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Board of Selectmen
June 9, 2011
7:06 PM - Open Session
North Hearing Room 3rd Floor, Hingham Town Hall
Present: John A. Riley, Chairman; Bruce Rabuffo; and Betty Foley, Assistant Town Administrator
With a quorum present, Chairman Riley called the meeting to order. He announced that Ms. Burns is in Plymouth County representing the Town in a budget hearing, and he reviewed the order of the agenda.
Questions from the Public: There were no questions from the public.
Precinct Maps – Town Clerk: Eileen McCracken, Town Clerk, reviewed the proposed revised precinct map. She stated that Precincts 1, 2, and 3 stayed mostly the same with a small bump out in Precinct 2 due to anticipated new building; all precincts take into account proposed growth; Precincts 4, 5, and 6 have changed dramatically; Precinct 4 will now vote at the High School; Precincts 5 and 6 will vote at the Middle School; and Precinct 6A will remain as 6A. Ms. McCracken stated the average precinct size is 3,700; the population based on the 2010 census is 22,157; and she did not anticipate any effect from the re-precincting on the Town Clerk’s budget. There was no public comment.
Voted – A motion was made by Mr. Rabuffo and seconded by Chairman Riley to approve the 2011 Re-Precincting Plan for the Town including the Precinct Map, legal description and block listings as presented by the Town Clerk. A vote was taken and all were in favor; the motion passed. Bruce, John.
Public Hearing/ Grant of Locations on the Petitions of Nationalgrid to Install and Maintain Gas Service Mains: Dennis Regan, Permit Representative for Nationalgrid, addressed the Board. Also present was Peter Nagle, Director of Community Relations for Nationalgrid.
Foley Beach Road/Off Foley Beach Road: Mr. Regan requested consent to install and maintain approximately 860 feet, more or less of 2 inch gas main in Foley Beach Road, approximately 610 feet more or less of 2 inch gas main in Foley Beach Road, and approximately 205 feet more or less of 2 inch gas main in Off Foley Beach Road, as more fully described in the Petition of Nationalgrid for Gas Main Locations dated May 18, 2011. Harry Sylvester, Assistant Projects Engineer for the Hingham Department of Public Works (DPW), stated that there is a leak history and Foley Beach Road is scheduled for repaving later this year. Discussion followed regarding the number of leaks, the material under the road surface, and soil replacement. Mr. Regan stated that the DPW has very strict standards for soil replacement, Nationalgrid will adhere to them, and Nationalgrid has received and accepts the conditions and restrictions of the DPW. Mr. Sylvester discussed the inspection process and anticipated start date for the project.
Jill Rowell, 74 Kimball Beach Road, questioned if this work was done a few years ago. Discussion with Mr. Sylvester and Mr. Regan followed.
Voted – A motion was made by Mr. Rabuffo and seconded by Chairman Riley to approve the Grant of Location request of Nationalgrid to install and maintain approximately 860 feet, more or less of 2 inch gas main in Foley Beach Road from the existing 2 inch gas main in Kimball Beach Road northerly to the existing 2 inch gas main at House #35, and approximately 610 feet more or less of 2 inch gas main in Foley Beach Road from the existing 2 inch gas main at House #23 northerly to the existing 2 inch gas main at House #5, and approximately 205 feet more or less of 2 inch gas main in Off Foley Beach Road from the existing 2 inch gas main at Kimball Beach Road easterly to the end of the main at House #6. All of which is to replace and abandon the existing 2 inch gas mains in Foley Beach Road and Off Foley Beach Road. This approval is subject to the stipulations of the Department of Public Works. Mr. Rabuffo asked what happens to the old main; Mr. Regan stated it is abandoned in place. Mr. Sylvester stated that the DPW does have an issue with this but is working on it with Nationalgrid. A vote was taken and all were in favor; the motion passed.
Kimball Beach Road: Mr. Regan requested consent to install and maintain approximately 1165 feet, more or less of 2 inch gas main in Kimball Beach Road, as more fully described in the Petition of Nationalgrid for Gas Main Locations dated May 16, 2011. Discussion followed regarding the repaving schedule, project scheduling, and the condition of the material under the road. Mr. Regan stated that Nationalgrid has received and accepts the conditions and restrictions of the DPW. Betsy White, Kimball Beach Road, inquired about the loss of usage. Mr. Regan reviewed the construction process, police detail, and approximate ½ hour loss of usage. Jill Rowell, Kimball Beach Road, inquired what work was done in 2006. Discussion followed with Mr. Regan and Mr. Sylvester on the prior work.
Voted – A motion was made by Mr. Rabuffo and seconded by Chairman Riley to approve the Grant of Location request of Nationalgrid to install and maintain approximately 1165 feet, more or less of 2 inch gas main in Kimball Beach Road, from the existing 2 inch gas main at House #25 northerly to the existing 2 inch gas main at House #74. All of which is to replace and abandon the existing 2 inch gas main in Kimball Beach Road. This approval is subject to the stipulations of the Department of Public Works. A vote was taken and all were in favor; the motion passed.
Marion Street/Merrill Street: Mr. Regan requested consent to install and maintain approximately 645 feet, more or less of 2 inch gas main in Marion Street and approximately 655 feet more or less of 2 inch gas main in Merrill Street, as more fully described in the Petition of Nationalgrid for Gas Main Locations dated May 16, 2011. Mr. Sylvester stated that unsuitable road material will be removed if necessary and that Merrill is scheduled for reconstruction in 2013. Mr. Regan stated that Nationalgrid has received and accepts the conditions and restrictions of the DPW. There was no public comment.
Voted – A motion was made by Mr. Rabuffo and seconded by Chairman Riley to approve the Grant of Location request of Nationalgrid to install and maintain approximately 645 feet, more or less of 2 inch gas main in Marion Street from the existing 2 inch gas main at House #24 Easterly to the end of the main at Downer Avenue, and approximately 655 feet more or less of 2 inch gas main in Merrill Street from the proposed 2 inch gas main in Marion Street westerly to the existing 2 inch gas main at Malcolm Street. All of which is to replace and abandon the existing 1 ½ inch and 2 inch gas main in Marion Street and Merrill Street. This approval is subject to the stipulations of the Department of Public Works. A vote was taken and all were in favor; the motion passed.
Fairview Street/Colby Street/Leonard Street: Mr. Regan requested consent to install and maintain approximately 235 feet, more or less of 2 inch gas main in Fairview Street, and approximately 400 feet more or less of 2 inch gas main in Colby Street, and approximately 765 feet more or less of 2 inch gas main in Leonard Street and Fairview Street, as more fully described in the Petition of Nationalgrid for Gas Main Locations dated May 16, 2011. Mr. Sylvester stated that there is a history of gas leaks in this neighborhood, he reviewed the proposed start date, and stated that he did not anticipate an overlap of construction at various locations. Mr. Regan stated that Nationalgrid has received and accepts the conditions and restrictions of the DPW. Chairman Riley discussed recent complaints received about dust from Nationalgrid projects and requested it to be brought to the contractor’s attention. Richard Haley, 24 Fairview Street, inquired why his section of the neighborhood does not have gas service, why the line cannot be run differently to accommodate service to his residence, and why he and some of his neighbors would have to pay in excess of $5,000 each as quoted by Nationalgrid to extend the main. Mr. Nagle stated that per the tariff with the Department of Public Utilities it is the normal procedure to extend a main and charge the customer(s) requesting it. Discussion followed regarding the tariff, the usual case for the cost of the main to go down when more new customers sign on but in this case it may go up because of the additional run, and the costs included in the quote by Nationalgrid to Mr. Haley. Robert Vafides, 25 Fairview Street, provided comment on the existing soil and equipment already being on site. Discussion followed regarding the gas company having a franchise and the right as a public utility to make repairs, with the Board not being able to negotiate the issue of compensation and costs. Mr. Vafides requested that a decision on the Petition be delayed in order for Mr. Nagle to meet with the neighbors and discuss pricing. Mr. Nagle agreed to meet with the neighbors but requested that the hearing not be delayed. Discussion followed regarding re-engineering. John Bradeen, 21 Fairview Street, spoke in favor of gas service.
Voted – A motion was made by Mr. Rabuffo and seconded by Chairman Riley to continue the hearing on the Petition of Nationalgrid dated May 16, 2011, regarding Fairview Street/Colby Street/Leonard Street to July 12, 2011, at 7:15 PM. A vote was taken and all were in favor; the motion passed.
Talbot Road: Mr. Regan requested consent to install and maintain approximately 215 feet, more or less of 2 inch gas main in Talbot Road, as more fully described in the Petition of Nationalgrid for Gas Main Locations dated May 16, 2011. Mr. Sylvester reviewed the road reconstruction schedule, the leak history, and the portion of the replacement taking place on a private section at the end of Talbot Road. Discussion followed regarding this request not being included with the Governor Long petition most likely due to different project specifications. Deren Gibson, 20 Talbot Road, spoke regarding his driveway being half on the private way and requested repaving to be as flat as possible. Mr. Regan stated that private and public ways are treated the same, using the same restoration standards. Mr. Sylvester noted that the map does not differentiate the private way but DPW will inspect it. Mr. Regan stated that Nationalgrid has received and accepts the conditions and restrictions of the DPW.
Voted – A motion was made by Mr. Rabuffo and seconded by Chairman Rabuffo to approve the Grant of Location request of Nationalgrid to install and maintain approximately 215 feet, more or less of 2 inch gas main in Talbot Road, from the existing 2 inch gas main at House #20 westerly to the existing 2 inch gas main at House #29. All of which is to replace and abandon the existing 2 inch gas main in Talbot Road. This approval is subject to the stipulations of the Department of Public Works. Discussion followed the expectation for clay material to be replaced. A vote was taken and all were in favor; the motion passed.
Cottage Street/Ship Street: Mr. Regan requested consent to install and maintain approximately 1545 feet, more or less of 2 inch gas main in Cottage Street and approximately 640 feet more or less of 2 inch gas main in Ship Street, as more fully described in the Petition of Nationalgrid for Gas Main Locations dated May 9, 2011. Mr. Sylvester reviewed the leak history and reconstruction schedule, and stated there is no overlap on North Street. Discussion followed regarding subsurface conditions. Mr. Regan stated that Nationalgrid has received and accepts the conditions and restrictions of the DPW. Ed Guild, 25 Ship Street, asked about repaving. Discussion followed regarding the reconstruction process. Barbara Emmel, 18 Ship Street, inquired about the process for getting public sewer service in her area. Discussion followed regarding new sewer service procedure. Mr. Torrey, 32 Ship Street, inquired about the project’s timing. Mr. Regan explained the anticipated construction process.
Voted – A motion was made by Mr. Rabuffo and seconded by Chairman Riley to approve the Grant of Location request of Nationalgrid to install and maintain approximately 1545 feet, more or less of 2 inch gas main in Cottage Street from the existing 3 inch gas main in Fearing Road easterly to House #7 and approximately 640 feet more or less of 2 inch gas main in Ship Street, from House #7 northerly to the proposed 2 inch gas main in Cottage Street and on to the existing 2 inch gas main at House #33. All of which is to replace and abandon the existing 1 ½ inch gas main in Cottage Street and the existing 2 inch gas main in Ship Street. This approval is subject to the stipulations of the Department of Public Works. A vote was taken and all were in favor; the motion passed.
Request for Assistance of Legal Counsel from Conservation Commission: Ms. Foley stated that this request is to review a conservation restriction about to expire on the Meadows, and land counsel has estimated a two hour review. There was no discussion or public comment.
Voted – A motion was made by Mr. Rabuffo and seconded by Chairman Riley to approve the request for Assistance of Counsel from the Conservation Commission. A vote was taken and all were in favor; the motion passed.
Request for Assistance of Legal Counsel from Building Department: Ms. Foley stated that this request is regarding a farm, and land counsel has estimated a two hour review. There was no discussion or public comment.
Voted – A motion was made by Mr. Rabuffo and seconded by Chairman Riley to approve the request for Assistance of Counsel from the Building Department. A vote was taken and all were in favor; the motion passed.
Selectmen/Town Administrator Reports: There were no reports.
Adjournment: Voted – A motion was made by Mr. Rabuffo and seconded by Chairman Riley to adjourn the open session. A vote was taken and all were in favor; the motion passed.
The open session adjourned at 8:28 PM.
Respectfully submitted,
Laurie Zivkovich, Clerk Pro Tem
Documents (a complete meeting packet of supporting documentation is on file and available for public review in the Board of Selectmen’s office):