HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - BoS - 02/26/2019 Selectmen Minutes February 26, 2019
Selectmen's Meeting
Town Hall-Selectmen's Office
41 Highland Avenue
Cohasset, MA
Selectmen Present: Diane Kennedy, Chairman
Kevin McCarthy
Paul Schubert
Jack Keniley
Steve Gaumer
Others Present: Christopher Senior,Town Manager
Chairman Kennedy called the meeting to order at 6:37 p.m. Roll Call Vote: Kevin McCarthy-Present, Paul
Schubert-Present, Diane Kennedy-Present,Jack Keniley-Present, Steve Gaumer-Present.
Chairman Kennedy ask 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 will have a
litigation update. Exemption#6-To consider the purchase,exchange, lease or value of real estate, if the
Chair declares that an open meeting may have a detrimental effect on the negotiating position of the
public body. Motion moved by Selectman Schubert, seconded by Selectman Keniley. 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 6:40 p.m.
The Board went in to Open Session at 8:08 p.m.
Licenses/Permits/Events-MS Walk-Emily Christian from National MS Society was present and gave an
overview of the proposed walk for Saturday, May 4, 2019. They have hosted this event for over 15 years.
She discussed the route, which is the same as in previous years. They expect 400 participants and hope
to raise $125,000 of which they donate 86% to charity. Motion by Selectman Schubert to approve the
MS Walk on May 4, 2019 as presented, seconded by Selectman Gaumer and the vote was unanimous
(5-0).
Habitat for Humanity-Joseph Regan was present on behalf of South Shore Habitat for Humanity. He
reviewed the event and the route for the ride on Saturday, September 14, 2019. This is their 13th annual
ride. They expect about 100 riders and hope to raise $25,000 for the Habitat for Humanity. Motion by
Selectman Schubert to approve the South Shore Habitat for Humanity Ride on September 14,2019 as
presented, seconded by Selectman Keniley and the vote was unanimous(5-0).
Boards/Committee Update-250th Anniversary-Rescheduled for 3/12/19.
Town Hall Building Committee-Interview-Applicant Mark Cameron-18 Virginia Lane gave an overview of
his background. He is a Project Manager for Turner Construction. The members asked questions and
had a brief discussion. Motion by Selectman Schubert to appoint Mark Cameron to the Town Hall
Building Committee, seconded by Selectman Keniley and the vote was unanimous(5-0).
Annual Audit Review-Jim Powers & Kyle Warner were present to discuss the results of the FY2018
Audit. Mr. Powers thanked Chris Senior, Don Piatt and all the staff in Cohasset for their co-operation
during the audit process. Mr. Powers explained they check for deficiency in internal controls and
1
Selectmen Minutes February 26, 2019
material weaknesses. It is overall a good report with good results for the year. Mr. Powers discussed
some recommendations for assessing and improving cybersecurity. He noted that management has
already take a proactive approach. He discussed some recommendations of internal controls and noted
that management has begun the process. He commented on the successful implementation of
automated permitting software.
Warrant Review-Citizen's Petitions-Electric Billing Aggregation-Steve Wenner-195 Hull Street was
present on behalf of the Cohasset Residents for Climate Action. Mr. Wenner reviewed the article which
will allow the Town to seek out and negotiate electric services for Cohasset residents and businesses at
discounted rates. It also offers inexpensive options for the purchase of renewable energy. Rate payers
would be automatically enrolled in the plan, unless they opt out. Selectman Gaumer asked why they
can't have the option of opting in instead. Mr. Wenner replied it is state law that they must opt out.
The Board had a brief discussion on what other towns are part of the program. Michael Dick-27 Parker
Avenue asked what the town's obligations is to staff and manage this program. Mr. Wenner stated it
should be minimal, but he will investigate further. He will reach out to and speak with town manager's
in other towns.
Release of Water Easement-Proponents David Bigley and Alix White-25 James Lane discussed the
easement that goes across their property. The Water department has confirmed that they do not need
the easement any more. The water pipe has not been used in many years and they are not even sure if
the pipe still exists. It is a deeded easement and must be approve by Town Meeting to release. Mr.
Senior asked the applicant to get something in writing from the Water Department stating that they no
longer need the easement or the pipe. The Board had a brief discussion.
Conservation Restriction-Proponents Jeff Waal-36 Old Pasture Road and Katie Holden-29 Norfolk Road
were present on behalf of the Cohasset Conservation Trust. They are looking to put a conservation
restriction to be held in perpetuity on two parcels of land on Beach Street to preserve the natural
beauty and unique qualities of the parcels and Beach Street, a designated Scenic Roadway. They would
like to tie the two properties together with the Smith property that they currently own. They would like
to property to be available to the public with trails. Selectman Gaumer asked where people would park.
Mr. Waal replied they could part at the town hall parking lot. Mr. Senior added that one of the parcels is
being looked at by Town Counsel. He stated the town does own it however,they need to get more info
about the history of it. The Board had a brief discussion.
Amend Sewer District Map-Attorney Jeff DeLisi and proponent Don Staszko were present. Attorney
DeLisi stated the proponent recently got permission from various boards to put housing units and retail
shops next to the Stop &Shop plaza. They are looking to expand the Cohasset Sewer District Map to
include 14 specific parcels of land, mostly which contain businesses on the east side of Route 3A. This
would allow the connection of such properties to the sewer system. Mr. Staszko would pay for the
construction of a new wastewater pump station, force main, and collection system per Town standards
and connect the Cohasset Plaza to the system. There are environmental benefits to the Town including
the elimination of onsite septic systems which will contribute to the protection of the town's drinking
water supply,town wells and reservoir. The town would receive revenue in the form of betterment and
connection fees. John Chapman-100 Pond Street asked why they would consider offering sewer
connection to the whole area instead of just part. Attorney DeLisi replied there may not be adequate
capacity. John Beck-44 Nichols Road read allowed a statement of his position on the proposal. He
2
Selectmen Minutes February 26, 2019
stated the Sewer Commission has not taken a position on this project other than not to oppose it and
allow the citizen to go forward. He added that the Sewer Commission has always felt existing properties
should be allowed to connect to sewer before new construction. He personally is not in favor of this
petition.
Mr. Senior advised the Board there are two new articles he received for the warrant. The first one is to
update the Animal Control Fines to keep the bylaws clean. The other is to raise the threshold of
personal property to$5000. He recommends putting on the warrant.
Mr. Senior advised the Board there is a Regional Sewer meeting tomorrow night at Willcutt Commons at
6:30 p.m.
Selectmen Comments-Chairman Kennedy stated Abigail Adams will be leaving the Cohasset Mariner and
joining NESN as a content producer. The Board congratulated her and thanked her for her work. Mr.
Senior stated the All Facilities Stickers expire on 3/31/19. New stickers will be available on 3/13/19.
Topics Not Reasonably Anticipated-Chairman Kennedy stated the Planning Board recently held a public
hearing on a proposed warrant article for a zoning change to the Waterfront Business District (Cohasset
Harbor). Planning Board Chairman Clark Brewer stated the idea of a zoning change was not well
received at the public hearing. After further conversation,the Planning Board would like to hold a
public hearing and look at an overlay district as an alternative option. The Board had a brief discussion.
Motion by Selectman Schubert to recommend the Planning Board hold a public hearing on March 13,
2019 to discuss an overlay district in the harbor, seconded by Selectman Keniley and the vote was
unanimous(5-0).
Motion by Selectman Gaumer to adjourn,seconded by Selectman Keniley and the vote was
unanimous(5-0)
The meeting adjourned at 10:30 p.m.
Documents
Event Application-MS Walk
Event Application-Habitat for Humanity
Committee App.-Mark Cameron
Committee App.-Gerhard Lubitz
FY18 Management Letter
Citizens Petitions
3