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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - BoS - 04/14/2020 Selectmen Minutes April 14, 2020 Board of Selectmen Tuesday,April 14, 2020 @ 7:00 p.m. Virtual Meeting— 143TV and Zoom Selectmen Participating: Kevin McCarthy, Chairman Paul Schubert Diane Kennedy Keri Thompson Jack Creighton Others Participating: Christopher Senior, Town Manager William Quigley, Police Chief Robert Silvia, Fire Chief Glenn Pratt, Director of Emergency Mgmt. Pam Fahey, Health Agent Chairman McCarthy called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. He stated the meeting is being held remotely under the Town's Declaration of Emergency. All votes will be taken by roll call vote. This meeting is being live streamed on Facebook and on Cohasset 143TV. Roll Call Vote: Diane Kennedy-Present, Paul Schubert-Present, Kevin McCarthy-Present, Keri Thompson- Present, Jack Creighton-Present. Pledge-Recited. Update on the Public Emergency-Chief Silvia and Chief Quigley gave an update on the emergency. Pam Fahey advised the Board the Public Health Nurse along with the public-school nurses are monitoring COVID-19 cases that have been identified by the DPH. Assisted living facilities are now being tested by the National Guard. The Board of Health has a meeting on Thursday to consider a policy making wearing masks mandatory in indoor public places. The construction projects are being overseen by the building department to ensure compliance with state emergency guidelines. Ms. Fahey stated she has visited all local businesses and grocery stores. They are all following social distancing guidelines, they are only letting 40% of their maximum capacity. State Response Update with Senator Patrick O'Connor & Representative Joan Meschino- Senator O'Connor thanked all the town leaders and Is' responders during this trying time. He explained the programs in place to help all the local small businesses and local non-profits. They are currently working on 2 grant programs to help get money for working capital. It is a loan program with a paycheck protection plan that could be forgiven. They are trying to make everyone truly whole again. They are aware that meals taxes are not coming in, people are not able to pay their taxes and mortgages. They are working to help everyone. He encouraged anyone that needs help to contact his office. Representative Meschino discussed town elections and town meetings. She encouraged everyone to vote by mail. 1 Selectmen Minutes April 14, 2020 Extension of Deadlines/Waiver of Penalties-Treasurer/Collector Paul Linhares suggested the Board consider postponing Property Tax Payment Deadlines from May 1st to June 1st. She stated this give the taxpayers a much-needed break. It will allow the financial team and Selectmen to re- evaluate forecasts and make any necessary changes prior to ATM. Motion by Selectman Thompson to extend the Property Tax Payment Deadline from May 111 to June 1st, seconded by Selectman Kennedy. Roll Call Vote; Keri Thompson-Aye, Jack Creighton-Aye, Diane Kennedy-Aye, Paul Schubert-Aye, Kevin McCarthy-Aye. Property Exemptions April—June 1-Ms. Linhares stated that Director of Assessing Mary Quill has received all outstanding applications therefore, there is no need to vote on this. Harbor Mooring Fees (Waiver of Penalty Fees) Ms. Linhares stated they are suggesting that they mooring fees be reduce from $100 to $0 for a month. Motion by Selectman Schubert to reduce the harbor mooring fee from $100 to $0 from April 111 to May 111, seconded by Selectman Kennedy. Roll Call Vote; Keri Thompson-Aye, Jack Creighton-Aye, Diane Kennedy-Aye, Paul Schubert-Aye, Kevin McCarthy-Aye. Property Tax Late Payment Penalty Delay-Ms. Linhares suggested the Board hold off on delaying the payment penalty for now. She suggested the Board wait until June 1st and then possibly consider it. Chairman McCarthy stated the Board will discuss at a meeting in late May. Public Events-Update on the 250t" Committee-Glenn Pratt representing the 250t1i Committee stated the Committee has had many discussions over the past month and has decided to cancel all the planned 250th Celebration Events. It is very disappointing,but they feel it is the best decision. They are trying to put together some type of memorial celebration for some time around Thanksgiving. He hopes they will get back to the Selectmen with a formal request. He thanked everyone for their long-dedicated work. The Board thanked Mr. Pratt and the entire 2501h Committee for their work. Cancellation of Public Events-Mr. Senior suggested the Board consider cancelling all public events through July 4, 2020. The Board had a brief discussion. Mr. Senior has been working with Director of Cohasset 143TV Don Roine and Veterans Services Officer Phil Mahoney to set up a virtual Memorial Day Events. Motion by Selectman Schubert to cancel all public events, inclusive of events already permitted,through July 4,2020,seconded by Selectman Kennedy. Roll Call Vote; Keri Thompson-Aye, Jack Creighton-Aye, Diane Kennedy-Aye, Paul Schubert-Aye,Kevin McCarthy-Aye. Discussion of Annual Town Meeting-Review Draft Calendar-Mr. Senior reviewed the calendar for ATM which is now scheduled for June 22, 2020. Mr. Senior stated there may be one issue with the date. FEMA Maps have to be approved by the Town by 6/19/2020. This is something every town must do. They are hoping to get an extension. If not,they may have to move ATM to June 15, 2020. He will let the Board know as soon as he hears from FEMA. Limiting the Scope of June ATM Warrant-Mr. Senior has also spoke with Town Moderator Dan Evans about potentially shrinking down the Warrant. There are currently 36 articles, which include Planning Articles. He has spoken to Planning Director Lauren Lind to see if the Planning Articles could be 2 Selectmen Minutes April 14, 2020 delayed. She will discuss with the Planning Board tomorrow night. If this should happen, the December Special Town Meeting may be expanded. Discussion of Future Selectmen Agendas-Mr. Senior reviewed an updated calendar of meetings for the Selectmen. Selectman Kennedy suggested the Board may want to consider doing the Town Manager's review in June before the Board changes. Chairman McCarthy agreed and stated they will put on an agenda at the end of May. Town Manager Update-Mr. Senior stated the Alternative Energy Committee met via Zoom and finalized grant applications for two studies for microgrid proposals. The deadlines were not extended so Michelle Leary worked with the AEC to complete and submit the applications. The Town is currently in it's 35th day of the Coronavirus. They started with daily messages to the community and are now issuing updates three days a week. They are making more use of Cohasset 143TV. Mr. Senior will be working with the Director of 143TV Don Roine and others to try a weekly report to the Town. Selectmen Comments-Selectman Thompson thanked all the 1st responders especially for all their work during the storm yesterday. She encouraged everyone to hang in there. Selectman Creighton stated the Town has done well, the citizens and kids have handled this pandemic well. He lives on the corner of Cushing Road and Pleasant Street and has removed 27 roses. He wanted to assure everyone that they will be replanted. Selectman Kennedy thanked everyone for pulling together at this time. She thanked Senator O'Connor and Rep. Meschino for their hard work for the Town. It is a privilege to be in this community. There are a lot of fun and creative things going on. Selectman Schubert thanked the 1st responders, doctors and nurses. The connection that people are making and Zoom interactions are helping everyone and keeping them social. Chairman McCarthy reminded everyone to wear a mask that covers their nose and mouth when they are in public. Minutes-Motion by Selectman Schubert to approve the minutes of 3/10/2020, seconded by Selectman Kennedy. Roll Call Vote; Keri Thompson-Aye, Jack Creighton-Aye, Diane Kennedy-Aye, Paul Schubert-Aye, Kevin McCarthy-Aye. Motion by Selectman Thompson to approve the minutes of 3/16/2020,seconded by Selectman Kennedy. Roll Call Vote; Keri Thompson-Aye, Jack Creighton-Aye, Diane Kennedy-Aye, Paul Schubert-Aye, Kevin McCarthy-Aye. Motion by Selectman Schubert to approve the minutes of 3/31/2020, seconded by Selectman Thompson. Roll Call Vote; Keri Thompson-Aye,Jack Creighton-Aye, Diane Kennedy-Aye, Paul Schubert-Aye, Kevin McCarthy-Aye. Motion by Selectman Kennedy to adjourn, seconded by Selectman Thompson. Roll Call Vote; Keri Thompson-Aye, Jack Creighton-Aye, Diane Kennedy-Aye, Paul Schubert-Aye, Kevin McCarthy-Aye. The meeting adjourned at 8:59 p.m. 3 Selectmen Minutes April 14, 2020 Respectfully submitted, Kevin McCarthy, Chairman 4