Back to Board of Selectmen Meeting Minutes
March 1, 2011
6:49 PM - Open Session
North Hearing Room 3rd Floor, Hingham Town Hall
Present: Bruce Rabuffo, Chairman; Laura M. Burns; Ted Alexiades, Town Administrator; and Betty Foley, Assistant Town Administrator. John A. Riley joined the meeting after roll call.
Chairman Rabuffo called the meeting to order, reviewed the order of the agenda for the evening, and announced that at the end of the meeting the Board will adjourn to executive session to discuss pending litigation and will not return to open session.
Questions from the Public: There were no questions from the public.
Capital Outlay Committee Recommendations: Chairman Rabuffo announced that the Board will listen to the information presented by the Capital Outlay Committee but will not vote tonight because the Board is still obtaining updates on the Governor's budget, the Hersey House arbitration trial is complete and a decision is expected within the next two weeks, and responses to the RFP for the potential sale of the Hersey House are expected at the end of the week, all of which could impact the budget. Mr. Riley joined the meeting. Ray Eisenbies, Chairman of the Committee, addressed the Board, reviewed the history of the average requested and recommended amounts and the amounts for the most recent budgets, noted the significant amount of deferred expenditures, and stated that are a lot of requirements this year with a total requested amount of $3.6 million against a budget amount of approximately $1,550,000. Mr. Eisenbies reviewed the series of criteria established by the Committee to evaluate each request, and he reviewed the draft FY2012 Five Year Capital Plan by line item for each department:
Accounting/MIS: The recommend amount of $108,500 equals the requested amount.
Police Department: The requested amount was approximately $220,000; the recommended amount is $155,000. Ms. Burns inquired if the provision of six vehicles catches up the Department. Mr. Eisenbies commented that the Department requested seven vehicles and six were recommended. Discussion followed. Mr. Alexiades summarized the historical vehicle replacement cycle.
Fire Department: The requested amount was approximately $330,000 more than the recommended amount of $368,500.
Project Engineering: Ms. Burns inquired about the level of remediation with respect to the Hersey Street Closure. Ms. Foley commented on the remediation to take place. Mr. Alexiades noted that the Board will not be able to close on the project without it, this meets the state minimum requirement for getting it off the books, and there will be use restrictions on the property. With respect to the Landfill Reclamation, Mr. Eisenbies stated the recommended amount will bring it to full funding. Mr. Alexiades summarized the history of the item. The recommend amount of $325,000 for Project Engineering equals the requested amount.
Public Works: The original request was $595,000; the recommended amount is $321,000. Mr. Eisenbies stated that the tractor is replacement equipment.
Public Works (Landfill): The recommended amount is $10,000.
Sewer Department: The requested amount equals the recommended amount of $72,450.
South Shore Country Club: The requested amount equals the recommended amount of $122,000. Mr. Eisenbies noted that it is implicit that if revenue is not available, they will not make the expenditure as this has been the past practice.
Elder Service: The recommended amount is $12,341. Mr. Eisenbies noted this is the cost net of an anticipated grant.
Town Hall: The recommended amount is $94,000.
Library: The recommended amount is $20,000. Mr. Eisenbies noted that a number of departments are requesting heating systems, and the Committee will be recommending at some point to look at all requests on a consolidated basis.
Recreation Department: The recommended amount is $95,000.
School Department: Mr. Eisenbies stated that there are no capital requests for the Middle, Foster, Plymouth River and East Schools; and the recommended amount for the High School is $15,000 for lockers. He also stated that the track is a significant item, but the Committee is recommending deferral based on limited available resources. The School System Wide recommended amount is $264,327. The Total School requested amount, including System Wide, was $999,727; the recommended amount is $279,327.
The Total Capital Projects recommended amount for FY2012 is $1,983,118, with a tax levy source of $1,693,668 and a user charge source of $289,450. Discussion followed regarding the library boiler. Linda Hill, Chair of the School Committee, commented regarding the high school boiler. Mr. Riley noted the intention to keep within a $2 million capital budget and to fund it out of the tax levy. Ms. Burns inquired about a process to coordinate heating system replacement. Mr. Alexiades commented on upcoming studies to obtain the data. Discussion followed regarding the Lincoln School Apartments and its boiler RFP. Chairman Rabuffo proposed that consideration for the track remain on the table and be discussed further at an upcoming meeting to better understand a newly proposed program and its funding mechanism, as this program has not yet been brought to the Board. Mr. Riley inquired if the intention is to reconstruct both the track and the tennis courts under the newly suggested program. Ms. Hill addressed the Board regarding the track, the master plan, the disrepair of the track and safety concerns, a recent meeting of the Long Range Planning Committee, her request for the track not being a part of capital outlay, the current opportunity for a public/private partnership, the support needed, and the request for $50,000 for initial funding. Chairman Rabuffo confirmed the need for more information regarding the program. Mr. Alexiades stated that the recommendations tonight are drafts, and the Board will vote on them on a date prior to a vote by the Advisory Board.
Discussion of the 2011 Community Preservation Committee Warrant Articles: Bill Reardon, representing the Community Preservation Committee, addressed the Board and summarized the activities of the Committee since last September, the total requests received, and the reasons why all project requests were not presented. He noted there is no request for the Committee itself or for community housing as the state has approved the funding needed by Father Bill's and the Hingham Affordable Housing Trust is proceeding with 80 Beal Street. Discussion followed regarding the reserve amount of $101,000 and the funding requirements under the Community Preservation Act. Mr. Reardon stated that the total amount for the four projects as presented and recommended is $273,750, with the articles presented as follows:
Memorial Bell Tower: Will the Town appropriate a sum of money from the Community Preservation Historic Preservation Reserve to be used by the Hingham Historical Commission to fund Phase One: Hingham Memorial Bell Tower Restoration: Tower and Masonry Stabilization? The appropriation requested by the Hingham Historical Commission for Phase One is $175,000. Discussion followed regarding what each of the three phases entails.
G.A.R. Hall Collection: Will the Town appropriate a sum of money from the Community Preservation Historic Resources Reserve to restore and conserve selected photographs, art, and memorabilia from the G.A.R. Hall collection, or act on anything relating thereto? The appropriation requested by the Trustees of the G.A.R. Hall is $23,750. Chairman Rabuffo spoke in favor of adding to the historic nature to the Hall.
Cordage Factory: Will the Town appropriate a sum of money from the Community Preservation Historic Resources Reserve to be used by the Recreation Commission to prepare a feasibility study and cost estimate for restoration of the Cordage Factory building, or act on anything relating thereto? This property is known as the Rec Barn. The appropriation requested by the Recreation Department is $25,000. Mark Thorell, Recreation Director, addressed the Board regarding heat in the office portion only of the building, the current shortage of space for programs, and possible future uses of the first and second floors. Mr. Reardon commented on statutory limitations on the use of Community Preservation Act funds for renovations for certain purposes. Mr. Riley spoke in favor of the preservation aspect and noted it as a potential spot for the growing rowing team.
Conservation Fund: Will the Town appropriate $50,000 from the Community Preservation Open Space Reserve for deposit to the Town's Conservation Fund established pursuant to M.G.L. Chapter 40, Section 8C, for use by the Conservation Commission for the purchase of land, capital improvements to such land and expenses directly related to such acquisitions (surveys, engineering studies and other expenses), to make deposits or down payments toward acquisition or creations of such interests in open space and to otherwise preserve open space, or act on anything relating thereto? Mr. Reardon noted that forwarding amounts to the Conservation Fund is a continuation of policy first adopted in 2008.
There was no public comment. Voted – A motion was made by Ms. Burns and seconded by Mr. Riley to recommend each of the above four warrant articles as presented at the meeting under the Community Preservation Act, with appropriations of $175,000 for Phase One of the Memorial Bell Tower, $23,750 for the G.A.R. Hall Collection, $25,000 for the Cordage Factory and $50,000 for the Conservation Fund, all as more fully described in the articles as presented. There was no further discussion. A vote was taken and all were in favor; the motion passed.
The meeting recessed at 8:04 pm and reconvened at 8:16 pm.
Interviews for Police Chief: Chairman Rabuffo announced that there are four candidates to be asked a series of questions which may generate further questions, that there will be an essay question for the candidates to take home and return by Friday of this week, and that a vote will not be taken tonight. He also thanked Deputy Chief Durant for his many years of service. The candidates were:
Richard Corcoran
John Norkaitis
Glenn Olsson
Michael Peraino
Each candidate was given an opportunity for opening comments and was asked the following:
1. How do you view the role of the Board of Selectmen as Police Commissioners?
2. Describe your definition of success.
3. Describe how you would make the Police Department more efficient.
4. What is the responsibility of the Chief to the Board of Selectmen?
5. Tell us about a colleague whom you admire and why.
6. Describe your philosophy of town policing.
7. What is the most important quality or skill you want to encourage or nurture in your patrol officers, especially new ones?
8. Have you learned any new skills in the last five years that will help you in this position?
9. Do you have any familiarity with the budgeting process?
10. Is there any question you hoped we would have asked but did not?
11. Now that you have seen regional dispatch, do you have any further ideas for regionalization in other areas of public safety?
12. Are there things that we can do regarding the hierarchy or structure of the Department?
13. Essay: How would you want to see an internal investigation handled when a citizen files numerous complaints and it seems apparent that there are/may be personalities involved?
Richard Corcoran:
Thank you for the opportunity to interview.
1. The Chief works for the Board, the Board works for the people, would like personal interaction and a close relationship with the Board.
2. When you start in a field or profession, stay long enough to reach the pinnacle of the position; for an officer, being the Chief of Police.
3. Change some hiring policies, hire an officer who also was an IT person, reinstitute a police officer at the high school level; conduct maintenance in-house.
4. The Board should not have to wonder what is happening, report little things as well as big things.
5. Mike Peraino, knew him in high school, rode with him on the first day of my job, his work.
6. My term is community policing, citizens and police should have mutual cooperation, consider a citizen police board to come up with new or innovative ideas somewhat like an advisory board.
7. Look at both side of any issues, there are proactive and reactive sides.
8. Taser training,
9. Have been involved with the Traffic Division, some firearms forecasting, taser budgeting.
10. Yes, regarding the new regional dispatch center, I was appointed by the Chief as the point of contact on the computer side.
11. Can see it coming quickly and soon for the Fire Department, possibly EMS.
12. I think there are some things you could incorporate, the possible role of a public safety officer.
John Norkaitis:
Thank you for the opportunity to interview.
1. The Board works hand-in-hand with the Town Manager to drive the department in the direction seen fit.
2. Sleeping well at night; being content with family, friends and employment; being pleasant and positive.
3. Begin with a reevaluation of the entire department, what they do and how they do it; use available computer driven statistics on a day-to-day basis.
4. My life, delivering the best product and the best service now and in the future; instill confidence in the Board.
5. Nick Cockinos, a friend and member of the Harbor Development Committee, a positive mentor.
6. The Town is diverse, increase youth development programs, more contact with youth, business deserves strong attention, religious groups, working on the perception of the Department, being more outreach driven.
7. Professionalism in performing tasks and interactions at all times; if someone is not meeting the standard, supervisors should provide extra attention, deal with swiftly, fairly and consistently.
8. Graduate of FBI Academy, advanced courses in leadership, conflict resolution, and other areas, my participation in the Academy was voluntary on my part.
9. Yes, has been the fleet coordinator since the early '90s, takes care of Animal Control and the Harbormaster fleets, never has gone over budget, does the budget for the Metropolitan Law Enforcement Council.
10. Regarding an internal versus external search, there are very competent people in-house.
11. Fire has already opened up the door, I am a strong proponent.
12. A Chief and Deputy are absolutely required, one person cannot oversee everything as a Director of Public Safety, does not recommend a Director, would reevaluate a lot of things, wants computer driven models, other system are out there now, QED system great, have seen a lot of other agencies and how they operate.
Also: How would you handle the chief's responsibilities differently from the preceding chief? I have a more diverse resume, more interaction with the Board, upfront communications.
Glenn Olsson:
Thank you, this is a great opportunity for the Department.
1. The Department goes in the direction the Town goes, the Chief must ensure the policies of the Board get implemented to the best he can.
2. When I reach retirement, I hope my legacy is honesty, treated everyone well, a good guy.
3. Incorporate a transition team immediately to review all current issues, look at processes and programs against the budget, look closely at overtime, involve the union.
4. A sense of loyalty, extensive communication, work hand-in-hand, can't be stagnant.
5. My brother, who has been my role model.
6. The Department works hand-in-hand with the community, I have been involved in all the programs, outreach to the community is important, wants to reestablish school resource officer.
7. Compassion for people.
8. Yes, command class training, a three week course given by the Chief of Police Association, learning to deal with different generational issues and values.
9. Some, never have done payroll, familiar with balancing and projections, have some budget experience with programs, prior private business experience.
10. No.
11. There is natural resistance to change, but it is the future, take it in steps, maybe handling of prisoners, the Fire Department already is involved.
12. How would you handle the chief's responsibilities differently from the preceding chief? One of the core things is make a strong commitment to honesty, fairness, treat everyone as an equal , be committed, be confident, keep an open mind and be open to others' suggestions, be a very good communicator.
Michael Peraino:
Thank you, I remember when I was first asked why I want to become a police officer and my answer then is the same now: I want to make a positive difference in people's lives.
1. You have to have constant contact and communication.
2. With any assignment, set your goals.
3. The chief has the obligation to check manning from top to bottom, review schedules.
4. Complete honesty and communication, present an honest budget, keep abreast of discipline issues.
5. Chief Carlson, if not for him I would not be here today, he was huge in community policing and that is my forte.
6. Has always been involved as an officer, was a DARE officer and in the program13 years, as a traffic sergeant was assigned the Greenbush project, was the go-to guy, has worked with the Planning Board regarding the Shipyard, has appreciation of a person's issue.
7. The next chief must be patient, approachable, and a mentor, I lead by example and am a worker, I've done every position.
8. Being a mentor, I work 4:00 to midnight, am willing to bounce ideas off others in the Department which helps morale.
9. Has done DARE budget since inception, Treasurer of the Police Association, Treasurer of the Superior Officers Association, I have sought advice regarding the budget process from the Advisory Board.
10. Yes, about discipline. Officers will make mistakes, there needs to be progressive discipline, not prejudge, listen to all facts, has to be a system where they can learn.
11. Regional lockup is an idea.
12. In favor of benchmarking to see what other people are doing, all of the Department's supervisors do another job in addition to their shift assignments.
Also: How would you handle the chief's responsibilities differently from the preceding chief? I've worked for five Police Chiefs, communication is huge, address little things before they develop.
Website Content Policy: This item was tabled to a future meeting.
Approval of February 8, 2011 Minutes: Voted – A motion was made by Mr. Riley and seconded by Ms. Burns to approve the minutes of February 8, 2011, as written. There was no discussion or public comment. A vote was taken and all were in favor; the motion passed.
Liquor License: Voted – A motion was made by Ms. Burns and seconded by Mr. Riley to grant a temporary liquor license to Hingham Sports Partnership c/o Thomas Hoffman, for a fundraiser to be held April 3, 2011 at the Loring Hall Theater. There was no discussion or public comment. A vote was taken and all were in favor; the motion passed.
Appointments:
Bell Tower Committee: Voted – A motion was made by Mr. Riley and seconded by Ms. Burns to appoint Ann Shilhan to the Hingham Memorial Bell Tower Committee. There was no discussion or public comment. A vote was taken and all were in favor; the motion passed.
Veterans Council: Voted – A motion was made by Ms. Burns and seconded by Mr. Riley to appoint Lawrence St. Laurent to the Veterans Council to fill an unexpired term ending in 2013. There was no discussion or public comment. A vote was taken and all were in favor; the motion passed.
Mr. Riley mentioned the upcoming prom and limousine licensing issue, which will be a topic for the next meeting agenda. Ms. Burns reported on the Hingham Affordable Housing Trust's community meeting tomorrow night and noted that everyone is invited. Chairman Rabuffo announced a schedule change to tomorrow morning's Quarterly Budget Review Process meeting, which is now beginning at 8:00 AM.
Adjournment: Voted - A motion was made by Ms. Burns and seconded by Mr. Riley to adjourn the open session to executive session for the purpose of discussing pending litigation regarding the Hersey House and other matters and not to return to open session. A vote was taken by roll call and showed as follows: Chairman Rabuffo – yes, Mr. Riley – yes, Ms. Burns – yes. The motion passed.
The open session adjourned at 10:09 PM.
Respectfully submitted,
Laurie Zivkovich, Clerk Pro Tem