October 7, 2020 by Carol Britton Meyer
Selectmen Chair Mary Power started off last night's remote meeting with a moment of silence for former Selectman Edna English, who passed on last Friday.
English served on the Board of Selectmen for six years -- only the second woman to do so at that time, among other town committee positions that she held.
"Hingham has lost one of its most dedicated public servants. . . .," Power said in part. "She set an example for civil discourse in the community and was gracious to everyone. She realized that citizens could disagree without being disagreeable."
In last night's business:
* Selectman Joseph Fisher has received numerous emails from citizens expressing concerns about proposed MBTA cost-cutting measures that could impact Hingham/Hull ferry, commuter rail, bus, and subway service. "This is troubling, because such cuts could adversely impact Hingham residents, businesses, and our neighbors in surrounding communities as well as affect the environment," he said.
Financial difficulties and dwindling ridership due in large part to the pandemic are the reasons behind the proposed cuts.
Fisher spoke recently with Rep. Joan Meschino, who is coordinating efforts with Sen. Patrick O'Connor to address the issue.
* Power expressed deep concern about what she called "a very unfortunate incident that occurred last Saturday night" involving individuals having a bonfire on one of the South Shore Country Club greens. "Wood remnants left there caused damage to one of the greens, which had to be closed," she said.
Due to the pandemic, Power noted, SSCC is struggling like many other golf courses and other outdoor facilities, and now has to come up with the funds to repair the damage.
"The police were notified, but I have to say that for a community that prides itself on looking out for one another and taking care of our town, I don't think these actions reflect what we are as a community," she said.
The SSCC is one of the few outdoor places that people can enjoy this fall -- due to COVID-19 -- and it would be a "shame" if members of the community were unable to use this facility due to some bad choices by some individuals," Power said. "This isn't who we are as a community, folks."
* Town Administrator Tom Mayo announced that the Hingham Fire Department was awarded a $22,000 grant to update the town's hazard mitigation plan.
Hazard mitigation is ongoing action taken to reduce or eliminate long-term risk to people and property resulting from hazards and disasters.
* The town is seeking Massachusetts School Building Authority funds for repairs to Plymouth River School. More details will be available at a future date.
Re Bonfire, Was their any mention or concern about the danger of such a thing – no matter where, during the on going drought?