Town of Hingham News and Announcements

Transfer Station Stickers Available on Sept 11

The DPW Office at 25 Bare Cove Park Drive will be OPEN

Saturday, September 11th
8:00am � 12:00pm

For Transfer Station Stickers Only

Elder Services September Newsletter Now Available

Please visit the Department of Elder Services' website for this month's news and information about what is happening with your Department of Elder Services.

Note: Our newsletters are now being published by Senior Citizen Publishing. Our link will take you to their website and show you current and previous issues of Central Times newsletter.

Read this month's Newsletter on SeniorPublishing.com

Recommendations in Anticipation of Hurricane Earl

THE TOWN OF HINGHAM IS GEARING UP FOR HURRICANE EARL. TO ASSIST THE LOCAL DEPARTMENTS IN HANDLING THIS STORM WE ARE ASKING THAT YOU FOLLOW THE RECOMMENDATIONS LISTED BELOW:

IN CASE OF DANGER OF FIRE, MEDICAL EMERGENCY OR CRIME, CALL 911.

TO REPORT DOWN AND/OR BROKEN WIRES OR POWERLINES, CALL THE HINGHAM MUNICIPAL LIGHT COMPANY AT 781-749-0134. THIS NUMBER IS TO BE USED FOR ALL QUESTIONS RELATED TO ELECTRIC POWER. The 911 center will not be answering calls about when power will be restored.

TO REPORT TREES OR BRANCHES DOWN IN THE ROADWAYS OR ON HOUSES, CALL 911. Trees down in a yard not impacting traffic or your house are not an emergency during the storm period.

IF YOU HAVE A CATCH BASIN INFRONT OF YOUR YARD, PLEASE HELP KEEP IT CLEAR OF DEBRIS AND LEAVES. This will greatly affect the incidences of localized flooding. We are expecting rain in the 2� to 4� range over a twelve hour period.

YOUR HELP DURING THIS EVENT IS GREATLY APPRECIATED.

For more information, please visit the Hingham Emergency Management website.

Skate Park Project Design

SKATE PARK at CARLSON FIELDS - August 2010

On 8-12-10 the DPW Committee had a meeting regarding the skate park. The primary purpose of the meeting was to discuss the conceptual design of the park (size, features) and to get community input before the final iteration. Prior to this meeting a small working group which consisted of skaters, the chairman Bob Garrity and Roger Fernandes, got together with the landscape designer Mike Macintyre of advanced skate development. The schematic design presented at the aforementioned meeting was a culmination of the working group�s comments. ASD was selected to design the park by the committee through a designer selection process. Mike and his firm hail from California. The goal is to complete the final design within the next week or two and begin the procurement within the following 2 weeks. The hope is to start construction before �Cold Weather� and thereby complete the park this year-late fall.

Further details can be viewed in the Conceptual Presentation Page provided by Action Sports Development.

If there are any questions, please contact the Department of Public Works at 781-741-1430

Final Celebration of Hingham's 375th Year, Sept. 11

Final Celebration of Hingham's 375th Year

Please join us for an Old Fashioned Hingham Picnic to mark the final celebration of Hingham's 375th year!

1:00 to 3:30 at Derby Academy Fields, Burditt Avenue
Vintage Baseball game, Hingham �Derbies� vs. Hingham �Coopers,� Bring friends and family for an afternoon of Vintage Baseball at Derby Academy.

3:30 to sunset at the Town Beach Gazebo
Old Fashioned Town-wide Picnic at the harbor with music by the Satuit Band and the 375th Anniversary Chorus. Music, song and tribute to those in whose steps we have followed since 1635.

The program will include a Police and Fire Honor Guard salute to those who died on September 11, 2001 and the lighting of 1000 candles.

Barbeque presented by The Rotary Club of Hingham and Hull

All welcome

Final Celebration Flyer (PDF, 1.7 MB)
375th Anniversary Website

Operation Safe Medicine Cabinet - new location added

OPERATION SAFE MEDICINE CABINET
Presented by the Hingham Police Department

We want your old or unused prescriptions!
(Medicines, Liquids, Pills, etc.)

One Day Only
Saturday September 11, 2010
9AM-1PM
Pharmacist will be on site
Drop off will be at the Hingham Transfer Station
190 Hobart St.
Hingham, MA02043

The Hingham Senior Center has been added as an additional dropoff location
September 8th
9:00 am. to 1:00 pm

The latest annual study from the Office of National Drug Control Policy reports an alarming number of teenagers are abusing a variety of prescription (Rx) and over-the-counter (OTC) medications to get high.

Help our community remove all unused/old medications. All items collected will be properly disposed without affecting the water supply. They will be securely delivered for incineration.

Don't let your medicine cabinet be your child's drug supply.

In conjunction with the Hingham D.A.R.E. Program.
Supported by
Hingham Centre Pharmacy
The Hingham DPW

For more information please email Sergeant Steven Dearth

Hingham Road Closures in August

TOWN OF HINGHAM
Thursday, August 12, 2010

Road Closure(s) Notification
Weather Permitting

Seek Alternate Routes-Expect Delays-Follow Detour Signs

1. North Street-Reconstruction �Roadway Paving� (from South Street to
Mill Street)
What we are doing: Reclaiming �Pulverizing� the roadway, grading and paving the intermediate course �Binder Course� in preparation of the finish course.
Closure Dates: 23rd thru 27th & 30th
Closure Times: 7am until 4pm

What to expect:
o Traffic will be detoured to Water Street.
o Open to Residents who live on the roadway.
o Business will also be opened however seek alternate routes and parking is available in Station Street Parking Lot.

2. Water Street Reconstruction �Roadway Paving� (from Main Street to
Rail Road Crossing)
What we are doing: Reclaiming �Pulverizing� the roadway, grading and paving the
intermediate course �Binder Course� in preparation of the finish course.
Closure Dates: 27th, 30th & 31st
Closure Times: 7am until 4pm

What to expect:
o Traffic will be detoured to North Street.
o Open to Residents who live on the roadway.
o Business will also be opened however seek alternate routes and parking is available in
Station Street Parking Lot.

3. Industrial Park Drive-Pond Park Road �Micro Surfacing� (from Derby
Street into the Industrial Park all Main roads)
What we are doing:
o Micro surfacing the roadway which is the finish course.
Closure Dates: 22rd thru 23rd
Closure Times: Scheduled Night Work 7pm until 6am
What to expect:
o Business will be accessible if necessary.

4. Main Street �Micro Surfacing� (from South Street to Route 228)
What we are doing: Micro surfacing the roadway which is the finish course
Closure Dates: 8/22 thru 8/27
Closure Times: South to Water 4am until 3pm
Closure Times: Water to Route 228 4am until 3pm
What to expect:
o Traffic will be detoured to North Street and Water Street. Scheduled work will not
conflict with North Street Work Detours.
o Open to Residents who live on the roadway.
o Business will also be opened however seek alternate routes and parking is available in
Station Street Parking Lot or other delineated parking locations.

Please forward any questions o the Department of Public Works.

Thanks in advance for your anticipated patience and cooperation.
Respectfully,
Roger Fernandes
Projects Engineer
Town of Hingham
25 Bare Cove Park Drive- Hingham, MA 02043-2757
Telephone (781) 741-1430
Fax (781) 741-1454

Ballots for the State Primary Election

The State Primary Election will take place on Tuesday, September 14, 2010.

Sample Ballot: Democratic Party (PDF)
Sample Ballot: Republican Party (PDF)

The last day for voter registration for this election will be on Wednesday, August 25th. Voters may register at the town clerk�s office from 8:30am to 4:30pm Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday; Tuesday 8:30am To 7:00pm; Friday 8:30am To 1:00pm or request a mail-in voter registration form from the town clerk�s office by calling 741-1410

Election and Voter Information

Important Information Regarding EEE Virus and Mosquito Spraying

Please visit the State's website containing valuable information about Arbovirus (EEE and West Nile) and Mosquito spraying.

Hingham Board of Health webpage.

North Street Pole Removal Project Update

TOWN OF HINGHAM

DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS
Projects Engineering Office

Notice July 28th, 2010

CONSTRUCTION NOTICE
North Street Update � July 28th:

North Street Sidewalk brick installation continues and is anticipated to continue over the next 4 weeks
National grid continues their gas main replacement; once the main is installed the grid will make the service connections this is anticipated to last the next 4 weeks
In early September we anticipate beginning roadway restoration. That will last approximately 2 weeks
Drainage replacement has been completed
A balance of the conduit installation remains and is anticipated to be completed in 2-weeks

Currently the project is on schedule.
Thank you for your patience,

Roger Fernandes

Contact the Department of Public Works at (781) 741-1430 regarding any questions you may have about the project.

Hingham Road Race Results

Please see the full listing of results on the Hingham Recreation Road Race site.

HINGHAM RECREATION COMMISSION says THANK YOU!

To the following businesses, groups, individuals, Town of Hingham Departments and employees for their generous support of the 52nd Annual Hingham 4th of July Road Race 2010

Corporate Level

Best Chevrolet
128 Derby St
Hingham, MA 02043
Toll Free (800) 915-8273

Platinum Level ($1000)
Drohan, Hughes, Tocchio & Morgan, P.C., 175 Derby Street, Suite 30, Hingham MA
Greater Boston Running Company, 94 Derby Street, Suite 213, Hingham MA
Rader Properties, Inc., 80 Washington Street, Norwell, MA

Silver Level ($500)
Boston Private Bank & Trust Company, 7 Central Street, Hingham, MA
Bostonian Appraisal, 11 Cottage Street, Hingham MA
Burnham Builders, LLC, 44 Downing Street, Hingham MA
Creek Crossing Farm, 230 Ward Street, Hingham MA
Curtis Management, 400 Lincoln Street, Hingham MA
Fruit Center Marketplace, 79 Water Street, Hingham, MA
State Representative Garrett Bradley, State House Room 478, Boston MA 02133
GettiGear, 24 North Street, Hingham MA
Global Vision Advisors, 99 Derby Street, Suite 203, Hingham MA
Hingham Institution for Savings, 55 Main Street, Hingham MA
Hingham Police Association, 212 Central Street, Hingham MA
Hingham Sports Partnership, Post Office Box 48, Hingham MA
Law Offices of Jack Diamond, 738 Main Street, Hingham MA
NJZ Developers LLC, 22 Bel Air Road, Hingham MA
Pyne Keohane Funeral Home, 21 Emerald Street, Hingham MA
Bruce Thompson and Sampson Insurance97 Libbey Parkway, Suite 110, Weymouth MA
Sealcoating, Inc.120 Industrial Park Road, Hingham MA
SITEC Environmental , 769 Plain Street, Unit C, Marshfield MA
Thomas Auto Body, 15 Fort Hill Street, Hingham MA

Bronze LEVEL ($250)
Hingham Federal Credit Union, 10 Downer Avenue, Hingham MA

DONOR LEVEL ($100)
Stop & Shop, 400 Lincoln Street, Hingham MA

SPECIAL THANKS
4th of July Road Race Fundraising Committee
Residents of Main Street
Water Station Volunteers
C. E. R. T.
Hingham Recreation Employees
Board of Selectmen
Town Administrator
Town Accountant
Hingham School Department & parent volunteers
Hingham Fire Department
Hingham Police Department
Hingham Public Works Department

This complete list of sponsors, plus links to all websites can be found on the Road Race Sponsors page.

2010 Road Construction List

Department of Public Works
25 Bare Cove Park Drive
Hingham, MA 02043
(781) 741-1430

2010 Road Construction List

Below is a list of streets that we expect to repave/reconstruct during the�2010� construction season

Beal Street (Fottler Rd. to Wm. Terry Dr.)
North Street (Otis St. to South St.)
Station Street Parking Area
Pond Park Road (Derby St. to Industrial Park Rd.)
Industrial Park Road (Pond Park Rd. to Research Rd.)
Research Road
Main Street (Short St. to South St.)
Middle Street
Leavitt Street (Main St. to Short St.)
Clark Road
Home Meadows Lane
Nutty Hill Road
Carleton Road
Hemlock Road
White Horse Road
Nichols Road
Water Street

Town Election Results

The Results for the Town Election can be found in the Town Clerk's Election Warrants, Ballots and Results.

Updated Transfer Station Regulations go into effect June 1st

DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

UPDATED TRANSFER STATION REGULATIONS ARE EFFECTIVE IN JUNE

Effective June 1, 2010 The Town of Hingham Department of Public Works will be putting into effect the updated Rules and Regulations for the Transfer Station. The Transfer Station�s Rules and Regulations were first adopted in 1981 when the landfill was still active. Since that time, the Landfill has become a Transfer Station and there have been many changes in the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protections (MADEP) regulations that regulate the operation of the Transfer Station. The most important change is the increasing costs to run a transfer station instead of a landfill. The updated regulations incorporate the present regulations such as a two sticker system (residential and commercial), a fee structure for commercial permit holders, and one sticker (permit) per household.
The Transfer Station Rules and Regulations have also incorporated the MADEP�s rule changes for the safe operation of the facility, to ensure and safeguard the public health, to facilitate mandatory recycling and composting, thereby fostering a public awareness of the environment and reducing waste disposal costs incurred by the town.

The major changes and updates in the Transfer Station�s Regulations are in permitting, disposal of trash, recycling, and the handling of Construction & Demolition(C&D)/Bulky wastes. The use of the newly installed scale is another change in the regulations. Before the scale was purchased all fees to commercial vehicles were based on cubic yard capacity of the vehicle. The fee will now be determined by the weight of the refuse being disposed.

The DPW will be distributing three different permits to use the Hingham Transfer Station. Permits are only granted after the application has been approved, proper identification presented, and required fees paid.

1)   Residential Permit (RP) - Limit of one Sticker per household at no charge. Additional stickers for the same address may be purchased at $25 each.   A Residential Permit holder will have full use of the facility.

2)   Commercial Vehicle Permit (CVP) � Issued to all vehicles displaying a commercial license plate with proof of Hingham residency. CVP�s will be issued at an annual cost of $50.00. CVP holders that are residents will have use of the trash and recycling areas and will have to pay a fee for all other items for disposal. A fee schedule can be obtained at the DPW office and can be found online at (www.hingham-ma.gov) under the Transfer Station link.

3)   Commercial Hauler Vehicle Permits (CHVP) (Paper Permits Issued) � Permits issued to Commercial Haulers for an annual fee of $150.00. All household rubbish from Hingham residents only. All wastes will be charged the applicable fee(s) for disposal and a limit of 5 cubic yards of refuse per trip to the Transfer Station.

Construction and Demolition (C&D) Regulations have been modified for commercial vehicles to accept debris by weight and not volume (cubic yardage). In the original Transfer Station�s Rules and Regulations, commercial vehicles must pay a yearly charge based on cubic yardage of the vehicle for use of the landfill and a charge per cubic yard of material for disposal. The newly adopted regulations have incorporated the use of the scale to base the charge on weight instead of cubic yardage. See below for more details. All loads of C&D to be disposed are required by MADEP to be inspected for prohibited material such as Waste Ban items and unacceptable (or restricted) materials. The Transfer Station staff has been trained to identify the waste ban and unacceptable materials and an on-going training program is being put into place. A list of these unacceptable material�s are listed in the Updated Rules and Regulations which can be found on the Town of Hingham website under the Transfer Station.

Residential Construction & Demolition(C&D)/Bulky Permits will be issued to residents by the DPW on Thursday and Friday to holders of Residential Permits at no cost. Residents are limited to 3 cubic yards per week for disposal of C&D/Bulky material. All C&D/Bulky Material is inspected for waste ban and unacceptable items by DPW personnel.

Commercial Construction & Demolition(C&D)/Bulky Permits will be issued annually. Commercial C&D/Bulky material will be charged a fee of $120.00 per ton for disposal of all C&D/Bulky materials. A minimum charge of $15.00 will be collected for all weight under 250 lbs. A CVP holder may dispose up to 5 cubic yards of C&D/Bulky material per visit to the Transfer Station. Construction & Demolition material from outside of Hingham will be accepted by permit only. All C&D material from out of town will be charged appropriate fees as well as a $75.00 annual fee. All loads are inspected for waste ban materials and unacceptable items by DPW personnel.

The facility is permitted by the MADEP as a Small Handling Facility which limits the amount of material the Transfer Station can accept. The Transfer Station�s daily waste acceptance limit is 49 tons per day. Presently, the Transfer Station accepts on average 35 tons per day. All users of the facility are limited to a maximum of 5 cubic yard loads which is approximately the size of a one ton pickup truck. All trucks are to be inspected before the permit (sticker) is issued. All permit holders must fill out an application at the DPW and pay applicable fees to obtain a permit.

All permits and stickers are available at the DPW located at 25 Bare Cove Park Drive. If you have any questions please call the DPW at 781-741-1430.

Recycling and Transfer Station

Department of Public Works

Comprehensive Wastewater Management Plan: Recommendation

The Comprehensive Wastewater Management Plan has published the Recommendation Plan, Phase II Dated April 2010.

Full details of the plan can be viewed on the Wastewater Master Planning Committee page.

Planning is underway by the 4th of July Parade Committee

Planning by the Hingham 4th of July Parade Committee is underway to bring you yet another fabulous Parade celebrating Independence Day as well as Hingham�s 375th Birthday. The Parade is Sunday July 4, 2010 @ 1:00pm. This year�s theme is Happy 375th Birthday Hingham.

Each year the 5th grade students at East, South, Foster, Plymouth River Schools under the supervision of their Art Teachers, Mr. Bliss (East), Ms. Mayo (South) Ms. McKeon (Foster), Ms Marsjanik (PRS) create many designs depicting the parade theme. Once again there was a wonderful selection for the Committee to choose from for this year Parade Button. However we could only choose one winner. After much deliberation the committee chose Felicia Bornstein�s design for this year�s parade button. Felicia is a student in Mrs. Clifford�s class at Plymouth River School. Runners up are Gillian Mehigan, East School and Lucy Collins, Foster School. The children will have the opportunity to be guests of honor on parade day by riding in Ginny Gray�s baby blue Saab convertible waving to the crowds of spectators lining the parade route.

The Parade button has been a tradition for over fifteen years. The buttons will be on sale for $1.00 at various merchants throughout town as well as the Hingham Public Library. The Hingham � Hull Rotary has been a faithful supporter and partner of the Hingham 4th Parade Committee for over 15 years by committing to sell over four thousand buttons along the parade route on Parade day. This is one of our biggest fundraisers. We appreciate the continued support of the Hingham- Hull Rotary in our goal to provide a safe fun filled community event.

**************************************************************

This year�s 4th of July Parade will be an extra special celebration in honor of Hingham�s 375th Birthday. We need the support of the Community to fund the parade each year. The Parade costs this year are approximately twenty eight thousand dollars and all monies are raised through donations and fundraising events.

Please join us for an evening at Tosca Thursday May 13, 2010 $50 per person, cash bar, amazing silent auction items and raffles. Plan a night out with friends. All proceeds fund the parade fund. For more information please contact Mary Ann Blackmur at mblackmur@comcast.net

For more information:
Silent Auction Invitation
375th Anniversary Schedule of Events for 2010
4th of July Parade Committee

**************************************************************

Updated: Hingham Harbor Overlay District Draft Zoning Amendment

Hingham Harbor Overlay District

Hingham Harbor Overlay District Draft Zoning Amendment (4 MB PDF) Originally Presented by the Planning Board on February 1, 2010 to the Harbor Planning Task Force and updated on March 16, 2010.

Summary of Proposed Hingham Harbor Overlay District Zoning Article (Printable version)

I. Zoning Background:
�    The Waterfront Business District was created in 1970 and included the parcels along the inner harbor extending from 3 Otis Street to Steamboat Wharf which were previously zoned Business A. The parcels from the Bathing Beach to the Town Pier were still zoned residential.
�    In 1977, the Official & Open Space District was created and all Town-owned land was rezoned including all of the Town-owned land along the inner harbor.
�    1n 1983, the permitted height for buildings in the Waterfront Business District was decreased from 35� to 20�. The height limitation in Official & Open Space is still 35�.
�    If the former Mobil Station is rezoned to Official & Open Space this year as planned, only 3 parcels will remain in the Waterfront Business District: 3 Otis Street, 26 Summer Street and 30 Summer Street. The rest is Town-owned.

II. Harbor Planning Task Force
�    The Task Force is comprised of representatives of each of the Town Boards, committees and departments that have primary oversight or interest in the Harbor, namely the Board of Selectmen, Bathing Beach Trustees, Planning Board, Harbor Development Committee, Harbormaster office, and Hingham Development & Industrial Commission
�    The Task Force was created by the Selectmen to foster improved communication between these groups and to identify, by mutual consensus, the status of matters affecting the inner Harbor and potential areas for improvement.

III. Initiatives Identified
�    Optimization of public mooring area and update of Town Harbor bylaws and regulations � Underway and scheduled for completion by 2010 boating season
�    Study the appropriateness of the zoning for the Town-owned and privately-owned parcels, including uses and dimensional requirements. This has resulted in two zoning articles:

1. Allowing a �Farmer�s Market� as a permitted use

2. Creation of a Harbor Overlay district that would recognize the special features of this waterfront area of the Town and allow for cohesive planning across the Waterfront Business District and the Official & Open Space District along the inner Harbor.

3. Other identified needs: geese management; improved public access through both public and private parcels; improvements to the Bathing Beach bathhouse; better trash management; more public restroom facilities.

IV. Issues identified that may be addressed by the Hingham Harbor Overlay District
� Currently marinas are not allowed in the Official & Open Space District, so the Town is prohibited from creating Town-owned slips. Similarly situated towns, such as Scituate, Hull and others have town-owned marinas that allow for more public access and generate revenue for those communities.
� The dimensional requirements for the Waterfront Business District are such that:

1. The parcels were thrown into non-conformity as to lot size and/or frontage requirements on the day the district was created in 1970;

2. The height limitation at 20� is such that, if enforced, would result in unattractive, flat roofed buildings and architecture not appropriate to a New England waterfront setting. Note: The Lincoln Maritime Center building is 20� to its peak plus 9� to the cupola, but has little to no improvements inside. Because of the restrictive nature of the existing zoning, the ZBA granted 26 Summer a height variance to allow a building with a height of 26� to its peak;

3. The yard setback requirements on 2 of the 3 parcels are so restrictive that it is highly unlikely the existing unattractive buildings would ever be replaced because there would be no usable building envelope. In addition, there is no flexibility in the side yard requirements, so buildings cannot be positioned in a way to provide the best view corridors of the Harbor.

The result is that the existing unattractive buildings will likely remain indefinitely as there is no incentive for the owners to improve them.
�    To the contrary, permitted uses and dimensional requirements in the Official & Open Space district would allow the Town to build public buildings up to 35� in height.
�    Due the presence of 3A, people are (and should be) discouraged from trying to cross 3A to access the Harbor area, but the current parking requirements are different in the two districts which does not allow for the potential for sharing of parking between the public and private parcels.
�    There are currently no requirements in the zoning that promote public access through public walkways or boardwalks connecting the public and private parcels along the water.
�    Many currently permitted uses on the Town parcels only require a Special Permit A1 which means that intense uses may be able to avoid site plan review which would ensure proper layout, parking and traffic circulation on these parcels.
�    Potential issues with architecture/design of future buildings.

V.    How the Overlay District would address the issues identified above:
�    Town-owned parcels would have the following use changes:

1. Permitted Town premises and buildings would be modified to require that they are related to the waterfront nature of the property � �water dependent uses�, including the potential creation of marina slips by the Town in addition to the public mooring field

2. The only accessory uses on the Town�s parcels would be

(a) offices for the harbormaster, public safety, lifeguards and marina operations

(b) snack stand

3. Special Permit A2 would be required for all buildings and intense uses, such as the sailing club

� Dimensional requirements would be modified as follows:

1. Existing parcels would be deemed conforming as to lot size and frontage, provided they were not reduced in size.

2. Height for buildings on all parcels would be limited to 20� wall height with an additional 8� to the peak (total height of 28�).

3. Yard requirements for the Waterfront Business District parcels would be modified to be �sliding�, allowing positioning of buildings in best location on site for parking and view corridors.

4. Special requirements would be added to provide for public walkways or boardwalks along the water.

�    Parking across abutting parcels would be allowed for parcels in both districts. [Right now that is only allowed for Official & Open Space parcels]
�    A design review process would supplement the current site plan criteria to insure that new buildings are appropriate to the waterfront setting.

VI.    Frequently Asked Questions:
�    Will the Overlay District allow stores, restaurants and other commercial uses to be built on the Town-owned parcels?
No. Only water-dependent uses, such as the public mooring field, town-owned slips, parks and public walkways will be allowed primary uses. The only allowed accessory uses will be harbormaster, public safety, life guard and marina offices, public restrooms and a walk-up snack bar.

�    Will the Overlay District allow buildings to be built on the Mobil Station parcel, which was purchased with Community Preservation Funds?
No. The only uses that will be allowed will be governed by a Conservation Restriction that will be entered into between the Town and the Hingham Public Land Trust, which has been selected by the Selectmen to hold the open space restriction on that parcel. What is allowed on parcels subject to conservation restrictions is governed by Massachusetts law.

�    Will any of the changes affect the waterfront beach, boating and park character of the other Town-owned parcels on the Harbor?
No. The Town�s premises will be for water-dependent uses such as beach, boating, walking paths and parks. The bathing beach already has a bathhouse, which already includes outdated space for life guards and bath facilities. If updated in the future, the only change of use the Overlay District might allow is a snack stand. In addition, there is a small harbormaster �shed� near the Town pier. Under existing zoning, the Town could improve that to a larger building up to 35� high. The overlay district would lower the allowed height of any new buildings on Town land. Any other buildings at the Harbor would have to be directly accessory to a water-dependent use.

�    Will the changes violate any state requirements regarding parkland or other state or local laws or regulations?
No. The proposed changes are consistent with the existing uses of the land governed by any state requirements that apply to the Town-owned parcels. In addition, just like in all other areas of Town, zoning does not have the final say on what happens on a parcel of land. All other applicable regulations, such as DEP, Conservation Commission, Board of Health regulations, will continue to apply to all of the parcels on the Harbor.

�    One of the stated goals of the Overlay District is to create a connection between the Downtown and the Harbor. If the planned improvements to Route 3A are delayed or do not occur, how will this goal be accomplished?
At this time, there is a cross-walk across Route 3A at the intersection of North Street and Route 3A that allows pedestrian access. If the Harbor becomes more attractive to Downtown visitors and to visitors by boat, this will continue to be the primary connection. The Board of Selectmen hasbeen told that the Route 3A improvements are on a list of state-planned projects. While the timing is unclear at this point, creating more opportunities for public enjoyment of the Harbor parcels still makes sense now as they will not happen overnight and the connection between these two important areas of Town should be encouraged.

�    Will the changes in the dimensional requirements for the privately-owned parcels encourage larger buildings that will block or take away from the views of the Harbor?
No. The proposed changes will give the permitting boards the flexibility to allow the owners of the privately-owned parcels to locate any new buildings on their parcels in a way that preserves view corridors. It also allows for better design of any proposed building by allowing a peaked, rather than flat, roof and eliminates the need for the ZBA to grant height variances to address the over-restrictive existing requirements of the bylaw. Due to the stringent requirements of the existing zoning, if these changes are not made, it is unlikely that the existing unattractive buildings, particularly at 30 Summer Street, will ever be improved.

�    Will the proposed changes worsen the parking situation at the Harbor?
No. Based on a parking study done in 2008, the Town has a surplus of parking when all Town parking areas are accounted for. The changes will allow for more shared parking in order to discourage pedestrians crossing Route 3A in dangerous locations and for the more efficient use of parking at the Harbor.

Town of Hingham Website is a 2010 Common Cause Award Recipient

Town of Hingham Website is a 2010 Common Cause Award Recipient

For the third time in the past four years, the Town of Hingham website is a 2010 Massachusetts Common Cause Campaign for Open Government E-Government Award recipient. This year, Hingham received the award with distinction - a designation for meeting even more stringent criteria.

Each year, Common Cause Massachusetts honors those municipalities that display key governance documents on their websites. The 2010 e-Government awards were held Tuesday, March 16th, 2010 at the State House in Boston. Of the 351 Massachusetts communities, 181 received the E-Government award and only 90 received the award with distinction.

For more information, please visit the Massachusetts Common Cause website.

375th

The 375th Anniversary Quest booklets are now available at Noble�s Camera Shop, 29 Main St., for $5.00. Quest booklets may also be purchased at the Hingham Public library, the Hingham Historical gift shop at Old Derby and 375th commemorative sales locations.

�Conquering the Quest� is an entertaining and informative family activity. Follow the Quest�s self-guided historical tours in a single day or over many days and weeks to discover 19th-century Hingham. Those who finish the Quest will receive a reward and be eligible for monthly drawings at Noble�s.

Hingham's 375th Anniversary Celebration

View the South Shore Chamber of Commerce Assessment of Potential Development for South Hingham

View the South Shore Chamber of Commerce Assessment of Potential Development for South Hingham

The Hingham Business Council and South Shore Chamber of Commerce are pleased to present the following assessment of potential development for South Hingham. We appreciate and congratulate the town officials first for asking the business community for input and second for seeking some context for how the town fits into regional economic development.

The report can be viewed here.

The 2009 CAFR has been released by the Accounting Department

The Comprehensive Annual Financial Report (CAFR) for the fiscal year ended 2009 has been completed.

Proposed Hingham Harbor Mooring Regulations

The Hingham Harbormaster's office is proposing the new Mooring Regulations. The current document is in draft form and feedback is welcome. A second version is planned to be released on Wednesday January 12.

Draft of Hingham Harbor Mooring Regulations

To provide feedback: Complete the Contact Form and select the Harbormaster department or you may call 781-741-1450.

Hingham Harbormaster Website

Employee Recognition Awarded for 2009

The Board of Selectmen has announced the two award recipients for 2009. Congratulations to Kathy Glenzel and Caroline Gibson.

The 2009 Award for Productivity/Efficiency is awarded to Kathy Glenzel, the Town�s Benefits Coordinator. As stated in her nomination of Kathy, Selectman Laura Burns noted that Kathy accomplished the transition of over 300 retired teachers from one health plan to another with �grace, perseverance and over-work�. She goes on to say that every retiree she referred to Kathy expressed their gratefulness for her help. Marie Bernard, a Hingham teacher for 40 years, expressed that Kathy was �totally professional� and she went above and beyond her job to help solve her dilemma. It is with great pride that we award Kathy Glenzel this most deserving honor.

The 2009 Customer Assistance Award is given to Caroline Gibson. Caroline is the Administrative Secretary for the Board of Elder Services. The Board voted unanimously to nominate Caroline and expressed that although her workload is quite heavy and varied, she accomplishes it �quietly and efficiently, despite constant interruptions�. They further state that Caroline �serves the Town of Hingham and the Department of Elder Services in a manner which exemplifies customer service�. For this reason we feel Caroline Gibson is most deserving of this award.

(l-r) Caroline Gibson and Kathy Glenzel

State Primary Election Results

Town of Hingham Voting Results December 8, 2009 REPUBLICAN PARTY SENATOR IN CONGRESS
	PR 1	PR 2	PR 3	PR 4	PR 5	PR 6	PR 6A	TOTAL
Scott P. Brown	104	103	122	122	144	105	146	846
Jack E. Robinson	16	18	22	13	13	15	26	123
Write-Ins	1	0	0	7	6	6	1	21
Total	121	121	144	142	163	126	173	990
DEMOCRAT PARTY SENATOR IN CONGRESS
	PR 1	PR 2	PR 3	PR 4	PR 5	PR6	PR 6A	TOTAL
Michael E. Capuano	101	98	112	96	102	85	96	690
Martha Coakley	190	241	210	199	198	176	290	1504
Alan A. Khazei	66	57	101	77	81	41	121	544
Stephen G. Pagliuca	49	47	56	42	49	34	44	321
Write-Ins	1	1	1	1	2	0	2	8
Total	407	444	480	415	432	336	553	3067

Town of Hingham Election and Voter Information

The Naming Policy Development Committee welcomes your comments

The Naming Policy Development Committee has been recently formed and has had two meetings to date.

The Committee welcomes comments and suggestions about the development of a policy for naming Hingham's public lands, buildings and assets. Comments will be discussed and considered during committee meetings, to which the public is invited.

Please complete this form to submit your suggestion, comments or questions.

Images from Hingham's Veterans Day Ceremonies

Please visit our Image Gallery for images of our 2009 Veterans Day Ceremonies with speakers Thomas L. P. O'Donnell, Laura Burns, CPO Keith Jermyn, Senator Robert L. Hedlund, Representative Garret J. Bradley, James Claypoole, Rev. Mr. John McHugh, songs by Kalli Jermyn and music by the Hingham High School Band.

Celebrate 375th Years: Schedule, Yearbook and Commemorative Items

Starting in September 2009 and culminating in September 2010, there will be dozens of events and activities � some sponsored directly by the 375th Committee, many put on independently by supportive local groups and civic organizations � tracing Hingham�s growth and development.

Schedule of Upcoming Events:

Saturday December 5, 2009: Lecture, 2:00 p.m., at the Hingham Public Library on Early American Gravestone Carvings by Professor Vincent Luti, UMass-Dartmouth, who has written books and articles on the subject and is closely connected to the Association of Gravestone Studies. This replaces the cemetery tour cancelled on October 24th due to rain. The lecture is funded by the Hingham Cultural Council.

Purchase Commemorative Items

Show your Pride in Hingham and support the 375th Anniversary Celebration. Available are: Books, Personalized Crocks, Flags, Mugs, China, Bags, Pens/Pencils, Stickers and more!

Committee volunteers will be selling these commemorative items every Saturday at the Hingham Public Library.

As part of the Christmas in the Square event in downtown Hingham Dec. 4th & 5th, the Committee will have a storefront shop on Main Street next to Maggie�s Dog House and Noble�s Camera Shop. Be sure to come by and see all the 375th items, which make great holiday gifts and stocking stuffers!

I Remember...

Help Hingham celebrate its 375th anniversary by contributing your recollections of special people, places and events that you remember from the town�s past.

Barbara Farnsworth awarded MCOA Director of the Year

Barbara Farnsworth, Director of Hingham Elder Services has been selected as the Director of the Year by the Massachusetts Association of Councils on Aging.

A reception was held at the Hingham Senior Center on Tuesday, November 3rd to honor her accomplishments.

Thomas Hickey, Chairman of the Board of Elder Services provided the tribute to Barbara in front of a large gathering of board members, town employees, and residents.

"We are here to congratulate Barbara and to celebrate her selection as 2009 Director of the Year by The MA Association of Councils on Aging (MCOA).

Barbara came to Hingham in September 2003, when she was appointed, by the Selectmen, as the Director of Elder Affairs. Two years later, in 2005, she was awarded the honor of �Advocate of the Year� and in 2006 was certified as a Senior Director by the same Association.

Since her appointment in Hingham, Barbara has worked diligently on the accreditation process for national certification of the Senior Center as she was aware of the distinction of this award for our seniors. Compliance with national standards had to be met and, as a result of that effort, in 2007 our Senior Center was awarded Certification by The National Institute of Senior Centers (NISC). And proudly, I say, that to date, only 158 Senior Centers around the country have been accredited by this organization.

In addition to Barbara�s many leadership qualities, she is also a wonderful person. Just ask anyone who works with her. Barbara is dedicated to our senior population. Her accomplishments are many. Her hard work reflects upon all of us, as our Senior Center shines among other centers and our town benefits from the Center�s outstanding reputation.

How fortunate we are to have her. To this woman we say congratulations! Thank you! And many future years of success here in Hingham!"

Tom Hickey

Updated Fees for Building Permits, Gas, Plumbing and Electrical

The Town By- Laws have been updated to reflect the changes to fees being charged by the Town of Hingham Building Department. These changes are effective November 2, 2009

Visit the Building Department for the full fee structure.

Now in Print: 375th Anniversary Commemorative Books

Now in print: the Hingham 375th Anniversary Commemorative Book with dozens of full-color and historical photographs, text on Hingham history, a schedule of 375th events and much more!

Books are available at 375th sales locations and at Noble�s Camera Shop in Hingham Square. $5.00 donation requested.

Also available are flags, posters, cups, china, stickers, notepads and much more.

375th Anniversary Commemorative Items

The East School Dedication Ceremony

On Thursday, August 27th the new East School held it's dedication ceremony on the front lawn of the school under clear and sunny skies. Alan Macdonald, Chair of the School Building Committee, welcomed everyone and noted many of the key players in the completion of the project. His comments were followed by Christine Smith, Chair of the Hingham School Committee, State Representative Garret Bradley and State Senator Bob Hedlund, and final Acknowledgements mady by David Killory, School Business Director.

Dedication Ceremony

Fact Sheet about the building, including Green Elements in Design, Conservation , Materials and more

The 375th Celebration Begins This Weekend!

The town-wide 375th celebration will begin in September 2009 with opening events which will include:

Saturday, September 12

11:00 a.m. Walking Tour of Historic Downtown Hingham. Meet at Founders Park, at the intersection of North and South Streets. $1.00 fee. To register, call 781-749-1851.
1:30 p.m. - 4:30 p.m. Tours of Old Ordinary, 21 Lincoln Street. Free to all. For information, call 781-749-7721.
Opening event, downtown Hingham: public reception and garden party, 4 to 7 p.m. at the Old Ordinary, Lincoln Street. Period music provided by Bartholomew, Cappers & Waynen Folk Trio. Refreshments, period costumes, 375th commemoratives, local dignitaries. Free admission.

Sunday, September 13

2:00 p.m. Annual Fall Classic Vintage Base Ball Game. The Hingham Derbys vs. the Hingham Coopers, playing by 1880�s rules in vintage wool uniforms. 375th Celebration theme. Free admission. Hot dogs, cold drinks and ice cream available. Sponsored by the Hingham Historical Society.

Thursday, September 17

Beginning today and continuing for the next eight weeks, test your knowledge of Hingham history with 5 different questions (and answers!) in the Hingham Journal .

Friday, September 18

The 375th Anniversary Open Golf Tournament at South Shore Country Club. Banquet with silent auction in the evening for all participants. Golf Details and Sign-up Sheet

Saturday, September 19

The 375th Anniversary Open Tennis Tournament. Friday night dinner at the S. S. Country Club included in the entry fee. Tennis Details and Signup Sheet

The Board of Health Needs Volunteers

Calling all Volunteers!

The Hingham Health Department is preparing for a busy flu season. We will be conducting vaccination clinics for both the seasonal flu and the H1N1 flu. Each year we rely on a wonderful group of nurses and volunteers to help make our clinics run smoothly. This year we have an added challenge with some residents potentially receiving three vaccines. We will need extra help!

If you are willing to volunteer, please contact Kathy Crowley, Public Health Nurse in the Hingham Health Department at 781-741-1466 or @ KCrowleyRN@hingham-ma.com. We have not set our clinic dates but we anticipate conducting the seasonal flu clinics in September and the H1N1 clinics latter in October.

Town of Hingham Website is Currently Unavailable to Certain Residents

Notice: The Town of Hingham website is currently unavailable to certain residents. There is an issue at Verizon and the IT staff has been working with them to resolve it. We appreciate your patience while we work to restore this connection. If you have any questions, please contact the appropriate department at Town Hall or call our Resident Help Line at 781-741-1411

Special Town Meeting Results

A Special Town Meeting was held on August 3, 2009 at the Hingham High School. 1535 registered voters checked in, representing 9% of the registered voters in town. The Vote on Article 1 was taken by ballot with 1022 voting Yes and 427 voting No. Article 2 was a majority vote with no action taken.

Special Town Meeting: Report of the Advisory Committee on Articles 1 and 2

Special Town Meeting � Report of the Advisory Committee on Articles 1 and 2 August 3, 2009

ARTICLE 1. That (a) consistent with the recommendation of the recently formed school naming committee, the newly constructed elementary school located off Eastgate Lane be named �East School� and the library wing of such newly constructed school be named for Dorothy H. Galo, and (b) the School Committee be prohibited from naming any school building, property or facility, or any portion thereof, except with prior Town Meeting approval or in accordance with a naming policy hereafter adopted by Town Meeting.

COMMENT: On May 11 of this year the School Committee voted to name the Town�s new elementary school the Dorothy Galo School. Several weeks later, citizens dissatisfied with the School Committee�s actions in the naming process for the new school circulated a petition calling for a Special Town Meeting. The petition included the proposed Warrant Articles that are now before this Special Town Meeting. By June 24, the petition was officially submitted and the required number of petition signatures was certified by the Town Clerk. The Board of Selectmen then began the process of scheduling the Special Town Meeting.

The Advisory Committee held three well-attended public hearings on the proposed Warrant Articles over three consecutive weeks. The Committee heard extensive comments from proponents of the Warrant Articles, from members of the School Committee and other Town officials, from members of the new school�s PTO, and from members of the general public. The Committee also received a number of letters from residents of the Town expressing opinions both in favor of, and opposed to, the petition and the proposed Warrant Articles.

The Committee discussed each of the two parts of Article 1 separately. Regarding Part (a), there was little consensus among Committee members as to either its merits or its faults, and no strong majority appeared to either favor or oppose the proposal. Several Committee members felt that the choice of a name for a building was a relatively subjective matter, thereby making it difficult to provide an objective recommendation, while other members felt that there were, in fact, objective reasons to support or oppose Part (a). Reasons expressed by Committee members for retaining the School Committee�s current name, the Dorothy Galo School, included the following:

The School Committee had the legal authority to name the new school, and there is no compelling reason to recommend a different name.
In light of Dr. Galo�s years of service and her recognized accomplishments, it is fitting to name the new school in her honor.
Regardless of the reported faults in the naming process, it could be perceived to be an unwarranted insult to Dr. Galo to re-name the school.

Reasons expressed by Committee members for supporting Part (a) of the Article to change the name of the new school to East School included the following:

The School Committee�s process for selecting the current name was flawed so, consequently, the results of this naming process are flawed.
It is inappropriate to name public buildings after living individuals or after sitting Town employees.
There may be others who are equally deserving of the honor, so changing to a more neutral name, such as East School, would eliminate any perceived favoritism.
The name East School has historic value since the school previously on this site had that name.

The Advisory Committee considered several approaches to changing the language of Part (a), but it was unable to come to agreement on any alternative to the original language that was either more clear or that was not beyond the scope of the Article. The Committee took no separate vote on Part (a).
Regarding Part (b), while the Committee supported the idea of developing a town-wide policy for naming town-owned facilities, members were concerned that singling out one Town agency, as Part (b) does, would not be equitable (the Committee was advised that broadening the proposal to include all Town-owned facilities in a naming moratorium would not be within the scope of the article). Furthermore, the Committee believed it would be wrong to require a Town agency to comply with a policy without knowing the explicit nature and details of that policy. The Committee was unanimously opposed to Part (b) of Article 1.

Since Article 1 was proposed in the petition as a single article, and since this is the form in which it appears in the Warrant, the Committee decided to vote on it as a single article, rather than as two separate items. Each Committee member considered the arguments for and against Parts (a) and (b) of this article, weighed the relative importance of each of the two parts, then cast a vote on the single article accordingly. The Advisory Committee voted 6 � 5 on a motion to recommend No Action on Article 1. Two members of the Committee had voluntarily recused themselves from the deliberation and vote, due to involvement with the petition calling for the Special Town Meeting, and one other member was not present at the meeting and, therefore, was unable to vote.

RECOMMENDED: That no action be taken on this Article.

ARTICLE 2. That the total funds appropriated for Education under Account No. 300 of the FY 2010 budget approved under Warrant Article 6 of the 2009 Annual Town Meeting be reduced by an amount equal to the cost to the Town of holding this Special Town Meeting, and such sum transferred to the general fund of the Town.

COMMENT: As a general rule, the Advisory Committee believes that when a public issue rises to the importance of a Town Meeting Warrant Article, whether the issue is decided upon at an Annual or a Special Town Meeting, the deliberation on, and resolution of, that issue in our open Town Meeting format is to the benefit of all citizens of the Town. Therefore, the Committee does not believe it is appropriate to specifically assign either the entire cost of a Town meeting, or a portion of those costs, to an individual Town agency. The Committee also believes that this Article 2 is particularly punitive in nature and should not be supported for that reason as well.
The Advisory Committee voted to recommend No Action on this article. There were no opposing votes, though two members had voluntarily recused themselves from the deliberation and vote, and one other member was not present at the meeting and, therefore, was unable to vote.

RECOMMENDED: That no action be taken on this Article.

Preparing for the Flu at the Hingham Health Department and at Home

The Hingham Health Department is preparing for both seasonal flu and the possibility of an outbreak of the H1N1 influenza virus. We are working closely with the MA Department of Public Health and our local emergency management team. The MA Dept. of Public Health anticipates being able to ship the seasonal flu vaccine to us in early fall. As soon as it arrives, we will post flu clinic dates on our flu hotline at 781-804-2372. We will also advertise in the Hingham Journal and on our website .

We are also monitoring any cases of H1N1 influenza and working with the MA Department of Public Health on a vaccine delivery plan for this virus. It is important to keep in mind that the seasonal influenza vaccine will not provide immunity against the H1N1 virus. Depending on vaccine availability, some people will be receiving both vaccines. The vaccine will be available in a combination of settings such as clinics organized by the Hingham Health Department, schools, private physicians and workplaces. We will provide more specific information and dates on the H1N1 vaccine when it becomes available to us.

As we all wait for this challenging season, there are many steps that you can do both personally and as a family to be prepared. You should:

Wash your hands often with soap and water or use a hand sanitizer
Cover your mouth when you cough or sneeze
Stay home when you are sick
Talk to your primary care physician about other vaccinations including the pneumococcal vaccine
Create an emergency supply kit for your family

Recap the 4th of July with Hingham

Thank you to all Volunteers, Sponsors and Residents for a Wonderful 4th of July in Hingham

Hingham Recreation Commission 4th of July Road Race - See the Winners!

Road Race Sponsors

Hingham 4th of July Parade

Parade Sponsors

Image Gallery - Photos from the Parade and the Fireworks

Hearing Schedule for Special Town Meeting Announced

The schedule for hearings on the school naming article for special town meeting has been announced.

Wednesday, July 1, 9:00 AM (10:05 agenda item):

The date of the special town meeting will be set at the Board of Selectmen meeting. The only discussion at the July 1 meeting will be the date, and closing the warrant. There will be no discussion of the content of the warrant.

Wednesday, July 8, 7:00 PM:

Advisory Committee hearing. See Advisory Committee schedule for time.

Tuesday, July 14:

This Board of Selectmen meeting was originally scheduled for the morning, but has been rescheduled for the evening.

7:00 PM - Board of Selectmen discussion and vote

8:00 PM - Advisory Committee discussion and vote

DPW moves in to their new building

The Hingham Department of Public Works is moving to their new building.

The new address is 25 Bare Cove Park Drive. This is the new road next to Thomas Auto Body between 15 and 19 Fort Hill Street and across from the West Hingham Commuter Rail Station.

The telephone number will remain the same: 781 741-1430.

Transfer Station permits may be obtained at the new DPW building at the above address starting Monday, June 22^nd. The office at 101 Hersey Street will close.

Hingham Journal Article: Tree & Park crew to move from Hingham Centre location

Selectmen Consider Four-Day Work Week

For immediate release
June 23, 2009
for more information: Betty Foley, 781 741-1400

Selectmen consider four-day work week

The Hingham Board of Selectmen is looking for cost savings, and at the top of the list is the possibility of a four-day work week at Town Hall. Town Hall would be open the same number of hours and employees� total time at work would not change, but the work would be consolidated into four days, resulting in utilities savings.

�This has been implemented very successfully in other towns,� said Town Administrator Kevin Paicos. �Not only are there considerable savings in heat and air conditioning, but the increased number of evening hours has proved popular with citizens in towns which have adopted this practice.�

Selectman Bruce Rabuffo said, �Our goal would be to maintain current service levels or improve them with this plan.�

Selectmen asked Town employees for cost-saving ideas, and several employees made the suggestion to rearrange work hours into a four-day week. Utility savings would result from turning down heat or air conditioning from Thursday evening through Monday morning.

Laura Burns, chair of the Board of Selectmen, said the board is looking for comments on the idea from citizens and employees. �We think this may be a triple-win situation. Citizens will have increased evening access to Town Hall plus savings on costs, and employees might enjoy having a three-day weekend. We would like to get some reactions from the community.�

Currently, Town Hall is open on Tuesdays until 7 p.m., and closes at 1:00 p.m. on Fridays. Several schemes for redistributing the work hours are being considered, including beginning the workday a half-hour earlier, shortening the current lunch break, and expanding evening hours.

To respond to the board�s request for comments, email selectmen@hingham-ma.com, or call the Selectmen�s office at 781-741-1400.

Hingham-history and genealogy-related publications of which the complete text is available online

This is an index of links to Hingham-history and genealogy-related publications of which the complete text is now available online.

Visit the Historical Commissions to view these documents and other history of Hingham

Town Election Results

Election Results from May 2, 2009

Please visit our Election and Voter Information for further details

FOR MODERATOR
	PR 1	PR 2	PR 3	PR 4	PR 5	PR 6	PR 6A	TOTAL
Thomas L.P. O'Donnell	557	584	638	676	627	432	288	3802
Blanks	125	137	141	142	142	118	76	881
Write-Ins	4	0	4	1	2	2	2	15
Total	686	721	783	819	771	552	366	4698

FOR SELECTMAN
	PR 1	PR 2	PR 3	PR 4	PR 5	PR6	PR 6A	TOTAL
John A. Riley	509	537	564	619	573	367	279	3448
Blanks	168	172	204	198	189	176	86	1193
Write-Ins	9	12	15	2	9	9	1	57
Total	686	721	783	819	771	552	366	4698

FOR BOARD OF ASSESSORS
	PR 1	PR 2	PR 3	PR 4	PR 5	PR6	PR 6A	TOTAL
Robert H. Kurtz	155	191	254	238	248	172	228	1486
Michael P. Shaughnessy	440	420	385	461	406	283	91	2486
Blanks	90	110	142	120	117	97	47	723
Write-Ins	1	0	2	0	0	0	0	3
Total	686	721	783	819	771	552	366	4698

FOR TOWN CLERK
	PR 1	PR 2	PR 3	PR 4	PR 5	PR6	PR 6A	TOTAL
Eileen A. McCracken	562	600	639	657	631	419	288	3796
Blanks	122	121	143	161	138	131	78	894
Write-Ins	2	0	1	1	2	2	0	8
Total	686	721	783	819	771	552	366	4698

FOR BOARD OF HEALTH
	PR 1	PR 2	PR 3	PR 4	PR 5	PR6	PR 6A	TOTAL
Peter B. Bickford	524	568	591	641	597	394	276	3591
Blanks	161	153	192	175	174	157	90	1102
Write-Ins	1	0	0	3	0	1	0	5
Total	686	721	783	819	771	552	366	4698

FOR MUNICIPAL LIGHT BOARD
	PR1	PR2	PR3	PR4	PR5	PR6	PR 6A	TOTAL
John A. Stoddard, Jr.	520	559	561	615	595	386	276	3512
Blanks	164	160	220	203	174	165	90	1176
Write-ins	2	2	2	1	2	1	0	10
Total	686	721	783	819	771	552	366	4698

FOR HOUSING AUTHORITY
	PR 1	PR 2	PR 3	PR 4	PR 5	PR6	PR 6A	TOTAL
Robert D. Keyes	481	507	529	568	545	360	263	3253
Blanks	201	207	248	248	217	190	103	1414
Write-Ins	4	7	6	3	9	2	0	31
Total	686	721	783	819	771	552	366	4698

FOR SCHOOL COMMITTEE
	PR 1	PR 2	PR 3	PR 4	PR 5	PR6	PR 6A	TOTAL
Barbara J. Cook	430	485	450	521	498	328	243	2955
Linda Krause Hill	419	436	491	529	490	314	260	2939
Blanks	521	516	620	587	545	459	229	3477
Write-Ins	2	5	5	1	9	3	0	25
Total	1372	1442	1566	1638	1542	1104	732	9396

FOR PLANNING BOARD (five years)
	PR 1	PR 2	PR 3	PR 4	PR 5	PR6	PR 6A	TOTAL
Paul K. Healey	504	552	565	612	579	370	266	3448
Blanks	180	168	215	205	189	181	100	1238
Write-Ins	2	1	3	2	3	1	0	12
Total	686	721	783	819	771	552	366	4698


FOR SEWER COMMISSION
	PR1	PR2	PR3	PR4	PR5	PR6	PR 6A	TOTAL
Micheal A. Salerno	354	347	354	389	434	256	154	2288
Peter C. Coletti	231	282	306	301	251	194	150	1715
Blanks	100	92	122	128	86	101	62	691
Write-Ins	1	0	1	1	0	1	0	4
Total	686	721	783	819	771	552	366	4698

FOR RECREATION COMMISSION
	PR 1	PR 2	PR 3	PR 4	PR 5	PR6	PR 6A	TOTAL
Victoria S. 'Tory' Dolan	460	409	431	440	436	286	187	2649
Roger W. Sullivan	173	243	281	280	260	194	132	1563
Blanks	53	69	71	99	75	72	46	485
Write-Ins	0	0	0	0	0	0	1	1
Total	686	721	783	819	771	552	366	4698


QUESTION 1
	PR 1	PR 2	PR 3	PR 4	PR 5	PR6	PR 6A	TOTAL
Yes	386	462	526	569	535	386	231	3095
No	292	250	245	242	233	158	120	1540
Blanks	8	9	12	8	3	8	15	63
Total	686	721	783	819	771	552	366	4698
								30.66%

Town Meeting Results

The first night of Town Meeting was held on Monday, April 27th at the Hingham High School. Residents voted on the first 31 warrant articles and the meeting adjourned around 11:00 pm. Attendance at the beginning of the meeting was 1209.

The second night, Tuesday April 28th, had a delayed start awaiting a quorum. The required 300 residents was met at 8:14 and the remaining articles were voted on. The Town Meeting adjourned at 9:25.

Review all of the 2009 Warrant Articles and see the complete voting results.

Final Plans for Beal Street Corridor

Final Plans for the Beal Street Corridor from SGT. William B. Terry Drive to Fottler Road. (PDF, 4MB)

Construction tentatively scheduled to start in the spring-summer 09.

Please do not contact the design engineer with questions. Any Questions should be directed to the Projects Engineer�s Office at (781) 804-2305.

Health Department Alert: Swine Flu

The Hingham Health Department is monitoring the Swine Flu outbreak and recommends that residents stay informed by visiting the CDC website for details.

You may contact the Hingham Board of Health at 781-741-1466 with any further questions.

Route 3A Rotary project designs will be discussed at the next Selectmens Meeting

Below are copies of conceptual designs of the Route 3A Rotary project. These designs will be discussed at the next Selectmen�s Meeting scheduled for Tuesday, April 14th at 8:00 pm.

Click on the image for a larger view.

For a pdf version, visit here.

Route 3A Rotary project designs

Below are copies of conceptual designs of the Route 3A Rotary project.

Click on the image for a larger view.

For a pdf version, visit here.

Please visit our new Image Gallery!

Please visit our new Image Gallery in the "About Hingham" section of our website. This new feature displays several aspects of Hingham's beauty and community involvement.

Currently, we have image displays of World's End, Hingham Harbor, Veterans Day Ceremonies 2008, and Family Fun Day 2008.

Upload YOUR images for possible inclusion on our home page or image gallery by using the "Submit Your Image" link available from the left pane navigation bar in the "About Hingham" section. If your image is used, we will give credit on the photo by including "Photograph Courtesy of Your Name" below the image

Please let us know how you like this feature by sending your feedback to "Webmaster" on our online contact form.

Beware of Current Fundraiser for Hingham Veterans

There is currently an organization called Our American Veterans soliciting money for Hingham veterans. They are using the name of the Hingham Veterans Services Agent/Director, Michael Cunningham when seeking donations.

The money they collect is NOT being donated to Hingham veterans. Please be aware of this questionable activity.

If you have any questions, please call the Hingham Veterans Services Agent Director, Michael Cunningham at 781-741-1440.

2008 Comprehensive Annual Financial Report Released!

The 2008 Comprehensive Annual Financial Report (CAFR) has been released. You can view the report on the Town Accountant's pages here.

For the past 12 consecutive years (1996-2007), the Government Finance Officer's Association of the U.S. and Canada (GFOA) has awarded The Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting to the Town of Hingham for its Comprehensive Annual Financial Report (CAFR.)

Selectmen's Question of the Month - Tell us Your Views Concerning Affordable Housing in Hingham

Selectmen's Question of the Month

Over the years, the price of an average Hingham home has increased, despite the recent overall decline in the housing market. While this helps homeowners seeking to maximize their value, it makes it hard for young families to live here, and rising property values may make it difficult for long-term residents to stay here.

Across the state, there is a shortage of affordable housing, which has a negative impact on the state�s economy. In 2007, Town Meeting created the Hingham Affordable Housing Trust, appointed by the Selectmen, to take advantage of opportunities in affordable housing.

Please give the Selectmen your feedback concerning these questions about afforable housing.

The Town of Hingham is seeking qualified candidates for the Town Administrator position.

The Town of Hingham is seeking qualified candidates for the Town Administrator position. Please visit the "Job Opportunities" page for more detailed information about the position and a profile of the Town.

View the Election Results

The results of the Primary Election can be found within the Town Clerk's Election and Voter Information

RecreACTION! Sign up to receive News and Announcements from the Hingham Recreation Department

Complete the signup form to receive email notifications from the Town of Hingham. Choose from Meetings and Agendas, News and Announcements, The South Shore Country Club and the Recreation Department.

Go to Signup Form

Town Hall implements a Resident Help Line - 781-741-1411

We all know where to call when fire strikes, and even a child could quote you the 911 number for an emergency, but where should Hingham residents call with questions in a non emergency? Often navigating the numerous departments at town hall amounts to a guessing game of who could help. Frustration builds if you bounce from person to person, or worse still hit the dead end of a voice-mail box.

The Office of the Selectmen decided this year to alleviate some of this frustration and offer a direct line to information. By calling 781-741-1411 you will reach the direct help of a help-line representative. They will field calls concerning every day questions on anything about the municipality and its services. Seasoned employees at the town hall will answer your questions immediately or direct you to the exact individual who can give you an answer. The town hopes this service will better serve its people and their needs and welcomes any feedback about the caller experience.

Road Construction Project Updates

Road Construction

FY08 ROAD CONSTRUCTION AND PROJECTS
(Includes all projects started 6/30/08 or earlier)

PROJECT: SHIPYARD DRIVE

Scope of Work: Complete reconstruction of roadway, sidewalk, drainage improvements, and traffic signals at intersection with Route 3A.
Status: In progress, expected completion date: 11/1/08
Estimated Completion: 10/08

PROJECT: HINGHAM SQUARE RECONSTRUCTION

Scope of Work: Roadway reconstruction, sidewalks, planters, drainage improvements and lighting.
Status: On-going
Estimated Completion: 10/08 (current phase)

PROJECT: STATION STREET PARKING LOT

Scope of Work: Reconstruction of parking area, islands, lighting, and sidewalks.
Status: On-going, parking lot substantially complete, additional planting required.
Estimated Completion: 10/08

PROJECT: STRAITS POND BRIDGE & CULVERT

Scope of Work: Design and Permit
Status: On-going, design work substantially complete
Estimated Completion: 8/08

PROJECT: BARE COVE PARK DRIVE

Scope of Work: Construct new public roadway, sidewalk, drainage, lighting
Status: On-going
Estimated Completion: 10/09

PROJECT: WOMPATUCK ROAD

Scope of Work: Improve drainage, construct mini-park
Status: On-going drainage work substantially complete
Estimated Completion: 11/08

FY09 ROAD CONSTRUCTION AND PROJECTS
(7/1/08 or later start date)

PROJECT: BEAL STREET (Fottler Road to West Street)

Scope of Work: Reconstruction, sidewalks, construct center island.
Status: Pending
Estimated Completion: One (1) year from start date

PROJECT: ROUTE 228, PHASE II RECONSTRUCTION

Scope of Work: Cold Plane and overlay, drainage improvements, sidewalk reconstruction, school zone lights, markings, signage.
Status: Work began 7/08

PROJECT: FEARING ROAD SIDEWALK

Scope of Work: Reconstruct sidewalk
Status: Pending
Estimated Completion: 11/08

PROJECT: GRACE ROAD DRAINAGE IMPROVEMENTS

Scope of Work: Reconstruct portion of Grace Road and improve drainage at Hull Street.
Status: (To be included in Straits Pond Bridge and Culvert Project)
Estimated Completion: 10/09

PROJECT: ARNOLD ROAD

Scope of Work: Level and overlay, reconstruct where necessary
Status: Pending
Estimated Completion: 11/08

PROJECT: ABERDEEN ROAD

Scope of Work: Level and overlay
Status: Pending
Estimated Completion: 11/08

PROJECT: THOMPSON AVENUE

Scope of Work: Level and overlay
Status: Pending
Estimated Completion: 11/08

PROJECT: LEAVITT STREET (Short Street to Main Street)

Scope of Work: Reconstruction
Status: Pending
Estimated Completion: 7/09

PROJECT: LEAVITT STREET (East Street to Leavitt Street Bridge)

Scope of Work: Reconstruction
Status: Pending
Estimated Completion: 7/09

PROJECT: EAST STREET (Hull Street to Cohasset Town Line)

Scope of Work: Reconstruction
Status: Pending
Estimated Completion: 7/09

Route 228 Tree Status

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

August 4, 2008

Contact: Joseph Stigliani, Superintendent
781-741-1430

The Town of Hingham Department of Public Works reports that they have received a number of calls concerning the trees along Route 228. According to the Public Works Department, the trees marked with orange flagging are trees that must be removed for the repair and resurfacing of the southerly portion of Route 228. Trees marked with blue flagging, as well as those wrapped with burlap to protect them during construction, are not going to be removed as part of the project.

The Town has yet to receive a construction schedule from T. L. Edwards, the company that was awarded the contract for this project by Mass. Highway. However, once provided with an actual schedule, the Town will issue periodic press releases and post updates and progress reports on the Town�s website which can be accessed at www.hingham-ma.gov.

For more information or if you have specific questions call the Department of Public Works at 781-741-1430.

Celebrate Hingham's 375th Anniversary. Submit your personal recollections of Hingham.

Please visit the 375th Committee's web page to share your memories of people, places and events that have made Hingham a special place to live.

Unclaimed Funds: View the list of issued checks that have not been cashed

Unclaimed Monies

Please be advised that the Treasurer for the Town of Hingham is in possession of checks which have been issued by the Town and not cashed and are presumed to be abandoned.

Notice has been sent to the last known address of the apparent owners of these checks as required by Mass General Laws Chapter 200A.

Any interested party may obtain information about these checks. Please address your claim inquiry by first class mail to Jean Montgomery, Treasurer Collector 210 Central Street, Hingham, MA 02043; by email to montgomery@hingham-ma.com or by phone at 781-741-1408. Our office hours are Monday, Wednesday, Thursday 8:30 - 4:30; Tuesday, 8:30 - 7 PM; and Friday, 8:30 - 1.

Listed below are vendor checks which have been mailed out and have not been cashed
Tailings List - Unclaimed Checks issued 4/1/01 - 12/3/03

AG Morgan	Netrus
Blair V. Barone, Psy.	Neville, Vera-Daina
Boat US	Northfleet, Manoela Alves
Boston Globe	Padanarum Trust
Broderick, James M.	Park, Jaehoon
Buckley, Jeanine	Pimentel, Lisa Joy
C & R Doolittle, Inc.	Poole, John F.
Carbide Saw & Tool Sharpening	Prime Source Corp.
Clerk of Family Court	Quintal Bros.
	RTD
DJ Nails/P. Tran	Revolution Service Corp.
Egan, Robert W.	Rose Cottage Designs
Falzone, Paul A.	Ruehlman, Debbie Sue
Fee, Mary A.	Rush, B.
Feeley, John M.	Satuit Swiss Prod. Inc.
Firescope	Shafaf & Kelly, Atty. At Law
Fitzmaurice, Susan A.	South Shore Guidance Assoc.
Flynn, John	South Shore Hospital Professional Group
GIC Indemnity	South Shore Women's Business Network
	Stein, Kristen
Henley, Patricia P.	The Attic/Bonnie Farrell
Hettig, R./K. Rockstroh
Hockomock League Invitational Cross Country Meet	Tondorf-Dick, Gary
Hood, Kathleen Lee	Town of Weymouth
	Transriver marketing
Hurley, Kerry Brett	Vallant, Darcie & Lisa
Keefe, Linda	Verizon Wireless
Kehoe, Michael T.	Wells Fargo Card Services
Lee, Christopher S.	Weston Twilight Invitational
Levenson, David	Winterlink, Allard K.
Lundin, Mark D.	Zimbone, John
MSCTA
McKenna, Elizabeth
Mckenna, Matthew J.
Mesite, Patricia
Milacron, Inc.
Morgan, Brown & Joy
Morley, Curt Gerard
Murphy, Stephen

Notice of Names of Persons Appearing to be Owners of Checks Issued by
the Town of Hingham, Which Have Not Been Cashed and are
Deemed Abandoned 8/4/1999 through 2/14/2001

	Bus Driver
Barlow, Peter	235 Main Street, Hingham
Brown, Eric L.	9 Derry Rd, Hyde Park
Butler, Myrtle	c/o Dolan, P O Box 254, Hull
Concannon, Lauren	2 Joy Lane, Hingham
Connelly, Mary	9 Marshall Rd, Hingham
Erdman, Margaret	Plymouth River School
Estate of Esther Harlow	39 Prudence Crandall Ln, N Easton
Estate of Thelma Hall	c/o Luen Pierce, 323 Rockland St, Hingham
Gallagher, Brendan	38 Turkey Hill Ln, Hingham
Greece & Lipton	FBO Obrien, Mary & Dennis, 272 Chauncy St, Mansfield
Handrahan, Arthur W.	126 Downer Avenue, Hingham
Hardey, Gretchen	6 Hazelwood Dr, Hingham
Honda Lease Trust
Lemay, Arthur L & Joyce C.	183 Prospect St, Hingham
Low, Carolyn	50 North Margin St #4, Boston
Lyon Financial Service, Inc.	100E Saratoga St, Marshall, MN 56258
Mahan, Patricia	8D Beals Cove Rd, Hingham
McCarthy, Annette C.	16 Fottler Rd, Hingham
O'Meara, Patrick
Pisinski, Diane	c/o Foster School
Price, Hall TZ
Ryan, Christopher	3 Technology Way, Box 9106, Norwood
Sampson, Mark D.	1141 Avalon Dr, Hull
Sharpe, Bernard A.	301 Westminster St #4, Montreal W, Quebec
Swanson, Andrew	92 Crescent St, Rockland
Teekasingh, Jacqueline	20 Nichols Rd, Cohasset
The Suburban Coalition	Wayland Town Bldg, Wayland

Hingham's Website Receives e-Government Award for 2nd Consecutive Year

2008 Award with Distinction (Superstar)

Hingham's Website has been recognized as a "SuperStar" by Massachusetts Campaign For Open Government (a project of Common Cause Massachusetts). Hingham was one of 24 communities out of 351 in the Commonwealth to provide key information to its residents including additional criteria to receive "Superstar" status. The key information, as determined by the Massachusetts Campaign For Open Government, included the following:

the governing body's agendas
the governing body's minutes
the current fiscal year budget
the municipality's bylaws
if the municipality has the town meeting form of government, the town meeting warrant and the town meeting results

Additional key information required for "Superstar" status include:

An archive of at least one year�s worth of the governing body�s agendas and minutes
The zoning bylaws
The charter or charter information
- That is detailed information that sets out the duties and responsibilities of the various governing bodies in a municipality (see note below*)
A community calendar that includes the meetings of local government committees and boards
The school committee agenda and minutes
- These can be on the Town's own website or accessed via a link to a separate website that contains the school committee meeting agenda and minutes
- They are assessed using the same criteria used for the governing body�s agendas and minutes
The agenda and minutes of at least one additional town committee or board
These are assessed using the same criteria as those used in giving credit for the governing body�s agendas and minutes.

*Additional note on charter information: Some communities post a charter document, if they have one, or they post a link to their special act charter, if they have one, or to the various statutes that the town has adopted concerning its form of government. Also, the charter information may be posted as a separate document or as part of the general bylaws

Please visit the Massachusetts Campaign For Open Government website for its complete review.

The following award was presented to the Town during a ceremony on Tuesday, March 18th, 2008 at the State House in Boston.

Click here for larger image

2007 Award

Hingham's Website has been recognized as a "Star" by Massachusetts Campaign For Open Government (a project of Common Cause Massachusetts). Hingham was one of 41 communities out of 351 in the Commonwealth to provide key information to its residents. The key information, as determined by the Massachusetts Campaign For Open Government, included the following:

the governing body's agendas
the governing body's minutes
the current fiscal year budget
the municipality's bylaws
if the municipality has the town meeting form of government, the town meeting warrant and the town meeting results

Please visit the Massachusetts Campaign For Open Government website for its complete review.

The following award was presented to the Town during a ceremony on March 15th, 2007 at the State House in Boston.

Click here for larger image