The Hull Blog.com

No swimming allowed at Nantasket

Posted on July 3, 2009 by cjeffrey
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Due to a high bacterial count, “No Swimming” signs were posted on Nantasket Beach today.

Cathleen Jeffrey can be reached at cjeffrey@ledger.com.

Hull Library using yard sales & Paypal to raise funds

Posted on July 2, 2009 by cjeffrey
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Above are photos from last weekend’s yard sale to benefit the Hull Public Library.

With the library budget getting axed to $100,000 in a recent spate of townwide cutbacks, both high-tech and low-tech fundraisers are being organized.

Tommye Reede, president of the Hull Library Foundation, said her organization, along with the Hull Library Group, are trying to raise $109,000, which they hope will allow them to remain open 32 hours a week.

They’re also hoping that if they are able to do this, they might be able to receive a waiver to remain certified, which would allow Hull residents to remain part of the Old Colony Library Network.

Asked when they’re trying to raise this money by, Reede smiled and replied “Yesterday.”

Some of their upcoming fundraising includes plans to do a direct mailing, as well as to set-up a Paypal link on the Hull Library Foundation’s Web site for people to make donations.

She is pleased that they have reached their first goal in raising $21,000 by June 30, but realizes they still have a long way to go.

Cathleen Jeffrey can be reached at cjeffrey@ledger.com.

Hull Recycling Center closed down

Posted on July 2, 2009 by cjeffrey
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The Hull Recycling Center was open for business for the final time last Saturday before been closed down as a result of budget cutbacks.

Above is a video of residents tossing their items at the center on its last day and discussing how much they are going to miss it.

Some said its imperative for the environment that Hull maintain a recycling program for residents; while one man admitted the environmental impact came in second-place to the cost-savings he enjoyed in being able to space his trash pick-ups further apart, as he was able to dispose of so many items at the center.

Many expressed hope that the center will be either be re-opened soon, or an alternative plan will be put in place for residents to dispose of their recyclables close to town.

A sign on the center’s gate informed residents that the center was close, while reminding them that recycling is mandatory in the town and suggested they visit the town’s Web site for further information.

Above is a copy of a letter posted to the town’s Web site by Hull DPW Director Joseph Stigliani, stating that the town is negotiating with South Shore Recycling Cooperative in the hopes of getting permission for Hull residents to use recycling facilities in surrounding communities.

Cathleen Jeffrey can be reached at cjeffrey@ledger.com.

Possible Open Meeting Law changes discussed at Hull selectmen meeting

Posted on July 1, 2009 by cjeffrey
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Hull Town Counselor James Lampke encouraged the board of selectmen at Tuesday’s meeting to give some attention to a note he sent them concerning possible changes in the Open Meeting Law, which he explained have been “tucked away” in an ethics bill that he feels will cause significant changes in the way all public boards and committees in the state conduct their meetings, if enacted.

He said the proposed changes would create a tremendous burden of additional work on many part-time boards who do not have a professional staff, and a greater responsibility for the town clerk, explaining if the changes were currently in effect, any documents used by the board would become part of the official record and would need to be saved.

The town counselor said under the potential changes in the law, if three selectmen attended an advisory board meeting — only two could speak — because the state would recognize three as being a quorum of the board of selectmen.

Lampke said some of the changes are good, such as moving the overseeing of the open meeting law to the attorney general’s office, instead of the current way of having different interpretations from county to county.

He told the board when the House passed their version of the ethics bill, it did not contain the wording relative to changes in the open meeting law; however, this wording materialized in the version of the ethics bill passed by the Senate.

Lampke said it then went into a conference committee with three representatives and three senators, and no one from outside that committee was allowed to have any input.

The town counselor said he believes this bill has been on Governor Deval Patrick’s desk since last Thursday or Friday, and Lampke encouraged members of the board to express their concerns to the governor before he signs it.

Lampke is the executive director of the Massachusetts City Solicitors and Town Counsel Association, which is pushing lawmakers to back down from making the proposed changes to the state’s Open Meeting Law.

You can read more about this issue in The Patriot Ledger’s story and editorial.

Budget Update

Town Manager Phil Lemnios told selectmen that “we hit our local aid budget right on the button” in reference to what was approved at town meeting and the final FY10 budget recently signed by Governor Deval Patrick, which includes the amounts of local aid going to cities and towns from the state.

Jacobs School Bonding

The board approved the issuance of $3.45 million in permanent bonds for the Jacobs School and $1.11 for a one-year band anticipation note.

Parking Fees

Lemnios told the board the proposed increased parking fee at the Nantasket Beach Reservation DCR lots to $7 ($4 for seniors) has been approved at the state level.

He indicated that getting the DCR to now pay the town for special details for an ambulance at the beach is another positive step in the right direction for the town, adding it’s something many previous boards have unsuccessfully tried to do.

Selectman Dennis Blackall said it was an important move to establish these precedents with the state, but said the fight was not over to still push for other services, which he mentioned would include payment for the use of the Hull Police at the reservation.

Above is a video of state Rep. Garrett Bradley, D-Hingham, discussing this issue earlier in the month.

FEMA Flood Maps

Anne Herbst and Hull Buildings Director Peter Lombardo discussed the new flood maps drafted by FEMA, stating the public can see them on the wall outside Lombardo’s office at town hall, as well as on the town’s Web site.

Herbst said FEMA has posted a notice in the weekly newspaper indicating the 90-day period for any resident to file an appeal has a deadline of Aug. 26.

She said FEMA will not entertain anecdotal evidence, as all appeals will require scientific or technical data to challenge the new maps.

Herbst said FEMA would review the appeals, and town meeting would likely then vote whether to accept the map changes in May, 2010.

In response to a query from the audience as to what happens if town meeting doesn’t approve the new maps, Herbst said it’s unlikely that would happen, as it would make getting mortgages and flood insurance somewhat impossible for properties in the town.

Indicating the new maps would cause flood insurance premiums to become more expensive in some areas of town, while some areas will cost less, Herbst explained that FEMA has a grandfathering policy.

She said if a resident is paying a lower rate for flood insurance before a potentially higher rate for that property goes into effect in 2010, the lower rate will follow both the homeowner and the property, provided the flood insurance is continually carried.

Herbst said if town meeting approves the maps at town meeting in May, 2010, the changes would likely go into effect in July, 2010.

Desalination

Hull resident Craig Wolfe discussed with the board of selectmen his desire to form a desalination committee.

Town Manager Phil Lemnios said if they were to form such a committee, the next step would be for them to identify a couple of firms that could perform a cost study for the proposed project.

Stating the board has not forgotten about the desalination proposal, Selectmen Chairman John Reilly, Jr. said the board would need to be take charge of such a committee, and indicated selectmen would discuss forming such a committee at a future meeting.

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301 Nantasket Avenue

Chairman Reilly said he hoped to be able to provide an update on the status of 301 Nantasket Avenue at an upcoming board meeting.
Their next scheduled meeting is July 14.

Marsden Inn

In response to a query from Selectman Dennis Blackall, Town Counselor James Lampke provided an update on the Marsden Inn, stating their appeal is now pending in court.

He said in the meantime the owner has informed him that there are currently four unrelated individuals living at the inn.

Lampke said the town is reviewing this use of the property to insure such use is applicable to the laws.

He told the board that even if a building doesn’t have a lodging house license, people are allowed to rent their house out to up to four unrelated people.

Dry Dock

Reilly read a letter from Steven Farber, owner of the property referred to as the Dry Dock, which was responding to a letter from selectmen sent asking for a status report on when the establishment would be open and using its year-round liquor license.

Farber’s letter explained that he was originally planning to purchase and run the operation with his brother-in-law, who for health reasons had to pull-out of the arrangement two days prior to signing the purchase and sales agreement, which left Farber taking on the sole responsibility.

His letter said he has cleaned the property and completed an architectural redesign, but he had decided to sell the property and was having difficulties finding a buyer.

The letter said he hoped the summer weather would help attract more interested parties to the proeprty.

The board decided to give Farber more time and to ask for another update in September.

Selectwoman Joan Meschino said she believed the board still had one more year-round liquor license available to give out.

Police Sergeants’ Exam

The board approved a written request by Hull Police Chief Richard Billings for officers to take the police sergeants promotional examination.

The testing for this is done every three years, and the chief explained via a letter read by Chairman Reilly that although the department does not currently have any sergeant openings, the testing helps to encourage officers to get back into a study mode and is a positive thing for his department.

Town Manager Phil Lemnios said such testing would also be good in the event someone in the police department was to become injured or retire, they could then refer to those who had passed the latest test to fill that position.

Change in command at Coast Guard

Selectwoman Joan Meschino said she recently attended a ceremony for a change in commanders for the Pt. Allerton Coast Guard station, and learned that the former commander will be receiving the most prestigious of all awards by the Coast Guard in an upcoming ceremony being held out of state.

Joshua James Lifesaving Award

Hull Fire Chief Robert Hollingshead presented his department’s Joshua James Lifesaving Museum to two local fishermen, John Redman and Philip Thomas for rescuing Paul Carlson on May 6.

Carlson, a Cohasset selectman, told the board he was rowing off the waters near the Hull Yacht Club by himself when his boat rolled over and he fell into what he believed was about 46-degree water.

He said “I hollered loud enough that Phil and John came and rescued me.”

Carlson said first responders from the Hull Fire Department met them at the pier and checked all his vital signs, which he said made him feel more comfortable during his drive home, reassured he had been checked out and was okay.

Carlson’s wife shook the award recipients’ hands saying, “I’m Mrs. Carlson, and I’d like to thank you very much.”

This is the second time this award has been given out by the fire department, with the first being given to Hull teacher Tim MacKenzie last September, who jumped in the water off Pemberton Pier to save a drowning man.

With the board’s permission, Hollingshead said he is planning to have a plaque made to be placed in the selectmen’s meeting room at town hall that will have the names of every person who receives this award.

Hull Maritime Festival

The executive director of the Hull Lifesaving Museum, Lory Newmyer, told the board of plans for the Hull Maritime Festival planned for July 10-12.

Stating they originally planned the festival to coincide with the arrival of the Tall Ships to Boston, but due to complications surrounding the ships’ visit, they are instead focusing on the event being the culmination of a year-long celebration of the museum’s 30th anniversary.

Some of the activities being planned for the celebration include rowing and sailing events taking place between Pemberton Pier and the boathouse; a harbor illumination on Saturday night, July 11, a concert by local favorite band Noddaclu with a barbeque at Fort Revere; an event at the yacht club with a DJ; and a movie night at the high school.

Newmyer said they currently have about 50 or 60 volunteers, and smiled as she explained they are expecting anywhere from 40 to 400 to participate in the events.

She said the museum is thrilled to have the opportunity to thank the town.

The board approved Newmyer’s request to place a temporary parking ban on the parking area between Pemberton Pier and the boathouse, so the space can be used by people participating in the boating events.

Noting that Yankee Magazine has sometimes named the museum as a point of interest for visitors traveling between Boston and the Cape, Chairman Reilly congratulated Newmyer for all her efforts.

Selectman Blackall said the museum has become so well-known that when he encounters people outside of town who learn where he’s from, the museum is usually the second place they ask about in Hull, with the first being queries about the windmills.

Though the museum director said this is a one-time festival, she said there is a possibility they may consider making the harbor illumination an annual event.

FOX visiting Hull Wednesday night

Selectman Dennis Blackall said he was happy to read that AAA Horizons Magazine has selected Nantasket Beach as one of the top 10 beaches in New England.

Lemnios told the board that FOX-TV will be filming in Hull tomorrow afternoon, indicating he believes the Paragon Carousel will be one of the places they will feature.

Wedding at the Gazebo

The board approved a written request from Sharon Brennan to hold her wedding ceremony with 30 guests at the gazebo on Aug. 16 at 1 p.m.

The reception will take place at The Clarion Hotel.

Professional Women Football Players

Selectman Christopher Olivieri said his wife, Jennifer, is one of two women from Hull who plays on two professional women’s football teams.

He said his wife’s team, owned by car dealerership owner Ernie Boch, Jr., is currently ranked number one in the country.

Olivieri said if they win a game they are playing in Somerville on July 11, they will be heading to the superbowl match in Austin, Texas.

July 4th Band Concert

Chairman Reilly invited the public to attend the July 4th band concert at the Bernie King Pavillion between 2 to 4 p.m.

It will feature Four Guys in Tuxes, who play many of the big band classics from the ’40s and ’50s.

July 4th Public Safety Announcement

Reilly read a public safety advisory from Hull police and fire cautioning that they will be enforcing state laws relative to bonfires and fireworks on July 4th.

They encouraged people to attend organized displays and to call 911, if they see any illegal activity.

Reilly said there is concern that the tide will be higher, and if people start bonfires closer to the dunes, it could create a potential disaster due to the close proximity of the dunes to homes.

There are no organized fireworks displays scheduled for July 4th in Hull.

Cathleen Jeffrey can be reached at cjeffrey@ledger.com.

Shhh… A selectman got a pie thrown in his face because of me

Posted on June 30, 2009 by cjeffrey
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Don’t tell Hull Selectman Domenico Sestito — but I’m responsible for him getting smacked with a pie in his face last weekend.

Hopefully, there won’t be any hard feelings, as it was all part of the fun at the annual Hull Boosters Carnival held on the HRA property.

Unfortunately, the weather wasn’t shining brightly for most of what was supposed to be a five-day event, with the scheduled opening day of Wednesday being rained-out and most of the remaining days facing overcast skies and/or sprinkles.

But many were seen jumping onto the amusement rides, enjoying the carnival food and taking pot-shots at neighbors in either the dunking tank or the pie-in-the-face booth, where Sestito was joined by fellow selectman, Dennis Blackall, and John Schmid of the Hull Advisory Board when I stopped by Friday night.

Joseph Doniger, director of many of the high school’s theatre plays, had just finished his turn in the booth and encouraged me to take a shot for a good cause.

In my defense, I made a donation for any of the three to receive a pie in their face, but didn’t tell the “pitch-thrower” which of the three should be the recipient of the whipped-cream “treat.”

On a sidenote, for those who fell in love with the sausages sold at the carnival, as a member of my family did, we were told Rockwell Amusements’ secret is they use Revere-based Bianco & Sons Sweet Italian BBQ sausages, which keeps the masses flocking to their booth wherever the carnival travels.

Cathleen Jeffrey can be reached at cjeffrey@ledger.com

Selectmen’s agenda for Tuesday, June 30

Posted on June 30, 2009 by cjeffrey
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TOWN OF HULL MEMORANDUM

DATE: June 25, 2009

TO: Board of Selectmen

FROM: Philip E. Lemnios, Town Manager

SUBJECT: Agenda for June 30, 2009 Meeting

6:15 – Executive Session – re: Strategy relative to litigation

APPOINTMENTS

7:30 – Craig Wolfe – re: Desalination Committee

7:45 – Anne Herbst & Peter Lombardo – re: FEMA flood maps

8:00 – Fire Dept. Lifesaving Award

8:15 – Lory Newmyer – re: Hull Maritime Festival 7/10 – 7/12

8:30 – Kristen Evans & Mary Merrigan – re: HAS Fishing Derby

TOWN MANAGER

1. FY10 Local Aid

2. DCR Preservation Trust

CORRESPONDENCE

1. Chief Billings – re: Police Sergeants promotional examination

2. Sharon Brennan – re: Wedding ceremony at Gazebo

3. Ronald Holmes – re: Use of M St. baseball field

4. Jeanette Crosby – re: Permission to park approximately 30-35 cars at former church lot at N St.

5. Steven Faber – re: LaRiva liquor license status

Join TV Ghost Hunters TAPS home team on Quincy investigation July 25

Posted on June 29, 2009 by cjeffrey
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I ain’t afraid of no ghost

Well…. Ok…. Maybe just a little…

But that’s not going to stop me from accepting a generous offer by some ghost hunters to tag along once again when members of the “behind the scenes” paranormal investigation team for the Sci-Fi Channel’s popular Ghost Hunters show pair-up with members of Mass Paranormal for an investigation aboard the USS Salem in Quincy’s Fore River Shipyard.

Kristyn Gartland, whom many will recognize from the television show, will also be there.

If you’d like to join us — please do — as they are inviting members of the public to come along on this investigation taking place on Saturday, July 25, as part of a fundraiser for Fort Mifflin.

Tickets are $85, and you can find more information about this adventure on Mass Paranormal’s Web site.

Above are photos taken several weeks ago of Jason Hawes and Grant Wilson aboard the USS Salem while they were taping a paranormal investigation for a show that will air next season, as well as a video I shot of them discussing their “do’s” and “don’ts.”

I’ve had a great time joining them for two previous investigations — it’s always an interesting night.

Photos: Mass Paranormal

Cathleen Jeffrey can be reached at cjeffrey@ledger.com.

Nantasket Beach ranked in Top 10 by AAA Horizons

Posted on June 29, 2009 by cjeffrey
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Below is a letter from Marion Colclough of Wollaston:

Trivia question for today:

What beach was listed as one of the Top 10 in New England by AAA Horizons Magazine, and described as having coastal charm, silvery sands and plentiful tide pools?

If you guessed Duxbury beach, you are wrong.

Revere Beach?

Wrong again.

Answer: None other than our own wonderful Nantasket Beach Reservation in Hull.

Thank you, AAA — we think so, too.

Response by Mary Jane Scola:

In my opinion, it’s always been the best. So happy to hear it made the top 10. Too bad the rides are not still there. As a kid, I took the boat from Boston. The water is great! I appreciate Nantasket.

Save Darfur benefit scheduled for July 11 at Nantasket

Posted on June 29, 2009 by cjeffrey
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The Fourth Annual Save Darfur Benefit Concert at Nantasket Beach is scheduled for Saturday, July 11 from 2 to 8 p.m.

Massachusetts STAND and Hull High School’s Project Humanitarian Involvement are collaborating in this effort to raise awareness and funds for UNICEF’s work in the Darfur region of Sudan.

Featured scheduled acts include Adam Ezra, Taylor Carson, Jer Coons and Tin Can Tele.

Cathleen Jeffrey can be reached at cjeffrey@ledger.com.