Dune paths don’t seem as well maintained this year? There’s a reason for that…

By Chris Krahforst, Director

Hull Climate Adaptation and Conservation Department

Summer is upon us and many of you may have noticed that the town-maintained pedestrian paths through the dune to Nantasket Beach are not maintained to a state of repair that is typical for this time of year.

Maintenance of these paths requires a Wetlands Protection Act (WPA) permit. This is because barrier beaches (which is what most of Hull is located on) include natural resources (specifically here are coastal dunes and a coastal beach) that have important and desirable public interests which the Act specifically protects.

DUNE JUST FINE. This image from the town’s 2020 assessment of dune crossings shows the different types that exist along Nantasket Beach.

For dunes these “interests” (that’s the word that the regulations use) are the protection they provide to residents who live in the floodplain; dunes provide storm damage protection (blocking the ocean from surging onto adjacent properties) and help to control flood waters from reaching the low-lying areas that are beyond the dune and further behind these immediate homes along Beach Avenue.

Further, these dunes and the beach also provide important habitat, particularly for the piping plover (PPL). PPL are listed as threatened on both the Massachusetts and federal endangered species lists and thus are afforded extra protection by law. Each year, the town contracts with Mass Audubon’s Coastal Waterbird Program to help monitor PPL activity on the beach as a protective measure and as recommended by state guidelines in managing PPL on coastal beaches in Massachusetts.

However, the town’s WPA permit for path maintenance has expired. A new Notice of Intent for path maintenance was submitted in March by the Department of Public Works and is still currently before the conservation commission for permitting. This permit will require all path maintenance work to be completed before the official PPL season. As of to date, we are still in the process of meeting the requirements and answering concerns about this project with the Commonwealth’s Division of Fish and Wildlife’s Natural Heritage and Endangered Species Program (NHESP). (Sorry about all the acronyms!)

NHESP is concerned about the number of paths through this dune and the habitat fragmentation to which these paths contribute. As of 2020, there were 69 established crossings through the dune; 33 town-maintained paths are currently being considered for a WPA permit. These permits are good for three years and, after that period, may be extended for additional three-year periods upon request to the commission. It should be noted that DCR also must permit these types of activities on their portion of the beach. The agency currently has a valid WPA permit.

As you may be aware, we are well into PPL season (begins April 1 and extends to last day of August). Thus, even if there was an existing and valid WPA permit for the town to maintain these paths, we would be in the period now where no maintenance work would be performed; a condition that NHESP has required in the past, and most likely would include in this new permit.

For more information regarding this project please feel free to reach out to the Climate Adaptation & Conservation Department or listen in on the continued hearings on this matter before the conservation commission. We expect this matter to be continued to the June 25 conservation commission evening meeting. The commission’s agendas are posted in advance on the calendar page of the town’s website, www.town.hull.ma.us.

One last note, fireworks use by residents is illegal. Last year, there was a PPL taking cited by NHESP because of fireworks on North Nantasket Beach. A taking, under the Massachusetts Endangered Species Act is defined as “to harass, harm, pursue, hunt, shoot, wound, kill, trap, capture, or collect, or to attempt to engage in any such conduct.” The Commonwealth is focusing on areas where fireworks are an issue for PPL in Massachusetts. Thus, the town is currently under a good deal of scrutiny because of this incident and the fireworks activity that occurs on Nantasket Beach.

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Company to distribute bottled water in response to complaints of discolored water

As a follow-up to yesterday’s updates about the discolored water situation, we’re providing additional guidance below to common questions.  We understand your frustration, apologize for the inconvenience, and greatly appreciate everyone’s patience as our teams work to address the issue.  

The Weir River Water System is aware of and tracking the affected areas.  Please do not contact Hingham or Hull emergency management teams about this issue.  Please continue to reach out to WRWS at wrcs@veolia.com, operations@weirriverwater.com, or 877-253-6665. 

How are we addressing the issue?

WRWS crews continue to strategically flush hydrants to remove the bulk of the discolored water from the water mains.  The situation is improving in many areas.

Is the water safe to use and drink?

Our water was tested as recently as Wednesday and it passes MassDEP's Drinking Water Standards.  WRWS tests the distribution system weekly for total coliform bacteria in accordance with MassDEP requirements for safe drinking water. Our most recent samples taken on June 19th were all absent of total coliform bacteria.  

Although MassDEP has not identified a safety issue, we understand residents' concerns about using water if it continues to be discolored. We are in the process of procuring bottled water (gallon size if possible) to make available for distribution in Hingham and Hull. We will update the public on this later today. Please note that we do not recommend that people use discolored water for baby formula due to the potential for increased manganese.  Manganese levels in water coming from the treatment plant are well below MassDEP standards, but the tinted water color that people are seeing in their home service is mostly due to the mineral sediment (iron and manganese) in water mains that was stirred up by recent events. If your water continues to be discolored, we recommend taking the steps identified below.

How can I clear the discolored water from my house?

Although water delivered by WRWS may be getting clear, there could be sediment in your house pipes that continues to cause discoloration. After 5pm today, we recommend that residents who are still experiencing discolored water do the following in this particular order:

1.       Run an outdoor spigot until that water runs clear. Turn off.

2.       Run the cold faucet only in your tub until that water runs clear. Turn off.

3.       Run the cold water in remaining faucets around your house after the tub faucet cleared.  Turn off.

4.       Once your cold water is clear, run the hot faucet only in the tub to clear the hot water.  Turn off.

My clothes got stained in the laundry due to the discolored water. What can I do?

WRWS has a product called “Iron Out” that residents can use clean water-stained clothes.  Please email operations@weirriverwater.com with the subject “Iron Out” to request a bottle. 

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Public invited to ‘say goodbye’ to Memorial Middle School

The Hull School Committee will hold a commemorative event in the Memorial Middle School lobby on Monday, June 24 at 6:30 p.m. as the building will no longer be used as by the school department as it prepares to consolidate its grades into two buildings in the fall.

The event is billed as “as way for the community to come together to commemorate the school’s history, share memories, and say goodbye.” Town Manager Jennifer Constable, state Rep. Joan Meschino, and former select board chair and school building committee Chair John Reilly are expected to attend. Diane Walsh, who retired this year after working 40 years in the school lunch program, also will be honored.

The public is invited to attend; the school committee has a meeting scheduled in the building immediately following the event.

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Town to pay former superintendent $700K to settle wrongful termination lawsuit

By Christopher Haraden

The town has agreed to pay former Hull Public Schools Superintendent Michael Devine $700,000 to settle a lawsuit that alleged wrongful termination, defamation, and civil rights violations, among other charges.

The unanimous vote to fire Devine came in 2020 after the school committee learned that he had sent suggestive text messages to a 21-year-old former student. According to court documents, the man, who was living in Florida, threatened to “go public” about the situation unless Devine resigned; he also contacted other administrators to alert them about the texts he received from the superintendent, who had previously served as the high school principal.

The school department conducted an investigation and replaced Devine, who had been appointed superintendent in 2017, with current Superintendent Judith Kuehn, who is retiring later this month.

In 2021, Devine filed a $5-million suit against the town, the school committee, and individual members David Twombly, Stephanie Peters, Jennifer Fleming, Lucas Patenaude, and Eric Hipp, alleging discrimination based on his sexual orientation, civil rights violations, breach of contract, defamation, and economic and emotional damages.

Click here to read the full text of the settlement agreement

Click here to read the full text of the Devine v. Town of Hull lawsuit

On May 29 of this year, in the middle of the second day of testimony in front of a Boston jury, the parties told Judge Patti B. Saris that a settlement had been reached. The terms were finalized this week; in addition to the monetary damages, the school department agreed to issue a statement thanking Devine “for his years of honorable public service” and to write him a letter of recommendation for future employment.

Of the $700,000 that will be paid to Devine within the next 30 days, $300,000 is covered by the town’s insurance policy, while the school department will pay $250,000 and the town’s general fund will contribute $150,000. Neither party admitted any wrongdoing and each agreed to pay its own legal fees.

After receiving a copy of the settlement agreement late Wednesday afternoon, the Times reached out to Kuehn, Twombly, Town Manager Jennifer Constable, and select board Chair Irwin Nesoff about the source of the $400,000 that the town and school department must pay. It is unclear whether the settlement payout was anticipated in the current budget or if cuts will be made to accommodate the payment. None responded by the Times’ print deadline.

Also on Wednesday, the school department sent an unsigned email to parents with the statement that the parties had “resolved their differences to the satisfaction of both sides regarding the termination of Michael Devine.” The message indicated that the town “thanks Michael Devine for his years of honorable public service … and wishes him well on his future endeavors.” A similar message is contained in a three-paragraph letter of recommendation signed by Twombly that is part of the settlement.

In court last month, the school department’s attorney argued that Devine’s termination was not discriminatory but resulted from the superintendent’s “texting with a student who looked up to him as a father figure and who he knew had significant mental health issues.” Court documents indicated that Devine admitted that his behavior had “crossed the line.”

Devine’s attorney alleged that his “sexual orientation was a deciding factor in his termination,” and that texts with a 21-year-old adult are not under the jurisdiction of the school committee. His attorney said that the school committee had labeled Devine a “groomer” because he knew the former student from his time as Hull High principal.

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Paying tribute to one of Hull's favorite lunch ladies after 40 years of service...

SCHOOL’S OUT. Diane Walsh has been a familiar face in Hull’s school cafeterias for the past 40 years, and now that the Memorial Middle School is closing, she has decided to retire. Generations of Hull kids have fond memories of seeing Diane on daily basis, and today she can’t go anywhere in town without being immediately recognized. Hearing someone say, ‘I remember you — you fed me all through school!’ continues to make her smile. She will be missed, and the whole community wishes her a happy and healthy retirement! [Skip Tull photo]

Schools hire lone finalist, Robert Shaw, as new principal of Hull High

By Carol Britton Meyer

The former principal of North Quincy High School and current leader of a Massachusetts virtual high school has been hired as the new principal of Hull High School.

robert Shaw, who has been hired as hull high’s new principal, participated in community meetings in Hull last week.

Robert Shaw signed a contract on Monday, June 10 to replace Michael Knybel, who recently announced his resignation prior to the expiration of his contract. Shaw was one of 15 applicants for the position and the only finalist remaining after one candidate was ruled out and another withdrew.

Superintendent of Schools Judith Kuehn, who is retiring at the end of the school year, announced that Shaw had been chosen at this week’s school committee meeting, calling it “extremely exciting news for the future of the Hull Public Schools.”

Kuehn and incoming Superintendent of Schools Michael Jette met with Shaw last week about the position, and Shaw notified them over the weekend of his interest in becoming the next HHS principal. Shaw had participated in community forums last week, in which he met with parents, staff, and community members.

“He is comfortable with our leadership team, and [I‘m pleased to be] leaving [HHS] in good shape,” Kuehn said.

Shaw, who held a number of positions in North Quincy, is currently the high school principal at The Education Cooperative Connections Academy in Walpole, a tuition-free Massachusetts online public school offering a kindergarten through Grade 12 curriculum.

Shaw has a background as an English teacher at North Quincy High School for 10 years at the beginning of his career and later, as NQH’s assistant principal and principal.

Shaw and Jette will meet with staff on June 17.

“I haven’t met [Shaw] yet, but I’ve heard very good things about him,” school committee Chair David Twombly said. “He’s all about the students and having good relationships with the staff.”

Committee member Liliana Hedrick gave a “big shout-out to the search committee” for its role in the process.

Due to the tight timeframe for hiring a new principal so close to the end of the school year, Kuehn and the school committee said they are relieved that her backup plan to move forward with an interim principal if a suitable candidate was not found – and then go through the search process again next year – was not necessary.

Before Shaw accepted the position, he was scheduled to participate in a Hingham Public Schools virtual community forum on Wednesday, June 12, as one of the two finalists in the search for a new Hingham High School. The other finalist, Alan Strauss, was interviewed on Tuesday, June 11, but no hiring decision had been made by the Times’ deadline.

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Town asks HRA for $150K to close funding gap for Fort Revere tower restoration

By Dolores Sauca Lorusso

The town manager has formally requested that the Hull Redevelopment Authority contribute $150,000 to restore the historic Fort Revere water tower, and will meet with the authority next week to discuss the cost-gap funding with the authority.

The project was first put out to bid in early 2023, and estimates for the work were higher than available funds, leading the town to request additional funding at special town meeting in fall 2023. The additional money was not approved.

Town Manager Jennifer Constable and Town Planner Chris DiIorio will meet in person with the HRA at the Memorial Middle School on Monday, June 17.

After years of deterioration, the crumbling structure, which offers sweeping views of Boston Harbor from its observation deck, was ordered closed by the town the winter of 2012 after an engineer advised that it was no longer safe for visitors to climb.

In their letter to the HRA requesting funding for the tower project, Constable and DiIorio said “the community has been active in advocating for the tower to be revitalized for years and is excited to have it restored to its original condition.”

The Fort Revere water tower is included on the National and State Register of Historic Places and is located on one of the points of the star-shaped Fort Independence (1778) and dates from 1903. It is the earliest known use of reinforced concrete for a water tower in the nation.

The initial estimate for the rehabilitation of the tower ranged from $1.5 to $1.7 million. The May 2022 town meeting approved $2.2 million for the project. In the meantime, the cost – reflected in the three latest bids – had increased to an estimated $2.5 to $3 million.

The project scope was revised and put out to bid for a second time in early 2024, and the low bid received in March was $2.35 million, leaving the $150,000 gap in funding being requested of the HRA.

The tower rehabilitation includes concrete and masonry repairs, replacement of existing concrete observation platform, restoration of existing windows, replacement of existing concrete stairs with new metal stairs, replacement of existing interior and exterior lighting, replacement of existing slate roofing; new high performance coatings of exterior walls, and new traffic coating on observation deck, new exterior ornamental fence around tower base, and replacement of concrete sidewalks.

Gisela Voss, of Hampton Circle suggested that the HRA do something creative to raise funds for the water tower project, like matching dollar-for-dollar whatever is raised up to $150,000.

Voss also was interested to learn if the $2.3 million includes any set-aside funds, such as 10% of the total, for maintenance and upkeep. In addition, she expressed the desire to find out the state’s plans for the property and how they work with the town’s plans. The Department of Conservation and Recreation owns some of the bunkers, while the town owns other parts of the property, including the tower.

At its meeting on June 3, HRA members compiled a list of questions to send to Constable and DiIorio in advance of June 17 so they would be prepared with the answers. The hope is the board would be able to vote on whether to provide the funding to the tower rehabilitation at their meeting on Monday night at 6 p.m.

HRA Chair Dennis Zaia  said he was interested in the bigger picture for the tower, and wants to know whether the town is seeking funding besides Community Preservation Act money.

“What doesn’t get done if they don’t raise the other $150,000 for the project; does it kill the project?” HRA member Bartley Kelly asked. “I am all for preserving things, but what is the end game…I want to be a good steward of the HRA money and the town. It is a double-edged sword because the town did vote to preserve it and a lot of people want to spend the money. If we cut the $150,000, where does that leave us?”

HRA member Joan Senatore said at special town meeting in August 2023, DiIorio was asked about whether the town sought other grant money. Senatore said from her memory DiIorio said there wasn’t much out there; “it was like $100,000.”

“If there was $100,000 out there and they got it, that would reduce it to $50,000. I think we would be more of a partner if they exhausted other grant monies and not just expect us to foot the whole $150,000 gap,” said Senatore. “What changed the scope, what are we getting for the 2.3? If we don’t give them the $150,000, does it kill the project, or slice off one of the pieces of the scope of the work?”

The HRA’s Dan Kernan asked about whether timing was a factor in the town’s request.

“What is the goal? Are they going to fix it up and continue to have funding to maintain it and keep it…what are they thinking of doing with it, because I think that is a big part of whether we (HRA) support it or not,” said Kernan. “The whole town should know what they want to do with it.”

“This current requested donation for $150,000 will be applied toward actual construction repairs to the tower, which will assist Hull to meet its legal obligation as the owner of the tower,” said Patrick Finn, who lives near the fort and supports its restoration. “We have been trying to prioritize this project for years. We’re responsible for it. Let’s fix it. It’s worth every penny. Not doing so would open the town p to liability.”

“I love this conversation, because I think it is incredibly relevant because in my historical commission hat, we have begun to look at this in a townwide perspective.,” said Hull Historical Commission member Steven Greenberg. “Tonight, I was just working with a list of the 25 of the most historic sites in the town because there are many sites and many of them are in disrepair and will require money.”

“It was very exciting at town meeting to hear [the] town manager talk about a capital stabilization fund. Most importantly I think that the HRA might be the one that rescues this at this time but could also be the one that initiates the long-term planning and the incentive to move us forward as a community, not just as a reactive community, but as a proactive community… to do a comprehensive look at all of this,” Greenberg said.

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Historic MA military group’s change-of-command ceremony features a local connection

On Monday, June 3, Governor Maura Healey participated in the change-of-command ceremony for the Ancient and Honorable Artillery Company – a centuries-old tradition on Boston Common that took on a uniquely local flavor this year, as both the outgoing and incoming commanding officers are Hullonians.

THE HULL CONNECTION. Incoming Captain Commanding Michael Fish, left, and outgoing commanding officer Tim Haraden of the Ancient and Honorable Artillery Company took a moment from the change-of-command ceremony in Boston to pose with the statue of another veteran who spent time in Hull, President John F. Kennedy. At right, Haraden accompanies Governor Maura Healey across Boston Common. [Photos by Barton Hyte and Kirsten Haraden]

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The Ancient and Honorable Artillery Company of Massachusetts is the oldest chartered military organization in the Western Hemisphere. Its charter was granted in March 1638 by the Great and General Court of Massachusetts Bay and signed by Governor John Winthrop.

On the first Monday in June each year, company members march from historic Faneuil Hall to the Common, where they conduct the change-of-command ceremonies, followed by a church service in honor of the fallen, and a banquet to mark the occasion. In keeping with tradition, military units conducted a pass-and-review in front of the governor, visiting dignitaries, and a traditional salute from howitzers by the 101st Field Artillery.

This year, 315th Captain Commanding Timothy Haraden turned over leadership of the 700+ member organization to incoming Captain Michael A. Fish. Both men currently live in Hull.

In addition to Haraden, outgoing officers included  Lt. Stephen Colella of Wakefield and Lt. Michael Wabrek of Amesbury. Incoming officers are Fish, Lt. John Damiano of Braintree and Lt. Robert Collins of Melrose.

Since 1746, the Ancients have been headquartered at Faneuil Hall in Boston, and maintain a unique military history museum and library on the top floor of the historic building. Relics of every war in which the country has been involved in are featured in the museum. According to a history of the organization, “Members of the Ancient and Honorable Artillery Company have served in every battlefield from Bunker Hill to Yorktown, the War of 1812 and the Civil War, both World Wars, Korea, Vietnam, Desert Strom, and Afghanistan. Its members still serve at home and abroad today.”

The biggest event of each year is the Fall Field Day Tour of Duty, generally a week-long goodwill trip. In the early years, this was a training period held after the harvest season (and formed the pattern of the two-week active duty training that the National Guard and reserve forces still use today). Eventually, these trips evolved to promote relationships between military units of different states and countries.

Haraden took the company to London during his leadership term, where members participated in a church service at St George’s chapel in Windsor Castle, followed by a parade through the city with the mayor – and the town crier – to lay a wreath at the home of the birthplace of the Ancients’ founder, the first captain commanding, Captain Robert Keayne. Members also held a banquet at the Palace of Windsor (more familiarly known as the House of Parliament) with members of Parliament, British and US military officers, and other dignitaries.

Fish had planned to take the company to Israel for a similar trip, but given recent world events, chose the alternate destination of New Orleans in the coming year.

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Reflections on tensions of past year provide a roadmap for incoming HHS principal

By Victoria Dolan

As the school year ended for Hull High on Thursday, tensions remained over impending transitions in the aftermath of Principal Michael Knybel’s resignation.

The Hull Public Schools recently announced that the district has hired Robert Shaw as principal to replace Knybel, who will resign at the end of the school year, prior to the expiration of his contract.

Shaw will enter into a school community seemingly at odds with itself.

“I feel like the parents are divided from the teachers and the administration,” said parent Mary Schultz.

Many parents and students celebrated Knybel’s accomplishments, and expressed disappointment and confusion at his resignation.

Junior Tallulla Clancy was “extremely sad and ashamed that Hull would let him go,” because Knybel was “always putting students first.” In an independent survey of more than a dozen students, many expressed similar sentiments of confusion over Knybel’s departure, given his advocacy for the student body.

A document outlining issues at the school obtained by the Times revealed possible causes behind Knybel’s resignation, and a path forward for Shaw.

Reportedly, Hull High teachers took a vote in which 90% of those participating indicated “no confidence” in Knybel’s ability to run the school. According to this document, the vote was based on allegations of racist and derogatory comments about staff, a failure to complete teacher evaluations and state-mandated drills, and the creation of a culture that pitted students, teachers, and parents against each other. The document was not signed.

The job Shaw has ahead is not easy, but it is crucial – in a time of transition, with a new superintendent, principal, and school configuration, stakeholders are craving change and unity. 

“We need to come together with teachers, administration, and parents having more open dialogue, and all have a voice that they feel are truly being listened to,” said parent Christine Murray, where “students are the focus of all three groups.”

Katherine Orpen, a just-graduated senior, hopes Shaw will build a connection with students while “advocating for both the teachers and the students when needed.”

“I’m hoping to see guidance, and I’m hoping to see leadership” from Shaw, said Schultz. “There has to be 100% transparency.”

Victoria Dolan is a 2024 graduate of Hull High School. This column reflects her viewpoint.

Expect delays, detours as work begins on Pemberton sewer pumping station

An 18-month project that will replace the sewer pumping station at Pemberton began this week. According to the sewer department, D & C Construction Inc. of Weymouth has started work on Pump Station No. 9 in the parking lot across Main Street from Hull High School. A staging area is being set up in the parking lot and by Monday, June 17, the company is expected to fence off most of the parking lot to the first exit.

Construction work on the $2 million, federally funded project is expected to take place between 7 a.m. and 5 p.m. on weekdays. Ferry parking and pedestrian routes will be affected. Commuters are asked to park along Main Street near the Hull Lifesaving Museum Boathouse; signage will direct cars and pedestrians around the construction area. At some point during the next year and a half, crews may need to perform work within the boundaries of Main Street.

Anyone with questions about the project or the detours can call the sewer department, 781-925-1207, or email sewer@town.hull.ma.us.

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