HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - TM - 04/28/2014 - Annual Town Meeting TOWN OF COHASSET
Annual Town Meeting—April 28, 2014
At the Annual Town Meeting held on Monday April 28, 2014 at the Cohasset High School
Sullivan Gymnasium the following articles were contained in the warrant and acted upon as
follows.
Checkers sworn in by the Town Clerk, Carol L. St. Pierre at 6:30 p.m. were Elizabeth Anderson,
Jody Doyle, Kelly Grech, Rita Killion-Jones, Debra Krupczak and Rebekah Mattey. Tellers
were appointed and sworn in by the Moderator, Daniel Evans.
The Moderator called the meeting to order at 7:14 p.m. and a quorum of 100 was present at that
time. The registered voters checked in on the voting list totaled 300. Precinct 1 — 176 voters and
precinct 2— 124.
Citizens recited the pledge of allegiance. A moment of silence was observed for citizens listed in
the memoriam of the town report.
Voted unanimously to dispense with the reading of the call of the Meeting and Return of service
having been examined by the Moderator and found to be in order.
Article 1: Annual Town Report
To act upon the reports of the various Town Officers as printed in the Annual Town Report for
2013, or take any other action related thereto.
MOVED that the reports of the various Town Officers as printed in the Annual Town Report for
2013,be accepted and placed in the permanent records of the town.
Motion adopted unanimously.
Article 2: Reports of Committees
To hear the reports of any Committee heretofore chosen and act thereon, or take any other action
related thereto.
MOVED that the subject matter of this article be indefinitely postponed.
Motion to indefinitely postpone adopted unanimously.
Article 3: Operating Budget
To see if the Town will vote to fix salaries and compensation of Elected Officers, and to see
what sums the Town will vote to raise and appropriate from available funds or otherwise, for the
payment of the salaries and compensation, expenses, equipment and outlays, capital and
otherwise, of the several Town Departments, including the enterprise funds for the Water
Department and Sewer Department, for the ensuing fiscal year, or to take any other action related
thereto.
MOVED that Forty Four Million Fifty Eight Thousand Six Hundred Seventy Nine Dollars
($44,058,679) be appropriated for the Fiscal Year 2015 Annual Town Budget to be allotted as
follows: $85,883 for salaries of elected Town Officials consisting of the Town Clerk $75,366;
Clerk, Board of Registrars (4) at $329 each, total of $1,316; Moderator, $1; Selectmen,
Chairman $1,500; Members (4) at $1,000 each, total of$4,000; Board of Assessors, Chairman,
$1,300; Members (2) at $1,200 each, total $2,400; and the remaining $43,972,796 for Personal
Services, Expenses, and Capital Outlays, interest on Maturing Debt and other charges for
various departments, as is further described in Appendix A in the Warrant, and to meet the
appropriation, the following transfers are made:
$2,323,730 from Sewer Enterprise Revenue,
$4,795,325 from Water Enterprise Revenue,
$65,338 from School Construction Surplus Fund,
$25,900 from Reserve for Community Preservation Debt,
$239,217 from Capital Stabilization Fund,
$5,000 from Wetland Fund,
$75,000 from Title V Betterment Fund,
$12,314 from Sewer Capital Stabilization Fund,
AND $36,516,855 is raised from taxation and other general revenues of the Town.
FISCAL 2015 GENERAL FUND OPERATING BUDGET
FISCAL FISCAL FISCAL FISCAL FISCAL 2015
2012 2013 2014 2015
BUDGET BUDGET BUDGET REQUESTE RECOMMEN
D DED
ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES
Moderator
Personal Services $573 $500 $500 $500 $500
Total $573 $500 $500 $500 $500
Board of Selectmen
Personal Services $5,500 $8,100 $8,100 $8,100 $8,100
General Expenses $61,300 $228,818 $230,521 $230,357 $219,850
Total $66,800 $236,918 $238,621 $238,457 $227,950
Town Manager
Personal Services $327,161 $336,541 $388,974 $390,465 $390,465
General Expenses $36,300 $51,300 $43,675 $45,000 $45,000
Total $363,461 $387,841 $432,649 $435,465 $435,465
Human Resource Management
Salaries&Expenses $50,000 $50,000
Total $0 $0 $0 $50,000 $50,000
Advisory Committee
General Expenses $345 $360 $360 $360 $360
Reserve Fund $100,000 $100,000 $200,000 $200,000 $200,000
Total $100,345 $100,360 $200,360 $200,360 $200,360
Director of Finance
Personal Services $128,045 $164,460 $180,324 $168,772 $164,011
General Expenses $39,898 $65,597 $51,102 $115,324 $106,624
Total $167,943 $230,057 $231,426 $284,096 $270,635
Board of Assessors
Personal Services $163,521 $182,134 $190,874 $200,697 $200,697
General Expenses $29,180 $15,750 $13,000 $21,000 $21,000
Total $192,701 $197,884 $203,874 $221,697 $221,697
Treasurer/Collector
Personal Services $161,499 $195,398 $244,898 $242,204 $243,757
General Expenses $39,165 $32,335 $38,200 $49,640 $49,640
Total $200,664 $227,733 $283,098 $291,844 $293,397
Legal Services
Town Counsel Services $200,000 $200,000 $200,000 $180,000 $175,000
Total $200,000 $200,000 $200,000 $180,000 $175,000
Chief Technology Office
Personal Services $120,950 $174,874 $174,874
General Expenses $29,050 $25,126 $25,126
Total $0 $0 $150,000 $200,000 $200,000
Town Clerk
Personal Services $78,698 $122,513 $125,391 $139,865 $139,865
General Expenses $8,925 $6,500 $8,650 $10,000 $10,000
Total $87,623 $129,013 $134,041 $149,865 $149,865
Permits&Inspections
Personal Services $55,554 $104,327 $134,753 $143,784 $143,784
General Expenses $42,947 $26,500 $27,040 $27,040 $27,040
Total $98,501 $130,827 $161,793 $170,824 $170,824
Unclassified
General Expenses $509,210 $364,710 $363,710 $319,710 $314,210
Total $509,210 $364,710 $363,710 $319,710 $314,210
ADMINISTRATIVE TOTAL $1,987,821 $2,205,843 $2,600,072 $2,742,818 $2,709,903
PUBLIC SAFETY
Police Department
Personal Services $1,729,115 $1,608,338 $1,650,667 $1,922,054 $1,804,301
General Expenses $138,300 $338,825 $392,000 $400,875 $428,375
Total $1,867,415 $1,947,163 $2,042,667 $2,322,929 $2,232,676
Fire Department
Personal Services $1,809,857 $1,860,388 $1,907,300 $2,038,404 $2,023,497
General Expenses $195,750 $196,625 $174,400 $192,579 $187,280
Total $2,005,607 $2,057,013 $2,081,700 $2,230,983 $2,210,777
Inspections
Personal Services $80,007 $85,983 $84,694 $86,893 $86,893
General Expenses $34,682 $44,132 $49,800 $52,800 $50,500
Total $114,689 $130,115 $134,494 $139,693 $137,393
Emergency Management
Personal Services $350 $3,000 $3,000 $5,000 $3,000
General Expenses $5,000 $8,000 $15,000 $36,000 $23,000
Total $5,350 $11,000 $18,000 $41,000 $26,000
Harbormaster
Personal Services $70,200 $72,195 $79,971 $83,132 $88,132
General Expenses $14,400 $17,650 $19,900 $21,600 $21,600
Total $84,600 $89,845 $99,871 $104,732 $109,732
Shellfish Constable
Personal Services $475 $475 $475 $475 $475
Total $475 $475 $475 $475 $475
PUBLIC SAFETY TOTAL $4,078,136 $4,235,611 $4,377,207 $4,839,812 $4,717,053
EDUCATION SERVICES
Cohasset Schools
Salaries&Expenses $15,402,478 $15,866,062 $16,237,032 $16,957,496 $16,957,496
Total $15,402,478 $15,866,062 $16,237,032 $16,957,496 $16,957,496
South Shore Voc.Tech
Vocational Assessment $45,106 $136,635 $140,051 $84,721 $84,721
Total $45,106 $136,635 $140,051 $84,721 $84,721
EDUCATION TOTAL $15,447,584 $16,002,697 $16,377,083 $17,042,217 $17,042,217
PUBLIC WORKS/FACILITIES
Dept.of Public Works
Personal Services $792,618 $853,728 $702,539 $738,312 $738,312
General Expenses $316,100 $228,650 $241,600 $241,600 $235,600
Total $1,108,718 $1,082,378 $944,139 $979,912 $973,912
Snow&Ice Control
General Expenses $125,000 $125,000 $125,000 $125,000 $125,000
Total $125,000 $125,000 $125,000 $125,000 $125,000
Street Lighting
General Expenses $80,000 $75,000 $50,000 $50,000 $45,000
Total $80,000 $75,000 $50,000 $50,000 $45,000
Transfer Station
Personal Services $0 $0 $163,841 $181,382 $181,382
General Expenses $277,000 $257,000 $292,850 $292,850 $284,350
Total $277,000 $257,000 $456,691 $474,232 $465,732
Facilities Management
Personal Services $267,183 $260,111 $272,125 $286,727 $286,727
General Expenses $343,800 $350,400 $385,900 $410,600 $389,050
Total $610,983 $610,511 $658,025 $697,327 $675,777
PUB WORKS/FACILITIES TOTAL $2,201,701 $2,149,889 $2,233,855 $2,326,471 $2,285,421
HEALTH&WELFARE
Board of Health
Personal Services $129,597 $139,518 $123,402 $128,980 $128,980
General Expenses $4,550 $19,055 $19,300 $20,300 $19,300
Total $134,147 $158,573 $142,702 $149,280 $148,280
Elder Affairs
Personal Services $164,360 $199,690 $210,248 $231,700 $231,700
General Expenses $20,350 $38,700 $39,200 $43,592 $43,592
Total $184,710 $238,390 $249,448 $275,292 $275,292
Veterans Services
Personal Services $0 $10,400 $15,600 $16,400 $16,400
General Expenses $39,200 $83,720 $96,950 $97,450 $97,850
Total $39,200 $94,120 $112,550 $113,850 $114,250
HEALTH&WELFARE TOTAL $358,057 $491,083 $504,700 $538,422 $537,822
CULTURE&RECREATION
Library
Personal Services $398,729 $417,145 $427,016 $463,601 $463,601
General Expenses $88,163 $103,012 $102,981 $113,272 $99,272
Total $486,892 $520,157 $529,997 $576,873 $562,873
Recreation
Personal Services $126,394 $101,389 $108,019 $118,232 $113,902
General Expenses $2,677 $0 $0 $0 $0
Total $129,071 $101,389 $108,019 $118,232 $113,902
Common Historical Com.
General Expenses $50 $50 $50 $50 $50
Total $50 $50 $50 $50 $50
Historical Preservation
Personal Services $800 $800 $600 $600 $600
General Expenses $100
Total $900 $800 $600 $600 $600
Celebrations
General Expenses $2,500 $2,500 $0 $0 $0
Total $2,500 $2,500 $0 $0 $0
CULTURE&RECREATION TOTAL $619,413 $624,896 $638,666 $695,755 $677,425
DEBT SERVICE
Principal&Interest $3,593,450 $3,429,770 $3,405,573 $3,262,518 $3,262,518
DEBT SERVICE TOTAL $3,593,450 $3,429,770 $3,405,573 $3,262,518 $3,262,518
BENEFITS&INSURANCE
Pension Assessment
County Assessment $1,323,182 $1,388,631 $1,485,835 $1,591,141 $1,591,141
Total $1,323,182 $1,388,631 $1,485,835 $1,591,141 $1,591,141
Workers Compensation
General Expenses $112,000 $123,200 $129,360 $135,828 $135,828
Total $112,000 $123,200 $129,360 $135,828 $135,828
Unemployment
General Expenses $10,000 $20,000 $20,000 $20,500 $7,500
Total $10,000 $20,000 $20,000 $20,500 $7,500
Health Insurance
General Expenses $3,135,360 $3,155,879 $3,376,791 $3,570,467 $3,570,467
Total $3,135,360 $3,155,879 $3,376,791 $3,570,467 $3,570,467
Life Insurance
General Expenses $9,000 $9,000 $9,360 $9,360 $9,360
Total $9,000 $9,000 $9,360 $9,360 $9,360
Medicare Tax
General Expenses $257,000 $267,280 $277,971 $284,920 $284,920
Total $257,000 $267,280 $277,971 $284,920 $284,920
Property&Liability
General Expenses $247,150 $255,765 $268,553 $281,981 $281,981
Total $247,150 $255,765 $268,553 $281,981 $281,981
BENEFITS&INSURANCE TOTAL $5,093,692 $5,219,755 $5,567,870 $5,894,197 $5,881,197
GENERAL FUND GRAND TOTAL $33,379,854 $34,359,544 $35,705,026 $37,342,210 $37,113,556
SEWER ENTERPRISE FUND(indirect $2,927,386 $2,657,897 $2,484,667 $2,242,921 $2,242,921
costs included in General Fund budget)
WATER ENTERPRISE FUND(indirect $4,611,747 $4,579,173 $4,586,481 $4,702,202 $4,702,202
costs included in General Fund budget)
Motion adopted by the requisite 2/3's vote.
Article 4: Unpaid Bills from Previous Years
To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate, transfer from available funds, and/or
borrow,pursuant to any applicable statute, a sum or sums of money, to be expended by the Town
Manager, to pay for unpaid bills of the Town, the Water Commission and/or Sewer Commission
from previous fiscal years, or to take any other action related thereto.
MOVED that the following unpaid bills of the Town, and Sewer Commission from previous
fiscal years, be paid, as follows:
General Fund:
South Shore Auto Parts $140.59
James A. Clark Electric, Inc. $170.00
Quincy Medical Center $878.00
Total $1,188.59
AND to meet this appropriation, One Thousand One Hundred Eighty Eight Dollars and Fifty
Nine cents ($1,188.59)be transferred from the Stabilization Fund.
Sewer Enterprise Fund:
Rosano-Davis Sanitary Pumping, Inc $9,025.00
AND TO meet this appropriation,Nine Thousand Twenty Five Dollars ($9,025)be transferred
from Sewer Enterprise Fund retained earnings.
An 8/10's vote required. Motion adopted unanimously.
Article 5: Supplemental Appropriations for Fiscal 2014
To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate, borrow pursuant to any applicable statute
and/or transfer from available funds, a sum or sums of money, to be expended by the Town
Manager, needed by various departmental budgets and appropriations to complete the fiscal year
ending June 30, 2014 or to decrease or otherwise adjust any budget line item as appropriated by
the town at the 2013 Annual Town Meeting or the November 23, 2013 Special Town Meeting, or
to take any other action related thereto.
MOVED that Two Hundred Eighty Eight Thousand Five Hundred Forty Five Dollars and
Twenty Seven cents ($288,545.27) be hereby appropriated for the items set forth below
amending the amounts appropriated by the Town pursuant to the 2013 Annual Town Meeting
held on April 22, 2013 and/or the Special Town Meeting held on November 23, 2013, which
funds are to be expended by the Town Manager, to supplement certain departmental budgets and
appropriations and to fund other deficits below to complete the fiscal year ending June 30, 2014
as follows:
Additional appropriations:
General Fund
Treasurer/Collector Expenses $9,500.00
Town Counsel $30,000.00
Police Personnel $10,000.00
Police Expenses $18,390.00
Fire Personnel $25,000.00
Snow &Ice $111,374.00
Street Lights $35,000.00
Unemployment $20,000.00
Water Operating Expenses $29,281.27
Total: $288,545.27
Funding Sources:
General Fund
Finance Personnel $25,000.00
Treasurer/Collector Personnel $36,500.00
South Shore VoTech $13,980.00
Transfer Station $30,000.00
Debt Service $14,500.00
County Pension $39,344.00
Stabilization Fund $99,940.00
Water Insurance Proceeds > $20,000 $29,281.27
Total: $288,545.27
A 2/3's vote required. Motion adopted unanimously.
Article 6: Stabilization Funds
To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate, transfer from available funds and/or
borrow pursuant to any applicable statute a sum of money to be deposited into the Capital
Stabilization Fund, the OPEB Trust Fund and the Stabilization Fund, or to take any other action
related thereto.
MOVED that the following amounts be appropriated to be deposited in the following
stabilization funds:
One Million Dollars ($1,000,000) into the Capital Stabilization Fund;
One Hundred Thousand Dollars ($100,000) into the OPEB Trust Fund; and
Two Hundred Thousand Dollars ($200,000) into the Town Stabilization Fund.
AND TO meet these appropriations, One Million Three Hundred Thousand Dollars ($1,300,000)
be raised and appropriated from taxation and other general revenues of the Town.
A 2/3's vote required. Motion adopted unanimously.
Article 7: Capital Improvements Budget
To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate, transfer from available funds or borrow pursuant to
any applicable statute, a sum of money to fund various capital improvements, capital projects and/or
capital equipment for the various departments, boards, commissions and agencies of the town, as listed
below, or take any other action related thereto.
MOVED that Nine Hundred Forty Four Thousand Three Hundred Thirty Two Dollars and
Seventeen Cents ($944,332.17)be appropriated to be spent by the Town Manager with the
approval of the Board of Selectmen for the purpose of purchasing certain items or services
relating to capital or property, as set forth below;
Department Project Description Amount
Public Works Landfill Gas Remediation System $20,000
Container for Glass Recycling $11,000
35,OOO1b Dump Truck $130,000
Bridge Repairs (82 Border Street) $18,000
Bow Street Causeway repairs $158,000
Project Management Asset List Compilation $20,000
Finance Softright Software Acquisition $34,606
Fire Fire Station Upgrades $30,000
Heavy Rescue tools $8,726.17
Police Marked Police Cruiser $35,000
Unmarked Police Cruiser $27,000
Harbormaster Pump-out Boat $100,000
Schools/Town Completion of IT Infrastructure $57,000
Schools Osgood Fire Alarm System $60,000
Osgood HVAC Controls $100,000
Security Cameras $30,000
IT Master Plan $30,000
Bus Acquisition(Lease) $75,000
Total $944,332.17
AND to meet this appropriation,
$2,178 in funds remaining after the purchase of a School Bus, pursuant to Article 12 from the
Annual Town Meeting of May 12, 2012; $7,020.10 remaining after the purchase of a One Ton
Dump Truck, and $4,434 remaining from the purchase of Heart Monitor/Defibrillator equipment,
both pursuant to Article 7 from the Annual Town Meeting of April 22, 2013; and $4,292.17
remaining after the purchase of Heavy Rescue Equipment pursuant to Article 2 of the Special
Town Meeting of November 13, 2007 be hereby transferred from their respective Capital Project
Accounts, and $926,407.90 be hereby transferred from the Town's Capital Stabilization Fund.
Provided, however that the amounts listed above for particular projects are not to be construed
as individual appropriations but instead the sums shown are intended to be estimates of
individual projects but the amount appropriated is one line item in the total sum of$944,332.17.
The Town Manager, with the approval of the Board of Selectmen, is hereby authorized to
distribute such funds in such a manner as may be needed to accomplish the forgoing list of
projects, provided further, however, that the excess funds are available because one or more
items cost less than estimated and not because an item intended to be procured is not so
procured.
Motion adopted by the requisite 2/3's vote.
Article 8. Facilities Stabilization Fund Proiects
To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate, transfer from available funds or borrow
pursuant to any applicable statute, a sum of money to fund various Facilities Improvements, or
take any other action related thereto.
MOVED that One Hundred Thousand Dollars ($100,000)be hereby appropriated to be spent by
the Town Manager with the approval of the Board of Selectmen for the following purposes, and
to meet this appropriation $100,000 be hereby transferred from the Town's Facilities
Stabilization Fund, as follows:
• Paul Pratt Library/Painting/Outside Trim $35,000
• Inspection&Evaluation of Main Electrical Switch Gear at MS —HS $5,000
• Installation of Utility Sink at Town Hall Nurse's Office $3,000
• Possible Replacement Pickup up Bed for Facilities Service Vehicle $3,000
• Window and Door/Painting Work/Town Buildings $10,000
• Proactive replacement of HVAC components/Town Buildings $10,000
• Purchase of nonperishable stock items in bulk for future use such $14,000
as custodial supplies/air filters,belts and other parts
• Work on punch list of small projects that have been identified by $20,000
the Facilities Department and approved by the Town Manager
Provided, however that the amounts listed above for particular projects are not to be construed
as individual appropriations but instead the sums shown are intended to be estimates of
individual projects but the amount appropriated is one line item in the total sum of $100,000.
The Town Manager, with the approval of the Board of Selectmen, is hereby authorized to
distribute such funds in such a manner as may be needed to accomplish the forgoing list of
projects.
A 2/3's vote required. Motion adopted unanimously.
Article 9: Funds for Road Repair and Maintenance
To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate, transfer from available funds or borrow
pursuant to any applicable statute, a sum of $150,000 to be allocated for road repairs and
maintenance projects as identified by the Department of Public Works, or take any other action
related thereto.
MOVED that One Hundred Fifty Thousand Dollars ($150,000)be appropriated to be spent by
the Town Manager for road repairs and maintenance projects as identified by the Department of
Public Works,
AND TO meet this appropriation, One Hundred Fifty Thousand Dollars ($150,000)be raised and
appropriated from taxation and other general revenues of the Town.
Motion adopted unanimously.
Article 10: Allocation of Funds for One Time Cost
To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate, transfer from available funds, or borrow
pursuant to any applicable statute a sum of money for funding one time expenditures and
projects, or take any other action related thereto.
MOVED that One Hundred Fifty Thousand Dollars ($150,000)be appropriated to be spent by
the Town Manager for the following purposes:
• One Hundred Thousand Dollars ($100,000) for various projects and equipment for Town
Buildings under the jurisdiction of the Facilities Department
• Fifty Thousand($50,000) to create and implement a Performance Management Program for
Town operations
AND TO meet this appropriation, One Hundred Fifty Thousand Dollars ($150,000) be raised and
appropriated from taxation and other general revenues of the Town.
A majority vote required. Motion adopted.
Article 11: Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 91 Liability
To see if the Town will vote to assume liability in the manner provided by the MGL Chapter 91,
Section 29, as amended, for all damages that may be incurred by the work to be performed by the
Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection for the improvement, development
maintenance, and protection of tidal and non-tidal rivers and streams, great ponds, harbors,
tidewaters, foreshores, and shores along a public beach in accordance with Section 11 of said
Chapter 91 and to authorize the Selectmen to execute and deliver bond on indemnity therefore to
the Commonwealth, or take any other action related thereto.
MOVED that liability be assumed by the Town of Cohasset in the manner provided by the
MGL Chapter 91, Section 29, as amended, for all damages that may be incurred by the work to
be performed by the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection for the
improvement, development maintenance, and protection of tidal and non-tidal rivers and streams,
great ponds, harbors, tidewaters, foreshores, and shores along a public beach in accordance with
Section 11 of said Chapter 91 and that the Board of Selectmen be hereby authorized to execute
and deliver bond on indemnity therefore to the Commonwealth
A majority vote required. Motion adopted.
Article 12: Transfer of Funds from 1995 Dredging Appropriation to 2014 Dredging Proiect
To see if the Town will vote to transfer from the Dredging Fund established at the November 6, 1995
Special Town Meeting(Article 5),the sum of$41,345.95 to help offset costs for the 2014 Harbor
Dredging project, such funds to be expended by the Town Manager in consultation with the
Harbormaster, or take any other action related thereto.
MOVED that the sum of$41,345.95 be appropriated from the Dredging Fund established at the
November 6, 1995 Special Town Meeting (Article 5) to be expended by the Town Manager in
consultation with the Harbormaster for the 2014 Harbor Dredging project; and the Board of
Selectmen be authorized to acquire, by purchase, gift or eminent domain, and to grant to the
United States Army Corps of Engineers, temporary easements over Sandy Beach and
Government Island, in such areas approximately as shown on the sketch plans containing three
pages and entitled "Cohasset Harbor, MA, Federal Navigation Maintenance Dredging, Town of
Cohasset, MA" for harbor dredging project purposes, with the goal to expend merely nominal
consideration for these temporary easements.
A 2/3's vote required. Motion adopted unanimously.
Article 13: Town Hall Restoration Study
To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate, transfer from available funds, or borrow
pursuant to any applicable statute a sum of money for the Town Manager to engage various
professionals to undertake further evaluations, engineering, site analysis and related work for the
Town Hall Restoration project, or take any other action related thereto.
MOVED that Sixty Five Thousand Dollars ($65,000) be appropriated for the Town Manager to
engage various professionals to undertake supplementary analysis and study for the proposed
restoration and reconstruction of Town Hall, including: a site survey, title work, geotechnical
borings, and soil analysis for the Town Hall property; a review of possible construction methods
to determine the most cost effective method for any potential project; a review of the cost
estimates contained in the recently completed feasibility study; and support for additional public
meetings and forums on the scope of any restoration and reconstruction project and any costs
ancillary and related thereto, and to meet this appropriation, $65,000 be hereby transferred from
the Town's Capital Stabilization Fund.
Motion adopted by the requisite 2/3's vote.
PROCLAMATION
WHEREAS,Peter J. DeCaprio was appointed to the Water Commission in 2010 and elected in 2011
and has served on the Board with honor and distinction for four years; and
WHEREAS, as a member of the Water Commission,Peter J. DeCaprio has helped the Board discharge
its responsibilities in a very effective and efficient manner especially in the area of finances,the
completion of the cell and emergency communication antenna installations on the Bear Hill Tank and the
general management of the Cohasset Water Company; and
WHEREAS,Peter J. DeCaprio has also served his community with distinction on both the Capital
Budget Committee from 2006 and the Water Planning Group in 2010; and
WHEREAS, as a member of the aforementioned boards,Peter J.DeCaprio has brought great wisdom to
the many issues that face our community; and
WHEREAS, such dedication and service to the Town cannot come without great sacrifice to personal
matters and family life; and
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED,that we,the Board of Selectmen of the Town of Cohasset,
on the occasion of his completing his time with the Water Department, acknowledge, on behalf of all
those he has productively served,his diligence to the duties of his elected office, and his constant and
energetic pursuit of all of its requirements.
GIVEN under our hands and the seal of the TOWN OF COHASSET on this twenty-eighth day of
April in the year Two Thousand and Fourteen.
BOARD OF SELECTMEN
Frederick Koed,Chairman
Diane Kennedy
Martha Gjesteby
Stephen Gaumer
Karen Quigley
Voted in favor of the proclamation.
Article 14: Additional Real Estate Exemptions
To see if the town will vote to accept Section 4 of Chapter 73 of the Acts of 1986 to grant an
additional real estate tax exemption of not more than one hundred percent (100%). Such
additional exemption may be granted to persons who qualify for property tax exemptions under
clauses 17, 17C 1/2, 171), 22, 22A, 22B, 22C, 22D, 22E, 37, 37A, 41, 4113, 41C, 42 and 43 of
Section 5 of Chapter 59 of the Massachusetts General Laws and also, to see if the town will vote
to accept the amendment of Clause 41C in accordance with Chapter 184, Section 51 of the Acts
of 2002, to subsequently grant an additional real estate tax exemption of not more than one
hundred percent (100%). Such additional exemption may be granted to persons who qualify for
property tax exemption under clause 41 C of Section 5 of Chapter 59 of the Massachusetts
General Laws, or take any other action related thereto.
MOVED that Section 4 of Chapter 73 of the Acts of 1986 be hereby accepted to grant an
additional real estate tax exemption of not more than one hundred percent (100%), where such
additional exemption may be granted to persons who qualify for property tax exemptions under
clauses 17, 17C 12, 17D, 22, 22A, 22B, 22C, 22D, 22E, 37, 37A, 41, 41B, 41C, 42 and 43 of
Section 5 of Chapter 59 of the Massachusetts General Laws and further, that the amendment of
Clause 41 C in accordance with Chapter 184, Section 51 of the Acts of 2002, be hereby accepted
to subsequently grant an additional real estate tax exemption of not more than one hundred
percent (100%) where such additional exemption may be granted to persons who qualify for
property tax exemption under clause 41 C of Section 5 of Chapter 59 of the Massachusetts
General Laws.
Motion adopted unanimously.
Article 15: Establishment of a Stabilization Fund for the South Shore Regional School District
To see if the Town will vote to approve the establishment of a Stabilization Fund according to
Massachusetts General Laws c.71, §16 Gl/2 for the South Shore Regional School District, or to
take any other action related thereto.
MOVED that the establishment of a Stabilization Fund pursuant to Massachusetts General Laws
c.71, §16 G1/2 for the South Shore Regional School District,be hereby approved.
A majority vote required. Motion adopted.
Article 16: Community Preservation Committee
To see if the Town will vote to hear and act on recommendations by the Community
Preservation Committee for Fiscal Year 2015 pursuant to Chapter 44B of the General Laws, also
known as the Community Preservation Act: to implement such recommendations by
appropriating and/or reserving a sum or sums of money from the Community Preservation Fund
established pursuant to such Act for (i) the administrative expenses and all other necessary and
proper expenses of the Community Preservation Committee; (ii) the acquisition, creation,
creation and preservation of open space; (iii) the acquisition, preservation, rehabilitation and
restoration of historic resources; (iv) the acquisition, creation, preservation, rehabilitation and
restoration of land for recreational use; (v) the acquisition and preservation of historic resources;
(vi) the acquisition, creation, preservation and support of community housing; and (vii) the
rehabilitation or restoration of open space and community housing acquired or created under
such Act; to authorize the Board of Selectmen with the approval of the Community Preservation
Committee, to acquire by purchase, gift or eminent domain such real property interests in the
name of or enforceable by the Town, acting by and through the Board of Selectmen or such other
Town board as the Board of Selectmen may designate, including real property interests in the
form of permanent affordable housing restrictions, historical preservation restrictions and
conservation restrictions that will meet the requirements of Chapter 184 of the General Laws, as
may be necessary or proper to carry out the foregoing; or to take any other action related thereto.
MOVED that the Town hear and act on recommendations by the Community Preservation
Committee as follows:
Recommendation A. The following amounts be appropriated from the Fiscal Year (F.Y.) 2015
Community Preservation Fund estimated revenues to the Community Preservation Fund
accounts as follows:
1. Fifty Three Thousand four Hundred Sixteen Dollars ($53,416) be appropriated to
the Community Housing Reserve Fund and reserved for community housing
purposes,
2. Fifty Three Thousand four Hundred Sixteen Dollars ($53,416) be appropriated to
the Historic Reserve Fund for historic resources;
3. Fifty Three Thousand four Hundred Sixteen Dollars ($53,416) be appropriated to
the Community Preservation Open Space Reserve Fund for open space, and
4. Three Hundred Seventy Three Thousand Nine Hundred Sixteen Dollars
($373,916)be appropriated to the undesignated reserve balance in the Community
Preservation Fund for F.Y. 2015 Community Preservation purposes; and
Recommendation B. Twenty Five Thousand Dollars ($25,000) be appropriated from the
estimated F.Y. 2015 revenues of the undesignated reserve balance in the Community
Preservation Fund for administrative and operating expenses of the Community Preservation
Committee, including professional services; and
Recommendation C. Fifty Thousand Dollars ($50,000) be appropriated, with Forty One
Thousand Dollars ($41,000) of such amount to be appropriated from the Historic Reserve Fund
and Nine Thousand Dollars ($9,000) of such amount to be appropriated from the undesignated
reserve balance in the Community Preservation Fund, for the preservation, rehabilitation and
restoration of the Lawrence Wharf Pavilion, to be expended by the Town Manager, and further
that after June 30, 2016, any residual unexpended portion of such sum shall not be further
expended and shall be restored to the Historic Reserve Fund in the Community Preservation
Fund and to the undesignated reserve balance in the Community Preservation Fund, with the first
Forty One Thousand Dollars ($41,000) of such residual unexpended portion being restored to the
Historic Reserve Fund first and any remaining residual unexpended amount being restored to the
undesignated reserve balance in the Community Preservation Fund thereafter; and
Recommendation D. Eleven Thousand Dollars ($11,000) be appropriated from the Historic
Reserve Fund in the Community Preservation Fund for the preservation, rehabilitation and
restoration of the John Smith Memorial and benches, to be expended by the Town Manager, and
further that after June 30, 2016, any residual unexpended portion of such sum shall not be further
expended and shall be restored to the Historic Reserve Fund in the Community Preservation
Fund; and
Recommendation E. Seventy Two Thousand Dollars ($72,000) be appropriated from the
estimated F.Y. 2015 revenues of the undesignated reserve balance in the Community
Preservation Fund for the preservation, rehabilitation and restoration of the Deer Hill basketball
courts located off Sohier Street, to be expended by the Town Manager, and further that after
June 30, 2016, any residual unexpended portion of such sum shall not be further expended and
shall be restored to the undesignated reserve balance in the Community Preservation Fund; and
Recommendation F. One Hundred Seventy Five Thousand Dollars ($175,000) be appropriated,
with One Hundred Eight Thousand Five Hundred Fifty Three Dollars ($108,553) of such amount
to be appropriated from the Community Preservation Open Space Reserve Fund and Sixty Six
Thousand Four Hundred Forty Seven Dollars ($66,447) of such amount to be appropriated from
the estimated F.Y. 2015 revenues of the undesignated reserve balance in the Community
Preservation Fund, for the acquisition, creation and preservation of approximately six acres of
open space located the southerly side of Norman Todd Road and known as Lot 5 as shown on
that certain plan dated June 4, 2007 and recorded at the Norfolk County Registry of Deeds in
Plan Book 572 as Plan No. 63, to be expended by the Town Manager, and further that after
June 30, 2016, any residual unexpended portion of such sum shall not be further expended and
shall be restored to the Community Preservation Open Space Reserve Fund and to the
undesignated reserve balance in the Community Preservation Fund, with the first One Hundred
Eight Thousand Five Hundred Fifty Three Dollars ($108,553) of such residual unexpended
portion being restored to the Community Preservation Open Space Reserve Fund first and any
remaining residual unexpended amount being restored to the undesignated reserve balance in the
Community Preservation Fund thereafter; and
Recommendation G. For each of the above recommendations, the Board of Selectmen, or such
other Town board as the Board of Selectmen may designate, be authorized to acquire by
purchase or gift and hold in the name of or enforceable by the Town and to grant to a nonprofit
organization, charitable corporation or foundation, such land, real property interests and
permanent affordable housing restrictions, preservation restrictions and conservation restrictions
that will meet the requirements of Chapter 184 of the General Laws, as may be necessary or
proper to carry out the foregoing.
Motions A, B, C,D,E, F and G adopted by the requisite 2/3's vote.
Article 17: Community Preservation Committee — FY14 Appropriation for Community
Housing Reserve
To see if the Town will vote to raise appropriate, transfer from available funds in the CPA Fund
or from any other source, or borrow pursuant to any applicable statute, a sum of money for the
CPA Community Housing Reserve sub account in order to meet the 10% allocation requirement
of the Community Preservation Act which appropriation became necessary due to the Fund's
receipt of additional State revenue, or take any other action related thereto.
MOVED that Ten Thousand One Hundred Seventy Three Dollars ($10,173) be appropriated
from the undesignated reserve balance in the Community Preservation Fund to the Community
Housing Reserve Fund and reserved for community housing purposes.
Motion adopted unanimously.
Article 18: Transfer from Water Capital Stabilization Fund
To see if the Town will vote to transfer the sum of Forty-Nine Thousand Dollars ($49,000) from
the Water Capital stabilization for the Water Commission and Town Manager jointly to expend
to upgrade to 3 chemical feed systems at Lily Pond Water Treatment Plant; or take any other
action related thereto.
MOVED that Forty-Nine Thousand Dollars ($49,000) be hereby appropriated for the Water
Commission and Town Manager jointly to expend to upgrade three (3) chemical feed systems at
Lily Pond Water Treatment Plant, and to meet this appropriation, $49,000 be transferred from
the Water Capital Stabilization Fund.
A 2/3's vote required. Motion adopted unanimously.
Article 19: Authorization to assess and update previous Wastewater Facility Planning
documents
To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate, borrow pursuant to any applicable statute,
and/or transfer from available funds a sum not to exceed $50,000 to be expended jointly by the
Sewer Commission and the Town Manager following a competitive procurement process to
assess and update planning of wastewater facility needs within the Town to address
environmental and public health concerns, including protection of public water supplies, and
protection of water resources including but not limited to Cohasset Cove and Harbor, or take any
other action related thereto.
MOVED that $50,000 be appropriated to be expended jointly by the Sewer Commission and the
Town Manager following a competitive procurement process to assess and update planning of
wastewater facility needs within the Town to address environmental and public health concerns,
including protection of public water supplies, and protection of waste resources including by not
limited to Cohasset Cove and harbor and to meet this appropriation $50,000 be raised and
appropriated from the FYI tax levy and other general revenues of the Town.
A majority vote required. Motion adopted.
Article 20. Sewer Districts Bylaw
To see if the Town will vote to amend the Town of Cohasset General Bylaws by adding a new
Article XVI entitled "Sewers and Sewer Districts," as follows; to approve the designation of
each of the sewer districts shown on the map entitled "Sewer District Map," prepared by
Coughlin Environmental Services, LLC, dated April 2014 and on file with the Sewer Department
pursuant to chapter 65 of the acts of 1962 as amended by chapter 147 of the acts of 2013.
Article XVI. Sewer Districts Bylaw
Section 1. Definitions. For the purposes of this Article XVI, the following terms and phrases shall have
the following meanings.
"Act" shall mean "An Act Authorizing the Town of Cohasset to Construct and Operate a System or
Systems Of Sewerage and Sewage Disposal," as set forth by chapter 65 of the acts of 1962, as amended
by chapter 104 of the acts of 1964, chapter 131 of the acts of 1975 and chapter 147 of the acts of 2013, as
the same may be amended from time to time.
"District Map" shall mean the map entitled "Sewer District Map," prepared by Coughlin Environmental
Services, LLC and dated April 2014, as the same may be amended from time to time, showing each
Sewer District.
"Sewer District" shall mean the Central Cohasset Sewer District, the North Cohasset Sewer District and
any other properties, areas and ways that may be established as, or part of, a designated sewer district
pursuant to the Act, as any of the same may be amended from time to time.
Section 2. Sewer Districts.
The Central Cohasset Sewer District shall be as set forth on the District Map, as the same may be
amended from time to time pursuant to the Act.
The North Cohasset Sewer District shall be as set forth on the District Map, as the same may be amended
from time to time pursuant to the Act.
Section 3. Sewer District Capacity. Each Sewer District shall have the following maximum capacities for
sewage, wastewater and other waste and shall be further subject to the limitations of the existing
wastewater collection,treatment and disposal system components, as the Sewer Districts may be amended
from time to time pursuant to the Act.
(a) Central Cohasset Sewer District: 450,000 gallons per day (Average Daily Flow as defined by the
Town's NPDES permit)
(b) North Cohasset Sewer District: 80,000 gallons per day (Average Daily Flow as defined by the
intermunicipal agreements between Cohasset,Hingham and Hull)
Section 4. Fees. The Board of Sewer Commissioners may, by vote at a regular meeting of such Board,
prescribe, fix, impose and collect charges, fees, assessments and the like pursuant to the Act. Consistent
with the provisions of Section 9(e) of Article III of the Town of Cohasset General Bylaws, only annual
usage fees based upon the volume of water used shall be approved by the vote of Town Meeting, Or take
any other action relative thereto.
MOVED that the Town of Cohasset General Bylaws be amended by adding a new Article XVI
entitled "Sewers and Sewer Districts," as set forth in Article 20 of the Warrant; and that the
designation of each of the sewer districts shown on the map entitled "Sewer District Map,"
prepared by Coughlin Environmental Services, LLC and dated April 2014 be approved pursuant
to chapter 65 of the acts of 1962 as amended by chapter 147 of the acts of 2013
Motion adopted unanimously.
Article 21: Reauthorization of Intermunicipal Agreement with South Shore Recycling
Cooperative
To see if the Town will vote pursuant to M.G.L.c. 40, Section 8H, to extend the term of the
intermunicipal agreement for regional cooperation in the provision of solid waste and recycling
services for the South Shore Recycling Cooperative for an additional term through June 30, 2018
and, further, to see if the Town will vote to execute and deliver an amended intermunicipal
agreement, a copy of which is on file in the office of the Town Clerk, to effect the extension of
the terms and other changes set forth therein, or take any other action related thereto.
MOVED that the term of the intermunicipal agreement for regional cooperation in the provision
of solid waste and recycling services for the South Shore Recycling Cooperative be extended for
an additional term through June 30, 2018 pursuant to M.G.L. c. 40, Section 81-1; and, further, that
the Board of Selectmen be authorized to execute and deliver an amended intermunicipal
agreement to effect the extension for an additional term and such other terms and conditions as
may be set forth therein.
Motion adopted unanimously.
Article 22: Amendments to Cohasset By-Laws
To see if the Town will vote to amend the Town of Cohasset General Bylaws as follows:
By amending Article I, Section 2, Definition of Terms by inserting the following two definitions in
new subsections(f) and(g):
(f) The "Troika" shall consist of the town moderator, who shall be the chairman of the Troika, the
chairman of the Board of Selectmen, and the chairman of the Advisory Committee.
(g) "Town Manager Act" shall mean"An Act Providing for a Town Manager in the Town of Cohasset"as
set forth by Chapter 34 of the Acts of 1997, as amended by Chapter 421 of the Acts of 1998, Chapter 330
of the Acts of 2000 and Chapter 3 of the Acts of 2014, and as the same may be amended from time to
time.
By amending Article III, Elected Town Officers, Section 2 by striking subsection (b) and by
inserting in its place thereof the following new subsection (b):
(b) The executive powers of the Town shall be vested in the Board of Selectmen, who shall have all the
powers given to Boards of Selectmen by the General Laws of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, the
Town Manager Act, and such additional powers that may be given to the Board of Selectmen by the
General Bylaws of the Town of Cohasset, which may be amended from time to time. The Selectmen
shall exercise, through the Town Manager, general supervision over all matters affecting the interest or
welfare of the town. The Board of Selectmen shall serve as the chief goal setting and policymaking body
of the town, and as such shall not normally administer the day-to-day affairs of the Town.
By amending Article III,Elected Town Officers, Section 2 by adding a new subsection(1) as follows:
(l) The Selectmen shall have additional appointment powers pursuant to the Town Manager Act.
By amending Article IV,Appointed Town Officers,Section 1. Town Manger by making the existing
provision subsection (a) and by inserting new subsections (b), (c),(d),(e),(f)and(g) as follows:
(a) The appointment, duties and powers, compensation, removal and other matters relating to the Town
Manager shall be set forth in the Town Manager Act, as the same may be amended from time to time.
(b)The Board of Selectmen may reappoint an incumbent Town Manager without a search committee.
(c) Prior to initiating a search, the Selectmen should assess the operations of town government to identify
in writing the skills and abilities that the applicant for Town Manager should possess.
(d) The candidates for the Town Manager position shall be persons of demonstrated ability with
administrative experience in public management or business administration who are qualified by reasons
of education and experience. In addition to the foregoing, pursuant to Section 4(a) of the Town Manager
Act, the candidates shall also have professional integrity, strong interpersonal skills, and financial
acumen. The candidates shall also have demonstrated management experience in public and/or non-
public entities. Additional desired attributes are knowledge of Massachusetts' municipal law, and
experience in collective bargaining,procurement and human resource management.
(e) The Board of Selectmen shall create a search committee to assist in the selection of candidates for the
position of Town Manager. The Selectmen may solicit town residents for the committee and/or choose to
employ professional consultants to work in tandem or independently in the same function. The Selectmen
may seek funding for professional services and associated expenses in connection with the search.
(f) The search committee will interview and vet candidates in accordance with the profile required by the
Town Manager Act and as described in Article IV, sections 1(c) and 1(d) above. The search committee
will present the Selectmen with more than one (1) candidate, but no more than five (5). The Selectmen
may accept or reject the presented candidates. In the event of rejection, the search process may be
repeated until a successful candidate is accepted, or the Board of Selectmen may terminate the search
committee.
(g) The Board of Selectmen shall establish written annual goals and expectations for the Town Manager,
including specific management objectives and performance indicators, which may be amended by the
Selectmen from time to time. The Selectmen shall establish procedures for providing feedback and
guidance to the Town Manager on a regular basis. The Selectmen shall review the performance of the
Town Manager prior to completion of the first six (6) months of employment and thereafter not less than
once per year.
By amending Article IV, Appointed Town Officers, Section 4. Police Chief by striking subsection
(a) and by inserting in its place thereof the following new subsection(a):
(a) The Town Manager shall appoint upon merit and fitness alone, and may remove, the Police Chief
subject to the Selectmen's approval by a majority vote of its full membership pursuant to Section 5D of
the Town Manager Act.
By amending Article IV, Appointed Town Officers, Section 5. Fire Chief by striking subsection (a)
and by inserting in its place thereof the following new subsection(a):
(a) The Town Manager shall appoint upon merit and fitness alone, and may remove the Fire Chief subject
to the Selectmen's approval by a majority vote of its full membership pursuant to Section 5D of the Town
Manager Act.
By amending Article IV, Appointed Town Officers, Section 21. Director of Finance/Town
Accountant by striking subsection (a) and by inserting in its place thereof the following new
subsection(a):
(a) The Town Manager shall appoint upon merit and fitness alone, and may remove, the Director of
Finance/Town Accountant subject to the Selectmen's approval by a majority vote of its full membership
pursuant to Section 5D of the Town Manager Act.
By amending Article V, Appointed Standing Town Boards and Committees, Section 1. Advisory
Committee by striking subsections (b) and (c) and by inserting in their place thereof the following
new subsections(b) and(c):
(b) Appointments shall be made by the Troika as soon as practical after the final adjournment or
dissolution of each Annual Town Meeting.
(c) Members shall be registered voters of the Town and shall have no other elective or appointive office
with the exception of those serving on the Troika. No member shall serve more than two consecutive full
terms.
Or take any other action relative thereto.
MOVED that the Town of Cohasset General Bylaws be amended by making each of the
amendments set forth in Article 22 of the Warrant.
Amendment offered by Ralph Dormitzer
MOVED to see if the Town will vote to amend the motion under, Article 22, Article IV,
Appointed Town Officers, Section I, Town Manager by replacing subsection(e) as follows:
(e) The Board of Selectmen shall create a search committee to assist in the selection of
candidates for the position of Town Manager. The Selectmen shall solicit town residents for the
committee and may choose to employ professional consultants to work in tandem or
independently in the same function. The committee shall have an odd number of members and
shall be composed of a minimum of seven (7) but no more than nine (9) individuals. The
Selectmen may seek fun ding, if necessary, for professional services and associated expenses in
connection with the search.
Amendment adopted by a majority vote.
Vote challenged by more than seven registered voters.
Hand count taken: In favor 87 Opposed 62 Amendment passed.
Amendment offered by David McMorris
By amending Article IV, Appointed Town Officers, Section 4. Police Chief by striking subsection
(a) and by inserting in its place thereof the following new subsection(a):
(a) The Town Manager shall appoint upon merit and fitness alone, subject to the Selectmen's approval by
a majority vote of its full membership pursuant to section 5D of the Town Manager Act, and may remove,
the Police Chief subject to the Selectmen's approval by a majority vote of its full membership pursuant to
Section 5D of the Town Manager Act.
By amending Article IV, Appointed Town Officers, Section 5. Fire Chief by striking subsection (a)
and by inserting in its place thereof the following new subsection(a):
(a) The Town Manager shall appoint upon merit and fitness alone, subject to the Selectmen's approval by
a majority vote of its full membership pursuant to Section 5D of the Town manager Act, and may remove,
the Fire Chief subject to the Selectmen's approval by a majority vote of its full membership pursuant to
Section 5D of the Town Manager Act.
By amending Article IV, Appointed Town Officers, Section 21. Director of Finance/Town
Accountant by striking subsection (a) and by inserting in its place thereof the following new
subsection(a):
(a) The Town Manager shall appoint upon merit and fitness alone, and may remove, subject to the
Selectmen's approval by a majority vote of its full membership pursuant to Section 5D of the Town
Manager Act, the Director of Finance/Town Accountant subject to the Selectmen's approval by a
majority vote of its full membership pursuant to Section 5D of the Town Manager Act.
Motion defeated.
Main motion as amended adopted by the requisite majority vote.
Article 23: Zoning Bylaw Reconciliation
To see if the Town will vote to amend the Town of Cohasset Zoning Bylaws as follows:
That Section 2.1 Definitions be amended by moving the definition of "Sign, Nonaccessory" after the
definition of "Sign, Identification" so as to appear in correct alphabetical order.
That Section 5.4.8, be amended in line 1 by changing: "Within the the highway business ..." to read
"Within the highway business ..." so that Section 5.4.8 as amended shall read as follows: "Within the
highway business, technology business and light industry districts, along any street frontage a green
strip not less than thirty-five (35) feet wide shall be maintained and landscaped with grass, trees and/or
shrubs,not paved, except for driveways, not parked upon and not built upon except for signs."
That Section 6.1.1, be amended in line 2 by changing " ... erected altered or relocated ..." to read" ...
erected, altered or relocated ...." so that Section 6.1.1 as amended in line 2 shall read as follows: "No
sign (except a posting or an identification sign, not exceeding two square feet in area, or a political sign
attached to a residence or in the front yard)shall be erected,altered or relocated without a building permit.
Permit review shall be confined to determining whether the sign conforms to this Bylaw."
That Section 6.4.8 be amended by adding a"." after"6.4.7" so that Section 6.4.8 as amended shall read
as follows: "Nonaccessory signs are prohibited in residential districts, except as provided for in
subsections 6.4.6 and 6.4.7."
That Section 7.2.11 be amended in line 1 by changing"the Section 7" to "this Section 7" and, in line 2
by changing "... and twenty percent..." to read "... than twenty percent ..." so that Section 7.2.11 as
amended in line 1, shall read as follows: "In addition to all other requirements contained in this Section
7,automobile dealers engaged in the sale at retail or wholesale of new and used cars shall devote not less
than twenty percent of the required parking spaces to customer parking."
That 10.3.2.b be amended in line 1 by changing "... on hundred year..." to read "... one hundred
year..." so that line 1 of Section 10.3.2.b as amended shall read as follows: "An analysis of the site,
including wetlands, slopes, soil conditions, areas within the one hundred year ..."
That Section 12.1 be amended in line 1 by changing " ... this bylaws..." to read "... these bylaws..."
so that section 12.1 as amended in line 1 shall read as follows: "The building inspector appointed by the
selectmen shall enforce the provision of these bylaws as hereinafter provided."
That Section 12.6.5.b be amended in line 3 by changing" ... of the natural... ;"to read "... or the natural
so that Line 3 of Section 12.6.5b as amended shall read as follows: "...planning board to be
unsuitable or detrimental to the neighborhood or the natural qualities of the town;" .
That Section 14.3.Le be amended by changing"M.G.L.c.2L" to"M.G.L.c.21, ...".
That Section 14.5.6.b be amended in line 2 by changing"... catchbasin... "to read"... catch basin..." .
That Section 16.6.8 be amended in line 1 by changing "... building shall be shall be designed ..." to
read "... building shall be designed ..." so that Section 16.6.8 as amended in line 1 shall read as
follows: "No dwelling unit in any building shall be designed, constructed or altered to have more than
two bedrooms.".
That Section 16.10.1 be amended in line 1 by changing"... my be ..." to read"... may be ..." so that
Section 16.10.1 as amended in line 1 shall read as follows: "No lot shown on a plan for which a permit is
granted under this section may be further subdivided,and a notation to this effect shall be shown upon the
plan."
That Section 16.10.5 be amended by changing in line 1 "... rule and regulations..."to read"... rules and
regulations" so that 16.10.5 as amended in line 1 shall read as follows: "The Planning Board shall
adopt,and from time to time amend,rules and regulations consistent with provisions ..." .
That Section 17.5.9 be amended in line 1 by changing "... means of facade ..." to read "... means of
facade ..." so that line 1 of Section 17.5.9 as amended shall read as follows: "Facades over 50 feet in
length shall be divided into shorter segments by means of facade modulation,repeating ...".
That Section 17.6.8 be amended in line 3 by changing"bikepaths"to"bike paths" .
That Section 19.10 be amended in line 1 by inserting "the" before SPGA so line 1 of Section 19.10 as
amended shall read as follows: "In granting a special permit under this section, the SPGA may impose
conditions and limitations specially designed ..." .
Or,take any other action related thereto.
MOVED that the Zoning Bylaw be amended to correct several typographical and/or
grammatical errors, as set forth in the Warrant.
Motion adopted unanimously.
ARTICLE 24: REGISTERED MARIJUANA DISPENSARIES
To see if the Town will vote to amend the Zoning Bylaw as follows to regulate the use or occupation of
any building, structure or land in whole or in part for a Medical Marijuana Treatment Center,to be known
as a Registered Marijuana Dispensary("RMD").
By amending Section 2.1,Definitions,by deleting the existing definition of Medical Marijuana Treatment
Center in its entirety and adding the following definition in alphabetical order:
Medical Marijuana Treatment Center: A not-for-profit entity registered under Chapter 369 of the Acts of
2012 and 105 CMR 725.100 et seq, to be known as a Registered Marijuana Dispensary (RMD), that
acquires, cultivates,possesses,processes (including development of related products such as edible MIPs,
tinctures, aerosols, oils, or ointments), transfers, transports, sells, distributes, dispenses, or administers
marijuana, products containing marijuana, related supplies, or educational materials to registered
qualifying patients or their personal caregivers. Unless otherwise specified, RMD refers to the site(s) of
dispensing, cultivation, and preparation of marijuana.
And by deleting Section 20, Temporary Moratorium, Medical Marijuana Treatment Centers in its
entirety;
And by amending Section 4.2 Permitted Uses, by adding to the Table of Use Regulations under Section
4.2 under the heading"Retail and Services"the following:
Residential Non-Residential Official
&Open
Space
District
USE R-A R-B R-C DB VB WB HB TB LI OS
Retail& Service
Medical Marijuana No No No No No No No SPP No No
Treatment Center
And by amending Section 4.3, Additional Use Regulations, to add the following new subsections 4.3.15
and 4.3.16:
15. Medical Marijuana Treatment Center.
a. The Special Permit Granting Authority("SPGA")may grant a special permit for a
Medical Marijuana Treatment Center/Registered Marijuana Dispensary("RMD")only if all
applicable requirements of this Zoning Bylaw are satisfied, including without limitation the
requirements of Section 12.4, in addition to the following requirements:
(1) The RMD shall comply with all applicable Area Regulations in Section 5 of this
Bylaw;
(2) Signs
i. The RMD shall comply with all applicable Sign Regulations in Section 6 of this
Bylaw.
ii. Use of medical symbols, images of marijuana,related paraphernalia and
colloquial references to cannabis and/or marijuana are prohibited from use in
RMD signage.
iii. The RMD shall not display on the exterior of the facility advertisements for
marijuana or any brand name and may only identify the building by the
registered name.
iv. The RMD shall not use graphics related to marijuana or paraphernalia on the
exterior of the RMD or the building in which the RMD is located.
V. Use of any statement, design, representation, picture, or illustration that
encourages or represents the use of marijuana for any purpose other than to
treat a debilitating medical condition or related symptoms is prohibited in RMD
signage.
vi. Use of any statement, design, representation, picture, or illustration that
encourages or represents the recreational use of marijuana is prohibited in
RMD signage.
vii. Use of any statement, design, representation, picture, or illustration portraying
anyone under 18 years of age is prohibited in RMD signage.
(3) The RMD shall comply with all applicable Off-Street Parking And Loading
Regulations in Section 7 of this Bylaw.
(4) No RMD shall be sited within a radius of five hundred feet of a school, daycare center,
or any facility in which children commonly congregate. The five hundred foot
distance shall be measured in a straight line from the nearest point of the facility in
question to the nearest point of the proposed RMD.
(5) No marijuana may be ingested by anyone in any way at a RMD, except as authorized
pursuant to 105 CMR 725.105(N)(8) for the purposes of teaching use of vaporizers or
demonstration of use of other products as necessary.
(6) All dispensing, cultivation,preparation and storage of marijuana shall occur only in an
enclosed, locked indoor area.
(7) The RMD shall comply with all Security Requirements set forth in 105 CMR 725.110.
(8) The RMD may not sell any products other than marijuana, including MIPs, marijuana
seeds and other products such as vaporizers that facilitate the use of marijuana for
medical purposes.
(9) Access to the RMD shall be limited to those authorized pursuant to 105 CMR
725.110(A)(1).
b. In deciding whether to grant a special permit for a RMD,the SPGA may consider whether the
applicant has entered into a host agreement with the Town and if so, the terms of such host
agreement.
c. The SPGA may condition the grant of a special permit for a RMD without limitation upon
operation of the RMD only on certain days of the week and/or during certain hours of the
day.
d. The SPGA may condition the grant of a special permit for a RMD without
limitation upon the requirement that the effectiveness of the special permit be limited to a
certain time period and that the applicant be required to apply to the SPGA for renewal of the
effective period of the special permit in order to continue operating the RMD.
e. Exclusion of Other Marijuana Uses. Any establishment that acquires, cultivates,
possesses, processes (including development of related products such as food, tinctures,
aerosols, oils, or ointments), transfers, transports, sells, distributes, dispenses, or administers
marijuana, products containing marijuana, related supplies, or educational materials to
qualifying patients or their personal caregivers shall not be permitted if such establishment
has not been properly registered and licensed in accordance with applicable state and local
laws and regulations, or is not operated as a not-for-profit entity, or otherwise fails to meet
the definition of a Medical Marijuana Treatment Center.
f. Exclusion of Accessory Uses. In no case shall the acquisition,cultivation,possession,
processing, transfer, transportation, sale, distribution, dispensing, or administration of
marijuana, products containing or derived from marijuana, or related products be considered
accessory to any use.
16. Hardship Cultivation of Medical Marijuana
a. The hardship cultivation of marijuana under a hardship registration in any
zoning district shall occur only in compliance with all of the requirements of 105 CMR 725.035.
b. Cultivation and storage of marijuana under a hardship registration shall occur only in the
primary residence of the registered qualifying patient or personal caregiver;
c. Cultivation and storage of marijuana under a hardship registration shall not occur in any
accessory building or in the yard or other area outside the primary residence of the registered
qualifying patient or personal caregiver;
d. Cultivation and storage of marijuana under a hardship registration shall be in an enclosed,
locked, indoor area accessible only to the registered qualifying patient or his or her personal
caregiver(s).
e. The hardship cultivation and storage of marijuana shall not be visible or otherwise perceptible
from the street or other public areas,including without limitation:
(1) visual observation;
(2) noise in excess of the maximum noise level permissible pursuant to applicable law;
(3) smell or odor.
f. The hardship cultivation of marijuana under a hardship registration in any zoning district shall
occur only in compliance with all applicable building, sanitary and safety codes and shall be
conducted in a safe manner that does not endanger the public health, safety or welfare or create a
risk of fire or public nuisance.
g. The hardship cultivation of marijuana under a hardship registration in any zoning district shall
not occur within the common area of any multifamily residential use.
h. The Building Inspector as Zoning Enforcement Officer pursuant to Section 12 of this
Bylaw may inspect the cultivation and/or storage site of a registered qualifying patient with a
hardship cultivation registration, or the cultivation site of his or her personal caregiver(s), at any
time. Acceptance of a hardship cultivation registration by a registered qualifying patient
constitutes consent for such inspection of the cultivation and/or storage site.
i. All registered qualifying patients or their personal caregivers shall provide annual
written notice to the Building Inspector that they are engaged in the hardship cultivation of
marijuana. Such written notice shall state the address at which the hardship cultivation or
storage of marijuana is occurring and the specific enclosed, locked area accessible only to the
registered qualifying patient or his or her personal caregiver(s) in which the hardship cultivation
or storage of marijuana is occurring.
Or,to take any other action related thereto.
MOVED that the Zoning Bylaw be amended to allow Registered Marijuana Dispensaries that
have been registered by the Massachusetts Department of Public Health pursuant to Chapter 369
of the Acts of 2012 and 105 CMR 725.100 to be located only in the Technology Business
zoning district and only if granted a special permit by the Planning Board and to establish
requirements for the hardship cultivation of marijuana pursuant to a hardship registration by the
Massachusetts Department of Public Health and to delete current Section 20 of the Zoning
Bylaw, Temporary Moratorium-Medical Marijuana Treatment Centers, while incorporating
Section 20.2, Exclusion of Other Marijuana Uses and Section 20.3, Exclusion of Accessory
Uses, all as set forth in the Warrant.
Motion adopted by the requisite 2/3's vote.
Article 25: Petitioned Article—Expansion of the Central Cohasset Waste Water Sewer
System District
To see if the Town will authorize the expansion of the Central Cohasset Waste Water Sewer
System District Phase III Collection System which expansion shall begin at its current terminus
at 326 King Street and run in a generally northerly direction within King Street a distance of
approximately seven hundred (700) feet terminating at the intersection of the northwesterly
boundary of 298 King Street and the northeasterly boundary of King Street; providing eleven
(11) additional sewer connection to service residential dwellings constructed or to be constructed
at 298, 301, 309, 308-310, 312 and 318 King Street as further depicted on a plan entitled "Town
of Cohasset Massachusetts Board of Sewer Commissioners General Cohasset Water System
Phase III Collection System" as modified, a copy of which plan is on file with the office of the
Town Clerk. The cost of laying, constructing and installing the sewer collection pipes, manholes
and appurtenant equipment together with all design and permit costs in connection with the
extension of the sewer district as aforesaid are to be borne by a private contractor;
or act on anything relating thereto.
Name: Address: Name: Address:
Paul J. Laugelle 96 Pleasant St. Joseph H. Lamberti 26 Flintlock Ridge Rd.
Kathleen Bailey 308 King St. Paula Meallo 187 South Main St.
Caitlin D. Donovan 422 King St. Ellen B. Murphy-Youngman 11 Hugh Strain Rd.
Donna H. Donovan 422 King St. Margaret R. Charles 185 A S. Main St.
Alfred S. Moore 101 Fairoaks Lane Shannon King 113 Timber View Lane
MOVED that the subject matter of this article be indefinitely postponed.
Motion to indefinitely postpone adopted.
Article 26: Petitioned Article—Town of Cohasset Governance Committee
Town of Cohasset Governance Committee
To see if the Town will vote to establish a standing Governance Committee to promote
better governance, including accountability, transparency, and the effective and
efficient use of limited town resources. The committee shall have seven members and
two associate members (non-voting). The Troika shall appoint the members of this
committee for staggered'and renewable terms, in accordance with"Section 3: Officers and
Committees"of the General By-Laws. The committee shall provide ongoing review
of Town governance and make recommendations for improvements thereof, including
potential changes to the Town's governing documents, as deemed necessary. The
committee shall report recommendations to the Board of Selectmen, the Town
Manager and Town Meeting. The committee will make regular reports, either in
writing or at a Board of Selectmen's meeting. Further, should the committee's
recommendations include By-Law changes and/or changes to other governing
documents, the Board of Selectmen will reserve articles on the warrant to present these
recommendations to Town Meeting.
i„Staggered" =Terms are for one, two or three years initially, then for three years thereafter.
Name: Address: Name: Address:
Merle S. Brown 546 Beechwood St. Wayne H. Robbins 20 King St.
Mary Jo Larson 12 Virginia Lane Joan S. Brown 546 Beechwood St.
Paul Carlson 18 Old Coach Rd. George Marlette 31 Rustic Dr.
Tana Carlson 18 Old Coach Rd. Engracia Adams 18 Reservoir Rd.
Stephen J. Borland 171 Beachwood St. Richard J. Avery 22 Surry Dr.
THE FOLLOWING MOTION IS PRESENTED BY THE SPONSORS OF THIS ARTICLE:
MOVED that the General Bylaws of the Town be amended by inserting a new bylaw at
ARTICLE V APPOINTED STANDING TOWN BOARDS AND COMMITTEES, Section 17:
Cohasset Governance Committee, stating as follows:
There shall be a standing Governance Committee to promote better governance, including
accountability, transparency, and the effective use of limited town resources. The committee
shall have seven members and two associate members (non-voting). The appointing authority
for the members of this committee for staggered and renewable terms shall be the Troika in
accordance with "Section 3: Officers and Committees" of the General By-Laws. The charge of
the committee is to provide ongoing review of Town governance and make recommendations for
improvements thereof, including potential changes to the Town's By-Laws and/or Town
Manager Act, as deemed necessary. The committee shall report to the Board of Selectmen.
"Staggered"=Terms are for one, two or three years initially, then for three years thereafter.
Majority vote required.
Hand count. Yes 46; No 75. Motion defeated.
Article 27: Petitioned Article—Recommended amendments to Cohasset By-Laws
To see if the Town will vote to amend the General By-Laws as follows (see attached). These
adjustments bring relevant sections of the By-Laws into alignment with the Town Manager Act,
as amended and signed into law January 2014.
Name: Address: Name: Address:
Ralph S. Dormitzer 111 Atlantic Ave. Linda R.Wakeman 255 Atlantic Ave.
Jacqueline M. Dormitzer 111 Atlantic Ave. Susan W. Davis 257 Atlantic Ave.
Samuel W. Wakeman 255 Atlantic Ave. Timothy Davis 257 Atlantic Ave.
Robert Larson 12 Virginia Lane George F. Baumgarten 260 Forest Ave.
Merle J. Brown 546 Beechwood St. Wayne Sawchuck 432 Beechwood St.
MOVED that the subject matter of this article be indefinitely postponed.
Motion to indefinitely postpone adopted.
Article 28: Petitioned Article
To see if the Town will vote to amend the Cohasset General Town By-Laws and insert the
following as a new section under Article III, Section 2, paragraph M of the Town of Cohasset
General By-laws as amended.
"In addition to and consistent with state law, patronage is not a tolerated practice in Cohasset. Members
of the Board of Selectmen,their spouses, or partners are prohibited from pressuring, influencing or taking
any other action in an effort to secure non-competitive government contracts to friends or relatives or to
hire friends or relatives."
Or take any other action relative thereto.
Name: Address: Name: Address:
Michael R. Milanoski 171 South Main St. Thomas W. Killilea 44 Little Harbor Rd.
Kevin McCarthy 155 Fairoaks Lane Jennifer Milanoski 171 South Main St.
Ralph Dormitzer I I I Atlantic Ave. Gabriel E. Gomez 59 Highland Ave.
John E.Keniley 46 Black Rock Rd. Sarah Gomez 59 Highland Ave.
George Chamillard 145 Beach St. David W. Martell 29 Hammond Ave.
THE FOLLOWING MOTION IS PRESENTED BY THE SPONSORS OF THIS ARTICLE:
MOVED that Cohasset General Town Bylaw, Article III, Section 2 be amended by adding the
following section:
"Patronage is not a tolerated practice in Cohasset. All public jobs shall be advertised and an
objective selection process will be developed absent of political influence to hire the most
qualified candidate for the position consistent with the selection process. "
Further the Board of Selectmen are directed to develop rules and regulations for the
implementation of this section including provisions for enforcement within six months of the
date of passage of this Article.
Motion defeated.
Article 29: Petitioned Article
To see if the Town will vote to amend the Cohasset General By-Laws and insert the following as
a new section under Article III, Section 2, paragraph L of the Town of Cohasset General By-
Laws as amended.
"In addition to and consistent with state law and to encourage the integrity with the public,
members of the Board of Selectmen may not participate in any manner involving a party from
which said member has accepted any money, gifts, gratuities or any other thing of value in
excess of$50.00 in the aggregate, during the candidacy or tenure of said member of the Board.
Any and all monies, gifts, gratuities, campaign contributions, and other items of value shall be
disclosed prior to any actions that provide relief to that party by said member of the Board of
Selectmen on a form prescribed by the Board."
Or take any other action relative thereto.
Name: Address: Name: Address:
Michael R. Milanoski 171 South Main St. Thomas W. Killilea 44 Little Harbor Rd.
Kevin McCarthy 155 Fairoaks Lane Jennifer Milanoski 171 South Main St.
Ralph Dormitzer 111 Atlantic Ave. Gabriel E. Gomez 59 Highland Ave.
John E.Keniley 46 Black Rock Rd. Sarah Gomez 59 Highland Ave.
George Chamillard 145 Beach St. David W. Martell 29 Hammond Ave.
MOVED that Cohasset General Town Bylaw, Article III, Section 2 be amended by adding the
following section:
"Cohasset Elected Officials shall fully disclose in writing,prior to voting to grant relief to an
applicant; all gifts, monies, gratuities, campaign contributions or other items of value they
individually received from the applicant, that relief is to granted while serving in the elected
position that they will be granting relieffrom. "
Further the Board of Selectmen are directed to develop rules, regulations, and format of
disclosure for the implementation of this section including provisions for enforcement within six
months of the date of passage of this Article.
Motion defeated.
It was moved and seconded that this Annual Town Meeting be dissolved at 10:52 p.m.
A True Record,ATTEST:
Carol St. Pierre
Town Clerk