HRA discusses how DCR’s coastal resiliency plan for Nantasket will impact proposed traffic changes

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By Carol Britton Meyer 

Two members of the Hull Redevelopment Authority recently met with the state Department of Conservation and Recreation about coastal resiliency planning and provided an update at Monday’s HRA meeting.

Members Dan Kernan and Chair Bartley Kelly told fellow HRA members about how the DCR’s plan affects the entire Nantasket Beach Reservation and the proposed two-way traffic reconfiguration plan.

This project, with the goal of protecting the Reservation and state property – including Nantasket Avenue, Hull Shore Drive, and Hull Shore Drive Extension – is part of a statewide flood resilience plan. Nantasket Beach was identified as at the “highest risk” of the proposed statewide list of sites and thus was chosen as the initial site for implementation of this DCR plan.

Also attending the meeting were Town Manager Jennifer Constable, Assistant Town Manager Stacy Callahan, Director of Climate Adaptation and Conservation Chris Krahforst, Director of Community Development and Planning Chris DiIorio, and representatives from TEC, Inc. – the civil engineering consulting firm involved with the two-way road project.

“The purpose of the meeting was to identify and understand existing Town of Hull plans that should be considered before the DCR begins the community engagement phase of its detailed coastal resiliency plan, which was presented at the meeting and covers the full length of the Nantasket Beach Reservation, from the former aquarium site to Phipps Street,” Kernan said.

‘Current two-way road design a key focus’

According to Kernan, a key focus of the meeting was the “current” two-way road design, developed earlier by TEC for the town and shared with the DCR.

“No visuals of this road plan were presented during the meeting, and the discussion centered on identifying any major incompatibilities between the DCR coastal resiliency designs and this two-way road concept,” Kernan said.

He also pointed out that the DCR flood resilience plan is non-negotiable, including raising the seawall and revetments.

“The implicit goal is to begin narrowing DCR design options by eliminating those that conflict with the Town of Hull’s existing priorities – specifically, the two-way road plan,” Kernan said.

Also discussed was initiating the process for public engagement as the DCR refines options and determines solutions to meet coastal resilience requirements and to reflect community priorities.

The “existing conditions” part of the “DCR Parkways Flood Resilience Adaptation Strategies” document provided to those attending the meeting indicates that DCR’s Nantasket Beach Reservation is a “dynamic and highly utilized coastal landscape where the parkways – Nantasket Avenue, Hull Shore Drive, and Hull Shore Drive Extension – play a vital role in connecting visitors, residents, and local businesses to the shoreline and broader community.”

However, these parkways are increasingly vulnerable to flooding from storm surge, sea level rise, and extreme precipitation events.

‘High or very high vulnerability’

Based on the 2025 Parkways Climate Vulnerability Assessment of the area – part of which already experiences flooding at certain times – large portions of the corridor are classified as “high or very high vulnerability” by 2070.

A map included in the strategies document includes shading that represents the extent of coastal flood risk expected for a 100-year (1%) storm for both 2030 and 2070.

The document includes a strategies overview for the Reservation divided into four quadrants, with the HRA property located in quadrant one. Kernan’s commentary focused on the DCR’s plans for the HRA area.

Speakers at the meeting included DCR Deputy Commissioner of Policy & Public Affairs Kendra Amaral and DCR Director of Climate Resilience Sarah White, who shared information about a planned raised boardwalk and “high tide park,” noting that the closer the seawall is to the water, “the higher it must be.”

Incorporating a park buffer and raised boardwalk allows for a lower wall, Kernan reported. This plan requires a significant increase in seawall height and some loss of parking, a reduction in travel lanes, and a narrower Hull Shore Drive.

Project in early stages

The project is in the very early stages, with no formal timeline. The immediate focus is aligning stakeholders, addressing high-level questions, and initiating community outreach, according to Kernan.

“The next step is to assess how the proposed two-way road plan constrains or eliminates DCR design options,” he said.

During the meeting, according to Kernan, Constable raised concerns about reduced parking and its impact on local businesses included in the DCR’s plan and the project schedule and timing. She also recommended that the DCR present all design options during public outreach.

DiIorio expressed a preference for a raised boardwalk option rather than a raised seawall.

Other next steps include the DCR providing a formal response to the two-way road plan, outlining how it constrains current resiliency options, and posting the resilience plan on its website as well as identifying funding programs.

Kelly said an important next step is engaging citizens at public meetings “so the townspeople can weigh in on all these options. We all have a part to play.”

He said that, for example, he’s not sure “how the public will feel about an eight-foot wall along Nantasket Beach [making it] so you can’t see the beach.”

This meeting provided a “60,000-foot view of what the DCR is proposing – a look at the possibilities,” Kelly said. “Nothing is set in stone, and hopefully we can find a sweet spot where the goals [of the stakeholders] are reached.”

The next DCR meeting has not yet been scheduled. The HRA will meet next on Monday, June 1 at town hall.

The HRA’s Kernan discussed the state’s plans in relation to its property, from Water Street north to Phipps Street. Click here for the full DCR presentation.

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On fourth night of town meeting, voters OK additional funds for town hall move, support access at James Avenue beach

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MOTION EMOTION: Faced with an uncooperative electronic voting system, Hull residents were forced to go back to the ‘old way’ of casting their votes on motions, amended motions, and substitute motions – voice votes and holding up cards to be counted manually by tellers. Some were more enthusiastic than others in making their feelings known about particular articles. [Skip Tull photos]

By Carol Britton Meyer

Emotions ran high throughout the four-hour discussion of the remaining dozen warrant articles during the fourth session of the 2026 town meeting on Thursday, May 7, with town moderator George Boylen and citizens urging one another to be respectful. There were 44 articles in all.

On Thursday, voters approved the appropriation of an additional $4 million to pay for the relocation of town hall to the former Memorial School, put limits on traffic changes in the Nantasket Beach Overlay District, and reaffirmed a 2017 vote to pursue privately-owned land in order to ensure access to the beach at James Avenue in Hull Village.

About 400 citizens attended the first session, with attendance tapering off to the low 200s by the fourth night.

Click below for full coverage town meeting from The Hull Times:

Night One — Night Two — Night Three — Night Four

At the beginning of Thursday’s session, Boylen remarked, “Hopefully this will be the last night of town meeting [for 2026],” which proved to be true.

The usual protocol of not beginning discussion on a warrant article at or after 10:30 p.m. unless the moderator believes it will wrap up by 11 p.m. was waived at the request of advisory board Chair Jason Frady in the hopes that the remaining articles could be addressed that night.

The electronic voting system malfunctioned again, causing Boylen to call for voice votes at first, followed by voters holding up “yes” and “no” cards if the result was not clear, which proved time-consuming.

These warrant articles were approved Thursday night:

⦁ Article 15: $800,000 was transferred from free cash ($100,000 each) to funds for Stabilization,

Capital Stabilization, Other Post-Employment Benefits, Police & Fire Injury Leave Indemnity, Worker’s Compensation, Employment Liability Reserve, Unemployment Compensation, and the

Grant Matching Fund.

⦁ Article 17: Authorized the town to accept an easement from the Paragon developer for a portion of the ArtWalk, allowing access to the public to occasionally view art installations and to create overall public access from beach to bay. The ArtWalk is built mostly on land owned by the Horizons condominium association and crosses land owned by the Procopio Companies at the George Washington Boulevard end of the walk.

⦁ Article 19: Transferred $6,658,900, received in a legal settlement between Allied World Insurance Company and the Town of Hull over work on the Crescent Beach Seawall, to the general fund to pay the costs of designing and constructing repairs to the seawall.

⦁ Article 20: Approved $545,000 to purchase and equip an ambulance.

⦁ Article 26: The capital request for town hall closure and relocation, involving a lengthy and sometimes heated discussion with many questions asked, was approved 147-56, meeting the required 2/3 vote. Following a lengthy discussion, voters approved an additional $4 million to complete the relocation of town hall offices to Memorial School on top of the up to $3.6 million approved at the 2024 town meeting. The targeted move-in date is spring 2027. The town is expected to use the space for municipal services for 30 years under the current memorandum of understanding with the school committee, with space available for community use.

Select board Chair Irwin Nesoff said the current working conditions at town hall “are substandard. There’s no storage, and it’s not a place where professional business should be carried on or the townspeople come to,” he said, noting that the cost would be significantly higher if repairs were to be made to the current building or a new facility built rather than relocating to Memorial School.

“We owe this to our town employees,” resident Polly Rowe said. “Let’s think long-term.”

Abby Klieman, a member of the planning board, said she wanted a better understanding of “the numbers” before voting on the article.

“We’re being asked to approve significant amounts of money without a thorough understanding of what they represent,” she said. “There are no architectural renderings, just floor plans.”

A substitute motion to refer the article for further study, with a report at the next town meeting, made by Jacob Vaillaancourt, failed. A motion to reconsider the motion by Bartley Kelly failed to pass, ensuring that the vote couldn’t be revisited.

Before the vote on the substitute motion, a citizen spoke against further study, saying that “this project will be a lot more expensive next year,” which was greeted with applause.

“If you go with the amended motion, you are essentially killing the project,” Nesoff said of the proposal for study.

Resident Danielle Dolan opposed the substitute motion.

“There’s a lot of mistrust between residents and town officials that’s evident at this town meeting from a perceived lack of transparency and clarity – and attitudes projected on both sides,” she said, noting that “a significant amount of work has been done on this project.”

A resident speaking in favor of the substitute motion said it would “not be killing the project to reassess what is needed – offering the townspeople an accounting of everything that’s expected to be done. . . . [The intent is to] ensure that everything is done to its best, not only for employees and other users of the building but also for the townspeople who would be paying for the project.”

Kelly, the town’s building commissioner, opposed the substitute motion.

“The building is in deplorable shape, and we can’t keep kicking the can down the road,” he said. “We’ve all got to work together. Tempers are flaring, me included, but at the end of the day, we’re all here to do what’s right for the town. We’ve got to lighten up because we’re all in this together. Start paddling!”

Resident Patricia Lambert said the high standard of behavior expected from citizens participating in town meeting should also be applied “to you, Mr. Moderator, and to other town officials,” noting that “sarcasm and bullying” are disrespectful.

Town Manager Jennifer Constable said more detailed information about the project will be posted on the town’s website.

⦁ Article 29: Authorized the town to request special legislation allowing integrated contracting for the operation, maintenance, and improvements of Hull’s sewer system.

⦁ Article 31: Amended the zoning bylaw for non-conforming uses, eliminating the by-right option to extend the height of a single- or two-family house up to 35 feet within the existing footprint when the setback is at least five feet from the property line and the house is at least 15 feet from the abutting primary structure.

⦁ Article 32: Amended the Flexible Plan Development zoning bylaw to include a reduction in the maximum height, density, and intensity of land use, changes to permitted uses, application, and permitting procedures, and updated development guidelines related to property of 10 acres or more.

⦁ Article 34: Amended the Nantasket Beach Overlay District to revise the definition of open space and design standards related to the scaling, spacing, and massing of buildings and to incorporate new shadow control standards.

⦁ Article 38: A citizens’ petition sponsored by Linda Hetue limited permanent traffic direction changes in the Nantasket Beach Overlay District, requiring town meeting approval for any permanent traffic direction changes in that area. 

⦁ Article 44: A citizens’ petition sponsored by Kathleen Wolf passed on a vote of 191 to 11 following a lengthy discussion, meeting the two-thirds vote requirement, authorizes the select board to acquire either an easement in or purchase outright a privately-owned parcel of land on James Avenue that has traditionally been used by the public for beach access. In 2017, town meeting voted in favor of a similar proposal, but no action was taken.

According to the advisory board commentary in the warrant, the parcel at the end of James Avenue has been a contentious point for the town and residents for a decade: “The owner of the parcel has blocked public access to the beach from the wharf at James Avenue for several years. The town previously brought forward an article that was moved “no action” as the town was negotiating with the owner. The town has attempted to prevent the owner from installing poles and fencing blocking access to this historically popular location for launching small boats, swimming, swimming lessons, and general enjoyment. Currently, the public cannot safely access this public beach from James Avenue due to one owner’s efforts.” In supporting public access to public lands, the advisory board voted unanimously to support the article, with one abstention.

Wolf made a presentation on the floor of town meeting, including photographs, noting that the intent of the warrant article is “to protect the public access that has been available for years to this townwide resource. … This would simply allow people to continue to take four or five steps onto [the property owner’s] land to access the beach. The select board and abutters should work together in a timely manner [to resolve the issue].”

An abutter said he has enjoyed this beach a lot, “and it’s on my deed that I own part of [it]. I hope the town comes to me to sign the rights to allow that beach to be public. I know the other neighbors, except for one, want to do this, too.”

James Avenue resident Jim Kilfoyle spoke in favor of the article.

“It strikes me that this should be supported for public safety reasons,” he said. “The wires that have been put up across the beach interfere with the delivery of essential services to 3 James Avenue and constitute a genuine hazard. [Letter carriers] have to scramble over the rocks to deliver mail.”

While the parcel involved is small, passage of this article “would give our community a beach to enjoy,” Susan Vermilya said. “[Potentially] providing an easement for this small amount of land doesn’t seem like that big of a deal, but the benefit outweighs any negatives.”

⦁ In addition, Article 37, a citizens’ petition submitted by Paul Goes, was not discussed nor voted upon because there was no motion submitted by the proponent, according to Boylen. It sought to replace the stairs to beach on Western Avenue in Hull Village that were destroyed in a storm in 2022. Select board chair Irwin Nesoff noted earlier that the actual ownership of the steps is uncertain and is being researched. The board discussed the issue in executive session recently.

A replay of the entire town meeting is available on Hull Community Television’s website, www.hulltv.net.

A replay of the entire town meeting is available on Hull Community Television’s website, www.hulltv.net.

Like what you’re reading? Stay informed and support our work with a Hull Times subscription by clicking here.

Do you have an opinion to share? Click here to write a Letter to the Editor.

© 2026 The Hull Times. All rights reserved.

On third night of town meeting, voters approve Community Preservation projects, proposals to record meetings

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TOWN MANAGER JENNIFER CONSTABLE, LEFT, ANSWERS QUESTIONS FROM THE FLOOR DURING THIS WEEK’S ANNUAL TOWN MEETING. [SKIP TULL PHOTO]

The 2026 annual town meeting continues, with a fourth session scheduled for Thursday night, May 7. Below is a summary of the action taken by voters on Wednesday night, May 6.

Town meeting will reconvene on Thursday night at 7 p.m., with 14 articles remaining, including additional funding for the town hall relocation project, changes to the Flexible Plan Development and Nantasket Beach Overlay District zoning bylaws, and action on preserving public access to the beach at James Avenue, among other topics.

Click below for full coverage town meeting from The Hull Times:

Night One — Night Two — Night Three — Night Four

Article 13: Community Preservation Committee projects: This article appropriated funds for several community projects, and each was approved by a separate vote: $49,770 for the Hull Community Garden on George Washington Boulevard; $26,825 for the Hull Lifesaving Museum’s Windmill Point Boathouse; $670,000 for the Hull Village Playground; $150,000 for renovations to the clocktower building next door to the Paragon Carousel; $45,197 for the preservation of historic town records; and $500,000 for the Community Housing Trust.

Article 16: Utility easement acceptance: This article authorized the select board to accept an easement at no cost for the purpose of installing and operating data and communication conduits near the Paragon development. A separate proposal for an ArtWalk easement has not yet been acted upon. Approved, 207-21.

Article 18: DPW capital equipment: This bonding article authorized $455,000 for the purchase of a backhoe and dump truck, and to fund drainage and cemetery improvements. Approved.

Article 22: Road paving: This article authorized $400,000 in bonding to address increased costs and complete the paving of town roads that were included in the original 2017 plan. Approved, 134-10.

Article 23: Landfill assessment and closure funding: $300,000 to continue the state-mandated process of assessing, capping, and closing the town's sanitary landfill. Approved, 140-33.

Article 28: Sewer capital emergency reserve transfer of $450,000 from sewer retained earnings to a reserve account for emergency repairs. Approved.

Article 33: Zoning amendment to allow museums in the Commercial Recreation A, B, and C zoning districts. Approved, 138-4.

Articles 39 and 42: Citizens’ petitions for meeting recording and remote access: After lengthy debate of both articles together, both proposals were overwhelmingly approved.

Article 43: Citizens’ petition on two-way roads. Voters approved, 129-61, the repeal of Article 11 of the 2018 annual town meeting that authorized the select board to transfer land to facilitate traffic reconfiguration in the area of the HRA property.

Like what you’re reading? Stay informed and support our work with a Hull Times subscription by clicking here.

Do you have an opinion to share? Click here to write a Letter to the Editor.

© 2026 The Hull Times. All rights reserved.

Voters reaffirm changes for light plant, agree to spend $1.3 million to repave Manomet and Samoset

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FOR THE SECOND TIME IN TWO YEARS, VOTERS APPROVED A CITIZENS’ PETITION THAT WOULD CHANGE THE MANAGEMENT STRUCTURE OF The Hull Municipal Lighting Plant by removing the town manager as the light plant manager. The vote this year was overwhelming, 236-82.

By Carol Britton Meyer

During a four-hour marathon second session of town meeting Tuesday night, six of the total 44 warrant articles were addressed – including an affirmation of last year’s vote to change the management structure of the light plant, approval of funds to pave Manomet and Samoset Avenues, and $400K to for study and design of a new police and fire headquarters.

Tuesday’s action was on top of the 11-article consent agenda and three other warrant articles that were voted upon during the first session on Monday. About 300 citizens participated.

This left 22 – or half of the total number of warrant articles – still to be addressed on Wednesday night and possibly beyond.

The electronic voting system was up and running after malfunctioning during the first session.

Click below for full coverage town meeting from The Hull Times:

Night One — Night Two — Night Three — Night Four

During session two, voters approved:

⦁ Article 40, the citizens’ petition submitted by Leslie Taylor calling for the removal of the town manager from the operation of the Municipal Light Plant and restoring the light board’s statutory authority;

⦁ Article 41, a citizens’ petition sponsored by Jacob Vaillancourt that provides assistance to those submitting citizen’s petitions through town counsel to ensure they are in correct legal form before presenting them at town meeting through a citizen’s petition submitted by Jake Vaillancourt;

⦁ Spending $1.3 million to repave Manomet and Samoset avenues as a temporary solution to their deteriorating condition while the town seeks eventual potential Transportation Improvement Program funding from the state for a potential much more comprehensive project;

⦁ Allocating $400,000 toward the costs associated with continuing feasibility studies and conducting preliminary design for a new public safety building; and

⦁ Authorizing the allocation of $750,000 toward various seawall infrastructure repairs and projects. “We have $374 million in identified coastal infrastructure needs,” Town Manager Jennifer Constable said. “This funding will help address issues as they arise and prepare us for larger projects.”

The article calling for removing the town manager from her light plant role is similar in intent to last year’s town meeting-approved article 37 – which is currently in a study committee on Beacon Hill. This year’s Article 40 requested special legislation to amend the town charter to remove the town manager from the operation of the municipal light plant.

The question was called after nearly a 1-1/2-hour discussion, with the article passing on a 236 to 82 vote.

Vaillancourt, who submitted last year’s Article 37 as a citizen’s petition, called for reconsideration of the article, which was seconded and failed on a 90-214 vote. Even though there was no doubt cast on the vote, it’s customary for an article supporter to call for reconsideration because articles cannot be brought up again later in the evening when there are fewer voters – which could result in a different outcome.

Before the vote, citizens were told that the majority of the advisory board recommended that this issue be referred to study.

However, advisory board member Chad Wolfe – representing the minority of the advisory board – explained that taking another year to study the issue further wouldn’t result in a different vote. He also noted that last year’s similar Article 37 is still in study.

“This is one of the most important issues in decades in this town,” he said.

Vaillancourt urged voters to approve the article “to finish the job” that was begun with Article 37, which was ruled “unactionable” by town counsel because it was not properly worded.

Light commissioner Chair Thomas Burns said as part of his remarks, “We don’t have a dedicated light plant manager” and that the town manager doesn’t have “the technical expertise” to run the plant.

Light board Vice Chair Patrick Cannon proposed a substitute motion to send the article to a government study committee “for a full and thorough review,” but after further discussion, it failed to pass on a 69 to 245 vote.

Patricia Lambert, who said that she is a constitutional lawyer, said one of the reasons she moved to Hull when she retired was because “the town operates as a direct democracy, which is an extremely attractive feature.”

She said she strongly opposed sending Article 40 “out to study. Last May the people spoke. The vote was electronic and clear. The people were voting for change because there was something they were aware of that they did not like, and we were voting for that change to be implemented.”

Having the issue studied “when this has been [the subject] of one or another study group since 2011, I would say only this [about the substitute motion]: Democracy delayed is democracy denied.”

It was then back to discussion of the main motion to remove the town manager from the light plant manager role, which passed easily.

Before the vote, resident Polly Rowe spoke against Article 40, stating that “by law, the light board’s role is limited to advising on policy and setting rates.” She added that “for well over a year, three light board members have focused on seeking control of the light plant and consumed an enormous amount of time and town staff resources, turning the light board meetings into combative spectacles. If it’s not broken, don’t fix it.”

Her remarks were met with some booing from the audience, at which time Town Moderator George Boylen called for respect during article discussions.

Light commissioner Stephanie Landry urged “slowing down” and called for conducting “a careful, critical evaluation before moving forward.”

Light commissioner Dan Ciccariello said voting in favor of Article 40 “is a matter of restoring accountability.”

Constable said she believes a study “is a good idea. I don’t see any harm in that. I want to remind this body [that a yes vote] would turn the light plant leadership over to a major sitting board,” making reference to what she termed “the insurmountable amount of misinformation” that has been shared.

Advisory board member David Clinton, speaking as a citizen, said the board was “just getting ready to send its own amended motion to go to a study as well. We honestly saw huge amounts of miscommunication going back and forth between the [light board and the select board].

“My being on the advisory board informs my individual opinion about the miscommunication that has been going on for more than a year, and I’m saddened by that fact,” he said.

Resident Lisa French’s citizens petition to appropriate an annual budget for the town boards, committees, and commissions to pay for office supplies and hire expert advisors failed to pass, with some citizens speaking in support of Article 36.

“This would be a drop in the bucket to support volunteer boards and committees, and some wouldn’t even use it,” Susan Vermilya said.

Constable expressed concern that if the petition passed, allocating funds – potentially as much as $85,000 – in this way “would take money away from other departmental needs. The services mentioned in the petition are readily available already,” she said.

An amended motion by resident Rhoda Kanet reducing the amount per board from $1,500 to $1,000 annually for supplies and administrative support services, among other changes, failed to win approval.

Public safety building discussion

A video featuring Fire Chief Chris Russo and other staff included remarks about the high cancer rate for Hull firefighters due to the present condition of the fire station during the public safety building article discussion.

Hull Village resident Randy Gould urged voter support for the article.

“It’s our duty as citizens to take care of our employees,” he said. “This is a no-brainer.”

A site has not yet been selected for the new public safety building. A community engagement process will provide opportunities for citizens to share their thoughts, concerns, and support, and to ask questions about the project.

Public safety building committee member Donna Pursel urged citizens to allow the committee “some grace and patience as we begin to understand the magnitude of this project and the best location for it.”

She urged residents to attend committee meetings and share their thoughts.

“When we have information to share, the public engagement will begin,” she said in response to concerns from some citizens about this part of the process.

A replay of the entire town meeting will be available on Hull Community Television’s website, www.HullTV.net.

Like what you’re reading? Stay informed and support our work with a Hull Times subscription by clicking here.

Do you have an opinion to share? Click here to write a Letter to the Editor.

© 2026 The Hull Times. All rights reserved.

Voters approve budget, turn down one citizens' petition in chaotic first night of town meeting

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More than 400 citizens — AT LEAST 56 OF WHOM WERE ATTENDING FOR THE FIRST TIME — PACKED THE HIGH SCHOOL GYM DURING THE FIRST NIGHT OF HULL’S ANNUAL TOWN MEETING. [SKIP TULL PHOTO]

By Carol Britton Meyer 

Town Meeting 2026 got off to a slow start Monday night, with a faulty electronic voting system resulting in voice votes instead of the use of clickers and the accomplishment of only the consent agenda and three other warrant articles – salaries of elected officials, the general government and school budgets, and a citizens’ petition – out of a total of 44.

More than 400 citizens were present at the beginning of the meeting, which started shortly after 7 p.m., including 56 whom Town Moderator George Boylen said “are here for the first time.”

Voters approved without discussion allocating $100,000 from free cash to pay the costs associated with feasibility studies, design and permitting associated with the potential relocation of the senior center – or a multi-generational center – to the Memorial School, where the town hall is being relocated.

The vote on Article 24 also included authorizing the town manager to apply for and accept grants and gifts to accomplish this project.

Click below for full coverage town meeting from The Hull Times:

Night One — Night Two — Night Three — Night Four

Town clerk receives a raise

Under the salaries of elected officials article, voters approved a nearly $20,000 increase in Town Clerk Lori West’s current $26,000 part-time town clerk salary – to $45,500 – after much discussion, including a substitute motion to cut the proposed increase by $20,000 and another to increase her salary to a competitive market salary of $100,000. The original motion in the warrant article that would raise West’s salary to $45,500 passed.

West also holds a position in the select board office at a Fiscal 2027 salary of $85,400 – which advisory board member David Clinton said had nothing to do with West’s town clerk earnings. “Our town clerk is the model for many of the town clerks in the Commonwealth,” he said, noting that the position has “changed drastically” in recent years – especially since COVID19 pandemic – including the adoption of election laws related to early voting and voting by mail that resulted in a heavier workload.

Resident Christopher Sweeney said he thought West’s current town clerk salary is adequate.

“This is a town of 10,400 people, and I can’t understand these pay raises,” he said.

During the long discussion about the proposed town government and school budgets – $54.6 million including town operations and the capital budget – and $18.9 million for the schools – Sara Ventetuolo, who had placed a hold on the school budget, made a substitute motion to reduce the 3% proposed school budget increase by half – or by $284,132.

“I’m not anti-school,” she said, before calling for a “rigorous review of the school budget” in light of decreasing enrollments and tax impacts to Hull’s growing senior population and other taxpayers. The motion failed to pass.

Before the vote, Superintendent of Schools Michael Jette noted that about 80% of the school budget is comprised of salaries, along with increases in utilities and classroom materials costs. “A really good product [education] is being delivered at a reasonable expenditure by taxpayers,” he said.

The school department held its annual budget hearing in April but did not receive any feedback from the public.

Community encouraged to take school survey

Jette added that community members are encouraged to participate in the current survey about the Hull Public Schools strategic plan.

“We’re aware of declining enrollments. Help us work to produce a better Hull Public Schools in the future,” he said.

His remarks drew applause from voters, who approved the school and town budget – with the addition of $10,000 in the Department of Public Works to hire an individual for the summer to help maintain Fort Revere Park, at Hull Village resident Randy Gould’s suggestion.

A couple of citizens said cutting the school budget would send a message to competing communities – including young families who might move to Hull – that the town doesn’t care as much about its schools as other communities care about theirs.

A citizen praised the school administration and committee for staying within a 3% increase “while multiple communities are looking for millions of dollars in increases” to fill budget gaps. “The school department deserves a round of applause,” she said.

A citizens’ petition submitted by Lisa French to amend the town bylaw related to the powers and duties of the capital improvement planning committee – including a public input process – was not approved by voters.

There were many holds on line items in the proposed town and school budgets – many by Gould – and a number of substitute motions, which caused some confusion.

This led to a citizen remarking at the end of the session that the “voting process tonight was chaotic and inherently undemocratic. Whoever shouts the loudest or gets those around them to shout the loudest doesn’t indicate democratic voting. Something needs to be done to ensure fairness and equity.”

An apologetic Boylen noted that the purpose behind electronic voting that is operating properly is to accomplish just those benefits and that voice votes/holding up cards indicating votes would be used until the electronic system is fixed. The CEO of the company was present at the meeting to help iron out glitches.

The late Pat Finn honored

Clinton read a resolution in honor of Patrick Finn, who passed away last year – referring to his longtime service to the town in a number of capacities and as a “dedicated attendee” at town meeting over many years.

“Pat will be missed by all who met him in the town he loved so much,” Clinton said.

Town Manager Jennifer Constable spoke briefly about the successes of Fiscal 2026 and “the successes we look forward to” in Fiscal 2027. She started the meeting “on a positive note,” remarking that “the town has no intention of taking down the A Street Pier!” contrary to social media posts on this subject based on a recent capital improvement committee discussion of options for addressing the pier’s deteriorating condition.

Select Board Chair Irwin Nesoff said it was “gratifying seeing so many people here as the legislative body of this town.”

Sean Olson, the young son of Hull Police Sgt. Kevin Olson, led attendees in the Pledge of Allegiance.

Planning board member Abby Klieman, noting some frustration in the town moderator’s response to the large number of holds and questions and among some board members present at the meeting, said that while she understood it, “the reality is that citizens have questions and should get them answered.

“With all due respect, not all questions are answered” in various committee and board meetings leading up to town meeting, “and the meetings aren’t recorded, so people don’t feel much transparency,” she said.  “I don’t know what the answer is, but being more patient when citizens ask questions [would be helpful].” Her comments met with applause.

Resident James Canavan called for the meeting to adjourn at 10:30 p.m. after what many agreed was a very long first session of town meeting. There was a casual reference made earlier in the session that if the pace of addressing business items continued, the 2026 town meeting could go on for three or four nights — in the end, it did just that.

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In the Sport-light: Roundup of news from Hull's wide world of sports

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VICTORY CELEBRATION: Girls 5/6 Soccer notched its first win of the season against Norwell on Saturday with a 6-2 victory, and while in the area, stopped at Hornstra Farms to celebrate the victory with some ice cream. [Photo courtesy of Mike O’Brien]

Compiled by Matt Haraden

• This past week, Boys 3/4 Soccer Team 1 beat Plympton Team 1 with a final score of 6-1. Multiple goals were scored by Lucus Moore Dasilva and Nolan Cichocki. Great defensive play came from Noah Shea and Manny Patel. The team’s next game is this Saturday, May 9, at 9 a.m. against Norwell Team 1.

• Boys 5/6 Soccer fell to 0-1-2 on the season with a 3-2 loss to Norwell on Saturday, May 2. Andy Michaelides scored two goals, his first of the season. Ryder Lankas had many great saves in net. Zachary Shea was a formidable force at midfield. The next games are Wednesday, May 6 at 5:30 p.m. in Plympton and Saturday, May 9 at 8:30 a.m. in Cohasset.

• Girls 5/6 Soccer notched the first win of the season against Norwell on Saturday with a 6-2 victory. Willa Britton scored two goals with Ada McMullen, Magnolia Harbin, Sydney O’Brien, and Emma Medina each getting one goal. Assists came from Charlie Ward and Laila Dolan. Erin Goodfellow, newcomer to the net, saved a direct kick in the second half. The Lady Pirates play at home on Saturday, May 9, against Pembroke at 1:30 p.m.

• Boys 3/4 Lacrosse stayed undefeated, moving to 4-0 on the season with a hard-fought 7-4 victory over Canton on Sunday, May 3. Sam Chiba and Mason Hein each tallied three goals to drive the scoring effort, while Levi Van Slyke added one and Luca Dibley chipped in key assists. On the defensive end, Tucker Autio made nine saves in net, while Nolan Chichocki led the way on clears. The Pirates return home for their next game against King Philip on Saturday, May 10 at noon.

• After a resounding victory over Braintree on April 26, the Hull Youth Lacrosse Girls 5/6 team continued its winning streak with a victory over Hanover with a final score of 7-4 on May 3. Cordelia Hennessey led scoring with three goals. Willa Britton and Frankie Rockett scored two goals each. Laila Dolan and Sydney O’Brien dominated the draws with Leah Dibley, Cate Mulvihill, Ryleigh Mooney, and Emma Medina playing aggressive attack. Serious praise for the stalwart defenders, Bianka Truglia, Juliana Moore-DaSilva, and Hadley Dolan, who protected the cage while Hailey MacLeod was a force in net! The girls hope to nab another victory on Mother’s Day against Pembroke.

• The Hull Youth Soccer In-Town and Travel spring season is going strong. On Saturday, May 9, there are four travel games scheduled at Hull High:

Boys 3/4 (Duran) vs. Norwell at 9 a.m.; Girls 3/4 vs. Kingston at 10:30 a.m.; Boys 5/6 (Walsh) vs. Marshfield at noon; and Girls 5/6 vs. Pembroke at 1:30 p.m.

Playing on the road will be Boys 3/4 (Bilodeau), Boys 3/4 (Fahey), Boys 5/6 (Panetta), and Boys 7/8.

In-Town Soccer plays at the Dust Bowl at Pemberton:

Guppies (co-ed): 9–10 a.m.; Kindergarten (co-ed) & Girls Grades 1 & 2: 10-11 a.m.; Boys Grades 1 & 2: 11 a.m. to noon.

The league also is looking for more parent volunteer coaches for the kindergarten group. This program is run by volunteers and truly can’t happen without your help.

• The HHS Girls Lacrosse team is 10-3 after winning its last two games – a 13-7 victory over Monomoy Regional on Friday and a 7-6 defeat of Rockland on Tuesday. The Pirates have two home games up next – Dennis-Yarmouth on Friday at 5 p.m. and Norwell on Monday at 4 p.m.

• The Boys Varsity Baseball team is 5-9 on the season, falling to Westport on Friday, 14-3, West Bridgewater on Saturday, 5-2, and Rockland on Wednesday, 12-11. Up next is Southeastern Regional Vocational Technical High School on Saturday at 11 a.m. at L Street, followed by a road rematch against West Bridgewater on Monday at 4 p.m.

• The high school Boys Lacrosse team came up short in its last two games, falling to Whitman-Hanson on Friday, 13-9, and Rockland on Tuesday, 11-5. Up next are two away games – East Bridgewater on Friday at 4 p.m. and Norwell on Monday at 5 p.m., followed by a home matchup against Bourne on Tuesday at 5 p.m.

• The HHS Girls Softball team fell to 2-9 after losing to Rockland on Tuesday, April 30 by the score of 15-3 and Middleborough on Monday, 16-4. The Pirates are on the road on Thursday, May 7, traveling to Carver (game time is 4 p.m.), and then back home to face Cohasset on Friday, May 8 at 4 p.m. and Blue Hills Regional on Monday at 3:30 p.m.

For details on all the high school teams, visit www.arbiterlive.com/Teams?entityId=10611

• Coaches, league organizers, and superfans – We need your help to report the scores and results of the latest events in Hull’s sports world! Please send local sports news and photos to sports@hulltimes.com. Deadline is Wednesday at noon. When providing details of the games or races, please be sure to include the sport/team, the players’ full names, and the final scores. When sending photos, names (first and last) of those pictured are greatly appreciated, as well as who should get credit for taking the photo.

Thank you for your help!

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© 2026 The Hull Times. All rights reserved.

Online system for ordering summer parking permits launched this week

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The town’s new website for purchasing restricted parking permits and visitor passes launched on Tuesday.

The payment platform through City Hall Systems is online at epay.cityhallsystems.com. Users must search for “Hull” in the “Enter Your Municipality” search menu.

To purchase restricted parking permits or visitors passes, applicants must provide all required vehicle and residency documentation, including their vehicle registration or property/excise bill. Additional documentation is required for certain situations, such as leased vehicles and vehicles that are registered to a business. Applicants will receive confirmation emails when their request is submitted. All permits and passes will be mailed to the resident address provided in the application.

Restricted (resident) parking permits and visitor passes are $20 each. Discounted senior citizen restricted parking permits are $10 with valid identification for those 65 and older. Restricted permits are available at no charge for veterans with a DD Form 214 or military identification, and for active military members with a valid military ID.

Residents with a disabled or handicap placard may also receive one restricted resident permit at no charge for one vehicle with valid documentation.

Unless otherwise posted, restricted sticker permits and visitor passes are required for all residential streets and ways in the Town of Hull as subject to the town’s restricted parking plan.

“Transitioning to an online-only system for parking permits and passes is really going to streamline and modernize the process,” said Hull Police Chief John Dunn. “We thank our community members and visitors for their cooperation.”

Anyone with questions about the permit program or the ordering process, should call City Hall Systems at 508-381-5456.

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© 2026 The Hull Times. All rights reserved.

Chamber of Commerce to host annual Stem to Stern yard sale on May 16 & 17

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The Hull Nantasket Chamber of Commerce invites you to Stem to Stern, Hull’s annual townwide yard sale weekend, to be held on May 16 and 17 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Search for treasure you would like to sell and register your location or simply set sail across Hull to find hidden treasure at dozens of yard sales throughout town! From long-lost loot to one-of-a-kind finds, you never know what riches await. Explore the nooks and crannies of Hull’s neighborhoods – there’s treasure tucked away in every corner. So gather your crew, hoist the sails, and bring your best treasure-hunting spirit adventure (and bargains) await!

To register to host a yard sale or for more information, visit the Chamber’s website, https://hullchamber.com.

Post your treasure on Instagram (@hullchamber) or Facebook (Hull Nantasket Chamber of Commerce) during Saturday or Sunday’s sales and tag Hull Chamber to be entered into a drawing for a gift certificate. Drawing will take place at 3:05 p.m. on Sunday, May 17 and the winner will be notified. The winner’s bounty can be picked up at Groom With Me at 527 Nantasket Avenue during business hours.

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© 2026 The Hull Times. All rights reserved.

Voters approve Community Preservation projects, proposals to record meetings

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REsident Patricia lambert addressed the crowd during the third night of annual town meeting. [IMAGE FROM HULLTV]

Voters spent three-and-a-half hours debating 10 articles during Wednesday night’s session of annual town meeting, the third night in a row residents convened at the high school to do the town’s business.

Approved were the Community Preservation Committee projects – $49,770 for the Hull Community Garden on George Washington Boulevard; $26,825 for the Hull Lifesaving Museum’s Windmill Point Boathouse; $670,000 for the Hull Village Playground; $150,000 for renovations to the clocktower building next door to the Paragon Carousel; $45,197 for the preservation of historic town records; and $500,000 for the Community Housing Trust – and two citizens’ petitions that called for the town to record governmental meetings and make them available remotely.

Click below for full coverage town meeting from The Hull Times:

Night One — Night Two — Night Three — Night Four

Voters also repealed a 2018 town meeting vote that authorized the select board to transfer land in the Hull Redevelopment Authority area as part of a proposed traffic reconfiguration project.

Town meeting will reconvene on Thursday night at 7 p.m., with 14 articles remaining, including additional funding for the town hall relocation project, changes to the Flexible Plan Development and Nantasket Beach Overlay District zoning bylaws, and action on preserving public access to the beach at James Avenue, among other topics.

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Town meeting voters overwhelmingly reaffirm change in light plant management

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During a four-hour marathon second session of town meeting Tuesday night, six of the total 44 warrant articles were addressed on top of the 11-article consent agenda and three other warrant articles that were voted upon during the first session on Monday. About 300 citizens participated.

Click below for full coverage town meeting from The Hull Times:

Night One — Night Two — Night Three — Night Four

This left 22 – or half of the total number of warrant articles – still to be addressed on Wednesday night and possibly beyond.

The article calling for removing the town manager from her light plant role is similar in intent to last year’s town meeting-approved article 37 – which is currently in a study committee on Beacon Hill. This year’s Article 40 requested special legislation to amend the town charter to remove the town manager from the operation of the municipal light plant. 

The question was called after nearly a 1-1/2-hour discussion, with the article passing on a 236 to 82 vote.

Town meeting continues Wednesday night at 7 p.m. at the high school.

Check this week’s edition of The Hull Times for details.

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© 2026 The Hull Times. All rights reserved.