By Carol Britton Meyer

The first session of Hull’s annual town meeting wrapped up last night after four hours, nearly two of which centered around a discussion of the merits of hiring an assistant town manager at an annual salary of roughly $130,000.

This position was included in the select board portion of the $47,542,888 town budget – including the school department – that voters overwhelming approved on a 293 to 73 vote. (See this week’s edition of The Hull Times for full details).

There were about 380 voters present when the meeting convened at 7:17 p.m. after Town Moderator George Boylen delayed the start to allow those lined up waiting to get into the Hull High School auditorium extra time to be seated, and around 192 when the meeting adjourned at 10:50 p.m.

Only four of the 26 warrant articles were addressed, with the meeting reconvening Tuesday night (May 2) at 7 p.m. at the same location.

Voters also approved Community Preservation Act funding toward improvements to the Hampton Circle playground, L Street playground and tennis courts design, restoration of the Village Fire Station, among others; and up to $986,802 from one-time American Rescue Plan Act funds for design and construction of improvements to the wastewater treatment plant.