Dear Hingham Residents,
I hope this newsletter finds you well. This is a monthly update from my office that I hope will prove helpful for residents to stay informed. To receive this update and other important Town news via email, please subscribe to *Hingham General News and Announcements*. As always, please reach out with questions and feedback.
Goals for FY24, Q1 Review
The Select Board has defined the following as Goals for FY24 (July 1, 2023 – June 30, 2024). The Quarter 1 progress highlights are included below:
1. Build the Team
- 9 of 35 positions filled, including GIS Coordinator, Asst. Water Superintendent, Public Health Nurse
- Key position recruitment in progress, including Conservation Officer & Social Worker/Opioid Coordinator
- 13 individual employment contracts in FY24 – 2 done, 1 in progress, next due in February 2024
- Review hiring processes across Town departments with attention to merit, inclusiveness, and safety protocols
2. Drive Process Improvement
- Procurement software – OpenGov – Procured, in use
- Budgeting software – ClearGov – Procured, setup in progress
- CRM software – GoGov- Set up complete, soft rollout in progress, full rollout scheduled for mid-November.
- One-day liquor license process – Select Board delegated to Town Administrator for events under 200 attendees to facilitate a more efficient process; posted on web site
- Bathing Beach Community Room use policy – In process; ready in November 2023
3. Identify Revenue Opportunities
- Update fees – Gas, plumbing & electrical updated
- Economic Development plan – Initial plan started
- Engage w/ developers – Discussions ongoing
- Real Estate transfer fee – Ongoing regional, state-level engagement
- Access to MWRA water – Meetings w/ Weymouth, MWRA, Rockland, Norwell, Abington & Hanover
- Naming Bylaw policy – Draft posted for comment & discussion
4. Implement the Master Plan
- Master Plan – Plan presented in June. The Master Plan can be read in its entirety online. Hard copies are also available to view at Town Hall in the Select Board and Planning Board Offices, Hingham Public Library, and the Senior Center.
- Affordable Housing Trust Update – Presented in June
- Climate Action – Plan presented in July, Implementation Commission established
- Master Plan Implementation Committee – I’m pleased to serve as the Select Board liaison. Annual Master Plan Summit on December 6th, 2023, at 7:00 pm at Hingham Town Hall. The Summit gathers leaders from Town boards and committees to review Master Plan goals and progress to date with the goal of sharing accomplishments and priorities among town leaders. All Hingham residents are invited to hear the progress and how they can assist and participate in the future of Hingham.
5. Manage Large Capital Projects/Infrastructure
- Construction updates – New Elementary School & Public Safety Facility – both have presented to the Select Board and are under construction
- Center for Active Living (Senior Center) Feasibility Study – Select Board identified two sites for detailed study
- Harbor wharf walls – Consultant contracted to complete design & permitting; notice of Coastal Zone Management (CZM) grant award
- ADA Self Assessment – Final Draft for Select Board review
- 30 Summer St. acquisition – Assessment underway, discussion and potential vote at Select Board meeting on November 7th, 6PM.
Naming Bylaw Policy
As required under Bylaw Article 40, the Select Board will adopt a written policy regarding the additional procedures, specifications and standards to be followed by all boards, committees or departments as they relate to the naming of Public Lands, Public Buildings and/or areas or subareas of Public Lands or Public Buildings. With limited exceptions for ancillary buildings located in a campus on Public Lands, the Bylaw requires that recommendations for the naming of Public Buildings or Public Lands must be presented to and approved by Town Meeting. The naming of ancillary buildings on campuses and the naming of rooms, areas, and subareas within Public Buildings or associated with Public Lands is the responsibility of the board or committee with jurisdiction over the asset. This policy is to encompass the naming or renaming of any Public Building, Public Land, or areas or subareas within a Public Building, or areas or subareas associated with any Public Lands.
The Naming Bylaw Policy has been discussed at public meetings on 6/13, 9/26, 10/10, and 10/24 since Town Meeting. Please see the current draft. Thank you to all who submitted valuable feedback. The Naming Bylaw Policy will be discussed at the Select Board meeting on November 7th, 6PM.
ADA Self Assessment
- Measures ADA Title III compliance. This title relates to public access to town programs and facilities.
- Includes reports addressing program compliance, as well as compliance of our major buildings, schools, & recreation facilities.
- Explores a “program compliance” standard. That means that, overall, a program or facility provides accessibility.
- The Transition Plan provides a prioritized list of deficiencies to correct – and a tool to track fixes.
- The ADA Self Assessment and Transition Plan will be discussed at the Select Board meeting on November 7th, 6PM.
Upcoming Town Events
- Veterans Day Event: November 11th, 11 AM, Town Hall. All are invited.
- Annual Master Plan Summit: December 6th, 7 PM, Town Hall. Open to the public.
Please email me at kleinl@hingham-ma.gov with any comments or questions.
Best Regards,
Liz Klein
Select Board, Chair