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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - BoS - 06/25/2019 Selectmen Meeting June 25, 2019 Selectmen's Meeting 91 Sohier Street-Willcutt Commons Cohasset, MA Selectmen Present: Kevin McCarthy Paul Schubert Diane Kennedy Keri Thompson Jack Creighton Others Present: Christopher Senior,Town Manager Attorney James Lampke Chairman McCarthy called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. Roll Call Vote; Diane Kennedy-Present, Paul Schubert-Present, Kevin McCarthy-Present, Keri Thompson, Present,Jack Creighton, Present. Pledge-Recited. Public Comment-Arlene Claiborne-31 Howe Road stated she has issues with water coming into her house due to catch basins overflowing. Howe Road is a private road, but she would like the town to make it a public road. She asked the Board to take over this issue. She has spoken to the Town Manager. Chairman McCarthy asked Mr. Senior to give the Board something in writing explaining the issue. HR Update-Introduction of New Employees-HR Director Miriam Johnson introduced Diane Picot, Assistant Director of Elder Affairs,Justine Hunt, Assistant to the HR Director and Lauren Masiar, Planning Director. Each new employee gave a quick overview of the experience. The Board welcomed the new employees. Demo of Electronic Platform for Employee Communications-Miriam Johnson showed the Board a presentation on the new electronic employee bulletin board; Airbo. License/Events/Permits-McCourt Foundation-Tour de South Shore-Brian McCourt gave an overview of the ride on September 21, 2019 starting at 7:30 a.m. at Wompatuck State Park. This is their 10th year doing the tour. He discussed the streets that are impacted and the route. Motion by Selectman Schubert to approve the Tour de South Shore on September 21, 2019 as described, seconded by Selectman Thompson and the vote was unanimous (5-0). Chamber of Commerce-Summer Days-Larry Corthell was present on behalf of the Chamber. They are looking to have an event similar to the Holiday Stroll. He gave the details of the event. Motion by Selectman Schubert to approve the Summer Days event on August 24, 2019 from 10 a.m.to 6 p.m., seconded by Selectman Kennedy and the vote was unanimous (5-0). Holly Hill Farm-One day Liquor License-Motion by Selectman Schubert to approve the one-day liquor license for the Farm to Table event on July 13, 2019 from 6-10 p.m., seconded by Selectman Kennedy and the vote was unanimous (5-0). 1 Selectmen Meeting June 25, 2019 Board Committee Update-Open Space & Recreation-Chairman Peter Pescatore gave an overview of the Committee and what they have done to date. The Open Space Plan was submitted to State on January 2nd Mr. Pescatore discussed Cohasset becoming a Tree City and the 4 standards that Cohasset meets that would allow it. Tree Naming& Improvement at Wheelwright-Tom Callahan -35 Hillside Road discussed the proposed naming of the Wheelwright Park Trails, partnering with Holly Hill and adding a new trail in Barnes Wildlife Sanctuary by Eagle Scout Nathan Charron. He will also put in a map kiosk with historical information. Mr. Callahan stated each trail would have a name sign on each end and the park boundaries would be marked. Selectman Kennedy suggested setting up a committee to name the trails. She doesn't want to stop progress, but they have discussed monuments and memorials recently. Mr. Callahan stated the trails are not being named after individual people to avoid controversy. They plan to go to Conservation Commission to discuss the project even though this project doesn't involved wetlands. Motion by Selectman Creighton to allow the Open Space & Recreation Committee to name trails in the park and coordinate with the Town Manager, seconded by Selectman Thompson and the vote was unanimous(5-0). Motion by Selectman Creighton to allow Eagle Scout Nathan Charron to build and name his trail in Barnes Park as presented,seconded by Selectman Kennedy and the vote was unanimous (5-0). Committee Appointments-Historical Commission-Motion by Selectman Schubert to appoint Jackie Dormitzer to the Historical Commission for a 3-year term, seconded by Selectman Kennedy and the vote was unanimous(5-0). Motion by Selectman Schubert to appoint Megan Elder to the Historical Commission for a 3-year term and Mark St. Onge to the Historical Commission for a 2-year term, seconded by Selectman Thompson and the vote was unanimous (5-0). PEB Committee-Motion by Selectman Thompson to appoint Paul Carlson to PEB for a 1-year term and re-appoint Tim Davis, Donna Collins, Katie Dugan and Mark Maggi to PEB for a 1-year term, seconded by Selectman Kennedy and the vote was unanimous(5-0). Zoning Board of Appeals-Motion by Selectman Kennedy to appoint Charles Higginson to Zoning Board of Appeals as a 3-year full member and David McMorris and Matthew Watkins to Zoning Board of Appeals as 3-year associate members, seconded by Selectman Schubert and the vote was unanimous (5-0). Fence Viewer-Motion by Selectman Creighton to re-appoint Annette Sawchuk and Glenn Pratt as Fence Viewer for a 1-year term,seconded by Selectman Thompson and the vote was unanimous (5-0). Metropolitan Area Planning Council-Motion by Selectman Kennedy to appoint Lauren Masiar to Metropolitan Area Planning Council for a 1-year term and Clark Brewer as Alternate for a 1-year term, seconded by Selectman Schubert and the vote was unanimous(5-0). Norfolk County Advisory Board-Motion by Selectman Thompson to appoint Jack Creighton to Norfolk County Advisory Board for a 1-year term,seconded by Selectman Schubert and the vote was unanimous (5-0). Harbor Committee-Chairman of the Harbor Committee-Tim Davis asked the Board to appoint Paula Curran as the Yacht Club Representative. Motion by Selectman Schubert to appoint Paula Curran to 2 Selectmen Meeting June 25, 2019 the Harbor Committee as the Yacht Club Representative for a 3-year term,seconded by Selectman Kennedy and the vote was unanimous(5-0). Electrical Aggregation-Update-Mr. Senior stated Town Meeting authorized him to explore the electrical aggregation process. He has met multiple times with Marshfield &Scituate and they are interested in possibly working together with a joint procurement with an energy broker through MAPC. The Board of Selectmen will need to appoint a group to work with staff. He would recommend Alternative Energy Committee be that group. Steve Wenner-195 Hull Street stated it is a great idea to get together with other communities and work with the same broker. Motion by Selectman Schubert to allow the Town Manager to work with the Alternative Energy Committee in discussion with the Annual Town Meeting Warrant Article regarding electrical aggregation that was approved,seconded by Selectman Creighton and the vote was unanimous(5-0). Continued Public Hearing-Liquor License-Church Mouse Beer Garden-Chairman McCarthy reviewed the past two meetings. Since the last hearing, the applicant has met several times with the Town Planner. Selectman Kennedy stated for the record she was not present at the 6/11/19 meeting however she has watched the meeting and filed an affidavit with the Town Clerk and spoke with Town Counsel. Chairman McCarthy stated they will start with the applicant, who will review his revised proposal. The public can speak after; however, he would like the comments to be new. Applicant Brian McLaughlin stated they are no longer proposing a food truck. The revised plan has no changes to the bathrooms. These proposed bathrooms are the best option. He discussed the number of dumpsters at 12 Parkingway. He is proposing consolidated refuse for a cleaner, nicer area. This will decrease the number of trash pick up times. He discussed having alcohol served by just the bartender, not the servers. He responded to questions that were raised at the last meeting. He stated the revised plan addresses all the concerns. Interim Planner Eve Tapper gave an executive summary of the revised proposal. She discussed the neighborhood and zoning, the project description &analysis and technical review. She stated the revised plan, in her opinion, addresses all the concerns raised. Meg Wheeler-114 Forest Avenue stated she does not have any financial interest in the proposed project. She has a petition signed by over 600 residents in favor of the project that she worked on with Tom Baker. There is no legal reason to reject this proposal. The town needs a live,vibrant and energetic atmosphere. The proposed applicant is a successful business owner in the town already. Chairman McCarthy asked Mr. McLaughlin how the finance is working for the proposed project. Mr. McLaughlin stated he and his wife are financing the project alone. He has not sold any equity but eventually he hopes to sell 40%. Fran Collins-404 S. Main St. stated the comments made by Ms.Wheeler were good. The big problem downtown is there are too many places there now. Where is everyone going to park. Looks like a fun interesting proposal but where will everyone park. How much will this add to congestion. Board should give some thought before they vote on it. Chairman Kennedy stated parking is something to take into consideration. Everyone should be encouraged to park at the Pleasant Street lot. It is a little bit of a walk, but the lot is usually empty. 3 Selectmen Meeting June 25, 2019 Martha Gjesteby-81 Old Pasture Road asked for clarification of where the property is. The basement of the proposed property floods. She has a concern with the amount of people in town. Parking is an issue now, it is bad. She asked the Board to consider another location on Route 3A or the harbor. Roy Fitzsimmons-116 Doane Street asked if the Board of Health has approved the project yet. There will be issues with the dumpsters and flies. Chairman McCarthy stated they haven't got the approvals yet however; the business will be treated like any other business in town. Attorney Marty Corry was present representing Dr.Tufts. He is waving the white flag. Obviously, there are a lot of people that want the proposed project. He asked if the Board was aware that Mr. McLaughlin is party to a lawsuit in California. They should consider this as it goes to his character. He added that the Board of Health needs to update the Town's regulations before they consider giving a common victualler license. The regulations are out of date. He asked what would happen if the business was sold,what would the hours be. Mr. Corry asked that since he just received the updated plan tonight that the Board hold off on voting for two weeks so that he can review. Chairman McCarthy stated the revised proposal was submitted last Thursday and Mr. Corry could have requested it. Corey Evans-313 North Main Street said he spoke with Mr. McLaughlin and he listened to his concerns. There is no reason that he would not continue to work with the neighbors. Chairman McCarthy stated the Board will now deliberate. Attorney Lampke reminded Board what they should consider tonight. The need, location and fitness of applicant. Selectman Schubert stated the location could be better. The people in town believe there is a need for this type of business. The applicant is a respected business owner, so there is no issue with that. Every business in the area has a dumpster, so there is no issue with that. His only concern is he believes it is better if the alcohol is service is by a server. Selectman Kennedy stated her only hesitation from the beginning was the location as related to the food trucks. Now that the trucks are not in the revised proposal, it is not an issue. She added that the Board should consider a food truck policy for the future. The alcohol service to her is not an issue. There are other restaurants in the village that have both bar and waiter/waitress services. Selectman Thompson stated the proposed project is not a traditional restaurant idea. That is why there has been so much discussion. It is important to acknowledge this will help other restaurants and bring a sense of community. She is inspired by the petition. Selectman Creighton stated he has been a strong proponent of revitalizing the downtown area. The Board should consider the hours of 11 a.m.to 11 p.m. Chairman McCarthy stated the process that they have gone through has been long and lengthy. It is a good example of grass roots democracy. There has been great public participation and dialog. This project has been improved with the revisions. Attorney Lampke reviewed the general conditions that the Board may consider. Motion by Selectman Schubert to approve the application for Common Victualler and General On Premise Wine and Malt 4 Selectmen Meeting June 25, 2019 license for Church Mouse, LLC,d/b/a Church Mouse,subject to the conditions discussed, seconded by Selectman Kennedy and the vote was unanimous(5-0). Chairman McCarthy called a 5-minute recess at 9:24 p.m. The Board was back in session at 9:31 p.m. Discussion of trash issues at Sandy Beach and townball parks-Chairman McCarthy stated the reason he added this item to the agenda was due to a social media post of overflowing trash barrels. Mr. Senior stated he had a conversation with President of Sandy Beach Association Annette Sawchuk this week. The Town picks up the trash at Sandy Beach three times a week (Monday,Wednesday& Friday) and Sandy Beach Association picks up the other four days. Sandy Beach is a private association and the Town owns the parking lot. Ms. Sawchuk stated that trash has always been an issue at the beach. Beach maintenance workers pick up the trash and clean the bathrooms. This year they added more trash barrels.The biggest issue is on the weekends at sunset. Families come to the beach and have dinner, usually pizza. They SBA recently worked with local pizza places and they agreed to put printed labels with the persons name and number on the box. They are hoping people will not leave their boxes since their name is on it. They have been discussing removing the trash barrels and have a take-in and take-out trash system as other towns have done. This is an ongoing discussion. They will however, remove the barrels in September. The snack shack at the beach uses all compostable containers. They are now starting to have the gate guards give a trash bag to visitors and ask that they take their trash with them. The Board had a brief discussion on PR to help encourage people to do that. Chairman McCarthy asked Mr. Senior what the next steps are. Mr. Senior suggested the Board see how the SBA does over the next couple of weeks with the changes. Ken Paull-135 Nichols Road stated he posted the pictures last week. He had complained in the past about the trash concerns at the beach. He attended the ZBA meeting about the snack shack and at that time the snack shack was removed from the plan so there was no need to talk about the trash issue. He is disappointed that is was approved without input from the neighbors. He has talked to Annette Sawchuk and the SBA does a great job. He thinks the issue of trash is disturbing. He and his wife clean up trash every week. There are things that would help. He thinks it is unacceptable that there is no recycling at the beach. He met Eagle Scout Leader of Troop#28-Vince Thornton tonight. They discussed some great ideas and maybe the scouts could help with recycling. Vince Thornton-109 Nichols Road-Eagle Scout Troop#28-He would be happy to be part of a committee and be part of the solution. Town Hall Update-Mr. Senior advised the Board the Town Hall Painting bid packages went out on June 13th. There was a pre-bid meeting on June 201h. They currently have 18 contractors that have bid packages. The bid due date has been changed from July 2nd to July 91h. There was an addendum added to the package and this will allow more time. The Town Hall Building Committee has it's first meeting scheduled for tomorrow at Willcutt Commons. They will receive a binder full of information. The Town Hall Space Study kick-off was June 13th. The Town signed a contract with Seger Associates. The project should take approximately a month and a half to complete. Mr. Senior will update the Board at the 7/9/19 meeting. 5 Selectmen Meeting June 25, 2019 Town Counsel RFP-Discussion-Chairman McCarthy stated the Board has discussed putting out an RFP for Town Counsel for several years. It is good policy. He received a call from the present town counsel when he saw the topic on tonight's agenda. He asked that the Board allow him and his firm to come in and educate the Board. Town Counsel Paul DeRensis has been counsel for decades and stated he has recently rebuilt his firm. Chairman McCarthy stated the Board of Selectmen are responsible for retaining Town Counsel. It is important to be open and transparent. He will put on an upcoming agenda and go through the exercise. Selectman Kennedy suggested it may be helpful for the Board to discuss what the role of town counsel is before Paul DeRensis comes in. Mr. Senior discussed the three models that other towns use for counsel. Ratify Police and Fire Chief Contracts-Mr. Senior reviewed the changes to the contracts with the Board. Motion by Selectman Kennedy to approve the 3-year extension of the Police and Fire Chief contracts as presented,seconded by Selectman Schubert and the vote was unanimous(5-0). Town Manager Update-Mr. Senior advised the Board Cunningham Bridge will be closed to all traffic tomorrow morning Wed 6/26 for final line striping.The final walkthrough inspection of the bridge is scheduled for tomorrow afternoon.A small punch list of items is anticipated to be developed. As for Border Street and North Main Street; cover crews will be onsite tomorrow Wed 6/26 and continue into next week with raising and resetting manhole covers.This will be followed by the final top course of pavement. The public should use caution and allow extra time when passing through these areas as covers will protrude from the pavement for up to 2 weeks until the final top course of pavement is complete. Border Street Bridge abutment work has been completed on the west side, east side abutment and substructure work will continue through the next year. Design proposals are being received on the arch repairs. Selectmen Update-Selectman Kennedy reminded members of the Board to fill out the Town Manager Evaluation sheet. Also,they should forward their goal setting document to Tracey Connors by Thursday. Selectman Kennedy asked for an update on Sewer Regionalization. Mr. Senior stated he will have an update at the next meeting. Selectman Kennedy asked about the tennis courts. Mr. Senior stated they have had a couple of meetings and will be ready for a bigger conversation in July. Selectman Schubert asked who runs that Lightkeepers House. They haven't reported as a non-profit since 2016. Selectman Kennedy stated the Land Disposition Policy that the Board now has should be cleaned up and re-voted. This may help with the Lightkeepers House. Selectman Thompson stated as they approach the end of June she would like to wish everyone a Happy Pride Month. Her personal goal is to get involved and get Cohasset to celebrate. She would also like to remind residents that summer is here and there are children everywhere. Please be careful. Selectman Creighton asked if the Board will be discussing a policy for memorials again. Selectman Kennedy stated the Board did have a conversation a memorial policy and it does need to be done. Mr. Senior suggested the Board discuss at their upcoming Goals & Objectives meeting. Chairman McCarthy stated the Planning Board unanimously approved the Cohasset Master Plan last night. This is a tremendous accomplishment. They will need to set up a committee to implement the plan. Motion by Selectman Schubert to adjourn, seconded by Selectman Thompson and the vote was unanimous(5-0). 6 Selectmen Meeting June 25, 2019 The meeting adjourned at 10:50 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Kevin McCarthy, Chairman Documents Airbo Demo Tour de South Shore Event Summer Days Event One day liquor-Holly Hill Wheelwright Trail Naming Committee Applications Liquor License Hearing-Church Mouse Comm Victualler-Church Mouse Minutes 5/28/19& 6/11/19 Police & Fire Chief Contracts 7