Town of Hull

Key discussions included the sharing of the Civility Project and staff expectations. Announcements featured plans for the Spring Newsletter to highlight the 30th anniversary of the Green Circle Trail, noting editorial control reserves by the Board. Operational reports reviewed included a Winter Operations Snapshot for Roads, showing salt and sand usage against seasonal estimates. The Treasurer's report detailed key financial figures, including combined cash balances and first-quarter state transportation aid. Fire/EMS reported on ice suit training and low manpower incidents, noting a transition to ImageTrend for EMS call reporting. Administrative updates covered upcoming elections, postage costs for mail ballots, and solar panel performance during winter. Vouchers for December 2025 and the Year-to-Date Financial Statement were reviewed and approved with modifications. A preliminary review of the 2025 Town Financial Information noted a potential deficit due to timing of a DOT reimbursement, with staff coordinating to ensure correct accounting treatment before filing the CT form.

The meeting addressed significant concerns raised by residents regarding assessment increases, ranging from approximately 30% to over 100%, which resulted in tax rises of about 33%. The Board advised residents to contact the assessor directly, as delays were experienced due to the assessor's surgery. Key department reports included nine Fire Department calls (including a boat rescue and structure fires) and twenty EMS responses for November. Financial actions included approving vendor purchases, approving a payment request of $8,878.60 to Gremmer and Associates, Inc. for engineering services on North Reserve Dr., and approving vouchers with modifications. Regarding the Country Club Dr. project, the Board accepted the engineering report, decided to proceed with payments while retaining $30,148 in retainage, and planned to line up an alternate contractor as a contingency against Trinity Farms' failure to complete landscaping items. Finally, a resolution was approved to execute a general obligation loan of up to $263,500.00 with Prevail Bank for road repairs, culvert inspections, and building safety.

The meeting included a review of the Civility Project, staff expectations, and Town of Hull Guiding Principles. Announcements covered the completion of the North Reserve Project, billing for the Country Club driveway, and a supervisor's declaration of noncandidacy for the upcoming election. Media notification procedures were adjusted to send notices to Metro Wire before posting to the website or social media. Financial discussions involved reviewing 2025 and 2026 financials, noting a projected $1.5 million discrepancy due to delayed grant funds reception. The Board reappointed Melissa Clark as Town Treasurer for 2026, defining her compensation and expected hours. Finally, the Board reviewed the "Protocol for Plowing Roads" Policy, which had not been updated since 2018, and authorized the Chairperson and Road Foreman to make modifications.

Key discussions during the board meeting included an overview of the Civility Project and staff expectations. The board approved vouchers, including a final pay request for Stuczynski Trucking and Excavation, LLC. They reviewed and approved the Hull Employee Xmas Gift Certificate List, which included a special note for two fire chiefs due to a mid-year transition. A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to reviewing and approving options for the 2026 Compost Operation, ultimately selecting Option 1 (staffed model). Finally, the board approved adding special charges totaling $28,950.00 related to abatement-legal and operational costs for the property at 527 Maple Bluff Road to the 2026 Town tax roll.

The meeting included a budget hearing and a special town meeting to vote on the 2026 levy. The board approved the town budget for 2026 and discussed the selection of financial institutions for a proposed loan, ultimately accepting a loan proposal from Prevail Bank. Announcements included thanks to residents for attending the budget meeting and a reminder about an upcoming WTA County Unit meeting.