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Advisory Committee
September 18, 2007 Meeting Minutes

 

APPROVED
Town of Hingham
Advisory Committee
September 18, 2007 Meeting Minutes
Hingham Town Hall
Committee Members Present: Bierwirth, Allinson, Asher, Barclay, Ellison, Farrell, Friedman, Innis, Lauter, Manning, Port, Seelen.
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  1. Chair Joe Bierwirth called the meeting to order at 7:37 PM.
  2. New members Jon Asher, Richard Innis and Karen Johnson (in absentia) were introduced and welcomed.
  3. The Committee reviewed and approved the minutes from the June 26, 2007 meeting.
  4. Reserve Fund Transfers: Joe Bierwirth reported that he had made the following decisions regarding Reserve Fund transfers, as authorized by Committee vote at the 6/26 meeting:
    He did not authorize a reserve fund transfer to the Historical Commission for printing and mailing copies of the Historic Districts Handbook to residents; 
    The residual balance of $194,515 in the FY2007 Reserve Fund was transferred to the South Shore Country Club.
  5. DPW/Fields Project: Bob Garrity presented the following update on the progress of the DPW and Playing Fields project:
    The cost estimate for the building construction portion of the project has been reduced by approximately 50% since Bob's 6/26 presentation to the Committee, by selecting an alternative procurement method (pre-engineered, design/build bid and construction).
    There is no significant change in the cost estimate for the site work portions of the project.
    The current projected budget shortfall is approximately $1,129,500. The Selectmen have voted to cover this amount with Chapter 90 State road funds.
    The lawsuit appealing the project site plan approvals may be settled soon.
    The Town will perform the majority of the site work portion of the project using existing unit price type contractual agreements with individual sub-contractors; commencement of this work is imminent.
    The building construction portion of the DPW project will be out to bid within one or two months, subject to settlement of the lawsuit.  
  6. School Building Project: Mike Barclay and Dennis Friedman presented the following update on the school building project:
    The State has asked the Town to rank its construction priorities (for funding purposes), and the Building Committee voted to recommend to the School Committee that the new elementary school is the highest priority. The School Committee is expected to vote on this at its next meeting.
    The current construction cost estimate for the new elementary school is approximately $25.9 million; this figure may need to be adjusted for inflation, depending on when the project goes out for bids.
    It is still hoped that a decision on funding from the State SBA will be forthcoming in December, though this is not guaranteed. If decisions are not made in early 2008, the opening of the new school may not be possible by Fall, 2009.
    Concern has been expressed over the extent and timing of needed renovation work at Foster and Plymouth River Schools. Related concern was raised about the possible need to shift this renovation cost back into the Capital budget.
  7. South Shore Country Club: Ted Alexiades presented the following update on the situation at the South Shore Country Club:
    Ted will be reviewing/approving all significant expenditures by the Country Club through a new purchase order system for the foreseeable future.
    The Country Club closed FY '07 with a deficit of $125,000, so the traditional $400,000 transferred to the Town will not be forthcoming. Ted will provide a more detailed report on this at the next Committee meeting.
    A significant stated goal of the Country Club will be to end FY'08 with a balanced budget.
    The business arrangement with Lantana (for food service and catering) is still being negotiated.
    There is much discussion about the fate of the pool and its continued operation. It may be in need of significant attention in 3 - 5 years, and its operation is not self-sustaining financially. Ted has suggested several ideas to help improve its financial performance and extend its useful life.
    The South Shore Country Club Long Range Planning Committee has been formed to examine all aspects of the Country Club facility, including physical plant, services/activities offered, and departmental organization. 
  8. Schedule of Meetings for 2007/2008
    Upcoming meetings are tentatively scheduled for 10/16/07, 11/13/07 and 12/11/07. All meetings will begin at 7:30 PM and will take place at Hingham Town Hall unless members are otherwise informed.
  9. General Business
    Joe Bierwirth suggested that Committee members review the Committee Rules, Open Meeting Law Guidelines and Conflict of Interest material contained in members' folders. He directed special attention to the discussion about use of e-mail and telephone conversations relating to Committee business.
    Joe noted that if any Committee members have information they think should be in our folders, they should review first with Joe, then contact Jan Jacobson, who will be responsible for distribution.
    Ted stated that the Town's AAA bond rating is still in effect and was recently confirmed by the rating agencies.

The meeting was adjourned at 9:42 PM.

Respectfully submitted,
Jerry Seelen, Secretary