Select board begins review of May 5 town meeting warrant, including 11 citizens’ petitions

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By Carol Britton Meyer

The draft warrant for the May 5 annual town meeting features 41 articles, including 11 citizens’ petitions.

The warrant articles, discussed by the select board this week, include proposals to remove the town manager from the role of municipal light plant manager; align Hull’s accessory dwelling units regulations with less-restrictive state law; prohibit highly illuminated, moving, and excessive commercial signage, electronic community message boards, and billboards; and projects recommended for funding by the Community Preservation Committee.

Article 36, submitted by light board member Jacob Vaillancourt and others, seeks to restore to the light board the statutory responsibility found in Massachusetts General Laws, Chapter 164, “including but not limited to the ability to make policy, hire and fire the light plant manager, employees (pursuant to union and any civil service requirements), and to perform as a board those actions and responsibilities it had prior to 1993,” when the town manager was designated to serve in the light plant manager role.

Select Board Chair Irwin Nesoff said that the town manager doesn’t receive an additional stipend from the light plant beyond the salary that was negotiated for the town manager position.

Town Manager Jennifer Constable noted that if town meeting approves this change, “there would be no town authority over the light plant,” which in certain cases could be “to the detriment of the entire community,” she said.

Another article relates to authorizing the select board to acquire land near 31 and 169 Beach Avenue and 33 Malta Street by eminent domain to allow for constructing, repairing, maintaining, or improving the road, utilities, dune, and infrastructure system and “to protect persons and property, to provide protection from storms or sea level rise, and to enable and facilitate public and municipal access to and use of the beach,” among other stipulations. A similar article failed to pass at last year’s town meeting.

Article 17 notes: “Nothing contained in this article or any action there under shall be construed to indicate that the town does not already own or have sufficient interests in the property. Any action taken under this article is intended to remove any clouds on the town’s rights and/or to establish and affirm the town’s rights.”

This matter “continues to make its way through litigation, and it’s important enough to revisit this year,” Constable said during a board review of the draft warrant this week.

Affordable housing trust creation

Another article calls for setting aside money to be used to cover matching funds as required by grants for which the town might apply, while another asks voters to approve the creation of an affordable housing trust to help create and preserve below-market-rate housing for low- and moderate-income households and to fund community housing.

Article 25, sponsored by the select board, would establish a schedule of fines for parking violations (not to exceed $100), and Article 37, submitted by Ann Marie Papasodero, would change the town’s bylaws to require a quorum of 150 registered voters to be present at town meeting and special town meeting in order to conduct business. The town has had a zero quorum rule since 1987, when voters eliminated the 150-voter quorum because of difficulty in obtaining the required number of participants.

Other proposals on the warrant would limit the number of times an individual can speak to no more than twice on any question at town meeting, with a couple of exceptions, and limit speakers to no more than five minutes the first time – down from the current seven minutes, excluding the presenter of the article – and no more than three minutes the second time on any subject.

CPC recommendations

The Community Preservation Committee’s projects to be discussed at town meeting include funding for the redevelopment of Jones Park in Kenberma with a new ADA-compliant playground, restoration of the Hull Lifesaving Museum boathouse at Pemberton Point, restoration of the Paragon Carousel’s roof, and preservation of town historic documents, among others.

Appropriating money for an ambulance and pumper truck is the subject of Article 23. Article 8 includes the general government and school budgets, while a number of the articles are for “housekeeping” purposes – required to be voted on each year to enable the government to operate.

Constable said the 11 citizen’s petitions are printed in the warrant “exactly as they were presented to us, including missing words or spelling inaccuracies. That’s how we have to include them in the warrant.”

In addition to the quorum article, the resident-sponsored proposals seek to rezone as public open space several town-owned and private conservation trust parcels, change the town’s inclusionary zoning bylaw to require 100% of units in developments of four or more to be designated affordable, and repeal the flexible plan development bylaw, among other considerations.

The board will sign the warrant on March 26, following further discussion at upcoming meetings. The advisory board also reviews each article and develops recommendations for voters to consider. Those attending the May 5 town meeting will have final say on the proposals through their votes.

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HRA, select board acknowledge need for more communication on short-term uses of property

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By Carol Britton Meyer

Four Hull Redevelopment Authority members met with the select board last week to review their plans for the upcoming summer season.

“We wanted the board to know that the work we’re doing to engage people to use the HRA property will impact your schedule during [town meeting season],” Chair Dennis Zaia said.

The lengthy discussion covered many topics, including the events to be held at the site this summer and the capacity of the parking lots. At times, the discussion became heated.

An unresolved question is whether the select board will support the HRA’s inclusion of 900 parking spaces in the request for proposals for an operator this summer. That topic will be discussed at another joint meeting of the two boards on March 12. The paid parking season begins May 1.

Greg Grey, acting as chair in Irwin Nesoff’s absence, asked why the HRA hadn’t gone before the select board before including that number of spaces in the RFP.

In response, Zaia said he had requested a meeting with the board, but one wasn’t scheduled.

After some conversation, he acknowledged that it would have been a good idea to be more specific in his request since the parking lot lease process is time-sensitive. He also noted that the 900 maximum parking spaces included in the parking lot lease can be changed if necessary.

HRA members Bartley Kelly, Joan Senatore, and Dan Kernan also attended the meeting. Adrienne Paquin was not able to participate.

Update on HRA’s activities

 Zaia presented an update on the board’s activities and upcoming dates and let the select board know that the parking lot operator and vendors chosen as part of the RFP process will be going before the board and town departments for the necessary approvals.

Five events already approved by the HRA as part of its “application for use of the HRA property” also are required to go through this approval process before their organizers get the green light to move forward with their plans.

These include the second Northeast Public Power Association line workers rodeo; South Shore Revival, supporting individuals who are in recovery; the two annual Hull Boosters/Hull Youth Football Association carnivals, and the Mass Bears and Cubs beach party.

The HRA will consider applications for a Hull community market and “Rooted in Hull” summer barbecues at its next meeting after hearing preliminary proposals at an earlier meeting.

Select board member Brian McCarthy asked how events on HRA land “tie into the redevelopment of the property.”

Zaia said the idea is to put the property to public use while the HRA works on creating an option 3 for the draft Urban Renewal Plan.

At the same time, Town Manager Jennifer Constable said that while she appreciates the HRA trying to activate the space, she wishes there had been an opportunity for town input before the HRA approved special events for the summer season.

Impacts on town services, neighborhoods

“Such events tax town services and neighborhoods,” she said, recommending that the application and RFP processes for summer uses of the property be put on an earlier timeline in the future.

In response, Zaia noted that “the HRA is only the first step on [the] ladder. We realize that all these events happening is subject to select board approval.”

Constable suggested that the board “take a step back and look and listen to all the things going on around town and not focus so much on the divide,” referring to differing opinions on the use of the HRA property. “We would like for there to be constructive feedback, and I suggest for the board to reach a compromise on what can happen there.”

Following a lengthy discussion about the parking lot lease, Kelly pointed out that the HRA has “spent a lot of time trying to activate this space. Ultimately, we’re a redevelopment authority, and it’s the board’s job to come up with an URP that provides economic development opportunities, open space, and housing – including some affordable units.”

While he said the parking lot RFP discussion that night was “good,” he felt strongly that there should be more of a focus on “getting the URP on paper and then submit it to the select board and state” for review and approval.

“It’s time to move, and I’m looking forward to working with the select board and the other committees and boards who have helped get us to this point right now.”

Periodic meetings with select board suggested

Zaia suggested that both boards meet periodically and that select board members watch the replays of HRA meetings on hulltv.net to “keep up to date and to listen to what each of us is saying.”

Zaia also shared with the board a booklet containing all the HRA information boxes that were published in The Hull Times from October 2022 through November 2024.

Grey noted that “there’s frustration among citizens after 60 years. They want something to happen,” he said, and suggested that the HRA “get to that point as soon as you can.”

Resident Lisa French said that she believes that “the majority of the public” doesn’t want large-scale development on the property, preferring to use the space for “community events, recreation, and entertainment.”

She added later in the meeting that “this is a democratic process, which doesn’t mean that the people at the top make the decisions and then try to get buy-in from the people below. You should get input from the community first and then discuss it in front of the public, with everyone hashing it out and calling in experts as needed.”

Grey said he holds a different view.

“The HRA and select board have been very open and transparent,” he said. “We’re trying to do our jobs for the citizens of Hull.”

Kernan said that it is important to involve the community from the beginning, and “the first [draft] URP wasn’t developed that way,” in his opinion. “We need to continue with citizen engagement throughout the process, or else they’ll [slow it down] again.”

On the other hand, Kelly said the HRA has “been seeking public input from the beginning of the URP process. It’s about creating a happy medium,” he said.

Select board member Jerry Taverna said the HRA is “one of the best examples of how [the process is] supposed to work. They got involved and are stating their cases. This is exactly as a board should function, and it’s not easy for them to come to a decision” about the use of the property.

Grey suggested a no-binding referendum to gauge the views of the town’s population about the best uses of the property.

The HRA will meet on March 31 to review and approve vendor proposals and on April 7 to review and evaluate parking bids – both in response to the recent requests for proposals.

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The efforts of many helped Books in Bloom blossom at the library…

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From Betsy Russo

Chair of Books in Bloom, Hull Garden Club

The Hull Garden Club would like to thank Brian DeFelice and the staff of the Hull Public Library for their support during “Books in Bloom.” held recently at the library. The event was a great success, bringing the community together with a taste of spring as floral designs and vignettes filled the rooms of the library. The HGC would like to thank all those who came out to support us.

FLOWERY PROSE. The Hull Garden Club sponsored Books in Bloom at the Hull Public Library last week, an event in which participants created flower arrangements inspired by their favorite books. Shown are Tricia Fleck with her arrangement based on Intermezzo; Peter Seitz, inspired by Inheritance of Scars, the new book by his daughter, Crystal Seitz; Betsy Russo, who discussed her arrangement based on The Women with Cassidy Curran and Kathy Tilden; and Corinne Leung and Elaina Baggett from the Hull Lifesaving Museum with Boston Harbor Islands; Hull Artist Lara Williams with her spot-on painting of the arrangement by Judy Fanuele and Marjorie Finer [not pictured] inspired by The Giving Tree, Anne Finley joins arranger Anne Walsh for tea at her charming set up based on the book County Tea Parties. Arrangements on display included Lynne Furze’s West with Giraffes; Cathy Jacques’ Big Bad Bunny; Diane Aroyan’s Guess How Much I Love You; Belong by the Hull Council on Aging staff and volunteers; Diane Norton’s Peach Tea Smash; Someone Else’s Shoes by the Formidable Female Book Club [Helen Gould, Meryl Johnson, Elizabeth Fish, and Mary Jo Fleming]; and The Christmas Owl by Kim Cerny. [Skip Tull photos]

Along with the HGC, Seaside Floral Design, Nantasket Sweets by Swedes, Alchemy Wellness and Hair Restoration, Hull Lifesaving Museum, Hull Council on Aging, and various town book clubs participated.

A special shoutout to Peter Seitz (Hull TV), and Bob Cleary for their beautiful floral arrangements.

The Friends of the Hull Public Library provided snacks and entertainment. The Hull Artists added to the mix with their wonderful displays.

Together, we had fun creating something special to be shared with the community.

This program received a grant from the Hull Cultural Council, a local agency which is supported by the Massachusetts Cultural Council, a state agency.

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Town meeting to consider proposal to align Hull’s ADU regulations with less restrictive state law

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By Carol Britton Meyer

An article aimed at closing the gap between the town’s carefully crafted accessory dwelling units (ADU) bylaw and recent state legislation that allows ADUs of a certain size to be built as-of-right in single-family zoning districts will be on the May 5 town meeting warrant.

Hull’s original ADU proposal was part of the effort to increase the town’s affordable housing stock and to allow those who wish to “age in place” to do so while benefitting from the income generated from an ADU by renting it to family members, caregivers, or others.

While the state shares those goals, there are marked differences between the Hull bylaw and the new state law.

Click here to read the full text of the town meeting warrant article.

This legislation, which is part of the Massachusetts Affordable Homes Act, requires communities to allow accessory dwelling units of no more than one-half of the gross floor area of the principal dwelling or 900 square feet – whichever is smaller – by right on single-family lots.

Voters at the 2024 annual town meeting approved an ADU bylaw with an owner occupancy requirement, while the state law doesn’t have one.

“This means that an investor could potentially come in and buy a single-family house, create an ADU, and then rent them both out,” Director of Community Development and Planning Chris DiIorio told the select board this week.

“That’s concerning,” select board member Brian McCarthy said.

No special permit needed under new law

Also, no special permit process is required under the state legislation, while a special permit is required under the Hull bylaw.

As a result of the passage of the warrant article, Hull’s bylaw allowed certain homeowners of single-family residences to add and rent out a self-contained housing unit within their home, subordinate in size to the principal dwelling, subject to the special permit process.

The new state law allows for either attached or detached ADUs and virtually replaces local zoning regulations across the state with a uniform law that allows qualifying homeowners to add these units without requiring a special permit, unless they are seeking to add more than one of these units on their property.

“We are trying to keep a sense of some kind of oversight over proposed ADUs,” DiIorio said, which makes the allowed site plan review process a valuable tool.

“We want to prohibit any detached ADUs where lots are not the appropriate size under town zoning,” he said. “We have been advised by town counsel that Hull can prohibit multiple ADUs on a single lot, so we will include that in the proposed amendment.”

Under Hull’s bylaw, the maximum size of an ADU was set at 900 square feet, and no units could be rented for fewer than six months to resolve short-term vacation rental concerns voiced by some citizens throughout the process.

In Hull, there’s a maximum of 10 permits that could be issued annually over 10 years under the town meeting-approved bylaw, for a potential 100 ADUs maximum, but such limits are no longer allowed under the new state legislation.

‘Subject to reasonable regulations’

While this legislation is “subject to reasonable regulations related to septic disposal and dimensional requirements” according to a description on Mass.gov, it differs from Hull’s new bylaw in a number of ways as outlined above. However, construction of ADUs is subject to local building codes, setback requirements, and site plan review.

Under Hull’s bylaw, ADU units are limited to a maximum of two bedrooms, with one off-street parking space required per bedroom under most circumstances. No exterior stairs to an ADU unit are allowed.

“There will be a lot of back and forth in Hull due to the smaller lot sizes,” Building Commissioner Bartley Kelly said. “[In addition], most of Hull is in a flood zone, so certain requirements must be met.”

While there were initially “a lot of applications [to create ADUs in Hull since the passage of the 2024 warrant article], and there could be even more with passage of the more liberal state legislation, Kelly said he thinks that “once [the applicant] gets into the nuts and bolts,” there could be fewer applications moving forward, or new ones filed.

“It’s not as easy as people think unless you’re living in an existing larger house,” he said.

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Public/private partnership to build community center earns praise from some HRA members

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By Carol Britton Meyer

The Hull Redevelopment Authority this week heard a presentation from a Cohasset family to build a wellness and community center on its property, the second time in as many meetings that informal presentations of development ideas have taken place.

Cohasset resident Lisa Rogers, speaking on behalf of herself and her husband, Paul, discussed a preliminary vision for a non-profit, multi-generational Dylan’s Tide Child Wellness and Community Center in honor of their late son. Their goal is for this all-season, roughly two-acre project to be included in the HRA Urban Renewal Plan that is currently in the “Option 3” stage, or a complete rethinking of property’s development strategy.

This presentation was not part of a formal request for proposals for the property, but is another in a series of meetings where development options are being informally discussed.

Rogers said the preliminary proposal, geared toward helping people of all ages feel safe, manage stress, and make connections with others, features all-season space for diverse indoor and outdoor educational and recreational activities. These include walking paths, sports for all ages, musical swings, an art gallery, a rooftop vegetable and flower garden and farm-to-table events, summer fun days, an outdoor fitness court, patio with fire pits, string lights, and casual furniture for group gatherings, a retail store selling beach clothing, towels, candles, surfboards, bikes, and beach buggies, inspired jewelry, and other items, and a library, among many other uses. All profits from the store would support non-profit organizations.

Key to the concept is adding vibrancy to local shops and restaurants all year long, she said.

‘Holistic vision’

“Hull deserves a community resource like this that will bring retirees together with families as part of a holistic vision where everyone benefits and all talents are welcome,” Rogers said. “This is just magic.”

The concept is for the building of the center to be paid for through private investments, fundraising, grants, and other sources, according to Rogers. The town would be asked to contribute to the maintenance as part of what they hope will become a public-private partnership.

“We’re not looking to be a developer or to make money but purely to honor our son,” Rogers told the HRA at its meeting Monday night. “This would be a place of peace and joy for the entire community – a space filled with light and love. We think this project would fit perfectly into the mix of other ideas that we’ve heard are proposed for the surrounding property.”

Rogers explained that they “have a lot of resources [among friends and other contacts] willing to donate their time, talents, and efforts to help get us established” and that a paid director would create a staffing and community activities plan, “with input from us all, who would be responsible for management of the center.”

The Rogers family would hire an individual to manage the staffing, year-round activities, and other components.

Rogers explained that those willing to invest in the project have set a six-month timeframe for a decision by the HRA as to whether to embrace the concept as part of the URP.

She noted that the name “Dylan” means “keeper of the sea.” “He was and is our shining star and the reason for pursuing this project,” she said. Dylan Rogers, who was known for his kindness, compassion, and love for children, passed away in 2021.

The redevelopment authority was formed in the 1960s under a federal program to revitalize urban and suburban neighborhoods. The HRA’s original footprint – designated Town Center No. 1 – encompasses the land between the beach and bay from Water Street to Phipps Street; at one time, the authority planned to expand its territory into three additional districts that stretched south toward Atlantic Hill. 

Much of the HRA land has been vacant since the 1970s, when homes and businesses were taken by eminent domain by the authority and bulldozed, burned, or relocated in anticipation of development proposals that never materialized. The HRA has been working for the past several years to create a set of guidelines for future development. 

A 2023 version of the URP envisioned several uses for the property, including a boutique hotel and buildings with ground-floor retail and residential units on the upper floors. For the property north of the DCR parking lot near Monument Square, options included affordable housing or beach parking and event space. The HRA stepped back from that plan and has embarked on the current process to rework the URP.

‘For the greater public good’

Family member John Rogers, an attorney who is assisting with the proposal, noted that after 76 homes were razed and 126 individuals displaced more than 50 years ago when the property was taken by eminent domain, the questions were asked, why, and for what purpose?

“The answer to why is ‘for the greater public good,’” he said, and repurposing the land is the answer to the other question. “[The HRA] has set a goal that redevelopment of this part of town should create a sense of place. That’s a noble and necessary goal and mission. What Lisa presented satisfies that goal, I believe.”

Other benefits, according to John Rogers, include creating a place where community members can go “to achieve health and wellness for body, mind, and spirit; where everyone feels welcome.”

Calling the Rogers “philanthropists,” he explained that they both “love Hull and want to donate their own wealth and fundraising efforts to enter into a public-private partnership. There would be no income for them – no private benefit other than knowing that they would be helping the HRA achieve a public benefit for all – making a public asset even better.”

This proposal “checks off a lot of boxes of what people in the community want to see on, and envision for, the HRA property,” board member Bartley Kelly said.

Member Joan Senatore agreed. “This is what a lot of our residents have been asking for,” she said. “The proposal has my support.”

Paquin said she also believes that the proposal “is in the spirit of the public good. This is such a beautiful way to honor Dylan.”

HRA Chair Dennis Zaia referred to the proposal as “a lightning bolt for us to grab.”

During the public comment period at the end of the meeting, resident Lisa French asked whether there would be an admission fee and whether the Rogers family is asking to purchase the land and would own the center privately.

“It seems like these are reasonable questions to be asked at this point,” she said.

Kelly – who along with HRA member Adrienne Paquin met with Town Manager Jennifer Constable and Lisa and Paul Rogers to listen to the concept – and Zaia emphasized that this was a preliminary conversation and that there would be further discussions, with opportunities for community input, at a later date.

“This is as far as we’ve gotten,” Kelly said.

Lisa and Paul Rogers’s son, Griffin, watched the Zoom meeting and said at the end of the discussion, “You have my full commitment to this vision and the Town of Hull for many years to come,” he said. “That is my promise to you all.”

A replay of the meeting is available at Hull Community Television’s website, www.hulltv.net.

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School committee formulating evaluation process to grade new superintendent’s performance

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By Carol Britton Meyer

The school committee held a preliminary discussion this week about the evaluation process for Superintendent of Schools Michael Jette as he approaches the completion of his first year at the end of June. The committee will review a past superintendent’s evaluation and documents used in prior performance reviews as examples of how to proceed this time around.

Jette, working under a three-year contract with an annual salary of $180,000, said he’s also interested in soliciting feedback about his performance from the community and staff “to hear [their input] first-hand and to be as open and transparent as I can be about collecting information and being responsive.”

Committee member Kyle Conley, acting as chair in David Twombly’s absence, said she considers the committee’s role in negotiating contracts with new superintendents and completing their evaluations to be their most important responsibilities.

“It’s important to take the time to be very thorough and to have a clear and transparent process,” she said.

Conley suggested that rather than Jette seeking feedback from the community himself, “maybe the school committee could ask for input.”

SUPERINTENDENT MICHAEL JETTE

She noted that in the past, the school superintendent did a self-evaluation that he or she then shared with the school committee prior to writing individual evaluations. Those results were then compiled by the chair and presented to the superintendent and also publicly.

Overall, the school committee liked the idea of soliciting feedback from school staff. “We want to be sure to get lots of input from all the different stakeholders and that the feedback the committee gives you is aligned with the goals you laid out,” Conley said.

The discussion will continue at the next committee meeting on March 10.

‘Success for the next decade’

Jette presented his entry plan for his first year on the job to the school committee last September, including a commitment to “looking, listening, and learning” to help set up Hull Public Schools for “success for the next decade.”

Conley also noted that historically, Hull’s school superintendents at evaluation time have “written their reflections based on their goals, but I would like to get tighter than that, with concrete examples of how you met those goals. I know this is your first year, and goals are always evolving.”

Committee member Courtney Littlefield, who has not yet participated in a superintendent evaluation, said she thinks it is “important to stick to the [superintendent’s] goals and that stakeholders provide input” into “how all those details will work out will be fleshed out.”

At Conley’s suggestion, committee member Regan Yakubian will contact the Massachusetts Association of School Committees for guidance about how to conduct an effective superintendent evaluation process.

Jette will also share a survey he’s familiar with that is focused on leadership and the delivery of services.

Community-building events, summer market proposed for redevelopment authority land

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By Carol Britton Meyer

During a three-hour meeting Monday night, the Hull Redevelopment Authority reviewed two vendor applications for the summer season – both focusing on connecting residents during “increasingly disconnected times” through community-building events – in addition to hearing a proposal for a public/private partnership to build a child wellness and community center. (See related story).

Jane Wicks would like to “test pilot” a community market by the gazebo and Weir River on four Saturdays in June, featuring vendors such as local painters, potters, woodworkers, and booksellers, a vintage clothing store, music, and healers.

“The goal is to say ‘Hi’ to our neighbors more often,” she said.

Jennifer Freedman, owner of Groom with Me, would like to connect members of the community “from ages zero to 100” at the same location as Wicks but on a different schedule by offering “Rooted in Hull” family- and dog-friendly backyard-style barbecues to celebrate the end of the school year and also to mark summer’s end.

This will be an opportunity to connect with other residents of all ages – “to find a buddy or friendly neighbor to check in throughout the year,” she said.

Parking, traffic management, trash removal, and other issues will be addressed. Both proposals will be considered again at the March 10 meeting of the redevelopment authority.

In other business…

• Paula Devereaux, the HRA’s attorney, provided guidance on how board members should handle public records requests. While the authority hasn’t received such a request, an inquiry about how to request public records was received. The board will discuss appointing a member to serve as the HRA’s public records officer at an upcoming meeting, at their attorney’s suggestion. The late James Tobin served in that capacity while on the board.

Under state law, should such a request be submitted, the HRA has 10 days to respond, either with the requested information, or if it’s not immediately available, to respond that more time is needed.

The public records officer will start off by learning what records exist, where they can be found, and organizing them.

Longtime HRA member Bartley Kelly offered to assist whoever is appointed, but due to other responsibilities, he is unable to assume that role.

“I know where documents from 12 years ago can be found, but the board goes back 60 years,” he said.

Devereaux noted that any requests for HRA public records should be as specific as possible.

Member Adrienne Paquin will respond to the individual who made the initial inquiry, which led to this discussion.

• Upcoming meetings are scheduled for March 10 over Zoom; March 31, in-person at the Memorial School to consider vendor concessions bids; April 7, in-person at the Memorial School to consider parking lot bids; and April 14 over Zoom.

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In the Sport-light - News about Hull athletes

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Compiled by Matt Haraden

The weather is feeling warmer, meaning that the spring sports season will be here soon. But first, a couple of teams are still working their way through the Massachusetts Interscholastic Athletic Association’s tournaments.

• Cohasset/Hull Boys Hockey took on Medway in the first round of the Division 4 playoffs on Wednesday, February 26, but came up short, 7-4. The Cohasset-Hull team, the #26 seed, led #7 Medway, 3-1, at the end of the first period, and 4-3 at the end of the second, but couldn’t hold on to the lead. The team had an exciting season and is looking forward to moving even farther through the MIAA tournament next year.

HOLDING COURT. Hull’s fifth-grade basketballers had the home court advantage in action this past week. Click here for a full gallery of photos. [Nicole Townsend photos]

• The Girls Varsity Basketball team landed the #13 seed in the Division 5 state tournament, and defeated #20 Norfolk County Agricultural High School on Thursday, February 27 at home, 55-35. The next stop in the tournament play will be on the road against Lenox High School on Tuesday, March 4, at 5:30 p.m.

• Hull High’s spring teams – lacrosse, baseball, softball, and outdoor track and field – will begin their seasons next month.

Boys varsity lacrosse will start off with a home game against Silver Lake Regional High School on Saturday, March 22 at 10 a.m., followed by an away game against Taunton on Friday, March 28 at 4 p.m. The girls lacrosse team also begins the season at home, with three in a row – Monday, March 24 at 4 p.m. against North Quincy, Tuesday, March 25 at 4 p.m. vs. Plymouth South (JV at 5:15 p.m.), and Monday, March 31 at 4 p.m. against Stoughton.

The boys varsity baseball team opens with a home game against Millis on Saturday, March 22 at 10 a.m., followed by an away game against West Bridgewater on Tuesday, April 1 at 4 p.m.

JV softball will play at Hingham on Thursday, April 3 at 4 p.m., and will return home to host Scituate on Thursday, April 10 at 4 p.m.

The outdoor track and field teams will travel to Abington on Wednesday, April 9 at 4 p.m. and Mashpee on Monday, April 14 at 4:30 p.m.

Watch the Times for details, or for more information, visit www.hullpublicschools.org/athletics.

• Registration is now open for Hull Youth Soccer’s in-town program for boys and girls, pre-K through second grade. The season will begin in April. Skills/games will run for six weeks on Saturday mornings at James P. Sullivan Field (the Dust Bowl) in Hull Village. Players must wear cleats or sneakers, and shin guards are mandatory. Hull Youth Soccer is designed for players who are interested in learning how to play the game as well as developing their skills. Visit www.hullyouthsoccer.com for more information and to register.

• 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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‘Books in Bloom’ to highlight community members’ favorite books with floral arrangements

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By Carol Britton Meyer

The Hull Garden Club will present another Books in Bloom event at Hull Public Library to add a touch of spring and a burst of color to the cold and sometimes bleak winter months.

FLOWER POWER. The Hull Garden Club is again sponsoring Books in Bloom, which uses floral displays to interpret works of literature at the Hull Public Library. Gen Sartell shows off one of the arrangements from the last event in 2023. [File photo]

“More than 350 people came through the library’s doors during bitter cold, poor weather conditions two years ago,” Club President Betsy Russo told The Hull Times. “The community was very excited about it. Garden Club members have frequently been asked when we will do it again,” so the club decided to bring the event back this year.

Various rooms will be filled with creative floral arrangements interpreting favorite books on February 27 and 28 and March 1. The event is free.

Hull Artists will hang a colorful exhibit entitled “Flower Gardens” in the upstairs community room for all to enjoy along with the floral displays.

The arrangers are members of the Hull Garden Club and also other community groups who select a book of their choice and decide which part – such as the cover, story line, or where the plot takes place – to illustrate with fragrant, colorful blooms whatever they think would be best expressed by the arrangements they create.

Other participants include the Hull Lifesaving Museum, Alchemy Wellness Studio, the Council on Aging, Hull Village Association, the Hull Library Book Club, Seaside Floral Design, and Barbara’s Book Club.

“Many members of the community are working together to provide an amazing event for all to enjoy,” Russo said.

The club is dedicating this year’s Books in Bloom event to Anne Musmeci, a longtime garden club member who recently passed away.

“Anne spearheaded our Daffodil Trail program for many years and is credited with selling thousands of bulbs that were planted in Hull,” Russo said. “The town flower became the daffodil, and she became known as ‘the daffodil lady.’”

Designs will be on display at the library for extended hours all three days – Thursday from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.; Friday, 1 to 8 p.m.; and Saturday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

“Library Director Brian DeFelice and his staff have been very supportive and are looking forward to the Hull Garden Club transforming the library with floral design,” Russo said.

Special events will include:

• Thursday, February 27: Meet and Greet the Arrangers, 5:30 to 7 p.m., when those who created the displays will discuss with the public their book choices and flower designs.

• Friday, February 28: Preschool story time related to the floral theme, 11 a.m. Many of the arrangements will be inspired by children’s books and will be on display in the Children’s Room.

• Friday, February 28: Reception with music by South Shore Conservatory’s Sarah Troxler on piano and Donald Zook playing the flute, 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. The Friends of the Hull Public Library is sponsoring the reception and will hold raffles and offer refreshments.

“We are excited to present this wonderful free event as a way to give back for all the support we get from the town and the community,” Russo said.

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12 candidates step up to run for office in May 19 election; there’s still time for more to join the race

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By Christopher Haraden

Twelve people have taken out nomination papers to run for one of the 16 offices available in the May 19 election, although all of the candidates currently are unopposed.

Nomination papers can be picked up at the town clerk’s office at town hall. Candidates must obtain the signatures of at least 50 Hull registered voters by Thursday, March 27 at 5 p.m.

As of Wednesday, select board members Irwin Nesoff and Brian McCarthy had obtained papers to run for re-election, as well as eight other incumbents – Moderator George Boylen, Town Clerk Lori West, Assessor Richard Morris, Hull Housing Authority member Kathleen Bogdan, light commissioners Daniel Ciccariello and Thomas Burns, school committee member Liliana Hedrick, and library trustee Alice Sloan.

In an interesting twist, former school committee member Ernest Minelli IV is gathering signatures to return to the board from which he resigned in early 2024, citing personal reasons. Courtney Littlefield was appointed in June to serve out his unexpired term and must run in the May election. She will not face Minelli, however, as he drew papers to run for the full three-year term of current Chair David Twombly, who is retiring from the committee after 15 years.

A three-year term on the planning board has been added to the May 19 ballot, as longtime member Harry Hibbard submitted a letter of resignation this week, but will serve until Election Day. So far, there are no candidates for Hibbard’s seat or the five-year term of planning board member Jim Pitrolo.

Besides Minelli, the only non-incumbent in the running is Lisa Boretti, who is seeking a three-year term on the housing authority.

A three-year seat on the board of library trustees, now held by Rebecca Garr, does not yet have a candidate.

West, the town clerk, recommends that potential candidates schedule an appointment to pick up the nomination papers and request checklist of upcoming deadlines and milestones in the process of running for office by emailing lwest@town.hull.ma.us or calling 781-773-3803.

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