HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - BoS - 04/16/2009 Minutes—Board of Selectmen April 16, 2009
Selectmen Present: Paul Carlson, Chairman
Karen Quigley
Frederick Koed
Selectmen Absent: Ralph Dormitzer
Edwin G. Carr
Others Present: William R. Griffin,Town Manager
Jennifer Oram, Recording Secretary
Chairman Paul Carlson called the meeting to order at 7:OOPM.
Town Manager's Report
Town Manager, William Griffin, stated that he has received complaints about people parking for
extended periods of time at the Beechwood Ballpark playground. He recommends the Board vote to
approve the installation of"Playground Parking Only" signs. After a brief discussion, Selectman Karen
Quigley moved to approve the installation of the signs. Selectman Frederick Koed seconded the
motion and the vote was unanimous(3-0).
Mr. Paul Adams of Cohasset has donated a flag pole to CSCR at 40 Parker Avenue. Mr.Adams would
also like to pay for the pole to be installed. The flag pole will not only fly the American flag, but will also
fly yellow flags if the Board of Health closes the beach due to high bacteria counts. With a vote of the
Board, Mr.Adams will be authorized to install the flag pole. Selectman Quigley moved to accept the
flag pole and authorize its installation. Selectman Koed seconded the motion, and the vote was
unanimous (3-0).
Mr. Griffin stated that he has had a request from Jane Frank,the niece of recently deceased former
Harbormaster Harry Ritter,to affix a plaque in his honor on the Harbormaster's Building in Mr. Ritter's
honor. Chairman Carlson stated that he would be concerned about setting a precedent as many
wonderful people have passed away in Town and if everyone received a plaque, it could get a bit out of
hand. He suggested the discussion be moved to when they have a full Board to see if a policy should be
set.
The Board agreed to hold an Executive Session on April 27, 2009 at 6:15PM.
Mr. Griffin reviewed his recent meeting with Advisory Committee Chairman, Sam Wakeman, where they
worked on objectives and membership for the proposed Long-Term Budget Planning Group. Mr.
Wakemen addressed the Board. Chairman Carlson and both Selectmen Koed and Quigley stated they
were happy with the proposed membership. After a brief discussion,Selectman Quigley moved to
endorse the formation of the Budget Planning Group. Selectman Koed seconded the motion and the
vote was unanimous(3-0).
Selectmen Comment Period
Selectman Quigley asked if the Board could invite the new Design Review Board in to meet them and to
introduce them to the public. Mr. Griffin stated that they would be having their first meeting on April
301", after which the Board can invite them in. Selectman Quigley then announced that the construction
Selectmen—4.16.09-J BO
1
Minutes—Board of Selectmen April 16, 2009
for the Border Street Culvert will commence soon and the project will take 2-3 weeks. Information
about road closures etc. is in on the Town website and in the Cohasset Mariner.
Licenses& Permits—Selectman Koed moved to approve a one-day liquor license (beer and wine)for
the "Spring Fling"event to be held at the First Parish Unitarian Universalist Church on Saturday,April
25, 2009 from 7:30PM—10PM. Selectman Quigley seconded the motion and the vote was unanimous
(3-0).
Agreement of Easement—for BMP at Peck's Meadow—Selectman Quigley moved to approve and sign
the easement. Selectman Koed seconded the motion and the vote was unanimous(3-0).
Federal Stimulus Project Prioritizations— Mr. Griffin explained that he needed to submit the Board's
top three choices to Representative Garrett Bradley by Friday,April 171". The Board reviewed the
nineteen proposed projects and discussed what criteria they should use to make their choices.
Chairman Carlson stated that no one knows how the State is choosing the projects and if the Town
would be given any funds at all. After further discussion,the Board agreed that their first choice would
be for the Town Hall Restoration Project. The Board looked further into the list and determined what
were the most "shovel ready" projects. Mr. Amory Houghton of 91 Atlantic Avenue asked the Board to
consider the Treat's Pond In-Basin Storage Project. The Board then discussed combining all projects that
had to do with stormwater issues. Selectman Quigley suggested that they lump the jobs together for
one large request of funds and hopefully the Town will receive something. The Board asked if they
should have back-up projects such as Alumni Field or the Jacobs Meadow Culvert. The Board authorized
Mr. Griffin to submit additional projects on their behalf if a request was made from Representative
Bradley's office. The list that Mr. Griffin will submit will be: Town Hall Restoration Project,
Stormwater/In-Basin Storage projects and the Beechwood Culvert.
Avalon Sidewalk Discussion—The Board had a brief discussion about their visit to the Avalon site and
the consideration of installing sidewalks along 3A and/or up Sohier Street. Selectman Koed stated he
prefers to put the sidewalk on the other side of 3A in front of the businesses. He added that he also
liked the idea of finishing the sidewalk on Sohier Street. Mr. Griffin suggested the Board wait to see
what luck Scott Dale from Avalon has with Mass Highway and the installation of some sort of crossing
signal. Mr. Griffin will also ask Mr. Dale to get a price for both the 3A extension in front of the
businesses and Sohier Street to see if both are monetarily possible. The Town has$350,000 to work
with. Selectman Koed added that with the addition of 200 apartments in that area, he would like to see
the money used in that part of Town.
Selectman Quigley asked Chairman Carlson if the Cable Advisory's PEG document was available. He
stated that the Board should have it by the next meeting.
Selectman Koed moved to adjourn the meeting. Selectman Quigley seconded the motion and the
vote was unanimous(3-0).
Meeting adjourned at 8:1513M.
Respectfully submitted,
Paul Carlson
Chairman
Selectmen—4.16.09-J BO
2