HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - BoS - 05/18/2009 Minutes-Board of Selectmen May 18,2009
Selectmen Present: Paul Carlson,Chairman
Karen Quigley
Frederick Koed
Ralph S. Dormitzer
Selectman Absent: Edwin G.Carr
Others Present: William Griffin,Town Manager
Jennifer Oram, Recording Secretary
Chairman Paul Carlson called the meeting to order at 7PM.
Town Manner's Report
Town Manager,William Griffin,will ask the Board to set a date for a special meeting to sign the warrant
for the pending Special Town Meeting.
Selectmen's Comment Period
Selectman Karen Quigley asked Mr.Griffin what the status was on 45 Pleasant Street. Mr.Griffin stated
that the Board of Health has to make a decision if they are going to hold a hearing or not. Chairman
Carlson stated that if the BOH does not hold a hearing,then perhaps the Selectmen can discuss options
at the Board's next meeting on June 81h.
Selectmen Quigley asked for an update on the request from Joy Street for speed bumps. Mr. Griffin
stated that the Police, Fire and Public Works Departments are all against speed bumps. He added that
the speed bumps which were put on Parker Avenue were installed because the road leads to a public
facility.
Selectman Quigley then asked that if there is going to be a June Town Meeting,she would like the Board
to consider putting an article on the warrant for the Housing Trust.
Chairman Carlson stated that there is a committee up and running working on the possibilities of the
Jane Cook house. As they gather facts and information,they will report more.
Minutes—Selectman Ralph Dormitzer moved to approve the minutes of April 27,2009 as amended.
Selectman Frederick Koed seconded the motion and the vote was unanimous(4-0).
Police Chief lames Hussey—Annual Police Awards—Police Chief James Hussey addressed the Board.
The Chief stated that they made this award ceremony an annual event two years ago. He added that
the award criteria are quite stringent and they only give out awards they feel are much deserved. The
Chief reviewed the event(s)that prompted the giving of the award. The following awards were given:
The Excellence Award, presented to Police Officer Patrick Kenney and Police Officer Regen Steverman.
The Meritorious Service Award, presented to Detective Garrett Hunt, Police Officer Patrick Reardon and
Sergeant Christy Tarantino. The Chiefs Community Service Award,Animal Control Officer, Paul Murphy.
Selectmen—5.18.09-JBO
1
Minutes-Board of Selectmen May 18,2009
Schedule Special Town Meeting-Mr.Griffin stated that the previous week the Board received a
petition with 200 signatures to call for a Special Town Meeting. The Board has also received an article
and the additional 100 signatures required to place it on the Town Meeting Warrant. The Board now
needs to schedule the meeting. Mr.Griffin stated that a special meeting will need to occur in the next
week for the Board to approve and sign the warrant. Selectman Dormitzer moved to schedule the
Special Town Meeting for Monday,June 220d at 71PM. Chairman Carlson seconded the motion and the
vote was unanimous(4-0).
Selectman Quigley stated that it was her understanding that another group of citizens has submitted
200 signatures to call for a Special Town Meeting. She said they are in the process of writing their
warrant article. Selectman Quigley asked the Board if they should place this article on the warrant for
the June 22"d Town Meeting or do they have to call for another meeting? Selectman Dormitzer
suggested the group obtain the 100 signatures for their article as an expression of support for the
article.
Design Review Board Members Introduction—Chairman of the Board, Rob Skolnick,as well as
members Jim Sandell and Marty Nee addressed the Board. Chairman Skolnick reviewed the
membership of the Board and stated that Mr.Sandell is the Vice Chairman;the other members who
were not present are full members John Cavanaro,and Margaret Cotter,Associate Members,Virginia
Norman and Can Tiryaki as well as Ex-Officio Member,Bob Egan, Building Commissioner. Selectman
Dormitzer asked Chairman Skolnick how he saw the process working. Chairman Skolnick stated that
they will review any commercial building or project larger than a two family home. They will work
closely with the Planning Board and Engineer John Modzelewski while reviewing each project.
Diana Karcher—Paving of Dolan Lane—Mrs. Diane Karcher and Mr. Edward Karcher of 264 North Main
Street addressed the Board. In a letter to the Board dated April 9,2009, Mrs. Karcher is requesting that
a portion of Dolan Lane be paved to address icing and other safety issues. It is Mrs. Karcher's
understanding that the lane is the responsibility of the Town, however after some research,Town
Manager William Griffin has found no record of the Lane being accepted as a public way. Mr.Griffin
explained that the situation is still evolving and that research is still being done. Mr.Joe Walsh of 270
North Main Street(located on the corner of Dolan Lane)gave a detailed history of the Lane. Mr.Walsh
does not want the lane to be paved as he is concerned about maintaining his property rights. Clark
Brewer of 262 North Main Street(Dolan Lane)stated that he feels that paving the upper area of the lane
is a reasonable thing for the Town to consider. He stated that any further up the lane could trigger the
Wetlands Protection Act. Selectman Koed suggested the Board walk the road to getter a better
understanding of the property. DPW Superintendant,Carl Sestito,and Mr. Mark Brennan of the
Cohasset Greenbush Office reviewed the various options for the Town. Mr. Brennan stated that the
lane is in very tough shape. He then explained the many paving and drainage options the Town has.
Mrs. Karcher asked if the Town could patch the area it as they have done for years. Mr. Brennan said
they could, but that they would be back with the same problems in three years. Chairman Carlson
agreed the Board should go look at the property. He also believes that more research needs to be done
on the status of the lane,whether it is public or private as well as what can be done for safety purposes.
The Board will address the issue once again at a future meeting.
Boards Goals and Prioritization—The Board reviewed the memo distributed by Chairman Carlson. Each
member identified their top three goals. The Board will then review the progress that has been made
on each goal after the Fall Special Town Meeting.
Selectmen—5.18.09-JBO
2
Minutes-Board of Selectmen May 18,2009
Selectman Dormitzer moved to adjourn the meeting. Selectman Koed seconded the motion and the
vote was unanimous(4-O).
Meeting adjourned at 8:3213M.
Respectfully submitted,
Paul Carlson
Chairman
Selectmen—5.18.09-JBO
3