at the corners of Station and North Street.  Mr. Fernandes worked with them to make sure that all their utilities are there when they are ready.  All that is left is for them to start work.  Mr. Riley thanks Mr. F for his hard work on the project.

Hingham Journal asked what the lights on North Street will look like.  Mr. Fernandes advised they are a colonial style and coordinates with the style that is there now but a little lower to the ground. 

Mr. Hersey, Hingham resident, asked Mr. Fernandes if there was a high pressure sewer or water line in that area.  Mr. Fernandes commented on what pipes were there.  The gas main on North Street is new but there were no problems with the water main.  Mr. Hersey asked if the sewer line was videoed to assure that there were no cracks etc.  Per Mr. Fernandes, as part of the Greenbush project, videos were done. 

• Computer Use

Discussion:  Mr. Alexiades advised that Steve Becker, Director of Information Technology, provided a letter highlighting some proposed changes in the policy.  The changes center around what equipment is included, for instance cell phones.  It also focuses on end user responsibilities for maintaining security, privacy expectations, offensive content expectations, records retention and prohibited use guidelines.  Ms. Burns has reviewed the new policy and has no questions.  Mr. Riley commented on the signature page and asked who signs this.  Per Mr. Alexiades all users who connect to the Town’s computer network will be trained and then asked to sign the agreement. 

Mr. Rabuffo joined the meeting.

Mr. Rabuffo asked how we monitor the security of the network.  Mr. Alexiades advised that there isn’t a formal procedure to monitor each individual’s use but IT does check for compliance when doing their routine checks. 

Vote: Ms. Riley moved to adopt the Computer Policy as revised.
Second: Ms. Burns             In Favor: All             Opposed: None

• Anti Harassment

Discussion:  In a memo from the town’s Human Resources Director, David Basler advised that it became necessary to expand the policy to include all forms of workforce harassment.  In addition, a major change was to remove mention of Hingham students.  In consultation with Dr. Galo, Superintendent of Schools, it was agreed that due to the recent anti-bullying statute and mandated procedures, the School Committee will develop and institute its own policy. 

Ms. Burns advised that this document is for any type of harassment, not just sexual harassment and therefore under the section listed under “Grievance Officers” the agreement needs to strike “sexual” and just leave it as any alleged harassment.  Mr. Riley clarified that the school administrators, teachers and students are pulled out and will have their own policy.

Vote: Ms. Burns moved to approve to adopt the Anti Harassment Policy as revised.
Second: Ms. Riley               In Favor: All             Opposed: None

Discussion:  The Chairman advised that comment and suggestions from the Board as well as department heads throughout the town are welcome as this project begins.

Ms. Burns re-read the 2001 version that she received when she joined the Advisory Committee and feels that maybe a video that refreshes the information on a yearly basis may be helpful.  Mr. Riley advised that Mr. Toomey was videoed the last time he came in and it is available to watch.  Mr. Rabuffo asked Mr. Alexiades to look into this and revisit in December.

Discussion:  Mrs. Judy Cole, Chairman of the 2010 Government Study Committee, gave an update on the Committee.  She advised that this is the 3rd Government Study Committee in the Town.  They have a broad mandate to study the town and the effectiveness of town government.  They have started to gather data and have sent a survey via email asking what was working and what wasn’t and what they thought the future might bring.  If there were changes in the future do they have some thoughts on how they would meet those changes?  The 2nd email asked specific questions and asked people to collaborate on their answers.  They have 6 specific questions that were printed in the Journal and the answers will plot their course from here.  They are working on a resident’s survey that will be going out in the next month.  Mr. Rabuffo asked if they would be contacting the business community/Chamber of Commerce.  Ms. Cole said they hadn’t considered it yet but it’s a good idea.  They are looking to the BOS for thoughts, ideas, guidance and advice.

A target date of 11/8 has been set to receive their feedback but they do not want to interfere with town business.  They will move the date to 11/15 if there is a need to do so because of the upcoming election and budget talks, which come first.  Mr. Rabuffo advised that the BOS would compile their feedback before sending it back to her. 

Mr. Riley asked how long the Government. Committee would be meeting.  Ms. Cole advised that each preceding committee met for 3 years so they are not able to give a definitive timeline.  Mr. Riley asked how many members are in the committee. Ms. Cole advised seven.  Each member has about 10-12 department/committees that they will contact.  Mr. Riley asked if there has been any discussion with the League of Women Voters.  The LWV presented to them but they have not collaborated with them.  Mr. Riley feels the League of Women Voters has some beneficial insight.  Mrs. Cole advised that she and another member of the Committee are on the League of Women Voters.

Mr. Rabuffo asked if they would be reviewing the previous review.  Mrs. Cole advised that all members have the reports and they will be referring back to them as they do their work. 

Alan MacMillan, also on the committee, advised that they made it available on the website.  They met with the Town Moderator to get his reaction.  They also had a representative from the Mass Municipal Association, who was the Town Manager from Marshfield, and provided examples of reports from other communities.  They have a link on the town’s website, there is also a phone number and email address on how to respond &/or give feedback.

Discussion:  Mr. Rabuffo advised that the Hersey House has been returned to the town.  Mr. Rabuffo commented that back in 1994 it was discussed what could be done with the property.  Some of the comments at that time were:

Residential use
Open space
Minimal demand for town services
Preservation of the streetscape

They would like to add it to a session in November so citizens can weigh in on what they would like to see done with the property.

Mr. Riley is looking forward to obtaining input from the public.  Mr. Rabuffo asked Town counsel to report back so they know what they can and cannot do moving forward.

Mrs. Camille Colantonio offered her thanks to the Board of Selectmen for following through on this matter. 

Mr. Alexiades advised that if people aren’t available to come next week they can submit a letter which will be read at the November 9, 2010 meeting.

Mr. Hersey advised that his ancestor wanted to donate it to the town.

Mr. Rabuffo asked Mr. Alexiades to look into funds available to do restoration.

• Ms. Burns attended the school committee meeting in which they discussed the long term and short term recommendations.  Their entire report is on the school’s website.  Short term solution addresses the overcrowding for the next 5 years at the core space (cafeteria, gym and hallways) at the middle school.  The state has not yet accepted our statement of interest.  One suggestion was to come up with a middle term solution, to spend some money but not as much money as building a new school. 
• Ms. Burns published the article in the Journal for the stabilization fund and asking for input from the public and to her knowledge there has been none. The representative from the Hingham Journal advised that there may be comments  online.  They will be readdressed in the next couple of weeks. 
• Mr. Riley advised that the Harbor Task Force met and is asking the Selectmen, via an interim report, to continue so some outstanding items could be addressed. 
• Mr. Riley advised there was a meeting for the CPC and the number of applications for projects is down.  Mr. Rabuffo asked if combining efforts was discussed.  Mr. Riley advised it wasn’t at this meeting.  Ms. Burns advised that the Conservation Commission may have some ideas and get in touch with the Open Space Acquisition and CPC to discuss.
• Mr. Rabuffo met with his counterpart in the town of Hull and they are looking to see where they can combine efforts.  They will each visit with the other’s Board of Selectmen meetings.
• Mr. Rabuffo advised that the need, pluses and minus of a permanent Building Committee should be on a future agenda. 
• Mr. Rabuffo advised three people have come forward regarding the parking at South Street School.  Mr. Alexiades advised the Police Chief will have personnel there at critical times to keep things moving.  Mr. Rabuffo asked that someone from the police department come in and address the Board on the 11/9 meeting.  Mr. Alexiades is planning on meeting with the Police Chief and he will ask him to come in on the 9th. 
• Mr. Alexiades advised the quarterly budget reviews have been scheduled for Tuesday 11/9 and Wednesday 11/10. 
• Mr. Alexiades advised the deadline for comment on the KENO screens proposed at Tedeschi’s is 11/9/10
•  Mr. Alexiades advised that the solid waste shipment that was reported by SEMASS as having been contaminated has been determined not to have been contaminated.

• Conservation Commission’s request to consult counsel

Vote:  Mr. Riley moved to grant the request to consult counsel to the conservation Commission as submitted.
Second: Ms. Burns             In Favor: All             Opposed: None

• Request for a temporary liquor license to Hingham Nursery School

Vote:  Ms. Burns moved to approve a temporary liquor license to Hingham Nursery School c/o Laura Libby, for a fundraiser to be held at Old Derby, on November 6, 2010, from 7:00 to 10:00PM.
Second: Mr. Riley               In Favor: All             Opposed: None

Open session adjourned at 8:53 p.m.
There will be no meeting on 11/2 due to elections.

Respectfully submitted,

_________________________
Betty Foley, Assistant Town Administrator

Approved as amended on ____________.

John Hersey Photos

Anti-Harassment Policy

Computer Usage Policy