Hull Board of Selectmen
Minutes
February 4, 2003
The Hull Board of Selectmen meeting was called to order at 7:30 pm on Tuesday evening, February 4, 2003 at the Hull Municipal Building, 253 Atlantic Avenue, Hull, Massachusetts.
Present: Thomas Burns, Vice Chairman; Regina Burke, Clerk; Leonard Hersch and Gerard McLaughlin, Members. Also present were Christopher McCabe, Town Manager and James Lampke, Town Counsel.
Not present: John Reilly, Chairman
Vice Chairman Burns opened the meeting and thanked everyone for their participation in the Annual Drowned Hog Day, which he said was very successful.
Minutes
MOVED-Burke: To accept the minutes of September 25, October 29, and November 12, 2002 as presented.
SECOND-McLaughlin
VOTE: UNANIMOUS in Favor
7:30 pm Public Meeting re: Storage of Dinghies
The meeting was called to address the storage of boats on certain right of ways in the Hampton Circle area which the residents claim impede pedestrian access, and are unsightly, especially the ways between 51-55 and 93-97 Hampton Circle.
Edward Parent, Highway Superintendent, said that the site at 51 Hampton Circle has been maintained by his department, but that the site at 97 Hampton Circle has not because of the boats stored or abandoned. He added that he is willing to maintain the site at 97 Hampton Circle once it is cleared.
Kurt Bornheim, Harbormaster, said that there are other ways blocked at Andrew Road. Bornheim has suggested that all dinghy/skiff owners be required to obtain a permit prior to the beginning of the next boating season at no cost. He said the permit will provide an easy way to identify owners.
MOVED-Hersch: Until further notice all dinghies will be removed from the ways between 51-57 and 93-97 Hampton Circle and will not be allowed to be stored on any ways.
SECOND-Burke
VOTE: UNANIMOUS in Favor
Paul Dunphy, appointee to the School Building Committee contingent upon his interview this evening, listed his credentials as an engineer with Stone and Webster for 26 years. He said since 1957 he had had experience in renovations, mechanicals, electrical, fire safety, and managerial skills, and a 13 million dollar renovation project at Stone and Webster.
The members thanked him for offering his services to the School Building Committee.
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Selectmen Minutes, 2/4/03
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The Board recessed at 8:22 pm and returned at 8:37 pm.
8:30 pm Weir River Estuary Park Committee - re: Town Meeting Article
Judeth VanHamm, Chairman, told the Board the Committee's goals are to improve water quality, protect wildlife habitat, educate about the estuary to encourage stewardship of the earth and provide recreation while minimizing impact by using water as a path.
She said she is seeking support for a town meeting article which would designate to the Weir River Estuary Park Committee several parcels of scattered land owned by the Town (see file for list) between George Washington Boulevard and Avalon Estates. She also said that the Committee is seeking a matching fund grant to purchase property directly across the street from the Estuary Park.
9:00 pm Public Hearing - re: Railroad Bed, S Street Area
Following notification of abutters in the area the public meeting was called to order to discuss the plans of John Meschino, a resident of S Street, who appeared before the Board seeking permission to landscape the railroad bed from S Street midway to T Street and midway to R Street. He presented sketches of the proposal.
Fire Chief Robert Hollingshead said that as long as the access was sufficient for fire safety he had no problem with the plan. Both the Superintendent of Streets and Hull Police Chief stated that they do not support the proposal. Brooker expressed concerns over closing off the way. Parent expressed concern in regard to snow plowing and said that because the entrance is designed at a ten foot width a plow, which is 11 feet wide, would not fit.
Discussions followed on ownership of the railroad bed, whether or not there is a right to take public lands for the use of a few individuals, and it being the only access to landlocked property.
Burns suggested that Meschino talk to the three department heads and perhaps do a 3-year trial period. Brooker disagreed stating that it is a public safety issue.
MOVED-Burns: To accept the plan for beautification of the railroad right of way on the south side to extent from S to R Streets 20 ft wide with an opening of 15 ft with ballards to accommodate snow plow for a period of three-years.
SECOND-McLaughlin: To amend by requiring final approval with the submission of a revised plan done by an architect registered in Massachusetts.
MOVED-Burke: To amend by requiring that the revised plan is to be approved by the Police Chief, Fire Chief, and Highway Superintendent.
SECOND-Hersch
VOTE: UNANIMOUS in Favor as amended.
The Board postponed the balance of the agenda to next week's meeting and adjourned at 11:45pm.
April 15, 2003
Approved
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