Back to Board of Selectmen Meeting Minutes
December 13, 2011
5:05 PM - Open Session
North Hearing Room 3rd Floor, Hingham Town Hall
Present: John A. Riley, Chairman; Laura M. Burns; Bruce Rabuffo; Ted Alexiades, Town Administrator; and Betty Foley, Assistant Town Administrator
With a quorum present, Chairman Riley called the meeting to order and reviewed the order of the agenda.
Questions from the Public: There were no questions from the public.
Approval of November 29, 2011 Meeting Minutes: Voted – A motion was made by Ms. Burns and seconded by Mr. Rabuffo to approve the Board of Selectmen meeting minutes of November 29, 2011. A vote was taken and all were in favor; the motion passed.
Budget Hearings:
Treasurer/Collector: Jean Montgomery, Treasurer/Collector, stated that she prepared a modified level funded budget based on FY2012 with a cost of living adjustment, for a total request of $345,642. Mr. Alexiades noted that FY2013 compared to FY2012 represents a 1.2 percent decrease. Ms. Montgomery noted the decrease for the folding machine, all employees are at the top step so there are no step increases, and there are no new initiatives right now. Discussion followed regarding postage and office supplies. Ms. Montgomery stated that collectibles are still strong, with an in increase in collections on tax title.
Community Planning: Mr. Alexiades stated that this is the second year that Community Planning is combined as one line item. Katy Lacy, Director, stated that her FY2013 request in the amount of $637,693, which incorporates Weights & Measures, represents less than a modified level funding budget amount because the Assistant Conservation Agent position remains unfilled. Discussion followed regarding an unfilled building inspector position, work on an as-needed basis, and the ability of the Building Inspector to allocate hours among the three assistants. Ms. Lacy noted that the hours of the clerk in Historical/Historic have been reallocated to the Administrator who is now working more. She also stated that consolidation has worked well for budgeting and purchasing; she is working with Information Technology staff to create one website for Community Planning with project listings; zoning and planning applications seem to be down; several large projects are anticipated; the Building Department is busier; one particular zoning article to rezone an area from residence to office park will have an impact on work load; and other zoning articles include allowing clothing collection boxes and allowing off-site and TV-style signs. Mr. Alexiades commended Ms. Lacy on the 1.8 percent budget decrease over FY2012. Discussion followed regarding Weights & Measures, the inspector's duties, the permitting process, and the fees collected.
Budget Overview: Mr. Alexiades briefed the Board on the FY2013 budget overall, noting that the General Government budget represents a 1.38 percent decrease from FY2012, Public Safety is a 2.74 increase, the School Department budget review begins next week with a joint meeting anticipated on Monday January 31st, Public Works is a 1.97 percent increase, Human Services is a 2.28 percent increase, Culture and Recreation is a .87 percent increase, the Library budget does not include a salary or cost of living adjustment since they are still negotiating, and Employee Benefits is a 3.98 percent increase. Overall, there is a 1.66 percent increase over FY2012, not accounting for School; a deficit of $1.2 million; and the budget can be balanced without substantial reductions of staff. Discussion followed regarding staffing, a forecast of level funded state aid, pressure caused by special education funding, regionalization of veterans services and human resources, projected growth for FY2013, the move away from in-house assessment, and the effect of any approved zoning changes by Town Meeting.
Elder Services: Mr. Alexiades noted that the requested budget of $242,281 is a 2.16 percent decrease over the previous year. Chrisanne Gregoire, Chair, reviewed a recent Patriot Ledger article citing an increase in services to the 65 and older population and to others whom the Department services. Barbara Farnsworth, Director, reviewed the 2010 census data, a cut made in the vehicle fuel line item, the creation of a revolving fund this year, donations for transportation, and a cut made in the dues line item due to the one-time fee for the Senior Center accreditation. Discussion followed regarding the senior workoff program, the state formula grant, and fundraising. Ms. Farnsworth expects a state grant increase by $10,000 this year. Discussion followed regarding facility relocation. Ms. Farnsworth noted that the Facilities Committee is in the process of visiting other senior centers.
Discussion of Recent Water Main Breaks on Union Street and the Hazardous Materials Issue at the Aquarion Water Facility Dumpster 900 Main Street: Chairman Riley stated that due to his business interests with Aquarion Water Company, he will not be participating in the discussion and he left the room. Harry Hibbard, representing Aquarion Water Company, was present. Ms. Burns began the discussion, noting substantial community concern over the numerous water main breaks on Union Street. Mr. Hibbard stated the pipe that keeps breaking is a cement pipe installed in the 1940's; it has broken six times in the last year; the breaks are due to blowouts and not settlement; before the last break data loggers were installed to measure pressure; Aquarion does not understand the cause for constant drops and peaks of pressure; they are looking several possible causes; the pipe obviously needs to be replaced but will not be done until 2013 due to their capital budget; in the meantime the Triphammer area will connect to a line by the high school in the event of a future break; and approximately one mile of pipe needs to be replaced at the approximate cost of $1 million.
Mr. Rabuffo expressed his concern as to why this is not a priority for Aquarion. Mr. Hibbard stated that it is a priority, it the pressure issue and not the condition of the pipe that is the cause of the problem, Aquarion should resolve the pressure problem in the next few weeks, and there are no other areas in town with a similar record. Mr. Rabuffo questioned why Aquarion is not investing sufficiently in capital and that no one is advocating for Hingham. Mr. Alexiades stated that Hingham has the fifth highest rate in the state and Aquarion now is asking for a 19 percent increase. Mr. Hibbard stated that Aquarion has competing projects, this is a national problem, and they inherited the infrastructure. Ms. Burns corrected Mr. Hibbard, noting that Aquarion bought, and did not inherit, the system. She expressed her displeasure with Aquarion building its capital budget based upon a formula with depreciation and returns and not upon what needs to be done. Ms. Burns also questioned the public relations aspect, stating that for many hours no one from Aquarion was onsite with information. She referenced a letter the Selectmen received from Mr. Alexakos, a resident, regarding his frustration with the lack of communication. Mr. Hibbard reviewed the process of notification, including generally a reverse 911 call.
Randy Sylvester, Director of Public Works, stated that he was with Aquarion for 19 years and questioned the accuracy of Mr. Hibbard's valve and tank references.
Mark Duff, Fire Chief and Emergency Management Director, stated that his Department was not notified by Aquarion of this incident at any point, the break caused hydrants to be out of service, and the safety of the whole area was compromised as a result. He inquired as to when in 2012 the short pipe will be installed; Mr. Hibbard stated probably in the spring.
Harry Sylvester, Assistant Projects Engineer in the Department of Public Works, expressed his concern with breaks in freshly paved roads. He would like Aquarion to have a more proactive part in determining what services need replacement and to coordinate better with the Town.
George Alexakos, 154 Union Street, voiced his disappointment with Aquarion as a consumer and from a corporate point of view. He inquired about the cost of the repairs versus the cost of the infrastructure
Greg Simmons, Union Street, also questioned the cost of repairs after six breaks in one year compared to the cost of replacement.
Susan Blair, 138 Union Street, stated that this is not news; it has been an ongoing problem that simply is not being repaired.
Judy Wilson, 20 Triphammer Road, stated that she understands but does not respect Mr. Hibbard's corporate explanation; communication with the company on the phone is horrible, she is concerned about the health of her water which is white a lot and has foam that stays, she would like a better explanation, and the customers deserve a letter with a plan of action.
Mr. Burns stated that Aquarion's failure to notify public safety is terrifying, and she expects the company to improve its customer service. Mr. Rabuffo requested information to contact the chairman of the company. No formal action was taken.
Chairman Riley rejoined the meeting; Selectmen Burns left the meeting.
Budget Hearing – Board of Assessors: Mr. Alexiades stated that this budget, with a request of $282,348 and representing an 8.45 percent decrease of FY2012, also includes an increase in utility costs, predominantly motor fuel. Discussion followed regarding the fuel types and usages. Mr. Alexiades stated that the Board of Assessors has transferred management of the day-to-day operations to the Selectmen's Office, resulting in a 31 percent reduction in payroll but a substantial increase in consulting. The Assessors have switched from in-house evaluation to hiring a consulting firm that operates a computer system that the Town owns. Mr. Rabuffo stated that he has received phone calls about the new system, and that he and Richard Nowlan, the newly appointed Director, have agreed to sit down with the Press early next year. Mr. Nowlan stated that he still is working with the Department of Revenue, the 2012 values have been approved, residents can apply for an abatement when the tax bills come out in January, and the Assessors will look at each case individually. Discussion followed regarding the tax rate and a reduction in value causing an increase in the tax rate. Mr. Alexiades explained that the Town cannot change the state's system, and if the total assessed value of the entire Town of Hingham decreases from the previous year, the tax rate goes up.
Continuation of Public Hearing - Nationalgrid Grant of Location on the Petition of Nationalgrid to Install and Maintain Gas Service Main on Fairview Street (continued from November 29, 2011) – 7:00 pm: Ben Doherty, filling in for permit representative Dennis Regan, was present representing Nationalgrid. Mr. Doherty requested consent to install and maintain approximately 235 feet more or less of 2" gas main in Fairview Street, as more fully described in the Petition of Nationalgrid for Gas Main Locations dated November 9, 2011. Peter Nagle, also representing Nationalgrid, and Harry Sylvester, Assistant Projects Engineer for the Hingham Department of Public Works, also were present. Mr. Sylvester summarized that this work already was done as an emergency due to poor pressure and corrosion on Linscott, the work was done after hours, and some of the complaints were brought before the Selectmen at the last meeting. Mr. Alexiades stated that of paramount concern was the manner in which residents were treated by Nationalgrid and its crews. Mr. Nagle stated that both Nationalgrid and its contractors were on the scene, Nationalgrid is responsible for its contractors, he has spoken with the resident on Colby Street who expressed her concerns, and he hopes to reach resolution in 24 to 48 hours. Mr. Nagle agreed to provide a written report to Mr. Alexiades, including his commitment for any property restoration needed next spring. Discussion following regarding rust intrusion. Nicole Merhill, Colby Street, requested access to the letter from Mr. Nagle.
Voted – A motion was made by Mr. Rabuffo and seconded by Chairman Riley to approve the Grant of Location request of Nationalgrid to install and maintain approximately 235 feet, more or less of 2 inch gas main in Fairview Street, from the existing 3 inch gas main in Main Street easterly to the existing 2 inch gas main at house #10. This approval is subject to the stipulations of the Department of Public Works. A vote was taken and all were in favor; the motion passed.
Budget Hearing – Recreation: Mark Thorrell, Director, stated that Recreation Commission has requested a level services budget in the amount $72,750, which is a 5.29 percent increase of FY2012. Mr. Thorrell stated that the budget consists of one line item, which is the Director's salary. He discussed a CPC proposal for the Head House and using the first amount for a feasibility study. Mr. Alexiades explained that all Recreation funds were placed in the revolving fund which supports its activities. He recommends approval of the budget request even though it is ahead of the guidelines he recommended, and he noted that some things still need work, such as the fields agreements and relocation of the Town Hall facility to Bare Cove Park. Discussion followed regarding a decline in membership. Mr. Rabuffo stated that it is still the Board's intention to move forward on the discussion of fields management. Tom Belyea, Secretary of the Commission, stated that it is the Commission's intent to compete with Planet Fitness, and that they are in the process of remodeling and updating equipment. Mr. Thorrell discussed the success of the summer and Teen Extreme programs and plans to expand the preschool program. Frank Jones, Chair of the Committee, stated that the Committee is fully staffed, and the Director has done a fantastic job. He looks forward to sitting down again with the Selectmen to discuss fields management.
Selectmen/Town Administrator's Reports: Chairman Riley reported on an event last Saturday at GAR Hall at which children received awards for their essays.
Adjourn: Voted – A motion was made by Mr. Rabuffo and seconded by Chairman Riley to adjourn. A vote was taken and all were in favor; the motion passed.
The open session adjourned at 7:36 PM.
Respectfully submitted,
Laurie Zivkovich, Clerk Pro Tem
Documents (a complete meeting packet of supporting documentation is on file and available for public review in the Board of Selectmen's office):
1. Correspondence List December 6, 2011 and December 13, 2011
2. Board of Selectmen Meeting Minutes dated November 29, 2011
3. Town of Hingham Notice RE: Aquarion Water Main Breaks
4. Town of Hingham FY2013 Budget Workbook
5. Town of Hingham Press Release dated December 5, 2011 Hazardous Materials Incident
6. Letter from George Alexakos to Mr. Charles V. Firlotte regarding the Aquarion water main break
7. Public Notice, Petition of Nationalgrid dated November 9, 2011 for gas main installation on Fairview Street; Letter dated November 15, 2011 from Harry Sylvester to Dennis Regan RE: Gas Main Installation-Fairview Street; Excerpt of Board of Selectmen Meeting Minutes from June 9, 2011 and July 12, 2011
Approved: January 3, 2012