By Carol Britton Meyer

During a two-hour meeting this week, the Hull Redevelopment Authority heard a report on the results of a recent community survey about proposed uses for the HRA property (see related story); gave the go-ahead to HRA Technical Operations Manager Mark Hamin to begin the process of organizing the HRA’s historical records; approved an extended closing time of 8 p.m. for parking lots A and C for the rest of the season; and approved a rate increase for a staff member who has worked for the HRA in a number of capacities for many years.

Board members agreed 3-2 (with C. Anne Murray and Dan Kernan voting against) to allow the operators of the A and C parking lots to remain open until 8 p.m. for this season rather than the 6 p.m. closing time outlined in their contracts.

This is with the understanding that they will clear their lots of trash at the end of the now-later closing time in accordance with their lease agreements, ensure they are clear of debris in the morning when the lots open, and on the condition that neither operator charges more than $15 for anyone to park between 6 and 8 p.m. rather than the usual $40 a day charge.

At Water Street parking lot operator Joseph Reilly’s request, he was granted permission at the board’s June 29 meeting on a unanimous vote to extend the hours of operation for lot C until 8 p.m. for the summer season from the current 6 p.m. closing time following some discussion – contingent on fulfilling the part of the contract requiring signage to be posted in this case, by Friday, July 3 – stating that residents with town parking stickers can park there for free. Hamin confirmed this week that this requirement has been met.

The lot manager was present at the earlier meeting and was reminded that the initial contract included plans to work with businesses in the area to offer some kind of parking discount to customers.

Even though the operator of parking Lot A did not make such a request, the majority of the board voted in support of extending the closing hour for both operators in the interest of fairness this week.

Murray wondered who would “police” the lots every day to ensure the trash is being cleared – a task Chair Bartley Kelly said he is already doing – and noted that Lot C is closer to the businesses with regard to granting the 8 p.m. lot closing time to both operators with the reduced parking fee.

The original intent was that because lot C closed at 6 p.m. under the lease contract, patrons of the restaurants and other businesses would be able to park there at no charge after that hour.
Kernan noted that the later lot closing hour is not included in the lease agreements.

At an earlier meeting, the board granted this season’s parking lot operators – including Reilly – the ability for extended hours – until 10 p.m. – during the July 18 fireworks display in honor of the country’s 250th anniversary.

Increase in pay approved

In recognition of her long service to the HRA, the board unanimously approved an increase in Catherine Goldhammer’s rate of pay from $65 to $75 an hour even though she has cut back her hours as she heads into retirement and since she hasn’t had a raise in recent years.

“She has always done whatever is needed,” Kelly said.

Hamin noted that Goldhammer’s skills and institutional knowledge are “very valuable” to the HRA and that if someone were to be hired at a lower rate, there would be a big learning curve “and the job would take a lot more hours.”

Murray emphasized that the increase is due to Goldhammer’s “long-term service to the HRA and not specifically connected to the position going forward” when eventually occupied by another person.

The board also approved Hamin handling the organization of the many boxes of HRA historical files “in a way he sees fit” – whether by himself working on a task that the board agreed he is overqualified for, although Hamin is willing to do it – or finding someone such as a college student to do the work under his supervision.

“If we brought on a staff person at a lower pay rate to take on this role with guidance, that could be a cost-saving measure,” he said. “I will explore that option.”

A replay of Monday’s HRA meeting will be posted on Hull Community Television’s website, www.hulltv.net.

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