Hull Select Board Reorganizes Leadership, Addresses Public Concerns
Board reelects Nesoff as chair, Grey as vice chair, and McCann as clerk despite dissent
HULL - May 28 - The Hull Select Board voted to maintain its current leadership structure during its June 3 meeting, reelecting Irwin Nesoff as chair, Greg Grey as vice chair, and Jason McCann as clerk.
The reorganization, which takes place annually, faced some opposition when board member Jerry Taverna nominated himself for both chair and vice chair positions. Neither nomination received a second from other board members, resulting in Nesoff winning the chair position in a 4-1 vote.
"I would like to nominate myself for chair," Taverna said. "I feel it's important to make this nomination at this time, even if it's for ceremonial purposes, just to make a clear depiction of how things work."
After the leadership votes, Nesoff addressed concerns about board member conduct, particularly regarding social media posts that he described as disrespectful to fellow board members.
"As chair, it has been my goal to ensure that all board members and people in the public that are here have a voice as long as the agenda is addressed," Nesoff said. "I will also encourage respectful disagreement. That's how we get to things, by having disagreement."
Nesoff read several quotes from social media posts that he considered inappropriate, including references to board members as "ventriloquist dummies" and claims that the town is "controlled and ruled completely by a single, unelected autocrat."
"I feel that they are inappropriate, they are uncalled for going on a public board and calling out other members publicly on Facebook," Nesoff said. "Facebook is not the place for us to have disagreements. That belongs in this boardroom within board members."
Grey supported Nesoff's comments, emphasizing the importance of leadership.
"I think it's important for us as members to be leaders. Leaders lead, they don't divide," Grey said. "That online activity does no good to anybody. It's hurtful."
The board also addressed several business items during the meeting, including:
- Approving a new all-alcohol license for Jessekat LLC, doing business as Toast at 121 Nantasket Avenue
- Approving a wine and malt package store license for Kush Corporation, doing business as Atlantic Hill Market at 248 Atlantic Avenue
- Declaring June 7, 2025, as Hull Pride Day
- Approving a request from the public health nurse to host a Dana-Farber Cancer Institute skin cancer prevention screening program on June 12, 2025
- Appointing Rhoda Kanet to the USA 250th Anniversary Committee
During public comments, resident Randy Gould raised concerns about a recent decision to implement parking fees at the Helen Street lot. Nesoff explained that the change allows non-residents to park for a $2 fee while residents with parking stickers can park for free.
"Out-of-towners can still park there. They can pay the fee, which is $2," Nesoff said. "Residents can park there if they have a parking sticker. They can park there for free."
Gould contended that this change contradicted a 2015 policy that allowed free parking for residents without requiring a sticker. The board agreed to add the issue to a future agenda for further discussion.
The board also discussed scheduling their annual retreat, with members expressing various scheduling conflicts throughout June. Nesoff requested that board members send their availability to help determine a suitable date.
In updates from town officials, Assistant Town Manager Stacey Callahan reported progress on several ongoing projects:
- Working with Mass State Police regarding blue lights at the DCR lot that are being activated earlier than the agreed 10 p.m. time
- Addressing seaweed cleanup on the beach following a recent Nor'easter
- Selecting KBA Architects for the Public Safety Feasibility Study
- Nearing completion of the Municipal Light Plant and Police Bargaining Agreement negotiations
McCann provided updates on the Historic Commission's progress with a historic assets survey funded by the Community Preservation Act and highlighted upcoming Hull Pride events, including the new rainbow crosswalk on Nantasket Avenue.
Nesoff assured residents that the board is addressing the municipal light plant article passed at town meeting three weeks ago.
"I want to assure people that the board is not stonewalling this," Nesoff said. "It is a long process. It's not something that you can do in three weeks, but to date so far, town manager has met with both council from the light plant and council from town to discuss the steps and the legal ramifications."
The meeting concluded with a discussion about the process for adding items to future agendas. Nesoff explained that residents can email board members, the town manager, or the assistant town manager to request agenda items.
The next Select Board meetings are scheduled for June 11 and June 25.