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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - BoS - 10/01/2019 Selectmen Minutes October 1, 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 Chairman McCarthy called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. Roll Call Vote: Diane Kennedy-Present, Paul Schubert-Present, Kevin McCarthy-Present, Keri Thompson-Present,Jack Creighton-Present. Pledge-Recited. Public Comment-None. Board/Committee Appointment-Open Space& Recreation-Conservation Representative-Motion by Selectman Creighton to appoint Maryanne Wetherald to Open Space& Recreation as the Conservation Commission Representative for a three-year term,seconded by Selectman Schubert and the vote was unanimous(5-0). FY19 Budget Wrap-Up-Mr. Senior gave a quick overview to the Board. He discussed the positive signs and trends and things that bear watching. Finance Director Don Piatt stated the highlights for the General Fund are that revenues exceeded projections and expenses have come in under budget,the Sewer Fund revenues were below budget and expenses were right on budget, the Water Fund revenues have exceeded projections and expenses have come in under budget. The Board had a brief discussion. 250th Committee Request for Street Logo-Mr. Senior advised the Board he has not heard back from the 250t" Committee on what roads they would like to consider for the logo. He will keep the Board updated. Amendment to Home Rule Petition from Prudent Investor-Mr. Senior advised the Board Treasurer/Collector Paula Linhares is still working with Senate's counsel on cleaning up the language. He will report back when he receives an update. Update and discussion of status, process and issues relative to the Harbor Plan& Harbor Zoning Amendment-Chairman McCarthy stated the reason for the discussion tonight is to allow the Board to hear the details, learn and ask questions relative to the Harbor Plan and Harbor Zoning Amendment. There is a public forum scheduled for October 9t"to discuss Chapter 91. Attorney DeRensis stated he has not heard back from the Attorney General's Office regarding the posting error by the Planning Board of the Cohasset Harbor Zoning Amendment Article. It has been re-advertised and the Town has received an appeal. The Attorney General's office has asked for an additional 30 days to review. The AG should have a decision by October 251". In the meantime,the plan is to include the amendment in the Warrant for Special Town Meeting just in case the AG denies. Also,the objecting party sold their property and they advised AG with a letter stating they no longer have interest in appealing since property was sold and they withdrew the objection. Attorney DeRensis reviewed the proposed Chapter 91 standards that 1 Selectmen Minutes October 1, 2019 are being modified in the Harbor Plan and the substitutions and offsets. Director of Planning Lauren Lind discussed the status of the Harbor Plan, the next steps including the October 9t" public forum and the key takeaways of the Plan. She reiterated that a Municipal Harbor Plan is a voluntary process allowing for goals and long-term vision setting for the town. Modifications are allowed and can be site specific. The Board had a lengthy discussion. Tim Davis-257 Atlantic Avenue and Chairman of the Harbor Committee stated the key of having a Municipal Harbor Plan is to apply for grant funding for projects. The lighting in the cove section is underway and the engineering for the Parker Avenue boat ramp is almost complete. The Fisherman desperately need some type of conveyor or lift system. It is a matter of physical safety and health. They are hoping to get this installed by next spring and would like to know how to move it forward. Also,the ramps that go down to the dock are dangerous. He has gotten quotes around $4500 to get them fixed. He is looking for some direction from the Board. Chairman McCarthy advised Mr. Davis to discuss with Mr. Senior. Mr. Senior stated some of these projects are covered in the warrant. He agreed to meet with Mr. Davis. Electrical Aggregation-Update&Approval of Contract-Mr. Senior presented the Board with the Services Agreement with Good Energy, L.P. as the Municipal Aggregator. He is requesting the Board's approval. He introduced Pat Roche from Good Energy, L.P. Mr. Roche stated they are currently working with Scituate and Marshfield. The Board had a brief discussion. Motion by Selectman Schubert to enter into the Services Agreement as presented with Good Energy, L.P.,seconded by Selectman Kennedy and the vote was unanimous(5-0). Town Hall Project-Update-Mr. Senior advised the Board the painting and repair work is done on Town Hall. They are currently doing some work inside town hall. The restrooms and lounge were recently painted, and the new cleaning company has started. He will update the Board on the OPM at the 10/15/19 meeting. The RFP bids were received. Selectman Creighton stated he is interested in being involved in the process of selecting the OPM. Status and update on potential memorandum of understanding and other issues regarding shared coastline and harbor with Scituate-Mr. Senior advised the Board that Scituate is considering having commercial shell fishing in the harbor. They are interested in a pilot program. This is a big area which would affect recreation in the harbor. They have a Shellfish Committee and Waterways Committee. They met with representatives from Scituate last week to discuss. Mr. Senior stated he believes Scituate will continue to work with Cohasset and keep the conversation going. To be clear,this area is all in Scituate not Cohasset. He will continue to keep the Board informed. Special Town Meeting-Final Warrant Discussion, Review and Vote on Articles-Mr. Senior advised the Board two Articles have been added to the Warrant. One for the Harbor Zoning Amendment and one for CPC to fund the Affordable Housing Trust. Motion by Selectman Kennedy to place Article 5-Zoning Amendment: Harbor Village Business Overlay District on the Warrant for Special Town Meeting on November 4,2019,seconded by Selectman Schubert and the vote was unanimous(5-0). Motion by Selectman Schubert to place Article 6-Community Preservation Committee on the Warrant for Special Town Meeting on November 4,2019,seconded by Selectman Kennedy and the vote was unanimous(5-0). 2 Selectmen Minutes October 1, 2019 Article 4-Capital Improvement Projects-Chairman of Capital Budget Sam Wakeman and Member of Advisory Michael Dick reviewed the votes of the Committees earlier tonight as follows; $20,000 for Repairs to 2000 Ford-550 (Squad 1) 4X4 Brush Truck-Capital voted in favor 4-0 and Advisory voted in favor 6-0. $40,000 for Cohasset Middle School Entrance Improvements/Security Upgrades-Capital voted against 5- 0 and suggested it be deferred until Annual Town Meeting and Advisory voted in favor 4-2. $55,000 for Wheel Chair Capable Van for Student Transportation-Capital voted against 4-0 and suggested a cost/benefit analysis and Advisory voted against 6-0 and agreed with Capital for a cost/benefit analysis. $17,000 for Cohasset Middle/High School Auditorium Projector Replacement-Capital voted in favor 4-0 and Advisory voted in favor 6-0. $50,000 for Police Department Pickup Truck-Capital voted in favor 4-0 and Advisory voted in favor 6-0. $15,000 for Electric Upgrades at Lawrence Wharf-Capital voted in favor 3-1 and Advisory voted in favor 6-0. $12,500 for Supplemental Engineering for Boat Ramp Design-Capital voted in favor 4-0 and Advisory voted in favor 6-0. $60,000 Lift System/Town Dock-Capital and Advisory did not vote. No information was provided. $700,000 Wastewater Treatment Upgrades-Capital voted in favor 4-0 and Advisory voted in favor 6-0. $80,000 Water Filter Media Replacement-Capital voted in favor 4-0 and Advisory voted in favor 6-0. $75,000 Water 20-year Facilities Plan-Capital voted in favor 4-0 and Advisory voted in favor 6-0. The Board discussed the projects. Motion by Selectman Kennedy to recommend $20,000 for Repairs to 2000 Ford-550(Squad 1)4X4 Brush Truck, $17,000 for Cohasset Middle/High School Auditorium Projector Replacement,$50,000 for Police Pickup Truck, $15,000 for Electric Upgrades at Lawrence Wharf, $12,500 Supplemental Engineering for Boat Ramp Design,$700,000 for Wastewater Treatment Upgrade, $80,000 for Water Filter Media Replacement and $75,000 for Water 20-year Facilities Plan to Special Town Meeting on November 4, 2019,seconded by Selectman Thompson and the vote was unanimous (5-0). The Board discussed the Cohasset Middle School Entrance Improvements/Security Upgrades. School Committee Chairman Ellen Maher stated after recently separating the Middle School this past spring they needed to make these upgrades. Motion by Selectman Creighton to recommend $40,000 for the Cohasset Middle School Entrance Improvements/Security Upgrades to Special Town Meeting on November 4, 2019,seconded by Selectman Kennedy and the vote was unanimous (5-0). The Board discussed the Wheel Chair Capable Van for Student Transportation. School Committee Chairman Ellen Maher stated they are currently relying on the Town of Hingham for transportation. After further discussion, the Board agreed to leave the project on the Warrant and have the schools 3 Selectmen Minutes October 1, 2019 come back on 10/15/19 and present a cost/benefit analysis. The Board will have their recommendation at STM. The Board discussed the Lift System/Town Dock. Chairman of Harbor Committee Tim Davis stated this is crucially needed. It is a health and safety issued for the commercial fisherman. He is not sure if they need a lift system or conveyor system, but he is hoping once the engineering comes back,they can purchase a system. Motion by Selectman Schubert to recommend $60,000 for a Lift System/Town Dock to Special Town Meeting on November 4, 2019,seconded by Selectman Thompson and the vote was unanimous(5-0). Article#5-Zoning Amendment: Harbor Village Business Overlay District. The Board agreed to hold off recommendation until after the Planning Board public hearing and process. Article#6-Community Preservation Committee. The Board agreed to hold their recommendation until after Advisory votes. Motion by Selectman Schubert to close the Warrant for Special Town Meeting for November 4, 2019 with six articles as presented, seconded by Selectman Kennedy and the vote was unanimous(5-0). Selectman Comments-Selectman Creighton stated as discussed earlier, the budget planning process is very important. Selectman Schubert stated he kayaked last weekend in the area that shell fishing is being proposed. It is an area where residents kayak, sail and boat. Selectman Kennedy stated the scenic byway signs look terrific. Chairman McCarthy stated on 10/7/19 Safe Harbor and Paul Pratt Library are kicking off the afterschool hangout program on Monday and Tuesdays. Also, on October 7, 2019 there is a program at the Deer Hill School Naping-Everything You Should Know' at 6:30 p.m. Diane Kornet 67 Gammons Road and member of 15t Parish asked if the Selectmen would be attending the meeting on Thursday, October 03, 2019 at 1 p.m.to discuss changes with the Cohasset Common hosted by the Town Manager. Chairman McCarthy will see if anyone can attend. Motion by Selectman Creighton to adjourn,seconded by Selectman Schubert and the vote was unanimous(5-0). The meeting adjourned at 10:22 pm. Respectfully submitted, Kevin McCarthy, Chairman Documents Committee Application FY19 Budget Info Electrical Aggregation Contract STM Warrant 4