School department’s $18.4M budget proposal includes 3% increase for fiscal year 2026

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By Carol Britton Meyer

The proposed $18.4-million fiscal year 2026 Hull Public Schools budget represents a 3% – or $535,643 – increase over the fiscal 2025 budget figure.

Seventy-seven percent of the budget is dedicated to salaries. In the proposed FY26 budget, salaries total $14.17 million and expenses $4.2 million, including $1.5 million for special education-related (non-salary) costs and transportation (not including special ed), technology, athletic-related expenses, plant maintenance, and utilities.

School Business Administrator Diane Saniuk presented the preliminary budget to the school committee this week, explaining that the collaborative process starts in September and involves staff and school leadership “assessing the needs, where we are, and where we want to go.” She noted that grant funding is not as available at the same level as in past years.

“Grants are basically drying up, and we’re relying more on town funding,” Chair David Twombly responded. “If that goes down, we’ll be in trouble.”

Click here for the full budget presentation

According to the presentation, the percentage of budget funds from grants has decreased over the years, from 6.37% in FY24 to 3.04% this year, and only 2.6% expected in FY26.

“It’s not necessarily anything the school district is doing wrong,” he said. “There aren’t a lot of grants out there, and it’s a competitive process.”

The budget proposal includes about $36,000 in maintenance costs and $55,000 in utilities at the Memorial Middle School, which are to be shared with the town, as the building is slated to house municipal offices. The district also expects to spend $83,715 in tuition for Hull students who attend vocational schools.

In a letter to the school committee and citizens of Hull about the proposed budget, Superintendent Michael Jette said the development of the budget was a team effort guided by one principle: “to meet the academic and emotional needs of every student enrolled in the Hull Public Schools. … This budget prioritizes academic excellence for all by closing educational gaps while supporting the social and emotional wellness of all students through particular attention to equity, diversity, and inclusion.”

Jette also noted that while school officials “are constantly examining our needs and using data to make future projections, there are still many uncertainties in developing a budget that must carry us through the payment of every educational bill received prior to June 30, 2026 [the end of the fiscal year]. This means this budget predicts and plans for spending that is 18 months into the future.”

The mission of HPS is to provide “a challenging and supportive learning environment to encourage all students to reach their greatest potential and to foster the growth of creative, curious, critical thinkers who are equipped to succeed as responsible, compassionate, and productive members of a diverse society.”

District priorities include:

• Enhancing student success and well-being

• Prioritizing professional development

• Expanding and diversifying educational offerings

• Utilizing data-driven decision making and targeted instruction

• Evaluating and strengthening the preK-12 math curriculum and instruction

• Investing in special education and inclusive programs

• Leveraging community and environmental opportunities by exploring new pathways and partnerships – in particular, utilizing Hull’s coastal location to enrich student learning experiences and expand career development opportunities.

The advisory board will review the proposed budget, and a public hearing will be held in April. The budget will also be a recurring item on upcoming school committee agendas.

Committee member Kyle Conley called this “a very sound budget proposal. The school committee takes this part of our work very seriously. I recognize that this is a difficult landscape to be trying to navigate given the number of uncertainties out there.”

She added that this “is an important opportunity to make sure we’re hearing from all our constituents on any priorities” and encouraged continued engagement by the community. “This is a very public process,” she said.

In other business at the meeting

Jacobs School Principal Kyle Shaw provided a mid-year update on middle school student integration – a component of the recently implemented school reconfiguration plan that places grades PreK to 7 at Jacobs School and grades 8 to 12 at the high school.

“The reconfiguration has been a tremendous undertaking as we hit the half-year point of the second year of phase two,” he said. “The biggest pitfall is the loss of experiencing that transition of moving from one building to another – from Jacobs to the middle school – and we’re trying to replicate that experience in the same building.”

The middle school wing at Jacobs provides a “new vibe” for students, including a mural; advisory groups to ensure every student has at least one person in the building serving as his or her “champion;” starting new traditions while building on previous ones; a door decorating contest, a read-a-thon, and field day; more after-school activities, and more.

Students at both levels are getting along well together, and the increase of staff at Jacobs has been beneficial, he said.

“Students and staff have embraced the change,” Shaw said. “There’s been great progress in making the new Jacobs model the best it can be, and the seventh-graders have pioneered and helped shape this new model. It hasn’t been easy.”

Shaw praised the middle school staff for “flexibility, collaboration, and insightfulness in helping us get to where we are today. We’re moving in the right direction.”

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Bylaw changes seek to limit ‘visual clutter’ of billboards, brightly lit commercial signs

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By Carol Britton Meyer

The Hull Beautification Committee and the town’s Design Review Board are leading an effort to tighten guidelines – and prohibit certain types of signage – within Hull’s existing sign bylaw through a town meeting warrant article this spring.

The goal is to strengthen the bylaw for aesthetic reasons, which proponents say will have an overall positive impact on residents, visitors, and local businesses.

SIGNING OFF? A proposal being worked on for this spring’s town meeting would place limits on commercial signage in town, including the numerous electronic message boards. [Skip Tull photo]

The proposed changes relate to highly illuminated, moving, and excessive commercial signage, electronic community message boards, and billboards.

If this commercial signage-related proposal advances, it would go before the select board, planning board, and zoning bylaw committee for consideration and fine-tuning.

DRB member Marie Rockett presented the details to the Economic Development Committee this week, with beautification committee member Michael Parks also participating.

“We’re at the beginning stages of a movement to … put in place some parameters for the future, and we’re seeking the committee’s input tonight,” Rockett said.

Part of the process so far has been to look at the sign bylaws of other communities.

Rockett and Parks said the concerns related to the types of signage listed above have been shared by a number of residents and beautification committee and DRB members.

Some signs are ‘glaringly bright’

These include concerns that new LED window signs are “glaringly bright” and often involve distracting motion or flashing elements, and that allowing unlimited window signage “defers commerce from surrounding businesses with ‘visual clutter’ that often appears chaotic and unappealing to shoppers.”

Feedback was also shared during the last Endless Summer celebration at the beautification committee booth, with the brightness of some of the signs around town mentioned the most.

“New LED technology has gotten super-bright,” Parks said, referring specifically to signs at gas station and one of the smoke shops in Kenberma. “They are brighter than most of the other [businesses] in town.”

Proponents of the effort say that visual clutter distracts from the overall appearance of Hull’s commercial districts – also impacting other businesses in the area – and that 30% window coverage is considered to be best practice in a number of other communities, according to their sign bylaws.

Excessive or overly bright signs can also be a distraction to drivers, bikers, and pedestrians, proponents say.

The proposed bylaw change would limit the brightness of signs to a reasonable level (to be determined) and not allow blinking, flashing, moving, or scrolling signs. The change also would require signs to be turned off when a business is closed or after 10 p.m., whichever is later, and incorporate a 30% maximum sign coverage on windows limit.

There are five town and Department of Conservation and Recreation message boards, located between George Washington Boulevard and the Hull Redevelopment Authority property.

‘Five message boards is overkill’

While these signs serve a useful purpose for communication about traffic, emergencies, and important events of interest to the public, proponents of the proposed warrant article say “five signs is overkill” and that they detract from the natural beauty of the town.

The proposed bylaw change aims to institute a limit of two active message boards operating between 6 a.m. and 9 p.m., with no generic public service announcements.

This would not apply to traffic management, dangerous conditions, or construction signage, or to the Hull High School sign.

Bartley Kelly, the Hull Redevelopment Authority’s representative on the EDC, explained that the town and DCR are not required to follow local zoning bylaws with regard to signs that are on public property.

“Any bylaw change could serve as guidance, but they would not be required to abide by it,” he said.

ECD alternate Susan Vermilya said she’s not sure it’s the quantity of the signs, but the quality that’s an issue.

“They are very unwelcoming,” she said. “We want people to come into our town. Perhaps we can give some thought to the quality as opposed to the quantity.”

Parks said the proposed changes attempt to restrict “unwelcoming and unnecessary signage and to keep to community messages such as art and car shows, congratulations to Hull High School graduating seniors, and other community events,” he said. “If we’re overly restrictive, we could get into the free-speech law.”

EDC alternate James Ianiri said he finds the bright lights displayed in some businesses around town “obnoxious” and that they cause him to stay away.

Others, including members of the community who have shared their concerns, believe that these signs are “ugly and uninviting” and that messaging about well-established laws – such as seatbelt safety – as well as continuous messaging throughout the night are unnecessary.

‘It’s important that we’re having this discussion’

EDC member Steven Greenberg, current president of the Hull Nantasket Chamber of Commerce, thinks that “good-looking signs make for a better-looking community. The important thing is that we’re having this discussion. It’s the beginning of the process, and hopefully some changes will be made.”

The presentation also noted that billboards are not specifically addressed in the town bylaws and can be constructed with a permit.

According to Rockett and Parks, many townspeople don’t want to see additional billboards constructed “because they deter from the overall aesthetic of the town.”

The bylaw change would not allow new billboards, while the existing billboard could remain.

Any warrant article would include measures related to illumination intensity and the prohibition of signs with blinking, flashing, or fluttering lights or other illuminating devices with changing light intensity, brightness, or color.

Illumination of window signs on nonresidential premises would be limited to between 6 a.m. and 10 p.m., except that a sign for a business, facility, or office that is open to the public after 10 p.m. could be illuminated until closing time.

Also prohibited would be mechanical signs, ones with moving parts, changing or scrolling images or parts, and signs that create the illusion of movement except for digital displays of time, temperature, or fuel prices.

Signs covering more than 30% of window area would not be permitted. However, window signs themselves are currently exempt from town permitting and DRB review. There would be an exception for signs with approved permits issued prior to enactment of any sign bylaw change.

If implemented, any person or entity found in violation would be liable for a $25 a day fine, effective 60 days after approval of the warrant article by the state attorney general.

Sign bylaw changes have been suggested in past

EDC Chair Jason McCann noted that there have been discussions about changes to the town’s sign bylaw “for a very long time,” but that nothing has come of those conversations until now.

“People are now putting in the work related to the proposed change, which is not easy,” he said. “This is not out of the blue.”

The February 11 Chamber of Commerce meeting will feature a presentation about the proposed bylaw change to hear feedback from member businesses.

For those who aren’t members, public meetings with agenda items related to the proposed bylaw change will provide opportunities for other businesses and citizens to share their thoughts and concerns.

Word-of-mouth will also help get the proposed bylaw change information out to as many business owners and residents as possible.

EDC member Kara Hendrick thinks it’s important to let business owners know that some customers are turned away by distracting, bright signs.

“They might think they are doing something for fun, but if their signs are stopping folks from coming into their businesses, it’s important for them to know,” she said.

Beautification committee member Betsy Russo said the DRB reached out to the committee about the sign issue “as we were having the same thoughts. We’ve heard a lot of feedback, with some people saying they won’t return to a business that has these signs. A bylaw change might be restrictive, but it will benefit every business in town.”

McCann emphasized the importance of positive messaging around this proposed change, including that proponents “want to see healthier, more active businesses” in town.

At the end of the presentation and discussion, the EDC unanimously recommended that proponents of the proposed bylaw change move forward with their proposal.

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New teachers’ contract includes 9% raise over three years, plus four weeks of paid parental leave

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By Carol Britton Meyer

The Hull Teachers Association and the school committee ratified on Monday a three-year collective bargaining agreement that includes a 9% cost-of-living-adjustment over three years after nearly a year of negotiations.

The agreement also provides additional benefits, including four weeks of paid parental leave and payments of $500 in year two and $1,000 in year three for top-step members.

“With nearly half of our membership already at the top step, we wanted to join with the district in recognizing the dedication and commitment of our staff and their generational knowledge of Hull youth and families,” HTA Co-president Heather Weber said.

“I’m happy to say we voted unanimously to approve the new contract during an executive session today,” School Committee Chair David Twombly said at Monday’s school committee meeting. “This is great news for the district, administrators, and teachers. It took a long time, but at least we all reached the same point. We’re looking forward to the next three years.”

During an earlier all-member meeting that afternoon, the HTA also voted unanimously in support of the contract.

Both parties are proud of this agreement, “which marks a significant step forward in supporting educators, students, and the Hull community,” according to a Hull Public Schools press release.

Negotiations began on January 29, 2024, with the presentation of 30 articles by the teachers’ union, including several new proposals.

“The school committee carefully reviewed and discussed each article, dedicating countless hours to crafting an agreement that reflects good faith bargaining and a commitment to fairness,” the press release states.

The new agreement includes a competitive wage package, offering financial increases in several areas: curriculum development compensation, class coverage stipends, course credit reimbursement, retirement sick-time payouts, and longevity increases – with a new group for members with 10 to 14 years of service in Hull.

The new agreement also calls for the formation of a joint health and safety committee to maintain a healthy and safe workplace.

The agreement introduces four weeks of paid parental leave. This benefit was contingent upon the formation of a sick leave bank committee, which will include three union representatives and two district representatives.

“We believe this agreement achieves a strong balance and strengthens our shared mission to the children and families of Hull,” HTA Co-President Maura Jones said.

Twombly commended Liliana Hedrick for her role as school committee representative, as well as other members of the negotiating team.

“It was a group effort,” he said.

Hedrick, who attended every bargaining session, said the school committee “is proud to recognize and reward the hard work and dedication of our educators while maintaining a responsible approach to the district’s financial stewardship.”

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In the Sport-light: News about Hull athletes

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Compiled by Matt Haraden

• Grade 6 Girls Basketball split their games this weekend, beating Falmouth, 23-8, on Saturday, January 25, and losing a hard-fought game against Holbrook, 40-36, on Sunday. Hull saw points from Tess Rand, Molly McCarthy, and Piper Yakubian in both games. Addy Mahan, Abby Donovan, and Sydney Bullen had strong performances on defense. Now 8-1, the team will travel to Rockland on Saturday, February 1, and to Monomoy on Sunday, February 2.

• Cohasset/Hull Boys Hockey fell, 3-2, to Sandwich on Wednesday, January 22. Down four starters, the Pirates were trailing 2-0 entering the third period. They managed to tie the game midway through the period, but Sandwich scored with 1:31 left to win the game. In the next game, Cohasset/Hull beat East/West Bridgewater, 4-1. Luke Dunham had two goals, while Clyde Fales and Shane Mulcahy also scored. Mason Delgallo and Tegan Bellew also played well in the win. On Wednesday, Bishop Stang came out on top, 6-2, leaving the team with a 5-7 record on the season. The team’s next game is against Abington on Saturday, February 1 at 4 p.m. at Connell Rink in Weymouth, followed by Norwell on Wednesday at 7:20 p.m. at the Bog ice arena in Kingston.

HIGH PRAISE. Congratulations to Christopher Resnick for earning sixth place in the high jump at the MSTCA Coaches Invitational meet last week. [Photo courtesy of Brian Lanner]

• On Monday, both the girls and boys high school track teams lost to Abington. The girls lost, 60-39, with event winners including Elsie Harper in the 55-meter hurdles, 55-meter and long jump, Abigail Baglione in the 300-meter, Montana Alibrandi in the shot put, and Bree Simpson-Sliney in the high jump. The boys’ score was 50-10. Congratulations to Christopher Resnick, who placed sixth in the high jump at the Massachusetts State Track Coaches Association Invitational at the Reggie Lewis Center on January 25. The teams will participate in their next meet on Monday, February 3 at the South Shore League Championships.

• The Girls Varsity Gymnastics Team (co-op with Hingham) remains undefeated after its competition against Pembroke High School on January 24 was canceled and the squad topped Hanover on January 28, 135-126.5. The 6-0 team next faces Whitman-Hanson on Friday, January 31 at 7:15 p.m. at the Massachusetts Gymnastics Center in Hingham, and Scituate H.S. on Sunday, February 2 at 9 a.m., also at the MGC in Hingham.

• The Girls Hockey Co-Op Team (2-12-1) posted its second win of the season against Stoughton High School on January 25, beating the Black Knights by a score of 4-2. On Wednesday, the team was shut out by Billerica, 4-0. Next up is Boston Latin Academy on Saturday, February 1 at 6:30 p.m. at Emmons Horrigan O’Neil Rink, and Hopkinton High on Monday, February 3 at 4 p.m. at the New England Sports Center in Marlboro.

• The Girls Varsity Basketball team won both of its last two games – a 60-23 win over Nantucket on Saturday and a 40-34 victory over Minuteman Regional High School on Monday. The team’s record is 7-5 so far this season.

• The Boys Basketball team is now 5-10 after a close 64-62 loss to South Shore Charter on Wednesday and a loss to Rockland the day before, 75-41. On January 24, the Pirates beat Mashpee at home, 70-52, for their fifth win of the season. Up next are two home games – Calvary Chapel Academy on Friday, January 31 at 5 p.m. and Avon on Tuesday, February 4 at 6:30 p.m. (JV at 5 p.m.), followed by a trip to Blue Hills Regional in Canton on Wednesday at 6:30 p.m. (JV at 5 p.m.)

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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Applying for an abatement of your property taxes? Be sure to file by February 3

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Whether you recently purchased your first home or you are a longtime homeowner whose tax bill has recently gone up, you may be wondering what your options are for lowering your tax bill, and whether you qualify for a property tax abatement, exemption, or deferral.

Property tax exemptions and deferrals

For information on tax exemptions and deferrals that are available to qualified senior citizens, veterans, families of veterans, legally blind homeowners, and relatives of police officers and firefighters killed in the line of duty (among other categories of eligible homeowners), visit the assessors’ office at town hall or visit the assessors’ page on the town’s website, www.town.hull.ma.us.

The deadline for submitting applications for exemptions is April 1.

Property tax abatements

If you’re considering applying for a property tax abatement because you believe your assessment is incorrect, you must file by February 3 [typically the deadline is February 1, but that date falls on a Saturday this year]. A video produced by the Massachusetts Division of Local Services explains the reasons you can challenge your property’s assessment and the process for filing for an abatement: www.youtube.com/watch?v=JKEyfHj82fU

Contact the assessing office

Staff can answer questions about your assessment, provide paperwork, and assist with any special circumstances. The assessor’s office may also provide information that could assist with reducing your tax bill, such as information on deferrals and exemptions, as well as the senior citizens’ work-off abatement.

Do your research

Compare your property with other similar properties in Hull; valuations are available at town hall or online at https://hull.patriotproperties.com. Look for any potential errors in assessing your home’s value. If you believe your home has been overvalued or disproportionately assessed, an abatement may be a good option.

Apply on time

If you plan to mail your abatement application to the assessor's office, have it postmarked by February 3 and addressed directly to the assessor's office, or deliver it in person.

Submit the correct documents

You can find abatement applications at the assessors’ office or online. The application must be filed and signed by the assessed owner, the current owner, or the owner’s agent. Under certain circumstances, other parties with an interest in the property may file an abatement.

Pay on time

If the town denies an abatement application, you may choose to appeal that decision. However, make sure to pay your bill on time – even if you plan to appeal. If you are filing your application along with your tax payment, pay the full amount you were billed.

Filing an abatement application does not stop the collection of your taxes, and you may lose your right to appeal if you do not pay on time. Late payments may also result in additional charges. If your abatement is approved and you have already paid the tax bill for the entire year, you will receive a refund.

If your tax bill is more than $5,000, and you wish to appeal to the state Appellate Tax Board, your property tax payment must be in the tax collector’s office by the bill’s due date. A postmark by the due date isn’t sufficient for an on-time payment – your payment must be in the tax collector’s hands by the due date.

Visit www.town.hull.ma.us or call 781-925-2205.

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Light board considers 4.2% rate increase after study of plant’s financial health

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By Carol Britton Meyer

After a study by a statewide municipal power association, the Hull Municipal Light Board is considering whether to raise rates.

The Massachusetts Municipal Wholesale Electric Company recently performed a financial review of Hull’s light plant to assess its overall financial health, with a specific focus on financial and operational indicators.

As a result, MMWEC is recommending that the light board consider a rate increase, due in part to the need for the light plant to replenish its cash reserves, and also recommends that the plant not pursue more debt in the meantime.

Click here for the MMWEC presentation to the light board

The proposed rate increase would amount to about an additional $6.51 a month, or a $78.12 annual increase, for the average residential ratepayer. The potential 4.2% increase to electricity rates and its impacts on ratepayers will be discussed at upcoming light board meetings.

MMWEC assists Massachusetts municipal light departments such as Hull’s with their needs to contract for energy. A presentation by MMWEC to the light board last week indicates that the light plant “had a relatively strong cash position prior to 2022.”

However, power and operating costs “became more challenging in 2021 – with base rates remaining static while overall costs appreciated,” the report states. “Recent power costs have somewhat improved, but cash on hand replenishment needs [to be prioritized].”

The report further states that “debt opportunities should not be pursued until cash on hand is replenished” and recommends regular financial reviews.

SOURCE: MMWEC

Operating budget considered in rate study

A rate study has been under way for a number of months that takes into consideration the light plant’s operating budget for the next three to five years, the cost of electricity, and the costs associated with the line crews, office staff, equipment, and other expenses, light board chair Patrick Cannon told The Hull Times when the study was in the beginning stages last June.

Following the January 16 light board meeting, during which MMWEC presented a rate study update, Town Manager Jennifer Constable, who also serves as light plant manager, told the Times in response to a follow-up email that indicators were derived from financial statements –  including income statements, balance sheets, cash flow statement, capital expenditure budget, and Department of Public Utilities reports.

SOURCE: MMWEC

“Objectives of the review included assessment of cash reserves, operating income, and debt ratio,” Constable said.

Goal: increase cash reserves

Based on MMWEC’s findings, “HMLP financial goals should be to increase its ‘cash on hand’ (i.e. reserves) and establish a stronger financial rating to better position itself for borrowing,” she explained.

Currently, Hull Light has approximately 135 days’ cash on hand, “but should strive for 250-plus days’ cash on hand, which would achieve an Aaa Moody’s rating,” according to Constable.

The MMWEC report outlined two sets of revenue projections: one instituting rate changes, which would increase reserves and establish a Aaa rating by 2026, and the other without a rate increase, demonstrating a Aaa rating and a lesser reserve by 2027.

The light board took the report under advisement and will discuss it further during its February 20 meeting.

Rate card comparison

MMWEC also presented a rate comparison, which showed HMLP’s current rates versus rates with recommended increases, showing that the adjustment would amount to about an additional $6.51 a month, or a $78.12 annually, for the average residential customer.

In addition, MMWEC presented recommended options related to the HMLP’s net metering policy – which allows electricity customers with their own generation capacity to be financially compensated for the energy they produce, including a $2.05 per installed kilowatt-hour per month increase, minimum monthly billing, and changes to its net metering credit policy, with credits expiring at the end of 2025.

“The light board will further discuss MMWEC’s recommendations and next steps at upcoming meetings,” Constable said.

Discussions will include potential increases to fixed rates (including residential, small power, and municipal) or variable rate charges related to kilowatt hour usage, as well as the potential impacts to ratepayers across the rate classes, anticipated and scheduled capital projects, and HMLP’s need for borrowing in the upcoming years, according to Constable.

“The board will also consider whether or not to continue instituting the prompt-pay discount,” she said.

“We have begun the process of a rate study, trying to figure out whether a rate adjustment is needed or not,” Cannon told The Hull Times following the meeting. “Over the next couple of months, we'll be making that decision. It’s an open and public process, so anyone wishing to come to our meetings is welcome.”

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Select Board’s role as traffic commissioners clarified; town pledges to improve road work communications

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By Carol Britton Meyer

After their role as traffic commissioners was debated during recent discussions about the impacts of a seawall repair project, select board members this week heard from the town’s attorney to clarify their obligations. Town Counsel Brian Winner explained the role and responsibilities of the select board as traffic commissioners.

FROM LEFT, Assistant town manager stacy callahan, select board members jerry taverna, brian mccarthy, irwin nesoff, greg grey, and jason mccann; town manager jennifer constable, and town counsel brian winner.

This issue came up during meetings about the seawall project on Nantasket Avenue near the Allerton lagoon, the temporary traffic plan and the planned one-way road in that area.

Winner provided an extensive list of the board’s responsibilities as traffic commissioners, noting that many of them fall under state statutes and regulations.

“The board has no obligation to [perform] every one of these at one time,” he said.

The responsibilities deal with signage, parking, and speed restrictions, coordination of traffic activities, conducting traffic surveys, studies, and investigations, and hearing complaints related to – and educating the general public about – traffic matters, among others.

town counsel brian winner

Town Manager Jennifer Constable noted that the board has already made decisions about a number of items on the list.

While she explained that traffic engineers, project managers, and other experts are involved with various town projects such as the seawall, there was general agreement among the select board and Constable that communication is important, and that details of upcoming projects affecting neighborhoods should be shared sooner rather than later.

Select board member Jerry Taverna recalled that the most recent traffic commissioner “debate” started with the seawall project.

“There was a crunch on the timeline and funding for the project, and a major evacuation route was being raised three feet and changed to one-way without any approvals required by the select board,” he said.

Chair Irwin Nesoff pointed out that board members “aren’t experts, and we rely on experts. There are a lot of opinions out there regarding one- and two-way roads, but our job is to get the information from experts, to understand it, to make decisions, and then to explain to the public what they are based on.”

Nesoff added that the board “did due diligence” regarding roadwork at the public meetings about the seawall, “with experts answering questions.”

Select board member Jason McCann said that when there is widespread public concern about the seawall project, “I think we need to bring in our traffic commissioner role.”

Select board member Brian McCarthy thinks that while the board “has to put faith in the experts, we also have to listen to neighbors’ concerns.”

With projects such as this one, Constable said she’s not sure where the traffic commissioners’ authority would come into play with so much state involvement and the number of traffic and other experts involved.

In other business…

• The select board conditionally offered a full-time police officer position to Thomas Chase upon the recommendation of Police Chief John Dunn.

The appointment is contingent on the successful completion of physical and psychological exams and the required physical agility test.

Once the remaining steps are completed, Dunn will present Chase to the board for approval to attend the Municipal Police Training Academy as a student-officer.

• The town issued public service announcements about a recent “unfortunate incident” on D Street involving a dog that was killed in a backyard by a coyote, according to Constable.

“It’s important to not leave small children or pets unattended in yards or otherwise,” she said. “We’ve spoken with local dog daycare centers and asked them to help pass the word.”

Constable also noted that it’s mating season and that coyotes are a protected species. Select board member Greg Grey cautioned that coyotes can jump a six-foot fence.

“This could get out of control pretty quickly during mating season,” Taverna said.

In response, Constable said there is no indication that the coyote population in Hull is out of control, but emphasized the importance of remaining vigilant.

More information about coyotes will be sought from the state Division of Fisheries and Wildlife.

• The town is working with the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority on improvements to the #714 bus system, including likely changing from a flag system for hailing rides to designated ADA-compliant bus stops, with more details to come.

• The Nantasket Beach seawall project is paused for two months due to issues with cement pouring in such cold weather conditions. The timeframe for completion remains the end of December 2025.

• Constable also talked about the proposed two-way road project in the Surfside area, saying it doesn’t exist “solely to support development” and that it involves the Hull Redevelopment Authority, the Department of Conservation and Recreation, and state and town-owned land.

“The project is now at the 25% design stage and getting close to the 100% design stage, but we’re waiting for more input from the DCR,” Constable said, among other considerations.

While the project could support development, it’s “as much a safety project as anything else,” she explained. “We’re all familiar with the roadway issues at Mezzo Mare. I was faced with a head-on car recently. The traffic flow and signage are not safe.”

This project was “originally to reduce seasonal congestion and improve safety and accessibility for [beachgoers], to support economic development, and to remedy traffic concerns,” according to Constable.

She also noted that emergency management officials have the authority to temporarily change the direction of a road if necessary during an evacuation.

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Advertise your snow removal service with us!

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Winter snows have finally arrived! If you offer a plowing, snowblowing, or shoveling service, now is the time to advertise in The Hull Times -- the first place Hullonians check when they're looking for quality service! When you buy an ad in the paper, you'll also be listed in a directory of snow removal services here on hulltimes.com. Call or email today! 781-925-9266 or office@hulltimes.com.

Winter Warrior Games for Wellspring set for February 1 on Nantasket Beach

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Almost 30 years ago, residents of Hull began taking the dive in the frigid waters of the Atlantic to raise money for Wellspring Multi-Service Center. The formerly titled “Drowned Hogs” polar plunge is reimagined and back as the Winter Warrior Games. With a new look and a new focus on families and some friendly competition, we are proud to continue this local, beloved event.

This year’s Winter Warrior Games for Wellspring takes place on Saturday, February 1, at 9:30 a.m. on Nantasket Beach and 1 p.m. at the Parrot restaurant.

Why this fundraiser?

Wellspring has a rich history here; our mission is to provide support and skills to people facing challenges to their well-being in order to help them achieve independence and self-sufficiency. This year, all proceeds will directly benefit Wellspring’s Adult Education Program.

Your community event - join us!

With the addition of competitive events, Winter Warrior Games ’25 will capture a new audience that celebrates Hull and focuses on building community while raising funds for Wellspring – a truly community-based non-profit. Sponsors will be able to advertise to their community, while directly giving back to it.

Our goal is to really maximize participation this year so you can count on a large audience.

For more information on sponsorship opportunities, contact jessie at jessie@wellspringmultiservice.org.

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Do you have an opinion to share? Click here to write a Letter to the Editor.

© 2025 The Hull Times. All rights reserved.