Voters wrap up annual town meeting in three marathon sessions

Voters were in a “yes” mood during most of Hull’s annual town meeting, approving a including a $50.1 million town budget ($17.9 million for the schools), accessory dwelling units, and bylaw amendments to clarify the town’s marijuana regulations, as well as funds for seawall repairs, a public safety building study, the MBTA Communities Zoning Bylaw, and other significant proposals.

Click here for the Times’ comprehensive coverage of town meeting issues

Rep. Joan Meschino, a Hull resident, addressed the crowd at the beginning of this week’s town meeting. [PHOTO BY SKIP TULL]

A plan to take property on Beach Avenue by eminent domain earned a vote of 124-123, falling short of the required two-thirds majority to pass. Voters also rejected Community Preservation Act funds for a study of potential locations for a dog park.

“It’s so good to see a full house of friends, neighbors, and my parents here tonight,” Rep. Joan Meschino, a Hull resident, said at the beginning of the meeting. “This is where we come together as part of our civic duty for public discourse on matters that are important to us.”

Passage of the ADU article will allow certain homeowners of single-family residences to add and rent out an accessory dwelling unit within their home, subject to the special permit process. The goal is to help increase the town’s housing stock and to allow owner occupants to generate rental income. (See related story.)

The intent of the marijuana zoning article was to rectify and clarify procedural issues in the article that passed at the 2023 special town meeting intended to limit the number of retailers to two by special permit, but not to allow cultivation, testing, manufacturing, or on-site consumption.

Voters also approved salaries for the select board, town moderator, town clerk, assessors, and the municipal light board; the $50.1 million town budget on a vote of 333 to 62; replacing the capital outlay committee that hasn’t met for quite some time with a new capital improvement planning committee; and accepting a $3.8 million settlement resulting from the sewer plant lawsuit filed in 2013 following storm damage.

Click below for all of the Times’ comprehensive coverage of town meeting issues:

https://www.hulltimes.com/town-meeting-2024

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

Do you have an opinion on this issue? Click here to write a Letter to the Editor.

Power association’s skills contest on HRA property sparks public’s interest

By Dolores Sauca Lorusso 

On Tuesday, May 7, during the 16th Annual Northeast Public Power Association Lineworkers’ Rodeo, power crews competed against the clock in skill competitions – climbing poles, repairing transformers, and rigging lines on a challenge course built on the Hull Redevelopment Authority property.

PUTTING IT ALL ON THE LINE. The New England Public Power Association’s annual lineworkers rodeo took over the Hull Redevelopment Authority property this week, as members participated in outdoor skills competitions on poles installed just for this purpose. The NEPPA convention was held nearby at the Nantasket Beach Resort. [Skip Tull photos]

In early December, the HRA unanimously approved the Hull Municipal Light Plant’s proposal to host the NEPPA event to train lineworkers, offer safety classes, and lobby for municipal light plants.

In a statement on the NEPPA website, Hull Light Operations Manager Panos Tokadjian said the town’s light plant is “honored and humbled to be chosen to host the 2024 NEPPA Rodeo…Hull is, and will always be, a strong supporter of NEPPA, and an active participant in its programs and events. Being a host of such an important event for public power in New England will shine a light on small light plants like us, and the quality of people who dedicate themselves to making sure we succeed in everything we do.”

The indoor portion of the event, which included educational sessions, networking, and exhibits, was held nearby at the Nantasket Beach Resort.

Poles were installed on the HRA land for climbing, hurt-man rescue, insulator replacement, and transformer change-out competitions that were all open for viewing by the public.

A highlight of the opening of the rodeo competition was Brandon Wylie, program executive of Northwest Lineman College, singing the national anthem as the competitors and audience, including coworkers and family, faced the large American flag hung between two utility trucks.

A local spectator from Cohasset said he heard about the event and came with his wife to support the participants because he worked for Eversource for 45 years.

NEPPA is the regional trade association representing the interests of 78 community-owned electric utilities that provide electricity to approximately two million people across New England.

“The event showcases the technical skills of the lineworkers while also reinforcing how NEPPA is all about safety,” said NEPPA Director of Marketing, Communications, and Events Wendy Esche. “It is an opportunity to acknowledge and show appreciation for the guys keeping the lights on for everyone in the New England states.” 

The NEPPA Rodeo and Conference began on May 6 with a golf tournament at Widows Walk in Scituate. Golfers played nine holes and net proceeds will be donated to NEPPA’s Benevolent Fund for public power employees or their families undergoing financial difficulties due to personal injury, illness, or death.

Colleen Hyland, wife of NEPPA Executive Director Mike Hyland, who was volunteering at the table selling goods to raise money for the benevolent fund, said the program provides the resources to assist the New England public power community when faced with unexpected tragedies.

Hull Light Administrative Assistant Anne Finley said when the association was looking for a new location to host the 2024 rodeo, HMLP staff thought the land adjacent to the light plant would offer a unique and memorable location for the event.

“I have been with NEPPA for five years, and this is the best rodeo I have seen yet – great location, couldn’t ask for better weather, and from the start, the community of Hull has welcomed and embraced us to make the event happen,” said Esche.

Many of the lineworkers expressed excitement to be by the ocean and have such a beautiful day for the competitions; however, the essence of the event was captured by the feeling of camaraderie, team spirit, and connection.

“I like the camaraderie and community of public power,” said Anthony Calascibetta, NEPPA director of safety and training and a former lineman. “We provide value and truly care for the citizens of the communities we serve.”

“The vendors provide another element of interest and connection at the event…they are here to support us,” said Barry Tupper, chair of the NEPPA Rodeo.

“This day and location are one of the best in my experience,” said Dave Ketchen, assistant general manager of Littleton Electric and Water Department. “Blue sky, sunny, ocean on either side…it is incredible.”

Ketchen said his Littleton crew for the competition, including Joe Fiorello, Derek Cokonis, and Ryan Dame, is a “relatively young team, but they are very skilled at what they do.”

After coming down from the pole, Cokonis said it felt good, but he was a little nervous. “I love climbing and the view really stands out here,” he said.

Dame, who pursued becoming a lineman at the suggestion of friends who thought he would like it, said, “I joined three years ago, enjoy the experience, and I am never going back.”

“We practice yearly for the everyday work we get ourselves into, working in rain, sleet, snow, wind, sun, and any other kind of weather,” said Dionisio Gerena, coach of the Chicopee Electric team.

Graham Gates, Jack Austin, and Brian Pellerin of Princeton Municipal Light were joined by their proud significant others who cheered them on during the competitions and celebrated their achievements. Crysta Gates, Valerie Austin, and Suzanne Pierce all agreed that watching what the line workers do on a day to day basis is exciting and emphasizes the teamwork required for the hard work.

“This is my third rodeo,” said Valerie Austin. “I didn’t know what a lineman was before I met Jack. When I first met him and he told me what he did, I said ‘You are a football player.’”

Robin Jowders of Hurley Wire has been in the public power industry for 38 years and has attended every NEPPA rodeo.

“I see the teamwork, partnership, and connection,” said Jowders. “It is a brotherhood and sisterhood. I have watched generations of family members go through. Those who were once climbers are now judges.”

Dave Lizotte, general line foreman at Littleton Light Department, was a judge at the rodeo.

“My grandfather was a lineman,” he said. “Building camaraderie is amazing; you need it in this industry. Everyday we trust each other with our lives.”

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

Do you have an opinion on this issue? Click here to write a Letter to the Editor.

Voters approve proposal to allow accessory dwelling units in single-family homes

By Carol Britton Meyer

The proposal to allow accessory dwelling units (ADUs) in Hull took center stage during the first town meeting session this week, with voters supporting its passage – 240 to 79 – following a lengthy discussion.

Passage of the ADU article will allow certain homeowners of single-family residences to add and rent out a self-contained housing unit within their home, subordinate in size to the principal dwelling, subject to the special permit process.

This is part of the effort to increase the town’s housing stock and to allow those who wish to the opportunity to “age in place” and to benefit from the income generated from an ADU.

Director of Community Development and Planning Chris DiIorio explained before the vote that during a discussion about ADUs at the 2023 special town meeting, the article was referred to further study.

The maximum size of the ADU unit is 900 square feet, and the single-family dwelling must be owner-occupied. No units may be rented for less than six months to resolve short-term vacation rental concerns voiced by some citizens throughout the process.

An ADU is limited to a maximum of two bedrooms, with one off-street parking space required per bedroom. No exterior stairs to an ADU unit are allowed.

There’s a maximum of 10 permits that could be issued annually over 10 years, for a potential 100 ADUs. Expansion of the single-family home after approval of this bylaw would make the dwelling ineligible for an ADU permit.

“This is a way to produce more affordable units, although they won’t be deeded as such,” DiIorio said. “The special permit requirement would allow for abutters to be notified and for review by town boards, where [neighbors] can bring up any concerns they have. This [use] only applies in single-family districts for single-family homes.”

There are currently 1,300 rental units in Hull.

Resident Patrick Finn was credited for his efforts leading to voter approval of ADUs, from the initial article to the most recent version.

In response to questions from voters, DiIorio clarified that should a house with an ADU be offered for sale, the permit could be transferred within 30 days through the building commissioner. In addition, owners of homes with ADUs are required to recertify annually with the building inspector.

Building Commissioner Bartley Kelly noted in response to other questions that the enforcement of the ADU regulations would be primarily left up to neighbors to report any violations that they notice. Otherwise, it would be difficult to enforce, he said.

Applications will be accepted on a first-come, first-serve basis.

Select Board member Jerry Taverna, speaking as a citizen, was supportive of the warrant article. “There’s a housing crisis in Massachusetts, and not a lot of people will be able to take advantage of this because there are many small lots [in Hull],” he said. “It’s a no brainer.”

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

Do you have an opinion on this issue? Click here to write a Letter to the Editor.

MBTA Communities zoning changes win town meeting approval after spirited debate

By Carol Britton Meyer

Voters supported the warrant article that would amend Hull’s zoning bylaws to comply with the MBTA Communities Zoning Act Wednesday night on a 172 to 74 vote following a 90-minute discussion.

The state is requiring as-of-right zoning to be established for multi-family housing near public transportation for communities served by MBTA to help address the state’s growing housing crisis.

While a substitute motion offered by Cindy Borges to refer the article to further study did not pass, a number of residents spoke in favor of the substitute motion and then addressing the issue again at a special town meeting in the fall, prior to the December 2024 deadline for communities to meet the requirements of this new legislation.

While the town is not required to actually provide such housing, failure to approve this article would have adversely affected the town’s ability to apply for and be awarded significant grant funds.

“Millions of dollars are at stake, including grants for our roadways and seawalls,” Building Commissioner Bartley Kelly said.

Hull is required to provide zoning capacity to produce 586 multi-family units by right, at a density of 15 units per acre, with no age restrictions allowed. However, the land cannot be owned by the town or located in a floodplain. Even though this housing is by right, site plan review can be required to guide a potential project with respect to traffic and other considerations.

Following discussions with the state, Hull was granted some relief, reducing the required acreage from 50 to 7, and the requirement that the multi-family zoning be located within one-half mile of the ferry terminal also was removed and the required number of units reduced from 750.

The parts of town identified for rezoning to meet the criteria outlined in the legislation are near West Corner, including the construction lot abutting the site of the former Worrick Mansion, and the Nantasket Beach and Atlantic Hill areas, where condominiums that would count have already been built, among other possibilities in those parts of town.

“These areas were chosen to try to limit development potential under this legislation while still meeting the requirements,” Director of Community Development and Planning Chris DiIorio said.

Resident Danielle Dolan said the main point of the article “is not about the state forcing the town’s hand, but that Massachusetts is in [the middle] of an incredible housing crisis. We need to trust our elected state and local officials in the room tonight who have done a good job looking at the impacts. The time to act is now.”

Advisory Board Chair Jason Frady noted that the town just heard back from the state on its most recent proposal “and accepted the plan pretty much as it is.”

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

Do you have an opinion on this issue? Click here to write a Letter to the Editor.

Dog park study rejected; CPC funds for recreation, historic projects approved

The recommendation to hire a consultant for $10,000 to conduct a dog park feasibility study was the only Community Preservation Committee funding request that didn’t pass during the third session of town meeting.

A number of voters spoke in opposition to the article in part due to the cost, while one resident suggested the creation of a study committee to consider a possible location.

Voters did, however, approve appropriating Community Preservation Act funds to resurface the exterior red zone of the Kenberma pickleball courts, $10,000; install “sail” shade structures at Menice Field, the Dust Bowl, and the area adjacent to the pickleball courts, $20,000; restore the Paragon Carousel’s lights, $25,000; purchase veterans’ memorial grave markers for the Hull Village Cemetery, $7,700; restore the Hull Lifesaving Museum boathouse at Pemberton Point ($85,000) and the steeple at St. Nicholas United Methodist Church, $27,000; and $500,000 for the rehabilitation of the historic Village Fire Station.

CPA funds, which come from a tax surcharge, may only be put toward historic preservation, open space, community housing, and certain recreation projects.

-- Carol Britton Meyer

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

Do you have an opinion on this issue? Click here to write a Letter to the Editor.

$3.6 million in renovations to retrofit Memorial School for town hall, community space

Town meeting voters approved spending up to $3.6 million on repairs and improvements to Memorial School on Central Avenue to relocate Hull’s municipal offices as part of the school consolidation plan. The warrant article passed with flying colors on a 86 to 13 vote.

The Memorial Middle School will become the new town hall after the grade realignment is completed at the end of this school year.

“This is the last article to be considered [at 11:30 p.m. Wednesday night] but one of the most important ones,” Town Manager Jennifer Constable said.

The current deteriorating town hall building and its systems are in need of extensive rehabilitation and are becoming unsuitable for current operations.

Relocation to the Memorial School will provide office and community space for town hall staff and residents who visit the building, as well as create an opportunity for much-needed community program and meeting space, article proponents said.

This funding will also ensure adequate heating for the police station, which will remain at its current town hall location “because it can’t be relocated” to Memorial School, according to Constable.

Voters also supported spending $150,000 for a study on a potential new combined police/fire public safety facility at this year’s town meeting.

“Town hall will occupy one floor, with an additional floor available to potentially relocate the senior center and some of the police department administrative offices,” Constable said.

Advisory Board member Chad Wolfe explained that it would be less expensive to move the town offices to Memorial School under a memorandum of agreement with the school committee than to renovate the current town hall building.

-- Carol Britton Meyer

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

Do you have an opinion on this issue? Click here to write a Letter to the Editor.

In the Sport-light - This week's Hull sports highlights

By Matt Haraden

• 3/4 Boys Soccer Team 1 played a tough game against Halifax this past weekend, losing 9-6. Goals were scored by Andy Michaelides, Patrick Garr Chase, Ryder Lankas, and North Saforrian. Enki Mundo played strong on offense, as well as goalie Killian Kelly, who played the first half in goal and then switched between offense and defense in the second half. Now 1-1-2 on the season, the team will play Middleboro on Saturday, May 11. 5/6 Team 1 played a great game against Marshfield on Saturday, May 4, ending in a 3-3 tie. The Pirates led 2-0 going into the half, but Marshfield netted three straight goals in the second half, including a penalty. Tristen Misdea then scored the game-tying goal off of a free kick, giving him a hat trick. 5/6 Team 2 also landed a tie on Saturday, drawing Hingham 3-3. Joe Elisii-Johnson had a goal and two assists, Jack O’Mara and Finnian Smith also found the back of the net. Nick Mihal had another strong performance in goal, saving a penalty shot in the game. Jack Ranger and Cody Miller also had stellar performances.

HAVING A BALL. D1 Assistant Coach Pat Handrahan pitches to his daughter, Maisie, during a youth softball game against Norwell recently. [Photo courtesy of Amanda Twombly]

• Girls 3/4 Gold Team Soccer won a close one on the road against Middleboro last weekend, sneaking by at 5-4. Magnolia Harbin put Hull on the board first, while Frankie Rockett shot one from midfield to add to the tally. Hannah Summers added another two goals to make it a 4-2 game going into the half. Middleboro came out strong in the second half, tying the game at four. Not willing to settle for a tie, the Hull offense was relentless in the final minutes, determined to get one past the goalie. Hannah Summers blasted in her third goal for a hat trick to win the game with less than a minute left. Strong work in goal by Oliva Veissid, backed by stellar defensive performances by Leah Dibley, Skylar Kaplan, Charley Ward, and Cate Mulvihill, held off a hungry Middleboro team. 5/6 Soccer beat Hingham, 5-2, on Saturday, May 4, bringing them to 4-0 on the season. Aubrey Littlefield scored all five goals for Hull. Stella Palermo had a strong performance at midfield, assisting in the scoring. Sophie Munn had another great game in net. The team has a double header on Saturday, May 11, traveling from Plymouth back to Hull for game two. 7/8 Soccer battled hard but fell, 2-1, to Middleboro. Gianna Throne had the lone goal for the Pirates, with Michaela Collins playing well on defense. Now 4-1-0, the team plays Cohasset in its next game on Saturday, May 11.

• Girls Softball Team 2 fell to Norwell on Tuesday, May 7, with a final score of 26-8. Despite the loss, the players had grit and kept their heads up, even when the odds were against them. Leigha McClory, Tessa Schultz, Aislinn Connors-Duffy, Kiera Nashawaty, McKenzie Neal, and Lauren Augier all had hits in the game. Kelsea Dunlap, McKenzie Neal, Mackenzie MacLeod, and Leigha McCory led the defense. The team has two more games this week if the weather allows.

• Girls 3/4 Lacrosse continued its winning streak, taking down Parkway Academy, 6-5, for the second time this season. Lily Effinger and Hailey MacLeod were flying around at midfield. Jackie Collins and Hannah Summers played swarm defense, while Cate Mulvihill and Ryleigh Mooney charged the net on attack. Scoring came from Willa Britton and Cordelia Hennessey. Laila Dolan was the field general, passing the ball around to her teammates, while Sklyar Kaplan made save after save in goal.

ON TRACK FOR SUCCESS. The Hull High track team’s medal winners at the Sunset Classic Twilight Invitational Meet included Bree Simpson-Sliney [fifth place in the high jump], Elsie Harper [first place in the 100 meter hurdles], and Veronica Fleming [sixth in the 100]. [Photo courtesy of Brian Lanner]

• On Tuesday, April 30, the Nantasket Nor’easters traveled to Jamaica Pond to sail against Brookline High School. The team usually races 420s, but the host team provided Quests for the match. Despite never having sailed this type of boat, the Nor’easters sailed to a 4-0 win against Brookline and remain undefeated for the season, with a 3-0 record.

• Hull High Baseball edged past Quincy in the Pirates’ latest game, with a final score of 4-3. Liam Conneely pitched all seven innings, getting five strikeouts, allowing seven hits and three runs. Luke Dunham went 2/4 from the plate, scoring two runs. Josh Dunham went 2-3 with 2 RBIs and Ken Autio went 2/3 with an RBI. Nick Tiani batted in the winning run with a bases-loaded sacrifice fly in the bottom of the seventh inning.

• Coaches and Super Fans – we need your help to report the scores and results of the latest games in Hull’s sports world! Please send local sports news and photos to sports@hulltimes.com.

Deadline is Tuesday at 8 p.m. 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 of those pictured are greatly appreciated, as well as who should get credit for taking the photo.

Thank you for your help!

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

Do you have an opinion on this issue? Click here to write a Letter to the Editor.

Hull High principal resigns after two years in position

Less than two years after being named principal of Hull High School, Michael Knybel will leave his position at the end of the current school year.

“It is with mixed emotions that I share Principal Michael Knybel’s decision not to return for the upcoming school year,” Superintendent of Schools Judith Kuehn wrote in an email to parents on Friday, May 3. “While we are saddened by his departure, we are grateful for the leadership he has provided in his short tenure at Hull High School. We have, in just a short time, seen improvement in several areas of our high school. His dedication to enhancing curriculum options for the students and faculty alike, facilitating a smooth transition for our eighth graders to Hull High School, and improving overall student outcomes has been instrumental in shaping the future of our students.”

Knybel was hired in June 2022 to replace Principal Nicole Nosek, who resigned to become the assistant principal of Hingham High School. At the time, he was the middle and high school principal in Lenox, and previously served in East Longmeadow, Ware, and Gill-Montague Regional School District, all in western Massachusetts.

The principal earned praise from students and parents during his time in Hull, although in early April, teachers protested outside the school, holding signs critical of Knybel’s leadership.

“My commitment is unwavering: students come first,” Knybel said in a statement after the public demonstration. “It is disheartening to see teachers feeling unsupported and frustrated.”

Kuehn’s email also touted Hull High’s placement as the 78th best statewide in the U.S. News 2024 Best High School rankings.

“We appreciate all that Principal Knybel has contributed and wish him all the best,” said Kuehn, who is retiring next month. “I will be collaborating with [incoming superintendent] Dr. [Michael] Jette to develop a plan to replace Principal Knybel.”

-- Christopher Haraden

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

Do you have an opinion on this issue? Click here to write a Letter to the Editor.

MBTA zoning, opening of railroad bed get voters' OK on final night of town meeting

By Carol Britton Meyer

The third session of the marathon 2024 town meeting wrapped up at 11:30 p.m. Wednesday night, for a total of 12 hours in all.

SUBSTITUTE MOTION: WITH MODERATOR GEORGE BOYLEN UNAVAILABLE FOR THE THIRD NIGHT OF TOWN MEETING, FORMER SCHOOL COMMITTEE AND ADVISORY BOARD MEMBER JIM CANAVAN STEPPED INTO THE ROLE AND ABLY MANAGED VOTERS’ SPIRITED DEBATE.

Because Town Moderator George Boylen was unable to carry out his duties on the last night due to unforeseen circumstances, attorney James Canavan, a former member of the school committee and advisory board, offered to serve as temporary moderator, which voters approved unanimously.

“When I woke up this morning, I didn’t expect to be doing this, but I thank you and will do my best,” he said.

The entire meeting was an example of democracy in action, with many engaged citizens speaking for and against various articles, some standing several times to express their views on various issues before the voters.

During night three following a lengthy discussion, voters supported the MBTA Communities warrant article crafted to meet the requirements of the new state legislation requiring as-of-right zoning for multi-family housing near public transportation. The affirmative vote followed a “no” vote on a substitute motion to refer the issue to study. (See related story.)

Funding approved to retrofit Memorial School

Voters also supported spending up to $3.6 million to retrofit a floor of the Memorial School as municipal office space due to the deteriorating condition of the current town hall and to possibly move the senior center to that location. (See related story.)

Also approved was a opioid special revenue fund using proceeds from part of a settlement to resolve opioid litigation brought by states against large pharmaceutical manufacturers and distributors to be used for substance misuse prevention, harm reduction, treatment, and recovery support and establishing a committee to consider the best use of these funds.

Town Manager Jennifer Constable informed voters that such an effort is already underway.

Articles 35 and 36 were related, with voters approving both. Article 36 – which was addressed first by lottery – asked the select board to stipulate that the old railroad bed right-of-way from L to XYZ streets, which is unobstructed from December through April, continue to be unobstructed throughout the year and that the town-owned barrier at the corner of L Street and the right-of-way be removed and replaced by a lockable gate or chain that can be accessed by police and fire for emergency use (as recommended in the 1991 Railroad Bed Report). A “no action” substitute motion failed.

Advisory Board Chair Jason Frady explained the board’s unfavorable action recommendation on this article based on the premise that the authority to take such action rests with the select board. “This is really a referendum for voters to express their opinions,” he said.

Town Counsel James Lampke made a motion to reconsider the affirmative 146 to 57 vote on Article 35 to allow him to present a substitute motion, which failed to pass.

The purpose of this article to amend the current bylaw by prohibiting the deposit by anyone – including a town official or agent unless strictly necessary to ensure public safety and other considerations – on public or town-controlled property of manure, gravel, ashes, lumber, wood (including telephone poles) buildings, carriages, stones, barrels, rubbish, or other materials was an attempt to resolve a longstanding issue with respect to the proper use of all town-owned public access ways, including the old railroad right-of-way parallel to Nantasket Avenue between L and XYZ streets.

Working collaboratively to find solution

Issues include vehicular access and parking concerns. The majority of the advisory board supported encouraging affected residents and the town to work collaboratively to find a solution, but in the meantime recommended favorable action on the article on the basis of public safety so these issues can be addressed.

Advisory board member David Clinton took a minority position, feeling strongly that the article should have been referred to study. He suggested a series of community forums as the best course of action for determining the best use of the area and to develop a plan “that recognizes the safety, parking, and quality of life concerns of all citizens.”

Lampke’s motion to reconsider the initial affirmative vote was based on concerns about the wording of the article “and how it will play out if it gets enacted.”

He noted that the current bylaw allows a town agent to place materials on public or town-controlled property as needed for public safety or other reasons, not just under the circumstances outlined in the proposed amended bylaw.

Constable explained that discussions about this issue have already begun.

“We walked the area, and there are authorized and unauthorized encroachments on the railroad bed,” she said. “This is a very complex area. We want everybody to know that this matter is being addressed. We’re waiting for [additional] information before making a decision.”

Voters also approved the creation and funding of a capital stabilization fund for capital planning, as called for and budgeted by Constable in her Fiscal 2025 budget.

The fund will also support the work of the town meeting-approved new capital improvement planning committee and is specifically designated for future planning. For that reason, it is separate and apart from the town stabilization fund also approved by voters during this town meeting.

In addition, voters approved appropriating up to $500,000 to continue pursuing litigation related to contractor failure involving the Crescent Beach seawall and revetment project and for costs associated with construction, engineering, design, and legal expenses, among others.

Click below to read the full text of the May 6 town meeting warrant:

https://www.hulltimes.com/s/hull_atm_2024_final-2.pdf

Click below for the Times’ news stories about town meeting issues:

https://www.hulltimes.com/town-meeting-2024

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

Do you have an opinion on this issue? Click here to write a Letter to the Editor.

Funding approved for seawall, public safety study on town meeting’s second night; third session is Wednesday

By Carol Britton Meyer

The three-and-a-half-hour second session of town meeting adjourned at 10:30 p.m. Tuesday evening after consideration of eight warrant articles, with only one “no” vote. The third session is scheduled for Wednesday, May 8 at Hull High School, beginning at 7 p.m.

EVERYTHING IN MODERATION. Town Moderator George Boylen reads a motion on one of the articles at Tuesday night’s session of town meeting.

Voters approved spending $150,000 to study building a combined police/fire public safety facility, appropriating $6 million for the town’s share of rebuilding the deteriorating seawall in the Allerton area, establishing a floodplain overlay zoning district, and replacing the float at Pemberton Pier. An article that would have allowed the town to take land on Beach Avenue by eminent domain received a vote of 124-123, short of the two-thirds required for approval.

The first item on the agenda will be the MBTA Communities Zoning Act. While that article number was drawn during last night’s meeting, discussion was postponed due to the lateness of the hour out of concern that it was unlikely that a vote would be taken by the 11 p.m. deadline for adjourning the meeting.

New state legislation requires that MBTA communities (those served by commuter rail, ferry, bus, or subway service, or adjacent to those with service) have at least one zoning district of reasonable size near the MBTA facility in which multi-family housing is permitted as of right.

Town meeting will be asked to adopt changes proposed to the town’s zoning map to put Hull in compliance. Failure to do so puts the town in jeopardy of losing significant state grants.

Other articles remaining to be addressed are Community Preservation Act funding recommendations; creation and funding of a special purpose stabilization fund for capital planning; establishing an opioid special revenue fund to hold Hull’s allotment of the Commonwealth’s share of the financial settlement with the states by manufacturers of opioids for use to treat and combat substance use and addiction; and funding the Memorial School retrofit related to relocation of town hall operations to that location as part of the school consolidation plan.

Voters are encouraged to arrive early so the meeting can start on time. Watch this week’s Hull Times in print and online for full details of town meeting action.

Click below to read the full text of the May 6 town meeting warrant:

https://www.hulltimes.com/s/hull_atm_2024_final-2.pdf

Click below for the Times’ news stories about town meeting issues:

https://www.hulltimes.com/town-meeting-2024

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

Do you have an opinion on this issue? Click here to write a Letter to the Editor.