HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - BoS - 01/08/2019 Selectmen Minutes January 8, 2019
Selectmen's Meeting
Town Hall-Selectmen's Office
41 Highland Avenue
Cohasset, MA
Selectmen Present: Diane Kennedy, Chairman
Kevin McCarthy
Steve Gaumer
Paul Schubert
Jack Keniley
Others Present: Christopher Senior,Town Manager
Chairman Kennedy called the meeting to order at 6:32 p.m. and asked for a roll call vote: Steve
Gaumer-Present,Jack Keniley-Present, Diane Kennedy-Present, Paul Schubert-Present, Kevin
McCarthy-Present.
Chairman Kennedy asked for a motion to go into Executive Session-Exemption#3-To discuss strategy
with respect to collective bargaining or litigation if an open meeting may have a detrimental effect on
the bargaining or litigating position of the public body and the chair so declares. The Board is meeting
jointly with School Committee to discuss a school matter. Motion moved by Selectman Keniley and
seconded by Selectman Schubert. Roll Call Vote; Kevin McCarthy-Aye, Paul Schubert-Aye, Diane
Kennedy Aye,Jack Keniley-Aye, Steve Gaumer-Aye.
The Board went into executive session at 6:34 p.m.
The Board came back into public session at 8:08 p.m. and took a 5-minute recess.
Licenses/Permits/Events-Rotary Club Road Race by the Sea-Linda Fechter from Cohasset Rotary Club
gave an overview of the race and who benefits from it. This is the 42nd year for the race. They are seeking
approval for the date of March 31, 2019. Ms. Fechter stated they are always looking for volunteers and
new Rotary members and encouraged anyone that is interested to contact the Rotary Club. They are
hoping to get 1200 participants again this year now that the bridge is re-opened, and the route is the
regular route. Motion by Selectman Gaumer to approve the Cohasset Rotary Club's Road Race by the
Sea on March 31, 2019, seconded by Selectman Keniley and the vote was unanimous(5-0).
Investment Update-Treasurer/Collector Paula Linhares reviewed the Investment Summary ending
9/30/18. The Town's investment returns are better this quarter. All accounts approached or beat most
of their benchmarks. For this quarter,the Expendable Trusts are up about 2.5%, Permanent Trust funds
are up about 5% and OPEB is up about 2.3%. The Board had a brief discussion.
Review Financial Management Policies-Treasurer/Collector Paula Linhares stated the Financial
Management Policies went into effect on 5/12/12. She reviewed with the Board the edits she and
Finance Director Don Piatt have made. She asked the Board to review and vote to accept the changes.
The Board had a brief discussion. Motion by Selectman Schubert to accept the edits to the Financial
Management Policies as presented and discussed, seconded by Selectman Gaumer and the vote was
unanimous (5-0).
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Selectmen Minutes January 8, 2019
Open Warrant for Annual Town Meeting-Mr. Senior asked the Board to officially open the Warrant for
Annual Town Meeting on April 29, 2019. The deadline for Citizens Petitions is February 13, 2019. The
Board had a brief discussion about potential articles. Motion by Selectman Gaumer to open the
Warrant for Annual Town Meeting on April 29, 2019,seconded by Selectman Keniley and the vote was
unanimous(5-0).
YTD-Budget Update-Finance Director Don Piatt reviewed the budget through November 2018. The
budget in in good shape so far. There is nothing out of the ordinary with the General Ledger. The Board
had a brief discussion about getting a narrative summary as they have received in the past. They also
asked for monthly updates.
Safe Harbor-Community Program-Chairman Kennedy stated Safe Harbor is hosting an event on January
29t" at 6:30 p.m. at Willcutt Commons. The program is "Where do I Begin". It will help parents talk to
their children about sexual assault. They have two guest speakers scheduled. She encouraged everyone
to attend. Mr. Senior thanked Nicole Garrity and Christine Murphy for putting together the event.
Committee Update-Affordable Housing Trust-Chairman Kennedy advised the Board they have not
received any applications for the Affordable Housing Trust as of now. She encouraged anyone that is
interested to apply. The Board will make appointments at their meeting on 1/22/19.
Town Hall Building Committee-Chairman Kennedy reminded everyone there is also a couple of spots on
the Town Hall Building Committee. A couple of members have resigned. The other members terms
expire in 2020. dk
Town Manager Update-Mr. Senior advised the Board the new HR Director Miriam Johnson will start in
Cohasset on Monday,January 141". She is currently working in Dedham. They have also hired a new
Library Director, Meghan James. She will be starting on January 22"d. Mr. Senior will introduce both to
the Board at the 1/22/19 meeting. The new HR Director will help with the hiring of the new CEA
Director. They will have an interim until then. Mr. Senior thanked Paula Linhares for doing a great job
as Acting HR Director. Mr. Senior stated they are also getting close to hiring a Payroll/Benefits person
and a facilities technician.
Selectmen Update-Selectman Gaumer reminded the Board that Executive Session discussions are
privileged and confidential and all members are bound by the requirement.
Selectman Keniley asked for details of the upcoming MMA Annual Meeting. He would like to attend.
Selectman Schubert reminded the Board that their ethics are up at this time of year and everyone needs
to take the test to be up to date.
Selectman McCarthy stated he recently used See Click fix to report potholes at the entrance of the
Wheelwright Park. The potholes there are terrible and a hazard. He did hear back, and they are going
to regrade if they haven't already. Selectman Gaumer added that the entrance to Whitney Woods is
also terrible, but that is not town property.
Minutes-12/11/18-Motion by Selectman Schubert to approve the minutes of 12/11/18, seconded by
Selectman Keniley and the vote was unanimous(5-0).
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Selectmen Minutes January 8, 2019
Motion by Selectman Gaumer to adjourn,seconded by Selectman Schubert and the vote was
unanimous(5-0).
The meeting adjourned at 9:04 p.m.
Respectfully Submitted,
Diane Kennedy, Chairman
Documents
Rotary Club Road Race Application
Investment Update
Financial Management Policies
YTD Budget Update
Safe Harbor Event Flyer
Minutes
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