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© 2025 The Hull Times. All rights reserved.
By Carol Britton Meyer
The New England Association of Schools and Colleges Commission on Public Schools awarded Hull High School continued accreditation in a December 10 letter to Principal Robert Shaw as part of the voluntary public school accreditation process, which occurs every 10 years. This news was an item on this week’s school committee agenda.
This follows a recent review of the First Report of Progress and Planning of Hull High School that is part of that process and last January’s NEASC accreditation.
A three-day NEASC visit to the high school in early 2023 was overall very positive, with recognition of the school’s strong sense of community.
“Maintaining NEASC accreditation affirms that Hull High School meets the highest educational standards and that our programs, teaching, and resources are aligned with the needs of 21st-century learners,” Shaw told The Hull Times in response to a follow-up email. “We continue to meet just about all of NEASC’s foundational elements and will prioritize the remaining element, which is related to the format of the written curriculum.”
Shaw expressed appreciation for the “continued hard work of the staff, students, and parents – all of whom play a vital role in fostering an environment of academic excellence and personal development.”
In the December 10 letter, the commission commended Hull High for its “well-developed advisory program, which helps students feel known and supported and provides them opportunities for community service and social-emotional learning;” the variety of opportunities for students to showcase their learning, both in and out of the classroom; the community partnerships that provide significant learning opportunities for students; the use of formative assessments across disciplines to inform instruction; and the “commitment to developing curriculum maps to ensure clear expectations for teaching and learning.”
Seven of the eight foundational elements included in the standards for accreditation have been met. The last one, a written curriculum developed in a consistent format for all courses in all departments across the school, has not yet been achieved.
All accredited schools are required to submit a three-year Report of Progress and Planning, which, in the case of HHS, is due on October 1, 2026. The submission of a revised HHS school growth/improvement plan is also required.
HHS’s accreditation status will be reviewed at the time the commission considers the three-year report.
In other HPS news, during recent visits to Jacobs, Memorial, and Hull High by Massachusetts School Building Authority staff, all three buildings were deemed to be in “above average” condition, the highest rating available.
The MSBA is required to conduct periodic school surveys to evaluate the conditions of public schools in Massachusetts and to inform the MSBA grant program.
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© 2024 The Hull Times. All rights reserved.
The town’s traditional bonfire – postponed from Thanksgiving Day because of the danger of outdoor burning in the unusually dry conditions – took place on Saturday, December 28, one month later than originally scheduled.
It was great to see so many Hullonians gathered to celebrate the community. Watch this week’s edition for more photos!
The pile of pallets used for the fire had been on the HRA land since Thanksgiving. The tradition began in the 1960s as a way to build on the community spirit of Hull High’s football rivalry with neighboring Cohasset. The first bonfires were held at the Dust Bowl playground at Pemberton and later moved to the HRA site after the land was cleared of homes and businesses in the 1970s.
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© 2024 The Hull Times. All rights reserved.
By Carol Britton Meyer
At the request of the Affordable Housing Committee, the select board last week approved a motion to direct the town to prioritize affordable housing and to investigate potential locations, with the goal of presenting “at least one property” for consideration at the May 5 annual town meeting.
the massachusetts Housing partnership compiles data on municipal housing trust funds and their relationship to the community preservation act. visit www.housingtoolbox.org for more information.
In addition, the AHC asked the board to support the creation of an affordable housing trust, which would allow more leeway in taking advantage of potential low- and moderate-income affordable housing opportunities that might come up in-between town meetings – also in time to include as a warrant article in the spring. The board was in support.
Such a trust would be linked to Hull’s Community Preservation Act funds, with about $500,000 currently available from the annual required 10% allocation of funds to the community housing category.
“Creating affordable housing is difficult, and we believe that creating a trust would help the town accomplish something that we haven't been able to do in many years,” AHC Chair Cynthia Koebert told the select board. “Other communities – including Hingham, Scituate, Cohasset, and Norwell – have trusts and are developing affordable housing as a result.”
Funding besides the CPA could come from charitable donations, grants, and other sources.
Trusts not funded through the town budget
“We’re talking about workforce housing, not public housing,” Koebert noted. “You need to have an income of $100,000 a year to afford a house [in the current market].”
Select board Chair Irwin Nesoff said that affordable housing trusts aren’t funded through the town budget.
“The primary source is CPA funds, grants, and fundraising,” he said. “If the town has surplus money, it could be allocated to the trust.”
Using CPA funds for affordable housing doesn’t take away funds from open space, recreation, and historic preservation projects, because the 10% annual requirement applies to these categories as well.
“The Community Preservation Committee has parked a lot of money [toward affordable housing] year after year, waiting for something like this to happen,” select board member Greg Grey said. “There’s close to $500,000 sitting there doing nothing, which gives us the trigger to be able to do something.”
Ultimately, the board unanimously approved moving forward with an eye toward an affordable housing trust warrant article for the May 5 town meeting. The AHC has applied for a grant to help establish such a trust if approval is gained.
The AHC also earlier asked the select board “to undertake due diligence to designate the parcel at N Street and Nantasket Avenue for disposition and redevelopment as affordable housing,” Koebert said.
This follows a grant-funded study by a consultant to identify town-owned parcels that might be appropriate for affordable housing. The AHC also received a municipal engagement grant for technical assistance in educating the community about “what affordable housing is and why it’s needed in Hull,” Koebert told the board.
While supportive of creating more affordable housing, there are a number of issues with the N Street and Nantasket Avenue location, board members noted.
“That spot will get more congested” once the town hall moves to the Memorial School, Grey noted, as it is sometimes used for parking for the L Street fields complex. The property is the site of the former Bayside Theater, which later became the Lighthouse Assembly of God church. It was acquired by the town with intention of building a new library.
Chair Irwin Nesoff recommended the board “look into what’s involved and potential other needs the town might have for that parcel.”
That parcel “is a bit of a blight,” Koebert said. “We also looked into possibly using another lot, but there are some title issues.”
Hull's affordable housing at a low 1.6%
She also noted that there are only one or two other towns of Hull’s size that have less than 2% affordable housing. Hull is currently at 1.6%. The state threshold is 10% affordable housing from among a community’s entire housing stock.
Earlier this year, the AHC introduced South Shore Habitat for Humanity staff to the select board as a possible connection for creating affordable housing in town.
“Habitat is still interested in building affordable home ownership housing but needs for the town to designate one or more parcels for this – which could then lead to an RFP [request for proposals],” Koebert said. “We’re trying to get our ducks lined up for the next town meeting so we don't miss an opportunity.”
Nesoff – who is the select board liaison to the AHC – thanked the committee for “the incredible amount of work and diligence you’ve put into this [effort]. It’s invaluable.”
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© 2024 The Hull Times. All rights reserved.
Compiled by The Hull Times staff
JANUARY
Sally Snowman retired as the first and last female keeper of Boston Light and as the last lighthouse keeper in the country. The next step would be a stewardship transfer of Boston Light under the National Historic Lighthouse Preservation Act of 2000, which provides a mechanism for the disposal of federally owned historic light stations that have been declared excess to the needs of the responsible agency, in this case, the Coast Guard.
Crews began work restoring the historic windows of the Paragon Carousel, which were removed and replaced by temporary plywood boards. The project was funded through a $70,000 grant from the town’s Community Preservation Act fund, and would be completed by spring.
The select board approved a memorandum of agreement between the Town of Hull and the Department of Conservation and Recreation. The agreement outlined the formation of a DCR-Town of Hull Working Group to collaborate on items of mutual interest, including an annual work plan for the care and management of the Nantasket Beach area.
The developer proposing a 40-foot, 132-unit project at the Paragon Boardwalk property presented a revised design to the planning board. It included changes in architecture, parking, and commercial spaces in response to concerns raised by residents. Designers added sloped roofs, a varied façade, clapboard siding, cornices, and window trim. Commercial space would increase from the previously proposed 7,000 square feet to 22,000 square feet, and would include an arcade and beer garden.
Following three hours of interviews with finalists, the school committee hired Michael Jette, then leader of the Litchfield, N.H., school district, as Hull’s next superintendent. Jette would replace superintendent Judith Kuehn, who would retire at the end of the school year.
Longtime Hull Town Counsel James Lampke announced his plans to retire before the end of the fiscal year. Lampke noted that it had been the honor and privilege of a lifetime to have served his hometown for more than 40 years.
Five citizen presenters answered follow-up questions on their proposals to the Hull Redevelopment Authority as HRA members continue to update the draft Urban Renewal Plan. Presenters included Erin Swenson Gorrall, Patrick Finn, Lenny Markowitz and team, Pam Wolfe, and Lisa French.
The Hull No Place for Hate Committee coordinated numerous local groups in a day of service to honor the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., including a food drive for Wellspring and a speaking program.
Waves topped the seawall and for many, the high surf from a January storm caused headaches as flooding inundated low-lying areas. Rocks and debris littered the streets and piled up in the parking lots all over Hull. The flooding that occurred on January 10 and 13 marked the seventh and fourth highest tides on record for Boston Harbor, bringing water to areas that typically don’t flood in winter storms.
The chilly water didn’t diminish the excitement of Wellspring’s Winter Warrior Games fundraiser, a renamed and expanded take on the Drowned Hogs annual swim at Nantasket Beach. Among the first groups to hit the water was a bag of Doritos waving a Pirate’s flag and a crew of skirted male cheerleaders.
In a 3-2 vote, the select board agreed to increase the number of parking spaces on the Hull Redevelopment Authority property from the current 500 to a maximum of 900 for the 2024 season. The original number of seasonal parking spots was 900, which was reduced in 2020 during the COVID19 pandemic, increased to 600 in 2021, and reduced again in 2023 to 500.
The select board interviewed two attorneys from the Clifford & Kenny law firm for the position of employment and labor law counsel and appointed them to replace Town Counsel James Lampke, whose retirement will be effective June 30. Town Manager Jennifer Constable explained that the town is moving to a legal model whereby a land-use counsel will also be appointed as well as a town counsel.
FEBRUARY
Extreme cold weather caused numerous water main breaks in the Weir River Water System, including on Kenberma and Arthur streets and Atlantic House Road.
Select board members voted to begin accepting applications for retail marijuana establishments in April. A meeting with an outside counsel was planned to determine whether the town’s bylaw needs to be amended.
The select board was notified that a 12-unit, four-story condominium complex with three units designated as affordable was proposed for a three-quarter-acre parcel of land behind the former Veterans of Foreign Wars post in the Rockaway Annex neighborhood. The developer would seek approval through the comprehensive permit process under Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 40B permit filed for the complex. Chapter 40B allows developers to circumvent a number of local zoning regulations in exchange for an affordable housing component.
THE RESIDENCES AT ROCKAWAY HAS BEEN PROPOSED FOR LAND BEHIND THE FORMER VFW POST in the ROCKAWAY ANNEX NEIGHBORHOOD.
The Hull Beach Management Committee requested a change of name to the Hull Beach Management Advisory Committee to clarify its role.
After “king tide” flooding inundated several neighborhoods in January, the town hosted a workshop to allow affected residents to connect and learn how to better prepare for future flooding.
The Hull Redevelopment Authority began the process of seeking proposals to operate its 900-car parking lot in the summer, with members deciding to move toward a system that uses an app for electronic payments instead of accepting cash.
Town Manager Jennifer Constable’s FY25 budget represented an increase of $2,596,531, or 5.46% over FY24’s $47.5M spending plan. Constable’s proposal would fund the schools at $17,854,77, an increase of $520,042, or 3% over the current year. A significant increase was projected for the law department, with an increase from $147,898 to $300,000 as town shifts away from an individual town counsel to a multi-firm model. Capital expenses included the movement of town offices, and possibly the senior center, into the Memorial Middle School. Revenues were expected to increase across the board, with an additional $1,295,340 coming from the tax levy, $71,394 in state aid, and $1,227,098 from increased local receipts such as excise taxes and fees.
The Hull Municipal Lighting Plant’s Hull Wind I at Windmill Point, which had not been producing power for several years, was taken down. The 23-year-old wind turbine needed a life-cycle overhaul that was deemed too expensive, given its age and the availability of parts, so crews weakened the base and the structure toppled toward the seawall behind the high school, where the crash caused some damage that would be paid for by the demolition firm. Meanwhile, at the other end of town, Hull Wind II remained offline, awaiting repairs to its computer system.
Residents crowded into the Hull High exhibition room as the planning board continued its hearing on the Paragon Dunes special permit application. Town officials and residents had raised concerns about the “wall effect” of the four-story, 132-unit building. The developer said the time constraints of purchasing the property and obtaining approval may prompt the company to walk away or pursue another alternative such as 40B affordable housing. The hearing would continue in March.
The proposed $17.9-million fiscal year 2025 Hull Public Schools budget represented a 3%, or $520,043, increase over the current year’s figure, with salaries comprising 76.79% of the overall budget. Changes in the budget included reductions of four full-time and two part-time positions. With the middle school’s closure, the principal’s position was eliminated and replaced with an intermediate assistant principal at the Jacobs School.
Jacobs Elementary School third-grade teacher Jessica Scott was appointed intermediate assistant principal. Scott would begin in her new role on July 1 alongside Principal Kyle Shaw and primary Assistant Principal Lindsey Rajan.
Members of the Hull PorchFest board delivered a check for $2,000 to the director and students of Hull High School’s choral and jazz bands. More than half that money was raised at the Hull PorchFest Revival, a make-up event held in place of the rained-out PorchFest 2023 at the C-Note music club in November.
MARCH
A week after threatening to walk away from purchasing the Paragon Boardwalk property, the developer presented revised plans with a view corridor to address concerns about the “wall effect” of the four-story building. The closing of the property sale was scheduled for April 30, and the developer required the planning board’s approval to complete the sale.
Hull’s primary election results had Joseph R. Biden topping the Democratic ballot and Donald J. Trump finishing first among Republicans. 2,920 Hull voters participated. A total of 1,547 voters took the Democratic ballot, while 1,354 Republican votes were cast. Nineteen people voted for Libertarian candidates. Biden received a total of 1,346 votes, while Dean Phillips earned 51 votes, and Marianne Williamson finished with 34. On the Republican ballot, Trump finished with 808 votes, Nikki Haley earned 508, Chris Christie took 9, Vivek Ramaswamy had 4, Ron DeSantis finished with 3, and Ryan Binkley received a single vote.
A meeting of the Affordable Housing Committee featured a presentation by a grant-funded consultant on town-owned properties that could be developed into affordable housing in cooperation with South Shore Habitat for Humanity. Town meeting authorization would be required before town-owned land could be used for this purpose. This was considered a high priority since more than 37% of Hull residents pay more than 30% of their income on housing, according to the town’s 2022 housing production plan.
Jury selection in the trial of the Hull police sergeant who was videotaped assaulting his elderly neighbor was delayed until April. Hull Police Sgt. Scott F. Saunders was arrested in Pembroke for assaulting his 72-year-old neighbor on July 24, 2023.
School committee member Ernest Minelli resigned from his position citing personal reasons, including health and wellness goals and spending more time with his children. He was reelected to the committee in 2023 for a second term that would have expired in 2026.
The Hull Redevelopment Authority began a series of presentations from its members on their visions for the HRA-owned property. Chair Dennis Zaia led the way with thoughts on housing, public safety, a shuttle bus network, art installations, a mobile stage, and event space. A common thread woven through all the presentations was the desire to improve on the current draft Urban Renewal Plan to create a “sense of place” and “identity” for the community. Not all five members were in agreement about the ideal mix of uses.
The school committee accepted a 20-year memorandum of agreement with the town that would allow some town services to move into Memorial Middle School once its grade consolidation plan is complete and the building is available for other purposes. The agreement was subject to obtaining funding for the town hall relocation and related costs of outfitting the building for town offices. The select board reviewed the proposed agreement, but stopped short of approving it due in part to concerns about the 20-year length of the license. Select board members agreed that the agreement should be changed to anywhere from 25 to 40 to 50 to 99 years, a message the town manager would relay to Superintendent of Schools Judith Kuehn.
The planning board voted 5-1 to approve the special permit for the Paragon Dunes development. Members of the public, as well as some board members, expressed concern about whether the decision was being rushed based on an April deadline for the developer to purchase the property. Planning board member Jeanne Paquin voted against the approval.
As part of reviewing the town’s marijuana regulations, the town hired outside counsel to clarify what was adopted at the 2018 town meeting related to banning the sale of recreational marijuana in Hull and related issues and to recommend bylaw amendments to clear up any confusion. Attorney Nicole Costanzo of KP Law presented virtually to the board a Hull cannabis bylaw update and proposed bylaw amendments to be considered at the May town meeting.
Consultants identified parcels on Gosnold Street, the land next to St. Nicholas Church on Spring Street, and the parking lot at XYZ Streets as vacant town-owned land potentially suitable for the development of affordable housing. This was a preliminary report and no conclusions were reached.
Crews resumed work on the Atlantic Avenue reconstruction project after a winter hiatus. During the next several months, project work would include installation of granite curbs, paving of sidewalks and the final road surface, installation of new signs, and line painting. The work was expected to be complete by July.
ASSISTANT TOWN MANAGER STACY CALLAHAN
Hull’s first assistant town manager was scheduled to begin work in April. Stacy Callahan, then Rockland’s human resources director, would spend roughly half of her time as human resources director and the other half as liaison to Hull’s community services departments for support and to work on special projects. Town Manager Jennifer Constable, previously the assistant town administrator in Rockland, and a consultant from Community Paradigm Associates interviewed the five finalists and were in agreement on all of the candidates.
The Hull Cultural Council held a reception at town hall to announce its grant awards for this cycle of funding. Grant awardees included Lisa Thornton of the Hull Council on Aging, Jon Belber of Friends of Holly Hill Farm, Tara Ashe of the Hull Nantasket Chamber of Commerce, Maureen Gillis of the Hull Lifesaving Museum, and Charles Shaffer of the Satuit Concert Band.
The Hull No Place for Hate Committee held its second Feast of Conversations at the high school. Featured speakers presented their methods of dealing with and resolving disputes in positive ways, focusing on respectful communication.
APRIL
The Paragon Carousel opened for season, featuring the Easter Bunny and an egg hunt on the carousel grounds.
The town appealed the state Department of Public Utilities’ recent denial of a request to investigate National Grid’s maintenance of the power lines that feed electricity to Hull. On November 1, 2021, Hull Light filed a petition to open an investigation on the way National Grid had been managing and maintaining the two electric lines that provide power to residents and businesses. The Massachusetts DPU dismissed the request on the grounds that such an investigation was not its responsibility.
SOS (Save Our Space) Hull, the community organization that opposes large-scale development on the Hull Redevelopment Authority property, launched an independent survey to gather opinions on the future uses of the land. Humans Not Consumers, a Hull-based ethical business consultancy, conducted the survey.
A total of 15 candidates met the final deadline to be placed on the May annual town election ballot, but there would be only three contested offices – municipal light board, planning board, and library trustee.
Plymouth County Commissioners presented an American Rescue Plan Act check for $595,000 to the select board toward the sewer department ocean outfall rehabilitation project that began in December. This was on top of additional ARPA funding of $986,803 last fall. The work involves extending diffusers above the ocean bottom and removing accumulated sand, gravel, and sea growth from the outfall pipeline.
The school committee accepted the revised version of a proposed memorandum of agreement with the town, including changes recently proposed by the select board, that would allow the town offices to move to Memorial School once the school consolidation plan is complete. The revised MOA changed the length of the lease from 20 to 30 years and the right to terminate timeframe from not less than 24 to not less than 36 months. The select board subsequently approved the signing of the agreement.
U.S. Air Force veteran Donald Kupperstein was congratulated by Hull American Legion Post 140 Senior Vice Commander Ken Walsh for his recognition by the State House for his unwavering support for veterans in Hull and on the South Shore by volunteering with those less fortunate with food distribution, transportation, and legal advice.
Director of Community Development and Planning Chris DiIorio stepped back from his role as consultant to the Hull Redevelopment Authority, stating that serving in both roles could become a conflict of interest as it gets closer to the point where the HRA will be coming before the planning board.
Hull Pirates Sean Walsh and Veronica Fleming were honored with the 2024 South Shore League Scholar-Athlete award.
The Hull Police Department held an open house to show residents the current state of the police station, in anticipation of a town meeting article that would request funds to study the need for a new public safety building.
The select board approved Temple Beth Sholom’s request to allow beach-season parking for up to 50 cars at 600 Nantasket Avenue with several conditions, including that the lot may not be used for that purpose until the nearby Coburn Street access path safety issues are resolved. Other conditions linked to the parking permit included that the temple distribute an educational flier about protecting the piping plovers in the area.
The planning board approved special permit conditions for the Paragon Dunes project. Board members voted in favor of the motion to approve the conditions as corrected. The approval of the Paragon Dunes plans granted by the planning board on March 20, for a four-story, 132-unit building at the site of the Paragon Boardwalk, was subject to the conditions the board began to review on April 3 and subsequently approved on April 10.
Hull American Legion Post 140 Commander Jim Richman accepted the Al White Award at the April meeting from District 10 Commander Bob Burke. The Al White Award is given each month to an American Legion post that has performed an outstanding community service project. This is the Hull post’s first award since it was revived.
The Hull Redevelopment Authority awarded the contract to manage its 900-car beach parking lots to LAZ Parking, which would pay $160,000 to operate the lots between Nantasket Avenue and Hull Shore Drive, with 50/50 revenue-sharing once LAZ reached $450,000 in profits. The company would not accept cash payments, opting instead to require credit card payments. The bid from LAZ was the higher of the two bids the HRA received in response to the request for proposals.
MAY
Residents continued to raise concerns about traffic and safety regarding the seawall replacement plan in a standing-room-only informational meeting. Consultants provided an overview of the project and fielded numerous questions from the dozens of residents who attended the meeting.
The position of Hull Public Health Director was posted following Joan Taverna’s resignation to accept the position of public health nurse in Cohasset.
Despite pressure from the state to enact zoning changes under the MBTA Communities Zoning Law, the planning board voted to unanimously recommend that the upcoming town meeting delay voting on Article 30, which would approve the MBTA Communities zoning. The recommendation, to be made on the town meeting floor, was contrary to the advisory board’s recommendation of favorable action. The town could lose a significant amount of money in state grants for various projects if voters failed to approve the article.
Over the course of a three-night town meeting, voters approved, among other items, an amendment allowing for accessory dwelling units; bylaw amendments to clarify the town’s marijuana regulations; a $150,000 combined police/fire public safety facility study; $6 million for the town’s share of repairs to the deteriorating seawall along Nantasket Avenue near the Allerton lagoon; a floodplain overlay district; funds for the replacement of the float at Pemberton Pier; 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; spending up to $3 million to retrofit a floor of the Memorial School as municipal office space; and an opioid special revenue fund. A proposal that would have authorized the eminent-domain taking of property along Beach Avenue failed. An article that asked the select board to stipulate that the old railroad bed right-of-way from L to XYZ streets continue to be unobstructed throughout the year was passed after a “no action” substitute motion failed.
Less than two years after being named principal of Hull High School, Michael Knybel announced that he would leave his position at the end of the current school year. 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.
Hull’s No Place for Hate Committee held its annual Stand in the Sand event, where participants gathered on Nantasket Beach to spell out the word “together” as a show of solidarity and cooperation.
The New England Public Power Association’s annual line workers rodeo took over the Hull Redevelopment Authority land, as power crews competed against the clock in skill competitions – climbing poles, repairing transformers, and rigging lines – on a challenge course built on the property.
Hull voters went to the polls to cast their ballots in a relatively quiet election, as candidates in most races were unopposed.
The town announced that it would soon accept applications from individuals or companies with an interest in operating a retail marijuana establishment in Hull, with a limit of two adult-use facilities permitted under the town’s zoning bylaw. Alternative Compassion Services, which operates a medical marijuana dispensary on George Washington Boulevard, had already applied, along with one other applicant, Skarr Inc., owned by Mambo’s restaurant’s Anthony Ghosn.
Planning board members raised concerns that the town did not receive proper notification of a meeting about the Massachusetts Environmental Policy Act review of the Paragon Dunes project. Abutters to the site also said they were not informed. Director of Community Development and Planning Chris DiIorio said his department would investigate.
A parent forum on the Hull High School principal search exposed remaining tensions behind Principal Michael Knybel’s departure and between parents, teachers, and administrators. The meeting was attended by about 60 parents and teachers.
Hull Police K-9 Officer Peddocks received his Hull Public Library card along with kindergarteners from the Jacobs School during their recent visit to the library.
In the middle of the second day of testimony in former Hull Public Schools Superintendent Michael Devine’s $5-million wrongful termination lawsuit against the town, representatives informed Judge Patti B. Saris that they had reached a settlement in lieu of continuing the trial. The Hull Select Board held an emergency Zoom meeting to consider the settlement amount. Devine, who was principal of Hull High School before becoming superintendent in 2017, alleged that the termination of his contract in 2020 was a product of discrimination based on his sexual orientation, and brought seven counts against the Hull Public Schools, the Town of Hull, and five school committee members for breach of contract, discrimination, defamation, and economic and emotional damages. Devine filed his suit in 2021. The terms of the settlement were not immediately released to the public.
Two months after receiving planning board approval of its special permit for the Paragon Dunes project, The Procopio Companies finalized the purchase of the property for $6 million.
Flags, uniforms, and patriotic outfits were in ample supply during Hull’s Memorial Day observances. The parade stepped off from Hull High School and ended at the Gold Star Mothers Memorial at the entrance to Hull Village Cemetery. After a ceremony honoring those who died in service, the group made its way around town to dedicate memorial squares to veterans Theodore W. Craig, Thomas Bannen, Leo Georgopoulos, Edward Fitzsimmons, Joseph Menice, David M. McFarland, and Richard “Butch” Neal.
JUNE
Hull Gut and Peddocks Island provided a scenic backdrop for Hull High School’s graduation ceremony, as 51 members of the Class of 2024 received their diplomas. Graduates included Victoria Dolan, who contributed regular columns to The Hull Times for several years. In addition to being class salutatorian, Dolan was recognized by the South Shore Conservatory and was the first recipient of a scholarship in the name of late Times Publisher Patti Abbate.
The developer proposing the Paragon Dunes mixed-use project withdrew from a state environmental review process and planned to resubmit its Environmental Notification Form to address flood resiliency concerns. The company sought withdrawal to address the issues raised by state officials. It also acknowledged comments from planning board members and the public that the MEPA review had not been adequately advertised.
The town received a check for $300,461 in American Rescue Plan Act funds to pay for an ambulance.
Inspired by the pressing need to support local families facing hunger, Hull teen Liam Hopkins raised $1,500 through a virtual food drive using GoFundMe to purchase essential food items for Aunt Dot’s Kitchen and sustain its operations in providing food assistance to individuals and families in need. At a Hull Council on Aging volunteer appreciation dinner, Connor Hipp and Jake Smith, recent HHS graduates, two of the youngest senior center volunteers, were recognized for their contributions to Hull’s senior population.
HULL HIGH PRINCIPAL ROBERT SHAW
The former principal of North Quincy High School and current leader of a Massachusetts virtual high school was hired as the new principal of Hull High School. Robert Shaw signed a contract to replace Michael Knybel, who had announced his resignation prior to the expiration of his contract. Shaw was one of 15 applicants for the position.
The terms of a settlement to former Hull High School Principal Michael Devine were finalized. 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 following 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.
Work began on Pump Station No. 9 in the parking lot across Main Street from Hull High School. The 18-month project will replace the sewer pumping station at Pemberton. Construction work on the $2 million, federally funded project was expected to take place between 7 a.m. and 5 p.m. on weekdays. Ferry parking and pedestrian routes would be affected.
The town manager formally requested that the Hull Redevelopment Authority contribute $150,000 to restore the historic Fort Revere water tower. Following the request, the town acquired a $75,000 grant from the Massachusetts Historical Commission. The HRA subsequently agreed to contribute $130,000 to the town for economic and community development projects, including work on the master plan and funding for renovations to the tower.
Members of the Class of 2028 were the last eighth grade class to graduate from the Memorial Middle School, which would be closed as the Hull Public Schools’ grade realignment plan took effect in the fall. The students held their eighth-grade dance at the school.
With the summer solstice and the hot weather arriving at about the same time, Hull’s beaches were filled with sun worshippers and Hull’s roads were filled with cars trying to get to the beach, or around the beach.
After days of discolored water at residences in Hull, Weir River Water System commissioners cited several possible factors, including extreme heat leading to increased demand, higher water usage on the Juneteeth holiday, and the need for additional system maintenance and infrastructure upgrades. Hull Fire Chief Chris Russo was commended by residents for his continuous “play by play” updates posted on the Hull Emergency Management Facebook page. The Hull Fire Department conducted the drive-through giveaways of bottled water during the crisis.
Watch next week’s edition for a review of the top news stories of the second half of 2024.
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© 2024 The Hull Times. All rights reserved.
Compiled by Matt Haraden
• The Girls Varsity Gymnastics Team (co-op with Hingham) opened its season with a win on Friday, December 20 against Marshfield, 132.75-132.2. Next up is Pembroke, with the competition scheduled for Saturday, January 4 at 6 p.m. at the South Shore YMCA Gymnastics Training Center.
• The Girls Hockey Co-Op Team (0-4) will face off against Ashland High School on Thursday, December 26 at 3:30 p.m., followed by Whitman-Hanson Regional H.S. on Saturday, December 28 at 7 p.m. and Dennis-Yarmouth Regional on Monday, December 30 at 1 p.m., all at the Bridgwater Ice Arena
• The Boys Varsity Co-Op Hockey Team (with Cohasset), which began this season’s play with a 4-1 victory over Boston Latin Academy, added another victory last weekend over East Bridgewater, 9-6. Single goals were scored by Dunham, Bellew, O’Leary, and Thomas, along two by Mulcahy and a hat-trick by Dwyer. O’Leary and Bellew scored their first varsity goals in the game. The team looks to continue its winning streak during the school vacation with games against Sandwich on December 28 at 4 p.m. at Connell Rink in Weymouth, and Southeastern Regional Vocational-Technical H.S. on Tuesday, December 31 at 11 a.m. at the Raynham IcePlex.
• Congratulations to senior Sam Tuchmann, who qualified for the state meet with a season-best time in the 600-meter race at the Massachusetts State Track Coaches Association Speed Classic on Saturday, December 21. The next meets for both the Boys and Girls Indoor Track teams will be on Sunday, January 5 at 10 a.m. and Monday, January 6 at 7:30 p.m., both at the Reggie Lewis Center in Boston.
• The Girls Varsity Basketball (2-0) will play on the road at Rockland H.S. on Friday, December 27 at 5:30 p.m. and again on Thursday, January 2 at 5:30 p.m. against Calvary Chapel Academy in Rockland.
• The Boys Basketball team is 2-2 on the season after an 80-37 loss against Mashpee last Friday. During the school vacation week, the Pirates will play two games in the Norfolk Agricultural High School holiday tournament on December 26 and 27.
For more information, visit www.hullpublicschools.org/athletics.
• Coaches and Super Fans – We need your help to report the scores and results of the latest events in Hull’s sports world! Please send local sports news and photos to sports@hulltimes.com. Deadline is Tuesday at midnight. 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!
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© 2024 The Hull Times. All rights reserved.
By Carol Britton Meyer
At the request of the War Memorial Commission, the select board this week approved a new policy that prohibits anything other than official and military-related flags – such as holiday decorations like Christmas trees or menorahs – from being displayed at Monument Square.
Member Jerry McLaughlin explained that at its December 3 meeting, the commission voted unanimously to approve a new policy prohibiting “any and all displays, signs, banners, and flags on the grounds of the war memorial.”
Exceptions will be made for displaying the United States national colors and Massachusetts state, Town of Hull, POW, military service, and veterans organizations flags.
According to a statement read by McLaughlin, based on recent flag-related court cases – including Shurtleff v. City of Boston – the commission felt compelled to establish a policy to prevent individuals, groups, or organizations “that may not reflect or represent the mission or standards of the commission in memorializing men and women from Hull who served their country in time of war and armed conflict from putting up displays, signs, banners, or flags at the memorial.”
The members of the commission “hold these grounds in great solemn respect, and the names etched on the memorial represent those who will forever be honored for their service by a grateful community,” McLaughlin read.
McLaughlin, a 35-year resident of Hull, noted that the above-mentioned court case and others prompted the commission to create this policy.
“Every year there have been a Christmas tree and menorah at the memorial, which have been well-received by the community and the public in general,” he said.
‘We do not take this issue lightly’
The commission had a long discussion – “we do not take this [issue] lightly – but [according to court cases viewed by commission members], if we allow any organization or individual to put a display there, regardless of how noble it is or how much it benefits the community, we would then have to also allow other individuals and organizations to use this hallowed ground for displays that might not be beneficial or according to community standards.”
McLaughlin further explained that the commission created the policy to avoid getting into a situation where the town would be forced to allow such displays if others deemed appropriate were allowed earlier and to avoid any potential costly litigation.
“What we’re trying to do is to maintain our hallowed ground for all Hull veterans who died fighting for our country,” McLaughlin said. “For many years the [Christmas tree and menorah] were well-received – we had no issue with them – but because of these court cases [we came up with this policy]. I wish there was a way to get around this, but our responsibility is to that monument in honoring our veterans. It’s sacred ground, and we hope members of the community who have mourned for veterans who lost their lives or died as a result of injuries who have supported us [will understand].”
Select board member Brian McCarthy said “no more trees or menorahs is a tough pill to swallow,” but in light of the lawsuits in other communities that were mentioned, he -- as did the entire select board – voted in favor of the policy.
“This is the world we live in, unfortunately,” he said.
Board member Greg Grey echoed McCarthy’s remarks.
“Preserving that hallowed ground is number one and takes priority,” he said.
Chair Irwin Nesoff agreed, noting that the policy also “protects the town from possible legal action.”
The name “says it all – [it’s a] war memorial,” select board member Jerry Taverna said.
He also wondered if policies are in place on other town property “where this could be a concern. This might be something to think about,” he said.
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© 2024 The Hull Times. All rights reserved.
By Carol Britton Meyer
Town Manager Jennifer Constable presented a preliminary fiscal 2026 budget overview in a joint meeting with the advisory board this week, based on assumptions, “not solid numbers,” as well as a draft financial policy manual.
The uncertainty in the budget is due in large part to the projected but as yet unconfirmed roughly 10% increase in health insurance costs, unknown state aid, and other numbers.
At the same time, Town Accountant Mike Buckley predicted a potential 4-1/2 to 5% budget increase for fiscal 2026 as compared with past 3 to 3-1/2% increases, due mainly to current debt obligations and the projected health insurance increase.
“Health insurance is one of the largest expenses,” Constable said. “We will stay conservative with the budget. …We have our hands full.”
The town’s revenue comes from property and excise taxes, state aid, ambulance receipts, and building permit fees.
Click here for the town manager’s FY26 budget presentation to the select board
Advisory board member Chad Wolfe asked whether Constable “will talk with department heads and say, ‘Here’s your [allowed] increase and manage that.’”
Constable said she is taking a different approach this year.
“I’ve asked department heads for their wish lists. This allows them to think through their budgets and communicate to me their needs – some of the requests could be wishes – for discussion.”
Constable presented a fiscal calendar, starting with the beginning of the new fiscal year in July and also including budget and capital request meetings with department heads; presentation of the town manager’s proposed budget; and advisory board departmental budget meetings to refine revenue and expenditure estimates, leading up to next spring’s annual town meeting, where voters will have the final say.
Fiscal 2026 expenses in addition to debt and increased health insurance costs relate to seawall work, the Fort Revere project, pension liability, collective bargaining agreements, and assessments, Constable said.
Next steps include continuing to refine the fiscal 2026 budget and continuation with the capital improvement planning process; the advisory board and department budget meetings; finalization of the budget; the select board signing the town meeting warrant in late March, and the requested budget approval at the May 5, 2025 annual town meeting.
In other business…
• Constable presented the draft Town of Hull Financial Policy Manual, explaining why adopting one is important. The reasons include consistency of service; safeguarding and minimizing risk; ensuring the quality of capital investment; conforming to general law, uniform professional standards, and municipal best practice; protecting and enhancing the town’s bond rating; promoting transparency and public disclosure; and assuring accurate and timely reporting.
Click here to view the draft Financial Policy Manual
The policies relate to capital and financial planning, debt management, financial reserves, forecasting, investments, one-time reserves, financial operations, indirect cost allocations, and other post-employment benefits liability (OPEB).
Constable explained that for the most part, these financial policies “formalize what we are doing now, as well as include some newer processes that would be implemented over the course of the next couple of years. It’s an educational tool for the community as well.”
The next steps are for the select board and advisory board to review the manual for adoption and endorsement, respectively, followed by implementation of the policy.
YOUNG GUNS. The Hull Police Department welcomed four new officers to its ranks this week, as the newest recruits graduated from the Boylston Police Academy on Friday and were sworn in by the town clerk at the select board’s meeting on Wednesday. Shown at the graduation ceremony are, from left, Lt. Stephen Glavin, Officers Thomas Walters, Anthony Bates, Michael McDonald, and Thomas Bellew, and Chief John Dunn.
• Town Clerk Lori West administered the oath of office to the Hull Police Department’s newest officers, Anthony Bates, Thomas Bellew, Michael McDonald, and Thomas Walters, saying that swearing in officers is one of the “greatest privileges” in her role. West commended all four officers for their commitment “to upholding the values of public safety.” Constable noted that while some people are noting that “so many veteran officers are retiring and what a loss this is, there’s such a great [benefit to the town when new officers] join the force, setting an example in the community.”
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© 2024 The Hull Times. All rights reserved.
By Carol Britton Meyer
Topics of discussion during Monday’s three-hour Hull Redevelopment Authority meeting ranged from the parking lot requests for proposals for next summer and a possible survey about potential uses of the property to the proposed two-way road plan and an update on police details during peak season.
HRA member Adrienne Paquin suggested that as the board heads into crafting “Option 3” of the draft Urban Renewal Plan, the HRA might consider conducting its own survey on top of the earlier independent poll to gauge citizens’ opinions.
During a 1-1/2-hour brainstorming session about crafting the parking lot RFPs for the next season, resident Susan Mann floated the idea of offering parking “subscriptions” for the HRA lots similar to those available from the Department of Conservation and Recreation at a cost of $60 for the season. The usual rate for in-state residents is $15 a day.
“I was thinking the HRA could do something like that for families who come to Nantasket Beach all the time,” she said.
No decision was made, but Chair Dennis Zaia noted that “many towns do offer seasonal passes.”
The two-way road proposal continues to be a topic of interest, and this meeting was no exception. To help avoid this issue from “becoming a distraction in upcoming meetings,” Zaia recently asked Town Manager Jennifer Constable to provide “a definitive statement” on the status of the project, tentatively in January.
“This will help us understand the town’s position on the two-way road plan,” Zaia said.
The traffic reconfiguration plan would remove two of the four lanes of traffic crossing the HRA land and convert the remaining two lanes to one in each direction from Monument Square through the Surfside business district to the Anastos Corner area. Hull Shore Drive and Hull Shore Drive Extension also would become two-way roads, and would connect with a redesigned intersection with incoming traffic from George Washington Boulevard near the Mezzo Mare restaurant.
During the lengthy discussion about “the most critical topics” related to the next RFPs for leasing HRA parking lots A, B, and C next year, Zaia noted that “this is the beginning of the framework for the RFPs, which will be tighter and sharper than last year’s. … I believe we need to be very specific in telling potential [operators of the leased lots] what they can and cannot do.”
First-come, first-served for resident parking
Residents with stickers will still be able to park for free in any of the lots, on a first-come, first-served basis. However, HRA member Joan Senatore said, “We need to make it clear to residents that if they arrive at lots and they are filled, they won’t be able to [enter] even though they have a sticker.”
The board talked at length about what to incorporate into the RFP, including the possibility of setting the parking fee limit at a maximum of $40, while allowing the operators to set their own fee structure; requiring clear signage – including fee and other information – at each lot and approaching the lots to let beachgoers and others know the status of the parking situation ahead of time; requiring a security deposit; a stipulation that all signage and any other items need to be taken down within a week of the close of the season (May 1 through Indigenous Peoples Day in mid-October – a change from last year’s September 30); requiring operators to clean up the lots at the end of each day; the minimum bid amount; whether to include police detail, lot maintenance, and other charges in the RFP; and whether to request reimbursement for those details from the DCR’s trust fund.
According to a link forwarded to a board member by Cindy Borges during the meeting, the trust fund relates to costs associated with the maintenance and safety of Nantasket Beach. Clarification will be sought from Constable about that possibility.
“People will start looking for free parking if the charge is too high and park all over the place,” Senatore said about the maximum fee of $40.
Member Dan Kernan believes that charging a security deposit this year “sends a real big message to leave the lot the way you find it,” both at the end of the day and when the season ends.
The discussion will continue at the January 13 meeting, along with the draft Urban Renewal Plan.
Police details
Zaia, Kernan, and Senatore met with the police chief and town manager this week to discuss police details for the coming season. The cost to the HRA this past year was $30,000.
Senatore reported that according to the chief, police details will be recruited based on “85-degree weather and whether it’s a sunny day” at a current cost of $59.27 an hour based on the union contract, and potentially higher next summer.
HRA members also talked about how long to allow the three lots to remain open, especially during early summer when the sun sets later and many people head to the beach after work.
Member Bartley Kelly suggested closing Lot C earlier to avoid people arriving to have dinner at restaurants in the area having to pay the parking fee.
Kernan, while saying he needs more time to think about it, said his initial thought overall is “the longer a lot is managed, the less damage is done,” noting that a “tremendous amount of trash gets let after the lots are unsupervised.”
In other business…
⦁ Kelly reported that he reviewed the HRA meeting minutes back to 2010 and offered to scan them so they can be posted on the HRA website.
⦁ Zaia talked about the upcoming draft URP “Option 3” discussion and asked fellow members to start thinking about the bayside parcel for the January meeting. “My notion is that the bayside is a parcel we all sort of agree won’t have anything happening on it except grass and passive activity,” he said.
• Zaia also mentioned the Parkers River Boardwalk Park in Yarmouth, which he recently visited. “It’s a pretty amazing event space, located on the bayside, with the sale of boardwalk planks [as a source of revenue],” he said, noting that planning for the park began in 1986. “That made me feel less anxious about how long it’s taking the HRA to get anything done.”
Zaia is also hoping for further consideration of the idea he floated earlier for a conference and learning center and event space on part of the property. “We can rip it apart or build it up as a starting point. Option 3 could be a modification or a totally distinct different thing none of us has seen before.”
Kelly thinks “we should start with the map from the URP draft as a baseline,” which ultimately led to another discussion of the two-way road proposal.
Until this issue is settled, Paquin said, it will be difficult for the HRA to make any decisions because the road plan may change the shape of the available land.
Kelly noted that “the two-way road is part of the plan …regardless of whether we put up any brick and mortar on the property” and that under the proposal, “we would gain 27 feet on the bay side.” He also said the map shown in the draft URP shows the two-way road.
Kernan holds a different opinion.
“I don’t think we need a two-way road – it really does limit the things we can do with the property,” he said. “Maybe the HRA should take a vote.”
“I will argue tooth and nail about this,” Kelly said. “Two-thirds of town meeting voted in favor of authorizing the select board to do this work.”
Because the two-way road plan includes funding for a number of improvements, “where will that money come from [if the plan doesn’t move forward]?” he asked.
Kelly said he “personally” believes “it’s the right thing for the town, whether anything gets built on the HRA property on not. We’d be getting sidewalks and improved traffic and pedestrian safety. … If [the HRA] doesn’t want the two-way road plan, fine, but we would be throwing out the baby with the bath water. We have all these planning documents as outlined in the minutes. Those cooperative planning efforts have led us to where we are. It all goes together.”
No one on the Zoom call commented about the two-way proposal during the “citizens attending the meeting” period at the end of the meeting.
“Obviously we have to make some kinds of decisions and continue this conversation, listen to each other, and [consider] all the pieces until we come to [some] things that we all can agree upon,” Zaia said.
Upcoming HRA meetings include: January 13, Zoom to discuss the draft Urban Renewal Plan and the parking lot RFPs; and a January 27 Zoom to review applications for use of the property for the 2025 summer season.
A replay of the full meeting will be available on Hull Community Television’s broadcast channels and on demand at www.hulltv.net.
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© 2024 The Hull Times. All rights reserved.
• Click the image above for an archive of From the Veterans Office columns
• FY26 Town Manager’s Preliminary Budget Proposal
• Best Educational Use of School Facilities Study & Updates
• Town Departments at Work: The role of each part of your local government
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