Back to Board of Selectmen Meeting Minutes
HINGHAM BOARD OF SELECTMEN
November 09, 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.
Mrs. Murphy gave an overview of why the Harbor Task Force was established and what their charge has been. They consist of representatives from;
The task force has met 15 times to compile ideas and identify some tasks for the town.
Mr. Riley commended Mrs. Murphy for her leadership on this committee.
Ms. Burns thanked the Harbor Task Force for the level of detail provided for each parcel. Regarding the outstanding issues that are on the Harbormasters plate, Ms. Burns asked if the Harbor Task Force would be helping to bring those items to fruition. Mrs. Murphy advised that the Task Force would meet as necessary.
Mr. Rabuffo reiterated, from the report, that they defined 8 current uses for the Harbor:
There are 4 future uses noted as well:
Ms. Burns indicated that renaming the former Mobile site has been on the floor for a while and it was suggested naming it after Herbert Foss. It was suggested that including Cliff Prentiss, Conservation Officer, in an upcoming Task Force meeting to discuss what would be involved in merging that parcel with Veteran’s Park.
Mr. Rabuffo asked who would be handling the discussion of the possible future uses of the harbor. Mrs. Murphy indicated that for the Public Marina, the Harbor Development Committee has it on their plate to manage but it would be brought to the Task Force for their input.
Food Services – Some suggestions for funding are private owners, private capital to improve the bath house to include a food service. Potentially an RFP could be sent out. One method hasn’t been determined yet.
Bill Reardon, Chairman of the Community Preservation Committee, commented that there are currently two tributes to Veteran’s on the Harbor and if they consider adding another that they look into combining the three areas. He advised that there is some surplus money available from previous projects. Ms. Burns advised that the Historical Commission was involved with the iron horse and they may be able to provide some insight on what funds might still be available.
Vote: Ms. Burns moved to thank the Harbor Task Force and ask them to continue as needed.
Second: Mr. Riley In Favor: All Opposed: None
Discussion: Mr. Rabuffo began the discussion with opening it to the public to hear their options /suggestions for how the property might be used.
Memorandum from Town Counsel dated 11/2/10: The property can be sold by the town without any restrictions.
Katy Lacy advised that the property is zoned as Official and Open Space. The town issued permits for a 40B permit but the Board of Selectmen can rescind the Hersey House permit if they choose to. There are no other permits or restrictions. Kerry Ryan was asked if there are any impediments to selling the property. Mr. Ryan advised that there are a few minor issues that should be resolved over the next week.
Mr. Rabuffo asked what could be allowed.
Residential A: minimum lot size of 20,000 square feet and a single family home. It doesn’t provide for new construction of a multi-family home. The frontage requirement is 125 feet.
Business A: (because it is adjacent to Business A across the street). It would allow for retail and office use by right but other uses would need a special permit. The frontage requirement is 20 feet.
Mr. Riley asked if there was any specific language regarding inns? Ms. Lacy advised that Hotel or Motel use is not permissible under Residential A or Business A.
Ms. Burns offered her suggestion to rezone it to Residential A with 3 or 4 lots, one being the one with the Hersey House on it.
Andrea Young, Administrator for the Historic Districts Commission, added that the Hersey House is in the Lincoln Historic District. The Historic Districts Commission would have jurisdiction on any exterior work that would be done to the property. The entire property is within the district. Part of the previous agreement was to leave the house in its current location. Mr. Rabuffo asked if the $1.3 million Greenbush Preservation Trust monies could be used and via the Memorandum of Understanding it could be. The Massachusetts Historic Commission has set guidelines; eligible properties don’t need to be historical but they do have to be within a historic district. Mr. Rabuffo asked if funds could be available for maintenance/renovation/sale. Ms. Young advised it could be but clarified that the properties do need to be historic and not a “non-contributing” property.
Mr. Riley asked Mr. Ryan if there is still an issue with the barn on the property. Per Mr. Ryan there is a tri-party agreement that was entered into in 2006. One abutter has the right to purchase the barn as a result of that agreement. He also has the right to move the barn to another parcel.
Mr. Rabuffo invited members of the public to come forward and give their thoughts &/or suggestions.
At next week’s meeting the Board will discussed what the Board would like to do with the property.
Mr. Alexiades advised that there are no restrictions on the use of the money from the sale of the Hersey House. .
Mr. Riley feels use as a Performing Arts center would need to come with a large endowment to sustain it. Additionally the property has 125 feet of frontage which would allow for 2 additional lots and it may support a small roadway in the back to allow for 2 or 3 lots for residential uses.
Selectmen/Town Administrator’s Report(s)
Votes to be Considered
Vote: Mr. Riley moved to sign a contract with Eastern Minerals, Inc. for solar salt, delivered, at a price of $47.63 per ton.
Second: Ms. Burns In Favor: All Opposed: None
Vote: Mr. Burns moved to sign a contract American Rock Salt, LLC. For rock salt, delivered, at a price of $47.20 per ton.
Second: Ms. Riley In Favor: All Opposed: None
Vote: Ms. Riley moved to authorize renewal of the agreement with Mass Shade Tree Trust to move forward with the joint action against National Grid for damage to shade trees.
Second: Mr. Burns In Favor: All Opposed: None
Vote: Mr. Burns moved to approve the acceptance by the Conservation Commission of the land known as 82 Fort Hill Street.
Second: Ms. Riley In Favor: All Opposed: None
Vote: Mr. Riley moved to grant the request for Counsel as submitted by the Conservation Commission.
Second: Ms. Burns In Favor: All Opposed: None
Regular Session
The Board voted, by roll call vote, to adjourn to executive session for contract negotiations with non-union personnel.
Mr. Riley – yes
Ms. Burns – yes
Mr. Rabuffo – yes
Open session adjourned at 8:49 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 10/19/10 Board of Selectmen Meeting. These documents were not created or edited by Town Recording Services.