HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - BoS - 08/10/2009 Minutes—Board of Selectmen August 10,2009
Selectmen Present: Paul Carlson, Chairman
Karen Quigley
Frederick R. Koed
Ralph S. Dormitzer
Edwin G. Carr
Others Present: William R. Griffin,Town Manager
Chairman Paul Carlson called the meeting to order at 7:OO13M.
Selectmen's Comment Period
Selectman Ralph Dormitzer stated that he was in support of Cohasset or Cohasset and Scituate taking
ownership of Minot's Light. Chairman Carlson stated that he would like to see both Town's historical
societies work together on this and it is his understanding that this is happening.
Selectman Quigley asked about the last discussion regarding Sandy Cove access. She asked when the
subcommittee would be presenting the language of a license agreement and when the committee
would be bringing the rest of the Board up to speed on the proposed language. Chairman Carlson asked
Town Manager, Mr. Griffin, if any additional information has been presented. Mr. Griffin stated that it
had not, only the letter the Board is already in receipt of. Chairman Carlson stated that he thinks that
the parties involved are still working on the language. He stated that if there were anything to report, it
would have been reported. He added that there have been emails back and forth. Selectman Quigley
asked if she and the rest of the Board could be updated. Selectman Dormitzer asked for a point of order
and stated that this type of discussion should be held under an agenda item, not Selectmen Comment
Period. Chairman Carlson stated that he would like to resolve this issue quickly and hopes it will be on a
future agenda.
Public Comment Period
Charles Higginson of 159 Atlantic Avenue stated that he felt that many people are interested in Minot's
Light. He feels the Selectmen should submit a letter of interest and that a group could be developed to
look into the issue further. Chairman Carlson stated that they have until September 30`h to submit a
letter of interest and that the Board will discuss it at the meeting of the August 24tn
Selectman Quigley announced that the Division of Marine Fisheries will be holding public hearings
addressing many issues.
Green Communities Act Grant—At a previous meeting of the Board many questions were raised about
the Town's participation in this grant process and what the Town would be committing to. Those
questions were posed to Town Counsel. Mr. Griffin reviewed Counsel's answers for the Board. It is
Town Counsel's opinion that should the Town apply for and receive the Technical Assistance Grant and
then decide to not seek the Green Community Status, he does not feel the Town would be required to
return all or part of the $25,000 grant. If the Town is unable to implement one of the five criteria to
become a Green Communities Act it would therefore fail to qualify and would not be eligible for any
grants or loans. Mr. Clark Brewer of the Planning Board addressed the Board. He stated that he had
done some research over the weekend and that he had found that the Town of Harwich had applied for
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Minutes—Board of Selectmen August 10,2009
the grant. He also said that Department of Energy and Resources (DOER) is turning applications around
fairly quickly. He then reviewed the monies available if the Town is approved. Selectman Quigley
moved to authorize Mr. Brewer to complete the application on behalf of the Town. Selectman Carr
asked if there was anything included with the Green Communities about the ocean. Mr. Brewer stated
that he had not seen any evidence of that but that he felt it made sense to look into this further.
Selectman Carr added that he feels the intent of the grant seems admirable and that it makes sense to
move forward. He stated that he is always concerned about the Town entering into anything without
assured protection. Mr. Griffin stated that there would have to be a grant agreement between the State
and the Town, which would give another level of protection to the Town. Selectman Dormitzer stated
that he is unalterably opposed to the Town applying for this grant. He reviewed his concerns with
requirements#1 and#5 that are required by the State to become a Green Communities Act. He is also
opposed to the idea of the consultant to help the Town is being assigned by the State. He said he would
not sign anything until he has something in writing [assuring the Town is protected]. Mr. Brewer agreed
that the requirements Selectman Dormitzer cited do have issues. Selectman Dormitzer feels this
program has not been well thought out by the State and that it is premature for the Town to sign up for
it. Chairman Carlson asked if the August 141h deadline would be extended. Mr. Brewer could not say if it
would be. He went on to say that he felt that the Director of the Program, Mark Silvia, confirmed that
the Town would not have to pay back the $25,000 for the consultant. He feels the Town could learn a
lot from a consultant and that the $25,000 is not a huge investment for something that could have such
a large return. He agrees that there are a lot of questions, but that the potential benefits outweigh the
risks. Selectman Quigley stated that the Town could learn something from a consultant and that it was
her understanding that any Zoning Bylaw changes would have to be approved by Town Meeting and
therefore she feels they are not taking away the Town's ability to say"no" [to becoming a Green
Community]. Chairman Carlson suggested perhaps the Board could wait since there may be an
extension. Selectman Koed stated that$25,000 to look at the Town's energy consumption that could
ultimately lead to saving$200,000 in energy costs a year, makes a lot of sense to him. Selectman
Dormitzer asked if the consultant was an energy efficiency consultant, or is the consultant to help the
Town become a green community. Mr. Brewer read aloud the responsibilities of the consultant. He
stated it wasn't exactly clear, but that the project is new and that he feels it would be some of each.
Selectman Quigley moved to authorize Mr. Brewer and Mr. Griffin to submit the application for the
Green Communities Act with the requirement that the Director of the DOER, Mr. Mark Silvia, provide
the Town something in writing stating that it is no obligation grant. There was then further conversation
after which the Board agreed to move forward with submitting the application for the grant and that
Mr. Griffin would seek something in writing from Mr. Silvia confirming the Town is not obligated to
return the $25,000 or become a Green Community. Selectman Dormitzer expressed his concerns once
again with requirements#1 and #5. Selectman Koed stated that DOER may have to modify the language
down the road when they start hearing similar concerns from cities and towns. Selectman Koed moved
to authorize the Town Manager to submit the application for the technical assistance grant.
Selectman Quigley seconded the motion and the vote was 4-1,Selectman Dormitzer voted against.
Bottle Bill Legislation—Mr. Griffin reviewed the proposed revision to the bottle bill which would add
bottled water, sports drinks and teas that are in containers that are not presently included in the bill.
The Board is being asked if it will support this amendment to the Bill. If the Board does vote to support
it, Mr. Griffin stated he would put a resolution in final form for Chairman Carlson to sign. Selectman
Carr moved the Board support the proposed amendment to the Bottle Bill. Selectman Quigley
seconded the motion and the vote was unanimous (5-0).
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Selectman Carr moved to adjourn the meeting. Selectman Quigley seconded the motion and the vote
was unanimous(5-0).
Meeting adjourned at 8:10PM.
Respectfully submitted,
Paul Carlson
Chairman
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