Back to Board of Selectmen Meeting Minutes
November 30, 2010
7:00 PM North Hearing Room
MEETING MINUTES
Present: Bruce Rabuffo, Chairman, Laura M. Burns, and Ted Alexiades, Interim Town Administrator
Absent: John A. Riley and Betty Foley, Assistant Town Administrator
Regular Session
The Chairman called the meeting to order.
1. Approval of minutes
Vote: Ms. Burns moved to approve the minutes of October 12, 19 and 26, 2010.
Second: Mr. Rabuffo In Favor: All Opposed: None
Public Hearing
1. Public Hearing - Tax Classification
Discussion: Mr. Rabuffo advised that this is an annual discussion. Mr. Alexiades indicated that the town is able to shift the property tax burden from residential to commercial/industrial, if it so chooses.
Mr. Lane Partridge, Director of Assessing presented the implications if the shift were made at 10% increments (with a maximum allowable shift of 50%). Using an Estimated tax rate of $11.02
Using a Residential factor of 1, meaning that they don't split the tax rate, the average residential value is $651,950 and the average tax bill is $7,184.49. The Commercial/Industrial value is $1,647,890 and the average tax bill is $18,159.75.
The next example is for a 10% shift which would have a large impact on the commercial side with little impact to the residential side. Hingham's population is currently a split of 86.5% residential and 13.5% commercial/industrial. The average residential tax bill would decrease to $7,071.57 and the average Commercial/Industrial tax bill would increase to $19,975.75. That would be a savings of $112.92 to a homeowner and an increase of $1,815.97 to the town's small business owners.
Mr. Partridge discussed the maximum shift of 50%. It would result in a $564.58 savings to homeowners but would increase the Commercial/Industrial tax bill by $9,079.87. In years past it has not been something that has worked for Hingham.
Ms. Burns commented that by keeping the same rate we make ourselves more attractive to business that are looking to locate in Hingham.
Mr. Jeff Tocchio, on behalf of the Chamber of Commerce, opposes splitting the tax rate.
Vote: Ms. Burns voted to continue to tax all classes of property at a single rate.
Second: Mr. Rabuffo In Favor: All Opposed: None
Application of Packaging Center, Inc. d/b/a Stop & Shop to change the manager of their Retail Package Good Store All Alcoholic Beverages License.
Discussion: Mr. Scott A. Gilbertson, new manager of Stop & Shop and Howard Wayne, Attorney for Stop and Shop were present. Mr. Gilbertson advised that he has been with Stop and Shop for 32 years. He most recently held the position of District Manager on the north shore. Ms. Burns asked if he had been store manager before. Mr. Gilbertson advised he had been, for approximately 17 years, in various locations.
Vote: Ms. Burns moved to approve to approve the change of manager application of Packaging Center Inc, d/b/a Stop & Shop, 400 Lincoln Street, from Edward Attubato to Scott Gilbertson, subject to the approval of the ABCC.
Second: Mr. Rabuffo In Favor: All Opposed: None
Electronic/Paperless Billing Option for bills issued by the Tax Collector – Jean Montgomery
Mr. Alexiades excused himself from the meeting.
Discussion: Mr. Rabuffo advised that Treasurer/Collector Jean Montgomery has been looking into the possibility for paperless billing options. Ms. Montgomery advised that Section 92b of the Municipal Relief Act of 2010 allows the tax collectors to issue tax bills in an electronic format. It is a voluntary "opt in" option only so a resident would have to request it. The on-line provider is charging a fee for each tax payer who chooses to receive their bill electronically. That charge is $.40 which is offset by the savings of not having to mail a paper bill.
Mr. Rabuffo asked what a resident would have to do. Ms. Montgomery advised that a mailer would be included in the tax bill to sign up online, once registered the bill would be sent to an email address of their choosing. There will also be prompts on the website. The statements are also available online.
Hingham is the first community in Mass that was ready to go when this legislation went through.
Ms. Burns asked if there is a contract with the provider. Per Ms. Montgomery, the first year there is no charge except of the $.40 per bill fee. The 2nd and 3rd year there is a $600 support fee in addition to $.40 per bill fee. This is a 3 year contract.
A member of the public asked if someone's taxes are paid through escrow, would the banks be able to pay online as well. Ms. Montgomery advised that about 1/3 of the town's taxes are paid through escrow accounts. Mortgage companies usually contract with a tax service and they gather the information, some of them do pay online but most send a check with a file.
Vote: Ms. Burns moved to approve the Treasurer/Collector's request to implement the paperless billing option for tax bills.
Second: Mr. Rabuffo In Favor: All Opposed: None
Waste Disposal and Recycling Alternatives – Long Range Waste Disposal Planning and Recycling Committee
Discussion: Ms. Brenda Black, Chair of the Committee advised that the goal of the Committee was to look at long range waste disposal and recycling options. Six models have been discussed and an extensive report was prepared and is available to the public.
Currently, as a town, we dispose of 680lbs of waste per person, per year and the Commonwealth is suggesting that we try to get to 500lbs per person per year. There are approximately 7,200 households bringing waste to the transfer station.
Ms. Black and Andrea Dewire commented on their findings.
• Hingham's waste costs increased significantly when the landfill was closed in February 2000.
• 22% of the towns they researched currently charge residents fees for some parts of their waste disposal and recycling operations.
The six models they looked at are: (each are detailed in the report)
• 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 – they feel this is not a viable option because of the high initial costs.
Of these models, the two that the committee feels are the most viable for the town and ranked by most preferable are:
1. Permitted access with itemized fees. Residents receive one free sticker per household and pay a fee for additional vehicle stickers. Specific fees are charged for things such as construction & demolitions waste, bulky waste and Waste Ban items (such as appliances, TV, CRT's). These fees have raised an additional $160,000. The impact on recycling is estimated as being neutral.
2. Pay as you throw – no fee for clear/identifiable recyclable but residents would pay a fee for each unit of regular household waste (for example $1 for a 15lb bag or $2 for a 30lb bag). It is estimated that these additional fees have the potential for raising an additional $830,000 for the town.
They recommend that a more thorough financial review be done.
Ms. Burns thanked the committee for all the hard work that went into the report. Ms. Burns appreciate the public comment portion of the report.
Public Works Superintendent Randy Sylvester thanked the committee and concurred with recommendations made by the committee. He advised that the town is half-way through the re-stickering process and that by next May they should have a better understanding of who is using the transfer station, and better ability to ensure that they are a Hingham residents.
Carol Myer from the Hingham Journal wondered if there was a concern that people will start dumping in the woods etc. Ms. Black indicated that they committee did research that possibility. The conclusion was that they feel permitting, with access fees, will result in very little of that as well as their research on other towns that use the pay as you go option. Based on the results of other town they concluded that little unauthorized dumping would occur.
Mr. John Hersey asked what the recycling revenues go. Ms. Black advised they currently go into the General Fund. Mr. Hersey asked about a program for collecting returnable items that funds special interest groups. Mr. Randy Sylvester advised that there is a program whereby youth groups from Hingham can apply. Back in 2006 the program provided $10,000 to such groups. After he took over the program and advertised to all the schools it is now providing $16-18,000 annually. Mr. Hersey feels that the town isn't in a position to be that generous. Mr. Sylvester advised that stopping the program was brought up before and it was determined by the town that they would keep the program.
Cable TV Public Access Corporation
Discussion: Mr. Rabuffo introduced the Chairman of the Cable Advisory Committee, Sandy Peavey and Eric Connerly who would present the draft agreement between the Board of Selectmen and Hingham Community Access and Media. Mr. Rabuffo broke the discussion into two major parts:
1. The creation of the agreement between Hingham and Hingham Community Access and Media and
2. The membership of the corporation.
Mr. Rabuffo asked if they could discuss the second part first. There are at least two people that applied to be on the corporation. Mr. Rabuffo will look into interviewing those candidates.
Ms. Peavey advised this is a 5 year agreement. Once the corporation has been created they will need funding. Section 4 and 5 of the draft agreement details funding. Section 4 discusses annual funding for the Public, Educational and government access (operating funding) and Section 5 discusses the Capital Funding. If the corporation chooses, it can raise money in other ways (similar to public television).
Provision number 17 indicates that the corporation is separate from the town so that the town will, in no way, be liable. They indemnify the town.
Mr. Rabuffo asked the auditors how they should phrase section 16, he has asked them to prepare some language for this section. With regard to Section 14, reports to the Board of Selectmen, Mr. Rabuffo would like to see data on viewership, who's watching and what are the numbers.
Per Ms. Peavey it is presently costing about $32,000 a year for the part-time employee running the government channel and the subsidy they are giving the school budget so the students can be trained. The draft agreement would provide approximately $60,000 per year, less the $32,000 for the part-time employee, would leave approximately $28,000 a year.
Ms. Burns asked how towns that have the public access corporation handle the government channels. Ms. Peavey advised that if the town decided later that they didn't want this done through the town they can amend the agreement. Mr. Rabuffo reiterated that it is their suggestion that the town should try it out.
Mr. Rabuffo indicated that the draft agreement stipulates 80% of the grant funding will go to the corporation but the 20% has been going in the bank and therefore provides a financial cushion.
Mr. Rabuffo will contact Ms. Peavey with some technical comments and will await Mr. Riley's comments.
Discussion of Warrant Articles for 2011 Annual Town Meeting
1. Amend By-law re: Town Meeting – League of Women Voters
Discussion: Kate Boland of the League of Women Voters recognized her committee members. The goal was to encourage more voters to attend Town Meeting. They narrowed their research into two parts; Part I – education and Part II – conduct at town meeting.
The League proposes a warrant article to amend the General By-Laws of the Town of Hingham (the complete article is on the League of Women Voters' website). The article is calling for two amendments:
1. Section 6, Article 2 - to delete entirely the current text and replace it with language that, in part, calls for the name of the town board, department or other town entity.
2. Section 8, Article 2 – to delete entirely the current text and replace it with 8 (a) and (b).
Section 8 (a) in part states that each matter be submitted to the Selectmen in the form of complete text and accompanied by the full name and contact information of the proponent.
Section 8 (b) in part states that no later than 10 days after either:
• January 20th
• The closing date of a re-opened warrant
• The closing date of a warrant for special town meeting
The Selectmen will post a complete copy of each submission on the town's website, transmit a copy to the advisory committee and make a paper copy available for viewing or purchase
Mr. Watson, resident, asked if the full language needs to be submitted by the deadline. Per the Board and Ms. Boland it does thereby eliminating so called "place holder" articles recently in use. Ms. Boland commented on the difference between the article and the recommendation in the warrant. Ms. Burns advised that the warrant can be reopened to insert articles, if need be.
Vote: Ms. Burns moved to recommend that the Town amend the General By-laws of the Town of Hingham at Article 2, Section 6 by deleting it in its entirety and replacing with the text as recommended in the petition article submitted by Mary Boland and others; and to delete Section 8 or Article 2 and substitute Sections 8 (a) and (b) as recommended in the petition submitted by Mary Boland and others.
Second: Mr. Rabuffo In Favor: All Opposed: None
2. Zoning Articles re: Hersey House
Discussion: Mr. Rabuffo provided Mr. Ryan with language for four zoning articles.
• Residential A
• Business A
• Both Residential A and Business A – if the lot were separated into 2 parcels with the Business A in the front and the Residential A in the rear.
• If the lot were split into 3 parcels, the front for Business A and two in the back would be Residential A.
Vote: Ms. Burns moved to submit four zoning articles to the Planning Board, regarding Hersey House, for the 2011 Annual Town Meeting Warrant.
Second: Mr. Rabuffo In Favor: All Opposed: None
Selectmen/Town Administrator's Report(s)
1. Mr. Rabuffo attended the School Board Meeting last Monday and was introduced to John Ferris who will take over as school Business Manager next year after David Killory's retirement next year.
2. At that same meeting about the topic of buildings came up. Ellen Keane, the Assistant Superintendent, put together a report on Hingham's MCAS scores. Hingham continues to do well.
3. The Audit committee met today to approve the management letter which will be coming before the Board of Selectmen in December
Votes to be Considered
1. Temporary Liquor Licenses to the following: South Shore Art Center, Temple Sha-Aray Temple, Samuels & Associates Hingham Events, LLC and Hingham historical Society.
Vote: Ms. Burns moved to grant temporary liquor licenses to:
Sha-Aray Shalom for a concert on December 5, 2020
South Shore Art Center for a Holiday Party on December 14, 2010
Old Derby Academy for a fundraiser on December 11, 2010
Samuels & Associates Hingham Events, LLC for a movie screening on December 8, 2010.
Second: Mr. Rabuffo In Favor: All Opposed: None
2. Street Lights for Downtown
Vote: Ms. Burns moved to sign a one year contract with Standard Electric, 14 Jewel Drive, Wilmington, MA, to purchase street lighting for the North Street Hingham Square reconstruction project, in the amount of $76,507.00.
Second: Mr. Rabuffo In Favor: All Opposed: None
3. Grant Application for Senior Center Van.
Vote: Ms. Burns moved to file an application with Massachusetts Department of Transportation for a grant to assist and purchase a new senior citizen van.
Second: Mr. Rabuffo In Favor: All Opposed: None
4. Board of Health request to consult counsel
Mr. Rabuffo advised that he will set up a meeting with the Advisory Committee
Vote: Ms. Burns moved to approve the request of the Board of Health to consult counsel as submitted.
Second: Mr. Rabuffo In Favor: All Opposed: None
5. Liquor License request for HRM, LLC, d/b/a/ Red Mango
Vote: Ms. Burns moved to grant a Common Victualler License to HRM, LLC, d/b/a Red Mango at 15 Shipyard Drive.
Second: Mr. Rabuffo In Favor: All Opposed: None
Regular Session
The Board voted, by roll call vote, to adjourn to executive session to discuss real estate litigation.
Ms. Burns – yes
Mr. Rabuffo – yes
Open session adjourned at 9:14 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
_________________________
Betty Foley, Assistant Town Administrator