Hull Board of Selectmen
Minutes
May 10, 2005
The meeting of the Hull Board of Selectmen was called to order at 7:39 pm on Tuesday evening, May 10, 2005 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: Christopher McCabe, Town Manager and James Lampke, Town Counsel.
A moment of silence was observed on the passing of Mel Silver, former Chairman of the Hull Board of Appeals for many years. Reilly said that he was personally responsible for the Town obtaining ownership of the tower at Fort Revere.
CORRESPONDENCE
Unanimously approved, subject to permission of the public safety departments, the request of Gerald Bickoff to hold a block party on June 18, 2005 from 12 pm to 4 pm for a Bat Mitzvah at 151 Beach Avenue by closing Beach Avenue from Coburn to Adams Street, on a motion by Meschino, Seconded by Hersch.
Referred to the Police Chief a parking complaint from the residents of 25 Beach Avenue.
8:00 – 9:00 pm Chris Russo, Nick Russo and Robert Hollingshead re: Langstam Report
The Board recessed at 7:59 pm and returned to open session at 8:09 pm.
Neil Kane, Attorney for Leonard Hersch, Selectmen, said Hersch would recuse himself from participating in the matter. They do not see any liability on his part, but that it is the prudent thing to do for him.
Chairman Reilly said that the framework that lead to the Langstam Report involved a Captain’s appointment, poor record keeping, questions of personnel files, appointments, favoritism of shifts, and other administration questions.
He said that based upon the report the Board issued a directive to Fire Chief Nick Russo to make changes and to do different rotations, and that the Board of Selectmen made the appointment. He added that a cover letter would be released with the report.
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Selectmen Minutes, 5/10/05
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Reilly said the report is redacted to minimize the Town’s exposure, and that the evening’s meeting is not adversarial but to give those involved an opportunity to appear before the Board if they wish. No questions or comments will be taken from the audience.
Gregory Sullivan, Attorney, representing former Fire Chief James N. Russo, requested the release of the full Police Report and Langstam Report un-redacted and said he believes there are larger issues involved and will not participate until he has seen the reports.
James Brady, Attorney, representing Deputy Chief Robert Hollingshead, wrote in a letter that he protests the refusal to release both un-redacted reports, one of which is a 31-page Hull Police Report.
Captain Christopher Russo was present for the discussion made similar comments.
MOVED-McLaughlin To release both reports forthwith
SECOND-Meschino
VOTE: Unanimous in favor
Town Counsel, James Lampke commented that the purpose of the present meeting was to give to give the three members of the Fire Department an opportunity to make a statement, if they wished, in regard to information in the redacted report in the interest of being fair, and still protecting the Town, and some rights of privacy.
There followed a discussion between the attorneys, Rod Young of the press, Town Counsel and the Board Members in regard to public record inquiries, respecting privacy rights, review by the Attorney General’s Office and some history of attempting to secure the reports. Sullivan commented that the reports belong to the people. Reilly responded that as an employer the obligation is to protect the rights of the employees.
The discussion closed at 8:35pm and the Board recessed and returned at 8:45 pm.
TOWN MANAGER
McCabe referred to the memo from Police Chief Richard Billings listing the parking ticket fines. The concerns expressed were that the $20.00 fine was inadequate because many were willing to risk $20.00 to park near the beach. Olivieri said he thought the parking meter rates should also be increased.
Following a discussion during which McCabe said the residential sticker program is handled by the Senior Center Work Program that employs seniors for a limited tax reduction during the busy summer season.
Selectmen Minutes, 5/10/05
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MOVED-Olivieri: To increase the Restricted Parking Area (09) from $20.00 to $40.00
SECOND-McLaughlin
VOTE: Four in favor; One opposed (Hersch)
McCabe reported that the Main Street program was starting this week and that there have been several changes and that the Pemberton Parking lot reconstruction will result in its closing for about two months and that an alternative site will need to be found.
McCabe also spoke about Beach Avenue getting Conservation approval to be widened; that prison labor may be used at Fort Revere, and that the Highway department does not have enough manpower to handle the Fitzpatrick Way guard rail.
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McLaughlin said that as this is the last meeting prior to the upcoming elections he wanted to thank the Board for the pleasure of working with the Members over the last three years and to thank his family and said “It’s been a wonderful ride”.
Hersch also thanked the Board and said he had enjoyed every part of it and that he believes a lot was accomplished over the last three years.
The other members thanked both McLaughlin and Hersch and wished them well.
Reilly reminded everyone the election is at the Memorial School beginning at 7:30 pm on Monday, May 16h.
MOVED-Olivieri: To go into executive session to discuss the sale, lease or disposition of real property and not to return to open session.
SECOND-McLaughlin
ROLL CALL VOTE: Aye, Meschino; aye, McLaughlin; aye, Reilly; aye, Olivieri; aye, Hersch.
The Board moved into executive session at 9:25 pm and thereafter adjourned.
June 28, 2005
APPROVED
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