Hull Board of Selectmen
Minutes
September 16, 2003
The meeting of the Hull Board of Selectmen was called to order at 7:35 pm on Tuesday evening, September 16, 2003 at the Hull Municipal Building, 253 Atlantic Avenue, Hull, Massachusetts.
Present: John Reilly, Chairman; Leonard Hersch, Vice Chairman; Christopher Olivieri, Clerk; Thomas Burns and Gerard McLaughlin, Members. Also present was James Lampke, Town Counsel.
Not present: Thomas Burns, Member and Christopher McCabe, Town Manager
Fire Chief Robert Hollingshead re: Emergency Management
Chief Hollingshead was present to give a status report on emergency management in regard to the possibility of Hurricane Isabel traveling up the coast tomorrow.
He said that an emergency meeting had been held and presented a list of participants in that meeting. Under discussion at the meeting was closing the dunes, which he described as difficult because of Concom, but that it is a public safety issue.
Hollingshead also spoke about the need for educating the public and especially new residents and new personnel. He also said that he is working on Federal Grant funds with Town Planner, Jay Szklut and Highway Superintendent, Ed Parent who are building a database.
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Reilly said he wanted to give a brief statement in regard to the Langsam Report because of recent articles in the local press, and the continuing requests for release of the document. The report had been requested by the Board because of the many complaints from personnel involving the process pf the promotion of employees to the position of Captain that involved the promotional exam, record keeping, receipts, and personnel files.
He stated that as a result of the report the Board took actions. A new system was developed for receipts, record keeping, and personnel files and that a disciplinary action resolution was sought under Civil Service, In the meantime, the Fire Chief, J. Nicholas Russo left his position to work for FEMA.
Following the completion of the Langsam Report, two copies were leaked and one was given to the local press. The Board of Selectmen then requested a police investigation, which was completed.
Reilly said that despite all of the requests received for release of the report, it will be done at the proper
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time and in the proper manner to limit the Town's liability. He added that it is like walking a tightrope between Civil Service and Civil Rights.
He concluded by stating that a current lawsuit between a Member of the Board and the local press has nothing to do with the Board of Selectmen, and that using this Board as a pawn will not be permitted.
7:30 pm Captain Donald DiMarzio - re: Interim Police Chief
The Chairman said that Burns could not be present this evening but will review the video tape of the interview, and welcomed the applicant and Police Chief Donald Brooker, who is retiring at the end of November.
DiMarzio said that he graduated from Hull High School in 1968 and received an associate in Science and Criminal Justice, graduating with high honors from Massasoit College; A Bachelor of Science Degree in Criminal Justice, graduating Magna Cum Laude from Anna Maria College; and a Masters Degree in Criminal Justice Administration, graduating Summa Cum Laude from Western New England College.
Prior to joining the Hull Police force in 1973 he served three years in the United States Army. He was promoted to Sergeant in 1980 and Police Captain in 1982 and served as the Administrator of the Safety Dispatch Center from 1997 to the present.
Each of the Members of the Board asked a series of questions, to which DiMarzio responded that he supports the DARE Program and that funding is the problem and that he thought funding might be found through private donations or grant money; that he saw no weaknesses in the Department and thought the strengths were that it is a highly professional department, but that more use could probably be made of its talents; that he will follow the present policy on hand gun license policy; he suggested instituting community policing and to appoint a school resource officer to be placed in the schools; that he will maintain his open door policy as Chief; has experience with budgets and grants; to work to provide large quarters for the Department perhaps by looking at the MDC property;
and that the biggest channel is the budget in trying to do more with less.
He added that he is exploring getting supplemental funds from the MDC, and, in answer to a question, that the Hull Police always respond to a call from the MDC Reservation.
CORRESPONDENCE
Announced the rescheduling of the public auction for surplus material to Saturday, September 27, 2003 at 10:00 am, because of the potential storm.
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Scheduled appointments for three applicants for the Nantasket Beach Reservation Study Committee Ronald K. Davy; Tom Carmody; and Estelle MacDonald.
Scheduled an appointment for Alison Leonard an applicant for the Hull Cultural Council
Requested the police Chief's input in regard to a letter from several Kenberma Business persons asking the parking meters remain.
TOWN MANAGER
Submission of the draft RFP re Nantasket Pier
NEW BUSINESS
Hersch requested re-establishing the Straits Pond Task Force because of the stench emanating from the pond consisting of the Town Manager, Superintendent of Streets, Health agent, Mr. McNamara and Hersch.
MOVED-Reilly: To renew the task force began a few years ago and to report back to the Board
SECOND-Olivieri
VOTE: Unanimous in Favor
MOVED-Olivieri: To go into executive session to discuss the sale, lease disposition of value n of real property and collective bargaining with non-union employees.
SECOND-McLaughlin
ROLL CALL VOTE: Aye, Hersch; Aye, Olivieri; Aye, Reilly; Aye, McLaughlin.
The Board moved into executive session at 9:03 pm and thereafter adjourned.
November 18, 2003
APPROVED
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