Hull Board of Selectmen
Minutes
August 31, 2003
September 2, 2004
The meeting of the Hull Board of Selectmen was called to order at 7:35 pm on Tuesday evening, August 31, 2004 at the Hull Municipal Building, 253 Atlantic Avenue, Hull, Massachusetts.
Present: John Reilly, Chairman; Gerard McLaughlin, Vice Chairman; Christopher Olivieri, Clerk; Leonard Hersch and Joan Meschino, Members. Also present were James Lampke, Town Counsel and Christopher McCabe, Town Manager.
Reilly opened the meeting with best wishes for a speedy recovery to Sumner Goldberg, Veterans Agent, who is in the hospital.
MINUTES
MOVED-Olivieri: To approve the minutes of July 27, 2004 as presented
SECOND-McLaughlin
VOTE: Unanimous in favor
Prior to the opening the interview sessions with two applicants for the position of Fire Chief, Reilly announced that the Board has had a request for the release of the Langsam Report and that he can see no legal basis for releasing it at this time.
Reilly explained to the applicants, Acting Fire Chief Robert Hollingshead, and Acting Deputy Fire Chief Francis Lyons, that the Board will ask the same series of prepared questions to each of the applicants. He also said the practice of sequester would be followed and asked Hollingshead to wait in the Town Manager's office during Lyons' interview.
7:30 pm Francis Lyons - re: Fire Chief Interview
In his opening statement Acting Deputy Fire Chief Francis Lyons said he is a lifelong resident of Hull, has served in the Fire Department first as a Firefighter/EMT from 1978-November 1991; as Fire Prevention Officer from 1991-June1999; Shift Commander from 1999-June to present; and Acting Deputy Fire Chief since July of 2004.
Lyons received an Associates Degree in Fire Science in 1991 from Massasoit Community College; 32 hours of credit at Northeastern University in Criminal Justice in 1978; since July 1994 to present attends the National Fire Academy; and from 1979 to present attends the Massachusetts Fire Academy. Through those years he has received the Roger F. Means Meritorious Service Award; the Joshua James Unit Citation, and has been recognized for his volunteer efforts in response to the Worcester Fire, and for working in the “Helping Save Lives “ program. He has also received many Letters of Commendation for special efforts.
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He graduated from Hull High School in 1970; was a Hull Special Police Officer for four years at which time he was appointed to the Fire Department. Lyons has served in all of the stations, on all of the apparatus, and worked on several services such as the purchase, through the union, of smoke alarms for senior citizens, with the schools on safety programs, and many life saving programs. He has done budgeting mainly with maintenance and repair; worked with purchasing committees, prepared several successful grant applications, and handled union negotiations.
Following his opening statement, Lyons answered all of the prepared questions put to him by Board Members: To provide leadership with honesty and straightforwardness which is important in dealing with the personnel and provides credibility; the strength of the Department is the personnel who are professionals, enjoy their work and have a goal to provide the best service and the ability to get the task done; that the only weakness he sees within the department is the need for more personnel along with the need for bigger facilities; that the 24-hour shift policy has been a good one as it boosts morale and gives the personnel more time for volunteer work in fire safety projects, sees no disadvantage with the 24-hour shift; does not see any abuse of overtime or sick leave as
there are advantages offered for not using it; wants to expand on community and personnel relations to maintain and advance the progressive image of the Department by utilizing a Citizenslist would be for a new fire station with a community room;
The Board recessed at 8:40 pm and returned to open session at 8:52 pm.
him by the
8:15 pm Robert Hollingshead - re: Fire Chief Interview
Acting Fire Chief Robert Hollingshead gave an opening statement discussing his credentials and plans for the Department. He has been a member of the Fire Department since 1978; Deputy Chief for 18 years; and Acting Fire Chief since April 2002. He said as Deputy Chief he assisted the Fire Chief managing the Town's Department of Fire, Rescue and Emergency Services as an Executive Officer who coordinated workmen's Compensation program, was liaison with occupational healthcare agencies, negotiated with physicians and surgeons; development of team for unified Fire/Police Safety Dispatch Center; planned designed and evaluated Standard Operating Guidelines for compliance with various laws; evaluated all fire prevention/code enforcement policies and programs; developed
and negotiated department rules and regulations, including drug testing; coordinated fire activity, agreements and programs related to mutual aid, and assisted in coordination and evaluation of policies, programs and activities pertaining to large-scale disaster operations.
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Hollingshead received several Citations and Commendations and is the recipient of the Medal of Honor, the Commonwealth's highest award for an “Outstanding act of Heroism and Bravery.”
He served from 1988 to 2001 as an elected member of the Hull School Committee; and presently serves as an Instructor/Examiner, Mass. Firefighter Academy; Adjunct Faculty, National Fire Academy, Md., and Adjunct Professor, Massasoit College
As Acting Chief he coordinated, planned, managed, developed and evaluated service policies; developed, presented and implemented a $2.5 million budget; lead the department grant writing team, directed Advanced Life Support program; provided upper level review and oversight of fire officers in delivery of programs, supervision, training, implementation of performance standards, assignments and evaluation of work, and personnel corrective actions; directed Office of Emergency Management; and oversees information technology, website and technical review and purchase of management system software.
Hollingshead received a Bachelor of Science Degree in 1977 from Northeastern University; took graduate courses in 1978 from Bridgewater State College; received an AS Degree in Fire Science Technology in 1987 from Massasoit College; is a 1995 graduate from the National Fire Academy in the Executive Fire Officers Program; received a BS in Business Management and Economics 1n 1993, and an MS in Political Science in Labor and Policy Studies both from Empire State College-S.U.N.Y and attended UMASS, Donahue Institute of Governmental Services, Chief Fire Officer Management Training Program-
Following his opening statement, Hollingshead answered all of the prepared questions put forth by the Selectmen: His philosophy is that one learns to teach and teaches to learn; wants to develop new policies and procedures for working with the Deputy; is seeking to form a recruit committee with a third party to evaluate candidates; has succeeded through the years of securing three-quarter millions in grants; formed a committee, chaired by Deputy Lyons, for the purchase of a new ladder truck; formed a committee, chaired by Captain Kevin Breen, for the purchase of a new ambulance (to be delivered in thirty days); wants to develop an alternative paramedic program as the issue is that when the ambulance leaves town the supplies and equipment are with it and not available and
will seek a waiver from the state to equip command vehicles; recently installed a new radio repeater at the High School handled by Captain Twombly solving recent transmission problems; wants to begin a professional development program so that one or two members of the department will be qualified to become Chief and have a seamless transition; believes the strengths of the department is the quality of service and the quality of the people within the department; the weakness is in communication with town agencies and he wants to improve on it, staffing goals are his objectives and would like to have another firefighter and another officer to enable using the village station; a benchmark is homeland security and would like to assure that all public safety issues are working under the same system as we use the Plymouth Instant Command System, but our community is very close to Boston; wants to do a three-year evaluation of the town to reduce homeowners fire insurance and reapply to
ISO to lower rates and become accredited (No community in Mass, Is accredited and only three communities in New England are accredited);
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believes the Town should have a Strong Chief: Law; described as successful the new 24-hour shift, and knows of no abuse of sick leave; and for his wish list cited an Emergency Preparedness facility and staff as it is now level funded and needs volunteer.
In regard to the policy of hiring only paramedics questioned by the Selectmen because it has led to hiring firefighters from other Towns. Hollingshead said it is a necessary policy and that they will work to improve communications with the citizens making them aware of what needs to be done to work for the Hull Fire Department. He added that it has no effect because the new method is to strike multi alarms and not rely on off-duty Firefighters.
The Board recessed at 10:30 pm and returned to open session at 10:35 pm.
Reilly said that some of the Members wanted to have additional time and polled the Board. Reilly and Hersch said they were ready to vote; Meschino, McLaughlin and Olivieri said they needed a little more time.
Reilly scheduled a meeting for September 2, 2004 at 7:30 pm to act on the appointment.
9:00 pm Robert Hunter - re: Applicant for Water Resource Committee
Robert Hunter, applicant for an appointment to the Water Resource Committee, had been previously interviewed by Hersch and McCabe and selected for an interview with the Board.
He described his credentials as a Management consultant in capital program for Biotec clients; having over 18 years experience in consulting and engineering; extensive technical expertise in reverse osmosis and other water purification processes; strong analytical and presentation skills and a B.S, in Mechanical Engineering, and MBA from Dartmouth College.
Reilly thanked Hunter and said the Board has other interviews to conduct and will make the appointments after the final interview.
Hersch said that he had not been presented with a reason for removing him as liaison to the Committee following the request of Dave Irwin, which he said set a dangerous precedent. He added that he wanted to see the membership of the Committee increased to balance the two Light Board Members on the Committee, by adding two Town Officials, Joan Meschino, Selectmen and Chris McCabe, Town Manager for parity.
MOVED-Hersch: To expand the Committee to nine members and include the Town Manager, and Selectmen Meschino.
SECOND-Reilly
McLaughlin said that he did not vote to remove Hersch. The Board was reconstituted and that he had voted for Meschino.
VOTE: Unanimous in favor.
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9:15 pm Stephen Walsh - re: Applicant for Water Resource Committee (Applicant requested a postponement)
TOWN CLERK
The Town clerk notified the Board of a citizen petition to hold a Special Town Meeting to be set for October 14, 2004 and included a memo with the schedule for September showing the warrant will close on September 12, 2004.
MOVED-McLaughlin: To approve the schedule and call a Special Town Meeting for October 14, 2004.
SECOND-Olivieri
VOTE: Unanimous in favor
The Board recessed at 11:15 pm to September 2, 2004 at 7:30 pm
RECESSED MEETING OF THE BOARD OF SELECTMEN
SEPTEMBER 2, 2004
The Chairman called the recessed meeting to order with a full complement of Members, Town Manager and Town Counsel shortly after 7:30 pm..
APPOINTMENT OF HULL FIRE DEPARTMENT CHIEF
Olivieri started that the wanted to thank the two candidates for Hull Fire Chief as both were impressive in their interviews and the Town should be proud to have such candidates.
MOVED-Olivieri: To appoint Robert Hollingshead as the next Chief of the Hull Fire Department, for the following reasons: 1) He has more managerial. and demonstrated management capability, having served 18 years as the permanent Deputy Chief and 2 years as the Acting Fire Chief, especially in areas involving personnel, labor relations and administration benefits. 2) He has more experience in developing budgets, and in financial management, both in the Fire Department and in a non-profit setting. 3) Superior background and experience in emergency management services, demonstrated in his resume and in the interviews of the candidates 4) His superior educational background, and his greater experience as a fire science instructor, as reflected in his resume and his presentation to the
Board,
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specifically: successful completing of the Executive Fire Officers' Program and Chief Fire Officer Management Training Program; and extensive experience as adjunct faculty at two Massachusetts colleges and at the National Fire Academy.
SECOND-Reilly
McLaughlin stated that the choice between the two candidates had been a hard choice as both demonstrated their abilities to serve in that post.
Substitute Motion
MOVED-McLaughlin To appoint Francis J. Lyons as the next Chief of the Hull Fire Department, and Acting Chief until the appointment is approved by Civil Service
SECOND-Meschino
Olivieri commented that voting for one does not take anything away from two excellent candidates, but based upon experience in so many various areas and having served 18 years as Deputy Chief, Olivieri said he felt gave Hollingshead the edge.
Meschino said that her vote does no disservice to any candidate as both have excellent references and she would be proud to have either. It was a difficult vote, she said, but felt each had a different style and she liked Lyons' open-management style.
of management.
Reilly said he has nothing to say negative toward Captain Lyons; is proud to have him on the Department, but he concurs with Dr. Olivieri
Hersch said that it was such a difficult decision it kept him awake at night, but he wants to see a new atmosphere at the department and would like to see more happiness exuding from the firehouse than complaints. He added he thought Lyons
Substitute Motion VOTE: Three Ayes; two nays; (Reilly & Hersch)
Reilly then called for a roll call vote:
Aye, Meschino; Aye, McLaughlin; Aye, Reilly; Aye, Olivieri; Aye, Hersch
VOTE: Unanimous in favor of the substitute motion appointing Captain Francis Lyons as Chief of the Hull Fire Department.
Lyons thanked the Board for its support and said he will work very hard to be the best Chief he can be.
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Hollingshead approached the Chairman and surrendered the Chief's badge, which Reilly gave to Lyons and noted that he needed to be sworn in by the Town Clerk.
The Board recessed and returned to open session a few minutes later.
Water Resource Committee
Reilly continued the Water Resource Appointments from Tuesday's meeting to serve until August 31, 2005 or until a successor is appointed and qualified.
MOVED-Olivieri: To appoint Robert Hunter to the Water Resource Committee
SECOND-Meschino
VOTE: Unanimous in favor
MOVED-Meschino: To appoint Richard Mattila to the Water resource Committee
SECOND-Olivieri
VOTE; Unanimous in favor
MOVED-McLaughlin: To appoint Thomas Burns to the Water Resource Committee
SECOND-Meschino
Hersch expressed reservations about appointing Burns to the Committee, which he said was not for any personal reason, but because he is a former Selectmen and Sewer Commissioner and that since the Committee has two Light Board Members, A Selectmen and Town Manager, he thought it would be too weighted with officials and that he preferred diversified thought on the Committee. He suggested appointing Burns as staff.
Meschino disagreed and said she thought Burns had the necessary expertise and dedication.
VOTE: Four, Ayes; one nay (Hersch)
MOVED-Meschino: To appoint Michael Blanchard to the Water Resource Committee
SECOND-McLaughlin
A substitute motion was offered:
MOVED-Reilly: To appoint Mark Bornheim to the Water Resource Committee.
SECOND-Hersch
The substitute motion was offered because Bornheim has been a businessman for many years and part of the Committee
VOTE: Unanimous in favor
The suggestion was made to create an Alternate Member who would vote in the absence of a sitting Member.
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MOVED-McLaughlin: To appoint Michael Blanchard as an Alternate Member of the Water Resource Committee
SECOND-Meschino
VOTE: Unanimous in favor.
CORRESPONDENCE
5. Unanimously approved the appointment of Sumner Goldberg to the War Memorial Commission, on a motion by Hersch, seconded by Olivieri.
13. Unanimously approved the appointment of William Townsend to the Hull Commission on Disability, on a motion by Olivieri, seconded by Hersch.
15. Agreed to continue John Reilly as Advisory Board Representative to the Plymouth County Commissioners and Gerard McLaughlin as Alternate.
9. Accepted with regret the resignation of Mark Ingaciola from the Historic District Commission.
OTHER CORRESPONDENCE
1. HELD discussion of Highway Superintendent re Cremation Field at Hull Cemetery.
2. HELD, at the request of Highway Superintendent re Duck Lane re traffic pattern.
3. HELD Judeth Van Hamm re Preservation Act, hold:
4. HELD UNTIL TUESDAY Dawn Desley re Handicapped sign.
6. Town Clerk, addressed earlier.
7,8,16. HELD Request for appointment to Conservation Commission from Randall Parrot, Sheila Conner and Jack Hill.
10 Referred to Police Chief request of Laurie Vasiliades re Parking on Nantasket Ave. at L
11. SCHEDULED for NEXT WEEK, the request of Faye and Joseph Baglione for permission to use the railroad bed at Adams Street, and to bring a prepared sketch/
12. Referred to Police Chief the request of Julia Brown for a Wedding Ceremony at Pt. Allerton Ave
14. SCHEDULED FOR NEXT WEEK, and referred to the Police Chief a request from Rosemary Plausky for a no parking sign on Rockview Rd.
17, Noted two grant applications from Margo Clerkin Conservation Administrator.
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OTHER BUSINESS
McCabe reported he has received three bids on the Nantasket Pier; McLaughlin addressed a problem of speeding on Central Avenue; Members discussed setting an appointment with the Conservation Commission to discuss downsizing it from seven to five permanent members, as once requested; Olivieri gave a report on the DCR meetings; and Reilly announced that the Board will meet every Tuesday evening.
The Board of Selectmen adjourned.
October 12, 2004
APPROVED
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