HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - BoS - 02/23/2009 Minutes—Board of Selectmen February 23, 2009
Selectmen Present: Edwin G. Carr, Chairman
Paul Carlson
Frederick Koed
Ralph Dormitzer
Karen Quigley
Others Present: William R. Griffin,Town Manager
Jennifer Oram, Selectmen's Clerk
Chairman Edwin G. Carr called the meeting to order at 6:30PM.
Town Manager's Report
Town Manager, William Griffin, informed the Board that the Annual Town Meeting Warrant will be
finalized by the Board's next meeting at which time they will sign it.
Selectman Comment Period
Selectman Paul Carlson congratulated Lieutenant Quigley on his heroic saving of a child's life in the
Cohasset Village. An infant was chocking and Lieutenant Quigley was the first on the scene. He
performed the heimlick maneuver and the child is going to be fine.
Selectwoman Karen Quigley asked if now that the Federal Stimulus Package is in place, is there also a
process in place [to find out what has been approved, moving forward etc.]. Chairman Carr stated that
the Governor has appointed Jeffrey Simon to head a team that will disseminate all of the information
and set up the procedures and develop a clear process.
Selectwoman Quigley also brought attention to a letter from Abington resident, Pam Ryan. Ms. Ryan is
asking why students attending the South Shore Votec School are not required to pay the same fees as
those who attend the local public schools. Mr. Griffin suggested the Board have the South Shore
Regional School District Representative, Mr. Kenneth Thayer in before the Board to answer some of
these questions. Selectwoman Quigley also informed the Board that the Conservation Commission did
appoint a liaison to the Stormwater Advisory Committee. Selectwoman Quigley also suggested that
perhaps the Board consider creating an "Uber" Finance Committee made up of several representatives
from various committees and pertinent personnel (Selectman, School Committee,Advisory Committee,
Capital Budget Committee, Mr. Griffin, Mike Buckley etc.). Selectman Ralph Dormitzer expressed his
concern about having too many committees as well as creating a committee that"would be looking over
everyone's shoulder". Chairman Carr suggested this topic be put on a future agenda.
Chairman Carr stated that he is working on the Board's report for the 2008 Annual Town Report. He
said that if any Board member had anything they would like include to please forward it along.
Licenses and Permits—Selectman Frederick Koed moved to approve a one-day liquor license for wine
and malt for an event on Saturday, March 14,2009 from 6-11PM at St.Anthony's Parish Hall at 10
Summer Street. Selectman Carlson seconded the motion and the vote was unanimous(5-0).
Minutes—Selectman Dormitzer moved to approve the minutes of February 9, 2009 as amended.
Selectwoman Quigley seconded the motion and the vote was unanimous (5-0).
Selectmen—2.23.09-JBO
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Minutes—Board of Selectmen February 23, 2009
George McGoldrick—Turf Field—Mr. McGoldrick of the Cohasset Sports Partnership updated the Board
on the fundraising efforts of the partnership. He stated that as it stands to date, they have raised over
$300,000 of their$550,000 goal. He is before the Board this evening to ask that the partnership be able
to donate the engineering services for the field. This would allow the engineering to start now so that in
the spring they can hopefully start working as soon as possible. The Board needs to vote to allow the
funds to be used for the services, but the money will be coming out of the funds that have already been
raised. Selectman Carlson asked what Mr. McGoldrick through the cost for the services would be. Mr.
McGoldrick estimated about$50,000. Chairman Carr moved to approve the donation of engineering
services for the turf field. Selectman Koed seconded the motion and the vote was unanimous(5.0).
Budget Presentation—Town Manager, William Griffin, reviewed his budget message in great detail for
the Board and the Community. Mr. Griffin explained that the budget process is a very fluid situation;
particularly this year as the economic situation continues to change on a daily basis. Mr. Griffin
reviewed the Tax Levy, State Aid, Local Receipts and available funds. Mr. Griffin stated that he asked
each department head to submit their budget with a 5% reduction. He then reviewed the increased
costs facing the Town, as well as what cuts he is presently recommending to the Board. It is his hope
that if funds become available, items that are being cut can be restored. The Board thanked Mr. Griffin
for his presentation (Budget Message is on file in the Town Manager's office as well as on the Town's
website).
Selectwoman Quigley moved the Board stay in session to attend the Planning Board Hearing on the
Wind Turbines proposal. The Board will adjourn at the close of the hearing. Selectman Carlson
seconded the motion and the vote was unanimous (5-0).
Meeting adjourned at 10:30PM
Respectfully submitted,
Edwin G. Carr
Chairman
Selectmen—2.23.09-JBO
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