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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - BoS - 07/09/2019 Selectmen Minutes July 9, 2019 Selectmen's Meeting Town Hall-Selectmen Office 41 Highland Avenue Cohasset, MA Selectmen Present: Kevin McCarthy Paul Schubert Diane Kennedy Keri Thompson Jack Creighton Others Present: Christopher Senior,Town Manager Vice Chairman Schubert called the meeting to order at 7:05 p.m. and asked for a Roll Call Vote: Diane Kennedy-Present, Keri Thompson-Present, Jack Creighton-Present, Paul Schubert-Present. He stated Chairman McCarthy will be arriving late. Public Comment-None Pledge-Recited Announcement of Board of Selectmen FY20 Goals-Selectman Schubert stated the Board met on 7/2/19 and adopted their FY20 Goals. Selectman Schubert reviewed the goals. Licenses/Events/Permits-One Day Liquor License-Greek Church Festival-Cynthia Dedes was present on behalf of the church requesting a one-day liquor license for their annual Festival. Motion by Selectman Kennedy to approve the one-day liquor license for the South Shore Hellenic Church Greek Festival on August 17, 2019 from 11 a.m. until 8 p.m., seconded by Selectman Thompson and the vote was unanimous (4-0). Safe Harbor Coalition-Vigil-Director of Safe Harbor Nicole Garrity discussed their 2nd Annual Overdose Awareness Vigil on Cohasset Common. Motion by Selectman Creighton to approve the Safe Harbor Vigil on August 27, 2019 from 5:45-8:00 p.m., seconded by Selectman Thompson and the vote was unanimous (4-0). FY19 Year-end Budget Transfers-Finance Director Don Piatt reviewed the FY19 budget transfers totaling $469,980.69. He discussed the Legal budget which was up due to union contract negotiations, special counsel for liquor licenses and Conservation enforcement issues. The Police budget was also over due to 3 officers being out and having to cover their shifts. Motion by Selectman Schubert to approve the FY19 Year-end Budget Transfers totaling$469,980.69,seconded by Selectman Kennedy and the vote was unanimous (4-0). Chairman McCarthy arrived at 7:30 p.m. Sewer Regionalization Update-Director of Public Works Brian Joyce and Planning Director Lauren Masiar were present. Mr. Senior advised the Board the Town has been working collaboratively with Hull and Scituate with the idea of sewer regionalization. The Town of Hull has extra capacity and Scituate has sewer needs.The State awarded a grant for$200,000 between the towns to do a study. Two phases of the study would include; Phase 1-running a pipe down South Main Street to North Scituate and Phase 1 Selectmen Minutes July 9, 2019 2-potentially running sewer down Route 3A. There are environmental and economic development opportunities. Now is the time to discuss this idea since the State will be repaving Route 3A. They had a public forum to discuss this in April. At this time there are no decisions being made,they are just looking to continue the conversation. Mr.Joyce stated they have had about a dozen meetings and have discussed priority needs. South Main Street was the biggest environmental impact because of the Gulf Stream. Route 3A would provide potential growth and development. Lauren Masiar added that the Master Plan just wrapped up and this study continues the conversation about the vision for the town. They owe it to the residents to look into and see the options. Chairman McCarthy stated he would love to see some public forums like they did for the Master Plan. Selectman Schubert added that the State may have money available for infrastructure plans. Mr.Joyce said the study will look into what money is available. Selectman Thompson asked where Scituate and Hull stand on the issue. Mr. Senior stated there is a degree of self-interest. Hull is interested because they have the capacity and they are planning a rebuild. Scituate needs the sewer. Selectman Kennedy asked why they wouldn't do the study since they have the grant money. Mr. Senior stated that is what they are asking; to continue the study and due diligence to make an educated decision. Mr. Senior stated the Sewer Commission submitted a letter to the Board regarding their concerns. He stated their concerns are valid, but they won't have answers unless the study is completed. The Board reviewed the letter. Motion by Selectman Creighton to support the continuation of the regional sewer study,seconded by Selectman Kennedy and the vote was unanimous(5-0). Board/Committee Updates-Safe Harbor Presentation-Program Director Nicole Garrity and Youth Ambassador Evelyn Dickey gave a presentation to the Board. They reviewed their vision, mission and goal. They reviewed their Coalition Success from January 2018 to the present. They discussed their increased community sponsors,the youth involvement, parent involvement,training, surveys and program highlights. Harbor Committee Priority Setting-Chairman of the Harbor Committee Tim Davis reviewed the chart of priorities of the Harbor Committee and sub-committees. The Governance sub-committee has met for a couple of months looking at the governance of the harbor, Government Island and resiliency. There are people that are interested in rolling up their sleeves and studying the issues. Selectman Kennedy asked Mr. Davis where the Harbor Study Plan stands and when it will be ready. Mr. Davis stated the plan was sent to CZM last week. Once they review, edit and send back the Harbor Committee will bring to the Selectmen. Chairman McCarthy advised the Board to really spend some time on reviewing the Harbor Plan and give their ideas and recommendations. Board/Committee-Interviews/Appointments-Conservation Commission-Chairman of Conservation Commission Jay Pimpare-713 Jerusalem Road advised the Board that Maryanne Wetherald could not be present tonight but is interested in being re-appointed. Mr. Pimpare stated James Rosebach is present tonight and is interested in being re-appointed to a full member. Motion by Selectman Creighton to appoint Maryanne Wetherald as a full member to Conservation Commission for a 3-year term,seconded by Selectman Schubert and the vote was unanimous (5-0). Motion by Selectman Creighton to appoint James Rosebach to the Conservation Commission as a full member for a 3-year term,seconded by Selectman Kennedy and the vote was unanimous (5-0). 2 Selectmen Minutes July 9, 2019 Interviews-Applicant Patricia Grady gave an overview of her experience. She is interested in either an Associate Member or Full Member. She got involved with Conservation and attended meetings when the 2 Smith Place proposal started, and it sparked her interest in the committee. She realizes the role is to interpret the bylaws and not necessarily give an opinion. She has lived in Cohasset for 12 years. Selectman Schubert asked if she had time for the Committee and she responded that she does. Selectman Creighton stated Ms. Grady has attended many meetings and she is well qualified. Her skill set would translate well. Applicant Kathy Berrigan gave an overview of her experience. She grew up in Hingham and moved to Cohasset. She loves the natural beauty of the town. She followed the renewal and change of Straits Pond. She is passionate with the issue of preserving the environment. As a concerned citizen she would like to get involved and have an impact in the community. She knows how to handle different objectives and follow the law. She assumed she would start as an Associate Member. Motion by Selectman Creighton to appoint Patricia Corcoran to the Conservation Commission as a full voting member for a 3-year term,seconded by Selectman Thompson and the vote was unanimous (5-0). Chairman McCarthy asked Ms. Corcoran if her last name was Grady or Corcoran. She responded it is Grady. Motion by Selectman Schubert to change the appointment from Patricia Corcoran to Patricia Grady, seconded by Selectman Thompson and the vote was unanimous(5-0). Motion by Selectman Creighton to appoint Kathleen Berigan to the Conservation Commission as an associate member for a 1-year term, seconded by Selectman Thompson and the vote was unanimous (5-0). Board of Registrars-Motion by Selectman Schubert to appoint Terese D'Urso as Registrar of Voters for a 3-year term, seconded by Selectman Kennedy and the vote was unanimous(5-0). Elder Affairs-Chairman of Elder Affairs Paul Kierce stated he was just notified that the Board would be doing interviews and appointments. He asked that the Board hold off on appointing an associate member until Elder Affairs has time to interview the applicants as well. Elaine Coyne was present and stated she has been on the Committee for 5 years and would like to continue. Motion by Selectman Schubert to reappoint Elaine Coyne to Council on Elder Affairs as a full member for a 3-year term, seconded by Selectman Kennedy and the vote was unanimous (5-0). Motion by Selectman Schubert to appoint James Carpenter to the Council on Elder Affairs as a full member for a 3-year term,seconded by Selectman Kennedy and the vote was unanimous(5-0). Motion by Selectman Schubert to appoint Rich Hynes to the Council on Elder Affairs as a full member for a 3-year term,seconded by Selectman Thompson and the vote was unanimous(5-0). Interviews-Applicant Theresa Littauer-268 Jerusalem Road has lived in town for 28 years. She is a full- time mother of 5 children. She has volunteered at the schools for many years. She has been involved with CEA for the last 10 years volunteering for Meals on Wheels, special meal preparation and she is certified as a friendly visitor. Applicant Jim Murphy-39 Cedar Street is retired from the construction industry. He is currently a van driver for CEA. He is impressed by the level of professionalism and commitment at Willcutt Commons. He volunteers for Meals on Wheels, the Legacy Chat Program, he cooks once a month and cooks at the Community Dinners. The more he does the more he wants to do. The place is so well run, and he wants to be involved. Chairman McCarthy thanked the applicants for 3 Selectmen Minutes July 9, 2019 their interest. He asked Mr. Kierce to complete their interviews and come back with their recommendations. Sealer of Weights and Measures-Motion by Selectman Kennedy to appoint Robert Egan as Sealer of Weights and Measures for a 3-year term,seconded by Selectman Thompson and the vote was unanimous(5-0). Harbor Committee—Chairman Davis advised the Board that Suzanne Averill was not available to be present tonight. He stated he knows all the applicants and appreciates their interest. He has spoken to Amy Glassmeier and she has provided a lot of data. He would like to engage her for planning and Government Island. He stands by his recommendation that Jack Keniley be appointed. He has been a great resource. Applicant Jack Keniley-15 Buttonwood Lane provided information of his background to the Board. He reviewed his experience as a facilitator and stated he is good at working with all sorts of people to come up with a solution. He has demonstrated this over the years on all the committees he has been on. Motion by Selectman Kennedy to appoint Tim Davis to the Harbor Committee as a citizen at large for a 3-year term, seconded by Selectman Creighton and the vote was unanimous(5-0). The Board had a brief discussion. Selectman Kennedy stated she would like to make a motion to appoint Jack Keniley to the Harbor Committee as a citizen at large member. He has done a lot of work on this Committee and is being recommended by Chairman Davis. Chairman McCarthy asked Selectman Kennedy if she would like to make the motion. Motion by Selectman Kennedy to appoint Jack Keniley to the Harbor Committee for a citizen at large position for a 3-year term. The motion was not seconded. Nomination failed. Motion by Selectman Creighton to nominate Barbara Canney to the Harbor Committee as a citizen at large for a 3-year term,seconded by Selectman Schubert. Selectman Creighton stated Barbara Canney is an avid sailor, a strong woman that is active in various committees in town. She knows the Harbor and the history. She understands Cohasset and has a strong commitment to town. She has been a resident for over 30 years. He believes she would be a great addition to the Committee. Selectman Schubert agreed, Barbara Canney is committed to the town and really wants to get involved. Selectman Kennedy stated if Jack Keniley doesn't have the support of the Board,they should wait and interview all the candidates. Chairman McCarthy stated everyone had an opportunity to be present tonight. The Board has a motion and a second and he is ready to vote. Motion by Selectman Creighton to appoint Barbara Canney to the Harbor Committee as a citizen at large for a 3-year term, seconded by Selectman Schubert and the vote was 4-0-1. Selectman Kennedy abstained from the vote. Town Manager Evaluation-Director of Human Resources Miriam Johnson reviewed the Town Manager's Goals and how the Board evaluated him on each goal. Selectmen Kennedy and Schubert gave their overall comments and reviewed Chris Senior's achievements and suggested improvements for the year. Mr. Senior thanked everyone for their great comments. He stated local government is a team sport. He succeeds because everyone works together. People in Cohasset have been all in since he started and that speaks volumes. That is what makes the job fulfilling. It is a privilege and honor to be involved in public service. 4 Selectmen Minutes July 9, 2019 Discussion of General Role of Town Counsel-Mr. Senior advised the Board Attorney James Lampke has sent over information for the Board to review. Mr. Lampke has no interest in becoming town counsel, so there is no conflict. Mr. Senior discussed the different models of town counsel that municipalities use. Some firms specialize in certain areas. Recently, Cohasset has retained Brooks and DeRensis for town counsel and outsourced for labor& negotiations, land use and liquor license renewals/issues. This model has been successful for the Town. Chairman McCarthy reminded the Board the point of this discussion is to educate the Board. Selectman Kennedy added that they also need to include the Town Manager Act. Town Hall Update-Mr. Senior advised the Board the Town received 4 bids for the painting of Town Hall. He is recommending a full lead abatement. They are going before Advisory Committee on Thursday for funding. Mr. Senior advised the Board he had a crew come in and clean up the front of Town Hall. They removed the bushes that were overgrown with poison ivy. It looks much better. The new members of the Town Hall Building Committee members had a tour of Town Hall today. Town Manager Update-Mr. Senior advised the Board that North Main Street is being paved tomorrow and Board Street was paved today. Selectmen Update-Selectman Kennedy congratulated the Cohasset Girls Lacrosse Team on winning the State Championship. Selectman Kennedy stated there was an error in the Cohasset Mariner about the adoption of the Master Plan. The Planning Board approves the Master Plan not the Board of Selectmen. Selectman Kennedy asked for a moment of silence for former Town Manager of Marshfield Rocco Longo who passed away. Selectman Thompson reminded everyone that visits Sandy Beach to bring their trash home to keep the beach clean and pristine. Minutes-Motion by Selectman Kennedy to approve the minutes of 5/28/19 and 6/11/19, seconded by Selectman Thompson and the vote was unanimous(5-0). Motion by Selectman Schubert to adjourn, seconded by Selectman Kennedy and the vote was unanimous(5-0). The meeting adjourned at 10:57 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Kevin McCarthy, Chairman Documents FY20 Goals One day liquor license Greek Church Event-Safe Harbor Vigil FY19 Year-end Budget Transfers Safe Harbor Update Harbor Committee Priorities Committee Applications Town Manager Evaluation Role of Town Counsel Minutes5/28/19 & 6/11/19 5 Selectmen Minutes July 9, 2019 6