Constable resigns; hints at ‘new opportunities’ as Hull seeks next town manager

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By Carol Britton Meyer

Select Board Chair Jennifer Constable announced her resignation Wednesday night after serving for seven years, stating that her involvement with the Hull community will continue.

SELECT BOARD CHAIR JENNIFER CONSTABLE…

While Constable did not offer specifics, her stepping down follows Town Manager Philip Lemnios’ announcement that he plans to retire on June 30. Constable is currently the assistant town administrator in Rockland.

“I do look forward to the prospect of new potential leadership roles in the community, so my resignation at this point will make that potential opportunity possible,” said Constable, who will leave the board effective Feb. 19.

During an earlier select board discussion about next steps in the town manager search and interviews with two consulting firms, Constable either recused herself or was not present.

According to the State Ethics Commission, a select board member generally cannot be appointed to any position, paid or unpaid, that is both appointed by and under the supervision of the board. Rather, the incumbent must wait 30 days after he or she finishes serving on the board before becoming eligible to be appointed to such a position, or permission to be appointed must be granted by town meeting.

Constable thanked her constituents and expressed appreciation for the camaraderie the board has shared.

“We’ve accomplished a great number of things over the course of time, including hiring new police and fire chiefs and a director of community development and planning, and economic development [initiatives] with the support and involvement of the board, town staff, Phil Lemnios, and [Town Counsel] Jim Lampke,” she said. “We also have an agreement with the Department of Conservation & Recreation.” 

Fellow board members wished her well.

“It’s been a pleasure working with you,” Domenico Sestito said. “You and I haven’t always agreed, but we always agreed to disagree. I know this wasn’t an easy decision for you.”

Calling her “a leader, mentor and friend,” Donna Pursel said Constable guided her through the process when Pursel was elected to the board. “I started my term during COVID and had a million questions – half of them probably foolish – but you never made me feel that way. You always showed me where to go to get the answers.”

Pursel also praised Constable for her many contributions to the town as a select board member “in the eight short years that I have lived here. That’s why I got involved [in town government] – because I saw what you were accomplishing and that you are a true example of someone with the heart to serve.”

Advisory Board Chair David Clinton, who was in the audience after hearing Lemnios’ Fiscal 2024 budget presentation, commended Constable for the “collegiate” way she has conducted herself, and the board as a whole, during the advisory board’s “deliberations and due diligence” leading up to town meeting. He also acknowledged Constable’s “calm demeanor and grace,” wishing her well in her future endeavors.

His remarks were followed by applause from fellow board members and the audience.

“I love what I do, and I love this community, so I hope that in some form I will be able to continue this work,” Constable said.

The process for replacing Constable was not discussed this week, but will be a topic at a future meeting.

HRA's public hearing on Urban Renewal Plan draws a capacity crowd

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By Dolores Sauca Lorusso

Several dozen residents crowded into the Hull High School exhibition room Monday night to hear the first in a series of public presentations on the Hull Redevelopment Authority’s Urban Renewal Plan for potential development on its 13-acre parcel.

HRA Chair Bartley Kelly said his board wants to “collaborate” with the community, adding that “doing nothing is not an option … many years ago, people’s properties were taken by eminent domain,” and the goal for the property’s eventual use is to “strike a balance to meet the needs of the town, accomplish the goals of the HRA, while not changing the character of the town.”

Much of the land has been vacant since the 1970s, when homes and businesses were cleared by the authority in anticipation of development proposals that never materialized. The HRA has been working for months to create a set of guidelines for future development.

“It is a series of ideas to give the public a picture of what may go here,” said Kevin Dandrade of TEC, a traffic consultant.

Planning consultant Steve Cecil echoed these sentiments. “This is not a proposal,” he said. “This is the opportunity to open the door. Your voices are going to be heard and reflected.”

The URP envisions several uses for the property, which stretches from Water Street to Phipps Street, including a 50-65 room boutique hotel and buildings with ground floor shops and services and residential units on the upper floors. For the property north of the DCR parking lot near Monument Square, Option 1 and Option 2 differ in the proposed use. Option 1 includes apartments or townhouses on the north end of the property; 15% of the units are earmarked for affordable housing. Option 2 includes existing beach parking and potential event space.

John Ruffo, architectural designer, described the development as a “mix of different uses and scales. This is not a wall of development, it is actually quite permeable. We are testing scenarios and want to come up with something the community can embrace.”

Kelly added the maximum height of buildings in the URP can be 50 feet, although they “are not proposing all 50-foot buildings.” For comparison, a meeting attendee asked the height of the Horizons condominium building, and Kelly said the building is 70 feet tall.

Pointing out various aspects of two usage options, Ruffo said “this is an illustrative plan to be a guidepost for the town in the future. We formed it [the development] around what is really an open space plan.”

He emphasized the importance of balancing between open space and future buildings.

“Public use and space are central to all ideas,” he said. “There will not be a large commercial component,” explaining there could be small shops and restaurants serving the community and visitors, providing “a way to add vitality to the area.”

Ruffo said of the overall development, “it needs a good sidewalk circulation zone…it is the sidewalks that knit it all together.”

According to Kelly, the bayside parcel will widen, growing by 23 feet to 27 feet in width and include additional sidewalks, bike paths, open road, and parallel parking. The plans account for “70% open space, recreational use and/or parking, not including DCR space,” said Kelly, who assured attendees, “whatever project goes there the Weir River and bayside will be protected.”

Susan Goranson of Bay Street said she is “not sure the town gets much benefit from having housing there, but a great deal of benefit from using the open space for basketball courts, picnic areas, dog parks, and skateboard parks.” She was applauded when adding “it was said that ‘no development is not an option,’ I am just putting it out there having the space used as managed open space is also a form of development.”

Dandrade, who has been working with the town since 2015, participated in earlier plans showing the “merits” of two-way traffic flow. Dendrade said two-way traffic is an “independent utility which has merit today despite what happens with any of the parcels.” He said it would reduce traffic speeds between Water Street and Phipps Street and create safer road crossings, alleviate traffic bottlenecks, improve direct access to Surfside businesses, and improve emergency access.

Julie Strehie, of Phipps Street, expressed concern her “front yard is currently a traffic problem,” and asked if the traffic issues could be addressed before the HRA development.

“We want the roads; if we can get the roads done before the HRA development, we are all in favor of it,” Kelly said. “We feel the roads are a linchpin to this whole area, and to the town as a whole, to make it more attractive to the people who live here, more attractive for the people who come here, and easier for people to get in and out.”

Central Avenue resident Kate Barclay got confirmation Water Street will remain a crossover street to Bay Street.

“We are not eliminating any streets,” said Kelly.

Regarding traffic, Bernadette Raftery of Harold Place was concerned two-way traffic flow increases the difficulty when pulling into traffic from locations like the Rockland Trust bank. Cecil stated the two-way flow gives “people choices,” and Kelly described how the new two-way traffic flow would allow taking either a right or left turn when leaving the bank. Prior to the formation of the HRA and the reconfiguration of the streets, Nantasket Avenue was a two-way street with one lane in each direction.

Even the youngest of attendees had their voice heard. Kennedy, a 10-year-old fifth-grader, asked “What would happen to Hull traditions” like the annual bonfire?

“We know traditions are important in the Town of Hull. People love their bonfire and carnival,” said Kelly, who grew up in town. “This is a draft proposal. We are looking for public input…Option 2 provides a two-acre parking lot to hold the carnival.”

Kelly responded to flooding concerns posed by attendees saying “if you don’t live on a hill in Hull, you are in a flood zone. Anything that goes in there will be resilient by design because it has to be.”

Dennis Zaia, clerk of the HRA, said a plan is needed to accomplish the goals of the HRA and the community.

“We are looking for pieces of the puzzle to allow this to move forward in the most efficient and successful manner,” said Zaia.

Additional public hearings are scheduled to be held from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. at the Hull High School exhibition room on March 14 and April 25. Remote presentations of the same material will be conducted over the Zoom platform from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. on March 16 and April 27.

For more information and to read the draft development plan, visit www.hra02045.com.

Residents left without hot water after tank failure at Hull’s elderly housing

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By Carol Britton Meyer

Residents of one building at the McTighe Manor elderly housing complex on Atlantic House Court were without hot water for a week earlier this month after a leaking tank could not be replaced due to supply-chain issues, the housing authority’s executive director said.

MCTIGHE MANOR on ATLANTIC HOUSE COURT, which is managed by the Hull Housing Authority.

“We had a difficult situation with no hot water in Building 3. The water tank had suddenly begun to leak profusely, flooding the first-floor hallway, and was no longer providing hot water,” Executive Director Michael Flaherty said at Wednesday’s meeting of the housing authority. “A new hot water tank was not available right away due to supply chain issues, but we were able to get one from out-of-state.”

Referring to what occurred as “a lousy set of circumstances,” Flaherty said the housing authority provided a shower for tenants who were without hot water to use in the building next door – in the one vacant apartment in the complex – and they were also able to boil water when necessary, Flaherty said. A new tank was installed a week later, as soon as one became available.

A resident who joined the remote meeting said she had no knowledge of the available shower and that a notice should have been posted to inform the tenants.

Flaherty responded that he thought everyone had been informed and that if she had called him directly, he could have let her know that a shower was available nearby, which a number of Building 3 residents used.

In a telephone conversation following the brief meeting, Flaherty provided further details to The Hull Times. He said the incident occurred on Friday, Jan. 27, at 3:15 p.m.

“Unfortunately, in order to prevent the building from [flooding further], the hot water tank had to be shut off,” he said. “The housing authority immediately contacted a plumber, who attempted to locate a new tank, but due to supply chain issues, securing one was very difficult.”

In the meantime, Flaherty said, “residents were kept abreast of the situation by housing authority staff.”

After a new tank was located, it arrived on the following Friday, Feb. 3, and was installed immediately.

“The housing authority will post information in the hallway about any situation that may arise in the future,” Flaherty said.

In other business at the meeting, he reported that while seniors are overall paying their rent on time, “there are some challenges on the family side with rent collection.” Efforts are being made to resolve that issue.

Also, the housing authority is working on selecting a tenant for the one vacant apartment at Atlantic House Court.

The housing authority’s next meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, March 15, at 3:30 p.m. The agenda and access information will be posted on the town’s website, www.town.hull.ma.us.

Looking for a special Valentine’s Day treat? Shop locally for the best gifts and services

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By Dolores Sauca Lorusso

Ah, Valentine’s Day gifts. Gifts for the National Day of Love. What does that special someone in your life want? How do you make a meaningful statement? Here are ideas from some of our local advertisers.  

For a wonderful start to your Valentine’s Day, you can visit Crave at 303 Nantasket Ave. to pick up everything you need for a very special breakfast in bed. Crave features acai bowls, smoothies, coffee, and more. Owner Casey Mahoney invites you to come by for some granola which is “homemade with pure love and maple syrup.” Or visit to see what treats she has cooked up for Valentine’s Day. Crave customers call it a “hidden gem for creative healthy smoothies, bowls, and unique flavored coffees.”

If the love of your life is a French toast connoisseur, stop into Sunnyside Up Café on Route 3A in Weymouth and order the café’s signature French toast and delicious buttercream topping to go. Owner Debbie Hale will serve it to you with an extra-special helping of down-home hospitality. If you prefer to dine in, parking is available at Masisons Autobody.

If complementing a late breakfast with brunch cocktails is your thing, Nantasket Liquors at 307 Nantasket Ave. can meet your needs. While you are there, you can also purchase a favorite wine, spirit, or beer to toast your Valentine. John, Pam, Don, and Teri wish their customers a very Happy Valentine’s day: “We wouldn’t exist without amazing customers like you! You keep us going morning ’til night, seven days a week.”

Do not underestimate the emotional value friends and family place on receiving a personal Valentine’s message, especially if it is written in a unique, hand-picked card, attached to a delicately wrapped gift or bunch of balloons. Nantasket Pharmacy at 480 Nantasket Ave. is a convenient one-stop shop for Valentine’s essentials, such as greeting cards, candy, balloons, gift wrap, bags, and more.

Through the ages, the tried-and-true gift of candy and flowers has become the combined symbol of a truly romantic gesture of love and affection.

If you are looking for a fun place to go where you can immerse yourself in an old-style candy shop experience, visit Nantasket Sweets by Swedes at 165 Nantasket Ave. Owner Maria Stolt makes all her chocolates from scratch using original traditional Swedish recipes. She can customize her candy and chocolate for unique offerings, at parties and corporate events, to offer a smorgasbord buffet style of sweets. Stolt invites you to stop by this Valentine’s Day to buy a homemade chocolate heart or heart-shaped candy lollipop for your sweetheart.

For fresh arrangements, bouquets, plants, specialty chocolates, and nautical gifts visit Nantasket Flowers at 293 Nantasket Ave. Terry Anastos, owner of Nantasket Flowers and Gifts, for more than 20 years, is lauded by her customers for being able to turn any idea into a “work of art.” Being a florist has become part of her lifestyle. “My customers are like family and I am proud to have grown to become the ‘family’ florist for so many on the South Shore.  It brings me joy to create arrangements which reflect the essence of the person they are created for.” Longtime customer and Hull resident Jeanne Chalifoux said “Terry takes excellent care of her customers. She listens to our needs and goes above and beyond what we ask for. And the price is always right.”

For the creative at heart, how about gift certificate to one of Seaside Floral Design’s floral workshops, where they can go and let their imagination bloom in a lovely, inspiring location? For your loved one who just can’t be without flowers, get them a floral subscription from Seaside Floral and you can have beautiful floral bouquets delivered to their door bi-weekly or monthly. “Whether you’re in the midst of wedding planning or busy coordinating flowers for a birthday party, Seaside Floral Designs, at 38 A St., will work closely with you to create breathtaking, noteworthy décor,” said owner Kim Cerny. 

For the art-loving Valentine, you can treat them to the gift of art at Gallery Nantasket at 121 Nantasket Ave. Owned and operated by Hull artists, you will always find unique, locally handmade crafts and fine arts. The gallery changes its presentation seasonally, offering a fresh collection of paintings, stained glass, photography, fiber art, jewelry, ceramics, pottery, fused glass items, sculptures, woven and knitted items, cards, and more. To visit the portfolio of current gallery artists, go to hullartists.com/gallery-nantasket.

For unique gifts, apparel, and accessories for the whole family visit Carolann’s at 31-35 Main St. in Hingham Square.  “We are a mini-department store. An old-time throwback to a time before modern day malls and big box stores,” said Jennifer Mazgelis, who is co-owner of the store with her mother, Kellie Dernier. Carolann’s customers agree that the items you find there are not simply “run-of-the-mill.”

Owners Michael and Lorraine Campbell invite you to come in to their family-run business, The Whitney Gordon’s Jewelers, also in downtown Hingham at 39 Main St., to experience the “friendly atmosphere and personal service” which they believe only a local jeweler can offer. They carry items ranging in price from $15 to more than $1,000 to meet a wide variety of budgets. “We carry everything from sterling silver earrings for the littlest Valentine up to diamond earrings for the adult Valentine,” Lorraine Campbell said.

But don’t let the pampering end with a lovely piece of jewelry. Julie’s Pure Bliss Facials, Skincare, and More, is one of Hull’s newest additions, offering many luxurious treatments – all performed by licensed aesthetician Julie Barros. She comes to Hull from the Berkshires, where she has had an “established and coveted skincare spa,” and invites you to “experience one of many treatments in a clean, calm, and soothing atmosphere currently located in the back of Casa di Joseph Hair Salon” at 443 Nantasket Ave. Though take note, her space will soon be located on the opposite side of that same lovely European building. Customers recommend that you “take time for yourself and visit Pure Bliss. The treatments are luxurious, and you will leave feeling fresh, clean, and full of energy.” So, why not take their advice, treat yourself this Valentine’s Day, or purchase a gift certificate for someone you know who needs a little love? See all Julie’s Pure Bliss treatments at www.jpurebliss.com.

Don’t forget to treat your furry friend this Valentine’s Day. Visit Sunshine Pet Parlor, Hull’s only pet place, at 813 Nantasket Ave. Sunshine Pet Parlor offers all-breed pet grooming and pet daycare in a relaxed atmosphere. Your special feline friends are welcome, too. To indulge your pet, the parlor also sells high-quality food, treats, accessories, and toys.

If you wish to start celebrating early, put on your dancing shoes and tap on over to the C-Note at 159 Nantasket Ave. on Saturday, Feb. 11 and join Hull Pride for music and dancing from 7 p.m. to midnight. DJs will be spinning dance tunes from ’70s disco and beyond. Be sure to bring cash for the bar and $10 cover charge at the door. For more information go to hullpride.net.

Whatever the desire, spend time with that special someone and make some Valentine’s dreams come true.

CPC endorses six projects, including Village Fire Station, playground work

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By Dolores Sauca Lorusso 

The Community Preservation Committee this week unanimously endorsed six requests for funding that will eventually be considered by voters the spring town meeting. The projects, which will use funds collected from the Community Preservation Act surcharge, include $1.5 million to renovate the Village Fire Station, $99,000 for the Hampton Circle Playground, $55,000 to repair the L Street Playground and tennis courts, as well as $30,000 for playground shade structures, $70,000 to restore the Paragon Carousel windows, and $28,000 for a waterfront access consultant.

THe Hull Village Fire Station is one of the town’s Most historic buildings.

The CPC approved spending $500,000 in cash and bonding $1 million over 20 years for phase two of the Village Fire Station preservation project. A written summary of a CPC site visit to the Village Fire Station said that “conditions demonstrate the building is in severe need of repair but is structurally sound. Addressing the need in a timely fashion will allow for the continued use of the building as well as to preserve a property of high historic value to the town.” 

The committee members expressed interest in preserving the many historical documents, photographs, and collectibles in the upstairs meeting room and basement area. Some of these items belong to the town and some are in the archives of the Hull Historical Society, which has occupied the second floor for decades. The building was formerly the town hall, and the basement contains a historic jail cell and vault, which the CPC would also like to see preserved. “It is amazing we have that memorabilia and it needs to be preserved,” Committee member Jim Ianiri said.

Ianiri also questioned whether people would be allowed into the fire station if it were renovated, because he believes “it is important to keep the promise of letting people into the building after it is fixed.”

“The challenge here is that if it is open constantly to the public, then you have to meet ADA requirements,” CPC Chair Rachel Gilroy said. “But limited scheduled tours could allow to manage it better.”

She followed up by expressing the importance of “just refurbishing the building from a visual perspective for the Village, so when driving by they don’t see a building falling apart.”

Judy O’Quinn Ranson, who lives next door to the fire station, agrees the building is in disrepair and referred to it as “an eyesore.” She is also a “big advocate” of the 1.5% property-tax surcharge for funding the CPC and sees “what the tax does for the town and the historic component of the town.” The fire station is manned during emergencies and that makes her “feel better in an astronomical high tide to have a fire truck sitting next to my house if cut off from the peninsula.”

Greg Grey, a select board member and the CPC’s Park and Recreation Commission designee, said the “CPC is going to shine the trophies we haven’t been able to shine in a long time. I am in favor of this. It is not locking all the funds so we can do another historical project if it comes along.”

Gilroy agreed. “Earmarking just that $500,000 leaves plenty of money still in our cash in case something else comes along that needs our attention,” she said, explaining that the earliest the $1 million bond would be issued is July 2023, but “if more feasible they could hold on the bond if rates aren’t good and use the $500,000.”

The Hampton Circle Playground supplemental funding increased from the initially proposed $70,000 to $99,000 due to the addition of a swing set, increasing costs, and permitting work. Community Development and Planning Director Chris DiIorio said there is “demand in the area” and “the people approved the initial $200,000.” In support of the motion to approve, Grey added he believes it is “money well spent because this area has been without a playground for years and they need a place to go.” Issues of flooding in the area were discussed, but ultimately it was determined the park would withstand minor flooding.

“The playground will be elevated a little bit, so in minor flooding events it should be fine,” said DiIorio.

Regarding the L Street playground and tennis courts, Grey commented they are in “major disrepair because cracks continue to open up despite Parks and Recreation continuously fixing them.” Grey said he is in favor of this project because the area is “one of the most used playgrounds because of all the sports that go on there.”

The L Street playground shade structures were deemed essential because 250 kids are in the summer program on Monday to Friday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. DiIorio described the proposed shade structures as “a four-post sail structure that will be easy to put up and take down, and some sun will still get through because it is over grass.” Grey said these awnings are important because the kids in the summer program – as well as other park visitors – could be stuck in the extreme heat of an 80- to 90-degree day without any shade.

“When it is extremely hot we need to do something to combat it. Besides the summer program, it would also allow residents to enjoy their lunch at a picnic table, sit to read a book, or watch a game,” Grey said. In addition, Gilroy said the pop-up structures currently being used are “not safe.”

CPA funds are designated for historic preservation, open space and recreation, and affordable housing, and the state provides a partial match for these funds. The CPC is responsible for evaluating the needs of the town and making recommendations, including anticipated costs, to the town meeting as part of the annual budget process. The final decision rests with voters after recommendations from the select and advisory boards. Gilroy hopes to make an in-person presentation to the advisory board at the end of February.

ShoreLines: News about your neighbors

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By Matt Haraden

- Congratulations to Kelsey Rose Bannen who was named to the Dean’s List at Bridgewater State University for the fall 2022 semester. The Dean’s List is comprised of full-time undergraduate students who have a minimum of 12 credits earned and a 3.3 GPA for the semester.

- Hull High School graduate David Flynn started a master’s program in Environmental Science and Policy at Clark University in Worcester on Jan. 17. After graduating from Hull High in 1971, he eventually went on to Harvard, and graduated in 2002. He spent his career at Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection, from which he retired. His goal is to teach environmental science at a college in western Massachusetts, where he now lives. Flynn grew up at 18 Mayflower Rd. on Allerton Hill and worked at Paragon Park and the Bayside Theater. He served in the Navy during the Vietnam War as a Tin Can Sailor. His name is on the Town of Hull’s war monument.

- Congratulations to Alexandra Hendrickson of the class of 2023, who was named to the fall 2022 High Honors list at Pomfret School. To achieve this, Hendrickson earned a grade point average of at least 3.670, and received no grade lower than a B+.

- Five Hull residents were recently named to first quarter Honor Roll at Boston College High School. Khush Patel and Jackson Waldner of the class of 2023, Brenden Ryan of the class of 2025, and Liam Hopkins of the class of 2026 earned High Honors. Finn Stenfors of the class of 2025 achieved Honors. To earn High Honors, a sophomore, junior, or senior must hold at least a 3.80 quality point average, with all grades of C+ or higher. Freshmen need a quality point average of 3.60 or higher and all grades of C+ or higher to qualify. For Honors, a sophomore, junior, or senior needs a quality point average of 3.20 and all grades of C- or higher, while freshmen require a quality point average of 3.165 and all grades of C- or higher. Boston College High School is a Catholic school for young men with more than 1,400 students in grades seven to 12.

- Maya Walsh was one of 33 sophomore students inducted into Salem State University’s Alpha Omega Psi, an honor society for students who demonstrate strong academic performance at the university. These students participated in the Salem State University Emerging Scholars Program during their first year and completed all of its requirements while maintaining their commitments to academics. Students in the Emerging Scholars Program are paired with graduate student success coaches and go through sessions designed to build their academic and life skills.

- Helena Lynch, a member of the class of 2024, was named to the fall 2022 Dean’s List at Stonehill College. Students must have a semester grade point average of 3.50 and must have successfully completed all courses for which they were assigned to qualify for this honor.

- Grace Holden, a student at Lasell University, was named to the Dean’s List for the fall 2022 semester. To qualify, students must have completed 12 credits as a full-time student and maintain a 3.50 GPA or higher. Holden was also the recipient of the Collaboration Recognition Award for the Main Fundamentals of Visual Art course. The students are selected by their peers for the award for exemplifying superior skills in communication and collaboration. The program was launched last year to acknowledge performance in not only academics, but also for collaborative behaviors that are key to success in professional environments.

- Two Hull residents graduated from the University of New Hampshire in December 2022. Shea Burke graduated cum laude with a bachelor’s degree in Environmental Sciences-Ecosystems.

She also earned High Honors for the fall 2022 semester. Olivia Hutchinson graduated with a bachelor’s degree in Psychology.

- Faye Lofgren, a Health Science/Pre-PT major at Springfield College, was named to the Dean’s List for academic excellence for the fall 2022 semester. Students must have completed 12 credits and maintained a 3.5 grade point average for the semester to qualify.

- Ellie Hoffmeister, a student at Lehigh University, was named to the Dean’s List for the fall 2022 semester. The status is granted to students who earned a scholastic average of 3.6 or better, while carrying 12 hours of regularly graded courses.

- Ornela Kotoni was named to the Plymouth State University President’s List for the fall 2022 semester. Full-time undergraduate students who maintain a GPA of 3.70 or higher and earn 12 credits during the semester are eligible for the President’s List.

- Nikolas Prestia, a Biology major at Plymouth State University, was named to the Dean’s List for the fall 2022 semester. Students must achieve a GPA of between 3.5 and 3.69 for the semester and take at least 12 credits to qualify.

- Sophia Tremblay, a Psychology major at Plymouth State University, was named to the President’s List for the fall 2022 semester. To make the list, students must achieve a GPA of 3.7 or better and have attempted at least 12 credit hours during the semester.

- Geoff Hewett, a Cell Biology/Biochemistry major was named to the Dean’s List for outstanding academic achievement at Bucknell University for the fall 2022 semester. A student must earn a GPA of 3.5 or higher to make the Dean’s List.

- Joseph O’Loughlin, who attends the University of New Hampshire, earned Highest Honors on the university’s Dean’s List for the fall 2022 semester. Highest Honors go to full-time students who maintained a GPA of 3.85 or better during the semester.

- Two Hull students were named to the Dean’s List at the College of the Holy Cross for the fall 2022 semester. Jaren Minucci, class of 2023, and Elise Ryan, class of 2025, both earned honors. Students must pass four or more letter-graded courses and maintain a GPA of 3.5 or higher to be eligible.

- Brandon P. Dang earned a Bachelor of Science Magna Cum Laude in Computer Networks and Cybersecurity from the University of Maryland Global Campus in fall of 2022. Dang was one of more than 7,600 students worldwide to earn a degree from the exclusively online college.

- Caitlin E. Canavan, a junior history major at St. Michael’s College, was named to the Dean’s List for the fall 2022 semester. Students must complete a minimum of 12 credits and maintain a semester GPA of 3.5 or higher to qualify for the Dean’s List.

- Katherine Seabury was named to the fall 2022 semester Dean’s List at the University of New England. In order to be eligible, students must maintain a semester GPA of 3.3 or better.

- Worcester Polytechnic Institute has announced that Stephen Fanning, a computer science major in the class of 2024, has been named to the Dean’s List for academic excellence for the fall 2022 semester.

- Brian Saniuk was named to the University of Rhode Island’s Dean’s List for the fall 2022 semester. Students must take at least 12 credits and maintain a 3.3 grade point average for the semester to receive the honors.

- Paul McDonald was named to the Dean’s List for fall 2022 at Endicott College, where he majors in Sport Management. Students must obtain a semester GPA of 3.5, receive no letter grades below a C, and take a minimum of 12 credits in order to qualify for the Dean’s List.

If you have news about Hull residents to share – birthdays, anniversaries, career and education achievements, weddings, births, and other milestones – send your information to us at news@hulltimes.com. If you include a photo, please be sure that everyone in the image is identified. Thank you!

Consultant selected to lead town manager search

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By Carol Britton Meyer

Community Paradigm Associates came out on top following lengthy interviews Wednesday by the select board as it sought to hire a consultant to search for a new town manager.

Bernard lynch of community Paradigm Associates.

The principals from Paradigm and Groux-White Consulting, LLC presented overviews of why they thought their firm was right for the job.

While the vote at the end of the interviews was unanimous, the board agreed that either firm would have been a good choice.

Bernard Lynch made the presentation for Plymouth-based Paradigm, noting that the firm was founded in 2014 and has conducted more than 90 town manager and town administrator searches and 30-plus more for other positions.

“We have a good handle on the marketplace,” he said. “We have a good process that we have fine-tuned over time. We customize it as needed to the communities we are working with and what they need to be successful in finding the best possible candidates for this position. We cast a broad net.”

Others involved are Peter Morin, the former Norwell town administrator and another principal of the firm, and Sharon Flaherty, who does research and interviews candidates and community members.

PETER MORIN, FORMER TOWN Administrator IN NORWELL.

Lynch described the comprehensive network of potential candidates that Paradigm has access to and explained the process.

“It’s not just about placing ads. We want to know exactly what you want and need in the next town manager,” he said.

Other components include working with a soon-to-be-created screening committee, advertising statewide and beyond for the position, and interviewing town staff and conducting an online survey for community members as steps leading up to developing a list of candidates.

“We will also work with the select board on questions to ask candidates and assessment tools to guide them through the process and help in whatever ways we can to help the town make the right decision,” Lynch said. “Our process works successfully.”

The biggest challenge, he explained is the lack of candidates, although there are signs of that situation “loosening up.”

A particular challenge in finding a replacement for Lemnios, Lynch said, is that “Hull’s location is wonderful, but the geography can make it challenging to get to for potential candidates who would be commuting.”

Lemnios brought up the issue of residency requirements, and Lynch explained that several communities that had such criteria have eliminated or are considering eliminating it.

“It can be more difficult to attract candidates with such a requirement in place,” because making the move to another town can place a burden on the new town manager and his or her family.

Morin knows the town well and has worked with Lemnios.

“Hull has benefitted from its reputation for being well-managed,” he said. “Phil is very well regarded and was my mentor when I started in Norwell. Being able to retain skilled and reputable town managers for decades speaks well for Hull and will attract many candidates during this turbulent era of town government.”

A contract will be ready for the select board to sign at their Feb. 15 meeting.

Richard White, representing Groux-White, outlined what he saw as the benefits of the town hiring his firm, including the “unique approach” of offering an 18-month guarantee for communities and town managers that don’t turn out to be a good fit, his involvement in every interview, the firm’s experience in working with coastal communities, and other considerations.

Board members noted that they liked White’s hands-on approach but that a deciding factor was the smaller size of the Groux-White firm.

The board chose Paradigm because of the availability of more staff and the firm seemed like a “better-seasoned operation and more professional,” board member Donna Pursel said.

When asked prior to the vote for his input, Lemnios said he felt that both firms would serve the town well.

“I won’t make a recommendation, because it wouldn’t be appropriate,” he said.

Board charts course for replacing Lemnios after 25 years in Hull’s top job

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By Carol Britton Meyer

Prior to conducting Zoom interviews Wednesday night with two consulting firms to search for a new town manager, the select board met to discuss its goals for the process. Current Town Manager Philip Lemnios is retiring in June after 25 years.

Town Manager Philip Lemnios plans to retire in June.

The principals of Community Paradigm Associates and Groux-White Consulting, LLC were interviewed separately during a 2-1/2-hour meeting. Both have extensive experience in town manager searches. (See related story.)

The board received copies of each firm’s proposals in January so had ample time to review them and develop questions. Neither firm has worked in Hull.

“The last search was for the police chief position,” Lemnios said. He added that in talking with people knowledgeable about searches, he learned the number of candidates available for this type of position “is not as robust as it was 10 years or so ago.”

Lemnios noted that some potential candidates might prefer working for “larger communities with a different demographic or a larger footprint.” Others might prefer working within a small-town government.

This is an opportunity to “step back and think about the position and the skill sets you will want in the next town manager,” he said, noting that “the town manager’s office will be [set up] differently if town meeting approves the hiring of an assistant town manager.”

Donna Pursel acted as chair in the absence of Jennifer Constable. Board members had done their homework in preparation for the interviews. Pursel spoke to a town official in Sudbury and the select board chair in Middleborough, one of which had engaged the services of Paradigm and the other of Groux-White for executive searches, and both were satisfied with the results.

“Both said that hiring a consultant made the process much easier for them,” she reported.

Lemnios noted that both firms have been in business for at least 10 years and that both proposals that were submitted were “very similar.” That’s not surprising, he said, “since there’s not a lot of variation on the theme with this kind of search.”

Both firms would be able to provide services in the $11,000 to $13,000 price range during what is estimated to be a 15-week process.

“We are in a unique situation – fortunate to have had our town manager for 25 years,” Pursel said. “He met the charge and objectives set forth when he was hired, and this is kind of a clean slate.”

DCR-area upgrades to complement creation of improvement district

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By Carol Britton Meyer

The Economic Development Committee continues its work to establish the Nantasket Business Improvement District in partnership with the Department of Conservation & Recreation.

A BID is a special assessment district in which property owners vote to initiate, manage, and finance supplemental services or enhancements beyond those provided by local government.

The goal is to improve a specific commercial area by attracting shoppers, diners, customers, and other businesses to the area, and involvement of the DCR is essential for the process to move forward.

The town was earlier awarded a $15,000 Massachusetts Downtown Initiative Grant, which pays for a consultant who works with the town to explore the possibility of creating a BID, which can provide a sustainable funding source for the revitalization and long-term maintenance of downtown areas and town centers.

In the coming weeks, town staff and the consultant will meet with district businesses and property owners for a status update on the BID process, Select Board Chair Jennifer Constable, who also chairs the EDC, told The Hull Times.

“Most notably, the town is finalizing a partnership agreement with DCR to expend a $250,000 earmark for economic development specifically for immediate improvements to the Nantasket Beach boardwalk area, including replacing and improving street furniture, signage, picnic tables, water bubblers, and benches,” she said, referencing funds designated for Hull in the federal American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA).

This agreement will also establish a collaborative working group, annual work plan, and quarterly meetings.

“The long-sought-after agreement is an exciting next step in building collaboration between the town and DCR to advance improvements in the shared district for the benefit of the entire community,” Constable said.

Hull's BID participants will be asked to submit their desired district improvements in order to establish a budget to inform and create the BID petition, which will be presented for adoption.

The EDC also voted to support the work of the affordable housing committee and submission of an application to the Citizens Housing & Planning Association’s Municipal Engagement Initiative to begin the discussion of affordable housing options in Hull.

In addition, the EDC will be discussing a potential lighting project in town, as well as a marketing campaign consistent with the town’s Local Rapid Recovery Plan, according to Constable.

The won a $30,000 LRRP grant to identify actions that will help communities recover economic losses from the pandemic and provides participating communities with short-, medium-, and long-term recovery goals and actions for moving forward.

The creation of a BID in Hull was among the recommendations in the resulting LRRP report, which also included a focus on parking management and marketing and branding, which the EDC has set as a priority.

“These are the areas we heard the most concerns about from businesses in the proposed BID area,” Constable said earlier.

The EDC plans to make routine improvements to the ArtWalk and Art Garden so that both may continue to be enjoyed by visitors and residents.

“Special thanks to Bill Smyth, Steve Greenberg, and Jim Pitrolo for their commitment to maintaining both spaces,” Constable said.

Under BID status, a special assessment, or common area fee, is levied only on property located within an approved district. The assessments are collected and expended within the district for a range of services and programs, including improving a downtown business area or town center, public relations and marketing, public safety and capital improvements, and special events.

A BID must be a contiguous geographic area in which at least 75 percent of the land is zoned or used for commercial, retail, industrial, or mixed uses. Boston's Downtown Crossing is an example of a BID within a large city.

The LRRP recommendations correlate with the town's Unified Work Plan – approved earlier by the select board as a flexible, “living document” – that integrates eight earlier plans and studies focused on the revitalization of the front beach area and offers a strategy for short- and long-term implementation.