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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - BoS - 10/29/2019 Selectmen Minutes October 29, 2019 Selectmen's Meeting Town Hall-Selectmen Office 41 Highland Avenue Cohasset, MA Selectmen Present: Kevin McCarthy, Chairman Paul Schubert Diane Kennedy Keri Thompson Jack Creighton Others Present: Christopher Senior,Town Manager Chairman McCarthy called the meeting to order at 6:33 p.m. Roll Call Vote: Diane Kennedy-Present, Paul Schubert-Present, Kevin McCarthy-Present, Keri Thompson-Present,Jack Creighton-Present. Pledge-Recited. Chairman McCarthy asked for a motion to go into Executive Session-Reason-Exemption#3—To discuss strategy with respect to collective bargaining or litigation if an open meeting may have a detrimental effect on the bargaining or litigating position of the public body and the Chair so declares. The Board will discuss Sajjan Enterprises, LLC d/b/a Cohasset Wine &Spirits. Selectman Schubert moved the motion and it was seconded by Selectman Kennedy. Roll Call Vote: Diane Kennedy-Aye, Paul Schubert-Aye, Kevin McCarthy-Aye, Keri Thompson-Aye,Jack Creighton-Aye. The Board went into executive session at 6:35 p.m. The Board came back into open session at 7:25 p.m. Public Comment-None. 15Y Quarter FY20 Budget Update-Director of Finance Don Piatt provided the highlights. Right now, 27.1%of the general fund revenues have been received. Local Receipts are slightly down due to the timing of motor vehicle excise tax however meals/rooms tax are up 38.6%. YTD Expenditures are on target. Water Revenues are just under target; water expenditures are slightly low due to timing of debt service expenditures. Sewer Revenues are just under target, Sewer Expenditures are down due to timing of debt service expenditures. Free cash has been certified by the DOR with a surplus of $1,579,875. The Board had a brief discussion. Board/Committee Appointments-Affordable Housing Steering Committee—Motion by Selectman Creighton to re-appoint Paul Kierce, Peter Hobson, Elizabeth Tarpey and Susan Sardina to the Affordable Housing Steering Committee for a 3-year term,seconded by Selectman Kennedy and the vote was unanimous(5-0). Motion by Selectman Creighton to appoint Mary Stanton Hynes for a 3- year term and Paul Colleary as the Planning Board Rep for a 3-year term, seconded by Selectman Thompson and the vote was unanimous (5-0). Cohasset Common Historic District Commission-Motion by Selectman Kennedy to re-appoint Peter Wood as an Alternate, non-resident to Cohasset Common Historic District Commission for a 3-year term,seconded by Selectman Schubert and the vote was unanimous(5-0). Motion by Selectman Selectmen Minutes October 29, 2019 Creighton to appoint Jane Goedecke as a district resident full member to the Cohasset Common Historic District Commission for a 3-year term, seconded by Selectman Schubert and the vote was unanimous(5-0). Motion by Selectman Creighton to appoint Randall Whinnery as Architect Rep to the Cohasset Common Historic District Commission for a 3-year term,seconded by Selectman Thompson and the vote was unanimous (5-0). Motion by Selectman Creighton to appoint Eric Wellman as district alternate member to the Cohasset Common Historic District Commission for a 3- year term,seconded by Selectman Kennedy and the vote was unanimous(5-0). Cohasset Common Project-Discussion & Update-Mr.Senior gave a quick overview of the proposed project that started with a Complete Streets Grant the town received for$274,000. This grant focuses on safety for pedestrians, bikers and vehicles. He has met several times with several folks including surrounding churches, businesses and the Police & Fire Chiefs. Both chiefs have been involved in the conversations and have come up with creative ideas to make the area safer. He has received great input with interesting proposals that included the safety around the common. Chief Silvia stated he has also met with surrounding churches, neighbors and businesses. He explained that the Town will handle special events as they have in the past through the special event process. This process has worked well with all town departments vetting the applications and the Selectmen ultimately approving. There has been concerns about parking on Sundays. The proposed plan for Sunday would be making North Main Street one-way southbound between Highland Ave. and Jason Road and Highland Ave. would be one- way northbound between Jason and North Main Street. Peter Parker Chairman of First Parish stated he supports the comprehensive review but feels the current proposal hasn't had enough conversation. He would like to see alternative solutions. Woody Chittick-98 South Main Street stated he has concerns that the project has moved ahead too quickly. Some of the properties involved with this proposal are registered with the State and there should be an input study from the State. There is a 4-month process that is required. Another issue is the grant is supposed to be used for a foot traffic project not parking. It is illegal to change the scope of the project. Mr. Senior stated that to clarify the project has not changed. This is a public safety issue and it need to be addresses. The project has not changed, and they are not repurposing any money. He will investigate the historical issue. Ronnie McMorris-89 Doane Street stated the Board of Selectmen should look at the MAPC Study from 2015 and parking in the town should be addressed.The Board should look at as a package. Mr. Senior responded that there were 10 spaces added in the town lot and the parking in the town lot has been changed. The Complete Streets Grant and the upcoming 2501h Anniversary has really motivated the conversation. Selectman Schubert stated there are pictures here that show a dangerous situation that needs to be addressed. This plan cleans up the visual of the common and is a nice addition to the Town. Mrs. McMorris stated this change could have a devastating impact on the Carriage House Nursery School. She requested they have a trial period. Chairman McCarthy stated the Board hears and appreciates all the comments. Jim Sandall member of First Parish and architect stated they should have a plan town wide before the lock into a plan for part of the common. Mr. Senior stated they could have a trial period since the curbing couldn't be done until the spring. Kelli Gildea 31 Highland Avenue stated she supports the plan. The current situation is very unsafe. She welcomes people to park in front of her house. She welcomes a one-way street on Highland Avenue (even if it is inconvenient for her). Kristen Rosebach 13 North Main Street agrees with Ms. Gildea. The current situation is out of control. She is afraid a child is going to get killed. Diana Kornet 67 Gammons Road respectfully requests that the Board pauses on the plan rather than hastily adopt a plan for a portion of the common. She asked if it was necessary to paint white lines for every parking space and create visual pollution. David McMorris stated his concern is that there Selectmen Minutes October 29, 2019 doesn't seem to be more parking spaces. Mr. Senior responded that the goal is to maximize spaces and they are gaining safe legal spaces. Chairman McCarthy stated the public comment period is over and the Board will now deliberate. He suggested the Board take the comments into consideration and discuss again at the 11/5/19 meeting. Selectmen Creighton suggested they clarify the historic part that was brought up tonight. For some reason people haven't had enough time to understand the proposed project. He is in favor of the proposed plan, it is a great project. It is a safety issue and coming into winter. He thinks it is reasonable to give another 30 days. Selectman Kennedy stated since the curbing cannot be done until the spring, they should try the new parking and traffic flow for a while. The grant was for the sidewalks and they are not changing the scope of the project. They should move forward with this plan as it addresses safety concerns. Selectman Thompson stated it is not a safe situation. She is in favor of the plan but willing to do a trial. Selectman Schubert stated the pictures explain a lot. The line of sight here is key. If someone darts out there is a big issue. This is a reasonable approach and they should try it out. Selectman Kennedy added if they do a trial period, she would like to have an enforcement policy so that they can have accurate data. Chief Quigley stated he can start using parking cones for now and start setting a pattern and start enforcing. Chairman McCarthy stated it seems to him that there is a safety issue, they have seen pictures, heard from residents and he has seen children running between cars. They cannot wait for a real disaster. There is a solution being proposed and it is not radical. He is not seeing anything that causes harm to any churches. Chief Silvia stated this is a first step and Jason Federico will get the engineering drawings and bring back to the Board. They will educate the public before it goes into effect. Motion by Selectman Kennedy to approve Plan C-1 as presented and move forward with the engineering and come back to the Board with the parking education plan,seconded by Selectman Schubert and the vote was unanimous(5-0). Motion by Selectman Schubert to change the agenda and discuss the Wheel Chair Capable Van for Student Transportation,seconded by Selectman Kennedy and the vote was unanimous (5-0). Warrant Article Discussion-Wheel Chair Capable Van for Student Transportation-Director of Finance & Operations Michael MacMillan and Superintendent Patrick Sullivan reviewed their proposal for the 7D vehicle and the cost/benefits analysis. The Board had a brief discussion. Motion by Selectman Kennedy to recommend Article#4 for the project of the Wheelchair Capable Van for Student Transportation to Special Town Meeting, seconded by Selectman Schubert and the vote was unanimous(5-0). Master Plan Implementation Committee-Update on Committee Formation/Appointments-Director of Planning Lauren Lind stated they have received recommendations for a planning board representative and two applications for citizens at large. They are still looking for an additional citizen at large, a representative from the Harbor Committee, Selectmen and Open Space & Recreation Committee. They hope to have a full committee by the end of the year. Motion by Selectman Creighton to appoint Katie Dugan and Karen Bailey-Francoist as Citizen-At-Large for a 3-year term to the Master Plan Implementation Committee,seconded by Selectman Schubert and the vote was unanimous(5-0). Selectmen Minutes October 29, 2019 Motion by Selectman Schubert to appoint Amy Glasmeier as Planning Board Rep to the Master Plan Implementation Committee for a 1-year term,seconded by Selectman Thompson and the vote was unanimous(5-0). Motion by Selectman Kennedy to appoint Kevin McCarthy as Board of Selectmen Rep to the Master Plan Implementation Committee for a 1-year term,seconded by Selectman Schubert and the vote was unanimous(5-0). Cohasset Harbor-Update,Status& Process-Director of Planning Lauren Lind reviewed the history of the Harbor Plan discussions presented to the Selectmen to date. The next steps are attending the Planning Board meeting on November 6, 2019 with consultant Emily Innes of Harriman and discuss the Proposed Chapter 91 Modifications and the Harbor Village Business Overlay Zoning. The intention of this meeting is for the Planning Board to reach a full understanding of the proposed modifications so that they can issue a recommendation for the Board of Selectmen to consider in time for the November 181h public forum. On November 18, 2019 the Board of Selectmen will host a public forum at Willcutt Commons on the Harbor Plan &Chapter 91 Modifications. Selectman Creighton asked how the Chapter 91 changes got in the plan. Selectman Schubert explained why the Chapter 91 laws come in and that changes should help the Town get the best development. Chairman McCarthy asked why they couldn't leave the Chapter 91 changes out of the harbor plan. Selectman Kennedy stated the modifications are necessary to align with the zoning overlay that was overwhelmingly approved at Annual Town Meeting. These changes were first discussed by another developer that said these properties will never survive without changes to the harbor. This is something that is needed and not a developer giving the town marching orders. Mr. Senior stated the Chapter 91 changes are for the town and the town only not an individual developer. Selectman Creighton stated he has asked several times what is going to be built in the harbor and gets nebulous answers. Ms. Lind stated Emily Innes prepared the document with input from the public. Some of the comments were incorporated and some were not. It is all about what is the best and highest use for the Town. Selectman Creighton asked Ms. Lind if she is working for the developer and their interest or the town. He asked how many times she has met with the developer and what they discuss. Selectman Kennedy asked for a point of order. The Board should be careful about how they question a staff member and she clearly represents the town's interest. Selectman Creighton stated he has had many people asking why the plan is focusing on one developer instead of everyone that utilizes the harbor. He feels the town should get the plan approved and then go back and make Chapter 91 modifications. If there needs to be relief for the parcels the developer should go to the state and ask for them. Mr. Senior stated the Ms. Lind works for the town. She has met with the developer as it is part of her job. He is available to answer any questions and suggested Selectman Creighton schedule an appointment to meet with him. He is always available to meet. Chairman McCarthy stated this is where there is a problem for the Board and people feel that is why they cannot get the Harbor Plan approved. Selectman Kennedy stated they should have a more fulsome conversation. Her understanding about Chapter 91 modifications is that it would help with being in sync with the zoning changes that the Town recently approved. Warrant Article Discussion-Lift System/Town Dock-Mr. Senior advised the Board that he is asking to remove Project#8 from Article 4-Capital Improvement Projects. Right now, they need do an engineering assessment and figure out what they need before they can purchase a system. He is asking that the Board change Article#3-Allocation for one-time costs to $20,000 for Engineering Assessment for Town Dock Lift System. Motion by Selectman Schubert to recommend Article#3 for$20,000 for Selectmen Minutes October 29, 2019 Engineering Assessment for Town Dock Lift System to Special Town Meeting,seconded by Selectman Kennedy and the vote was unanimous (5-0). Motion by Selectman Schubert to remove Article#4 Project#8 Lift System/Town Dock request from the warrant for STM, seconded by Selectman Kennedy and the vote was unanimous (5-0). Motion by Selectman Schubert to recommend Article#5-CPC to Special Town Meeting, seconded by Selectman Kennedy and the vote was unanimous (5-0). Town Hall Update-Mr. Senior advised the Board Scituate is meeting tonight to discuss their shell fishing proposal. Tim Davis was attending the meeting and will speak about how the project will affect Cohasset Recreationally. Mr. Senior has been working with the town's engineer Jason Federico and Tom Bell on the proposed project. Chairman McCarthy did a tour of the area with Selectman Kennedy. He stated it is important to get information out via a public forum. Mr. Senior is working on a date for the forum. Selectman Kennedy suggested they invite Scituate representatives to a meeting to discuss with the Board. Selectman Creighton added that this is a lucrative business and many people are upset about it. The Board needs to get counsel involved. Mr. Senior will look into getting counsel that specializing in maritime uses. Selectmen Comments-Chairman McCarthy stated the Board needs to set up a meeting to review their goals. After a brief discussion, the Board decided on 1/7/19 at Willcutt Commons. Town Meeting Process Discussion-Chairman McCarthy stated the articles on the Warrant for STM are unanimous. He asked if anyone on the Board wished to speak on any articles. The Board agreed not to have anyone speak. Minutes-Motion by Selectman Schubert to approve the minutes of 10/10/19 and 10/15/19, 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 11:42 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Kevin McCarthy, Chairman Documents FY20 Budget Info Committee Applications Cohasset Common Info Cohasset Harbor Process Info STM Warrant Minutes