HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - AC - 10/07/2015 Meeting Minutes for the Town of Cohasset Advisory Committee
Time: October 7, 2015 7:12-9:04pm
Place: Cohasset Town Hall
Attendess: Presenters:
Peter Pescatore, Chair Fire Chief Robert Silvia
Tanya Bodell Brian Baldwin, Sewer Commissioner
Chair
George Chamillard Leonora Jenkins, Water Commissioner
Chair
John Chapman Rolf Gjesteby, Water Commissioner Clerk
Rich Fitzpatrick Mary Gallagher
Leland Jenkins Town Manager, Chris Senior
Helene Lieb
Lynda Moody
Nan Roth
1.Call to order: The meeting was called to order at 7:12pm by Peter, Chair of the Advisory
Committee.
2. Special Town Meeting Warrant. BOS approved warrant for publication with some edits.
Article 1. Amendments to fiscal 2016 operating budget . Doesn't increase the budget. Just
moving money from accounts that have surpluses to accounts that need money. Most were
transferred to personnel accounts for contracts that have now been negotiated. George
Chamillard moved the motion, Leland Jenkins seconded the motion; the motion was
approved 9-0. Article 2. Unpaid bills from previous fiscal years. Most costs due to bill
discrepancies. Nan Roth moved the motion; John Chapman seconded the motion; motion
approved 9-0. Article 3. Stabilization funds. Some discussion of why are we now putting
$50,000 into capital stabilization if there is nothing in the warrant asking for this money. BOS
, according to Chris Senior, thought it was important to do now as there are some town
projects that need to be done soon (i.e. School and town hall building renovations). John
Chapman moved the motion; Tanya Bodell seconded the motion; motion passed 6-3. Article
4. Allocation of funds for one-time costs. Our World wanted an early release from their lease
of 100 Sohier. Early release would give the town more space two years earlier than expected.
Right now we are paying $600 a month to Our World for use of the space. The current lease
was made on June 1, 2015 by Chris Senior with BOS approval. The planning board wants
$25,000 for the discovery portion for a master plan that will go forward with a RFR Also,
discussed was $30,000 for road repairs and tree related repairs. Leland moved the motion,
Peter Pescatore seconded the motion; motion passed 9-0. Article 5. Transfer from water
department capital stabilization fund. Maintenance projects according to Leonora Jenkins,
water commissioner chair. John Chapman moved the motion; Lee Jenkins seconded the
motion; motion passed 9-0. Article 6. Supplemental appropriations, FY 16 water department
budget. Funds come from retained earnings. Late notifications for the increases in the cost
of chemicals required additional money. Doing a capital project, caustic conversion, out of
retained earnings as the water department need s the money. Tanya Bodell moved the
motion; Nan Roth seconded the motion; motion passed 9-0. Article 7. Sewer commission
transfers. The chair of the sewer commission, Brian Baldwin, wants $28,217 transferred from
sewer retained earnings into sewer betterment debt stabilization fund. Lynda Mooney moved
the motion; John Chapman seconded the motion; passed 9-0. Article 8. Supplemental
appropriations, FY16 sewer department budget. Money coming from retained earnings (from
quarterly user charges) to pay for grinder pump replacements. George Chamillard moved the
motion; Leland Jenkins seconded the motion; motion passed 9-0. Article 9. Acceptance of
statute-elderly tax exemption. Around 15 or so people currently take advantage of the
exemption. With this increase, another 3 to 4 people may qualify. Tanya Bodell moved the
motion; Peter Pescatore seconded the motion; motion passed 9-0. Article 10. Acceptance of
statute- appointment of election officers. Nan Roth moved the motion; Tanya Bodell
seconded the motion; motion passed 9-0. Article 11. Bylaw amendment - door -to-door
solicitors. The number of solicitors increased recently from 10-40. Lynda Mooney moved the
motion; Nan Roth seconded the motion; motion passed 9-0.
3. Liaison reports. Nan Roth reported an impasse between the faculty union and school
negotiating committee. Peter Pescatore reported that BOS approved the special town
warrant with noted changes. 91 Sohier Street approval meeting on 10-13-2015.
4. Approval of 9-24-2015 Minutes. Only one change noted in time of call to order. John
Chapman moved the motion; Nan Roth seconded the motion; motion passed 9-0.
5. Chris Senior reported that the town wellness program is going well (includes a walking
program, nutritional changes). Health costs for staff increasing (budgeting a 10% increase
this coming budget year). Town Personnel Handbook not ready yet.
6. Adjournment at 9:04pm. Lee Jenkins moved to adjourn; John Chapman seconded the
motion; motion passed 9-0.
Respectively submitted,
Helene Lieb, secretary
Minutes Approved 1/27/16