Hingham meeting summaries, agendas, and minutes

Hingham boards face busy week of decisions on schools, light plant, and more

Over the past two weeks, Hingham's boards and committees met on a wide range of items, but none of the minutes have been published yet, so no decisions have been reported. The agendas included site plan reviews, special permits, and policy discussions. Upcoming meetings will bring votes on several significant items, including school building designs, municipal light borrowing, and a union agreement.

School building projects

The School Building Committee will meet on Aug. 24 to review and potentially approve final schematic design packages for the Plymouth River Elementary and South Elementary MSBA projects. The committee will also discuss the Hingham High School roof and HVAC project, including a vote on the selected HVAC option. Separately, the School Committee is scheduled to vote on approving the schematic design submittals for both elementary schools.

Select Board

On Aug. 25, the Select Board will consider a memorandum of agreement with Teamsters Local Union 25 for DPW Supervisors, open and close the warrant for the 2026 Special Town Meeting, and submit schematic designs for the two elementary school roof projects to the Massachusetts School Building Authority. The board will also discuss a speed limit reduction from 30 to 25 mph on High Street near the French/Ward intersection and a temporary four-way stop at North Street, Main Street, and Fearing Road.

Municipal Light Board

The Municipal Light Board will meet Aug. 25 to vote on warrant articles for borrowing authorization and extending the borrowing term from 20 to 30 years. The board will also review a rate study conducted by Utility Financial Solutions.

Other notable items

The Housing Authority will consider approving a land disposition agreement with AHSC Peabody Developers LLC and writing off $5,713.31 in vacated tenant accounts. The Advisory Committee will meet Sept. 1 to discuss school roof and HVAC projects, the municipal light transmission project, and planning for a Special Town Meeting, including potential warrant articles. The Planning Board will hold public hearings Aug. 24 on four site plans, including a pool deck replacement at 33 Gardner Street and a single-family dwelling reconstruction at 40 A Hersey Street.

Coming up

• **Select Board** – Aug. 25, 6:30 p.m. (agenda includes union agreement, warrant, school designs)
• **School Building Committee** – Aug. 24, 6:00 p.m. (final schematic designs for elementary schools)
• **Municipal Light Board** – Aug. 25, 7:00 p.m. (borrowing authorization and rate study)
• **Planning Board** – Aug. 24, 7:00 p.m. (site plan hearings)
• **Advisory Committee** – Sept. 1, 7:00 p.m. (school and light projects, Special Town Meeting)

All meetings are open to the public; check the town's website for remote access details.

Hingham boards weigh school projects, police contract, and more

Over the past two weeks, Hingham town boards met to consider a range of items, from school building projects to police equipment contracts. Minutes have not yet been published for any of these meetings, so no decisions are confirmed, but agendas show votes were scheduled on several significant matters.

School building projects

The School Building Committee met twice. On Aug. 11, it reviewed the Hingham High School MSBA Roof and HVAC Project, including a revised Life Cycle Cost Analysis with options 4 and 5, and preliminary scopes and budgets for the Plymouth River Elementary and South Elementary MSBA projects. On Aug. 12, it reviewed the Foster School project, including change orders and invoices. The committee also scheduled a subcommittee meeting for Aug. 17 to review construction manager qualifications.

Municipal Light Board

The Municipal Light Board met Aug. 5 and Aug. 11. Both meetings included a rate study by Utility Financial Solutions. On Aug. 11, the board was scheduled to vote on a revised warrant article for a transmission project and to consider deposits for services to rental properties. A further meeting is set for Aug. 19 to vote on the warrant article again.

Select Board

The Select Board met Aug. 11 and considered several licenses and contracts. It was scheduled to vote on a police Taser contract with Axon Enterprise for 73 Taser 10 certifications and instructor training, a labor agreement with Teamsters Local 25, and an agreement with Brite Lite Electric for electrical relocation at South Shore Country Club. It also considered one-day liquor licenses for events at World's End and The Old Ordinary, and an entertainment license for Comella's Restaurant.

Planning and zoning

The Planning Board held public hearings Aug. 10 on site plans for 22 Howe Street (converting gravel parking to lawn, adding a shed and sports court) and 709 Main Street (altering a dwelling, adding a garage, pool, and accessory dwelling unit). It also discussed potential zoning articles and entered executive session on an Open Meeting Law complaint.

The Zoning Board of Appeals met Aug. 11 with three hearings: a continued request by Rockland Trust for signage at 1 Technology Place, a modification of a 2003 special permit for tenant signage at Derby Street Shops, and a Hingham Yacht Club request for floodplain work at 208 and 211 Downer Avenue.

Traffic and health

The Traffic Committee met Aug. 6 to vote on SS4A grant recommendations for a four-way stop sign warrant analysis at North Street/Main Street/Fearing Road and a sidewalk/crosswalk project on South Pleasant Street. It also considered 25 mph speed limits on High Street and Shipyard Drive.

The Board of Health met Aug. 12 to vote on three variance requests: a DWCP variance at 7 Cedar St, a DWCP variance to an irrigation well at 327 East St, and an amended definitive subdivision plan for Bishops Lane.

Other boards

The Recreation Commission met Aug. 4 to discuss potential Community Preservation Committee projects. The Council on Aging met Aug. 11 to adopt FY27 goals. The Library Board of Trustees met Aug. 11 to discuss survey results for its strategic plan. The Human Rights Commission met Aug. 10 to plan its 2026-2027 schedule and consider co-sponsoring the town's Juneteenth event. The Cleaner Greener Hingham Committee met Aug. 13 to review education goals and compost pickup updates.

Coming up

Several meetings are scheduled in the next two weeks. On Aug. 17, the Conservation Commission will hear a 40B housing project (32 units) and other notices of intent. The School Committee will review policies and handbooks. The Affordable Housing Trust will discuss the Move-In MA program. On Aug. 18, the Advisory Committee will consider a $46,800 reserve fund transfer for voting tabulators and discuss the Fall 2026 Special Town Meeting. The School Building Committee will review final schematic designs for two elementary schools. On Aug. 19, the Municipal Light Board will vote on a warrant article, and the School Committee will vote on schematic design submittals for Plymouth River and South Elementary. On Aug. 20, the Historic Districts Commission will review eight applications. On Aug. 24, the Library trustees will discuss a draft strategic plan. On Aug. 25, the Housing Authority will consider a land disposition agreement with AHSC Peabody Developers and write off $5,713.31 in vacated tenant accounts.

Hingham boards take up school roofs, Special Town Meeting planning

Hingham town boards met over the past two weeks on a range of items, from school roof projects to wetland regulations, but no minutes have been published yet, so no formal decisions are confirmed. The most consequential item on the table was the Select Board's discussion of scheduling a Special Town Meeting for October 29, 2026, with warrant articles for school roof and HVAC projects and Hingham Municipal Light Plant (HMLP) capital improvements.

Special Town Meeting and school roofs

The Select Board met July 28 to consider opening the warrant for a Special Town Meeting on October 29, 2026. The agenda included warrant articles for roof projects at Plymouth River Elementary School and South Elementary School, as well as a roof and HVAC design project at the High School. The board also discussed an article for HMLP capital improvements. No vote was reported.

The Advisory Committee, meeting the same day, discussed its own preparations for a fall 2026 Special Town Meeting, including potential articles for the Hingham Municipal Light Plant and the School Building Committee. The committee also reviewed final FY26 year-end transfers.

The School Building Committee's Construction Manager at Risk (CMR) Subcommittee met July 31 to review qualification criteria for a construction manager, discuss the qualification timeline, and set future meeting dates.

Other board business

Several other boards held agenda-only meetings with no published minutes:

• The Planning Board reviewed a special permit parking determination for The Pilates Edit, LLC at 25 Main Street and a site plan for 709 Main Street to extend a dwelling, add a garage, pool, and pool house with an accessory dwelling unit.
• The Conservation Commission held public hearings on proposed revisions to the Hingham Wetland Regulations, a Notice of Intent for an addition and driveway extension at 359 East Street, a deck expansion and dock modification at 208 & 211 Downer Avenue (Hingham Yacht Club), and a request for permeable grass pavers at 10 Bucket Mill Lane. The commission also considered appointing a member to the Community Preservation Committee.
• The Retirement Board discussed and voted on the KMS Actuarial Valuation, reviewed PRIT performance reports, and entered executive session for an Accidental Disability Retirement application.
• The Municipal Light Board discussed a rate study by Utility Financial Solutions.
• The Affordable Housing Trust reviewed project updates for Lincoln School Apartments and tax title properties, and voted on bills for ongoing projects.
• The Development and Industrial Commission discussed climate and water priorities for the Select Board's August meeting and decided liaison roles for the Hingham Climate Action Commission and the MWRA Advisory Board.
• The Recreation Commission discussed potential Community Preservation Committee projects and received updates on the Town Athletic Field and summer programs.
• The Open Space Acquisition Committee received an update on the Bickford Property appraisal and timeline.
• The Capital Outlay Committee elected officers and discussed the FY28 budget.
• The Lincoln Apartments, LLC Board of Managers reviewed capital improvement projects, including interior renovations, repointing, paving, and AC units, with possible votes.
• The School Committee's Salary & Negotiations Subcommittee met in executive session to discuss collective bargaining strategy with the Hingham Education Association Unit C.

Coming up

Several meetings are scheduled in the next two weeks:

• **Municipal Light Board** (Aug. 11, remote): Vote on a revised warrant article for a transmission project, review a rate study, and consider deposits for services to rental properties.
• **Board of Health** (Aug. 12): Vote on three variance requests, including a DWCP variance at 7 Cedar St and 327 East St, and an amended definitive subdivision plan for Bishops Lane.
• **Human Rights Commission** (Aug. 10, Town Hall): Plan the 2026/2027 meeting schedule and consider co-sponsoring the town's Juneteenth event.
• **School Committee Policy Subcommittee** (Aug. 10, remote): Review transportation policies and several technology policies, including new policies on district security and personnel use of technology.
• **Library Board of Trustees Strategic Planning Committee** (Aug. 11 and Aug. 24): Discuss survey and focus group results, then a draft strategic plan.
• **Weir River Estuary Park Committee** (Aug. 11): Discuss trail updates and kiosk replacement.
• **Board of Assessors** (Aug. 13): Enter executive session to review property tax abatements.

All meetings are open to the public unless noted otherwise. Agendas and minutes are available on the town's website.

Hingham Committees Pack Summer Agendas; Minutes Not Yet Published for Any July Meetings

Hingham's boards and committees held a busy stretch of meetings from July 20–31, but because minutes have not yet been published for any of them, outcomes and vote tallies are not available. Agendas show several consequential items were scheduled for discussion or votes, including a potential October Special Town Meeting, school roof and HVAC projects, and a municipal light transmission project.

Select Board

The Select Board met July 21 and July 28. The July 21 agenda included an entertainment license application for Comella's Restaurant at 207 Lincoln St, an agreement with Riverdale Plumbing & Heating Inc. for Library chiller replacement, potential votes on a collective bargaining agreement with Teamsters Local Union 25, and civil service replacement language for Police Patrol and Police Superiors. The board also was scheduled to proclaim August 8, 2026 as Farmer's Market Day.

The July 28 agenda focused on scheduling a 2026 Special Town Meeting for October 29, 2026, with warrant articles for Plymouth River Elementary School Roof, South Elementary School Roof, High School Roof and HVAC Design, and HMLP Capital Improvements.

School Building Committee

The committee met July 20 to review a Life Cycle Cost Analysis and Energy Model for the high school roof and HVAC project, discuss IRA Direct Pay eligibility, and vote on a selected heat pump option to advance into schematic design. Routine items included approving June 23, 2026 minutes and an invoice labeled Dietz #8. A July 31 CMR Subcommittee meeting was scheduled to review Construction Manager at Risk qualification criteria and timeline.

Municipal Light Board

On July 22, the board was scheduled to vote on a warrant article for a transmission project, appoint an HMLP member to the Climate Action Commission, and review a rate study by Utility Financial Solutions. Capital project updates and deposits for services to rental properties were also on the agenda.

Conservation Commission

The July 27 agenda included public hearings on proposed revisions to Hingham Wetland Regulations, a Notice of Intent for addition and driveway extension at 359 East Street, a Notice of Intent for deck expansion and dock modification at 208 & 211 Downer Avenue (Hingham Yacht Club), and a Request for Determination of Applicability for permeable grass pavers at 10 Bucket Mill Lane. The commission also planned to appoint a member to the Community Preservation Committee.

Planning Board

The Planning Board met July 23 jointly with the Zoning Board of Appeals and Residential Compatibility Standards Subcommittee to discuss state zoning and housing bills H. 5555, H. 5576, and the 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act. No votes were scheduled. On July 27, the board was scheduled to discuss a Special Permit A3 Parking Determination for The Pilates Edit, LLC at 25 Main Street and a Site Plan Review for 709 Main Street to extend a dwelling, add a garage, pool, and pool house with an accessory dwelling unit.

Other Committees

• **Bare Cove Park Committee** (July 21): Event applications, treasurer's report, ranger's report, consultant update.
• **Personnel Board** (July 21): Executive session for collective bargaining with Teamsters Local 25 Supervisors Union.
• **Open Space Acquisition Committee** (July 21 and 28): Bickford Property appraisal and timeline update.
• **Country Club Management Committee** (July 23): Pool project construction, pro shop and pool demolition, FY26 year-end review; ceremonial groundbreaking at South Shore Country Club, 274 South Street.
• **Capital Outlay Committee** (July 27): Election of officers, FY28 budget discussion.
• **Retirement Board** (July 28): Vote on KMS Actuarial Valuation, PRIT performance reports, executive session for Accidental Disability Retirement application.
• **Affordable Housing Trust** (July 29): Board reorganization, Lincoln School Apartments updates, votes on bills.
• **Development and Industrial Commission** (July 30): Liaison roles for Climate Action Commission and MWRA Advisory Board.

Coming Up

• **Aug. 4 — Recreation Commission:** Potential vote on future CPC projects, Town Athletic Field update.
• **Aug. 5 — Municipal Light Board:** Rate study discussion by Utility Financial Solutions.
• **Aug. 5 — School Committee Salary & Negotiations Subcommittee:** Executive session on HEA Unit C successor contract.
• **Aug. 10 — Human Rights Commission:** 2026/2027 meeting schedule, Juneteenth co-sponsorship consideration.
• **Aug. 11 — Municipal Light Board:** Vote on revised transmission project warrant article.
• **Aug. 11 — Weir River Estuary Park Committee:** Trail update, kiosk replacement.
• **Aug. 13 — Board of Assessors:** Executive session for property tax abatements.

Hingham Boards Tackle Housing Plan, School Projects, and Zoning in Busy July Stretch

Hingham's boards and committees held a packed schedule of meetings July 7–17, covering housing policy, school construction, zoning standards, and conservation hearings. Because minutes have not yet been published for any of these sessions, this roundup reports what was on each agenda; confirmed outcomes will follow once minutes are available.

Housing Authority considers voucher plan and $7,500 sprinkler change order

The Hingham Housing Authority Board met July 14 with several decisions on its agenda. Members were scheduled to vote on adopting Quincy Housing Authority's newly published Housing Choice Voucher Administrative Plan, including Project-Based Voucher policies, effective August 1, 2026. The board also planned a public hearing and vote on the FY2027 Annual Plan, inclusive of the Capital Plan, and a motion to approve the Section 8 Program Utility Allowance for 2026–2027. A change order not to exceed $7,500 for sprinkler head replacement at Beal Street (project #131098) was up for approval.

School Building Committee reviews Foster School and high school projects

The School Building Committee met twice during this period. On July 8, the committee was set to review and approve Change Order #024 for PCO 166 (granite curbing and memorial bricks) and PCO 170 (added granite curbing) at the Foster School project. The agenda also included Phase 3 updates covering the softball field, winter damage and irrigation, and planting work, plus an irrigation well relocation and drilling status update. Invoices for PMA (Invoice 060, May 2026) and Bacon (Pay Request #36, June 2026) were scheduled for approval.

On July 14, the committee turned to roof and HVAC projects at Plymouth River Elementary, South Elementary, and Hingham High School. The agenda included review of Life Cycle Cost Analysis and Energy Model updates, discussion of CM at Risk procurement and timeline, and approval of Dietz + JLL invoices.

Conservation Commission holds hearings on 32-unit Viking Lane development

The Conservation Commission met July 13 with two public hearings on residential projects. The first concerned an addition and driveway extension at 359 East Street. The second involved a 32-residential-unit development at Viking Lane and Ward Street. A third hearing on a deck expansion and dock modification at 211 Downer Avenue was listed with a requested continuance to July 27. The commission also reviewed six certificates of compliance, an extension request for 111 Weir Street (DEP No. 034-1366), and a determination of applicability for a Title V upgrade at 124 Hobart Street.

Select Board schedules alcohol licenses and FY26 transfers

The Select Board met July 7 with four special one-day wine and malt beverage licenses on the agenda for Harbour Lights Theatre's production of Dear Evan Hansen on August 6, 7, 8 (two shows), and 9, 2026. The board also planned to consider FY26 year-end transfers, though no amounts were specified, and make appointments to the Talent Bank and other town boards.

Planning Board reviews three residential site plans

The Planning Board met remotely July 13 to continue a minor modification for ALR Homes at 119 Downer Avenue (grading and landscaping for a single-family dwelling reconstruction). New items included a minor modification for James Clark at 79 Tower Road (revised tree plantings and landscaping for an addition) and a site plan review for Mike Swiatkowski at 6 Highfield Road (reconstruction of a single-family dwelling). All three properties are in Residence A or B Districts under § I-I of the Zoning By-Law.

Other meetings

The Advisory Committee (July 7) discussed FY26 year-end transfers and preliminary scheduling for a fall 2026 Special Town Meeting. The Residential Compatibility Standards Subcommittee (July 9) reviewed floor area ratio comparisons and formula-based standards. The Board of Assessors (July 13) entered executive session for abatement decisions. The School Committee (July 13) conducted a superintendent evaluation and reviewed policies on home schooling, physical restraint, bus driver training, and building access. The Zoning Board of Appeals (July 14) heard a Linden Ponds project change for a multi-use courtyard and a sign request from Rockland Trust at 1 Technology Place. The Historic Districts Commission (July 16) held hearings on garage, window, and ADU proposals at 21 Cottage Street, 86 Leavitt Street, and 18 Cottage Street. The Personnel Board (July 16) considered police lateral-transfer credit, an educational incentive pay request, and salary placement for a new part-time Payroll Administrator.

Coming up

• **July 20 — School Building Committee:** Vote on the selected heat-pump option for the Hingham High School HVAC project to advance into schematic design.
• **July 21 — Select Board:** Potential votes on collective bargaining agreements with Teamsters Local Union 25 and police bargaining units; entertainment license for Comella's Restaurant at 207 Lincoln St; agreement with Riverdale Plumbing & Heating for Library chiller replacement.
• **July 22 — Municipal Light Board:** Vote on a warrant article for a transmission project and appointment of an HMLP member to the Climate Action Commission.
• **July 23 — Country Club Management Committee:** Pool project update, pro shop and pool demolition, and ceremonial groundbreaking at South Shore Country Club, 274 South Street.
• **July 27 — Capital Outlay Committee:** Election of officers and discussion of the FY 28 budget.

Hingham boards weigh water and sewer rates, vehicle purchases, and school project change orders

Hingham's town boards convened a packed schedule over the past two weeks, with agendas covering utility rate-setting, major equipment purchases, school construction change orders, and zoning policy review. All recent meetings listed below were agenda-only as of this report — minutes have not yet been published, so outcomes and vote tallies are not yet available.

Water and sewer rates on the table

The Board of Water Commissioners met June 30 to vote on adopting FY27 water usage rates for the Weir River Water System, with updates from Veolia and the Water Superintendent. The Sewer Commission met the same day to discuss and potentially set the FY2026 sewer rate and final sewer use charge assessment, including abatements and a Weston & Sampson operations report. No vote tallies or dollar amounts were listed on either agenda.

Select Board considers drone system, patrol vessel, and DPW vehicles

The Select Board's June 30 agenda included several purchase agreements: a Drone as First Responder system from AXON d/b/a Skydio for the Harbormaster, a 31-foot patrol vessel from SAFE Boats International LLC, a 2027 Kenworth T880 tractor for the Department of Public Works, and two Chevrolet Silverado trucks from Liberty Chevrolet for DPW. The board also planned to discuss FY27 plans for opioid settlement funds, receive a School Building Committee update, and consider dates for a Special Town Meeting.

On July 7, the Select Board was scheduled to decide on four special one-day wine and malt beverage licenses for Harbour Lights Theatre's production of Dear Evan Hansen on August 6, 7, 8 (two shows), and 9, 2026. That agenda also included FY26 year-end transfers and appointments to the Talent Bank and other town boards.

Advisory Committee handles year-end transfers

The Advisory Committee met June 30 to vote on granting the incoming chair authority to approve transfers under $10,000 for FY26 year end, along with liaison reports covering SBC, ACES, benefits, HMLP, CPC, and SBTF. A July 7 meeting continued FY26 year-end transfer discussions and began preliminary scheduling for a fall 2026 Special Town Meeting.

School Building Committee reviews Foster School change orders

On July 8, the School Building Committee reviewed Change Order #024 for PCO 166 (granite curbing and memorial bricks) and PCO 170 (added granite curbing), along with a project budget review including PCO exposure and open PRs. Phase 3 updates covered the softball field, winter damage and irrigation, and planting work. The committee also considered approving PMA Invoice 060 (May 2026) and Bacon Pay Request #36 (June 2026).

Recreation, zoning, and water advisory meetings

The Recreation Commission met remotely July 7 to approve June minutes and receive updates on the annual road race, summer programs, and town athletic field conditions. The Residential Compatibility Standards Subcommittee met July 9 to review floor area ratio comparisons among peer communities, formula-based standards, and site plan review design standards. The Weir River Water System Citizens Advisory Board attended the Water Commissioners meeting with no independent agenda items.

Coming up

Several meetings are scheduled for July 13–27 that residents may want to attend:

• **July 13 — Conservation Commission**: Public hearings on a 32-unit residential development at Viking Lane and Ward Street, an addition at 359 East Street, and a deck expansion and dock modification at 211 Downer Avenue (requested continuance to 7/27/26). Multiple certificates of compliance are also on the agenda.
• **July 13 — Planning Board** (remote): Minor site plan modifications at 119 Downer Avenue, 79 Tower Road, and 6 Highfield Road.
• **July 13 — School Committee**: Superintendent summative evaluation, FY27 LPN nurse rates, and policy reviews.
• **July 14 — Housing Authority**: Vote on adopting Quincy Housing Authority's HCV Administrative Plan effective August 1, 2026; public hearing on the FY2027 Annual Plan; and a change order not to exceed $7,500 for sprinkler head replacement at Beal St. (project #131098).
• **July 14 — Zoning Board of Appeals** (remote): Hearings on a Linden Ponds multi-use courtyard project and Rockland Trust signs at 1 Technology Place.
• **July 16 — Historic Districts Commission**: Public hearings on garage, window, and ADU proposals at 21 Cottage Street, 86 Leavitt Street, and 18 Cottage Street.
• **July 27 — Capital Outlay Committee**: Election of officers and discussion of the FY28 budget.

Hingham boards tackle water and sewer rates, capital purchases in late June meetings

Hingham's boards and commissions held a packed schedule of meetings in the final week of June, with agendas covering water and sewer rate setting, major equipment purchases, and a potential subdivision vote. Minutes have not yet been published for any of the meetings listed below, so outcomes are not confirmed; this report reflects what was on each agenda.

Water and sewer rates

The Board of Water Commissioners met June 30 with a scheduled vote to adopt FY27 water usage rates for the Weir River Water System, plus updates from Veolia and the Water Superintendent. The Sewer Commission met the same day to discuss and potentially set the FY2026 sewer rate and final sewer use charge assessment, with abatements also on the agenda.

The Weir River Water System Citizens Advisory Board met June 25 to review the Drought Management Plan, discuss a potential drought surcharge fee structure, and talk through water ban enforcement and customer communication.

Select Board: equipment purchases

The Select Board's June 30 agenda included agreements for several major purchases: a Drone as First Responder system from AXON d/b/a Skydio for the Harbormaster; a 31-foot patrol vessel from SAFE Boats International LLC; a 2027 Kenworth T880 tractor for the Department of Public Works; and two Silverado trucks from Liberty Chevrolet for DPW. The board also planned to discuss FY27 plans for opioid settlement funds, receive a School Building Committee update, and consider dates for a Special Town Meeting. A June 24 Select Board session was limited to Talent Bank interviews with the Town Moderator for committee vacancies.

Planning Board: Bishops Lane subdivision

The Planning Board's June 22 agenda included a potential vote on a Definitive Subdivision Plan at 16 and 0 Bishops Lane, following an executive session on litigation strategy in Young v. Planning Board (Land Court Docket #23 MISC 000524).

School Building Committee

The committee met June 23 to act on Dietz invoices and a JLL invoice and to discuss Hingham High School MSBA Roof and HVAC design updates, including a geothermal well system, roof design, and MAAB improvements. Additional services requests ASR-04 (HVAC options and life cycle cost analyses) and ASR-05 (existing drawing scans) were also scheduled for review, along with updates on Plymouth River and South Elementary School MSBA roof projects.

Conservation Commission

A continued public hearing on revisions to the Hingham Wetland Regulations headlined the June 22 agenda. The commission also planned votes on Orders of Conditions for 25 Bare Cove Park Drive (DEP No. 034-1559), 14 Seal Cove Road (DEP No. 034-1563), and 90A Industrial Park Drive (DEP No. 034-1564), plus certificates of compliance for 100 Industrial Park Road, 19 and 27 Whiting Street, 106 Fort Hill Street, and 359 East Street.

Other meetings

The Historic Districts Commission met June 25 to review 10 applications for Certificates of Appropriateness, including T-Mobile wireless equipment in the steeple at 7 Thaxter Street (New North Church), a garage expansion with ADU at 86 Leavitt Street, siding and window replacement at 378 Main Street (Hingham Congregational Church), and a house color change at 174 North Street.

The Retirement Board met June 23 to review PRIT Performance Reports for April 2026 and a KMS Actuarial Valuation Presentation, with an executive session scheduled on an accidental disability retirement application.

The Advisory Committee met June 30 with a scheduled vote on granting the incoming chair authority to approve transfers under $10,000 for FY26 year end. The Personnel Board and the School Committee Salary & Negotiations Subcommittee each held executive sessions for collective bargaining — with Teamsters Local 25 Supervisors Union and HEA Unit C (Custodial and Maintenance), respectively.

Coming up

• **July 7 — Advisory Committee:** FY26 year-end transfers and preliminary scheduling for a fall 2026 Special Town Meeting.
• **July 7 — Recreation Commission:** Updates on the annual road race, summer programs, and town athletic field conditions.
• **July 7 — Select Board:** Special one-day wine and malt beverage licenses for Dear Evan Hansen performances August 6–9, FY26 year-end transfers, and appointments to town boards.
• **July 13 — Board of Assessors:** Executive session to review and decide on property tax abatements.

Water Rates Set for FY27; Select Board Weighs Drone, Vehicle Purchases

The Hingham Board of Water Commissioners approved water usage rates for the coming fiscal year at its June 30 meeting, while the Sewer Commission set its FY2026 rate. The rate actions come as other town boards moved on public-safety equipment purchases, school building upgrades and routine governance matters.

Other Recent Actions

The Select Board discussed agreements for several major purchases June 30, including a drone-as-first-responder system from AXON/Skydio, a 31-foot patrol vessel from SAFE Boats International, a DPW tractor from Kenworth and two pickup trucks from Liberty Chevrolet. No dollar figures were released and board votes were not specified in the published agenda.

The Advisory Committee voted on June 30 to allow its incoming chair to approve year-end transfers under $10,000 for fiscal 2026. The committee also received liaison reports from several town entities.

The School Building Committee reviewed design updates for the Hingham High School MSBA Roof and HVAC Project, including a geothermal well system and heat-pump options. It also approved invoices from Dietz and discussed timelines for the Plymouth River and South elementary roof projects.

The Planning Board scheduled a potential vote June 22 on a definitive subdivision plan at 16 and 0 Bishops Lane and entered executive session to discuss litigation. The Conservation Commission continued a public hearing on wetland regulations and considered orders of condition for multiple properties.

The Historic Districts Commission reviewed 10 applications for certificates of appropriateness, including a T-Mobile wireless installation in the steeple of New North Church at 7 Thaxter Street.

Coming Up

The Select Board will vote July 7 on four special one-day alcohol licenses for the Harbour Lights Theatre production of “Dear Evan Hansen” Aug. 6-9. The Advisory Committee meets the same day to discuss FY26 year-end transfers and early planning for a fall special town meeting.

The Recreation Commission will receive updates on its annual road race, summer programs and athletic fields July 7. The Board of Assessors plans to go into executive session July 13 to decide property tax abatements.